Local News

Lou Zapalac, former owner of the Five and Dime Store in Sealy, celebrated his 92nd birthday with family and friends Monday afternoon at home. He said his favorite part of the festivities was celebrating with the friendly faces that surrounded him. Zapalac owned the Five and Dime store from 1939-1986 and then Zapalac Grocery until the ‘90s.

The Russian army’s lack of noncommissioned officers is seriously hampering its efforts to swiftly conquer Ukraine, says a local veteran who saw action in the Middle East. NCOs are the glue that hold fighting forces together and ensure the supply chain is maintained, said Creighton Holub, who grew up in Wallis and graduated from Sealy High School in 1998 before joining the Army.

The Texas Dance Hall Preservation will host its first in-person event, “Swing into Cat Spring” in nearly two years this Saturday, March 12, at the Cat Spring Agricultural Society Hall. The event will feature Asleep at the Wheel, along with artist Al Dressen.

The Sealy City Council approved naming the new animal control facility after Sealy Police Department’s former Animal Control Officer, the late Gary Kollatschny, during the March 1 regular meeting in the city council chambers at city hall.

Tuesday afternoon, a contractor boring fiber optic struck a major water line at the intersection of Silliman and Main Streets in Sealy according to Director of Public Works Rudy Flores.

A recorded message from the City of Sealy said affected residents could experience low water pressure and a discoloration of the water.

An Austin County jury handed down a prison sentence to a Sealy man for aggravated assault with serious bodily injury last Friday in District Court.

The Jury sentenced James “Tank” Gonzales to 13 years in prison after a weeklong trial before Judge Jeff Steinhauser. In addition, the jury assessed a $5,000 fine.

TOP: The Austin County Go Texan cookoff team was out in full strength at the Houston Rodeo cookoff Saturday, Feb. 26. Pictured from the left are Don Luedke, Marsha Siptak, Shawn Jackson, Chad Lu, Brent Jackson, Stanley Jackson and Johnny Southerland.

Saturday, Jan. 22, was the date of the dedication of a Texas Historical Commission historic marker at the Peters-Hacienda Community Hall in between Sealy and Bellville.

This election season in Austin County, citizens should be aware of the consequences of stealing election signs. During the primary elections, campaign signs have been stolen in Austin County.

Brazos junior pitcher Taylor Brzozowski’s comeback from Chiari Malformation – a cerebellum issue that required surgery – culminated in her verbal commitment to play softball for Concordia College in February.