Community & Opinions

Pardon me

As I type this column, I am sitting in a hotel in Austin preparing for a student to compete in one of the University Interscholastic League’s speech events: State Congress. It is exactly what you would think. Students debate legislation which they have written.

NOTE TO ARCHIVISTS AND BIBLIOGRAPHERS

Volume and issue numbers for the newspaper have been adjusted as of this first issue of 2025 to correct past inconsistencies.

Legislative session begins on Jan. 14

AUSTIN– The 89th Texas legislative session begins on Jan. 14 with a still-unresolved race for speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. State Reps.

2025 Community Calendar

SPUR VISITOR CENTER, 101 Hill Street at Burlington Avenue, is operated by the Spur Area Chamber of Commerce and open during regular hours Tuesday–Saturday. Vistiors seeking information on the area may email spurchamber@gmail.com or call (806) 271-3097.

Vehicle inspections no longer required

AUSTIN— Drivers will no longer be required to get annual safety inspections beginning Jan. 1, the Texas Standard reported. However, drivers in the state’s 17 most populous counties will still be required to get an emissions test in order to register their vehicles.

‘Watch, Pearl’

My granddaughters know I am a captive audience. If I make the slightest look away from their dance routines or their coloring or Lego building or trampoline jumping or scooter riding, I hear “Watch, Pearl.” Actually, add an exclamation point. “Watch, Pearl!

Support the Spur Senior Center

COMMENTA R Y | Kay.Ellington@TheTexasSpur.com KAY ELLINGTON A community’s assets don’t just happen. They must be nurtured, protected and valued to be sustained.

Agency seeks $300 million to bolster Medicaid

AUSTIN— The Texas HealthandHuman Services Commission is seeking a $300 million transfusion of funds to bolster the state’s Medicaid application process, The Texas Tribune reported.

2024 Community Calendar

SPUR VISITOR CENTER, 101 Hill Street at Burlington Avenue, is operated by the Spur Area Chamber of Commerce and open during regular hours Tuesday–Saturday. Vistiors seeking information on the area may email spurchamber@gmail.com or call (806) 271-3097.

A tale of two cities

Bethlehem is about 300 miles southwest of Damascus, Syria. The first city tends to occupy our hearts this time of the year, while the other made news recently for its historic liberation from the repressive autocratic Assad regime. Bethlehem is the site of our dear Savior’s birth.