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
-
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%).

COUNTY LIFE
‘Officer Bob’ retires after 34 years
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
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
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.
-
NEWS3 years agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS4 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS3 years agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
NEWS4 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS4 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
Show us something good9 years agoCountry music star children perform in Bowie
-
100th Birthday4 years agoLooking back at the 1958 Centennial edition of The Bowie News
-
NEWS4 years agoSheriff’s office called out to infant’s death







