Local News

Austin County Emergency Medical Services held a special pinning ceremony filled with celebration, recognition, and a few surprises, June 17, in Bellville. Chief Morrow and Assistant Chief Ritchey proudly promoted Paramedic FTO Cole Taylor, Paramedic FTO Naftali Krauss, and Paramedic FTO Cory Neptune to the rank of Lieutenant.

WALLIS — Trustees with the Brazos Independent School District are moving forward with a revised $6.8 million Prop B bid package focused on improving baseball and softball facilities. The school board members June 24 approved the scaled-back proposal, which was approved by the electorate during a bond referendum May 2025.

AUSTIN — The City of Sealy continued its strong sales tax performance in June, with year-todate collections nearing an 80% increase over the same period last year, according to figures released by Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock.

Check out The Sealy News' roundup of America's 250th birthday celebrations in Sealy, Bellville, Wallis, San Felipe, Cat Spring and New Ulm!

SEALY — Hundreds of residents turned out for the fourth annual All for One Festival on June 27 at East Foundation Park, enjoying a full day of free family entertainment. The festival featured water slides, carnival rides, train rides, inflatable attractions, food vendors, music and activities for children of all ages.

Austin County commissioners approved a $4.19 million contract with Environmental Allies for the final phase of the Allen’s Creek stormwater mitigation project, Monday, June 22. The initiative is part of a larger flood-control effort funded through a $45.8 million grant from the Texas General Land Office.

Sealy Police Chief Russell Grimes introduced new officers, commended staff for promotions and advancements and accepted donations to support the new K-9 program during the Tuesday, June 16 Sealy City Council meeting.

An investigation by the Bellville Police Department landed a 31-year-old man behind bars charged with online solicitation of a minor. Anthony Phearse of Bellville remained Monday in the Austin County Jail on two counts of the second degree felony in lieu of posting a $300,000 bond, according to court records.

The Sealy Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Gimmie Some Sweets as its Business of the Month on June 3, honoring the bakery's four years of service to the community. While the award recognizes the business's success, owner Tasha Jackson said the journey to get there was anything but easy.

A recent state-approved tax exemption, which includes the ExxonMobil pipeline, has Brazos Independent School District officials scaling back on Prop B projects. During a Monday, June 22 town hall meeting at Brazos Middle School, district administrators said the pipeline, previously valued at $140 million in taxable property value, recently received a 100% tax exemption from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.