News

FINANCIAL FOCUS

News Staff

Thu, 12/22/2022 - 05:00

As the year winds down, your thoughts might drift to the future. And, as part of that future, you may be thinking of where your financial assets will end up. You’ve worked hard to accumulate them, and you’ll certainly need some of them to support your retirement, but what about the rest?

PLANNING A FISHING TRIP TO SASKATCHEWAN

News Staff

Thu, 12/22/2022 - 05:00

WITH LUKE CLAYTON TRIP TO SASKATCHEWAN As a young boy, I read about fishing up in remote lakes up in northern Saskatchewan for big northern pike, walleye and arctic grayling. I’d read all about the shore lunches, the cry of the loon, and battles with big northern pike.

Oh Christmas Tree, No Christmas Tree

News Staff

Thu, 12/22/2022 - 05:00

Big confession, which might not be such big news to regular readers of this column: I don’t do Christmas trees. I haven’t had one for more than a decade, and even before then, I didn’t feel it. I did manage to fake it, however.

When Did Christmas Lights Become So Popular?

News Staff

Thu, 12/22/2022 - 05:00

Holiday lights are now everywhere come the holiday season. Private homeowners tend to hang the holiday lights outside their homes around Thanksgiving weekend and keep them up through New Year’s Day.

How to Make Christmas Eve Special for Kids

News Staff

Thu, 12/22/2022 - 05:00

Christmas Eve is viewed differently by different people, even those who live under the same Santaready roof. Adults may see Christmas Eve as crunch time when they must prepare food for the next day or set up presents for their children to open in the morning.

How to Care for Winter Birds That Visit Your Yard

News Staff

Thu, 12/22/2022 - 05:00

The pristine, white backdrop of a snowy winter day can be a wonder to behold. While fresh snow on the ground can make for aweinspiring landscapes, the absence of greenery amid the starkness of winter poses challenges for animals that do not ride out winter in a state of hibernation.

The origins of “The 12 Days of Christmas”

News Staff

Thu, 12/22/2022 - 05:00

Christmas carols can be heard far and wide from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Day. “The 12 Days of Christmas” is one of the most recognizable carols, and for good reason, as the popular song can trace its history back several centuries.

Easy Ways to Cut Grocery Costs

News Staff

Thu, 12/15/2022 - 05:00

Consumers might not think it, but eggs are an expensive commodity. As of August 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average price of a dozen Grade A, large eggs was $3.12. Eggs are just one example of foods that have become significantly more costly over the last year or more.

Forney ISD’s Opportunity Central Reaches Milestone in Construction

News Staff

Thu, 12/15/2022 - 05:00

Gray skies provided the picture perfect setting for a Topping Out celebration on Thursday, Dec. 8 at the site of the new Keith Bell Opportunity Central, or The OC.

Representative Keith Bell Files Legislation to Rein in Runaway Homestead Appraisals

News Staff

Thu, 12/15/2022 - 05:00

On Friday, December 2, 2022, Representative Keith Bell (R-Forney) filed House Bill 868 to lower the maximum appraisal increase rate of homestead exempted properties from 10% to 3.5%. While local taxing authorities must hold an election to increase property tax revenues above 3.