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Madeline “Mamaw” B. Williamson, 101, was born April 10, 1922, in Columbus, Texas. She peacefully died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at TruCare Living Centers in Columbus just after 10 a.m. – one day early of the 24th anniversary of her twin sister Adeline’s passing.

Dr. Walter Neal “Buddy” Thomas, 86, of Columbus, Texas, died Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, at the WoodCreek Bend Memory Care facility in Katy, Texas. Buddy was born June 29, 1937, in Sinton, Texas, son of the late Charles Gaston and Edith Faye Thomas.

Robert “Bob” Trussie Daniel, 89, peacefully died Aug. 31, 2023. Bob loved to spend time outdoors and was always ready to get the smoker going for another brisket. He loved his family and friends and was always happy to reminisce about times past.

COLUMBUS – The Lady Raiders have had much better results in the record book this season as they continue their efforts to try to become a factor in the district title race. They still have more ground to cover as they got their first look against the team that is favored to take the district championship this season: the Columbus Lady Cardinals. The match proved to be reflective of the dynamic between a team that is in the process of rebuilding and one that had just made a state semifinal appearance the year before. Columbus showed why they are currently one of the top teams in the state with a three-game sweep over the Lady Raiders.

COLUMBUS – The rivalry between Columbus and Rice is a decades-long competition between teams that have had varying levels of success throughout its timeline. In the years of the old Eagle Lake High school and early years of Rice Consolidated, the Raiders took their opportunities and an advantage during their early matchups. Now in the modern era, the Cardinals have turned things around with a higher level of success as they have defeated Rice several seasons in a row during their annual game. Their most recent matchup was a continuation of the Cards’ advantage as Columbus secured a 56-7 victory over the Rice Raiders.

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

These are some of the new education laws that go into effect this year

COLUMBUS – Preservationists are hoping a philanthropist’s $100,000 matching pledge will prompt others to make donations for much-needed repairs to the Stafford Opera House.

A select number of teachers in Rice Consolidated ISD schools will now be allowed to arm themselves for the protection of students and staff according to a statement released by the office of superintendent Bill Heffner, IV. The RCISD Board of Trustees accepted a resolution to bring the Guardian Program to their schools in an effort to emphasize campus safety.

Nearly 800 laws approved by Texas lawmakers went into effect Sept. 1 and many could have a direct impact on residents’ lives.

COLUMBUS – The Columbus Volunteer Fire Department successfully put out a structure fire on New World Drive with the help of the Weimar Volunteer Fire Department. The combined force prevented the exterior from being engulfed in the flames. There was no physical damage to the family residing in the structure, but the fire resulted in a total loss of the interior.

The Weimar booster club is set to host a fundraising golf tournament to with all the proceeds going towards the booster club’s efforts to support the various sports programs at Weimar ISD schools. The tournament will be on Sept. 16 at the Weimar Golf Course.

The Columbus Lions are preparing for one of their largest fundraising events, their Annual “Bill & Bub” Golf Tournament.

OFFICER NEUMANN PROMOTED TO CORPORAL

VAN VLECK – The Rice Raiders’ cross-country team continued their stretch of strong performances this season with another quality outing in their most recent competition. The reigning district champs had a triplet of top-10 placements as they secured second place as a team at the meet. While the varsity boys were competing well for Rice, the JV girls and boys were also representing Rice as they put together some strong performances throughout the day.

ALTAIR – The Rice Raiders picked up their second win of the season by swarming their opponents and not allowing the Fighting Rams to get any momentum offensively. Rice’s defensive effort was highlighted by their first score of the game: a safety after a botched snap by Kashmere and a tackle by OJ Johnson. That initial play was indicative of how the rest of the day would go for the Raider defense as they dominated while getting support from their offense on the way to a 3114 victory.

The Rice Lady Raiders volleyball team is hoping that their run through the non-district portion of their schedule helped prepare them for the incoming stretch of district matches against some of the difficult opponents on their schedule. Rice has already shown a high level of improvement, reaching nine wins before district and beating their win total from all of last season. While many parts of their game have improved, they will need to continue to improve to recover from a pair of losses to non-district opponents last week. The district season opener will not come easily for the Lady Raiders as they face top-10 Columbus to start their run.

VAN VLECK – The Weimar cross-country team has continued their strong performance this season with another quality outing on Aug. 30. The Ladycats led the way for the team as they had four runners finish in the top 30 places.

The JV Rice Raiders won their season opener 41-0 over the Luling Eagles at the Swamp in Altair on Aug. 24.