NEWS
Montague County qualifies to reopen at 50 percent; 1 new case reported Friday
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Montague County Judge Rick Lewis said Friday morning he has shipped off the documentation on the “attestation for counties with five or fewer laboratory confirmed cases,” which will allow county businesses to increase the opening capacity for restaurants from 25 percent to 50 percent.
Montague County has had six positive cases with five recovered and one fatality.
Late Friday afternoon County Health Authority Dr. Delbert McCaig confirmed one new COVID-19 case in Nocona, the first in 10 days moving the county to seven.
Lewis cautioned while the county does qualify at this time, citizens and businesses must continue to exercise the same precautions with social distancing and hygiene. Any spike in cases could result in reductions in capacity or shutdowns.
“It has taken a lot of work, but we got it all finished. I am very proud of our people and the public for working so hard to keep down the virus, but we have to continue to be very diligent,” said the judge.
Lewis continued the main comments he has heard from business owners is they want to get open, but he also is scared of a spike in cases which everyone has to work hard to avoid.
The process is part of the governor’s plan to Reopen Texas announced Monday by Gov. Greg Abbott. His existing emergency order on limiting to essential services expired on Thursday.
Read the full story in your weekend Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Montague County Commissioner’s Court reluctantly returned money to the state connected to Senate Bill 22 in fiscal 2024.
During Monday’s regular session, County Auditor Charley Lanier explained the three transactions. SB 22 provided funding for prosecutor offices to assist with paying staff, and in the sheriff’s office for staff and equipment.
If all the money was not spent it had to be returned. Lanier explained the fund was approved in 2024, but it arrived after the fiscal year began and commissioners did not want to spend any of until the funds actually arrived in county coffers.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
The Saint Jo City Council had a brief meeting on June 17.
The 2026-27 budgets for appraisal and tax collections from the Montague County Tax Appraisal District were approved. The tax collection budget faces a 3.71% increase and 2.2% in the appraisal budget.
The city’s payment for tax collections will go from $1,305 for the year down slightly from $1,445 last year. The appraisal portion for Saint Jo will be $9,526, up from $9,361 in 2026.
A municipal election for Nov. 3 was called. Places open on the ballot will be mayor, and the places filled by Melissa McPherson and Jack Dunn, who was appointed to fill out a term.
The council approved a resolution to apply for grants for water infra structure improvements through the Texas Water Development Board. The city is working with engineers from Corlett, Probst and Boyd of Wichita Falls on a proposed project.
The 60th anniversary Jim Bowie Days Celebration opened on June 20th with a full day of activities focusing on sports and a barbecue cookoff.
Festivities continue throughout the week highlight by rodeo, youth rodeo, kid’s activities and Pioneer Court. The second annual Smokedown BBQ Cookout began on Friday night with the steak and beans contests. Three other categories for chicken ribs and brisket followed on Saturday. There were 27 teams, four more than last year.
Conducted by Outlaw BBQ, the grand champion was Vinny McNamara, with 36 points. Steve Cumbie was reserve grand champion with 26 points.
Read about all the weekend’s winners complete with many photos in your Thursday Bowie News.
Top photo – The first annual pickleball tourney drew 17 teams. Teams greet each other before they start play (Photo by Barbara Green0
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