January— A test lift of the bell tower on The 1895 was conducted on January 2 to find out its weight and to weld in a spiral staircase. The tower weighed 84,700 pounds. Construction began at some RISD campuses after the bond passage. RISD Superintendent Dr. Denise Monzingo’s contract was extended to 2027. Destinee Bluford, sophomore clarinet player, made it into the Association of Small School Bands. Charlie Watson celebrated his 90th birthday at St. Joseph’s.
February— Rockdale ISD Distinguished Alumni were announced as James Crow, Susie Sansom-Piper, George Sessions Perry, former Reporter editor Mike Brown, Lawrence Anderson and Clayton Wolf. SLR announced plans for a 1,200-megawatt gas power plant in Lee County. The city and Rockdale MDD were the recipients of a $500,000 grant for sidewalk improvements.
March— Alcoa’s former Sandow Steam Electric Unit 5 and the smokestack of Unit 4 were imploded by SLR. Brian Price was elected Milam County District Attorney. Local historian Dr. Lucile Estell celebrated her 94th birthday. After 45 years with Pud Owens Realty, Judith Matula went into business with her daughter, Lisa Kosub, Leslie Davidson and Kathryne Roddam forming a local Keller Williams office.
April— The 1895 was re-crowned with its bell tower which drew a crowd to downtown. Main Street Bookshop held an eclipse watch party. The first Rockdale Community Market was held at Cardinal Roofing. Gertharine Green (“Big Mama”) celebrated her 106th birthday.
May— New Chamber of Commerce Director Lucita Rodriguez was announced at the annual banquet. The roof of the historic McVoy Grocery & Feed store collapsed due to heavy rains. Four homes in the Cornerstone Subdivision sold during the first week they became available. Brett Boren resigned as Rockdale mayor after moving out of the city limits.
June— The 23rd annual Marc Ride was held the first Saturday of June. The Luckey family was celebrated at Citywide Homecoming. The MARC Ride set a new record by raising over $56,000. Walter and Regina Hurd were the Grand Marshalls of the Juneteenth Parade.
July— Rockdale Sesquicentennial began with two weeks of events held nearly every day. A drone show drew a huge crowd to Fair Park as part of the celebration. Tim Kelty was sworn in as Rockdale City Manager. Dixie Whitmore celebrated her 90th birthday.
August— RISD received a $5.25 million grant for its College and Career Academy. Rockdale Rotary Club and newly formed Girl Scout Troop 12345 held a workday and spruced up the Skate Park. Milam Community Theater put on You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown at the Kay Theater.
September— Charlie McGregor decided to retire and sold KRXT radio station. First Baptist Church celebrated its own sesquicentennial after being founded in 1874. A going away party for City manager Barbara Holly was held at the Patterson Civic Center.
October— Rockdale Fair Queen nominees were announced as the annual Fair and Rodeo kicked off on Oct. 16. RISD held their annual homecoming parade which included a new entry: a float full of past RHS Homecoming Queens.
November— RISD’s annual Veterans Day program was a big hit showcasing the students and veterans present. The 24th annual Thanksgiving Outreach Dinner delivered nearly 500 meals to families in Rockdale.
December— Christmas at the Kay had a bigger crowd than normal for the music. “Elvis” entertained the crowd at the Senior Center. This year’s Christmas Parade was a big hit and drew lots of people. The Buddy Oney Toy Run raised $8,400 for Milam County’s less fortunate kids. Cody Pruitt was named Rockdale Volunteer Departments Firefighter of the Year.
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