COUNTY LIFE
Snow doesn’t stall youth fair
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
It has been a few years since winter weather threatened the Montague County Youth Fair, but with just a bit of schedule juggling all the events were completed and the sale was a big success.
Youth fair organizers and competitors are no strangers to cold, wet winter weather and transporting large cows and pigs, plus kids and huge ag mechanic projects is often the norm. The Thursday snow storm brought more than six inches of fluffy snow across the county. However, at certain points it was a hazard to deal with as it came down faster than trucks could clear it away.
Kristy Tillman, chairman of the fair board, said “If this week is not an example of hard work, perseverance and dedication, I am not sure what else could be.”
She continued on a good weather week the show is no easy feat with so many moving parts and she is aware many questioned why they continued to have the show with the snowy weather.
“It is stock show weather! We could be cold, hot, wet or dry during county show week and we have seen it all. I am a firm believer folks involved with agriculture are just built a little different. When inclement weather comes in, we all know we still have to work, it may just take a little longer and we have to bundle up a little more, but we have to persevere,” explained Tillman.
The executive committee took the steps it felt were necessary to allow the show to go on with few schedule changes. Tillman emphasized moving the show was not an option with the major show schedule starting with Fort Worth this month and ending with Houston in March.
Read the full story and see all the winners in the Winner’s Circle in your Thursday Bowie News.
The community of Nocona and Montague County are pulling together to assist a young woman and her family as she fights for her life after being diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening disease Mesenteric Artery Thrombosis.
For Ashley McCracken it all began back on Aug. 29, 2025 when a blood clot was cutting off the blood flow to her intestines. What began as nausea turned into a critical medical emergency, that resulted in her being airlifted to Fort Worth where she underwent four major abdominal surgeries.
Ashley faces ongoing complications and has been referred to Duke University Medical Center, where she will be evaluated on Jan. 23 for possible placement on the small intestine transplant list.
Friends of Ashley McCracken are coordinating a silent auction and Facebook page to help assist the family. An account has been set up at Legend Bank to manage and distribute funds.
Donations are being accepted through caringbridge.org, type in Ashley McCracken and it will display the link to her page.
A silent auction will be set up in city hall as donations are received. This is a come and go auction during regular business hours. Auction items can be seen on the Facebook page Ashley McCracken benefit.
To donate auction items or for more information call Michelle Fenoglio Toerck 940-867-9595 or Donna Lemons 940-366-6825.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
Pictured Ashley McCracken. (Courtesy photo)
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The 2026 Montague County Youth Fair had one of its biggest premium sales in recent history Saturday night with $253,450 sold with 170 slots in the sale.
This year marked some big scheduling changes as the swine and ag mechanics shows were moved to a new day, along with leadership and home economics. There also were expanded classes in some livestock events which added a few more slots to the sale.
Kenton Holloway, fair committee secretary, said on Monday after scratches the final county was 302 exhibitors and 972 entries. The 2026 sale jumped to $253,450 up from $213,500 in 2025 where there were 161 slots.
Top photo – Kellen Rater is congratulated by the judge as he won overall reserve heifer.
The Bowie Texas Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for its 2025 community awards which includes Business of the Year, Community Support Award and Frances Brite Citizen of the Year.
Nominations can be submitted through Jan. 16. Forms are available on the chamber’s webpage at bowietxchamber.org. All nominations are strictly confidential and should include why you feel this business, entity or person should be considered for this award. You may nominate anyone who qualifies, including your own business.
The submissions will be reviewed by the committee and results announced during the chamber banquet on Jan. 26.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
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