Nominations will be taken through May 24 for the May Yard of the Month award.
The winner will be published in the last paper of the month. Call 872-2247 to make a nomination or email it to [email protected]. If you email a nomination follow up with a phone call to make sure it arrives.
Sponsored by The Bowie News and Beautify Our Bowie, the contest winner gets to show off the brightly colored Yard of the Month sign in their yard during the month. A winner will be named for April, May and June.
The names of nominees may be submitted more than once throughout the contest if they are not a winner. Winners from last season will not be considered to allow for others to have an opportunity to participate.
Independent judges, which include experienced gardeners and some master gardeners, will tour the properties inside the city limits and submit their winning choice. This contest will recognize a beautiful yard which is not necessarily the most fancy or elaborate, but one that shows care and upkeep in their neighborhood. The goal is to encourage all residents to keep their properties clean and looking nice for everyone to enjoy.
Criteria will include ongoing maintenance of the landscaping and the yard. The yard needs to be clean and free of trash, junk or other unsightly objects. Grass and shrubs need to be maintained at reasonable levels. Hardscape also will be considered. Landscaping also will be considered, but should include not only annuals for the season, but permanent items such as shrubs or vines or decorative structures like a gazebo or benches.

Nocona and Saint Jo High Schools will be sending students to the state University Interscholastic League academics meet in Austin next week.
NHS had two students qualify after contests last weekend. Abby Hill, sophomore, placed first in feature writing and fourth in news writing. This was her first year to compete in journalism. Her first place win sends her to state in feature writing where she will compete on May 14.
Isaac Fulumana, junior, placed first in current events, and this also is his first year to compete. He had the highest score across the state on the regional test.
Fulumana placed third in literary criticism and this is his second year to compete at the state level in this category. He will compete on May 15. The school placed 12th overall out of 50 schools at regionals.
The Saint Jo spelling team are the regional champions and will compete at the state UIL contest. Its members include Maxey Johnson, Francesca Voth, Paola Sanchez and Bailie Nobile. Johnson was second place individual.
Other students competing at the Region 3 academic meet were Layla Polk, fifth place in persuasive speaking and Maxey Johnson, fifth in ready writing. Good luck to all of them.

(Pictured top) Saint Jo’s spelling team of Maxey Johnson, Francesca Voth Paola Sanchez and Bailie Nobile. (Right) Nocona’s Abby Hill and Isaac Fulumana.

Young ladies interested in competing for Miss Jim Bowie Days 2024 are invited to attend a mandatory pre-contest meeting at 4 p.m. May 18 at the Bowie Rodeo Arena (highway side).
This annual contest is open to girls ages 14-21 for Miss Jim Bowie and those 13 and under for Little Miss. An application and contestant photo will be due at that time. There is an application fee of $50 and a sponsorship fee of $100 (name of sponsor will be placed on their sash).
The Miss JBD contest will be on June 28 with horsemanship at 8 a.m. at the arena. A brunch will follow and time will be allotted to change clothes.
Contestants also will be required to ride Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the grand entry and rodeo; Saturday morning parade at 10:30 a.m. and attend every festivity during the festival.
Queen prizes will be a saddle certificate from Teskey’s, a $500 college scholarship, clothing allowance and more. Little Miss prizes include a saddle certificate from Teskey’s, clothing allowance and more.
For application forms or those with questions may call Rilla Brock, 817-228-6914 or Shalee Rater at 254-979-5780.