NEWS
Valentine’s Day sees a 21 percent hike in spending
by Niall McCarthy, Feb 13, 2020
If that Jennifer Lopez classic “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” booms over the airwaves at any stage this week, people intent on embracing Valentine’s Day might get a little bit frustrated. Nearly two decades after that song was released, love certainly does cost a thing and people need especially deep pockets on February 14th. Even though Valentine’s Day isn’t as popular as it used to be in the United States, participants are actually spending more than ever.
In total, the National Retail Federation has forecast that Americans will fork over a total of $27.4 billion on cards, flowers, chocolates and candlelight dinners. That’s a record level of spending and represents a steep percent increase on 2018’s planned spending figure of $20.7 billion. A decade ago, the share of Americans taking part in romantic activity on February 14th was 60 percent and it has now fallen to 55 percent. Nevetheless, people who are actually taking part in the day of love are taking things more seriously than ever judging by spending levels.
This year, average spending per person is expected to be $196, a 21 percent spike on planned spending levels of $162 back last year. That certainly illustrates that love doesn’t come cheap these days with participants saying they will spend $101.21 on spouses and significant others, $30.19 on other family members, $14.69 on friends, $14.45 on children’s classmates or teachers, $12.96 on co-workers, $12.21 on pets and the rest on other categories.
A crew from Scarborough Engineering was working on control termination wiring in the control room of the Bowie Substation last week. They were integrating additional equipment including the new transformer. Once everything is connected it will go through a testing phase. The transformer project has been stalled during the past year awaiting the arrival of various parts. (News photo by Barbara Green
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
After more than a year of turmoil and upheaval it appears the Amon Carter Lake Water Supply Corporation is back on its feet with a slate of new board members and plans to review by-laws and operations.
Last August all the board members resigned in the wake of a lawsuit by a resident who could not obtain water for a small housing development despite being in the district. The property owner also accused the board of not following open meetings or open records laws, or its own by-laws.
After the board resigned a receivership was requested from the court and was named in December 2025. The receiver or temporary manager was Nocona attorney Zach Renfro, who was directed by the court to seek out possible directors to rehabilitate the association and assure it meets the obligation of continuing to provide water to more than 300 members.
The corporation board conducted its first general membership meeting on March 27 where a state of the corporation was given and new directors
named. They are Kevin McShan, president; Josh Swint, vice president; Carla Swofford, secretary; Wesley Kelly, treasurer; Zach Gunter, Rob Hankins and Chase Thomas, all directors.
Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.
The Bowie City Council meeting scheduled for April 28 was canceled due to the lack of a quorum.
Councilors Boyd Hulstine, Stephanie Post and Brent Shaw were present along with Mayor Gaylynn Burris, Four council members are required. Laramie Truax, Laura Sproles and TJay McEwen were absent. The agenda items were expected to be placed on the next agenda of business for the council.
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