Features

Summer heat can make it difficult for the plants to thrive in the garden. Tomatoes need sunshine and warm temperatures to grow but temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit paired with inconsistent watering can cause tomatoes to drop blossoms, stop developing fruit, and blossom-end rot (pictured above). Public domain photo

Growth in Gardening: Gardening in the heat

Sun, 06/14/2020 - 12:00am

Summer is here despite what the calendar says. Central Texans are no strangers to the heat and once we start reaching triple digits, I figure summer — in the garden at least — is here.

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An historic photograph of a Juneteenth or Emancipation Day celebration held on June 19, 1900 in "East Woods" on East 24th Street in Austin. Public domain photo

San Marcos Juneteenth celebrations

Sun, 06/14/2020 - 12:00am

The Juneteenth Foundation, Inc. (JFI) and the Dunbar Heritage Association (DHA) have revamped their annual citywide Juneteenth celebrations this year in order to celebrate amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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EXPLORING NATURE: BIRD SIGHTINGS

Sun, 06/14/2020 - 12:00am

I am enjoying birds of all sizes at my place. A tiny black-chinned hummingbird feeds at my sugar-water feeder on the back deck while down below, a large black vulture stands on my birdbath and sips the water.

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A Word About Recycling with Ollie Maier

Sun, 06/14/2020 - 12:00am

If you are like me, you are probably finding your news feed is focused on what is happening with the protests and riots and the possible defunding of police departments. And although I’d prefer to just address the normal subjects concerning recycling, I would also like to talk a little about current events. And I hope you don’t mind.

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THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: Guest Column by Dr. Oren Renick

Sun, 06/14/2020 - 12:00am

Editor’s note: This guest column was written by Dr. Oren Renick, School of Health Administration, Texas State University. He is a member of the Shepherd’s Centers of America Board of Directors. Renick’s book on racial reconciliation, “Smoke Over Mississippi,” was recently published as an expanded second edition. It is available through Amazon or Insight Press.

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Big Bend Ranch State Park park features rugged mountains, steep canyons, amazing views, unparalleled night skies and solitude in a high desert setting. The park stretches along the Rio Grande in far west Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

The Texas Travel Alliance launches the 'Life’s Better in a State of Travel' campaign

Thu, 06/11/2020 - 12:00am

The Texas Travel Alliance — formerly TTIA — in conjunction with the Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (TACVB) and The Atkins Group has launched a campaign to encourage Texans t

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The Mid-Texas Symphony plays with the full orchestra under Music Director Akiko Fujimoto. Photo courtesy of the Mid-Texas Symphony

Mid-Texas Symphony announces 2020-21 season

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 9:50am

The Mid-Texas Symphony recently announced its 2020-21 season, with performances prospectively beginning in September.

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Guilt-free sweet treats

Tue, 06/09/2020 - 12:00am

While eating healthy and enjoying sweets seldom go hand-in-hand, choosing the right combination of nutritious ingredients can allow for guilt-free indulgences.

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The San Marcos Public Library has found ways to move many of their programs and resources to the internet in order to keep serving the community throughout the pandemic . Daily Record file photo

Library plans programming through pandemic

Sun, 06/07/2020 - 12:00am

The San Marcos Public Library has been working to find ways to revamp and rethink important summer programs — like the Summer Reading Program, puppet shows, storytimes and career resources — to make them available to the community in the wake of COVID-19.

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The Journey Continues: Racism

Sun, 06/07/2020 - 12:00am

My journey this week takes me to the death of George Floyd and the examination of racism. Literally pick-up loads of print have been offered on the subject; I want to add my thoughts on this especially important subject.