Community & Opinion

The 501

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Keen truth from a poetic song

Hanaba Munn Welch

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Body COMMENTARYThe road goes on forever, and the party never ends.You’ve heard that line from Robert Earl Keen’s classic song. Maybe you know all the lyrics. I didn’t previously. Call me illiterate. But I just now read every verse. Let’s just say I was late to the party. Wow!

Sécateurs for garden gifts

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Sécateurs for garden gifts

Ellen Peffley

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Body CUISINE & CULTUREStumped on what to give the gardener on your Christmas list? A new set of sécateurs will always be an appreciated addition to a gardener’s toolbox.

Older Texans face steep ACA price hikes

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Older Texans face steep ACA price hikes

Texas Press Association

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Body AUSTIN— About 1 million Texans over the age of 45 who receive health insurance coverage through the federal Affordable Care Act will likely face monthly premiums of more than $1,000, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

’Tis the season for concession stands

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’Tis the season for concession stands

Sue Jane Sullivan

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Body Shed a Little LightFriday night lights are almost behind us (still cheering on Jayton in their quest for a three-peat). But never fear, the concession-stand season with basketball games on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays is upon us.

TALES FROM SMITH

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TALES FROM SMITH

News Staff

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Body TUMBLEWEEDAs the creator and producer of “The Sound of Texas,” one of the longest running syndicated radio programs in Texas, Tumbleweed seeks fascinating people who embody the spirit of the Lone StarStateandbringsthemintothehomesandheartsofthousands.Mr.

The 501

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The 501

Hanaba Munn Welch

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Body What’s better than famous?ALMOST FAMOUS.Those words caught my eye as my husband and I whizzed by a spiffy trailer business at the edge of town. Not our town. We were traveling.

Mulch ado about pine needles

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Mulch ado about pine needles

Ellen Peffley

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Body From the gardenConiferous evergreens like pines, spruces, and firs are evergreens, but this term does not infer that their foliage is forever—coniferous trees shed needles as a natural occurrence of tree maturation.

CLIP THIS RECIPE out of the paper and hang it on your fridge—you may want to serve this tasty casserole on Christmas morning. | ANGELINA LaRUE PHOTO

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Serve up a huevos rancheros casserole

Angelina L

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Body YOU’VEBEENENJOYING Angelina LaRue’s “Food Bytes” column in our pages for years. Starting this week we’re changing things up, with her tasty twist on more traditional recipes in “The Heirloom Kitchen.

Sisters, canned cranberry, football—and rolls that don’t rise

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Sisters, canned cranberry, football—and rolls that don’t rise

Sue Jane Sullivan

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Body Shed a Little LightI am not the family go-to when it comes to homecooked meals. While I am an excellent cook when I choose to do so, I just don’t care about being in the kitchen. Right now, I don’t even own a stove. I’m in my Toaster Oven Era.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

News Staff

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Body The following submission has been edited for length.Dear Editors, Sue Jane Sullivan submitted for attention an editorial entitled Me First. … This response to her is a direct shot across the bow to the editorship of this newspaper.