Columns

End the Streak

Not even Covid could stop it! Over the last 25 years, Texas has made important improvements to our highways, but every day, since Nov. 7, 2000, there have been deaths related to motor vehicle accidents.
William "Bill" Janes

William "Bill" Janes

Collingsworth Chronicles

William “Bill” Janes and his four children, Mittie, Andy, Ollie and Mattie, moved from Lampasas County to the lower Elm Creek area of northeastern Collingsworth County in April 1884.

The 501

The road goes on forever, and the party never ends. You’ve heard that line from Robert Earl Keen’s classic song. Maybe you know all the lyrics. I didn’t previously. Call me illiterate. But I just now read every verse. Let’s just say I was late to the party. Wow! What a story!

Financial Focus

When it comes to saving for healthcare costs, few tools are as powerful as a Health Savings Account (HSA). Yet, many Americans don't take full advantage of it.HSAs offer a rare triple-tax benefit.
The Marlin Model 39A .22 caliber rifle is still a beauty more than 80 years later. Jim Leggitt Collection

The Marlin Model 39A .22 caliber rifle is still a beauty more than 80 years later. Jim Leggitt Collection

Memories Left for My Kids

I have often wondered why Dad insisted that I, as a 10-year-old kid, accompany him to a murder trial. The session took place on the third floor of the Collingsworth County Courthouse in Wellington and lasted for a few days…we attended only one as I remember.
Financial Focus

Financial Focus

Financial Focus

Fear of fraud is universal. Today, 77% of Americans are concerned about fraud and identity theft when managing finances online, according to 2025 research from Edward Jones and Morni n g Consult. Even more striking: 26% of Americans have personally experienced financial fraud.
Generosity meets strategy with tax-savvy donations

Generosity meets strategy with tax-savvy donations

Generosity meets strategy with tax-savvy donations

Giving to charity feels good, but understanding the tax benefits can benefit both the charity and you. Whether you donate regularly or are planning your first gift, know ing how charitable tax deductions work can help you make informed decisions while supporting causes you care about.
Walt Disney Mike Wolf Collection

Walt Disney Mike Wolf Collection

Getting fired creates opportunity

Former Phoenix Suns NBA basketball coach Cotton Fitzsimmons once said, “You haven’t lived until you have been fired.” Surprise, anger or confusion is usually the first reaction of those terminated. Sometimes, h o w e v e r , your firing may turn into a blessing.
Armistice announced on the front lines. Floyd Killough Collection

Armistice announced on the front lines. Floyd Killough Collection

Collingsworth Chronicles

When new officers were inducted in the U.S. Army during World War I, they were presented with a small booklet, “Management of the American Soldier.” Included were instructions for officers to urge soldiers under their care to write home to relatives.
CARY SHANE

CARY SHANE

Financial Focus

Holiday cheer has a way of loosening purse strings – sometimes more than we can afford. In 2024, onethird of Ame r i cans ended the year with holiday debt ave raging $1,181. And 60% of them were stressed about it, according to a December 2024 Lending Tree survey.