ON TRACK

—Rockdale has been a railroad town since the first I&GN train arrived in 1873 and there’s been a reminder of that over the past week as a Union Pacific work crew is in town performing extensive track maintenance.

Much needed increases in sales taxes

Sales tax receipts for the third month of 2018 showed some much needed good news for the City of Rockdale and Milam County. Both were up slightly for the month, reversing a recent trend. Both entities remain down for the year.

Jury rules for city in ‘junkyard’ claim

A Milam County Court jury ruled for the City of Rockdale Tuesday in its long-standing claims over a ‘junkyard’ in the 1300 block of East Cameron Avenue (US 79).

CRANE SHOT

—It’s not often downtown Rockdale has a skyline but that’s been the case ever since Thursday. Citizens National Bank is getting a new roof and a giant crane was employed to lift materials to the roof of the tall two-story building.

PROGRESS

Some milestones have already been reached as the construction page picked up on the site of the new Rockdale Police Station, East Cameron (US 79) at Green. Water and sewer work is well under way and manholes (above) are part of that phase.

Police probe shooting death

Rockdale police believe the shooting death of a 28-year-old local woman early Monday morning was a suicide but said early Wednesday no official determination had been made. Police Chief Thomas Harris identified the deceased woman as Kelsey Marie Chudej.

Big decisions for Thorndale voters

Voters in the Thorndale ISD turned out last Wednesday for the first of five town hall-style informational meetings as the district prepares for a May 5 bond election. Or three bond elections.

Ex-treasurer pleads guilty to tampering

Former Milam County Treasurer Donna Orsag made an open guilty plea to a tampering with evidence charge Tuesday in 20th District Court. She will have her sentencing and restitution determined by the court in a May sentencing hearing. Orsag, 57, resigned her position Sept.

A COUPLE OF COUPLES

From left Bob and Geri Burnett, Pat and Charlie Watson won the big individual awards at Thursday’s Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Banquet. The Burnetts were named Citizens of the Year and the Watsons Outstanding Citizens.

BEFORE THE BREAK

It’s spring break wee in Rockdale and Friday visit by second graders to the International & Great throughout Texas but before the break Public School Week Northern Railroad Depot-Museum. Rockdale Historical Society wound up with numerous events.