Menus for week of Jan. 8-12 Monday: Chicken spaghetti, broccoli, salad, garlic bread, apple crisp.

The magic of fairy tales instills in us as children a world full of magic and possibilities. We can dream, learn, and be entertained all at the same time. Lessons in grit to keep moving forward to a happy ending. Villains who try to stop you and are mean are lessons in dealing with bullies. Problems that take many tries to figure out the best solution are lessons in never stop trying.

Please notify the News-Courier about your upcoming events. Emailed submissions to vcarter@hicks-co.com are preferred.

ANSON-This holiday season, Bluebonnet Detention Center (BDC) in Anson took the initiative to spread warmth and gratitude by giving back to the local community in multiple impactful ways. Thanksgiving Meal Donations: BDC proudly donated Thanksgiving meals to local families in need.

KNOX COUNTY - While the Hamas attack on Israel and the continuing war in Ukraine were the leading international stories, nationally the economy, inflation, the Chinese spy balloon, the Maui wildfires, mass shootings, the Kansas City Chiefs winning Super Bowl LVII in a close game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and the hottest temperatures on record were some of the top national news stories in 2023. The top local stories by month in Knox County were: JANUARY - The County Commissioners learned the refurbished county jail will be opening soon. “We can see the light at the end of the tunnel on this project now,” said County Judge Stan Wojcik. The Knox County Junior Livestock Show was well attended and named winners. Knox City Mayor Gene Ward swore in Deborah Berryman as the new City Secretary. In Munday, Leroy Torres was sworn in as city council member to finish the term of Billy Carden who recently resigned due to health. Munday City Judge Ida Jo Watson submitted her resignation and the city council began the search for a replacement. The Moguls Cheerleaders earned the State Spirit Championship. At the courthouse in Benjamin, County Clerk Lisa Cypert swore in returning County Judge Stan Wojcik, who in turn then swore in other county officials; Julie Bradley as County Treasurer, Bridger Bush as Sheriff, Kim Sealy as County Commissioner Pct. 2, Nathan Urbanczyk as Commissioner Pct. 4, and Lisa Cypert as County and District Clerk.

MUNDAY – Mark your calendarstoattendtheJunior Livestock Show and Project Fair events scheduled for Jan. 19 and 20 at the Munday Events Center (MEC).

Congratulations to our Houndette Volleyball Players who were named to the 2023 All-Big Country Preps Volleyball Teams that include players from all Abilene area teams, 1A-6A! #5 Krystabel Vasquez Max Effort Team: “The Max Effort team honors hustle, discipline, toughness, coachability and selflessness — traits that coaches wish every player had.” #6 Kinlee Eaton All-Big Country Preps 3rd Team #3 Grayson Utley All-Big Country Preps Honorable Mention.

KNOX COUNTY – Director Lynn Smith at Rolling Plains Groundwater Conservation District (RPGCD) announced the staff will be out measuring water levels in January and February. The process normally takes two or three weeks depending on the weather and road conditions. Water levels are measured annually in approximately 100 wells scattered across the District. Most of these wells can be accessed directly via county and farm roads. Staff may occasionally access a well on foot to avoid crop damage or in locations where the farm road is not passable. Staff are typically in a truck with District markings. The RPGCD works with water districts in Knox, Haskell, and Baylor counties, monitoring and working to maintain water levels in the primary aquifer in this area, the Seymour Aquifer.

Menus for week of Dec. 25-29 Monday: MERRY CHRISTMAS Tuesday: MERRY CHRISTMAS Wednesday: Beef ravioli with marinara, peas and carrots, salad, garlic bread, cake.

Please notify the News-Courier about your upcoming events. Emailed submissions to vcarter@hicks-co.com are preferred.