Dear Editor, I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming outpour of thoughts and prayers that I've received stemming from my traumatic experience with nature; not only from our local community but from places as distant as Canada, New Zealand, and Spain. The magnitude of support and concern that has enveloped me and those affected is both comforting and humbling.

The Silsbee City Council met as a council and EDC board on July 17. As the new mayor the item I was most happy to see passed was the awarding of a bid for the repair of the roof support system for the new city hall. The building has been damaged by four different hurricanes since it was constructed and the city’s insurance companies notified the city that they would not cover the structure if repairs were not made.

The risk for wildfires across the state has risen along with the hot and dry conditions, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. “With the recent uptick in wildfire activity, Texas A&M Forest Service has mobilized additional personnel and equipment to assist with response,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service fire chief.

On the morning of July 21, I left my office in Beaumont with a black leatherette zipper bag containing a work project that I planned to complete over the weekend, just as I have done innumerable times in the past. I then proceeded to the financial institution where I conduct my personal banking activities. I made the mistake of entering the lobby carrying the bag. As I left, two or more unknown individuals followed me to my home in Lumberton.

by Dan Eakin I had an experience last Thursday night that was like a blast from the past. I attended an old fashioned revival meeting.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick last week issued a sweeping gag order ahead of the impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Houston Chronicle reported, saying “outof- court statements” by both sides threaten to jeopardize the trial.

To the Editor: I had planned to submit a letter to the editor regarding the story of the train mural in Silsbee to clarify the subject matter we designed last week, but like many plans, life gets in the way. The train depicted is of the “Old 90” purchased by John Henry Kirby to haul heavy timber.

by Dan Eakin The stories about the train mural brought back to my memory a story I heard many years ago. If someone knows this story better than me, please email me a letter and help me to get it more accurate.

Capital Highlights Proponents are calling it the “biggest property tax cut in Texas history.” Both chambers of the Texas Legislature passed an $18 billion package during the second special session, the Austin American-Statesman reported. If signed as expected by Gov.

Special Guest Editorial One day each of us will die. When that happens what will be our legacy? What will be your legacy is a question most people never think about, at least not until their final days.