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The Austin County Soil & Water Conservation District held its 2022 Appreciation Banquet on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Concordia Hall. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Charles Goeke. The invocation was given by Brad Kieschnick, NRCS District Conservationist. At the banquet the Austin County SWCD #347 2022 Conservation Rancher Award was presented to John & Lori Spiess. Brad Kieschnick, NRCS District Conservationist, and Faith Chase, Austin County SWCD 319 Mill Creek Technician, presented the award. Chase has had the pleasure of working with Spiess on a Water Quality Management Plan through the Mill Creek Watershed Protection Plan, which he has been an advocate for. She was able to assist him in drilling a well, installing a storage tank, water lines, and troughs to supply water to his cattle. In addition to providing cross-fencing to support rotational grazing, he has an active EQIP contract with NRCS that includes another well, pipelines, and troughs for cattle. He also placed second in last year’s Austin County Hay Show “other grasses” category with Tifton 85, which he is working to improve for this year’s show. He has been a leader in our community through several other organizations. The Austin County SWCD thanks him for his commitment to the community and continued commitment to conservation. Pictured above: The Spiess family. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Frydek Catholic Daughters at St. Mary’s recently elected new CDA Officers for the 2022-2024 term. They were installed in Wallis with Sealy and Wallis officers by District Deputy #28 Cynthia Grigar and Deacon Ben Munguia. Seated (left to right) are Vice Regent Emily Hillsman and Regent Cathy Ondruch. Standing (left to right) are Treasurer Doris Sodolak, Recording Secretary Cindy Gassner, and Financial Secretary Emma Reichardt. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Best Vet Clinic for 2022 according to Austin County voters is Sealy Animal Hospital. Pictured from left to right: Cassie Carle, Polly Rosberg, and Ashley Rosberg.

Austin County Judge Tim Lapham and Sealy Mayor Carolyn Bilski promote Road Ranger’s donation to Meals on Wheels as part of the Grand Opening Ceremony of the new truck stop on Wednesday, June 22. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Kathy’s Korner has re-opened its restaurant as of June 27. The hours of operation are 6 a.m.

Even though summer is just starting, families in Austin County should “SAVE THE DATE” for the Annual Back to School Health and Resource Fair. The event will take place on Thursday, July 21, at Sealy Elementary School, located at FM 2187 in Sealy, from 10 a.m. until Noon. Backpacks and school supplies will be given out on a first come, first serve basis (K-12) on behalf of WoodmenLife of Sealy and the Austin County FCS Advisory Board. Several free screenings and resources will be available for children and adults.

Brooklyn, 9, and Kyndal, 6, Bettis put the finishing touches on their wagon for the children’s wagon parade at the beginning of the Red, White, and Free festival at the Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville on Monday. This was the first year for this event, which was sponsored by Kristen Tondera in honor of her late husband, who passed away on July 4 last year. The event featured live music, food vendors, inflatables, fireworks, and other activities. RAE DRADY

The Emotions gave a high-energy performance for the crowd at Mynarik Park Sunday, July 3. The attendance for Wallis’ July 4 event may have been the best in the five years it has taken place. PHOTOS BY RAE DRADY

Christian City Fellowship, on Highway 36 North of Sealy, held a July 4 celebration Monday which featured many inflatables for kids, as well as live music and free bomb pops. RAE DRADY.