Tex Ritter Tex Ritter became one of country music’s most famous stars just as it was becoming known nationwide. He became a beloved character in dozens of appearances in movies, radio, and TV and released dozens of hit songs.

Have you noticed the roses yet? We are having a rose year. All the roses everywhere are blooming nicely. Regardless of where they were planted. Regardless of soil improvement or lack of it. Regardless of what special fertilizer (or not) is being used. Regardless of our roller coaster weather that seems to have everything confused, the roses are responding favorably this year. No denying it. Our iris put on a better than average show too although they are beginning to wane now.

In a recent Sunday Gospel reading from John Chapter 21 we hear about Peter - the leader of the 10 remaining disciples (Judas, has gone to his own place). The scene is post-resurrection, when Peter was with 6 of the disciples; Peter says to them, “I’m going fishing.” We don’t know all of what went into this seemingly impulsive decision of his or of his motivations and reasons, but he was clearly an unsettled man uncomfortable with himself ever since his triple denial of Jesus on that Holy Thursday night in the Courtyard by the charcoal fire and it is not so surprising that he choose to return to doing the one thing he was most comfortable with doing all along, fishing. Now Jesus makes a 3rd post-resurrection appearance to Peter and these 6 other disciples by Lake Tiberius. Jesus appears standing by a charcoal fire on the shore of the Lake. Here He feeds His disciples and then He takes Peter aside. Jesus reconciles Peter to Himself, and restores him to a position of Leadership of the apostles/disciples, by a triple mercy and with a triple restoration. Jesus is in essence saying to Peter, “I love you, I forgive you and now – put it behind you - I have something for you to do for me.” Jesus is saying, ‘Sure, I know you are a sinner, but I have forgiven you and from now on I have something for you to do for your brothers and sisters, who are “my lambs and my sheep.” Here Jesus forgives Peter and restores Him. Jesus also forgives and restores you and me and He will always have something for us, to do for Him and for the other disciples. He is waiting on the shore of our life for us. He is merciful and will come alongside of you and me if we will walk with Him. Let Him restore you as otherwise, you like Peter and his companions will be “out all night and catching nothing” (Jn 21:3). In thinking about what Christ has for you and me to do for Him and His disciples I am reminded of a prayer by John Henry Newman:

The Archer Public Library’s Summer Reading Program 2022 is almost here! Starting in June the library will hold a reading contest, art camp, crafternoons, and of course our thrilling LIVE performances! Join us on the dates below and be sure to enter our Summer Reading Contest for a chance to win an Amazon Fire tablet loaded with free ebooks!

Sarah Cockrell Success sometimes comes from the most unlikely places. Those intrepid souls willing to take a chance are the ones who change the course of their own lives and sometimes their own communities.

The Sheriff’s Office received 180 calls for service this past week. As this report is being written there are 31 inmates and 6 being female in the Archer County Jail.

Paul and Nila Dowlearn-Owners of Wichita Valley Nursery. Paul’s recent books, “The Lazy Man’s Garden” and “Touch the Earth” are available at the Nursery, 5314 S.W. Pkwy, Wichita Fall, Texas.

Now you can use your library card to check out a mobile hotspot device - just like a book. These pocket-sized devices are easy to use and can connect up to 8 devices, such as your smartphone, laptop, and tablet, to cellular Internet. Use the device to surf the Internet, help your children do their homework, connect to health and banking services, and much, much more! The device and service are already paid for, you just need to come in to the library to check it out!

Dr. Ken Bridges is a Texas native, writer, and history professor.

The Sheriff’s Office received 190 calls for service this past week. As this report is being written there are 31 inmates and 5 being female in the Archer County Jail.