NEWS
Fireworks sales begin on June 24
America’s big 250th birthday celebration is coming this July 4th, but fire officials in the county’s three incorporated cities of Bowie, Nocona and Saint Jo remind everyone it is illegal to set off fireworks within the city limits.
Those who violate these ordinances may receive a citation for a Class C misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500.
The sale of fireworks begins June 24 and runs through midnight on July 4.
Fireworks may be discharged out in the country, but be cautious of their use to avoid any wildfire or injury.
In the Bowie area, fireworks may only be legally discharged at Selma Park on Lake Amon G. Carter on July 3 and July 4. Discharge at other times or locations may result in a ticket from city police who patrol the park.
Bowie Fire Chief Doug Page said there are several restrictions on where fireworks can be used per state law. They cannot be ignited within 600 feet of any church, hospital, vet hospital, licensed child care or public school. They cannot be sold or exploded within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or compressed gasses are stored or dispensed; within 100 feet of where fireworks are sold; in or from a motor vehicle; placing or throwing ignited fireworks at a motor vehicle and conduct a public fireworks display unless the person is a licensed pyrotechnic operator.
While there is no burn ban on at this time, those using fireworks are urged to exercise caution due to possible wildfires fueled by the dry, windy conditions. Keep water available nearby when using fireworks.
High heat and wind also can create dangerous conditions for fireworks so please exert caution. Those who cause a wildfire can be held liable for any damage or injury.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
While the budget was the primary topics for the Montague County Commissioners on Aug. 10, there were several other topics handled by the court.
Tax Assessor Collector Kathy Phillips presented the certification of value and rates for the 2026 taxes. The certified net values are $3,017,685,102 with rolling railroad stock at $15,954,716.
The county’s total taxable value is $3,033,639,818. Total appraised is $7,930,674,437, total assessed at $3,629,932,719 and total taxable value of new property at $93,632,505.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewssonline.com
The proposed 2026-27 budget for Montague County was finalized Monday, but not without a few fireworks between the sheriff and county judge.
Sheriff Marshall Thomas said his budget requests for two additional deputies and two jailers may not have been clearly presented to either the court or public. During the July 27 budget workshop, the increase for operational expenses of the sheriff’s office and jail were reviewed, but there was no discussion on the staff requests.
At that meeting Thomas said his staff requests had been taken out by the County Judge Kevin Benton, but afterward the judge emphasized he had met with Thomas about the requests and he knew the staff additions would not be included in the proposal.
On Aug. 10 during the budget workshop, Thomas said he had some questions from constituents and he also thought some of the commissioners were not aware of the requests.
“I asked for two more deputies and we need two jailers. The standard ratio is 2.5 to 2.7 per 1,000 people in the Nortex region, we are at .75 for 938 square miles. We have two jailers in training and two out for months on major medical. The standard is 1:48 inmates. Our comp time is through the roof because in the jail with such short staff others have to come in and cover,” Thomas told the court Monday.
Things only got more intense between the two men as Benton said he felt like he was being accused of keeping information from the court,, while Thomas said he understood the court may not have received the request and citizens have asked him why he did ask for more staff.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
The board of directors of the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District met with the Montague County Commissioner’s Court Monday to present the major proposed rules changes for the district that will be considered at an Aug. 27 board meeting at 5 p.m. at the Springtown office.
Board President Tracy Mesler and Assistant General Manager Kyle Russell explained the proposals that focus on permit allocations for non-exempt wells, hydrogeologic reports for high volume permits, minimum tract size and spacing for new wells. The district addresses groundwater issues in Montague, Wise, Parker and Hood Counties. The public is invited to attend these public meetings and the full agenda is located on the district website at uppertrinitygcd.com.
Read the full story on all the proposed rule changes in Thursday’s Bowie News.
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