The 501

HANABA MUNN WELCHListening, hearing, faking it Oh, to be a good listener.There’s more to it than just keeping your mouth shut. When you can’t hear, that’s an extra complication. Actually, impaired hearing can be a plus.

Prevent wildfires this Fourth of July as hot and dry conditions persist

TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICECOLLEGE STATION— As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to be careful with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.Approximately90%ofwildfiresarecaused byhumansandtheiractivities,andtheFourth of July is one of...

Fire safety urged for Fourth

AUSTIN— With the Fourth of July bringing a possible four-day weekend for lucky Texans, the Texas A&M Forest Service urges outdoor enthusiasts to exercise fire safety outdoors, especially when using fireworks, or starting campfires to roast hot dogs and toast marshmallows.Approximately 90% of...

The 501

My late friend Elmer once said that he and his brother used to chase rabbits so they could have meat for supper. He was a child of the Great Depression.It’s hard for me to believe Elmer and his bro ever caught a rabbit.

God and lawn care

A friend sent me this years ago. I liked it so much I printed it and kept it. Heard some people talking today about having to mow so much because of all the rain and sunshine we’ve experienced so far this summer.

Drought conditions ease slightly while heat dome returns

Drought conditions ease slightly while heat dome returnsDrought conditions across the state dropped a percentage point in May compared to the previous month, with 26% of the state in some stage of drought, primarily in West and South Texas and parts of the Panhandle.Massive storms in late April and...

Observations on getting older

I recently saw online, and some I’ve collected over time. One I saw on a greeting card. A little humor always brightens my day, so I hope you enjoy these as muc h as I ha ve. Age 60 might be the new 40, but 9 p.m. is the new midnight.

The 501

Another name for fly swatter is tea strainer.Yeah, I’ve already told that story — maybe twice.

Additional disaster assistance approved

have been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for grants for emergency work and replacement of disaster-damaged public infrastructure, after severe weather and flooding struck much of Deep East Texas, Gov. Gregg Abbott’s office reported.