assumes no responsibility for the return of any material without written preauthorization. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, scanned, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Postcards Magazine™ and/or its publisher. Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are
October is the month of scary things—haunted houses, ghosts, goblins, and spiders bigger than they have any right to be. But I’ve recently discovered something even scarier than all of those combined: the magnifying mirror. I’ve always been content with my regular bathroom mirror. It gives me just the right amount of honesty. It lets me know if my hair is brushed, if my makeup is somewhat even, and (most importantly) if I’ve avoided the dreaded lipstick-on-theteeth situation. That’s really all I need to know before heading out the door.
But the other day, for reasons I still can’t explain or remember, I pulled out the magnifying mirror. Big mistake. Huge. Suddenly, every wrinkle…every fine line…and every stray eyebrow hair I didn’t even know existed jumped out like a Halloween monster. I was staring at my own face in high-definition horror.
And here’s the kicker: I know I have recently rolled into my 60s, and I’ve made peace with the idea that life leaves its marks on us. But there’s something about seeing those marks magnified ten times over that just doesn’t feel necessary. So, I’ve made a new rule: nobody needs to get any closer to me than my bathroom mirror allows. That’s close enough—for your protection and for mine.
Of course, the truth is, those little lines mean I’ve laughed a lot, squinted at countless sunsets, and lived long enough to earn every single one. And maybe that’s the real lesson tucked inside the scare—sometimes we don’t need a magnifying glass to remind us of who we are.
Because some things should stay reserved for October scares…not for my morning routine. So if you walk up to talk to me and I take a step back, now you’ll know why!
Until next time,
From now on, all conversations with me must be held at bathroommirror distance
Thank you for publishing "Daddy's Pocketknife" in the September issue. I've heard from many friends sharing stories of their father's pocketknife.
Glynda Turner
Please accept my sincere appreciation for sharing the feature I wrote about Texas rivers. It has only been in print for a couple of weeks, and I have already had numerous calls, including at least one person who has joined the Texas River Protection Agency as a result of the article being shared.
Dan Houlihan
Since Postcards shared the article on our program to make benches from recycled stretchable plastic, our donations have increased! We even recently received a call from an organization in St. Louis, Missouri who had read about us and our program in Postcards and wanted information on how to get started with the program for their group. Your magazine has an impressive reach! Thanks for valuing community.
Noah Speer, Huntsville Lions Club
Thank you to Karen for speaking from the heart at the CASA Amplifying Advocacy Conference. Summed up, the traits it takes to foster and adopt a child are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Isn't that the truth? At least that's what I got from your talk.
Tonie Sikes
Our attorneys have been staples of the legal community in Walker County and surrounding counties for many years. We will walk you through each step of the legal process to help ensure you achieve the best results possible. At Haney, Paschal & Romoser, we are here for you.
Specializing in:
• Custom Home and Wastewater Treatment System Installer
• Wastewater Maintenance Provider
• Home Remodeling
• Concrete Construction, Paving, Refinishing, Removal, Resurfacing and Repair.
• …and more!
BY KATHERINE E. STEPHENS | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
Managers have an important job – building a support team, setting goals and objectives, overseeing performance, and much more. Imagine managing an entire city! Scott Swigert is a husband, a father, a man of deep faith, and he is energetic about stepping into the position of Huntsville City Manager. Swigert is hopeful and excited about the future of our beloved community!
Share a little about your background and your past government experience.
We moved to College Station when I was in junior high school. So, I went to Blinn College first, then Texas A&M, where I obtained a parks and recreation/tourism science degree.
My first municipal position was with the City of Brenham. I started off as concession supervisor, then recreation supervisor coordinator, and then superintendent. You know, just kind of worked my way up as we were developing the recreational aspects there. I had the opportunity to be involved and help build the Blue Bell Aquatic Center and Hope Park. From there, I went to Midland and was the recreation manager there and oversaw all the parks and recreation aspects. I also
began working on my master’s degree in public administration at UT-Permian Basin. Next, I went on to Deer Park and became the parks recreation director for the city. During this time, I was able to finish my master’s degree online. After that, I had the opportunity to go to Mont Belvieu and be their assistant city manager. And then, I served as the city manager in Cleveland until this opportunity in Huntsville came about!
Coming from the parks & recreation path, I learned how to communicate well with the public, as well as others (both inside and outside city organizations) who were on and working with our team.
Do you see any unique challenges of being here in Huntsville?
Every city is different, and every city has its benefits, and it has its challenges, so I’m able to take what I’ve learned in the past and apply it. Having a parks and recreation background is very
important to me when you’re looking at running a city, because parks and recreation is about quality of life. And that’s one of the things that is important for our community and our families. We’re trying to make it to where people want to come back here. The kids who grew up here may go off to college, but we want them to come back and raise their family here.
What do we have in Huntsville that can entice those college students to stay here and raise their families here, become part of our community, and invest back in our community? And so that quality of life aspect is huge when we try to figure out in what areas we need to improve. We just did a Parks Recreation Master Plan and just adopted it a couple of council meetings ago. It addresses the fact that we’ve got a good amount of park land and park facilities, but we need to enhance those. They’ve been around for a long time, and they need to be upgraded and transformed and improved. And
we need to meet the needs of our community—for all age groups.
Speaking of needs, what are your thoughts on the growth happening here in our area?
I see a lot of similarities between where Huntsville is now and where College Station was when I was growing up. We’re in a position here in Huntsville that the growth is coming. And I mean, everybody can see it for sure. It’s headed in this direction, right? It’s coming right up 45. It’s already gone past Conroe, and it’s coming here. We’ve got to be prepared for that. So, unfortunately, water, sewer, water plants, treatment plants, your roads— those are all very costly infrastructure not only to maintain, but to expand and to add new ones. We have beautiful landscapes and elevations in our area, but that also translates into drainage problems—erosion and flood-prone areas to mitigate.
We are an older city, and that means we have a lot of older infrastructure. How do we get in front of that as growth is coming? We’re working on that; we’re looking for every grant opportunity we can. We’ve got a good team in place. We’re working with Sam Houston State University right now to find additional grants and apply for additional funding that can help us prepare for the future. We just received a federal grant for $1 million to help with one of our plants.
We’re blessed. You know, so many places in the state don’t have water or don’t have the capacity for water. We’ve got plenty of water, which is great for us! We’ve got a great agreement and a partnership with the Trinity River Authority. We’re about to replace that main line coming in, and upgrades are happening. We’ve got the water capacity, and we’ve got wells that are backup we can utilize in case
We’re blessed . So many places in the state don’t have water or don’t have the capacity for water. We’ve got plenty!
something happens to those main lines. So, we’ve got plenty of water for future growth!
One of the things is downtown. We want to enhance the downtown area and improve upon it, get more people coming downtown. We want to revitalize it. So, we’re going to do our part. Not only are we trying to invest in the sidewalks, but we’re also doing
some other improvements as well. Many have seen the new murals. We want to promote the downtown businesses. We’re increasing the opportunity for those businesses to make some improvements, too. We also want to maintain and improve our historic, arts and entertainment, and cultural attractions.
