News

A water distribution system free chlorine refresh was initiated for Cameron on May 22. 

According to Public Works Director Gerald Brunson, this process is accomplished by running only chlorine as the disinfectant. The LAS (liquid ammonium sulfate) that is normally used in the disinfection process at the treatment plant will be turned off for one month. 

This change produces a free chlorine residual that will remove nitrification that can build up in the distribution system pipes. 

Brunson said residents may experience a chlorine smell and/or discolored water during this refresh. 

The LAS will be turned back on in four week’s time  on Friday, June 30.  

This refresh process is a standard procedure for water systems that use chloramines as a disinfectant. 

If you have any questions or concerns contact city hall at (254) 697-6646.

By Lindsey Vaculin

General Manager

The Cameron community gathered to honor those lost in defense of our freedom on Monday at the Milam County Courthouse for the annual Memorial Day ceremony.

The ceremony event was sponsored by the American Legion Edwin Hardy Post 9 and the Post Auxiliary.

American Legion Division 2 Commander Steve Cook spoke about honoring our heroes during the ceremony.

A Cameron chef has a new title this week.

Daniel Willie grilled his way to top honors at the World Steak Cook-off in Magnolia, Ark., last weekend.

A hundred teams from all over the country took part in the steak grilling contest.

Willie  won the Governor’s Cup and a $4,000 prize for his steak. 

He also qualified for the World Food Championships in the World Invitational Steak Championship that will be held Nov. 8-14 in Orange Beach, Ala. There is a $100,000 prize for winning that contest.

Willie said The Food Network shot a segment with him that will air on the network Labor Day weekend. He doesn’t know which show it will be on .

Milam County will honor veterans during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Milam County Courthouse at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day, May 29.

Milam County residents are invited to place a cross on the Milam County Courthouse lawn in memory of their loved ones this Memorial Day.

The American Legion Auxiliary Post will have crosses available for pick-up at the Cameron Area Chamber of Commerce office. Everyone is invited to decorate a cross in memory of veterans, police officers and first responders who have passed away.

The crosses will be placed on the lawn during a Memorial Day ceremony. The crosses will stay on display for 10 days.

Anyone placing a cross can come pick up the cross on June 8 or the American Legion will store it until next year. You can contact any Legion member or Jolene Cahill at (254) 697-8987 for information.

Area seniors will participate in commencement ceremonies throughout the coming weekend.

C.H. Yoe High School will hold commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 26, at 8 p.m. at Yoe Field.

The Class of 2017 will be led by Valedictorian Alexis Magre and Salutatorian Julia Harwell. Both girls plan to attend Texas A&M University in the fall to continue their education.

Magre is the daughter of Pete and Melanie Magre. Harwell is the daughter of David and Tricia Harwell.

Top 10 percent graduates from Yoe High will be (in rank order): Magre, Harwell, Caden Harris, Savannah Kruse, Hannah Hux, Haleigh Carter, Tyler Bennett, Carrie Pommerening, Brandon Wilkins and Casey Greene.

Milano High School will also hold commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 26, at 7 p.m. at Milano High School in the gymnasium. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Seating is first come.

Just days after the City of Cameron filled the police chief position, the job is open again.

Cameron City Manager Rhett Parker said that Waylan Rhodes accepted a counter offer made to him by his current employer the Silsbee City Council to remain there.

The City of Cameron was anticipating Rhodes first day of duty to begin on May 31.   

Parker said the City of Cameron will continue to take applications and look for a new chief of police.  Cameron is trying to replace former chief Randy Dixon, who was terminated in February.

By Lindsey Vaculin

General Manager

The Cameron City Council gave the go ahead to replace sewer lines in the Industrial Park through a partnership with the Cameron Economic Development Corporation during its meeting May 15.

Cameron Industrial Foundation Executive Director Ginger Watkins said the line will be upgraded from a 4-inch line to an 8-inch line.

“One of the key things that we have had as a small city is assets and infrastructure in place to recruit commercial businesses,” Watkins said. “We not only have the land but also the water and sewer ready to go for a new industry. For many years my records have shown that we have had a 6-inch water line there to serve them.”

Cameron Independent School District has announced several administrative changes for the coming school year.

The CISD Board of Trustees approved the staffing changes during its meeting on May 15.

Cameron Junior High Principal Wendy Mahan has been named principal for the entire Cameron Elementary and Cameron Junior High campus. She will begin those duties this summer. Mahan will have two assistant principals on the campus. Current Assistant Principal Matt Fitzsimmons will remain there and Yoe High biology teacher and coach James Henderson will move over to the campus to assume assistant principal duties.

Cameron ISD students honored C.H. and Caroline Yoe during annual Yoe Day ceremonies at Oak Hill Cemetery on May 11. Above, YHS student Bryce Brashear lays a wreath on the grave of Mr. Yoe. Students heard the history of the Yoe’s and the reading of Mrs. Yoe’s will during the event. Students from each grade level were selected to represent their grade. High school representatives were Diego Martinez, Marquazia Workman, Keagan Galvan, Rick Fuentes, and Bryce Brashear. Junior High representatives were Nolan Brashear, Hunter Hux, Fabian Saloman, Millie Melton, Huaceri Rangel and Brooklyn Balch. Cameron Elementary representatives were Brody Aguirre, Esmeralda Torres, Cade Hubnik, Anahi Laureano, Railyn Youree and Emma Welsh. Ben Milam representatives were Cash Anderle, Madeline Basonic, Colton Stowe, Savannah Doskicil, Jett Vaculin, Chelsea Anderson and Kelsey Anderson.

A woman has been arrested and charged with arson following an early morning fire.

According to the Cameron Police Department they received a 911 call of structure fire in the 600 block of East 6^th street on May 15 at approximately 2:07 a.m. Officers with the Cameron Police Department were dispatched to the location as well as the Cameron Fire Department and American Medical Response EMS. 

Officers were able to determine that the fire was arson.

Arrested at the scene was 33-year-old Shimeshaka Shavon Anderson. Anderson has been charged with arson, and resisting arrest, search, or transport and booked into the Milam County Jail.

The structure was a duplex and the fire has displaced one family.