Opinion

At some point in the late 19th century, the practice of camping began to evolve from an often uncomfortable necessity of travel to an outdoor activity a family did for fun.

While the exploration-and-production sector of the oil and gas industry has drawn most of the media attention recently, the service and supply sector has been making a comeback from the painful downturn of 2015 and 2016.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch conducted a survey recently and found that the increase in activity has tightened access to oilfield services, equipment, and labor.

By the time someone noticed the empty grave near the old oak tree, most folks in that part of Hill County had forgotten what had happened there so many years before.

A few old timers well-remembered who had been buried there, but no one could figure why anyone would want to dig up his remains. Not until the early 1950s did the mystery of the grave robbery get solved.

The story began one night in 1879, when 12-year-old Uberto Desaix Ezell awakened to hear his stepfather getting dressed. Seeing him go out on their front porch, the boy slipped to a window to take a peek.

According to Graham authorities and my friend Wanda June, our water rates are about to be raised. Leonard, Wanda June’s husband, is sure it has something to do with Hillary’s emails, but I have a feeling neither the Russians nor the Liberals brought this on. The city will hear complaints, but we’ve probably got to live with it … or without it … excess water, that is. 

The last couple of weeks of the school year, things get a little nutty for folks with students in their lives. This is the time of year those of us at the Herald-Gazette work to produce the graduation special section which is in today’s paper.

It’s one of the more difficult sections to put together. But it’s certainly worthwhile to give our readers a chance to see which kiddos Jack County is sending off into the wide world each year.

I want to say a huge thank you to each student and adult that worked so hard in my yard Saturday. You went above anything I could have imagined and my yard looks awesome. Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Patty Geer

Back in the 20th century, kids — as well as adults who sometimes acted like them — seemed destined to “make their own fun.” Not too much in the way of “time-passing” was in play if it cost anything, thus fertile minds were often in “creative mode,” if only in the sharing of jokes and stories.

Many times conversations began with, “Did you hear the one about…?” Sadly, these words rarely are heard anymore.

My old daddy could tell stories with the best of ‘em, and he’d laugh as heartily as hearers at “punchline time.” Clearly, such banter lessened the cares of the day…..

Please join with me in properly displaying your flags for Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is designed to honor “All gave some. Some gave all” of our armed services past and present.

The flag on Monday morning will be raised to full staff and then lowered to half stay that morning in honor of those who gave all.

At noon on Monday, the flag will return to full staff to honor all others who have served or who are serving.

If we are willing to honor our nation’s flag by flying it, let us resolve to fly it correctly and with respect.

The business of exporting petroleum products from the U.S. is growing at a record pace, and the future looks bright.

U.S. exports of crude oil and petroleum products during January and February, the most current figures available, averaged 6.1 million barrels per day (bpd) compared to 4.9 million bpd during the same period in 2016, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).  A comparison of the exports from the same period 10 years ago reveals an incredible 334% increase from 1.4 million bpd in 2007 to 2017.  

Even today, the High Plains landscape seems on a clear day to stretch on forever. In the mid-1870s, with the then-unsettled area only traversed by vast herds of buffalo and the hunters who sought their hides, it is hard to imagine the solitude.

Having a horse in that country was almost as critical a need as food, water and shelter. In fact, ending up afoot often meant death.