Columnists

When parents and educators think about youth and the qualities they would like to see them develop, words like “strong morals,” “values” and “empathy” come to mind. It is easy to know the behavior you want to...... Full story

While promoting her role in the new Lars von Trier film, Melancholia, Kirsten Dunst recently revealed that she has experienced depression. In the film, Dunst plays the role of a woman named Justine who suffers severe mental illness. Dunst’s...... Full story

McAllen — Growing Sustainably: The Future of Food sums up this year’s theme for the annual Sustainable Ag Conference, Feb. 10 and 11 at the Marriott Casa de Palmas Hotel, 101 N. Main St. in McAllen. It is sponsored, in part, by Texas...... Full story

Hidalgo County 4-Hers know a thing or two about making smart decisions when it comes to shopping. They made a great showing at the district Consumer Decision Making Contest on Sunday at the Kleberg-Kenedy County Fair in Kingsville. The...... Full story

  Throughout life you will have to deal with many difficult and disappointing moments. There are those who, when faced with adversity, waste their time asking, “Why me?” I learned from my mother, who faced her cancer diagnoses...... Full story

SAN JUAN — Now that the dreaded citrus greening disease has been confirmed in South Texas, what should citrus tree owners do? In a nutshell, it depends, but the overall message is to get informed, according to industry leaders and citrus...... Full story

Parents are often quick to point out all the things their children do wrong, but they don’t take the time to encourage their child’s positive behavior. A simple “thank you” or a pat on the back for doing something right can...... Full story

WESLACO – Years of proactive efforts to protect the Texas citrus industry should fend off the ill effects of the recent finding of citrus greening disease, according to industry leaders and citrus experts. “It had always been a matter...... Full story

Better Living for Texans is a program for adults and children who want to learn how to eat well and save money. Participants learn how to choose foods that are inexpensive and delicious; how to make their food budget last through the month; how to...... Full story

McALLEN — Technological developments have helped us connect in a way that no other generation has ever experienced. We can communicate with our family and friends at any time and almost anywhere simply by picking up our cellphones, or through...... Full story

SAN BENITO – The Texas Master Gardener Volunteer program in Cameron County kicks off its 14th year this month with weekly — instead of monthly — classes, Texas AgriLife Extension Service officials said. “We went to weekly...... Full story

Hollywood is always looking for a script based on real people who triumph over adversity. These are the movies that inspire and motivate and are referred to as “feel good” movies. Blind Side and Glory Road come to mind. Hollywood...... Full story

If I had known when I was raising my sons what I know now, would I have worried less? Maybe a little less, but when you have children, it’s impossible not to worry — even when you know in your heart that things will eventually work out....... Full story

MERCEDES — The 18th annual Cotton and Grain Pre-plant Conference will be held Jan. 18 at the Events Center of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds, 898 N. Texas Ave., in Mercedes. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and presentations begin...... Full story

I often joke that if I could make a living out of it, I would become a professional student. My parents instilled in me a love for learning and an appreciation for knowledge. Working for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service is a great place for...... Full story