It takes all of us working together. We’re working with Walker County, we’re working with the Chamber of Commerce, working with Sam Houston
State University. It’s not all about just Huntsville. Bringing business and bringing people to Walker County will improve and enhance Huntsville as well, because they’re going to do their shopping here; they’re going to come to school here; banking, restaurants and grocery stores. We all want Huntsville to grow and be successful, and we want it
to be a better place for our families that are here now and those to come. There are a lot of positives and partnerships coming together at the same time. We are blessed. We just have to figure out how to put it all together and make the most of it. There are some big things ahead for Huntsville, and it’s an exciting time.
What are you and your family personally enjoying being in Huntsville so far?
Well, this is six months now, so for about five months I was driving back and forth. We now have a house here in
Huntsville, and Jennifer and I wanted to make sure that our twin sons were in school here and getting involved. They’re playing football right now, so they’re getting acclimated. We’re going through the challenge of trying to find a church, so visiting different churches. Where’s that perfect fit? Where does God want us to be? Right? But we’re loving it. Just having everything right here in town, you know, that’s one of the things we enjoy. You know, we have retail centers, multiple options for grocery stores…I mean, that’s a blessing. It’s all right here, plus all these different restaurants. And more coming!
Shayna Thomas of Madisonville, TX appeared in the bright lights of Times Square on Sept 6 as part of the annual National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Presentation. The video includes children, teens, and adults with Down Syndrome from all 50 states and 11 countries. The photo was selected from more than 2,600 entries, and Shayna and family made the trip for the event.
out. They go above and beyond, and really do “Touch Tomorrow.”
NOMINATED BY Jaden Bradford
I believe that Coach Honey has made a difference in my education because, when I took her class, she helped me not just with her classwork, but other classes I was struggling in also. No matter what, she always keeps it real, and I’m very grateful.
Careful is the naked man climbin’ a barbwire fence.
It don’t take no genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.
Broke is what happens when you let your yearnings get ahead of your earnin’s. The old pipe gives the sweetest smoke.
You can’t trust your dog to watch your food.
You have to kiss a lot of toads before you find your prince.
As I grow older, more and more often I find myself saying, “Like my Granddaddy used to say…” In an effort to keep some of these old sayings alive, we are sharing them here. Please feel free to share yours with us!
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you. Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
~John 14:27
Sudoku from page 68-69
The older I get, the more I understand why roosters just scream to start their day.
Sudoku #7
Great Grandchild of Janice Adams
Grandchild of Walt & Kim Stabell
Grandchild of Terry & Ike Fluellen
Miguel & Cruz Hoot Pulido first day of 11th grade
Gabriel Stanbery & Sarah Seale congratulations on their recent engagement
Sonny Smith celebrating her 1st Birthday
Annual highpoint in Austin has broad appeal to readers, with a diverse lineup of authors and events.
It’slike a literary all-star game.
Award-winning authors such as Dom DeLillo, Jennifer Egan, Amor Towles, Celeste Ng, and Tim O’Brien have been featured. Suspense superstars such as Meg Gardiner, John Grisham, Jeff Abbott, Attica Locke, James Ellroy, and Walter Mosley have attended. Cooks with books, such as Paula Deen, Alton Brown, and Aaron Franklin have performed demos for the large crowds. Even romance authors are invited. The Texas Book Festival, held every fall in Austin, is a book-lover’s dream, and it is a dream that can come true.
“The past is not dead. In fact, it’s not even past.” William Faulkner, Requiem for a Nun.
It was the 1990s, and Austin’s population was less than half-a-million people. Although the city’s reputation for weirdness was well established and often on display, its days as a foodie haven, corporate tech center, or as a literary force were incipient or a decade in the future.
The state’s literary profile began to change, however, when a former librarian moved into the Governor’s Mansion in Austin. Laura Bush, as she once said, “made her love of books into a career,” and she wanted books to play a central role during her time as Texas’ First Lady. With help from the similarly well-connected Mary Margaret Farabee (wife of Senator Ray Farabee), the Texas Book Festival was born, with the goals of raising funds for Texas libraries, honoring Texas authors, and promoting reading.
The event was announced in March of 1996 and was a reality fewer than eight months later. Larry McMurtry was the keynote at a charity dinner, and Texas writers such as Liz Carpenter, John Graves, Sandra Cisneros, and Kinky Friedman were the highlight of the festival—which, as its
name suggests, featured Texas authors.
At its genesis, it was designed for “authors who live in Texas now,” as Laura Bush noted at the time, “lived in Texas before, or write about Texas.” Bush, along with volunteers and a single paid employee, brought in 89 authors, all fitting the “Texas author” label.
Within a few years, the Festival was changing what it meant to be a “Texas author” and also changing perceptions of Texas’ literary culture. Anne Morris, writing in the “Austin American-Statesman,” noted “To the rest of the world, Texas means cowboys, armadillos, oil wells, braggarts, and big hair.” But with the success of the Texas Book Festival, the Lone Star State “can make a strong claim as a center for literature.”
Some may think that is just a Texan bragging, but the success of the Festival over the years suggests otherwise. The National Book Foundation is participating this year, raising both the visibility of the Book Festival and the Book Foundation, which will be announcing its National
Book Award winners less than two weeks after the Austin event.
As the Festival has grown, the nature has changed somewhat. More authors are featured today; more readers attend; and the scope of the event has expanded. Laura Bush remains an honorary chair, and Texas authors continue to loom large on the panels, but national (e.g., George Plimpton, Sonia Sotomayor) and international (e.g. Carlos Fuentes, Salman Rushdie) authors are also featured.
In addition, the topics have expanded and diversified. Cooking demonstrations are offered by wellknown chefs in the booths outside the Capitol; more children’s events are included; celebrities with books (e.g., Matthew McConaughey, Lance Armstrong) are brought in; panels on identity politics are common; and the Festival has added music and other forms of entertainment to the two-day event. Last year, the Festival included more than 250 authors, while attracting an estimated 40,00050,000 book lovers.
“Oh, the places you’ll go!” Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go.
Austin is host to numerous festivals, and the Texas Book Festival has stiff competition for people’s attention in this fast-growing capital city. But the Festival’s organizers continue to overcome daunting logistics: bringing in hundreds of authors, scheduling the event for October or November each year; locating it in or near the Capitol building, which requires the partial shutdown of Congress Ave; and, perhaps most important, keeping it free to the public.
Visitors face some logistical challenges as well. With 250-plus authors presenting over a two-day period, the sessions are concurrent, overlapping, and moving from one session to the next can involve walking a couple of blocks or more. This makes for some tough choices for book lovers. Navigating these choices can be made more difficult by inclement weather or the unexpected. In 2023, for example, there was a major protest, with some 40,000 people marching on the capitol grounds. For book lovers, however, the festival is worth the minor inconveniences. The venues are a treat, with attendees provided access to places often used by legislators, government administrators, or VIPs. In 2023, for example, author Tim O’Brien spoke in the House of Representatives, with attendees sitting in desks typically reserved only for legislators (bring Lysol). Moreover, almost all the sessions are followed by book signings, allowing fans to get autographed copies of their books (sometimes they sell out of books, so buy early!).
