Rockdale, others battle grass fire

A spark from a welder’s torch accidentally set off a blaze that then burned more than 150 acres just outside of Rockdale between County Roads 334 and 326 on Thursday afternoon, according to Rockdale VFD Chief Ward Roddam.

COVID-19 claims 10th life; cases keep rising

COVID-19 took the life of another person last week bringing the count up to 10 in Milam County. The number of active cases did drop in the past week, but the positivity rate is still a quarter of the county residents overall.

Street Ministry brings aid, opens new store to help funding

Jason Hale, a retired youth minister and teacher, founded Street Ministries in 2018 with the goal of helping the homeless get back on their feet and others facing temporary set backs to stay on their feet.

Fishing for souls

When we lived in Denver a million years ago (before my call to the ministry) I became intrigued with fly fishing. We would drive to the mountains and see guys fishing in creeks by the road. Romantic to say the least.

Dips, appetizers for your Christmas dinner

Noelia and I were doing some Christmas food planning recently and we decided to have one meal of just appetizers. A Dip-mas if you will. I think we’ll make a charcuterie board, stuffed jalapeños (one of Noelia’s family recipes), stuffed mushrooms and this crab dip.

ORGANIZATIONS

Depot Museum and Heavenly Treasures give holiday hours The Historical Society Depot Museum will be closed Dec. 26 and 27 and Jan. 2 and 3. They will resume weekend openings on Saturday, Jan. 9 and Sunday, Jan. 10. Hours are: Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

GAUSE NEWS

Gause ISD students get out Friday for the Christmas holidays. Classes will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. It is hard to believe that this year is about to be over. Hope all of you and your families have a great holiday.

Students navigate unusual beginning to school career

It is hard to believe that our first graders have completed the first semester at Rockdale Elementary School. In spite of the unusual start to the school year, the students have adjusted well to our safety precautions.

Couple does right thing with coins

When James and Clarrisa Munford took possession of their new home in Columbia, SC, they found a collection of valuable rare coins dating back to the 19th century hidden away inside a closet.

Bounty of gifts

Eldon Ball, representing the Milano Lion's Club, shows off the club’s annual haul gathered up for the Rockdale Christmas Roundup. Monetary donations were also raised for the effort. Reporter/Kyle Cooke