THE

Serving Sealy and Austin County, Texas since 1887

VOLUME 133 NUMBER 53 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 12 PAGES, $1 Virus cases Top stories of 2020 set Sealy ISD 10. superintendent record retires, new one hired

Bellville hospital to get testing machine

By JOE SOUTHERN [email protected]

COVID-19 continues to take its toll on Austin County as the number of cases reach levels that surpass what was recorded during the summer peak. According to his report on Monday, County Judge Tim Lapham said the county cur- rently has 160 active cases, 14 fatalities, and 891 total cases. According to The Texas Tribune, which has been closely monitoring cases across the state during the pandemic, Austin County has had 146 cases in the pre- vious 14 days as of Tuesday Cole McNanna and 903 total cases. The newest superintendent of Sealy ISD was officially named at an April meeting of the board of trustees at Sealy Junior High School. Board The Texas Department of President Ryan Reichardt (left) welcomed Dr. Bryan Hallmark to the Tiger family after the closed session voted to tab him as the new superintendent. State Health Services (DSHS) shows the county had a record 26 cases reported on Dec. 27. The previous single- day high of 20 was set Aug. Sealy News chooses the top 10 stories 11 and again on Aug. 23. There are several con- firmed and unconfirmed that impacted the community in 2020 reports that the Dec. 15 Sealy City Council meeting By JOE SOUTHERN was a spreader event for the [email protected] Peaceful protests virus. At least five people over racism, who attended the meeting o say that COVID-19 was the 9. are known to have tested top story of 2020 would be a death of George Floyd positive. T gross understatement. On Monday the county To make it a Top 10 selection unto commissioners voted 3-1 to itself would be a mistake. The purchase a Cepheid response to the disease impacted GeneXpert machine for many other independent stories Bellville Medical Center and throughout the year. The coronavi- a satellite unit for the facility rus is so interwoven into the narra- in Sealy. Commissioner tive of 2020 that to lump everything Bobby Rinn voted against it impacted into one story wouldn’t the $78,981 purchase. Of leave much else behind. that amount, the county So, excluding the pandemic as a already has $55,000 avail- whole, The Sealy News has reflected able in Coronavirus Relief upon the last 12 months and deter- Funds from the state and the mined the top 10 stories that rest will be requested from impacted the community in 2020. the state. In the meantime, Here they are, counting down from the remainder will be paid 10 to 1: through tobacco funds. The machines should arrive at 10. Sealy ISD superintendent Cole McNanna the hospital in about a retires, new one hired month. Lenel Brandiberg leads a peaceful protest in Sealy in June following the death of George Floyd After six years of service to the and race riots that broke out across the country afterward. See RECORD, page 11 Sealy Independent School District community and 35 years in public “During her tenure, she has been a being seconded by Brian Owen and education, Sheryl Moore announced tireless visionary for Sealy ISD who passing, 7-0, to name Hallmark Jan. 24 she will retire on June 30. pushed us to think globally and Sealy ISD’s next leader. Murder, “I have loved my time here in reestablish our priorities to create “I would say we had many appli- Sealy,” she said. “The school board, unique first class goals for Sealy cants that could have all stepped past and present, has been so sup- ISD. right in and been successful in suicide portive and it has been a genuine “Along with the board, she has Sealy,” Board President Ryan pleasure to work alongside them. used those goals to create a culture Reichardt said. “What set Dr. We have accomplished a lot of good focused on ensuring all students of Hallmark apart is how well-rounded claims things in the past six years, and I Sealy ISD will be prepared to posi- he is in leadership, curriculum and know they will continue the mission. tively impact the world. We look for- investing in community. His experi- “The Sealy ISD faculty and staff ward to Mrs. Moore remaining a ence, skill sets, and family seemed two lives are amazing, hard-working, commit- member of the Sealy community and the best fit for our district, both ted people. I have tremendous continuing to support our future short and long term.” respect for the work that they do. endeavors.” CONTRIBUTED REPORT He and his wife Andrea, a current This community has been wonderful At an April meeting of the Sealy elementary school teacher, bring 19 to me, and I am grateful to have ISD Board of Trustees in the Sealy Two people lost their lives years of educational experience. been given the opportunity to serve Junior High School cafeteria, it was Hallmark had previously been in an apparent murder/sui- it.” officially announced that Dr. Bryan cide Sunday evening, Dec. Assistant Superintendent of Speaking on behalf of the board of Hallmark will take over as superin- Operations and School Leadership 20, near New Ulm. trustees, Board President Ryan tendent on May 4, replacing Sheryl Austin County officers at Georgetown ISD after serving as Reichardt praised the superinten- Moore who announced her retire- La Grange High School’s principal. were contacted about 10 p.m. dent for her ability to build a strong ment in January. concerning shots fired at a The Hallmarks have two children, culture of professional learning After Executive Search Services Cole, 11, and Carly, 4. residence on Shunka Road. within the district as well as restore saw a record number of applications Officers discovered the bod- trust and support within the com- for “the best job available in the ies of Amanda Moeller, 40, munity. state of Texas,” according to Moore, 9. Peaceful protests over and Michael Harrell, 41. “On behalf of the board, we highly Hallmark emerged as the candidate racism, death of George Floyd Investigators determined value the academic growth, facility best fit for the job in the eyes of the About 100 members of the Sealy that Harrell shot Moeller improvements and community sup- board. Following a brief closed ses- community gathered peacefully at and then turned the weapon port established in our school sys- sion Friday night, they returned to Abe and Irene Levine Park in June on himself. No other persons tem under Superintendent Sheryl the cafeteria and the motion was were in the home at the time Moore’s leadership,” he said. first made by Katy Grigar before See TOP 10, page 3 of the shooting.

