Judge: Tax hike, big budget cuts

Milam County Judge Dave Barkemeyer is asking department heads, and for that matter, taxpayers, to “face reality.” In the light of losing tax values from Luminant’s Sandow Power Plant—triggering a potential estimated loss of $1.

Highway closed 6 hours as 18-wheeler rigs collide

Texas 36 was closed for about six hours Friday morning between Milano and Caldwell after two 18-wheelers collided just south of Milano.

Good news on sheriff condition

There’s a long way to go, but the news out of Portland, Oregon—where Milam County Sheriff David Greene is attempting to recover from a heart attack—is better than might have been hoped for just a week ago. Chief Deputy Chris White said physicians have removed an impella pump from Green’s heart.

Cooke, Granados now Reporter publishers

The Rockdale Reporter will continue four generations of family operation under the Cooke family, as Ken Esten Cooke and Christine Granados will now be the co-publishers of the newspaper.

City pool gets praise, feedback after inspection

Rockdale’s Municipal Swimming Pool got generally good marks, and a number of recommendations, after a recent inspection by the Texas Municipal League. City Manager Chris Whittaker said the recommendations would be implemented “as required.

APPROPRIATE

—First-place winner of Milano’s Fourth of July parade was this entry, “Our Soldier is Coming Home,” featuring the Lenz and Barnes families. It was in honor of Chris Barnes who is returning home from an overseas deployment later this month.

City will look at ‘no tax increase’ budget

City Manager Chris Whittaker asked for some guidance from the city council Monday as he begins budget preparation and that’s what he got. It was “no tax increase, but...

NEWSBRIEFS

Free summer lunch program continues Feed Rockdale, a new free summer lunch program designed to feed any child from age 1-18 on the east side of Rockdale, continues according to Danyelle Higginbotham, spokesperson. Monday through Thursday lunches will be delivered to each house that is registered.

20TH DISTRICT COURT ACTION

CAMERON—Eight persons were sentenced recently in 20th District Court, including a mother and daughter who were former employees of the Milam County Tax Office. (See page 8A).

Suspects sought in break-in, chase

POLICE REPORT Police are searching for three suspects wanted in a break-in at Midway Grocery which also resulted in a chase by a Rockdale officer. Lt. Stephen Goodrich said a rock was used to shatter a door at the convenience store and $50 in cash, along with cigarettes and cigars were taken. “Ofc.