On Tuesday, March 2, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he would lift the state’s mask wearing mandate and capacity limitations for all businesses effective March 10. The move came as a surprise both welcome and otherwise to many in the State.

A big crowd showed up at the Schulenburg City Council meeting Monday night, March 1, to speak about a rezoning request for The Texan Travel Center that developers plan to build at the corner of Interstate 10 and US 77. The Yorktown-based Texan Stores company asked the City to rezone the property from industrial to commercial. The Baumgarten family, which owns the neighboring Schulenburg RV Park, opposes the company’s plans to build a parking lot for 18-wheelers along the north side of their property.

Sheriff Keith Korenek reports that on Tuesday, March 2, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Canine Unit, Sgt. Randy Thumann and K9 partner Kolt, stopped a Dodge truck on IH-10 at the 671 milemarker at approximately 11:54 am for a traffic violation. After speaking to the driver, Thumann became suspicious that the vehicle was involved in smuggling illegal narcotics. Thumann was given consent to search the vehicle. Thumann deployed his canine Kolt to conduct an exterior sweep of the vehicle. Thumann observed Kolt alerted to the tailgate of the truck for the odor of illegal narcotics. Thumann accessed the compartment in the tailgate and removed approximately 50 pounds of meth and 22 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $7.3 million. The driver Luis Fonseca, 21, and passenger Armando Morales, 28, both from Eagle Pass were arrested for Felony drug possession and taken to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center. Assisting with the stop was Deputy Ellison.

La Grange ISD will host a Community Open House of the new La Grange Elementary School located at 315 South Jackson on Sunday, March 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. The new building will be open for the public to visit the school and take a self-guided tour of the facility. Those in attendance will be asked to follow appropriate COVID guidelines. Any questions regarding the open house can be directed to the District’s Administration Office at (979) 968-7000.

Devon Boehnke celebrated his 81 birthday with his daughter and son in law, Dana and Darrell Kulak along with James, Bobby and I at LaCabana in Smithville. He enjoyed a meal of Mexican food and then had Happy Birthday sang to him.

Faith Lutheran High School of Central Texas is holding their Spring Raffle. Tickets are $20 and are available from any student teacher or board member or you can call (979) 242-2889. Drawing will be the week of March 8-12. Some wonderful gifts such as an exotic deer hunt with lodging, flounder fishing trip, three-day trip at Pelican Bay Resort, quilt, $500 VISA gift card as well as many others.

Christopher Allen Benham and Catherine Anne Young John Michael Kavanagh W and Kassidy Lynn Bishop Curtis Eugene Granberry and Carolyn Nell Schellhorn David Alan Pringle and Michelle Ann Houston.

Armstrong Colony Other than the written history of a community church, the stories about Armstrong Colony seem to be oral family traditions, passed down from one generation to another. With time, some facts are forgotten, and stories change.

Last week’s winter storms wreaked havoc on communities across Texas. To make the most of your contributions, consider these tips for donating and volunteering responsibly.

The fried chicken dinner sponsored by the Carmine Hall was postponed until March 7. Heritage Committee Meeting The Heritage Committee of the Carmine Chamber of Commerce will meet March 3 at 10 a.m.