COVID-19 update: The Omicron Variant

The recently recognized “omicron” variant is still too new to know a lot about how it may act, but it does appear to be more easily spread than preceding variants and, at least initially, appears to cause less severe infection.

Libraries Are Where All Students Should Feel Accepted

Across Texas school districts are deciding to remove books from school library shelves while they are reviewed “out of an abundance of caution.” We strongly believe that these actions violate students’ First Amendment rights and local school boards’ own reconsideration policies.

Jordan Cattle Auction

Mason - San Saba December 16, 2021 Receipts totaled 4,417 head for the week. The market continued to be very active with good demand. The stocker steers sold steady with 3 steers 423 lbs @ $198.00 ($837.54) and 5 steers 591 lbs @ $158.00 ($933.78).

Game Warden Field Notes

The following are excerpts from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports Shell Shocked A state biologist contacted a warden about an inquiry made by a local elementary school regarding rehabilitating Texas tortoises.

Rylander Library New Book List

December's New Book List – Becoming by Nora Roberts The Christmas Promise by Richard Paul Evans Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly Dark Tarot by Christine Feehan The Family by Naomi Krupitsky Fear No Evil by James Patterson Flying Angels by Danielle...

DPS encourages safe driving for the holidays

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is encouraging everyone to end 2021 safely as they head out on the road for the holidays.

Let's Never Forget

I remember a picture I saw of a little newborn baby. In the center of the picture was a tiny little hand holding on to its mother’s finger. That picture reminded me of the night that Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem many years ago.

La Palabra de Dios Dice

Lucas 2:8-19 Había pastores en la misma región, que velaban y guardaban las vigilias de la noche sobre su rebaño. Y he aquí, se les presentó un ángel del Señor, y la gloria del Señor los rodeó de resplandor; y tuvieron gran temor.

Christmas Angels

Though Mary and Joseph are still standing, the angel blew over in our front yard nativity scene. My wife claims he is bowing in worship. Maybe. But I know a strong wind has blown him over in the past. As ironic as it may seem, this angel needs constant maintenance.

Doug’s Doorstep

Talking Animals Cyndi and I were walking around our community the other night, and the neighbor’s dog came running toward us. I was not sure whether it would be friendly or sink those sharp teeth into us. As he came near, I began to speak to him. “Hey boy, how are you doing?”