Columns & Opinions

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Screentime

News Staff

Wed, 08/13/2025 - 11:06

Lots of wisdom in Old West-themed take on modern technology Ever feel anxious, over-whelmed or even depressed? The answer could be what’s in your hand — the constant companion — the cell phone. The following was shared with me by a friend of this newspaper, Lindy Segall.

Pop art by Samantha Nieto, a 2024-25 Art II eighth-grader at Rockdale Junior High.

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Timely quotes from teachers

Falling Far From The Tree Kyle Cooke

Wed, 08/13/2025 - 11:06

With school starting, here are some timely quotes from teachers: • If we teach small children, please don’t tell us that our jobs are “so cute” and that you wish you could glue and color all day long. • We’re not marriage counselors.

Milam County updates for August 2025

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Milam County updates for August 2025

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 08/13/2025 - 11:06

School Star t ing— Every year about this time school starts up and it seems to come earlier each year. Some of the schools in Milam County started last week and by this week they will have all started classes.

I never knew you

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I never knew you

He Told Me To Tell You That Ken Ansell

Wed, 08/13/2025 - 11:06

Ihave a friend named Wes and he’s the real deal. He loves God and He loves people (Mark 12:30-31). It does not get any more real than that. The other day after we had been discussing what it looks like to follow Jesus he sent me a text message, “Are any of us really Christians?” I get his point.

The teacher and the stolen watch

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The teacher and the stolen watch

Hidden In Christ With God Greg Nichols

Wed, 08/13/2025 - 11:06

Back to school. It’s that time of year. In the very first chapter of his Gospel, Mark says of Jesus, “They were astounded at his teaching.” Sixteen times Mark says that Jesus “taught,” and eleven times he refers to Jesus as “teacher.

Pop art by Jazmin Rodriguez Claudio, a 2024-25 Art II eighth-grader at Rockdale Junior High.

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There’s good fried chicken in town again

News Staff

Wed, 08/06/2025 - 11:03

In last week’s paper Rockdale Food Mart & Kitchen ran a big ad for both their chicken and their pizzas. I didn’t know about the pizza. Anyway, I decided to stop by for some chicken tenders because I have been missing Chicken Express for a while.

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LOOKING BACK 10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO

News Staff

Wed, 08/06/2025 - 11:03

10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO 40 YEARS AGO Fire roared through a 60-year-old warehouse located on a downtown Rockdale block Sunday afternoon but the building’s construction— plus quick action by volunteer firemen—was credited with helping avert a major blaze. The warehouse, owned by Sam Peebles, Jr.

JUDGE’S COMMENTS BILL WHITMIRE Milam County Judge

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Turning second chances into change

News Staff

Wed, 08/06/2025 - 11:03

Some may be asking, “what is Communit y Ser v ice?” Community Service, as part of many probation sentences, is when probationers work on projects for the county and around the county helping to complete various jobs and meet community needs. Helping entities that are often unable to afford help.

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Cell phone bill

News Staff

Wed, 08/06/2025 - 11:03

As we prepare to welcome students back for another exciting school year, I want to take a moment to address some questions and concerns you may have regarding House Bill 1481, commonly referred to as the “cell phone bill.” I know many of you have seen various posts and updates circulating online.

Pop art by Maraya Wallace, a 2024-25 Art II eighth-grader at Rockdale Junior High.

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Carla Audino will take good care of kids

Kyle Cooke

Wed, 07/30/2025 - 10:30

FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE Nearly three years ago when dad had his hip replaced there was basically a Rockdale homecoming at St. David's hospital in Austin. Dad told his nurse, Carla Audino, that we all had to get up at 4 a.m. to get to the hospital from Rockdale.