NEWS
Council to take applications for mayor; BMX race track wins initial approval
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Members of the Bowie City Council voted to accept applications for persons interested in serving as mayor and will make an appointment before the 30-day time limit when an election would be forced.
The resignation of former Mayor Bill Miller was accepted Monday night. His one-sentence resignation was submitted on April 29 and was effective immediately. Miller, who took office last November, did not state a reason for his departure.
Mayor Pro Tem Jason Love presided at the meeting and told the council he feels “more suited” to his council seat and is not interested in serving the unexpired term of mayor.
The city charter requires the mayor position be filled within 30 days of the resignation or a special election be called. If an appointment is not made in 30 days, the election is required.
Councilor Diana Higgins recommended they take applications and make an appointment and avoid the expense of an election which can run about $4,000. The city would be able to make the November general election ballot.
Councilor Chuck Malone moved to take applications, interview and appoint a new mayor before the end of the month deadline. The motion was unanimously accepted with consensus they could expect a called meeting to review applicants and do interviews.
BMX race track
Linda and Sean Reno made a presentation to the council asking to use city land located beside the Haggar Baseball Complex for development of a BMX race track and bike park.
The couple has been involved in the sport for more than 20 years as all their children have taken part including their daughter who has competed on the international level.
Read the full story on the council meeting in your mid-week 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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