Dennis Phillips publisher@robconews.com Robertson County News CALVERT — A familiar sound from Calvert’s past and a modern vote of confidence in its present are converging this week, highlighting both the town’s historic roots and its continued appeal as a place to live. For decades, the community siren was Calvert’s most recognizable signal, cutting through daily life to alert residents that something required immediate attention. Long before cell phones, social media or automated alerts, the siren served as the town’s voice. Many longtime residents also remember it as a reliable midday marker, signaling noon across neighborhoods and downtown streets. That iconic sound is set to return briefly on Friday, Dec. 19, when the City of Calvert conducts a test of the rehabilitated siren between 10 and 10:30 a.m. The test will originate from the Calvert Fire Department and is intended to confirm the siren’s operational status after repairs. City officials emphasize the test is informational only and requires no action from residents. The exercise is part of a broader effort to evaluate whether the siren could serve as a supplemental emergency notification system alongside modern text and digital alerts. While the sound will be loud, officials say it will be brief, offering a moment of nostalgia while serving a practical purpose. The siren test comes as Calvert is also earning statewide recognition for its quality of life. Niche.com recently awarded the city an overall A- rating, placing the Robertson County community among the top places to live in Texas. The ranking is based on public data, resident surveys and evaluations of amenities, affordability and overall livability. Calvert received an A grade for jobs and an A+ for cost of living, reflecting strong affordability and employment outlook. Additional marks included A- ratings for diversity and weather, B+ grades for housing and family-friendly features, and a B rating for crime and safety. Areas identified for continued improvement included public schools, nightlife, health and fitness, and commute times, the latter reflecting the town’s rural setting. With an estimated population of 959, Calvert offers a suburban-rural blend defined by historic architecture, homeownership and a close-knit community atmosphere. The town has become increasingly attractive to retirees and residents seeking an affordable, quieter lifestyle. Together, the return of a historic siren and recognition from a national ranking platform underscore Calvert’s balance of tradition and progress, honoring its past while continuing to build for the future.