Brushes with fame

Body Editor’s note: Baxter Black, cowboy poet, former large animal veterinarian, newspaper columnist, radio and television host, has opted to retire at the end of December, Cindy Lou Black, Baxter’s wife wrote in a letter recently.

Dozens of school districts close due to Covid-19 outbreaks

Body AUSTIN—Several dozen school districts across the state were forced to close last week due to the omicron variant of Covid-19 sending home students, staff and teachers. Most school districts planned to reopen on Tuesday following the MLK holiday.

January marks the birthday of Bitcoin

Body • Birthday of Bitcoin. Thirteen years ago on January 3, Bitcoin was born. Even though there were a lot of ups and downs in 2021 for bitcoin, it was also a record year for the digital currency, as many adopted it into the mainstream of society.

Emergency SNAP benefits again extended

Body AUSTIN—The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is again extending emergency food benefits this month, with more than $307 million in emergency allocations expected to help more than 1.5 million Texas households.

A Bad Sign

Body The cow went down in the pasture. I took it as a sign. Like lightning striking my saddle horn or guppies in the wine. I’ll have to pull the calf right here. But it isn’t raining hard. It’s just too bad that my slicker is still back in the yard.

Thank you for being a friend

Body I can’t think of many American celebrities as universally beloved as Betty White.

Twenty-nine new laws in effect in January

Body AUSTIN—More than 20 new state laws went into effect as Texans rang in the New Year, with another half-dozen to go on the books on Jan. 18, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.

A Cowful

Body Grandpa Tommy’s dad used to say “A cowful is a substantial quantity.” According to my research, the rumen on a mature cow can hold up to 300 pounds. And by anybody’s standards that is quite a bit. Say you had a cowful of pocket change. You’d almost need a cow to keep it in.

Safely gifting soapberries

Body If you can’t be recyclable, at least be biodegradable. The first option is for reincarnationists. It’s dust to dust for the rest of us. Deep subject.

State steps up DUI enforcement during holidays

Body AUSTIN—The Texas Department of Transportation has kicked off its statewide “Drive Sober. No Regrets” drunk driving prevention program for the holidays.