Additional disaster assistance approved

Seven Texas counties have been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for grants for emergency work and replacement of disaster-damaged public infrastructure, after severe weather and flooding struck much of Deep East Texas, Gov. Gregg Abbott’s office reported.

Essays from West of 98

Author’s note: this essay was originally published in early June 2023. I am re-publishing it now partly to reach some of my new readers and partly because these thoughts are an important precursor to something new that is on my heart and mind.

Cows Love Chocolate Candy

Damon Albus makes high quality custom hats and leather goods in Abilene.He has customers in several states and a few foreign countries.I asked him how he got started.

2 Cents Worth

Good morning to all of you this wonderful Memorial Day this column this morning is going to be different!!!!!!This column is going to be in memory of all of you who have served our country by being in the armed forces and kept us free.

Carol's Kitchen

HOT FUDGE PUDDINGMy favorite when you say cocoa.

Eddie and the election

With so much to observe and comment on these days, my summer writing break is probably not well timed.New grandson Eddie will join the family in three weeks.

Faces & Places

“That's why we tell the stories.To ease the anxiety of being softskinned mortals. To inspire the soul to fathom eternity. To give order to what feels out of control. To guide, to blame, to warn, to shame.

HUMAN CYBORG RELATIONS

With the sound of graduation preparations filling the air, replacing the pressures associated with the winding down of any school year, it seemed fitting to write about how the ending of one of life’s chapters sets the stage for the next to begin.

Flood victims urged caution upon returning home

As East Texas residents return to clean up their homes and businesses after extensive flooding earlier this month, the Texas Department of State Health Services urged residents and business owners to exercise caution.

From Bank Janitor to Bank President

When Curtis Nelson was in high school at Melvin he played guard on the football team.“At that time Melvin had the longest winning streak: 31 wins without a loss,” says Curtis. “For two years at home games no one scored on Melvin.