Early voting continues

Early voting for the March 6 Republican and Democratic Primaries began Tuesday with 222 persons casting ballots, 58 in Rockdale. Early balloting runs weekdays through March 2 with one big exception. There’s a special Saturday opening from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Burn ban off after rainfall around area

Citing recent precipitation, County Judge Dave Barkemeyer last week temporarily lifted Milam County’s rural outdoor burning ban. He asked local fire departments be notifi ed in the event of any planned outside burning. “Do not burn if high winds are forecast,” Barkemeyer said. The key word is rural.

Murder indictment returned

CAMERON—A Cameron man, arrested in connection with the Sept. 27, 2017, shotgun slaying of another Cameron resident, has been indicted for murder. Alvin Melton, 35, was one of 34 persons indicted on 45 counts Thursday in the February grand jury session.

City, school have races in May vote

For the first time in six years, Rockdale voters will have contested races for both the city council and school board to decide when they head to the polls in May. It’s the first time in 34 years no Rockdale City Council incumbents filed for re-election on a regularly-scheduled city ballot.

Thorndale trustees call bond election

THORNDALE—Voters in the Thorndale ISD will go to the polls May 5 to decide whether they want to build a new high school, enlarge the band hall and expand and reorganize other school facilities. On Thursday, trustees called the bond election, listing three separate proposals, totaling $12,940,000.

MARDI GRAS TRADITION

—It’s s sure sign Rockdale is observing Mardi Gras when the Noon Lions Club hosts it annual pancake supper. That was the occasion last Tuesday in the New Salem Clubhouse at Fair Park. Among the Lions serving them up were (L-R) Randy Fletcher, Albert Jordan and Paul Dixon.

Seven sentenced in district court

CAMERON—Seven persons were sentenced in 20th District Court during the week.

Spike strips end chase to Milano

POLICE REPORT What began as a simple speeding stop ended with highway chase from Rockdale to Milano, and the arrest of a 39-year-old Houston woman last Tuesday night. Police Chief Thomas Harris said Ofc.

LOTS OF DAMAGE

—But no injures were reported at 3:54 p.m. Monday in a collision between truck rigs on US 79 near CR 335 east of Rockdale.

HOT WHEELS

—Rockdale VFD responded to two vehicle fires in two days during the past week. Firefighters answered a call to this burning pickup a 4:30 p.m. last Tuesday (Feb. 13) in the 2200 block of FM 1712.