December 28, 2020 - Another New Year’s Day is upon us and, as Southerners, we will be eating the symbolic meal of Hoppin’ John to assure a happy and prosperous new year filled with good luck. Most of you are familiar with the dish usually made with black-eyed peas (Texas Caviar), rice, chopped onion, and sliced bacon, all seasoned with a bit of salt. This dish has an interesting history.

December 22, 2020 - Increased wildfire potential is expected across much of the state early this week due to approaching dry cold fronts and high temperatures. Dry fuel conditions will expand north from the southern Hill Country into the Rolling Plains, southern High Plains, eastern Hill Country and Cross Timbers regions this week, aligning with the pre- and post-frontal winds to create an increase in potential wildfire activity.

"Marriage is honorable in all…..." Hebrews 13:4

December 21, 2020 - In 1975 I built a gun shop in Lumberton, Texas. It was located on busy Highway 96...the perfect location for the people on their way to and from work at Beaumont’s Chemical plants. That year I also took some night courses at Lamar University to work towards my Master's Degree.

December 17, 2020 - USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) helped farmers, livestock producers and foresters weather a tough 2020, marked with a pandemic and natural disasters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, FSA continued to deliver farm programs to producers through phone and online tools, using social distancing guidelines. The agency also provided extra flexibilities to its programs, adjusting reporting dates and loan processing timelines, and continued to expand technology and streamline services to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. 

December 17, 2020 - East Texas Communities Foundation is currently accepting applications from East Texas students for seventy-seven scholarships to be awarded for the 2021-2022 academic year. To assist applicants determine which scholarships they are most likely eligible for, ETCF has provided a time-saving matching tool. All scholarship hopefuls should use the General Matching Tool while students majoring in visual arts, art history, music, music education, theater, or dance should also use the Arts Matching Tool.