NEWS
Three-vehicle accident kills 1, sends 4 to hospital
A Conroe man was killed and four others went to the hospital after a three-vehicle crash Sunday night south of Sunset on U.S. Highway 287.
Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Dan Buesing said the accident occurred around 9:40 p.m. on Sept. 11 on U.S. 287 south of Sunset.
The report states a 2011 Chevrolet 2500 pickup was driving south on the highway when for unknown reasons it crossed the center median and drove into northbound traffic. The pickup struck a 2018 Chevrolet on its driver’s side, then continued into the northbound lanes where it struck a Volvo truck trailer head-on.
Buesing said the 2011 pickup rolled and the passenger, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected. The driver, Benjamin Lee Schaeffer, 29, Conroe, was pronounced dead at the scene by Montague County Justice of the Peace Jack Pigg. He also was not wearing a seatbelt.
The passenger, Mariah Helmberger, 26, Conroe, was airlifted to John Peter Smith hospital with serious injuries. As of Thursday, her medical status was unavailable.
Sgt. Buesing said the driver and the passenger of the 2018 Chevy pickup, Jeremy Gray, Cantu, OK and a female, age 11, were transported to Wise Regional Health, where they were treated and released.
The driver of the 2016 Volvo truck-trailer, Alejandro Rios, Haltom City, also was transported to Wise Regional Hospital, where he was treated and released.
All three occupants of the 2018 Chevy and the Volvo truck-trailer wore their seatbelts, according to Sgt. Buesing. The crash is still under investigation.
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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