Community & Opinion

S’MORE IN PROGRESS in his right hand, Conner Baskerville roasts a marshmallow to add to his graham cracker and chocolate. The occasion was a cookout at Doans, Texas on Saturday, May 1, the evening before the 143rd Doan’s May Picnic. In the background is Jeff Bearden’s authentic chuck wagon and a U. S. Flag with 36 stars, true to the era of the trail drives that crossed at nearby Doan’s Crossing. Historic Doans is 16 miles north of Vernon. | HANABA MUNN WELCH

S’MORE IN PROGRESS in his right hand, Conner Baskerville roasts a marshmallow to add to his graham cracker and chocolate. The occasion was a cookout at Doans, Texas on Saturday, May 1, the evening before the 143rd Doan’s May Picnic. In the background is Jeff Bearden’s authentic chuck wagon and a U. S. Flag with 36 stars, true to the era of the trail drives that crossed at nearby Doan’s Crossing. Historic Doans is 16 miles north of Vernon. | HANABA MUNN WELCH

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S’more fun than a cellphone

Hanaba Munn Welch
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Body COMMENTARYHow many seconds in a microwave does it take for a marshmallow to ignite?I’m asking. It’s a wonder I haven’t found out. I’ve been trying to microwave s’mores. There’s a reason microwave ovens don’t have a s’mores setting.
HAPPY RETIREMENT

HAPPY RETIREMENT

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HAPPY RETIREMENT

News Staff
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Body Paducah superintendent Gary Waitman (right) congratulated Mrs. Jodie Ruthven last week, who taught for 18 years at Paducah ISD, on her retirement from the school district.
High gas prices eating into Texans’budgets

High gas prices eating into Texans’budgets

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High gas prices eating into Texans’budgets

Texas Press Association
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Body AUSTIN— The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Texas has risen from $2.55 in early February to $3.91 as of Sunday, according to AAA. Diesel prices hover around $5 a gallon.
Rethinking the summer vacation

Rethinking the summer vacation

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Rethinking the summer vacation

News Staff
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Body This summer may be a bit trickier to slip off with the family for a vacation. Fuel prices, whether driving or flying, are becoming an issue that one cannot ignore unless you are driving an EV. In our parts, this is not the vehicle of choice.
Grilled cheese three ways

Grilled cheese three ways

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Grilled cheese three ways

Angelina L
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Body The humble grilled cheese sandwich has made its way to the limelight in recent years with gobs of gooey gourmet offerings from street corner diners to fine dining establishments.
Growing up: Consider a vertical garden

Growing up: Consider a vertical garden

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Growing up: Consider a vertical garden

Ellen Peffley
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Body For gardens that are running out of growing space on the ground, look up. Vertical gardening saves garden space by training plants to grow upward rather than outward by supporting top growth on structures.
Self-drivers and mattresses

Self-drivers and mattresses

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Self-drivers and mattresses

Hanaba Munn Welch
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Body Cars and mattresses. They’ve got a lot in common. It’s where most of us spend much of our time.If you think cars have changed significantly through your lifetime (even if you’re just a teenager—unlikely), it’s true. Fully self-driving cars have hit the pavement.
VALLEY SENIORS

VALLEY SENIORS

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VALLEY SENIORS

News Staff
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Body The Turkey Church of Christ hosted the Valley High School Class of 2026 for a special lunch with a message.
Wildfire risks in Panhandle, West Texas rise

Wildfire risks in Panhandle, West Texas rise

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Wildfire risks in Panhandle, West Texas rise

Texas Press Association
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Body Dry windy conditions across West Texas and the Panhandle are rising, the Statesman reported, leading to increased risk of wildfires. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings from Canada to Mexico, including those areas in Texas.