News

Interest rates have been headline news for well over a year. In an effort to tame inflation, the Federal Reserve has increased mortgage interest rates with regularity over the last year-plus. While the cost to borrow money has increased, individuals likely noticed that the reward for saving money has not increased along with it, as interest rates for savings accounts have remained low. In fact, the annual percentage yield (APY) as of February 2023 was 0.24 percent, while the average fixed mortgage rate in September 2023 remained well north of 6 percent. An assortment of variables have combined to lower savings account interest rates, but numerous analysts point to banks having more deposits than they require to issue loans. When that happens, banks do not need to attract additional deposits, which they typically do by offering higher savings account interest rates. Without that incentive, savings account interest rates have remained low, meaning account holders will continue to pay considerably more to borrow money than they will earn when they save it.

The month of October is filled with fun holidays that relate to the four endorsements that are available in Forney ISD for high school students in planning for their future readiness. The four endorsement areas are STEM, Business and Industry, Public Service, and Arts and Humanities. The days celebrate different elements of the culinary arts – pasta, coffee, dessert, vegetarian; areas of art and humanities – poetry, writing, books; different finance careers in business and industry – fair trade month and retirement security week; and in public service, different types of medical professionals – pharmacy tech, medical assistant, physician’s assistant; and different careers in education – teachers, coaches, and mathematics. How does the Forney Education Foundation fit into all of these different career pathways? By funding grant requests from teachers in all of these various educational areas, FEF gives the students in Forney ISD the extras that their teachers have researched to add to the classroom experience. From classroom novel sets in middle school English classes to mannequin blood pressure arms for medical assistant classes, the Foundation has funded these requests and have seen the students use these to learn skills that are directly applicable to being certified in their respective fields. Career and Technical Education certifications give students not only an opportunity for immediate employment, but they are also a way for students to begin earning and potentially paying for higher level education to further their career choices.

1) No family should be without a potato sticks or “French fries” cutter– makes 25 at the same time with the right potato inserted. (also builds muscles!)

Meant for History Buffs and Other Inquisitive Readers!

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is excited to announce the 2024 Texas division of Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest is open for submissions. The Fish Art Contest, which is accepting entries until Feb. 28, is part of an international conservation education program designed to foster youth interest in fisheries and fishing.

Caught My Attention!

Those who want to make the most of Halloween can include travel plans in their schedules. North America boasts plenty of locations that have scary-sounding monikers, are supposedly haunted, or have attractions that will appeal to those looking for a few extra chills and thrills.

Colin A. Ballard, son of Donald and Jennifer Ballard of Forney, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He is a freshman at Forney High School and a member of Troop

Nancy Townsend is a retired Forney ISD art teacher. This week we congratulate this long time Forney resident receiving an Honorable Mention in the State Fair of Texas Photo Competition. Nancy is the second photographer recognized from Forney who proves the best camera you have is the one you have with you at the time. Nancy took the picture with her iPhone. A grandmother knows to be prepared when a grandchild is near. You never know when an award winning photo will present itself. Her image placed in the Children/Preschool Color Category.

Many people will say that no movie marathon is complete without a big bowl of popcorn. Movies and popcorn have been linked for decades, but popcorn is more than just a must-have on movie night.

Corey Graves from Jackson Middle School was honored at the October Board of Trustees meeting. Last spring, Mr. Graves was selected as 1 of only 30 teachers to receive the Music Teacher of Excellence award from the Country Music Association Foundation. In September, he attended the official awards ceremony in Nashville. Congratulations, Mr. Graves!

Texas pumpkin producers experienced another season of yields well below average, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

1940s and ’50s CRANDALL