Local News

Residents came out in droves to pack the Wallis City Hall Council Chambers last Wednesday and confront the council about rumors that the Wallis Police Department was at risk of being defunded. One after another, concerned residents voiced their opinion and pleaded with the council to see their perspective.

Starting Sept. 1, eligible Texans over 21 years old will no longer need a license to carry a handgun, concealed or openly.

In mid-June, Governor Greg Abbott signed a host of gun-related bills, including House Bill 1927 that will waive the license and training requirement for citizens not otherwise prohibited from purchasing firearms like people with domestic violence or felony convictions.

The Sealy News is moving to a new location.

The weekly newspaper will continue publication but will be created from a new office once the building at 193 Schmidt Road is sold.

“We have loved our time on Schmidt Road and look forward to producing the same quality coverage of local news, sports and entertainment from a new office,” General Manager Amy Lieb said.

Hans Lammeman was hired as a government reporter for The Sealy News at the end of July and started Aug. 4.

To begin the week, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) estimated there were 129 active cases of COVID-19 in Austin County, a 26-case increase from the start of the previous week. County Judge Tim Lapham said there was one fatality the first two weeks of the month which brought the total number of COVID-related fatalities to 39.

To begin the new school year, Sealy High School welcomed new staff committed to the school’s mission of ensuring high levels of learning for all. Among the new employees who hope to positively impact their students are Assistant Principal Jason Levin and agriculture teacher Morgan Ognoskie.

Austin County EMS announced Sunday the passing of recently hired paramedic Michael Dodd. He was 23 years old. EMS Chief Walter Morrow said the Katy native died at his home Saturday morning off duty and as of press time, no cause of death had been announced.

Wednesday, Aug. 11, long-time Wallis resident Doris Jones finally returned to her property after the Texas General Land Office finished construction on her new house after the previous home flooded twice and sustained further damage during February’s Winter Storm Uri.