The solution proposed? Spend more money.

Before this county asks taxpayers for another dollar, someone needs to answer a straightforward question: what happened to the $2.2 million in federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) funds — American Rescue Plan Act money specifically designated for the Colorado County Jail’s compliance and infrastructure — that this county already received?

That money came with compliance requirements. It comes with a federal audit window running through 2030. The federal government can still demand accountability for every dollar of it. And yet, by the Sheriff’s own admission, “Our facility has gotten 30 years out of it without any updates.”

If the facility went 30 years without updates, what was the $2.2 million spent on? And if it was spent properly, why is the rust the Sheriff cited as a compliance issue documented as recent as 2024 — three years into the federal grant period?

According to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, the Colorado County Jail has a rated capacity of 99 beds. The Sheriff said, quoted in the Citizen, that the jail currently houses 60 inmates, compared to 80 this time last year. That is roughly 60 percent of capacity today, and just over 80 percent at its recent peak. This is not a facility that has run out of room. It is a facility with 10 female beds in a 99-bed building, paying $100 a day to house female inmates elsewhere because the county configured the jail this way.

That is not a square footage problem. It is a planning problem, and it is one that does not require a new justice center to fix.

Asked what happens if the jail fails its next review, Sheriff Lindemann said in Citizen, “Then, we shut down, and we have to pay more tax dollars.” That is the choice this county is asking taxpayers to make: more tax dollars now for a new justice center, or more tax dollars later when the existing one is shut down. Either way, the bill comes to the same people. And in neither scenario has anyone explained where the last $2.2 million went.

Colorado County has a pattern of accepting federal funds, failing to achieve compliance, and then asking for more money when the problems persist. The answer is not a new building. The answer is accountability for the one already paid for.

Taxpayers deserve to know where $2.2 million went before they are asked to fund what comes next.

Wayne McKnight Columbus

The necessity of PREA rules is not theoretical. In 2024, Tomas Ramirez was charged with statutory rape, a case that was adjudicated in 2025. Despite this clear alarm bell regarding sexual misconduct within our community’s legal sphere, it is now 2026 and the county jail still has no formal PREA rules in place. This is a staggering dereliction of duty.

While the $2.2 million has been spent or allocated, Colorado County remains under federal audit rules until 2030. Treasury guidelines require that federal funds be used in accordance with federal safety and civil rights laws. By failing to implement PREA, the county is creating a massive “claw back” risk where the U.S. Treasury could demand the repayment of millions in taxpayer dollars.

Furthermore, the Commissioner’s Court recently approved new federal grant applications submitted by Chuck Rogers, despite having been formally notified of these compliance failures. Applying for new federal money while knowingly out of compliance with federal statutes is a dangerous gamble that could expose the county to charges of grant fraud.

Taxpayers deserve to know why millions in “compliance funding” have failed to produce a compliant facility. We cannot afford the litigation or the potential loss of millions in federal aid because our officials refuse to follow the law.

Wayne McKnight

Columbus

The evidence necessary for immediate action is clear. Despite the installation of scrubbers, the plant remains a massive carbon source, emitting over 8.5 million tons of CO2 in 2024. Furthermore, data indicates significant groundwater contamination, with unsafe levels of arsenic, cobalt, manganese, and sulfate detected in nearby monitoring wells. Independent reports suggest that contaminants are actively leaching into the water table, as evidenced by higher sulfate levels measured downstream compared to upstream.

To address these concerns and establish a necessary 2026 benchmark, I propose a comprehensive plan focused on verification and formal advocacy. We must move beyond self-reported data by accessing federal compliance history through the EPA ECHO database, monitoring state air quality via the TCEQ GeoTAM Viewer, and commissioning independent water testing from NELAP-accredited labs to prove active contamination in Cedar Creek and the Colorado River. Additionally, we should monitor the TCEQ Commissioners’ Agenda for permit renewals to submit formal comments citing Texas “anti-degradation” water quality standards. Finally, I recommend petitioning EPA Region 6 to intervene, arguing that the state has failed to adequately enforce the Coal Ash and Regional Haze Rules.

By forcing a full accounting of environmental liabilities now, we can ensure that neither the LCRA nor the City of Austin vacates their responsibilities without committing to a comprehensive cleanup.

How to Benchmark & Verify; To verify the “current extent” for future comparison, you must gather data from three distinct layers. Do not rely solely on LCRA self-reporting.

1. Federal Compliance History: Access the EPA ECHO (Enforcement and Compliance History Online) database. Search for “Fayette Power Project” to download the last 3 years of Detailed Facility Reports (DFR). Look specifically for “Significant Non-Compliance” (SNC) flags in the Clean Water Act section.

2. State Air Monitoring: Use the TCEQ GeoTAM Viewer. This GIS tool allows you to locate air quality monitors near La Grange. Download hourly data for PM2.5 and Ozone to establish a baseline that can be compared against future spikes.

3. Independent Water Testing: To prove active contamination, you need a “differential” test. Hire a NELAP-accredited lab (e.g., Aqua-Tech, SPL Environmental) to test surface water samples from Cedar Creek and the Colorado River at two points: one immediately upstream of the plant and one immediately downstream. Test for: Arsenic, Boron, Cobalt, and Lithium.

Action Plan: Filing the Case Step 1 Gather the 2025 Dataset Compile the 2024 emission stats (Source 1) and the groundwater exceedance reports from the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP). Secure your independent upstream/ downstream water sample results.

Step 2 Submit Formal Comments Monitor the TCEQ Commissioners’ Agenda for any permit renewals or amendments regarding FPP. Submit your data as a formal comment, specifically citing the “antidegradation” policy of the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards.

Step 3 Petition the EPA Region 6 file a citizen complaint or petition with EPA Region 6, arguing that the state (TCEQ) has failed to enforce the Regional Haze Rule or Coal Ash Rule, using the Sierra Club’s ongoing litigation as a precedent.

How can our State and Federal elected officials care so little for our health and the right to clean water or our precious Colorado River?

Jerry Moerbe

Nelsonville

I awoke this morning with a phone call from a neighbor telling me someone actually drove up into her driveway in the early evening and DUMPED 5 puppies. They were healthy and friendly but very hungry , confused and frightened and searching for a safe place to huddle together.

This is the epidemic that our area is currently facing. These small, helpless creatures deserve better. If they are lucky, they will find someone who will take them in and give them a good home. Or they could become dangerous packs hunting other animals (possibly your small dog or cat) to survive. With no socialization, they can become dangerous to humans as well. All of which would be no fault of the animal. Survival is a strong instinct.

There is no justifiable excuse for such actions. Spaying and neutering is the simple answer to this epidemic. There are several groups in our area who are willing to help financially if you can’t afford to spay or neuter. Don’t drop your responsibility for someone else. Talk to your vet for assistance.

