Thisweek’s“song oftheweek”was chosenduetothe frontpagearticle relatingtothechildreninschooland thenewmotherhoodcolumnout, asofthisweekon page16.
Ifyouwanttoget moreinvolvedpoliticallyandbelieveconservatively,thetwomain groupsinGrayson CountythatI knowofarethe TexomaPatriots andtheGrayson CountyConservatives.TheFacebookfortheGraysonCountyConservativescanbe foundhere.The Facebookpagefor theTexomaPatriotscanbefound here.
Joy Roberts of the Grayson County Conservatives
TheGraysonCounty Conservativesare spearheadinganopen lettergainingstatewide conservativebacking toopposeTexasHouse Bill3(thecompanion toSenateBill2) the so-called"school choice"bills.Ithas alreadygarnerednearly2,000signatures, spanning62pages fromconservatives acrossthestate.The conservativemessage hasattractedsignatures fromover100prominentleaders,including RepublicanGOP CountyChairs,PrecinctChairs,Mayors, CityCouncilmen,TexasGOPDelegates, grassrootsleadersand more.Eightlarge homeschoolco-ops, representingover 7,000homeschool familiesstatewide, havealsosigned. Thefullletter,publishedbelow,reveals whythisconservative coalitionviewsthese "schoolchoice"bills, HB3(thecompanion toSB2),asathreatto privateeducationand conservativevalues readerswhoagreecan addtheirsignatures athttps:// graysoncountyconservatives.com/hb3/.
March13,2025
TotheHonorable MembersoftheTexas Legislature TransmittalviaElectronicMailtoKey LegislativeState
Subject:UrgentOppositiontoHB3–ADirectThreattoPrivate Education
DearEsteemedLegislators,
GraysonCountyConservativesandmanyothergrassrootsconservatives,standresolutelyin oppositiontoTexas HouseBill3(HB3).As advocatesofconservativevalues,wearesteadfastinour missiontoadvancelegislationthatupholdsindividualfreedom,aligns withtheprinciplesofthe RepublicanPartyofTexas(RPT),andprotects thesanctityofprivate education.
HB3,marketedasa ‘SchoolChoice’initiative,proposesaneduca-
tionsavingsaccount (ESA) programthatredirects taxpayerfundstoprivate schoolingoptions.While proponentsarguethis increaseseducational freedom,webelieveit introducesgovernment controloverprivate education,contradicting conservativevaluesand theprinciplesoftheRepublicanPartyofTexas.
Athreattoprivate educationlooms:Once taxpayermoneyisinvolved,itisinevitable that leftistswillattemptto encroachuponprivate schoolsandhomeschools.Publicschools did
notdeclineovernight itwasagradualdeterioration.Wecannotrely onpoliticiansaloneto safeguardthefutureof privateeducation,as shiftingpoliticallandscapesandvague legislativelanguage mayleaveitvulnerable toexploitationbythose whodonotprioritize the bestinterestsofthe electorate.
Governmentoverreacherodeseducationalautonomy:HB3contradictsRPTPlank84, whichstatesthateducationfundingshould followthestudentwith "nostringsattached." However,HB3intro-
ducesastructurewhere taxpayerdollarsareroutedthroughthe Comptroller’sOfficeand directedtopre-approved vendorsratherthanfamilies,creatingan administrativemechanismthatallowsforfuturegovernmentoversight.Historyhasshown thatoncegovernment fundingentersprivate education,regulations oftenfollow.Instates likeIndianaandFlorida, similarschoolchoice programsinitiallypromisedautonomybut laterintroducedstandardizedtestingrequirementsandcurriculum mandatesfor participatingprivate (Continued on Page 12)
APRIL10:HoweISDSafetyandSecurityMeeting
APRIL11:VarsitySoftballGamevs.Leonard
APRIL14-15:FFABi-AreaCDEDairyCattleandVettech–Commerce
APRIL14:MedicalTerminologyFieldTriptoTMC
APRIL14-17:SpringBookFair–SummitHillElementary
APRIL15:VarsitySoftballatPottsboro
APRIL17:A&PFieldTriptoGraysonCollege
APRIL17:SummitHillEasterClassParties
APRIL18:GoodFriday–NoSchool!
APRIL18:VarsitySoftballGameatS&S
APRIL21:FFADist3DegreeCheck
APRIL22:BusDriverAppreciation–SummitHill
APRIL22:SpringPicturesandClassPictures–SummitHill
APRIL22:HMSSTAARtesting(8thgrade)
APRIL22:HoweISDBondPresentation–SummitHill Cafeteria
ThisweektheLadyBulldogsplayed theBlueRidgeLadyTigersonTuesdayandlost5-7.Hereisthegame recap:
HoweLadyBulldogsstayedinituntil theend,butBlueRidgeLadyTigers pulledawaylateina7-5victoryon TuesdayatHoweHighSchool.Blue Ridgeweredown5-3inthetopofthe sixthinningwhenKyaraDavishita grandslamtoleftfield.
Howelostdespiteout-hittingBlue Ridgeeighttoseven.KamrySnapp ledHowewiththreehits.
Howewerethefirsttogetonthe boardinthefirstwhenMyaBurtsingled,scoringonerun.
BlueRudgecapturedthelead,3-1,in thetopofthethirdafterHowecommittedanerror,Davisdoubledtocenterfield,andPaigeElderwalked,each scoringonerun.
Howetiedthegameinthebottomof thethirdthankstoaasacrificebuntby BurtandadoublebyRiley McCollum.
Inthebottomofthefifth,Howebroke upthetiewhenMcCollumsingled, scoringonerun.Thenapassedball followedtoextendtheleadto5-3.
McCollumstartedthegamefor Howe.Thehurlergaveupsevenhits andsevenruns(oneearned)overseveninnings,strikingout13andwalkingthree.Elderbeganthegamefor BlueRidge.Theright gaveupfivehitsandthreerunsover
Credit: Michelle Carney fourinnings,strikingoutthreeand walkingnone.
McCollumandBurtwereaone-two punchinthelineup,aseachdrovein tworunsforHowe.
Davisprovidedpopinthemiddleof thelineup,andledBlueRidgewith fiverunsbattedin.Thecatcherwent2
-for-4ontheday.MirandaCaroand DaviseachcollectedtowhitsforBlue Ridge.BlueRidgeturnedonedouble playinthegame.
NextupforHoweLadyBulldogsisa gameagainstLeonardVarsityTigers onFriday.
Copyright©2025GameChanger Media,Inc.Allrightsreserved.
LastweektheHoweBulldogsplayed againstBlueRidgeonMondayresultingina4-1win,andagainstGunter onTuesdayresultinginan0-11loss.
HereisarecapfromtheBlueRidge game:
AnthonyLowderwasdominanton thebump,asthehurlerrangup11 strikeoutsinHoweVarsityBulldogs's 4-1victoryoverBlueRidgeonMonday.Lowdersurrenderedtwohitsand onerunoverfiveandtwo-thirdsinningswhilewalkingthree.
