RT-C 4-H Club Hosting Valentine Bingo

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News 

The Round Top-Carmine 4-H Club will be holding their annual Valentine Bingo on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Round Top Rifle Association Hall. This event is free and open to the public. The 4-H program offers this fun event as a community service project. It is free to attend and participants can win prizes. The community is encouraged to attend.

RT-C Education Foundation The Round Top-Carmine Education Foundation’s annual “Small School, Big Hearts” fundraising event will be held at the Round Top Rifle Assoc. Hall on Feb. 7. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Dinner will be available for eat-in or take-out from 5-6 p.m. The meal will include a delicious barbecue brisket and sausage plate catered by the Round Top Rifle Association. Desserts will be available through a separate dessert silent auction.

A live auction will be held with Lee Fritsch serving as the auctioneer, followed by a fun family dance party with DJ Todd Wellmann.

A silent auction featuring a large variety of items will be held, as well. For those supporters wishing to start early bidding, the silent auction will go live online on Jan. 31.

Table sponsorships for this event are still available and can be purchased through rtceducationfoundation. org under the “Event Tickets” heading. Individual meal tickets are $20 and can be purchased at local schools, banks, or online, also.

The public is invited to attend this event. All money raised will be used to support the art, music, and technology programs for the students of RT-C, and for innovative teacher grants.

A fun addition to the evening will be the RT-C students’ solar car, which will be on display. The students are building the car to compete in the Solar Car Challenge, a national competition for high school students.

Round Top-Carmine ISD On Friday, Jan. 30, Concordia will travel to RT-C for Varsity Girls and Varsity Boys Basketball games beginning at 5 p.m. During this same evening on Jan. 30, the RTC High School Parents night and Senior night will take place between the girls’ and boys’ games.

The Senior athletes and their families will be honored for their dedication, hard work, and years of commitment to the RT-C basketball program.

On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Dime Box will travel to RT-C for Varsity Girls and Varsity Boys Basketball games beginning at 5 p.m.

On Thursday, Feb. 5, the RT-C Junior High girls and boys will travel to Buckholts for games beginning at 5 p.m.

RT-Shelby Hermann Sons President Lila Garlin opened the Hermann Sons Life monthly meeting on Jan. 22 at the American Legion Hall near Round Top with the Pledge of Allegiance. Round Top has added a new member, bringing the total membership to 638, which includes Shelby Lodge.

An invoice with an increased cost for hall rental was received from the American Legion. Lila Garlin will consult the secretary-treasurer, and the decision will be deferred until February.

Memorials received for Dan Marek and Elgene Eckermann will be given to the Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter. CASA sent a beautiful thank you letter for recent donations. Members who receive Christmas cards, birthday cards and sympathy cards were listed. Members were also encouraged to attend the Round Top-Carmine Education Foundation fundraiser at the Round Top Rifle Hall on Feb. 7. A monetary donation of support will be sent.

Linda Mattocks reported the need for an updated listing of all members’ cell phone numbers since most no longer have land lines.

Earl Fenske, Linda Mattocks, and Jeanette Schoenst were chosen as delegates for the San Marcos convention on April 27-28.

Happy Birthday wishes went to Jeanette Hancock for Jan. 25 and Barton Garlin for Jan. 28.

The mystery prize from the Christmas party was a hot chocolate gift set won by Melanie Rauch. Attendance prizes were won by Myrt Meinkowsky, Sophie Rauch, Carmen and Valgene Ebner, and La Verne Albers. Members enjoyed a lunch of chicken noodle soup, sandwiches, and a variety of desserts.

The next meeting will be Feb. 26. Members are encouraged to wear red for the Valentine’s celebration.

RT Rifle Association Hall Make plans to attend the Round Top Rifle Association Hall “Monday Night Burgers” in Round Top on Monday, Feb. 2.

The Round Top Rifle Association hosts this “Monday Night Social” on the first, second, and third Mondays of each month for community fellowship.

Volunteers serve classic burgers, hot dogs, breaded chicken sandwiches, along with fries or onion rings. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with burgers served from 6-8 p.m. The hall has an open bar with drinks for sale, including a variety of alcoholic beverages. Homemade desserts are available, as well.

All proceeds benefit the Round Top Rifle Association. The public is always invited to attend.

Schützen Verein Preservation The first fundraising gala of this organization will be held Saturday, Feb. 28. The theme of the event will be “Steins and Stars.” Guests will enjoy a ribeye steak dinner catered by Big Boys Catering, a live auction, and music by The Bandits with dancing.

Goto rtsvp.org to purchase remaining tickets. Profits from this event will go towards the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of the historic Round Top Rifle Hall.

Town of Round Top 

The Town Council meets on the third Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. Meetings are held at Town Hall, 100 Main Street in Round Top. Citizens of Round Top are encouraged and welcome to attend. Agendas are posted at townofroundtoptexas. org at least seventytwo hours prior to the meeting time.

All meeting notices are placed on the message board at the Town Office, 202 North Live Oak Street in Round Top, at least seventy-two hours prior to the meeting time. Town Office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Round Top VFD 

The Round Top VFD is a 501c4, which is a non-profit organization focusing on the “common good and general welfare” of the community. Support is received primarily through donations, along with a small portion of county support.

In 2025, the Round Top VFD responded to 67 fire calls and 22 medical calls. The community is especially fortunate in that five of the men in the Round Top VFD are EMT’s and can perform immediate, basic lifesaving medical care in emergency situations.

The newly elected activeduty officers for the Round Top VFD for 2026 are: Calvin Krause, Fire Chief; Brandon Pieper, Asst. Chief; Ty Clark, Captain-Co.1; Keith Burcalow, Captain-Co. 2, Tyler Copeland, Lieutenant-Co. 1; and Justin Pesch, Lieutenant-Co.2. Administrative Officers for 2026 are: Calvin Krause, President; Brandon Pieper, V.P.; Keith Burcalow, Secretary; Brandon Pieper, Treasurer; Karl Johnson, Chaplain; and Carl Schobel, Investigating Committee Representative. Do Your Duty Round Top Do Your Duty (DYD) Round Top was founded in 1935 by the following seven women: Ella Sacks, Lydia Fricke, Alma Sacks, Alice Von Minden, Stella Schlabach, Gretchen Richter and Lydia Nagel. This historic civic organization dedicated themselves to preserving, beautifying, and maintaining the courthouse square.

Funds were raised through bake sales and the Square Fair. Since then, the organization has evolved, still raising funds to support and give back to the Round Top community and non-profit organizations. DYD also awards scholarships to two graduating seniors at RT-C ISD each year.

The DYD remains vital to the town’s unique cultural preservation. The newly elected officers for 2026 are: Holly Johnson, President; Debbie Koenig, V.P.; Julie Wantland, Treasurer; and Sheri Neeley, Secretary.

Round Top Historical Society The Round Top Area Historical Society will be holding an estate sale on the weekends of Feb. 14-15 and Feb. 21-22. The time on Saturdays will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and the time on Sundays will be 10 a.m.4 p.m. The estate sale will be located at the Round Top Area Historical Society pavilion at 397 E. Mill Street in Round Top. All proceeds will benefit the Historical Society.

Round Top Festival Hill 

A Valentine’s Day Concert will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Festival Concert Hall. Hear Timeless Love Songs from Broadway to Nashville from singer/songwriter Will Lynda and Family. For more info, go to FestivalHill.org.

Shakespeare at Winedale Fayette County and surrounding area residents are being encouraged to get the word out about the Shakespeare at Winedale program. “Ambassadors” encourage Fayette County residents to attend performances by posting on one’s personal social media, making announcements at organizations to which one belongs, and encouraging friends and family to attend performances. Ambassadors get a free t-shirt and a ticket to a summer performance. Email ewatkins@austin.utexas.edu for more information.

Men’s Bible Study Group The Round Top Men’s Bible Study Group meets each Wednesday morning from 7-8 a.m. at the Round Top Coffee Shop on 111 W. Wantke St. in Round Top. The group is currently studying the book of Galatians. Men of all denominations are invited to join their group.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church Rev. John David Nedbalek pastors Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top, which meets for worship on Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

On Feb. 1 from 8:30-9 a.m., donuts and coffee will be served in the Education building prior to worship. All are invited for this monthly time of fellowship. Worship begins in the historic church at 9:30 a.m. with special music by the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Praise Team. This group leads the worship music on the first Sunday of each month.

The talented musical group, which was originally formed almost twenty years ago, is now comprised of: Lanette Williams on bass guitar, John Bone on guitar, Sarah Makowsky on guitar, and vocalists Cathy Gau, Carlyn Hall, Jeanette Shepherd, Diane Tovey, and Susan Weyand.

“Noisy offering” also recurs on the first Sunday of each month. A “noisy offering” is a where the children collect spare change from the congregation in metal buckets, creating a loud, joyful noise.

RT Christian Fellowship Round Top Church Christians Fellowship, led by Pastor Matthew Diehl, meets at 8:45 a.m. for Bible Study, followed by a 10 a.m. service. They are located at 440 E. Mill Street in Round Top.

St. Cecilia’s Episcopal Church William B. “Father Bill” Miller is the founder and priest of Saint Cecilia’s Round Top. Saint Cecilia’s currently meets Sundays at 8:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at the Haw Creek Chapel in Henkel Square.

info@stcecilias.org.

On Saturday, Jan. 31, the community is invited to join “Father Bill” for a book signing, reading and reception at Houston’s Morrow Chapel at Trinity Episcopal Church from 2 - 3 p.m. His book, “The Gospel According to Sam, 20th Anniversary Edition” presents a humorous collection of animal-centered reflections featuring Sam Houston, the earless, fearless Airedale and other beloved four-legged creatures who deliver heartfelt meditations on life and faith.

Trinity Episcopal is located at 1015 Holman in Houston. Parking is free. Text (713) 261-0786 with any questions.

St. John’s Lutheran Church St. John’s is part of the Shared Lutheran Ministry of Fayette County. Jen Kindsvatter serves as the lead pastor.

On Feb. 1, the congregation will be celebrating 25 years of shared ministry with a joint worship service at 10 a.m. at the SPJST Hall in Fayetteville. The St. Paul Praise Band will provide special music. Following the 10 a.m. worship service, there will be live and silent auctions, a kid’s raffle, bounce house, face painting, a cakewalk, and a catered meal.

St. Martin’s Catholic Church The world’s smallest Catholic church, St. Martin’s, celebrates mass monthly on the first Tuesday of each month at 8 a.m. for the intentions left on the altar. The church is open daily and is located one mile east of Warrenton at 3490 Hwy. 237, Round Top.

St. Paul Lutheran Church St. Paul Lutheran Church in Shelby, pastored by Rev. John David Nedbalek, holds Sunday morning worship services at 8 a.m. Fellowship, coffee, and Sunday School follow at 9:30 a.m. Game Day is held the first Wednesday at 2 p.m. Quilting is held the third Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.

Celebrations 

Happy birthdays to Misty Archibeque-Jan. 31, Curtis Duke-Jan. 31, Hunter Schobel- Feb. 1, Brenda Budell-Feb. 2, Kathy Bishop–Feb. 3, Scott Schultz–Feb. 4, Morgan Boyd-Feb. 5, Tytan Sanders-Feb. 6, Ed Ellis–Feb. 6. Happy Anniversary to Chris & Emily Siemsglusz-Feb. 3.

Have news? 

Round Top, Shelby, & Warrenton area, please send any announcements, notices, news, birthdays, or anniversaries you wish to have announced at least two weeks in advance to SherryPen@icloud.com.