50 roofing jobs aid construction

Rockdale’s construction permits went “through the roof” in the first seven months of virus-plagued 2020 and it’s a good thing. There wouldn’t have been a whole lot to them otherwise.

School: Time to give it a try

Classes begin Thursday in the Rockdale ISD in a school year like no other. The reason it’s different is, of course, the COVID-19 Pandemic. Students and parents are being given the option of attending classes in-person or on-line. Supt. Dr.

Blood drive set Sunday in Thorndale

THORNDALE—A Baylor Scott & White blood drive is set for 8 a.m. to 12-noon Sunday at St. Paul Lutheran Church & School. Appointments (strongly recommended) may be made at BSWBlood. com or call 254-724-4376. Walk-ins accepted only if there is space. Masks are required during the appointment.

Reporter wins Sweepstakes from STPA

For the 18th time, The Rockdale Reporter has won the Sweepstakes Award, the highest bestowed by the South Texas Press Association, the nation’s largest regional press association. Awards for 2020 were announced online Friday.

Fingers crossed: Virus cases trend down

For the third consecutive week, cumulative COVID-19 cases declined in Milam County, going up 21 from 332 to 355. That’s the third straight week for cases to decline. But County Judge Steve Young is certainly not declaring anything like a turnaround just yet.

Auction (eventually) for cleaned-up lot

A once notorious “junkyard,” which cost Milam County $300,000 to clean up is apparently headed for the auction block. County Judge Steve Young said the former Richie Thrasher property—1300 and 1328 East Cameron—is in the final stages of cleanup.

St. Monica’s Homecoming Festival set for Sunday

St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Cameron will hold its annual Homecoming Festival on Sunday, starting at 10:30 a.m. Barbecue plates with all the trimmings will be available for $10 until sold out. Tamales and sweets will also be sold. The food will be distributed in a drive-through arrangement.

Food truck

The Central Texas Food Bank visited the KC Hall parking lot Wednesday morning for the first of two scheduled free food distributions in August. Pam Warren of Rockdale Christian Services said 325 families with 788 individuals were served. Final distribution of the month will be Aug. 20, 9 to 11 a.m.

Council proposes 90.74-cent tax rate

Meeting in regular session Monday by teleconference, the Rockdale City Council proposed a 90.74 tax rate for 2020-2021. That’s a decrease from the current 91.18. Holly said the proposed rate will be adopted “or changed” at the council’s next monthly meeting Sept. 14.

Drug arrests after two traffic stops

Drug arrests followed a pair of traffic stops in Rockdale during the past week. Lt. Stephen Goodrich said 56-year-old Mario Balderas of Rockdale was arrested Sunday and charged with possession of a controlled substance (4 to 200 grams). Goodrich said the arrest involved methamphetamine.