Hill Country Naturalist

A while back a neighbor of mine asked me, “Where are all the little trees? I just realized there are no little trees around my house, they are all mature oaks.” It was an accurate observation, and a good question. The following is the first column I wrote as an answer to that question, back in 2010.

The Bend News

Hello from Bend! It’s hard to believe that another month of 2022 has just about come and gone. It will be springtime before we know it, and I personally can’t wait for warmer days and hopefully some rain!

Open Letter to Texans: Powering Forward

The Texas electric grid is the strongest and most reliable it’s ever been. In fact, we all saw firsthand how much stronger and more reliable earlier this month as an arctic freeze took hold of Texas. We had ample energy, with plenty to spare.

If you’re a homeowner struggling to make housing-related payments due to the pandemic, help is available or coming soon

If you are a homeowner and COVID-19 has made it difficult for you to pay your mortgage, utilities, property taxes, or other home expenses, financial assistance may already be available for you.

Postal reform passes the house, advancing a decade of work by National Newspaper Association

The House of Representatives passed the Postal Service Reform Act, HR 3076, by a vote of 342 to 92, sending a landmark postal bill to the Senate for consideration.

Property taxes can be lowered by keeping bees

Property taxes on small acreages can now be lowered by keeping bees on the property. Texas law allows bees and beehives to qualify for reducing property taxes on plots ranging from five to 20 acres similar to livestock or raising hay.

Free virtual Alzheimer’s Educational Conference on March 9th

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will host a free virtual Alzheimer’s educational conference for Texas residents on Wednesday, March 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. CST as part of its 2022 national Educating America Tour.

Amid COVID-19 surge, focus on children's mental health is crucial

The recent surge in COVID-19 cases-caused in part by the Omicron variant-has left many people wondering whether this pandemic will ever end. COVID-19 has upended how we work, go to school, visit our families, and receive health care.

Rylander Library Book Review

The definitive biography of country legend Merle Haggard by the New York Times bestselling biographer of Clint Eastwood, Cary Grant, The Eagles, and more. Merle Haggard was one of the most important country music musicians who ever lived.

The Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame has announced the 2022 class of inductees

The Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame has announced the 2022 class of inductees with the induction ceremony slated for Saturday, April 9, in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.