Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek reports that on Friday, Feb. 19, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Canine Unit, Sgt. Randy Thumann and K9 partner Kolt, stopped a Nissan Altima on Interstate 10 at the 674 mile-marker at approximately 3:07 p.m. for a traffic violation.

This is a recurring column that focuses on community service written by La Grange community Lions. As spring-cleaning gets under way, the La Grange Noon Lions and Leo Club members are asking people to look through dresser drawers and closets for used eyeglasses and donate them to the Lions Recycle For Sight program.

The American Legion Post No. 602 Post Commander Calvin Coufal recently presented the Proclamation for Heroic Service to the Community Award to Joseph (Joe) Lamer. Lamer was one of the first to arrive to a propane gas explosion on Grover Street in Ellinger. Without hesitation, Mr. Lamer rushed into the flaming inferno hoping to save his friends and neighbors. After caring for Mr. Hess, he then assisted with the rescue of Mr. Hess’s wife. It was because of Mr. Lamer that the couple was given a chance to live but unfortunately died four days later. Because of Mr. Lamer, their family was able to be with them and say their good-byes, a gift rarely given under these circumstances.

Some rural residents in Fayette County have now gone 10 days without running water as of Wednesday, Feb. 24.

All the broken water pipes from the deep freeze last week put a big crunch on plumbing supplies in Fayette County and across the state. Farmer’s Lumber in La Grange and Grahmann’s True Value in Schulenburg were both scrambling to keep shelves stocked this week.

Local officials say they do not know of any deaths in Fayette County caused by the extreme cold weather last week. The Record reported earlier this week on two people who died during the cold snap, but both deaths appear related to other medical issues.

A better picture began to emerge this week of what happened to the area’s electrical systems during the recent winter storm. Some Fayette County residents had power for only a few hours over the course of three days last week while other areas never lost power.

Monday the La Grange School board held their monthly meeting with free meals, artificial turf and busted pipes among the items discussed. Here’s a roundup: Construction Every monthly board meeting for the past couple of years, representatives from Claycomb Architects have presented an update on the bond construction projects.

Albert and Rita Kozel of Hostyn are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Edward James Kozel to Laura Renee Wavra, daughter of Donnie and Elaine Wavra of Columbus. The groom-elect is the grandson of the late Charles and Mary Kozel and the late Paul and Ludmila Pokluda. Edward is a graduate of Texas A&M University and is an engineer with McCourt Equipment in La Grange. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Tonie and the late Albert Halfmann and the late Ralph and Mary Wavra. Laura is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and is vice president at Prosperity Bank in Westlake. The couple will wed April 24 at Ascension Catholic Church in Bastrop.

On Monday, Feb. 15 it was a rude awakening for everyone, but this is Fayette County and we help when help is needed. The Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter had 29 pups and 18 kittens that were hungry and needed a potty break. After reaching out to Fayette County’s Chief of Emergency Management, Craig Moreau, he did not hesitate to help. Mr. Moreau picked up Teresa Brown, and volunteers Melinda Dunk and Rayma Holladay and headed very slowly and carefully to the shelter. Volunteer Susan Vecera and her husband, Daniel, were also able to get to the shelter to help. The dogs and cats were happy to get out of their kennels and stretch their legs, do some other outsidbusiness, and enjoy a meal and some ear rubs.