Local News and Events

Let’s Say THANK YOU to Our Law Enforcement Officers Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. I can’t pretend to know what it is like to be on the front lines…willing and prepared to put my life in jeopardy to save and serve my community. I can tell you what it’s like to be a relative of several law enforcement officers. You say a prayer every day they go to work, asking for them to return home safely. When the news reports that an officer has been injured, or worse, you say another prayer.  And when you see others throw bricks at them for no reason other than they were paid to do so, you want to step in and fight for them. The 2025 stats… 111 federal, state, county, municipal, and U.S. Territories officers died in the line of duty in 2025, representing a 25% decrease compared... 01/09/2026

Shifting markets don’t scare experienced agents — they reward smart strategy. Here’s what I’m seeing in Nixa right now:✅ Homes aren’t flying off the shelf like they did — buyers are taking time and comparing options.✅ Pricing has to be precise — “just test the market” usually costs you later.✅ Condition matters more — clean, staged, move-in-ready homes stand out fast.✅ Negotiation is back — closing costs, repairs, and rate buydowns are on the table again.Bottom line: This isn’t a bad market — it’s a skill market. The best-prepped sellers win, and buyers finally have breathing room.📩 Message me if you want a quick, no-pressure pricing check for your Nixa home.Photo AI generated 01/08/2026

Montgomery County Pet Food PantryPets shouldn’t go hungry. If you need pet food or supplies, @MCASAC  is hosting Pet Food Pantry distributions coming up on Jan. 10 and Jan. 14, in partnership with MCPAW. https://ow.ly/Nyiy50XTbeFThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Chrysanthemum, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 6736Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 01/09/2026

Before the Boardroom: How Avon Ladies and Female Real Estate Agents Redefined Business Earlier today, Lise Howe posted about S&H Stamps which were something I totally remember when growing up in the 1950's. That got me to thinking about another thing I totally remember growing up in the 1950's:  The Avon Lady and the "Ding Dong, Avon Calling" commercial. Avon celebrates 140 years of empowering women in 2026 — not just through beauty, but through opportunity. Founded in 1886, Avon was a disruptor from the start. At a time when women had few opportunities to work outside the home, Avon offered them a chance to earn their own income by selling products to their friends and neighbors. No doubt Avon was the precursor to other similar business models for well-known companies like Tupperware, ... 01/08/2026

Journal Entry for 1/8/2026 Public Safety Announcement from Local Police Departments Significant road closures today, January 8, 2026, for a T.V. production, possibly related to big projects linked to Taylor Sheridan (creator of Yellowstone). Production was cancelled in December to resume filming early January 2026. Drivers need to avoid SH 121 Business near FM 3040 (Flower Mound Road). Due to stunts, driving maneuvers, simulated crash and off-road driving, the closures will affect both directions of SH-121 Business between Forestbrook Drive to the north and Vista Ridge Mall Drive to the south, officials said. Traffic on Round Grove Road and Denton Tap Road will also be impacted. City officials said detour routes will be clearly marked during the closure. There will be heavy police prese... 01/08/2026

Auburn University Football Schedule 2026: Get Ready for Game Day!The Auburn University Football Schedule 2026 is here, and fans are already getting fired up for another unforgettable season on The Plains! Whether you’re tailgating outside Jordan-Hare Stadium, road-tripping to an away game, or just planning your Saturdays around kickoff, it’s shaping up to be a fall packed with SEC showdowns and orange-and-blue pride.So, Auburn fans — are you ready for game day?  2026 Auburn Tigers Football Schedule Date Opponent Location Venue Sep 5 Baylor (Aflac Kickoff Game) Atlanta, GA Mercedes-Benz Stadium Sep 12 Southern Miss Auburn, AL Jordan-Hare Stadium Sep 19 Florida Auburn, AL Jordan-Hare Stadium Sep 26 Vanderbilt Auburn, AL Jordan-Hare Stadium Oct 3 @ Tennessee Knoxville, TN Neyland Stadium O... 01/08/2026

