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“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” — Luke 19:10 By Melissa Motes Success is great, but comebacks are what capture our hearts. Every comeback story requires a challenge to overcome and a moment when things look hopeless. The sports world is full of athletes and coaches who faced failure, adversity, or disappointm ent and found a way to turn their story around. Michael Jordan going on to become one of the greatest of all time after being cut from his high school basketball team. Think Tiger Woods after his fall from grace. Simone Biles in the past Summer Olympics. Anybody remember the “Miracle on Ice” in the 1980 Olympics? Or one of my faves: Assistant Coach Shooter drawing up the “picket fence” to win the big game in “Hoosiers.” OK, I know it’s a movie, but you get the idea! The truth is, we don't just love comeback stories in sports—we love them because we've all needed one. We've all fallen short, made mistakes, faced disappointment, or found ourselves wishing for a do-over. That's why the Gospel is such good news. We serve a God who specializes in comebacks. Throughout Scripture, we see Him restoring what was lost, healing what was broken, and giving people a fresh start. But He doesn't stop with restoration. He often brings reversal—taking the very thing the enemy meant for harm and using it for His purposes and His glory. He reminds us that failure doesn't have to be final, that setbacks don't have to define us, and that a bad chapter doesn't have to be the end of the story. At some point, every one of us has experienced failure, regret, disappointment, brokenness, or shame. We've all had moments when we've wondered if we've gone too far, messed up too badly, or missed our chance. That's where God steps in. Throughout Scripture, we see a God who restores what was lost, heals what was broken, and gives people a fresh start. But He doesn't stop with restoration. He desires to go a step farther and bring reversal—taking the very thing the enemy meant for harm and using it for His purposes and His glory. One of my favorite comeback stories unfolds in John 4 Jesus had a divine encounter with a Samaritan woman who was an outcast in her neighborhood. When Jesus finally broke through to her heart, the woman found acceptance, forgiveness, grace and a new beginning. Jesus did not define her by her past, but as someone made in God’s image and worthy of love. He restored her. He reversed her path. Our past history doesn’t have to determine our future destiny. God wants each of us to walk in freedom. He wants it so much He sent His only Son to die on the cross so that we might be free. He wants to restore us to Him, make us whole, and put us on a whole new trajectory so that we might know Him and the power of His resurrection. Where do you need restoration in your life today? What areas feel broken, and where do you long for a turnaround? God is ready to restore you and use you to fulfill the unique purpose He designed and equipped you for. No matter how far you’ve strayed or how much time has passed, it’s never too late and you are never too far gone for a comeback. It’s time to embrace some much-needed R&R — restoration and reversal!

By Kenny Mitchell kenny@westbowiepost.com Summertime is here and along with the trips to the beach, the days spent at the pool, and maybe a few hours spent at the splash pad in New Boston, people in Texas know they have to deal with the heat. Temps will be rising and with that the heat index, so folks in NE Texas will soon feel the burn with triple digits becoming the daily norm. Though most have the luxury of air conditioning in homes and cars, many do not, and face the dangers of heat stroke and dehydration on a daily basis. Thankfully, there are resources to help and one of those is Rock Solid Resource Center and their annual fan drive. Rock Solid director Beth Little says, “We do it because we saw a need. Several years ago we started this, in 2020. Even that year it was pretty successful and we have a lot of people that benefit from it, especially the seniors. During the summer the seniors have to cut down on their electric bills. Some don’t even have air conditioning. But even those thoat do sometimes won’t run it, and they use fans. That is why we need to do this.” The Chamber of Commerce in New Boston has again stepped up to do a match so that for every fan that comes in or is able to be purchased through donations, the Chamber matches it. This year Rock Solid has also partnered with local flea market 82 Marketplace and they can be used as a drop off point for donations. The effort will accept new or gently used fans or monetary donations, all going toward the purchase of fans in an effort to stave off the scorching Texas heat this summer. If your Church, organization, family or you as an individual would be interested in collecting fans for our communities please give Beth Little at Rock Solid Resource Center a call at 903-277-2501. If you would like to donate fans or a monetary donation, you can do it in person at the Rock Solid Resource Center building located at 201 East Main Street in New Boston during normal operating hours which are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, or at 82 Marketplace located at 134 US Hwy. 82 in New Boston.

