WEEKLY Volume 23, Number 49 - Dec.

10, 2010
 Dean Sanders
Lawyer

2113 Kell Blvd

Wichita Falls, Texas 76308-1245
940-766-0266

?
HOW DO I
GET A
LOAN?
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1 Bring in your merchandise in good working order.
2 Show proper state issued ID.
3 Get the cash you need.
If you need more time,just pay
the interest to renew the loan. CA$H LOANS
We accept jewelry, tools, guns,
car stereos, musical instruments
in minutes! Attend college and high school without
leaving MSU’s campus area!
My school
offers both
and much more! high school &
college...

CASH N MORE Pawn & Jewelry

Come to Bright Ideas University Center,
a public junior high and high school that
prepares young minds for college. All Before I
Call us today at 940-767-1561. grADuAte!

767-5626
Call for FREE
126904

LOAN QUOTE! Announcing the addition of

My school
3910 Jacksboro Hwy. MON-FRI 8:30-6 • SAT 9-5 focuses on
Dance Classes & Texoma Judo!
www.cashnmorepawn.com learning,
CHECKS LAYAWAY character, Come to Bright Ideas Charter
college... School, a public school that’s been
Shaping Young Minds for 25 years.
AND fuN! Call us today at 940-767-1561.

Page 2
Page 3
 CHRISTMAS
10% Down
HOURS:
For All
HURRY - OFFER ENDS SOON!
401 N. Scott Avenue
Close at 5pm
Christmas
Christmas Eve;
Wichita Falls TX 76306
Phone: 940.322.4121
Layaways
Closed 25th & 26th Fax: 940.716.9333

*Finance offer subject to credit approval, applies to purchases of new Yamaha Motorcycles, ATVs & Scooters made on a Yamaha Installment Financing loan account from 7/1/10-9/30/10. Minimum
contract length is 24 months and maximum length is 36 months. Minimum amount financed is $5,000. Fixed APR of 3.99%, 5.99%, 8.99%, or 14.99% will be assigned based on credit approval
criteria. Monthly payments per $1,000 financed based on 36 month term are $29.52 at 3.99%, $30.42 at 5.99%, $31.80 at 8.99%, and $34.66 at 14.99%. **Customer Cash offer good on select
2010 (and prior year) models between 6/1/10-9/30/10. Offer good only in the U.S., excluding the state of Hawaii. Professional riders with advanced skills on closed course. Some models
shown with optional accessories. Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle
Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. ATVs with engine sizes over 90cc
are recommended for use only by riders age 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer
or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye
protection and protective clothing; never carry passengers; never engage in stunt riding; riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix; avoid excessive speed; and be particularly careful on difficult terrain.
©2010 Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A. All rights reserved. yamaha-motor.com

