COUNTY LIFE
Nocona graduate killed in multiple-fatality crash near Andrews Tuesday
A horrific multiple-fatality accident outside Andrews on Tuesday night, claimed the life of Nocona High School 2021 graduate Laci Stone, along with eight others.
Members of the University of the Southwest golf team were traveling from a tournament in Midland when the head-on collision occurred nine miles from Andrews, northwest of Midland. There were deaths in both vehicles.
Stone’s mother Chelsi Stone, Laci’s mother, posted a heartbreaking notice of her death on her Facebook page. While in high school the youth athlete took part in multiple sports and was well-known in the community. She was a freshman at the University of the Southwest.
The crash occurred shortly after 8 p.m. when the bus carrying the team was struck by a Dodge 2500 pickup after it reportedly drove into the northbound lane on Farm-to-Market 1788 reports the Department of Public Safety.
The crash took the lives of six students, their coach Tyler James and the person who was driving the university vehicle. Two people were transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
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.
COUNTY LIFE
Hot, dry weather continues
National Weather Service Fort Worth report: We’re closing down the work week with another round of HOT and DRY weather. Much of the area will see an elevated fire weather threat again today! A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 pm this evening. More heat headlines likely this weekend and early next week
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