The 2026 New Boston Miss Juneteenth royalty were crowned Saturday night. They are Baby Miss - Ki’Ayla Denae Atkins, Tiny Miss - Ayla Anthony, Little Miss - Laynee Marsh, Young Miss - Journee Jahay Williams, Junior Miss - Velma Jaelynn Eastman and Miss - Mackenzye Carpenter People’s choice was Jayleigh Cheyenne Riley

By Kenny Mitchell kenny@westbowiepost.com An icon of the rich history of DeKalb is in need of extensive repairs and remodeling and the DeKalb Oktoberfest Organization is asking the community to come to its rescue. The Telford/Lindsay Building, located in downtown DeKalb, has stood as a part of the fabric of DeKalb for more than 100 years now. Local historian and curator of the Williams House Museum, Carolyn McCrary, told the West Bowie Post that she believes the building was built by W.L. Lindsay in the early 1920’s after a fire ravaged most of the buildings on the street in 1919. In the 50’s or early 60’s, Porter and Inez Lindsay, along with Lindsay and Elza Crump, hosted a grand opening for a dry goods store at the location. Around 1970, Quincy Telford took ownership of the historic building and operated a furniture and propane store there, that remained in operation until former State Representative Barry Telford and Marsha Telford closed the business and donated the building to a local nonprofit around 2007. The building is now owned by DeKalb Oktoberfest and they are hosting a fundraiser this year to try and get the much-needed repairs done. The building is in urgent need of roof repairs to preserve it and ensure its structure remains sound. This year, all proceeds from our Oktoberfest Raffle will go directly toward repairing and preserving this piece of DeKalb’s history. The organization has made it easy to help with two ways to support the renovations. All of the proceeds from this year’s Oktoberfest raffle will go towards the repairs, and you can also make a direct donation to the effort on the DeKalb Oktoberfest website found at www.dekalbtexasoktoberfest.org DeKalb Oktoberfest’s Dr. Donna McDaniel states, “When people visit DeKalb, they don’t just see buildings—they see our history, our resilience, and the generations of families who built this community. After the tornado, we lost many of the historic structures that helped tell our story. The Lindsay/Telford Building is one of the few remaining reminders of that history, and if we lose it, we lose another piece of who we are. The DeKalb Oktoberfest Committee has always believed in investing in our community. For the past four years, we’ve given back more than $25,000 annually to local nonprofits, school organizations, community projects, and student scholarships. That has always been our mission, and it will continue to be. Today, however, we are being called to do something more. We have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to save a building that has stood through generations of change and has become a symbol of our downtown. Preserving the Lindsay/Telford Building isn’t just about restoring a structure; it’s about preserving the memories, character, and heritage of DeKalb for our children and grandchildren.” McDaniel concluded by saying, “We hope people will continue supporting DeKalb Oktoberfest 2026 through sponsorships, attendance, and volunteerism. We also ask those who love DeKalb—whether they live here now or simply carry DeKalb in their hearts—to consider contributing to the restoration effort. Together, we can continue giving back to our community while ensuring that one of its most treasured landmarks remains standing for generations to come.”