The event can also be a delight for the speakers. Dr. Mitchell Roth, SHSU Professor of Criminal Justice and a resident of The Woodlands, spoke at the Festival in 2017. He appeared alongside best-selling author Paulette Jiles in the Lorenza de Zavala State Archives and Library—where, it happens, he has done much research—to discuss his book “Convict Cowboys.” “It was very nice,” Roth noted. “I was on a panel with Paulette Jiles, and she impressed me. It allowed me to get exposure to a large audience, and I think it’s a good way to put authors in touch with readers at a time when fewer people are reading books.”
Former Huntsville Mayor Jane Monday—a UT Graduate—has also been a featured speaker at the Book Festival, the first year no less!
This Year’s Festival
“My advice is, never do tomorrow what you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time.” Charles Dickens, David Copperfield.
This year’s festival, which marks the 30th anniversary of the event, begins with its annual “First Edition Literary Gala” on Friday, November 7, featuring author Mitch Albom, US Poet Laureate Ada Limon, Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, and featuring podcaster Traci Thomas as the emcee. This gala event, with tickets starting at $650 and sponsorships going up to $25,000, raises funds for libraries across Texas and book donations to Title I elementary schools.
The public sessions take place on November 8-9. Visit www. texasbookfestival.org for a full schedule of featured authors, which showcases a truly diverse lineup that includes: comedian Chelsea Handler, children’s author R.L. Stine, journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin, author Skip
Hollandsworth, and O. Henry Prize winner Bryan Washington.
The Festival will offer its usual retinue of cooking demonstrations, interactive children’s reading-related activities, themed panels, book signings, and thousands of books on sale.
“From that time on, the world was hers for the reading. She would never be lonely again, never miss the lack of intimate friends. Books became her friends and there was one for every mood.” Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
No one who loves books will regret attending the Texas Book Festival, although they may regret not having gone earlier. Enjoy the fall weather in Austin; taste the many culinary delights in our capital city; tour some museums during down-times; but go for the authors, the books, and the stories, and get lost in the dream-like world of literature.
Everything was beautiful, and nothing
-Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse Five.
If you cannot make it to Austin during the Book Festival, there are still many literary-themed destinations worthy of a stop. Always worthy is the Harry Ransom Center (300 West 21 Street), which holds approximately 1 million books, 42 million manuscripts, 5 million photographs, and more than 100,000 works of art in its collection. While most of these are reserved for occasional exhibits or for researchers, they do have impressive artifacts on regular display, including an original copy of the Gutenberg Bible, one of only 20 complete copies in the world.
For more contemporary items, Book People (603 N Lamar Blvd) is the largest bookstore in Texas, hosts dozens of book talks and signings each year, and features a wide assortment of books across diverse genres. The much more intimate First Light Books (4300 Speedway) is also worthy of a stop. In addition to a healthy selection of books, they also offer pastries in the morning, wine and charcuterie in the afternoons/evenings, and book events year-round. For those who enjoy perusing used books, few stops are better than Half-Price Books, which offers four locations in Austin and another in Round Rock. They offer thousands of books, music (with many vinyl selections!), DVDs, and other interesting items— making this the perfect place to browse for hours. For those with more niche tastes, look no further than the Book Woman, specializing in, as you might suspect, womxn (sic) authors.
In July 2025, the U.S. government passed a major law often called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (officially, Public Law 119-21). This law introduces big changes in taxes, deductions, and even savings for families. Here’s what you need to know in plain language:
1. Permanent Tax Breaks from the 2017 Law
The new law makes permanent many of the tax perks from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. These include the larger standard deduction and the same seven income tax brackets (ranging from 10% to 37%).
2. New Deductions for Everyday Earners (Temporary from 2025–2028)
The bill introduces several new ways to lower your taxable income:
• Tips: If you work in jobs that rely on tips (like servers or baristas), you can deduct up to $25,000 of your cash tips from your income—if you earn under $150,000 (or $300,000 for married couples).
• Overtime Pay: You can deduct up to $12,500 (or $25,000 for joint filers) from the extra pay you earn from overtime.
• Auto Loan Interest: If you took a loan to buy a personal vehicle (not leased), you can deduct up to $10,000 in interest—if your income isn’t too high.
3. Extra Help for Seniors
If you’re 65 or older, the law gives you a bonus: an extra $6,000 deduction from your taxable income (or $12,000 for married couples where both are 65+). This is on top of the regular senior deduction and applies whether or not you itemize your taxes.
The law introduces a new savings tool called “Trump Accounts.” Parents, relatives, or even other people can contribute up to $5,000 per year into these accounts for children born between 2025 and 2028. These accounts act like a traditional IRA but non-deductible— and when the child turns 18, the funds roll over into a real traditional IRA. Plus, newborns also get $1,000 of federal seed money to kick-start the account.
Putting these details together:
• Tax relief: The permanent cuts and temporary deductions can help most people, especially seniors and service workers, pay less in income tax.
• Savings boost: The new Trump Accounts encourage saving money from a young age, which could grow over time.
But it’s important to remember that many of these deductions only last through 2028. Also, not everyone qualifies—income limits apply, and some changes only help certain groups. At Global Financial Partners, we can help make sense of complex topics. If you have questions regarding your financial goals or situation, we would like to help. Please reach out to us for a complimentary consultation by calling 936-294-021. We want to be “Your Financial Partner for Life”
Genie: I shall grant you three wishes.
Me: I wish for a world without lawyers.
Genie: Done. You have no more wishes.
Me: But you said three.
Genie: Sue me.
••••••••••••••••••••
Me, before kids: I'm going to run such a tight ship.
Me, after kids: Annnnnnnd, the ship is on fire.
I took my dad to the mall the other day to buy some new shoes (he's 92). We decided to grab a bite at the food court. I noticed he was watching a teenager sitting nearby.
The youth had spiked hair in all different colors--green, red, orange, and blue. My dad kept staring at him.
Eventually, the teen had enough and sarcastically asked, "What's the matter, old man? Never done anything wild in your life?"
Without missing a beat, my dad replied, "Got drunk once and had a wild night with a parrot. Just wondering if you were my son."
I knocked over a plant in the kitchen, but my cat saw me...so, I had to spray myself with water to show the law applies to everyone.
••••••••••••••••••••
If, like me, you've ever been accused of being born in a barn and want to talk about it, remember...
My door is always open.
At the local zoo, all animals must do chores to earn their keep.
The lion sweeps tonight.
Cholesterol is naturally produced by your liver — all that you need — and is used to make hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help digest your food. Excess cholesterol in your body can come from food and beverages and requires lifestyle actions to help control it.
High cholesterol can be lurking in your body causing damage without your knowledge.
Testing, testing, 1-2-3
Cholesterol levels are measured by a simple blood test, known as a lipid profile, and show how much cholesterol is in your bloodstream. Too much cholesterol can attach itself to your artery walls as plaque and increase your risk for heart disease or stroke.
