News

For most of the year, playing pranks on loved ones and neighbors may not be met with open arms. But attitudes tend to relax on or around October 31, when millions of people celebrate Halloween. For some celebrants, Halloween is as much about tricks as it is treats. But why are tricks even involved with Halloween? According to Smithsonian.com, the tricks played on Halloween can be traced to 19th century celebrations of the holiday. Even though Halloween can trace its roots back thousands of years to the Celtic countries of northwestern Europe, the notion that it was acceptable to prank one’s neighbors is a relatively recent addition to Halloween lore. Smithsonian.com notes that, in the 19th century, Halloween night was a time for pranks, and it was not uncommon for older children to jump out from behind bushes to frighten young kids. Communities were generally smaller and more closely knit back then than they are today, which made it safer to pull pranks on Halloween. However, as the United States became more modern and urbanized, the once-innocent mischief gradually transformed into mayhem, prompting many people to call for Halloween celebrations that were safer for young children. Modern Halloween celebrations are not nearly as mischief-heavy as those of centuries past, though many celebrants still find it fun to play a mischievous prank or two on their loved ones come October 31.

Many years ago, while hosting a Christian Coaches Clinic, North Forney Head Football Coach Randy Jackson asked for coaches to share something, not X’s and O’s, that had impacted their program. One of the attendees, a coach from Sulphur Springs, spoke about his “Coffee with Coaches,” a game day morning meeting where men from the community gathered with players and coaches.

Nutrition and Halloween do not necessarily go hand in hand. While many parents may go to great lengths to ensure their youngsters’ Halloween treats offer at least a little nutritional value, the bulk of costumed kids’ hauls still tends to be candy.

The economic downturn caused by the pandemic has created widespread housing insecurity for both renters and homeowners. However, advocates say that free and low-cost legal assistance and other support is helping people remain in their homes.

Halloween is a great time to indulge in horror movie marathons.

“It is far easier to forgive an enemy after you’ve got even with him,” wrote Olin Miller.

At birth we inherit the nature that Adam received when he disobeyed GOD and ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. We are seeing some of that nature being poured out on cities and country today. No matter how well we were raised or how good we live we all have that nature inside of us. I always thought I was a pretty good old boy until I started reading the Bible and received the Holy Spirit when I was saved. I soon learned what all humans are capable of. Every “GOODY GOODY TWO SHOES” in the world is capable of violence when put in certain circumstances. We all try to hide our “little” fibs and shady actions. We think that they don’t really hurt anybody. LOL.

One of the widely undisputed goals of the City of Forney is to use taxpayer funds wisely as the elected officials and City staff strive to maintain and improve our city. The City of Forney’s Finance Director, Deborah Woodham, and her award-winning team of staff members work diligently and tirelessly to help make these goals a reality.

During the Tuesday October 20th city council meeting, the City of Forney Finance Department was awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the 2019-2020 FY budget. This marks the 12th consecutive year that the Finance Department has received this award!

As Forney’s population continues to grow, local residents are no strangers to traffic congestion. With many of the area’s major roadways under the control of the State of Texas, many needed improvements come on the timeline of the State rather than the desires of local cities and citizens. In 2019, the Texas Department of Transportation held several public hearings, announcing planned projects and improvements for the area. To the relief of many area drivers, TxDOT will soon be beginning the work to make our daily commutes a little easier.

By Misty Holler Staff Writer

Waylon, Mary Anne, Ella, and Luke invited MiMi and Grandpa to go with them to the Arboretum and promised that it would be safe! They were correct, as limited attendance and social distancing and masks were the rule, so don’t be afraid to go if you are invited! And, if you are “distanced,” you may pull down your masks for photos.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden invites visitors to experience one of the most magical traditions in the Southwest-Holiday at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, which runs from November 7 to December 31. Two large-scale exhibits are featured: the classic 12 Days of Christmas depicting each day in the beloved carol with 25-foot tall elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos; and the return and expansion of The Pauline and Austin Neuhoff Christmas Village highlighting 14 old world European-style shops in a magical setting. New this year in The Christmas Village are a 23-foot-tall German-built authentic Christmas Pyramid that includes beautiful lighted motion on every level, an Edelweiss Haus for delicious food and drinks, a Chocolate Shop and a Toy Shop. According to Southern Living, Holiday at the Arboretum is one of “The South’s Best Holiday Experiences.”