Bethany Eggers, MA, LPC-MH Winter is a season that brings chilly temperatures, shorter days, and a change in mood for many people. As the days get shorter and darkness sets in earlier, some individuals find themselves feeling down and lacking energy.

Ever on the forefront of programming variety, the Gregory Public Library is now promoting a new initiative that actually takes participants out of the library and into the great outdoors. “1000 Hours Outside is the global platform for those who wish to reclaim childhood, reconnect families, and live a fuller life,” according to the organization’s website.

The long-awaited 2023 Farm Bill is delayed. Some in Congress say it may get done, or at least get started by this spring, but others say it’s most likely to be held up until after the November election, meaning it would be completed during the lame duck session.

Jim Frank, manager of Silver Threads Assisted Living, announced Friday, January 26, that effective Monday, January 29, he will be the administrator with his wife Dulce as assistant administrator. This change will be in effect until they hire a new administrator.

Natalie Smith earned a $500 scholarship that will be paid to her school of choice. LifeServe awards up to $500 in scholarship funds to students who organize a successful blood drive during the summer (Memorial Day - Labor Day) or winter (December and January) scholarship periods. To be eligible for the scholarship award, students must recruit donors, act as the chairperson for the blood drive, and register 25 donors ($250 awarded) or 40 donors ($500 awarded). Individual scholarships are offered to any student seeking or currently achieving a higher level of education.

Harlan (Butch) Smizer retired from the United States Post Office on December 1, 2023, after 48 years of government service—44 as a mail carrier and four years in the United States Navy. Smizer graduated from Burke High School in 1974.