Fingers crossed: Virus cases trend down

For the third consecutive week, cumulative COVID-19 cases declined in Milam County, going up 21 from 332 to 355. That’s the third straight week for cases to decline. But County Judge Steve Young is certainly not declaring anything like a turnaround just yet.

Auction (eventually) for cleaned-up lot

A once notorious “junkyard,” which cost Milam County $300,000 to clean up is apparently headed for the auction block. County Judge Steve Young said the former Richie Thrasher property—1300 and 1328 East Cameron—is in the final stages of cleanup.

St. Monica’s Homecoming Festival set for Sunday

St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Cameron will hold its annual Homecoming Festival on Sunday, starting at 10:30 a.m. Barbecue plates with all the trimmings will be available for $10 until sold out. Tamales and sweets will also be sold. The food will be distributed in a drive-through arrangement.

Food truck

The Central Texas Food Bank visited the KC Hall parking lot Wednesday morning for the first of two scheduled free food distributions in August. Pam Warren of Rockdale Christian Services said 325 families with 788 individuals were served. Final distribution of the month will be Aug. 20, 9 to 11 a.m.

Council proposes 90.74-cent tax rate

Meeting in regular session Monday by teleconference, the Rockdale City Council proposed a 90.74 tax rate for 2020-2021. That’s a decrease from the current 91.18. Holly said the proposed rate will be adopted “or changed” at the council’s next monthly meeting Sept. 14.

Drug arrests after two traffic stops

Drug arrests followed a pair of traffic stops in Rockdale during the past week. Lt. Stephen Goodrich said 56-year-old Mario Balderas of Rockdale was arrested Sunday and charged with possession of a controlled substance (4 to 200 grams). Goodrich said the arrest involved methamphetamine.

MILAM COUNTY JAIL LOG

Here is the Milam County Jail Log for Aug. 4-10. Jail logs list all persons charged with offenses through the county jail docket. Charges may change during the process. Persons are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.

MILAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT CALLS

Calls for the Milam County Sheriff’s Department during the past week were listed as follows: Aug.

Masked mayors

Rockdale Mayor John King (L) and Milano Mayor Karl Westbrook made a couple of online appearances during the past week.

ORGANIZATIONS

KC Council selling BBQ chicken Saturday The Rockdale Knights of Columbus Council 7014 is holding a barbecue chicken “plates to go” fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 15, in the KC Hall parking lot for drive through pick up. Starting time is 11 a.m. until sold out.