📬 Make It Memorable: Welcome Packet Ideas That Truly WowBy Charles Stallions — Pensacola, Pace & Gulf Breeze’s Trusted Real Estate BrokerBuying a home isn’t just a transaction — it’s the start of a brand‑new chapter. As a trusted real estate broker along the Gulf Coast, my goal is to make sure every buyer feels supported, celebrated, and at home from the very first day.One of the most meaningful ways I do that is through a personalized, branded welcome packet. Each packet is thoughtfully crafted to reflect your new neighborhood and the level of care I bring to every client relationship. Inside, you’ll find.:•     🗺️ A custom neighborhood map featuring parks, schools, local favorites, and hidden gems•     📞 A handpicked list of reliable service providers — from electricians to pet groome... 01/16/2026

We are going to explore the four country clubs between the 6’s.  If you aren’t familiar with the term between the 6’s is from County Road 466 and 466a, the Lake Sumter area.  We are starting with Cane Garden Country Club which is in the middle of the 6’s.  Great place, love the view while having drinks or dining on the patio.  Here is their website: www.CaneGardenTheVillages.comHow about we start with breakfast, everyday from 9:00 until 11:00 they serve breakfast.  They have a great breakfast menu which you can view online.  Next lunch which I have had there a few times, you might want to try the pizza!  How about specials?  They have daily dinner specials along with “Burger Bar Monday” and “Rueben Saturdays” from 11:00 to 4:00 featuring nine different Reubens to choose from.There is a ... 01/08/2026

Montgomery County Food Recovery NetworkMontgomery County is expanding its Food Recovery Network to reduce waste and get more fresh food to neighbors in need. New funding and partnerships will help rescue millions of pounds of surplus food while advancing our climate goals. https://ow.ly/Yofl50XSH1kThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Hibiscus, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 8335Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 01/13/2026

Montgomery County Mobile Health ClinicThis time of year can be tough, and you don’t have to go through it alone.The Mobile Health Clinic offers free, walk-in mental health services for Montgomery County residents, no insurance required. https://ow.ly/iR1X50XSqRfThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Rose, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 8331Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 01/12/2026

January is shaping up to be an exciting month in Montgomery, packed with events for every age and interest. From lively broomball games on the ice to creative dance conventions, family-friendly outings, and unique live concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out these must-attend events happening throughout January 2026 and start planning your calendar!Wednesday Night Broomball📅 January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026🕒 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM📍 Montgomery Whitewater Outdoor Ice Rink, 2650 Bell Road, Montgomery❄️ Pickup-style broomball games — fun, social sport.🔗 More infoBell Road Family YMCA Parents Night Out📅 January 9, 2026🕒 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM📍 Bell Road Family YMCA, Montgomery, AL👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly evening for kids with activities while parents take a break.🔗 More infoTwo Day Amateu... 01/07/2026

The stock show is in town soon, and many are thinking they need some new cowboy boots.    There are a few shops that custom-design cowboy boots, and would you know, they take up to a year to create?    You won't be able to order and get them to walk about this year's stock show.  Sure, you can go into a Western shop and buy some off the shelf, but not have custom boots made for you.  Custom boots can cost from $5,000 to $10,000 for exotic leathers (like alligator, ostrich or elephant).   These boots will feature intricate, hand-stitched designs.   Basic designs start around $500-$1,000.   Prices will vary depending on material, complexity and the bootmaker's reputation.The National Western Stock Show in Denver is one of the highest attended in the Country.    Events begin January 10th t... 01/08/2026

With new businesses coming to Ozark, including the new ALDI's, new drive-thru coffee options, and a New York-based manufacturer company, plus ongoing momentum for the Ozark Marketplace, Ozark Mo is booming.When businesses invest, it usually means jobs, convenience, and long-term growth—all things that can support a healthy local housing market.Thinking about a move in Ozark? Message me and I’ll share what I’m seeing right now in local home values and buyer demand.Photo AI generated 01/07/2026

Some cities have some strict rules on how and where you can recycle your Christmas trees - so here are some cities below with instructions -  Denver Residents  Your Christmas tree gave you so much joy during the holidays, now give it a second life and recyle it with Denver Treecycle  program.   Remove all decorations, lights, and the tree stand from your tree. Only natural, real trees will be accepted.  No artificial or flocked trees. Step 2.  Bring your tree to one of our locations below: WEEKDAY DROP SITES: Jan. 3 – Jan. 31* The following Treecycle locations will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cherry Creek Transfer Station – 7301 E. Jewell Ave. (enter on E. Jewell Ave.)Havana Nursery – 10450 Smith Rd. (enter on Smith Road)Central Platte Campus – 1271 W. Bayaud Ave. (next to t... 01/08/2026

