County to hold hearing on solar tax abatements

Milam County commissioners will hold a public hearing July 26 concerning the creation of an investment zone for two solar energy concerns with interest of creating solar energy farms in the county.

Back home

A big crowd of about 167 people showed up for the Rockdale Homecoming Association on Sunday at the Patterson Civic Center. Here guests are lining up for the barbecue meal catered by Brett’s Backyard Bar-B-Que. 

Truck, tractor pull

Fair Park was alive with sounds as the Rockdale Fair Association presented a Texas Truck and Tractor Pull Association show Friday and Saturday. Left photo, Sledge Hammer pulls the drag for 282.54 feet. Top photo, A tractor goes out of bounds on a run. Photo above, Pull Cat heads down the track. 

Institute commencement

Dr. Dennis and Clara Brooks lead the procession Saturday at the beginning of the Institute for Teaching God’s Word Theological Seminary graduation where Brooks announced he would retire. The Rockdale Reporter plans a story on Brooks’ career and life in next week’s issue of the newspaper. 

Rockdale City Council approves funds for water-related items

Rockdale City Council members voted to take $650,000 out of reserve funds, money that will be returned to the reserve fund once the city receives already approved grant money, to fund three big water-related issues.

Downtown businesses struggle through construction delays

Business is not booming in part of downtown Rockdale right now. Owners of businesses report their store traffic is down from even last year during the COVID-19 curse.

Girl Scout sign up and bee education program

Area girls can register to become Girl Scouts and learn about bees and their contribution to ecology when the Milam County Girl Scouts present a program June 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Kay Theater in Rockdale. Bees provide pollination, which is what makes food production possible.

Railroad Museum sets dates for Jr. Engineers

The Milam County Railroad Museum is setting aside four Saturday mornings for Junior Engineers. Beginning July 10, the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to noon for Junior Engineers ages 9 – 17 to enjoy sessions in model railroad building.

Thorndale votes to increase water rate

Thorndale City Council members met June 9 in City Hall.

Farmers’ Market is now every Saturday morning

The Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is holding a farmers’ market on the grounds of the of the historic Coffield Stone Tree House at 1203 W Cameron. The market is held each Saturday from now until the end of October. The hours are 8 a.m. to noon.