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Lifestyle

Home for the Holidays... or Not

The holiday season is saturated with television commercials focusing on families joyfully sharing Christmas traditions.  A famous Norman Rockwell painting may even come to mind; the one where a thankful family comes together, without an empty seat at the table, to feast on a lavish holiday meal. 

For some families whose children are currently serving in the military, however, holidays are not always as joyous. Those who can spend even part of Thanksgiving or Christmas with their offspring consider themselves blessed.

The Gift of Giving Back

For the better part of two decades, students who have made their way through the Seminole High School campus' SkillsUSA Auto Technology program have made an impact in the lives of hundreds of Gaines County at-need youth.
Working in conjunction with the Seminole Optimist Club's annual "Give a Child a Smile" Christmas program, members of the SHS organization have led the charge on providing at-need children 12-years of age and younger with a repaired bicycle.

Stay Food Safe Over the Holidays

There is one thing better than a huge Christmas dinner with all the trimming and that’s leftovers.While time can enhance the flavor of many dishes, it can also cause some foods to spoil.  It’s important to know how to refrigerate leftovers properly so that they can be enjoyed after the relatives leave.

According to foodsafety.gov. leftover planning actually starts right after Christmas dinner. “Cut the turkey off the bone and refrigerate it as soon as you can, within two hours of the turkey coming out of the oven. 

2nd Annual Community Dinner Slated for Christmas Day

On Christmas Day, Crossroads Church in Seminole will present their Second annual Community Christmas Dinner and deacon Freddy Jones hopes that the event is something that will expand every year.  Last year over 250 area residents feasted on the free traditional Christmas served by local volunteers. 

Battling Temptations

(Editor's Note: This story contains the interviews of several local residents who wished to not be publicly identified. Their names have been changed.)

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Many people look forward to the holidays even though expectations often fall short. However, most still manage to enjoy the season and make it through without serious disappointments or struggles.  

Unfortunately, according to Majure Savell, a leader with Celebrate Recovery, that does not hold true for everyone. He said that the months of December and January are difficult for people who battle addictions. 

The Grief of Drinking and Driving

On the night of Nov. 13, 2017, Tahoka residents Terry and Lanae Gwin traveled to Midland to visit a friend in the hospital who was battling cancer.  

They ate a quick bite at Sonic and when they returned home, Terry made a few phone calls to friends and family. 

When he left for work the next morning, Terry told his wife: “Make lots of tacos for Mimi's birthday party tonight.  I love your tacos and I love you.” 

That was the last time Lanae spoke with her 42-year-old husband Terry.  

Seminole HS' 'Chief' to Perform Again at Citrus Bowl

For those who don’t know, Seminole High School’s “Chief” is actually senior Carson Early.  For the past two years, Carson has served as the school’s mascot and will, once again, represent both SHS and Seminole as an All-American Mascot at the upcoming 2019 Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. on New Year’s Day.

Carson, the daughter of Gary and Mindy Early, will head to Orlando on Dec. 27 and, along with her family, will visit the Disney World parks during her trip. 

Seminole HS Sophomore to Participate in London New Year’s Day Parade

Seminole Varsity Cheerleader Madyson Carter has been selected to perform in the New Year’s Day paradeinLondon,England.The daughter of Angelica and Justin Plato, Madyson is excited about experiencing the sites and sounds of a city she has only visited in her dreams. This will be her first trip to London.

Honor Among Thieves

As the Honorable Judge Carter Tinsley Schildnecht sat in her chambers for the last time outside of Seminole's 106th Judicial District Court last Thursday, reflecting upon her 17-year career on the bench, it was not the words of Thurgood Marshall or Antonin Scalia that came to mind. It was the inimitable Dr. Suess.

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”

Though she admits that, on that final drive from Lamesa to Seminole for Thursday's non-jury criminal trial, the tears came easily.

"But," she offers, "it's been a good ride. I have loved it."

Seminole HS Sophomore to Participate in London New Year's Parade

Seminole Varsity Cheerleader Madyson Carter has been selected to perform in the New Year’s Day parade in London, England. The daughter of Angelica and Justin Plato, Madyson is excited about experiencing the sites and sounds of a city she has only visited in her dreams. This will be her first trip to London.

According to Varsity Spirit, Madyson will be one of 800 high school cheerleaders from across the county who will be representing the organization in the London New Year’s Day parade.