LOOKING BACK

10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO 100 YEARS AGO… The “cold snap” which brought to a close the first part of the week, also brought to this section of the state the coldest weather of the winter, so far.

Looking back...

100 YEARS AGO… Due to the activity of Mayor H.C. Meyer the members of the Rockdale Fire Department and their young lady sponsors were guests at a banquet given by the Rockdale businessmen on the night of Jan. 14.

2023: growth, change, repairs, an apology

As 2023 came to an end and we start anew with 2024, it’s been interesting to see how much things have changed in just one year. I appreciate all the hard work the Commissioners have put in during 2023.

Drinking champagne from a proper glass

FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE Idon’t drink champagne very often, but I decided to get a bottle for New Year’s Eve. Then I remembered we had my grandmother Cooke’s Rosepoint crystal in a cabinet, so I got out a champagne flute and drank my champagne in style.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear editor, I am tired of hearing people moan and groan about the influx of people the Samsung plant will bring to our area. I am tired of people complaining that the economy is horrible. I beg to differ. Look at the number of construction jobs the Samsung plant is creating right now.

Interesting facts about Texas

We had such a nice Christmas, and it was great to have four days off. Friday night after everyone arrived in town, we had our annual tamalada at Noelia’s house. If you’re not familiar with that word, it’s a party where tamales are made and tequila shots are taken. At least that’s what we do.

Sing it: ‘Boreal Ice Crystal Homo Sapien’

(Here’s some fun with Christmas Carols written by publisher emeritus Bill Cooke in 2014.) Neighbor Grover sez Merry Christmas to the best folks in the world—our readers and advertisers. Okay, everybody, take this Christmas music quiz.

Year in review

January— Four people were arrested by Milam C ounty Sheriff p ersonnel on F riday, Jan 6 during an afternoon drug raid at an address in the 100 block of CR 311 west of Rockdale. RISD will hold a bond election in May to meet its needs (it passed.

It is not about us

Like a lot of families when our four kids were little, we always gave them one present on Christmas Eve. Most of the time this gift would be socks or pajamas. Something practical that nobody wants.

Auld lang syne

At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, as the ball drops in Time Square, as couples bend close to kiss, as party-goers propose their toasts, millions join together in song, “Should old acquaintance be forgot And never brought to mind?… We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.