Page 4
Five Ways Recent Small Business Legislation Can Help Entrepreneurs
(ARA) - Anyone thinking about starting a business, and en- Offering employees health insurance has not always been
trepreneurs already running their own small business, face an option for every small business. With the new Affordable
new opportunities, thanks to recent changes in legislation. Health Care Act, this grim reality may be a thing of the past.
If you’ve been dreaming of opening your own business, fol- Small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees
lowing that dream into 2011 will allow you to capitalize on are eligible for a tax credit for up to 35 percent (increasing
these new opportunities. Many of these legislative acts have to 50 percent in 2014) of premiums paid for employee health
an expiration date, while some offer advantages many years insurance. Businesses with average employee annual wages
into the future. of $50,000 or less can qualify for the credit. This credit helps
minimize the burden of providing health insurance for em-
BizFilings points out that implementing these five important ployees. The Small Business Jobs Act makes it possible for
takeaways will save you money and help position your busi- more people to have health insurance. A provision in this
ness for success. act allows business owners to deduct the cost of health in-
surance in calculating their 2010 self-employment taxes.
1. Hiring in 2010 can lead to a tax break and tax credit Health insurance that covers business owners’ families can
Employers hiring workers who have been unemployed at also be deducted.
least 60 days are not only helping to reduce the unemploy-
ment rate, they may also qualify for an exemption from the 4. Additional opportunities to obtain small business loans
6.2 percent employer portion of the Social Security tax as permit future lending
part of the HIRE Act. The exemption applies to wages paid Based on the new law that is part of the Small Business Jobs
to any qualified employee hired after March 17, 2010. The Act, not only are more businesses eligible to apply for loan
value of this tax relief (per employee) can range from hun- guarantees, but the loan amounts are higher, as well. The
dreds to thousands of dollars. The act also makes available maximum loan amount available under the Small Business
an additional general business tax credit of up to $1,000 for Administration’s 7(a) loan program and 504 loan program
each qualified employee hired in 2010 who is retained for a has increased from $2 million to $5 million. The maximum
full year. loan amount available under the SBA’s Express Loan Pro-
gram has increased from $350,000 to $1 million. The in-
2. Elimination of capital gains tax provides incorporation crease in available loans may make it possible for some
benefits small businesses to get the support they need to succeed.
The Small Business Jobs Act includes a special provision
that eliminates the capital gains tax. This provision applies 5. The cost of acquiring capital assets has been lowered
only to C corporations. Through the end of 2010, non-cor- Businesses that invest in equipment and other assets can
porate investors, such as individuals or partnerships, who take advantage of the 50 percent “bonus depreciation” de-
invest in the stock of a qualified small business corporation duction until the end of 2010, thanks to the Small Business
and who hold that stock for at least five years can exclude Jobs Act. New businesses can also deduct more money and
100 percent of the gain from their income. recoup start-up costs up front, with the allowable amount
of start-up cost deductions rising to $10,000 in 2010. In ad-
“Incorporating your small business into a formal entity, like dition, the expensing election has been extended through
a C corporation or limited-liability company, does more than 2011; the allowable amount has been increased to $500,000
offer limited-liability protection by separating the owner and the investment limit to $2 million - the highest amounts
and the business,” says Karen Kobelski, general manager ever permitted. Businesses can elect to expense costs in ei-
of BizFilings, a full-service, online incorporation provider. ther year that best fits within these new increases and their
“Incorporation lends credibility to the business’ operations budgets.
whether interacting with banking officials, equipment resell-
ers or potential investors.” If your business isn’t already a C These new laws are positively impacting America’s entre-
corporation, it is easy to make it one by incorporating online. preneurs and their financial futures. Position your business
for success at the end of 2010, and start 2011 off on the right
3. Giving small business owners and employees health in- foot by taking advantage of these tax breaks, benefits and
surance has benefits for the future deductions.

Page 5
Page 6
Winning Ways To Sharpen Your Career Search In A Challenging Economy
(ARA) - Five unemployed people are competing for every
job opening in the country, according to the U.S. Depart-
ment of Labor. At the beginning of the recession in De-
cember 2007, there were less than two people vying for
each vacancy.
With more candidates going head-to-head for jobs, orga-
nizations can be very selective in finding the ideal em-
ployee - someone who fits all of the position’s qualifica-
tions or even goes beyond the requirements.
How can talented workers stand out from the competi-
tion?
the company. You can find them through your social net-
working channels, referrals or colleagues. Ask them about
the corporate culture and what it means to be an effective
employee at their organization. This will give you valu-
able insights into the company, helping you personalize
both your cover letter and resume while being better pre-
pared than most candidates for a future interview.
* Nail the interview. Your preparation doesn’t stop when
you land an interview. In interviewing and coaching hun-
dreds of job applicants, Gasche says the questions that
candidates ask - or don’t ask - demonstrate their level of
enthusiasm and initiative.

