Looking back...

100 YEARS AGO… Dropping in at Stricker’s Variety Store, two doors from the post office, our reporter was struck with the changed appearance of the store, due to rearrangement of stock and the installation of more than 100 feet of attractive wall shelving.

Feral hogs

A federal pilot program has helped and should be made permanent While Washington politicians don’t agree on much these days, on this they see eye to eye: The nation has an out-ofcontrol feral hog problem, and more must be done to get a hold of it. A bipartisan group made up of U.S. Sens.

Looking back...

100 YEARS AGO… In order to supply a demand for instruction in the studies pertaining the elementary grades by students of Rockdale Public Schools who desired to make up additional credits during the vacation season, Mrs. C.G. Jenness opened a six-week term of school in the old primary school...

First town hall down, more to come

Monday evening in Milano we held the first of our Town Hall meetings. During the campaign, I made one promise and that was to serve as County Judge in a manner my grandfather referred to as open stewardship. That means serving as openly, as honestly and as transparently as possible.

Sometimes I think I’m not cut out for this

FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE The other day a subscriber from Belton, George Reyes, stopped by to renew his subscription with his two cute grandchildren. As soon as they came in the door, they both made a beeline to Mavis the office cat. Mr. Reyes said, “Oh Lord.

TPA President

A word from your publisher: Following a legacy of tough people Every day, I look up at my great-grandfather’s portrait on my office wall. The stern-looking man from this portrait, probably dated around 1920, shows a gentleman in round spectacles and a wool suit.

It’s not a lazy river

I’ve been watching a lot of baseball on television this spring and summer. I only get to watch what is being broadcast on Amazon Prime Video but I catch a couple of games a week. It’s been therapeutic. Just checking out, sitting on the big brown couch and watching the boys of summer do what they do.

‘Who’s your Daddy?’

“Who’s your Daddy?” The question still gets giggles at our house. “Who’s your daddy?” The question is asked rhetorically by the younger generation as a way of asking: “Who’s your friend?” or “Who’s the winner?” or “Who’s the boss of you?” or “Who’s your better?”

Our Saturday trip to Kalahari

FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE We had such a good time celebrating my brother, Ken, on Saturday.

Animal services and town halls

Sometimes, when writing these articles for the Milam County Judge’s office, it can be easy to focus on one subject. Then, in other weeks, there are multiple issues that need addressed. This is one of those such weeks. First, let’s talk about town halls.