COUNTY LIFE
Montague County celebrates its veterans with program
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
During Monday’s Montague County Veteran’s Service Office Veteran’s Day program, Everett Ruddick, veteran of the Vietnam War, shared his unique story of surviving the service only to fight for his life when he returned home and was burned almost 80 percent of his body in an oil fire.
While Montague County experienced its first dose of wet and cold winter weather Monday, a small crowd of guests attended the program in the courthouse annex community room.
After the National Anthem sung by Marjorie Hess and the invocation from Pastor Joe Caballero, Ruddick was the guest speaker. Born in Port Lavaca, TX on May 28, 1946, the fifth of 13 children, he later served in the U.S. Army in 1965 going to Eislingen, Germany before going to Vietnam. His enlistment ended at Fort Hood in 1968 when he married his wife Debra.
Within months of getting out of the Army, Ruddick was dumping trash at a private dump site when he was set on fire after some diesel fuel canisters exploded. He was burned across 80 percent of his body with some of the injuries down to the bone. At that time burns more than 50 percent were considered fatal; however, Ruddick tells the tale of his battle to survive and how God and his faith brought him through it.
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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