“More than ever, job seekers need to proactively man- “Your questions during an interview reveal how well
age their job search with precision and focus to help them you’re prepared and how much you sincerely want the
stand out from others,” says Mark Gasche, vice president position,” Gasche says. “You should run out of time in the
of career services for Colorado Technical University, a interview before you run out of questions.”
leading provider of education for career-motivated stu-
dents. “It’s all about targeting your search, doing your A good question for interviewees to ask: What does suc-
homework, and leaving the best impression - on paper and cess look like in this position and how will it be measured
in person.” over time? Other questions should dig deeper into topics
discussed during the interview, a direct reflection of your
For those looking for smarter and more effective ways listening skills and level of engagement in the conversa-
to differentiate themselves in a challenging job market tion.
where supply continues to outstrip demand, Gasche offers
these tips: * Identify and fill education gaps. During the job search,
networking and interview processes, you may discover
* Customize every cover letter and resume. When it comes that further education is needed for your chosen profes-
to a cover letter and resume, one size doesn’t fit all. Job sion or that you want to pursue new career opportunities
postings always include specific qualifications or respon- that go beyond your current skill set. This may lead you to
sibilities. A cover letter should be just as specific (and weigh the time, costs and benefits of going back to school.
error-free), with each job requirement addressed point by If so, one option to consider is attending a career-focused
point with your relevant experience and skills. college such as Colorado Technical University, which of-
fers online classes that make higher education accessible
Recruiters and human resources professionals can quickly anytime and anywhere for those juggling work, family
weed out cover letters and resumes that are generic versus commitments and managing a career.
those in which applicants took the time to thoughtfully
demonstrate how they meet the criteria. In many cases, * Turn a negative into a positive. If you’re not hired after
you’ll need to apply via an online database, where there’s an interview, consider it an opportunity to follow up with
a lower likelihood of being identified through this elec- the interviewer and seek constructive feedback to apply
tronic screening process. Increase your chances by being to your ongoing job search. Ask if he or she is open to
resourceful and proactive in finding and applying directly providing any advice on what you can do to improve -
to people who have the power to hire you. whether on your resume, interview techniques or overall
skills. It also gives you the chance to show your continued
* Take five: Get to know the organization from the inside interest in the organization should further positions arise.
out. Beyond researching the organization on the Internet,
conduct five brief interviews with current employees at

Page 7
Page 8
Consumer Sentiment, Trade Signal Firmer Recovery
By Edward Krudy and Doug Palmer average slipped to a fresh two-year low.
NEW YORK/WASHINGTON
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has hinted that
(Reuters) - A rise in U.S. consumer confidence to its high- the central bank may increase its $600 billion bond pur-
est level in six months and a much bigger-than-expected chasing program if unemployment continues to stay high.
contraction in the country’s trade deficit pointed to a firmer
economic recovery on Friday. The sentiment survey’s barometer of current economic
conditions rose to its highest reading since January 2008,
The boost in consumer confidence on the back of an im- just after the economic downturn began. The index for De-
proving jobs outlook was another indication consumers are cember came in at 85.7, up from 82.1 in November and
willing to spend over the holidays while a rise in exports above a forecast of 83.1.
looks set to lift economic growth this quarter.
Meanwhile, the U.S. trade deficit for October totaled $38.7
The data fits into a pattern of an economy that is gaining billion, down from a revised estimate of $44.6 billion for
traction after a slowdown in the summer and is likely to in- September. Analysts surveyed before the report had expect-
tensify the debate over whether the Federal Reserve needs ed the deficit to narrow just slightly to about $43.60 billion.
to keep stimulating the economy through asset purchases.
Record exports to China and Mexico in October helped
“We are in the gradual recovery camp and are definitely on push the overall export tally to $158.7 billion, the high-
the upper side of that now,” said Pierre Ellis, senior global est since August 2008. Exports to the European Union and
economist at Decision Economics in New York. “It adds to Japan also grew.
a growing number of economic indicators that are looking
better-than-expected.” Despite record exports to China in October, the U.S. trade
deficit with that country in the first 10 months of 2010 was
Consumer sentiment in December rose to its highest level $226.8 billion, up 20.3 percent from the year-earlier period.
since June and was at its third-highest since the start of 2008
according to a Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan The sharp rise is likely to keep China’s trade and currency
survey. Government data showed U.S. exports in October policies on the minds of U.S. lawmakers in 2011.
rose a robust 3.2 percent while imports declined slightly.
The smaller-than-expected trade deficit could boost esti-
U.S. stock indexes were marginally higher after the reports, mates for U.S. fourth-quarter economic growth because it
hovering close to new recent highs. U.S. Treasury bond implies a larger share of U.S. demand is being met by do-
prices added to losses while the dollar gained. mestic production.

