SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD herald@mediactr.com
Are you ready for the change of seasons? Yep, it's football all right and the athletes are ready. Practice has been going on for a couple of weeks, marked by several scrimmage sessions. The air is filled with excitement.

This month had been marked for possible good news in the operation of the Texas State Railroad. We are about to see decisions with this month's conclusion of our state's fiscal year. Funding has been delayed for the magic day of Aug. 31. We have more news in this issue relating our progress in maintaining the future growth and development of our beloved, historic vehicle of tourism and historical preservation. It has been necessary to get all the T's crossed and the I's dotted along the paper trail. And it has been a long trail a'winding. But, so very worth while. It is difficult to contain my excitement, but I must for a few more weeks. When it's a done deal, I hope that all of us can celebrate its successful transition.

Thanks to all of you who have been kind enough to express your delight in reading the way we were back in 1951. Our friend Katie Gillespie has spent precious time during her life, hanging on to old issues of this publication. Sunday she shared with me copies of this newspaper from the 1950s. These bring back many forgotten memories of our citizens' efforts to bring growth and economic development to this area, through various avenues. You will be reading about yesterday's headlines in future editions. This valuable wealth of old papers include copies of two "extra" editions published during the riot in Maximum Security Unit at Rusk State Hospital in 1955.

Anita l Woodlee presents a $100 prize to Barbara Wallace. Mrs. Wallace entered the drawing by referring customers to Ms. Woodlee.

Turning our thoughts to current time, let's rejoice in the prospects for a full recovery after a liver transplant for Charles Davis. The Lon Morris band director attended church services Sunday, pushing his strength to make it happen. But he said that his doctors have urged him to get more active. Some of us are working on a plan to help him make this happen. His wife continues to fill the shoes of RN at Birmingham Health Care, and the same shoes at home helping her spouse.

Another living miracle is Robyn Wilson Ayers, who has boggled the minds of medical people with her recovery. After more than one brain surgery and months of treatment, she is up and walking, smiling and happy. She is quick to give full credit to God and the prayers of others.

Baby Hannah Çollie is recovering after a heart transplant in Dallas. Her third birthday will be observed Aug. 31. Grandmother Laura Lindsey was allowed to take her for a short walk in the hallway last week. Hopefully, they will be able to take Hannah with the family to a Ronald McDonald House near the hospital soon. Hannah will welcome a new sibling about Sept. 26. It sounds like the entire family will be together (hopefully) for the big event. Prayers and financial support have poured in to assist the young family. A stop light collection in Alto provided transient visitors an opportunity to help. One of them was unable to hand them help, but took the name and address, went home and mailed back a check for $500. Is that God's love at work, or what?

Former Ruskites Robert Elton Shattuck and spouse Marilyn Jackson stopped over in Rusk recently. They were returning from another tour of the USA. They visited at our office and with Freddye Dear White, a favorite teacher at RHS.

More later? Keep smiling.