Columns & Opinions

Kyle’s Kitchen KYLE COOKE

Crockpot recipes = cool kitchen

News Staff

Wed, 10/08/2025 - 12:49

Well, it's fall in Texas, and you know what that means. Absolutely nothing. It's still 95 degrees outside. So here are some easy crockpot recipes that won't heat up your kitchen. As I always say, thighs are better for crockpot recipes because you can't really overcook them.

Hidden in Christ with God GREG NICHOLS

Your God is way too small

News Staff

Wed, 10/08/2025 - 12:49

J.B. Phillips, an influential Anglican clergyman authored a book in 1953 that is still used today in Bible classes and for personal edification: Your God Is Too Small. The book attempted to expose inadequate conceptions of God, and suggest ways in which we can find the real God for ourselves.

He told me to tell you that KEN ANSELL

Churches in decline

News Staff

Wed, 10/08/2025 - 12:49

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Most churches are in decline. Mark Clifton, who is with the Southern Baptist Church, Revitalize and Replant ministry says, “There is nothing about a dead and dying church that glorifies God.

Social media is a plague

News Staff

Wed, 10/01/2025 - 09:52

We can start to cure it by making platforms liable for content they host From violent, graphic images to dangerous misinformation, social media platforms amplify the worst elements of the world we live in.

‘All about me’ poster by Krystina Graybeal, seventh-grade Art I student in Rockdale Junior High School.

A night out with Rockdale’s Finest

Falling Far From The Tree Kyle Cooke

Wed, 10/01/2025 - 09:52

Have crickets shown up at your house or business? We are lousy with them at The Reporter. So much so that our advertising salesperson, Deborah, asked us at lunch today what purpose do crickets serve? To die and stink was all I could think of.

Bribery of a public official in Texas

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 10/01/2025 - 09:52

First off, there has not been any of this in Milam County and this article does not suggest that there is. In a recent town hall meeting, I was asked what constitutes bribery of an elected official so I thought I would address that issue.

LOOKING BACK 10-20-40 YEARS AGO

News Staff

Wed, 10/01/2025 - 09:52

10-20-40 YEARS AGO 40 YEARS AGO… Friday was a special night for the Big Blue Band’s featured soloists Rene Drummond and Lynn Yakesch as they tuned up on Central Texas television screens thanks to Channel 6, KCENTV which taped the Rockdale- LaVega football game for delayed broadcast Saturday.

Art by Alia Macarthur, a freshman at Rockdale High School (created while an eighth-grader).

The government’s website isn’t so scary

Falling Far From The Tree Kyle Cooke

Wed, 09/24/2025 - 10:52

Idid something the other day that was a little scary but also, I hope, something that works out well for me. On September 6 I turned 62 so I went ahead and applied for my social security.

Replacing property taxes in Texas

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 09/24/2025 - 10:52

Property Taxes are the bane of every landowner in the state; you, me and every other person living in Texas. But the question comes down to, what do we use to replace property taxes? Because in the end, we are still going to have to pay for the public services we need to survive.

LOOKING BACK

News Staff

Wed, 09/24/2025 - 10:52

10-20-40 YEARS AGO 40 YEARS AGO… A nearby volunteer fireman’s quick thinking is credited with preventing major damage 10:523 a.m. Friday at the Billy Dees home, 214 Division.