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Rural Texas on the chopping block

Wed, 12/10/2025 - 5:00am

Last month, Governor Greg Abbott unveiled what he calls a “bold” plan: eliminate school district property taxes on homesteads and replace roughly $35 to $39 billion in local school funding with the state’s current budget surplus and other state revenues. And he’s been on the campaign stump telling Texans how it’s going to work. For homeowners, especially in rural counties where property valuations have skyrocketed, the idea sounds appealing. But the math behind the proposal—and its long-term consequences—deserves a closer look, especially for communities like ours.

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Annual Enrollment is Over. Now What?

Wed, 12/10/2025 - 5:00am

I’m exhausted after having helped 148 people write their medical plans for 2026 - but that is 148 people who won’t be suffering with copays they can’t afford, medicines they can’t afford, or benefits that don’t perform the way they expected.

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Reverend Roy. F. Bailey of Sunset Missionary Baptist Church in Texarkana was the guest speaker at the 16th Anniversary service for Rev. Arlistel Maxie and his wife last Sunday afternoon. Photo by Raydeen Edwards

Reverend Arlistel Maxie and his wife celebrated their 16th Anniversary Service last Sunday at Enon First Missionary Baptist Church. Maxie is the pastor of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

16th Anniversary for pastor and wife

Wed, 12/10/2025 - 5:00am

Reverend Roy. F. Bailey of Sunset Missionary Baptist Church in Texarkana was the guest speaker at the 16th Anniversary service for Rev.Arlistel Maxie and his wife last Sunday afternoon. Photo by Raydeen Edwards

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They’re happy, and they are bakers, too. In that order.The Linden Garden Clubbers have made home baked items to raise money supporting their volunteer efforts to make Linden look better. They are, from left, Mrs. Aaron, Paula Mcgee and Patricia Nichols.

Linden is hilly. One doesn’t notice it until the town parades. Then it’s a good march for the high school band up the hill to reach the historic Cass County Courthouse.They make it fine, and Linden’s parade is all the better for it.

That’s a splendid egg of the Christmas dragon Kim Hoffpaurr is holding. But just look at her tree decorations and other items of color she also creates as the head of ADD Crafting.

They may be from Dallas but the Reno family above — who also have a home in Linden— are happy to adopt a memorial fund-raising Christmas tree. They are supporting the Linden Lions Club. From left, they are Sheila, Bob and Chris Reno.

Here’s all you need to know. These fliers were all made by hand by the youth of Kildare Baptist Church, several of whom are shown here holding them. From left, Olivia Jelinek, Amy Jolly and Courtney Lee are inviting you to church.

The Fairview Community Center is supporting the Linden Lions’ memorial Christmas tree lawn display. That’s Jeanne Wright, left, and Flo Stevenson doing the decorating.

LINDEN ON THE SQUARE

Wed, 12/10/2025 - 5:00am

Linden’s Christmas on the Square draws a friendly, varied and colorful crowd each year to the village which is the south side of the courthouse square. People seem ready to talk and visit as well as see the parade and notice the high quality of articles vendors are displaying The two events — parade and marketing— seem to go well together. The Christmas spirit is personal marketing with neighbors. You’ll not be able to attend without saying “hello” several times. Usually Christmas on the Square is held about the time of the turning on of the Christmas lights, too.