The screening may be a routine part of your annual wellness check-up, depending on the frequency your healthcare provider recommends. You may be asked to fast from eating or drinking beverages other than water before your test.
The lipid profile test measures your levels of:
your blood that your body uses for energy. The combination of high levels of triglycerides with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol levels can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Desired adult score: Less than 150 mg/dl
Total cholesterol is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood based on your HDL, LDL, and triglycerides numbers. Desired score: About 150 mg/ dl; over 240 mg/dl is considered high, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
make your HDL, or “good” cholesterol score worse.
• Minimizing alcohol — Drinking alcohol can raise your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Getting enough sleep — Less than seven hours of sleep each night can raise your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.
if my efforts aren’t enough?
If your cholesterol levels are still not at healthy levels with lifestyle changes or you have a hereditary condition, your healthcare provider may suggest a medication to reduce your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.
1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. A high level of LDL cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease or stroke. Desired adult score: Less than 100 mg/dl
2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because higher levels can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke by removing the cholesterol from your arteries and taking it back to your liver for processing. Desired adult score: More than 40 mg/dl
3. Triglycerides are a type of fat in
If your cholesterol scores are outside of your healthcare provider’s recommendation for your overall health, he or she may suggest options to improve them, including:
• Choosing healthy, whole foods and limiting processed and fried foods
• Exercising — the American Heart Association (AHA) suggests at least 2 1/2 hours each week. Take a daily walk, dance, join a gym or work in the yard to have fun and help manage your weight.
• Stopping smoking — Smoking can
Ask questions at your appointment to decide if this is best for you. And if you do choose to take medication, do not stop without first discussing with your healthcare provider.
Healthy lifestyle choices benefit everyone in your family. You may be surprised that according to the CDC, approximately 8 percent of children in the US have high cholesterol, setting them up for higher heart disease risk later in life if undiagnosed and untreated.
The CDC recommends that children should have their cholesterol checked at least once between ages 9 and 11, and between ages 17 and 21. Those who have obesity or diabetes may need to be screened earlier or more often.
Lead by example — get screened for cholesterol and encourage your family to do the same so everyone can live their best lives.
My 5-yo: How 'bout we go to Target. You get yourself a drink or whatever you want and buy me a toy.
She knows how to work the system..
••••••••••••••••••••
Braylen just told me that I'm the teacher and Caden is the student. She then proceeded to tell me that she is going to work. I asked her what she was going to do, and she said, "I am going to save people. I am Mommy, and I wear my hair up to work."
Rob Hipp
I told my 8-yo son I would give him $10/ hour to do some weeding. He said, "If I can find someone to do it for $5/hour, can I keep the other $5?"
I don't know whether to be proud or nervous.
••••••••••••••••••••
Teacher: If you have $10 and ask your mom for another $10, how much will you have?
My 7-yo: $10.
Teacher: You don't know math.
7-yo: You don't know my mom.
One teacher to another: Today, I asked my first graders what their favorite season was, and one of them told me it was "Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel." ••••••••••••••••••••
When I broke up with my high school boyfriend, my 10-yo brother saw me crying and asked what happened. I told him, and this kid went straight to Minecraft, joined my ex's server, and burned down his entire town.
A true family of psychos.
On behalf of the children,
Because of your generosity and through our partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, we are able to send a FREE book to over 1,000 children in our community every month! As Dolly says, “You can never get enough books into enough hands of children!” Thank you for investing in the leaders of tomorrow!
INGREDIENTS
1 tsp olive oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 Tbs olive oil
6 (¾” thick) bone-in pork loin chops
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced Italian tomatoes, undrained
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
½ cup water (optional)
6 large green or red bell pepper slices
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in mushrooms; cook and stir until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside until needed.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add pork chops and cook until browned, 3 ½ to 5 minutes per side; transfer to a plate. Drain all but 1 tablespoon drippings from the skillet.
Step 3: Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Add pork chops and simmer until tender and no longer pink in the center, about 45 minutes, adding water if mixture becomes too dry. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of each pork chop should read at least 145 degrees.
Step 5: Place a bell pepper slice on top of each pork chop. Add reserved mushrooms and continue to simmer until peppers are tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
You don’t have live with it. Relief is closer than you think.
Meet Mary, a lifelong Huntsville resident. “I thought I’d have to live with a bad back forever. Walking to football games with my grandkids hurt so much, I’d almost say no. I tried pain pills, heating pads, and even injections, but nothing lasted. A friend told me about Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute. I was nervous at first, but after just a few weeks of care, I’m back on my feet, cheering in the stands. I can walk around town again without pain, and best of all, I avoided surgery!”
Stories like Mary’s are why we do what we do. Too many people in our community think their only options are pain pills or risky surgery. The truth is, there are safe, effective treatments that can help you move, feel, and live better, without the side effects or long recoveries.
Most folks believe pain is just a “normal part of getting older.” But that’s not true. Pain is a signal, it’s your body’s way of saying something is wrong. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away; in fact, it usually makes it worse.
The good news? You don’t have to live with pain forever. At Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute, we focus on treating the root cause, not just masking symptoms. We use gentle, non-surgical treatments that help your body heal, so you can get back to enjoying life, whether that’s hunting, gardening, fishing, or keeping up with your grandkids.
• People 45+ with chronic back pain that makes mornings miserable.
• Folks with stiff backs or hips that limit walking, climbing stairs, or enjoying local events.
• Anyone struggling with numbness, burning, or tingling in their feet or hands.
• Men and women who want to stay active, independent, and mobile, without surgery or pain pills.
Dr. Brian McGee, DC, continues a proud tradition of care at Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute. This clinic has been serving Huntsville families for over 40 years, helping thousands of local residents find relief and rediscover the joy of pain-free living.
Patients often say the care they receive here feels different, because we take the time to listen, explain, and guide them every step of the way.
To celebrate fall and to thank the Huntsville community, we’re offering something special this month.
The first 12 readers who call will receive:
• A private consultation with Dr. McGee
• A thorough exam
• A specialized nerve & joint screening
All for just $47 (regularly $249).
This is our way of helping more people discover that pain-free living is possible.
Appointments fill quickly each month, don’t wait until your pain gets worse.
Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute has proudly cared for local families for over four decades. We’re more than a clinic, we’re part of this community. We shop here, we raise our families here, and we’re honored to help our neighbors live healthier, happier lives.
936-241-7673
901 Normal Park Dr, #201 • Huntsville TX 77320
*This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for personalized advice or treatment. This is a paid advertisement.
INGREDIENTS
3 lbs gold potatoes, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 small onion, chopped
1 1/2 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 lb fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 packet onion soup mix
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup butter
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Add potatoes and chopped onion to the bottom of a slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Layer the sliced smoked sausage and green beans on top. Sprinkle with onion soup mix and garlic powder. Place pieces of butter evenly over the top.
Step 3: Cover and cook on low until the potatoes are tender and everything is well flavored, 6-7 hours, stirring a few times throughout the process and just before serving.