The way one treats animals is an indication of how one treats people. Being so calloused as to willingly cause such misery to any person or animal is an ugly trait.

Aside from being morally wrong, neglecting and abusing, and dumping animals is a legal wrong. There are fines for these actions. If you suspect someone is in the process of dumping an animal, stop and ask what they are doing. Only guilty people would resent this. If you see someone dumping, get a description of the vehicle, take a picture, or get the license plate number and then notify the authorities.

Remember, “If you see something, say something”. Responsible and caring citizens, working together as a community, are the only ones who can STOP this epidemic!

Brenda G. Buehler

Columbus

I’d like to share a few thoughts on the recently passed “Big Beautiful Bi l l.” While it promises tax relief and economic growth, it’s projected to add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade—and possibly $5 trillion if temporary provisions are extended.

That’s a staggering amount of debt we’re passing on to our children and grandchildren.

I worry that our country’s growing habit of short-term thinking—of wanting benefits now and worrying about the costs later—could come back to hurt everyday Americans. Rising deficits can lead to higher interest rates, making it more expensive for families to borrow for homes, cars, and education. And already, interest payments on the national debt are projected to reach 3.2% of our GDP by next year—a level not seen since the early 1990s. That’s money we’re spending just to service debt, not to invest in schools, infrastructure, or public safety.

This isn’t about left or right. It’s about making sure we’re thinking long-term and protecting the future for the next generation. Fiscal responsibility used to be a shared value, and I believe it still can be.

Thanks for listening—and for keeping our town a place where respectful dialogue still matters.

Trey Brantley

Columbus

This letter is to express my thoughts regarding a very important election coming up here in Colorado County; the decision on forming a county wide Emergency Services District ( ESD).

My family and I are fairly new to Colorado County. We chose the Oakland community as our retirement home back in 2020. We bought a small farm that we are very proud of, have some of the best neighbors you could ask for, and we seek to spend our remaining days in retirement here.

I am not currently a firefighter, nor have I ever been one. I don’t have a dog in this hunt any more or less than any other of the wonderful folks that live in this county. A county, that based on my experience in local government, is well run, and responsive to the voice of its citizens.

But we understand living the rural life we love comes with certain risks, and one of those risks is less than premium emergency response services. Not by anyone’s intent, but by a simple function of labor, materials, and funding. But what if we can up the ante?

I have spent the last 38 years working as a purchasing agent for several small cities and governmental purchasing cooperatives across the state of Texas. In those years, I have worked with some incredibly brave and selfless firefighters (both professional and volunteer) in these small communities. While I know a bit about dollars and cents and getting a good deal on the equipment they used, they taught me a lot about why they used it.

In my work I learned that a new pumper truck that cost $400,000 thirty years ago can cost over $1 million today. That is for just one of those relatively small trucks that respond to an emergency. The big ladder trucks will triple that figure.

I also learned that workers comp and general liability insurance rates for firefighters are among the highest in the industry and that running out of oxygen for only a few minutes in that aging self-contained breathing apparatus will cost a strong young man a lifelong disability, as well as countless other lessons.

Like so many wonderful folks in these communities, we look forward to enjoying a great meal at the periodic fundraising BBQs, and we try to donate some spare cash to assist when possible. But it takes selling an awful lot of brisket and kolaches just to pay for the required periodic testing of one truck’s fire hose, not to mention the mandated replacement of the same hose in its short lifespan.

We all feel the pinch of inflation and the rising cost of so many things. None of us enjoy paying the tax man come year’s end. But the Texas statute does afford us citizen voters to make some decisions on what tax revenues we value and for what purposes we choose to use them. Many of our residents are elderly on fixed incomes and the added property tax is a big deal to them.

But if that tax can result in more rescues for someone alone and trapped in their burning home, and fewer call outs for the justice of the peace, I think that is a fantastic trade off. In my book, an opportunity to contribute a small amount of extra tax to improve the quality of life is an easy choice to make.

A vote in favor of the ESD will allow the VFDs the opportunity to generate significant, game changing revenue to help make huge strides in improving emergency services in this place we call home.

Detailed information about ESDs is readily accessible on the Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts website: www.safe-d.org or from any of your local volunteer fire chiefs. I encourage you to educate yourselves about this important topic and cast your vote as you see fit.

I was born and raised in a rural community and have spent nearly sixty years living in several where emergency response was nothing much beyond the barebones of volunteers and old aging equipment. But for my family, like others in this community, it’s also personal.

I have shed many a tear for 25 plus years over the loss of a sweet and wonderful little girl in an incident where a small town fire department’s lack of adequate resources may have been the difference between watching her grow up to have a family of her own today instead of being the forever precious child of the angels that watches over us.

There is for certain a fear of raising taxes for more government. I am always the first in line in that group, especially having been a part of the workings of government for so many years. I have seen how the sausage gets made.

Based on current assessed values, a full 10 cent rate, the maximum that could be adopted, would raise roughly $3.5 million annually. Sounds like a lot, but it takes a lot to get our volunteers the tools they need to keep our homes, businesses, travelers safely through town, and most importantly, our families safe.

Also, keep in mind that the ESD will be governed by a board of individuals appointed by, among others, our elected county officials and will be subject to financial audits. I for one am very confident that there are more than enough well rounded, responsible individuals in this county that can serve in this essential oversight capacity.

We have all heard the old saying that nothing in life is certain but “death and taxes.” But wouldn’t it be a shame to let the fear of the ESD tax contribute to an early death for another unfortunate family? Your neighbor down the road,

Charlie Oberrender

Black History Month salutes you, Columbus. Remember and recognize. Celebrate and honor Toland-Collins-Wright family of Columbus with high school scholars and college honorees.

Our great, great, grandfather, philanthropist and preacher Isaih Toland, contribution of land for a church (Toland Chapel, School and Cemetery). 10 valedictorians, salutatorians and high school scholars include honorees Clyde Toland, Eunice Toland Collins, Tashara King, Johnathan Garrett (summa cum laude, UT) and Serentiy Lee.

Black History Month salutes you. Columbus, TX salutes you.

Eunice Collins Columbus

A thank you to the Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department for quick response and professionalism in responding to a pasture fire at my home on Cat Spring Road while I was out of town, thereby saving all structures, both me and my neighbors.

The fire reignited from a burn pile after three days of being considered out. Be careful out there.

J.L. Thompson

Our state and county roadways in Colorado County gift us with colorful wildflowers which are a feast to the eyes through much of the year.

Sadly, this gift from mother nature is being marred by the abundance of plastic, paper and metal trash which is daily being thrown or blown from our vehicles, littering the roadsides and damaging our county’s curb appeal.

