NEWS
Sparks fly in debate over soda pops
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
While the burn ban was a hot topic, sparks flew in the courtroom Monday as commissioners argued about the policy that does not allow the county to buy soda pops for employees.
Commissioner Roy Darden raised the issue after an invoice he submitted was rejected by the auditor who reportedly told him the county is only allowed to purchase Gatorade and water. He asked what about tea, milk, coffee and orange juice, if those were allowed. Auditor Jennifer Essary said that has been the policy for the precincts.
Darden wanted to know where the rule came from whether it was a state mandate, court approved or from the auditor. Commissioner Bob Langford, senior member of the court, said they have always had to watch where they spend money and he had been “called on the carpet himself” for a wrong item.
“It is not a rule that is hers trying to make it hard on you or the county. There are only certain things you can and can’t do. I don’t know what is such a big deal. I understand where you are coming from, but we have to take care of what we spend and justify it,” said Langford.
County Judge Kevin Benton interjected they have to keep in mind, “This is not our money.”
Darden responded the problem is when she rejects a ticket it comes out of his pocket.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
The Saint Jo City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on May 13 in regular session.
Items on the agenda include:
Appointment and approval of a fire marshal for the city.
Discuss support for Councilman Jack Dunn’s proposition to petition for additional sales tax revenue from the state for infrastructure purposes.
Consider dates for the 2026-27 budget workshop and ordinance workshop.
Approve minutes and monthly financials.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WS 193
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
9:05 PM CDT FRI MAY 8, 2026
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 193 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2:00 AM CDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
TEXAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
COLLIN
COOKE
DELTA
DENTON
FANNIN
GRAYSON
HOPKINS
HUNT
JACK
LAMAR
MONTAGUE
WISE
YOUNG
The Bowie City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on May 12 in the council chambers.
The agenda opens with a proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week.
In the city manager’s report, Bert Cunningham will discuss the Rock and Pillar Street project and the Texas Water Development Board grant application.
In new business, Brittany Barnes will be considered as an appointment to the Bowie Community Development Board.
A resolution requesting financial assistance from the TWDB authorizing the filing of an application for assistance will be reviewed.
The master parks plan also will be presented by staff from Public Management.
The consent agenda and public comments round out the meeting.
-
NEWS2 years agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS3 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS3 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS3 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS3 years agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
Show us something good9 years agoCountry music star children perform in Bowie
-
NEWS3 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
100th Birthday4 years agoLooking back at the 1958 Centennial edition of The Bowie News