58.24 Howe Enterprise October 26, 2020

Sneed socially distances from Howe Bulldogs

Soup Scoop

In the 85 years of Bulldog Stadium, there are only

At the end of September, Howe ISD ended with

Summit Hill Elementary and Howe Middle

Page 3

Pages 6

Page 8

Students of the Month

Grayson Publishing, LLC

City Council approves preliminary plat for Hilltop Ranch

Keep Howe Beautiful is seeking volunteers to help pick up trash in Howe.

Families, individuals or small group of friends can participate. KHB will assign areas and a simple map. Let them know what area you will do and when it will be completed by.

Give KHB a report by email when complete with members in your group, the number of bags and picture of bags that were filled. Email them to KeepHoweBeautiful@yahoo.com.

“We have put together, and you guys did it for President Obama’s Administration before this. We have put together, I think, the most extensive and inclusive voter fraud organization in the history of American politics,” - Joe Biden in a speech over the weekend.

The final presidential debate was much more civil this time around. Biden had to hold a press conference the following day to clean up a statement made during the debate in which he said he would be ending the oil and gas industry.

Biden also said during the debate that he has never taken a penny from foreign entities or governments.

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

1st/2nd grade football pg. 4 Lady Bulldogs, pg. 5 Antiques, pg. 9 Hot Jobs, pg. 8 Business Directory, pg. 11-12 Texas History pg. 13 Christian, pg. 14 Finance/Children, pg. 15 Past front pages, pg. 16-24

© 2020 The Howe Enterprise

Monday, October 26, 2020

Volume 58, Edition 24

INSIDE

Subscribe for free

$0.00—online only

Chamber says Founders Day Howe -lloween Festival was best ever

A youngster mimics “Ghost Bob” in Downtown Howe on Saturday.

The plans for Hilltop Ranch at Blythe Road call for a total of seven

The Howe City Council held the monthly meeting at City Hall due to early voting taking place at the Community Center. The Board of Adjustments and the Planning and Zoning Commission also met at City Hall prior to the council meeting.

The council eventually approved a preliminary plat for Hilltop Ranch, but negotiations between the city and Tomlin Investments still continue on certain timetables.

The plat includes seven phases of home development beginning with a wastewater treatment plant where construction could begin as early as 60 days.

Councilmember Robert Cannaday made a motion to approve the plat with conditions. He read a statement containing such conditions as items in the

city engineer’s letter dated Oct. 20, 2020 noting minimum side yard setback for quarter lots on the final plat must conform to the 20 foot requirements of the zoning ordinance in effect at the time of final plat approval. Street and cul-desac lengths must conform to the existing standards or any variance that’s granted.

The council eventually entered into executive session to negotiate with Scott Norris of Tomlin Investments.

Once all negotiations are completed, the result of the development would be a phase 1 of 120 homes constructed and occupied by the summer of 2022 with another 120 following soon thereafter. 300 additional homes per year would be added to Hilltop Ranch until completion.

The Howe Area Chamber of Commerce finally was able to host their annual Founders Day Festival that was originally scheduled for early May but was pushed back due to COVID-19. Chamber board members decided months ago to combine it with the Downtown Howelloween Festival for one

big event and one big event it was. A record number of vendors nearing 100 and a record-high crowd attended from all parts of North Texas.

Shelley Luther, running for Texas Senate 30 was in attendance and gave a speech on the stage in front (Continued on page 2)

Veterans Day Parade planned by NHS in lieu of ceremony

Like everything else in the world, adjustments had to be made to the annual Veterans Day Program by the Howe High School National Honor Society. Instead of a recognition, a parade has been planned.

Any veteran that would like to participate in the parade email Natalie McCall at mccall.natalie@howeisd.n et or call Howe High School office at 903-7454400.

The veterans will be driving in a car parade that begins at Summit Hill and will go to each campus.

(Continued on page 7)

Veterans Moses Henjy and Leon Thornhill stand in recognition of veterans in the 2019 Veterans Day Program.

Staff photo.

HoweEnterprise.com

2

October 26, 2020

Founders Day Festival

Shelley Luther (right) pictured with Brian and Joy Roberts of Howe.

(Continued from page 1)

of a crowd that quickly flocked to the stage area upon her opening remarks.

Bent Creek was the musical entertainment for fourth consecutive year. They feature lead singer Brent Hollensed, who grew up in Howe.

“Each year this gets larger and larger and we just want to continue the momentum that we’ve been able to sustain from year to year,” said festival organizer Monte Walker. “The community needed this event. From what everyone has had to endure over the past eight months, it was a breath of fresh air, literally, to be able to get out and visit with people and have a sense of normalcy.”

The weather could not have been more perfect with a high sky and warm temperatures in the sun, but

cool temperatures in the shade.

But when the sun went down, quite a few vendors began tearing down and the event ended quite soon than initially anticipated.

