Opinion

Father’s Day is a difficult holiday for me. My Dad passed away almost three years ago on July 7 (two days before his birthday) and he was my Hero, not just figuratively but literally.

I’ve been looking forward to June for a quite a while now. I mean, there are no spelling lists or themed clothing days in June, so what isn’t to love about it?! But that is not the reason I have been counting down the days to June. I have been like a kid waiting on Santa as I waited for June to arrive because my mom and my only grandchild are staying with me for the month of June. My oldest daughter will fly down and join them the last week of June. I knew June would be full of family for us and I couldn’t wait!

Thirty-plus years ago, right after high school, I worked at a small, family-owned convenience store which was tucked away on a street corner in an old, Polish ethic neighborhood that had a rich history and proud working-class residents. The pay was good, and the hours were fairly flexible, making it ideal for a student. The drawback was working holidays, evenings, and weekends, but that is true for many entry-level, customer-oriented businesses and I knew that it was a temporary situation in my life until I could finish school and move on to a nine to five job.

The subject of feral hogs continues to be a hot topic for me when interacting with the citizens of Austin County. The Austin County Biologist and I have been recently requested to speak at two different events specifically addressing feral hogs. The reason they are such a hot topic is they are very destructive to crops and land (by rooting), as well as being fierce competition for forage with native wildlife. If one good thing about hogs can be said, it is that they are considered by many to be very good table fare.

Your City Staff and Council have been working diligently the past month on several items. Among them is the “TRAIN HORN QUIET ZONE.” Those of us living near the railroad tracks know it is no longer quiet! A recent safety inspection from the Federal Railroad Administration has resulted in a report that our zone is no longer in compliance with current regulations regarding the distance between the crossing arm and the street. As a safety measure, Burlington Northern has issued a temporary order requiring the sounding of the train horns. City Staff is working to make corrections, which will require temporary closures at NW Front Street at Maler Road, and E. Front Street between San Felipe Road and 2 Street. The work should be done on or before August 10.

Several months back my old Ford Expedition, Betty, met an untimely demise when a deer ran out in front of her while my husband was driving. Betty was a reliable truck and the kids and I had racked up many miles of memories in her. However, she was no longer pretty and, much like me, had some parts that didn’t work as well as they used to. So, I was excited to go shopping for a new-to-me replacement vehicle.

We made it! Here is a quick update as we end the school year. I know the last few days have been difficult as we try and process the tragedy that occurred in Uvalde and reflect on safety in our schools. We will do everything we can to keep our schools as safe as possible. Every summer our School Safety Committee which consists of local law enforcement, staff, and parents meet to discuss all aspects of school safety. If you have areas that you would like for us to consider, rethink, or improve upon please send me an email and I promise we will look into those things as a committee.

“Now Mamie,” said Windy Wilson, “the reason I expurgated myself over here to your place was to see how you was a-doin’ in this year heat.” Mamie Dilworth refilled his iced tea glass, smiled at the old cowboy and camp cook. “Well, that’s awfully nice of you, Windy.