NEWS
Commuting a way of life for many; Bowie makes a convenient homebase
A group of local Peterbilt employees share expenses to travel in a Denton Transit commuter van each day. Mark Wheeler and Reyse Richardson arrive home after a day’s work at Peterbilt in Denton. (Photo by Dani Blackburn)
By DANI BLACKBURN
Many choose a small town life for the lower crime rates, a sense of community, lower cost of living and quiet atmosphere.
But the lack of job opportunities in a smaller town can be quite frustrating for residents, leading many to commute outside of their hometown.
The American Community Survey released in 2013 by the United States Census Bureau found roughly 38 million Americans commute outside their home county to their jobs every day, an 18 percent increase from 1980.
The census in 2010 found here in North Texas, more than eight percent of the workforce travels at least 60 minutes each way to work.
Bowie creates a unique opportunity to enjoy small town life with an easy commute due to six major highways intersecting the town, including U.S. Highway 287 that offers quick access to Wichita Falls and the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Many works are choosing to make their homes here and travel to work.
Read the full news feature in the mid-week News, part of the Build a Better Bowie campaign showing assets in our community.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Montague County Commissioner’s Court reluctantly returned money to the state connected to Senate Bill 22 in fiscal 2024.
During Monday’s regular session, County Auditor Charley Lanier explained the three transactions. SB 22 provided funding for prosecutor offices to assist with paying staff, and in the sheriff’s office for staff and equipment.
If all the money was not spent it had to be returned. Lanier explained the fund was approved in 2024, but it arrived after the fiscal year began and commissioners did not want to spend any of until the funds actually arrived in county coffers.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
The Saint Jo City Council had a brief meeting on June 17.
The 2026-27 budgets for appraisal and tax collections from the Montague County Tax Appraisal District were approved. The tax collection budget faces a 3.71% increase and 2.2% in the appraisal budget.
The city’s payment for tax collections will go from $1,305 for the year down slightly from $1,445 last year. The appraisal portion for Saint Jo will be $9,526, up from $9,361 in 2026.
A municipal election for Nov. 3 was called. Places open on the ballot will be mayor, and the places filled by Melissa McPherson and Jack Dunn, who was appointed to fill out a term.
The council approved a resolution to apply for grants for water infra structure improvements through the Texas Water Development Board. The city is working with engineers from Corlett, Probst and Boyd of Wichita Falls on a proposed project.
The 60th anniversary Jim Bowie Days Celebration opened on June 20th with a full day of activities focusing on sports and a barbecue cookoff.
Festivities continue throughout the week highlight by rodeo, youth rodeo, kid’s activities and Pioneer Court. The second annual Smokedown BBQ Cookout began on Friday night with the steak and beans contests. Three other categories for chicken ribs and brisket followed on Saturday. There were 27 teams, four more than last year.
Conducted by Outlaw BBQ, the grand champion was Vinny McNamara, with 36 points. Steve Cumbie was reserve grand champion with 26 points.
Read about all the weekend’s winners complete with many photos in your Thursday Bowie News.
Top photo – The first annual pickleball tourney drew 17 teams. Teams greet each other before they start play (Photo by Barbara Green0
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