COUNTY LIFE

Bowie bands have successful week; 4th year for sweepstakes

Published

3 years ago

03/30/2024

The Bowie Independent School District band program had successful competitions this week as the high school band earned sweepstakes for the fourth year in a row.
High school and the junior high bands traveled to Argyle for Region 2 University Interscholastic League concert and sightreading contests.
The high school and junior high white bands competed on Tuesday. BHS Director German Torres said the band earned straight division one ratings (superior) from all six judges. This was their fourth consecutive year to win sweepstakes, which encompasses the band’s division one rating from fall marching contest plus concert and sight reading.
The BJH White band, directed by Robert Frick received an excellent division on stage for concert and a superior in sight reading. The BJH maroon band earned a division one in both.
The directors said they were super proud of all the kids for all their hard work and musicianship they have put into their performances this year.

COUNTY LIFE

Texans encouraged to participate in flag placement ceremonies for Veterans Day

Published

5 minutes ago

11/05/2026

bowienews

AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board (VLB) Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is encouraging Texans to attend Flag Placement Ceremonies at VLB Cemeteries throughout Texas to honor the brave men and women who served our nation this Veterans Day.

Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen

If you would like to participate and honor the brave men and women who served our nation, flag placements are happening at the following locations and flags will be provided on-site. No RSVP is needed:

Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
11463 Fort Hood Street
Killeen, Texas 76542

Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
2520 Inspiration Road
Mission, Texas 78572

Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene
Friday, November 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
7457 W. Lake Road
Abilene, Texas 79601

Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
9974 IH 37 Access Road
Corpus Christi, Texas 78410

COUNTY LIFE

‘Officer Bob’ retires after 34 years

Published

4 hours ago

11/05/2026

bowienews

Bob Blackburn has fondly been called “Officer Bob,” for many years and it is a moniker he is happy to carry, spending more than 30 years working with the schools through local law enforcement.
Officer Bob has a heart for service he has shared through a total of 34 years in law enforcement, a lengthy career that comes to an end Oct. 30 as he retires after 25 years with the Bowie Police Department. He will continue as a reserve with the BPD and also wants to substitute teach.
“It’s time. I want to enjoy my kids and grandchildren, picking them up at school and going to games. I have loved working here and there has been an honest effort to get me not to retire, but I am in a good spot,” explains Blackburn one week from retirement.

Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.

(Top photo – Bob Blackburn hugs Mayor Gaylynn Burris as he receives a Bowie Knife plaque at his retirement party Oct. 30.)

COUNTY LIFE

Councilors approve park path project

Published

5 hours ago

11/05/2026

bowienews

The Bowie City Council approved a $950,000 project to improve the walking path at Pelham Park on Oct. 27.
Bowie Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Janis Crawley said the upcoming project will repave 26,277 square feet of pathway in concrete, spanning about 0.6 miles in length.
The work covers the trail section northeast of the Blade, curving past the soccer fields and toward the swimming pool.
Another section goes around the pool and sport courts, then back down toward the Blade. The project will also widen the trail section to eight feet and add a new 36-foot bridge.

Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.