COUNTY LIFE
Unnamed graves getting new stones
Forty-five souls buried in the Nocona Cemetery are no longer nameless thanks to the hard work of Robert Terry, who began installing markers on unmarked graves earlier this month.
The Nocona native began creating a massive cemetery database in 2007 after he found himself wandering through the cemetery in search of a buddy buried among the headstones. The project morphed into a search for the names of all the unmarked graves through old newspaper articles, family connections and many hours of research.
Recently, Nocona City Councilors approved funds from the cemetery bequeath fund for grave markers on 41 unmarked graves that now have identities, plus four laid to rest without a stone.
Terry explained the installation takes several hours for just one headstone, so the process will be a lengthy, but he expects they will be in by the end of June.
He becomes emotional trying to put into words what seeing those names placed on the unmarked graves means to him after years of dedication to the cemetery
Fortunately, he found a way to express his thoughts and feelings about this project in the poem, “An Unmarked Grave.”
“I cried when I wrote it, and I cry every time I read it,” said Terry through his tears.
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.
May 8 is the deadline to honor your graduate in the 2024 Keepsake Graduation section. It is the only section where you will see senior photos of every high school in Montague County and Bellevue.
If you want to honor your graduate with a special ad call 872-2247 or print a copy of the submission form at bowienewsonline.com. The section will publish on May 22.
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