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Wright's Words:Already Dreading 2019

The change of the calendar year for many marks a fresh start. A chance to right the w–rongs of the previous year. A chance to start off with a clean slate.

And, looking back at 2018 in general, we need a clean slate.

But, it already appears the slate is full at the moment, and more is about to be piled on.

Musings by Marilou:Eager for a New Year

The 2019 calendar begins my third year in Seminole and my second with the Sentinel. If the next 12 months are anything like 2018, I know I am in for an incredible ride.

Two Views: Texas Runs a Short Change Con on Schools, Local Governments

The following is not satire, however much we might wish it were. We are going to visit the ruinous state policies on property taxes that have left our schools struggling and now threaten local police and fire protection and other services.  The story could reach its end during the upcoming session of the Texas Legislature, which convenes in January. How it ends is up to us. Follow along, if you dare. In Texas, property taxes are used to fund schools, police and fire protection, local hospitals, roads, bridges, et cetera.

Thinking Out Loud:

When President Trump endorsed the First Step Act, a bipartisan effort to reduce the federal prison population and improve the lives of those already incarcerated, his goal was simple, if not entirely clear, as he spoke to a rally in Mississippi: "criminal justice, Texas style." "You think of Texas as a tough, law-and-order state," he said. "Well, they've done it. ‘We want people to have better opportunities and a better life. Tough on crime, but also smart on crime.’” Trump was not alone in his assessment.

Musings by Marilou:I Can Hardly Wait

Ilove everything about the Christmas holidays but today, December 26, is my day. My two oldest grandkids, a comedic preteen and a full-fledged opinionated and moody teenager, are flying in

You Can’t Fix School Finance Until You Agree on the Meaning of ‘Fix’

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other lawmakers have promised they will tackle “school finance” in the 2019 legislative session, but it’s already clear that not everyone is talking about the

Thinking Out Loud: Heroes, Villains and Mavericks

I don’t watch much TV. The idea of catching my favorite weekly serial is a notion that is long passed. That’s primarily because publishing deadlines that began, for me, way back

Woman in the Mirror: Battling the Blues

Elvis hit the nail on the head when he sang, “Blue Christmas.” Many people, me included, find themselves battling the blues during the holidays. Mine comes from the misbelief that

Wright Words: Merry Christmas

Before going off on a rant, I would like to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Yes, I said Merry Christmas. 

Not "Happy Holidays," or "Season's Greetings."

The birth of Jesus Christ is what we celebrate this time of year, and being a Christian with my 1st Amendment Rights within this publication and outside of these office walls, it will be "Merry Christmas" until my final breath.

Musings by Marilou: A Birthday, Christmas Rescue

When I left the Seminole Sentinel office on Friday, I swore I would not write another animal column for a while. 

Of course, I did not know at the time that our house would take on another family member over the weekend. 

A visit to the Lea County (New Mexico) Animal Adoption Center on Saturday resulted in a win-win situation. Another new toy was added to the pile of donations for needy children in Hobbs, N.M. and a sweet, skinny German Shepard, now named Nola, received a forever home.