BlueRidgeopenedthescoringinthe fourthafterGageBranchdoubled, scoringonerun.
GavinRodgersgroundedout,which helpedHoweVarsityBulldogstiethe gameatoneinthetopofthefifth.
Inthetopoftheeighthinning,Howe VarsityBulldogswentbackintothe leadafterKolbyMcNuttwasstruck byapitch,GarrettRodgerswalked, andLowderwalked,eachscoringone run.
CamBakersteppedonthemound firstforBlueRidge.Thestarterallowedfivehitsandonerunoversix innings,strikingoutnineandwalking six.GarrenLankfordandLane Searceyeachthrewshutoutinnings forHoweVarsityBulldogsinrelief.
Photo Credit: Michelle Carney
Overall,theteamhadpatienceatthe plate,amassing10walksforthe game.HoweVarsityBulldogsturned onedoubleplayinthegame.
Rodgers,Lankford,KendallO'Brien, #14,andRodgerseachcollectedone hitforHoweVarsityBulldogs.Rodgers,McNutt,Lowder,andRodgers eachdroveinonerunforHoweVarsityBulldogs.LowderpacedHowe VarsityBulldogswiththreewalks.
MicahDickersonandBrancheach collectedonehitforBlueRidge. Branchwent1-for-3attheplateand ledtheteamwithonerunbattedin. BlueRidgeweresure-handedinthe
fieldanddidn'tcommitasingleerror. Dickersonhadthemostchancesin thefieldwith10.
NextupforHoweVarsityBulldogsis agameatGunteronTuesday.
Copyright©2025GameChanger Media,Inc.Allrightsreserved.
IfyouownalocalbusinessandwouldliketohelpoutthelocalHoweAthleticBoosterClubhereis someinformationprovidedbyEricaIngram:
TheHoweAthleticBoosterClubislookingfortablesponsorsforourupcomingSpringBanquet. Wehostedadinner-stylebanquetinDecemberoflastyearforthefirsttimesince2019anditwasa hit!!Thiseventwassuccessfulbecauseofthefinancialsupportwereceivedfromouramazing sponsors.
Wewouldloveyourpartnershipagaintohelpoffsetsomeofthecosts,sothatwecanmakeita memorableeventforouramazingathletes,coachesandparents. Weareofferinguptablesponsorsintheamountof$100pertable.Withyourgeneroussponsorship, wewilldisplayyourcompany’slogooneachtableyousponsor.Wewillalsoincludeyourlogoon oureventbannerthatwillbedisplayedattheBanquet.
SponsorshipswillbeneededbyMay1st.
Ifyou’reinterestedorhaveanyquestions,pleaseletmeknow.Wealwaysappreciateyoursupport forourAthletes!
EricaIngram 903-819-9945
Thissummer,CampInvention®,anationallyrecognizedhands-onSTEM,innovation,andcreativitycamp,iscomingtoHoweMiddleSchoolforstudents ingradesK-6!
APRIL29:HoweBusinessSummit
MAY2:HoweHallofHonor
MAY3:Founder’sDayFestival,4p.m.-8p.m.–UPDATEDVENDORLIST!!
Ashley Husbands
ThisyeartheVolunteerOrganizationoftheYearistheHoweConnectionsParkTeam.TheJeanNormanVolunteeroftheYearisChrisKane. TheBusinessoftheYearisHoweMetalWorks!andtheNormaJ.WallaceCitizenoftheYearisKevinCrosson.
ThesewillberecognizedattheHoweHallofHonoronMay2,2025atSummitGardensat6:30pmalongwiththeHoweHallofHonorInducteesJanieFinney,O.B.Powers,andHapSanford.Thereisnochargetoattend,andseatingislimited.Reservationscanbemade at:Program:HoweHallofHonor2025
BiographiesfortheHallofHonorInducteeswillbeincludedinlatereditions!
• APRIL10–XYZMeeting
• APRIL13–TownEasterEggHunt
• ContinuationofFrontPageArticle
JoanneDickey
KevinWilson,HoweISDSuperintendent,willbethespeakeratXYZ Aprilmeeting Thursday,April10, 2025at10:30a.m.inFellowshipHall ofFBCHowe.
Hewillpresentthefactsaboutthe proposedSchoolBondElection whichwillbeheldonMay3,2025.
Lotsofgoodinformationandan opportunitytoaskquestionswillbe provided, Socomeenjoyfoodand fellowshipandleaveinformedand involved.
(Continued from Page 1)
schools.HB3risksputtingTexason thesame path,wherefinancial incentivesslowlyerodetheindependenceofprivateeducationinstitutions.
Expansionofbureaucracyinvites control:HB3violatesRPTPrinciple #9,whichstates,"A freeenterprisesocietyunencumberedbygovernmentinterferenceor subsidies,"by expandinggovernmentwith46new employees(8intheTEA,38inthe OƯiceofthe ComptrollerofPublicAccounts)at anaveragesalaryof$127,000/year, costingtaxpayers $29.3millionby2030andescalating to$11billionby2036 drainingour $24billion surplus.Furthermore,HB3notonly growsgovernmentbutalsosubsidizesandredistributes taxpayerfunds,settingadangerous precedentforincreasedoversight overprivateschools andhomeschoolers.
Toaddyournametoyourorganizationornametothisletter,pleasevisit https:// graysoncountyconservatives.com/ hb3/
Texans’widespreadopposition underscoresthebill’sflaws:LegislatorssupportingHB3 havefacedintensebacklashonsocialmedia;duringtheHB3hearing, 502citizenstestified againstthebillcomparedto213in favor anunprecedentedlevelof citizeninvolvement andthewrittencommentarywas overwhelminglyagainst,filling 2,995pageswith12,500 comments,signalingaclearrejectionofpoliciesthatjeopardizeprivateeducation.
Trueschoolchoicealreadyexists withoutgovernmentintrusion:Texanscanoptfor publicschools,charterschools,privateschools,orhomeschooling.The
claimofalackof choiceisafalsehoodthatdistracts fromtherealissue:HB3’spotential tobringgovernment controlintoprivateeducationunder theguiseof"choice."
DallasCountyGOPChairLt.Col. AllenWestrecentlycautioned, “Let’snotdothesameoldpolitical thing,rushingtogetsomething passedandthenwatchingpoliticians patthemselvesontheback. Theroadtohellispavedwithgood intentions,andifwedonotclearly definewhatthemeasuresof effectivenessare,wewilljustcontinuesinkingtheshipofeducation.”
Thetrajectoryofthisbillisconcerning,particularlygiventheirpotential tounderminethefutureof privateeducation.CalvinTillman, PresidentandCo-FounderofCooke CountyConservatives,aptly declared,“Thisisaclearexampleof, ifyouthinktheproblemgovernment hascreatedisbad,just waittillyouseethesolution.”
