Ask Billie

Have you eaten ice-cream soup?

Several years ago we received a call inviting us for lunch of ice-cream soup and cornbread.

I had no idea what we would be eating but any meal in that home was always a real treat.

It was a cool fall day and perfect for this bowl of steaming concoction that looked like a cross between soup and stew.

It was a wonderful meal and I asked about the name and how it got to be ice-cream soup.

My friend explained that since there were only two people to cook for, there were always small amounts of vegetables and meat left.

Instead of discarding them she washed an ice-cream carton and kept it in the freezer for the leftovers, which were already well seasoned.

That accounted for the variety of ingredients including meat and a full selection of vegetables.

When the carton was filled it was time for a pot of ice-cream soup.

When it is time to write this column each week there is usually one thought that sticks with me.

Today there are two or three things that I will share with you and it may be like an icecream soup column with a little bit of everything.

First of all, do not forget to join us this Thursday, September 27 for the Wharton County 100 Club Awards Banquet.

I believe this year, more than ever, we realize what these groups of law enforcement officers do for us 24 hours a day.

This is a small way that gives us an opportunity to say thanks.

Join us at the Wharton Civic Center for the 6 p.m. social hour and 7 p.m. dinner and program. Yes, you may join at the door.

Thanks to everyone who is interested in purchasing another K-9 partner for Deputy Constable Daryl Maretka.

This story touched the hearts of many, those who know what it is like to lose a beloved pet and those who know the importance of keeping drugs out of Wharton County.

Your checks should be made out to the Wharton Police Association and sent or taken to the Wharton Police Department or handed to one of the officers.

Your donation is to a charitable organization.

Many of you already know plans are underway for a Wharton County Peace Officer Memorial to be located at the Wharton County Sheriff's Office.

There is a committee working on the project that represents citizens from around Wharton County and officers representing each Law Enforcement Department.

When finished, the large stone monument will have plaques bearing the names of the 5 men who have lost their lives defending the citizens of Wharton County.

It is important that this part of our history, beginning with the death of Sheriff Charles Bass Dickson in 1894, is remembered now and by the generations that follow us.

We pray there will never be another name added but realize the danger of the profession. The entire project is being built with donated funds, materials and contributions of time and expertise.