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News

A look back to when the King of kings was born!

Pictured in front of the United Methodist Church Sunday, December 12, 2021, is a scene that we can be grateful for; the Live Nativity! A time back in history when the baby Messiah was born. God had become flesh and His name was called Emanuel, or “God with us.”

How to care for wild birds this winter

The arrival of winter forces everyone to confront the changes synonymous with the season, and local wildlife is no exception. Low temperatures, harsh winter storms and a scarcity of food can make it challenging for wildlife, including birds, to thrive throughout the winter.

News Briefs

CSC recognizes graduates One hundred twenty-seven undergraduate candidates were recognized Friday, December 17 in the Chicoine Center. Local students include: Kara Brashears, Bachelor of Arts; Steven Shields, Bachelor of Arts; and James Battershaw, Bachelor of Science all of Valentine; Collin Sanders Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts of Merriman; Henry Schneider, Bachelor of Science of Cody.

A Christmas cactus

My grandmother’s house was always packed at our family Christmas. Grandpa had passed away, but the shelves he put up near the picture window were home to countless plants that stayed green and bright through the winter months. One of them was a cactus that bloomed with pretty red flowers around Christmas. On one visit, before she passed away, we got a cutting off that cactus and this winter it is blooming at our house! It’s a sign that the cactus is getting what it needs.

Comfort in Christmas cards

This year as we approach Christmas I have been sending both Christmas cards, and sympathy cards. Christmas cards for obvious reasons, and sympathy cards because family and friends have passed away. It is kind of an interesting mix of cards, sorrow mixed with joy. So in good pastor fashion I looked up verses of sorrow and joy. I found the book of Esther where Queen Esther saved her people. From this comes the Jewish celebration of Purim (not Hanukah). About this celebration we read:

The Light of Christmas

Prophet and President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inviting everyone to transform lives during the Christmas season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU

Our community has known some trials these past 12 months. Sickness, accidents, death, and not just with people, but businesses as they struggle to keep it together with only a few employees who will show up and get the job done.

Remember. Honor. Teach.

The Wreath’s Across America program was canceled due to the extreme cold, Saturday, December 18, 2021; but that didn’t stop the volunteers who came out and put over 900 wreaths on the graves of the service men and women at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.

NFPA urges added caution this holiday season, as Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are among the leading days of the year for U.S. home fires

Many hallmarks of the holiday season, including Christmas trees, holiday decorations, cooking and baking, present potential fire hazards that contribute to an annual increase in U.S. home fires during the winter months. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are among the leading days of the year for home fires (topped only by Thanksgiving Day).

Snow and ice tips to protect our yards this winter

Stop trimming your lawn once it freezes. Trim your grass to the height recommended for your lawn variety before it freezes. Cutting your grass too short can leave it dry and exposes it to the elements, not to mention insects and disease.