Xcel Energy's tree planting guide helps customers

Trees play a vital role in enhancing the natural environment.For Texas and New Mexico residents looking to save on electric bills, they also effectively reduce the impact of summer heat.

Wildfire Awareness Month highlights proactive safety strategies

In 2024, 5,187 wildfires burned over 1.3 million acres in Texas, and since wildfires have no boundaries, Texans should always be prepared for wildfires.

Labor shortages hinder small business job growth

NFIB’s April jobs report found that 34% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in April, down six points from March, the lowest since January 2021.

HHSC recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month by hosting a series of informative webinars and promoting resources available to Texans.

The man who didn’t check out

I would do it at The Dark Swan Motel. The name was right, so was the location. Out there, sandwiched between First Avenue and the deserted remains of Highway 61, this was the place where nobody cared and nothing mattered.

...My Mothers handwriting...

2 Timothy 3:16 states, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”.May 11, 2025 is Mother’s Day. One very precious (and preserved) memory of my mother was her skill in hand-writing.

...The value of reservations...

Sure, 'Bugs' is a cute word to say but only when the second name is Bunny. Otherwise, if you’re an insect who provides sustenance to passing creatures outside, that’s fine, but you are never welcome in my humble abode or even where I’m staying in a temporary room with a fancy plastic entry key.

Under the shade of a spreading tree

I was so lucky to find that place! Granted, looking back, the amenities were not that great. OK, they were terrible. But…I had arrived in the middle of a storm in the middle of the night.Seriously, that storm was lifethreatening! It made travel impossible.

Hay, forage conditions improve with rainfall

Hay and forage conditions improved across the state with recent rainfall, setting the stage for promising hay yields and rangeland conditions for livestock grazing, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.

Local cotton gins prepare for more cotton during off season

Cotton ginners have been working through the off-season to make sure they’re ready to get the cotton rolling.Jerry Butman, the general manager for Lubbock Cotton Growers, said his workers begin making repairs immediately after they have finished ginning for the season.