By Kenny Mitchell West Bowie Post High school coaches have the opportunity to dramatically impact the lives of young people, and that is definitely the case for Coach Jack Bowles. After a career that spanned decades and saw his teams win a monumental 650 plus games, Coach Jack Bowles officially announced his retirement from coaching and teaching last week. Bowles leaves a legacy of winning in Northeast Texas which includes 10 successful years at Avery, and most recently, a very successful girl’s basketball program at Hooks. Coach Bowles told the West Bowie Post, “God called me to be a coach. My parents wanted me to be a lawyer. I am really happy that I listened to God.” Bowles went on to say that he and his wife, Kim, have been humbled and overwhelmed by the number of calls and texts, and even handwritten letters, that have come in since they announced their retirement. Kim Bowles also announced her retirement from teaching at Hooks ISD this week. Kim says of her husband, “I never knew how rewarding being a coach’s wife would be. When our kids were little, they were as obsessed with his players and teams as he was. I loved watching him grow as a coach and form all the relationships over the years. I think one of the most rewarding parts of his career (other than the 600+ wins) is when former players come back to talk to him, and thank him for his tough love, teaching to work hard and just be good people. I love the look in their eyes when they introduce their spouses and children to them. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard “this is Coach Bowles”. Our next chapter is going to be an adjustment we know, but we are looking forward to it.” Longtime friend and fellow Northeast Texas coach, Robert Kelsoe, from Avery, said of Bowles, “His x’s and o’s are as good as anybody in the game. He’s a good coach, I like him, what he stands for is on point. You can’t deny success. His stuff is as good as anybody’s I have ever been around. His passion for the game has always been there.” But perhaps the ones that know him best are youing lives that were deeply impacted by him, his own kids. Jack and Kim have three children, daughter Taylor, and two sons Korte and Garde. Taylor played college basketball and is now in the computer software business in Dallas, and both of their sons are now firefighters in the Dallas area. Taylor says of her dad, “Being a “coaches’ kid” was honestly one of the best things that could have happened to me - especially with that coach being my dad. We practically grew up in the gym. Not because my dad forced us to be there, but because it was our favorite place to be. I remember spending hours and hours shooting, hanging around practices, and just loving the environment that basketball created for our family. My dad was definitely a tough coach (some might use the phrase “hard ass” haha). He demanded a lot out of his players, believed in discipline (towel pushes lol), and probably wasn’t handing out many compliments unless you really earned them. But one thing I always appreciated was that he never forced basketball on me. He never made me stay in the gym hours on end shooting and practicing ball handling. Somehow, though, all of his lessons still became ingrained in me anyway.” She went on to say, “What’s been most special to watch over the years is the impact he’s had on so many people. Everywhere we go, somebody has a story about my dad - usually involving him being hard on them at the time and them appreciating it years later. That says a lot about the kind of coach and person he was. He cared deeply about his players, not just as athletes but as people, and I think that’s why so many former players still respect and love him today.” Garde Bowles had much to say about his dad as well. He stated, “Everyone knew my dad as Coach and I mean literally everyone besides his mom called him Coach! And he is one of the best to ever do it, he has forgotten more about basketball than most people will ever know. And he’s coached his way to beating a lot of really good teams even when his talent pool was slimmer than a guitar string. One thing he always said was “hard work beats talent, especially when talent doesn’t work hard.” Garde continued with, “My dad really embodied what it meant to be a real coach, he cared about winning and making good players but he cared more about making good people. He had one rule and that was “do the right thing” it was simple but we all know what the right thing is even when we don’t want to admit it. He held everyone to this standard, players, other coaches, my siblings and I, other teachers, and admin. Which as you can imagine a lot of adults don’t like being held accountable and because of this we weren’t at many schools for very long. But he left an impact everywhere he went, I’ve met countless players over the years who have said they hated how hard my dad was on them (holding them accountable) but as time has gone on they know he was right and appreciated him for it. I guess what I have to say about my dad retiring from coaching is, he always did the right thing and he always will. He stood up for people and didn’t let anyone get bullied or disrespected. You might find people that don’t like him but you won’t find people that don’t respect him. I am extremely lucky to have an example like that to follow, and I hope I can be that same example for my kids.” Kort Bowles said of his father and coach, “He was truly meant to be a coach and dedicated 33 years to being a coach and teacher. He was very successful at it and truly left an impact at each and every school he spent time at. He loved coaching almost as much as he loves his family and OU football. It’s going to be hard for him to sit still this summer and not plan team camps and skills camps. But he deserves to finally relax and enjoy life without the stressors of school administration and annoying parents getting upset that he’s doing exactly what a good coach and teacher is supposed to do. The memories I have as a kid being the “coaches’ son” are so fun to look back on. I sat on the bench, went to practices, went to camps, and played ball with so many of my dad’s former players. Then grew up to being the coach’s son playing for him in high school. Playing for your dad wasn’t always the easiest. Expectations were higher but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, it definitely helped shape me be the way I am today. Losses came home with us so we got extra time to reflect on mistakes and what we could have done better to win. I wouldn’t have changed a thing, being a coach’s son was great and I wish more people could experience it.” Kort summed up the feelings about his coach and dad by saying, “Lastly I just want to say how much it meant to me for him to be so honest, hardworking, and passionate all the time. He truly taught me, my siblings, and many players so many lessons. I am excited for this next chapter my parents get to enjoy and I hope players and students continue to remember the many lessons they were teaching. My dad is a great example of what a father, husband, and coworker is supposed to be. “Coach” will always be coach and now it’s time for him to retire and be the old coach in the stands, out in public, or at church that everyone still remembers as “coach.”