For the first time, the festival included a wine-tasting from Wall Street Winery. Food options were available from the Knights of Columbus, The Crazy Red Rooster Kettle Corn Co., and Chill Out Shaved Ice. Hana’s Café and Don’s Smokehouse were open during the festival, but Gabriela’s and Abby’s were closed.

For 2021, the chamber plans on returning to the normal schedule of a May Founders Day event and a separate Downtown Howelloween event in October.

Walker, of the Howe Chamber, wants to thank Sergio and Susan Garcia for their work on the event and Chamber President Robert Cannaday for helping throughout the festival.

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

3

Sneed socially distances from Howe Bulldogs, Mineola wins 70-7

Trevion Sneed (23) rushed for 267 yards and five touchdowns which nearly all came in the first half Friday at Bulldog Stadium. Photo by Michelle Carney.

In the 85 years of Bulldog Stadium, there are only three visiting running backs that enter the conversation as the best to ever play there. Anthony Lynn of Celina ripped Howe for 299 yards and three touchdowns September 1985 and Byron “Bam” Morris rushed for 138 yards on nine carries in September 1988 before leaving the game to injury and Friday saw Trevion Sneed, an SMU commit, rush for 267 yards and five scores. We don’t know what the future holds for Sneed, but the other two went on to become the starting running backs for the Texas Tech Red Raiders and both eventually landed in the NFL. Morris was the Steelers starting running back against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX. Lynn is now the head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Sneed show had to wait on the Howe Bulldogs (0-8, 0-5) as a halfback pass from Jordan Jones to Ryan Hough of 71 yards on the game’s first play set up the game’s first score which was a 5yard scamper around the right edge by Jones for touchdown.

Kevin Flores booted the PAT to give Howe the early 7-0 lead with 10:17 left in the first.

At that point, Sneed became the ballcarrier on every play in the first drive but one and he eventually scored on a 15-yard run to cap off a 5-play, 51-yard drive to tie the game with 7:56 left in the first.

Howe punted on the next five possessions while Sneed and 9thranked Mineola (7-1, 4-1) kept churning. With the wind churning on the cold night, Flores’ punt into the wind only went eight yards and it took only two plays for Sneed to score from the 16 yard line. Mineola took the 14-7 lead with 5:20 remaining in the first quarter.

Sneed scored his third touchdown from the three yard line capping a 3-play, 50-yard drive to give the Yellowjackets a 21-7 lead with :19 left in the first.

With 10:22 left in the second, Sneed dazzled the crowd with a 40-yard scamper ending a 70-yard drive on three plays. His fourth touchdown gave Mineola a 28-7 lead.

His longest touchdown of the night came on his fifth score with 7:02 left in the second quarter.

Sneed raced 64 yards to end a 2play, 69-yard drive to make it 357.

Mineola’s next possession ended with a touchdown by someone not named Sneed for the first time when sophomore quarterback T.J. Moreland sidestepped Jordan Jones at the one yard line for the score to make it 42-7 with :44 second remaining before the half.

In the second half, Sneed’s night was mostly done as Moreland scored the opening drive for a 24yard touchdown using his light(Continued on page 10)

Stuck under Haning At approximately 3 pm Tuesday, the Howe Fire Department was dispatched to a report of farm equipment trapped under the Haning Street bridge. Tom Bean Volunteer Fire Department was also on the scene for the assistance.

Lone Star Towing helped get the farm equipment removed.The roadway was cleared at 845 pm.

The equipment of Fallon Farms.

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

4

1st and 2nd grade Bulldogs end season The 1st and 2nd grade football team’s season came to an end Saturday at the hands of the Sherman Bearcats, 41-0.

The game started promising for the Bulldogs as Hayes Carter recovered the onside kick for the Bulldogs. A one-yard gain by Carter was followed by a 7-yard run by Fullback Levi Halladay.

But the Bulldogs went backwards on their next two plays. Sherman took over on downs and wasted

no time scoring, running in a touchdown on their first play from scrimmage.

The game followed the same script for the rest of the day, as the Bulldogs could get nothing going offensively and struggled to stop the bigger, stronger, faster Bearcats defensively. The Bulldogs, comprised of two second graders, seven first graders and five kindergarten students, end their season with a record of 2-5.

Mums—Not just a pretty fall flower

By Marigay Black Grayson County Master Gardener Chrysanthemums, most times known as mums, are seen everywhere this time of year, a perennial favorite to usher in the cooler Fall temperatures and shorter days. Did you know mums date back as far as the 15th century in China, and by the year 2014, the estimate is now over 20,000 cultivars around the world. They were first imported to the United States from England in 1798.

The flowers can be boiled to make tea and used as a flavoring in rice wine; the leaves can be steamed or boiled as “greens.” The flowers can also be pulverized to extract a natural insecticide called pyrethrins. Be forewarned that the leaves and flowers can be toxic to dogs and cats, and because of the aroma they emit when disturbed, deer commonly avoid the plant if there’s a better choice nearby.

