COUNTY LIFE

Published

9 years ago

02/14/2018

L.G. and LaNelle Preuninger celebrate their 60th anniversary today on Feb. 14. (Photo by Barbara Green)

By BARBARA GREEN
“It felt like we just matched up.”
That’s how L.G. Preuninger describes the first sparks of his courtship with LaNelle Long.
It was the summer of 1956. L.G. was a handsome 24-year-old fresh out of the Army who admired a pretty 17-year-old high school girl across a crowded family reunion.
These two Bowie natives would be married two years later and celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day Feb. 14. Their family of two sons, a bevy of grandsons and great-grandchildren gathered with friends to celebrate the anniversary on Feb. 3.
The couple was overjoyed with the love and memories they shared across 60 years.
Love begins
The Preuningers were typical small town kids. L.G. was born the fifth of six children to Fred and Emma who farmed in the Salona area. LaNelle was born on Green Street to Roy and LaRue Long joining a brother who was nine years older.
While L.G. was out of school by the time she got to high school, she was best friends with his cousin all through high school. She knew who he was, but that’s about all she recalls.
Read how these two met and fell in love some 60 years ago, nurturing a family built on a foundation of faith and love in your mid-week News.

COUNTY LIFE

‘Officer Bob’ retires after 34 years

Published

3 hours ago

11/05/2026

bowienews

Bob Blackburn has fondly been called “Officer Bob,” for many years and it is a moniker he is happy to carry, spending more than 30 years working with the schools through local law enforcement.
Officer Bob has a heart for service he has shared through a total of 34 years in law enforcement, a lengthy career that comes to an end Oct. 30 as he retires after 25 years with the Bowie Police Department. He will continue as a reserve with the BPD and also wants to substitute teach.
“It’s time. I want to enjoy my kids and grandchildren, picking them up at school and going to games. I have loved working here and there has been an honest effort to get me not to retire, but I am in a good spot,” explains Blackburn one week from retirement.

Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.

(Top photo – Bob Blackburn hugs Mayor Gaylynn Burris as he receives a Bowie Knife plaque at his retirement party Oct. 30.)

COUNTY LIFE

Councilors approve park path project

Published

3 hours ago

11/05/2026

bowienews

The Bowie City Council approved a $950,000 project to improve the walking path at Pelham Park on Oct. 27.
Bowie Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Janis Crawley said the upcoming project will repave 26,277 square feet of pathway in concrete, spanning about 0.6 miles in length.
The work covers the trail section northeast of the Blade, curving past the soccer fields and toward the swimming pool.
Another section goes around the pool and sport courts, then back down toward the Blade. The project will also widen the trail section to eight feet and add a new 36-foot bridge.

Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.

COUNTY LIFE

Veterans Day events set

Published

4 hours ago

11/05/2026

bowienews

Bowie High School will honor veterans at 8:45 a.m. on Nov. 11 in the high school gym. Staff and students invite area veterans to join them for a veteran’s breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by a ceremony where each veteran will be recognized for their service to the country.
Veterans are asked to register at: https://bit.ly/VeteransDay2026RSVP.
The staff of the Montague County Veteran’s Service office is partnering with the American Legion Post 220 for its Veterans Day program at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the post home at 801 W. U.S. 82. Veterans and their families are invited to join a complimentary lunch.