Thisisnotmerelyapolicydisagreement itisacalltoprotectthefoundationalrightsofTexas familiestoeducatetheirchildrenfree fromgovernmentinterference.We urgeyoutorejectthese billsandreaffirmyourcommitment topreservingtheindependenceof privateeducation.
InLiberty, GraysonCountyConservatives
Inaddition,TheTexasHouseversionofthebill,HB3,canbeviewed here:https://legiscan.com/TX/text/ HB3/id/3132356
TheTexasSenatecompanionbillis SB2,andcanviewedhere:https:// legiscan.com/TX/text/SB2/ id/3103970.
SB2waspassedoutofTexasSenate on2.5.25. SB2waspassedoutof theTexasHouseCommitteeonPublicEducationon4.3.25.Ithasnotyet beenscheduledforahearing/voteon theTexasHouseFloor.
General:
-Farmer’sAlmanacForecasts
-Recipes Columns:
-TexasHistoryMinute
-BillyHollandColumn
ColumnsContinued:
-Tips,Tricks,and Remedies
-RefSez
-**NEW**GardeningColumn
-**NEW**MotherhoodColum
Thisarticleinthepaperwillbeincludedweeklymovingforwardandwillgive theforecastspredictedinthe2025Farmers’Almanac.
04/10: Fishing/Weather:fairfishinginthemorning,showersacrosstheplains, thenfair Gardening:Afavorabletimeforsowinggrains,hay,andfoddercrops.Plant flowers.Plantcorn,melons,squash,tomatoes,andotherabovegroundcrops.
04/11Fishing/Weather:fairfishinginthemorning,ShowersacrossPlains,then fair Gardening:Afavorabletimeforsowinggrains,hay,andfoddercrops.Plant flowers.Plantcorn,melons,squash,tomatoes,andotherabovegroundcrops.
04/12: Fishing/Weather:fairfishingintheevening,CloudySouthernPlains Gardening:Afavorabletimeforsowinggrains,hay,andfoddercrops.Plant flowers.Afavorabledayforplantingrootcrops.
04/13:Fishing/Weather:bestfishingintheevening,CloudySouthernPlains Gardening:Startseedbeds.Gooddaysfortransplanting.Gooddayforplanting beets,carrots,radishes,turnips,peanuts,andotherrootcrops.Alsogoodforleafy vegetables.
04/14:Fishing/Weather:bestfishingintheevening,CloudySouthernPlains Gardening:Startseedbeds.Gooddaysfortransplanting.Gooddayforplanting beets,carrots,radishes,turnips,peanuts,andotherrootcrops.Alsogoodforleafy vegetables.
04/15:Fishing/Weather:fairfishingintheevening,CloudySouthernPlains Gardening:Neitherplantnorsowonthisbarrenday.
04/16:Fishing/Weather:poorfishingintheevening,Clearing Gardening:Neitherplantnorsowonthisbarrenday.
Theserecipesarefromtheyellowed,well-wornValleyViewUnitedMethodistWomen’sCookbook. Submityourownrecipesforsharingtoashley@howeenterprise.com
2.13.25Recipes
Theserecipesarefromtheyellowed,well-wornValleyViewUnitedMethodist Women’sCookbook.Ifanyonecancook,it’schurchpotluckcontributors!
Submityourownrecipesforsharingtoashley@howeenterprise.com
ZestyMeatballs
1canCampbell’szestytomatosoup/sauce
11/2lbgroundbeef
1/3cupdrybreadcrumbs
1egg,beaten
1/3cupcelery,minced
1/2tsp.groundginger
3/4cupwater
1Tbsp.soysauce
1Tbsp.vinegar
1tsp.brownsugar
1clovegarlic,minced
Inabowl,thoroughlymix1/4cupsoup,beef,crumbs,eggs,celeryand1/4teaspoonginger.Shapein50smallmeatballs.Arrangeinjellyrollpan.Broil4’ fromheatforabout10minutesoruntildone,turningonce.Drain.
Inskilletstirremainingsoup,water,soysace,vinegar,sugar,garlicand1/4teaspoonginger.Heatoverlowheat.Addmeatballs,stirtocoat.Coverandsimmer 5minutesoruntilhot.Makes50appetizers.
Tishie Mae Kile
AppleBread
2cupssugar
4eggs,beaten
1cupoil
1tbsp.sourcream
2tsp.vanilla
2cupsrawapples,diced
2tsp.soda
1tsp.salt
4cupsflour
1cupnuts,chopped
1tsp.cinnamon
1tsp.nutmeg
Combineallingredientsandmixwell.Pourinto31-lbcoffeecansor2loafpans
whichhavebeenwellgreasedandlightlyfloured.Bakeat350degreesfor1 hour.
OpalAkin
EarthquakeCake
1cupcoconut
1cuppecans,chopped
1boxGermanchocolatecakemix
8oz.pkg.creamcheese
1(1lb.)boxpowderedsugar
1stickbutter,melted
Greaseandflour8x14inchpan.Spreadcoconutandpecansonbottom.Mix cakeaccordingtopackage.Pouroverpecansandcoconut.Meltbutter,add creamcheeseandpowderedsugar.Mixwell.Spreadovercake.Bake350degreesfor45-50minutesoruntildone.
Tishie Mae Kile
PuddingCake
1boxyellowcakemix
1stickbutter
4eggs
12oz.creamcheese
1lb.powderedsugar,sifted
In9”x13”panat350degrees,meltbutter.Mixinmixercakemix,2eggsand meltedbutter.Willberealstiff.Pateveninpan.Cream(atroomtemperature) creamcheeseand2eggs.Addpowderedsugarandmixwell.Pourontopofbatter.Bake40minutes.Letcool10-15minutes.Thensprinklelightlywithpowderedsugar.
Mary Watson
Ashley Husbands
Thisweek’stipcomesfrom“Tips, Tools&Techniques”byGeorgiaCaraway(availableforpurchaseatThe HoweMercantile)
Thefollowingwasfoundonpage 133,titled“SmartShoppingatGarage Sales”
-Scanlocallistingsandplotyourroute thenightbefore.Alongthewaywatch forsignspostedatintersectionsfor thosesalesnotadvertised.Separate Friday,Saturday,andSundaysales
-Prioritizesalesbymerchandisethat mostinterestsyou.Ofcourse,keepin mindthatifmorethanonesaleisina neighborhood,itmakessensetovisit themtogetherratherthanbacktrack
-Ifyouareinterestedinonlyonecollectible,mentionyourinteresttothe peopleholdingthesale.Theymaynot haveitandwouldbewillingtocall youlater.Don’tdawdle.
