Some random thoughts while enjoying our current rainy spell which may – may – break our extended drought.

We join members of the business community in offering a message of thanks to Bee County Chamber of Commerce President Pam Priour Stuart, who has served in that capacity since 2006.

Pam has officially resigned her position and will leave her office on Sept. 17.

During her tenure and under her leadership, the Chamber of Commerce has doubled its membership, thanks to a successful drive in 2007. She has worked well with the business community, Bee Development Authority, Main Street program and city and county officials, urging them to consider economic development endeavors throughout the county.

We wish you well in your future enterprises, Pam.

On Friday, we observed the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on our nation.

We thank H-E-B for honoring our local firefighters with a pancake breakfast. We understand the other annual local memorial observance, at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, was washed away by the rain.

Regardless, we encourage all our readers to take a few moments today (either on Friday or this weekend) to remember the 9/11 victims, the rescue heroes and the servicemen and women who are continuing the fight against those who wish to destroy our country and its freedoms, in faraway places like Afghanistan and Iraq.

Area water officials no doubt are hoping the heavy showers in our watershed are helping alleviate the shortage in our rivers and reservoirs.

The Beeville Water Supply District directors have been given the unenviable task of deciding whether to accept a new contract from the City of Corpus Christi for drawing water from Lake Corpus Christi, which probably will mean an increase in water rates.

The directors are considering hiring an engineering firm to study the alternatives to avoid having to negotiate a new contract.

We wish the water board and City Council well and hope they can resolve this issue because this community must have a source of safe, clean water in order to survive and thrive in this economy.

And, finally, regardless of the rain, folks should take the opportunity to join in the local Fiesta Diez y Seis celebrations. In fact, the rain only gives us more to celebrate. So let the Fiesta begin!