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Shop smart, spend less

Shop smart, spend less

Simple strategies for navigating the holiday shopping season By Carrie Dunlea The Thanksgiving leftovers may barely be packed away before another holiday tradition begins: shopping. From Black Friday bargains to Small Business Saturday finds and Cyber Monday deals,...

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The turn of a phrase

The turn of a phrase

Columnist John Moore's mom always made the same dessert in the same bowl. The proof was in the pudding. Photo Mary Moore By John Moore | TheCountryWriter.com Early in life, I learned that adults had their own language. They spoke English, but it was interspersed with...

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Diane Reid Ballard

Diane Reid Ballard

Diane Reid Ballard passed away on September 5, 2026, at the age of 79 in Tyler, Texas. She was born in Jacksonville, TX, to Floyd and Ruby Merle Reid. She was married first to Donald W. Cox for 16 years, then later married Larry G. Ballard on June 6, 1986. They...

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Scouting for opportunities

Scouting for opportunities

Columnist John Moore still has a couple of things from his days in the Cub Scouts. A Scouting knife and many memories. Photo John Moore By John Moore | TheCountryWriter.com Scouting was once as common for kids as Cap’n Crunch and Post Toasties. Learning how to tie...

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City to vote on proposed budget, tax rate

City to vote on proposed budget, tax rate

Farmersville’s 2026-27 budget process is nearing its conclusion, with the City Council scheduled to hear public comment and vote on the proposed budget and property tax rate Sept. 8. Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chambers at Farmersville City...

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Mom knew

Mom knew

By John Moore | TheCountryWriter.com Moms used to be more versatile. If you were in the back seat of the Buick, they could discipline you from the driver's seat and never swerve or knock the ashes off their Marlboro Red. My mom never smoked, so it’s possible...

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Better shop around

Better shop around

The first man cave columnist John Moore experienced was his grandfather's blacksmith shop. Today, John has his own man cave. Photo: John Moore By John Moore | TheCountryWriter.com In the North, dads have basements. In the South, they have shops. Both...

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