Columns & Opinions

Santa Claus

News Staff

Tue, 12/23/2025 - 11:24

Once upon a time, long before the jolly man in red with a belly that shook like a bowl full of jelly, there was a kind-hearted bishop named Nicholas. His story begins in a small town called Myra, which is now part of modern-day Turkey.

‘Ancient Egyptian tomb’ artwork by Niobe Silva, a sixthgrade Intro to Art student in Rockdale Junior High School.

Our annual tamalada was a lot of fun

Falling Far From The Tree Kyle Cooke

Tue, 12/23/2025 - 11:24

We had our annual tamalada at Noelia’s house on Saturday night with a special guest: my friend Antoinette “Toni” Martinez, who had never been to a tamalada. And in case there are any readers who don’t know what a tamalada is, it’s a party where you make tamales.

Holiday grief

News Staff

Wed, 12/17/2025 - 10:46

Local pastor on finding hope in grief during the holidays E arly the summer of 2010 my grandmother and I decided that my birthday that year would be extra significant. We shared a love of the classic Thanksgiving meal: turkey, all the sides, and a slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream.

‘Ancient Egyptian tomb’ artwork by Camila Lozano, a sixthgrade Intro to Art student in Rockdale Junior High School.

Christmas spirit, RVFD firemen awards

Falling Far From The Tree Kyle Cooke

Wed, 12/17/2025 - 10:46

Igot this message from Charles Starr regarding the annual Buddy Oney Toy Ride: The 20th Annual Buddy Oney Toy Run dispersed $10,000 worth of toys and checks to Rockdale Christmas Round Up, Thorndale Cares, Milam County Brown Santa and the Milam County CPS Board this past week.

Mental health issues in Milam County

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 12/17/2025 - 10:46

Talk to 10 County Judges in Texas and almost every one of them will list mental health issues as one of their top five issues, if not their top issue. For years Texas county governments have worked with state and federal authorities and have gotten nowhere.

New year, new you

He Told Me To Tell You That Ken Ansell

Wed, 12/17/2025 - 10:46

It's almost 2026. New Year, new you. Probably not. Let’s be real, you are not going to change much in the next year. I know this because I’m ordained, God likes me a lot and I’m still the same old person I was last year at this time.

A train with silver packages

Hidden In Christ With God Greg Nichols

Wed, 12/17/2025 - 10:46

Paul wrote to the church in Galatia: “When the fullness of time had come, God sent his son.” Cynthia Rylant, in her short story, Silver Packages, tells of a man who suffered through a catastrophic car accident while negotiating a snow-covered road in the mountains of Appalachia.

Consider CASA at Christmas time

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 12/10/2025 - 12:42

Last Fr iday, Mi lam County held the annual Employees Christmas Party at the Cowboy church in Rockdale. The Adult Probation Department organized and hosted the event, and I can report that it was a wonderful evening with some of the best food I have had in a while.

Looking back...

News Staff

Wed, 12/10/2025 - 12:42

10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO 100 YEARS AGO Postmaster E. I. Wade requests The Reporter to give publicity to an order recently issued by the Postmaster General directing all post offices to remain closed on Christmas day this year.

‘Ancient Egyptian tomb’ artwork by Allison Perez Ramirez, a sixth-grade Intro to Art student in Rockdale Junior High School.

Tex Miller: the best thing about jury duty

Falling Far From The Tree Kyle Cooke

Wed, 12/10/2025 - 12:42

Ihad jury duty on Monday, but I didn’t get picked. I knew about eight people who were also called including Vicky Kirk who I’ve always known, and we went through kindergarten through college together. This was my first time being called for jury duty in Milam County since I first moved back in 2019.