Columns/Opinions

Some nine years ago, I learned of her (my late friend, Cindy Ross) dream when we parked in front of the old, abandoned building; when a man walked up and used the bathroom in the shadows of the broken doors and windows—just out of sight.
She remarked, “Did you see that? That’s my building!”
“Your building?”
“Yes! I’ve always wanted to buy it. I would have done this and that and used it for this and that.” She explained her hopes of things unseen, of what she had once planned—but it never unfolded—except inside her mind. Her explanations were like many dreams, those we all have from time to time. 
She and I stepped from the car, joining a group of friends who were holding a picnic for the homeless, just down the street.

By Pam Kumpe

Well, I think I know what the stories of this football season are going to be.  I know, I know, the season isn’t over, and anything could happen.  I agree, but I see some stories  emerging this season so far that I believe will be what we will remember about the 2018 football season.

Pain and loss are a part of life. You know they are coming, but even still, you are rarely prepared.
A lot of you know already that I just lost my wife. She was simply the best part of me, she was what made me who I am, and the reason for all of the good things in my life. Losing her is the same as losing the will to live. Everything inside of me right now just wants to go and join her in Heaven.
Even now though, she speaks to me, and tells me I still have things to do, things that she needs me to do for her. So, I shall try.
Patty Jean Mitchell was just 48 went she went home. Those 48 years just don’t seem near long enough to me for the kind of person she was, and that was a kind, giving, loving soul who lived her whole life to help others, and be a mama.

By Whitt Sparks
Tribune Sports Columnist

Texas Football is a spThe college football landscape is taking shape and now that we are just over one month into the season I can see the teams that are legitimately good and those that aren’t.  Without a doubt the best team in the country is the University of Alabama.  Not only are the Crimson Tide the best team in the country right now, they are the best Alabama team I’ve ever seen.  In the past few years the Alabama teams have had great defenses, but they have had questionable offenses that relied on the defense to win the games.  This year though, in addition to a great defense, the Tide bring an offense into the national spotlight that is every bit as good.  Led by young quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa.  In five games, Tagovailoa(he’s Hawaiian) has thrown for 14 touchdowns with 0 interceptions.  He is without a doubt the best player in the country and should be the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this season.  

By Whitt Sparks
Tribune Sports Columnist

High school and college football just finished the first week of the season this past weekend, and for me at least, I didn’t see many surprises.  Yes, some teams that were picked to win lost, like Miami, Washington, Texas, and Michigan, but what do we really know about these teams after one game?  Not much.

By Whitt Sparks
Tribune Sports Columnist

It is a well known saying that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. The axiom applies to a lot of different areas of our lives, and is one that I agree we should follow.

Which brings me to today’s announcement by the Texas Education Agency of the so-called “report card” for our schools known as the A-F Ratings system.

Everybody at some time or another has seen the yard with the big sign out on the fence that says “beware of dog” or something similar. That kind of sign is meant to give you pause and consider whether or not you want to enter the gate or continue doing whatever it is you are doing.
There is a watch dog around. He is a gentle pup that pretty much loves everybody. He wags his tail and barks that happy bark most of the time, but if you threaten his master, he can become a snarling menace to be wary of and watched.
The watch dog around here is not a mean dog, nor is he a ferocious animal hell bent on biting anyone. But again, if provoked, he can turn that friendly bark into a growl.
Now, I may be sounding a bit confusing or you might be tiring of my metaphorical offering, but there really is a watch dog around Bowie County, and that watch dog is you and me.

By Kenny Mitchell

Publisher

June 6, today, seems like just another ordinary day in Northeast Texas. It will be hot, work will get done, and the everyday lives of most of those who live here today will go on without a blip.

Perhaps there will be a moment for some to think about with a video clip on the evening news. The oldest of us will pause to think about the past, and the history made on this day.