COUNTY LIFE
Auto tech classes to serve Bowie, Nocona high schools
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Beginning next spring students at Bowie and Nocona High Schools will be able to take auto technology classes to pursue a general service technician certification that can propel them into a job upon graduation.
The Montague County Automotive Technology Program will premiere in the new year is a joint venture between the schools, plus several educational and business partners. Salli Page, career and technology coordinator at BHS, showed off the future location of the classes at the old Bowie bus barn pointing out where the new equipment will be placed and class areas for diagnostic training. She explains a lot of things came together in the last year that allowed the program to come to fruition and she is very excited to see it launch.
As it considers how to use its state career and technology funds, schools districts are required to look at the Texas Work Force Commission’s list of high-demand jobs in their area and auto technician is always near the top.
“We did a survey of local students for interest last spring and had 12 to 15 who were very serious. I have to go to Nocona to survey its students. The maximum class is 12, and I hope we don’t have to turn anyone away. I feel it will start small with one class and one instructor. I would like to see it expand to all of Montague County. I know there may be one student say in Gold-Burg who would like to attend. The district can’t put up a full class, but it could send one here,” explained Page.
New program
While some of the logistics are still being worked out, the class will start in January and run with a maximum of 12 students from Bowie and Nocona.
Page approached Nocona to take advantage of the consortium the two are in which allows them to share grant money toward career and technology programs that are beneficial to both districts. The Indians were onboard.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
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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