COUNTY LIFE
Fall begins today!
Fall begins Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 3:21 p.m. EDT with the arrival of the Autumnal Equinox. After a scorching summer for many areas, cooler temperatures are always a welcome relief. So, when will this fall deliver some “sweater weather”? Here’s what we’re predicting.
The Farmers’ Almanac extended forecast for fall indicates that things will transition from rather warm and humid conditions in September to an unusually agitated and turbulent month of October. October for much of the country is usually the clearest and most tranquil month of the year.
There is an old saying in New England, for instance, that October usually has 19 fair days. That might normally be true, but 2021 will be the exception—not the rule—with quite a few cloudy, windy, and showery days. That will set the stage for November, which will only be an extension of October’s unsettled weather pattern, except it will be turning colder.
We’ve all been gradually losing daylight since the summer solstice, and this is Mother Nature’s cue to begin the process of the changing of colors of deciduous tree leaves. Weather plays a role in the intensity of fall foliage colors. “Drought is the enemy of a good fall,” says biology professor Howard Neufeld of Appalachian State University in North Carolina. “The trees have to be in a healthy state, not water-stressed, heading into the season.”
In New England—where many will be making the trek to view fall foliage— many parts of Maine and Northern New Hampshire are experiencing abnormally dry conditions, which may affect the vibrancy of colors.
Before winter officially arrives on Dec. 21, at 10:59 a.m. EST, we’re predicting a few of our weather zones will see some light wintry precipitation in mid-November and early December. In fact, our first mention of “wet snow” comes in October in the Northeast and Great Lakes zones!
Whatever your plans are for Thanksgiving this year, you’ll want to know the weather so you’ll be prepared. To get a detailed weather outlook for your holidays and the remainder of 2021, be sure to check out our long-range weather planner for your zone here. And get advance weather forecasts for the year ahead, order a copy of the 2022 Farmers’ Almanac, on store shelves now.
Information from the Farmer’s Almanac.
COUNTY LIFE
Nocona City Council may reconsider golf cart registration fee
The Nocona City Council gave its budget proposal a final once-over before setting a public hearing for it and the proposed tax rate for Sept. 9 at 8 a.m.
Council members also heard from Blake McNew who is against the recently approved fee and registration process for golf carts and related vehicles.
Last month the council approved an ordinance that set forth registration requirements for these vehicles with a $50 registration fee. After several close calls and complaints from downtown business people and citizens on near misses with ATVs and golf carts driving unsafely downtown the council took the step to add the ordinance.
City Secretary Revell Hardison said after some discussion the council asked for it to be back on next month’s agenda with possible consideration for repealing the fee. After some research she added a person can go through the state to obtain a license plate for these vehicles and the local sticker would not be needed.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
COUNTY LIFE
School ratings strong across area
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The staff of Texas Education Agency on Aug. 14 announced the release of 2026 A-F Accountability Ratings for public school systems and campuses across the state.
Almost all of the school districts in the county saw their district ratings increase or remain consistent, along with some of their campuses.
There were 1,202 districts and 9,105 campuses rated in 2026. Some 24% of both districts and campuses increased in rating compared to 2025.
Read the full story and see all the county ratings in your Thursday Bowie News.
2026 state accountability ratings
Bowie Independent School District – B, 80 of 100 points
Elementary/intermediate – C, 74
Junior high – B, 84
High school – B, 86
Bellevue ISD – A, 92
Forestburg ISD – B, 82
Gold-Burg ISD – C, 76
Montague ISD – A, 93
Nocona ISD – B, 86
Elementary – B, 80
Middle school – C, 79
High school – A, 94
Prairie Valley ISD – B, 88
Saint Jo ISD – B, 82
Elementary – D, 66
High school – A, 92
COUNTY LIFE
Clear the Shelter this Saturday in Bowie
Friends of the Bowie Animal Shelter will host the annual Clear the Shelter event from 8 a.m. to noon on Aug. 22.
The shelter is located at 1508 E. Wise. While this is a nationwide effort to recognize the work of animal shelters, their staff and volunteers, this also is a chance to support their efforts by attending the bake sale, silent auction and food vendors.
Adoptable dogs from the Bowie shelter as well as Easy Street Shelter of Saint Jo, Lucky Paws in Nocona and McCares of Montague will be present.
If your family is considering adopting a pet this would be a great time to visit with the animals and meet the volunteers who can tell you a bit about the animals. Prospective volunteers also are welcome, so ask your questions.
Staff from Cross Timbers Vet will be giving reduced price vaccinations.
There will be a prize drawing at noon for a bounce house and a Turtle Box speaker. Tickets are $5 each for a chance to win either prize. Drawing at noon.
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