Forum

Drought conditions across the state dropped a percentage point in May compared to the previous month, with 26% of the state in some stage of drought, primarily in West and South Texas and parts of the Panhandle.

For the most part, handshakes, backslaps, hugs and teardrops--some joyously wept from grateful souls who achieved much, and some from others who barely sneaked by to graduate--now are part of history. In bygone years, school superintendents and university presidents considered graduation events to be successful if everyone left venues in the same state of health and well-being as when they entered.

Recently, our family laid to rest a man affectionately known as “Papoe Dean” to our great-granddaughters. He was a hardworking farmer and rancher that raised two boys. He taught them hard work through taking care of cattle, planting and harvesting crops, fixing machinery and daily chores.

Residents in a total of 35 Texas counties now qualify for individual disaster assistance following a series of severe storms and flooding that began in late April, The Dallas Morning News reported.