Columns & Opinions

Self-portrait drawing by Kamila Colmenero Hernandez, a 2025-26 eighth-grader in Art II at Rockdale Junior High School.

Self-portrait drawing by Kamila Colmenero Hernandez, a 2025-26 eighth-grader in Art II at Rockdale Junior High School.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Rockdale hits a rare milestone, gets a win

Texas Type Ken Esten Cooke
Wed, 06/10/2026 - 10:28
In light of its challenges, Rockdale hit a milestone recently that I certainly never thought it would see. Mayor Ward Roddam and City Manager Tim Kelty said Monday night at the council meeting that the city’s Public Works Department reported zero leaks in its water system.
Two rescues and an important reminder

Two rescues and an important reminder

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Two rescues and an important reminder

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire
Wed, 06/10/2026 - 10:28
Last Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday morning, two people in separate vehicles were washed off the roadway where a bridge on Farm-to-Market 2027 crosses Pond Creek.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Looking back...

News Staff
Wed, 06/03/2026 - 11:45
10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO 100 YEARS AGO… Carlyle Post No. 358, American Legion has its lines all laid and plans working out nicely looking to the biggest Fourth of July celebration ever staged in Rockdale.
JUDGE’S COMMENTS

JUDGE’S COMMENTS

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Where’s the beef on property tax reform?

Bill Whitmire
Wed, 06/03/2026 - 11:45
This week I want to revisit a subject we’ve talked about before, but one that deserves another look as we get closer to the next legislative session: property tax reform. Every election cycle, candidates start talking about property taxes.
Self-portrait drawing by Madison Gonzales, a 2025-26 eighth-grader in Art II at Rockdale Junior High School.

Self-portrait drawing by Madison Gonzales, a 2025-26 eighth-grader in Art II at Rockdale Junior High School.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

More funnies from Ashley McKee Karl

Kyle Cooke
Wed, 06/03/2026 - 11:45
Ileave Saturday for my week vacation in Galveston, and I am so ready to go. Brother Ken will be here taking my place while I’m gone, and I thank him for stepping in. Christine will also be in town while I’m away. I don’t know if Ken is going to put her to work or not.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Water

—dr. Ray Perryman, The Perryman Group
Wed, 06/03/2026 - 11:45
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) regularly engages in an extensive strategic effort resulting in the State Water Plan.
The 11th Commandment

The 11th Commandment

Exclusive Subscriber Content

The 11th Commandment

Hidden In Christ With God Greg Nichols
Wed, 06/03/2026 - 11:45
Jim R., a Christian youth counselor, gave me permission to share his following testimony: We had a kid at camp who was just one of those kids: hyperactive, talking when you’re not supposed to, getting into mischief, saying inappropriate things at the inappropriate times.
Are you an A+ student?

Are you an A+ student?

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Are you an A+ student?

He Told Me To Tell You That Ken Ansell
Wed, 06/03/2026 - 11:45
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) Itaught on the Parable of the Sower on Sunday (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23) not too long ago.
JUDGE’S COMMENTS

JUDGE’S COMMENTS

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Honoring all who gave their lives

Bill Whitmire
Wed, 05/27/2026 - 11:50
This past weekend was Memorial Day weekend, and as the Nurse and I made the rounds to the various events across Milam County, I found myself both proud and disappointed at the same time.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Forecast

—ray Perryman, The Perryman Group
Wed, 05/27/2026 - 11:50
Although indicators are somewhat mixed, the US economy generally continues to demonstrate modest growth even when confronted with significant challenges. Labor market performance has remained relatively stable and capital investment continues (particularly in data centers and AI).