As part of its ongoing Fifth Anniversary Celebrations, Saint Cecilia’s Round Top, a creative faith community, will feature the talents of Italian singer-songwriter Giulia Millanta, at both services on Sunday, Sept. 27. Giulia will join the music team at Saint Cecilia’s for the 8:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services. At 12:15 she will present a special concert as part of the Saint Cecilia’s Series and will be joined by cellist Carol Anne Bosco. All events are free and open to the public.

Saint Cecilia’s Episcopal Church in Round Top, one of the fastest-growing churches in the entire denomination, just celebrated twenty new members officially joining the church—the largest new member class in their history.

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Readers, if you bought a new car or truck this year, I hope you didn’t let that sales rep at the dealership talk you into buying a diesel vehicle! Unfortunately, diesel prices are double what they were ten years ago, and that’s a disaster for truckers hauling freight, for railroads trying to get heavy loads across the country, for maritime shipping companies (ocean, lake, or river), and for farmers desperate to get crops harvested just now. Especially for farmers, this is a huge problem because crop loans were negotiated earlier, with lower fuel price expectations.

Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites in La Grange will soon get a refreshed look, with the construction of a new visitor center expected to begin in December. In partnership with Paradigm Construction and Urbano Architects, the visitor center will be built as part of a two-phase capital improvement initiative.

A history theater program will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. at Historic Faison House, 822 S. Jefferson St., La Grange. The bluff on Hwy. 77 and Colorado River bridge will be closed for construction. You will need to route via downtown to the Faison House on this date. Following the Monument Hill Remembrance: A Texas Heroes Day memorial ceremony that morning at Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites, the afternoon program will tell the story of Nathaniel Faison’s journey to La Grange, his decision to go to war, his time in prison, and his return home, where he made his mark on the community an impact that can still be seen today.

The Fayette County Commissioners Court formally approved the 2027 County Budget and tax rate at their meeting last Thursday. There wasn’t much discussion as all the decisions were made in previous meetings.

T he third annual Armed Forces Appreciation Dinner and Dance took place at the La Grange KC Hall Saturday, Sept. 12. This year’s event celebrated America’s 250th Birthday. Ceremonies began at 4 p.m. Emcee Lyn Revis delivered a welcome message. Pastor Rickesh Patel of West End Baptist Church in Industry offered an opening prayer. Colorado Valley Detachment 1028 of the Marine Corps Legue posted the colors. Marine Corps veteran Montana Olle performed the National Anthem. Giddings American Legion Post 276, Round Top American Legion Post 338 and Shelby American Legion Post conducted a Missing Man Table Ceremony.

The inaugural Fayette County Fair Coloring Contest, sponsored by Inspired Treats & Events by Nae, was a tremendous success, attracting 256 entries from students across the county. The contest was open to students from public, private and home schools, with entries representing a variety of schools and educational settings.

The Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for all normal operations. The shelter is closed to the public with staff onsite for animal care from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Reclaims are allowed on Monday after 10 a.m. by appointment. If you believe your lost pet may be in care, call (979) 966-0021 to confirm and learn requirements.