COUNTY LIFE
Emergency Mgt. provides information on siren signals
On Saturday night a strong supercell went through neighboring Wise County generating an EF2 tornado (up to 130 mph) that struck Runaway Bay and just down the road in Springtown an EF1 tornado (up to 105 mph) hit causing massive damage and two fatalities as of Tuesday.
This storm just skirted the edge of Montague County with Runaway Bay just 27 miles from Bowie. Saturday night the warning sirens went off twice in town.
Sirens also went off on Tuesday afternoon as tornadoes threatened.
With each new storm season citizens question how warning sirens work and their meanings. City Emergency Management Coordinator Kirk Higgins provided the following information on the city’s warning system as a reminder.
The City of Bowie, Texas has four outdoor warning sirens used to alert city residents of the imminent threat of severe weather (tornadoes, hail larger than two inches in diameter, and damaging winds more than 70 mph).
The Cities of Nocona and Saint Jo, as well as the community of Montague, also use siren systems.
The city uses the following criteria for sounding the sirens:
1) The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO WARNING which includes Bowie.
2) The National Weather Service has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING which includes the City of Bowie, and they have received confirmed reports of hail larger than two inches in diameter or wind higher than 70 mph.
When sirens are sounded, city residents should immediately seek shelter. Ideally, this would be in a nearby underground storm shelter. However, if this is not available, use the following guidelines for selecting a space to shelter:
1) On the lowest floor of the building (basement would be ideal).
2) A small interior room with no exterior walls or windows (a closet or bathroom would be preferable).
3) Use mattresses or pillows to provide protection.
4) Autos, RVs and mobile homes should not be used as a shelter.
Outdoor warning sirens are not intended to be reliably heard inside. They are meant to warn people outside to seek shelter immediately. There are numerous cell phone apps and messaging systems available for information.
Also in Thursday’s Bowie News see a list of resources where you can monitor severe weather.
Members of the Saint Jo City Council will meet in regular session beginning at 6 p.m. on June 17 in the Saint Jo Civic Center.
Items on the agenda include the following: Public comments, discuss and approve the proposed 2026-2027 budget of the Montague County Tax Appraisal District; call the 2026 municipal election; consider resolution to apply for grants for water infrastructure through Corlett, Probst, Boyd; review minutes and monthly financials and reports from committee and department heads.
Members of the Montague 4-H STEM Club shot off basic rockets as they were sent skyward on May 30. Each youngster had packed their own rocket, went through safety meetings and then set up their rocket for lift-off. Club Coordinators Tammie and Pete Rohde made sure all the safety protocols were followed by all the youngsters saw their rocket fly skyward before they ran to retrieve them to pack for a second go. See more photos in Thursday’s Bowie News. (News photo by Barbara Green)
(News photo by Barbara Green)
The Bellevue Ex-Student’s annual reunion will be on June 13 at the high school gym.
Events will begin at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and donuts after registration. Visitation will continued until the scheduled events of the day.
Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. by the FFA Alumni at a cost of $15, The reunion is the school gym which is currently receiving a make-over.
The Wall of Honor ceremonies will introduce and place this year’s new inductees on the wall. Other activities including door prizes, drawings and auction of several items including two baseball gloves and other memorabilia, adding to a fun-filled day.
Association members will conduct a short business meeting and recipients of the Ex-Student scholarships for 2026 will be recognized. Empty desks and class roll attendees also will be acknowledged.
All persons who have ever attended Bellevue high School and their families are invited to attend. All funds raised will go to the scholarship awarded in 2027 for Bellevue seniors.
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