Storyteller and broadcast personality Tumbleweed Smith to be inducted into radio Hall of Fame

Tumbleweed Smith, whose colorful commentary “The Sound of Texas” has been on the airwaves of the Lone Star State for more than 55 years, has been tapped for induction into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame on November 1, 2025.

TALES FROM SMITH

TUMBLEWEEDAs 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 StarStateandbringsthemintothehomesandheartsofthousands.Horsehead CelebrationKirby Warnock of Fort...

Okie-centric hymn humor

COMMENTARYAn Okie friend of mine with a divinity degree has long threatened to produce a redneck version of the Holy Bible. Occasionally he tests the waters by sharing sample verses on Facebook.Is Okie derogatory? Should I say Sooner? The nuances escape me.

Jerusalem artichokes in full bloom right now

CUISINE & CULTUREJerusalem artichokes are perennials that are in full bloom right now but tubers are not ready to be harvested. The common name, Jerusalem, was likely transliterated into English from the Italian word for sunflower, girasole.

In-state tuition guidance creating confusion

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATIONAUSTIN— Advocates for undocumented college students claim some students have been told incorrectly they are no longer eligible for low in-state tuition rates, the Texas Tribune reports.

Sharing some recent reads

My mother was a reader.The 1930s and forties rural setting nurtured this: no television and no neighbors, with nightly radio and a Saturday trip to town as the rare outlets to the world.But books would take Mother and her siblings anywhere they wanted to go.Mom raised readers by reading to us.

AN OPEN LETTER SHARED WITH THE CAPROCK COURIER

Roger Lowe Lowe’s Grocery Store Matador, Texas 79244September 23, 2025Dear Mr. Lowe:We are writing to formally request an extension of the deadline to close Lowe’s Grocery located in Matador, Texas. As per recent communication, the store is scheduled to cease operations on October 4, 2025.

PRESS RELEASE FROM LOWE’S

Thursday, September 18th, 2025“After proudly serving the Matador community for 35 years, Lowe’s Market today announced it will permanently close its doors on October 4th. The closure is a result of declining sales, economic challenges, and increased competition.

Skillet bean dip

How about a new spin on an old favorite? This recipe is one I have requests for occasionally and it is sure to please for almost any gathering.I’ve started making dips like this in a cast iron skillet, as the cast iron retains the heat for a good bit of time, keeping the dip warm and ready to go.

A brave new spy world

Shades of “1984.” Spies are afoot.OK. I don’t really remember “1984” that well. I read it back in the late 1960s. Then in 1984 things didn’t play out exactly as predicted. That I remember.Who wrote it? George Orwell? That’s my guess.