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.

Who talks more about pointless things?

OUTLAW INLAW Please forgive the political incorrectness of this entire column, but I have to speak up. The man-I-live-with has shared one too many memes with me about how much women talk and how many of us talk about pointless and unimportant subjects.

New ‘Hero’ program in Rockdale ISD

RISD REPORT Rockdale Junior High has a new program on its campus and, this week Junior-High Principal Kelly Blair would like to share information regarding this great new program.

Community treasure

EDITORIAL No one expected what a gift the community of Rockdale would be getting when Coach Jeff Miller moved to town to take over a 3-7 Tiger team. Coach Miller, and his entire family, Angel, Gunner and Payton, have not only given Rockdale a state championship but also inspiration and hope.