A blown-out tire caused an 18-wheeler carrying a load of benzyl chloride to roll over on SH 71 west of Ellinger Sunday. Classified as an “extremely hazardous substance” by U.S.

La Grange Police arrested a 16-year-old student for carrying a stolen handgun inside La Grange High School on Tuesday, May 21. The incident happened just two days before classes were dismissed for the summer break.

“This time next month there should be a clearer picture of what is going to happen to our closed hospital,” said Dudley Pland, Chairman of the Board of Directors of St. Mark’s Medical Center.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Unlike in the past when many thought of the topic of mental health as a social stigma, now one duo in particular, counselor Heather Pavlu and emotional support animal Birdie, are making sure mental health isn’t seen as a stigma for the junior high and high school students at Schulenburg ISD.

The La Grange School Board met for their monthly meeting Monday with lots to talk about: Staffing Updates New teacher/professional staff for the 2024-25 school year are: Angela Griffinreading intervention (middle school); Virginia Limer-1st grade self-contained teacher (elementary school); Robert Barber-transfer from teacher/ coach history (high school) to AEP teacher (high school); Tara Bennett- transfer from integrated technologist (elementary school) to science teacher (middle school); Jill Hutchins-transfer from assistant principal (elementary school) to special education teacher (elementary school); Jesus Martinez-transfer from special education teacher (elementary school) to educational aide structured/behavior (elementary school); Zachary Mueller-transfer from physical education teacher/coach (elementary school) to technology applications teacher/ coach (middle school); Jeanette Sullivan-transfer from special education teacher (middle school) to structured behavior special education teacher (elementary school). Resignations were received from the following professional staff: Carlos Guevara-Spanish teacher/ coach (high school), Taylor Jensen-special education support specialist, Mary Matocha-1st grade teacher (elementary school); Brenna Munsch-1st grade teacher (elementary school), Lorena Naiser-English teacher (high school); Katy Scott Williamsscience teacher/coach (middle school); Caitlin Urban-reading lab teacher (middle school).

The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center held its annual Slavnost Mayfest celebration on the TCHCC grounds Sunday, May 19. This year’s opening ceremony paid homage to the Bartos and Podhrasky families, which emigrated from the Czech lands to Texas during the 1800s. Representatives from the two families, Connie Smith and Bob Podhrasky, laid a wreath on the TCHCC’s immigrant wall. Brian Vanicek, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic, was unable to attend but he sent a letter read by Kathy Posednik. In it, Vanicek spoke about recent business collaborations between companies in the Czech Republic and Texas. He said the Czech Republic recently opened an office in Austin aimed at strengthening business partnerships between Czech companies and Texas industries. In addition, Vanicek said Czech diplomats will visit La Grange next week to lay the groundwork for a visit to Texas by Czech President Petr Pavel next year.

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St. Rose of Lima Catholic School had 17 students participate at the State Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA) Academic Meet on Saturday, April 27, at Texas State University in San Marcos.

Footprints Of Fayette Fayette County is one of the most historic counties in Texas. In this weekly feature from the County Historical Commission, a rotating group of writers looks back at local history.

Mark your calendar for the 87th Annual Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Tomato Festival planned for Friday, May 24 through Sunday, May 26. For all you great cooks out there, the festival kicks-off Friday night with Chef’s Choice Competitions.