Ourweekly,local Motherhoodcontributortookthe weekoff,wewill missherandlook forwardtohernext article.However, wehaveanew contributorthis weekinanewcolumn,andsome previouscontributorsbackinrotation!
ThisweekIwould liketothankour advertisingcontributorsforsupportingthispublication,ifyounever stoptolookatthe ads,takethetime, wehavesomefantasticlocalbusinesseswhocare aboutourcommunity!
Thecountytaxes articleisfinally here!Iamthankful wehavelocalpoliticiansbothin Howeandinthe Countywhopatientlysitdown withustocontributetoourwritings. Ifyouwouldlike toseeatopiccoveredintheCounty orCity,please emailtheeditorat ashley@ howeenterprise.com
PlanningandZoningCommission WelcomesaNewMember;CityCouncil DiscussesNewDevelopments Husbands
ThisTuesday,thePlanningandZoningCommissionandCityCouncilhadtheirmonthly meetings.
ThePlanningandZoningCommissiondiscussedthePreliminary PlatfortheHilltop Ranchdevelopmentand passedthemotionunanimously.ThePreliminary andFinalPlatforthe BethelBaptistChurch Divisionwasunanimouslypassed.
TheCityCouncilhadall memberspresentatthe meetingthisweek. MayorKarlaMcDonald conductedhermonthly “MayorBragMoment”, atimeinwhichcitizens andemployeesarerecognizedforgooddeeds withinthecommunity.A citizen,alocalpolice officerandaPublic Worksemployeewere recognizedfortheiractions-ArchieSutton,OfficerTerryMcFadden andJustinJohnson.The commentsfromthe
MayorregardingArchie Suttonwere,“Mr.Sutton hasbeenverygraciousin volunteeringhistimeand knowledgeashehas installedanewcamera andsoundsystemhereat SummitGardens.We believethisupgradewill benefitboththeCitizens andtheCityandwe greatlyappreciateMr. Sutton’stimeandenergy intothisproject.”Officer TerryMcFaddenwas recognizedbythe Mayor,whostated,“On June24,2025,CityAdministratorMonteWalk-
erreportedtomethat OfficerMcFaddendiscoveredamajorleakon Hwy5;thisleakwasoff theroadandintothe trees.OfficerMcFadden potentiallysavedtheCity ofHowealargefinancial burdenthroughhisvigilanceandquickactionto reportthewaterbreak. Additionally,onJuly1, 2025,ChiefJakeSullivan reportedtomethathe receivedapositivereviewfromoneofour citizens,regardingOfficerMcFadden.Citizens andtheCityofHowe
benefitedbyOfficer McFadden’svigilance andquickactiontostop criminaltrespassingfrom anillegaldumperat GlenbrookApartments. TheCitizenreportedthey havebeenbattlingthis problemforyearstono availandOfficerMcFadden’seffortstoresolve theseissueshaspositively affectedcitizenslivingin thisapartmentcomplex. Furthermore,thecitizen expressedOfficer McFadden’sbehavioras beingprofessionaland havingacourteousde
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CountyCommissionerJoshMarrExplainsTaxesand PlansfortheFuture Ashley Husbands
Forthisarticlewesat downwithGrayson CountyCommissioner JoshMarrtodiscuss howtaxesintheCounty workandideasforloweringpropertytaxesthat theCountyisconsidering.Thisisaninformativearticleandiscomprisedentirelyofdirect quotesfromJoshMarr afterhewasaskedto explaingenerallyhow taxeswork,common misconceptions,and plansforthefuturein GraysonCounty.
“Thepropertytax,right
now,istheonlytaxmoneythatcomesintoprovidealltheservicestothe County.TheCountyis notheretomakeaprofit offthetaxesthatyoupay, they’reheretotakeyour taxdollars,turnaroundto servicesbeing-whether it’satthejailtohold criminalsinsteadoflettingallthecriminalsrun loosearoundtheCounty. Yes,there’salotofsmall misdemeanorstuffthat goeson,wheretheyjust getletbackoutwhen theyarenotbeingahazardtosociety-justhada badday,badnight,etc. Mentalhealthisonthe increase.Also,indigent
defense-somepeople whogetintroubledon’t havethemoneytopay foralawyer,everytaxpayerpaysforthatlawyertorepresentthatperson,bytheConstitution. Ifsomeonediesanddoes nothaveafamilyor knowwhotheirrelatives are,theyarecremated andburiedandthetaxpayerspayforthat.Everythingthatcomes throughthecourts,the judges,thedetention officerswhorunthejail, theSherriffandtheDeputieswhogoonpatrol, thehealthdepartment, dogcatchers,county clerks,districtclerks,the
treasurer,theauditors,the developmentservicesetc. alloftheseservicesneedto bepaidanditallcomes fromyourpropertytax. TheCountyhasaproperty taxof.31percent,so31 centsplusalittlebitper $100valuation.Citizens arepayingthatamount afteranyexemptionsthey mayhavesuchasahomesteadexemption,agexemptionsetc.Ithinkoneof thebiggestmisconceptions withpropertytaxes-you getapostcardinthemail everyyearfromtheGraysonCountyTaxAssessor Collector,whichisoneof thedepartmentsyoupay for.Youjustseeafinal
numberonthere,whateveryourpropertyvalueis withthetaxrateonthatyouobtainthatandso youarewritingacheckto GraysonCountyTaxAppraiser.Alotofpeople believeallthismoneyis goingtotheCounty,butit isnot,theCountyisonly getting31centsoutof every$100valuationof whatyouarewriting.A standardifyouliveina city,itisusuallythecountycollegeisthelowest, thentheCounty,theCity andthentheschooldistrict.Ifyoudon’tlivein thecity,youcouldlivein awatershed,likeChoc
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The NRPGroup Multi-Family Project at Ponderosa Point
Photo Credit: Karla McDonald
Karla McDonald Ashley
UpcomingEvents AUGUST4:StaffTechnologyConferenceatHHS
AUGUST8:HHSFreshmanBootCamp
MeettheNewTeachers–HoweIntermediateSchool TheseintroductionsandphotoswerepulledfromtheHoweIntermediateSchoolFacebookpage.
