NEWSBRIEFS

The 2019 Christmas Roundup, Rockdale’s annual program to bring Christmas cheer to the less fortunate springs into full gear early next week.

Sunday the Knights of Columbus Hall on US 79, east of town, will be open from 4-7 p.m. to accept toy donations and for setup.

On Monday the KC Hall will open at 9 a.m. for volunteers to help fill boxes for delivery to needy families.

“Persons who have designated that they want to pick up their Christmas Roundup boxes will be able to do so from 5-7 p.m. on Monday evening,” Allen Sanders, Roundup spokesman, said.

Delivery date for Christmas Roundup boxes will be Tuesday, beginning at 9 a.m.

“Families who elected to pick up their boxes and did not do so on Monday, may come to the KC Hall at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17, to receive their boxes,” Sanders said.

Volunteers are needed all days, especially on Dec. 17, to help with delivery.

For additional information, contact Sanders at

(512) 446-3351 or email asanders@rockdaleisd.net.

MILANO—This year Roundup will also serve Milano. Roundup boxes for Milano and Gause families to be served will be available for pickup at the Milano Community Center from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16.

For those unable to pick them up, boxes will be delivered beginning at 9 a.m. Dec. 17.

For more information on Milano and Gause deliveries contact Eldon Ball at 512-760-0676.

Blood drawing ahead

Sunday in Thorndale

THORNDALE—St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, 101 North Third (just off US 79 in Thorn-dale) will host a Baylor Scott & White blood drawing Sunday.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 12-noon.

Donors should register inside the school gym. A photo ID is required to donate.

All donors in December will receive a free, limited-edition baseball style T-shirt “Givin’=Livin’.”

Rockdale gets grant

for new water line

AUSTIN—The City of Rockdale has received a $275,000 Community Development Fund award for $275,000.

The announcement was made last week by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.

Money is earmarked for water system improvements and City Manager Chris Whittaker said the fund will be used to replace 855 feet of asbestos concrete lines from the Texas Street water complex to Belton Avenue.

Troopers called out

to area accidents

DPS State Troopers were called out to several accidents in the Rockdale area, with one injury wreck, during the last week:

9 a.m. Dec. 4, FM 1331 near CR 439, one car rollover; driver Alyssa Crum of Cameron flown to Baylor Scott & White, Temple, for treatment; extensive damages.

1:27 p.m. Dec. 3, in Milano on US 79; drivers, Cody Macrae and Rafael Vega; moderate damages.

6:42 a.m. Friday, US 79 near CR 306; driver Jay Davis of Rockdale struck animal in roadway; moderate damages.

Guilty verdict handed down in jury trial

CAMERON—A 49-year-old Rockdale man was found guilty in a misdemeanor jury trial last week in 20th District Court.

Prosecutor Bill Torrey said Billy Bert Wimberly was convicted of assault causing bodily injury and was sentenced to a one-year term in the Milam County Jail.

He was also assessed anger management classes and ordered to have no contact with the victim.

Torrey said Assistant District Attorney Joseph Johnson prosecuted the case for the state.

‘Senior Angel Tree’

slated at The Ranch

The Ranch again has a “Senior Angel Tree” this Christmas season, according to spokesperson Denice Doss.

Gifts are being collected through Monday. “You may take an angel at The Ranch, buy a gift and take it to the Multi-Service Center on Green Street,” she said.

Sponsors are the Rock-dale Rotary Club, Multi-Services Center, Ziggy Oliver and Deta Donnelly.

For more information call Doss at 512-760-5623.

Renaissance Villa sets ‘Angel Tree’ project

Renaissance Villa, 700 Dyer, has an “Angel Tree” for its residents this Christmas season and is seeking participants.

A. J. Rios, activity director, asked for monetary donations of any amount and said those wishing to participate may also pick up angels from the tree.

“Pick up an angel, buy the specified gift, attach the angel to the gift, bring it back to us,” he said.

Donors may wrap the gift or Renaissance Villa will wrap it for them. Gifts need to be donated by Dec. 19 as the residents’ Christmas Party is Dec. 20.

For more information contact Rios at 512-446-2548.

Appraisal District will be closed on Monday

CAMERON—Milam Appraisal District will be closed Monday for training and will re-open at 9 a.m. Tuesday, according to Tax Collector Sherry Mueck.

Lifeline Screening sets visit to civic center

Lifeline Screening will be at the Patterson Center on Jan. 16 to offer Rockdale residents a variety of health screening services.

Screenings can assess risks for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic illnesses.

Screenings can check for plaque buildup in the heart, cholesterol levels, signs of diabetes, bone density, kidney and thyroid function and more.

Lifeline’s Joelle Reizes said packages start at $149 but added: “Contributors will work with you to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors.

Parking is free and the screening site at the civic center is convenient for those in wheelchairs.