COUNTY LIFE
Firework shows planned in Montague County
Montague County will celebrate July 4th with a pair of fireworks shows at Nocona and Saint Jo.
Nocona
The Nocona Lions Club celebrates its 53rd year presenting a fireworks at Lake Nocona. The show is set up at Weldon Robb Park with the show at dark. A GoFundMe account has been set up by the club to accept donations to help fund the event.
The annual decorated boat parade also is planned at Lake Nocona on July 4. Everyone is invited to deck out your boat in red, white and blue to celebrate the holiday. Participants should line up in front of Snow’s Marina at 6 p.m. and parade at 6:15 p.m.
The route will go south on west side of lake to Jaycee Park, then cut across towards Nocona Hills, north up east bank to Boone Park, cross in front of dam to Benton Park, and then back to Snow’s to disperse.
Citizens are asked not to set off their personal fireworks in the Weldon Robb Park area since the Lions show will be set up in this spot. Families can go to Benton or Boone Park to avoid any safety issues.
Saint Jo
In nearby Saint Jo the fire department is getting ready for its fireworks spectacular at Boggess Park. Families are invited to bring their lawnchairs to the park for an evening of old fashioned fun, food, games, music and fireworks. Everyone is encouraged to social distance and take other precautions related to COVID-19.
The popular Firecracker 5K was cancelled for this year, but the fire department has added the “Covid Relief Run” on July 4. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. with the run at 8 a.m. The fee is $20. This is not a sanctioned race.
Those with questions may call 940-235-0653 or 940-995-2337 (Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
The kid’s patriotic parade will be at 10 a.m. on the town square. Anything non-motorized can participate as the children are invited to create the most patriotic entry. Places first, second and third will be awarded.
Beginning at 5 p.m. there will be live entertainment in Boggess Park. At 6 p.m. the homemade ice cream contest unveils the tops in the homemade goodies. A cash prize going to a local charity will be awarded for first-third place.
The Nocona City Council gave its budget proposal a final once-over before setting a public hearing for it and the proposed tax rate for Sept. 9 at 8 a.m.
Council members also heard from Blake McNew who is against the recently approved fee and registration process for golf carts and related vehicles.
Last month the council approved an ordinance that set forth registration requirements for these vehicles with a $50 registration fee. After several close calls and complaints from downtown business people and citizens on near misses with ATVs and golf carts driving unsafely downtown the council took the step to add the ordinance.
City Secretary Revell Hardison said after some discussion the council asked for it to be back on next month’s agenda with possible consideration for repealing the fee. After some research she added a person can go through the state to obtain a license plate for these vehicles and the local sticker would not be needed.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The staff of Texas Education Agency on Aug. 14 announced the release of 2026 A-F Accountability Ratings for public school systems and campuses across the state.
Almost all of the school districts in the county saw their district ratings increase or remain consistent, along with some of their campuses.
There were 1,202 districts and 9,105 campuses rated in 2026. Some 24% of both districts and campuses increased in rating compared to 2025.
Read the full story and see all the county ratings in your Thursday Bowie News.
2026 state accountability ratings
Bowie Independent School District – B, 80 of 100 points
Elementary/intermediate – C, 74
Junior high – B, 84
High school – B, 86
Bellevue ISD – A, 92
Forestburg ISD – B, 82
Gold-Burg ISD – C, 76
Montague ISD – A, 93
Nocona ISD – B, 86
Elementary – B, 80
Middle school – C, 79
High school – A, 94
Prairie Valley ISD – B, 88
Saint Jo ISD – B, 82
Elementary – D, 66
High school – A, 92
Friends of the Bowie Animal Shelter will host the annual Clear the Shelter event from 8 a.m. to noon on Aug. 22.
The shelter is located at 1508 E. Wise. While this is a nationwide effort to recognize the work of animal shelters, their staff and volunteers, this also is a chance to support their efforts by attending the bake sale, silent auction and food vendors.
Adoptable dogs from the Bowie shelter as well as Easy Street Shelter of Saint Jo, Lucky Paws in Nocona and McCares of Montague will be present.
If your family is considering adopting a pet this would be a great time to visit with the animals and meet the volunteers who can tell you a bit about the animals. Prospective volunteers also are welcome, so ask your questions.
Staff from Cross Timbers Vet will be giving reduced price vaccinations.
There will be a prize drawing at noon for a bounce house and a Turtle Box speaker. Tickets are $5 each for a chance to win either prize. Drawing at noon.
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