The varieties we refer to as garden mums are categorized by flower shape: anemone, reflex, pompom, regular incurve, irregular incurve, intermediate incurve, single (or daisy), spider, spoon, quill, brush (or thistle), exotic and decorative. The National Chrysanthemum Society USA showcases pictures

of mums and shares information on their web page, mums.org, and also Mums USA on Pinterest. There are interesting varieties that are not seen very often in area garden centers but can be grown from seeds that can be special ordered from a nursery or mailorder company, such as Clara Curtis, Mary Stoker, Apricot Moneymaker, Ruby Mound, Patriot and Tripoli.

Each variety is developed to bloom at a certain time in the season beginning in mid Summer all the way into early Fall, and for the bloom to last a certain time before fading. With proper growing conditions, the blooms should last three or four weeks.

Chrysanthemums are photoperiodic, meaning the plant contains a hormone that measures the length of dark (as the days get shorter) to produce the flower bud. While we expect to see mums in full bloom in the Fall, they can also set buds and bloom in the Spring so we can enjoy two bloom seasons a year.

Chrysanthemums are a plant with a national spread, being rated in USDA Climate Zones 3 – 9. That’s north to the Canadian border and to the southern border of Texas. Our area is Zone 7b, making mums an excellent choice of plant to enjoy in our flower beds.

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump— This is the most important election in the history of our Country. With your vote, we will continue to bring back your jobs, lower drug prices, support our police, protect the #2A, defend our borders, and ensure more products are proudly stamped with the phrase MADE IN THE USA! 9:42 PM · Oct 24, 2020

HoweEnterprise.com

5

October 26, 2020

Lady Bulldogs

Sierra Copeland leaps for the Lady Bulldogs. Photo by Michelle Carney.

The Howe Lady Bulldogs ended their season last week with losses to Pottsboro and Leonard. Hannah Dwyer had eight kills and eight digs against Pottsboro while Holly Cavender had 16 assists.

Sierra Copeland also had eight kills and two digs. Gracie Lankford led Howe with nine digs.

Against Leonard, Copeland led

Howe with eight kills while Korie Bouse led the girls with 14 assists. Dwyer added 11 digs and seven kills and Lankford tallied 10 digs.

The Lady Bulldogs will now transition into basketball season where they will try and recapture the magic from the 2019-20 season.

School record set in cross country, Agee and Fabacher headed to regionals HHS senior Jake Fabacher ran a 17:52 in the District Meet on Wednesday which was a personal record and a school record. The previous best was 18:22 held by Jonathan Queen in 2009. Fabacher finished second in the district meet and will advance to regionals again for the second consecutive year.

Fellow senior Marissa Agee also finished second and also will advance to regionals for the third

Marissa Agee and Jake Fabacher

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

Soup Scoop At the end of September, Howe ISD ended with 1,254 students which was one less than August.

Howe ISD Superintendent Kevin Wilson said that Howe ISD Supernumber is expected to go down intendent Kevin by 30 or 40 due to Wilson on-campus-only learning. He says 30-35 students have decided to home school or transfer to another district that offers remote learning.

He received a letter of retirement from Special Education Teacher Niki Hunt who will be leaving in mid-January. The ISD has posted a special education aid position at the intermediate school.

Wilson said Texas Education Agency did not require remote learning at the beginning of the school year but felt that there were expectations to do so.

“What drove our decision to end remote instruction was student performance,” said Wilson who went on to say that the failure rate for remote learners were 16-67 percent as compared to classroom failure rates of 4-12 percent.

Wilson acknowledged that the ISD had a rough start to remote

coordination, but after a couple of weeks felt like those were resolved. Teachers were having problems getting students to complete assignments from home through the remote process.

“To my knowledge every district in the state of Texas offered it and after we started seeing the results, several districts have decided to suspend that and bring kids back on to campus, said Wilson.”

Another part of the decision was the low number of positive COVID cases on campuses.

Through Tuesday, three staff members of 176 (1.7%), and five students of 1,070 on-campus students (0.5%). In comparison, state-wide COVID numbers are 0.8 percent for staff members and 0.5 percent for students.

“We’ve been relatively lucky.

We know tomorrow could be different. Every day is a new day,” said Wilson citing that Blue Ridge and Bonham have closed campuses. “If it does hit (Howe ISD), we will still offer remote instruction if our campuses shut down.”

Wilson said the campuses are diligent with mask-wearing and cleaning stations. He praised to custodial staff for their efforts in continually cleaning each campus.

6

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

NHS Veterans parade (Continued from page 1)

Students will line their campus to show their appreciation to the Veterans. Parents and other spectators are asked to not watch the parade from any of the four campuses but to instead line up along the parade route.

The veterans will line-up beginning at 9 am on November 11 at Summit Hill Elementary. The parade will start at 9:30 and route from Summit Hill Elementary to Haning Street from Collins Freeway. From Haning Street, the parade will turn right on King Street to Beatrice Street alongside the middle school to see the students from both the middle and intermediate schools. The parade will turn left on Duke Street to Highway 5 and will then travel straight to Howe High School where it will enter the southern-

most parking lot of the campus.

