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The ubiquitous nature of weeds can make them seem like they can grow anywhere, and that’s because they can. Weeds can grow anywhere there’s room for them to sprout, including gardens, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. One of the things that helps weeds spread so much is how productive they can be at producing seeds. An actively growing weed plant will produce thousands of seeds and disperse those seeds throughout the season. One of the more recognizable weeds is the dandelion. During its growing season, a dandelion can effectively spread its seeds thanks in large part to the wind, which can blow seeds all over, thereby allowing a single dandelion to spread its seeds far and wide. Penn State Extension notes that successful weed plants share many characteristics, including an ability to reproduce both sexually and asexually. Successful weed plants also are clever in terms of getting around, as their seeds can attach to people and animals and even float on water. Weeds also put up a fight when they’re confronted by humans. Humans who try to pull weeds may instead break them. The broken weeds can then resprout, ultimately spreading their seeds again. The resiliency of weeds also is evident in their ability to stay dormant for long periods of time. For example, weeds can stay in the soil for years before germinating, proving that these unwelcome guests aren’t just pesky, but also patient.

The new year - January as a month - is a time for reflection. To assess our progress in life: where we were, where we are and where we are going.

Pruning dead plant material can cause more harm through winter

Longtime supporter of the Forney Area United Way, Smurfit Kappa’s Forney Mill donated yet again in 2022. Through the company’s campaign, during which employees pledged to contribute, the grand total of Smurfit Kappa’s donation was $36,806. This generous contribution was recently presented by Bob Brown, Vice President of Mills, to the Forney Area United Way, which was represented by President Darrell Grooms.

County Officials Sworn in During Special January 1st Meeting

A college education is an investment in one’s future. But the costs associated with attending a college or university can vary greatly, particularly based on the type of institution, so it benefits students to shop around. According to a study by CreditKarma, conducted with data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost of tuition and fees at a four-year private not-for-profit college in the United States is $33,230, whereas a fouryear public college averages $10,557. Public colleges, also referred to as “state schools,” can vary in price even further depending on the residency status of students. Students who reside in the state in which the college is located can expect to pay that $10,557 rate. However, out-of-state undergraduates at public colleges and universities will have an average cost of $24,847 for the same school. According to a 2021 College Board report, out-of-state students can expect to pay anywhere from double to three times the in-state sticker price. It can behoove students to establish residency where they plan to attend college or to apply to state schools where they live. To qualify for the lower price, in-state prospective students must meet various residency requirements, which vary by school and generally involve living in the state for a certain period of time prior to enrolling. Documentation such as a driver’s license, vehicle registration or proof of permanent primary residence are often needed.

Many people do not realize that the Christmas song, ”The Twelve Days of Christmas” starts on Christmas Day and ends on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. The parable of the gifts bestowed upon the true love mirrors the gifts that the donors to the Forney Education Foundation bestow upon the district as a whole. The various items really reflect all the different areas that the district has put into motion with all of the career pathways that are available to the students in Forney. So in that spirit (and still on-time!) I offer you this: On the twelfth day of Christmas, My true love gave to me Twelve readers reading, Eleven pipers piping (in the band room!), Ten bakers baking, Nine actors acting, Eight welders welding, Seven ceramists a-kilning Six robotics teams competing, Five Founders Believing!

Goodbye old year. You were a decent year, I don’t care what they say about you. Yeah, a lot of crummy stuff happened in 2022. But a lot of good stuff happened in 2022.

And Tears came to my eyes!

The Dallas-based airline has canceled more flights than any other airline during the holidays, prompting federal investigators to ask why.

It Took 30 Years for Me to Notice the BIG Change!

Forney student makes Honor Roll at Oregon State University

City of Mesquite employees raised almost $40,000 for local charities as a part of the 2022 Real. Texas. Giving. Campaign. In the past five years City employees have donated nearly $250,000 through the campaign to local charitable organizations, programs and services that support the Mesquite community.