Community & Opinions

Kent commissioners approve budget and tax rate, fund EMT training, report on TxDOT road funding

During September and October, the Kent County commissioners’ court handled a variety of business.

Gas prices topping $3 across state

AUSTIN—The price of a gallon of gasoline tops $3 across much of the state, which is up more than $1.20 from a year ago, according to AAA. The average price for regular gas in Texas stood at $3.03 per gallon on Sunday as crude oil prices continue to creep up, closing above $80 per barrel.

A stamp of disapproval

In the span of seven days, I went from giving myself a high five to slapping that same five to my forehead in angst. I messed up. The kind of mistake that, while understandable, but certainly avoidable. The error that a 65-yearold applying for work after having the same job for 41 years would make.

What does—and doesn’t—arrive in the U.S. Mail

When you publish a weekly community newspaper, the U.S. Mail is your lifeline to the world.

What a difference a decade makes

The Sullivan family came in two phases. Phase I was older brother Scotty, Sue Jane, and Sara—born in those Baby Boomer ’50s. The 2.0 version arrived the next decade because—and I quote my mother here—“I always wanted five children.

Public and Civic Meetings Coming Up

Note: Due to the Columbus Day holiday Monday, October 12, some meetings have changed regular dates for October. SPUR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Monday, October 25, at 7 p.m (time subject to change). School administration offices, Spur. KENT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ COURT Thursday, October 14, 9 a.m.

2021 Community Calendar Community Services

SPUR VISITOR CENTER at 101 Hill Street at Burlington Avenue is operated by the Spur Area Chamber of Commerce. Vistiors seeking information on the area may email spurchamber@ gmail.com or call (806) 474-5757. THE SPUR AREA FOOD BANK serves families throughout Dickens County.

Adams moves to South Texas newspaper group

You’ve seen her at commissioners’ courts and city councils, community events and school boards—and enjoyed her “Backstage” columns with their music-themed title tie-ins.

State climatologist: Texas getting hotter

AUSTIN—The state climatologist recently predicted that Texas will continue to get hotter and for longer periods of time during the next 15 years.

Behind the scenes of the newspapers

If you work at a newspaper, of the industry. But last week was National Newspaper Week, and many of our trade press reporters and colleagues pointed out how the corporate media behemoth Gannett has gobbled up and gutted the lion’s share of the nation’s daily newspapers.