THIS WEEK

It's time to order

Girl Scout cookies

It's a new year and that means the annual national Girl Scout Cookie Sale is about to begin. Scouts from the Rusk/Alto Junior and Brownie troops will take orders Jan. 11- Feb. 2. Cookie deliveries will begin Feb. 22.

This year, there are some new cookies in addition to everyone's favorites. Along with the familiar Samoas, Thin Mints, Tagalongs and shortbread Trefoils (that started it all), there are a lemon creme sandwich and a sugar-free chocolate chip. The fudge and shortbread "All Abouts" have a new look this year in honor of Girl Scouts USA's 90th birthday celebration.

Cookies are $3.50 a box and, if cookies aren't allowed on your New Year's diet, the Rusk/Alto Juniors will accept donations for cookies to be given to charitable organizations. Last year, thanks to community donations, Junior Troop 139 sent 100 boxes of cookies to their adopted Army battalion in Iraq and were also able to donate two cases to Good Samaritan's Food Bank.

Persons interested in ordering cookies and don't know a Girl Scout may call Junior Troop 139 at (903) 683-9844. Phone orders are shared by all junior troop members.

Lexington Place plans

blood drive

A blood drive will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at Lexington Place, 330 Bagley Road in Rusk.

The Carter BloodCare staff will be at the Universal room. Those contributing blood are asked to eat a good meal and bring a picture ID.

For additional information contact Colleen Fitts at (903) 683- 5438.

TSR announces January

run schedule

The Texas State Railroad announced train runs will be made on Saturdays during January with trains departing from the Rusk depot only. Trains depart the Rusk depot at 11 a.m. Saturdays. Tickets for Anderson and Cherokee county residents have been reduced to $10 per person as the state railroad celebrates Local Appreciation Time during January and February.