Only a few more days to buy that box of candy or flowers for your loved ones for Valentine Day. A reminder that there is a ban against bus students bringing balloons or flowers on the bus on Feb. 13. I assume that this could be a distraction for bus drivers, so remember this new rule.

Now the good news. No school on Feb. 16 due to February being the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, so enjoy the day off, students and teachers.

Speaking of Valentine Day, First Methodist is having a Parents' Night Out for parents wanting a nice evening out. The children will be fed, playing games, crafts, etc. at the Fellowship Building on Church Street all for $10 per family. Call Becky at the church to make reservations. Good deal for parents and the children.

Congratulations to Teachers of the Year, Tanya Howard at Smithville Elementary, Kindergarten; Jennifer Griffith, Northside, third grade; Lori Pryor, DeKalb West, third grade; Tad Webb, DeKalb Middle, Math; Sonja House, DCHS, ninth grade English and theater-arts for 10th-12th. More activities are planned later in their honor.

Speaking of teachers, I admire the teachers out in the cold and rain working the drop-off and pick-up lines at the elementary schools. Glad to see that some have hats or scarves on their heads. They must know that 80 percent of the body heat is lost through the head.

Sympathy to the family of Lt. Col. Glen Nichols. I worked with him at the Model Cities program. Wasn't hard to figure out who was in command.

Get Well Wishes to: Bertha McBride, who fell and broke her right wrist; Lewis Conklin, Betty Bailiff, Bob Pettis, Linda Judkins, Alice Foster, Hilda Meyers, Lillie Grace Anderson and Mary Snow.

Scout Sunday was observed in most churches last Sunday. At First Methodist, Troop 347, with the assistance of Dr. Will Sherwood (scout master) and assistants David Robinson and Doug Stephens assisted during the morning worship service.

This troop meets at the Rotary Building, in the basement. Jen Sherwood conducted the children's message, and talked about what was needed in their backpacks if they go camping.

I had family visitors from Nashville last week. They were my Uncle Jewel Lockhart and his son, Larry Lockhart.

Uncle Jewel (age 95-a veteran) is my only living uncle left.

Thought of the Week: What is marriage? It is nature's way of keeping people from fighting with strangers! Duh! Also marriage is like a phone call-you get a ring and then you wake up! Duh again!

Amen???