COUNTY LIFE

Published

7 years ago

06/24/2017

By DANI BLACKBURN
The faculty of Bowie High School calls itself “one big family.”
While they may not share blood, they now share organs after teacher Candace Mercer donated a kidney to fellow teacher Ronnie Mund.
The 36-year-old Mercer has been teaching government and theater at BHS for seven years, while 53-year-old Mund has been teaching physics and horticulture at Bowie for five years. The teachers underwent surgery on June 6 and are recovering well.
The two are a part of a close-knit group of coworkers who have spent the last years eating lunch together on a daily basis and being pranked by Mund, who is referred to as the “Papa Bear” of the group.
However, work and fun with his coworkers was tiring for Mund, who had been living with low kidney function for nine years. The problem was due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), an autoimmune disease that attacks the kidney and causes it to no longer filter correctly.
“The problem is it doesn’t filter out any of the toxins. You always feel bad because your body can’t get rid of anything causing you harm,” explained Mund.

Mercer agreed to donate a kidney to her friend and recently they underwent the transplant surgery coming through successfully.

Read the full feature in the weekend News.

COUNTY LIFE

New flag poles installed at military memorials

Published

2 days ago

11/16/2024

bowienews

These new flag poles were installed at the military markers located near the Bowie Senior Citizens Center in Pelham Park. They were purchased by the Bowie Parks Board. (Photo by Barbara Green)

COUNTY LIFE

Letters to Santa due by Dec. 4

Published

2 days ago

11/16/2024

bowienews

Hey kids, it’s time to get your letters ready for Santa Claus!
The Bowie News invites families to submit their letters to Santa for publication in the Dec. 21 edition. Forms are available on our Facebook page and at bowienewsonline.com.
Print out a form and drop it off in Santa’s mailbox at the News office, 200 Walnut Street or in one of the school Santa boxes across the county.
Deadline to send in a letter is Dec. 4. While this may seem early there are hundreds of letters to type and then they have to ship off to the North Pole for the Big Guy to read.

COUNTY LIFE

New mayor takes oath in Saint Jo

Published

2 days ago

11/16/2024

bowienews

A new mayor and two returning aldermen took the oath of office on Nov. 13 for the Saint Jo City Council.
The three races were uncontested during the recent election. Kelly Williamson will take over as mayor, as Colton Thomas and Melissa McPherson continue in their places. Thomas was elected to be mayor pro tem.
Aldermen took care of numerous organizational tasks related to its economic development boards and the council. Former Mayor Shawn Anderson and Hennessey were removed from city-related accounts, with the new mayor and mayor pro tem and McPherson were added to the city accounts.

Read the full story in your weekend Bowie News.

Pictured: New officers took the oath this week: Councilors Colton Thomas and Melissa McPherson, new Mayor Kelly Williamson and outgoing mayor Shawn Armstrong. (Courtesy photo)