Austin County and surrounding area teams battled it out on Friday night in Week 1 of the 2024 Texas Football Season. Here are the scores of the area schools that we follow.
Sealy News
![Sealy City Council Navigates Insurance and Financial Challenges to Preserve the Annual Fantasy of Lights Festival [VIDEO]](https://i2.wp.com/austincountynewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Sealy-Page-Banner.jpg?w=400&resize=400,250&ssl=1 "Sealy City Council Navigates Insurance and Financial Challenges to Preserve the Annual Fantasy of Lights Festival [VIDEO]")
Sealy City Council Navigates Insurance and Financial Challenges to Preserve the Annual Fantasy of Lights Festival [VIDEO]
The Sealy City Council recently deliberated on the significant insurance and financial challenges threatening the continuation of the beloved annual Fantasy of Lights festival. Faced with stringent insurance requirements for vendors and substantial costs to the city, council members explored various solutions to preserve this cherished community tradition. Despite the hurdles, the council remains committed to finding a way forward, ensuring that the festival can proceed and continue to bring joy to the Sealy community.
Hurricane Beryl: Preparedness Alert for Austin County, TX
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.
City Council Approves First Phase of the Medrano Project in Sealy
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.
Sealy City Council Discusses Resolution to Address Audit Deficiencies and Enhance Financial Management [VIDEO]
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.
![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=400&resize=400,250&ssl=1)
Sealy Faces Police Shortage: Chief of Police Addresses City Council [VIDEO]
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.
![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=400&resize=400,250&ssl=1){kind=logo}
Sealy EDC Presents Strategic Plan Updates at City Council Meeting [VIDEO]
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.
![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=400&resize=400,250&ssl=1)
Disaster Resource Center Opens in Bellville for Austin County Residents [VIDEO]
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.