Washington Co. Lifts Its Mask Ordinance

Giddings Times & News

Washington County has become the first in the surrounding area to not require citizens to wear face masks in public places unless certain stores or other businesses specifically require one to be worn. Other area counties that have sent the State requests to lift the mask mandate, include Fayette, Colorado, and Austin County, but none have put the no face-coverings order into effect. Lee County Judge Paul Fischer said that he isn’t going to file for the exemption from Gov. Greg Abbott’s mandatory mask order at this time. He said he would look into doing it early next year, but not with flu season directly ahead and the upcoming holiday season.

The 80th Annual National Open Retriever Championships will be held on various properties around Giddings from Nov. 7 through Nov. 14. At least 56 dogs have qualified for the event and they will be accompanied by handlers and owners from across the country and Canada. Giddings and Lee County have become one of the five top dog training areas in the country and it is estimated that over 5,000 acres are dedicated to dog training within a 70-mile radius.

The Banner-Press (Columbus)

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit some local governments in the Tri-County region harder than others, with the city of Sealy learning that the city’s reserve fund now contains less than one full month of operating capital. Before the pandemic’s onset, the city had approximately 90 days of operating funds in reserves.

Burleson County Tribune

John Wayne Stewart, 40 of Somerville, was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge in connection with the January 2017 death of Emily Hacker, a Milam County woman. Stewart received an 18-years prison sentence on the second-degree felony charge. Stewart pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement. Four others have been sentenced to prison for their parts in the murder, including 33-year old Edward Brannon Barry of Caldwell and 33-year old Candice Jones, who were each sentenced to 50 years behind bars on first-degree murder charges. Hacker, 34, was reported missing on January 19, 2017. She was found about 10 days later her burned and beaten body was found in a shallow grave in the Lyons area.

The Brenham Banner-Press

A Burton family is claiming their children were bullied after they told classmates they voted for Joe Biden in an elementary school mock election. Ryan Moore says after he voted for Biden he was attacked during lunch. Mikayla Moore says she was verbally bullied by classmates over her vote. Kamarrie Moore says she was struck from behind following a P.E. class. Lakendra Dixon says she’s pulled her children from school as she wants the district to address the issue. Dixon says she’s seeking more unity in, what she calls “difficult days.” She says she’d like to see someone talk to the classes and not let the vote come between them. Burton ISD Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy issued a statement saying they prioritize student safety on all campuses and said students were allowed to voluntarily and confidentially record their presidential vote. The family says they want to have a meeting with Burton ISD officials to address the issues.

What the Neighbors Are Talking About

A look at what’s making news just over the county line.