News

AURORA BOREALIS— Patti Luckey Schneider took this photo of the Northern Lights on Nov. 11, four miles northwest of Rockdale off FM 487. She said she used an Android cell phone with no filters and that the sky was gorgeous to the naked eye.

AURORA BOREALIS

News Staff

Wed, 11/19/2025 - 11:48

AURORA BOREALIS

A Rockdale family “shopping” for coats at Rockdale High School.

Coat drive a big hit

News Staff

Wed, 11/19/2025 - 11:48

Coats and hoodies and hats, oh my! The Conference Center at Rockdale High School was a busy place last Friday and Saturday as the community “shopped” over 200 coats and hoodies and they were given away to anyone who needed them in all sizes. The RISD coat drive was helped by St.

TRIBUTE TO VETERANS— RISD held its annual Veterans Day program last week and bused all students to the high school gym for an hour-long salute to Rockdale’s veterans. Above, the elementary students singing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” while waving flags. See more photos on page 10A.

TRIBUTE TO VETERANS

News Staff

Wed, 11/19/2025 - 11:48

Above, local veterans stand as the conflict they were involved in are read by Rockdale High School Principal Wendy Mahan. Below left, VFW Sr. Vice Commander Ever Santana Caraballo and VFW Commander Richard Henderson award Patriot’s Pen winner Hyden Julian and Voice of Democracy winner Wylie Butler.

Pick your rut

He Told Me To Tell You That Ken Ansell

Wed, 11/12/2025 - 12:24

The other day I read, “Pick your rut because you will be in it for a while.” There’s truth in that. They call it the comfort zone for a reason. God is including the Blonde and I in some really good stuff right now. We are seeing Jesus build His church just like He said He would (Matthew 16:18).

Coming back to myself through music

Episcopal Diocese Of Texas Kelley Mccrae

Wed, 11/12/2025 - 12:24

My mom died when I was five months pregnant with my first child and in the weeks and months that followed, everything I believed about life after death turned to dust in my hands. I wanted my mom by my side and any alternative, even heaven, brought no solace.

Thanksgiving appetizers, dessert

Kyle’s Kitchen Kyle Cooke

Wed, 11/12/2025 - 12:24

What do you eat before your big Thanksgiving meal? We eat all kinds of things in my family. In fact, we eat all day long. If Christine and Ken are there, we have her Traditional Thanksgiving Queso as we've come to call it.

ORGANIZATIONS

News Staff

Wed, 11/12/2025 - 12:24

Minerva Cemetery clean up day Nov. 15 Minerva Community Cemetery Association is having a cemetery workday Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Community members and association members are invited to participate. For more information, contact cemetery superintendent Karen Glenn at 512-430-0592.

MILAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

News Staff

Wed, 11/12/2025 - 12:24

Calls for the Milam County Sheriff's Office during the past week included: Nov.

POLICE REPORT

Three felony arrests made over past week

News Staff

Wed, 11/12/2025 - 12:24

Rockdale Police officers made three felony arrests during the past seven days including: • Monika Diamante Ramon, 23, Rockdale, was arrested by Ofc. Lentz for to counts abandoning/endangering a child with intent to return. • Braylon Knoxson, 43, Caldwell, was arrested by Sgt.

MILAM COUNTY JAIL LOG

News Staff

Wed, 11/12/2025 - 12:24

Jail log lists all people charged with offenses through the county jail in Cameron. Charges may change during the process. Persons are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. • Coleman Lloyd Federle, 38, Belton, evading arrest detention with vehicle, in custody.