As we begin this new year, 2025, let’s all resolve to turn over a new leaf and start taking better care of our roadside wildflower “gardens”, keeping them litter free, beautiful and a joy to behold.

JR Ware

I have recently become aware of a serious situation facing many local citizens that is a cause for great communitywide concern.

The Senior Citizen Program that serves over 2000 monthly meals to vulnerable elderly in both Wharton and Colorado counties is in peril of permanently closing in January of 2025. The program is currently run out of Room 112 in the LaDieu Technology Center at Wharton County Junior College campus and offers congregate meals, runs the Meals on Wheels program to homebound seniors, hosts social events and activities in the Senior Center, provides educational programs, health screenings, vital senior care information, and assistance with local transportation.

Due to funding deficits that stem from the Covid crisis and rising inflation, the program finds itself increasingly unable to remain solvent. This is a serious situation for many senior citizens at a particularly challenging economic time as many of these seniors rely on the program for their everyday physical and mental health. Investigating the impact of closure, I asked the seniors in the Wharton center about their perspectives.

There were fifteen respondents to my inquiry ranging in age from 75 to 96 and all were greatly distressed at the potential loss of this program. The average length of participation in the program was 7 years with several respondents indicating that they had been dependent on the program for over ten years for both food and socialization.

Phyllis Richardson, 81, of Wharton, said she was suffering from depression and isolation when she started coming to the Senior Center. Her time spent in the program has been a healing one, both mentally and physically as she has received vital nutrients and companionship. Her concern about the closure of the center and the program is that not only will her depression return with a greatly reduced social interactions, but that her nutrition will decline dramatically.

Frankie, 88, of Wharton, echoed the sentiments of many respondents saying the idea of the center closing is “very sad”. Several seniors expressed grave concerns about their ability to have enough food to eat if the program shuts down and almost all of them referred to the program’s educational aspects as beneficial.

In an interview, Ms. Elida Perez, 79, of Wharton said she remembers “Ms. LaDieu building this place for us, so the senior citizens would have something to do… I would appreciate it if y’all could keep it going for us senior because there’s no place for us to go. I enjoy coming here and having fellowship with the people, eating and playing bingo.” A widow of over 9 years, responded anonymously to my inquiry with an insightful take, “I was so blessed that we have a Senior Program here that I can come to for fellowship, meals, activities, and just have someone to talk with.

The four walls at home don’t talk and it’s easy to get depressed… We share feelings, laughter, and problems and go home with a new lease on life. If we lose this program, then where in Wharton can senior citizens go? This would be absolutely devastating to me, our senior citizens, and Wharton.” Her response is a telling one that reveals how vital this program is to so many people in the community.

Those seniors that are homebound in the Meals on Wheels program and those that participate in the Colorado county service area for meals will be catastrophically impacted by the food insecurity should the program close, as well. Will anyone stand up for the seniors in Wharton and Colorado counties?

Concerned about the seniors,

Apryl Simpson

My name is Barrett Thomas. I was raised in Eagle Lake, graduated from Rice High School, and remained a Colorado County resident until recently retiring from the Army after serving 20 years as an activeduty Infantry officer and am now a renewable energy developer.

As someone with great love for our country and Colorado County, it is disheartening to hear statements implying that wind energy is “harmful development,” particularly when the benefits wind energy can bring are substantial.

Some communities have legitimate concerns about something new and specifically wind farms coming into their local area; however, wind farms should not be considered a “nuisance” but rather viewed as a significant boon to the local economy.

I have witnessed wind farms positively transform communities through the tax revenue, jobs, and lease payments they generate, which directly benefits county schools and other essential services. This additional funding can be a great advantage to maintaining and improving our educational facilities, supporting our teachers, and enhancing student programs. In a time when many rural schools struggle with funding shortages, the financial support from wind farms can be transformative – often in the tens of millions of dollars for counties and school districts.

Moreover, the revenue from wind farms bolsters the county’s budget, allowing for better infrastructure, public safety, and community services. This financial injection helps in maintaining and improving the quality of life for all residents.

I grew up working in the rice fields every summer and many members of my family farm to this day. Wind farms can present substantial benefits to our agricultural community. Contrary to concerns that they might harm farming operations, wind projects support local agriculture. They provide farmers with a steady income through lease agreements that can make tough years on the farm much less so.

Additionally, these leases, that are often 30 years or more, ensure that farmland remains in production rather than being sold off for other developments such as urban sprawls or ranchettes. Wind farms can preserve the open space that helps maintain our county’s rural character and mitigates the environmental impact associated with sprawling developments.

As our demand for energy continues to grow, wind energy can play a vital role in meeting that demand at a very low cost. The levelized cost of wind energy is lower than all forms of conventional energy and assists in keeping energy cost down.

Opposition to wind farms, often based on hyperbolic rhetoric, misconceptions, or fears of their impact, fails to acknowledge the comprehensive benefits these projects bring to our community.

I ask the citizens of Colorado County to consider the long-term advantages of wind energy projects. In my travels across the country, I have personally witnessed the positive benefits these projects can have for farmers, communities, and schools. I am happy to avail myself to discuss such projects anytime and encourage Colorado County to seek these opportunities out rather than attempt to shut the door on them before they even come knocking.

Barrett Thomas

Care from the Drs. Katz and David Neisner could not have been better. They were thorough, compassionate and always searching for the underlying cause of my illness.

Finally, Columbus Community Hospital is what every small home town hospital needs to be: well-run, compassionate, know who you are serving (your neighbors not some corporate pocketbook) and well maintained facility.

How do I know what is right? I was a business man/small business owner for over 40 years. More importantly, I live in Fayette County where we learned the hard way how not to do it.

Thank you Columbus Community Hospital and staff !!

God Bless You!

William T. Koenig West Point

For the last few weeks, I’ve been searching for answers regarding the building of a Vocation Tech addition to the High School as well as improvements to the Elementary School.

I was able to take a tour of the Elementary School conducted by the Principal, Shana Neisner. She was very helpful and forthcoming. It was apparent that the Elementary campus is overdue for updating and expansion. Some people would like to point fingers about why the campus has not been better maintained, but that’s history at this point. Due to organic growth and additional state and federal rules enacted since the buildings were constructed, the campus is just too small. That’s prop A.

Then there is the so-called Vocational Tech addition to the high school. I’ve been hoping and asking for one for 30 years. Unfortunately, that doesn’t appear to be what we will get. Getting answers to what it will actually cost, and the plans for what will be taught is a moving target. The District is adding tens of thousands of square feet of buildings, that will have to be staffed with additional teachers/ instructors. They have to be paid. Likewise those building will consume lots of electricity, must be cooled and heated, cleaned and maintained. I submitted that question to the district bond website. It was never answered.

