The former mayor of Smithville, Scott Saunders, Jr., was arrested on sexual assault of a child charges Monday, according to the city. Even though he won re-election in November, Saunders resigned in January, saying he wanted to take time to focus on his family, business and mental health after having a difficult 2020. According to court records, the charges stem from alleged incidents in June 2010 and May 2015.

American Legion Shelby Post 602 honored Margaret Kubala at the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for her service and dedication to the post and community on May 4. For over five years Margaret has served as president of the Auxiliary. She was honored with a beautiful poem and presented with a pin. Margaret is the wife of Jerry Kubala who was recently honored for his years of service.

Faith Lutheran High School will have their first senior class graduating this Spring. Graduation will be held at the church on Saturday May 29 at 1:30 p.m. Graduates are: Magdelena Obersat-valedictorian, Andrew Laake-salutatorian, Nicholas Awad and Hannah Sanchez.

Each May, National Foster Care Month, we take the time to raise awareness of the children and families involved in the foster care system and the need for more people to step up to support them. Last year there were 47,913 children in the Texas foster care system, 352 children in Bastrop, Fayette and Lee Counties, 54 children of whom were right here in Fayette County.

Sheriff Keith Korenek reports that on Friday, May 7, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Canine Unit, Sgt. Randy Thumann and K-9 partner Kolt, stopped a Chevy Silverado on Interstate 10 at the 661 mile-marker at approximately 4:29 p.m. for a traffic violation. After speaking to the driver Sgt. Thumann became suspicious that the vehicle was being utilized to smuggle narcotics.

Fayette Savings Bank, along with the Schulenburg Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, provided the catered meal for the SVFD after their annual Memorial Service Sunday, May 1, 2021. Pictured are Ladies Auxiliary representatives Pat Proske and Linda Veselka (far left and far right), FSB representatives Mike Olle and Rodney Kalich (second and third from left), and SVFD Fire Chief Jeff Proske and First Assistant Chief Drew Brossmann.

During the February 2021 monthly meeting of American Legion Quade-Werchan Post No. 338, members voted to support the applications of students from Round Top-Carmine High School for the 2021 American Legion Auxiliary Texas Girls State Convention.

Mr. and Mrs. Tony Jones of La Grange are proud to announce the graduation of their daughter, Alyssa Myriah Lacy. Alyssa will be receiving a master’s in business administration with a concentration in criminal justice management from Lamar University in May. Alyssa is currently a community supervision officer for the 155th Judicial District in Waller County.

The Blinn College District Associate of Science Degree in Economics recently was named one of the best associate degree economics programs in the nation by BestValueSchools.org. Blinn was ranked 10th in the nation based on criteria that included the cost of tuition per credit hour and enrollment size.

Emil and Mendee Sodolak of Round Top are proud to announce the graduation of their son, Lucas Emil Sodolak, from Texas A&M Galveston (TAMUG) on Dec. 12, 2020. Lucas received a bachelor of arts degree in maritime studies with a minor in ocean and coastal resources. While at TAMUG, Lucas was also active in the Aggie Gentlemen’s Society and served as treasurer of the Aggie Sportsmen Association. Lucas is a 2017 graduate of La Grange High School. He is the grandson of Annie Sodolak and the late Leonard Sodolak of Round Top, Nancie Harlan of La Grange, and Damon Harlan of Somerville. Lucas is pursuing a career in the environmental/maritime field.