NEWS
Bowie Industrial Development Foundation still creating jobs 64 years later
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsnonline.com
Sixty-four years ago a large group of Bowie business and community leaders came together with their wits and money to develop a plan to create jobs in Bowie.
Out of that effort came the Bowie Industrial Development Foundation and in 2025 its members are continuing to support those efforts expanding the manufacturing facility for American Hat as it grows to more than 100 employees in its 21st year operating in Bowie creating an $11.3 million annual economic impact.
On July 8 the foundation board and Bowie Economic Development Corporation hosted lunch for American Hat employees inside the new raw materials storage building recently completed at the property located north of Bowie on U.S. 81 North.
Randy West, secretary-treasurer of the foundation, shared the history of the BIDF from its records as its celebrated the opening of the new building and additional improvements completed in the last few years allowing the company to expand its operations and staff.
The foundation was created on Feb. 14, 1961 by 250 businesses, individuals and service clubs who wanted to make a plan to create jobs.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
Top photo – This new 8,000 sq. ft building is the newest addition to the American Hat factor property owned by the Bowie Industrial Development Foundation. (Photo by Barbara Green)
Bowie City Council
Precinct 1
Levi Bailey – 925 WINNER
Valerie Thomerson – 328
Precinct 3
Glenda Durham – 383
Terry Gunter – 1027 WINNER
Saint Jo City Council (Two places)
(I) Melissa McPherson – 121
(I) Jack Dunn – 225 WINNER
Patty Hale – 218 WINNER
Forestburg ISD (Four places)
Dustin Craig – 154 WINNER
Pam Harrington – 110
Audiemarie Keown – 145
Russell Lightfoot – 184 WINNER
(I) Sandra Hensley – 152 WINNER
Willie Conway – 277 WINNER
Alexis McArthur – 74
Gold-Burg ISD (Four places)
(I) Chad Long – 213 WINNER
Todd Skinner – 159 WINNER
(I) Brandy L. Hamilton – 160 WINNER
Sarah Lawson – 144
Trina Fullerton – 112
Blake Allen – 152 WINNER
(I) Amy N. Nelson – 121
WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION FOR WATCH 702
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH TX
550 PM CST MON NOV 2 2026
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 702 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM CST THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS
IN TEXAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 12 COUNTIES
IN CENTRAL TEXAS
COMANCHE
IN NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS
COOKE EASTLAND ERATH
HOOD JACK MONTAGUE
PALO PINTO PARKER STEPHENS
WISE YOUNG
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BOWIE, BRECKENRIDGE, BRIAR,
BRIDGEPORT, CISCO, COMANCHE, DE LEON, DECATUR, DUBLIN, EASTLAND, GAINESVILLE, GORMAN, GRAHAM, GRANBURY, JACKSBORO, MINERAL WELLS, NOCONA, OAK TRAIL SHORES, OLNEY, RANGER, STEPHENVILLE, AND WEATHERFORD.
The Montague County Sheriff’s Office staff is providing the following information regarding a fatal incident involving a juvenile following a law enforcement pursuit.
On 11/01/2026 at approximately 12:21 A.M., a vehicle involved in a law enforcement pursuit crashed in the 3600 block of Cardwell Road in Montague County. The juvenile was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was ejected as a result of the crash.
Responding law enforcement personnel immediately initiated life-saving measures at the scene. The juvenile was subsequently transported to Nocona General Hospital, where, despite continued life-saving efforts, the juvenile was pronounced deceased.
The Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the scene and conducted the crash
investigation.
Staff from the following agencies responded and assisted during this incident:
- Montague County Sheriff’s Office
- Nocona Police Department
- Nocona EMS
- Nocona Rural Fire Department
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Fatal Crash Following Law Enforcement Pursuit
The Montague County Sheriff’s Office is providing the following information regarding a fatal
incident involving a juvenile following a law enforcement pursuit.
On 11/01/2026 at approximately 12:21 A.M., a vehicle involved in a law enforcement pursuit crashed in
the 3600 block of Cardwell Road in Montague County. The juvenile was the sole occupant of the
vehicle and was ejected as a result of the crash.
Responding law enforcement personnel immediately initiated life-saving measures at the scene. The
juvenile was subsequently transported to Nocona General Hospital, where, despite continued life-
saving efforts, the juvenile was pronounced deceased.
The Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the scene and conducted the crash
investigation.
The following agencies responded and assisted during this incident:
- Montague County Sheriff’s Office
- Nocona Police Department
- Nocona EMS
- Nocona Rural Fire Department
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
The staff of Montague County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the difficult circumstances surrounding this
incident and extends its sincere condolences to the juvenile’s family and loved ones.
This incident remains under investigation. No additional details are being released at this time out of
respect for the family and the ongoing investigation.
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