Tree pruning tips

Successful pruning can improve tree health, boost flower and fruit production, and create an attractive landscape. However, improper pruning, such as randomly cutting with chainsaws or loppers, can cause unnatural growth, weak structure, and reduced productivity.

Warm, dry holiday weather elevates wildfire risk across Texas

Unseasonably warm and dry conditions, along with freezecured grasses are raising wildfire risks during the holidays across the Lone Star State, the Texas A&M Forest Service warns.Texas is forecast to experience unusually warm and dry weather during this holiday season.

Hope Is the Vibe: Start 2026 with a Chance to Win $5,000 When You Donate Blood

Our Blood Institute at Coffee Memorial Blood Center is kicking off the new year with hope, heart and a major $5,000 giveaway. From Dec. 26 through Jan. 12, every donor will be entered to win $5,000 to begin 2026 on a brighter note.

Castro County Hospital District Receives Equipment Donation

Castro County Hospital District would like to extend its appreciation to the Plains Memorial Medical Foundation for their generous donation of critical medical equipment that will greatly enhance patient care and emergency response services in our community.

Worry

“Worry is worshipping the problem” ~Tobymac.I saw this on one of those inspirational social media quotes. It made me sneer.I don’t know who Tobymac is, but I can just picture him. Some coffeehouse philosopher wearing a black turtleneck sweater under a tweed jacket with elbow patches.

LAUGHS OF THE WEEK

Compiled off the Internet by Jeff Blackmon, Publisher of the Hereford BRANDFunny Dad PunsIf I ever find the doctor who screwed up my limb replacement surgery…I’ll kill him with my bear hands.Did you know that the first french fries weren’t cooked in France? They were cooked in Greece.

Pet Talk

Keeping livestock healthy can feel like a delicate balancing act, and winter weather makes that even harder. Cold fronts, sudden temperature swings, and damp conditions can weaken animals’ immune systems, making them more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia.Dr.

LIBRARY LINES

Christmas 2025 is here and we are closed at Rhoads Memorial Library until Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, when we re-open at noon. Please note, though, that while we will be open until 6 p.m. that day and all day Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, we will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, New Year’s Day.

The good, bad of our water situation

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Castro/Hale/Lamb County I recently attended the Plant Protection Conference in College Station, where the theme “Water: Essential but Limited for Texas Agriculture” could not have been more timely.