Strum fun! Ukuleles charm Kay crowd

Polkas and beyond! The second UkeStravaganza, sponsored by Rock-dale’s Matinee Musical Club, drew a happy crowd of 75 to the Kay Theatre.

QUICK LOOK

Free, fun musical: Uke-Stravaganza Sunday at 3 p.m. at Kay Theater QUICK LOOK Matinee Musical Club will sponsor Uke-Stravaganza 2 at the historic Kay Theater, 350 N. Main Street, at 3 p.m. Sunday. The event is free. Ukulele lessons for 10 interested players will be given at 1 p.m.

Critters: ‘Killer Bees,’ rabid bat

It was a creepy-crawly week in South Milam County as a Rockdale area man was treated after sustaining 60 “killer bee” bites and the second rabid bat in three weeks was discovered in Thorndale.

It’s not just Rockdale

Rockdale isn’t the only place getting a major football field upgrade this summer. New home bleachers and press box are going up at Milano. The construction slab was poured Monday, first day of classes in the Milano ISD. A new concession stand was part of a recent bond issue passed by MISD voters.

Schools ‘pass’ new format

Much anticipated school ratings—somewhat feared and almost universally disliked, at least by Texas school administrators—are out. All Milam County schools got passing grades and were assessed as having met the standards set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Heat said cause of worker’s death

A 42-year-old construction worker collapsed at the new Tiger Field worksite Friday afternoon and later died, an incident said to be heat related, according to Police Chief Thomas Harris. Harris identified the deceased worker as Jose Refugio Estrada Garcia, believed to be a Mexican national.

Council seeks input for Sumuel splash pad

A public hearing is set for 5:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall to gather information on a splash pad project the city council first approved, then backed away from over cost concerns. The special session will also include the second public hearing on the council’s proposed 91.

RRC closes out Alcoa Sandow Mine

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) Tuesday closed out the mining permit for the Alcoa Sandow Mine. It was the first-ever surface mining permit issued by the RRC in 1976.

NEWSBRIEFS

Appellate court upholds cattle theft conviction AUSTIN—The Third Court of Appeals has upheld a 2016 theft conviction in 20th District Court. William James Crennan had appealed the 2016 jury trial which led to his being assessed a 15-year prison term.

FIRE CALLS

Fire calls dispatched from the Rockdale Police Station during the past week were listed as follows: • 12:52 p.m. Aug. 15, one-fourth acre grass fire, 2800 block of County Rod 412, Rockdale VFD. • 4:48 p.m. Aug.