News

Good day to you, all our faithful readers! Our question this week involves the federal government’s response to Hurricane Helene in Georgia and North Carolina, namely that of FEMA. To start, I am reminded of FEMA’s response around here to Hurricane Rita in Sabine County a few decades ago. Like Helene, Rita caught responders with their proverbial pants down, as they were ill prepared to handle the storm where it hit. This, to me anyway, shows that federal incompetence knows no political affiliation, but this latest administration’s response smacks of something sinister. I don’t know what it could be, I can’t quite put my finger on it. It’s like this administration is more determined to be SEEN helping disaster victims than just helping them. The fact that it is an election year hasn’t escaped me, as the hardest hit county went 55/45 for Trump in 2020. The surrounding counties have similar stats. Am I saying that their lack of a punctual response(two weeks)was on purpose? No, but I wouldn’t put anything past these crooks.

I-Spy Halloween Trail Texas Forestry Museum will have its I-Spy Halloween Trail again this year. Families are invited to hunt for Halloween characters and win fun prizes. It will be available starting on Saturday, October 19th through Tuesday, October 31st during museum hours. This is a free event, and we hope to see your family there!

The Sabine County Commissioners Court held a regular meeting on Tuesday (Monday was a holiday), October 15th, and after opening prayer and pledge to the flag, approved minutes from previous meeting. There were no line-item transfers or budget amendments to consider. The Court recognized the purchase of a good/used 2020 Kubota KX080-4SR3 Excavator by Pct.2 so it can be entered into the list of county equipment. Purchase price was below the required level for taking bids but several bids were looked at so the County could be sure of getting the best deal. The County is also looking at purchasing a triple axle tractor hauler (trailer) by Pct.1 but are still looking for the best deal, so no action taken on that purchase just yet.

How many of you readers believe in ghosts? How many are on the fence about this? How do we reconcile accounts of ghost sightings by honest, reputable people who evidently witnessed a strange event? I have never witnessed a ghost sighting personally, but have, I believe, been visited by angels, but that’s another story. Among the strangest ghost stories ever recorded happened in the unlikely state of Maine. I have nothing against Maine, but I do believe that if I were a ghost I would select a more populated area should I want to reveal myself.

Every once in a while, I hear or see something that reminds me of my father. He’s been gone for over 15 years, but his memory is still fresh in my mind.

It's that time of year when the Empty Stocking Program starts up and you can help a child receive a gift and have a happier Christmas. Please pick up your application for the Empty Stocking Program at any of the following locations after October 21st: • Salvation Army, 541 Starr St., Hemphill, Monday and Wednesday , 8 a.m.