The Richland Springs Report

Can you say winner? The Stars and Stripes Celebration can be considered a win for everyone. It was a win against fear, a win for the kids, a win for the domino players, a super win for the pig sackers, a win for the silent auction and Howlers committee, and most of all a win for Independence Day.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

Governor’s order mandates wearing of face masks in public Governor Greg Abbott on July 2 issued an executive order to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus while keeping Texas as open as possible for business.

County Judge’s Update

PLEASE NOTE: We strongly suggest and hope that you will choose the discomfort of wearing a mask when closer than six feet from others, some who might be at great risk. You are not required to wear a mask at all times throughout the county, and you will not be fined or hassled if you do not.

The Idle American

Late Othal Brand, 20-year Mayor in McAllen, TX Behold, the Onion… Describing the onion as a “lowly vegetable” didn’t set well with the late Othal Brand, for 20 years the McAllen, Texas, mayor who cleared many hurdles during his 90-year earthly pilgrimage.

The Richland Springs Report

I want to start this column off with a hearty "thank you" to the 30 people who showed up Saturday morning to clean up the town. Kathy Brockman represented the First Baptist Church and treated everyone to juice and delicious donuts. Paige Moats captained us all very ably.

County Judge’s Update

Over the last few days, I have gotten a lot of questions over shutdowns and face masks. I would like to give you my thoughts. The last shutdown was bad for our community, and another one would be terrible.

Deadline extended for Feeding Texas program

Feeding Texas applauded a decision by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to extend an application deadline for a new program that could provide families with up to $1 billion in food assistance during the COVID-19 crisis.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

Governor’s order restricts alcohol-serving establishments Governor Greg Abbott ordered the state to slow down the reopening process for bars and other venues as coronavirus-related infections, hospitalizations and deaths continued to increase in Texas last week.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor: With the pandemic craziness and uncertainty going on right now, voting in a run-off election may not be your top priority. But, elections have consequences, and it is particularly so in the District 59 state representative race.

Early summer drying could indicate a severe wildfire season in Texas

Drought conditions in the western High Plains and South Plains and early drying across the state have led to an early start to the summer wildfire season. Most of the state is trending three to four weeks ahead of typical early summer drying.