Ms.DonitaHarper I'moriginallyfromBowlingGreenKYIgraduatedfromWesternKentuckyUniversity.Itaught2ndGradeinGallatinTNforfiveyearsandwastheLearningLab coordinatoratFriscosMemorialHighschoolbeforemovingtoAnnaTX2years ago.IamaproudDisneyCollegeProgramAlumniandDisneyadult.Ihavetwo boys,andacuteyorkiepoopuppynamedTucker.
BulldogBlitzRegistrationEvent TheBulldogBlitzRegistrationEventisback!JoinusonTuesday,July29thfrom 10:00-5:00atSummitHillElementarytogetregistered,getschedulesandteacher assignments,pickupstudentdevices,andmore!Forquestions,pleasecontact ClarissiaDotyat903-745-4004.
SUBSTITUTETEACHERS! Clarissia Doty
We’reonthehuntforafewgreatfolks whocanstepinwhenourteachersor staffneedtostepout. Gotaflexible schedule?Enjoybeingaroundkids? Don’tmindtheoccasionalunexpected adventure(likehelpingtie14shoes before9a.m.)?Thenyoujustmight bethepersonwe’relookingfor!
We’rebuildingoursubstitutelistand wouldlovetoaddsomeonelike you orsomeoneyouknow.No teachingdegreerequired!Justbringa positiveattitude,awillingnessto learn,andtheabilitytokeepaclassroomrunningwithminimalchaos (andmaybeasenseofhumor). Ifthatsoundslikeyourkindofchallenge,comejoinus!
Wewillhostoursubstitutetrainingon Wednesday,July30attheHoweISD trainingroomlocatedat105W.Tutt.
FIRSTWEDNESDAYOFEACHMONTH:HoweHumpDay:8-9a.m.atSummitGardens
SECONDSATURDAYOFEACHMONTH:BulkTrashPickup
THIRDTUESDAYOFEACHMONTH:RegularCityCouncilMeeting:6p.m.atSummitGardens
AUGUST4:IceCreamSocialat6:30p.m.at100E.O’ConnellSt.inHowe
CityCouncilMeetingContinued (Continued from page 1)
meanor.TheCityofHoweisvery fortunatetohaveofficerssuchas yourselfwhocareaboutourcitizens andotherswithinourcommunity. Youreffortdescribeswhattruepublicservantsexemplify–ateam readytoassistatanytimeandinany waypossible.TheHowePDis workinghardtomakeadifference, anditisnoticeable.”
JustinJohnsonwasrecognizedfor thefollowingbyMcDonald,“City AdministratorMonteWalkerreportedtomethatJustinidentified,assessed,andfixedaculvertonEast HaningStreetthatwasreadytocollapse.Hadthisculvertcollapsed,this mayhavecausedadditionalproblems.Mr.Johnson’sactionswere veryquickanddeliberatebenefiting theCitizensofHowe.Additionally, CityAdministratorMonteWalker reportshereceivesnumerousweeklycomplimentsonMr.Johnson’s professionalismandcourteousdemeanor.TheCityofHoweisvery fortunatetohaveMr.Johnsononour team;ateammemberwhoisalways willingtoservetheCitizensof Howeinatimely,efficientmanner.”
TheDepartmentalreportsweregivenbythePoliceDepartment,Fire/ EMSDepartment,CitySecretary, PublicWorksandtheCityAdministrator.
ChiefJakeSullivanofthePolice
Departmentreportedan80%increase incallvolumecomparedtothesame periodinJune2024.TheHowePoliceDepartmentisofficiallyinthe accreditationprocess.Anewofficer willjointhedepartmentonJuly28, 2025.Officersarebeingvisiblewhen businessesareclosingtodetourrobberies,etc.ChiefSullivanreported receivingpositivefeedbackfromthe managementteamsduetotheofficers’increaseinwalkthroughsofbusinesses;thisprogramfosterspositive relationshipswithourbusinesscommunityandreducescrime.
ChiefRobertManietofFire/EMS Departmentreportedatotalof65 callsforserviceinvolvingmultiple firecalls,MVAs,grassfires,and EMScalls.Theywillbegintheir2yearrenewalfortheEMSprovider licensewiththeTexasDepartmentof StateHealthServiceswithinthecomingweeksanditwillbecompleted andrenewedbySeptember1,2025. Theyhavecompletedtheannual recertificationprocessoftheirair packsandcascadebreathingmachine andhadpassingresults.Additionally, theyreceivedtheirfullTCFPcompliancewhichmeanstheycanhire, train,andmaintainTCFPfirefighters.
TheCitySecretary,MichelleHewitt reportedupdatesonthenewCityHall phonesystem,andthatthemobile meterreadingisupandrunning.Ms. Hewitthasbegunworkingonthe 2023/2024auditwiththeCity’scon-
sultants.CandiceKahklenwashired asthenewpermitclerk,andJessica Salcidowashiredasthenewcourt clerk.
PublicWorkswasreportedbyCity AdministratorMonteWalker-various serviceswereperformedincluding 173hoursofworkonthewells.PublicWorksreportedtoMr.Walkerthat Well2repairsarealmostcompleted, anditshouldbeoperationalinthe nextcoupleofweeks.
CityAdministrator,MonteWalker gaveanupdateondevelopmentsthe Cityhasanagreementwith;theyinclude:NobleRidge1A(171homes); NobleRidge1B(177homes);ConnectionsPark;PonderosaPoint (commercialcontractshavebeen signedwith7-ElevenandTacoBell); TheNRPGroupatPonderosaPointis underconstructiononthemultifamilyproject(300units);Grace Meadows(51half-acrelots);Hilltop Ranch(1,376homes);andSaddlebackisconstructingthefirstofseven homesonBanderaDrive.
TheactionitemsincludedaunanimouspassingoftheInvestmentReport,renewingthetermsforthePlanningandZoningCommissionboard membersNicoleFaye,SharonCarroll,andBrandonMcKinney.Larry Stevensonwasalsoaddedontothe PlanningandZoningCommission. TheactionspassedbytheP&ZregardingHilltopRanchandBethel
BaptistChurchDivisionwereboth passedunanimouslybytheCouncil. AProfessionalServicesAgreement withAstraInvestments,GP,LLCwas passedunanimously.Anotheraction itemwastodiscussandactuponan Oncorrateincrease,themotionwas madebythecounciltodenytheOncorrateincreaseandpassedunanimously.TheEconomicDevelopment Committee(EDC)membersSharla Ross,BrandonGroomsandKent Lowderwereupforacceptingtheir renewaloftermsandwerepassed unanimously.TheEDCalsohada unanimousvotefromthecouncilfor allowingthemtocontractwithMunsonLawfirmforapotentialrealestatetransaction.Lastly,itwasunanimouslypassedtoadoptthe2021InternationalBuildingCodeswithan effectivedateofAugust1,2025. Therewasnoexecutivesessionthis month.Attheendofthemeetinga BudgetWorkshopwasheldbythe CityCouncilandCityAdministrator, allthingsatthistimewerepurelydiscussionandnodecisionsweremade atthistime.Ifyouwouldliketoview theBudgetWorkshopportioncheck outthislink,beginningat57minutes intothemeeting.
ThePlanningandZoningCommissionandCityCouncilmeetevery thirdTuesdayofeachmonthat6p.m. atSummitGardens.
New P&Z Member, Larry Stevenson swearing in
Photo Credit: MonteWalker
TaxesContinued tawwatershed,they’reactuallythe lowestone,buttherearealargerange ofpeoplewholiveinthattaxingentity.Youcouldliveinanotherdistrict suchasaMUD(MunicipalUtility District),youaregettingtaxedtherein placeofacity.ACityisusually around50centsper$100,aMUDisa dollar,theysayyou’repayingaCity taxbutyouarepayingnearlydouble whatyouwouldpayintheCity.Everyschooldistrictisusually$1-$1.50 per$100.SowheneveryouarepayingthatbiglumpsumtotheCountyit goestoourTaxAssessorCollector, whohascontractswithalltheseother districtswithintheCounty.Theyare theoneswhocollectthetaxmoney andthentheydistributeitouttothe districtsthatwehave-thecountycollege,thecities,theschooldistricts, etc..So,youarewritingachecktothe TaxAssessorCollector,butitisnotall comingtotheCounty,wegetavery minuteportionofthat.”
How are the tax rates determined?
TheCommissionerssetthetaxrate. Theappraisalvalueistotallydifferent, itiscontrolledbythestate,thatisa Stateentity.WhenyouhearGrayson CountyAppraisalDistrict-theonly thingtheyhaverelatedtoGrayson CountyisthenameGrayson.They aretheCountyappraisaldistrict,all 254countiesinthestatehavethem, theyjustputthenameofthecounty theyareinonthefront.TheyarecontrolledbytheState,ranbytheState,
andtheyareaStateentity-wethe CountyhavenocontroloverthatseparationofpowersintheConstitution Wecan’tgooverthereandtellthem whattomaketheappraisalrates-we cancomplainjustlikeanyoneelsecan onapersonallevelbutonapolitical levelwearenotabletodothat.They settheappraisalvalue,thenitisthe jobofthedistricts-counties,citiesetc. tosetthetaxrate.Obviously,appraisal valueshavebeengoingup,theCountyhasheldsteadyonthetaxrateprice forthelastseveralyearsbecausewe didgetalittlebitbehindwiththe growththatwehaveandtheservices thatneedtobeprovided.Weare catchinguponthatalittlebitthisyear, weareprojectedforourtaxrateto staythesamethisyear.Obviously,as ataxpayerIwantmytaxestogo downjustasmuchasanyoneelse,so wearetryingtofindwaysthatwe. Canlowerthepropertytaxatthe Countylevel.Ican’ttellthecollegeor schooldistrictsetc.whattodowith theirtaxrate,thatisuptotheirelected boardsbutIcancontrolwhatthe Countydoes,inasense,Ihaveonefifthvote.Myultimategoalistolowerpropertytaxes,however,westill havetopayforservices.Propertytaxesusuallytake3years-weseethe growththisyear,itisgoingtobe3 yearsbeforewecanreallyusethe propertytaxmoneyfromtheincrease thatcameinfromallthenewtaxdollarscominginfromnewpeoplemovinghereandincreasedpropertyvalues.Thegrowthhappensthefirst year,itgetsassessedinthesecond
year,thepropertyownerpaysitthe thirdyear,sothethird-yearbudgetis whenwegettousethatmoney.Yes, thegrowthishereandpeoplesay“we needtokeepupwiththegrowth”,I agree,howeverthefundingfromthe growththatcomesinalwayshasa3yearlag.So,wearelookingatways ofhowwecanbeproactiveintrying togetaheadofthegrowth(…)Iam tryingtobeproactivewhilealsotryingtolowerthepropertytax.One thoughtprocessatthismomentof doingthatiswhatiscalledaCounty AssistantDistrict,whichbasicallyisa salesandusetaxthroughoutthe County.TheStatealreadycharges everybody6.25percentfortheState’s rateofsalestax.Theyallowanyother districttohaveanextra2percent,so youcanonlycapat8.25percenttotal. Anoptionweareexploringatthis pointistheCountyAssistantDistrict tohaveitapplythroughouttheCountyintheunincorporatedareas.The goalbehindthisistolowerproperty taxes.Westillhavetohavetheserviceswehaveandwehaveextra growthcominginsotheservicesare goingtohavetogrowalittlebitto providelikeforpoliceservices.Alot ofgrowthisgoingtohappenoutside thecitiesandpeoplewillexpectacity lifestylewiththegrowthanddevelopmentofthecommunitiesalthough theyliveinthecountry.Theseareas donothavefireandambulanceservices,etc.,theCountydoesnotprovidefireandambulanceservices.We subsidizethelocalmunicipalitiesand volunteerservicestocovertheCounty butwedonothavetodothat.Weare tryingtothinkofwaystobetterserve thepeople,thatiswhattheCounty does,weareaserviceprovider,with-
outincreasingthepropertytaxesand insteaddecreasingthem,whilealso providingthoseservicesataquicker pace.Thesalestaxdoesnotapplyto thegeneralfund.Salestaxwillbeable tobasically,within6months,wecan takethemoneyfromthesalestaxand applyittosomethingbecauseitispaid outeveryquarter.Obviously,internet salesisamajorpointofsalesatthis pointandthatisonlyincreasing.The citiesnotbeingabletogrowoutthere willbemorepeopleintheunincorporatedareas,soobviouslymorepointof salecontactsinthoseareas.Rightnow, thereisabigconservativefight,thatI amin,istogetridofpropertytaxesin thestate.(DisagreementsinStateLegislaturearecausingadelayinthatprocess)sowecaneithersitbackasa CountyandwaitfortheStatetogetrid ofpropertytaxandimplementaconsumptiontaxorsomethingclosetoit, orwecansithereatamorelocalized levelandbemoreproactiveintrying toeliminatethepropertytaxatthe Countylevelandimplementaconsumptiontaxtothedegreethatthe Stateallowsustoinordertooffset that.”
TheHoweEnterprisethanksJosh Marrforhistimeandeffortsinexplainingthistothecommunity.
ToviewmoredetailsonCountyTaxes,lookatthislinkfortheGrayson CentralAppraisalDistrict.
XYZMEETING
FEEDMYSHEEP
"XYZLearnsaboutGlobal Wafers,America" Joanne Dickey
AttheirJulymeeting,membersof FirstBaptistChurch'sSeniorCitizen Group,eXtraYearsofZest(XYZ) learnedaboutsiliconewafers-how they'remade,conditionsnecessaryfor theirsuccessfulproduction,what they'remadefrom,andhowthey're used. PhillipFarris,FBCmemberand recentlyretiredfromGlobitechafter 16years,presentedbackgroundofthe siliconewaferindustryinSherman notingthat2foundingexecutives camefromHoweandfromFBC Howe,MarkEnglandandJerry Smith. Praisingtheirinitiative,futuristicoutlook,workethic,andexpectations,Phillipprovidedabriefhistory overviewofTI,MEMC,Globitech, andGlobalWafers,America. Heprovideda"chip"tobepassedaroundfor thememberstoexamineasheused theterms,siliconewafer,semiconductors,andcomputerchipsexplaining thesequenceof productionofthem.
Feed Heprovidedavideotohelpexplain/ visualizehisinformation. Noting howtheyhavechangedfromhugeto tiny,Philliptoldaboutalltheproducts thatusechipsnowandhowdependentourtechnologyisonthem. He remindedushow2020helpedusto realizethatourtechnologyneedsto beAmericabasedandsothat'swhy weseethesurgeintechnologyin Shermannow. Ashortdiscussion tookplaceaboutthepotential problemsthatthe"blasting"projectedbyBlackMountainfortheirpotentialcementplantinDorchestercould causeGlobalWafersandGlobiTech inShermansinceproductionofasiliconwaferbatchmusthavecomplete airpurityaswellasnoseismicdisruptions. Phillippresentedalotof informationandthenaffordedtime forquestions,ofwhichtherewere many. WeappreciatedPhillip's knowledgeandhisabilitytoshare thatwithus.
Phillip Farris Photo Credit: Joanne Dickey
MySheepVolunteering
GENERAL:
FARMERS’ALMANAC
RECIPES
COLUMNS:
LOCALCHURCHCONTRIBUTION
BEYONDTHEFRONTDOOR
TEXASHISTORYMINUTE
LIVINGONPURPOSE
Farmer’sAlmanac 07/17:Fishing/Weather:poorfishinginthemorning,hot,then stormy
Gardening:Agoodharvestday
07/18:Fishing/Weather:fairfishinginthemorning,hot,thenstormy Gardening:Gooddayfortransplanting.Rootcropsthatcanbeplantednowwillyieldwell
07/19:Fishing/Weather:fairfishinginthemorning,hot,thenstormy Gardening:Gooddayfortransplanting.Rootcropsthatcanbeplantednowwillyieldwell
07/20:Fishing/Weather:poorfishinginthemorning,fairskies
Gardening:Poordaysforplanting,seedstendtorotintheground. Goodharvestday
07/21:Fishing/Weather:poorfishinginthemorning,fairskies
Gardening:Poordaysforplanting,seedstendtorotinground.Good harvestday
07/22:Fishing/Weather:goodfishinginthemorning,fairskies
Gardening:Plantseedbedsandflowergardens.Gooddayfortransplanting.Mostfruitfuldaysforplantingrootcrops
07/23:Fishing/Weather:goodfishinginthemorning,fairskies
Gardening:Plantseedbedsandflowergardens.Gooddayfortransplanting.Mostfruitfuldaysforplantingrootcrops
Recipes These recipes are from the yellowed, well-worn Valley View United Methodist Women’s Cookbook. If anyone can cook, it’s church potluck contributors!
Submit your own recipes for sharing to ashley@howeenterprise.com
DateLoafCake
2cupssugar
1/2cupshortening
2cupshotwater
2tsp.soda
2cupsnuts,chopped
3cupsflour
1pkg.dates
Creamshorteningandsugar.Chopdatesandpourhotwateroverthem.Addsoda tothismixture.Addthismixturetoshorteningandsugarthenaddflour,small amountsatatime.Addnutslast.Bakeingreasedtubepanat325degreesfor45 minutesoruntiltestercomesoutclean.Coolinpan.
Leta Hobbs
PhyllisGeorgeLincoln’sBrownies
1cupmargarine
4(1oz.)squaresunsweetenedchocolate
21/2cupssugar(divided)
4eggs 1cupflour
2upschoppedwalnutsorpecans
2tsp.vanilla
1(8oz.)pkg.creamcheese,softened
Preheatovento350degrees.Greasea13x9inchbakingpan.Meltmargarine andchocolate,withwirewhiskbeatin2cupssugarand3eggsuntilwellblended. Stirinflour,nutsand1tsp.vanilla.Spreadevenlyinpan,beatcreamcheese,remaining1.2cupsugar,1eggand1tsp.vanillauntilwellblended,about3 minutes.Drop6dollopsofcreamcheesemixtureontopofbatter.Swirlwitha spatulatomarbelize.Bakeuntilatoothpickinsertedincentercomesoutclean.
Cutinto2inchsquareswhencompletelycool.About130calorieseach.
Cheryl Grgurich (Ruth Kesponi)
SeafoodKabobs
18largeshrimp,shelled,cleanedwithtailson 1cupcrabmeat(sealegs)
1/2cupsseasonedbreadcrumbs
1tbsp.Parmesancheese
1/4cupMozzarellacheese
1/4cupparsley
3clovesgarlic
1cupmilk
1tsp.vanilla
Oliveoiltomix
1/2cupsoysauce
1/4cupwhitewine
ttbsp.vinegar
1/4cupcatsup
1tbsp.honey
Sesameseeds
1lb.leanbacon
Stuffing:
Mixcrabmeat,breadcrumbs,garlic,parsley,cheeseswithjustenougholiveoilto formfirmballwhenpressedtogether.Pressstuffingaroundeachshrimp.Wrap baconaroundeachshrimp.Place6oneachskewer.Blendsoysauce,whitewine, vinegar,catsupandhoneytomakebastingsauce.Placealuminumfoilongrill. Closelittocook.Turnandbasteatendof5minutes.Cook5moreminutes. Sprinklewithsesameseeds.Serve.
Jeanne Cullington
BeyondtheFrontDoor TheHiddenFinancialRisksof MajorHomeUpgrades:What HomeownersShouldKnowBefore AddingaPool,SteelBuilding,or SolarPanels
Amy Gibbs, North Texas Guru
Forhomeownerseagertoupgrade theirpropertywithhigh-ticketfeatures likeasteelworkshop,asparkling pool,orsolarpanels,theappealoften liesinincreasedfunctionality,energy efficiency,orevenhopesofboosting resalevalue.Butbeforeyoutakethe plungeonanyofthesebig-ticketcapitalimprovements,it’scriticaltounderstandthepotentialfinancialrisks particularlyifyoumayneedorwant
tosellyourhomeinthenearfuture. CapitalExpendituresvs.ImmediateReturn
Capitalexpenditures(or“CapEx”) refertosubstantialinvestmentsina propertythatimproveitsvalueorextenditslife.Unlikecosmeticupgrades likepaintingorlandscaping itemslikesolarpanels,ingroundpools,andsteelbuildingscan costtensofthousandsofdollarsand aretypicallyfinanced,eitherthrough loans,linesofcredit,orcashreserves. Thechallenge?Theseupgradesrarely deliveranimmediatedollar-for-dollar return especiallyifyousellyour homebeforethedebtispaidofforthe propertyhasappreciatedenoughto absorbthecost.
Example:ACostlyLessoninTiming
Let’ssayyouinvest$100,000intoa backyardpool,financedwithahome equityloan.Ifyousellyourhomejust ayearortwolater,you’velikelymade onlyminimalpaymentsonthatloan. Unlessyourhomehasappreciatedby morethanthecostofthepool plus sellingcosts youcouldwalkaway withsignificantlylowernetproceeds atclosing.Worse,somebuyersmay viewfeatureslikeapoolorsteel buildingashigh-maintenanceorunnecessary,potentiallyshrinkingyour poolofinterestedbuyers.
FinancingCanComplicatetheSale Homeownersoftenoverlookhow capitalimprovementstiedtofinancing(likesolarpanelleasesorloans) canaffectafuturesale.Forexample:
•SolarPanels:Ifleased,thebuy-
ermustassumethelease somethingnotallbuyersarecomfortablewith.Ifownedthrough financing,thebalancewillneedto bepaidoffbeforeorduringthe sale,reducingyourequity.
•
•SteelBuildingsorWorkshops: Whilehighlyfunctionalforsome buyers,thesestructurescanbea nichefeatureandmaynotappeal broadlyenoughtojustifytheinvestmentintheshortterm.
•
•Pools:Insomemarkets,apoolis astrongsellingpoint.Inothers, it’sseenasaliability duetoinsurance,maintenance,orsafety concerns.
Short-TermOwnership=Higher Risk Themostimportantfactorinrecoveringyourinvestmentonlargeupgrades is time. The longer you own the home after the improvement, the more opportunity your property has to appreciate and your loan balance to decline. Selling too soon before your investment has had time to “ age ” often means you're eating into your net proceeds.
WhatHomeownersShouldConsiderBeforeSpendingBig
1. Howlongdoyouplanto stay?
Ifyou'renotcommittedtostaying atleast5–7yearspost-upgrade,it maynotbeawiseinvestment.
IMake:WithMyHands eachdayasthoughservingtheLord ourGodwitheverysecondofashift.
“You can quit your job, but you can’t quit your calling.” – Lissa Rankin
Thereissomeironytobefoundinthe factthatweasChristiansarecalledto useourjobstoglorifyGod,andyet manyofuswouldsoonercallourjobs acurseratherthanablessing.Don't getmewrong,Icompletelyunderstandthesentiment.Incollege,I workedatAutoZoneforawhile,andI rememberhowcoolIthoughtit wouldbetoworkwithandoncars.I wentinsoexcited.Butbythe2nd shift,Iquicklyrealizedhowunbelievablymonotonousandrepetitivethe jobwas.Iwouldn'tbeworkingon cars,Iwouldbestandingbehinda computerorderingparts,orchanging thebulbonabrakelightforthe27th timethatday.Quickly,thethrillof gettingajob,ofseeingitasablessing bothfinanciallyandintermsoffulfillment,allworeoff. Andyet,Colossians3:23tellsus, "Whateveryoudo,workatitwithall yourheart,asworkingfortheLord andnotformen."Aclearchargeto Christianstoclockinandclockout
Buthow?
Ithinkthereisadrasticdifferencein satisfactionandfulfillment.Inafascinatingstudy,thePewResearchInstitutelookedintoAmericanjobsatisfactionandfoundthatalittleover 51%ofusare"satisfied"withour overalljob.WhileIdobelieveinthe oldbitofwisdom,"Dowhatyou loveandyou'llneverworkadayin yourlife,"Idon'tthinkweshouldbe lookingtoourjobsassourcesoffulfillment.Fulfillmentisanentirely differentcategory,onethatdeserves itsownfocus.
Whetherit'sexpectingourkids,our spouse,ourhobby,orourjobtofulfill us,weconfusetheneedwehaveand thesourcewithwhichitcanbefilled. Ifwegoexpectingthesethingsto fulfillus,wearenotonlysettingourselvesupforfailure,we'resetting themupforfailureaswell.Kids, spouses,andjobscanaddtoourhappiness,theycangiveusclarityand directionandbringusallkindsof wonderfulmomentsandmemories.
But,plainandsimple,theycannotbe thethingthatfulfillsus. LookatPhilippians4:19:"MyGod willmeeteveryneedofyoursaccordingtohisrichesingloryinChristJesus."Paulmakesitclearthatthisisa needthatonlyarelationshipwith Christ,thefulfillmentofHisloveand grace,caneverfillforus.Wecanexpectourjobstorespectusandutilize ourtalentsandpotential,butwecan't alwaysfindourselvesclockingin withthehopesthatthisiswhatwill fulfillus.
Atthispoint,Iwouldn'tblameyoufor saying,"That'seasyforyou,aPastor, tosay!"ButthisisalessonI'mcontinuallyhavingtorelearnformyself.Go toanychurch,anycongregation,find thePastor,andaskhimorherwhen thelasttimewasthattheysatdownto worship.Myguesswouldbetheansweris,"rarely."Fortoolong,I lookedtomydutiesasaPastortobea fulfillmentsubstituteforwhatcan onlycomefromanever-growingrelationshipwithmySavior.Preaching won'tfulfillme.Hospitalvisits,weddingandfuneralservices,teaching SundaySchoolclasses,allofitis goodandnecessaryandmostcertain-
2.Canyouaffordtocarrythe costwithoutimpactingyour sale?
Makesureyouunderstandhow anyfinancingordebtwillaffect yourbottomline.
3.Istheimprovementwidely desirableinyourmarket?
Asteelshopmightthrillahobbyistbuyer,butitwon’tappealto everyone.
4.Getamarketanalysisfirst. Speakwithalocalrealestateprofessionaltounderstandthelikely returnoninvestmentinyourspecificarea.
FinalThoughts Whileit’stemptingtothinkthatevery improvementaddsvalue,therealestatemarketdoesn’talwaysworkthat way especiallyintheshortterm. Capitalexpenditureslikepools,solar panels,andsteelbuildingsshouldbe weighedcarefullyagainstyourfinancialgoalsandtimeline.Otherwise, youmayendupwithabeautifulupgrade...andadisappointingbottom linewhenit'stimetosell.
Amy Gibbs is a seasoned real estate contributor with a passion for helping buyers and sellers make confident, informed decisions.
lyacallingIfeelinmylife.Butevery bitofitpalesincomparisontothefulfillmentthatChristandmyrelationshipwithHimandonlyHimcan bring.
Iwantyoutoeaseofftheexpectations youplaceonyourjobtoday,andinsteadthrottledownonyourpursuitof fulfillmentthroughGodalone.You werenotmeanttoworka9-5,that'sa sideprojectcomparedtoyourtrue meaning;youweremeanttoworship, inanythingandeverythingyoudo. There,andonlythere,willyoufind truefulfillment.
Pastor JB Bryant
TexasHistoryMinute Thereisapowerin thewrittenword thattransportsthe readerfromtheir livingrooms,offices,orclassrooms toadifferentplace andtimeintheir imaginations. WriterJohnWilliams,a notedTexasnativeandaward-winning novelist,wovetalesthatcreateddifferentlivesbutalsoledreaderstothink abouttheirownlives.
HewasbornJohnEdwardWilliams inWichitaFalls inAugust1922,accordingtofamilyrecords. Hisfather diedwhenhewasstillquiteyoung, andheandhismothermovedtothe NortheastTexascommunity ofClarksville. Itwasmostlyafarming community,andhisgrandparentshad madealivingworkingthesoilontheir ownlandinthearea. HismotherAsa youngstudent,Williamsshoweda strongaptitudeforliteratureandtheater. However,hismotherdiedin 1940. Itwasacrushingloss. Hegraduatedfromhighschoolthatyearand enrolledinanearbyjuniorcollege,but hewastoodistractedtobeabletoconcentrateonhisstudies. Hetookaseriesofjobsatnewspapersandradio stationsafterward.
InOctober1942,withthenationfightingWorldWarII,Williams enlistedintheArmyAirForce. He wasstationedatAlliedposts inIndiaandBurmaandrosetothe rankofsergeant. Itwasduringthis timethathebeganwritinghisfirst novel. Afterhishonorabledischarge, heusedhisbenefitsfromtheGIBill andenrolledat theUniversityofDenvertorestarthis education.
Duringhistimeat theUniversityofDenver,hecompletedNothingButtheNight. The1948 noveldepictedtheharrowinglifeofa manhauntedbythetraumaticexperiencesofhisyouth. HeearnedanEnglishdegreeandmarriedin1949. That year,Williamsalsopublishedhisfirst bookofpoetry,TheBrokenLandscape. Heearnedamastersdegreein 1950. Afterward,hetookajobasa professorat theUniversityofMissouriwherehe alsoearnedadoctorate.
Afterfiveyears,hereturned toDenverasdirectorofthecreative writingprogram. Hebegananew literaryjournal,TheDenverQuarterly,whichwaswidelyrespectedand gaveanewoutlettoaspiringwriters. Whileteachinghisownstudents aboutthewritingprocess,hecontinued toworkonhisownwriting. Butcher’s Crossing,waspublishedin1960,followedbyanewcollection ofpoetry,TheNecessaryLie,in1965.
Oneofhismostnotednovels,Stoner,waspublishedin 1965. Thenovelfollowsthefictional lifeofWilliamStoner,anEnglishprofessorwhohadrisenfromanunremarkablechildhoodonafarmtoa positionofrelativerespectandcomfort thoughnotoneofwideacclaim. It followshisdifficultmarriageandtrav-
ailsthroughlifeandhisowncareer. Thoughrespectedbycritics,it didnotsellverywell. AsWilliams’s careerprogressed,hewasfondofrepeatingalinefromthenovel:“You mustrememberwhatyouaredoing andwhatyouhavechosentobecome, andthesignificanceofwhatyouare doing. Therearewarsanddefeatsand victoriesofthehumanracethatarenot recordedintheannalsofhistory.”
Hisfourthnovel,Augustus,was perhapshismostsuccessful. Itwasa fictionalretellingofthelifeofthefirst Romanemperor,recountinghisyouth andrisetopowerandhislengthypoliticalcareer,allcleverlytoldthrough lettersandrecollectionsofothers. The Romanswereattheheightoftheir powerandtheirarrogance. Octavian Caesar,wholaterrenamedhimself Augustus,or“thereveredone,”swept asidethedivisionandcivilwarsthat besetRomeandsetouttoridhissocietyofthemoralrotthathebelievedwas destroyingit. Intheprocess,Augustus hadtodestroythosesameinstitutions heclaimedtorespect,leadingRomeonapathawayfromarepublicandtowarddictatorship. In manyways,itwasacautionarytalefor theAmericaofthe1970s,onebesetby corruptionanddeepdivisionsbutconfidentofitsownfuture.
