22 cases in week as count now 73

The COVID-19 spike reached new heights during the past week, with a record eight new cases reported Tuesday—an astounding 22 for the week—and the overall count soaring to 73.

Early voting starts Monday

Milam County Precinct 1 voters have some unfinished business from the March 3 Republican Primary to decide next month and an extended early voting period begins Monday at four locations.

‘Excessive force’ complaint filed

Rockdale Police Chief Jerry Meadors is reviewing evidence after a complaint was filed by a member of the public, alleging an officer used “excessive force” during a traffic stop. Meadors, who did not name the officer, said the complaint was filed by Rockdale resident Brittany Lopez.

Urgent care eyed for Cameron location

CAMERON—Milam County appears to be on the verge of getting an urgent care facility at the former Little River Cameron Hospital. County Judge Steve Young announced the project Thursday at a meeting to update county leaders and Milam commissioners discussed it further in their regular session Monday.

Be friends like Jesus

Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” From what I can tell we don’t have a lot of friends. They say, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Enemies we have a lot of, right?

New Catholic high school coming to Taylor

TAYLOR—St. Mary’s Catholic High School will open its doors to students in grades 9 and 10 this fall. The new high school will be an extension of St. Mary’s Catholic School and will follow the same mission of educating for wisdom and virtue, centered on Christ, in the classical Catholic tradition.

For Naomi

Thirty-five units of blood were collected, including 13 from first-time donors, Friday at the seventh annual Naomi Ruelas Blood Drive at the KC Hall. Ruelas died in 2013 from a rate blood disease. From left, organizers Leticia Plaza, Alejandro Plaza, Kenny Svreck and Tatiana Olivares.

NEWSBRIEFS

Police say Thursday hanging death ‘suicide’ Police Chief Jerry Meadors said at 1:52 p.m. Thursday dispatch received a 911 call reporting a male hanging from a tree in the 100 block of Laura.

CLARIFICATION

In several recent stories The Reporter has made reference to the City of Rockdale’s pledge to not raise water rates this fiscal year. That’s true for the general public. However, since April, owners of multi-unit buildings have seen large water bill increases.

Arrest follows Monday chase

An 18-year-old Salado man was arrested Monday afternoon following a brief chase in Rockdale.