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WEATHER SPORTS BOOK REVIEW BIBLE VERSE DAY H/L/RAIN Jesus answered, “I am the way and Thursday 62/38/80% the truth and the life. No one comes Friday 59/38/5% to the Father except through me.” 415 Main Street Saturday 59/35/15% — John 14:6 Sealy, TX 77474 Sunday 64/43/5% (979) 885-3511 Monday 72/50/5% www.ci.sealy.tx.us Tuesday 71/53/20% Top 10 sports stories of 2020, ‘Winning Game Plan’ scores, Wednesday 73/50/45% PAGE 5 PAGE 2

THE SEALY NEWS 2 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 BITUARIE SEALYNEWS.COM O S

Robert John Sklar, passion for horse racing held for almost two Bobby is preceded in Sklar, and niece Elizabeth Sealy, Texas, went to be where he became an decades in south Texas death by his parents, (Nick) Governale and with our Lord on Dec. accomplished horse as well as time spent L.E. and Agnes Sklar, daughter Theresea-Anne 22, 2020, peacefully trainer. He continued deer hunting in and his wife Grace. He all of Louisiana. He while surrounded by racing horses and cattle Fredericksburg. These is survived by one leaves a legacy of 14 family, after an extend- ranching alongside his trips were more about brother L.E. “Sonny” grandchildren and 15 ed illness. Bobby was wife Grace, to whom he the fellowship and (Sue) Sklar of great-grandchildren to born on Feb. 10, 1941, was married for 46 camaraderie around the Natchitoches, La., son whom he is affectionately in Sealy to Agnes years. Bobby worked as campfire spent with Donnie (Dorothy) Sklar known as “Popsi”. Frances Brandl Sklar a meat cutter for vari- family and friends. of Sealy, son Robert Pallbearers: Cade and Louis Edward ous grocery stores for Another enjoyment of (Kristi) Sklar of East Sklar, Cade Avery, Sklar. Bobby grew up most of his life. He Bobby’s was spending Bernard, daughter Justin Olden, Emil and attended Catholic retired from Bill’s time at Port O’Connor Sandra (John) Norman Reznicek, Kent Turner, School in Sealy. ROBERT JOHN SKLAR Country Market after with family and friends of Caldwell, stepdaugh- and Peter Kallina. Bobby worked along- 1941-2020 13 years. where he loved fishing, ter JoLynn (Manny) Honorary: Jake side his father in vari- Bobby was an avid playing dominoes with Paredes of Kingsland, Gardovsky, Benji ous business endeavors hunter and enjoyed the boys, and spending and stepson Steve (Seal) Rosenbaum, Thomas which included the Bank, and the ranching spending time at dove time with Grace riding Jenkins of New Caney, Kopecky, John Charles Cattle Auction Barn, industry. On his own, camp for “Big Bob’s around town and watch- nephews Father Louis Kopecky, and Ned John The Brookshire Food he pursued and had a Annual Dove Hunt” ing the boats come in. Sklar, Paul (Krista) Hellums.

Alois (Louie) BOOK REVIEW Gajewski, 86, of Brenham, Texas, went home to be with our heavenly father on Dec. Texans president talks keys to success 21, 2020. He was born By JOE SOUTHERN in Frydek, Texas, and [email protected] grew up on the family farm there and was the If there was anything oldest son of August wrong with the publica- and Albina Gajewski. tion of Jamey Rootes’s He met the love of his book about leadership, it life, Sedonia Kucera was the timing of the Gajewski and they ALOIS B GAJEWSKI release. married in 1952. Louie 1934-2020 Rootes, president of the worked diligently to get Houston Texans, pub- his GED and electri- in-law Vanessa of lished “The Winning cians license and Houston, and Dwayne Game Plan: A Proven worked for Harper Leadership Playbook for Electric and Parmelly and daughter-in-law Continuous Business Electric in Houston. In Mary of Brenham. Success” last month while 1970 he moved his fam- He was preceded in Joe Southern “The Winning Game Plan” by his team was experienc- ily to Pattison where he death by his loving wife Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes greets the press last Houston Texans President Sedonia, parents ing very little success on October to introduce new features and procedures at NRG was co-owner of Koen Jamey Rootes is available on August and Albina the field. Mired in a 4-11 Stadium for the season in progress. Electric until 1979 Amazon and will be available Gajewski and son-in- season, the Texans – and in January in an audio book when he moved to the National Football law Wayne Hold. He seasons, but you guys are Texans successful as an narrated by Marc Vandermeer, Kenney, Texas, and League – have been suf- has many grandchil- always at the very top of organization and his book the Voice of the Texans. bravely started his own fering under the corona- dren that he loved all the business metrics. such an elemental delight electric company, G&S virus pandemic with lim- Electric, which would deeply and was very Why is that?’ That moti- to read and digest. Winner, Empathy, ited attendance and proud of including vated me to write the “The Winning Game Relate), the SOFT tech- be a success. Louie was health and safety proto- Justin Hold and wife book,” Rootes said. “There Plan” is only 153 pages nique (Strengths, an active member of cols that have made this Eryn, Kimberly Wade is something special in long and is published by Outcomes, Fit, Talent) The Electrical Union season the most unique and husband Chris, the way we operate. I Elite Online Publishing and ARM (Attract, Brotherhood of ever. Logan and Andrew thought it would be help- and sold on Amazon. Retain, Maintain). Each Houston IBEW Local It’s at times like these Gajewski, Caitlin ful for folks to know these Each page, however, is of these things has to do 716. that the Texans should Gajewski and special proven success princi- endowed with leadership with building a winning He was a very proud be turning to his play- friend Greb Abke, ples.” fundamentals and inter- team. man with an book. Rootes’s game plan Ashlyn Gajewski, Pat Although Rootes is a esting anecdotes that His biggest secret is unmatched work ethic has made the Texans Jez Jr., Heather Harr sports executive, his give readers a great insid- that leadership isn’t that he passed down to winners in many aspects Game Plan easily trans- ers perspective of the about leading followers his children. He was and husband Jeremy, that most fans can’t see lates from the gridiron to Houston Texans. but leading leaders and very precise in every- and Jessica Davis and beyond the field. It’s those the board room and vice One thing the reader enabling them to be suc- thing he did, especially husband Brent. His 10 aspects that inspired versa. He is literally a learns early on is Rootes cessful. when it came to his great-grandchildren Rootes to write the book. team builder. He first loves acronyms. It is in that mindset hobbies. Louie had a Katherine, William, “Last December at the built Major League “Acronyms are my pri- that he wrote the book. deep love of woodwork- Reagan, McCrae, NFL owners meeting, a Soccer’s Columbus Crew mary method for over- He said it was a gift – a ing, trains, Polka Mayzie, Hunter, friend of mine (Atlanta from the ground up and learning important con- tool – for others to use. music, and Polka danc- Tucker, Easton, Tinley Falcons Executive Vice then crafted the upstart cepts… I refer to it often He understands that as ing. and Jake will miss him President Greg Beadles) Texans into the organiza- and drill it into my con- everyone around him He lost his right- dearly as we all will. stopped me and asked a tion it is today. It’s the scious mind and eventu- from teammates to com- hand helper and dance Funeral arrange- question. He said, ‘just leadership style and prin- ally into my unconscious petitors get better that he partner Sedonia in ments under the direc- like all of us, you’ve had ciples he developed along mind,” he wrote in the will, too. “The Winning 2018 and is survived by tion of Knesek Family good seasons and bad the way that make the book. Game Plan” is informa- his daughters Diana Funeral Chapels, 842 Among the acronyms tive and transformative Hold of Kenney, Debbie E. Main, Bellville, TX he uses are the POWER and practicing and apply- Jez and son-in-law 77418; 979-865-3121; of Emotional Intelligence ing his principles can be a Patrick of Frydek; sons www.knesekfuneral- (Personal, Ownership, real game-changer. Patrick and daughter- home.com.

