‘Major’ retailer headed to town

What had looked to be a “white elephant” for the City of Rockdale has apparently turned into a triumph for the town and its residents. City council members on Monday sold the six-acre site at 1166 West US 79 which was purchased three years ago to become the home of Rockdale’s new police department.

Fireworks, Flags, Fourth

What a Fourth of July it was Thursday in South Milam County, An estimated 1,000 persons gathered in the Fair Park area for a dazzling fireworks display and Milano-area residents were treated to a morning parade, complete with a free hot dog lunch.

State’s Best: Snow’s No. 1, Brett’s No. 2

Texas is 773 miles from north to south and 790 miles from east to west but, according to readers of Texas Monthly magazine, the second best best barbecue in this barbecue-crazy state and the best is 18 miles away in Lexington.

DISTINGUISHED

—The Milam County Historical Commission receive the Texas Historical Commission’s Distinguished Service Award, presented to only 80 of the state’s 254 counties. It was presented Monday to MCHC Chair Lynn Young by County Judge Steve Young.

Rockdale man in Austin SWAT standoff

AUSTIN—A 36-year-old man involved in a chase that ended in a SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) standoff with Austin police Sunday is from Rockdale.

NEWSBRIEFS

Summer band starting Monday for Rockdale Rockdale High School Big Blue Band members will crank up the 2019-2020 school year with SASI leadership training Monday, according to director Adrian Acevedo. Training is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “This is only for students who signed up for SASI,” he said.

11 sentenced in district court

CAMERON—Eleven persons were sentenced in recent 20th District Court action, according to Prosecutor Bill Torrey. He listed case dispositions as follows: • Andrew Dustin Owens, 35, Rockdale, five-year prison term after pleading “true” to a motion to revoke probation for debit card abuse–elderly.

150-200 bee stings, but resident survives

POLICE REPORT A Rockdale man survived a bee attack on the morning of the Fourth of July despite being stung between 150 and 200 times. Lt. Stephen Goodrich said Russell Stewart was mowing a yard at the Belton-San Gabriel intersection when he was attacked by bees.

MILAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT CALLS

Calls for the Milam County Sheriff’s Department during the past nine days included: July 1—Welfare check, FM 486 north of Cameron; motorist assist, US 190 south of Pettibone; welfare check, FM 908, Rockdale area; information, CR 418A, Thorndale area; information, CR 227; trespassing, GM 486, north...