Now_Staff_Writer


Staying Safe

RED OAK, TX — Twenty-seven years ago, Nathan Bickerstaff made a drastic career change, leaving his role as a pastor to become a police officer. His interest in law enforcement began during an encounter with a group of officers. “I tried to be involved and touch their lives, but a lot of them responded […]


A New York Finish

MIDLOTHIAN, TX — Not every couple celebrating their 10th anniversary takes the kids along. However, for Kasey Cheshier and his wife, Joy, it all made perfect sense. Kasey was reluctant at first, but Joy had a plan with a trump card. “I thought she was going to say she wanted to go to Disney World,” […]


Remember the Time

MANSFIELD, TX — Brent Candler and Bryan Atkinson haven’t always been runners. They each had their own ways to stay in shape, but running wasn’t high on their fitness list. So, why are these two friends now running through dangling live wires, jumping over fire and climbing up 12-foot walls? “It makes a good story. […]


The Big Picture

Granbury, TX — East Texas produced quite a few of Granbury’s movers and shakers, including Mark Weeks, theater arts teacher at Granbury High School. A nature-loving former Boy Scout, Mark grew up fishing and waterskiing in the alligator-ridden Neches River. He roamed Big Thicket Natural Preserve near Beaumont, digging caves in the sides of Boggy […]


Getting the Word Out

ENNIS, TX — When Darryl and Terri Willis moved to Ennis 17 years ago, Darryl had just accepted a position as senior minister of the local Church of Christ. He never imagined life would lead him to Eastern European Mission, a Dallas-based agency committed to the distribution of Bibles. Now, he serves as vice president, […]


Lives Lived Long Ago

CORSICANA, TX — A new, permanent exhibit is opening at the Cook Center. It has been the dream of several people who have worked tirelessly for the last four years to make the Robert S. Reading Collection: The Hunters and Gatherers of the Blackland Prairie a reality. A unique feature of this exhibit is the […]


Victory after Victory

BURLESON, TX — Call Rick Eubanks a product of prayer, and he’ll glow with gratitude. Now a 63-year-old youth minister at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Rick once was a 16-year-old rock-n-roll musician in Fort Worth, known in his community as “Sandra’s wayward brother.” But a new fellowship in Burleson called Crestmont Baptist Church was praying […]


Tortoise and Whale Tales

DUNCANVILLE, TX — Not many people have a natural habitat in their backyard, but John and Barbara Detmore do, complete with several tortoises that have made their home there for several decades. Their backyard, however, is a natural habitat for humans, as well — landscaped with some of Barbara’s favorite flowering plants, including some […]


A Game of Spirit

CORSICANA, TX — Winning games is the charge that coaches receive from schools — especially in Texas where sports are held dear, especially football. Navarro College has a history of success on the gridiron, but when Head Coach Brian Mayper came to Navarro College to lead the Bulldog football team two years ago, he brought […]


For the Love of Learning

ENNIS, TX — After 14 years of administrative experience, Dr. John E. Chapman III began his duties as superintendent of Ennis Independent School District last January. With awards like Superintendent of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Gifted and Talented Administrator of the Year, no one doubts he’s a great fit for the […]