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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The 501:

Prediction: Somebody is going to invent a car you can fix yourself. You’ll just need some wrenches and a couple of screwdrivers.Yes, I’m waxing nostalgic over that era when we really could fix cars ourselves — or try. And to think, we somehow got by without YouTube videos.