Now_Staff_Writer


Their Roots Run Deep

ENNIS, TX — The year was 1902. The three Czech provinces: Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia were ruled by the Austrian Empire. The Czech people were subjects of the Austrian Regime — which meant working very hard, while having no freedoms. Alois and Anna Vaculka Marusak were proud Moravians living in Provodov, Moravia. But they desired […]


A Match of Faith

CORSICANA, TX — A one-time tennis star still lights up local courts and the lives of those who witness his prowess and personality. Cecil Easley, 44, has the same passion he had for the sport when he was in his 20s and won state and national championships. He has all the skills, energy and dedication […]


Seeing Double

BURLESON, TX — Veterans’ Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, marks the anniversary of the end of World War I. It is a day set aside by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 to honor armed service veterans. Cameron and Camden Lewis, 13-year-old twins, have long known the significance of this day celebrated on […]


Into the World

WEATHERFORD, TX — From a booth at a local taco shop, Tim Jarrell writes his sermons. He watches the customers and thinks, What would I have to say to get him or her to think twice about something? This ability to understand other people’s points of view helps him pastor Couts United Methodist Church. He […]


All Things of Life

WAXAHACHIE, TX — What brought Chautauqua to Ellis County? The Texas Synod of the Cumberland Presbyterian (C.P.) Church made the decision to move their Chautauqua Summer Assembly from Glen Rose, Texas, for the 1900 Assembly. “Glen Rose failed after two years. People couldn’t get there,” Kirk explained. “In 1899, the bid for a new host […]


Hope from a Bread Truck

DESOTO, TX — Imagine a scene between two people just meeting, sharing stories about their lives, speaking about their mutual passion for helping the homeless and their dreams of someday opening a shelter and making a real difference in the world. Now imagine those two as unemployed 50-somethings in line for a polygraph test at […]


The Right Track

RED OAK, TX —  Positive role models made a difference in Greg Johnson’s life, inspiring him to help others – whether it’s as a youth mentor, as a church leader or as a living example of paying it forward. “It started with a young man coming to me and asking if I needed any […]


Drawing for Glory

MIDLOTHIAN, TX — Looking upon the face of her newborn, the mother could not help herself. She had to touch her, had to hold her, had to kiss her. Swaddled in blankets, only her tiny face was visible. Tenderness and love were etched into every line on the mother’s face as she lowered her lips […]


Milestones and Memories

ENNIS, TX —  Although Cassie Ortiz is busier than ever this year as the director of the Ennis Lionettes, she is having the time of her life. “The Lionettes are celebrating their 25th anniversary,” Cassie explained, with excitement evident in her voice. “I’ve been out of high school for 10 years, and this year’s […]