Dealing with flash flooding
By Kerry Cartier, the Disaster GuyFlash flooding happens because heavy rain saturates the ground. The ground cannot absorb any more water, so the water runs – rushes! – toward the lowest spots. Heavy...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Take it slow with Crock-Pots
By Hattie Kirkwood KempLately while formulating recipes, I’ve been thinking outside the box about things to cook inside a crock—a Crock-Pot®, that is. To be technically accurate, I should say slow...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Mama needs a timeout, too
By Britne Hammons News Editor Timeout is really a wonderful thing. As a mother of a 2-year-old boy and 6-year-old girl, timeout makes an appearance every so often — even if timeout is actually a time...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Inspired Cook
By Hattie Kirkwood KempThis little piggy ate roast beef Imprisoned for several days by rainy weather, my better half, Charles, recently requested one of his favorite meals, roast beef,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Inspired Cook
To all of the readers who are someone’s father, I wish you a joyous day. I hope that you are treated to a delicious meal, too.At the age of 80, my daddy, Homer Kirkwood, passed away in March of 2004....
View ArticleGetting too big for our britches
By Carol Whatley Guest columnist I have never before seen the devastation of a natural disaster up close and personal. It truly is one of those stop-you-in-your-tracks moments. Much of my travel...
View ArticleThe damage is done Navigating the insurance battlefront
For those affected by the Van Zandt County tornadoes April 29, the recovery and rebuilding phase is now in effect. With 35 years of disaster recovery efforts under my belt, there are things that people...
View ArticleGov. Abbott's pen cut transparency like a sword
By Corpus Christi Caller-Times With the simple act of signing his name, Gov. Greg Abbott completed a trifecta of failure by all branches of state government to defend the people's right to know.Abbott...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Patriotic Treats
By Hattie Kirkwood KempWith the Fourth of July inching closer with each passing day, I’ve been pondering what recipes to share with you to help you celebrate our national holiday. So, I’ve chosen one...
View ArticleUse bicycles for emergency transportation
By Kerry Cartier, The Disaster GuyIt comes down to this: In an emergency or a disaster when no internal combustion-engined vehicles are available, would you rather walk or ride a bike? I’ll take the...
View ArticleKeeping eyes wide open as VZC Grand Jury Foreman
By David Barber Senior ReporterOn June 21, I completed one of the most eye-opening and rewarding experiences that I have ever had as I finished a six-month term serving as the foreman for the Van Zandt...
View ArticleJuly is colorful fun at G.S. Library
By Kelli Bryant, GS Librarian Throughout July we will have a different giveaway each week for children who visit the library. Giveaways include origami bookmarks, newsletters, activity books, glow in...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Inspired Cook
By Hattie Kirkwood KempColumn 18 of The Inspired Cook for the Van Zandt NewsTeaching children to cookSummertime is the perfect time to teach your children to cook. If you are wondering how old your...
View ArticleGrowth is a good thing
By Teresa Sanders, Ed.DAlthough school hasn't officially started yet, educators across Texas are already in back to school mode. From the first day of instruction, students are preparing for the...
View ArticleKeep it to yourself
By Carol Whatley Guest ColumnistTo begin with, let me say I can't stand people who moan and groan about their illnesses. Keep it to yourself, I say! No one wants to hear it! So here's my story:A...
View ArticleHow to Waterproof Matches
By Kerry Cartier, the Disaster GuyBoy Scouts learn to make waterproof matches, so it isn’t rocket science. If you’re going to be doing any camping, hunting, or fishing, learning to waterproof matches...
View ArticleProperty tax burden Is crushing the Texas dream
By Gov. Greg AbbottEverything is bigger in Texas - including, unfortunately, your property tax rate. In fact, Texas has one of the highest effective real estate tax rates in the nation. Only Illinois...
View ArticleClik here to view.
20 The Inspired Cook
By Hattie Kirkwood KempExploring uncovers a sweet surpriseTwo summers ago, my sister Beckie’s coworkers had been raving about a tea room in our birthplace of Athens. Wanting to see what all the hoopla...
View ArticleCanton WIC to hold breastfeeding celebration
By Megan Weaver Breastfeeding Peer CounselorBreastfeeding is a very personal decision, but it is also one that is likely to elicit strong opinions from friends, family, and sometimes strangers. You...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Serving breakfast foods any time of day
By Hattie Kirkwood KempColumn 21 of The Inspired Cook for the Van Zandt NewsServing breakfast foods any time of dayGood day, readers! Have you had breakfast yet, or are you eating it as you read the...
View Article