COUNTY LIFE
Valentine Day trends
Where to spend Valentine’s Day
Once you’ve found that perfect gift, the question still remains: where will you spend Valentine’s Day? If you are planning a romantic night at home, you’re in the majority. Our survey found that almost half of consumers will be spending the night at home, with only 8% stating they plan to have a night on the town.
- At home: 47%
- Dinner at a restaurant: 36%
- Night on the town: 8%
- At the movies: 5%
- Recreational activity (bowling, mini-golf): 4%
Least-favorite gifts
We all know the classic Valentine’s Day gifts that are guaranteed to please: roses, jewelry, teddy bears, chocolates, etc. But what are the gifts you should definitely avoid when shopping for your special someone? Our survey found that there are specific gifts that consumers do not hope to open up on Valentine’s Day.
Men’s least favorite gifts to recieve:
- Underwear
- A bottle of alcohol
- Flowers
Women’s least favorite gifts to recieve:
- A bottle of alcohol
- Lingerie
- Gift Card
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Favorite Valentine’s Day TreatIf you’re wondering which tasty treat to get your special someone this Valentine’s Day, look no further. We’ve narrowed down the top treats from across the country to find out just which sugary concoction will be the most popular this year. We found that women prefer chocolate covered strawberries (34%) and men prefer a box of chocolates (30%).
sugary concoction will be the most popular this year. We found that women prefer chocolate covered strawberries (34%) and men prefer a box of chocolates (30%).
Where to spend Valentine’s Day
Once you’ve found that perfect gift, the question still remains: where will you spend Valentine’s Day? If you are planning a romantic night at home, you’re in the majority. Our survey found that almost half of consumers will be spending the night at home, with only 8% stating they plan to have a night on the town.
- At home: 47%
- Dinner at a restaurant: 36%
- Night on the town: 8%
- At the movies: 5%
- Recreational activity (bowling, mini-golf): 4%
First Dates
For those not already in a relationship on Valentine’s Day, this holiday offers an opportunity to impress someone you have your eye on or get to know someone completely new. Our survey found that 53% of consumers say that it’s okay to go on a first date on February 14, while the remaining 46% think you should wait until a less high-pressure day for a first date.
Favorite Valentine’s Day Flower
Roses continue to take the top spot, with almost half of respondents (48%) selecting it as their favorite flower to receive on Valentine’s Day. If your loved one isn’t sweet on roses or you just want to give something different, consider surprising them with other popular options such as Tulips (16%) or Daisies (9%).
The Nocona City Council gave its budget proposal a final once-over before setting a public hearing for it and the proposed tax rate for Sept. 9 at 8 a.m.
Council members also heard from Blake McNew who is against the recently approved fee and registration process for golf carts and related vehicles.
Last month the council approved an ordinance that set forth registration requirements for these vehicles with a $50 registration fee. After several close calls and complaints from downtown business people and citizens on near misses with ATVs and golf carts driving unsafely downtown the council took the step to add the ordinance.
City Secretary Revell Hardison said after some discussion the council asked for it to be back on next month’s agenda with possible consideration for repealing the fee. After some research she added a person can go through the state to obtain a license plate for these vehicles and the local sticker would not be needed.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The staff of Texas Education Agency on Aug. 14 announced the release of 2026 A-F Accountability Ratings for public school systems and campuses across the state.
Almost all of the school districts in the county saw their district ratings increase or remain consistent, along with some of their campuses.
There were 1,202 districts and 9,105 campuses rated in 2026. Some 24% of both districts and campuses increased in rating compared to 2025.
Read the full story and see all the county ratings in your Thursday Bowie News.
2026 state accountability ratings
Bowie Independent School District – B, 80 of 100 points
Elementary/intermediate – C, 74
Junior high – B, 84
High school – B, 86
Bellevue ISD – A, 92
Forestburg ISD – B, 82
Gold-Burg ISD – C, 76
Montague ISD – A, 93
Nocona ISD – B, 86
Elementary – B, 80
Middle school – C, 79
High school – A, 94
Prairie Valley ISD – B, 88
Saint Jo ISD – B, 82
Elementary – D, 66
High school – A, 92
Friends of the Bowie Animal Shelter will host the annual Clear the Shelter event from 8 a.m. to noon on Aug. 22.
The shelter is located at 1508 E. Wise. While this is a nationwide effort to recognize the work of animal shelters, their staff and volunteers, this also is a chance to support their efforts by attending the bake sale, silent auction and food vendors.
Adoptable dogs from the Bowie shelter as well as Easy Street Shelter of Saint Jo, Lucky Paws in Nocona and McCares of Montague will be present.
If your family is considering adopting a pet this would be a great time to visit with the animals and meet the volunteers who can tell you a bit about the animals. Prospective volunteers also are welcome, so ask your questions.
Staff from Cross Timbers Vet will be giving reduced price vaccinations.
There will be a prize drawing at noon for a bounce house and a Turtle Box speaker. Tickets are $5 each for a chance to win either prize. Drawing at noon.
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