Author: Debra Engstrom

Hitting Pause:

Hitting Pause:

How to Step Away from the Daily Grind By Carrie Dunlea If every day feels like a rerun of the one before—wake, work, repeat—you’re not alone. Stress is a near-universal experience. In fact, the American Institute of Stress reports that 80% of U.S. adults regularly 

Bring Bingo home!

Bring Bingo home!

Bingo has been waiting a long time for someone to see the special dog he truly is—and we think it’s finally his turn. At nearly 9 years old, this sweet, soulful pup is the longest-stay resident at the Collin County Animal Shelter. With his calm 

Letters from Audie

Letters from Audie

This month, the city of Farmersville will commemorate two historic milestones during its annual Audie Murphy Day celebration, set for June 20–21: the 100th birthday of Audie Murphy and the 80th anniversary of his heroic homecoming. In the summer of 1942, at just 17 years 

Underground Adventures

Underground Adventures

Cool escapes and kid-friendly fun in Texas caves By Carrie Dunlea When the summer sun scorches the Texas sky, savvy families know the best way to chill out is to head underground. Across the state, a network of natural limestone caves offers more than just 

Paradise Found

Paradise Found

Couple builds dream life—one step at a time—in the Virgin Islands By Sonia Duggan It started with a fundraiser and a cottage called Two Tickets to Paradise. The prize? A stay on the island of St. Thomas, hosted by a couple who had traded Texas 

Zoey needs you!

Zoey needs you!

Looking for a loyal, loving companion with a dash of playful charm? Meet Zoey, a beautiful 1-year-old Shepherd mix who’s ready to steal your heart! Full of smarts and silliness, Zoey already knows commands like “sit” and “shake,” and she loves making new canine friends. 

Gussie Nell Davis: A Legacy Set in Stone and Step

Gussie Nell Davis: A Legacy Set in Stone and Step

By Sonia Duggan On a warm spring afternoon in May, past and present Kilgore Rangerettes, members of the Flaming Flashes and their director, representatives from the Collin County Historical Society and community members gathered in downtown Farmersville to honor one of their own: Gussie Nell 

Collin County: A Frontier Legacy Forged in Independence and Innovation

Collin County: A Frontier Legacy Forged in Independence and Innovation

The story of Collin County begins with the man for whom both the county and its seat are named: Collin McKinney, a patriot, pioneer, and political figure whose life spanned from the American Revolution to the Civil War. Born on April 17, 1766, in New 

From Scratch

From Scratch

Do-It-Yourself Butter  Yield: 2 cups butter, plus 1¾ cups buttermilk Butter is such a staple ingredient in the kitchen, so why not learn how to make it yourself! Whether you have a dairy animal, buy from a local farmer or buy from the store, all 

Rebuilding Purpose:

Rebuilding Purpose:

Undaunted Warhorse Initiative Empowers Veterans with Housing, Hope By Sonia Duggan Bradley Tiegs spent years serving others—as a Marine, a teacher, and a coach—but it wasn’t until 2019, nearly two decades after his military service, that he learned asking for help could lead to a