The parade will end by going directly in front of the main entrance of the high school.

The 2017 Veterans Day Program at HHS. Staff photo.

7

HoweEnterprise.com

8

October 26, 2020

Summit Hill Elementary Honors

Howe Middle School Honors

Students of the Month PreK: Ellie Duncan and Brave Yabenyin.

Kindergarten: Mimi Hambrick and Dayton Cavender.

First Grade: Adalyn Webb and Jayden Gil. Second Grade: Claire Gianino and Colt Key.

Howe ISD Substitute Training Howe ISD is currently accepting applications for substitute positions for the 2020-21 school year. To be eligible for substitute placement, applicants must: * Be at least 18 years old. * Have a high school diploma or equivalent. All applicants who meet the above criteria are required to attend a mandatory training on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, 9:00 am – 11:30 am at the Howe ISD administration building before being placed on the district’s substitute list. Please print and fill out these forms PRIOR to training and bring to the training. * Substitute Application * ECOS Form All applicants must provide the following: Two forms of identification (i.e. Driver’s license, social secu-

Sixth grade Students of the Month: Nikki White and Caden Allen

Employee of the Month—Katie Spencer Hello! My name is Katie Spencer. I graduated from Texas Tech University in 2013 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I have taught first grade for three years. I am currently being trained to become a Certified Academic Language Therapist. This year, I will be the Dyslexia Specialist at Summit Hill Elementary and Howe High School. I have a son named Beckett, who lost his battle to Leigh Syndrome in 2019. My goal this year is to help any student that might struggle with reading and help the student begin to grow a love for books. rity card) * Voided Check (for direct deposit) Applicants who have a valid Texas Teaching Certificate must provide the following before paid the certified substitute rate: * Copy of Transcripts *Copy of Valid Texas Teaching Certificate You may contact Pauli Stephens at 903-745-4006 for additional information.

Employee of the Month: Texas History Teacher, Grayson County Historian and Author

Custodian Appreciation: Heather Blesh and Lupe Daniels Seventh grade Students of the Month: Gracie Blasengame and Trey West

Howe ISD Substitute Training Forms

Application 2 ECOS Form 1

Job Title CLERK

ACCOUNTING

Eighth Grade Students of the Month: Grace Randall and Talan Haley

Job Title CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER

workintexas.com Posting ID 14231518

workintexas.com Posting ID 14230923

Location

Location

Denison

Denison

Posting Close Date 11/18/2020

Posting Close Date 12/18/2020

Posting Link https:// bit.ly/3dQtFHq

Posting Link https:// bit.ly/3jmYhld

Description A local company is looking for an ACCOUNTING CLERK who will obtain revenue and pay invoices by verifying and completing payable and receivable transactions.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who has attention to detail, strong organizational skills and customer service.

Description A local company is looking for a CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER who will have responsibilities from the bidding process, award, submittal and preconstruction tasks, materials and staff management, RFI and other communications during execution, all the way through to close out of a project.

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

Description This position requires a High School Diploma or Equivalent, and a minimum of 3 years related experience.

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

Learn about antiques and collectibles with Georgia Caraway This is the real Halloween week even though Howe celebrated last Saturday.

Howe-lloween was an incredible Georgia success with venCaraway dors lining Haning and O’Connell Streets.

destructive energies into more peaceful alternatives. After WWII Halloween underwent another transformation influenced by the post war economic boom. Mass produced costumes of not only ghosts, demons, and witches, but also popular culture icons such as cowboys, princesses, and comic book characters became common.

Halloween evolved into a children’s holiday in the early 20th century. In the early years of Christianity in Britain, people went from house to house asking for food, beverages, or money in exchange for prayers for the dead—a practice called “souling.”

Later, the visitors simply promised not to do mischief. The Irish also adapted carving jack-olanterns from pumpkins instead of the previous primitive lanterns carved from turnips or beets.

The Victorians celebrated Halloween with elaborate parties involving costumes, food, and drink, dancing, and games, The haunted house dates back to this period. Victorian hostesses often adorned their homes with spooky decorations to set the mood for their festivities

We follow this tradition today.

The top trending costumes for 2020 are superheroes (esp. Wonder Woman, Spider Man, and Superman), politicians (President Trump), characters from Game of Thrones, clowns (Pennywise), witch, dinosaur, Harley Quinn, Rabbit, Angel, Fortnite, Ninja, and Devil.

In the 1920s, trick or treating, with its roots in souling, became increasingly popular. Previously pranks were relatively harmless, but modern mischief-makers escalated their practical jokes to more dangerous activities. I remember my dad telling me about turning over outhouses up and down the alley that faced his neighbors’ backyards. Seemed pretty harmless until they turned over one occupied by an elderly neighbor. Many cities organized community activities to channel

Folks are even getting their pets costumes with the popular ones being skeletons, jack-o-lantern pumpkins, pawlitician business suits, superhero costumes, dog and cat pjs, Yoda ears, USPS delivery driver, lion mane, prisoner, hot dog, Disney princesses, and spider.

