COUNTY LIFE
Public hearing in Nocona Feb. 1 to examine Hwy. 82 explains options
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Two public meetings are scheduled this week for discussion on possible Texas Department of Transportation plans to extend a divided, four-lane highway from Nocona west to Henrietta along U.S. Highway 82.
While highway expansion may be welcomed, local and county officials are urging TxDOT to avoid any consideration of a possible by-pass around Nocona.
TxDOT is studying U.S. 82 to establish a plan to widen and create possible new alignments. Post cards were sent out to residents that could be impacted.
County elected officials got a preliminary look at the study options two weeks ago. Four options are being debated:
•A bypass around Henrietta, either north or south of the city;
• A similar bypass around Nocona;
• Whether or not the second half of the roadway goes north or south of the existing roadway between Nocona and the Union Pacific Railroad underpass in Ringgold and Henrietta;
• And whether or not the second half of the roadway goes north or south of the existing roadway between the railroad underpass in Ringgold and Henrietta.
The first hearing will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 31 at the Holman Center, 211 W. Clay in Henrietta. The second is the same time on Feb. 1 at the Nocona Community Center, 912 W. U.S. 82.
TxDOT officials will be present at the meetings, which are an open house come-and-go format.
Comments can be submitted to Shaun Barnes, P.E., at 940-720-7744 or [email protected]. Comments must be submitted by Feb. 13 to be included.
The Montague County Commissioners, Nocona Chamber of Commerce, Nocona Economic Development Corporation, City of Nocona and Nocona School Board are all drafting letters urging TxDOT to drop the option of any bypass around Nocona.
COUNTY LIFE
Bowie, Nocona libraries wrap up summer reading this week
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Local libraries wrap up their children’s summer reading programs this week.
The Bowie Public Library brings the popular Creature Teacher with all their spectacular animals for the final event on July 23 at the Bowie Community Center.
The program begins at 10 am. The children also will receive their prize books for their summer logs.
The Nocona Public Library ends its program at 10 a.m. on July 24 at the H.J. Justin Building at 100 Clay Street. The program will be “Our Own Action Heroes -” Nocona fire, police and EMTs.
Top photo – Smokey Bear visiting Bowie last week at summer reading.
COUNTY LIFE
Color added to outside kennels at Bowie Animal Shelter
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Rachel and Roger Whitaker gave this metal storage container a fresh look with this colorful mural at the Bowie Animal Shelter. (Photo by Barbara Green)
COUNTY LIFE
Youngsters attend swimming lessons this week
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Swim lessons for youngsters of all ages were conducted the past two weeks at the city pool. It was a good place to be during this summer heat. See more photos in the weekend News. (Photos by Barbara Green)
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