Mayor Lucy Johnson reads stories to a packed room at the kickoff party for the Kyle Community Library’s summer reading program. (Courtesy photo) Check it out by CONNIE BROOKS The highlight of the kickoff party for the Kyle Community Library’s summer reading program was when Mayor Lucy Johnson read t...

It’s About Thyme by CHRIS WINSLOW As we enter the parched summer months, a gardener’s thoughts often turn to plants that can make it through a drought, and many folks who come to visit my nursery are often seeking some guidance on this matter. The booklet Native and Adapted Landscape Plants is a goo...

This Week in Texas History by BARTEE HAILE In a letter to Stephen F. Austin on June 28, 1832, the legendary frontiersman Strap Buckner acknowledged the impending arrival of a priest to make honest men and women of his neighbors. Catholicism was the state religion of Mexico, and conversion to the off...

STAFF REPORTS Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) will host its first annual Baby Fest on Sunday, from 1-4 p.m. The event will include more than 30 businesses providing information and services for baby, mom and family, along with door prizes, activities for children, an appetizer buffet, mini-tours...

Seton Good Health by TONY MOOK The American diet is often assaulted in the press. That’s no wonder. Consider, for instance, that each year Texas State Fair vendors sell concoctions such as deep-fried Coca Cola, fried PB&J sandwiches and even deep-fried butter. The easy acceptance and consumption of ...

Lehman High School sophomore Laura Coronado, a member of the Lobo New Arrival Center, works with ease recording and playing back her voice while mastering English at her desk with the help of an iPod Touch. (Photo by Jim Cullen) by JIM CULLEN Lehman High School teacher Jennifer Hernandez is one of t...

The year was 2002 and the Hays CISD mariachi program was in its infancy. Here, in 2002, the Hemphill Elementary-based group gives a public performance. Andrea Villalobos, one of several students who stayed with the program from its inception through this month’s graduation, is at the mike. (Courtesy...

Counselor’s Corner by CHARLOTTE WINKELMANN When we hear about school counselors there may be mixed thoughts about what the school counselor really does. What do school counselors do for students and parents? As a parent, you may have good, bad or no experience with a school counselor in your past. I...

School supply drive kick-off Whataburger and Hope and Love 4 Kids kicks off a 2010 school supply drive Friday, July 2, 5-7 p.m. at the Whataburger located at 5401 FM 1626, in Kyle. All donations will directly benefit Hays CISD students. The first 50 to donate will receive a free Whataburger, and new...