Come see us at Howe Mercantile, located in beautiful downtown Howe, Texas. Open Thursday – Saturday from 11-7 pm. Next door to HM is Don’s Smokehouse where you can pick up some Jerky or fantastic meat products to cook at home. There are two great restaurants right across the street, Abby’s and Gabrielas’, famous for homecooked meals. A terrific Chinese restaurant, Hana’s Café and Market, is located right behind them. And Palio’s Pizza is right down the street. Make a day and night of it, eating and shopping. Let Us Show You Howe.

"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

9

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

Bulldogs

Ryan Hough (15) races 71 yards on the first play of the game on a halfback pass from Jordan Jones. Photo by Michelle Carney.

(Continued from page 3)

ning speed. The Yellowjackets led 49-7 with 9:37 left in the third quarter.

on Holland at the 10:16 mark in the fourth quarter.

Moreland added the Jackets next score on a 27-yarder ending a 4play, 53-yard drive which made the score 56-7 with 4:49 left in the third.

The final score of the game came with backup quarterback Thomas Hooten when he darted 41 yards up the middle to end a 2-play, 67yard drive to cement the final score of 70-7. The most points Howe has ever allowed was 71 to Van Alstyne in 1992.

Howe was able to put together a 6 -play drive, but it stalled, and the Dogs turned it over on downs.

Mineola then turned it around quickly and scored four plays later with a 27-yard score from Jax-

Howe will travel to Bonham (1-7, 0-5). It will be the best opportunity for Howe to get in the win column. The Bulldogs expect their starting quarterback Austin Haley back for the contest.

MULTIMEDIA LINKS Howe vs. Mineola

Howe at Mineola broadcast

Lady Bulldogs at Leonard

Coaches Corner

HHS Cheerleaders

Mineola Scene Setter

JV A volleyball

Lady Bulldogs at Bells

Howe 5th and 6th grade Bulldogs advance in playoffs with defeat of Celina The 5th and 6th grade Bulldogs beat the Celina Bobcats 28-6 on Saturday to move on to the second round of the playoffs.

Howe took over on downs at their own 40-yard line after kicking off to the Bobcats to start the game.

Four plays later Charles Fhur ran up the middle for 47 yards and scored the first touchdown of the game. Bryce Pieper connected with Kason Capp on a quick pass for the 2-point conversion.

On the Bobcats ensuing series, Bulldogs defense held strong and got the ball back on downs. Two plays later Riken Cross took a pitch around the right end 60 yards for his first of two touchdowns of day. The Bulldogs went up 16-0 after Cross ran it in for the 2-point conversion.

On the following series, Celina was able to move the ball to the Howe one yard before turning the ball over on a fumble. Three plays later, Cross scored his second touchdown of the day with a record breaking 99-yard run for the

score. The conversion failed and the first half ended with Howe leading Celina 22-0.

Celina was able to get on the scoreboard early in the third quarter to make the score 22-6, but the Bulldogs defense overwhelmed Celina the remainder of the game.

Howe scored the final touchdown of the day when Kendall O'Brien broke a run up the middle from the Celina 30 yard line to close out the game and win 28-6.

The Bulldogs take on the Paris Wildcats in the TYFL semi-finals next Saturday, October 31. Time and location to be determined.

Riken Cross scored a 99-yard touchdown. Photo by Lacey Cartwright.

10

ADVERTISING/MARKETING

AUTO

Got Signs & More 117 S. Powell Pkwy Anna TX 75409 http://www.igotsigns.com/ 972-924-2878 terry@igotsigns.com

Bob Utter Ford 2525 Texoma Parkway Sherman TX 75090 bobutterford.net 903-892-3555

Housewarmers of Grayson County P.O. Box 582 Howe TX 75459 housewarmersgrayson.com 972-978-3430 sgarcia@housewarmersusa.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

BANKING Independent Bank 100 South Denny Howe TX 75459 independent-bank.com (903) 532-5521 aanderson@ibtx.com Legend Bank 201 W. Grand Whitewright, TX 75491 legend-bank.com 903-532-4778 Brandon.grooms@legendbank.com First United Bank 2011 Texoma Parkway Sherman TX 75090 firstunitedbank.com 903-813-5760 sarah.whitt@firstunitedbank.com 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 Howe Mercantile 107 E. Haning St 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

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 CHURCHES Bethel Baptist Church 905 Ponderosa Rd, P.O. Box 458 Howe TX 75459 bethelbaptisthowe.com 903-532-6032 First Baptist Church Howe 100 W. Davis Howe TX 75459 http://www.fbchowe.org/ 903-532-5504 info@fbchowe.org 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/ (903) 532-1040 amanda.garner@howecpa.com

