COUNTY LIFE
Local woman hopes to ‘open eyes’ with MD film
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Losing your
Carolyn Bassham was faced with a diagnosis of macular degeneration in 2011 and while the deterioration has been slow, in recent years she has lost the
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss affecting more than 10 million Americans, more than cataracts and glaucoma combined.
The 82-year-old Bassham has become a welcome face around Bowie in her short time as a resident. Her “Mrs. Claus” character has come into schools and libraries, entertaining during the holidays as she shares children’s books she has written and illustrated. Bassham has been active in her church choir and also as a mentor at the Bowie Elementary School.
With such an active lifestyle adjusting to her declining vision has been life changing for her and her family, but she has taken steps to help others facing a similar diagnosis with a film and digital cartoon explaining the disease through the “
Read the full feature in the weekend Bowie News.
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.)
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.
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.
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