The Archer Public Library will host a blood drive in partnership with Our Blood Institute on Wednesday, January 29th from 2 – 6 PM. Donating blood provides health and healing for local patients in need. As a thank you, each donor will receive a cozy sweater! Schedule your appointment at this link to give the gift of life: https:// www.yourbloodinstitute. org/donor/schedules/ drive_schedule/667058 Thank you to Jane Huffman for her donation in memory of Perry Wheeler and in memory of Louanne Martin. ************** “A girl comes of age against the knife.”

New Year Once Christmas has passed, the world looks to a new year. Many wonder what the new year will bring while planning their own ways of ringing in 2025.

The Sheriff’s Office received 411 calls for service these past two weeks. As this report is being written there are 27 inmates 6 being female in the Archer County Jail.

Many Christian Churches celebrate the Feast of Epiphany at this time of the year. It occurs every year on the 12th day of Christmas, on January 6th. Consequently, for many Christians, Christmas is a season and not merely a day and the Season does not end until Sunday January 13th. Epiphany celebrates the arrival of the Magi who followed the star, and who came from the East to pay homage to “the newborn King of the Jews.” The word Epiphany comes from 2 Greek words epi, “on” or “upon” and phaino “ to appear, to shine.” It is a feast of light. The word “Epiphany “also translates as “showing through” or “manifestation” or “revelation” or “disclosure.” Epiphany is about the manifestation of Jesus to the whole world as the Light of the world. The Magi who came to worship Jesus represent all the non-Jewish peoples. Jesus is being revealed as King and Savior of all peoples both Jewish and Gentile. The appearance of Jesus as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel fulfills Old Testament prophesies such as Isaiah 60:1-7 where the Lord inspires the prophet to (speak and) write “Arise, shine for your light has come” and “the Lord will arise upon you “ and “nations shall walk by your light and kings in the brightness of your rising.” Therefore Epiphany refers to the divinity of Jesus “shining upon” the earth. It is the manifestation of His divine nature.

The Archer Public Library will host a blood drive in partnership with Our Blood Institute on Wednesday, January 29th from 2 – 6 PM. Donating blood provides health and healing for local patients in need. As a thank you, each donor will receive a cozy sweater! Schedule your appointment at this link to give the gift of life: https:// www.yourbloodinstitute. org/donor/schedules/ drive_schedule/667058 Thank you to Judy Peden for her donation in memory of Jema Hollingsworth. ************** A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help her start anew.

Happy New Year. I hope this day finds you full of hope, peace, joy, and love, rather than worn out, haggard, and desperately trying to catch your breath.

The Archer Public Library will host a blood drive in partnership with Our Blood Institute on Friday, January 3rd from 2 – 6 PM. Donating blood provides health and healing for local patients in need. As a thank you, each donor will receive a cozy sweater! Schedule your appointment at this link to give the gift of life: https://www. yourbloodinstitute.org/ donor/schedules/drive_ schedule/665753 ************** Jason Dessen is walking home through the chilly Chicago streets one night, looking forward to a quiet evening in front of the fireplace with his wife, Daniela, and their son, Charlie— when his reality shatters.

The Archer Public Library will host a blood drive in partnership with Our Blood Institute on Friday, January 3rd from 2 – 6 PM. Donating blood provides health and healing for local patients in need. As a thank you, each donor will receive a cozy sweater! Schedule your appointment at this link to give the gift of life: https://www. yourbloodinstitute.org/ donor/schedules/drive_ schedule/665753 Thank you to Donna Haile for her donation in memory of Audrey Byrd Southard.

The Sheriff’s Office received 254 calls for service this past week. As this report is being written there are 29 inmates 6 being female in the Archer County Jail.

This is my favorite time of year, and I have always enjoyed the reality of a 'fresh start' in view of a new year. I like printing out new calendars, planning events, setting goals and praying about new possibilities in the days to come. As one year comes to an end and a new one begins, take full advantage of the season! There's a great passage that helps us do exactly that.