Community & Opinions

YOUNG PEOPLE GRADES 3–12: What does America mean to you?

Today’s young people are the leaders, innovators, and thinkers who will shape the next 250 years — and it’s important their voices are heard as we commemorate this historic milestone.

When in doubt

Shed a Little Light SUE JANE SULLIVAN Not sure what to make of the U.S. involvement in Venezuela? Concerned about what’s going on with Greenland? Still on the fence about the release of unredacted Epstein files? What about ICE tactics?

2026 Community Calendar

SPUR VISITOR CENTER, 101 Hill Street at Burlington Avenue, is operated by the Spur Area Chamber of Commerce and open during regular hours Tuesday–Saturday. Visitors seeking information on the area may email spurchamber@gmail.com or call (806) 271-3097.

Democrats Talarico, Crockett set first debate

AUSTIN— The first debate in the state’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate is set for Jan. 24 in Georgetown, The Dallas Morning News reported. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas and state Rep. James Talarico of Round Rock are vying for the nomination. The seat is now held by U.S. Sen.

Not too late to relate

“We were on a family trip, and we were on a flight—on Delta, from here to somewhere— and we were all sitting in the back of the airplane together.

New laws taking effect in New Year

AUSTIN— A spate of new laws took effect on Jan. 1, The Dallas Morning News reported. Here’s a brief summary of the most notable new laws now in force: • County sheriff’s offices are now required to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after the passage of Senate Bill 8.

Ode to the unplanned

Shed a Little Light In a very unexpected twist of fate, a majority of my teaching career has been highlighted by coaching speech and debate. (Speech is prepared or impromptu forms of communication, while debate involves cross-examination and semi-prepared speeches heavy on research).

The folding of clothes

C O M M E N T A R Y | SUEJANESULLIVAN@GMAIL.COM The laundromat was not crowded on Sunday morning, not in this Bible Belt community where most people were either on the pews or had optioned for Saturday night mass.

Four big moves from the Lege in 2025

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION AUSTIN— The Texas Legislature made a host of major decisions in 2025, as The Dallas Morning News reported. Here are the highlights: • Homeowners received a break on their property taxes after approving a proposed constitutional amendment in November.

JGISD board discusses ground-breaking of new softball/baseball fields in January

The Jayton-Girard ISD Board of Trustees met in regular session on December 8, 2025, in the board room of Jayton School.