Prison term returned in sex assault

CAMERON—A 33-year-old Rockdale man received a two-year prison term after entering an “open” plea to a charge of sexual assault of a child. Nathan Charles Arbuckle entered the plea before 20th District Judge John Youngblood.

Serious injuries in car-pedestrian accident Sunday

A 52-year-old Rockdale man received serious injuries Sunday when he was struck by a pickup at a local convenience store. Lt.

SAYING ‘THANKS’

—Rockdale Knights of Columbus Council 7014 recently held its annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at the KC Hall. The evening featured a chili supper, a welcome by Mike Korenek of the KCs and lots of visiting.

Buckholts school threat nets arrest

An 18-year-old Buckholts resident was arrest Friday in connection with what investigator said was a threat against Buckholts schools. Christopher Keith Walker, was also charged with sexual assault of a child. The investigation resulted from social media exchanges, according to police.

Project Graduation dinner, drawing set for March 18

MILANO NEWS Milano’s Project Graduation will host a chicken dinner on March 18 at the KC Hall in Rockdale. Serving starts at 11 a.m. and plates are $10 each. Meals include ½ chicken, green beans, German noodles, dessert and tea. There will also be a silent auction at the events.

Early voting continues

Early voting for the March 6 Republican and Democratic Primaries began Tuesday with 222 persons casting ballots, 58 in Rockdale. Early balloting runs weekdays through March 2 with one big exception. There’s a special Saturday opening from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Burn ban off after rainfall around area

Citing recent precipitation, County Judge Dave Barkemeyer last week temporarily lifted Milam County’s rural outdoor burning ban. He asked local fire departments be notifi ed in the event of any planned outside burning. “Do not burn if high winds are forecast,” Barkemeyer said. The key word is rural.

Murder indictment returned

CAMERON—A Cameron man, arrested in connection with the Sept. 27, 2017, shotgun slaying of another Cameron resident, has been indicted for murder. Alvin Melton, 35, was one of 34 persons indicted on 45 counts Thursday in the February grand jury session.

City, school have races in May vote

For the first time in six years, Rockdale voters will have contested races for both the city council and school board to decide when they head to the polls in May. It’s the first time in 34 years no Rockdale City Council incumbents filed for re-election on a regularly-scheduled city ballot.

Thorndale trustees call bond election

THORNDALE—Voters in the Thorndale ISD will go to the polls May 5 to decide whether they want to build a new high school, enlarge the band hall and expand and reorganize other school facilities. On Thursday, trustees called the bond election, listing three separate proposals, totaling $12,940,000.