Lifestyle

Adobe stock photo – AI generated

Adobe stock photo – AI generated

Close encounters of the possum kind

Murray Montgomery
Friday, August 21, 2026
By Murray Montgomery  -  Staff Writer(Editor’s note: I wrote this many years ago while living in Gonzales – It’s a true story.)There is nothing like a relaxing evening at home. Kickin’ back, watching television, and just taking it easy.
Local artists, Roy and Blanche Cavaretta and Michael Moore placed at the 55th annual Ruidoso Art Festival that took placetwo weeks ago in in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The Cavarettas won best of show, while Roy also won first place in mixed media for one of his gourd entries. Michael Moore brought home a second place finish for a fused glass entry. From left are Roy Cavaretta and Michael Moore. Blanche Cavaretta is absent from the photo. Photo provided by Michael Moore

Local artists, Roy and Blanche Cavaretta and Michael Moore placed at the 55th annual Ruidoso Art Festival that took placetwo weeks ago in in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The Cavarettas won best of show, while Roy also won first place in mixed media for one of his gourd entries. Michael Moore brought home a second place finish for a fused glass entry. From left are Roy Cavaretta and Michael Moore. Blanche Cavaretta is absent from the photo. Photo provided by Michael Moore

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Local artists places at NM art festival

Jimmy Appelt
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Two local Hallettsville artists entered exhibits in the 55th annual Ruidoso Art Festival in Ruidoso, New Mexico two weeks ago with Roy Cavaretta winning first place in mixed media for one of his outstanding Gourds submitted.Also Roy and his wife Blanche won best in show with their entries.
“Texas Jack” Omohundro – Wikipedia Photo

“Texas Jack” Omohundro – Wikipedia Photo

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The Old West Superstar You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Murray Montgomery
Thursday, August 6, 2026
By Murray MontgomeryI’ll have to admit that I’m more than just a little embarrassed that I’ve never heard of “Texas Jack.” Perhaps it’s because he’s not originally from Texas, but that’s really no excuse; he was a truly famous man back in the day.John Burwell (Texas Jack) Omohundro, Jr.
Blackie Bludau cuts open this watermelon at his home in Hallettsville. Bludau grows watermelons for sale annually.

Blackie Bludau cuts open this watermelon at his home in Hallettsville. Bludau grows watermelons for sale annually.

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Bludau raises another good watermelon crop

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Bruce “Blackie” Bludau figured out long ago that growing watermelons was a good idea in Lavaca County, and he owes a lot to his father who gave he and his brothers a unique opportunity.
Photo courtesy of Find a Grave

Photo courtesy of Find a Grave

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The Forgotten Fighter Who Drew First Blood for Texas

Murray Montgomery
Friday, July 31, 2026
By Murray Montgomery - Staff Writer Students and researchers of Texas history are inundated with information about the heroes of the Texas Revolution. But more often than not, the history books don’t tell us much about ordinary soldiers who also served Texas in the cause of freedom.
Noah Smithwick at age 91 – Wikipedia photo

Noah Smithwick at age 91 – Wikipedia photo

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Real Texas History is Better Than Fiction

Murray Montgomery
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Murray Montgomery  -  Staff WriterSometimes I think being a student of Texas history is a curse. Why? Because it makes it very hard for me to enjoy made-for-TV movies. This history "curse" is an extreme desire to see historical events portrayed with some accuracy, even within a fictional story.
Photo courtesy Wikimedia

Photo courtesy Wikimedia

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A-No. 1: From Hallettsville Rails to Hollywood Screen

Murray Montgomery
Friday, July 17, 2026
By Murray Montgomery   -   Staff WriterI would imagine that we've all seen the graffiti that adorns many structures in this country. Most of it is just the work of folks who evidently have too much time on their hands and in my opinion, there isn't much of it that could be considered a work of art.

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Same Family, Separate Flags

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has showcased plenty of familiar family names, but one of the tournament’s most fascinating storylines is that several sets of brothers are competing for different national teams.
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