Happy New Year to our Sentinel readers!
I continue to be amazed at how our readers backed MaLinda and me since 2014, when we decided to start our own paper.
At the time, people would ask who starts a newspaper in these times.
But now, as then, newspapers are the only medium I really care about.
In this New Year’s Day edition of the Sentinel, we have Steven Reis’ annual Christmas story – or carol, as he calls it for the 2025 version.
It certainly rises to his high standard of storytelling in terms of being a compelling tale of the human condition.
Our District Attorney has quite a knack for grabbing the reader’s attention and keeping it.
I’ve always liked the fact that Steve and I share two feats – were both Texas A&M journalism graduates and we were former members of the Corps of Cadets.
That wasn’t a combination found among many at our university then or now.
Anyway, his Christmas story is found on Page 7 in this issue.
Before the Reddell clan in Bay City turns the page on another Christmas, it should be noted no effort is too great to have the perfect Christmas tree.
We typically have two Christmas trees for different parts of the house.
A little strange, but I kind of like it.
Well, keeping the main attraction tree in lights was a big problem this Yuletide season.
Rather than trying to explain the extraordinary Christmas tree light episode, we end up going to Texas City.
We had to go there because it was the only town with a store with color-changing lights that we wanted.
So, as best as I can figure, we bought strings of lights that were about 600 feet in length to complete the job.
I mean the end result was one of those Clark Griswold ornamented and illuminated trees that kept MaLinda busy through late Christmas Eve.
As for me, I’m glad I didn’t get hit by a high school football player, although I came close taking photos at a Tidehaven playoff game.
But I am starting a new year not enrolled in a physical rehab program.
I couldn’t say that at the beginning of 2025.
Most of all, I’m hoping all of y’all have a safe journey through 2026.
Remember 2026 is an election year and it’s important that everyone do their part to be informed and to make good decisions.