The survey’s preliminary December reading for consumer “This suggests that the economy is accelerating,” said Neil
sentiment came in at 74.2, up from 71.6 in November. That Dutta, an economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in
was above the median forecast of 72.5 among economists New York, raising his forecast of fourth-quarter economic
polled by Reuters. growth to about 3.0 percent.

Consumers cited a more favorable jobs outlook, chiming
with recent data pointing to some improvement in the labor
market. But slow jobs growth and high unemployment is
still one of the biggest impediments to the recovery.
Although the unemployment rate edged up to 9.8 percent
in November, new claims for unemployment benefits fell
more than expected last week and the four-week moving
On an annual basis, the trade deficit has widened sharply
this year and could surpass $500 billion when final figures
for 2010 are available. Last year, in the midst of the global
financial crisis which put a squeeze on world trade, the U.S.
trade gap narrowed about 46 percent to $374.9 billion.

Page 9
Page 10
How To Keep Those Healthy Eating Resolutions - In January And Beyond
(ARA) - For many of us, the season of gluttony begins
with candy-laden Halloween, continues through boun-
tiful Thanksgiving and festive Christmas, and wraps
up with party-time New Year’s Eve. January hopefully
represents a clean slate and, for many people, a cleaner
plate.

While lifestyle and diet resolutions are not new, the new
year is still a welcome and opportune time to make a
fresh start in healthy eating, including developing better
snacking habits.

Indeed, finding snacks that fit into a resolved new way

of eating is not always easy, especially when snacks
have long been viewed as an indulgent reward. The
good news for those intent on starting 2011 with a dif-
ferent snacking mindset is that a wider array of better-
for-you products are available and the overall approach
to eating better is more focused on sensibility than on
fleeting fads.

Here are some tips for following up season’s greetings

with more reasoned eatings:

Think big picture. Many diet and health experts agree

that a more general, practical approach to snacking is
easier to adhere to than a specific and often rigid diet.
Balance and moderation may not be the most buzzwor-
thy terms, but they are the basis of success.
Sticks. These treats can be enjoyed by those who must fol-
Follow your natural instincts. As more people resolve to low gluten-free diets on a doctor’s recommendation - and
eat green and clean, especially at the start of another year, those who just want to try something different.
a growing number of organic and natural food products are
available at their supermarket. Snyder’s of Hanover’s pop- Crunch it up. Studies have shown that snacks with a crunch
ular line of organic snack foods, for instance, includes Or- provide a more satisfying snacking experience. Keeping
ganic Pretzel Sticks, available in honey wheat, multi-grain this in mind, make sure to stock your pantry with a variety
and 8 grains and seeds varieties. of crunchy apples, carrots, and pretzels to keep you from
reaching for that sugary donut instead.
Pack some extra nutrient punch. If you are going to snack,
why not add some other healthy ingredients? Try multi- Gain some (portion) control. Like moderation and balance,
grain snack foods, for instance, to inject some fiber into watching one’s portions isn’t a trendy notion, but it is a
your daily diet. tried-and-true approach to healthy snacking. Sitting down
at the computer or in front or the television with pre-pack-
Remember, restricted diets don’t mean restricted taste. If aged 100-calorie snack packs of popular treats like Sny-
you, like millions of Americans, are looking for gluten-free der’s of Hanover pretzels, ensures that you won’t go over-
products, you can find many more choices on today’s gro- board - or over recommended portion sizes.
cery shelves. All kinds of your favorite snacks, from cook-
ies to chips to pretzels, are easier to find than ever before Add some flavor. Take advantage of the many flavors avail-
- Snyder’s of Hanover, for example, now offers Gluten Free able in today’s snack foods that can satisfy your cravings
Page 11
and allow you to savor what you’re eating. Snackers crav- some extra physical activity (it could be treadmill time or
ing some heat might enjoy spicy varieties like buffalo wing even opting for the stairs instead of the elevator) makes
and jalapeno flavored pretzel pieces, while those with a snacking all the much more satisfying, and less guilt-in-
sweet tooth can get their fix with choices like honey-tinged ducing. Plus, if you’re used to just doing cardio now is the
or cinnamon-dusted snacks. time to amp up your routine with weights and resistance
training and see results much faster.
Indulge just enough. Watching what you eat doesn’t mean
you have to swear off everything tasty that you love - evenUltimately, improving your eating and lifestyle habits
chocolate. A handful of chocolate covered pretzels are still
doesn’t have to mean radical change. From shedding those
a good choice compared to other high fat, high calorie extra pounds that crept up during the fall and early winter
chocolate snacks. holidays, to pledging to eat in a more organic, natural or
sustainable way, resolutions don’t have to be so daunting.
Balance eating with moving. Again, it’s not a news flash And by the time next January rolls around, you may not
that exercise is important to the body’s metabolism and to even need to make such resolutions in the first place.
overall health and wellness, but taking time to engage in

She would tell you

TXU Energy is proud to partner with

independence is priceless.
But there are times when she needs a little help with
her electricity bill.
We know about those times when there’s too much month left at the end of the
money. That’s why we have a program called TXU Energy Aid. Nobody should
SM

have to suffer dangerous heat or cold, made worse by fear of an electricity bill they
can’t afford. We’re proud to provide temporary bill payment assistance to thousands
of customers in critical situations each year, right in your community. Since 1983,
TXU Energy Aid has provided more than $61 million in bill payment assistance,
SM

helping 365,000 families in need.

Learn more at txu.com.

©2010 TXU Energy Retail Company LLC. All rights reserved. REP #10004

txu_ea_NTxJournal_070610_d1.indd 2 7/7/10 11:05 AM

Page 13
 ♦Smoking/Non-Smoking Rooms
♦Modern, Comfortable Rooms
♦King Size and Double Suites
♦Wi-Fi Internet Access
♦Rooftop Swimming Pool
♦Work Out Room

♦$45 Nightly w/tax

♦$169.50 Weekly w/tax
♦$525 Monthly
726 Scott Ave
Wichita Falls, TX 76301

940-767-9700
New Hope Church
Please Join Us For Sunday Services

300 Wichita Street, Wichita Falls, Texas 76307

Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
WFISD Now Hiring Food Service Staff RED RIVER
Please Contact MyStaf
at 940-322-5588 HOSPITAL
Behavioral
Health
Services
Inpatient &
Outpatient
Programs
No Charge
Confidential
Assessments
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

UI
4USFFU
r
8JDIJUB
'BMMT
59
200157 XXXSFESJWFSIPTQJUBMDPN
200157 940-322-3171

Page 18
Page 19
Page 20
Page 21
 RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
ELECTRICITY DELIVERY

RECEIVE THE LOWEST RATE

POSSIBLE FOR TOTAL KILOWATT HOURS
CONSUMED*

NO HIDDEN FEES

WE HANDLE THE PROVIDER CHANGE FOR

YOU!

(940) 692-8760 or
toll free 24 hours
(877) 777-2017
*WAC (With Approved Credit)