Pasta Salad:
16 oz pasta
1 cup frozen peas
12 spears green asparagus, chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 to 3 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta, or to taste fresh herbs to garnish, chopped or torn (basil, parsley, mint, chives)
Green Goddess Dressing:
1 cup baby spinach
1 cup fresh basil
1 small handful of chives
1 small shallot, roughly chopped
1/2 tsp granulated garlic
1/4 cup raw cashews
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbs nutritional yeast
2 lemons, juiced, or to taste
2 Tbs rice vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil, or as needed
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Bring a pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, or until pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl to cool.
Step 2: Meanwhile, combine spinach, basil, chives, shallot, garlic, cashews, Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, vinegar, and lemon juice in the container of a blender. Pulse to start blending. Add olive oil in a stream to emulsify to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Steam peas and asparagus until they slightly soften and become bright green, 2 to 3 minutes. (You can opt to blanch your vegetables here as well, or simply microwave with a little water for the same amount of time.) Remove from heat, rinse with cold water, drain, and transfer on top of the pasta along with the green onions.
Step 4: Add the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and toss gently to combine. You may or may not use all of it depending on how coated you like the pasta. Add feta and herbs and taste for seasoning. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
10/11 - GARY KYLE
10/18 - LEVEL ONE BAND
11/01 - JON KOTT BAND
11/22 - BAMA BREEZE SOUNDS
OCT 4
JACOB RYAN MARSHALL
NOV 1 THE JON KOTT BAND
OCT 11
GARY KYLE & THE SILVERADO BAND
NOV 8 THE STRING BENDERS
OCT 18 LEVEL ONE BAND
NOV 15
KRYSTAL KING & TAYLOR HUGHES
OCT 25 THE SHADES OF GRAY
NOV 22 BAMA BREEZE SOUNDS
5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE EVENT LAWN | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
FREE TICKETS ONLINE at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe
Take the elevator home and stay in our all-suite rooms with 20% savings and late Sunday check out
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup mashed banana
1 large egg yolk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8-inch square pan with enough parchment paper to have overhang on all sides.
Step 2: Combine In a large bowl, whisk together butter, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until smooth and combined. Add in mashed banana, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix until thoroughly incorporated. Add in flour and baking soda and whisk until just combined. Stir in walnuts. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth in an even layer.
Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven until the edges of the bars are golden and the center of the bars is set, about 30 to 35 minutes. Allow bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Certainty Select offers predictable growth to help you accumulate savings for the future.
Lock in a great rate today, and earn tax-deferred interest for your selected guarantee period.
3-year: 5-year: 6-year: 8-year: 10-year:
Contact me to learn more.
CHRISTOPHER L. DAVIS LUTCF DAVIS WEALTH AND RISK MANGEMENT INC. 936-295-1151
8/28/2025
Rates are based on the Company’s declared interest rate for the Single Premium Deferred Annuity (Certainty Select Annuity). The initial rate guarantee period is 3, 5, 6, 8 or 10 years, which you choose. Initial rate subject to change. Surrender charges are in effect for partial withdrawals in excess of the Free Withdrawal Amount or a full surrender before the end of the Guarantee Period. Surrender charges are a percentage of the Accumulation Value, and decline annually. The surrender charge period matches the guarantee period: 10, 10, 9, 9, 8, 8, 7, 7, 6 and 5%; in AK, ID, IN, MN, MT, NJ, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC,TX, UT and WA: 9, 8, 7, 6.5, 5.5, 4.5, 3.5, 2.5, 1.5 and 0.5%; in CT: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1%; in CA: 8.3, 7.4, 6.5, 5.6, 4.7, 3.8, 2.9, 1.9 and 0.9%. Surrender charges may vary by state. Product features may vary by state. IRAs/qualified plans are already tax deferred; consider other annuity features. EquiTrust does not offer investment advice to any individual and this material should not be construed as investment advice. Annuity and insurance products are not deposits nor are they guaranteed by any bank. They are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other agency of the federal government. Certain products may lose value. Contract Form Series ET-MYG-2000(06-09) or ICC13ET-MYG-2000(07-13). Group Certificates issued on Form Series ET-MYG-2000C(06-09). EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, West Des Moines, IA. ET-CTY-AD-CONS (07-25)
We will make sure unwanted pests stay away this fall. Your family deserves a comfortable space.
Welcome back to the October edition of the Dear Gabby advice column. Our federal holiday this month is Columbus Day (or Indigenous Peoples’ Day, your choice). Personally, I think old Chris was a little late to the America party. Either way, it falls on Monday, October 13. It’s fall, y’all! The temperature just went from 90 to 55 like it saw a state trooper! It’s officially “wear a sweater in the morning and regret it in the afternoon” weather. Have a safe and happy Halloween, and save some of the candy for the kiddos. Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share
DEAR GABBY
What is up at the DMV office? I arrived with my renewal notice and my original birth certificate. Apparently, that was not good enough. They wanted a CERTIFIED COPY of my birth certificate! Since when is any copy more official than an original? Go figure!
Justice Junkie
DEAR JJ
It beats me. When I made the first trip to renew my driver license recently, I came home empty-handed. Requirements are getting tough for older drivers. Apparently, I forgot to bring my umbilical cord and a copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence. I was successful on my second trip. I don’t drive much anymore (you’re welcome), but it looks good in my wallet.
Gabby
DEAR GABBY
I used to think the jokes about walking into a room and forgetting why you were there were funny. When it starts happening to you, it’s hard to see the humor in it! I’ve reached the age where I can’t remember if I’ve forgotten something. Can you relate?
Drawing A Blank
Oh, yes, you are not alone! My mind is like someone emptied the kitchen junk drawer onto a trampoline. When I took my bath yesterday, I forgot to get undressed! Fortunately, I also forgot to turn on the taps. Then last night, when I’d been in bed for about 20 minutes, I heard the pizza guy cough in the living room. I’d just come into my bedroom to get my purse! Feel better?
Gabby
A very smart man, Albert Einstein, said it best. “Everyone is a genius. But, if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.”
the road” to a better life.
BY RUTH FIELDS | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
Withthree young children and an abusive husband, life was not easy for Vivian, but she tried to remain true to her marriage. When her husband abandoned her, however, she had no choice. She applied for jobs in her home state of Florida, as well as in Houston, where she had once visited, and asked God to direct her steps.
When Vivian got an interview for a promising job in Houston, she made flight reservations for herself and the children. Unfortunately, when she arrived in Houston, she discovered her husband had terminated her cell service, and she had no way to find the hotel she’d booked. Providentially, there was a woman named Brandy on the flight who saw Vivian struggling and offered to help. “She was a godsend to me,” Vivian says.
Vivian got the job, and a friend in Florida helped her ship her vehicle to Houston; however, her troubles were not over. Her car soon developed serious mechanical problems. “I was always worried it would stop in the middle of the road,” she says. A mechanic reported the vehicle’s engine needed to be replaced—a repair Vivian could not afford. That’s when Brandy told her about God’s Garage. “She told me God’s Garage helps single moms get cars. I didn’t know people like that existed,” Vivian says. She applied online but didn’t expect much.
