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Community & Opinions

Kent commissioners approve budget and tax rate, fund EMT training, report on TxDOT road funding

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During September and October, the Kent County commissioners’ court handled a variety of business.

Gas prices topping $3 across state

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AUSTIN—The price of a gallon of gasoline tops $3 across much of the state, which is up more than $1.20 from a year ago, according to AAA. The average price for regular gas in Texas stood at $3.03 per gallon on Sunday as crude oil prices continue to creep up, closing above $80 per barrel. Crude oil price is one of a quartet of factors that influence the cost of gasoline, reported The Dallas Morning News. The costs of refining, distribution expenses and taxes also affect the price at the pump.

What does—and doesn’t—arrive in the U.S. Mail

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When you publish a weekly community newspaper, the U.S. Mail is your lifeline to the world.

A stamp of disapproval

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In the span of seven days, I went from giving myself a high five to slapping that same five to my forehead in angst.

Behind the scenes of the newspapers

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If you work at a newspaper, of the industry.

State climatologist: Texas getting hotter

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AUSTIN—The state climatologist recently predicted that Texas will continue to get hotter and for longer periods of time during the next 15 years. In “Assessment of Historic and Future Trends of Extreme Weather in Texas, 1900-2036,” John Nielsen-Gammon predicted the average annual temperature in Texas will be three degrees warmer than the average from 1950 to 1999, and the number of 100-degree days could nearly double compared to 2000-2018.

Adams moves to South Texas newspaper group

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You’ve seen her at commissioners’ courts and city councils, community events and school boards—and enjoyed her “Backstage” columns with their music-themed title tie-ins. We’re sorry to see her move from our part of Texas, but award-winning journalist Liz Adams has accepted the position of editor with the Goliad Advance-Guard and the Refugio County Press, in the Coastal Bend region of South Texas.

Public and Civic Meetings Coming Up

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Note: Due to the Columbus Day holiday Monday, October 12, some meetings have changed regular dates for October.

2021 Community Calendar Community Services

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SPUR VISITOR CENTER at 101 Hill Street at Burlington Avenue is operated by the Spur Area Chamber of Commerce. Vistiors seeking information on the area may email spurchamber@ gmail.com or call (806) 474-5757.

What a difference a decade makes

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The Sullivan family came in two phases. Phase I was older brother Scotty, Sue Jane, and Sara—born in those Baby Boomer ’50s. The 2.0 version arrived the next decade because—and I quote my mother here—“I always wanted five children.” As much as I was dazed by that comment when I heard it the first time, I cannot imagine my world without the youngest, Shane and Sabrina. Here are some personal observations as a result of Mom and Dad’s procreation timeline.