The Texas Commission on Jail Standards conducted an unannounced annual state jail inspection of the Castro County Jail on Dec. 15 with good results.

The Texas labor market has surpassed its previous pre-pandemic employment high in February 2020 of 12,970,000 jobs by reaching 12,998,200 total nonagricultural jobs in November 2021, according to most recent report by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

Beginning Jan. 3, High Plains Water District (HPWD) personnel will make water level measurements to determine the effect of 2021 pumping on groundwater levels in aquifers within the district.

Community Nov. 18-Dec.

Many families opt to bring their pets with them when they hit the road for the holidays. Whether it is a quick drive across town or a longer road trip, traveling with pets has the potential to bring about its own level of chaos.

Panhandle Community Services (PCS) is teaming up with us here at Rhoads Memorial Library to explain health insurance that is offered at little or no cost to the uninsured. PCS is providing Certified Health Navigators at our facility, Thursday, Dec. 16, from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend the free event.

Let’s get straight to it. We do not live in a ‘what-yousee-is-what-you-get’ world. The world we live in is a ‘you-get-what-you-don’t-see’ reality. What this means is that human livelihood on our planet is determined by what takes place in the unseen realm and we, unwittingly, conduct ourselves in accordance to what is deliberated in the unseen realm. Why is this so?

Children love the colorful marshmallows in these festive confections, which look like stained glass when they're sliced. Ingredients 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 2 tablespoons butter 1 large egg, room temperature, lightly beaten 3 cups pastel miniature marshmallows 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut Directions In top of a double boiler or a metal bowl over simmering water, melt chocolate chips and butter over low heat, stirring occasionally.

A hint of orange and cinnamon highlights these Christmastime classics. Ingredients 1 cup shortening 3 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 1 large egg yolk, room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon grated orange zest Green food coloring, decorator candies and colored sugar, optional Directions Preheat oven to 350°.