-WearaT-shirtdepictingyourcollectinginterest
-Carrydollarbillsandloosechange. Carrybags,wrappingpaper,batteriesandmeasuringtape.Assumeresponsibilityforwrappingyourown items
-Don’tbeafraidtobargain,butbe polite;“wouldyoubewillingtotake lessforthis?”isagoodwaytoask. Askifthepricecouldbereducedif youbuyseveral
-Donotexpectthehomeownerto providebathroomsandwater.Use publicfacilitiesbeforeyouarrive
-Becheerful.You’llbesurprisedat howgratefulthepersonholdingthe salewillbetoencountersomeone pleasant.
RefSez
Allright,
Forournextlaparoundthebases,let’s discussbehavior.Asthesunbakesour beautifulTexaslandscape,wewill observethelawnchairs bloomingbehindthebackstopsofball fieldsacrossourbeautifulstate.
Plantedinsidethosebloomswillbe thegreateststrategists,coachesand gameofficialsontheface oftheearth.Theirvoiceswillring fromthefarreacheswithadvice,instructions,rulesandopinions.
Allthewhile,littleJohnnyandlittle Susiewilljustbehavingfunbeing withtheirfriendsonthefield andeagerlyawaitinganafter-game triptoDairyQueen.
Ithasbeenthisofficial’sobservation over60yearsofplaying,coachingand officiatingthatthekidswhoareparticipatinginthecontestsandthekids whoarediggingintheadjacentsand pilesarethereforonereason fun andfamilytime.
Ihaveneverseenorheardofakid betweentheagesof6-12signaletter
ifintentorreceivea scholarshipofferduringasummer leaguecontestwithNebraska,Michigan,NotreDameorLSU.
Mymessageissimple.Theseare Goldenyearsforthesekidsandalso agreattimetospendwith friendsandfamily.Havingsaidthat, mymessageissimple,pleaseenjoy theseraremomentsassuch.
Allowthekidstohavefunandsupportthem.LettheVOLUNTEER COACHESdotheirjobs.Allowthe developingofficialstolearntheir craftsastheymayprogresstohigher levelcontests.Also,enjoythe fellowshipoffamily,friendsand neighborswhileat theseevents.
Ohyeah,pleaseassistinkeepingthe parkscleanas youleave.
Untilournextlaptogether, TheRef.
*Everygenerationfacesitsownchallengesinraisingkids.Motherhood (andparenthoodingeneral)canbe tough,butyou’renotalone.Myhope isthatthroughthiscolumn,onearticle ormaybemore willresonate withyou,encourageyoutokeep pushingforward,andremindyouthat youcandothis.*
ThePowerofPrayerinMotherhood Doyoupraywithyourchildren?Not justatdinnerorinchurch,butinthe quietmomentsbeforebedorasthey headoutthedoorinthechaoticmorning?Doyoupraywiththemwhen they’restruggling,whenthey’velost atoy,orwhentheyfeeloverwhelmed?Doyourchildrenknow howtopray?Dotheyknowwhy? Moreimportantly,dotheybelievein thepowerofprayer?Doyou? IfyoubelieveinGod,letyourchildrenseethatbelief.Letthemwitness yourfaithinaction trustingthat thingswillworkout,evenwhenthey feelimpossibleinthemoment.Teach themtoturntoGod,notjustwhen theyneedsomething,butbecauseHe isalwaysthere.
Ifyoudon’tbelieveinGod,maybe youcanmeditatewithyourchildren. Helpthemfindstillnessandpeacein abusyandmessyworld.ButIcantell youfromexperience lookingtoa higher,holierpowerisacomforting andbeautifulthing.
Oneofmyfavoritethingsasamomis hearingmychildrenpray.Thereis somethingsopureabouttheir words prayingforasiblingwhois struggling,forthemselvesastheyface abigtest,orsimplyaskingthatweall besafe.Theirprayersremindmehow muchtheycarryontheirownshouldersandhowdeeplytheytrust. Ifyouhaven’tprayedinawhile,orif yourfamilyisgoingthroughadifficult time,it’snevertoolatetostart!The worldisheavy,andourkidsneedto knowwheretoturnwhenlifefeelstoo bigforthem.Weneedthat,too. I’velearnedthatprayercalmsme whenI’mattheheightofmyfrustration.Sometimes,themosthonestprayerscomeintheformofsilentpleading, ormessysobsinthecarafterschool drop-off,wonderinghowthingscould possiblygetanyharder.Othertimes, theyarespokenoutloud,orjusta thoughtinmymind.Thebeautiful thingaboutprayer?Itdoesn’thaveto bescriptedorformal itcanhappen anywhere,anytime.
Wesendourkidsoutintotheworld everyday,worryingoverthem.Let’s prayovertheminstead.Praytheyare safe.Praytheyhavethecourageto standupforthemselvesandothers. Praytheyarepatientwhensomeone annoysthem.Praytheyfindafriend whentheyfeelalone.Praytheyfocus inclass,showrespect,andcarrykindnessintheirhearts.
Wehaveanewandexcitingsection tointroducetoday,TheGardenSection.Thisisofferedbytheleadership ofKHB.OurcorrespondentisGreta Gardenerd.
WhatisthisKHB?
KHBcontinuestobeagroupof Howecitizenswhofocusonthe beautificationofHowe.Theorganizationbeganintheearly2000’s.KHB isKeepHoweBeautiful.Weare affiliatedwiththestatewideprogram KeepTexasBeautifulandDon’t MesswithTexas,whichfocuses mainlyonlitterpreventionsandcollection.Wehavebroadenedourrange toincludelargebeautificationprojects aswellascaringfortheplantsinfront ofGabby’s,thepostofficeandthe HoweentrancesignonDennyStreet. Ourmostpopularprogram,Yardof theMonthisafunwaytogettoknow Howe.Wedrivearoundthetownand surroundingareastolookatyards, decorationsandflowers. Ifyouseeanoutstandingyard,please sendusapicturewiththeaddressand wewilldriveby!
Mostrecentlywecompletedalarge project,TheRock.Itwasplacedin TheMemorialParkonVeteran’sDay afewyearsago.Thishasbeenawork ofloveandlabor.TheRockhaspaintingsof3outstandingmembersofthe communityandtheirnation.We continueourworkinthispark.Roses andotherflowershavebeenadded andmaintainedsincethededication. Wearealwayslookingfornewmembers,checkoutourFacebookpage.I wouldbegoodtomeetsomenew folksintown.WehaveanewmembertointroducetoGreta Gardenerd.Gretahasagreedtobeour “gardenadvisor”toansweryour growingandmowingquestions.
DearGreta,
WehadourSpringTrashOff.It seemswearealwayspickinguptrash inthesameplaces.Itseemslikea never-endingjob.Howdowegetour citizensattentionandstop allthislittering?
Well,Ithinkthatisaquestionsince thetimeofthefirstcar.Peoplefinish theirdrinkandthrowtheemptycup outthewindow!Nowadays,it’sthe wholeenchilada;leftover sandwich,chipbagandnapkin. Why,Isaw2chairsthatweresitting alongthesideoftheroad.Ipickedup thelawnchairon902butcouldn’t pickuptheother.Itwasarecliner. Thatissomekindoflitter, everyonesaysthingsarebiggerin Texas.Iguessthat’sincludeseven litter.