In early 2025, Brandy invited Vivian to her church, Restoration Church, and asked her to tell her story to the congregation. While she was at the pulpit, she saw something behind her. “I couldn’t believe my eyes,” she says. It was people
from God’s Garage, who surprised her with the keys to a 2012 Toyota Sienna. “It was a big relief and a big blessing to me and my children,” Vivian says.
Humble beginning
In 2010, a group of men—all automobile enthusiasts—met regularly at a friend’s home. There, they tinkered on their cars and enjoyed each other’s company. One day, one of the men was driving down Highway 105 when he saw a woman and two children walking alongside the busy road. When he stopped to ask if they needed help, the woman told him she couldn’t afford the repairs needed to make her car drivable. He replied that he and his friends were shade tree mechanics and offered to fix her car at no charge.
That first complimentary car repair became the start of a unique ministry. At first, single mothers were able to have their cars repaired at no cost; over time, thanks to the generosity of members of the community, donated vehicles were made roadworthy and given to women in need.
Being without a vehicle can be crippling for a single woman, especially one with minor children. Without a car, explains Justin Coggins, executive director of God’s Garage, it’s difficult to find work; furthermore, school and medical appointments usually require travel by automobile. Even a trip to the grocery store is exponentially more difficult when a person has to rely on spotty public transportation.
God’s Garage became a nonprofit organization in 2016, and the organization’s focus was soon expanded to include widows. “The word of God instructs us to take care of widows,” Justin says. Eventually, God’s Garage began including the wives of deployed servicemen, too. “If the men go off to war and their wives are here,” Justin says, “who’s going to take care of them?”
In 2019, God’s Garage got a boost with help from singersongwriter Kelly Clarkson, a native Texan. God’s Garage gave away a car to a single mother on the nationally-televised Kelly Clarkson Show. “That brought a lot of light to God’s Garage and really put us on the map,” Justin says. In 2025, God’s Garage will give away between 55 and 60 cars in the Greater Houston Area, with the goal of gifting 100 cars in 2026.
Unfortunately, there are more women in need of reliable transportation than there are refurbished automobiles to give them. So, God’s Garage uses custom software to sift through the 3,600 to 4,000 applications the organization receives each year. Staffers have named the software “The One,” based on Matthew 18:12-24, where Jesus described a shepherd who left 99 sheep to look for one that was lost. “We are going to go after that one, and then find another one. We will keep going until we find all the ones that need it,” Justin says. “We look for the ones that are the most in need.”
God’s Garage also looks for women who are motivated to change their circumstances. “There are a lot of women who are at the poverty level, but they are just a few steps away from being independent,” Justin says. “That car can do that for them. It brings consistency back to their lives,” he says.
There’s a lot of tears and a lot of joy happening there for sure. ”
Cars that are given to worthy recipients generally have about 170,000 miles on the odometers, Justin says, but are overhauled, cleaned, and detailed before they are given to women. Hopefully, the recipients will be able to drive them for two to three years—long enough to get them back on their feet.
When a woman is handed the keys to a car, it’s usually an emotional event. “There’s a lot of tears and a lot of joy happening there for sure,” Justin says. “Every single one is such a big deal. There’s really nothing like it.”
Justin has been a part of many car giftings, but one was particularly memorable. A single mother knew she was receiving a car at God’s Garage’s headquarters on East Davis, but wanted to surprise her two children. Afterwards, her son
approached the God’s Garage team. “He said, ‘All I have known is for people to take things from our mom and our car was stolen, but you guys are giving my mom a car.”
One Saturday a month, God’s Garage hosts Restore U for about 30 women who have applied for cars and have passed the first phase of screenings. “We want them to feel like a queen for the day,” Justin says. When the women arrive, their names are called individually, and volunteers welcome them like cheerleaders (with actual pom-poms). Restore U participants are able to meet other women in similar circumstances, and the day includes instruction on topics like financial management, car maintenance, and job interviews. Volunteers from Conroe Church of Christ serve lunch prepared in crockpots, and each woman gets to take home a crockpot. The day is designed to encourage women who are more accustomed to being discouraged. “They’re always beaten down, trying to make it day to day,” Justin says.
Although God’s Garage gives women practical help, the organization has a loftier goal. “We want to make an eternal impact,” Justin says. “We want them to know God sees them. We present the Gospel to them; we are not bashful about that. It changes everything about a God who sees you, knows you by name, knows everything you have gone through, just waiting for you to join the Kingdom of God.” At the end of the day, a volunteer places a crown on each woman’s head, prays with her, and presents her with a Bible.
God’s Garage is grateful for the many donations of used cars that it has received over the years. Some people generously donate low-mileage vehicles, which are “flipped,” usually generating enough money to put anywhere from four to seven older cars on the road. While some donated cars are what volunteers call “runners,” many are not currently drivable. That’s OK, because cars that can’t be successfully refurbished can be used for parts or scrap. “We take everything,” Justin says, noting God’s Garage will pick up donated cars within a 75-mile radius. God’s Garage is also thankful for its 190 volunteers, many of them mechanics, who log 16,000 volunteer hours every year.
God’s Garage also accepts monetary donations, including car sponsorships. For $1,000, an individual (or group) can sponsor a car that will be given to a worthy recipient.
“One of the unique things we get to do is partner with a lot of local ministries,” Justin says. God’s Garage works closely with more than a dozen local organizations, including Family Promise and Journey Home. “When you are donating to us,” Justin says, “you are impacting these other organizations as well.”
For more information, visit www.godsgarage.org.
My favorite planting season is definitely fall. The heat has decreased, rain has returned, and insect/disease season is minimal. Plants such as azaleas, camellias, shade trees (and non-drought tolerant plants) will have six additional months to establish a hardy root system before the heat of summer returns. And, it is easier working conditions!
The most asked question every fall is, “When do the pansies come in, and when can I plant?” As temperatures drop to 85 and below, pansy season will begin. If exposed to 90-degree weather, these beauties “bolt” and become very leggy, requiring you to pinch them back to 4” tall and start again (same as cool weather veggies…cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage).
These sun loving annuals are hardy and do well into the low double digits. Unfortunately, pansies are not deer proof, so plant accordingly. Pansies are available in a variety of series and colors (the huge pansies are in the colossal series). Plant with one tablespoon of blood meal under each starter, and you will be amazed at the difference in bloom color and stalk thickness to hold up big blooms. Pansies, like hibiscus, do not respond well to high levels of phosphorous, but do respond well to nitrogen, such as 10-0-0 (blood meal is organic).
If deer are a problem, consider dianthus. Dianthus are a sun loving, tough as nails perennial that will tolerate subzero temperatures with no issues. Dianthus, like the pansy, come in every color and bloom size (hybridization has come a long way since this gardener first started). Also like the pansy, dianthus respond well to blood meal (10-0-0) to keep
Kim Bius President, Kim's Home & Garden Center
blooming and looking their best. Place one tablespoon under each starter plant for sturdier stalks and larger bloom size. Yes, this is an exception to the rule that most blooming color responds to higher phosphorous—not these guys.
Let us not forget the grand harbinger of fall, the chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums are often referred to as “mums.”
