COUNTY LIFE
Unique hobby turns helpful during emergencies
By DANI BLACKBURN
Montague County amateur radio operators travel all around the world without leaving home through a unique hobby that combines technology and communication.
Radios allow operators to communicate with each other across the county or strangers across the world along with providing emergency communications and weather spotting when needed.
The Montague County Amateur Radio Club was formed in January 2014. The club was born out of disaster when an F1 tornado ripped through the Amon G. Carter Lake area in May 2013 with no warning to the residents.
“Nobody said anything, no one was watching, including the weather service. It just happened,” said MCARC President Alan Walraven. “A friend said hey, you have an amateur radio how come we didn’t hear anything about this? I said well it’s not going to happen again.”
Eight charter members organized the club with a strong belief there was a necessity for it in this area.
“We felt a real need for it, certainly in the county. It seems like towns and cities can take care of themselves, but there’s no one out here watching the rural part,” said Walraven.
Read the full feature in your weekend News.
Alan Walraven sits at his “ham” radio system He is president of the Montague County Amateur Radio Club. (Courtesy photo)
Montague County Commissioner’s Court will meet at 9 a.m. on Nov. 25.
Members will consider an anti-fraud policy and adding it to the personnel policy. The annual liability renewal with the Texas Association of Counties Risk Pool will be reviewed.
Montague County officials will be enrolling in the TAC 2025 certified cybersecurity course required by the state for all employees who use county computers.
Other topics for Monday will include the bond for the county treasurer, review an account application with Schad & Pulte Welding Supply, Inc and consider raising the road hand clothing allowance from $500 to $1,000.
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
It was family night for the City of Bowie Fire Department as members gathered for the annual pre-Thanksgiving awards dinner this week.
Firefighter of the Year awards, service awards and officers and firefighters were pinned with their new badges.
Fire Chief Doug Page opened the evening with a remembrance of a fallen firefighter, James Dunham who died 25 years ago on Nov. 18. This Saint Jo firefighter was responding to a car accident at Forestburg and after he arrived suffered a heart attack. Page noted his daughter is auxiliary member Renee Hart.
Chad Long, member of the department for one year and one month received the Firefighter of the Year Award. Kelly Tomlin, nine-year member, was selected by the volunteers to receive the Roy Gene Williams Award.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
Top photo- New lieutenants Michael Burrows and Chad Gerlach received the oath from Mayor Gaylynn Burris. (Photo by Barbara Green)
The new Montague County Animal Rescue, which will be helping with operation of the new county animal shelter, invite you to “Wine Like A Dog” on Dec. 3 at Kimber Creek Wine Bar and Gift Shop in downtown Bowie.
The evening will include wine and charcuterie from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., while raising funds for the rescue organization. Tickets are $50.
Melanie Gillespie of Montague County Animal Rescue said the new 501c3 has completed its agreement to work with Montague County operating the animal shelter.
“Your support enables us to launch the opening of the first county-run animal shelter. We invite you to join our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and finding loving homes for animals in need,” said Gillespie.
Limited tickets will be offered at the door based on availability. Those with questions may call Gillespie at 469-951-0215 or email [email protected].
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