Local News

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is preparing a study for a potential highway corridor connecting SH 36/I-69 southwest of Rosenberg northward to US 290/SH 6 north of Hempstead. The purpose of the project is to (1) address anticipated mobility/congestion issues based on projected growth, (2) improve north/south freight movement, (3) improve north/south system linkage/ connectivity and (4) improve safety and increase hurricane evacuation route capacity within the study area and region.

The following students were recognized for their academic efforts and perfect attendance at Faith Academy Bellville’s recent chapel service.

Selected Faith Academy Elementary and Junior High Students participated in the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Math Olympics in March. These students took four rounds of tests, each 11 minutes long. These scores were submitted to ACSI and ranked among the whole ACSI Area. Faith Academy is proud of all students who participated in ACSI Math Olympics and all their accomplishments.

The Sealy Police Department answered the Governor’s “statewide call” to pay respects to Trooper Chad Walker last Thursday. In solidarity with all of the brothers and sisters of The Texas Department of Public Safety, SPD honored and mourned Walker, who died of multiple gunshot wounds he suffered while on duty when he stopped to assist a driver near Mexia March 26. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Bellville’s newest Chief of Police, Jason Smalley, was sworn in by City Attorney Charlie Smith March 31 in the council chambers. Smalley took over for Larry Matthews who had been the Bellville Chief since 2003 and had over 46 years of experience.

In the rematch of a first responders slow-pitch softball game a year in the making, the Bellville Police Department softball team beat the Bellville Fire/EMS softball team 9-5 in an exhibition match that kicked off the annual Guns N’ Hoses Softball Tournament.

Austin County Judge Tim Lapham and City of Sealy officials clashed over plats that were seeking approval during a special joint meeting of the Sealy City Council and Planning Commission March 30 at the Hill Center.

Spring Break packed in a world of opportunities for Sealy FFA Tigers raising livestock to show at the major stock shows. Students spend months dedicated to the success of preparing, training, and feeding their livestock projects to be competitive in the show rings of the largest and most prestigious stock shows in the world. After last year’s cancellations, this year’s efforts by the students in the Sealy FFA exhibited not only livestock but also resilience as they navigated major stock showmanship during the pandemic. Showcasing the unstoppable spirit of determination and passion for agriculture, the Tigers elevated this year’s season to a historic level as the show season continues throughout the Spring.

The Sealy High School One Act Play group recently earned first place from the bi-district competition and earned a spot at Regionals thanks to outstanding performers. In the bi-district In the bi-district round, Sealy competed against District 23 and 24 representatives and earned the best performer, best overall crew, had four all-star honorees and three more honorable mention all-star cast members.

City officials are getting ready to feel the brunt of residents’ anger as gas bills are starting to arrive with higher bills caused by usage during Winter Storm Uri in mid-February. In social media posts, Sealy residents are venting their frustrations over the city’s handling of the gas usage and now bills for that usage during the winter storm.