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THE SEALY NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 SEALYNEWS.COM 3

TOP 10 and that’s what I think got to talk with my son city council meeting “I am going to tender its. However, I will this is all about; when about that, but I under- that she is resigning my resignation as stay on as a holdover from page 1 we come together, we stand and having that her position as mayor mayor,” Whitehead mayor until another can make the change.” understanding we pass as of Sept. 16 since she said. “As of Sept. 16, I mayor is elected to the to protest the death of One community that on to our officers. is moving outside the will no longer be resid- position.” George Floyd and other member, Bruce We want our people to city limits. ing within the city lim- See TOP 10, page 11 racial injustices across Margolis, said his first treat every member of the nation. experience in marching the community with Organized by against racial injustice respect.” 64-year-old Sealy resi- was in 1964 alongside A week later, a group dent Lenel Brandiberg, Martin Luther King Jr. of around 30 residents the event was original- “I was a kid, but I gathered at the Austin ly supposed to be held haven’t forgotten it,” County courthouse in at Joe Scranton Park Margolis said. “My Bellville for a peaceful but was moved to family’s got as many demonstration about Levine Park to take black folks in it as justice for all. The gath- advantage of the shad- white and I still have ering was also in honor ed pavilion. family over in Africa of the Juneteenth holi- Preachers from who I communicate day on the day prior around the state gave with on a daily basis, which celebrates when speeches including the thankfully through Texas slaves were Rev. J.R. Johnson of social media, and we informed they’d been the Greater Mt. Zion are sticking together. freed at the end of the Church in Elgin, the Change starts with Civil War. Rev. Steve Spicer from grassroots, I just can’t Organized by the the Christ Episcopal believe that 56 years same group who put on Church in Eagle Lake after I marched as a the peaceful protest in and the Rev. Reginald kid with Dr. King, Sealy on June 9, Lenel Honors from St. Paul we’re still in this but Brandiberg and the Rev. AME Church in Sealy. we’ve got to keep the J.R. Johnson were Sealy Police Chief Jay faith.” joined by Bruce Reeves, Austin County Reeves also spoke Margolis, another resi- Court at Law Judge about the importance of dent who created a Daniel W. Leedy, and the relationship Facebook group called Austin County Justice between the police force “Friends Against of the Peace for Pct. 3 and the community and Racism.” Clyde Drake also he understands the Joining the crowd was spoke. hardships associated Bellville city council Many of the messag- with racism because of member Wayne es advocated for his adopted black son. Browning and the change. Honors said he “I have four sons; Austin County was at the viewing for three of them by birth, Democratic Party chair George Floyd in one is by adoption. My Pat Burns, both of Houston on June 8 adopted son is an where he was inspired whom advocated for African-American,” everyone eligible to vote by the amount of diver- Reeves said. “I’ve had sity around him. to make their voices to have speeches with heard at the polls. Voter “The thing that him about what he blessed me then is the registration forms were does when he has an available at the demon- thing that’s blessing interaction with police, me now,” Honors said. stration for anyone who so I understand there’s still needed to register. “To look around and a difference when see folks that don’t look you’re stopped by the like me, who have police (as a black per- 8. Mayor maybe not experienced son) when I’m stopped Whitehead resigns life like I did. One of by the police (as a Sealy Mayor Janice my favorite TV shows white person). It’s a Whitehead announced is ‘Better Together,’ tragic thing that I’ve at the end of the Aug. 4

NEWS BITS Fish fry dinner p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, at the hall at The Sealy Knights of Columbus will 1630 Meyer St. Tickets are available from hold a fish fry drive thru dinner on any legion member or at the Sealy Friday, Jan. 8, at the Sealy Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Club (KC) Hall at 1310 Hwy 90 West, Sealy. Serving from 5:30-7:30 p.m. A Sealy Chamber annual banquet portion of the net proceeds from this The 2021 Sealy Chamber of Commerce event will benefit the Sealy Pregnancy Banquet Committee has announced the Resource Center. upcoming “Lovin’ Our Members” gala. The event will be held on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, Pancake supper at the Sealy Columbus Club at 1310 US-90, The Sealy American Legion is hosting Sealy. For registration and sponsorship its 14th annual pancake supper from 5-8 information, visit www.sealychamber.com.

