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Opinion

Oldest trees tell the story of drought

Oldest trees tell the story of drought

Several years ago, a professor of geoscience — known as the “Climate Detective” — came to Wimberley to spend a day in the Hill Country studying the old trees along the Blanco River. He found an ancient bald cypress that he believes dates back to 1426. 10/05/2023 12:00 AM

OPINION: Letter of Support for election

OPINION: Letter of Support for election

Dear City of Woodcreek neighbors, this November election will give you the opportunity to vote for a Mayor and two council members. I would like to highlight some of the differences between the two candidates running for Mayor regarding issues I think are important to you. 10/05/2023 12:00 AM

The power of local volunteerism

The power of local volunteerism

If you are new to the area or simply wish to expand your friendship circle, volunteering with any of Wimberley’s organizations is a great place to start. 09/28/2023 12:00 AM

Another special session slated for October

Another special session slated for October

Capital Highlights by Gary Borders 09/28/2023 12:00 AM

Paxton acquitted on all impeachment counts

Paxton acquitted on all impeachment counts

Ken Paxton has been reinstated as Texas Attorney General after the Texas Senate on Saturday acquitted him of charges of bribery and misuse of office. Only two Republican senators joined the 12 Democrats in voting to convict him of some of the 16 charges heard by the Senate, with four other charges dismissed by the Senate, The Dallas Morning News reported. 09/21/2023 12:00 AM

Making do in the middle of a drought

Making do in the middle of a drought

I don’t like Stage Four water restrictions, but I recognize that they are essential. 09/21/2023 12:00 AM

Watching and Waiting

Watching and Waiting

It’s a time of watching and waiting. Watching to see which plants survive this drought and waiting to see what reappears when we receive substantial rain. All summer I’ve been watching a plant that volunteered in my yard. It started out as a bright green shoot, and I fenced it to discourage the deer. It grew and grew and began to display leaves and thorns while the trunk that was the original shoot retained its bright green color. The thorns meant we were safe from neighborhood deer. Today my volunteer plant is a small tree standing seven feet tall, and I’ve not given it a drop of water. Well, it sounds like this deer proof, drought resistant species is one for Wimberley! Research tells me my new tree is a Parkinsonia aculeata commonly known at Paloverde, Retama or Jerusalem Thorn. It is a small tree native from Central Texas to Northern South America and west to Arizona. Next Spring I can expect a profusion of yellow blossoms each with a single orange spot. The nectar of the flowers will attract bees, butterflies, and other insects, while the seed pods that follow will provide food for birds and small mammals. It’s always important for me to know how a plant benefits members of the Animal Kingdom. These reciprocal relationships are what makes the world go ‘round. 09/14/2023 12:00 AM

Paxton trial completes first week

Paxton trial completes first week

The first week of suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial in the Senate ended with his former lead law enforcement officer testifying an Austin developer alleged to have bribed Paxton constructed a “conspiracy theory” that federal officials altered a search warrant for his property, the Austin American- Statesman reported. 09/14/2023 12:00 AM

Hundreds of new laws go into effect

Hundreds of new laws go into effect

A total of 774 new laws went into effect on Sept. 1, affecting Texans in many areas of their lives, the Austin American- Statesman reported. The new laws concern property taxes, registration fees and voting access, among other issues. Several have drawn court challenges from opponents. 09/07/2023 12:00 AM

Texans asked to conserve energy in heat wave

Texans asked to conserve energy in heat wave

The agency that operates the power grid for much of the state asked Texans to conserve energy use several times last week as the grid was beset with high demand and low wind-power generation, according to the Austin American-Statesman. 08/31/2023 12:00 AM