Many of us were hoping to get answers like this, the actual borrowing costs, and specific answers as to what courses will be taught in the Votech addition, at a recent town hall meeting. Before the meeting, the Superintendent’s assistant sent an email saying that they would not answer questions at a town hall or open forum! They claim their lawyers advised them not to. I think we need different lawyers or Superintendent to do the bidding of the citizens, not just a few secretive officials.

The super did show up at the meeting, with a mind numbing visual presentation with spread sheets and graphs. It the same thing on their website. However, when specific questions started being asked by a School Board candidate, the Super directed his staff to leave with him.

Here are a couple questions and concerns; What will the total cost of the bond be, to the voters. I found the answer in a closely held legal document the district has not made easy to get. $26.7 million is the total borrowing cost, for both propositions.

What will the final costs be to operate the school with the new buildings and staff required? The answer from the Super, just before he left was, its the same as it is now. I guess the new teachers and staff are going to work for free and AEP is going to supply the electricity for free. Insurance must be free also.

What is actually going to be taught in the Votech addition? The answer so far is, ‘not yet decided”, but the kids are going to make that decision! Whoa! Can we get some adults to be in charge? I’ve never heard of such a thing for a public school.

Why wasn’t the building designed for the technology to be used in it first? Not answered except, see the answer above.,, and “ WE JUST NEED TO BUILD THE BUILDING” For a couple days after seeing the Bond Committee road show, I had this feeling of Dejavu. Then it came to me- it was just like a Time Share presentation I attended years ago. “Just sign up and those details about costs will be answered later”. The board needs to go back to the drawing board. Do it right or not at all.

Chris Christenson

Columbus

I wanted to weigh in on the amazing popularity of women’s college basketball. Most of the nation is amazed, but I am not. I always knew it to be a fastpaced dance up and down the court.

No, I was not a player. I was a women’s sports information director at the University of Houston in the early 1980s. It was my job to keep the stats of the team, send out press releases to local media about upcoming games and results of games played, and to pitch story ideas about individual players to print, radio, and tv editors.

Luckily, my job was not dependent on how many story placements I got in a season. I would have been gone after one season!

I often felt like a failure to not get more coverage for the team. It was just something everyone accepted. Houston is a major sports market, my bosses would say. Fighting for space on a sports page or be given airtime on radio and TV sports reports rarely happened.

The hierarchy of what got covered was led by the pro sports teams, then college football and basketball, then high school football and basketball. Next came coverage of Texas sports, especially football, and then the editors and producers had to leave space for national coverage of winning teams and major sports stars.

That did not deter me. I faithfully made calls to sports desks to report final scores of the games and faxed over the stats. Victory came when a score was mentioned on the 10 pm news and or the game’s box score was printed in the paper the next day. I think they even had smaller agate type for women’s sports than for the men’s.

The day after the game my job was to clip out the mentions, tape them to a piece of paper, make copies of the pages of stats and stories for men’s and women’s teams and distribute them to the athletic staff and coaches. Very lowtech.

Frustrating? Yes. I remember being incensed one day when my short story on the Lady Coogs’ win and accompanying box score did not make the Houston Chronicle because the sports editor opted to include a photo of tennis player Tracy Austin’s home that had been TPed (toilet-papered) for her birthday.

I placed a call to the editor pointing out his error in judgment. Let’s just say it didn’t go well. l had my boss to thank for not following through on the editor’s call for my immediate dismissal from the sports information department. There was a drought of Lady Coogs’ coverage for a while after that and it’s probably why my application to be a writer on the Chronicle staff never saw the light of day.

I did take pride in keeping good stats for the “girls”, notching every field-goal and free-throw attempt, rebound, assist, and points scored. Remember in math class when you would ask the teachers, “When am I ever going to need to know how to do this?” Well, I wish I had paid more attention to how to calculate percentages and where to put the decimal points.

Sometimes I got to travel with the team out of state just in case that reporter was there at practice waiting for that one story he didn’t know he needed. I recall one game at the University of Nevada Las Vegas where I sat at the scorer’s table diligently keeping stats of a game played in the cavernous arena with sprinklings of fans here and there.

At the end of the game, I met with the UNLV sports information director and compared stats. His record keeping was vastly different than mine as he admitted he just kind of added some numbers to each column based on what he thought happened but not based on reality.

I brought it up with the UH coach who did express concern but didn’t challenge the results. After all UNLV was the home team and their stats were the official stats. Can you imagine the ire of a Kim Mulkey (LSU head coach) if this took place today?!?!?

I had heard of some colleges having luck in promoting a game between sports writers and the women’s basketball team to show these guys just how talented and serious the women were about their sport. Many had a huge attendance at these games and garnered more fans this way. So, I tried the same.

The game was fun, and it did result in some good coverage from the sports writers, but not too many fans cared that this event was happening on campus. That was the other excuse given for poor attendance – UH is predominantly a commuter school, so not much campus life.

For this event I also worked with the university bookstore to make special T-shirts that said “I [heart] the Lady Coogs.” I was thrilled when the number sold reached three digits (bought mostly from the team and their families.)

As I watched the Final Four this past weekend with every seat filled and hearing it cost $1,000 per ticket I felt redemption. The Lady Coogs rarely had maybe a hundred fans in the stands. The announcement of the players’ names (usually done by me since I couldn’t find a regular announcer to work all the games) would echo off the walls of Hofheinz Pavilion. Sometimes we would get a decent crowd when the opponent was Louisiana Tech, led by Sonja Hogg, or University of Texas, led by Jody Conradt.

I am so grateful for having experienced the thankless job of being the women’s sports information director (translate: big title, low pay). The women on the team didn’t care if there were two people or 10,000 in the stands. They kept playing their game and set the stage for the coming attractions of 2024 March Madness where records for attendance and viewership OF ANY SPORT were shattered. Well played, girls. Well played.

Theresa Parker

Dear Editor,

The hard work done in our schools and school districts to support teachers and children rarely receives the praise it deserves, despite many volunteers and school employees being worthy of recognition for their work. Recently, one such volunteer in our community was nominated for National Life Group’s Life Changer of the Year award in recognition for their volunteer work and positive influence. We should take pride in this because, although this was one individual who was nominated, it demonstrates the type of amazing things being done by volunteers for our students.

I encourage our community to support Mrs. Mandi Kulhanek, by visiting her profile at www.lifechangeroftheyear.com to leave a positive comment, note of thanks or congratulations.

This nomination is a great honor for Mrs. Kulhanek and for our community. It shows how hard the volunteers in our schools work to help our children.

We often take this for granted; this nomination is an opportunity to recognize that hard work.

