COUNTY LIFE
Saint Jo, Nocona ready July 4th fireworks’ shows
Enjoy an old-fashioned July 4th celebration in Saint Jo this Friday with games, free watermelon and spectacular fireworks launched by the Saint Jo Volunteer Fire Department.
The day opens with Old Jo’s 5K Run. On-site registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at the gazebo on the town square with the run going at 8 a.m. The cost is $30 and $15 for those ages 1-18.
This is a time-chipped event. Awards will go to the winners in the various age categories, plus male and female runners. Both walkers and runners are invited to participate. The race is hosted by the Saint Jo Chamber of Commerce and Easy Street Animal Shelter.
Afternoon activities will include basketball, horseshoe and volleyball tournaments. Those are expected to start around noon. There will be free watermelon served up and concessions will be available for purchase including traditional holiday fare of hot dogs, burgers and snow cones.
Bring your lawnchairs and set up for an evening of small town fun in Boggess Park.
The firefighters are planning some possible water games for folks to enjoy. The department also is selling tickets for a golf cart for $50 each. The drawing will take place just before the fireworks. You do not have to be present to win. Proceeds support the fire department and the fireworks show. This fireworks show welcome donations to help offset expenses of the materials. Those with questions may call Britney Thomas at 903-370-8338.
Mark you calendar for the Lake Nocona Fourth of July Boat Parade and Lions’ Club Fireworks Show on July 4 at Lake Nocona.
Boat owners are invited to be part of this patriotic tradition of decorating your boat for the parade prior to the fireworks.
Everyone is invited to fly the red, white and blue, dress in your stars and stripes and follow the parade route.
The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. at Weldon Robb and Jaycee Park. The course will boat north following the western coastline toward Boone Park, then go along the shoreline south to Nocona Hills and Lake Estates and finish back at Weldon Robb.
After the parade the Lions will light up the sky with fireworks at dark at Boone Park.
Boaters are reminded to follow all state boating regulations to remain safe, pick up your trash and protect pets that may be scared by the fireworks.
The Lions Club hosts the fireworks each year and welcome donations to help defray the costs.
Please make it safe and happy July 4th holiday as we celebrate America’s birthday.
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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