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The increased time spent at home during the pandemic has resulted in many people deciding to tackle home renovation projects. From creating a new office space or virtual learning area, to larger projects like bathroom renovations, many homeowners are rolling up their sleeves to do the improvements themselves.

Spring brings many gifts, especially here in the south. The temps begin to warm. Everything gets a dose of Mother Nature’s balayage, rapidly morphing from brown to emerald green. The world is suddenly full of babies. From ducklings to kittens to calves, the spring birthing process is truly a miracle to behold. And, for those of us deeply steeped in this mom life (or, in my case, this grandma life) it’s time to get busy. Sure, we’ll be mowing and pulling weeds and planting everything from tomatoes to periwinkles, but we also need to focus on the task at hand. There are so many eggs to dye, so much change to scotch tape into little plastic orbs, so many baskets to fill. After all, what would spring be without millions of pieces of green plastic grass to haunt us for the next 364 days? It’s Easter prep time! And, like all the other religious based holidays, this one being my favorite because the reason for this season takes us from the depths of despair to divine elation, Easter is truly a people soup of cultures and beliefs. Take the German influence, for instance. What is it about Germany and little furry creatures? First, they gave us the groundhogs, via the absence of hedgehogs in Pennsylvania. Now, you’re telling me they gave us the Easter bunny? That I am. But, before we talk all things das kaninchen, we must address the age-old quandary. When is Easter and why is it freezing cold on some years and steaming hot on others?

MUSIC

If Jesus rose from the dead today, how would you announce his resurrection?

Children are never too young to learn the importance of sustainability or begin adopting eco-friendly habits. Earth Day, celebrated April 22, is a great time to get started, and experts say it all starts with playtime.

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is here, which means you are operating on a brand new schedule. Unfortunately, time changes can cause many negative physical and mental effects on the body -- and be a logistical nuisance to boot! To make DST work for you, consider the following tips:

A day spent working in the yard is an ideal way to pass the time on spring and summer afternoons. A pristine landscape can add value to a property and instill pride in homeowners who put a lot of thought and effort into their lawns and gardens.

Last Saturday, March 20, 2021, the Brooklyn Masonic Lodge dedicated a commemorative cornerstone at Forney ISD’s Jerry & Helen Griffin Elementary School. What will be FISD’s eighth elementary school, Griffin Elementary in the Devonshire neighborhood is scheduled to begin welcoming students in the fall of 2021.

On Monday March 15, in a unanimous vote, the Crandall City Council confirmed City Manager Jana Shelton’s selection of Forrest Frierson as the next Chief of Police of the Crandall Police Department. The selection process began in December, drawing 31 applicants from all across Texas, as well as California and Missouri.

If you own a small business, you typically don’t get a lot of recognition – so you may be pleased to learn that March 29 is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day. You might not necessarily think of your business as a “Mom and Pop” operation, but it certainly contributes to the well-being of your family now, and possibly to that of future generations, too – if you make the right moves.

On their way to a 14-3- 1 pre-district record, the North Forney Falcons averaged fewer than six hits and six runs per game. Following a 23-0 blowout win over Lancaster in the opener, the Falcons scored more than five runs in a game just five times over their next 17 games. They scored three runs or less in nine of their first 18 games.

With 10 new bands, the return of popular performers, and having to skip a year due to the pandemic, the Dallas Arboretum’s 2021 Cool Thursday Concert Series is the place to listen to some favorite and new bands perform. Single tickets and fall subscriptions are now on sale to the public for the spring/summer and fall concert series that starts on April 1st with local favorite Emerald City. The Emerald City concert is already sold out, but other dates still have availability. Bands perform on the award-winning Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn overlooking White Rock Lake, a picturesque view that includes the sun setting in the background during the concerts.

Due to the February 12, 2021 disaster declaration by the governor, certain properties within Kaufman County may qualify for a temporary exemption under section 11.35 of the Texas Property Tax Code.