February has been known as the Month of Love since the time of the Romans and has been celebrated throughout history in many different ways. Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to record St. Valentine’s Day as a day of romance in his 1375 poem, “Parliament of Foules”.
The season for filing 2022 taxes began, January 24, and while some Texas residents are planning on submitting their own returns, others are reaching out to reputable tax preparers for assistance. With roughly three months remaining until the filing deadline of Apr. 18 for general tax returns, Better Business Bureau reminds residents to be wary of con artists and unethical businesses who claim to specialize in tax preparation.
Some branches and limbs may need added support to protect from breakage as ice accumulates from a freeze. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Sam Craft)
Winter is the time to continue to stagger plantings of leafy greens, leaf lettuce, kale and collards. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Laura McKenzie)
Dropped leaves can be gathered and utilized as part of your mulch. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Laura McKenzie)
A citrus tree after a freeze. Plants may need extra protection against freezes after experiencing a mild few weeks at the start of the year and new growth may be affected. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Courtney Sacco)
Tips from AgriLife Extension on encouraging root systems, winter plantings, fruit trees
Congratulations to North Forney High School student, Mark Noriega, for his acceptance to the School of Art Institute in Chicago (SAIC) and being awarded the Presidential Scholarship, their highest merit scholarship.
Casino gambling and sports betting are again before the state Legislature in 2023. Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman/The Texas Tribune
Gambling legalization advocates in Texas are going all in again this legislative session, confident that they have built more support since their efforts came up far short in 2021.
Tickets are available now for Lone Star CASA’s 3rd Annual Bunco & Bubbles on March 25th at 10am. The fun will take place at Hidden Creek in Heath, TX.
Texas ranks first in the nation in over-the-year jobs added, with 650,100 positions gained in 2022. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the state not only had the largest absolute increase in jobs added, but also attained the highest percent of seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs added over the year at 5.0 percent. In comparison, United States’ job growth expanded by 3.0 percent.
February 2 is Groundhog Day for most of America, but for me it is my Auntie Ann’s birthday.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death across the globe. According to the World Health Organization, ischaemic heart disease is responsible for 16 percent of the world’s total deaths. The WHO also points out that, between 2000 and 2019, deaths due to ischaemic heart disease rose by more than two million.
The average home is full of potentially poisonous items. From cleaning products to medications to foods and beverages, a host of items around the house can make a person sick or prove fatal.
The City of Forney’s Animal Shelter is currently at maximum capacity and is looking for residents to adopt. For the remainder of January, the Forney Animal Shelter is offering half-price adoptions. For just $35, community members can adopt available animals which includes vaccinations and spay/neuter.
Freeze damaged pansies in College Station. (Texas A&M photo by Courtney Sacco)
It is easier to determine the conditions of trees and plants affected by a freeze and it is best to wait to remove damage once warmer weather arrives. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Sam Craft)
Tips from AgriLife Extension on pruning damage, cool-weather annuals, spring garden planning
White Rhino Coffee (WRC) and the Forney Independent School District (FISD) have joined forces to offer students and the community a robust coffee experience while teaching students the trade and building skills of future graduates. Forney ISD’s Opportunity Central opening this fall is the newest education model to feature innovative career training, college programs and community engagement events. White Rhino Coffee is the first to announce their partnership with the district.
With the warm weather conditions happening this January, thanks to the La Nina winter, many of the “weeds” that bloom in spring are growing and coming back after every temperature dip near freezing. One of the most stalwart are dandelions. Dandelions often get an unfair assessment for just being weeds, when, in fact, they play a vital role for wild bee populations, as well as other pollinators like butterflies and moths. When bees emerge from the hive, they are extremely hungry and need pollen and nectar to start their job of gathering for the hive–and dandelions provide that, even in January.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 936, Forney, TX 75126
Physical Address: 201 W. Broad St., Forney, TX 75126
Phone: 972-564-3121
Fax: 972-552-3599
