News

With multiple days of triple digit temperatures in the past week, and minimal to no chances for rain until at least next week, the current drought conditions in Austin County continue to worsen. This affects residents and businesses in a variety of ways and has an impact on the local economy.

Court Our Lady of Faith #2607 at St. Mary’s Church in Frydek, awarded scholarships to five 2022 Sealy High School graduates May 22. Left to right: Daniel Eschenburg, Logan Eschenburg, Connor Krenek, Doris Sodolak (Treasurer), Nicholas Reichardt, Ike Konvicka and Cathy Ondruch (Regent). “We are proud of each graduate and especially of the Five 2022 Top Ten Sealy Graduates who happen to be members of St. Mary’s Church in Frydek,” said Court Our Lady of Faith #2607 Treasurer Doris Sodolak.

Chris Krenek pictured of Krenek Construction was chosen by Austin County voters as best home remodeler for 2022. The Best Disposal/Trash Service for 2022 according to Austin County voters is M&M Disposal.

The new Third Saturday Farmers’ Market was approved to take place again in July and August by the Sealy City Council during their July 5 meeting. Portions of Main Street and Fowlkes Street near the traffic circle intersection will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the event.

President of Sealy Community Foundation Melanie Willingham says she’s not sure yet exactly how much money this year’s Sealybration raised for scholarships for local students but expressed gratitude to the city departments and all the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, performers, and visitors who made this year’s event possible.

A new natural gas pipeline will be constructed through Austin County beginning in April of 2023. Land rights are currently being negotiated with Austin County residents for the necessary right of way by Norfleet Land Services.

The Wallis KJZT Society #22 presented the KJZT Family Life Fraternal‘s check to the Knox Memorial Library in Wallis to help fund the Summer Reading Program. The check was presented by Rebecca Colson and given to librarian Melissa McFarlane. Left to right: Adela Wadephul, Rebecaa Colson, Melissa McFarlane and Stephaniah Phillips. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Austin County Soil & Water Conservation District held its 2022 Appreciation Banquet on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Concordia Hall. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Charles Goeke. The invocation was given by Brad Kieschnick, NRCS District Conservationist. At the banquet the Austin County SWCD #347 2022 Conservation Rancher Award was presented to John & Lori Spiess. Brad Kieschnick, NRCS District Conservationist, and Faith Chase, Austin County SWCD 319 Mill Creek Technician, presented the award. Chase has had the pleasure of working with Spiess on a Water Quality Management Plan through the Mill Creek Watershed Protection Plan, which he has been an advocate for. She was able to assist him in drilling a well, installing a storage tank, water lines, and troughs to supply water to his cattle. In addition to providing cross-fencing to support rotational grazing, he has an active EQIP contract with NRCS that includes another well, pipelines, and troughs for cattle. He also placed second in last year’s Austin County Hay Show “other grasses” category with Tifton 85, which he is working to improve for this year’s show. He has been a leader in our community through several other organizations. The Austin County SWCD thanks him for his commitment to the community and continued commitment to conservation. Pictured above: The Spiess family. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO