Kolache Fest Returns; Eagle Lake Murders
Burleson County Tribune
Caldwell welcomed back the Kolache Festival last Saturday after a two year absence, drawing a somewhat lighter crowd than usual, but organizers and those attending called it success. The 2020 festival was canceled due to COVID-19, but the festival returned this year with vendors, plenty of live music, dancing and the always popular bake show contest.
The Bellville Times
Bellville Medical Center recently welcomed David Benaud from CBS to report on the plight of rural hospitals everywhere. With the recent surge of COVID-19 cases, rural hospitals are desperately seeking ICU beds for their emergency room patients. The story was picked up by many stations.
The Weimar Mercury
Two murders, approximately an hour apart from each other, took place in Eagle Lake and Columbus early morning, Sept. 10. On Friday, Sept. 10, at 2:05 a.m., the Columbus Police Department to a report of a gunshot victim. It was determined that unknown suspect(s) fired multiple shots at the male victim. At 3:04 a.m., Sept. 10, a drive-by took place at the 500 block of Stephens Street in Eagle Lake, that left one man dead.
Giddings Times & News
City Manager Spencer Schneider announced at the Giddings Council meeting that a new police chief has been named to replace Haril Walpole, who is retiring at the end of this month. William Weems, who served as an officer at the Giddings Police Department before being promoted to Sergeant last November, has now been promoted to the top position of Police Chief.
Washington Co. Banner Press
Washington County, Burton and Brenham all saw increase in their sales tax rebates this month compared to 2020 figures. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced last week that he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $925.1 million in local sales tax allocations for September, 20.9% more than in Sept. 2020.
Hallettsville Tribune-Herald
Katheryn Kostelnik, daughter of Todd and Jennifer Loudon, and the late Tim Kostelnik, was crowned Miss Hallettsville of the 2021 Royal Court during the Miss Hallettsville Scholarship Pageant.
New Ulm Enterprise
The Austin County Commissioners Court approved the budget and tax rate for the 2021-22 fiscal year during the Monday morning meeting at the courthouse. The budget, which includes $19,204,511 for the general fund, and the overall tax rate of $0.56743 per $100 valuation, both passed by 3-1 votes.
Lexington Leader
On Monday teachers and staff at Lexington ISD learned that Bryan Ladd, who has been acting as the Interim Superintendent of Schools, was resigning his position at LISD to pursue another opportunity.
East Bernard Express
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 226 in East Bernard added a footnote to Texas history when members elected the first male to serve as their president. Michael Dusek was officially elected in May, and will serve as president for the 2021-2022 term.
Wharton Journal Spectator
Nearly five percent of WISD students are online. There are 83 students and 12 teachers who are quarantined.