Bowie City Manager Bert Cunningham presented Kaitlyn Higgins and Corben Wendt with Bowie Knife plaques last week thanking them for their extensive work on a water study for the city that also served as a university class project. Cunningham said the study has helped the city in making plans for its many drainage and water system projects. (Photo by Barbara Green)

Spring has sprung and it is time to nominate top yards from your neighborhood to be considered for The Bowie News Yard of the Month. Top yard honors will be given for April, May and June.
The first award will be made for April and nominations may be submitted through May 1. The winner will be announced in the May 8 edition of The Bowie News.
Call the Bowie News office at 940-872-2247 or email it to editor@bowienewsonline.com. Please include the address and name of the resident if you know it or a contact phone number for the nominee. Sponsored by The Bowie News and Beautify Our Bowie, the contest winner gets to show off the brightly colored Yard of the Month sign in their yard during the month. A winner will be named for April, May and June.
The names of nominees may be submitted more than once throughout the contest if they are not a winner. Winners from last season will not be considered to allow for others to have an opportunity to participate.
Independent judges, which include experienced gardeners and some master gardeners, will tour the properties inside the city limits and submit their winning choice. This contest will recognize a beautiful yard which is not necessarily the most fancy or elaborate, but one that shows care and upkeep in their neighborhood.
The goal is to encourage all residents to keep their properties clean and looking nice for everyone to enjoy.
Criteria will include ongoing maintenance of the landscaping and the yard. The yard needs to be clean and free of trash, junk or other unsightly objects. Grass and shrubs need to be maintained at reasonable levels. Hardscape also will be considered.
Landscaping also will be considered, but should include not only annuals for the season, but permanent items such as shrubs or vines or decorative structures like a gazebo or benches.

The Bowie Business Boost returns with a two-part workshop to take your business to the next level of effectiveness and profitability using AI.
Attend this “AI Made Simple Workshop: Conquer the Tech Chaos and Win Fast” planned for May 24 and May 8. These will be breakfast programs from 7:30 to 10 a.m. The program will be from 8 to 9:30 a.m. with questions and answers to follow. Breakfast will be served 7:30 to 8 a.m.
The programs will be at the Bowie Community Center-west hall. Registration is $20 which includes both sessions. Registration is transferrable. Register at accelerationbydesign.com/event-details/bowiebusinessboost25.
Bring your laptop or iPad for hands-on training is highly recommended. These programs are hosted by the Business Partners, Bowie Economic Development Coalition, Type A and Type B, Bowie Community Development and Bowie Chamber of Commerce.
In session one on April 24 discover what artificial intelligence really is, why it matters and how to uses it – hands on – to save time today. In session two on May 8 master simple tricks to boost your business, from content to customer wins, in just minutes.
Join Steve Brown, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and AI expert with more than 14 years of turning challenges into wins. Brown will cut through the noise and get your winning with AI-fast.
Brown is a growth strategist and thought leadership producer. The founder of ROI Online, Brown helps business leaders see around the corner and turn challenges into quick wins. He is the best-selling author of “The Golden Toilet,” and host of the ROI Online Podcast.
Through the ROI Spotlight Studio he produces weekly livestreams and podcasts that capture your expertise and cement you as the industry authority you’re meant to be. Through his AI Made Simple Workshop you’ll conquer the AI-driven future, confidently leading your team and winning over customers like never before.