News

Franklin County Genealogy Society

The Franklin County Genealogy Society will meet on Monday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m. for the annual Christmas party. Bring ‘finger foods’ and come to enjoy the fellowship of a holiday party. The officers for 2014 will be inducted into office. The meeting will be in the Century Room, behind the bank on the square and next to the Optic Herald Offices. You do not have to be a member to attend.

Breakfast with Rudolph is canceled It is with a red nose and a sad heart that due to the possibility of freezing weather with rain and sleet that we are cancelling Breakfast With Rudolph this year. While Rudolph and the rest of the reindeer are capable of traveling in icy weather, he wants all the little ones safe and sound at home wrapped in a quilt with a mug of hot chocolate (with marshmallows!) to sip.

 Breakfast with Rudolph was set for Saturday morning at the Daingerfield Public Library.

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com
 
Daingerfield High School senior Cassidy Shaver has received notification that she has been selected to become a member of the National Society of High School Scholars.
The NSHSS recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment. The announcement was made by NSHSS founder and chairman Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes.
“On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that Cassidy has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” Mr. Nobel said. “Cassidy is now a member of a unique community of scholars—a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

Brent Sheets with the Daingerfield Public Works Department hangs Christmas decorations in downtown Daingerfield to kick off the holiday season. The Public Works Department also hangs decorations in the Daingerfield City Park.      

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com
 
Discussion of the future of Social Security and its impact on employees of the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District was discussed by the board of directors at its Nov. 25 meeting. General Manger Walt Sears explained.
“When younger employees get to retirement, there is uncertainty of whether Social Security will be there as a legitimate funding source,” Mr. Sears said. “We will have to consider choices for the younger employees because of this uncertainty.”
The board decided to make no changes in the retirement plan, but one of the things that was discussed was the timing of when workers could anticipate eligibility for both Social Security and the district retirement.
“If you take away one or diminish one, it increases the importance of the other,” Mr. Sears said.

Money may not grow on trees, but by planting them in the right places, they could be saving you money. With a new tool from Texas A&M Forest Service as well as opportunities from partnering organizations, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of your trees.
Simply landscaping your yard and planting trees strategically can help keep your home cool, protect it from cold winter winds, and save energy—thus saving you money.  
“Air temperatures can be as much as 20 degrees cooler in the shade and surface temperatures up to 40 degrees cooler,” said Gretchen Riley, Texas A&M Forester and Tree Line USA Coordinator.  “Trees are a simple and effective way to reduce heat in and around our homes.”
To find the best planting locations for a tree in your yard, check out the animated graphic at http://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/energy_efficiency.html.

Recent changes to the Texas Cottage Food Law mean that more foods can be prepared and sold from a residential kitchen.  “The previous law limited the foods that could be sold to mainly baked goods, jams and jellies, and dried herbs”, says Pamela Lincoln, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent for Cass County.  Under the amended law, which took effect Sept. 1, the list of foods that can be sold has been expanded to include pickles, popcorn snacks, candy, unroasted nut butters, and vinegar.  In addition, these foods can be sold at venues outside the home including farmers markets, roadside stands, and fairs.  All foods sold must be properly labeled and include the name and address of the operation, the name of the product, possible allergens that are in the food, and a statement saying the food was not prepared in a kitchen that is inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department.

“Oh Holy Night,’ because it is what the season is all about.
Lisa White
Longview

‘Silent Night.’ It just puts me in the mood of the season.
Vicki Lilley
Lone Star

‘The Christmas Song.’ It is chestnuts roasting on the open fire. I like it because of the melody; it is a crooner’s song.
Dr. Larry Miears
Daingerfield