The Art of Public Service

Body As I write this week’s column, my Internet hotspot is sketchy. That simply means whatever I write will not include anything that requires research or verification. You just got me today, plain and simple. School board elections took place across the state last weekend.

Voters back property tax amendments

Body AUSTIN— Texas voters overwhelmingly approved two proposed amendments on Saturday that will provide property tax relief to homeowners.

TALES FROM TUMBLEWEED SMITH

Body As the creator and producer of “The Sound of Texas,” one of the longest running syndicated radio programs in Texas, Tumbleweed seeks fascinating people who embody the spirit of the lone star state and brings them into the homes and hearts of thousands.

Burner phone proves a turkey

Body If you’ve never tried to activate a prepaid mobile phone, maybe you’re not as smart as you think you are. The experience can be humbling, frustrating and timeconsuming. I’d add more adjectives, but the mark of a good writer is not to use too many.

Read the comics

Body A newspaper’s comics section does not hold the fascination it once did to a child. Families in the 1960s and 1970s made a dash for the printed frame-by-frame jokes or stories. On Sunday, they were in color, which made for a holy war before church.

Runoff elections in primary races to be held Sat., May 24

Body What’s on the ballot? Voters will make the final call in Democratic and Republican primary races that were left undecided after the March 1 election.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Body Silverton to observe National Day of Prayer May 5 has been set aside as a National Day of Prayer. The spring observance was established by President Harry S. Truman in 1952 as the National Day of Prayer.

TALES FROM TUMBLEWEED SMITH

Body As the creator and producer of “The Sound of Texas,” one of the longest running syndicated radio programs in Texas, Tumbleweed seeks fascinating people who embody the spirit of the lone star state and brings them into the homes and hearts of thousands.

Listen to this

Body After a road trip a few years ago, I met my new travel best friends: Podcasts. I capitalize the word because they are really good companions.

Early voting underway for May 7 election

Body AUSTIN—Early voting began Monday for local elections and two proposed constitutional amendments relating to property tax reductions. Early voting continues through Tuesday, May 3, with election day on Saturday, May 7.