Financial Focus

It's almost time for people to begin receiving their tax refunds. If you get one, what will you do with it?The answer will depend somewhat on the size of your refund. Last year, the average was $3,167, according to the Internal Revenue Service's Filing Season Statistics report.

State Capital Highlights

Early voting begins Feb. 17Early voting in the March 3 primary begins Monday, Feb. 17 and concludes on Friday, Feb. 27. A full slate of con tested races will be on the ballots in both Republican and Democratic primaries. The deadline to request a mail ballot is Feb. 20, according to votetexas.gov.

LAUGHS OF THE WEEK

Compiled off the Internet by Jeff Blackmon, Publisher of the Hereford BRANDEnjoy the following bloopers from church bulletins ...The pastor will light his candle from the altar candles.The ushers will light their candle from the pastor’s candle.

TALES OF DEAF SMITH COUNTY

“We must especially beware of that small group of selfish men who would clip the wings of the American Eagle in order to feather their own nests”.

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

At least 11 dead in state after winter storm At least 11 people have died in Texas, nearly half of them children, after Winter Storm Fern swept the state last week, the Texas Standard reported.

Financial Focus

If you’re a local business owner, you’re juggling many priorities: growing revenue, managing expenses, supporting your team and planning for your own future. What if one tool could help with all these goals?

TWC Recognizes Career and Technical Education Month

This February, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by highlighting the value of CTE programs and the students who are preparing for highskill technical careers in more than 460 different fields across the state.

LAUGHS OF THE WEEK

Compiled off the Internet by Jeff Blackmon, Publisher of the Hereford BRANDEnjoy the following bloopers from church bulletins ...Barbara C. remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack’s sermons.

TALES OF DEAF SMITH COUNTY

I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s that hard work pays off”.Phil GrammJanuary 1958Pay your poll tax!! Pay your poll tax!! That was the message for individuals all over the state and especially in Deaf Smith County for those seeking election to various offices.

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

Power grid holds up during wintry blast The electricity grid that covers most of Texas was holding up as of Sunday during the latest winter storm, although localized power outages were reported in Deep East Texas and far West Texas.