SPORTS
OUTDOORS: TPWD examines bat disease
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service awarded $32,719 to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to monitor and manage a deadly disease affecting bats.
White-nose syndrome (WNS) has decimated bat populations in many states.
Bat Conservation International, a nonprofit based in Austin, will do much of the work using grant funds.
WNS, a fungal condition, was first discovered in New York state in winter of 2006, and has spread to 29 states and five Canadian provinces.
It has yet to be detected in Texas, which is home to 32 species of bats – including 18 species that roost or hibernate in caves.
The state has a high diversity of bats, with an overlap of eastern and western varieties that could only accelerate the spread of WNS into the west.
The Mexican free-tailed bat, a well-known species in parts of the state, is not considered at high risk because it migrates and doesn’t hibernate in Texas.
Biologists are concerned about the big brown bat, southeastern myotis and tri-colored bat.
While population estimates for cave-roosting bats are not available for most of Texas, 2012 cave surveys documented 8,500 myotis in six caves.
The Texas grant will fund winter surveys at priority roost sites in the Panhandle.
TPWD drawings
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will have three drawings for a Lifetime Super Combo license.
The cost of one entry is $5.
Entries for the drawing may be added to yearly license purchases at retailers, by phone at 1-800-895-4248 and online at: www.tpwd.texas.gov/licensedraw.
There is no limit on the number of entries.
Pokemon Go used to get Texans outside
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is using Pokemon Go as a new way to introduce nature to players venturing into the outdoors.
People are spending more time outdoors going on virtual hunts for elusive Japanese characters known as Pokemon.
The game uses augmented reality to guide players on a quest to catch characters from the cartoon in real world locations.
Many TPWD parks are the home to interactive components such as a PokeStop or Pokemon gymnasium.
The TPWD has created a new digital guide in its free mobile application with tips and tricks for gamers planning their next Pokemon hunting adventure in a Texas State Park. Read more from this notebook in the Aug. 27 Bowie News.
The Mexican free-tailed bat, shown here, is not as high risk for White-nose Syndrome as other species of bats. Still, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be using grant money to examine the disease in Texas bats. (Courtesy photo from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department)
SPORTS
Nocona new press box put into place
Nocona got its new press box into place this week at Jack Crane Stadium. The old press box, which was in place for more than 60 years, was taken out in early June and moved to Indian Valley Raceway. The new press box was by the Southern Bleacher Company out of Graham. Athletic Director Black Crutsinger said they looked at a lot of press boxes and decided they liked the one at Lindsay High School and went with that model. Sean Hutson operated the crane from the Hurd Crane Service that put the press box up for Nocona.
SPORTS
Richey repeats at IFYR
Sunset native Cason Richey (right) and his team roping partner Beldon Cox from Weatherford repeated as the International Finals Youth Rodeo champions last weekend at Shawnee, OK. Richey and Cox won the previous year and were able to complete the repeat by catching three steers in a combined time of 16.6 seconds. Richey is expected to compete attend Texas Tech University this fall and compete on the rodeo team.
SPORTS
Youth rodeo awards presented
The Chisholm Trail Youth Rodeo had its awards ceremony this week, giving out plaques and buckles to the top competitors throughout the summer season.
There were four age categories with five events to compete in for the young athletes.
Along with the best results in each event, at the end the overall best cowboy and cowgirl in each age division was awarded as well.
The lead line division, in which an adult helps the young competitors, saw Rylee Stewart win the first in poles, barrel racing and mystery event on her way to win top cowgirl.
Hattie Snow got the fastest time in the flags event and Lany Shupak got the fastest goat time. Riggin Bishop got named the top cowboy in the division.
In the eight-and-under division, Whitley Goins won the top cowgirl and Trell Carpenter won top cowboy. Goins got the fastest times in barrel racing, flags and mystery event. Carpenter got the fastest time in poles and goats.
In the 9-12 age division, Sage Keck won the top cowgirl while Chisum Carpenter won the top cowboy. Keck got the fastest times in four of the five divisions. Only Layna Taylor getting the fastest goat time prevented her from winning in a clean sweep.
In the 13-18 age division, Tess Egenbacher won the top overall cowgirl award.
Kiley McCracken won both the barrel racing and flags event. Emma Strahan won the poles and mystery event. Hadlee Bryan won the goats event.
There was no top overall cowboy in the age division.
To see the times for the winners of each event in all four age categories along with pictures of all of the top cowboys and cowgirls, pick up a copy of the weekend edition of the Bowie News.
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