A blue and golden graduation

It was the most unique graduation ceremony in Rockdale High School history Friday evening. • Nobody got a diploma. • There wasn’t a “hugathon” at the end with happy-sad grads saying farewell to classmates. • A speaker. • There was no Project Graduation. • Graduates didn’t march onto the field.

29th virus case breaks ‘10-day’ streak

Milam County officially recorded its 29th case of COVID-19 Monday afternoon, breaking a 10-day streak without a case of the virus being added to Milam’s count.

Tax office, county clerk, courts set re-openings

Milam County is reaching a major milestone this week with the re-opening of several county institutions. • The Rockdale Substation of the Milam County Tax Office will open Tuesday. • Milam County Main Tax Office in Cameron is open. Its first day was Tuesday, June 2.

41 graduate (safely) in Milano on Friday

MILANO—Social distancing, and pandemic protection, were the order of business Friday evening at Pruitt Field as 41 Milano High School seniors received their diplomas. It was serious business.

America needs to straighten out its racism

How did we end up in this situation? Blatant racism in the news every day. I’m seeing my black friends on social media and my heart cries out for them. Especially the ones with sons. America is in a bad place where racism is concerned. But how can this be?

Twice as nice

Graduating twins Lexi (L) and Levi Baggerly enjoy Friday afternoon’s parade around Rockdale, part of 2020 graduation activities. In addition to the parade there was a virtual graduation ceremony at Tiger Stadium, followed by fireworks. More Reporter coverage of the big day on pages 1A, 3A and 7A.

Pandemic Electronic Food Benefit offered

Local households may be eligible for a one-time benefit, up to $285 per child, to buy food for children during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is issued through a card like a debit card and are not transferable. Online applications are now being accepted.

NEWSBRIEFS

Summer Meals For Kids offered in 2020 The United States Dept. of Agriculture is offering no cost summer meals for youngsters 18 and under. To find a summer meal location in the area text FOODTX to 877-877 or visit SummerFood.org. The Summer Food Service Program is through the Texas Dept.

Former employee charged in theft

Rockdale Police said a former employee of Tractor Supply, wanted since April for “skimming” receipts from the business, was arrested Thursday. Lt. Stephen Goodrich said Janice Lynn Baker, 32, of Rockdale, was charged with theft ($100 to $750) and possession of a controlled substance.

LEADING THE WAY

LEADING THE WAY—Units of the Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department led the way through town in the 2020 Senior Parade which preceded graduation activities Friday. The Rockdale Police Department also participated in the massive parade, seen here approaching the high school on Childress Street.