Thank you, Shana Neisner CES Principal

Dear Editor:

In response to the news article “Columbus PTO exec nominated for National LifeChanger of the year Award”, I would like to strongly encourage our community to go and show their support to Mandi Kulhanek’s nomination. As a member of the PTO team working beside Mandi over the past two years, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition The hard work done each day in our schools and school district to educate our children rarely receives the praise it deserves. When I joined the PTO, my intention was to become more involved in my child’s education while still working full time. The more involved I became with the PTO; I realized how critical parent and community support is to the future of our children and the success of our school district.

Through many struggles last year, Mandi never once stopped giving back to the kids in our community. She continues to be a light and spread positivity to everyone around her. She has the biggest heart and is always willing to help anyone in need. Mandi has played a critical role in revitalizing our PTO and building a strong support system for our elementary campus.

This nomination is a great honor for Mandi Kulhanek and the entire CES PTO Board Team working with her in our community. I would love to see Mandi win this award and be able to fund future enhancements to our campus. It’s our time now to rally behind Mandi and show her our support by visiting her profile at www.lifechangeroftheyear. com. By leaving supporting comments, you can increase her odds of winning this award and qualify her for the spirit award.

Kelsey Zapalac

In response to the article that was published in the Dec. 20, 2023 edition of the Citizen pertaining to the Nesbitt Memorial Library, please publish this article in response to that article.

Dear Friends of Nesbitt Memorial Library, I am writing to Thank You and to tell you how much we appreciate the article which appeared in the Citizen on Dec. 20, 2023. I only wish that Miss Lee Nesbitt would be here to read that article and to understand the remarkable success which the library has enjoyed since its dedication and opening at its current location. I am certain Miss Lee would be extremely proud of the tremendous success of the Library under so many excellent librarians, outstanding staff, gifted and outstanding board of directors, generous donors, and the dedicated support it has received from both the City of Columbus and the public at large. I know that she would be astounded at what skilled professional work has been done by all these people on behalf of the Library, and the fact that annual budgetary support from the City of Columbus is now in the range of a quarter of a million dollars. It is this exceptional staff and board of directors along with the incredible support from generous donors and the City of Columbus that make it one of the best, if not the best small town library in any city of this size in Texas. It is also amazing to me that the Chairperson of our library board is highly gifted academic with a deep knowledge of libraries and how they should be managed for maximum benefit to the public. Congratulations and thanks to you, Jim Kearney and Susan Chandler for the overall strength and community service orientation of the Nesbitt Memorial Library. Both of you, along with many other people over the years, have contributed so much to the success of the Library.

There are several corrections and additions that I would like to make to the article. First, there is no Nesbitt Foundation attributable to Miss Lee Nesbitt or her sister Laurie Dell. The legal defining and governing document is the Joint Last Will and Testament which they executed in 1947. That will provided that the net residue of their estates, after all expenses and taxes should be disturbed to any charity within the State of Texas upon the death of the last surviving sister. This document served as the overriding legal instrument. And the Nesbitt sisters never created a foundation. Their last will and testament provided for these distributions to be made by the independent executor. Miss Lee lived many years longer than her sister, Miss Laurie Dell, and of course she took much interest in how her money would be ultimately given away by the independent executor. When the lawyer, my father Hollis Massey, was no longer able to fulfill his legal position as independent executor, I was appointed and approved by the Court as successor independent executor. Because of various liquidity issues, I was not able to distribute everything within the two year mandate of the last Will and Testament and so I created a Distribution Trust to finalize all distributions.

I had a number of meetings with Miss Lee Nesbitt to seek guidance from her on her “wishes.” although I was bound by the terms of the joint will, I wanted to fulfill Mrs. Lee’s wishes in accordance with the provisions of her joint will and testament with her sister Miss Laurie Dell. Miss Lee clearly expressed to me in writing what her wishes were with respect to final distributions as follows:

• A public library for the citizens of Columbus

• The First United Methodist Church of Columbus

• Methodist Missions

• Restoration of the Brunson Building, improvements to the Live Oak Art Center, and adjacent land.

• Columbus Public Schools — Programs to help the hearing and speech impaired. (Miss Laurie Dell Nesbitt was severely handicapped with her hearing and speech).

• Restoration and improvements to the Stafford Opera House (later to include any or all properties of Columbus Historical Preservation Trust).

During her lifetime and through her testamentary provisions Miss Lee contributed more than one million dollars to these various community programs. Adjusted for inflation and at today’s values, in effect Miss Lee gave away in her lifetime and through her Estate and Nesbitt Memorial Distribution Trust well more than three million dollars in today’s purchasing power.

Miss Lee must be recognized as one of our community’s most generous philanthropists ever. She was extremely private, and she never would agree to any write ups in the paper or photographs of herself when any of these gifts were concluded. The only time I remember her being visible was at the dedication of the Nesbitt Memorial Library. That was a very joyous occasion for her when we presented the title and keys to the library to the City of Columbus. As independent executor, I served as master of ceremonies on that occasion. Miss Lee was noticeably quiet and reserved, but she was so proud when Mayor Kuchar accepted her gift to the City of Columbus. The truth of the matter is, I seriously doubt if anyone could see that the Library would prove to be such a remarkable success to the community and that the financial support of the City which has been so vital to its success would grow to its current level of about two hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year. This extremely generous support from the city is a major reason the Library has been such an enormous success — far more than what anyone contemplated at the time.

I do want to state that Miss Lee Nesbitt did not pick out the site for the Nesbitt Memorial Library. She picked out another site which she very much wanted. That site had more space and was in a quieter location, but we were unable to conclude a purchase of that site. The owner of that property and their heirs simply never wanted to sell their land. We also looked seriously at another site but were unable to secure a transaction at that site as well. The current site, which was the home of R.R. Hadden, who was a deceased county commissioner, was in fact the last choice. The purpose of that purchase was not disclosed, and Mr. Massey paid thirty-five thousand dollars to purchase the site, and of course Miss Lee agreed to it. The fact that the elementary school was located nearby was not regarded as a positive asset at that time. We did not understand how important proximity to the elementary school would become over time.

Neither Miss Lee nor her sister were ever married. They both lived most of their adult life in the big home at the corner of Milam and Bonham streets in Columbus. This home was built as a family home by their parents.

The current building was dedicated on March 18, 1979. But after Miss Lee’s death funds from her estate were utilized to expand the size of the original library, to build a reading room, and to build the archives addition. It should be noted that the archives are fireproof, and temperature controlled. I presented to the archives all of Miss Lee’s final papers after we closed the distribution Trust except for a few highly confidential papers that Miss Lee asked me to hold in her private fireproof vault at the Columbus State Bank.

The decision to expand to the Library, build the reading room, and construct the archives addition was made by me, independent executor. And, in that decision I received significant help from attorney John Hancher, retired medical doctor, James Wooten, the then head librarian, Patti Wooten, head archivist, Bill Stein and local architect A.J. Willrodt. I do not remember the name of the consulting architect, or who the Chairman of the library was at that time.

