News

The rains have passed here in Milam County and residents are now working to gather much-needed supplies, clothing and food for those effected by Hurricane Harvey on the Gulf Coast.

Thorndale sixth grader Stiles Patin has started collecting those supplies in hopes of helping people.

Stiles’ mother Tammy said that after seeing the devastation on TV this weekend Stiles decided he wanted to do something to help and started collecting things to take to shelters in our area.

“I would like to ask anyone to look through their closets to see if they could donate clothes, towels, shoes or really anything you think these individuals and families could use in the shelters,” Tammy said.

She said the shelters are currently in need of new undergarments – underwear, panties and bras in all sizes for adults and children and new socks and toilet paper. They are also collecting clothing, hygiene products, shoes, towels and diapers and baby needs.

From TxDOT

The following roads are closed throughout the Bryan District:

Milam County

• FM 908 south of US 77 @ Brushy Creek
• FM 487 @ San Gabriel River
• FM 486 south of Thorndale @ Brushy Creek

GRIMES COUNTY

• FM 1774 closed at Caney Creek (Bufflake Bottom)
• FM 1227 closed from CR 421 to Wallace Pack Unit
• FM 244 closed at Gibbons Creek
• FM 3090 at Rock Creek
• SH 30 @ Gibbons Creek
• FM 1486 @ Garretts Creek
• FM 2620 @ CR 146
• FM 2819 @ Garretts Creek
• FM 362 @ Beason Creek

Burleson County

• FM 1362 south is closed
• FM 50 is closed in Clay due to flood damage
• FM 50 at Buffalo Creek
• FM 1361 is closed at Davidson Creek

Washington County

A memorial service was held for MSG Charles Price and Second Lieutenant Darryn Andrews at the City Park on Aug. 19. Earl Granville, amputee veteran, delivers the keynote address to those gathered. The service featured VFW Post 8787 (Austin) honoring the Colors, Wendy Ward singing the National Anthem, and  Rick Kolberg of Operation Enduring Warrior delivering the eulogies. The memorial service followed a ruck that was held that morning leaving from the park and making its way to Denio’s Furniture on Highway 77 outside of Cameron. A memorial motorcycle ride was also held on Highway 77 south of Cameron. The Price and Andrews families were honored with wooden American flag plaques.

Hurricane Harvey, which strengthened into a Category 3 storm Friday afternoon, could drop between 3 and 7 inches of rain on Milam County this weekend.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on Friday that the storm "is going to be a very major disaster."

At 2 p.m. Friday, Harvey had maximum sustained winds of 120 miles per hour and was moving to the northwest at 10 miles per hour.

n By Lindsey Vaculin

General Manager

Cameron City Council proposed a $0.764 tax rate for the coming year during its meeting Aug. 21.

“We set our budget according to setting it just below the rollback rate,” City Manager J. Rhett Parker said. “That will bring in additional revenue of just under $10,000. It’s not much, but it is a little bit more general fund revenue.”

Parker said the budget will see general fund revenue of $1,408,012.78 with the proposed tax rate.

The average taxable value of a residence homestead in the city last year was $65,326. Based on last year’s tax rate of $0.759 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed last year on the average home was $495.82.

A capacity crowd filled the Cameron ISD performing arts center last Thursday to meet the Yoemen. Fans also had their first chance to purchase the athletic booster clubs official gear for the new season.

By Lindsey Vaculin

General Manager

Milam County Commissioners Court set dates and times for presentations of the county budget as well as approved a tax rate of 70 cents during its meeting on Aug. 14.

Judge David Barkemeyer will once again do detailed presentations with time to discuss and allow public comments about the county budget. These sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. as follows: Cameron, Aug. 21, at the Courthouse; Thorndale, Aug. 22, at the Chamber of Commerce Conference Room; Buckholts, Aug. 23, at the Community Center; Rockdale, Aug. 24 at the One Stop Center; and Milano, Aug. 29 at the Fire Station.

Cameron residents are invited to remember and honor the lives of Major Sergeant Charles Price III and Second Lieutenant Darryn Andrews, who were both killed in action in Afghanistan, on Aug. 19. 

A Memorial Ruck, Ride, and Service are planned through out the morning and into the afternoon.

The Memorial Ruck will gather at 8 a.m. at the Cameron City Park, across from the Public Library. 

“Everyone is invited to attend that is physically capable to hike eight miles in the Texas elements,” organizer Bobbie Wiesman said. “Typically, a rucksack or backpack is worn and maybe weighted or packed with supplies. Supplies suggested for an enjoyable ruck are sun protection, water, and comfortable footwear. A backpack is not a requirement.”

Wiesman said the public is invited to be as patriotic as possible and is encouraged, if not participating in the ruck, to gather along the route to show support for the Price and Andrews families. 

The 52nd annual O.J. Thomas Alumni Homecoming Reunion drew crowds to this year’s events, including the annual parade on Saturday morning. Other events included an awards ceremony, tours of O.J. Thomas School and a dance on Saturday night.

John Johnson, center, recently donated a replica of the Crawford-Yoe Home to Cameron Independent School District. The replica will be displayed at Yoe High School. T.M. Sapp built the home in 1895 at 908 N. Houston Avenue. Johnson and his wife Frances constructed the replica. He said it took three to four months and he thought the school would be the proper place for it to be displayed. Pictured from left are Yoe High Principal Joe Oliver, Johnson and Cameron ISD Superintendent Allan Sapp.