Columns & Opinions

JUDGE’S COMMENTS

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Milam elections, roads, schools, services

Bill Whitmire

Wed, 02/25/2026 - 17:55

There has been a great deal happening across Milam County in recent weeks, from early voting in the upcoming March 3 Primary Election to major infrastructure meetings and transitions in county offices.

‘Half picture’ art by Allison Garza, an eighth-grade Art II student at Rockdale Junior High School.

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Will Prince Andrew sing like a bird?

Kyle Cooke

Wed, 02/25/2026 - 17:55

So what do you think is going to happen to former Prince Andrew after his arrest and release last Thursday? I think he is going to sing like a bird and tell everything he knows about other people’s Epstein ties.

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Jesse Jackson

News Staff

Wed, 02/25/2026 - 17:55

During a 1987 roast of former basketball star and U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley, the Rev. Jesse Jackson said he wasn’t sure he should tell jokes because he had spent so much time trying to get the country to take him seriously. It was a joke, itself, although one rooted in truth and self-awareness.

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The primaries

News Staff

Wed, 02/18/2026 - 11:10

Explanation of why it’s important to vote in the Texas primaries In Texas, the primary election is where the ballot for November starts to take shape.

‘Half picture’ art by Madison Gonzalez, an eighth-grade Art II student at Rockdale Junior High School.

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Valentines Day was both bad and good

Falling Far From The Tree Kyle Cooke

Wed, 02/18/2026 - 11:10

Did everyone have a nice “day of love” on Saturday? Mine was half good and half bad. Noelia and I went to Central Market and then out to eat at our favorite Thai restaurant, Titaya’s, which is just down the street. Never go to Central Market on Valentine’s Day.

It’s time to vote again in Milam County

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It’s time to vote again in Milam County

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 02/18/2026 - 11:10

By now, most folks in Milam County have star ted seeing the signs, hearing the conversations and noticing the reminders posted at City Hall, the courthouse and online. That can only mean one thing — it’s time to vote again.

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LOOKING BACK 10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO

News Staff

Wed, 02/18/2026 - 11:10

100 YEARS AGO Rockdale pastors have designated next Sunday as “Go to Church” day in this city, and plans are being devised to secure for that day the largest church attendance of recent years.

Use of agricultural land in Milam County

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Use of agricultural land in Milam County

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 02/11/2026 - 11:25

Recently, during one of my regular office hours, a gentleman stopped by to talk about the new developments near Burlington, including the data center now under construction.

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Valentine’s Day

—michaela Bahn

Wed, 02/11/2026 - 11:25

Everyone loves a good love story, but the history of Valentine’s Day is a bit different from the romanticized version of the holiday recognized today. While Feb.

‘Half picture’ art by Ross Bell, an eighth-grade Art II student at Rockdale Junior High School.

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Community Market reopening soon

Falling Far From The Tree Kyle Cooke

Wed, 02/11/2026 - 11:25

After reading my column last week about not being able to speak properly because of this mountain cedar, I got a call from Jo Pruett telling me to get some golden seal root and she promised it would help me. So I wanted to share that in case you are also suffering from the cedar.