I wish to again state that I wish Miss Lee Nesbitt were here to read the fine article that appeared Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. We are all extremely grateful to what so many good people have done over the years to create this wonderful community library. It is a great asset for the citizens of all ages of Columbus.

Sincerely, John H. Massey

Generosity throughout Columbus contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season at drop-off locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child. Across the U.S., the project collected 10 million shoebox gifts in 2023. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2023, the ministry is now sending over 11.3 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster.

Through shoeboxes — packed with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items — Columbus — area volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each giftfilled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Through the continued generosity of donors since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

Across Texas, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a yearround volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at samaritanspurse. org/occ or by calling 817-595-2230.

Although local drop-off locations for shoebox gifts are closed until Nov. 18 – 25, 2024, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.

These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten. Sincerely,

Luke Switzer

Samaritan’s Purse

Awesome! Beautiful! Magical! Breathtaking! And those are just a few descriptive words that come to mind when reflecting on last night, Nov. 28, and the Christmas on the Colorado Lighted Parade. It was indeed a Hallmark Moment, Columbus style.

When we at the Chamber approached the city officials last year to get permission to hold a Lighted Parade for the Bicentennial, we agreed to a onetime event. When we saw the turnout, heard all the positive comments, and witnessed the excitement, we knew we had to do everything possible to make it an annual event.

The process started in late Spring with gathering signatures on a petition, presenting the signatures along with “reasons why” to the City Council in July, and obtaining unanimous permission from all members of the City Council. The Chamber was as excited about the possibility of an annual parade as the many Columbus residents who continued to ask if it would happen again.

Last night, it was evident that it did need to happen again, and it will continue to occur on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving every year.

As the Events Director, I am responsible for overseeing the lighted parade. Still, my job is made much easier with the support of the Columbus Chamber Board of Directors and the office staff, Shelley and Becky. The City of Columbus and Colorado County grounds crew rocked it with Christmas decorations and lighting on the square and around town. “Clark Griswold would be proud”.

The parade had thirty-seven entries, and each was absolutely spectacular. The parade judges, Mayor Lori An Gobert and Judge Ty Prause had difficulty choosing only three winners. The Best Car/Truck Entry winner was Jeff & Tammy Campbell from Elgin in their 1923 Model T-Truck. In the Best Overall Category, St. Anthony Catholic School took the trophy, and for the second year in a row, American Ag drove away with the Best Lighted Entry with their Griswold-themed entry.

Following the parade, approximately 600 people gathered on the square for the lighting of the tree by Mayor Gobert and Judge Prause. Parade trophies were presented, and Santa visited with the kiddos and posed for pictures with Photos by Lydia. Chef Raoul and his team served up an abundance of hot cocoa and cookies, and the Bubble Bounce House was a big hit with the kids. None of this would be possible without the generosity of the following businesses and individuals who donated not only monetary donations but also their time and resources. Thank You — We Are Truly a Blessed Community!

City of Columbus, Colorado County Commissioners Court, Mayor Lori An Gobert, Judge Ty Prause, The City of Columbus Police Force, Pamela & Henry Potter, Ann Butler, Chef Raoul Catering, Columbus State Bank, B. Peterman, Blue Dolphin Realty, Old 300 Title Company, Photos by Lydia, CHPT (Santa’s sponsor), Elliott & Waldron, Circle C Perspective, Kountry Kritters, Kay Klauber Candies, Charlene Morrison, B&D Graphics, Medical Skin Associates & Spa, Sign Gypsies, Columbus There are not enough words to express how grateful I am for the support of this community! Columbus is indeed small town living at its very best. May you all have a very happy holiday season!

Regards,

Janet Hollmann Events Director Columbus Chamber of Commerce

I would like to preface my comments by saying I have only used Colorado County EMS twice in recent years. And each time they were quick, precise and professional. I have absolutely no complaints about our local EMTs. So, I am not sure where to direct my complaint.

Two weeks ago, my neighbor called in a desperate state to tell me she needed help as her house guest was seriously ill and she was unable to get 911 to answer. I assumed she was just frazzled so I said I would take care of it and would be there as soon as I could. While enroute, I tried calling three times to 911. Each time the phone rang many times with no answer. Finally, I decided the next best thing to do was to call the Sheriff’s Office. When I called dispatch with my request and concern about 911, I was told that they had been having phone problems for a few days! I did not ask for an explanation, nor did she offer one, but she did, however, get in touch with EMS and they were prompt in arriving.

The houseguest’s condition was such that the EMTs recognized the urgency of the situation and suggested we go directly to Methodist West in Katy. We followed and when we arrived, we were told that she was presently receiving 3 pts of blood and they would keep us updated as to her progress. We did not return home until after she was moved into ICU several hours later and we were not allowed to see her. We were told that had EMS not responded quickly and efficiently, the evening’s outcome may have been very negative!

Now, my praises go to the wonderful EMTs that realized the seriousness of the situation and took the proper action. But my BIG concern is that had I not called the Sheriff’s Office dispatch, the outcome of that night might not have turned out as well as it did. How many others had possibly tried to call 911? Did they get the help they needed? The houseguest stayed in Katy hospital for 5 days before she was allowed to come only as far as my friend’s home in Columbus for another 3 days before she was released to return to her own home in New Braunfels.

I don’t know the proper protocol if/when 911 lines don’t respond, but my security has certainly been shaken! It just never occurred to me that 911 would be un-accessible for any reason! I hope that whoever is responsible for the 911 services will take note and have a back-up plan should this ever happen again. And if there is a back-up plan, how are we to know?

Citizens of Colorado County, how do you feel about this?

Brenda G. Buehler Columbus, Tx

For Mr. Mattingly, the idea of service, of giving back, has been the guiding principle of his life. He has spent years working tirelessly with Habitat for Humanity, a cause that aims to provide decent, affordable housing for families in need.

Throughout his time at Habitat, Mr. Mattingly has touched the lives of countless families. He has swung hammers, painted walls, and laid foundations alongside volunteers and future homeowners. But more than that, he has built a sense of hope and community for those for whom home ownership was out of reach.

This is the beginning of a well-deserved retirement. I want to express our deepest gratitude for Mr. Mattingly’s incredible contributions to Habitat for Humanity and our community. We thank you for your selflessness, your leadership, and compassion.

Mr. Mattingly, as you embark on this new journey of retirement, may it be filled with relaxation, new adventures, and the knowledge that your legacy of service will live on in the families and homes you’ve helped bui ld. Your work with Habitat for Humanity will always be an inspiration to us all.

Thank you, Monica Vinson

My wife and I had dinner at Joe’s Italian Restaurant Sunday, Oct. 8 at around 7:30 p.m.

