Community & Opinion

PROUD PATRIOTISM will fill the Roaring Springs park Monday, May 25, as community members honor the sacrifice of forebears to the service of their country. | TINA BROOKS PHOTO

PROUD PATRIOTISM will fill the Roaring Springs park Monday, May 25, as community members honor the sacrifice of forebears to the service of their country. | TINA BROOKS PHOTO

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Memorial Day program slated for May 25 in Roaring Springs

Staff Reports
Friday, May 22, 2026
Body Memorial Day in the U.S. is a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom and the courage of those who paid the ultimate price to defend it.
NEW OFFICERS The Cottle-King Rodeo Association recently held elections for the 2026-2028 term. | COURTESY PHOTO

NEW OFFICERS The Cottle-King Rodeo Association recently held elections for the 2026-2028 term. | COURTESY PHOTO

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Cottle-King Rodeo Association announces new officers, invites community participation

Delisa Piper |
Friday, May 22, 2026
Body The Cottle-King Rodeo Association recently held elections for the 20262028 term and is proud to continue leadership with an all-ladies officer board dedicated to preserving and growing one of the area’s most anticipated annual traditions.
Texas most at-risk state for hail damage

Texas most at-risk state for hail damage

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Texas most at-risk state for hail damage

News Staff
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Body TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATIONAUSTIN— Everything is bigger in Texas, including the hail, according to Cotality’s 2026 Severe Convective Storm Risk Report, published in the Statesman.
Some feel-good things

Some feel-good things

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Some feel-good things

Sue Jane Sullivan
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Body Joy may seem elusive at times, but I like to think that there are people among us who know just when to write the song, produce the movie, make the podcast, or publish the book that could evoke some smiles.Recording artist Amy Grant’s new album was released last week.
FAMILY FAVORITE Chicken Tinga tacos is one dish I will always drop everything and make for my own son. Enjoy food made fresh! | ANGELINA LaRUE PHOTO

FAMILY FAVORITE Chicken Tinga tacos is one dish I will always drop everything and make for my own son. Enjoy food made fresh! | ANGELINA LaRUE PHOTO

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Family, food and memories

Angelina L
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Body CUISINE & CULTURE | ANGELINA@ANGELINALARUE.COMMore than a few years ago, I recall driving down the road with my 18-year-old son sitting in the front passenger seat. This had been a rare occasion since the day he acquired his own driver’s license.
FORPERFECTPEONIES set roots with buds into a shallow bed not more than 1 inch depth. Roots placed too deeply may produce shoots the next season but will fail to bloom. These need to be replanted. After moving a peony expect it to take several years to bloom. | iSTOCK PHOTO

FORPERFECTPEONIES set roots with buds into a shallow bed not more than 1 inch depth. Roots placed too deeply may produce shoots the next season but will fail to bloom. These need to be replanted. After moving a peony expect it to take several years to bloom. | iSTOCK PHOTO

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Where are the spring Blooms?

Ellen Peffley
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Body CUISINE & CULTURESpring blooms open the gardening year—cheerful yellow daffodils, soft orange and white jonquils, rainbow colors of iris, fragrant purple hyacinths, and deep pink peonies.
S’MORE IN PROGRESS in his right hand, Conner Baskerville roasts a marshmallow to add to his graham cracker and chocolate. The occasion was a cookout at Doans, Texas on Saturday, May 1, the evening before the 143rd Doan’s May Picnic. In the background is Jeff Bearden’s authentic chuck wagon and a U. S. Flag with 36 stars, true to the era of the trail drives that crossed at nearby Doan’s Crossing. Historic Doans is 16 miles north of Vernon. | HANABA MUNN WELCH

S’MORE IN PROGRESS in his right hand, Conner Baskerville roasts a marshmallow to add to his graham cracker and chocolate. The occasion was a cookout at Doans, Texas on Saturday, May 1, the evening before the 143rd Doan’s May Picnic. In the background is Jeff Bearden’s authentic chuck wagon and a U. S. Flag with 36 stars, true to the era of the trail drives that crossed at nearby Doan’s Crossing. Historic Doans is 16 miles north of Vernon. | HANABA MUNN WELCH

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S’more fun than a cellphone

Hanaba Munn Welch
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Body COMMENTARYHow many seconds in a microwave does it take for a marshmallow to ignite?I’m asking. It’s a wonder I haven’t found out. I’ve been trying to microwave s’mores. There’s a reason microwave ovens don’t have a s’mores setting.
HAPPY RETIREMENT

HAPPY RETIREMENT

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HAPPY RETIREMENT

News Staff
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Body Paducah superintendent Gary Waitman (right) congratulated Mrs. Jodie Ruthven last week, who taught for 18 years at Paducah ISD, on her retirement from the school district.
High gas prices eating into Texans’budgets

High gas prices eating into Texans’budgets

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High gas prices eating into Texans’budgets

Texas Press Association
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Body AUSTIN— The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Texas has risen from $2.55 in early February to $3.91 as of Sunday, according to AAA. Diesel prices hover around $5 a gallon.
Rethinking the summer vacation

Rethinking the summer vacation

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Rethinking the summer vacation

News Staff
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Body This summer may be a bit trickier to slip off with the family for a vacation. Fuel prices, whether driving or flying, are becoming an issue that one cannot ignore unless you are driving an EV. In our parts, this is not the vehicle of choice.