Columns & Opinions

Cast iron water pipes excavated in 2016 shows mineral buildup. — File photo

‘One bite at a time’

News Staff

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 10:34

After hearing of the milestone of zero leaks in Rockdale’s oft-troubled water system, we stumbled across an editorial from exactly a decade ago. It was penned by the late, and great, Editor Mike Brown, who observed, covered and loved this town his entire life.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

News Staff

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 10:34

Data for road hazards As a resident and frequent traveler on North 486 in Thorndale, I am increasingly concerned about the traffic conditions surrounding the construction of the new data center.

Self-portrait drawing by Fayth Duncan, a 2025-26 eighth-grader in Art II at Rockdale Junior High School.

‘Lee Lee’ brought back great memories

Texas Type Ken Esten Cooke

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 10:34

Sitting in for my vacationing brother Kyle has its advantages. After being away from Rockdale for many years, I attended the 92nd Annual Homecoming on Sunday at the KC Hall.

County Historical Commission to be honored

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 10:34

On Monday, June 22, during the regular meeting of the Milam County Commissioners Court, we will present the Milam County Historical Commission (MCHC) with the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Historical Commission.

‘Train up a child’

He Told Me To Tell You That Ken Ansell

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 10:34

Someone asked me the other day for some parenting wisdom. Ha! I barely know where babies come from. I’m glad all of our kids are grown up and are responsible for making their own bad decisions. But seriously, let me tell you a quick story.

Offering students a bump up

Hidden In Christ With God Greg Nichols

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 10:34

Rev. Dr. John Kinney is retired Dean of Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University and pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Dr. Kinney was brought up and schooled in Wheeling, West Virginia, in the days of segregation, meaning there were no white children at his school.

Responsible growth needed

News Staff

Wed, 06/10/2026 - 10:28

As data center applications explode, state needs to keep an eye on resources Applications for data centers, such as the ones in Milam County operated by Riot and Bitdeer, are exploding as our tech-centered lives demand more processing power.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

News Staff

Wed, 06/10/2026 - 10:28

Dear editor, A couple of weeks ago Judge Whitmire wrote an article in The Rockdale Reporter lambasting the Appraisal District as not being responsive to the citizenry because the Appraisal District Board and the Chief Appraiser are not directly elected by the voters.

Self-portrait drawing by Kamila Colmenero Hernandez, a 2025-26 eighth-grader in Art II at Rockdale Junior High School.

Rockdale hits a rare milestone, gets a win

Texas Type Ken Esten Cooke

Wed, 06/10/2026 - 10:28

In light of its challenges, Rockdale hit a milestone recently that I certainly never thought it would see. Mayor Ward Roddam and City Manager Tim Kelty said Monday night at the council meeting that the city’s Public Works Department reported zero leaks in its water system.

Two rescues and an important reminder

Judge’s Comments Bill Whitmire

Wed, 06/10/2026 - 10:28

Last Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday morning, two people in separate vehicles were washed off the roadway where a bridge on Farm-to-Market 2027 crosses Pond Creek.