Milam COVID cases spike 1,676% over past two weeks

Our COVID-19 cases really spiked over the weekend. This evening we report 149 new cases and 39 discharged cases, leaving 231 confirmed, active cases in Milam County. Three individuals were hospitalized today, but we have no new deaths.  Two weeks ago we had 13 confirmed active cases in the County.

Rockdale’s year end review

JANUARY—Much like in 2020, January of 2021 started out with news about COVID-19. Because of the number of teachers and students with the virus, RISD schools extended the Christmas break. Judge Steve Young announced three more deaths bringing the total to 14. (We were at 91 at the end of 2021.

BENEFIT FOR CHARLES AND ROSE STARR

BENEFIT FOR CHARLES AND ROSE STARR—From Kevin Starr, Charles’ brother, “As many of you probably already know my brother, Charles Starr, has had multiple surgeries on his right foot with the last one being Dec. 6 from complications from diabetes.

NEWSBRIEFS

Band members participating in region On Saturday, Dec. 11, several members of the RHS Big Blue Band represented Rockdale at the ATSSB All-Region 18/26 Band Auditions at Smithville High School. The following students qualified for the region bands: • Clarissa Herrera, 4th Chair Flute, Concert Band.

Rockdale Police makes one felony arrest for week

Rockdale Police Officers made one felony arrest during the past week: • Joshua Rodriguez, 3, Rockdale, was arrested on Saturday for assault of family member impeding breath/circulation.

FIRE CALLS

Rockdale VFD Responded to: • Cameron/Wilcox for a two-vehicle accident blocking the roadway on Wednesday. • 1920 West Cameron Avenue for a two-vehicle accident for traffic control on Wednesday. • 206 D Douthit with Oncor and AMR for a structure fire on Thursday.

MILAM COUNTY JAIL LOG

Jail log lists all people charged with offenses through the county jail in Cameron. Charges may change during the process. Persons are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. • Jose Manuel Aboytes, 40, Rockdale, DWI, released on $1,500 bond.

Infusion clinic open through January 31st

Milam County Judge Steve Young has been pleading with Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the State to leave the new COVID infusion clinic in Rockdale. “We have a very central location for rural Central Texas and a great facility to house the clinic.

MILAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

Calls for the Milam County Sheriff’s Department during the past week included: Dec.

Passion for the Lord

There is a term for people that have chosen to live outside the lines of what we might call normal according to cultural standards. These people are called “dirtbaggers.” Dirtbaggers live for their passion (key word for what I’m writing about) of the outdoors.