We all know what the major story was this year: The COVID-19 Pandemic. But let’s take a look back and see what other things happened in Rockdale over the past year.
In January, Whinstone was poised to make Rockdale the largest facilities of its kind in the world and was already hiring. School started Jan. 8 with no clue about how strange the school year would become.
February brought Tamara Hebert Powell’s first series on Black History Month taking the place of her beloved grandmother, Susie Samson Piper, who had been writing the series for The Rockdale Reporter for 42 years. Early voting began for the March 3 primaries. Rockdale’s winningest coach ever, Jeff Miller, left Rockdale to return to his alma mater in Cypress.
Chris Whittaker left his position as city manager and Rockdale’s favorite historian, Dr. Lucile Estell turned 90 years young. The Reporter’s first reporting on the COVID-19 virus began with the closing of every school in Milam County and extending spring break for an additional week. Judge Steve Young issued a shelter-in-place order on March 25.
In April, Joseph Campsey was promoted to head coach/athletic director. Unemployment claims were so high the system basically collapsed but the Texas Workforce Commission worked it out eventually. There were many cancellations of events in Rockdale including Easter at many churches. It became inevitable that schools would not reopen for the semester. Milam County experienced its first death due to the virus. RISD teachers were missing their students so a teacher parade was held. Rockdale’s own Tommye Cashaw Austin invented a mask that works better than the N95s. The virus count ended the month at 15 cas
es. Thomas Harris, Rockdale Chief of Police, retired in May. He had served for 43 years, the last 20 of which were as Chief. The city council replaced Harris with Jerry “Jay” Meadors. RHS seniors were able to make their walk across Tiger Field to get their diplomas from their own family members. Maddie Moody and Whitley Boyd were valedictorian and salutatorian. A different kind of graduation was held virtually with teacher/staff tributes, a parade and fireworks sponsored by Whinstone. Milam County ended May with 28 virus cases.
In June, the county courts, county clerk and tax office all scheduled reopenings after having been closed for a month. Barbara Holly was named city manager. Whinstone powered up their operations and had 130 employees. Cameron led the way with 44 percent of Milam County’s virus infections with infections highest in the 20 to 29 age group. The county virus count was at 73.
Masks became mandatory in July. A socially distanced stay-in-your-car fireworks display was held for July 4th. Texas A&M’s OnMed medical pod was unveiled in Cameron at the Sheriff’s Department. The Rockdale Fair Association had already started planning how the fair would be run this year. The city received an offer to buy the 125-year-old former city hall. The RISD board announced what the fall semester would look like using both in-person and remote learning. Milam County COVID-19 cases soared to 297 and recorded the second virus-related death.
August brought the start of school and two-thirds of students opted for in-person learning. The Rockdale Reporter won the Sweepstakes Award from South Texas Press Association for the 18th time, and Mike Brown was named Journalist of the Year for the third time. Water pipe inspection began on Rockdale’s multi-million dollar water project to find the biggest leaks. Milam County ended August with 413 COVID-19 cases and the third death.
RISD experienced their first COVID-19 case in September. City council approved the purchase of a new fire truck and accepted the $100,000 bid from Collier and Peggy Perry on the purchase of the old city hall. David Money was named new editor at The Rockdale Reporter after Mike Brown retired after 46 years. The sixth death and 488th positive test were announced.
In October the Rockdale Tigers won the Battle of the Bell 42-9. The Rockdale Fair Queen contest was held at the Thorndale VFD and won by Hannah Delz. The Fair auction beat last year’s record with $742,905. Cumulative cases of COVID-19 stood at 549 and an eighth death was recorded.
November’s Veteran’s Day was commemorated at Veteran’s Park with the unveiling of the five stones dedicated to the five branches of the military. Elissa Benford-Roberts raised the money for this project. COVID-19 cases were at 621 with nine deaths.
In December the Buddy Oney Toy Run raised $6,700 for the less fortunate kids of Milam County. Students at RHS protested a racist incident. Thorndale marching band claimed the 2A state championship. COVID-19 cumulative cases were at 863 with 11 deaths.—K.W.C.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.