Hill Country News

Small community newspapers like ours stopped endorsing candidates for office decades ago. Even when our voice could make a difference, we’ve found there is no upside. Indeed, our endorsement of a … more

Richard Stone | 10/13/20

Do it for football. Do it for Texas

Last week, it was my pleasure to lead a reporter’s round table discussion during a regional press convention of mostly small, weekly newspapers.It was all virtual, of course — isn’t everything? … more

9/2/20

The fellow doth protest too much

We all have that one person who follows us on social media who we dread to see that posted something on our time line. If we’re lucky, it’s only one.You know the fellow. Could be an uncle or … more

8/5/20

When the cops play to the camera

Way back when, when I published the newspaper in Taylor, we dreaded Friday night.That’s when we could count on a visit from Williamson County Sheriff deputies — about the only time we could count … more

Richard Stone | 7/31/20

Oh, for something boring

The process of making city government sausage is supposed to be boring. It’s not supposed to be a fast-moving, thrill-a-minute, train wreck that throws accountability and good sense under a partisan bus. more

Richard Stone | Editor at Large | 7/21/20

The Leander City Council heard objections back in October from John Handy Bosma to the new public comment rules. The changes passed 5-to-2.

COMMENTARY: Actions speak louder than words

With local coronavirus infections and deaths spiking locally, every mayor in Williamson County on June 30 responded by passing new emergency orders mandating commercial businesses must require … more

By JOSH MONIZ, Senior Reporter | 7/15/20

It began with a chicken sandwich ...

I know when this year got wrapped around the axle. It was that culture war over a danged chicken sandwich. That’s when this year went off the rails.According to this itinerary, the one on this … more

Richard Stone | Editor at Large | 7/12/20

A preacher's message on public health

Last week, a Williamson County city council heard from members of the county’s public health leadership team. It was a pretty frank, stark exchange.After one council member stumbled around for … more

Richard Stone | Editor at Large | 6/29/20

Ragged Edge: This isn’t the way it should go

Here in WilCo, we are in the midst of a dangerous spike in Covid-19 infections. We only have a few tools available and, like it or not, wearing a face mask in public is one of them (this is my current scold). more

Richard Stone | Editor at Large | 6/23/20

De-fund the police? Call it something else

There’s a new-ish phrase making the rounds along with the pandemic and all of the protests and rallies against police brutality.“De-fund the police.”Yes, some people are calling to abolish the … more

Richard Stone | Editor at Large | 6/9/20

It's okay if it's hard to find the words

It’s not often that I am at a loss for words. But, here we are … early on a Tuesday morning, decidedly past my deadline, and I remain at a loss.Saturday morning, I was all set. I knew that I … more

Richard Stone | Editor at Large | 6/2/20

It’ll get better. I promise.

We are all in this together, all of us living on this tiny blue ball falling around an insignificant yellow star at the edge of a galaxy’s spiral arm. more

Richard Stone | Editor at Large | 5/28/20

Needed: Clear, consistent guidance

The lack of clear, consistent, metric-based communications from our local, state and national leaders irritates nearly everyone who needs to forecast what the other side of this pandemic looks like. Or the metrics we need to hit to get there. Small business needs that guidance. more

Richard Stone | Editor at Large | 5/19/20

Texas tiptoes down the road to normal

As some pandemic doors are slowly opened, others are getting kicked in. Either way, individual choices are quickly replacing the weeks of government instructions about what and what not to do.

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Ross Ramsey | Texas Tribune | 5/18/20

How did we let it get to this?

The idea behind staty-at-home was not to stop the spread. It was slow it down to make sure that when you catch it, there will be a hospital bed for you. more

Richard Stone | Editor at Large | 5/11/20

A Pokemaniacs employee tapes 6-feet distancing signs Friday during their reopening at the Lakeline Mall under Gov. Greg Abbott's new statewide order.

Texas Tribune: Reopening just a little bit isn’t really a big boon for the economy

Reopening Texas businesses in a contained way gives the appearance of thawing out a frozen economy while keeping crowds at bay. That might make people feel better, but it's no way to supercharge an economy.

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Ross Ramsey | Texas Tribune | 5/11/20

Yes ma'am. It's what we do.

This quote flitted across my mind as I listened to the brief back-and-fourth between WilCo commissioners Cynthia Long and Terry Cook last Friday. more

Richard Stone | Editor at Large | 5/4/20

Why Congress needs to support your local news sources in this crisis

Home About Us COVID Campaigns News Meetings/Webinars Jobs … more

By Dean Ridings | CEO, America's Newspapers | 4/23/20

Where are the Covid-19 tests?

Some people are are stamping at the bit to ignore the guidelines the experts set up to slow the spread of the virus because freedom. And liberty. And, guns. And, I dunno, manliness, I guess. more

Richard Stone | Editor at Large | 4/19/20

If it's good for the goose, it's good for the gander

Do you know what my grandson would love to see for his next birthday? His grandpa, dressed as a firefighter riding on a big old fire truck, delivering his birthday present!

more

Richard Stone | Editor at Large | 4/15/20

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