Columns & Opinions

Future Milam County building projects

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 01/21/2026 - 10:53

Recently, when it comes to the reports of new buildings, there has been a lot of talking but not much listening – or reading. In the last few months, both on the radio and in the newspaper, I have discussed the three buildings committees we have created and the reason for the committees.

LOOKING BACK

News Staff

Wed, 01/21/2026 - 10:53

10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO 100 YEARS AGO In connection with Ford National Show Week, there was held at the place of business of W.E. Gaither, Rockdale Ford dealer, a reception and display unique in the town’s history.

The grown-up table

He Told Me To Tell You That Ken Ansell

Wed, 01/21/2026 - 10:53

Igot asked the other day about non-negotiables. I’m not sure if we are following Jesus we can have non-negotiables, in other words everything is always on the table with the Lord. If He says, “Go” we say, “Here I am, send me (Isaiah 6:8).

All creatures great and small

Hidden In Christ With God Greg Nichols

Wed, 01/21/2026 - 10:53

Two of our favorite friends have been Abigail and Eve. Donkeys. They have watched over our friend’s cattle who graze just over the fence. Once, twice, sometimes more during the day, they have stood at the barbed wire and brayed. Molly Jenkins said they are saying, “We want treats! We want treats!

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

You are the reason for your problems

Falling Far From The Tree Kyle Cooke

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 10:15

The doctor said, “Joe, the good news is I can cure your headaches. The bad news is that it will require castration. You have a very rare condition, which causes your testicles to press on your spine, and the pressure creates one hell of a headache.

LOOKING BACK 10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO

News Staff

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 10:15

100 YEARS AGO The Rockdale fire boys earned their annual banquet last Friday, if they had not answered another fire call the entire year. The first alarm came at 7 a.m., with snow falling briskly, and the temperature down to the freezing point.

Open stewardship in action

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 10:15

Monday evening, I attended the Rockdale City Council meeting. I don’t attend every city council meeting, but when a council requests it— or when a local resident asks me to—I will be there to offer whatever help or information I can.

MLK Day

News Staff

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 10:15

Rockdale’s annual Martin Luther King Day Parade will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19. It starts at Wolf Park and ends at Sumuel Park where Grand Marshals Henry and Deborah Miller will speak with refreshments to follow. What is Martin Luther King Day? Martin Luther King Jr.

Year of growth, stewardship, preparation

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 01/07/2026 - 10:10

Last year was a busy year in Milam County. As the pace of growth across Central Texas continues to accelerate, Milam County is increasingly experiencing those same pressures and opportunities.

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

Sad losses, MLK Day Parade, CASA event

Kyle Cooke

Wed, 01/07/2026 - 10:10

FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE Iwas saddened to hear about the way-too-early death at age 51 of Brian Beard last week—he being one of the nicest and most friendly guys I’ve ever met. Rockdale lost a good one and my heart breaks for Curah and the boys.