Lafayette Masonic Lodge has had a fantastic 2025. Most residents of Fayette County know the Lodge building which stands at the top of the hill on 77 as you head south into town, but few know the quiet work the members have done since 1847. As one of the oldest organizations in Fayette County 2025 saw a continuation of the renaissance we have been enjoying over the last several years.

In 2025, Precinct 4 made significant progress in improving our county’s infrastructure. We reworked 7.45 miles of roadway, which included removing base material and applying two layers of chip seal. In additional, we seal-coated 12.3 miles of road, bringing the total of 19.75 miles of roadway enhanced for safer travel.

In September, we began to demolish the culverts on Mach Rd. This road is a dead end that, during flooding, will trap 35 to 40 families due to the low water crossing. Major drainage repair was performed, and 6 barrel 10’ x 6’ x 24” bridge was installed. The cost of this project was $187,000. This new bridge will ensure that residents of Mach Rd. have a safe way to travel during a major flood event.

Precinct 2 has had a very successful 2025, completing several major infrastructure improvement projects, facilities and equipment upgrades, and implementing proactive maintenance plans, all while staying within our annual budget. These accomplishments reflect careful planning, long-term coordination, and active oversight to ensure projects were completed efficiently, safely, and responsibly.

The Road and Bridge Department of Precinct One has experienced another productive and successful year. Although Precinct One operates with the smallest budget, our team remains committed to maximizing every dollar while delivering quality work both on and off our county roads. We understand the importance of staying within budget while also planning responsibly for the future of Fayette County.

The Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce will conduct a local food survey in Fayette and Colorado Counties in the coming new year. The survey will be sent to residents in both counties on Jan. 15.

The Fayette County Commissioners Court held their final meeting of the year on Monday, Dec. 22.

La Grange City offices will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in observance of New Year’s Day. The week of December 29-Jan. 2 is garbage week only. Waste Management will also have a holiday on Thursday. If you normally get your garbage picked up on Thursday, it will be picked up on Friday. If you normally get your garbage picked up on Friday, it will be picked up on Saturday. For more information, visit www.cityoflg.com, City of La Grange’s Facebook page, or call (979) 968-5805.

On Sunday, December 14, the Round Top Area Historical Society honored longtime community member and generous benefactor Carl Jaehne with a celebration marking his upcoming 100th birthday on January 10.

Note: These obits appeared after the Those Who Left Us in 2024 was published. December 2024 Stephen Mark Haschke , Leonard Baca, and Bernard John Okru..