Viewpoints

The Power of Kindness

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a letter to legislative leaders indicating a special session will begin on Oct. 9 dealing with what he has called “school choice” but is more widely known as vouchers.

A View Of Columbus Through Rose-Colored Glasses

I am a 17-year-old girl who is attending the Texas ChalleNGe Academy. I dropped out of high school my junior year and came here to better myself and continue my education.

Gov. Greg Abbott has called a third special session, this time about school choice, for next month. He is promising retribution for lawmakers who oppose his move to enact school vouchers in the Lone Star State, the Texas Tribune reported.

As the administrator for Columbus Community Hospital, I get to visit with members of our community during some of their happiest moments. And some of their most painful. Unfortunately, some of these more difficult moments happen when our senior patients can’t get the treatment or care their doctor recommends because they don’t have appropriate insurance coverage.

They say that kids can have second chances in life, and I learned the hard way that’s true. Texas ChalleNGe Academy is the second chance for kids like me to get structure and improve our lives.

The Columbus Food Pantry has been distributing food once a month to families who need a helping hand for 15 to 20 years. Over the years the number of families that need help has grown and it is estimated that we serve approximately 270 families of which somewhere around half of these families are senior citizens. Every year we try to provide a turkey for Thanksgiving and a ham for Christmas. An elderly gentleman told me his wife makes turkey soup, salad, and they eat off the turkey for a whole week. If we order the turkeys and hams in October and pay for them at that time we get a much better price, usually up to 50 cents per pound. We need to raise $13,500 by September 30 for this to be possible. All contributions are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. It is through the kind generosity of people like you that these families have a more fulfilling life and this ministry may continue to spread Christ’s love. If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 979-256-7912 or Sandra at the Methodist Church 979-732-2643. If we don’t know the answer we will find out and call you back. Thank you,

This column is dedicated to acknowledging examples of positives that express the community spirit of Columbus – our town.

My name is Colin Sclerandi, and I am a cadet at Texas ChalleNGe Academy in Eagle Lake. My birth name was Cheyenne Cabrera. I was born in Beaumont, Texas but was taken away from my biological mother when I was born because she had been abusive to others in her past.

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

Weimar Small Business Calls on Congress to Pass the Main Street Tax Certainty Act Readers are well acquainted with the difficulties of this economy. Although the challenges of owning and operating a small business have been exacerbated in recent years, the 20% Small Business Deduction has helped many of us stay afloat. But unlike big box stores, if Congress doesn’t act, small businesses like mine will face a massive tax hike in 2025.

Texas has a lot to offer, which includes over 80,000 highwaylane miles. We also have worldclass rail and air facilities for freight and passengers. Nearly 2,000 people move here every day, steadily increasing the pressure on our infrastructure.

Respect the flag

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Dear Editor:

A View Of Columbus Through Rose-Colored Glasses

A total of 774 new laws went into effect on Sept. 1, affecting Texans in many areas of their lives, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The new laws concern property taxes, registration fees and voting access, among other issues. Several have drawn court challenges from opponents.

Greetings to all who read this. My name is Alex Ball, and on July 16th, I came to Texas ChalleNGe Academy in Eagle Lake to complete a twenty-two week challenge.

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

My name is Angel Bell, and I am currently a candidate at Texas Challenge Academy in Eagle Lake. We started here in January, and at first it was very rough as we are in acclimation, a four week process that prepares us for what we need to complete the program.