Columns & Opinions

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

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Falling back in love with our country

Kyle Cooke

Wed, 07/08/2026 - 11:44

FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE Ihave to admit I don't know much about the World Cup or soccer, but I sure have enjoyed the videos of people from all over the world saying how wonderful the United States is. Especially considering how the US is portrayed in the news.

JUDGE’S COMMENTS BILL WHITMIRE Milam County Judge

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A Fourth of July in Milam County

News Staff

Wed, 07/01/2026 - 10:56

There are a lot of places in America where the Fourth of July is celebrated with big city festivals, elaborate fireworks displays and crowds that stretch for miles. But here in Milam County, we tend to celebrate it a little differently.

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The arts

News Staff

Wed, 07/01/2026 - 10:56

In addition to being enduring, the arts are also economically imperative Ernest Hemingway once wrote that “A thousand years makes economics silly and a work of art endures forever...” In addition to being enduring, the arts are also economically imperative.

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

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There’ll be big fun at Fair Park Saturday

News Staff

Wed, 07/01/2026 - 10:56

When I went on vacation to Galveston, I decided to go through Houston instead of around it on the beltway like I normally do. Big mistake. There was a big traffic jam on I-10 just before the turnoff to I-45 South which turned out to be a big accident.

Kyle’s Kitchen KYLE COOKE

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Fourth of July sides, dessert

News Staff

Wed, 07/01/2026 - 10:56

What do you usually eat for the Fourth of July? I think last year dad wanted a hot dog which makes sense since there’s nothing more American than that. Actually anything on the grill sounds good to me, but we’ll need some sides, won’t we? I love baked beans so here is a basic recipe.

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

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Back from beach, feeling refreshed

Kyle Cooke

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 10:54

I’m back from the longest vacation I’ve ever had since I started working at The Reporter. Many thanks to brother Ken for taking over while I was in Galveston. It’s the first time I had nothing to do with a whole issue of the paper which was last week’s issue. That’s never happened before.

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LOOKING BACK

News Staff

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 10:54

10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO 100 YEARS AGO… Rockdale and Austin businessman E.M. Scarbrough, who founded Scarbrough & Hicks in 1883, was found dead in bed at his home in Austin due to heart failure. Scarbrough moved his business to Austin in 1893 and had the flagship E.M.

JUDGE’S COMMENTS

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Thanks to Milam road, bridge crews

Bill Whitmire

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 10:54

Over the la s t two weeks, Milam County has experienced heavy rainfall, rising creeks, flooded crossings, washed shoulders and road damage across many parts of the county. We have had several water rescues and close calls.

Joy to the World Cup

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Joy to the World Cup

News Staff

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 10:54

The World Cup—that “other” football event played every four years—has returned to North America. And the world’s most popular sport (excepting here in the U.S.) has brought the world’s most joyful fan bases with it.

Cast iron water pipes excavated in 2016 shows mineral buildup. — File photo

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‘One bite at a time’

News Staff

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 10:34

After hearing of the milestone of zero leaks in Rockdale’s oft-troubled water system, we stumbled across an editorial from exactly a decade ago. It was penned by the late, and great, Editor Mike Brown, who observed, covered and loved this town his entire life.