Anyone looking at just the “confirmed” active COVID case totals provided by Fayette County officials is not getting the full scope of test-confirmed cases in Fayette County. Craig Moreau, Fayette County Emergency Management Chief, acknowledged for the first time this week that the cases of COVID-19 his office counts as “probable” includes people who tested positive with a virus antibody test, also known as a rapid test Previously, he said “probable” cases included people who had not taken a test but likely had the virus due to symptoms and other circumstances such as living in the same household as another person who tested positive.

Ron and Pam Knotts had a great weeklong visit from their granddaughter, Keylee, and they packed a lot into the week. The visit began with a funeral in Lufkin, and then the next day, Ron and Keylee drove to Rockport to see their friend, Alan Raabe from Komensky, to take in some fishing. Keylee loves to fish and had never fished salt water before, so they headed for the coast. Within ten minutes of anchoring, she had hooked a fish and fought it for over 20 minutes before landing it. It turned out to be a 35-inch, 32-lb. redfish. Keylee was fishing on a borrowed rod and reel, which snapped just as she got the fish to the side of the boat. Even with the snapped rod, Keylee still landed the huge fish. No one else on the boat that day even came close to matching Keylee’s fish that day.

The Hinojosa family, which purchased Prause Meat market in downtown La Grange this summer has finalized the format of their new restaurant/market that will be located there. These signs, noting that Texas Prime Smokehouse and Meat Market will be coming soon went up a few days ago.

All across Fayette County low-income seniors are increasingly unable to afford the upkeep of their homes as their fixed incomes are stretched further each month. Young adults with developmental disabilities face an uncertain future as their caregivers embark on increasingly futile searches for longterm housing solutions. Grocery store workers, gas station clerks, and other service industry workers, deemed “essential” during the onset of the pandemic, struggle to live in the same communities they serve. As organizations begin to address these and other housing related issues it is important that we come together to share the knowledge and resources we each bring to the table.

A Blood Drive has been scheduled at Martin Luther Lutheran Church on Nov. 15 from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall. It is in conjunction with Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Round Top. Appointments will again be required.

The Cistern Country Store is taking registrations for the 55th Annual Adult Big Buck Contest and the 3rd Annual Youth Buck Contest. The registration fee is $20 cash per hunter. Registrations are accepted between noon and 8:00 p.m. daily at the Cistern Country Store located on Hwy. 95 between Smithville and Flatonia at FM 2237.

Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West reminds small nonfarm businesses in Texas of the deadline dates to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the primary counties in Texas.

Navidad Valley Community Connections will host their turkey and dressing Thanksgiving at the center on Wednesday, Nov. 18 with a meal of turkey, dressing and all the trimmings. Students from St. Rose Elementary will be the special entertainment. If you would like to join and are not a regular, call Cindy at (979) 309-9592.

The next book club will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m.