Lots Happening in Fayetteville

“The Fayette County Record had reported the February sales tax numbers for Fayetteville being up 85%, but that is because of the first, what is termed a ‘non-ordinary event,’ that occurred in February 2023,” stated City Councilman Cade Burks. “The next few months will begin showing Fayetteville down by a large percentage, and on an annual basis, 2024 will be down by approximately 45% because of the second non-ordinary event in March/ April 2023.

“For comparison purposes, it would be much more indicative of Fayetteville’s sales tax health to compare the 2024 numbers to the 2022 receipts. These numbers are included in the 2023 figures.”

The following are additional updates to some of the City’s activities:

• The state mandated the City to install a backup generator at our water plant. The generator will be shipped in June, installed in the next few months and will be paid for by American Rescue Plan (ARP) grants received by the City and from an ARP grant received from the County.

• The Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce has had a very good year with great participation in Lickskillet, the Country Christmas Home Tour and parade. Many thanks to volunteers and to everyone who supported the events.

• The City and County are working together on an expansion of our recycling program to include cardboard and possibly plastic compactors later this year. Funds will come from both parties.

Jurecka Joins Council 

“My brother and I enjoyed spending a lot of time in Fayetteville growing up with my grandparents, Lad and Olga Jurecka. And I’ve always wanted to retire in Fayetteville,” stated Allen Jurecka, a recent addition to the City Council. Jurecka retired from the FBI a little over a year ago, having served for thirty-four years. “I admired my grandparents involvement here. For that reason and for a variety of others, I want to give back to this community. My grandfather and F.C. Knippel served as city marshals back in the day.” Jurecka and his wife, Lori Beth, own Roline’s, a quaint bed and breakfast in town. Both are deeply committed to serving Fayetteville. The couple has three married sons, one grandchild, and one on the way.

Election Day 

On primary election day, Tuesday, March 5, you can vote in the City of Fayetteville meeting room.

Food Drive 

Many thanks to everyone that contributed to the Texas Exes food drive.

Bicycle Ride 

So much is going on in this town in the next few days and weeks. The third annual Rock ’n Road 100 bicycle ride will be held here this Saturday. For more on the ride, go to https:// www.rocknroad100.com.

Music Series 

The biannual Fayetteville Courthouse Music Series is being held every Tuesday in March at the historic Fayetteville courthouse. It’s presented by ARTS and many very generous sponsors. The series promotes live music and raises money for the courthouse. Bring your lawn chair or a blanket, tips for the musicians and a picnic dinner. Or support one of the restaurants on the square. These Tuesday nights are fun for the whole family or a group of friends. It is free of charge.

Here’s the lineup of talented musicians: Tuesday, March 5: Marcus Eldridge Tuesday, March 12: Robynn Shayne Tuesday, March 19: Walt Wilkins & Chris Berardo Tuesday, March 26: Alex Meixner Song Swap

Announcing the kickoff of an acoustic Song Swap at ARTS Gallery this Sunday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Doors open at 2:15 p.m. Mark your calendar to join this casual get together on the first Sunday of every month at the same time to hear a rotation of great musicians. This Sunday, Mike Stroup and Bud Bierhaus will perform original music, bluegrass, and folk. Bud is an award-winning songwriter and guitarist. Both musicians have a history of playing bluegrass and other acoustic music genres. Admission is free. Tip opportunities are available for the musicians and for support of ARTS. Some beverages are available or BYOB.

Art Opening 

Come meet William Anzalone at the Red & White Gallery for an art opening this Saturday from 4-7 p.m. The latest exhibit of his work, entitled William Anzalone: New Paintings, centers around his exploration of the landscape encompassing his Round Top studio.

CDA Fundraiser 

Remember that also this Sunday, the CDA (Catholic Daughters of the Americas) Court No. 1440 is holding their annual fundraiser, which includes a barbecue pork meal, a bake sale, and a raffle. Get your meal ticket (only sold in advance) and purchase raffle tickets from a church member, at the church office, at the bank, or after weekend Masses at St. John or St. Mary. The first prize in the raffle is a quilt now on display at the bank.

Church News 

Recently the parishes of St. John and St. Mary sent one catechumen, Allyson Campos, to the Diocese of Austin Rite of Election, where the bishop welcomed about 400 catechumens from throughout the diocese. Campos has been preparing to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist in the Catholic Church this Easter. After the Rite of Election, they are called “the elect,” since they have been elected by the Church to become members.

St. Paul Lutheran holds services on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Worship services at Fayetteville Brethren are held on the second, third and fourth Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. An adult Bible Study is held before the worship service from 9 to 9:45 a.m.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fayetteville holds Mass Saturdays at 6 p.m., and Sunday’s at 10 a.m.

St. Mary Catholic Church in Ellinger holds Mass on Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sunday’s at 8 a.m.

Celebrations 

Happy Birthday wishes are extended to: Violet Krenek-1; Jeanne Schilling and Glen Bertsch-2; Sean Merritt and Randy Noviskie-3; Theodore Belota and Theron Belota-4; Luke Korenek-5.

Have News? 

The deadline for sending news for this weekly column is every Sunday morning. Email: newsinfayetteville@gmail.com.