Texas Teens Urged to Take the Pledge to Always Buckle Up

Skipping seat belts isn’t a flex—it’s a deadly risk. The new “Saved by the Belt” competition challenges Texas teens to wear a seat belt every seat, every ride.

Unlock the full potential of your 401(k)

Your 401(k) is one of the most powerful tools for securing your financial future. The question is: Are you using it to its full potential?Here are some strategies to help you maximize its benefits:• Earn your employer’s match.

TALES OF DEAF SMITH COUNTY

“By working faithfully eight hours a day, you may eventually get to be boss and work twelve hours a day”.--Robert FrostFebruary 1958“We Got Kids” was the headline to share news that Hereford’s Public Schools enrollment was increasing faster than both the state and national rates.

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

Paxton, Crockett leading in primary polls Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett are leading their respective primary campaigns for U.S.

Why the Rural Texas Vote Matters Most in the Primary

For many rural Texans, elections can feel like a formality. By the time November rolls around, the outcome often seems decided. But that’s exactly why the primary election matters more than any other vote you will cast.In much of rural Texas, the primary is the election of consequence.

Financial Focus

Your credit score can play a surprisingly big role in your financial life. From renting an apartment to getting a cellphone plan, your credit score can open doors or close them.Your credit score predicts how likely you are to pay bills on time.

TALES OF DEAF SMITH COUNTY

“Life without books is like an unsharpened pencil...it has no point”.

Financial Focus

It's almost time for people to begin receiving their tax refunds. If you get one, what will you do with it?The answer will depend somewhat on the size of your refund. Last year, the average was $3,167, according to the Internal Revenue Service's Filing Season Statistics report.

State Capital Highlights

Early voting begins Feb. 17Early voting in the March 3 primary begins Monday, Feb. 17 and concludes on Friday, Feb. 27. A full slate of con tested races will be on the ballots in both Republican and Democratic primaries. The deadline to request a mail ballot is Feb. 20, according to votetexas.gov.

LAUGHS OF THE WEEK

Compiled off the Internet by Jeff Blackmon, Publisher of the Hereford BRANDEnjoy the following bloopers from church bulletins ...The pastor will light his candle from the altar candles.The ushers will light their candle from the pastor’s candle.