What to know before making returns

Did you know, retailers set their own rules when it comes to refunds and exchanges? Stores are not legally required to accept exchanges or give refunds unless the merchandise was defective or misrepresented.BBB offers these tips: Before you set out to make that return, know the store’s policy.

Protect livestock, plants, pipes and pets from winter weather

Texas A&M AgriLife, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences share tips to prepare for freezing temperatures Freezing temperatures eventually reach every corner of Texas, due to the state’s famously unpredictable winter weather.

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

The 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.

RIBBON CUTTING

Deaf Smith County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Mane on Main at 140 Main Street last week.

TALES OF DEAF SMITH COUNTY

“If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world”.Francis BaconDecember 1957 From the day after Christmas through the rest of the 1957 year, The Brand was full of end of the year sales ads and various contests to win prizes.

SPREADING CHRISTMAS CHEER

Dec. 18 the Hereford ISD Superintendent’s Council students packed care packages for the residents at Hereford Nursing & Rehab and delivered them. The group also stopped by HISD board member Carolyn Waters’ house to drop off her Christmas gift.

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.

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

A Reminder of the Importance of Attendance

On December 15, 2025 the Hereford ISD Board of Trustees approved a calendar change that affects the start of the 2nd semester. Because of needed update requirements from the State of Texas, January 5, 2026 will now be a staff development day for all staff members to report to the Varsity gym at 9 a.