School year off to promising start

School is back in session, and I can already tell it’s going to be a great year! Seeing returning and new students is always exciting. There is hope for the future in their smiling faces. SCHOOL SUPPLIES— Thank you to everyone who donated school supplies.

ORGANIZATIONS

Bartlett VFD BBQ, fundraiser Aug. 22 Bar tlett Volunteer Fire Department will hold a fundraiser, barbecue and auction on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 50 W. Davilla St. in Granger. Social hour starts at 5 p.m. and dinner will be held at 6 p.m.

Gearing up for golf without breaking the bank

Golf attracts millions of enthusiasts every year. According to the USGA 2025 Golf Scorecard, a record 82 million rounds were posted in 2025, marking an 8.2 percent year-over-year increase. More than 94 percent of those rounds were recreational.

DID YOU KNOW . . .

Nutritional needs change as a person goes through different stages in life. For example, older adults typically do not need to eat as much as a younger person. According to Dr.

MCSO takes over Buckholts Police Department

The Milam County Sheriff’s Office announced that the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) has revoked the Buckholts Police Department’s authority to make appointments.

Johnson completes TMCCP

The City of Rockdale is proud to recognize City Secretary Shanna Johnson for completing the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program (TMCC P). This professional development program is accredited through the Texas Municipal Clerks Association (TMCA) and the University of North Texas.

Staton is Director of School Safety

Rockdale ISD announces the appointment of Candice Staton as the district’s new Director of School Safety, rei n forcing the district’s ongoing efforts to provide safe, secure and s u p p o r t ive learning environments for all students and staff.

PLANNING

PLANNING

QUICK LOOK

At a specially called city council meeting on Monday night the council proposed adopting a tax rate of .782141 which is a 3.57 percent increase over last year and provides the city with an additional $150,000 in property taxes. The council will meet again on Aug. 10 at 5:30 p.m.

CHURCH NEWS

Backpack blessing highlights Rally Day Rockdale Peace Lutheran Church Rally Day will be at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 16, with special music and blessing of the backpacks during the church service for anyone starting back to school.