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COUNTY LIFE

Halloween safety tips for motorist, parents, kids

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Parents should accompany small children as they go in search of treats during Halloween.
Staying safe can be tricky for children going through neighborhoods in search of treats, unless they stay aware of possible traffic dangers on the streets, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension expert.
“This time of year, the days are beginning to get shorter, and with shorter days comes more low-light and nighttime driving,” said Bev Kellner, AgriLife Extension passenger safety program manager, College Station.
Kellner said nighttime driving requires extra attention from both motorists and pedestrians.
More than 70 percent of all fatal pedestrian incidents occur in low light conditions, and nearly 50 percent of fatal bicycle crashes occur in low-light or dark conditions, according to NHTSA.
“There are also increased instances of drunken driving on Halloween,” she noted. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reporting 42 percent of those killed in traffic crashes on Halloween night from 2013 to 2017 died in crashes involving a drunk driver.”
Kellner said the large number of young pedestrians on the streets Halloween evening makes this an especially dangerous time, but motorists, parents and children can take some safety measures to make it less daunting.
Safety tips
for motorists
• Slowing down in neighborhoods and watching for children on roads, medians and curbs.
• Taking extra precautions when entering or exiting driveways.
• Being alert to children possibly darting out from between cars or behind bushes or shrubs.
• If attending a party where alcohol is to be served, designate a driver.
Tips for parents
• Having an adult accompany children at all times to supervise their activities.
• Reminding children to stop, look and listen before crossing streets.
• Taking a flashlight and having your child wear reflective strips or patches on their clothing or costume to be more visible.
• Be certain children’s masks do not impair their vision or hearing.
• Ensuring costumes do not impede the ability to walk or drive.
Tips for pedestrians
• Before crossing a street, stop at the curb or edge of the road and look left, right and then left again before crossing.
• Walk, don’t run, from house to house or across the street.
• Cross streets only at intersections and crosswalks, then obey any traffic signals and watch out for turning cars.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic.
“Many people are also choosing to have in-home Halloween parties for children or Halloween parties in schools or community centers in order to increase child safety,” Kellner said. “But if you’re doing Halloween the old-fashioned way by door-to-door trick or treating, taking some extra time and making sure everyone obeys the rules of the road and remains vigilant can make Halloween reasonably safe.”
Have fun and remember to be safe.

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COUNTY LIFE

Youth fair juggles schedule, but goes forward despite snow

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It has been quite a busy few days at the Montague County Youth Fair with schedule changes, juggling of events and trying to cope with the unexpected snow storm. However, the youth fair always rolls on thanks to the dedicated volunteers, coordinators, parents and students.

Friday the rabbit how starts at 10 a.m., with heifer and steer show at 2 p.m. Ag. mech. check-in at 6 p.m. with that show at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Swine will move into the barn later today with its show at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Saturday the home economics silent auction will start at 6 p.m. and run to 9 p.m. in the show barn. Showmanship buckles will be presented at 6 p.m. in the barn followed by leadership day awards. The premium sale is at 6:30 p.m. Make plans to come out and support these hard working kids and families.

See all the winners in the Thursday Bowie News.

Top photo – Poultry show photo taken by Rashonda Hobbs of Unfazed Creations, official photographer for the youth fair. Make sure and check out her photos.

Youngsters took part in the All Together Show, as 4-H, FFA, FCCLA and other fair youth walked with special needs youngsters into the show ring with their animals. (Photo by Jennifer Gaston)
Sheep show in the ring on Thursday. (Photo by Cynthia Hawkins)
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COUNTY LIFE

New school closures posted for Friday

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Prairie Valley ISD will be closed Friday

NCTC campuses closed Friday

Forestburg ISD closed Thursday and Friday for youth fair

Bellevue School will be closed Friday

We will update as they are posted or brought to our attention

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COUNTY LIFE

Tackling biscuits and dumplings; columnist says love, luck needed in any recipe

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When we were going through my grandmother’s house in Nocona after it sold, I found a few neat keepsakes, but the biggest treasure I thought I had found was her biscuit cutter. I was so excited to show my mother (her daughter) and just knew she would be happy it was found and would still be used after all this time.
My mother, however, had a different thought about my precious biscuit cutter. She said, “Suzanne, you know that biscuit cutter is just an old tomato paste can that has both ends cut out.”
I was still no less delighted with my cutter. I continue to use it today. My husband has bought me vintage, new and fancier cutters, but this cutter is something I go back to time and again.
My Memaw was recruited to be a lunch lady from 1952 to 1958 at Nocona Elementary, back when lunches were cooked, not “fixed.” Lenora Brown Burnett was an excellent cook and everyone knew it. She went on to work at the Nocona Major Clinic kitchen from 1958 to 1969.
You could only use shortcuts if you knew how to do it the long way. That is how I still approach cooking. You can only use a cake mix if you know how to make a cake with lots of ingredients, time and effort.

Read Suzanne’s Love & Luck column in the Thursday Bowie News on the On the Table page.

Top photo – Grandmother’s biscuit cutter and hand written recipes. (Photo by Suzanne Storey)

Suzanne Storey
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