January seems like an unusual time to discuss drought, but managing for drought is best done long before the drought actually hits. While there is no foolproof plan, there are a couple of ways to prepare for it.

Many are buying young trees this time of year. They’re taken home, planted and watered. Then, concerned about our hot summers, owners’ thoughts turn to wrapping the trunk to prevent disease/pests, as well as protect the bark from overheating and damaging the tree, particularly with regard to hardwoods, and double especially with thin bark hardwoods. Despite the logic and literature suggesting such wrapping, this is not good advice.

(StatePoint) A frosty winter wonderland is fun to experience -- outside. Inside is another story. By keeping your home heating system running at peak performance, you’ll lower your winter utility bills and experience increased comfort.

A freshman from Pittsburg is the winner of the Dr. Alexander Villalobos Award. This $50 prize goes to a top essay in the non-honors division of NTCC concerning the history of health and medicine. Guerra’s essay was entitled “The Death of Death: The Revolution in Hygiene in the early Nineteenth Century.”

This week (January 10-15) in the library: Monday—Needlework 9:30 a.m. Friends of the Library 6 p.m.

The 26th Annual Hearts for Hospice Ball, a fundraiser benefitting Cypress Basin Hospice, will be held Feb. 5 from 6:30 p.m.

Bowie County I-30 – From FM 989 to AR State Line, reconstructing and widening highway, daytime work in median. Motorists should watch for trucks and equipment pulling onto the interstate SH 8 – At Sulphur River, replacing bridges SH 98 – At Anderson Creek, bridge replacement.

The Community Events Calendar is published as space permits. Events will also be published on our website.