Letmetellyou,thefirstthingyou needtodoisgetpeopletostopthrowingthingsoutthewindowsoftheir trucksorcars.It’sthatsimple.Don’t throwyourtrashoutthe windows.
Iguessthenextthingyou’regoingto askmeisHowyouasaHowecitizen stopthislitteringproblem?Hmm, that’sahardone,Ithinkweshould justremindeachotherthat thestreetsarenottrashcans.Ithink youcouldputagrocerybaginyour carandputyourtrashinthere.Then whenyou’reatafillingstation,putit inthetrashcan.
Iwanttotalkaboutplants;litteringis ahardproblem.Let’stalkabout plants.Iwanttotalkaboutwildflowers.
Thankyou, Seeyounextmonth.
Greta
Andletthemhearyourprayers your hopes,yourexpectations,yourfaithin them.Theyneedtoknowtheyare coveredinloveandpurpose. Godhassomuchinstoreforeachof us.Heisamazingandwonderful,and ifweputourtrustinHim,wewill makeitthroughthehardestdaysof motherhood.Andifweteachourkids totrustinHim,theywillmakeit throughtheirhardestdays,too. Lifeismeanttobelivedfully,with hopeandjoy.Prayerhelpsusfindthat focusandstrengthtopushthrough hardtimes.
Let’steachourkidstopray. Don’tknowhowtopray?Notsure wheretobegin?
Here’sonesimplewaytostart: HeavenlyFather,thankYouforour blessings(trylistingsomeyou’ve noticedrecently).CanYouhelpus with -?Canyougivemethe strengthtomakeitthrough ? InYourSon’sname,JesusChrist, Amen.
Afteryoupray,takeamomenttojust bestill.Asyougothroughyourday, lookforblessingsaroundyou. You’vegotthismom!!
Yourencouragingfriend,EricaWells
PriceDaniel,Sr., hadadistinguished careerservingTexasandthe nation. By1952, hehadalready servedasanarmy officer,Texas HouseSpeaker, andattorneygeneral. Attheageof42 in1952,hispoliticalcareerwasonly beginningwithhiselectiontotheU.S. Senate.
WithhisinaugurationinJanuary1953, hejumpedintohisnewposition. He pushedthroughlegislationgiving coastalstatesthemineralrightsto coastalwaters,legislationhemadea priorityinhis1952election. Whilein theSenate,healsopushedthrough strictnewlawsregardingillicitdrug use.
In1956,hedecidedtoreturn toTexasandrunforgovernor. Itwasa crowdedfieldandaclosecontest, withDanielchallengedbyliberaland conservativecandidates. Danielwon theinitialDemocraticPrimaryand narrowlydefeatedformerJudgeRalph YarboroughintheDemocraticrunoff. HeresignedhisSenateseatand beganhistenureasgovernorinJanuary1957.
Daniel’syearsasgovernorwereyears oflookingahead. Heworkedtomodernizethestateinmanyways. Heapprovednewhighwayconstruction. He pushedethicsreformsforstateofficials andlobbyists,andwithLyndonJohnson,helpedbringNASA’sspacecentertoHouston. Historywasoneofhis greatpassions,andhespearheadedan efforttocreatetheStateLibrary andArchivesBuildinginAustinto housethestate’simportantrecordsand documents,dedicatedin1962. Lookingatthegrowthofcitiesandthedemandsoffarmersandranchers,Danielalsomovedtocreatemore waterprojectstoincreasethestate’s supply. Bythetimeheleftoffice,dozensofreservoirprojectswerealready planned.
Inspiteofthestate’soil wealth,Texasfacedseriousmoney problemsinDaniel’sthirdterm. In 1961,thelegislatureproposeda2% salestaxtomakeupforthefunding shortfalls. Danielhadfoughtthesales taxinhisyearsinthelegislature,buthe realizedthatthestateneedednew sourcesofrevenuetomeetthedemandsofamodernstate. Thelegislaturepassedthetax,andDanielallowed ittobecomelawwithouthissignature. Thesalestaxwasveryunpopular. In1962,DaniellosttheDemocraticPrimaryinhisbidforafourthterm toSecretaryoftheNavyJohnConnally,whowentontobecomegovernor.
In1967,LyndonJohnson,nowpresident,stilllookedtoDanielforhisexpertise. Hewasnamedtoaposition ontheNationalSecurityCouncilas headtheOfficeofEmergencyPreparedness. JohnsonalsonamedDanielas aliaisonbetweentheWhiteHouseand thenation’sgovernors.
Daniel’sfamilybecamedeeplyinvolvedinpoliticsaswell. Hisyounger brother,William,servedthreetermsin thestatelegislatureandlaterservedas territorialgovernorofGuamfrom 1961to1963. Hiseldest son,PriceDaniel,Jr.,deeplyadmired hisfather. Bythetimehewas12in the1950s,hewasmakingspeeches andcampaigningforhisfather. In 1968,hewaselectedtothesamelegislativeseathisfatherheldandeventuallybecameSpeakeroftheHouseby 1976,justashisfatherhadyearsbefore.
In1971,Gov.PrestonSmithnamed theformergovernorandSenatortoan unexpiredpositionontheTexasSupremeCourt. Withthis,Danielhad nowservedinallthreebranchesof stategovernment. Hewaselectedtoa fulltermonthecourtin1972andreelectedin1974. Hedecidednotto seekre-electionin1978. Whenheretiredattheendofhisterm inJanuary1979,hecappedaremarkablefourdecadesofelectedservice. He workedasaprivateattorneyafterward, providingfreeservicetotheAlabamaCoushattatribe. Hehopedtoenjoya quiet,peacefulretirementathisranch inhisnativeLibertyCounty. Butit wasnottobe.
In1981,PriceDaniel,Jr.–respected citizen,attorney,andfatherofthree wasshotandkilledbyhiswifeina bizarreincident. Thescandalshocked theentirestate. AndtheentireDanielFamilywasleftindeep mourning.
TheelderDanielwasdeeplyhurtby theloss,forthebondbetweenafather andhissonisunbreakable. Hishealth declinedintheyearsafterward. PriceDaniel,Sr.,diedonhis ranchofastrokein1988attheageof 78.
Danielwaswidelyhonoredforhis service. BaylorUniversitynamedits publicserviceawardaftertheformer governorandsenator. Aprisonunitin Snyderisnamedafterhim. The PriceDanielStateOfficeBuildingis locatedneartheStateCapitol inAustin. Hishomeisnowamuseum.
