COUNTY LIFE
Tribe gathering for Nocona High Triennial
The Tribe is gathering for the 2019 Nocona High School Triennial Homecoming Celebration Sept. 13-15.
Festivities will include a parade, Hall of Fame induction, street dance, homecoming royalty and of course football. Coordinated by the Nocona Ex-Students Association organizers, are planning something of a “family reunion” for Nocona High School graduates.
For those interested in taking part in the parade at 4 p.m. on Sept. 14, the theme is “Movies made in Texas or has Texas in the title.” A large trophy will be presented to the best float created by a class based on that theme. This will be a perpetual trophy passed on to winning floats in future triennial homecomings. This year’s Golden Classes are from 1967, 1968 and 1969. They will be recognized during the program on Saturday at 2 p.m, followed by the Hall of Fame induction.
Festivities begin on Sept. 13 with hospitality and visitation from 2-5 p.m. at Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum, 1522 E. U.S. Highway 82.
Beginning at 5 p.m. burger tailgating will be at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, 100 Baylor Street. Donations only, which will benefit the Military Heritage Plaza.
At 7:30 p.m. the Indians take on Ponder at Jack Crain Stadium, 1012 Clay Street. Homecoming royalty will be presented during halftime.
A street dance will follow on the block of Clay and Elm Streets downtown featuring deejay Jason Eldred. Inclement weather site is the H.J. Justin Community Room on Clay Street.
On Saturday morning registration resumes from 9 to 11 a.m. in front of the high school auditorium with visitation in the library. A barbecue lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost of the meal is $15 and it is catered by The Smokehouse.
The Mind’s Eye Scholarship Concert runs from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The show features 1960s music and all donations will help endow scholarships for Nocona High School seniors.
The honors program begins at 2 p.m. Hobie Meekins, NHS 1979, Tracy Mesler, Denton, 1969 and Randy Duckworth, NHS 1970 will introduce the three new inductees to the Hall of Honor.
The parade of classes rolls through downtown at 4 p.m., with a street dance at 8 p.m. Saturday night. It will feature live music from Richard Beverage and Jason Eldred.
On Sept. 15, the Nocona churches invite alumni, family and friends to attend services at a church of their choice.
Officers of the Nocona Ex-Students’ Association are: Gloria S. Foster, NHS 1968, president; Hobie Meekins, 1979, treasurer; and directors Lynn Nobile, 1964; Brenda Russell Dungan, 1969; Diane Terry Duckworth, 1969; Randy Duckworth, 1970; Metta Samples Burleson, 1973 and Chris Womack, 1986
Take time to remember all those who gave all for our freedoms in America. The Bowie News staff wishes you a safe and happy holiday day weekend this Memorial Day. The News office will be closed on Monday for the holiday.
AUSTIN – With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start to summer boating season, Texas Game Wardens are preparing for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year and reminding Texans and visitors alike to put safety first before heading out on the water.
In 2025, Texas recorded 178 reportable boating incidents that resulted in 50 fatalities and 77 serious injuries. Eighty-four percent of those who died in boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket. Texas Game Wardens also made 223 Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) arrests last year.
“Memorial Day weekend is when many families get back on the water for the first time this year,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, director of Law Enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Before you leave the dock, take a few minutes to make sure your life jackets are on board, your boat is properly equipped and you have designated a sober operator.”
Texas Game Wardens encourage boaters to keep the following in mind before launching:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children younger than 13 are required to wear one while underway.
- Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The operator must wear the lanyard or have the engine cut-off switch fob on their person when operating a boat equipped with one.
- Operate at a safe speed and maintain a proper lookout.
- Take a boater education course. It is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993.
- Check the weather before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Leave a float plan with someone you trust.
- Don’t overload your boat.
“Boating should be fun,” said VanderRoest. “A little planning and some common sense help keep it that way.”
Renting a Boat or Personal Watercraft
If you plan to rent a boat or personal watercraft, choose a licensed vessel livery (a business establishment engaged in renting or hiring out vessels for profit).
By law, vessel liveries must provide all required safety equipment, explain how to operate the vessel, review applicable boating laws and have the operator sign a form acknowledging they received this information. They are also required to carry liability insurance.
Before leaving the dock, renters should make sure the vessel has enough life jackets for everyone on board and that they understand basic operating rules, including those specific to personal watercraft.
Personal Watercraft Safety
Personal watercraft, including jet skis, are subject to special laws in Texas. Operators and passengers must always wear a life jacket, the operator must use the engine cut-off switch, and these vessels may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. Operators must also stay at least 50 feet from other vessels, people and the shore unless traveling at headway speed.
“Whether you’re launching your own boat or renting one for the day, take the time to understand the rules and make safety part of your plan,” said VanderRoest. “If you take safety seriously from the start, you’re far less likely to need help later.”
For more information about boating laws, required equipment and boater education courses, visit the TPWD Boater Education Program at tpwd.texas.gov/boatereducation.
Starting at noon on May 25 at The V (VFW) in Nocona there will be a program for the Memorial Day featuring speakers, cannons and a rifle team.
There will be a Memorial Day Celebration Dinner at 5 p.m. on May 25 at the Nocona Senior Citizens Center (Carpenter Shop).
Call for reservations at 940-825-3148. The meal will include barbecue ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and ice team. Adults are $10 and children $5.
Proceeds benefit the senior center and the Meals on Wheels program at Nocona.
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