NEWSBRIEFS

Pedestrian dies from accident in Thorndale

THORNDALE—A 48-year-old Thorndale man died Friday night in Thorndale after he was struck by vehicle on US 79 near Thorndale CEFCO.

The victim was identified by Police Chief Mark Birchard as Aurelio Soto Garcia.

Birchard said no other details could be released, including the name of the vehicle driver, until the police investigation is complete.

One-Stop Center open but wear your masks

Agencies in Rockdale’s One-Stop Center are again open on regular days and hours.

But that doesn’t mean COVID-19 restrictions are being relaxed.

Officials told The Reporter masks must be worn and social distancing practiced at the multi-agency facility.

They said patrons not following those guidelines will be asked to leave and if non-compliance becomes a problem the center will be shut down again.

Rockdale MDD wins major eco-dev award

The Rockdale Municipal Development District (MDD) is receiving a major award for economic development.

The local MDD will be awarded for “secondary benefits” from the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC). That award program recog

That award program recognizes exceptional contributions of TEDC member cities toward “economic vitality of their communities and the state through creativity, leadership and partnership of business retention, recruitment and community improvement.”

A video acceptance award will be played during a virtual award ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

There were 34 nominations based on five criteria.

MDD board members in 2019 were Dr. John Weed III, Elissa Benford Allan Miller, Joyce Dalley, Dr. Denise Monzingo,

Michelle Larkin and Brad Caffey.

Kara Clore is the MDD Executive Director.

Thorndale city okays fiscal year budget

Thorndale City Council members gave the go ahead to the city’s 2020-21 budget at a special meeting Sept. 23. The members also set up the

The members also set up the Fire State Fund and approved transferring money from the Fire Department Fund to the Fire Truck Fund.

Council members also approved road closures for the upcoming car show.

Blood drive Oct. 11 at Thorndale church

There will be a blood drive in Thorndale Oct. 11 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church & School from 8 a.m. to noon. All blood donors will receive

All blood donors will receive a headband and there will be COVID-19 antibody testing.

The organizers said those wishing to donate blood should schedule an appointment by calling 254-724-4378 or at BSWBlood.com.

A photo ID is required to donated blood and all donors 18 or younger will be required to show proof of age. Be sure to wear your mask

Be sure to wear your mask when you give blood.

The church is located at 101 North Third in Thorndale.

Food bank visit set Thursday at KC Hall

A Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) Mobile Food Pantry distribution will be held Thursday in the KC Hall parking lot, according to Rockdale Christian Services Chair Pam Warren.

Distributions are held the first and third Thursdays of each month.

“As with previous distributions, this will be a drive-through model with the clients remaining in their vehicles to maintain social distancing,” she said.

Volunteer helpers must wear masks.

New food program may start Monday in town

A Texas Dept. of Agriculture free meal program for Rockdale children and senior citizens may start as soon as Monday.

The distribution site is expected to be 225 North Main and will be open from 4 to 8 p.m.

The program is for Rockdale residents ages 3 to 18 and for citizens 55 and over.

Jerry Walters II, president and co-founder of Oppidian Wellness, which plans to bring an industrial hemp industry to Rockdale, said the program will run Mondays through Fridays.

For more information, contact either of the following program managers:

• LaToya Green, 281-435-1597.

• Timmie Lane, 281-330-2577.