News

Texas watermelon growers are reporting very good yields and high quality this year, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Producers in both of the state’s primary growing regions, the Rio Grande Valley and Winter Garden, report a strong season with minimal issues producing the summertime-favorite melon.

Milk prices remain in a slump even as Texas dairy production and consumer demand continue to rise, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Summertime is typically good for dairy producers as rising temperatures typically translate into higher demand and reduced production going into the dog days of summer.

We all know that drunk driving is dangerous and yet people still choose to get behind the wheel impaired, causing on average of 65 alcohol-related crashes every day last year on Texas roadways. Three Texans died daily in 2023 as a result — their lives extinguished at the hands of those who never thought they would be responsible for a roadside tragedy.

Champion Oaks Ranch put on the 2nd annual 3 day Equine Camp on July 3rd at the Sabine County Expo Center for kids in the HISD school district who are suffering behavioral issues. The Champion Oaks Ranch program provides children and their families constant and much needed support and guidance through their therapeutic equine program. They help families experiencing conflict resulting from tragic life events such as death, divorce, absentee parents, parental or marital issues, addiction, communication problems, broken relationships, depression, social environments, outbursts, anger and many other challenges. They believe there is hope and opportunity for healing. Edeska Barnes, First Judicial District Juvenile Probation Chief, states 'Too often our youth are challenged with deficits in interpersonal and social/emotional skills evidenced by at-risk behaviors and are becoming more and more involved with delinquency, truancy, dropping out of school, and/or being referred to the juvenile justice system. Relationships between parents and children can be crucial in promoting positive outcomes for the children. We see negative parental attitudes, lack of cohesiveness, and/or simply being uninvolved can lead to detrimental outcomes for both the child and his or her parents.

Americans know how to celebrate the 4th of July in many ways! This neighborhood parade consisted of multiple modes of transportation decorated to the hilt as the PHVFD escorted them through the streets of Rebel Ridge and Riverbend subdivisions.

The 10th Annual 4th of July Family gathering was held at Camp Nana and had it's very own parade that consisted of decorated side-by-sides, 4 wheelers, golf carts, go-carts, stick horses and motorcycles, and were led by the parade Grand Marshall Weldon McDaniel on his (3 years younger than him, Hee-haw) Farm-all tractor. There was BBQ, refreshments, swimming and a fireworks show.

If you enjoy nonsense, you will love NUNSENSE 2: THE SECOND COMING opening this weekend at the Hemphill Little Theatre. Watch five nuns cavort, sing, and toss around zingers. Before the show , shop at By Local and have lunch or dinner at the Humble Spoon Dinner on show nights except Saturday. The storyline is ridiculous… in a good way. Five nuns decide to raise funds for their order after 52 residents of their convent die of food poisoning. There are four bodies in the freezer that need to be buried. Selling greeting cards raised the necessary funds, but Mother Superior Mary Regina blew the money on a Smart TV. The nuns decide to put on a variety show to recover their losses.

Last night, my husband, Peter, and I went to see the play “Come From Away.” I read about it last year, waited for the day tickets were available, and bought the very best cheap seats I could buy.

I love going to the theater more than almost anything, so you might be surprised to learn my husband is not much of a theatergoer. I’ve learned, over the years, if I ask him months in advance, he imagines the date will never come and agrees to go with me—and that’s what he did when I asked him last December about this show. The show came to town last night. Peter is a good sport.