Local historian and author, Deborah Burkett, recently spoke to the Jacksonville Garden Club.

For over 90 years, the Chamber of Commerce has been the leading supporter for local businesses. This year will be a catalyst for many new things as we settle into our “new normal”.

After decorating the downtown square with lights, the Chamber invited others in Rusk to display their creative sides in the first Chamber sponsored Christmas decoration contest.

For many local children in need, this holiday season is going to be as magical as any other, thanks to the Jacksonville community's continued support of the annual Jacksonville Children's Christmas Tree program.

The First Baptist Church of Mixon invites the community to a fun celebration of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ’s birthday.

Santa Claus will tour the four districts of Jacksonville, one per day, Monday-Thursday, Dec. 14-16.

The Alto Food Pantry is requesting the public’s help in raising funds in order to purchase meat, staples and dairy to be distributed on their Produce Distribution Day scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 16,

The Hometown Christmas Experience, organized by the Rusk Chamber of Commerce, took place on the Square Saturday, Dec. 5, in the first of what the Chamber plans on developing as an annual event.

Woodland Heights Baptist Church, located at 273 E. Hwy 204 in Jacksonville, is undergoing major renovations.

The Caddo Mounds State Historic Site seeks volunteers to assist in giving Snake Woman’s Garden a winter cleanup from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.

If you’re gathering with loved ones and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday, it seems there’s always a homemade pie on the table. Take a closer look at the pie before cutting into it this year. Did the baker make slits in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape or did they use a “pie bird” similar to the one recently gifted to your Vanishing Texana Museum?

Youths ages 18 and younger are invited to register for financial literacy camps hosted by A Circle of Ten, Inc. - Network for Collaboration, with registration open through June 26, according to the organization.

Necole’s Learning Academy had a great Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting today! The small school offers nurse's aide, CPR and phlebotomy classes. Necole also gives advice to anyone seeking information regarding nursing school. The academy is located at 1738 S. Jackson St. and can be reached at…

When I first heard a couple of weeks ago that the former TV show "Roseanne" is being revived for at least eight episodes, I was thrilled!

QUESTION: I keep reading articles about functional strength training and the importance of doing full-body, multi-joint movements to maximize results. If this is the latest trend, does it mean that I should stop using the machines at my club?

Cherokee County was well represented in the Photography Contest at the 4-H District Roundup held in April 2017 at Stephen F. Austin University.

Jacksonville now has a new stop for overnight visitors with the recent opening of the new Motel 6 Jacksonville location at the site of the old Trade Winds Motel.

Question: With it being American Heart Month, I’m curious what dietary changes I should make in order to stave off heart disease? Just trying to be proactive rather than reactive!

Embarrassingly enough, I do not see enough movies.

Question: I’m looking to learn a bit more about nutrition, but with so many books on the store shelves, how do I know which one is the right one?

Staring at the screen on my laptop, I waited.

Question: I keep hearing about the Mediterranean diet. Good, bad, or indifferent?

Question: A friend of mine eats 5-6 smaller meals each day and keeps telling me that I should be doing the same. Are there actually any benefits to doing this, especially if 3 meals per day are satisfying?

DALLAS – Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX), the largest organization shaping young female leaders in North Texas, is preparing to kick off its 2017 Cookie Season starting Jan. 13 through Feb. 26.

The year 2016 should be known as “The Year That Took No Prisoners.”

On Monday night, I watched “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”

Question: What do you think about meal delivery systems like Blue Apron, Home Chef, and HelloFresh? Are they worthwhile if weight loss is my primary focus?

TYLER – CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic - Jacksonville welcomed new provider Pamela Mackay, FNP, to serve the patients of their growing community practice this December.

Question: With the weather getting colder and flu season almost upon us, can you provide a little refresher on working out when you’re sick?

We've seen him as a cowboy, a war hero, a lover, a fighter and (of course) a spartan, but now legendary actor Kirk Douglas can add centenarian to his list of titles.

Question: If I get sick, will loading up on Vitamin C help me get better sooner?

Austin Bank recently honored employees for their outstanding work and years of service with the company. They were recognized at the Bank’s 2016 Service Award Luncheon held December 6 at Willow Brook Country Club in Tyler.

It’s hard to believe that December is already upon us.

Question: I would do almost anything to get a nice 6-pack. Can you give me some tips and hints?

I recently took a trip. It was a short trip, and I didn’t have to pack a bag for it. But I traveled so far, I could see worlds I once knew and new places I had always dreamed of going.