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.
Take time to remember all those who gave all for our freedoms in America. The Bowie News staff wishes you a safe and happy holiday day weekend this Memorial Day. The News office will be closed on Monday for the holiday.
AUSTIN – With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start to summer boating season, Texas Game Wardens are preparing for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year and reminding Texans and visitors alike to put safety first before heading out on the water.
In 2025, Texas recorded 178 reportable boating incidents that resulted in 50 fatalities and 77 serious injuries. Eighty-four percent of those who died in boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket. Texas Game Wardens also made 223 Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) arrests last year.
“Memorial Day weekend is when many families get back on the water for the first time this year,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, director of Law Enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Before you leave the dock, take a few minutes to make sure your life jackets are on board, your boat is properly equipped and you have designated a sober operator.”
Texas Game Wardens encourage boaters to keep the following in mind before launching:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children younger than 13 are required to wear one while underway.
- Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The operator must wear the lanyard or have the engine cut-off switch fob on their person when operating a boat equipped with one.
- Operate at a safe speed and maintain a proper lookout.
- Take a boater education course. It is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993.
- Check the weather before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Leave a float plan with someone you trust.
- Don’t overload your boat.
“Boating should be fun,” said VanderRoest. “A little planning and some common sense help keep it that way.”
Renting a Boat or Personal Watercraft
If you plan to rent a boat or personal watercraft, choose a licensed vessel livery (a business establishment engaged in renting or hiring out vessels for profit).
By law, vessel liveries must provide all required safety equipment, explain how to operate the vessel, review applicable boating laws and have the operator sign a form acknowledging they received this information. They are also required to carry liability insurance.
Before leaving the dock, renters should make sure the vessel has enough life jackets for everyone on board and that they understand basic operating rules, including those specific to personal watercraft.
Personal Watercraft Safety
Personal watercraft, including jet skis, are subject to special laws in Texas. Operators and passengers must always wear a life jacket, the operator must use the engine cut-off switch, and these vessels may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. Operators must also stay at least 50 feet from other vessels, people and the shore unless traveling at headway speed.
“Whether you’re launching your own boat or renting one for the day, take the time to understand the rules and make safety part of your plan,” said VanderRoest. “If you take safety seriously from the start, you’re far less likely to need help later.”
For more information about boating laws, required equipment and boater education courses, visit the TPWD Boater Education Program at tpwd.texas.gov/boatereducation.
Starting at noon on May 25 at The V (VFW) in Nocona there will be a program for the Memorial Day featuring speakers, cannons and a rifle team.
There will be a Memorial Day Celebration Dinner at 5 p.m. on May 25 at the Nocona Senior Citizens Center (Carpenter Shop).
Call for reservations at 940-825-3148. The meal will include barbecue ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and ice team. Adults are $10 and children $5.
Proceeds benefit the senior center and the Meals on Wheels program at Nocona.
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