News

LA GRANGE – The governing Board of St. Mark’s Medical Center (St. Mark’s) voted unanimously to pursue becoming a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) to allow the hospital to remain open and continue to provide select medical services to the community. Effective Feb. 18, St. Mark’s will only offer 24/7 emergency medical services, patient observation, and select outpatient services. This new option for St. Mark’s is possible through a recent Congressional Rural Emergency Hospital, or REH, designation for financially struggling rural hospitals, and was adopted under emergency rule by the Texas legislators on Jan. 13.

LA GRANGE – In the wake of shutting down St. Mark’s Medical Center will be 64 employees on the chopping block. That is almost half of the staff at St. Mark’s. The hospital board decided to pursue a Rural Emergency Hospital designation instead of closing the entire facility down.

COLUMBUS – A formation meeting for the Columbus Senior Citizens Center will be held Wednesday, March 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the Nesbitt Memorial Library in Columbus. Come give your feedback and what you would like to see in the center. The future senior center will be for active seniors seeking things to do and have fun.

LA GRANGE – A Paint and Sign grant was awarded to the La Grange Area Chamber of Commerce by the City of La Grange’s Office of Community Develop ment. The program is open to businesses in the La Grange city Limits.

BELLVILLE – The Bluebonnet Master Gardeners of Austin County are pleased to present the 2023 “Lunch-N-Learn” series hosted on the third Tuesday of each month from February-May and September-October. The overall series will feature topics related to horticulture with homeowners and backyard gardeners in mind! Speakers are ex- perts in their fields and practical gardeners with great tips and information for everyone.

LA GRANGE – Second Chance Emporium (SCE) recently donated $5,200 to Camp Invention at the La Grange Elementary School. Monies donated will be used to sponsor 20 scholarships for students in need to attend the summer program.

BELLVILLE – The Bellville Rotary received its eighth consecutive Presidential Citation. This citation was for the Rotary year 2021-22. Out of 56 clubs in the District 9350, Bellville Rotary is one of only 11 clubs that received this award. The Rotary Citation recognizes Rotary clubs that support the strategic priorities of the Rotary International.

We like things that remain constant, even small things. Sweethearts Valentine candies are one of those things. In a world where change hits us every day in an ever-dizzying rush of “progress,” small simple pleasures that remain the same give us comfort and pleasure. Here is one example.

The Flatonia PD made 423 calls for service for the month of January.

The Multi-County New Landowner Education program is a series of eight informational meet- ings, seminars, and field days designed to make new landowners in Austin, Colorado, Fayette, & Washington counties aware of what types of agricultural enterprises are best for their property.

WEIMAR – The Weimar FFA Sale was held Feb. 11 at the Weimar FFA Project Facility in Weiamr. The sale brought in $162,299 which is $15,413 more than last year’s total of $146,886. The exhibitors, animal, purchase price and buyers are as follows:

SEALY – Sealy Police Department recently welcomed a new officer to its growing force. Patrol Officer Joe Rojas took the oath of office administered by Sealy Police Chief Jay Reeves

SEALY – Sealy Police Department stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Interstate-10 at about the 722 mile-marker on Feb. 7. Patrol and the K9 Crim- inal Interdiction Unit teamed up and K9 Apollo alerted on 1.34 pounds of meth.

Sidewalk installation at fast pace

LA GRANGE – The Fayette County Czech Heritage Society (CHS) met on Feb. 5, in Hanslik Hall at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange for their soup social and installation of officers.

EAGLE LAKE – Eagle Lake Noon Lions Club proudly celebrated Lions Jeff Cunkelman and Bob Lapham for becoming certified vision screeners, autho rized by the Department of State Health Services in the State of Texas.

Nutella isn’t peanut butter. It is a hazelnut-cocoa product that made its way overseas to American in the 1980s. The American version of Nutella is not the same as the product from Europe.

The filing dates to be placed on an election ballot in Austin, Colorado and Fayette counties are coming to a close.

OWENS Justin and Jennifer Owens of Weimar announce the birth of their daughter, Raelee Avery Owens, born Feb. 4 at 4:27 p.m. at Co -

Court Filings Marriage Licenses

RESS COLUMBUS – All were puttin' on the ritz last Saturday night in Columbus.