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Today we are introducing you to Steller Teller honoree Kelsey Wood who serves at our Hemphill location. We’re proud to have tellers like Kelsey at Southside. “Kelsey has great customer skills, is friendly, and has a smile that is contagious. There are customers that will wait in line for her to do their transactions. She strives each day to do the best she can by helping those in front of her or on the phone. She is ambitious, a quick learner, and wants to know more” shared Jesse Watson, AVP- Branch Manager.

It is no small secret that cancel culture would like to eradicate Columbus Day. In a trend that began long before the recent disfiguring and dismantling of historical monuments, academic elites have whittled away Columbus’s reputation as a heroic explorer. They have targeted Columbus as the preeminent symbol of race-based colonization- the architect of global exploitation and suppression. These unrelenting attacks on Columbus, however, go far beyond the mere correction of historical interpretation. They have become emblematic of the larger political discussion of how the living should deal with the sins of the past. History has become a vortex of polarized, political discussion. Sadly, in all the political jargon and heated rhetoric, we miss the golden opportunity historical figures like Columbus provide: the opportunity to practice forgiveness.

The Wednesday 6 Mile Garden Club meeting had a full schedule, with three guests on hand with information, projects, and the opportunity to take home plants you didn't know you needed. 6 Mile VFD Chief Jeff Wheatley spent a few minutes explaining how the burn ban information is gathered by the Forrest Service, and how the County Commissioners Court reviews that information along with reports from our nine Volunteer Fire Departments befor making the final decision on enacting, or cancelling a burn ban. The extended period of dry weather we have been experiencing will be keeping the burn ban in place until we begin to see an extended stretch of measurable rain. Be patient, and stick with your propane grill if you need to cook supper outside.

With Fire Prevention Week running from October 9-15th, West Sabine Elementary sponsored a visit from members of the 6 Mile and Pineland Volunteer Fire Departments. Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders started the afternoon presentation by listening to Pineland VFD Chief Joe Lane as he went through a few safety tips that should be followed in case of a fire at home. From having working smoke detectors to have, and practicing, more than one plan on how to exit in case of a fire, or what to do if you are unable to exit, to the revised plan to follow in case your clothing is on fire. 'Stop, drop, and roll' has had a fourth step added, making the plan 'stop, drop, cover your face, and roll'. Covering your face serves two purposes...it cuts down on the amount of smoke you may be inhaling, and it will also help protect your face and eyes from heat damage.

The first six weeks of school has been completed at Hemphill Elementary School. Students making the honor roll for this grading period are listed here. ALL A’S Kindergarten: Averie Alvarado, Luca Bagala, Corbyn Beall, Legacy Bennett, Carter Boyte, Elijah Brittain, Aubrie Byrd, Jadan Cox, Claire Crowell, Tucker Durbin, Gavin Elizondo, Clara Felts, Brian Flores, Madilyn Griffin, Grace Horton, Hunter Howell, Kysen Key, Gabriel Lyons, Blaine McDaniel, Haizelee Meshell, Kace Noble, Justice Presley, Gracelynn Randle, John Ratcliff, Rayleigh Richard, Roger Rosas, Vivian Schafer, Charley Snodgrass, Gracelynn Stewart, John Sutton, Brenleigh Thomas, Korinaa Tran, Riley Van Winkle, Lauren Watkins, Layson Weathered, Riley Wells, Aubrey Williams, and Paisley Wilson.