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Texans from Lubbock to Longview shivered under single-digit temperatures as their week began, with snow and ice creating dangerous road conditions throughout the state. Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for all 254 Texas counties and urged residents to stay alert to changing weather conditions. The Texas Division of Emergency Management deployed resources from various state agencies to prepare roadways, assist motorists, remove downed trees and perform search-and-rescue operations if necessary.

As of late January, the construction of the Villa de Austin replica village has reached Substantial Completion. Over the next several months, finishing details will be tackled and furnishings will be made and installed.

As the Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF) wrapped up the year following the 46th season of the festival, several staffing changes were made filling multiple vacancies within the TRF office. Patrick Coveney has been promoted to General Manager and will be working directly with owner George Coulam.

Cast Iron Winery took advantage of the landscape that made for a picturesque entrance to the operation earlier in the week. Courtesy photos Olivia Trevino took advantage of the snow to make some memories at Briarwood Estates in Sealy earlier this week.

Despite the freezing temperatures over the weekend, the Austin County Firefighters Association hosted an annual training session at Heitmann Memorial Training Facility in Bellville where volunteer firefighters from Austin, Colorado and Waller County went through training exercises to learn changing strategies and tactics as well as technology of fire service. Sealy Fire Chief Kenny Willingham said six Sealy firefighters attended the training.

Amanda Luksha, originally from Houston, recently moved back to Texas and took over as advertising representative of The Sealy News. A member of Cypress Ridge High School’s Class of 2006, Luksha spent three years in San Diego, CA and seven years in Jacksonville, NC.

Last week, JR Minyard was presented a retirement badge and plaque from the Austin County Sheriff’s Office that celebrated 13 years of dedicated service to Austin County. He was thanked for his guidance, devotion and friendship. Contributed photo

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