Columns & Opinions

Think First

America’s small towns are special places. There is a sense of home, an invitation to get involved and the blessing of getting to know neighbors.
What do you call a guy who hangs around musicians?

What do you call a guy who hangs around musicians?

Q: What do you call a guy who hangs around musicians? A: The drummer.

This Saturday in Rock-dale, I get to play music with some old high school buddies for the Second Annual Fall Music Festival. This is exactly the kind of cultural event Rock-dale needs. I can’t wait to sit back, close my eyes and just listen to all the live music that’s in store.
Come to Milam, there’s lots happening

Come to Milam, there’s lots happening

Come to Milam, there’s lots happening

JUDGE’S COMMENTS There is a lot going on in the county this month. Take a look at all of the coming events this month and get out and enjoy, take part and support all of these fine activities that make the community a better place.

Looking back...

10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO 100 YEARS AGO.... The Reporter didn’t think much of the Gentry Bros. Circus visit to Rockdale: “Its equipment is rundown at the heel. Is animals are a joke...(it is) dirty and grimy and the people with it are of a like nature..
What’s important or urgent is relative

What’s important or urgent is relative

What’s important or urgent is relative

He told me to tell you that I had a 36-year-old man from Eagle Pass come by my office on Tuesday. He started walking several days earlier and, a few rides later and blisters later, he was in deep East Texas.

How can Texas help rural areas prosper?

EDITORIAL Is much of rural Texas turning into “The Last Picture Show,” a dusty, forgotten place? Excepting some good news on the horizon here, many small towns in the Lone Star state have not felt the “Texas Miracle” that politicians mention.

Making a strong town even stronger

TEXAS TYPE Chuck Marohn wants us to do towns smart. Since 2014, when I saw him speak at a forum, I have followed his Strong Towns organization via email newsletter (or online at strongtowns.org). Marohn is a no-B.S. guy.

County pulls itself out of ashes to become high tech hub

JUDGE’S COMMENTS In the early 1950’s Alcoa came to Milam County, due to a large supply of coal. The coal was used to make large quantities of electricity to melt ore to make aluminum products. For over sixty years Alcoa was the largest employer and probably the best paying employer in the county.

Looking back...

100 YEARS AGO.... Rockdale residents had raised $732 to send to the hurricane-ravaged Corpus Christi area. Donations ranged from $100 to 25 cents. The storm had claimed at least 500 lives and damage was estimated at $20-million. The Sharp area was seeking cotton pickers.

We can all give help for suicide prevention

EDITORIAL Local, national resources available for loved ones acting out or in need Phil Donahue once said, “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.