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

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

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 Chill Out Shaved Ice Howe, TX 75459 Chillout903@hotmail.com 903-436-0708 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 Good Fellas Barber Shop 105 E. Haning St. (972) 502-0559

goodfellasbarbershoptx@gmail.com

HEALTH AND FITNESS LZfit (personal training) Lauren Zepeda (972-489-4246 Lauren_zepeda@yahoo.com Facebook page Laurenzepedafitness COVET Homegrown 6007 Farmington Rd. Howe, TX 75459 469-879-9190

homemade@covethomegrown.com

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

NURSE C.E.R.T.S. 505 Castlegate St. Howe, TX 75459 90.-821-3392 loavamccarthy@msn.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

(Continued on page 12)

(Continued from page 11)

PERSONAL SERVICES & CARE

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, Loretta Anderson – Agent 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

Servpro of Sherman/Denison PO Box 1851 Sherman TX 75091 ervproshermandenison.com/ 903-893-7166 belinda.servpro8117@gmail.com

Aflac Agent Chyna Vincent 1671 Taylor Rd Dorchester TX 75459 940-641-1714 chynakv@live.com

Melissa Millsap Photography melissa.millsapphotography @gmail.com

INTERNET TekWav 223 N. Walnut St. Sherman TX 75090 http://www.tekwav.com 903-375-9787 jj@tekwav.com

Skinner Plumbing Supply 200 S. Denny St. Howe TX 75459 (903) 532-0034 skinnersupply@yahoo.com

LEADERSHIP The Iku Organization http://theikuorganization.org/ 214-392-6218 soga.aralola@gmail.com NON-PROFIT Goodwill Industries of Northeast Texas 2206 E. Lamar St. Sherman, TX 75090 goodwillnorthtexas.org spierce@goodwillnorthtexas.org

PHOTOGRAPHY

PLUMBING

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 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

City of Howe Budget

$3,788,977

RESTAURANTS El Patio Escondido Mexican Restaurant & Cantina 495 W. Van Alstyne Pkwy, P.O. Box 637 Van Alstyne TX 75495 elpatioescondido.com 903-482-5538 williampacheco519@yahoo.com Abby’s Restaurant 110 E. Haning St Howe TX 75459 abbys-restaurant.com/ 903-487-8860 abbysrestaurant@yahoo.com 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 STORAGE Howe Mini-Storage 609 N. Denny St. Howe TX 75459 903-532-7867 amanda.garner@howecpa.com TOWING 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

The Uselton Group 382 Eagle Point Rd Van Alstyne TX 75495 theuseltongroup.com 469-525-7281 kim@theuseltongroup.com Vincent Realty Group 324 Meadows Estate St., P.O. Box 756 Tom Bean TX 75489 vincentrealtygroup.com/ 903-870-8528 benvincent@cableone.net

City of Howe 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.

Michael Taylor – Keller Williams Realty P.O. Box 575 Howe TX 75459 mtaylor@kw.com

Cityofhowe.org 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: Mickey Phillips Code Enforcement 317 S. Hughes St. Code Enforcement Officer: Bert Dowlen Howe 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: Carl Hudman Police Sergeant: Keith Milks Economic Development 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

2020 City of Howe Water, Sewer, Refuse collection rates - one bill $27.15 $7.45 $8.35 $9.30 $9.90 $33.60 $5.25 $13.35 $1.10 $27.15 $33.60 $13.35 $1.10 $75.20 $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

HoweEnterprise.com

13

October 26, 2020

Texas History Minute Every so often, news reports emerge of court cases that hinge upon the meaning of a word, or a spelling error, or even the corKen Bridges rect placement of punctuation. Legal documents and statutes often have such complicated conditions or phrases that such exact precision is demanded. One famous Texas case actually determined the entire outcome of an election, all hinging on the meaning of a simple semicolon.

The Semicolon Case, as it has become called, erupted because of a passage in the state’s 1869 constitution. The passage regarding elections simply read that state elections would be held “at the county seats of the several counties until otherwise provided by law; and the polls shall be opened for four days.” Little thought was given to the details. In March 1873, the state legislature passed a law allowing the elections to be held outside the county seat. However, elections were limited to only one day.

The 1873 election became a bitter showdown between the incumbent, Republican Gov. Edmund J. Davis and Democrat Richard Coke. Davis had moved to Texas as a young man in the 1840s and became an attorney and later served as a general in the Union Army during the Civil War. He became governor in 1870 and became increasingly unpopular. Coke, also an attorney, was a Virginia native who eventually settled in Waco. He volunteered for the Confederate army during the Civil War and became a judge after the war ended, eventually rising to the state Supreme Court. In the December 2 contest, Coke won with more than 67% of the vote.

Both sides charged irregularities against the other; attorneys gathered. The first case appeared before the state Supreme Court just a few days later. A man known only as Rodriguez had been charged in Harris County with attempting to vote twice. His lawyers, however, said his arrest was illegal because the election itself was illegal. Rodriguez was allegedly imprisoned in Houston, but Democrats believed he had been hired by the defeated sheriff of Harris County, a Republican, to invalidate the entire election on a technicality. The Harris County district attorney, representing the

State of Texas at the Supreme Court in Austin, argued that the case should be dismissed as the whole affair was a political question and not a legal one.

