COUNTY LIFE
Sunset veteran surprised with medal 63 years after discharge
United States Navy veteran Wayne McConnell of Sunset served nearly four years from 1955-59, but it took 63 years for him to receive some sort of recognition for his service as well as veteran’s benefits he was entitled to, but could not seem to get.
On March 7, the 86-year-old veteran was surprised at the Wise County Veteran’s Service Office with the presentation of a Good Conduct Medal from Wise County Judge J.D. Clark and VSO Blake Walls. It was an emotional moment for the veteran who when discharged charge never received any recognition for his service in the Pacific.
McConnell worked in a high-level security clearance area, and he believes that status is what prevented him from divulging his service information in order to receive his benefits or the medal after he retired.
Read the full story on the surprise presentation of a medal and fulfillment of his veteran’s benefits in the weekend Bowie News.
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
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.
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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