Rockdale fire termed ‘accidental’ after probe
A fire which inflicted heavy damage on a Division Street home July 16 has been ruled “accidental” after an investigation.
Fire Chief Ward Roddam said the department never thought the blaze was suspicious but called in investigators to determine the cause.
Roddam said a call earlier in the evening involved a stovetop fire, part of which apparently lodged behind a ceiling light fixture and smoldered before breaking out again later in the night.
MDD talks health care, facade grants
Rockdale Municipal Development District (MDD) directors met in regular session Monday in the MDD headquarters building.
Directors discussed the situation regarding attempts by the Rockdale Hospital District to recover a one-half cent sales tax, previously collected by the district.
Executive Director Kara Clore had also shared information on that topic with The Reporter. See story, page 1A.
In other business, MDD directors approved facade improvement grants for the Windstar Group and Caffey Corner.
Economic development topic for commissioners
CAMERON—Milam County Judge Steve Young gave county commissioners an update on some positive economic developments Monday during a regular session in the Milam County Courthouse.
Young reported on the plans of Whinstone-GMO Registry to begin another cryptocurrency mining operation on the remaining two potlines at the former Alcoa smelter.
Bitmain, which expected to begin its bitcoin mining operation at mid-week has set up in the other six potlines.
Young also noted a new packaging company, currently located on the west coast, is looking to relocate in Rockdale and could bring 50 new jobs to town.
RELOCATION—Young reported on the ongoing quest to relocate county offices in the former Cameron hospital which was closed when Little River Health Care went bankrupt.
He said architect Stan Graves had measured the former convent at the site is 6,200 square feet and would provide adequate space for the Milam Appraisal District should it decide to move.
Young estimated it would be January, 2020, before plans could be finalized
Union picnic slated August 3rd at Ranch
The annual United Steelworkers Local 4895 picnic is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at The Ranch, according to David Edmonds, USW spokesman.
MCT lists performance dates for newest play
CAMERON— “Around the World in 80 Days,” new Milam Community Theatre production will be staged at the Williams Event Center in Cameron at 7 p.m. July 26-27 and Aug. 2-3 and 2 p.m. on Aug. 4.
Summer band practice continues in Rockdale
Rockdale High School Big Blue Band members have cranked up the 2019-2020 school year.
Remainder of the summer schedule is as follows:
• July 29-Aug. 2—8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Aug. 5—Parent meeting, 6 p.m.
• Aug. 5-6—8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Aug, 7-9, 12—4:40 to 7 p.m.
Medical helicopter aid requires free signup
Milam County residents are urged to sign up for a helicopter medical transport service
“It’s with PHI Air Medical and will support all residents of the county,” Susan Reinders, Emergency Medical coordinator, said.
“If a resident is transported by PHI Air Medical air ambulance to a location within Milam County or an adjacent county (Falls, Robertson, Burleson, Lee or Bell) the patient will not receive a bill or be required to pay any additional costs for their PHI air emergency transportation, including associated co-pays or deductibles.
But Milam residents must sign up first and receive a “PHI Cares” sticker to be affixed to a resident ID card which will identify the person as eligible.
Milam residents may obtain the stickers from the following locations:
• Rockdale City Hall, 505 West Cameron Avenue (US 79), Rockdale; phone, 512-446-2511.
• Cameron City Hall, 100 South Houston Avenue, Cameron; phone 254-697-6646.
• Buckholts City Hall, 113 West Main, Buckholts; 254-593-3111.
• Gause, Coats Grocery & Feed, 120 East Gause Blvd.; phone, 979-279-3153.
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