By: Rylee Freeman Residents of DeKalb no longer have to travel outside the area for custom signage, window tinting, invitations and other graphic design services with the opening of Tank Graphics' new location in town. Tank Graphics originated around a year ago, but owner Victoria Foil has long held a vision for what the business would become. After working for her mom’s sign company since the age of 14, Foil brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and creativity to her own business. Foil shared that many years ago she came up with the idea of Tank Graphics, even creating a hoodie with the company’s name that represented the hopes and dreams of what is now a reality. Foil shared her value of customer service and how it has become her favorite part of the business process. “I love getting to meet people. They just spill all of their ideas and I get to gather it up and make it something,” Foil said. Tank Graphics takes the ideas, big or small, of those interested in revamping or promoting their service or event and turns them into strategic marketing results. Whether in need of an eye-catching yard sign or a distinctive vehicle wrap, Tank Graphics has it covered. “It’s really important in a world full of so much to stand out and what we do is help people stand out,” Foil said. Tank Graphics has helped well-established businesses elevate their advertising strategies, as some have maintained the same logo and branding since their founding. Additionally, new businesses often rely on effective marketing to establish a strong presence, and Tank Graphics provides services designed to help them do just that. Tank Graphics has experienced tremendous growth in the past year. The new location has paved the way for larger projects. As another recent addition, “We just got a van for our mobile unit, so we’ll be able to provide service to dealerships or other people that can’t get to us,” Foil said. Tank Graphics has brought significant opportunities to the town in a short period of time, with the potential for continued growth and long-term success in the years to come. Tank Graphics is located at 328 US Hwy. 259 in DeKalb. The business can be reached by phone at (903) 752-7583 or by email at tankgraphicsco@gmail.com. In addition, Tank Graphics welcomes customers through an in-person, face-to-face approach that is difficult to find elsewhere.

Life can sometimes deal us the most unimaginable circumstances. The kind of things that many in the world could never imagine anything good coming from it. One such day occurred on the night of June 11, 2010 when a peaceful, lazy river at Albert Pike in Arkansas went from its usual three feet deep to a destructive 23 feet in a very short time and claimed the lives of 20 people camped alongside its banks. Three of those lost were Lynn, Wilene and little Nick Shumake from DeKalb. Looking back now at that day, 16 years later, there is simply no way to imagine how those few hours changed lives. Families lost their moms, dads, grandparents, brothers and sisters, in what we would learn later was a tragedy that should have never happened. The 20 that left this world that night did so at a campground that should never have been there and at no fault of their own. We can ask, how could you ever make lemonade out of those ingredients. But, as we know now, the Shumake family has, and they have made so much lemonade from it that they have blessed children and families all over the area with it. That lemonade is poured out from the pitcher called Nick’s Mission Backpack Program. Since 2012, the Shumake family and a host of volunteers have worked tirelessly to send area children who need it home from school or daycare with a backpack full of nutritious food every weekend of the school year. The mission started out small with children from James Bowie, but has since grown to provide meals for as many as 175 children every week at school districts and daycares all around the area. It is a mission born out of remembrance and it is lemonade poured out from a pitcher filled with love. The Shumake family saw the need, and they took their loss and turned it into something that keeps kids from going hungry. I simply cannot think of another situation that I have seen with my eyes up close that portrays every day human beings taking the worst day of their lives, and allowing God to use them to make something beautiful out of it. We can all learn something from the Shumake family. I know I did, and still do. Even in the days following the tragic events of 2010, when I made it my mission as a journalist to make someone be responsible for the loss, it was the Shumake family that told me to let it go. I look at this family today and I am awestruck. Nick has a sister that molds young lives as a teacher, a sister that works for the Lord at First Baptist DeKalb, a mother that has devoted her life to feeding other people’s children, and an entire family that has taken his loss and well…made lemonade with it. It is a story that reminds us daily that in all things God is there for us. He feeds the birds of the air, clothes the flowers in the field…and He stands beside us, and carries us, when the weight of life seems so heavy that we cannot stand. It reminds me every year in the first days of June, and so many other days in between, that our Lord is truly an awesome God, and He makes the sweetest lemonade ever poured out on a soul.

