MASTER LEADERS

Two Milam County soldiers have completed a Master Leader Course (Master Sergeant E-8 training course) at Fort Hood. Frank Konarik (L) is formerly of Rockdale and Richard Strelsky is formerly of Milano.

Fire Pup Frolics

To bring some cheer to homebound kids—that’s all of them—in Rockdale the Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department escorted Fire Pup (Edward Biehle) through the streets Saturday afternoon. Before the visit could reach all of the town it was cut short by an actual fire call.

FAMILIAR SIGHT

Trees were the main victims of a brief but violent thunderstorm which blew through Rockdale about 4 p.m. Thursday. This one was the 2000 block of Sager but trees and limbs were felled all over the city. Part of South Wilcox (FM 498) was closed Monday while city crews removed debris.

GAUSE NEWS

I was watching Jimmy Fallon on TV the other night and one skit is his writing “Thank You” notes. He was home with his kids and he wrote “Thank you teachers, you should be making a million dollars!

OK now what?

I’m in the “okay now what” camp. Easter has come and gone. Okay now what? What I’m saying is what real difference has the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus made in our lives on a daily basis? And what I’m really saying is how is Easter impacting you today?

Easter traditions around Rockdale

As always, there are lots of Easter decorations around town. The decorations above were at the home of Dr. John Mike and Jeanie Weed. At left, St.

Alleluia Anyway

Easter is Sunday. It’s not going to look like other Easters. It’s not going to feel like other Easters. It’s not going to be like other Easters. But maybe, just maybe, the situation in which we find ourselves could make 2020 a memorable Easter after all. Yes, all kinds of gatherings can be canceled.

Mask up! 7 Milam cases

Milam County Judge Steve Young says it’s time for citizens to wear masks when they go out in public. The number of COVID-19 cases quickly went from two to seven in recent days. One was reported Friday, one Monday and two more Tuesday morning.

More COVID-19 closings, cancellations

It goes on. Or, to be more accurate, it doesn’t go on. More Rockdale, and Milam County organizations, entities and offices have altered their schedules due to the COVID-19 situation.

Virus crisis leads to unemployment claim logjam at state level

If you’ve lost your job because of the COVID-19 situation and can’t get through to apply for unemployment benefits, you’re not alone. Help may have arrived, hopefully. On Monday the Texas Workforce Commission asked Texans calling to file for benefits to stagger their calls.