July 4th

On the Fourth of July, America has much to celebrate O ur beloved country again marks the Fourth of July, and we have much to celebrate, not the least of which is our longevity. We are 247 years old, far too old to adorn a cake with candles. But not to worry. Fireworks are a handy substitute.

Are you illiterate? Write for free help

(An oldie by publisher emeritus Bill Cooke from 2017.) The following prose from classified ads have, it sez here, appeared in newspapers hither and yon. Of course, this collection does not include any such bungling by The Reporter staff. We’re perfect. Just ask us.

Taxes, tax rates, the Appraisal District

Many times, when I am out speaking with folks, I will ask them what the biggest concern is with government. There is a myriad of answers I get to that question, but in the top three there are always taxes and water.

LOOKING BACK 10-20-40 YEARS AGO

10-20-40 YEARS AGO 40 YEARS AGO Current woes of the aluminum industry were discussed by Jack Drake, Texas Area manager for Alcoa and its Rockdale plant manager, as he addressed directors of the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Wednesday.

Easy ground beef recipes

This sounds good and easy. And it’s also easy to double.

Looking back...

10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO 100 YEARS AGO Preparations are about complete for the big revival meeting at the Methodist Church. Rev. A.A. Tharp, pastor of the above church stated that the meeting would begin next Sunday morning, May 31.

Commissioners Court meeting summary

JUDGE’S COMMENTS BILL WHITMIRE Milam County Judge Monday morning, we held the Commissioners Court meeting, and several items of interest were on the agenda. First was the swearing in of David Yarbrough as the new Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4.

Vacation started out tense, ended relaxed

Igot back from vacation, and I had a wonderfully restful time, however it didn’t start out that way. I got a call on Sunday morning that no one wants to get. It was Rita Gamerio from Moon Brew Coffee Co.

RISD Budget

RISD explains how the Legislature affects the 2025-2026 budget Rockdale ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the district’s 2025–26 budget at Wednesday night’s meeting, which includes updated compensation plans for staff and reflects recent changes in state education funding following the...

There are other forces at work

The Lord of the Rings is an epic fantasy novel written by English author and Oxford professor J. R. R. Tolkien. It is one of the best-selling books, with over 150 million copies sold. Kenneth F.