By Kenny Mitchell kenny@westbowiepost.com At his month’s regular meeting the DeKalb City Council approved a measure that will impact many residents within the city limits when they unanimously passed a new ordinance that freezes ad valorem taxes for residents 65 years of age and older. The ordinance reads: Whereas, the City Council of the City of DeKalb finds that residents who are sixty five (65) years of age and older own residential homesteads in the City of DeKalb, Texas, and face increasing ad valorem taxes, often on a fixed income, and that it is in the public interest and beneficial to the senior citizens of the City of DeKalb to freeze their ad valorem taxes Now, therefore, be it ordained by the City Council of the City of DeKalb, A person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older shall receive a residence homestead exemption prescribed or authorized by state law. The total amount of ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homestead of a person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older shall not be increased while it remains the residence homestead of that person and that person's spouse. If the person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older dies in a year in which the person received a residence homestead exemption, the total amount of ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homestead shall not be increased while it remains the residence homestead of that person's surviving spouse if the spouse is 55 years of age or older at the time of the person's death.” DeKalb Mayor Lowell Walker told the West Bowie Post, “The elderly are the most vulnerable of our society and with inflation, the price of fuel, food, utilities, and healthcare, every dollar counts in their budget and this is just a small way to help them improve their quality of life and help them struggle less.” Mayor Pro Tem David Meadows added, “It’s just something we felt like was right to do. We kicked it around several years ago, and didn’t get it done, so I am glad we got it done now.” This exemption shall take effect for the 2026 tax year and each tax year thereafter, until modified or repealed by subsequent action of the City Council. The ordinance takes effect immediately following its unanimous passing at the meeting Tuesday night.

By Kenny Mitchell kenny@westbowiepost.com New Boston Property Management and their Executive Director Cal Davis announced last week that they have purchased the former Inspire Nursing Home located at 210 Rice Street in New Boston and have begun the process of turning the blight on the City of New Boston into the new home for the latest effort to enrich the city and create new housing for an ever growing population. The abandoned facility and property were purchased by New Boston Property Management on May 27,2026. A preliminary inspection showed that the interior had been stripped of copper, electrical panels and any other items of value, and an asbestos assessment found the presence of asbestos in the original section of the old nursing home, but not in any of the add-on wings. The walkthrough also found a plethora of broken windows and both broken and missing doors making the buildings dangerous with a high potential for injury for anybody that might be inside. Because of this high risk of injury, the new owners strongly encourage everyone to stay off of the property, both inside and out of buildings. An asbestos sampling and testing was conducted at the property on June 12 and the new owners are waiting for the results of that testing to determine the proper course for asbestos abatement. The testing was conducted by Brady Environmental, a trusted environmental service company based in Tyler, Texas. Brady Environmental uses independent labs to ensure accurate and unbiased results for asbestos testing. Following the completion of the asbestos abatement, demolition of the current property will begin and make the property ready for new construction. New Boston Property Management has an inter-local agreement with the City of New Boston in an effort to improve the way of life within the city. The City of New Boston will be assisting in the demolition process in an effort to help beautify what has been an eyesore and a hazard to local residents since inspire officially ceased operation back in 2019. The new owners of the property are currently in the planning process with a future for both income-based and market-rate apartments available for those searching for local housing, as the New Boston Property Management Board of Directors continues in its efforts to enhance New Boston and increase the sense of pride in the town they call home. Construction plans and renderings are still in the planning stages and are not available to the general public as yet, but will be made public when available. New Boston Property Management Executive Director Cal Davis told the West Bowie Post, “The agency is pleased to move forward with removing this long‑standing eyesore and creating a development the community can take pride in. We are grateful for the continued support of New Boston residents and remain committed to fostering a community that is growing, thriving, and an exceptional place to call home.”

