COUNTY LIFE

Music: ‘You feel it or you don’t’ – Nocona musician keeps going back to his roots

Published

9 years ago

11/14/2015

By BARBARA GREEN

Mark Murphey is a man of many faces: Auctioneer, county commissioner, family man volunteer firefighter and professional musician.

While he has many business endeavors, music has been a constant in his life taking him down many colorful roads with adventures.

Murphey was born 51 years ago in Dallas to Fern and John Murphey, but his Montague County roots run deep. His great grandmother, “Zootie” Tombs Jennings ran the general store at Red River Station at the turn of the century. His ancestors are buried at Molsbee Chapel.

John and Fern moved his family to Nocona in 1965, and Mark recalls his dad “sorta quit” performing when he came along, although John still made some jamborees. With his musician father, it was no surprise music settled into his soul.

“As a kid I listened to the Grand Old Opry on the radio and we watched Hee Haw, then I saw dad at the jamborees. I was playing by age 10 starting with the banjo, mandolin and guitar. I couldn’t figure out my instrument. Dad told me to stick with one and I would get good at it, so I am still only halfway good at several,” laughs Murphey.

Meet this local musician in your weekend News and learn how music continues to be an integral part of his life.

Mark Murphey has been a musician almost all of his life, although his career path has taken many turns. (Courtesy photo taken at Texas Nightlife)

COUNTY LIFE

Sip & Stroll to celebrate mothers

Published

7 days ago

05/01/2025

bowienews

Get an early start celebrating mom by enjoying the Mom’s Night Out Sip & Stroll With Me downtown Bowie, Texas from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 2 with a chance to win a free gift basket full of goodies at each participating location.
Weather permitting, the Stark family will provide horse-drawn carriage rides on the beautiful historic brick streets for guests.
Join us for another fun downtown “mini-open house” event starting at 5 p.m. along with the added fun of pop-up vendors.

Read about all the participating merchants for this week’s Sip & Stroll With Me in the May 1 Bowie News.

COUNTY LIFE

Comic Mini-Con arrives on Saturday

Published

7 days ago

05/01/2025

bowienews

Get ready, Bowie the Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con is back and bigger than ever for its second annual event on May 3 at the Bowie Public Library.
Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this annual celebration of comics, pop culture, and creativity is a can’t-miss event for fans of all ages.
This year’s Mini-Con will feature an exciting lineup of vendors, artists and authors, along with a bounce house, video game tournament and costume contest. Attendees can enjoy free comic books while exploring a variety of geeky goods, delicious food/drinks and more.
Whether you’re a superhero fan or just looking for a fun community event for all ages or to take the family out to, there’s a little something for everyone.
Don’t forget your costume, join us for a day of fun, fandom and free comics. Follow Bowie Texas Freakz & Geekz on social media or join the discord at BTXFG.Carrd.co.

COUNTY LIFE

Stoneburg VFD readies fish fry for May 3

Published

7 days ago

05/01/2025

bowienews

Members of the Stoneburg Volunteer Fire Department will serve up its annual fish fry from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 3 at the Bowie Community Center, 413 Pelham Street.
Dinner includes fish with all the trimmings, served for donations only.
There will be a prize drawing for a Pitboss Savannah Pellet Grill and a custom built ARIS Rifle 5.56 NATO. Tickets are $10. To buy tickets call Bill Prater at 841-0263, Chad Long at 531-2711 or Chad Gerlach at 531-0726.
Donations may be sent to Stoneburg VFD, c/o Chad Gerlach, 9954 FM 1816, Bowie, TX 76230.