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Getting organized is one of the best things to do before starting the annual task of filing a tax return. And don’t overlook IRS Free File. Taxpayers who had an adjusted gross income of $72,000 or less in 2020 can use it to prepare and electronically file their tax return. Last year, the IRS saw a 50 percent increase nationwide in the use of the popular program with more than 4 million people using Free File or Free File Fillable Forms.

The way a shaft of Spring sunlight moves through the air is sometimes a surprise to the viewer. Light in the sky illuminates but a shaft of light is special unto itself. And when a student’s face lights up like a shaft of light, the teacher is rewarded with that source of illumination signifying comprehension. Many of the educational professionals in Forney ISD are masters at engaging with their students causing those shining moments to happen.

Austin College officials have announced the Dean’s List for Fall Term 2020. The Dean’s List recognizes the top 20 percent of students taking a minimum of three graded, full-credit courses. For Fall Term 2020, 243 individuals are recognized.

Five Lone Star Conference women’s soccer teams were undefeated with Angelo State and St. Mary’s picking up two wins each. DBU, Texas A&M-Commerce and West Texas A&M went 1-0 as all three picked up conference wins.

The North Texas Municipal Water District (NT- MWD) will temporarily change the disinfectant in its water treatment process from March 1 through March 29, 2021. The annual, routine change is necessary to maintain the regional system and yearround water quality.

Virtual learning has thrown students, teachers and parents a serious curve. As some districts approach a year out of the classroom, students, some teachers and parents are angry and are going as far as suing districts to force them to reopen. Many parents are concerned their children aren’t learning. Other parents work full-time and need the inherent care and supervision that comes with in-school learning. Both are sound reasons to get schools opened safely as soon as possible.

To open this “part two,” let’s go back a few, well many, years to his high school days at the top of the state in Roxton, Texas, when “Darden” played “all sports,” except basketball, because he was not extremely fond of wearing shorts—so, he became the manager for that season each year.

If you ever had the slightest inkling that the outdoor lifestyle might be slipping away, you should have been at our second Outdoor Ron-de-Voux in Greenville. Two years ago Randy Koon who owns the Carquest Auto Supply and “Friendlee”, a well know personality in northeast Texas and I decided an outdoor ‘get together’ would be nice. We wanted the event to be outdoors where we could have a campfire for folks to gather and drink cowboy coffee and sample some outdoor cooking such as Dutch Kettle blackberry cobbler and pork fajitas. Our first event was much fun and a good crowd showed up. This year, the crowd from the first year tripled. Randy Koon owns the land where the event is held and is a ‘car man’ and well connected with folks that own and show antique cars. This year’s event included the addition of an antique car show, the proceeds of which went to “Remember for Me, Alzheimer’s Caregivers”. We were entertained by some awesome music furnished by Matt Middleton and Top Rail Cowboy Church.

50 years and still going strong described Dolly Parton when she was honored on the 50th anniversary of becoming part of the Grand Ol’ Opry…..and this “blonde bombshell, sweet country girl” was the grandest one there!

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is now taking applications for summer internships in all divisions, including Law Enforcement, Wildlife, State Parks, Infrastructure, Communications, Coastal Fisheries, and Inland Fisheries.

With the start of 2021 behind us, it’s time to start fresh, create new habits and take on new skills. Whether your goal is to get outdoors more to enjoy the fresh air or to learn a new instrument, develop a plan to start enjoying some CO- VID-safe activities. Here are a few tips to get going:

While life around the globe has changed significantly since the Peace Corps was founded 60 years ago, the agency’s mission to promote world peace and friendship between Americans and people around the world has not.

Blisters can form for a number of reasons. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, injuries, allergic reactions and infections can lead to the formation of blisters. Burns or scalds and even sunburns can cause blisters to form as well. Blisters can be painful or itchy, and that discomfort may compel some people to pop them. But popping blisters is a potentially costly mistake, as the American Academy of Dermatology notes that popping blisters can lead to infection. Patience may be a person’s best ally when confronting blisters, as the AAD says most blisters will heal on their own in one to two weeks. Covering a blister can help reduce pain and discomfort, especially if a bandage is situated in such a way as to ensure that the middle of it is a little raised. That can reduce friction between the blister and the bandage. Once a blister has drained, the AAD advises washing the area with soap and water and applying petroleum jelly. It’s important to leave the “roof” of the blister intact even after the blister has drained, as doing so protects the raw skin underneath it as the area heals.