News

Earlier in April, the Austin County Leadership Advisory Board (LAB) hosted its Annual Meeting in Sealy, Texas at the American Legion Hall. The Leadership Advisory Board was created in 2006 to assist the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in developing a long-term vision for their educational programs.

Tri-County ER Community Coordinator Renee Poulter and BMC Marketing Director Nancy Dornon (photographer) met with Russ Rainwater, Sealy EDC Executive Director Kimbra Hill, Austin County EMS Chief Walter Morrow and Sealy Mayor Carolyn Bilski (not pictured) to discuss current and future healthcare needs in the south end of Austin County. The collaboration was very active and productive. Leaders in Sealy, as well as residents in the entire county, will soon have the opportunity to weigh in on those same healthcare issues as part of Bellville Medical Center’s upcoming Community Health Needs Assessment. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Election season is heating up for some and winding down for the 442 voters who already hit the polls in Sealy and Bellville for the May 1 general election, according to early voting data provided on city and school district websites.

The Sealy Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever Springtime in the Country event was held April 24 at Texas Premier Sporting Arms and had hot led, hot rides and hot peppers available for all. Vendor booths were set up around the chili cook-off teams for visitors to sample the best chili in town while getting some shopping done.

At last Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Sealy City Council at the Hill Center, Austin County Judge Tim Lapham told the council that residents have approached him imploring the city “to just follow their own rules” when it comes to new subdivisions.

To begin the week, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) had a record of 1,763 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Austin County, 18 more than last week, and an estimated 21 active cases, 10 fewer than last week. COVID-19 related fatalities in the county have remained at 34 since March 22.

The National Weather Service has issued Tornado Watch 99 in effect until 9 PM CDT this evening.

As the nation celebrates Earth Day 2021, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) estimates that there could be 150,000 or more abandoned or deteriorated water wells statewide posing safety hazards and contributing to groundwater pollution.

The Sealy FFA Land Judging Team claimed the area championship thanks in part to Cameron Hein who finished first high individual. Brayden Ashorn registered fourth, Rylan Reichardt earned sixth and Lane Miller also helped the team place second overall across eight Areas. Pictured from left to right are Hein, Reichardt, Ashorn and Miller. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS