57.29 Howe Enterprise December 2, 2019

Bulldogs capture first win of the season, 58-55 over Farmersville

Texoma Patriots meeting tomorrow in Van Alstyne

City of Howe increases water tap fees

The Howe Bulldogs played their first home game

The Texoma Patriots will hold their monthly

Mickey Phillips of the City of Howe Public

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Grayson Publishing, LLC

Church/Library, pg. 7 Meet the Bulldogs, pg. 8 Gene Bridges, pg. 9 Bacon shortage, pg. 9 Business Directory, pg. 10 Texas History, pg. 13 Christian, pg. 14 Finance/Children, pg. 15 Water wisdoms, pg. 16 Christmas parade, pg. 16 Past front pages, pg. 17-24

© 2019 The Howe Enterprise

Volume 57, Edition 29

Monday, December 2, 2019

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Howe FFA student heading to state in creed speaking

Life speeds by and if you don’t stop for a few minutes, you miss the whole thing. It’s rare that I ever get to leave Howe for an extended period of time due to this weekly publication not taking a break. Therefore, one-day trips are the norm to experience life outside of Bulldog land. This past weekend, I took a moment to top and smell the roses, so to speak, with my 13-yearold as we traveled to Stillwater, Oklahoma to experience “Bedlam” which is the rivalry between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

We got to the stadium really early (actually way too early). We thought we’d fashion ourselves in the famous Eskimo Joe’s restaurant before the game, however, it was packed full of people and there was no room for us to sit and barely enough room for us to take a selfie inside. Therefore we left and headed to the stadium where we sat outside for hours.

Back in 2016, we spotlighted then-sixthgrader Korie Bouse (pronounced Boze) who had aced the STAAR test.

That same year, Howe’s Mati Abner became the state champion in FFA Creed Speaking. Fastforward three years and now Bouse will take her talents to state competition in the FFA Jr. Creed Speaking category as a freshman.

FFA instructors Ronald and Tracy Blum had the class memorize the FFA Creed paragraph by paragraph.

“In the third paragraph when we were all memorizing it, I said it to Mrs. Blum and she just told me I was doing it,” said Bouse. “I didn't’ really choose it, but it’s

Bouse will perform the entire FFA Creed and judges will ask her thoughprovoking questions about it.

The only downfall to being so talented is that Bouse has to now dismiss several other events due to state competition taking place on Dec. 7 which is on the same weekend as a basketball tournament, volleyball tournament, and a cheerleading bonder.

Bouse says she’s a little nervous about going to state and thinks it’s quite an honor to represent the school and community.

Bouse father, Kevin, may have increased the (Continued on page 2)

Korie Bouse of Howe High School will be representing Howe High School at state competition this week. Courtesy photo.

Howe coach joins exclusive club with wins in multiple sports

Former Pride of Howe (Continued on page 15)

EDITOR’S NOTE—This column is reserved as an opinion column and may not necessarily reflect the policy of this publication.

cool.”

Howe Basketball Head Coach Mike Segleski

Mike Segleski has been on the Howe Bulldogs high school coaching staff since the fall of 2017 when hired by then-Athletic Director Zack Hudson to be the football defensive coordinator and head track coach.

Segleski has been an athletic director and head football coach himself while at Aubrey replacing the legendary G.A. Moore.

Small school coaches end up coaching many sports and Segleski has served as a junior varsity basketball coach and varsity assistant for a number of years. But when football season ended, Segleski was asked to

be the varsity head basketball coach for the first time in his career. On Monday night, he recorded his first win to become a member of Texas coaches who have a win as a varsity head football coach, varsity head basketball coach, and varsity head track coach.

“It was fun and it was a good win,” said Segleski following Monday’s game just before Tweeting to his players that he loved them.

Segleski is a popular coach around Howe as his positive personality is infectious and his enthusiasm is

contagious. He is known for his passionate style of coaching where he often can be seen jumping and fist-pumping which has dubbed him “Air Segleski.”

“He’s always in a great mood and keeps our heads up and I couldn’t ask for a better coach,” said senior Ayden Norton.

Segleski came to Howe from Princeton where he landed after being at Aubrey for a number of years on G.A. Moore’s staff and later replacing him after upon retirement.

HoweEnterprise.com Readership Jan. 1 - November 30, 2019, Pageviews: 755,230 Sessions: 110,423 Users: 52,211

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Bouse

Korie Bouse is active in basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading as well as an FFA state qualifier. Michelle Carney/Howe Enterprise.

(Continued from page 1)

nervousness as he reminded her that now instead of performing an a room with just the judges, now she’ll be in an auditorium in front of anyone who wants to watch.

“We can’t really talk to anyone before speaking. We just sit in this room and stare at each other awkwardly. So I don’t think that will make me nervous,” said Bouse. “Sometimes people try and talk to you and make you nervous, but they can’t do that.”

The previous competition was held at Bells High School where she advanced by placing second.

She would have placed first, but she forgot to say “thank you” at the end of the creed. When deducting 20 points for each word missed, the 40 point deficit brought her down to the second slot.

“Mr. Blum told her before the area event to take the weekend off and don’t say the creed. But, that weekend I made her say thank you a lot,” said father Kevin Bouse jokingly.

Bouse will leave on Thursday to head to Huntsville for competition which will take place on Friday and Saturday. With different heats, if she makes the top five of her heat on Friday, she’ll qualify for finals on Saturday. Her father joked about her leaving town on Thursday to a

police and fire escort with signs and banners streaming from downtown.

Bouse is a member of the student council, National Jr. Honor Society, as well as participating in volleyball, basketball, band, cheer, track, and golf. With all of that, she’s ranked at the top of her class as well.

“The schedule is crazier in high school than middle school,” said Bouse. “There’s a lot more homework and a lot more essays.

We’re learning how to do academic writing which is much different that before.”

Reciting the FFA Creed has become—in its own, unique way—a rite of passage. While almost every FFA member (past and present) can still recite at least parts of the creed, most probably don’t know much about its origins.

The FFA Creed was written in the summer of 1928 by Professor Erwin Milton Tiffany, who was the chief teacher in the Department of Agricultural Education at the University of Wisconsin. Tiffany was developing an exhibit for the first FFA convention. He had prepared several charts and tables showing the various programs of instruction in Wisconsin.

Tiffany writes, "Somehow, I got the idea that a statement of ideals (Continued on page 4)

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December 2, 2019

Bulldogs capture first win of the season, 58-55 over Farmersville a

a

Colton Thurman on the save.

Michelle Carney/Howe Enterprise.

The Howe Bulldogs played their first home game on Monday night against Farmersville. Howe (1-2) came away with a 58-55 win in a game that went back-and-forth for most of the evening. The win captured Head Coach Mike Segleski’s first win as a varsity head basketball coach after many years as an assistant.

Howe had struggled in the first two games against two good teams in Callisburg and Community only scoring 13 points in the first half at Callisburg and 10 in the first half at Community. But Howe was able to get 26 on the board in the first half against Farmersville.

“The pressure those two teams (Callisburg and Community) created against us helped tonight because we handled it so much better,” said Segleski. “The first two games taught us how important the boards were. It’s kind of a lost art. A lot of guys don’t spend a lot of time doing that.”

Howe opened the game with a 1614 deficit after the first quarter and trailed 31-26 at the half.

Howe played a zone defense to begin the game, but Farmersville shot well which forced the Dogs to go man-to-man. The change led to Farmersville only collecting 24 second half points and set up a fourth quarter comeback for Howe.

In the first half, Howe got three big 3-pointers from Jake Fabacher and two from Noah Campbell that helped keep the Dogs close. In the second half, freshman Austin Haley hit three huge 3-pointers including two late in the game.

Eight of Campbell’s 20 points came in the fourth quarter to lead the comeback.

The Bulldogs shot 7-of-23 from 2 -point range (30 percent) and 10of-26 (38 percent) from 3-point

range. When Howe got to the line, they shot 61 percent (13-of21).

Campbell led Howe in points with 20 with Haley following with 13 and Fabacher with 10. Other scorers were Luke Lopez (8), Colton Thurman (4), Caiden Harmon (2), and Ayden Norton (1).

Haley also led Howe with 11 rebounds, four of which were offensive.

“Moving some guys around helped us,” said Segleski after the game. “It took some pressure off of Ayden (Norton) and Jake (Fabacher) by coming off the bench. I think they didn’t have that stress of starting the ball game and it allowed them to get in the flow of it.”

Segleski likes the ball-handling of Haley which he says allows Campbell and Fabacher to spot up and shoot more.

“Haley took a lot of pressure off of the both of them and Ayden and Jake were huge coming off the bench,” said Segleski.

“Colton Thurman’s boards were incredible and his hustle kept balls alive and he drew charges which were huge.”

Howe will play tonight at home against Pilot Point with JV B team starting at 5 pm followd by JV A at approximately 6:15. The varsity will begin at approximately 7:30 pm.

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December 2, 2019

Bouse (Continued from page 2)

for the FFA might fit in with the exhibit. The creed is the result of that idea. It was lettered on sign cloth and included with the rest of the exhibit materials that were shipped to Kansas City."

When his creed was adopted in 1930 at the third FFA convention, Tiffany was pleased. However, he wanted to make sure credit was placed where he felt it was due. In a statement clarifying his thoughts, Tiffany wrote, "I have often said that it is the organization that has made the creed what it is, and it is the work of the members and the leaders that has made the organization what it is. Without these, the Creed itself would be meaningless. With them, it may, and I fervently hope that it does, contribute vitally to the spirit which is essential to achievement."

In 1932, Tiffany was asked to send a message to the national FFA convention delegates. He wrote, "The Future Farmers of America are required to memorize something we call a creed. Ever since thinking, hopeful men have inhabited the earth, they have been gibbering creeds. If any good has come from it, the virtue is not in the creed, nor in the gibbering, but in

the nobility of mind, which prompts men to ponder over their ideals.

"If the creed of the Future Farmers of America is an expression of faith worthy of so vigorous an organization, it must be more than a part of a prescribed ceremony; it must be an active force of thought working its way anew through the minds of everyone who makes its words their own. I hope the creed is virile enough to engender such a response."

Luckily, Tiffany captured his thoughts regarding the creed, and they are stored in the National FFA Archives. In an answer to a question regarding his inspiration for the creed, Tiffany wrote, "There is enough inspiration in each word of the organization’s name to call forth the highest hopes, the deepest concern, the profoundest regard, the strongest determination to carry forward the ideals, never realized in full, but without which the farmer would remain forever the man with a hoe."

The FFA Creed I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds achievements won by the present (Continued on page 5)

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Texoma Patriots meeting tomorrow in Van Alstyne The Texoma Patriots will hold their monthly meeting tomorrow at Buck Snort BBQ in Downtown Van Alstyne tomorrow night, Dec. 3. The featured guest will be John Tamny who is the Director of the Center for Economic Freedom of FreedomWorks.

Tamny writes and talks about the securities markets along with tax, trade, and monetary policy issues.

In his latest book The End of Work — Why your passion can become your job, he contends that the definition of “work” is rapidly evolving such that more and more people are able to showcase their unique skills and intelligence in the marketplace.

He contends that you can forget the doomsday predictions of sour -faced nostalgists who say automatization and globalization will take away your dream job. The job market is only going to get better and better. He argues in The End of Work that the greatest gift of prosperity, beyond freedom from painful want, is the existence of work that is interesting.

Tamny is one of the main panelists each Saturday on the Fox News Channel's Forbes on Fox. He has also appeared on other networks including CNN, CNBC, the Comedy Channel, and the Fox Business Network. He is a retained speaker at the CFA Institute, the Federalist Society, and moderates and speaks at investor conferences on a regular basis.

He is also editor of RealClearMarkets, political economy editor at Forbes, and a senior economic adviser to Toreador Research & Trading. He received a BA in government from the University of TX at Austin and an MBA from Vanderbilt Univ’s Owen Graduate School of Management.

According to George Will, “John Tamny is a one-man antidote to economic obfuscation and mystification.”

The doors will open at 5 pm with the meeting starting at 7. Jim Smith offers a special price for the buffet on meeting nights. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge to attend the meeting. Donations are appreciated.

Bouse (Continued from page 4)

and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.

I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and

skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so--for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

© 2019 The Howe Enterprise

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Billy Joe Wheeler, 1934-2019 tions. He had a true servant heart and served those around him happily. Billy Joe loved the Lord and shared this love freely to all that could hear. He will be dearly missed by many.

Billy Joe Wheeler, 85, 0f Howe, Texas, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2019 in Denison, Texas. Billy Joe was born to the late General and Millie Wheeler on March 30, 1934. He married Lucy Jane Loftice on October 6, 1955 in Van Alstyne, Texas and shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with her. Billy Joe had various jobs until he went to work at Conagra where he worked until his retirement. He and Lucy made their home in Howe, Texas, where they raised their four children and he was an active member of the church and community.

Billy Joe loved his home and family where Christ was always the center. He was a member and Deacon at First Baptist Church in Howe and ministered to all he met through his words and ac-

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Lucy Wheeler, his parents, General and Millie Wheeler, brothers, J.W. Wheeler, Lee Roy Wheeler, Dolan Wheeler, Vernon Wheeler, Eugene Wheeler, and sisters, Velma McCluskey and Juanita Vinyard. He is survived by his daughters, Anita Bickenbach and husband Mark, of Van Alstyne, Paula McCollum and husband Mike of Howe; sons, Michael Wheeler and wife Charlotte of Garland, and Mark Wheeler and wife Kelly of Denison; 8 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Howe with Art Rayburn, officiating. Burial will follow in the Van Alstyne Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, December 2, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Scoggins Funeral Home in Van Alstyne, TX. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jason Bickenbach, Jared Bickenbach, Justin Bickenbach, Glenn McCollum, Zach McCollum,

Chase Wheeler, Colton Wheeler, and Camden Wheeler. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to First Baptist Church Howe, PO. Box 247 Howe, TX, 75459, or the Van Alstyne Cemetery Association, PO. Box 1495 Van Alstyne, TX,

75495.

Services are under the direction of Scoggins Funeral Home & Crematory, 637 W. Van Alstyne, Pkwy. Van Alstyne, TX, 75495.

903-482-5225. You may sign the online register book at www.scogginsfuneralhome.com

Gene "Bubba" Bridges, 1955-2019 Gene “Bubba” Bridges, age 64, of Sherman, passed away on Monday, November 18.

He was born to the late Ruby Nell Bridges and Floyd Gene Bridges on July 3, 1955 in McKinney, Texas. Bubba attended Blue Ridge, Van Alstyne, and Howe public schools, and then joined the Army where was honorably discharged. He married Lezlea Mathis and they had two children together.

Bubba was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Bridges; his father, Gene Bridges; his sister, Debbie Bridges; his son, Jason Bridges; and a greatgranddaughter, Braylee. He is survived by his grandson, Quincy Williams of Sherman, his daughter, Alissa Bridges of Sherman; his granddaughter Angelina Williams of Sherman, his daughter Teresa Reed and husband David of Fort Worth; his

Gene Bridges grandchildren, Jason Burnett, Justice Burnett, and Todd Krause; his siblings, Rose Marr and husband Dennis Marr of Sherman; Sherry Kelley of Sherman; and Billy Bridges of Dallas, and numerous greatgrandchildren.

Benny Jo Risner officiated the graveside service held at Coffman Cemetery in Anna, Texas at 1 pm on Nov 30.

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City of Howe increases water tap fees Mickey Phillips of the City of Howe Public Works Department recommended to the city council recently an amendment to Ordinance No. 770, Chapter 10, Section 3 to increase the water and sewer tap fees.

Phillips said that there has been a continued increase in cost of materials and labor which determined the need for increase. The cost amounts would compensate for the cost of crude and to better fund future improvements to the city’s water distribution system and infrastructure.

Other changes made were for the city to clean out some property and easement boundaries on any new or replaced customers sewer lateral lines for maintenance pur-

Mickey Phillips, City of Howe Public Works poses.

Also a change was made to the City of Howe’s utility tap installation policy with has approved in March 2019.

Local church calendar A Christian Fellowship 150 Fellowship Ln, Sherman, TX 75090 (903) 815-1333 Wednesday 6:30 pm – Potluck Meal 7:00 pm – Worship Service 7:00 pm – Jr & Sr High Youth Sunday 9:30 am – Sunday School (all ages) 10:30 am – Worship Service 10:30 am – KidZone Children’s Service (5yr – 12 yr.)

Community Bible Fellowship 415 S Collins Fwy, Howe, TX 75459 Wednesday 6:30 pm - Food and Fellowship 7:00 pm - Community Kids (ages 3 - 6th grade, nursery available) 7:00 pm - Youth and Adult Bible Study Sunday 10:30 am - Worship Service First Baptist Church Dorchester 11831 FM 902, Dorchester, TX 75459 903-476-5525 Wednesday 6:00 pm - Meal (Donations for adults and kids eat free) 6:30 pm - Praise service 7:00 pm - Youth Bible Study 7:00 pm - Adult Bible Study 7:00 pm - RA's/GA's/children's group Sunday 9:00 am - Men's Prayer Time 9:45 am - Sunday School 10:45 am - A.M. Worship Service 5:00 pm - Adult Choir Practice 6:00 pm - Evening Worship First Baptist Church Howe 100 E. Davis St., Howe, TX 903532-5504 Tuesday 7:00 pm - Bible Study Wednesday 5:30 pm - Kids Choir 6:30 pm - Team Kid 6:30 pm - Youth Ministry 6:30 pm - Adult Bible Fellowship Sunday 9:15 am - Bible Fellowship 10:30 am - Kids Church 10:30am - Worship Service

First United Methodist Church of Howe 810 N Denny St, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6718 Monday 9:30 am - Care Team Meeting 10:30 am - Pastor's Bible Study Tuesday 9:30 am - Women's Bible Study 11:30 am - Out and About with Pastor Zack 6:30 pm Boy Scouts Wednesday 9:00 am - Wednesday Workers 6:30 pm - Jr. High and Sr. High Youth Saturday 9:00 am - Feed My Sheep (1st and 3rd Sat each month) Sunday 8:40 am - Fellowship and Donuts 9:00 am - Sunday School 10:00 am - Worship service 3:00 pm - Cub Scouts

Job Title PACKAGING LINE LEAD workintexas.com Posting ID 13905365 Location

Van Alstyne

Posting Close Date 12/22/2019 Posting Link vp45lu2

http://tinyurl.com/

Description A local company is looking for a PACKAGING LINE LEAD who will ensure the production of product are properly processed while ensuring quality product based on all specifications.

Description This position requires a High School Diploma or Equivalent, and a minimum of 1 year of related experience.

Job Title WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPEC I workintexas.com Posting ID 13903415 Location Denison Posting Close Date Posting Link t2dfnnd

12/05/2019

http://tinyurl.com/

Description A local company is looking for a WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPEC who will assist job seekers and employers to fill job vacancies with individuals who possess the necessary skills and experience for the job.

Description This position requires a High School Diploma or Equivalent, and a minimum of 2 years of related experience.

Howe Church of Christ 1205 N Collins Fwy, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6441 Wednesday 7:00 pm - Bible Classes (all ages) Sunday 9:00 am - Bible Classes (all ages) 10:00 am - Worship Service 5:00 pm - Worship Service New Beginning Fellowship 910 S Denny St, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6828 Wednesday 7:00 pm - Radiate Youth 7:00 pm - Sanctuary of for prayer Sunday 9:30 am - Sunday School (kids, youth, women, men) 10:30 am - Worship Service 10:30 am - Kids Church

Times are subject to change. Please check with each church for any possible changes

"With a united effort we can make the place in which we live clean, wholesome, attractive. We can make the crowded city dweller homesick to come back to us and real living. We can bring new life, new business, new beauty, to the little towns." - Mame Roberts

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Meet the Bulldogs

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What you need to know about the reports of a looming 2020 bacon shortage

By Adam Russell Amid popular reports of a possible bacon shortage, many consumers wonder what the future holds for their favorite cut of pork.

The future of U.S. bacon supplies isn’t clear enough for consumers to panic about a potential shortage in 2020, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist.

David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist, College Station, quoted Taylor Swift in saying we “need to calm down” when talking about numerous reports regarding a bacon shortage in 2020 that could be based more on expectations than current reality.

“I’m just not convinced yet that these reports aren’t sensationalizing the situation a bit at this point,” he said. “There are contradictory production and economic factors at play in the market, and I think it will take some time to play out.”

But as U.S. consumer love for bacon grows, so does the demand.

There is also growing demand elsewhere in the world.

Exports to China have increased significantly since an outbreak of African swine flu led to largescale culling of China’s swine herd. Growing exports of halfcarcasses of U.S. pork to China is fueling concerns that U.S. supplies of pork bellies, the cuts that provide bacon, may not keep up with domestic demand.

Anderson said Chinese demand for U.S. pork is a new factor that will weigh heavily on the market for the foreseeable future. But according to Anderson and a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report, U.S. production and cold storage supplies are setting decades-long records.

“The long-term expectation is for big exports to China, but that is relative to the record amounts of pork we are producing today and have in storage,” he said. “Pork prices are extremely cheap here and are competitively priced in China, even with the current tariff.”

Bacon supply on ice Anderson said cold storage stocks of pork bellies are the highest he has on record going back to 1973.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported pork bellies in cold storage were up 34% from last year, reaching 40.7 million pounds compared to 30.4 million pounds in 2018.

It was worth noting that cold storage stocks are typically low in September, he said.

Chinese demand for pork hasn’t let up and led to prices so high that U.S. pork is competitive despite a 62% tariff. Exports have steadily increased as China culled around half its swine herd and continues to struggle with controlling the African swine flu.

Meanwhile, demand for pork bellies in U.S. markets has continued to grow as bacon has become a staple in many households, Anderson said.

The National Pork Board reported U.S. consumption of bacon increased 2.4% from 2001-2013, with Americans consuming about 1.1 billion servings of bacon annually.

Pork belly is found on 8.7% of U.S. menus, a 59% increase in the number of restaurants serving products from the cut since 2014.

Bacon is served in seven out of 10 U.S. restaurants.

The board’s report also indicates bacon’s increased demand over the last few decades is due to its growing appeal beyond breakfast.

“We’re producing more and more hogs here at home, and pork bellies are only one cut, but we have to remember America’s appetite for bacon,” Anderson said.

“Bacon is on everything these days.”

Rollercoaster market for bacon Anderson said cold storage holdings could indicate baconproducing companies and restaurants are building supplies in case there is a shortage and prices begin to rise. But he also noted that large belly stocks are related to record hog and pork production.

Expectations of a shortage and subsequent price speculation, rising exports to China, the ongoing trade dispute, how African swine flu continues to affect China’s swine herd, U.S. production and stockpile levels add to the commodity’s uncertain future and, ultimately, market volatility.

Pork belly prices have been “on a rollercoaster for a while now,” Anderson said, well before Chinese supplies became a factor.

For now, Anderson expects U.S. pork exports to China will continue to grow as the Chinese continue to deal with swine flu.

“All these stories could be true in the future even though they appear to be at odds with what is going on with production,” he said. “We’ll just have to wait and see if export growth is larger than production growth to the point it cuts into domestic supplies and causes prices to rise here at home.”

Bacon bits A 275-pound pig nets 16 pounds of bacon, or approximate-

ly 560 thinly sliced pieces, according to the National Pork Board.

ries ago bacon became a favorite of people in France, Germany and England.

Preserving and salt-curing pork dates back to 1500 B.C. in China.

The first packaged sliced bacon was patented by Oscar Mayer in 1924.

Greek and Roman cultures expanded the tradition, and centu-

The average American consumes almost 18 pounds of bacon each year.

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Howe TX 75459 facebook.com/Howe-Mercantile1639767196252428/ (817) 313-2168 georgiacaraway@aol.com AUCTION Wolfe Pack Trading 212 E Marshall Van Alstyne TX 75495 wolfepackauctions.com 903-712-4666 dwolfe525@gmail.com AUTO Bob Utter Ford 2525 Texoma Parkway Sherman TX 75090 bobutterford.net 903-892-3555 BANKING Independent Bank 100 South Denny Howe TX 75459 independent-bank.com (903) 532-5521 aanderson@ibtx.com

Howe Enterprise P.O. Box 595 Howe TX 75459 howeenterprise.com 903-339-0100 news@howeenterprise.com AGRICULTURE Norman Farms 4871 Mackey Rd Howe TX 75459 903-815-5545 ajnorm4@aol.com Renfro Farms 1589 Harrell Rd Howe TX 75459 renfrofarms@gmail.com

Howe Mercantile 107 E. Haning St

(903) 532-1040 amanda.garner@howecpa.com Clean Stripe 909 E. FM 902 Howe TX 75459 http://www.cleanstripe.com 254-640-9431 john@cleanstripe.com J-Talk Services, Melida Ailshire P.O. Box 91593 Sherman TX 75091 903-814-8347 jtalk1@mac.com LegalShield 1548 Timbercreek Dr. Howe TX 75459 http://JLALEXANDER. WeAreLegalshield.com 214-549-4474 jlalexander@ legalshieldassociates.com) CHILDCARE The School Zone Academy 105 Doyle Street Howe TX 75459 theschoolzoneacademy.com 903-532-9663 haleenparrish@yahoo.com

Legend Bank 1700 N. Travis, Suite E Sherman TX 75092 legend-bank.com 903-640-5407 matt.brown@legend-bank.com lindsey.reynolds@ legend-bank.com

CHURCHES

First United Bank 2011 Texoma Parkway Sherman TX 75090 firstunitedbank.com 903-813-5760 sarah.whitt@firstunitedbank.com

First Baptist Church Howe 100 W. Davis Howe TX 75459 http://www.fbchowe.org/ 903-532-5504 info@fbchowe.org

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Creekview Creative Howe TX 75459 creekviewcreative.com 903-357-3143 info@creekviewcreative.com Provider Business Partners 106 W. Young St. Howe TX 75459 providerbusinesspartners.com 903-487-2248 sharla@ providerbusinesspartners.com

ANTIQUES

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December 2, 2019

Bethel Baptist Church 905 Ponderosa Rd, P.O. Box 458 Howe TX 75459 bethelbaptisthowe.com 903-532-6032

First United Methodist Church Howe 810 North Denny Howe TX 75459 (903) 532-6718 zack@fumchowe.org New Beginning Fellowship 910 S. Denny St, PO Box 295 Howe TX 75459 http://www.nbfhowe.com/ (903) 532-6828 wallace@nbfhowe.com CONSTRUCTION/BUILDING SERVICVES

Sheep Boutique 114 N. Main St. P.O. Box 822 Van Alstyne TX 75495 http://sheepboutique.com/ 214-325-0015 info@sheepboutique.com

Jim Jackson Electrical Services, Inc. 1401 Silo Road Suite 400 Bonham TX 75418 www.jacksonelec.com/ 1-855-522-5353 info@jacksonelec.com

Smith-Garner, PC 609 N. Denny St., P.O. Box 1019 Howe TX 75459 http://www.howecpa.com/

TLD Design Consulting LLC 103 E. Haning St. Howe TX 75459 http://www.tld -dc.com/ 903-436-4601

tdefrange@tldconsulting.net American Efficiency Solutions 2917 Wolf Front Rd Van Alstyne TX 75495 americanefficiency solutions.com/ 214-284-6309 mike@aes-llc.net DENTAL Howe Family Dentistry 100 S. Collins Freeway, PO Box 960 Howe TX 75459 howefamilydentistry.com 903.532.5545 EDUCATION Howe Community Library 315 S. Collins Freeway Howe TX 75459 www.howeisd.net/Page/83 903-745-4050 atchison.melissa@howeisd.net Howe Independent School District 105 W. Tutt St. Howe TX 75459 howeisd.net/ (903) 745-4000 ENTERTAINMENT Twisted Balloons & Magic 1174 Dicken Rd. Howe TX 75459 903-815-6093 bentleym6144@gmail.com FUNERAL HOME Scoggins Funeral Home & Crematory 637 W. Van Alstyne Parkway Van Alstyne TX 75495 scogginsfuneralhome.com 903-482-5225 tommywscoggins@hotmail.com GOVERNMENT Rita Noel, Justice of the Peace P.O. Box 672 Howe TX 75459 903-821-0018 ritanoel169@yahoo.com HAIR SALON Girls Next Door 102 S. Collins Frwy Howe TX 75459 (903) 532-0526 HEALTH AND FITNESS LZfit (personal training) Lauren Zepeda (972-489-4246 Lauren_zepeda@yahoo.com Facebook page Laurenzepedafitness HEALTHCARE Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health 8001 S. U.S. Highway 75 Sherman TX 75090 angelsofcare.com 903-532-1400 jriggs@angelsofcare.com

Bee Square Body Care 26 Williams Trail Howe TX 75459 http://beesquarebodycare.com/ 903-819-0192 Godisgood1@hotmail.com HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING Baker A/C & Heating, Inc. 215 N. Denny St. Howe TX 75459 903-532-6225 bakerac.mark@yahoo.com HOUSING Bainbrook Apartments 511 S. Collins Fwy Howe, TX 75459 (469) 712-4082 bainbrook75459.com Pradera Manufactured Home Park 709 N. Collins Freeway Howe TX 75459 http://praderamhp.com (903) 532-0014 felix@havenparkmgmt.com M&M Properties 901 N. Denny St Howe TX 75459 903-815-9223 marvincurtis2@gmail.com INSURANCE David Morgan Insurance 255 E. Jefferson St, P.O. Box 2105 Van Alstyne TX 75495 http://farmersagent.com/ dmorgan1 903-482-4063 dmorgan1@farmersagent.com Ed Meacham, State Farm 2624 Loy Lake Rd., Suite B Sherman TX 75090 https://www.statefarm.com/ agent/US/TX/Sherman/EdMeacham-3TGY5753JAK 903-892-3923 ed@mredinsurance.com Kathy McGarry, Mayo Agency 215 S Ray Roberts Pkwy, P.O. Box 519 Tioga TX 76271 940-437-2378 kathy.mayoagency@gmail.com Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, Darren Foster – Agent 1363 S Waco St Van Alstyne TX 75495 https://www.txfbins.com/ insurance/agent/grayson/ 32707/darrenfoster 903-436-2470 dfoster@txfb-ins.com Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, Loretta Anderson – Agent

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1363 S Waco St Van Alstyne TX 75495 https://www.txfb -ins.com/ insurance/agent/grayson/ 23242/lorettaanderson 903-819-1041 landerson@txfb-ins.com Aflac Agent Chyna Vincent 1671 Taylor Rd Dorchester TX 75459 940-641-1714 chynakv@live.com INTERNET TekWav 223 N. Walnut St. Sherman TX 75090 http://www.tekwav.com 903-375-9787 jj@tekwav.com NON-PROFIT Goodwill Industries of Northeast Texas 2206 E. Lamar St. Sherman, TX 75090 goodwillnorthtexas.org spierce@goodwillnorthtexas.org PERSONAL SERVICES & CARE Servpro of Sherman/Denison PO Box 1851 Sherman TX 75091 ervproshermandenison.com/ 903-893-7166 belinda.servpro8117@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHY Melissa Millsap Photography melissa.millsapphotography @gmail.com

PLUMBING Skinner Plumbing Supply 200 S. Denny St. Howe TX 75459 (903) 532-0034 skinnersupply@yahoo.com Torque Plumbing 102 S. Collins Frwy Howe TX 75459 (972) 658-1515 torquemayes@yahoo.com PUBLIC UTILITIES Atmos Energy 5111 Blue Flame Rd. Sherman TX 75090 http://www.atmosenergy.com/ 1-888-286-6700 (Main) 1-866-322-8667 Natural Gas Emergency Jan.Rugg@atmosenergy.com Billy’s Trash Service 800 S. Andrews Sherman TX 75090 903-814-9070 jeffstanley@cableone.net Grayson -Collin Electric Cooperative, Inc. P.O. Box 548 Van Alstyne TX 75495 www.grayson-collin.coop 903-482-7100 mmcginnis@gcec.net Cavender Home Theater DISH 6202 Texoma Parkway Sherman TX 75090 http://www.cavendertv.com/ 903-892-3499 chris@cavenderht.com REAL ESTATE

Bill French Properties 315 N Travis Suite B-3 Sherman TX 75090 billfrenchproperties.com 903-893-BILL (2455) bill@billfrenchproperties.com Sheryl Bentley, Ebby Halliday REALTORS 3445 FM 1417 N Sherman TX 75092 http://www.ebby.com/agents_ offices/find_agent/info/ sherylbentley (903) 821-7653 sherylbentley@ebby.com The Uselton Group 382 Eagle Point Rd Van Alstyne TX 75495 theuseltongroup.com 469-525-7281 kim@theuseltongroup.com

SECONDS COUNT IN AN EMERGENCY! That's why the City of Howe has instituted the CodeRED Emergency Notification System - an ultra high-speed telephone communication service for emergency notifications. This system allows us to telephone all or targeted areas in case of an emergency situation that requires immediate action (such as a boilwater notice, missing child or evacuation notices). The system is capable of dialing 60,000 phone numbers per hour. It then delivers a pre-recorded message describing the situations to a live person or an answering machine in the affected area possibly including instructions requiring action on the part of the recipient. Once the situation is remedied, another call will be placed to the area signaling that the issue has been addressed and that normal activities can be resumed.

The following information is required to add a telephone number into the "CodeRED" database: first and last name; address (physical address, no P.O. boxes); city; state; Zip Code; and primary phone number. The system works with cellular phones but requires a valid street address. When entering information, please fill out all of the screens because the newest data entered will replace the old data. Sign up by visiting http:// www.co.grayson.tx.us/page/oem.cred

2019-20 Local taxation State Sales Tax General Revenue Sales Tax Ad valorem reduction Sales Tax Economic Development (Type B) Sales Tax Total

6.25 % 1.00 % 0.50 % 0.50 % 8.25 %

City of Howe Tax Rate Howe I.S.D Tax Rate Grayson County Tax Rate Grayson County Junior College Tax Rate Total (per $100 valuation)

$0.57 $1.43 $0.42 $0.17 $2.59 $3,788,977

elpatioescondido.com 903-482-5538 williampacheco519@yahoo.com

903-532-7867 amanda.garner@howecpa.com

Abby’s Restaurant 110 E. Haning St Howe TX 75459 abbys-restaurant.com/ 903-487-8860 abbysrestaurant@yahoo.com

TOWING

Palio’s Pizza Cafe 303 W. Haning St. Howe TX 75459 https://www.palioshowe.com/ 903-532-0390 paliospizza@att.net ROOFING HIT Exteriors, LLC Howe, TX 75459 972-977-1523 sergio@hitexteriors.com

Vincent Realty Group 324 Meadows Estate St., P.O. Box 756 Tom Bean TX 75489 vincentrealtygroup.com/ 903-870-8528 benvincent@cableone.net

Adams Automotive & Towing 85 Redden Rd Van Alstyne TX 75495 adamsautotow.com 903-482-5784 Pristine Towing & Roadside Assistance 135 Hodgins Rd. P.O. Box 1672 Van Alstyne TX 75495 (903) 814-8064 VIDEO Summit Media Service PO.O. Box 1197 Howe, TX 75459 www.summitmediaservice.co m 214-843-1495 WINERY Homestead Winery 220 W. Main St. Denison TX 75020 homesteadwinery.com/ 903-464-0030 sammeanslump@gmail.com

Michael Taylor – Keller Williams Realty P.O. Box 575 Howe TX 75459 mtaylor@kw.com RESTAURANTS El Patio Escondido Mexican Restaurant & Cantina 495 W. Van Alstyne Pkwy, P.O. Box 637 Van Alstyne TX 75495

STORAGE Howe Mini-Storage 609 N. Denny St. Howe TX 75459

Cityofhowe.org

City of Howe

City of Howe Budget

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December 2, 2019

City Hall 116 E. Haning St., 903-532-5571 Mayor: Bill French City Administrator: Joe Shephard City Secretary: Joy Stevens Utility Billing and Municipal Court 116 E. Haning St. 903-532-5571 Utility Clerk: Beccy Roberts Court Clerk: Kerri Cheatham (After hours night drop available) Public Works 317 S. Hughes St. Public Works Director: David Wortham Code Enforcement 317 S. Hughes St. Code Enforcement Officer: Bert Dowlen

2019 City of Howe Water, Sewer, Refuse collection rates - one bill $27.15 $7.45 $8.35 $9.30 $9.90 $33.60 $5.25

Howe Fire Department 118 E. Haning 903-532-6888 (nonemergency) Fire Chief: Robert Maniet

$13.35 $1.10

Howe Police Department 700 W. Haning St. 903-532-9971 (non-emergency) Dispatch 903813-4411 Police Chief: Carl Hudman Police Sergeant: Keith Milks Economic Development

$27.15 $33.60 $13.35 $1.10 $75.20

101 E. Haning St. 903-532-6080 EDC Director: Monte Walker City Council meets third Tuesday at 700 W. Haning St. at 6 pm.

Planning & Zoning Commission Meets third Monday as needed Howe Community Facilities Development Corporation Meets as needed For more information visit the city website www.cityofhowe.org

$56.95 $54.60 $13.35 $1.10 $126.00 $98.70 $80.85 $13.35 $1.10 $194.00

WATER Base per 1,000 next 4,000 per 1,000 next 20,000 per 1,000 next 20,000 per 1,000 all over 45,000 SEWER Base per additional metered 1,000 gallons TRASH (solid waste) Base Tax MINIMUM BILL Water Sewer Trash Tax Total 5,000 gallons usage Water Sewer Trash Tax Total 10,000 gallons usage Water Sewer Trash Tax Total

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November 25, 2019

Texoma Area Toys for Tots Methodists to display a Silent Nativity at Summit Gardens Ride announced for December

The K4J group from the First United Methodist Church at the 2018 Nativity Scene.

On December 11 at 7 pm, the Kids 4 Jesus group from the First United Methodist Church will display a Silent Nativity at Summit Gardens again this year as they did in 2018. The scene will take place in front of the Mame Roberts Arbor along

Highway 5.

There is a call out for a choir to sing carols during the nativity. If anyone is interested in putting together a Christmas Carol choir, please contact Janice Akins or Summer DeLavan.

Riders in the 2018 Texoma Toys for Tots Ride. Courtesy photo.

The 2019 Marine Corps Toys for Tots run will take place December 8 and begin at Schulman’s Movie Bowl Grille in Sherman. The registration will be from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The ride will begin at 1 pm and will end at 903

Brewers in Sherman where lunch will be provided for the first 100 registrants. Live music will be provided by J.R. Texas Stranger. There will also be prizes for “Best Santa,” “Best Elf,” and “Best Christmas Themed Bike.

Learn about your antiques and collectibles with Georgia Caraway

Georgia Caraway It's that time of year again. December has come and with it all the joys of Christmas. But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the beautifully wrapped gifts under the ornament-decorated tree; stockings hung by the chimney with care; the greeting cards in the mail; store display windows adorned with holiday décor, and folks calling "Merry Christmas" to those they pass in the streets? Is this really Christmas?

Christmas has morphed into this meaning and for many the true meaning of Christmas has been lost. I want to explore the commercialized side of Christmas for the next three columns, then the week of Christmas we will explore the TRUE meaning of Christmas.

The first recorded

Christmas tree was reportedly a wooden triangle covered in some evergreen branches. In 1747 the Moravian Church settlement in Bethlehem, PA erected this “tree.”

They would hang white candles and verses written on small pieces of paper on the tree.

F.W. Woolworth first brought glass ornaments from the German cottage industry to the mass market in the United States. In 1880, Woolworth purchased $25 of handblown glass ornaments for his variety store in Lancaster, PA. They sold within two days. Ten years later, more than 200,000 glass ornaments made by individual families in Germany were imported to the U.S. The Christian Science Monitor reported that gift-giving has its roots in pagan rituals held during the winter.

Christians believe that the first gift was the gift of his son, Jesus, to the world. However, Jesus was given gifts at his birth by the Three Wise Men, gold (acknowledging Jesus as the King of Kings), frankincense (used in church worship and symbolic of people worshiping Jesus),

and Myrrh (a perfume used on dead bodies, symbolling that Jesus would live and die).

Wrapping paper and wrapping presents in pretty paper dates back to the Victorian era.

A Christmas stocking is hung on Christmas Eve so that Saint Nicholas can fill it with small toys, candy, fruit, coins or other small gifts when he arrives.

One of the best examples of commercialism and now a multimillion-dollar industry, the Christmas greeting card dates back to 1843. The first commercial Christmas card was put out by Sir Henry Cole.

R.H. Macy of Macy’s in New York City was one of the first department store owners to construct special holiday presentations.

And in 1862, he was the first to feature an in-store Santa for children to visit. Several years later, in 1874, he created one of the first major holiday window

displays with a collection of porcelain dolls from around the world.

These are just a few of the ways we have commercialized Christmas. Next week we will look at the role Santa Claus and other marketing strategies play in promoting the holiday.

I have to admit that Howe Mercantile commercially promotes the holiday as well. That said let me remind you that a huge sale is going on behind the Mercantile on the Pavilion between now and the end of the year. And inside the store we have one-of-a-kind gifts for your favorite person. Think of us for a unique Christmas shopping experience Dr. Georgia Caraway and her friends operate Howe Mercantile at 107 East Haning.

SHOP LOCALLY!!

We can show you Howe!!

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December 2, 2019

Texas History Minute The year was 1854, and the nation was bitterly divided once again over slavery. Sam Houston, now a Ken Bridges U. S. Senator for Texas, was in the middle of the debate, faced with a choice between his political career and the future of the nation.

The vote was on the politically explosive Kansas- Nebraska Act. For years, Congress had walked the delicate tightrope trying to balance the interests between North and South. Increasingly, the slavery question dominated every political argument, and Congress tried to avoid discussing it just as much. But this new legislation reopened the festering wound.

The act, introduced in January 1854, was a cynical political ploy

by Sen. Stephen Douglas of Illinois to try to make Chicago the hub of the transcontinental railroad. This meant that all railroads going to the West Coast would be routed through Chicago, meaning a fortune for the city and the state.

Other potential hubs included Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, Louisiana, which would include more southerly routes through more populated areas, including Texas.

Douglas initially proposed organizing the entire area from the border of the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) to the border with British Canada into the Nebraska and Kansas Territories. This area was the last unorganized remnant of the Louisiana Purchase, and the 1820 Compromise had forbidden slavery in the area. Douglas called for the compromise’s repeal by allowing slavery into the new territories while territorial voters decided the final status of slavery.

The nation had 16 free states and 15 slaves states in 1854 plus five territories that would come in as free states in the future. Texas was the slave state admitted. With no more pro-slavery territories, southerners were increasingly worried about being outnumbered and surrounded. Immediately, sharp opposition to the bill arose.

Southern politicians rallied around it as their last chance to bring a slave state into the union, except Houston. Houston had been a protégé of President Andrew Jackson and was an ardent Unionist. He had fought for the nation in the War of 1812 as a young man, bled for Texas to free

it from Mexico and to bring it into the United States, and served Texas proudly as its U. S. Senator and former president.

Houston demanded the 1820 Compromise be upheld and the act rejected. As Houston characterized the choice, “Our children are either to live in after time in enjoyment of peace . . . or the alternative remains for them of anarchy, discord, and civil broil.”

Houston voted against the demands of Texas and southern politicians – the only southerner to vote against the legislation – and faced bitter criticisms in letters and newspapers across the region.

Houston’s conscience was clear, regardless of the consequences.

He told his wife that the criticism “falls off me like water off a duck’s back.”

While Houston was popular with the people of Texas, this was a time before the Seventeenth Amendment and U. S. Senators were still chosen by the state legislatures. Though Houston’s term would not expire until 1858, legislators immediately voted not to return Houston to a third term. In 1858, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Hemphill was elected by legislators to replace him.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act passed, it was a disaster. It completely destabilized the sense of compromise that existed between North and South. Kansas would erupt into its own civil war with hundreds dead as pro-slavery and anti -slavery forces fought for control of the territory. As it was, 86 members of the House of Representatives in both of the major parties lost their seats because of their support for the KansasNebraska Act. America now headed headlong into the coming civil war.

Houston, however, would not be stopped. In 1859, the people elected him as the state’s seventh governor with a landslide 57% of the vote.

The story became another example of Houston’s patriotism and legendary integrity. The story was later featured in John F. Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning work Profiles in Courage in 1956.

Sometimes integrity is more important than ambition or popularity.

Dr. Bridges is a Texas native, writer, and history professor. He can be reached at drkenbridg-

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December 2, 2019

Being thankful is a state of mind I was thinking this week (while in the midst of complaining about the frustrations of life), that being Dr. Billy thankful is Holland more of a state of mind than a celebration. I’m sure you will agree it’s truly a blessing to wake up each morning and not be in agony. When we swing our bodies over onto the side of the bed and stand on our feet, this is nothing less than a miracle! So often, we become so busy thinking about what we are going to do that we forget how God is providing our good health which enables us to enjoy our life. I realize it’s easy to take our blessings for granted and since being grateful is an attitude of appreciation, let us remember to tell Jesus how much we love Him for paying the ransom for our soul.

What does Thanksgiving mean to you? Someone might reply, “It means a delicious feast” and we can relate as who does not enjoy a great meal? Others may say, “Thanksgiving means a day off from work or school” and this is always something to look forward to. Nonetheless, holidays are not only to be a celebration of indulgence but a spiritual sensitivity that recognizes all that we have and who gave it to us. As the word Thanksgiving suggests, we talk about thanks but rarely hear about the giving. Last week we considered the beauty of worship and praise as the deeper meaning of gratitude to God. Giving thanks is also more than an expression of gratitude because we can say “thank you” to someone and not really mean it.

Genuine appreciation is not just words, but more of a sincere awareness of a particular thing or person, and then demonstrating that gratitude with honesty and sincerity. This year between the turkey, dressing, and the pumpkin pie, may we give praise to the

one who made it all possible. It’s more than just saying a prayer at the table, it’s living a life that is pleasing unto the Lord.

One of our good friends is battling a serious health issue and trust me, she is seeing life through a different perspective this Thanksgiving. She’s been taking morning walks lately and has shared with me about how quiet and peaceful the world is right before the sun rises. In these times, it’s the little things like hearing the birds sing and the colors of the leaves that are majestic and awe-inspiring. Have you considered lately how glorious it is to be able to take a deep breath?

Breathing seems so natural but to many, it is a constant battle. The feeling of being underwater is not pleasant and yet many live in this situation every day. The heart is another involuntary function that God has designed to keep a constant rhythm without us having to think about it, but many people are not so fortunate. How often do we thank God for all of the medications and treatments He provides to maintain our health?

Franklin Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord. Across the uncertain ways of space and time, our hearts echo those words, for the days are with us again when, at the gathering of the harvest, we solemnly express our dependence upon Almighty God.” Occasionally I will take a short nap on my cozy leather sofa while our English bulldog wedges his way in between me and the back of the couch and lets out a sigh of enjoyment that sounds more like the grunt of a hog. What a blessing it is to have a place called home.

I’m sure most of you feel the same way about your sanctuary of peace and security. I thank God that I can go to the refrigerator and find something to eat, then go out into the garage and get into a nice vehicle and travel wherever I need to go. We usually do not pay any attention to these “luxuries” but they are amazing blessings.

May we remember there are many

people that do not have a home, a vehicle, a couch, or any food at all. First Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to be “Thankful in everything, and in all circumstances.” Whether in lack or abundance we will look to God and thank Him for all

He has given, and more importantly, we will worship and love Him just for who He is.

Check out Billy’s new book, “Convictions and Considerations” at billyhollandministries.com

Verse of the week Psalm 7:17 I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.

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December 2, 2019

Medicare Enrollment: What do I need to know?

Hey Taylor - Is Medicaid free? I know it’s open enrollment right now but have no idea how the process works or Taylor if I’m eligible. I don’t want to fill Kovar out a bunch of paperwork only to find out I could have saved money by going directly through an insurance company. - Mitchell Hey Mitchell - Great question and great timing, as people have less than a month until enrollment closes. For low-income households, Medicaid can be free. Depending on the state you live in, Medicaid expansion broadens the scope of potential applicants, though 17 states have not expanded federal coverage. This whole topic gets confusing in a hurry, so I’ll lay out some basic points.

Medicaid versus Medicare. People mix these two up since the names are pretty much identical and there’s a fair amount of crossover between them (some people even have dual eligibility).

Medicare is the primary health insurance for people over 65 and it’s been that way for quite some time. It also covers younger people with disabilities. Medicaid, on the other hand, targets those with lower income, so eligibility isn’t as cut and dry and there are big regional factors at play. While both programs are governmentrun, you will find stark differences between the two. As for open enrollment, Medicare ends December 7 while Medicaid ends December 15.

No more mandate. As of this year, the individual mandate no longer exists so people aren’t penalized for opting out of enrollment. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should go without health insurance. Since it sounds like you don’t have coverage through an

employer, going to the healthinsurance.org or healthc are.gov to see what options are available for you before the cut off date is a good bet. Even if your state doesn’t offer expanded Medicaid, you’ll find some direction and learn more about cost and coverage.

Open enrollment ensures 2020 coverage. Since millions of people get policies through the state and federal programs, you have to get your application in during this window to confirm coverage at the start of next year. If you don’t have coverage at all you can still find 2019 plans, but the open enrollment period is specific to next year’s policies.

Nothing about health insurance is particularly easy, starting with understanding how the various plans and programs work. The only universal truth about the whole system is that insurance is vitally important so you don’t find yourself with insurmountable debt after an emergency. I hope this helps and you get a plan that works for you!

Taylor Kovar, CEO of Kovar Capital. Read more about Taylor at GoFarWithKovar.com Disclaimer: Information presented is for educational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies.

Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. To submit a question to be answered in this column, please send it via email to Question@GoFarWithKovar.com, or via USPS to Taylor Kovar, 415 S 1st St, Suite 300, Lufkin, TX 75901.

Howe’s That band president Mikayla Doty contacted me for us to meet up sometime in the second half of the game. She now is a member of the OSU band. We did meet up in the fourth to say hello and that was a pretty neat experience.

Even a smile took place from the 13-year-old boy.

When all was said and done, our Sooners pulled out the win in Stillwater again. I was a bit concerned seeings how I’m no lucky rabbit foot for the Boomer Boys.

The last two games I’ve attended in person were both a year ago and witnessed both of their losses.

We saw them get beat by Texas at the Cotton Bowl and saw them lose to Alabama in the Orange Bowl.

The moral of the story for me is this: Sometimes you need to get out of town and make memories.

Whether your passion is college football, pro football, the symphony, or dining in new places— do it and do it often with your loved ones as time goes by very quickly. The 13-year-old will one day be gone from the house and regrets of today become enlarged in the future. Conversely, memories of today become elevated in the future and things to cling on to during those times of reminiscing.

You are in charge of your own happiness and your own memories that you want to have about this place and your people. Make it good.

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Living with children Q: I’m already dreading the holidays.

Our eight-yearold is a very excitable child and our family is expected to atJohn tend numerous Rosemond holiday gettogethers at the homes of family members. When he’s included in events where there’s lots of excitement and anticipation in the air, he has a reputation for becoming very impulsive, loud, talkative, bouncy, and generally annoying. He’s also the oldest grandchild and the other, younger kids tend to follow his lead. I do not want to be constantly correcting him, but I don’t know what else to do. People tolerate him because he’s family, but I can tell that his presence and behavior often makes them feel uncomfortable. In addition, I begin to feel like everyone is watching to see how I’m going to deal with him. For me, it’s like being under a microscope. My husband gets equally frustrated, but he doesn’t know what to do either. Help!

A: Hands down, your question is the Number One Question I Am Asked Around the Holidays. I’m glad you don’t want to suffer through another discomforting family get-together. I’m heartened, in fact, to hear that there are actually parents out there, still, who think it’s important that their children learn how to properly conduct themselves in such gatherings. Lots of parents abdicate the responsibility with excuses like, “Oh, c’mon, it’s Christmas, after all!”

What does that mean? That “holiday” means parents can and should take a holiday from teaching children the whys and hows of proper behavior? A holiday from discipline? What a concept!

I don’t think so. Learning how to properly behave when in a group, especially a mixed-age group, is important to a child’s overall socialization.

Besides, your son is a ringleader.

He’s regarded by the younger kids as the “lead monkey,” which makes it all the more important that he be well-behaved and set a good example at family gatherings.

I’d be willing to bet that you’re waiting too long to do something about his misbehavior. By the time you act, the proverbial snowball has already rolled considerably downhill. It’s gained a lot of momentum and mass. If you’re going to do something, which I think is important, you need to put the brakes on the snowball before it makes one full turn.

As soon as you see tell-tale signs of disruptive behavior, you need to take him to the garage, car, outside (your choice, largely dependent on the weather) – a quiet, private place. Tell him that you are going to stand or sit with him until he calms down, but regardless, he’s not going back into the group for at least fifteen minutes.

At the end of the fifteen minutes, assuming he’s got both feet on the ground, take him back in and try again. But before you do, tell him that if you remove him again, it will be for at least thirty minutes.

And if you need to remove him and third time, you’ll just go home where he will spend the rest of the day in his room.

The key ingredient in this recipe is “right away.” Don’t let his behavior escalate to the point where it’s disruptive. Quarantine it before it becomes discomforting to you and others.

You might say that my “solution” punishes you, too. In a sense, it does, but there’s a price to be paid for everything.

Family psychologist John Rosemond: johnrosemond.com, parent guru.com.

John Rosemond has worked with families, children, and parents since 1971 in the field of family psychology. In 1971, John earned his masters in psychology from Western Illinois University and was elected to the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society.

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December 2, 2019

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