In an age where information is at our fingertips, finding reliable local news can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. West Bowie Post stands out as a beacon of trustworthy reporting, delivering the latest updates, community stories, and events that matter most to residents. This blog post will explore the significance of local news, the unique offerings of West Bowie Post, and how you can engage with your community through our platform. Eye-level view of a local park with families enjoying a sunny day The Importance of Local News Local news plays a crucial role in keeping communities informed and connected. Here are some key reasons why local news matters: Building Community Connections Local news fosters a sense of belonging among residents. It highlights community events, local businesses, and the achievements of neighbors. When people are aware of what’s happening around them, they are more likely to engage and participate in community activities. Accountability and Transparency Local news outlets hold local governments and organizations accountable. Investigative journalism can uncover issues that affect residents, such as mismanagement of funds or local policy changes. This transparency is vital for a healthy democracy. Supporting Local Economies By covering local businesses and events, local news helps stimulate the economy. When residents are informed about new shops, restaurants, and services, they are more likely to support them, which in turn strengthens the community. What West Bowie Post Offers West Bowie Post is dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage of local news. Here’s what you can expect from our platform: Timely News Updates We prioritize delivering news that is relevant and timely. Whether it’s breaking news, community events, or local sports, our team works diligently to keep you informed. In-Depth Features Our feature stories delve deeper into the issues that matter most to West Bowie residents. From profiles of local leaders to explorations of community challenges, we aim to provide context and insight. Community Engagement West Bowie Post encourages community involvement. We invite residents to share their stories, submit event announcements, and participate in discussions. Your voice matters, and we want to amplify it. Diverse Perspectives We believe in representing the diverse voices of our community. Our reporting includes a variety of viewpoints, ensuring that all residents feel seen and heard. How to Stay Informed Staying updated with local news is easier than ever. Here are some ways to engage with West Bowie Post: Subscribe to Our Paper Online or Mailed Sign up for our weekly paper to receive the latest news directly in your inbox or mailbox. This is a convenient way to stay informed about what’s happening in West Bowie. Follow Us on Social Media Connect with us on social media platforms to get real-time updates and engage with other community members. Share your thoughts, comment on articles, and join the conversation. Attend Local Events We regularly cover local events, and attending them is a great way to connect with your neighbors. Whether it’s a farmers market, a town hall meeting, or a cultural festival, being present helps strengthen community ties. Engaging with Local Issues As a resident of Western Bowie County, you have the power to influence local issues. Here are some ways to get involved: Attend Town Hall Meetings Participating in town hall meetings allows you to voice your concerns and hear directly from local leaders. These meetings are an essential part of the democratic process and provide a platform for community dialogue. Volunteer for Local Organizations Many local organizations rely on volunteers to support their initiatives. Whether it’s helping at a food bank or participating in youth programs, your time and effort can make a significant impact. Advocate for Change If you’re passionate about a particular issue, don’t hesitate to advocate for change. Write letters to local officials, start petitions, or organize community discussions to raise awareness. The Future of Local News The landscape of local news is evolving, and West Bowie Post is committed to adapting to these changes. Here’s how we plan to stay relevant: Embracing Digital Platforms As more people turn to digital sources for news, we are enhancing our online presence. Our website is user-friendly, and we’re exploring new ways to engage with readers through multimedia content. Fostering Community Contributions We believe that the best stories come from the community. We encourage residents to contribute articles, photos, and tips to help us cover the news that matters most to you. Continuous Improvement We are dedicated to improving our reporting and expanding our coverage. Your feedback is invaluable, and we welcome suggestions on how we can better serve the West Bowie community. Conclusion West Bowie Post is more than just a news outlet; it’s a community hub that connects residents and fosters engagement. By staying informed and involved, you can help shape the future of our community. Whether you’re reading our articles, attending local events, or advocating for change, your participation is vital. Join us in making West Bowie a better place for everyone. Stay connected, stay informed, and let’s build a stronger community together!