News

As I looked through my “stash” of material for future articles, I found the following: “History of the American Flag.” It had been sent to me by “who knows whom.” Thank you very much to “someone.” Readers, you are welcome to take all or part of this feature as total history! (I did do some more research beyond what was sent to me.)

*This continues last week’s article, which concluded with, “However, records just do not exist that tell the story.”*

To a volunteer “FIELD OF EXPERTS” a task was given: Choose the eleven best baseball players in history and the best manager. Please choose nine “starting” positions, one “relief” pitcher, one “utility” player, and one “manager.” (no designated hitter) I made no specifications concerning choosing players out of their regular positions, how long they had played, what their levels were, or anything else. They just had to make total choices fit the above instructions (a difficult thing to do). I thank the responding people for participating.

Trail cameras have come a long way since the first one I used several decades ago. A company out of Louisiana sent me a ‘flim’ camera that actually recorded photos on 35 mm film. A string was set across a game trail and when the animal came by and put tension on the string, the camera’s shutter was tripped! I remember using the camera for a few weeks and finally giving up on it. The photos were very bad if the game actually triggered the camera at all and then there was the cost of developing, etc., etc. It was simply more trouble than it was worth. But when digital trail cameras where images were recorded on SD cards became popular, I was quick to purchase one and set it up on trails and feeders in the woods where

Honeybees are humble insects that benefit the environment in various ways. Unfortunately, many people lump bees in with wasps and other seemingly “harmful” insects and do whatever is necessary to remove them from their properties. But it’s important to be mindful of the beneficial roles bees play and to take steps to maintain healthy habitats so they can thrive.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Community Archery Program wants to help Texans learn how to harvest their own meals, join a tradition in the outdoors, and improve on or learn a new skill through “Bowhunter by Fall”. Through monthly and bimonthly e-newsletters filled with videos and tips, archers can learn how to travel from behind the keyboard to behind the bow just in time for the fall hunting season.

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is pleased to announce a return to full operational status. Due to the public health situation, TFFC, located in Athens, had limited operations and visitor services since March 2020. During the pandemic, in anticipation of reopening, TFFC personnel utilized the partial closure to focus efforts on renovations and upgrades to enhance the visitor experience.

The private recreational angler red snapper season in federal water opened Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Bag and size limits remain unchanged. The regulations are 2 fish per person daily with a 16-inch minimum size limit in federal waters, and 4 fish per person daily with a 15-inch minimum in state waters. Red snapper caught in federal waters count as part of the state bag limit of 4 fish. No more than 4 red snapper may be in your possession while fishing in state waters and no more than 2 in federal waters.

For quite some time, Willie Nelson’s birthdate was celebrated as APRIL 30, 1933!

Just when people thought it may be safe to take a collective breath after the roller coaster year that was 2020, something big is on the way - and they’re planning on arriving in the billions.

Outdoor projects often top homeowners’ to-do lists in spring and summer, with gardens and landscapes taking center stage. Planting more trees around the yard is one popular project that can improve property value and benefit the environment.

As summer approaches, pools are great for play, exercise and therapy. However, it is critical that while enjoying ourselves, we take appropriate safety precautions.

When the mercury rises, savvy cooks know lighter fare is the name of the game. Light recipes can be made even better by incorporating fresh produce that’s full of vitamins and minerals. It’s even possible to grow many of these foods right in your own backyard garden.