LOOKING BACK

100 YEARS AGO… The local Post American Legion was planning to hold a big Fourth of July picnic and celebrations in Rockdale, with committees being active to that end.

Love people anyway

Some days are diamonds and some days are coal. We all have some thorns in our sides that we pray God would remove (2 Corinthians 12). My thorn list is growing and I’m thinking that’s not a positive but they don’t put you on a cross because they like you. I pray for the haters.

Christians should be ready when needed

Years ago, on a warm, summer night at a girls softball game, I overheard a player complaining to her coach, “… but I don’t want to play outfield!” Just then I heard the smack of the bat. The ball flew over the pitcher and sailed over second base. Runners on the loaded bases began sprinting.

Baked beans and pulled pork

I don’t remember when I first ate baked beans, but it was probably with Mom’s family in Crandall, TX. But I have loved them ever since. The Mexicans in our family do not like them and can’t imagine eating sweet beans, but that just leaves more for me.

Open up

I’am a father, the son of a kindergarten teacher, and an American. I was also born in Uvalde, Texas. That’s why I’m writing this. I I believe that responsible, law-abiding Americans have a Second Amendment right, enshrined by our founders, to bear arms.

It’s insulting to salt your food in Egypt

As Americans, we get used to our way of doing things. But when traveling there are some customs that are completely opposite of the way things are here. A few examples: In Chinese culture, when you gift money you send it in a red envelope. A white envelope signifies misfortune such as funerals.

A small-world story from Normandy, France

A timely column from Publisher Emeritus Bill Cooke, originally published in 2008. The invasion of Normandy happened on June 6, 1944.—K.W.C. Folks, it really is a small world indeed. Our traveling group was sitting in our hotel restaurant in Bayeux, near the Normandy beaches.

Looking back... Through The Reporter Files

100 YEARS AGO… J.M. Hodges of Wharton was elected superintendent of the Rockdale Public Schools. Mr. Hodges was a strong, thorough school man, and the board of trustees considered itself fortunate in being able to secure his services.

Underutilized COVID funeral assistance funds

Dear Savvy Senior, I recently saw a news segment on TV about a government funeral assistance program available to families who lost loved ones during the pandemic. What can you tell me about this?

School security

In the aftermath of the elementary school massacre in Uvalde, schools around the U.S. have brought in additional security staff and restricted visitors as they deal with a new rash of copycat threats.