COUNTY LIFE
While Texas is not in eclipse’s main path, folks are getting ready for Monday
For the first time since 1918, the entire continental United States will be able to see at least a partial eclipse, a phenomenon that occurs when the moon crosses between the earth and sun and covers part of the later. Moreover, a 70-mile stretch across the country’s midsection will witness a total solar eclipse in which the moon will completely block the sun’s light for nearly two and a half hours.
The “Great American Eclipse’s” shadow will cross 14 states, traveling from the west coast of Oregon all the way to the east coast of South Carolina — the first time a total solar eclipse has passed from one coast to the other in 99 years.
Space.org explains the dark shadow of the moon, the umbra, will first touch the earth’s surface far out over the North Pacific Ocean nearly 1,000 miles south of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands at 9:48 a.m. local time. For 27 minutes the umbra will sweep rapidly to the east over the ocean.
Finally, the umbra will arrive along the coast of Oregon at 11:15 a.m. central time. From there, the moon’s shadow is going to race from coast to coast across the United States. That’s a distance of almost 2,500 miles, from Oregon to South Carolina,and it will take the umbra just 94 minutes to travel that distance.
That works out to nearly 27 miles per minute or about 1,600 mph, about three times faster than a commercial jetliner. That’s why, along the path of totality, the sun will appear completely covered for no more than 160 seconds.
“There are various types of eclipses, and because each one relates to three different orbits — the Moon’s, the Earth’s and the Sun’s — it all depends on where all three line up and the distance between each of them,” said Texas A&M astronomer Jennifer Marshall.
They happen twice a year, every year, but they can only be seen in a narrow swath on the Earth, so they seem very rare.
Read more about the eclipse in your weekend News. Also go to these links for additional resources on the eclipse including interactive maps and locators.
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2017-august-21
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-who-what-where-when-and-how
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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