Wespokelast weekaboutthe holycityof Godcoming downtositon theearthoften referredtoas Zionor MountZion, BrideofChrist, Tabernacleof God,Cityof God,Cityofthe GreatKing, CelestialCity,City Foursquare,andHeavenlyJerusalem. Afterthemillennium,manybelieve thiswillbetheeternalhomeof believerscalledheaven.ArealmbeyondtheimaginationwhereGodas TheeternalLordandKingliterally dwellsandrulesfromHisthronewith Hisfollowersforever.Isaiahchapter 65andsecondPeterchapter3talk aboutthenewheavensandthenew earthalongwithotherpassagesconcerningheavenlikeJohnchapter14, Philippians3,andHebrews11.
Irealizethatmanypeoplehavetheir ownthoughtsaboutwhereheavenwill beandwhatwillbethere,andI admitI’vehadmyshareofideas. WhenIwasakid,Idaydreamedof heavenasaplacethatistrillionsof lightyearsbeyondthegalaxieswhere wecouldflyanywhereinthecosmos withunimaginablesupernaturalabilities.Ienvisionedcommunicationwith telepathyandindescribableideasrelatedtothemysteriesofanotherdimension.However,whenwetakeacloser look,wenoticethatwearenottravelingalongwaytogettoheaven,but accordingtomanyBiblescholars, heavenisactuallycominghere.Yes,it willbemesmerizing,butwealso noticeitwillcontainfamiliarthings thataresimilartowhatwehavenow.
We’veseenpicturesofpeoplefloating oncloudsplayingharps,andthiseternalloungingsoundsnice,but accordingtotheBible,worship,and singingarenotallwewilldo.Imight addthatmanydonotreallyliketo singorworshipnow.Manyscholars saythescripturesrevealwewillhavea chancetoexerciseourgiftsand talentsinafargreaterwaythanwe everimagined.Therewillbemuchto do,andyes,workandresponsibility willbeapartofit.Onearth,ourlabors aretiresomeandfrustrating,butina sinlessenvironmentthatisfreefrom thecurse,notonlywillwelivewitha joyful,loving,andpatientattitude,but wewillhaveendlessstrengthand excitement.OurliveswillbevictorioussinceHeisthegloriousconqueringLambofGod,andbecauseofHis love,wewillbeanointedandblessed ineverythingwethinkanddo.The lightofHismajestywillilluminate heavenaswewillneverbesick,depressed,disappointed,discouragedor evenneedtosleep.
AquestionIreceiveofteniswhenwe die(includingallthepeoplethathave passedsinceAdamandEve),dowe gostraighttoheavenwhenwedieor dowegosomewheretowaitforthe
judgment?Thisisanexcellentstudy forthosewhoareinterestedinthesubject.TheverseinSecondCorinthians 5:8thatsaystobeabsentfromthe bodyistobepresentwiththeLord,is commonlyusedwhentalkingabout themomentofourdeparture.I’ve heardthisallmylifeincontexttoall saintsbeinginstantlywithJesusand it’stechnicallytrue.(Actually,I’ve neverattendedafuneralwherethepersonwhopassedwasnotdeclaredtobe inthearmsofChristnomatterif theywereaChristianornot).However,someteachersareconvincedthat insteadofenteringGod’sabodetosee Himfacetoface,thereisatemporary realmcalledSheol,orthegravewhere allspiritswaituntilafterthefinal resurrectionandjudgement.
Somesaythatallbelieversenjoya peacefulawarenessofGod’spresence inwhatiscalledParadiseor Abraham’sbosom,andaftertheresurrectionwhenwearegivenournew glorifiedbodies,wewillspendeternity intheheavenJesuspromisedtoprepare.TheothercompartmentofSheol calledHadesisfornon-believerswho areexperiencingthisdarkanddreadful realm.Thelostareawaitingthefinal judgmentwheretheywillbe sentencedtospendaneternityinGehennaorhellwithoutthelight,love, andpresenceofGod.Wenoticewhen Jesuswasonthecross,oneman beggedthatHerememberhim,and Christreplied,“Todayyouwillbewith me inParadise.”DoyoubelieveJesus wenttoSheolandpreachedthegood newsofHisloveandforgivenessto thoseinParadiseandHades?Iwould liketoknowwhatyouthink. Psalmz103@gmail.com
Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com
“ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
CommunityBibleFellowship JeremyMoore,pastor
415SCollinsFwy,Howe,TX75459
Wednesday
6:30pm-FoodandFellowship
7:00pm-CommunityKids(ages36thgrade,nurseryavailable)
7:00pm-YouthandAdultBible Study
Sunday
10:30am-WorshipService
FirstBaptistChurchHowe RogerTidwell,pastor
100E.DavisSt.,Howe,TX903-5325504
Wednesday
5:15pm-FreeMeal
6:15pm-AblazePrayerMeeting
6:15pm- Children'sMid-Week
6:30pm-WednesdayNightYouth
Sunday
9:15am-SundaySchool
10:30am-WorshipServiceBible Study
HoweMethodistChurchofHowe JBBryant,minister
810NDennySt,Howe,TX75459 903-532-6718
Tuesday:
8:30am-1:00pmWeeCareDaycare (Registrationneeded)
9:30am-Women'sBibleStudy
6:30pm-BoyScouts
Wednesday:
9:00am-WednesdayWorkers
6:00pm-1stand3rdWednesdays
FamilyNight
Thursday:
8:30am-1:00pm-WeeCareDaycare (Registrationneeded)
Saturday:
9:00am-12:00pm-FeedMySheep (1st&3rdSat.ofeachmonth)
Sunday:
8:30am-CoffeeandDonuts
9:00am-SundaySchool
10:00am-WorshipService
3:00pmCubScouts
15:13
FirstBaptistChurchDorchester ZachPoling,pastor
11831FM902,Dorchester,TX 75459903-476-5525
Wednesday
6:30pm-Worshipservice
Sunday
9:00am-Men'sPrayerTime
9:45am-SundaySchool
10:45am-WorshipService
5:00pm-EveningService
SummitViewChurch BrettandDebHetrick,pastors
910SDennySt,Howe,TX75459 903-532-6828
Wednesday
7:00pm-RadiateYouth
7:00pm-Sanctuaryofforprayer
Sunday
9:30am-SundaySchool (kids,youth,women,men)
10:30am-WorshipService
10:30am-KidsChurch
HoweChurchofChrist AaronAlsbrook,minister
1205NCollinsFwy,Howe,TX 75459903-532-6441
Wednesday
7:00pm-BibleClasses (allages)
Sunday 9:00am-BibleClasses (allages)
10:00am-WorshipService 5:00pm-WorshipService
JobTitle ASSISTANT TRAINER
workintexas.com
PostingID16833258
Location Tioga
PostingCloseDate 6/13/25
PostingLink
https://bit.ly/4i5dzJJ
Description Alocal companyislookingforan ASSISTANTTRAINER whowillbestartingcolts &preparingthemfortheir firstrides,includingsackingout,groundwork,saddling,andlunging.Assistingwithriding,saddling, bathing,andgeneral horsecareofalltraining andclienthorses.This positionrequiresaminimumof2yearsofrelated experience.