After we finished, I asked our waitress, Ashley, to bring our ticket. She said, “your meal was paid for by an anonymous person, and I am not at liberty to say who it was. The anonymous person wanted to thank you for your service.”

I was shocked and speechless. I was wearing a cap that said, ‘Marine Veteran’.

My wife and I want to publicly thank the anonymous donor for their kindness and respect.

There was only one other person in the restaurant eating while we were there. He looked to be younger than my youngest son. Our first assumption was that it must be this young man, but we can’t be certain.

What we know for certain is we were genuinely moved by the generosity and kindness of a stranger.

We were also reminded of several valuable lessons:

• You never know who is watching you and how your presence will affect others.

• In a world where things can seem topsy-turvy - Kindness and generosity are not lost attributes.

Now it is our turn. My wife and I will not let this gesture go in vain, we will take the lessons learned from this experience and ‘pay it forward’.

Thank you, whoever you are, for reassuring us that goodness prevails. Sincerely, Tandy Carter LtCol USMC, Ret.

Shirley Kearbey

My husband and I started our small business in November 2019, right before the world shut down. We create custom works of art by offering superior service and personalized attention. From one-of-a-kind metal designs to handcrafted wood collectibles, we put our love for art into everything we do.

Here at Twisted Steel Design, we don’t just do custom work. We invite our customers to join in the fun, hosting various workshops and art classes in our community. Not only do these events foster a greater love for art, but they help support fellow small businesses in our area. We donate art pieces to various charitable organizations and collaborate with local business owners to keep our small town vibrant and growing.

This all comes with various challenges. The past few years have been tremendously difficult and at times, downright painful. Between this inflationary economy and the dramatic increases in property taxes, many small businesses are just doing everything they can to hold on. Texas is one of nine states that fully taxes a business’ inventory, meaning everything – even the items that do not reap a profit – gets taxed each and every year.

As we watch big box stores and retailers get sweetheart deals and our property taxes escalate, it feels as if the Small Business Deduction is the one policy provision that is working in our favor.

If Congress doesn’t act, this crucial tax break will expire, raising our taxes at a time when we can least afford it. Meanwhile, big box stores will continue to enjoy a lower corporate rate.

The Main Street Tax Certainty Act introduced by Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), would make this deduction permanent, ensuring local job creators can continue to raise wages, grow their businesses, and meet the needs of their community.

Please call or email your Congressional representative and Rep. Cuellar and let them know how important the Main Street Tax Certainty Act is to your community and local businesses and encourage them to reach out to their colleagues to ensure it passes. We need your help to get this done! Please act now!

A Texas native, Dana Sherrill owns and operates Twisted Steel Design, LLC in Weimar.

Yes, it was. Rain, rain, beautiful rain came to Columbus. Thank you, Lord.

Rain can provoke lots of action. By the way, did you see someone nearly streaking over on Front Street? I’m not sure how reliable my storyteller is … However, it sounded legitimate to me. I’m nearly sure that I can guess who it was. However, why should we care?

Again, I say, “Rain, rain, beautiful rain.” Please, don’t try to find out who the runner was, and again, I say why should we care? It was bound to be wonderfully refreshing.

This wasn’t the only excitement during the downpour. There was a bit of a breeze over on Preston Street.

My new friend, Missy Parker, has shared a true story that begins with the rain. Missy tells me she had a mystery begin in her kitchen. Missy’s elderly dog, Bella, has a lovely food bowl in a sturdy wooden holder. That good-looking food bowl mysteriously disappeared during the inclement weather. There was one door ajar leading to the porch. However, when Missy looked out the door, there was nothing unusual on the porch. Once the door was secured, the food bowl was found to be missing.

Bella’s bowl was no longer in the kitchen. The bowl was for sure well made and not easily scooted by a dog of Bella’s size. Now the search began. No bowl in the hall, no bowl in the bathroom, no bowl under the bed. By this time, Bella had joined the search and actually whined a bit, adding to the anxiety of the dilemma. You see, Bella is a longtime member of the family and for sure, there is no cat in the house.

Someone will probably mention a squirrel might have been the culprit. Long ago, Missy had a young raccoon as a pet in Junction. Raccoons are quite talented when using their “hands.” Missy’s mom was not fond of that raccoon and one day accidentally backed over it in the driveway.

It really is a mystery because the dog bowl is still missing.

Missy believes a clue about the absent bowl will appear. Neighbor Nancy Lytle has added her expertise to the case and the ladies have even checked upstairs. I know this mystery will be solved soon. Bella now has a lovely china bowl as a substitute.

Hopefully you will know the answer to the “bowl burglar” in my next column.

Please switch channels with me. As a new member the the Columbus Chamber of Commerce board, I find myself daydreaming about changes in our town. It is particularly wonderful to see young couples returning home to Columbus. Their actions are a strong indicator of things to come. Let’s be certain that we help them and make the most of their initiative. I haven’t counted couples, however, but it is exciting to see their influence.

Now for the closer. I hope you are following Columbus High School Cardinal football as they continue to dominate. My best description of the team is “powerhouse.” Go Big Red!

Dear Editor:

Every time I drive down Milam Street into our beautiful town, I see American flags one right after another “proudly” displayed to show loyalty to our country — the United States of America. But, as I approach each flag, I am saddened to see the pathetic condition of so many.

The same situation is shown not only on Milam Street but in front of homes all over our town and throughout our nation, at fancy entry gates out in the country, and the entrances to business establishments.

I guess that way back in the 1950s and 1960s when I was in elementary and junior high schools here in Columbus, part of my upbringing and education included learning how to respect our flag. My wonderful Girl Scout leaders — Judy Gates, Dorothy Brooks and Ruth Green — taught us the rules of displaying, dismantling and disposing the flag for retirement.

One rule in particular was that once a flag is torn or tattered and not in the condition of a fitting emblem, it should be removed from display and destroyed in a dignified manner (preferably burning).

What part of this rule is not understood by those in charge of displaying the flags?

Surely, somewhere in their education, they learned that a shredded flag does not indicate that those displaying it are respecting our nation.

It only shows a huge lack of respect and irresponsibility — nothing of which to be proud.

If the flags cannot be maintained with constant care and dignity by being replaced when it’s time, then they should not be flying for all to see the improper maintenance.

Thank you,

Anne Crawford Cain

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.

My husband and I started our small business in November 2019, right before the world shut down. We create custom works of art by offering superior service and personalized attention. From one-of-a-kind metal designs to handcrafted wood collectibles, we put our love for art into everything we do.

Here at Twisted Steel Design, we don’t just do custom work. We invite our customers to join in the fun, hosting various workshops and art classes in our community. Not only do these events foster a greater love for art, but they help support fellow small businesses in our area. We donate art pieces to various charitable organizations and collaborate with local business owners to keep our small town vibrant and growing.