 Got Old Tech? Don't Trash It!Recycle Your Electronics By Donating To Goodwill At Ballantyne's Tech Drive On Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 you can  recycle used (and new) electronics with Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont and the Dell Reconnect program from 10:00 AM till 12:00 PM at 15810 Ballantyne Medical Place at Brixham Park. Through Goodwill’s Dell Reconnect partnership, your electronics will be responsibly cleared and recycled. This is a free event. Did you know that electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste problem in the world? Did you know that you can donate your used electronics to Goodwill, whether or not they work? In partnership with Dell Reconnect, Goodwill will refurbish your donated electronics to sell at their tech store, the GRID: Powered by Goodwill. I... 01/07/2026

Free Christmas Tree Recycling in Carlsbad Until January 16, 2026 Now that Christmas is behind us some people have already taken down the holiday tree. Others are still waiting. In case you weren’t aware, the City of Carlsbad offers free, curbside pickup of Christmas trees for Carlsbad residents through January 16th. Christmas Tree curbside pickup is on your regular trash pick-up day. Christmas trees should be placed next to the green compost bin at curbside. Be sure to remove all decorations, lights, tinsel and tree stands before recycling. If possible cut the tree and place it in the Green Waste recycling bin for pick-up.   If the tree is taller than 6 feet it should be cut in half and placed next to the Green Waste bin. NOTE: Flocked Trees and those with fire retardant cannot be recyc... 01/06/2026

Beyond the Slopes: Winter Magic for Non-SkiersYou bought a cabin but don't ski? Here’s how to love Big Bear in January.It’s a common scenario: you fell in love with a charming cabin in Big Bear Lake. Perhaps it was the crisp mountain air, the stunning lake views, or the promise of cozy evenings by a roaring fire. You bought the dream… but then winter arrived, and you realized a small detail: you don't actually ski or snowboard!Don't worry, you are far from alone! While Big Bear is undeniably a haven for snow sports enthusiasts, my 25 years in this market have taught me that its winter magic extends far beyond the slopes. In fact, some of the most cherished Big Bear memories are made off the mountain, exploring the unique charm and serene beauty of our snowy wonderland.If you’ve purchase... 01/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 6, 2026 www.texasattorneygeneral.gov PRESS OFFICE: (512) 463-2050 Communications@oag.texas.gov   Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Major Win by Stopping Samsung from Using its Smart TVs to Illegally Spy on Texans    AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a major victory against Samsung, halting the company’s use of technologythat allowed it to spy on Texans in their own homes.    Samsung is one of the five major TV companies that was found to have been collecting personal user data through Automated Content Recognition (“ACR”) technology. This technology captured screenshots of its TVs every 500 milliseconds without the knowledge and consent of consumers, flagrantly violating Texas law.    The Temporary Restraining Order (“TRO”) secured by Attorney... 01/06/2026

Bouncing around The Villages, Florida and sharing restaurants brings us to 466a on the west side of The Villages.  Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria located in the Pinellas Plaza is our next stop.  Personally, I have dined there and tried their “Tour of Italy Combo Platter” which is Lasagna, Eggplant, Meatball, and Fettucine Alfredo.  You better come hungry as I ended up taking half of it home and had two days’ worth of lunches. Looking at the menu they have a wide variety of Italian dishes include some of my favorite baked pasta!  Chicken, veal, seafood, and plenty of pasta choices!  They offer plenty of choices of pizza including Gluten Free along with Calzone and Stromboli.  They offer carry out and delivery using Grub Hub, pick up a bottle of red wine and enjoy a meal at home, now tha... 01/14/2026

Tierra Del Sol Country Club has a lot going for it, 18 holes of championship golf, dining both indoors and outdoors, shopping at the pro shop, an adult pool open to Villagers and a theatre.  This is a great meeting place for me when people are thinking they want north of 466.  On a nice day sit out “Live Under the Palms” have a beverage, conversation and Wednesday and Thursdays from 3 to 5 live entertainment.  Back to the restaurant, seems I am there for lunch and enjoy the lunch menu, plenty of choices for dinner as well!  Check out their website for menus and entertainment: www.TierraDelSolTheVillages.comTHE STUDIO THEATRE™ TIERRA DEL SOLTierra del Sol was once a Country Club where live performances accompanied fine dining and sweeping golf course views. In time, this beloved space wa... 01/06/2026