Dear Editor Living in DeWitt County certainly has its pluses. Not only are the neighbors and friends the best, but the services from the area are also.

and honest dealings, it was heartening to see the warm reception we received. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, in partnership with the Goliad Chamber of Commerce, wasn’t merely a formality — it felt like a heartfelt embrace from the community.

Colorado State University researchers are calling this year’s hurricane season forecast “the most aggressive” ever, the Texas Standard reported. They say there is a 54% chance a hurricane will strike the Texas coast, and a 25% chance it will be major.

State agencies and regulators were heavily criticized at a Texas legislative hearing for failing to communicate during the deadly Panhandle wildfires, the Texas Tribune reported. The three-day hearing, held in Pampa, investigated the Smokehouse Creek fire and others that burned more than a million acres, destroyed hundreds of homes, killed up to 10,000 cattle and resulted in two deaths.

One economist is calling it “the most profitable 22 minutes in Texas history,” according to the Texas Standard. The total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8 is expected to draw up to a million visitors to the Lone Star State, especially in its narrow path of totality.

GOD first...Heavenly Father, we thank You for the many painted fields and valleys that are full of blooming plants and flowers. Those of us that can see Thy Works of Beauty, are fortunate to be able to see such beauty all around us. Hallelujah! Christ has risen in this beauty of beauties only to show us the miracle of Your Amazing Grace to all who believe. As we give joy to those around us, help us to share this magic for all to see. We pray in His name. Amen.

You might not have thought much about beneficiary designations — but they can play a big role in your estate planning. When you purchase insurance policies and open investment accounts, such as your IRA, you’ll be asked to name a beneficiary, and, in some cases, more than one.

The on-again, offagain state immigration law is once more on hold while the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals considers its constitutionality. Senate Bill 4 would allow state and local law enforcement officials to arrest and deport people suspected of entering the state illegally from Mexico, the Austin American- Statesman reported. The U.S. Supreme Court last Tuesday removed a temporary hold on the law, which allowed it to take effect for several hours before the 5th Circuit court again stopped SB4 from being enforced while it considers its constitutionality.

Recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that six of the 10 fastest- growing counties in the United States from 2022 to 2023 were in Texas. According to the Texas Tribune, Kaufman County, just east of Dallas, led the list with a 7.6% increase in new residents that brought its population to more than 185,000. Census data shows that Rockwall and Liberty counties closed out the top three, with growth rates of 6.5% and 5.7%, respectively.

GOD first....Heavenly Father, through out our lives we are constantly rushing in all sorts of directions and seldom taking time to attend to the matters that are the most important. Inside each of us, a spirit is given to us through Your Amazing Grace from Your Holy Spirit. Calm the spirit within us to slow down and give thanks for all the blessings we receive. Help us with strength and faith to be witness to Your Almighty Spirit in all we do. We ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.