This all comes with various challenges. The past few years have been tremendously difficult and at times, downright painful. Between this inflationary economy and the dramatic increases in property taxes, many small businesses are just doing everything they can to hold on. Texas is one of nine states that fully taxes a business’ inventory, meaning everything – even the items that do not reap a profit – gets taxed each and every year.

As we watch big box stores and retailers get sweetheart deals and our property taxes escalate, it feels as if the Small Business Deduction is the one policy provision that is working in our favor.

If Congress doesn’t act, this crucial tax break will expire, raising our taxes at a time when we can least afford it. Meanwhile, big box stores will continue to enjoy a lower corporate rate.

The Main Street Tax Certainty Act introduced by Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), would make this deduction permanent, ensuring local job creators can continue to raise wages, grow their businesses, and meet the needs of their community.

Please call or email your Congressional representative and Rep. Cuellar and let them know how important the Main Street Tax Certainty Act is to your community and local businesses and encourage them to reach out to their colleagues to ensure it passes. We need your help to get this done! Please act now!

Dana Sherrill

Twisted Steel Design LLC owner and operator Weimar.

Columbus has amenities for tourists and children but, sadly, not for its senior citizens. Several playgrounds with elaborate equipment have been built and maintained year after year. The Visitor’s Center provides clean restrooms and travel information. Visitors may or may not spend money in our city or county. Seniors spend money and pay taxes.

It is a well-known fact that isolation is harmful to mental health. Our seniors need a decent play to enjoy games and fellowship. Concerned individuals, led by John Jones, have recently started providing services that are funded by generous donors. Senior Connections meets every first and third Wednesday in the Buddy Rau Room of the Stafford Opera House. Games, including Bingo and lunch, are provided. The number of participants has grown each time.

Florence Crews

Columbus

Based on the letter to the editor published in the July 19th edition of the Citizen and penned by the esteemed Chris Christensen, I see that bigotry is still alive and well in Colorado County. Ordinarily this is where I would shred Mr. Christensen’s arguments with actual facts however his entire point seems to be this: God hates fags and therefore civil government shouldn’t recognize Pride month. Setting aside the fact that on one hand he says it’s nobody’s business what people do in their own homes, then proceeds to make it his business to denounce their behavior, I would like point out a few things to Mr. Christensen and his ilk.

Pride month began as a way to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The irony is that Mr. Christensen wants to keep people’s behavior private and government out of people’s lives yet it was the very nature of this policy that led to the modern Pride movement. The government DIDN’T stay out of people’s lives because of people like him who found their behavior, let me make sure I get this right, “immoral sexual” (whatever that is) and “abnormal behavior”.

All of these points are framed within a biblical context. Of course, in order to make any of that hang together he has to (wrongly) assume biblical univocality so he can pick and choose what is right and what is wrong in his worldview. Should we hold to the same standards, one should also assume that slavery, racial superiority, incest, bigamy, vigilante justice (the list goes on and on) should also be allowed. You know, because it’s allowed in the bible… It is exactly BECAUSE of people like Mr. Christensen that Pride Month is a thing. Recognizing people’s right to choose who they love, and who they want to be should not be a controversial topic. I’m certain that folks that agree with Mr. Christensen’s argument probably aren’t persuaded at this point so I’ll try something else.

Instead of LGBTQ+ substitute the word “black” or “woman” and say the quiet part out loud. They faced the same sort of discrimination, violence and hardships that non-cis gender people face every day. And THAT is why there is a Pride Month -to celebrate the progress these people have made and to help others step out of the shadow of fear cast by Mr. Christensen and people like him.

Mike Griffin Columbus

The in-person experience (brick & mortar) school, which is how most people have been educated, offers more physical and academic social interaction among students and staff. Students with needs requiring individual supervision and adultdriven motivation and stability will be more likely to have their educational needs met in this traditional setting. The extra services offered by in-person schools like meals, basic health checks, school supplies and inperson counseling are invaluable to more socio economically challenged students or students with certain other needs which must be provided on a one-onone basis.

Historical and ever-growing problems connected to inperson school settings include bullying, safety from outside intruders, academic distractions created from discipline incidents, inconsistent curriculum from class to class and delayed grade reporting, usually limited to 3-week intervals.

Students also require daily transportation to and from in-person schools; plus, extra transport if they become ill and must leave within the school day which can pull parents unexpectedly from their job place.

Students using school provided transport are required to report, even in inclement weather, to their district designated pickup and drop-off locations which can require some students to wait in the dark along roadways. There are often discipline incidences occurring on school provided transport as well.

Online public schools offer students state approved curriculum that can be accessed 7 days a week 24 hours a day allowing students to attend activities or training or have a job that occur during traditional school hours. Many student gymnasts, ball players, equestrians, artists, musicians for example attend online schools. The flexible hours allow them to go to practices or specialized art and music schools during the day, leaving time outside regular school hours to complete their regular coursework.

Students who might be more introverted, less socially well placed, have special physical, health or emotional needs can remain in the safety and comfort of their homes rather than daily facing an environment that can often be very hostile to them.

Online schools do provide counseling and accommodation services as required by the state as do regular in-person schools. Online schools do require more individualized attention from teachers via phone, text and live or recorded Zoom-type sessions. Families do have to adjust to being contacted on a regular basis by teachers for tutoring, Q&A, touch base updates and extra credit.

Online schools do allow students to complete class work at their own pace typically faster than is scheduled based on their class load and curriculum. Parents also get real-time feedback with constant lesson completion progress, assignment-grades earned and overall average updates.

Students who lack motivation regarding academics, who are easily distracted, lack the maturity to self- govern and/or are left on their own during the day while their adults go to work, can flounder, and fail in an online school setting. Students are required to be self-motivated and self-disciplined enough to see to their studies without constant direction or re-direction from an adult.

Online schools also require a computer and reliable, consistent internet access. Cell phones alone will not work with all the applications provided by various online schools.

Some of the most common questions about online schooling are regarding students’ socialization. Students who attend online schools can participate in the sports, clubs, band, and other extra-curricular activities provided by their local in-person school for which they are zoned. (Afterall, property taxes are being paid to that local school district whether a student attends there or not.) Students must fill out applications, pay fees and try-out just like students who attend the in-person school. Online students cannot be barred from participation in these clubs or teams simply because they do not attend their locally zoned school in person.

For required state and college entrance or Advanced Placement testing, online students will either test at a location provided by their online school or provided by their locally zoned school.

Only families and students can choose what is best for them based on their unique situations. I hope this article has been helpful to families choosing what will work best for their student to reach academic success.

Colleen Walker - Columbus

Texas Connections Academy - Houston Secondary School Instructor