Gardeners either love them or hate them. This gardener loves them. Mums are tough sun loving perennials, deer proof, and contain a natural insect repellant (pyrethrum). Mums bloom for six to seven weeks plus in fall and again in spring. Mums have high water requirements but need excellent drainage and will require heavy pruning after the last bloom set fades. Each season, mums will put on two to three bloom sets. If you look carefully under the spent blooms, you will find a second and third set of blooms. Remove the spent blooms with shears, and the second set of buds will go into bloom in a week or two. Mums rarely bloom into Thanksgiving but are enjoyed during October.
One last tip: to keep your pumpkins (for just about forever), place in morning sun, shady in the afternoon. Elevate the pumpkin on an upside-down bowl, brick, etc, to keep the gourd from sitting on a wet surface, which promotes rot. Also, dry the pumpkins after a heavy rain or place plastic over them. If water accumulates around the stem, rot will set in within days. Lastly, wipe the pumpkin down with a paper towel with a few tablespoons of Clorox on it (this stops mold and mildew…skip this step if placing indoors).
Fall is an exciting time in the garden……Happy fall, y'all!
Fall Artist Walk Saturday, Oct. 11th, 9 am - 5 pm
• The Garden Center in the Stone Barn with acres of plants to roam
Nov. 7th
4 pm - 8 pm
• Pumpkin Patch Over 30 varieties All Sizes & Colors!
Holiday Market in the Mansion
• Fall & Christmas Decor, Collectibles, Trim a Tree, Gifts, Gourmet Foods & More!
Lunch, Brunch & Bakery Items Holiday Open House
Ghoul
Why
Tickle
When a claim occurs, the goal is to get you “back in the saddle” as quickly as possible.
BY CLAUDIA KIRKWOOD | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
Fromsaddle to success. From idea to reality. From a dream to a legacy. This is Farris Insurance, located in Madisonville, Texas, and serving families in Madison, Leon, Grimes, Brazos, Houston, and Walker Counties and beyond.
Established in 1996 by Mike Farris, the business is now run by his daughter Reygan Richardson since his passing in 2024. Reygan is not new to the insurance business. From the early age of seven, she spent countless hours by her father’s side, observing his hard work and dedication to growing Farris Insurance into the business success it is today. And how do they measure success? Not merely in dollars, but in meeting the insurance needs of families and friends through sound business practices, caring compassion, and integrity.
After training horses for a living, Mike made the decision to start the company to provide a better life for his family. On many days, you could find him dressed in his customary hat, boots, and jeans, sitting in his favorite saddle, which by now was “stabled” in his office. As he said, this is where he did his best studying, and he did intense studying, because failure was not an option. This is where a representative of Germania Insurance found him in October 1996 when he approached Mike about beginning a business venture with Germania. It has been a good fit for Farris Insurance over the years because Germania’s insurance products are tailored for families living in rural areas. They still represent Germania today, along with several other carriers. And Mike’s saddle still retains its honored place in the insurance office, located at 602 South Madison Street.
Over the years, the insurance market has changed in both its personality and in its use of technology. Most customers shop online and communicate with agents in that way as well. The day of face-to-face business encounters, along with a handshake, have faded from view to some extent. And as Reygan
shares, this is fine, but they still enjoy the personal contact that an office visit provides. Policies can be better explained in person and printouts are available. Reygan and her staff, Clara Kelly and Maddie Stevens, are grateful for the many clients they have served and have been acquainted with over the years. Their customer retention has been tremendous over the decades, and they strive to serve both existing and new clients with the best
in service, knowledge, and expertise. Sometimes, this may mean reviewing a policy from another company that a Farris client has found. Reygan and her staff are happy to do so and to give their advice with the intent to serve their client with honesty and integrity. She knows that the insurance business is cyclical, and by treating their customers in this way, they may come back to her in the future.
As mentioned, Germania is their primary carrier, having a broad, comprehensive home, farm, and ranch policy, and farm and ranch liability with great coverages. Many of the Farris clients fall into this category and have been pleased with the customer support they receive. Although Farris Insurance can offer coverage anywhere in Texas, their focal point has been closer to home so they can offer the most efficient and quality service to the people they serve. They are always just a phone call or text message away and are diligent in responding quickly to their customers’ needs.
Along with Germania, other carriers include Garfield with great coverage on homes, Amwins for new autos, and Dairyland for autos and motorcycles. Progressive Insurance is competitive on auto insurance at the present time and will also cover boats and motorcycles. Foremost is also included in their line-up of carriers. Germania and Amwins require proof of prior
insurance coverage. Progressive does not require prior coverage but is more affordable if a history exists. For people who need to establish a history or need basic liability, Dairyland is a viable choice.
Reygan is looking at other carriers, but because the Texas market is volatile at this time, many companies are not appointing agents in the state. There have been an excessive number of claims in the last few years with storms, hail damage, freezes, and flooding. Additionally, since Covid, the market has changed. During that time, many things that you could normally get fixed, such as heavy equipment, had to be totaled because of the inability to get parts. Although that situation is now rare, it still made its impact. And as to healthcare costs, it has been much easier to max out a policy, and small claims courts have paid out handsomely in this area. All these factors have affected insurance rates in Texas, but Reygan continues to diligently seek the best options for her customers.
I want to honor Dad in the way I practice business and treat our customers.
Having an established relationship with a trusted insurance company such as Farris Insurance is a key component for your peace of mind. And as mentioned, Reygan and her staff will scout out the best rates and coverage and provide exceptional service offered in a friendly and professional way. If you have added a barn, greenhouse, garage, or other edifice to your property, remember to add it to your policy. Also, at renewal time, please check with them to get updated information on available rates to ensure you are getting the optimum coverage for the cost.
As Reygan shares, “Dad struggled to get this started, and I want to honor him in the way I practice business and treat our customers,” and she has done just that. Mike went from training cutting horses to starting this new venture. Reygan, an award winner in cutting competition, is carrying that same winning spirit into her work. She, Clara, and Maddie invite you to come by the office, get acquainted, and start the insurance journey under their capable care. And while there, be sure to take an admiring glance at that sturdy, well-worn saddle where the Farris Insurance legacy began.
“COVERAGE THE COWBOY WAY” 602 South Madison Street Madisonville, TX 77864
936-348-2302
by Rick Smith
Hands folded in prayer as I knelt by the bed, Hoping God will hear the words about to be said.
Father forgive me for the things that I’ve done, I want to believe in Your one and only Son.
I had a feeling that He wanted to be told so I confessed to temptations that went uncontrolled.
I went on and on about the chances I blew, not realizing then that He already knew.
I started my prayer with a heart full of shame, but after sharing it all with God I didn’t feel the same.
I lifted my head and opened my eyes, feeling such great peace that only He provides.
Protecting your accounts starts with awareness.
Use strong passwords
Enable two-factor authentication
Never click suspicious links
BOO! BOO! BOO! BOO! BOO! BOO! BOO! BOO! BOO! BOO! BOO! BOO!
