COUNTY LIFE
Public hearing in Nocona Feb. 1 to examine Hwy. 82 explains options
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.
Nocona and Saint Jo High Schools will be sending students to the state University Interscholastic League academics meet in Austin next week.
NHS had two students qualify after contests last weekend. Abby Hill, sophomore, placed first in feature writing and fourth in news writing. This was her first year to compete in journalism. Her first place win sends her to state in feature writing where she will compete on May 14.
Isaac Fulumana, junior, placed first in current events, and this also is his first year to compete. He had the highest score across the state on the regional test.
Fulumana placed third in literary criticism and this is his second year to compete at the state level in this category. He will compete on May 15. The school placed 12th overall out of 50 schools at regionals.
The Saint Jo spelling team are the regional champions and will compete at the state UIL contest. Its members include Maxey Johnson, Francesca Voth, Paola Sanchez and Bailie Nobile. Johnson was second place individual.
Other students competing at the Region 3 academic meet were Layla Polk, fifth place in persuasive speaking and Maxey Johnson, fifth in ready writing. Good luck to all of them.
(Pictured top) Saint Jo’s spelling team of Maxey Johnson, Francesca Voth Paola Sanchez and Bailie Nobile. (Right) Nocona’s Abby Hill and Isaac Fulumana.
Young ladies interested in competing for Miss Jim Bowie Days 2024 are invited to attend a mandatory pre-contest meeting at 4 p.m. May 18 at the Bowie Rodeo Arena (highway side).
This annual contest is open to girls ages 14-21 for Miss Jim Bowie and those 13 and under for Little Miss. An application and contestant photo will be due at that time. There is an application fee of $50 and a sponsorship fee of $100 (name of sponsor will be placed on their sash).
The Miss JBD contest will be on June 28 with horsemanship at 8 a.m. at the arena. A brunch will follow and time will be allotted to change clothes.
Contestants also will be required to ride Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the grand entry and rodeo; Saturday morning parade at 10:30 a.m. and attend every festivity during the festival.
Queen prizes will be a saddle certificate from Teskey’s, a $500 college scholarship, clothing allowance and more. Little Miss prizes include a saddle certificate from Teskey’s, clothing allowance and more.
For application forms or those with questions may call Rilla Brock, 817-228-6914 or Shalee Rater at 254-979-5780.
With a wet April already in full swing and more storms expected in the coming months, the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District staff is here to provide tips and tricks on creating your very own rainwater harvesting system.
Nearby counties received between 24-28 inches of rain last year, and just a fraction caught from roofs and barns can sustain landscaping, livestock, or family homes.
Rainwater harvesting helps alleviate stress on local groundwater systems, preserves streets and roadways, and can even slash your monthly utility bill. View our recommendations below and consider a harvesting system today.
The district recently named the five finalists for the 2024 grant program for rainwater harvesting system.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
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