Columns & Opinions

Artwork by Hayze Hamrick, a seventh-grade Art I student at Rockdale Junior High.

What’s happening at Sandow Lakes Ranch

Kyle Cooke

Wed, 07/16/2025 - 09:53

FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE Ispent some time last Thursday with two women from Sandow Lakes Ranch and we had a nice talk about what all is going on out there. Kayla Schnell is a Business Systems and Communications Associate and Karina Kling is also in communications with Hillco Partners in Austin.

The busiest time of the year - again

Bill Whitmire

Wed, 07/16/2025 - 09:53

JUDGE’S COMMENTS It seems like this is the busiest time of the year. For most people this might not be true, but for governments throughout the county and school districts, this is one of the busiest times of the year.

LOOKING BACK 10-20-40 YEARS AGO

News Staff

Wed, 07/16/2025 - 09:53

10-20-40 YEARS AGO 40 YEARS AGO Herbert N. (Spud) Caywood had to make a long walk Friday night with his cane, but he didn’t mind at all.

Public television

News Staff

Wed, 07/16/2025 - 09:53

Cuts to Corporation for Public Broadcasting will hurt America, starting with small towns If you are a fan of public radio or public television, you are probably aware by now of the Trump administration’s effort to make deep cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

ERCOT

—the Perryman Group

Wed, 07/09/2025 - 10:05

Legislature did some good things to help with growth in Texas The 89th Session of the Texas Legislature adjourned on June 2 after 140 days. As with every biennium, there were both good and not-so-good elements of the outcome.

Watercolor project by Leland Weaver, a 2024-25 Art II eighth-grader at Rockdale Junior High.

Tragedies are worse with children involved

Falling Far From The Tree Kyle Cooke

Wed, 07/09/2025 - 10:05

How do we even wrap our heads around the Texas tragedy that took place over the weekend? As I'm writing this, 27 girls and counselors have died at Camp Mystic including the owner who died rescuing girls, but the total death toll is over 90 so far.

God bless them all in moments like this

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 07/09/2025 - 10:05

Last weekend should have been a time to recognize the country’s independence and of the celebrations that July the 4th normally brings, but that was changed in the blink of an eye as disaster struck.

LOOKING BACK 10-20-40 YEARS AGO

News Staff

Wed, 07/09/2025 - 10:05

10-20-40 YEARS AGO 40 YEARS AGO… Rockdale police said no charges will be filed after an accidental shooting resulted in a slight wound to a sixyear- old child last Wednesday at the city swimming pool park.

July 4th

News Staff

Wed, 07/02/2025 - 11:56

On the Fourth of July, America has much to celebrate O ur beloved country again marks the Fourth of July, and we have much to celebrate, not the least of which is our longevity. We are 247 years old, far too old to adorn a cake with candles. But not to worry. Fireworks are a handy substitute.

Watercolor project by Ariana Vergara Prado, a 2024-25 Art II eighth-grader at Rockdale Junior High.

Are you illiterate? Write for free help

Spoilin’ The Broth Bill Cooke

Wed, 07/02/2025 - 11:56

(An oldie by publisher emeritus Bill Cooke from 2017.) The following prose from classified ads have, it sez here, appeared in newspapers hither and yon. Of course, this collection does not include any such bungling by The Reporter staff. We’re perfect. Just ask us.