COUNTY LIFE

Soccer athlete uses her kicker’s leg on gridiron

Published

6 years ago

11/11/2020

By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewonline.com
Kyler Dunn has been kicking a soccer ball since she was barely able to walk, but today the 15-year-old also is kicking the pigskin through the goalposts for the Saint Jo Panthers.
While girls have been playing male-dominated sports for years, in small town Texas it’s still not that common in Friday night football. This perky freshman athlete first tried kicking last year when she was in junior high, but as she moved into high school she earned her spot on the varsity maroon and white. The Panthers play their first playoff game at 7 p.m. on Nov. 12 against Leverett’s Chapel at Savoy.
The daughter of Charlie and Brandi Dunn, and the big sister to Reese, age 12, Kyler is a well-rounded athlete. She has been playing soccer virtually all her life and plays forward for the North Texas Celtic select soccer team.
“I don’t remember not playing soccer. I like you can get rough with people because you have to fight to win. I like that aspect. We practice at Corinth and play games at the University of Dallas,” explains Dunn.
It was a Saint Jo coach who heard about a junior high girl with soccer skills. The idea sparked a tryout for the football team that was in need of a kicker.

Read the full feature in the mid-week Bowie News and follow the Panthers’ playoff action in our sports section.

CORRECTION – The kicking photo in the Wednesday paper that was with the story on Kyler was incorrectly identified as her. We apologize for this error.

COUNTY LIFE

Forged in Fire heliopsis delivers in hot summer

Published

5 days ago

07/16/2026

bowienews

No plant has been more enjoyable in The Garden Guy’s trials than the Forged in Fire heliopsis or false sunflower. There have been a lot of varieties in recent years, but I am going to have to put this one on the must-have list.
Botanically speaking it is Heliopsis helioanthoides, native to the United States. Despite being native to 42 states, many new varieties, award winners and press coverage notwithstanding, it has not been an easy plant to find at the garden center.
Most likely you have never said, “Let’s go to the garden center and pick up a flat of false sunflowers.

Read the full Garden Guy column in today’s Bowie News.

COUNTY LIFE

Nokona Ballgloves hosting 100th birthday party

Published

5 days ago

07/16/2026

bowienews

The 100th anniversary celebration for Nokona American Ballgloves continues on July 18 with a community event starting at 11 a.m. at the old Nocona Boot Company building at 917 East U.S. Highway 82.
Enjoy free factory tours start at 8 a.m. and continuing every 15 minutes. The last tour will start about 11 a.m. Make sure to see the special $100,000 100th anniversary Nokona glove.
Drawings will take place every 30 minutes throughout the day, and enjoy hot dogs, Cracker Jack and apple pies. The retail store also will offer special discounts. Nokona is the only ballglove factory still operating in America, so take this opportunity to see up close how it works and learn about its unique history.

Pictured the bejeweled 100th anniversary glove on display at the Nokona Factory Museum.

COUNTY LIFE

Clothing drive to assist back to school families

Published

5 days ago

07/16/2026

bowienews

A free clothing drive is being coordinated by Bowie Independent School District to be offered during the Back to School Bash on Aug. 1.
As everyone prepares for a new school year, consider setting aside any new or gently used clothing your family no longer needs. The first Back-to-School Clothing Drive will help students and families shop for free during the bash.
Every donation—whether it’s a shirt, pair of jeans, shoes, or a jacket—helps ensure more students start the school year looking and feeling their best. All sizes, styles and brands are welcome.
Drop off your clothing donations at Bowie Junior High (501 E. Tarrant St.) from July 20–31 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Back to School Bash is 9 to 11 a.m. on Aug. 1.