COUNTY LIFE
Sampson jailed on three-count vehicular manslaughter indictment
A Nocona man was arrested on a felony indictment for the death of a Ringgold woman in a one-vehicle accident outside Saint Jo on Feb. 3.
Michael Paul Sampson, 49, Nocona, was charged with a three-count indictment for intoxication manslaughter, manslaughter and negligent homicide in the death of Billie Faye Miller, 65, Ringgold.
The victim was a passenger in Sampson’s 2016 Buick Enclave involved in the accident. According to a Department of Public Safety statement the crash happened at 3:45 a.m. on Feb. 3 on Farm-to-Market 677 South at the Saint Jo City Limits.
Sampson was reportedly driving northeast on FM 677 around a sharp curve. The driver continued straight through the curve and off the roadway vaulting over Dennis Road and continuing through a barbed-wire fence, striking a tree head-on.
His passenger was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. Sampson went to Nocona General Hospital with non-incapacitating injuries. The report also notes the roads were wet and neither of the persons were wearing a seat belt.
Sampson was arrested by Nocona Police on a warrant connected with the October indictment. He was booked into the county jail with bond of $150,000. As of Tuesday he remained in jail.
The two manslaughter charges are second degree felonies punishable if convicted by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The negligent homicide offense is a state jail felony punishable by 180 days to two years in jail and a fine up to $10,000.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowinewsonline.com
For the first time in its 31 years Mother Nature rained hard on the Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival causing some cancellations, but those who attended and competed enjoyed the fun despite the damp.
While in past years there have been a few sprinkles Saturday saw rain on and off all day from a deluge to a sprinkle. Shortly after lunch the rain slowed to a light sprinkle.
Cindy Roller, executive director for Bowie Community Development, said there was good participation in its contests that were inside and more than 50 vintage vehicles rolled up for the car show. She sent out big thanks to all those vendors, competitors and guests who came out to support the festival.
While Saturday was wet, Friday night filled downtown Bowie with sippin’ strollers for the fall edition of Sip & Stroll With Me. Parking spaces were packed as strollers enjoyed shopping and munching at nearly 30 participating merchants. Roller added she continues to be amazed as Sip numbers and merchants continue to grow each year.
Fiddle contest
The Chicken and Bread Days fiddle contest continues to be a showcase for area fiddlers from beginners to seasoned pros.
This year a total of 50 contestants took part including 10 accompanists. The Grand Champion title went to Carl Hopkins, Porter, TX.
Read about all the results in your Thursday Bowie News.
(Top photo – Fiddlers filled the Bowie fire hall Saturday for the annual Chicken and Bread Days fiddle contest. Photo by Barbara Green)
The Friends of the Nocona Public Library have released some important dates for families to put on their calendars for the rest of the year.
Oct. 9, storytime at 10 a.m.
Oct. 1-31 – Book sale
Nov. 13 – Story time at 10 a.m.
Dec. 4 – Santa photos from 3 to 5 p.m.
Dec. 11 – Story time at 10 a.m.
Make plans to stop by your local library in Nocona.
The staff and volunteers at Wise Hope Shelter and Crisis Center in Montague County will conduct its annual candlelight vigil between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 6 at the Legend Bank courtyard.
The public is invited to come out and support the work of the center that serves Montague County and learn more about their services.
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