News

After months of work behind the scenes, the 2017 Milam County Junior Livestock Show is ready to roll.

Hundreds of FFA and 4-H Club youth are participating in the show at the Youth Exposition Building off downtown Cameron.

Events get under way today starting with the home economics baking divisions at 8:30 a.m.

This year’s baking events will be held in the dining room at the Youth Expo building, Extension Agent Micah Holcombe said. 

Livestock events start at 5:30 p.m. today with the poultry shows, followed by judging for the market rabbits 

Activities start early Friday with the market swine show at 9 a.m. and continue with goats at 12:30 p.m., lambs at 3 p.m., breeding beef heifers at 5 p.m. and steers at 6 p.m. 

The premium sale at 6 p.m. Saturday concludes the show.

Schedule of events

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

7:30 A.M. - Begin Check-in of Baked Goods.

Milano ISD Superintendent Robert Westbrook addressed a crowd of almost 70 at the brief ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate the new facilities on Monday night. He thanked the community for supporting the district through the entire bond and construction process. From left, Milano Elementary principal Courtney Todd, MISD board of trustees president Jay Willingham, MISD Superintendent Robert Westbrook, and MISD secondary principal Tracy Brewer cut the ribbon. The schools have opened at staggered times this school year.

By Lindsey Vaculin

General Manager

The Cameron City Council heard an update on water projects and the hiring of a new police chief during its meeting March 20.

Cameron City Manager Rhett Parker told the council that the city is still taking applications for the police chief position and will begin the interviewing process today, March 23. He said the CPD sergeants are doing a great job of keeping up with things until a new chief is hired.

Public Utility Director Gerald Brunson told council that things are moving along with the city’s water projects

Brunson said he has a pre-bid meeting set for this week for clarifier project. 

“They will have their bids in by March 30,” he said. “Once we pick a contractor, those bids go to Texas Water Development Board for certification.”

Milam County residents will have a new place to get their fresh produce and local art beginning March 25.

The Milam Regional Farmers Market will launch its first season with a market that weekend. Markets will be held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month beginning with the first market day on March 25 through November.  

The market will take place at The Yards of Cameron under the 44 Farms Farmers Market pavilion from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

“We are excited to be launching the Milam Regional Farmers Market this growing season,” Cameron Mayor Connie Anderle said. “We have many small and large farms as well as backyard gardens in the area. A farmers market is an ideal way to connect consumers with fresh produce grown in the region.” 

Sergeant Tony Maskunas administers the oath of office to two new patrol officers to join the Cameron Police Department. John Donahoo a native of Bryan comes from Tarrant Regional Water District in Fort Worth.  He has served with the Grandview PD; Brazos and Milam Sheriff office; and Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission. Mario Vargas comes from Carrizo Springs in West Texas.  He was formally a deputy with the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office. He has also served with the Dilley Police Department and Dimmit County Sheriff Office.

Cameron ISD Pre-K students and their families enjoyed time together doing projects that related to Dr. Suess during Ben Milam Elementary’s Pre-K Family Night on March 9. Students made Cat in the Hat art, played with slime and learned from other educational play.

By Lindsey Vaculin

General Manager

County employees will see a bit more in their paychecks after the Milam County Commissioners Court voted 3-2 to approve a 2 percent across the board pay increase based on the terms of settlement of the Luminant law suit against the Milam County Appraisal District on March 13.

Commissioners held a workshop meeting on March 9 to discuss the raises.

By Lindsey Vaculin

General Manager

Blessings From God Food Bank is looking for a small blessing from the community to help them continue their work in Cameron.

The pantry, which originated in 2006 serving 13 families per month has experienced rapid growth in the numbers of people served and now serves 800 people a month.

Pastor Ernest Taylor said the pantry could use donations from the community.

The food bank is open the first and third Tuesday of the month. They also give out fresh fruits and vegetables on Monday and Thursday.

Taylor said the food pantry used to do homebound delivery but had to discontinue it, but they do have food available for pick up for homebound clients in the handicap lane on delivery day.

By Lindsey Vaculin

General Manager

Ledbetter Park may soon have a new feature for everyone to enjoy.

During the March 6 Cameron City Council meeting, Working For Cameron Foundation directors Julie Sulak and Daniel Willie told council about plans to build a pavilion and the park.

“Daniel, myself and Sam Berry have created a foundation called Working for Cameron,” Sulak said. “We have obtained private funding to build a pavilion at Ledbetter Park. The City owns Ledbetter Park so we need you to grant us permission to move forward.”

Sulak said the structure would be a 40-foot by 60-foot cement slab with I-beams and a roof with a 4-foot walkway all the way around it. It will also have rigging for lighting and sound and an elevated stage.

The City of Cameron water department will be repairing a 6-inch main water line break at the corner of Bowie street and State Highway 190. 

Traffic will be reduced to two lanes on the north side of the hwy until the leak is fixed. Bowie Street at hwy 190 is closed.  

The city asks that you please try to detour the area if possible to reduce congested traffic flow. Repairs will begin at 1 p.m. today, March 9.