Opinion

Dear Neil: You recently recommended that we continue mowing our lawns at the recommended heights during the hot weather. Our local water district wrote: “Taller grass holds moisture better and slows down evaporation.

“The drive-in movie where we’d go, And somehow never watched the show. We will have these moments to remember.” — Song lyrics, American singer and actor, Bing Crosby “Was that a drive-in movie,” I asked out loud? Quick braking and a U-turn on Texas 36 South leaving Gatesville recently answered my question.

Late spring and early summer brought much needed moisture to much of the area, however the stifling heat wave spanning much of June, July, and now August quickly robbed any benefit from the early season rains. While we all hope for the start of a strong monsoon season, there are a few things to keep in mind to help keep plants healthy, while conserving our groundwater resources.

“I’m a-goin’ where the dust storms never blow.” — Song lyrics, “Ain’t Gonna Be Treated This Way,” American folk singer Woody Guthrie. While in the West Texas city of Abilene a couple of weeks ago, I spent time visiting familiar landmarks.

I’m looking back on all of the good news – some of it really big news – out of Sul Ross State University in the last few weeks or so alone. I’m so proud of all that we’re accomplishing, especially as we look to improve our student experience so that we increase enrollment and retention, which remain our two top goals on our Alpine campus.

Invasion and big government Texas and the USA have undergone an almost silent invasion, with what I call a Biden invasion. This invasion has allowed untold millions in illegal drugs and immigrant mules to enter the U.S. Some get captured. That is in the news we read, but when you push numbers, there is a lot more that gets in, than gets caught. Where does it go? Well, the cartels have their own system of business distribution. A well-regulated and well thought out business plan. This has to be true because of all the deliveries coming in that are producing illegal drugs easily obtained, and subsequent deaths due to overdose that are at an all-time high. Washington does not help the southern border. Texas is left to deal with the problem. And all the border crossers from countries not friendly to the USA come here and drain humanitarian resources that well deserving American citizens could use. These resources are now diverted to non-Americans. Now, the current thought is that all border crossers will vote Democrat and draw entitlement programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing, and so on. I believe this to be a product of a failing system of government. Republicans and Democrats fighting each other. What happened to “We the People?” It’s now a government of have and have nots. Salaries of politicians are a paltry amount, yet when they leave office, they leave with millions of dollars. Where does that money come from? Not from taxpayers, but lobbyists with pay off money, including China, Russia, Saudia Arabia, and who knows from where else. Robert Lafarelle Midland, Texas

Tis the season to be aware of your pet’s care in these hot summer months. Alpine Animal Services would like to remind you of some summer safety tips to beat the heat and make this time of year as safe as possible for you and your pet.

“You can live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to live to be a hundred.” — Woody Allen, filmmaker, actor, and comedian. Age and I have long been odd acquaintances.

“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; — John Gillespie Magee Jr., World War II Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot and war poet. “Mistakes to avoid on your pilot’s license check ride,” the magazine headline declared.

Who was that amazing teacher you had? The one who helped you see your potential, your promise, a new future? The one who helped you navigate a difficult time, learn something new about yourself, or dream a little bit bigger?