Opinion

Dear Neil: If a large bottlebrush tree that froze to the ground in February is now sending out sprouts from the roots, will the tree grow back to normal size, or is it permanently damaged? It will regrow to normal size if you have the patience. In fact, the cold probably did nothing to damage the roots, so you have a plant with a massive root system and very little top growth to support.

Dear Neil: Our Asian jasmine bed has developed some unsightly dead patches. It’s been a popular hangout for deer, and I thought this might be the result of grazing or trampling. A neighbor thinks it’s grubs. What do you think might have caused it, and what might the remedy be?

Let me begin by saying, do not assume you know how I voted on the propositions. I am a retired educator, my children went through the public education system, and my grandchildren are currently in the public education system. I have no “disdain” for public education.

Dear Editor, I’m glad the voters of Fort Stockton voted against Proposition A for the following reasons. An economic recession is looming on the horizon.

Today, the majority of the counties in the Permian Basin rank among the lowest literate and least educated in the U.S. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, both Texas and New Mexico rank in the bottom 25th percentile in literacy nationally, with several Permian Basin counties ranking near the bottom of state averages.

Do you like to sing, hum, whistle, dance, or keep rhythm to the music? Use these abilities to praise the Lord. Do you take the time to listen to the different chirping and tweeting of the birds? The songs and sounds of nature are part of praises to God.

During the 2021 Memorial Day weekend in Texas, there were a total of 360 driving under the influence alcoholrelated traffic crashes, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Those crashes killed 16 people, and seriously injured 34.

On the evening of May 7, something sad occurred in Fort Stockton. Proposition A, an $84 million dollar bond for educational purposes, was voted down despite having a 39 vote lead during early voting.

After all these years, my dad inspires me still. As I write this, the almost 89-year-old fellow is fighting to get back onto his feet as stenosis, bad knees, and general old age are wearing him down.

Many years ago a young boy spent many hours building a toy sailboat. He used sandpaper, and sanded the hull until it was silky smooth. It was painted a deep royal blue. The sails were made of cotton from his mom’s remnant bag.