Columns & Opinions

Milam County updates for August 2025

Milam County updates for August 2025

Milam County updates for August 2025

School Star t ing— Every year about this time school starts up and it seems to come earlier each year. Some of the schools in Milam County started last week and by this week they will have all started classes.
I never knew you

I never knew you

I never knew you

Ihave a friend named Wes and he’s the real deal. He loves God and He loves people (Mark 12:30-31). It does not get any more real than that. The other day after we had been discussing what it looks like to follow Jesus he sent me a text message, “Are any of us really Christians?” I get his point.
The teacher and the stolen watch

The teacher and the stolen watch

The teacher and the stolen watch

Back to school. It’s that time of year. In the very first chapter of his Gospel, Mark says of Jesus, “They were astounded at his teaching.” Sixteen times Mark says that Jesus “taught,” and eleven times he refers to Jesus as “teacher.
Pop art by Jazmin Rodriguez Claudio, a 2024-25 Art II eighth-grader at Rockdale Junior High.

Pop art by Jazmin Rodriguez Claudio, a 2024-25 Art II eighth-grader at Rockdale Junior High.

There’s good fried chicken in town again

In last week’s paper Rockdale Food Mart & Kitchen ran a big ad for both their chicken and their pizzas. I didn’t know about the pizza. Anyway, I decided to stop by for some chicken tenders because I have been missing Chicken Express for a while.

LOOKING BACK 10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO

10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO 40 YEARS AGO Fire roared through a 60-year-old warehouse located on a downtown Rockdale block Sunday afternoon but the building’s construction— plus quick action by volunteer firemen—was credited with helping avert a major blaze. The warehouse, owned by Sam Peebles, Jr.
JUDGE’S COMMENTS BILL WHITMIRE Milam County Judge

JUDGE’S COMMENTS BILL WHITMIRE Milam County Judge

Turning second chances into change

Some may be asking, “what is Communit y Ser v ice?” Community Service, as part of many probation sentences, is when probationers work on projects for the county and around the county helping to complete various jobs and meet community needs. Helping entities that are often unable to afford help.

Cell phone bill

As we prepare to welcome students back for another exciting school year, I want to take a moment to address some questions and concerns you may have regarding House Bill 1481, commonly referred to as the “cell phone bill.” I know many of you have seen various posts and updates circulating online.
Pop art by Maraya Wallace, a 2024-25 Art II eighth-grader at Rockdale Junior High.

Pop art by Maraya Wallace, a 2024-25 Art II eighth-grader at Rockdale Junior High.

Carla Audino will take good care of kids

FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE Nearly three years ago when dad had his hip replaced there was basically a Rockdale homecoming at St. David's hospital in Austin. Dad told his nurse, Carla Audino, that we all had to get up at 4 a.m. to get to the hospital from Rockdale.
Working to improve road infrastructure

Working to improve road infrastructure

Working to improve road infrastructure

This week I thought I would talk a little bit about some of the goings on here with your Milam County Government.

Rockdale

Ahead of the curve in economic development and technology Everything’s bigger in Texas. It’s a tagline many have heard—and one that holds true when it comes to economic development. With a $2.