Local

American Legion Post 288 hosted the 6th District Oratorical Scholarship contest on Saturday, Jan 9th. The event was held at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Mexia. The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program “A Constitutional Speech Contest” is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States among high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, rights, and privileges of American citizenship. Contests are held at the post, district, division, state, and national level, with scholarship funds awarded at each level of competition. The 6th District winner is Trevor Tobey, from Midlothian Post 388. Pictured are 6th District Commander Steve Kim, Post 288 Commander Russ Foster, Amanda Burkeen, Trevor Tobey, and 6th District Oratorical Chairman Daniel Burkeen.

How many times in your life have you needed a helping hand? Whether it was someone teaching you to ride a bicycle, or steadying the ladder while you climbed up to change a light, or even holding a door open when your hands were full, it was nice to have the help.

(Washington, D.C., January 15, 2021) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) between Jan. 19 and Feb. 26. Some of these changes are being made to align with the recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 while others are discretionary changes being made in response to ongoing evaluation of CFAP.