PostingID16841652
Location Sherman
PostingCloseDate 5/23/25
PostingLink
https://bit.ly/3E8FURc
Description Alocal companyislookingfora SALESMANAGER.Dutiesincludebutarenot limitedto,customerprospecting,customerservice,quoting&orderprocessing.Thispositionrequires2YearsatCollege oraTechnicalorVocationalSchoolandprefers aminimumof1yearof relatedexperience.
SECONDS
COUNTINANEMER-
GENCY!That's whytheCityofHowehas institutedthe CodeREDEmergency NotificationSystem -anultrahigh-speedtelephonecommunica- tionserviceforemergency notifications.This systemallowsustotelephoneallortargeted areasincaseofanemergencysituationthat requiresimmediateaction (suchasaboil-waternotice,missingchildorevacuationnotices).The systemiscapableofdialing60,000phonenumbersperhour.Itthen deliversapre-recordedmessagedescribingthesituationstoalivepersonoranansweringmachineintheaffectedareapossiblyincluding instructionsrequiringactiononthepartoftherecipient.Oncethesituationisremedied,anothercallwillbeplacedtotheareasignalingthat theissuehasbeenaddressedandthatnormalactivitiescanberesumed.
Thefollowinginformationisrequiredtoaddatelephonenumberinto the"CodeRED"database:firstandlastname;address(physicaladdress,noP.O.boxes);city;state;ZipCode;andprimaryphonenumber.Thesystemworkswithcellularphonesbutrequiresavalidstreet address.Whenenteringinformation,pleasefilloutallofthescreens becausethenewestdataenteredwillreplacetheolddata.Signupby visitinghttp://www.co.grayson.tx.us/page/oem.cred
StateSalesTax
GeneralRevenueSalesTax
EconomicDevelopment(TypeB)
SalesTax
Total
CityofHoweTaxRate
HoweI.S.DTaxRate
GraysonCountyTaxRate
GraysonCollegeTaxRate
Total(per$100valuation)
City Hall
116 E. Haning St., 903-532-5571
Mayor: Karla McDonald
City Council: Michael Hill, Billie Ingram, Sarah Myrick, Shawn Tyler, Ricky Price
City Administrator : Monte Walker
City Secretary: Michelle Hewitt
Utility Billing and Municipal Court
116 E. Haning St. 903-532-5571
Utility Clerk: Beccy Roberts
Court Clerk: Amy Bond (After hours night drop available)
Public Works
317 S. Hughes St.
Public Works Director: Justin Johnson
Code Enforcement
317 S. Hughes St. Code Enforcement Officer:
Howe Volunteer Fire Department
118 E. Haning 903-532-6888 (nonemergency)
Fire Chief: Robert Maniet
Howe Police Department
700 W. Haning St. 903-532-9971 (non-emergency) Dispatch 903813-4411
Police Chief: Jake Sullivan
Economic Development
100 E. O’Connell
EDC Director: Monte Walker City
Chinaannouncednewretaliatorytariffsof84%againstUSimportsearly WednesdayinresponsetotheTrump administration’s104%tariffonChineseimports.Theescalationcameas Trumpannounceda90-daypauseon mosttariffsover10% excluding China laterintheday,sparkingmarketstohistoricrallies.TrumpalsoincreasedChina’stariffsto125%.
Thetariffpausecameamidwarnings fromeconomists includingJPMorganCEOJamieDimon thatthe broadtariffprogramwouldleadtoa recession(tariffs101).Sincelast week’sannouncementofincreased tariffsonmorethan75nations,the S&P500hadenteredbearmarketterritory,havingshednearly20%offits recenthigh,whileallUS-listedstocks dropped$7.7Tinvalue.
Stockspoppedonthereversal(S&P 500+9.5%,Dow+7.9%,Nasdaq +12.2%),withtheS&P500notching
itsbiggestsingle-daygainsince2008.
Inrelatednews,RichmondFedPresidentTomBarkinsaidyesterdaythat pricehikesfromtariffsmaynotarriveuntilthesummerascompanies workthroughexistinginventory.
Scientistsreleasedacolored3Dreconstructionofthelargestmammalian brainmapeveryesterday,providinga significantstepforwardinunderstandinghowthebrainworks.
Usingjustacubicmillimeterofneural tissue aboutthesizeofagrainof sand fromamouse’sbrain,researcherschartedtheactivityandstructureof 200,000neuronsandothertypesof braincells,alongwith523million neuralconnections,andproduceddata equivalentto22yearsofnonstopHD video.Toobtainthedata,theteam playedstimulatingshortvideoclipsfor therodent,includingscenesfrom"The Matrix,"andusedasophisticatedimagingsystemtotracktheanimal’s brainactivitypatternsinitsvisualcortex.Theirfindings compiledinto amapresemblingagalaxy allow researcherstodecodeanddiscover patternsinthebrain'swiringthatimpactfunctionslikeseeing,storing,and processinginformation.
Neuroscientistshopethefindingscan begeneralizedtohumansandhelpto studyandcreatetreatmentsforbrain
Aroofcollapseatamusicvenuein SantoDomingo,DominicanRepublic,killedatleast98peopleandinjured morethan160othersearlyTuesday. Authoritieshavenotyetweighedinon thecauseofthetragedy,whichkilled provincialgovernorNelsyCruz,sister offormerMLBpowerhitterNelson Cruz,aswellastheperformerRubby Pérezandhissaxophonist.
TheroofoftheJetSetmusicvenuefell whilemerenguemusicianPérezwas performingshortlyaftermidnight.An estimated500peoplewereinattendanceatoneofthecountry’smostfamousclubs,whichiswellknownfor itsMondayshows.PresidentLuis AbinaderreceivedacallfromNelsy Cruz,thegovernorofthenorthwestern Montecristiprovince,whileshewas trapped(shelaterdiedatahospital).
Rescuerscontinuedtoextract peoplefromtherubblethroughoutthedayTuesday.
Otherindividualswhodiedin theincidentincludeformer MLBplayersOctavioDoteland TonyBlanco.
diseasesassociatedwithatypicalwiring,includingautismandschizophrenia.
PrinceHarryappearedatEngland’s CourtofAppealTuesdaytochallengethereductionofhistaxpayerfundedsecurity.HearguedtheRoyalandVIPExecutiveCommittee’s decisiontodenyhimandhisfamily policeprotectionnormallygranted toroyalfamilymemberswasprocedurallyunfairandexposedthem tosecurityrisksduringvisitstothe UK.
