Cleanliness can make you sick

OUTLAW INLAW Now that I’m back in Rockdale part-time and I’m a lot older, I’ve been pondering many philosophical questions about life, the universe and everything. Namely, how long a person can go without washing their office coffee mug before co-workers start thinking they’re unsanitary?

It was history, but it was something more

EDITOR’S CORNER Idon’t write political columns and this isn’t one. But I surprised myself last week by watching the coverage of the funerals, and journeys, of the late 41st President, George H. W. Bush, almost in their entirety.

Roundup

EDITORIAL Christmas-time is of course meant to be spent with families but some of the most rewarding times you may spend this Christmas may be to leave your family at home for a few hours while you work to help others. Better yet.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Parade grand marshals say ‘thanks’ for honor Dear editor,, A big thank you to the great people of Rockdale. We were honored and privileged to be chosen as grand marshals for the Christmas parade. Special thanks to: • Bobby Pelzel for the truck ride that didn’t work out.

Title search: a history lesson with humor

SPOILIN’ THE BROTH Neighbor Grover sez if a vacuum really sucks, is that good or bad? Ahumorous history lesson comes courtesy of retired state trooper Randy Hall who plays a mean French horn in our Communities in Concert Band.

Time to fix red water, once and for all

NOTES FROM THE CITY The time to fix Rock-dale red water is here. Written about, talked about, drank, flushed and even suggested as a Fall Festival, it’s time for it to go away.

Looking back...

10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO 100 YEARS AGO.... Rockdale schools led the way in Milam County with donations to the war effort as the system’s 75 boys and 96 girls contributed $258.55. Dr. R. Zeidlitz finished his stint in the U.S.

‘Majoring in minors’

He told me to tell you that They say (whoever they are) that 70% of our learning comes by “doing (on the job training),” 20% by “interaction (coaching, one on one or in small discipleship groups)” and 10% comes by “listening (sermon?).

Small business

EDITORIAL When shoppers spend money at a local store, it is a huge benefit to our economy. When you spend money at a store–on or off Main Street–owned by “Jill,” she uses that money to pay her employees.

A three-night gig I will never forget

Musician Roy Clark’s recent death at age 85 reminded me of a story I wrote here decades ago and want to share again. In 1962 at Fort Polk, La., I played in a piano-bass-drum trio every Saturday night at the officer’s club. It was fun, and it paid $15 per man which came in handy on a Sp4’s pay.