Lifestyle

This image was taken in 2024 on CR 198 (Brown School Road) in Lavaca County. Photo by Murray Montgomery

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Drought Dampens 2026 Texas Wildflower Outlook

Murray Montgomery

Friday, March 13, 2026

By Murray Montgomery - Staff WriterSpring in South-Central Texas brings a colorful display of wildflowers, though the 2026 season is proving varied and somewhat patchy due to dry fall conditions, uneven rainfall, and ongoing drought in parts of the region.

Photo courtesy of Montgomery Collection

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Sam Houston's trusted friend was born a slave

Murray Montgomery

Friday, February 27, 2026

By Murray Montgomery - Staff WriterBefore he passed away, my uncle, Carl Montgomery, left me a collection of old photographs that had been taken before 1900 by various photographers in and around Austin, Texas.

Elijah Cox - Courtesy Library of Congress

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More Than a Buffalo Soldier: The Story of Elijah Cox

Murray Montgomery

Sunday, February 22, 2026

By Murray Montgomery - Staff Writer It has been written that the majority of Buffalo Soldiers did not care for that name - they wanted only to be referred to as American soldiers who were serving their country with honor and distinction. Elijah Coxwas one of those men.

Valentine's Day

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Beyond the Roses: Is Valentine's Day Losing Its Charm?

Murray Montgomery

Friday, February 13, 2026

By Murray Montgomery - Staff WriterWhen the origin of Valentine’s Day is researched, it’s very easy to find out much about the history, and how it all got started - to be honest, it can become a little boring. Is the day to celebrate love and sweethearts still even noteworthy in 2026?

Graphic by Michelle Price

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All about the Local Lowdown Podcast

Murray Montgomery

Monday, February 2, 2026

By Murray Montgomery - Staff WriterSeveral years ago, I and another staff writer for Lavaca County newspapers decided to start a video podcast called the “Lavaca County News Review.” My co-host on the podcast was Hans Lammeman and all the programs were produced in a video format.

Angel of Goliad overlooking Presidio La Bahia - Photos by Murray Montgomery

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Goliad Survivor’s Final Rest: Isaac D. Hamilton Buried in Old Moulton Cemetery

Murray Montgomery

Thursday, January 15, 2026

By Staff Writer - Murray Montgomery The largest single loss of life in the cause for Texas Independence occurred on March 27, 1836.It was on that Palm Sunday when Mexican troops, acting on orders from Gen. Santa Anna,executed the 341 men under the command of Col. James Walker Fannin.

contributed photo

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Junior Livestock Show Helps Youth

News Staff

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Ranchers in Hallettsville have spent a lot of time through the years on the Hallettsville Junior Livestock Show.

RYAN JANAK, Sacred Heart Catholic School.

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Students share what they learn from raising livestock

News Staff

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Hallettsville students learn many lessons while participating in the annual Hallettsville Junior Livestock Show.Some of those participating shared their experiences regarding what skills they have acquired and how the experience prepares them for the future.

Contributed photo for illustration purposes

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Old column revisits family cemeteries in Lavaca County

Murray Montgomery

Saturday, January 3, 2026

By Murray Montgomery - Staff WriterIn the December 28, 1951, issue of the Lavaca County Tribune, there was a column named “When Did They Come?” It was written by an unidentified person, and this particular one was about cemeteries of early German and Czech settlers in Lavaca County.

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Beginning 2026 with Forgiveness, Compassion, and a Willingness to Begin Again

News Staff

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

As calendars open to page one and fireworks light up the sky, 2026 arrives with its quiet invitation to begin again. The new year is often framed by resolutions and fresh goals, but perhaps the most meaningful place to start isn’t with what we plan to do next, it’s with what we choose to release.

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