County positivity rate at 30 percent

The COVID-19 positivity rate is at 30 percent in Milam County. However, the vaccine is here and while the vaccination is not mandatory, officials are “strongly recommending” people get a shot. THE NUMBERS—COVID-19 cases this week have been measured Wednesday to Tuesday.

Residents, businesses can help Milam County get more connected

There is still plenty of time to get connected by filling out a form about improving internet service in Milam County.

President signs COVID bill

Six days after both sides of the Capitol overwhelmingly came together to pass a COVID-19 relief package, President Donald Trump signed the bill into law Sunday. The House approved it Dec. 20 on a 359-53 vote and sent it on to the Senate where it passed 92-6 on Dec. 21 before midnight.

Rockdale, Milam stay ahead of last year’s sales tax rebates

In November both Rockdale and Milam County continue to outpace last year’s sale tax rebate numbers despite the otherwise depressing effects of COVID-19 on the economy. Rockdale tallied $67,559 in sales tax returns from the state comptroller’s office, while Milam County received $89,973.

Hearing planned for water district

The Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12 to get public comments on the proposed Desired Future Conditions for the area aquifers that were recently adopted by Groundwater Management Area 8 under 36.108, Texas Water Code.

NEWSBRIEFS

Sam Houston State Fall 2020 graduates The following area students received degrees during the 2020 Fall semester at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. Brenten Drummond, Bachelor of Arts in History, and Fredrick Henderson, Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, both of Rockdale.

DPS reports minor accidents

The Department of Public Safety reported two non-injury accidents that occurred over the past week. One happened Christmas Eve on US 79 near its intersection with US 190 around 10:30 a.m. The wreck happened when one car encroached on the lane in which the other car was traveling the same direction.

ROCKDALE POLICE, FIRE REPORT

The Christmas week was relatively quiet in Rockdale with no citations issued and no accidents reported. The volunteer fire department went on only one call during the week. The fire call turned out not to be a house fire when the volunteers responded to a home in the 300 block of Sanford at 10:17 a.

DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT

As a cold front is expected to bring colder weather to this part of the state this week, the Texas Department of Public Safety says it is time to be prepared for winter weather for the coming months. Texans are encouraged to make sure their vehicles are properly maintained for winter weather.

MILAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

Calls for the Milam County Sheriff’s Department during the past week included: Dec.