NEWS

Ag. Commissioner declares agricultural emergency, mobilizes aid

Published

6 months ago

02/19/2026

AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today declared an Agricultural Emergency, rallying Texans to back the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund and urging wildfire-hit producers and agribusinesses to seek financial aid. Across the Panhandle and West Texas, Texans are facing devastating losses due to wildfires.

“Texans always rise for neighbors in crisis,” said Commissioner Miller. “I’m calling on individuals, businesses, and groups statewide to fuel the STAR Fund to help sustain the backbone of our food, fiber, and fuel supply.”

TDA is deploying key resources:

STAR Fund:

The STAR Fund (State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund), funded by private donations, supports disaster recovery for eligible farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses with rebuilding and relief needs.

Hay and Feed Hotline:

Ranchers needing hay can use TDA’s Hay Hotline, (877) 429-1998, a free service linking hay providers and those in need, including during emergencies, for donations.

AgriStress Helpline:

TDA reminds Texans that mental health support is available 24/7 through the AgriStress Helpline, staffed by trained professionals familiar with rural challenges.
Commissioner Miller stresses the importance of mental well-being in crises. If you or a loved one experiences a mental health crisis during this time, call 833-897-2474.

The STAR Fund, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, is a private-donation-funded disaster relief program that provides recovery grants to eligible farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses at no cost to taxpayers to help repair or rebuild damaged agricultural infrastructure.

“Panhandle families are reeling from these fires, but Texas stands united,” Miller added. “We are activating every tool to get our agriculture heroes back in action.”

To submit an application or donate to STAR Fund, visit here , https://texasagriculture.gov/Home/Production-Agriculture/Disaster-Assistance/STAR-Fund.

For additional information on TDA’s Hay and Feed Hotline, visit here, https://texasagriculture.gov/Home/Production-Agriculture/Hay-Hotline

To learn more about TDA’s AgriStress Helpline, visit here, https://texasagriculture.gov/Grants-Services/Rural-Economic-Development/State-Office-of-Rural-Health/SORH-Programs/AgriStress-Helpline

NEWS

Repairs prompt boil order

Published

22 hours ago

08/18/2026

bowienews

A boil water order was implemented Monday afternoon for the area served at U.S. Highway 81 from Parker Drive to Old Bowie Lake as water line repairs were made. The order remains in place today. If you are affected by this order and need bottled water call 940-977-4941.

NEWS

Elevated fire danger today

Published

5 days ago

08/14/2026

bowienews

City of Bowie officials report Montague County, TX will be under an ELEVATED FIRE THREAT today. Please be careful. Hear Audio Alert:https://hrpow.us/H9U9gWU

A heat advisory also continues until 8 p.m. tonight. Remember to check on pets and older neighbors. Stay safe.

Photo of a previous grass fire, Bowie News file photo.

NEWS

County finalizes the proposed tax rate, budget

Published

6 days ago

08/13/2026

bowienews

By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
While the budget was the primary topics for the Montague County Commissioners on Aug. 10, there were several other topics handled by the court.
Tax Assessor Collector Kathy Phillips presented the certification of value and rates for the 2026 taxes. The certified net values are $3,017,685,102 with rolling railroad stock at $15,954,716.
The county’s total taxable value is $3,033,639,818. Total appraised is $7,930,674,437, total assessed at $3,629,932,719 and total taxable value of new property at $93,632,505.

Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.