The three-judge court, appointed

by Davis, disagreed and ordered the case to continue. The Semicolon Case came down to, as so many legal arguments do, understanding the meaning of the fine print.

The semicolon is typically used in sentences to connect two independent clauses that are not connected with a conjunction or to replace commas when writing lists that contain additional commas. The precise rules regarding usage have shifted since the semicolon began appearing regularly in English-language writing in the sixteenth century.

Rodriguez’s lawyers argued that the election was illegal because when the legislature changed the election law nine months earlier, it only had the power to change the locations of polling places and not the number of days of voting. The semicolon, lawyers argued, made the clause on the four-day voting period separate from the rest of the sentence and meant that the legislature did not have the power to change the numbers of voting days without changing the constitution itself.

The Texas Supreme Court thus ruled that the election was illegal. Rodriguez was free to go; Texas politics exploded in the meantime.

Days of protests met the court’s decision. Thousands gathered at the State Capitol in Austin while Davis barricaded himself in his office in an effort to hold power. Coke ignored the decision and proclaimed himself governor. Days later, Davis resigned.

The Constitution of 1876 replaced the 1869 document. It has served the state ever since, regardless of semicolons. Forever afterward, the court serving under the 1869 constitution would be derisively referred to as “The Semicolon Court.”

In the end, the mighty semicolon prevailed. Aside from the political carnage it caused, the case stands as a critical reminder of the importance of proper punctuation and precision with writing. Even when a teacher may no longer be around to grade any particular writer on matters of punctuation, someone is still watching.

Dr. Bridges is a Texas native, writer, and history professor. He can be reached at drkenbridges@gmail.com. © 2020 The Howe Enterprise

HoweEnterprise.com

Let us overcome evil with good Many are in a serious battle today with their health, finances, relationships, and are being attacked with anxiety, fear, and depresDr. Billy sion, however Holland there is great news! We have been given the hope of restoration and deliverance in Jesus Christ who is the great physician, is absolute truth, and has total authority over all things! The Christian has not been called to change the direction of the world, because many things have already been prophesied, but we have been commissioned to pray and focus on what God is saying for us to do in our own daily network. The Lord knows that rebellion and deception is a runaway train, but He still has very important plans and instructions for His people to accomplish. Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” There is much we can do to make the world a better place, but let us remember that the devil’s devices include intimidation and manipulation and is why we must work diligently to develop spiritual discernment.

It is time to work while we still have a window of grace, and may we never forget about all who desperately need to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior before it’s too late. Let us not allow the corruption and dishonesty that is happening in the world to distract our heart and conscience away from God’s truth. How many people are backslidden and have fallen away from God in the last year? How many have allowed their love to wax cold and are now living in a spiritually lukewarm existence? Has the virus and the political war had a negative effect on many people’s relationship with Jesus? I’m sure it has. The dark side is looking for anything to pull people away from the light and hope of God’s amazing grace. Yes, we desperately need revival, but not necessarily in a way that uses television and rock bands. God is calling His people to find a quiet place to fall on their face and repent of their apathy. Today is the day to turn away from all the strife, hatred, and frustration, and to realize the media voices are

14

October 26, 2020

mostly opinions and half-truth’s with the intent to bring stress and discouragement. It’s time for God’s people to realize they are citizens of heaven and political parties and worldly governments should not be at the top of their priority list. We can vote and support causes, but the world is going to choose which master they want to serve and we can do nothing about it. In order to abide with God and be what Jesus died for us to be, we must walk in reverential fear of His holiness and in His love which is the only way to dwell in His peace and joy. “From then on Jesus began to preach, repent of your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of heaven is near” Matthew 4:17.

Our faith calls for us to develop a relentless passion for being victorious in Christ and this happens when we choose to fight our spiritual battles on our knees. Ephesians 6:12 clearly explains that our warfare is not arguing or attacking people’s ideas in the natural realm, but is centered on private meditation, intimacy, and intercession. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Those who have watched the movie, “War Room” realize that fervent prayer from a pure heart accomplishes much. If we refuse to accept that we are accountable to maintain our own spiritual and mental attitude, we will not be in position to reflect His image and nature. Allow me to include that everything we are and all that we can do must be based on our love for God and those around us as our obedience is measured according to the level of our love.

Being diligent and faithful will take more than just knowing about what is wrong. We can talk about the world’s problems but are we doing what Christ is saying to do? Winston Churchill is quoted as saying, “Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence is a key to unlocking our potential.” Spiritual battles are not won sleeping on the couch, but rather on the battlefield and being fully clothed and equipped with our spiritual armor which God has graciously provided is our personal responsibility.

