Columns & Opinions

‘Ancient Greek pottery’ artwork by Jacob Moore, a sixthgrade Intro to Art student at Rockdale Junior High School.

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Tacos, mariachi music, Ballet Folklorico

Falling Far From The Tree Kyle Cooke

Wed, 05/06/2026 - 11:20

When I was growing up as a white child I did not know how much I loved mariachi music and Ballet Folklorico until Don Thoede and Jim Perry took The Big Blue Band from Tigerland to Mexico City when I was either a sophomore or junior in high school. We were treated to both as part of our trip.

Honor those behind the badge in the jail

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Honor those behind the badge in the jail

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 05/06/2026 - 11:20

E ach year during National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, communities across the country pause to recognize a group of public servants whose work is often unseen but absolutely essential to the safety and stability of our local communities.

Shout hallelujah!

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Shout hallelujah!

He Told Me To Tell You That Ken Ansell

Wed, 05/06/2026 - 11:20

Icontinue to be amazed and therefore praise God for the great things I am seeing Him do in my life and the life of His church. There is power in praise. Praising God is part of our worship. Psalm 147:1 tells us, “Praise the Lord!

Fraternity revival converts one

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Fraternity revival converts one

Hidden In Christ With God Greg Nichols

Wed, 05/06/2026 - 11:20

One year at a mid-western university, the fraternities on Greek Hill decided to put on a skit contest for the school’s student body. One fraternity decided that their theme would be an old-time, church revival. They chose from among themselves their best public speaker to be the preacher.

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LOOKING BACK

News Staff

Wed, 04/29/2026 - 11:54

10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO 100 YEARS AGO The Reporter is requested to announce that there will be a meeting of Rockdale baseball players and fans at the city hall net Monday night, May 3, 8 o’clock, for the purpose of effecting the organization of the Rockdale baseball team for the ensuing season.

‘Ancient Greek pottery’ artwork by Charlee Sisemore, a sixth-grade Intro to Art student at Rockdale Junior High School.

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Start exercise with five-pound potato sack

Spoilin’ The Broth Bill Cooke

Wed, 04/29/2026 - 11:54

(Enjoy this column from publisher emeritus Bill Cooke from May 1, 2008.) Okay, all you fitness nuts. Here’s a new exercise to tackle with, of course, your doctor’s permission. Fitness Guru Evelyn Hirt, the mayor pro tem of Allday Street, sent this along.

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Metro magnets

News Staff

Wed, 04/29/2026 - 11:54

People continue to come to Texas, and the state’s largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) are where most of them are landing (almost 88% in the top four alone).

Closing Child Abuse Awareness Month

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Closing Child Abuse Awareness Month

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 04/29/2026 - 11:54

As April comes to a close, so too does Child Abuse Awareness Month. A time set aside to focus our attention on one of the most serious and sobering responsibilities we share as a community: protecting our children. While the calendar may turn, the work does not end here.

Be a Timothy

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Be a Timothy

He Told Me To Tell You That Ken Ansell

Wed, 04/29/2026 - 11:54

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17) Irecently read that most people who sit in a church service week after week have a “silent goal” of becoming a better Christian.

Campolo and Stoltzfus

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Campolo and Stoltzfus

Hidden In Christ With God Greg Nichols

Wed, 04/29/2026 - 11:54

The late Tony Campolo was an evangelical pastor, sociology professor, author and advisor to President Bill Clinton. If you have read any of his books, you have surely been blessed with the Gospel.