Welcome to the new year, everyone! Here’s to the hope that 2021 will be kind, fun and meaningful. We’ve been goal setting around here, and more than anything, I want 2021 to allow us to be together in groups again. I know it will take some time, but I think we will finally get there!

A former judge from the Lone Star State passed away in Chicago on Dec. 31, 1867 never knowing he would soon be immortalized in a short story that may be based more on fact than fiction.

We want to express our sympathy to the family of Steve Dugnolle. A graveside service was held at the Tira Cemetery on Wednesday, December 23rd, under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. Please remember the family in your prayers.

Dear Annie: My husband has a HUGE family. They gather every year between Christmas and New Year’s Eve in a hotel for at least three days. They are planning to do so this year, during the pandemic. So far, most of them plan on going, which would be almost 80 people. They are coming from Florida, Ohio, Massachusetts, Washington and Maryland. I, of course, will not be attending.

OFFERING NEWEST TECH IN TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT We are proud to offer the newest technology in total knee replacement treatment: Stryker’s Mako® Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Application. The Mako Total Knee application is a treatment option designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis and is another way to demonstrate our commitment to outstanding joint health.

On Dec. 27, 1856, a howling blizzard greeted the famed 2nd Cavalry upon its arrival at Fort Belknap, and by morning many of the horse soldiers’ mounts had frozen to death in the subzero weather.

Dear Annie: I am a 64-year-old truck driver from East Texas. I went to a gentlemen's club and befriended a dancer there, "Renee," and I have grown to love her dearly in my heart. I feel she is a good-hearted, loving, beautiful and special woman. She is a queen in my heart. She has a 3-year-old daughter, and I want to accept her in my heart as well. She needs to have a father figure in her life.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, many families will be traveling with children to celebrate the holidays. This is a good time to make sure that your child is safe in his or her car seat before planning your trip. Two important considerations are that your child is safe in the harness and the car seat is securely attached to the vehicle. One thing parents often don’t take into consideration is that heavy jackets can interfere with keeping children safe in car seats.

Dear Annie: I have been talking with this gentleman for almost four years; we’ve been in a long-distance relationship online. He claims that he mailed me a large sum of money, and so he has nothing now. But I have not seen this box full of money that he supposedly sent. He keeps saying that it has to clear customs, and they need a large fee in order for it to go through. I don’t think that customs would be demanding large sums of money, and, anyway, it’s been months and months now. I told him if the box did not come within the 48 hours like he said that he and I were through. I am afraid it is fraud. What is your take on this? - Losing My Lover

Livestock and forage production is a $3.96 billion industry in the Central Region. Livestock and forage enterprises are affected by climate and market variability. Hopkins County currently has more than 100,000 head of beef cattle with 27,000 head of dairy cattle.