AugustuswontheprestigiousNational BookAwardforfictionfor1972. For thefirsttime,theawardwasshared withanothernovel,John Barth’sChimera.
Williamsretiredfromteachingin 1986. Heandhiswifemoved toFayetteville,Arkansas,wherehe settledintoaquietlifeofwriting. He beganwritinganewnovel,butfrustrationswithhishealthdelayedhiswriting. Hediedofrespiratoryfailureat hishomein1994. TheSleepofReason,hislastwork,wasnevercompleted,thoughportionsoftheworkhave beenprintedinshortstoryform. Inthe yearsafterhisdeath,theworksofWilliamshavebegunfindinganewgenerationofreaders. Evenwhenthewriter isnomore,thewordsremainandstill speaktothosewhowillhear.
Heroeswithoutcapesor superpowers Wehearalot aboutheroes thesedays. Accomplished athletesare admiredas idolsfor throwing aroundaball, whileactorsin blockbuster moviesportray individuals whocanfly andusetheirincrediblepowerstosave theuniverse.However,inthereal world,it’sencouragingtoknowthere arehumbleandhardlynoticedgenuine heroesallaroundus.Withoutadesire tobepraisedorevenrecognized,there areselflessgoodSamaritanswhoare willingtosacrificetheirlivessothat otherscanlive,atestamenttoJohn 15:13.Thefollowingstoryisanexampleoftheseheavenlysecretagents.
IrenaSendlerwasaPolishnurseand socialworkerwhoworkedintheWarsawhealthdepartmentduringWorld WarII.Inashortwindowoftimebetween1942and1943,she,alongwith asmallbandofco-workers,leda courageouseffortwithintheWarsaw ghettotosecretlysmuggleatleast 2,500Jewishbabiesandchildrenaway fromfacingthecertaintyoftheGermanconcentrationcamps.Sheandher smallteamofhelpersweremembers ofZegota,anundergroundorganizationestablishedin1940bythePolish governmentforthepurposeofrescuingPolishJews.Theteamwasgiven permissionbytheNazistoenterthe ghettotohelpsegregatethecity’s 380,000Jews,andthiswasthewindowofopportunitythathelpedwith thedangerousundercoverplanto secretlysmugglebabiesandyoung childrentosafety.
TheZegotausedeveryideapossibleto rescuetheinnocent,whichincluded hidingthemintoolboxesandunder gurneys,sneakingthemintoambulances,takingthemthroughsewer pipesorotherundergroundpassageways,wheelingthemoutinsuitcases, andleadingthemoutthroughanold courtyardwhichledtothenon-Jewish areas.Irenacarefullyrecordedthe namesofthechildrenoncigarettepapersandsealedtheminglassbottles, whichsheburiedinacolleague’s flowergarden.Afterthewar,thejars weredugupandthelistshandedover toJewishrepresentatives.Attempts weremadetoreunitethechildrenwith theirfamilies,butsadly,mostofthe parentshadperishedintheTreblinka deathcamp.IrenawasarrestedinOctober1943andtakentoGestapoheadquarterswhereshewasinterrogatedto surrenderinformationabouttheleadersofZegota.Sheenduredsevere beatingswhichincludedherlegsand feetbeingbroken.Withorderstobe executed,(withwhatmanyconsiderto beamiraclefromHeaven),asecret dealwasmadeatthelastminutebetweenZegotaandherwould-beexecutioner,andshewasreleased.Irena waslater foundunconsciousalongthesideof
theroadandhadtousecrutchesforthe restofherlifeasaresultofher injuries.
Oneofthe2500namesplacedinthe jarswasMichalGlowinski,whobecameaprofessorofliterature.Hesaid, “Ifondlythinkaboutherandowemy lifetoher.”ElzbietaFicowskawas anothernamewhocameforwardto sayhoweternallygratefulshewasfor theheroicactionsoftheZegotateam. Inhercase,shehadbeensmuggledout oftheghettoinsidealargetoolbox whenshewasjustfivemonthsold.
UnliketheGermanindustrialistOskar Schindler,whosavedmorethan1,000 Jewsbyemployingthemathis Krakowfactoryandiswidelyrecognizedthankstoanaward-winning bookandfilm,Mrs.Sendler’sstory remainedrelativelyunknownuntila fewyearsagowhenitwasdiscovered inAmericabyagroupofKansas schoolchildrenwhowroteaplay aboutitcalled“LifeinaJar.”Word spreadveryquickly,andnowthe worldisawareofherandherteam savingmanydefenselessvictimsofthe Naziideology.Wheninterviewed,Irenasternlyinsistedshedidnothingspecialandisquotedassaying,“Iwas broughtuptobelievethataperson mustberescuedwhendrowning,regardlessofreligionandnationality. Thethoughtofbeingconsideredahero irritatesmegreatlyasIcontinueto havepangswithinmyconsciencethat Ididsolittle.Myemotionsare overshadowedbythefactthatmy faithfulco-workers,whoalsoconstantlyriskedtheirlives,didnotlivelong enoughtosharetheirsorrowforthose theycouldnotsave.”Shespentherlast yearsinaWarsawnursinghome andpassedawayin2008.“Donothing fromselfishnessoremptyconceit,but withhumilityofmindregardone anotherasmoreimportantthanyourselves;donotmerelylookoutforyour ownpersonalinterests,butalsofor theinterestsofothers”Philippians2:34.
Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com.
KenBridges
Dr.BillyHolland
“This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.” 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
1 John 3:23 NASB 2020 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
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
WanttoplaceYOURadinTheHoweEnterprise?
TheHoweEnterprisehasanaverageofover 75,000viewsperyearandgrowing!TheFacebookpage,withover5,000followers,averages over40,000viewspermonth!Upgradeyour businessadvertisingthismonthbycontacting ashley@howeenterprise.com
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PDForJPGispreferred.Checksareaccepted orOnlinepaymentsareavailablethrough Square.Paymentscanbemademonthlyorall atonceforaspecifiedtimeframe.
JobTitle MACHINE OPERATOR(3RD SHIFT)
workintexas.com
PostingID 16804105
Location Sherman
PostingCloseDate 2/28/25
PostingLink https:// bit.ly/4adm3w2
Description Alocal companyislookingfor aMACHINEOPERATOR(3RDSHIFT)who willoperateblow-mold/ PET/injectionmolding machines(including wheels,reciprocatingor shuttlemachines)to ensureproductionof qualitybottles.ThispositionprefersaHigh SchoolDiplomaor Equivalent.