Thechallengefollowsa2020ruling byRAVEC acommitteeincludinggovernment,lawenforcement, androyalrepresentatives thatdowngradedHarry'sautomatic protectiontosecurityprovidedona case-by-casebasisafterhestepped backfromroyalduties.Harryfiled ajudicialreviewin2021,alleging RAVECfailedtofollowitsown protocols,conductproperriskassessments,orensureatransparent process.A2024HighCourtruling upheldRAVEC’sdecision,butHarrylatersecuredlimitedappeal rights.Thegovernmentmaintains securityisbasedonrisk,notstatus, andthechangeinroyaldutiesjustifiedhisdowngradedprotection.
Thetwo-dayhearingconcludestoday,withjudgesexpectedtoreserve theirdecision.Eitherpartymayseek SupremeCourtappealrightsafterward.
BiotechnologystartupColossalannouncedMondayithassuccessfullyrevivedthedirewolf,whichwent extinctthousandsofyearsagoandwas popularizedthroughGeorgeRRMartin's"GameofThrones."Thebreakthroughmarkstheworld’sfirstdeextinctionofananimal.
ThedirewolfroamedtheAmericas morethan12,000yearsagobeforeits prey largeherbivoreslikebison werelargelydepleted.Colossalcreated threewolves:six-month-oldadolescentsRomulusandRemus,andpup Khaleesi(seefootagehere).ThecompanycreatedthewolvesusingDNA fragmentsfroma13,000-year-old toothfossilanda72,000-year-old skull.TheyalsousedCRISPRtechnologytoeditgenesofthedirewolf's closestlivingrelative,thegraywolf, selectingforwhitefur.
Colossal launchedin2021andvaluedatover$10B seekstorecreate
extinctspecieslikethewoollymammothandthedodobird.Thecompany hopestheprojectswillyieldprofitable insightstobenefithumanhealth,like helpingtodevelopartificialwombs.
TheNorthAtlanticTreatyOrganizationisamilitaryallianceof32membercountriesfromEuropeandNorth America.NATOwasestablishedin 1949with12foundingnations,andits primarypurposeistoprovideacollectivesecurityframework originally establishedtodefendWesternEuropeannationsagainstaggression fromtheSovietUnion
Theorganizationwasfoundedoncollectivedefense,meaningthatanattack ononememberistreatedasanattack onall.SincethefalloftheSovietUnion,NATOhasbroadeneditsmembershipandscope coveringaround10 millionsquaremilesandalmostabillionpeople(seeinteractivemap).
SouthKorea'shighestcourtunanimouslydecidedtoremoveimpeached PresidentYoonSukYeolfromoffice yesterday,endingfivemonthsofpoliticaluncertaintyafterYoon'sshort-lived declarationofmartiallawinDecember.TheConstitutionalCourt'sruling triggersa60-dayperiodtoelectanew leader,withPrimeMinisterHanDucksooservingasactingpresidentinthe interim.
Yoonhadbeenindictedonchargesof leadinganinsurrectionbyimposing martiallaw,thefirstsuchdeclaration sincethecountrydemocratizedinthe 1980s.Yoondeclaredasix-hour-long martiallawDec.3overallegationsthat theoppositionwasmadeupof"antistate"NorthKoreansympathizers, leadingtotroopsstormingtheNational Assemblyandsparkingnationwide protests.YoonwasimpeachedDec. 14,arrestedJan.15,andlaterfaceda trial.
SouthKoreaisoneoftheUS' biggestallies,hostingAmerica's largestoverseasmilitarybase.It issettoholdasnapelection June3.LeeJae-myung,the leaderoftheDemocraticParty, isconsideredafront-runnerin therace,whiletherulingConservatives,reelingfromYoon's impeachment,haveyettodecideonacandidate.
AfterWorldWarII,theUSandthe SovietUnionemergedasthetwo globalsuperpowers,eachseekingto expandtheirinfluence usheringina periodknownastheColdWar
TheUSvaluedastrong,armed,and independentWesternEuropetocounterglobalSovietinfluence.ASovietbackedcoupinCzechoslovakiaand theSovietblockadeofWestBerlinin 1948promptedWesternnationsto seekaunifieddefensestrategywiththe US.
TwelvenationssignedtheNorthAtlanticTreatyinWashington,DC,on April4,1949,including10European countriesaswellastheUSandCanada.
ThedissolutionoftheSovietUnionin 1991promptedquestionsabout NATO’snecessityandpurpose shoulditbedissolvedand,ifnot,how shoulditaddressthenewlyformed RussianFederation?
Post-Cold War NATOexpandeditsmembershipfrom16countriesin1991to30 by2020,incorporatingformerSoviet alliessuchasPoland,Hungary,andthe CzechRepublic.
Thestrategicfocusofthealliance shiftedfromdeterrencetocrisismanagementandcooperativesecurity,engaginginoperationsbeyonditstraditionalboundaries,suchasitsinterventionsinethnicconflictsintheBalkans duringthe1990s.
The2022Russianinvasionof Ukraine whichisnotaNATOmemberbutsharesborderswiththreealliancenations revivedColdWar-era tensionsbetweenanenlargedWestand anaggressiveRussia.
NATOnationsrespondedtotheinvasionbyimposingsanctionsonRussia andcoordinatingfinancialandmilitary aidtoUkraine,withNATOallies providingapproximately99%ofall militaryaidtoUkraine
FinlandandSwedenbothjoined NATOinlightofRussia’smove, breakingadecadeslongpolicyofneutralityinEuropeanaffairsanddoubling thesizeofthedirectborderbetween NATOandRussia.
Mutual Defense Clause
NATO'sArticle5mutualdefense clausestatesthatanattackagainstone memberisanattackagainstall,requiringallmemberstoassisttheattacked member,includingtheuseofarmed forceifnecessary.
TheonlyinvocationofArticle5 cameaftertheSept.11terroristattacksagainsttheUS,leadingto NATO’smilitaryinvolvementinthe waronterrorism.
Nonationhasdirectlyinvadeda NATOcountrysincetheadoptionof thetreatyanditsmutualdefense clause,suggestingthedeterrenteffect ofthealliance.Theclauseallowseach membertodetermineitsowncourse ofactioninresponsetoanarmedattack,leadingtouncertaintyaboutthe extentofcollectivemilitarysupport.
NATOisfundedprimarilybyitsmembercountries.Eachcountrypaysa percentageofitsGDP,withtop-payer Polandallocating4.1%in2024followedbyEstoniaandtheUS(3.4%). Countriescontributedirectly(via budgetoutlays)orindirectly(through armsprovisions).
DuetothesizeoftheUSeconomy,the absolutemilitaryandfinancialburden ontheUSwouldbesignificantlyhigherintheeventofaNATOconflict.
ThisdisparityhasledtodisputesbetweentheUSanditsallies.Inearly 2025,USofficialsannounceda shiftintheirforeignpolicystrategy, prioritizinghomelandsecurityover Europeandefense,raisingconcerns abouttheUS'long-termcommitment toNATOandpromptingEuropean alliestoreevaluatetheirdefensestrategiesandfunding.