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Discover Ancient Wonders at the Whiteside Museum of Natural History!

Discover Ancient Wonders at the Whiteside Museum of Natural History! Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of ancient life that once inhabited North Texas as you wander through the museum’s interactive exhibits. Be captivated by the stories of creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago, brought to life by intricate displays and engaging narratives.

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Step into a world frozen in time at the Whiteside Museum of Natural History (WMNH), a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Seymour, Texas. Established in 2013 through the unwavering dedication of Judge Clyde E. Whiteside, this 501(c)3 non-profit corporation stands as a testament to his philanthropic vision and commitment to preserving the paleontological treasures of Seymour and Baylor County.

Judge Whiteside’s lifelong dream of creating a natural history museum has resulted in a haven for both curious minds and avid explorers. With a remarkable tally of around 44,000 visitors to date, including an astounding 11,000 school children on free educational trips, WMNH has undoubtedly become a beacon of knowledge for the community and beyond.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of ancient life that once inhabited North Texas as you wander through the museum’s interactive exhibits. Be captivated by the stories of creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago, brought to life by intricate displays and engaging narratives. A highlight among the museum’s treasures is Bonnie, the awe-inspiring complete skeleton of the legendary finback reptile, Dimetrodon. Discovered by the WMNH Paleontology team in 2017, this 287 million-year-old fossil stands as a testament to the area’s rich paleontological heritage and now enchants all visitors.

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And that’s not all – step outside and be greeted by a colossal 15-foot-long metal sculpture of a Dimetrodon, an iconic symbol of Seymour’s natural history. This outdoor exhibit, unveiled in 2018, serves as a reminder of the profound connection between the town and its prehistoric past.

WMNH isn’t just a museum; it’s a thriving community of volunteers who are just as passionate about preserving history as Judge Whiteside was. With around 30 active members, the volunteer program is a testament to the museum’s commitment to community involvement. What’s more, this program provides valuable opportunities for senior citizens to engage in healthy and active community service, transforming them into expert tour guides and proficient paleontology preparation technicians.

So, whether you’re an aspiring paleontologist, a history buff, or a curious soul seeking knowledge, the Whiteside Museum of Natural History invites you to embark on a journey through time. Join us in celebrating the legacy of Judge Clyde E. Whiteside and explore the wonders that Seymour’s ancient past holds.

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Trumps Address to the Joint Session of Congress sends Mr. Green being thrown out with in minutes.

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Trumps Address to the Joint Session of Congress sends Mr. Al Green Green being thrown out with in minutes. Trump calls out Democrats saying no matter what he says or does they will not stand. The camera flashed shots of the Democrat party with signs that said Musk Steals. Trump continued the speech strong by asking them to enjoy the republicans with the wins of the county.

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Osage Beach Operating Budget shows Significant Increases in Personnel and Capital Spending.

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The City of Osage Beach Board of Aldermen officially adopted the FY2025 Operating Budget on December 19, 2024, outlining a comprehensive financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget, spanning 69 pages, projects total expenditures across all funds at approximately $38 million, reflecting a strategic focus on personnel growth, infrastructure improvements, and operational stability.

Personnel Expenditures See Major Boost

The FY2025 budget allocates $10,941,704 for personnel expenditures across all funds, marking a 12.4% increase from the FY2024 budget of $9,736,098 and a 21.2% jump from the FY2024 projected year-end total of $9,031,206. Key highlights include:

  • Salaries: Rising to $6,978,788, a 12.2% increase from FY2024’s budget and an 18.8% increase from the projected year-end, reflecting new hires and wage adjustments.
  • Per Meeting Expense: Surging 55.8% to $48,000, driven by increased meeting frequency or compensation rates.
  • Overtime and Holiday Pay: Overtime is budgeted at $417,400 (up 40.1%), while holiday pay rises to $212,402 (up 22.9%), indicating heightened staffing demands.
  • Retirement 401 Contributions: A significant 28.2% increase to $773,225, underscoring the city’s commitment to employee benefits.

The personnel schedule details a total of 136 authorized positions, including 117 full-time and 19 part-time roles, with notable growth in departments like City Clerk (from 1.5 to 3 full-time equivalents) and Engineering (from 2 to 4 FTEs) compared to FY2024.

Capital Investments Prioritize Infrastructure

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Capital expenditures for FY2025 are set at $16,990,032, a slight 5.1% decrease from FY2024’s ambitious $17,907,575 budget, though a dramatic 197.3% increase over the FY2024 projected year-end of $5,714,260. Major investments include:

  • Transportation Fund: $6,274,726, a 17.3% increase, funding projects like the Salt Barn Roof replacement, Highway 42 Sidewalk construction, and Osage Beach Road improvements.
  • Lee C. Fine Airport Fund: $4,986,982, up slightly from FY2024, supporting ongoing airport enhancements.
  • 911 Center: A standout $447,247 allocation (384.8% increase), including an AIS P25 Upgrade and dispatch relocation, addressing critical communication needs.

Conversely, departments like Parks & Recreation ($333,800, down 54.7%) and Information Technology ($25,492, down 77.3%) see reduced capital spending, reflecting a shift in priorities.

Operations & Maintenance Stabilizes

Operations and Maintenance (O&M) expenditures total $10,182,427, a modest 1.4% decrease from FY2024’s $10,324,068 budget, though up 10.6% from the projected year-end of $9,209,616. Notable changes include:

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  • Human Resources: A striking 228.9% increase to $365,117, likely tied to expanded staffing and training initiatives.
  • Building Inspection: Up 130.7% to $79,510, supporting heightened regulatory activity.
  • Engineering: A 52.2% cut to $261,100, aligning with completed projects from FY2024.

Employee Pay Plan Adjustments

The budget introduces an updated Employee Pay Plan effective January 1, 2025, with pay ranges spanning Level 6 ($32,604-$47,276) to Level 16 ($124,293-$198,868). Positions like City Administrator and City Attorney top the scale, while roles such as Airport Technician and Records Clerk anchor the lower end. The plan reflects periodic reviews mandated by City Code Section 125.050, accommodating new positions and level adjustments.

Looking Ahead

The FY2025 budget underscores Osage Beach’s focus on workforce expansion, infrastructure resilience, and essential services, balancing growth with fiscal prudence. With a total personnel authorization of 123.19 FTEs (up from 117.19 in FY2024), and significant capital commitments, the city aims to enhance public safety, transportation, and community amenities. Residents can expect increased activity in key departments, though some operational budgets tighten to offset these investments.

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For more details, the full FY2025 Operating Budget is available through the City of Osage Beach administrative offices.

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Captain Ron Makes Big News Announcement – Hints to LOTS of legendary announcements

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BIG news to follow — and trust us… even the savviest pirates would never guess what’s coming!

🏴‍☠️ Ahoy, mateys! The winds of change are blowin’ through Captain Ron’s…

LOTS of legendary announcements are about to set sail — one this week and the other BIG news to follow — and trust us… even the savviest pirates would never guess what’s coming! 🔥

Keep your spyglass ready, crew… the Lake is about to get a whole lot more exciting! 👀⚓️

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