JobTitle COUNSELOR-LPC,LMFT, LCSW,
PostingID 16788010
Location Sherman PostingCloseDate 2/13/25
PostingLink https:// bit.ly/4gOxf4K
Description Alocal companyislookingfora COUNSELOR-LPC, LMFT,LCSW,PHD.We offerindividual,group, marital,and/orfamily counselingdesignedto helpclientsandtheir familiesidentify,then movetowardresolution oftheirissuesaffecting mind,body,spiritand emotions.Thisposition requiresaMaster'sDegree/currentlicense.
BulkTrashPickup2ndFriday ofeachmonthinHowe. CityofHowe 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
2022-23Localtaxation StateSalesTax
GeneralRevenueSalesTax
EconomicDevelopment(TypeB)
SalesTax
Total
CityofHoweTaxRate
HoweI.S.DTaxRate
GraysonCountyTaxRate
GraysonCollegeTaxRate
Total(per$100valuation)
City Hall
LocalJobPosting JobTitle:PreschoolTeacher
Location:HoweWeeCare–Howe,TexasReportsTo:Director,HoweWeeCareClassification:Part-Time
Contact:SharonWoodsbyemailingHoweWeeCare@gmail.com
JobDescription
HoweWeeCare,aministryofHoweMethodist Church,isseekingacompassionate,dependable,andprofessionalPreschoolTeachertojoin ourearlychild-hoodeducationteam.Theideal candidatewillcreateanurturinglearningenvironment,supportthedevelop-mentalneedsof youngchildren,andupholdthemis-sionandvaluesofHoweWeeCare.
MinimumQualificationstobeaTeacher
•Mustbe18yearsofage
•MustbeeligibletoworkintheUnitedStates
•Musthaveahighschooldiplomaorequivalent
•Mustpassabackgroundcheck
•Mustcompleteannualtraining
•Musthaveasimilarstatementoffaithtothatof HoweMethodistChurch
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 St. 903-532-6080
EDC Director: Monte Walker
City
CityofHoweWater,Sewer, Refusecollectionrates-onebill
The Patriot Pony SyriaHostilities EpsteinFilesPushback Syria’sgovernmentandDruzeleadersreachedanewceasefireyesterday.Theannouncement cameafterIsraellauncheddozensof airstrikesintothecountry,strikingthe militaryheadquartersinDamascus andanareanearthepresidentialpalace.
IsraelsaysitscampaignaimstodefendSyria’sDruzepopulation(more, w/video)andkeepSyria’smilitary andIslamistmilitantsfromitsborders.Tit-for-tatattacksbetween DruzemilitiasandBedouinfighters inSyria’ssouthernSweidaprovince havekilledmorethan300peoplein recentdays,accordingtoalocalwar monitor.Thefightingamongreligiousminorities andIsrael’sinvolvement posesthegreatestthreat todateforSyrianPresidentAhmed al-Sharaa.
Separately,anIsraeli-backedaid
groupaccusedHamasofspurringa stampedeyesterdaythatkilledat least20PalestiniansnearafooddistributionsiteincentralGaza.Hamas deniedtheallegations.
SeveralHouseRepublicansyesterdaysignedontoameasuredirecting theJusticeDepartmenttorelease classifieddocumentspertainingto JeffreyEpstein’ssextraffickingring. Thepush whichwouldrequirea Housemajoritytosucceed comes afterPresidentDonald Trumpaddressedmounting callsoverthefiles,criticizingRepublicanswhosupportedtheirrelease anddefendingAttorneyGeneral PamBondi’shandlingofthecase.
TheJusticeDepartmentlastweek releasedatwo-pagememosaying Epsteinleftno“clientlist”ofthose involvedinhisabuseofunderage girls.Thedepartmentalsosaidno furtherevidencewouldbereleased andnoadditionalchargeswouldbe broughtagainstthirdparties.The announcementsparkedfrustration
amongTrump’sbase,manyof whomhavelongawaitedalist.
ApollreleasedTuesdayfound3%of Americansaresatisfiedwiththegovernment’shandlingofthefiles.A separaterunningaverageoftoppolls measuresTrump’snetapprovalratingat-7.6,downnearlytwo pointsfromthebeginningofthe month.
MarsRockBreaksRecord CryptoWeekKickoff ThelargestpieceofMarsonEarth soldfornearly$5.3MatSotheby’s yesterday themostvaluablemeteoriteeverauctioned.
ThesegmentwasdiscoveredinNovember2023byameteoritehunter inNiger’sAgadezregionoftheSaharaDesert.Therockhasadistinct Martianreddishhueandispartially composedofglass(21.2%byvolume),believedtohavebeenforged fromtheheatandpressureappliedto Mars’surfacewhenanasteroid struckit,propellingthechunk140 millionmilesthroughspace.Ithas thescientificnameNWA16788, referencingitsdiscoveryinNorthwestAfrica,andwasvalidatedasa Martianrockintheleadingjournal formeteoriticscienceearlierthis year.
Martianmeteoritesarerare,composingroughly400ofthemorethan 77,000officiallyrecognizedmeteorites.Mostmeteorsburnupasthey enterEarth’satmosphere,withremnantslargelylandingintheocean.
TheUSHouseofRepresentatives willbeginconsideringthreecryptocurrency-relatedbillsTuesday.The legislativepush,dubbed"Crypto Week,"isexpectedtoyieldthecountry’sfirstmajorcryptolegislation. Bitcoinhitanall-timehighMonday, atonepointtradingabove$123K amidpromisesofclearerregulations.
Thefirstofthethreebills theGENIUSAct passedtheSenatelastmonthandisexpectedto cleartheHousebeforePresident DonaldTrumpsignsit.Thebillaims toregulatestablecoins,whichare easyandcheaptotransferbutdiffer frombitcoinsinthattheyaredollarpegged.Asecondbillregulatesthe broaderdigitalcurrencymarket,dividingoversightbetweentheSecuritiesandExchangeCommissionand theCommodityFuturesTrading Commission.Athirdbilllimitsthe FederalReserve’sabilitytocreatea centralbankdigitalcurrency.
Trumphaspositionedhimselfasa crypto-friendlypresident;hiscrypto investmentsareestimatedtomake
uproughly10%ofhisnetworth.
