Columns & Editorials

In conjunction with Energy Efficiency Day on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) announced it has signed an agreement with Direct Energy to purchase power pro- duced at a new solar energy plant being built in the Laredo area. Power produced at the solar farm, scheduled to go online in July 2021, will become part of the Texas energy grid (ERCOT), and the agreement with Direct Energy will give NTMWD access to a portion of that available power.

Crosstown rivals are the norm in most towns and Forney is no exception to the natural pride that students and alumni feel about their schools. But instead of the annual football game between Forney and North Forney being touted as a rivalry, it has been the Unity Bowl since the first time the two schools met on the gridiron. The highlight of the halftime is the combined performance of both school’s drill teams to the delight of the crowd.

“The Lord has protected me by using my dog,” says Alan, age 10. “Once a dog almost bit me, but my boxer chased him away. God helps me hide from things, and he helps me by letting my dad be a cop.”

GOD has not given us the spiritual power to go and fight the devil and his demons. Instead He has given us His own armor to defend ourselves against the war going on between GOD and Satan. We must remember that the battle belongs to GOD and not to us. GOD has not asked us to be like Paul or the Apostles, He has asked us to be Christians and serve Him where we are at. We are to live our lives where we are at and serve GOD by serving people. Each and every Christian has their ministry. If our ministry is small or large it makes no different to GOD. Some Christians may be given the highest ministry and others given the lowest ministry. We should delight in any ministry we are given because that is where our joy will be when we do it with all our heart. I heard a story that if GOD should send two angels to earth, one to be president and the other to sweep the streets neither angel would resent the other and each would do their job with all their might.

Dear Aunt B,

It finally happened. One minute, I was taking 4 dogs outside before daybreak. There were water bowls to fill, kibble to dole out, canine epileptic meds to disperse, and crusty pug eyes to clean. Sure, I did feel a twinge when I stooped to attach Finn’s leash to his collar, but once we were down the steps, everything was fine. Then, as I bent to pick a dog bowl up from the kitchen floor, for the first time in 53 years, I heard a snap and a pop. A lightning bolt of pain shot through my innards. Clinging to the kitchen counter to avoid falling, I didn’t recognize the animal making the awful noise in the background, until I realized it was me. I threw my back out at 6 am. As my husband sauntered through the kitchen to make a cup of coffee, he was met with this vision: his wife with her chin on the countertop, tears streaming down her face, unable to speak. “Hurts,” I managed. “Back.” I think I screamed. The happy-ish ending has me scheduled for an MRI this week. I can walk across the room now. But, how did I get here? That’s what I want to talk about today, because 2020 is the gift box full of dog poop that just keeps on giving.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans are looking into new life insurance coverage or taking a closer look at their existing coverage to make potential updates, according to a new survey.

It is not always easy to tell how your charitable dollars are going to be used, especially during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Cancer affects millions of people across the globe each year. While those diagnosed with cancer face the biggest challenges, cancer patients’ friends and families also must deal with the consequences of a cancer diagnosis and the heartbreak that often accompanies seeing a loved one undergo cancer treatments. Strong support systems can help cancer patients during their treatments, but men and women need not wait until a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer to begin fighting the disease. Taking steps to prevent cancer may be easier when tackled together as a family or a group of friends. According the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the world’s leading centers devoted to cancer patient care, research, education and prevention, many foods can help men, women and children reduce their cancer risk. When shopping for household groceries, families and groups of friends living together can aim to make the following cancer-fighting foods part of their daily diets.

Halloween is an exciting time of the year, particularly for horror fans who embrace the ghoulish and ghastly. Halloween hijinks and costumes may be one way to keep things scary. The array of horror films slated for release also can raise hackles and ensure sleepless nights to come. Here are a few sneak peeks at some of the latest entries into the horror film genre.

Dr. Colleen Cira, Psy.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in Women and Trauma, and has worked with hundreds of people struggling with mental health issues.

When it comes to showing teachers appreciation for all that they do, a personal gift is always appreciated. However, sometimes what they really want is the proper tools to help them in the classroom.

The Mesquite City Council approved the City of Mesquite budget for fiscal year 2020 – 2021. The budget features a tax rate decrease for property owners, no increase in fees for water utility customers and additional police officers. The City’s annual fiscal year began Oct. 1.