When an Agenda Says Nothing

Let me start where most of these columns are going to start: with something that actually happened, in a meeting our editor actually covered, that should not have happened the way it did.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE THE LAUNCHPAD

The Texas Constitution doesn’t leave much wiggleroom when it comes to schools. It says a “general diffusion of knowledge” is essential, and then it gets right to the point: it is the duty of the Legislature to provide for an efficient system of public free schools.

NEEDLES AND THREAD, QUORUMS AND COURTROOMS, INK AND PAPER

If this week’s edition feels like a patchwork, that’s because it is. And like any good quilt — and any good newspaper — the value isn’t in one piece.A newspaper rarely reads like a single, clean narrative. It reads like life. In pieces.Different sections. Different voices. Different priorities.

BOB WILLS DAY IN TURKEY

The last weekend in April is permanently marked on thousands of people’s calendars as Bob Wills Day in Turkey. Actually, it lasts a couple of weeks earlier when musicians and fans start gathering to pay tribute to the famous western swing artist. Bob Wills was born into a musical family.

Faces & Places

“We forget that the sweetest joys are found in the simplest acts: hugs, laughter, quiet observation, basic movements, holding hands, pleasant music, shared stories, a listening ear, an unhurried visit, and selfless service.It is sad we forget a truth so elementary.” ~ Richelle E.

Shed a Little Light

“Waiter, I’ll have my meal automated with a side of artificial intelligence.”It may sound like a scenario that will never happen, but when it comes to technology and progress, I’m not holding my breath.After all, less than 20 years ago the smartphone was introduced.

FROM “LEAVE US ALONE” TO “LET US HANDLE IT”

Texas has always had a simple philosophy about government. Austin should leave us alone and let local communities handle their own business. The state set the guardrails, but it didn’t try to steer every decision.

WHEN THE REPUBLIC WAKES

Two things happened this week that didn’t make the loudest headlines, but they mattered. They were small moments. The kind a community can step right over without noticing.

God’s Reset Switch

The storm knocked the lights out at 7:43 Monday evening. Hail, high winds, a brief burst of heavy rain, and then dark. Power stayed off across much of Rotan until around 9:30 Tuesday morning.I want this written down. I want it in our archives, so that anyone who cares to look will find it here.

JOAQUIN: MOTORCYCLE MECCA

It’s amazing what you find in small towns. Joaquin, on the eastern edge of Texas, has a world class motorcycle museum. When you walk in, the motorcycles are displayed like fine jewels all polished and shiny. They all belong to Luke Garrett.