Some church humor and a sad tale

FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE Don’t forget to come to the library on Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for librarian Melanie Todd’s retirement party. She’s retiring after 30 years! See ad on page 7A. All are invited. —kwc— Vanished.

Place of Hope needs our help

JUDGE’S COMMENTS Last week we spoke about CASA of Milam County, and their work in the foster care system. Child Advocacy of any sort should be of our highest priority. Too many times in today’s world, children are marginalized.

Looking back... 10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO

100 YEARS AGO Opening bids for the construction of the city sewage disposal plant, by city council Tuesday night developed the fact that Thomas & Ratliff , well-known contractor of Rogers, were the lowest bidders.

Terrorists

Home grown terrorists are the United States’ biggest threat Some people who knew Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an Army veteran and father of three from Beaumont, were stunned to learn he was the driver who mowed down New Year’s Day revelers in New Orleans.

Things I’d like to see less of this year

FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE Isaw something the other day that said, “Everything I know about the Kardashians I learned against my will.” And I totally agree with that, and I can’t imagine why they are still so popular.

Helping our children in Milam County

E arlier this week I had a meeting with Rachel Owens who sits on the boards of the Milam County CPS Board and CASA of Milam County. These two make up an important part of the volunteer organizations that aid Milam County with our overall child and family services programs.

Looking back... 10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO

100 YEARS AGO The little city of Thorndale was stunned, and a chock was felt all over Milam County Monday morning when it became known that Gus Newton, president and manager of the Thorndale Mercantile Company, had ended his life. Mr.

Rockdale’s year end review

January— A test lift of the bell tower on The 1895 was conducted on January 2 to find out its weight and to weld in a spiral staircase. The tower weighed 84,700 pounds. Construction began at some RISD campuses after the bond passage. RISD Superintendent Dr.

Christmas memories are comforting

FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE The other night I saw a video of someone making eggnog and it brought back memories of my grandfather, W.H. Cooke making it on Christmas Eve every year when Kathy and I were very young. This was before Ken and Kevin came along.

A father, a heroic son and an auction

(A timely Christmas column from Publisher Emeritis Bill Cooke written on Dec. 24, 2015.) This Christmas story is old and the author is unknown to me, but it’s a worthy read.