The first Jim Bowie Days Smokedown barbecue cook-off kicked off rodeo week last Friday and Saturday. There were 24 teams that competed in ribs, brisket, chicken, beans and steak. See photos and the list of all the winners in the Thursday Bowie News.

Top photo – A cooker turns in her brisket entry. (Below) A barbecue cooker prepares her final selections of brisket for the contest. (Photos by Barbara Green)

The Bowie News, the largest community newspaper in Montague County, has an immediate opening for a sports editor and we are looking for enthusiastic, motivated professional journalist to join our award-winning staff.
This job would involve covering (writing, page design and photography) across seven school districts (1A, 2A, 3A) in all aspects and levels of sports, as well as watching for breaking news such as coaching changes. Camera and lens provided for use.
The editor will coordinate the sports coverage schedule and work closely with the editor to make sure everything is covered each week.
This candidate should be experienced in InDesign, Photoshop, as well as 35mm photography and have knowledge of AP style. The sports editor is responsible for content and laying out the sports section each week, as well as posting those items on the website and social media.
The applicant should be someone who can work with a newsroom team and also be a self-starter who can take the initiative. The editor should be able to work under deadline pressure producing clean copy. Organizational skills are vital. A reliable form of transportation is necessary. The editor also may be called upon to assist when necessary in covering news, working on special sections or covering breaking news. Salary is based on experience.
Send resume, references and work samples to Barbara Green, editor@bowienewsonline.com

Signs 1,155 Bills, Vetoes 26 Bills For 89th Regular Legislative Session

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced the final list of 1,155 bills signed into law and 26 bills vetoed from the 89th Regular Legislative Session. Governor Abbott’s veto statements may be viewed here and here. The Governor also announced he will call a Special Session to begin on Monday, July 21, along with an initial list of agenda items. 

“Working with the Texas Legislature, we delivered results that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” said Governor Abbott. “Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and the Texas House and Senate worked hard to send critical legislation to my desk. This session has seen monumental success, but there is more we can do.”

All seven of Governor Abbott’s emergency items passed the Texas Legislature and were signed into law:

• Property Tax Relief
• Generational Investment in Water 
• Raise Teacher Pay
• Expand Career Training
• School Choice 
• Bail Reform
• Creation of the Texas Cyber Command

Additionally, Governor Abbott:

• Signed 1,155 bills
• Vetoed 26 bills
• Signed the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act and the Supplemental Budget

At this time, the Governor has identified several bills that were vetoed or filed without signature that will be placed on the upcoming Special Session agenda for further consideration: 

• Senate Bill 3: Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products.
• Senate Bill 648: Relating to recording requirements for certain instruments concerning real property.
• Senate Bill 1253: Relating to impact and production fees for certain water projects and to the regulation of certain wells; authorizing a fee.
• Senate Bill 1278: Relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution.
• Senate Bill 1758: Relating to the operation of a cement kiln and the production of aggregates near a semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility.
• Senate Bill 2878: Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government.