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Cruising on the lake while dressed in red, white and blue makes for a nearly perfect Fourth of July — and having your furry friend by your side makes the day even more special. However, because lakes can be dangerous places for pets, owners should be prepared for the unexpected.

I've had an ongoing relationship with telephones for sixty years or more. Parts of this relationship have been cat fights and pitched battle while other aspects of my relationship have been filled with warm, fuzzy feelings.

As we approach the Fourth of July, we celebrate the anniversary of our nation's independence and honor those who have fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Whether you’re enjoying fireworks, grilling with family, or simply taking a day off, I wish you a safe and joyful Independence Day.

Sharlotte Hippler Hightower came to Pineland Park to share her love for art with some very excited campers. Check out Lone Star Shar Designs on Facebook for more pictures of a fabulous day and look for more to come in the fall. From Hightower, “What a fantastic day with such a talented group of fine young ladies! I can’t wait to come back in October for another one! A huge thanks to a few fine folks who wanted to sponsor a few of our painters, you know who you are, it was so great for these girls!” We agree! What talent and what joy to have a hometown artisan come back to share her gifts.

These 5 spent Wednesday through Friday attending the Area 9 Leadership Camp (ALC) held in Laneville at Pine Springs Baptist Church Camp. They learned valuable leadership skills, techniques, more about the FFA and how to be better leaders and how to get the most from their time in FFA. They now will get to demonstrate some of the passion and fire they have gained for FFA next week with 12 other West Sabine FFA officers and members at the 97th Texas State FFA Convention in Fort Worth. Those attending ALC were Tanner Worthy, Kambree Hall, Makayla Worry, Prestin White and Logan McGaughey.

Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), Senate Bill 23 (SB 23), and House Bill 9 (HB 9), a key part of the 89h Legislature's $10 billion property tax relief package, into law at the Robson Ranch Clubhouse in Denton, Texas. SB 4, and SB 23 authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) and championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, along with HB 9, authored by Chairman Morgan Meyer (R-Dallas) and sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Bettencourt. These property tax cuts will deliver meaningful tax relief statewide to homeowners, seniors, and small business owners and will take effect pending voter approval in the November 2025 constitutional amendment election. “Do you think your property taxes are too high? Well, so do I!

Hemphill’s favorite lakeside hangout is making a splashy return just in time for Independence Day. Bobbers at Six Mile is officially reopening on July 4th, and they’re celebrating with a full evening of live music, fireworks, and good old-fashioned summer fun. The crew has been working hard behind the scenes, setting up surprises and making sure every detail is just right. Festivities kick off with live music from the Joey Ward Band, followed by a stunning fireworks display over the lake around 9:30 p.m. When the restaurant closes at 6 p.m., the celebration keeps rolling with raffles, prize giveaways, and classic summer treats like hotdogs, funnel cakes, and cold drinks served right on the water. It’s a can’tmiss evening for families, friends, and anyone looking to make lakeside memories. Located at the heart of Six Mile Marina, Bobbers is the go-to spot for weekend diners, lake regulars, and folks just passing through. Come join the fun and celebrate this Fourth of July at Bobbers, located at 200 Six Mile Marina Loop, Hemphill, Texas 75948. The lake, the lights, and the laughter are waiting.

A heartfelt round of applause is in order for one of Sabine County’s most respected professionals. John B. “Squeaky” Starr, Jr., of Starr Funeral Home in Hemphill, has been honored by the Texas Funeral Directors Association (TFDA) for over 50 years of licensed service to East Texas families.