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Steve James Urban, Jr. (Sonny) 87, of Columbus, Texas passed away at Parkview Manor in Weimar, Texas on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023.

A half-dozen lawsuits challenging the 13 approved Texas constitutional amendments appear to be dead in the water, The Dallas Morning News reported. The secretary of state’s office last week declared the propositions approved and now a part of the Texas Constitution, while Gov. Greg Abbott canvassed the election and certified the results. One proposition that would have raised the retirement age of judges was rejected by voters.

Worry is an all-consuming black hole which drains your time, emotions and physical wellbeing. Worry is insidious because you are so used to it that you aren’t aware how often, or how readily, you worry. For some people, worry is a way of life.

I remember the month of May, a couple of days before my birthday. I was stoned out of my mind while I introduced myself to Mrs. Bluntson, a case manager at Texas ChalleNGe Academy, Previously, my recruiter, Mr. Williams had told me about the program, and I had filled out the application. I knew that TCA could help me change physically and mentally. That is why I applied. But when Mrs. Bluntson asked me if I really wanted to come to the program, I told her that I wasn’t sure, but that if I got accepted, I would put in 100 percent of my effort.

In last week’s coverage of the election filing deadline on the front page, it was incorrectly recorded that the incumbent Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3 had pulled out of the race. This is incorrect as Justice Donald Clark is running for reelection to complete Justice Frances Truchard’s term after filling in following Truchard’s passing.

COLUMBUS – The Commissioners Court’s Dec. 11 meeting featured several decisions for the court including the installation of connection cables by two separate companies and deciding the 2024 dates for court meetings.

COLUMBUS – When the city begins their sewer averaging program on Dec. 15 to determine next year’s rates, the council suggested having a sample of the rates from this year to compare the rate change for residents. This topic and several others were addressed at the Dec. 11 regular meeting.

EAGLE LAKE – The residents of Eagle Lake got to see the streets of their downtown area lit up as the town held its Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Annual event packs out downtown Columbus

Jack and Judi Johnson handed Julie Prause, President of the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust, $20,000 for the “Save Our Opera House” capital campaign. This contribution triggered another $20,000 in matching funds for a total of $40,000.

WEIMAR – A $50,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Weimar will enable the Weimar Volunteer Fire Department to buy new breathing equipment to help protect its first responders from smoke and dangerous gases at emergency scenes.

The Columbus Education Foundation supported some of the local teachers at schools in Columbus after donating grant money to a pair of teachers through their “Classroom Grant” Program.

The Columbus Cardinals traveled to Cameron Yoe High School to compete in their varsity basketball tournament on Thursday, Dec. 7, to Saturday, Dec. 9, and walked away with a 2-2 record.

The Columbus Lady Cardinals senior outside hitter Ally Tribe has officially signed to continue her academic and athletic career at the University of Texas at San Antonio on Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Columbus holds second Lighted Christmas Parade

EAGLE LAKE – The city got its town square area ready for the holiday season with an official Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 1. With several city officials and leaders present, the event featured hot dogs, snacks and a short speech by Mayor Tim Kelley before the official lighting.

There are several county offices up for election in March 2024 as the county enters campaign and election season. For those looking to run for one of the several offices available in the county, the filing period ends on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. 

WEIMAR – During the Nov. 30 Weimar City Council special meeting, the Council entered executive session to discuss city manager interviews as listed on the budget. When they returned from executive session, the courtesy video operator for the city YouTube page had already left before a resident, Gary Cernoch, delivered a speech prior to an action vote to appoint Reed Jones as manager. The appointment was voted down after a 2-3 decision, continuing to leave a vacant position that has not been filled since June 15.

Bobette “Bobbie” (Senf) Barten, a beautiful woman with a heart of gold, a smile to remember, and loved by many.

It is with great sadness to announce the death of Carolyn Duyka Austin of Eagle Lake, Texas. She was 76 years old and passed away during hospice care in The Woodlands, Texas on Dec. 2, 2023.