On Monday, July 8, 2024, Austin County can expect increasing wind speeds from 14 mph to 32 mph and significant rainfall totaling around 2.55 inches by 3 PM. Wind gusts will peak at 77 mph around 4 PM, and the wind direction will shift from northerly to southwesterly throughout the day. By Tuesday, July 9, wind speeds will decrease to 12 mph by midnight, with additional rainfall accumulation expected.
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The Sealy City Council has approved the first phase of the Medrano Project, aimed at revitalizing a key area of the city with business infrastructure enhancements.
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Sealy’s latest city council meeting focused on addressing audit findings for the fiscal year ending 2023, where despite receiving an unmodified opinion indicating overall financial accuracy, nine deficiencies were identified needing immediate attention. The council has implemented detailed plans, including improved journal entry oversight, standardized records management, and enhanced protocols for contract and capital asset management, aimed at ensuring future financial transparency and compliance. These measures are intended to strengthen Sealy’s financial practices and mitigate risks identified during the audit process.
Read More![Sealy Faces Police Shortage: Chief of Police Addresses City Council [VIDEO]](https://i2.wp.com/austincountynewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Sealy-Police-Department.jpg?w=627&resize=627,376&ssl=1)
The Sealy City Council recently addressed a critical shortage within the police department, highlighted by Chief Jay Reeves’ report on significant officer losses due to recruitment challenges and financial constraints. Despite efforts to retain personnel through emergency retention payments, Sealy struggles to compete with larger agencies, risking a force primarily composed of inexperienced officers. The situation underscores broader issues faced by small-town police forces nationwide, grappling with limited resources and competition from urban departments offering more attractive benefits and salaries.
Read More![Sealy EDC Presents Strategic Plan Updates at City Council Meeting [VIDEO]](https://i0.wp.com/austincountynewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sealy-EDC-Logo-Featured-Image.png?w=627&resize=627,376&ssl=1){kind=logo}
Sealy Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Director Bill Atkins presented comprehensive updates to the Sealy City Council, highlighting major projects including downtown parking expansions and Cryan Memorial Park improvements. The EDC’s initiatives aim to bolster local infrastructure, support small businesses through resourceful meetups, and enhance community amenities with beautification projects. These efforts underscore Sealy’s commitment to economic growth and community enhancement.
Read More![Disaster Resource Center Opens in Bellville for Austin County Residents [VIDEO]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sba.gov/themes/custom/sba/dist/img/social/SBASEOImage.jpg?w=627&resize=627,376&ssl=1)
In response to severe storms and flooding in Austin County from April 26, 2024, a Disaster Resource Center (DRC) will open in Bellville at the Bellville Police Department Training Center on 162 N Chesley St. Operating daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the center offers support following President Biden’s declaration of a major disaster on May 17, 2024, making Austin County eligible for federal assistance. Residents, homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by the disaster can access recovery resources, including low-interest federal disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA), with application assistance available onsite or online at sba.gov/disaster.
Read More![Sealy City Council Discusses Cost of Living Increase Amid Budget Concerns [VIDEO]](https://i2.wp.com/austincountynewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Sealy-Page-Banner.jpg?w=627&resize=627,376&ssl=1)
On June 4, 2024, the Sealy City Council convened to discuss implementing a 3% cost of living increase (COLA) for city employees, amidst concerns over financial sustainability and the urgent need to address a shortage of police officers. After approving funding for the COLA using surplus departmental funds for the current fiscal year, the council scheduled a special session to explore budget amendments and strategies to retain critical personnel, including measures to improve police officer retention. Additionally, plans were made to engage an HR consultant to develop comprehensive compensation packages, ensuring the city’s long-term ability to attract and retain essential staff.
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The scorching Texas summer is no match for the Austin County ESD No. 2 Junior Firefighters Program as they launch ‘Project Cool,’ an initiative to collect fans for those in need. Community members can contribute by donating 20-inch box fans in new or like-new condition at Sealy Fire Station 1 until May 31, 2024. Join in the effort to ensure a safer and more comfortable summer for everyone in the community.
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Dive into summer with the Virgil & Josephine Gordon Memorial Library’s Summer 2024 Program in Sealy, Texas! This season, the library is bustling with activities ranging from Toddler Storytime to Magic Shows and educational workshops, all designed to entertain and enlighten community members of all ages. Join us for a summer of learning, fun, and community engagement, all at no cost!
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Sealy FFA excelled at the San Antonio Livestock Expo’s livestock judging contest, with over 1300 competitors. The Sealy Jr FFA Gold Team stood out as the SA Champion Junior Team, with individuals like Atalie Petrash and Ainsley Oliver ranking among the top performers.
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Multiple fire departments converged in Sealy, Texas, joining forces to battle a fierce structure fire at 220 Howard. The fire, classified as a “working structure fire,” demanded a concerted effort from the Bellville Volunteer Fire Department, Cat Spring Volunteer Fire Department, and San Felipe/Frydek Fire Department. Despite the challenging circumstances, no injuries were reported, thanks to the coordinated response of the emergency services teams.
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The Sealy Police Department proudly welcomes Officer Sean Aguilar, who was sworn in today after graduating from the Houston Community College Police Academy. Officer Aguilar begins his six-month field training program, surrounded by family, fellow officers, and city staff. Congratulations and best wishes to Officer Aguilar as he embarks on his career in serving and protecting the community of Sealy.
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Early voting begins Tuesday, February 20, 2024 in Austin County, Texas! Exercise your right to vote and make your voice heard at the Austin County Annex on Wendt Street or the W.E. Hill Community Center in Sealy. Check out the sample ballots for all four precincts to prepare for this important election.
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Austin County Emergency Services District No. 2 (AC ESD No. 2) recently completed specialized training drills aimed at enhancing firefighters’ abilities to navigate through challenging scenarios, including breaching through confined spaces with limited visibility. The rigorous exercises, which involved navigating through smoke-filled environments and maneuvering through ladder rungs with blacked-out masks, underscore AC ESD No. 2’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of preparedness and professionalism among its firefighting personnel, ensuring the safety and security of the Austin County community. Dedicated to providing high-quality emergency services, AC ESD No. 2 prioritizes proactive training, state-of-the-art equipment, and unwavering dedication to duty in safeguarding lives and property.
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Sealy FFA members triumphed at the San Antonio Livestock Expo’s Swine Skillathon, with Kenna Schram clinching the champion senior title and a $10,000 scholarship. Ainsley Oliver showcased her expertise with a 9th place finish in the Intermediate Division, while newcomer Vincent Perez gained valuable experience in his inaugural competition. The event, designed to test participants’ knowledge and skills in swine production, underscored Sealy FFA’s commitment to agricultural education and excellence in livestock management.
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