News

The Austin County Retired Teachers Association met on May 8 at Tony’s Restaurant in Sealy. After a delicious meal, President Janet Montgomery opened the business meeting and welcomed all guests, current members, and new and prospective members. Shirley Thompson gave the invocation, and members said the pledges to the flags.

Do you think you have the best vegetables or the biggest tomato? The Horticulture Committee of Austin County, Linseisen’s Feed & Supply, and Nelson’s Plant Food are pleased to present the Home-Grown Vegetable Contest and Program being hosted on Saturday, June 7. Show off the prize-winning vegetables from your garden.

The Bluebonnet Master Gardeners of Austin County are pleased to present a Bonus “Lunch-N- Learn” edition to the Spring series to be hosted on the third Tuesday in June. This presentation is dedicated to Disaster Readiness: Home Prep. The speaker will cover comprehensive home planning for a storm or disaster. Learn what types of disasters could happen in our area, how to prepare for each, and how to protect your family when a disaster occurs. Attendees will be provided with go/stay checklists to help them assemble an emergency kit. Our presenter will be Stephen Burnett, Texas A&M AgriLife Disaster, Assessment & Recovery Specialist.

Faith Academy high school students, faculty, and families enjoyed a night of celebrating the students for academics and athletics during the annual Faith Academy Awards held on May 12 in the Beth Keaton Gymnasium. The evening began with a catered dinner by Ben’s Chuck Wagon and then to start off the evening, David Kuespert was introduced and recognized with a plaque and a special thank-you for years of dedication to the Faith Academy Board of Directors. As his last of three daughters is graduating from Faith, he too will ‘graduate’ this year.

With the 89th Texas Legislative Session coming to a close in less than two weeks on Sine Day, Monday, June 2, the Texas House and Senate are still trying to compromise on multiple proposals, including those aimed at school funding.

The wife of an Austin County inmate who died in custody has filed lawsuit against the Austin County sheriff's department, Sheriff Jack Brandes and the county jail. The lawsuit was filed March 10 in the 133rd District Court of Harris County is seeking $250,000 in monetary damages due to the death of Quincy Williams.

Graduation season is in full swing as another wave of budding young adults spread their wings and take flight, putting a close to their primary school years. High schools across both Austin County and Colorado County are set to have their graduation ceremonies take place this week, celebrating their students’ milestones of finally receiving their high school diplomas.

As another Memorial Day looms closer, we remember and honor those who have died serving our nation in its darkest hours. Originating after the first national observance in 1868 following the American Civil War, the name was changed to “Memorial Day” after World War I and was officially declared a national holiday in 1971.

Austin County authorities arrested a 73-year-old man on child pornography charges recently. Austin County Sheriff’s office deputies arrested Maurice Newman, 73, on an active warrant for possession of child pornography.

Bellville Lions Club will install new system to upgrade historic event space Suggested cutline: LCRA and city of Bellville representatives present a $24,700 grant to the Bellville Lions Club for a new energy-efficient air conditioning system at Concordia Hall. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Kate Ramzinski, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Jason Smalley, club vice president and City of Bellville police chief; Leigh Ann Schultz, club second vice president; Michael Coopersmith, club president; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board member; StephenF.Cooper,LCRABoard chair; Edwin Leudke, club director; Jimmy Brashear, club property director; and David Cessna, club third vice president.