Milam County Elections, Roads, Schools, and Services
There has been a great deal happening across Milam County in recent weeks, from early voting in the upcoming March 3rd Primary Election to major infrastructure meetings and transitions in county offices.
Early voting is now underway, and while turnout has been solid, it is tracking slightly behind the pace of the past two primary cycles. Although the Precinct 2 Commissioner’s race is the only contested county race on the ballot, several state-level contests are expected to advance to a May runoff. The number and significance of these state races make this an important election, and I encourage every eligible voter to take the opportunity to go to the polls and fulfill their responsibility as engaged citizens.
We also recently held the annual High School Moot Court Competition, which once again highlighted the remarkable talent of students across Milam County. Cameron’s team of Arellano Kadisha and Marbel Reducindo earned 4th place honors. Milano’s Jaxon Clore and Peyton Steinbecker finished 3rd, followed by Asael Campos and Kira Cooper in 2nd place. The 2026 championship was claimed by Milano’s Samantha McCary and Lydia Frei after an outstanding performance.
Moot court provides students with a hands-on understanding of the judicial process, sharpening their skills in legal analysis, public speaking, teamwork, and professional presentation. Events like this would not be possible without the generous support of Nexterra Energy, Sandow Lakes Ranch, Drayton McLane, Jr., the Rockdale Rotary Club, Classic Bank, Brian and Dawn Morton, Michelle Lehmkuhl, and Rhoades Humble LLP. Their support represents a meaningful investment in the next generation of leaders.
On the infrastructure front, we held a preconstruction meeting for the $3.2 million GLO MIT/MOD grant project, with Texas Materials serving as the contractor. This project will improve—and in some cases fully reconstruct—four high-need county roads: CR 215, CR 240 (Ballpark Road in Cameron), CR 342 (Lin Luce Road south of Milano), and CR 306 east of Rockdale. Each roadway met the state and federal socio-economic impact requirements necessary to qualify for this funding. Construction is expected to begin in April, with completion anticipated this summer.
Additionally, following the resignation of former Tax Assessor-Collector Melissa Fritz, the Commissioners Court followed long-standing precedent by appointing the candidate who finished next in the most recent election to serve as interim. Frank Summers, who placed second in that race, was appointed and will serve until voters elect a permanent officeholder in a special election this November.
Since taking office last Tuesday, Mr. Summers has retained current staff, hired additional personnel to return the office to full staffing levels, and begun implementing operational improvements. Plans include expanding the Rockdale office from two days per week to five days per week, extending office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and restoring full DMV services in both offices. He has already met with DMV officials to begin that process as quickly as possible.
Milam County has experienced a busy few weeks, with early voting underway for the March 3rd Primary Election, a successful High School Moot Court Competition, progress on a $3.2 million road improvement project, and updates in the Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office. Infrastructure work is set to begin in April, and steps are already being taken to expand tax office hours and restore full DMV services.