Discover more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com

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 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

Verse of the week 1 Peter 2:99 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

Tips for starting your own business Hey Taylor: I’m on the verge of breaking off to start my own construction company. I’ve never done anyTaylor thing this big before and I’m Kovar wondering if you have any advice to keep me from getting cold feet. - Andrew Hey Andrew: Sounds like a big, exciting step for you. Starting a business, as I’m sure you know, is a pretty massive undertaking.

Since you can’t predict exactly how it will go, my main advice is to prepare for everything.

Seriously. Because you’ll encounter so many twists and turns in the early going, it’s impossible to overprepare. To get you started, here are a few things to think about.

1. Market niche. Since you currently work for a construction company, you have a pretty good idea of what some of the competition offers. When you have your own business, what will set you apart? You don’t have to do anything extravagant to become recognizable, but you need to think about this question so you can have an answer ready when people ask why yours is the company to go with. Price? Results? Variety? Speed? You haven’t started yet so you don’t necessarily have the answers, but you’ll want to get them as soon as possible.

2. Initial costs. When people start new companies, it’s the future dollar signs that serve as motivation. While thinking about the money you’ll eventually make, don’t lose sight of what you have to spend up front to make it all happen. If you’re truly on the verge of starting this business,

you should have a budget ready to go that includes every type of fee that might sneak up on your bank account. You may start getting overwhelmed, but you need to go through the process and put serious thought into how costs will get covered if you want to survive the first year.

3. Advertising. You probably have clients that will come with you when the doors open initially.

Then what? Don’t go crazy and start paying for newspaper and radio ads before you have a chance to get things established, but don’t let marketing go unaddressed. Word of mouth can get you so far, and might even help you cover all the bills. Eventually, you’ll want to use marketing as a way to establish and promote your brand so you can reel in the types of clients you prefer to work with.

Take your time, plan for everything, and you won’t have to worry about getting cold feet. Good luck!

Legal 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.

15

Living with children Living with an emotionally dramatic child is no fun. They throw wet blankets over nearly every family gathering John or outing. Little Rosemond is right in their lives and attempts to cheer them up generally fail and often result in things getting worse for all concerned. The parents of minimalcontents don’t really want them around but feel guilty at not wanting them around. They can’t win for losing.

Mental health professionals are wont to explain misanthropic kids as suffering biochemical imbalances; or, they describe them as “manipulative.” No one has verified the existence of the former, thus leaving the latter.

The child’s moodiness certainly looks manipulative. He slides into an inexplicable funk and his parents begin trying to pull him out. The more they pull, however, the more he funks. And around and around they go.

“This is your child’s way of attracting attention. Actually, it’s a sign of something amiss in his life that he doesn’t know how to explain. He feels perhaps that his younger sibling has usurped his position in the family and is receiving preferential treatment.

Can you think of why your son might feel that way?”

Blah, blah, blah. Moodiness is a bad habit some people fall into and then, after the fact, invent reasons to justify it, as in, “You never punish him for that!” More often than not, parents then attempt to persuade the child that his perception of events is mistaken. They engage on his terms, as opposed to saying, “Well, that’s not true at all and we have no intention of wasting our time with your foolishness” and walking away.

Horrors! Is the reader to conclude that I am insensitive to moody children? Yes, the reader is to so conclude. The overwhelming

number – 99 percent, by my experienced estimate – of moody children are living what any objective witness would affirm are good lives. They have simply, inexplicably, developed bad emotional habits. These bad habits are indeed psychological states, but they do not merit pseudo-scientific psychiatric diagnoses. The simplest explanation (usually, in nearly all circumstances, the best) is that children, being naturally inclined toward soap opera, are quick to seize upon the opportunity. The opportunities in question, including parents who unwitting cooperate in their dramas by trying to understand and talk their children out of them, are like crack cocaine – both quickly addicting and quickly debilitating.

The parents of a nine-year-old perpetual pessimist asked my advice. “Tell him you’ve consulted with an expert on moody children and learned that moodiness is caused by sleep deprivation,” I said. “On any given day, when he’s being moody, simply point it out to him and ask if he needs a nap. He will, of course, say no. If the warning doesn’t suffice and his moodiness continues, send him to bed as soon after dinner as possible.

Mind you, early bedtime is not a punishment. It is to help him catch up on his sleep and be in a better mood.”

The parents followed my instructions. Within a week, “Do you think you might need a nap?” was sufficient to snap Master Moody out of his doldrums.

Within a month, he was a happygo-lucky kid again, delighted at having overcome his sleep deficiency.

Family psychologist John Rosemond: johnrosemond.com, p arentguru.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.

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

80 years ago this week

16

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

50 years ago this week

17

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

45 years ago this week

18

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

40 years ago this week

19

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

35 years ago this week

20

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

30 years ago this week

21

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

25 years ago this week

22

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

20 years ago this week

23

HoweEnterprise.com

October 26, 2020

10 years ago this week

HoweEnterprise.com Readership Jan. 1 - Oct. 24, 2020, Pageviews: 514,509 Sessions: 78,796 Users: 39,097

24