Still lots of restrictions

Yes, many businesses, restaurants and churches got the go-ahead to re-open Friday by Gov. Greg Abbott. No, it won’t be, in the words of the old song, “the way we were.

Police Chief Harris retiring

Thomas Harris, the longest serving chief of police in Rockdale history, will retire at the end of May. The City of Rockdale is conducting interviews with three finalists for the position on Saturday and hopes to have Harris’s successor on board by June 1st.

‘Graduations’ start

About 100 Rockdale High School seniors—the graduating class of 2020—will get to “walk” after all. It won’t be together, but school officials are trying to make it as much like all other RHS graduations as follows.

Hospital Suite A repaired for possible use

Nothing is certain yet but careful observers have noticed new activity at a former clinic building on the campus of what was once Rockdale’s Richards Memorial Hospital.

KC Hall hosts ARC blood drive

Yes, there are still “live” indoor events in Rockdale. The KC Hall was the site Thursday as the American Red Cross held a blood drive for the community. Twenty-nine pints of blood was collected as the drive exceeded its goal, according to Jessica Amaro, ARC spokesperson.

Rockdale gets $200,000 from POSGCD for water line replacement

MILANO—The City pf Rockdale has been awarded $200,000 from the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District to assist in its replacement of old water lines. The POSGCD announced grants awarded to water utilities in Burleson and Milam Counties, an annual program of the district.

Weekly winners listed; new contest underway

Deanna Hall and Lauren Williams are the final winners in the Rockdale Municipal Development District’s Chowdown Challenge. The Challenge is designed to assist Rockdale restaurants as they attempt to minimize the impact of closing “eat-in” dining during COVID-19.

Tax offices now closed until further notice

Both locations of the Milam County Tax Office will remain closed to public until further notice, according to Sherry Mueck, tax collector. A skeleton crew will be on hand Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to answer phones and process mail.

American Legion delays turkey shoot

Because of ongoing health concerns due to COVID-19, Rockdale American Legion Post 358 has canceled its regularly scheduled May meeting set for May 6. The Post has decided to postpone the Turkey Shoot and Academy Gift Card Fund Raiser scheduled for May 16.

Judge recovering from health issue

District Judge John Youngblood is recovering from a recent health setback. Milam County Judge Steve Young announced during Commissioners Court Monday that the Youngblood family said he is making good progress and recovering.