Walker County and surrounding areas are seeing tremendous growth—from new housing developments and planned communities to larger tracts of land either changing hands or being divided into new sections. Many new neighbors are moving to the area to achieve a more rural life experience that includes land, livestock, and nature. To obtain some financial grace from these endeavors, many look to special use valuations or “ag exemptions” to ease the financial burden that comes with agricultural productions. So, what are these valuations and how do you obtain them?
site visitation, and report summaries. It’s worth noting all appraisals are determined on a case-by-case basis as they are submitted and are fluid.
“Ag exemption” is the common term you hear to define a special use valuation provided from the county appraisal district to landowners that actively participate in some form of agriculture production with the intent to profit. This is to allow a reduced tax on the land used for agriculture, to give producers more flexibility of funds to put back into their commodity. The valuation is based on productivity of the commodity and which section of valuation you fall under. Ag valuations cover sections such as timber, wildlife, beekeeping, and (of course) agriculture. These four categories are unique in the requirements and stipulations to be met to obtain the valuation. The requirements are set and managed by the county appraisal district, who will routinely verify the land is in accordance with the requirements through record keeping,
Ryan McCormick
Walker County ANR agent
would be acreage requirements. Every commodity has its own minimum acreage and production rate, so it’s important to know where your property falls in terms of space availability before you begin your agricultural project with expectations of an ag valuation. The local CAD also carries up-to-date guidelines on their website to show all the requirements that need to be met to stay in good standing on your valuation.
The Walker County Appraisal District has a plethora of information on what is required with specific qualifications. An important guideline to start with
We at Texas A&M AgriLife across the state are here to help you better understand these guidelines and requirements. We may assist you with resources and points of contact to get you started in the right direction, as well as provide education on various topics that cover many of these valuations. Walker, Montgomery, and San Jacinto County AgriLife are teaming up in the coming year to provide landowners with a series of events across our counties to do just that. We are here to support new and existing landowners in a variety of ways, such as educational programs with local resources and exploring topics like pond, timber, rangeland, and livestock/wildlife management.
To learn more about your options for obtaining a new special use valuation or keeping up with a current one, please reach out to our offices and be on the lookout for our upcoming program series in the new year. Call us at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office in Walker County at 936-435-2426, or come and see us at 102 Tam Rd. Huntsville TX. Email me at ryan.mccormick@ag.tamu. edu to ask any questions or if you would like to be added to our email list for updates on upcoming events!
Every fall in the Houston area, love is in the air…but I’m not talking about romantic strolls on the beach or candlelit dinners. I’m talking about the small black insects that fly around glued to their partner. Everyone refers to them as lovebugs, the scientific name being Pecia nearctica.
Lovebugs, also known as honeymoon flies, are small black flies with distinctive red-orange thoraxes and smoky-colored wings. You can expect to see them twice a year, in the spring and in the fall—although I have to say I rarely see any in the spring. In the fall, you will start seeing them in August or September. Expect to continue seeing them for 4 or 5 weeks after the first sighting.
The lovebug undergoes four stages in its life cycle. The process begins when females lay their eggs in decaying vegetation, with a single female capable of depositing up to 600 eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae, which are small, worm-like creatures. This is the longest stage of development, lasting several months, during which the larvae feed on decomposing plant material. This feeding helps recycle organic matter, making it ecologically beneficial.
The larvae eventually enter the pupal stage, which lasts for about a week. Afterward, they emerge as adults, prepared to reproduce. Once the male transfers sperm to the female, he soon dies. The pair may separate, or the female may remain briefly attached to his body before laying her eggs and dying as well— thus continuing the cycle. During their time together, adult lovebugs feed on nectar and pollen. Their adult phase is short, lasting only a few days. But in death, their decomposing bodies enrich the soil and return vital nutrients to the ecosystem.
By Cheryl Conley Lake Creek Nature Preserve Board of Directors
Lovebugs may not bite, sting, or spread disease, but they can still cause plenty of trouble—especially for drivers. Drawn to heat and the chemicals in car exhaust, they often swarm near highways and end up splattering across windshields. Not only does this reduce visibility, but their acidic body fluids can damage paint if left uncleaned. In large numbers, lovebugs can even clog radiator fins, which may cause the engine to overheat. Harmless to people but tough on cars, these pesky insects are more nuisance than threat.
While lovebugs can be a real nuisance—splattering on windshields, clustering around doorways, and landing on you at the worst times—they also play a role in keeping ecosystems healthy. Their life cycle returns nutrients to the soil, and their short-lived swarms are part of nature’s rhythm. Annoying as they may be, at least they don’t bite, sting, or stick around all year. Compared to mosquitoes or fire ants, a few weeks of lovebugs is just a temporary inconvenience we can all survive.
COLLEGE STATION “Mrs. Doubtfire” opastickets.org
“Rumors” shsu.universitytickets.com
NEW BRAUNFELS Gruene Music and Wine Festival gruenemusicandwinefest.org
CONROE “Carrie: The Musical” owentheatre.com
Keith Urban woodlandscenter.org
30 TODD MISSION Texas Renaissance Festival texrenfest.com
Fall Plant Sale txmg.org/walker
TOMBALL Spooktacular Second Saturday tomballtx.gov 17-Nov 2
CONROE “The Addams Family” crightontheatre.org 17-26 PALESTINE “Bonnie and Clyde— The Musical” thetexastheater.com
17-18 WOODVILLE Harvest Festival heritage-village.org
Concert: “Eerie Echos” mcb-tx.org
21
COLLEGE STATION Soweto Gospel Choir: “Peace” opastickets.org
21-Nov 2
HOUSTON “Putnam County Spelling Bee” tuts.org
23-25
GRAPELAND Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass Festival slpbluegrass.com
23-25
HUNTSVILLE “Significant Other” shsu.universitytickets.com
24-25
MADISONVILLE Blues, Brews, & BBQ madisonvilletexas.gov
25
PALESTINE Hot Pepper Festival palestinechamber.org
31-Nov 2
COLDSPRING Haunted Jail facebook.com/hauntedjailcoldspring
By Wes Altom
No, our topic is not me reliving my childhood trauma of swim lessons…but something more thoughtful.
One of the greatest benefits of technology is the ability to easily transfer between or compare different Bible translations of a particular passage of interest. I do this quite frequently—to help carry me deeper into the Word and add perspective I might not gain from a single version. Most know the Lord’s prayer by heart in a traditional sense, but take a look at the version at the end of this article.
There are multiple nuggets to pull from here…but our topic comes from the line: “Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.” Take a moment to fully absorb the sting from that.
“Self” gets top billing here…over the Devil himself! The truth definitely hurts with this one. We don’t like to talk (or even think) about it, but we cannot deny it. Even Anton Lavey, author of the Satanic Bible and founder of the Church of Satan, knew this concept. He was famously quoted as saying, “If you want to worship Satan, worship self.”
We are each a “work in progress,” but understanding this
concept—as well as looking at the current state of the world around us—should drive us each to strive hard for continued spiritual growth and closeness to our Lord.
So…the next time you pray for a hedge of protection around you, remember to also pray for protection from the threat that’s already inside the hedge.
Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are.
Set the world right; Do what’s best—
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Matthew 6:9-13 (The Message)
