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Ray Watson shows off one of lifetime achievement award pins. (Courtesy photo by Richard Lee)

A Bowie aviation veteran was honored by the Federal Aviation Administration this week receiving two lifetime achievement awards as a master pilot and master mechanic.
Ray Watson, 92, was presented with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Lifetime Achievement Awards. The ceremony took place in Wichita Falls at a luncheon with the area pilots association. Friends and family were on hand to help celebrate.
Dan Vengen of the National FAA Safety Team made the presentation. It was his early love of aircraft that led Watson to fly his first plane before learning to drive.
“I kinda kept my nose above board and made sure I fixed the guy’s airplanes and I didn’t fix them good, I fixed them perfectly,” said Watson at Tuesday’s luncheon
Watson’s airman certificate history states his first solo flight was in 1947 in an Aeronca Champ, Corning, NY. He started flying in Lubbock and in July 3, 1949 he became a private pilot. Through the years his experience has included time on a Cessna 172, PA-30-160, Cessna 150 and 208, Beechcraft -168 and Stagger Wing.

Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News. (Courtesy photos Richard Lee)

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COUNTY LIFE

‘Officer Bob’ retires after 34 years

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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.)

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COUNTY LIFE

Councilors approve park path project

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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.

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COUNTY LIFE

Veterans Day events set

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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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