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THE SEALY NEWS 4 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 PINIO SEALYNEWS.COM O N Pay attention to The death of expertise continues ith 2020 coming to an end, there is It would be nice smiling and quiet W much to say but JOE little time to say it. SOUTHERN to blame all At the Dec. 14 meeting of FAITH, FAMILY Texas politicians the Austin County commis- & FUN these things sioners, resident Rick Mitchell of Industry made ne sort of news, on 2020 and a complaint that’s been familiar to reporters echoed many times for Clearly, Reichardt in business, govern- the coronavirus O ROSS many years. Only his com- should not have responded, ment and politics, is known RAMSEY plaint had a slightly differ- but at the very least he pandemic, to some of us as a DBI. ent twist. Rather than just could have been polite Dull but important. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE gripe about the condition of about it. When someone but these DBIs are the hardest sto- county roads, he offered with significant expertise ries to pitch to editors. You solutions. And he was met offers to help, the county are ongoing have to catch their interest with a deaf ear and rude- owes it to them to hear in that nanosecond before them out and see what problems with another round of redistrict- ness. they tell you nobody wants they can contribute. Given ing is about to start. “The current mainte- to read boring stuff. the conditions of the roads local elected Whatever kind of spider- nance practices go against Some of the biggest stories across Austin County, they sense they picked up in law federal, state, TxDOT officials. start as DBIs. This one is couldn’t do much worse school, practice and the (Texas Department of about redistricting — how than they are right now. the state draws its political Legislature is on its high set- Transportation), AASHTO ting. Asked whether a (American Association of maps — and it fits the pat- Ignoring expertise The council acted with tern. Republican House and State Highway and sticker shock nearly every Novel coronaviruses and Senate, with a Republican Transportation Officials) Back in September I time Worley brought them large-scale business scams governor, can be expected to guidelines; we’re not fol- wrote about the book “The an economic development are examples that share a draw maps that favor lowing anything right,” he Death of Expertise: The proposal. They revised DBI characteristic: They’re Republicans, neither law- said. “I’ve worked in oil Campaign against Merrell’s budget without not interesting until they’re maker agreed. field for over 40 years. I’ve Established Knowledge consulting him first and They didn’t exactly dis- urgent. Nobody cares about built roads all over the and Why it Matters” by resisted his efforts to make agree, but they treated the unscrupulous lenders dish- world. I have 40 years’ Tom Nichols. What Main Street safe by elimi- question as radioactive. ing easy home loans to peo- experience doing it and Nichols had to say about nating center parking. Because they’re both pretty ple who can’t pay them back what we’re doing is wrong, people valuing their own good at this, their answers until out-of-control subprime it’s incorrect… I’ve written opinions over that of were the exact opposite of Don’t blame 2020 lending topples the econo- recommendations to you established knowledge the tasty soundbites politi- It would be nice to blame my. Nobody wants to read all. I’ve gotten zero appears to be very true in cians pull out when they all these things on 2020 about a new virus some- response from anybody. this case. The county want to be quoted. and the coronavirus pan- where on the other side of We’re wasting money, the turned a deaf ear to a real “I would say the data is demic, but these are ongo- the planet until it sweeps road maintenance is expert who could help and going to drive what the maps ing problems with local the world as a pandemic. pathetic, we’re using the slapped him in the face for look like. As the numbers elected officials. Until city Redistricting is a classic wrong practices and prin- his efforts. come in, we will look to see We’ve seen the same and county officials can DBI, and we’re at the start- where the population is ciples and I’m here trying ing gates for another round. to get somebody to change thing in Sealy with the learn to look beyond their growing … and from there, departure of City Manager noses and see the bigger Political maps are the we will make the changes and use common sense foundation of who does and and do things right. Lloyd Merrell and Sealy picture presented by expe- needed to make sure the EDC Executive Director rienced experts, Sealy and doesn’t have a voice in a maps are constitutional in “I’ve offered my help. democracy. If you’re drawn I’ve provided economic Robert Worley. Both men Austin County will be their apportionment and pro- resigned and were subse- nothing more than a rough into a district where you’re ceed on from there,” analysis to show how to do in the political minority — it cheaper and better and quently placed on adminis- patch in the road of prog- Huffman said. “We do have a trative leave until their ress. whether that’s because of Republican Legislature that I’ve gotten zero response designated time on the job race, political party or geog- will be drawing the maps, from anybody,” he said. was up. Neither man raphy — the chance that but we will be driven by the The response he got Goodbye would have left, and they your point of view will be data, and the law.” from the commissioners I never intended my last certainly wouldn’t have considered is diminished. It Asked whether there is was wrong on two levels. column for The Sealy News been placed on leave, if can remain that way for any chance that the Texas First of all, the comments to be in such a negative the city council had valued another decade, until anoth- Legislature, with its were made during the pub- tone, but these are things and trusted their exper- er census forces a new Republican majority, will lic comment period and it that need to be said and tise. Instead, they were redrawing of those political draw maps that favor violates state law for the I’m out of time. It’s my questioned and stymied by districts. Democrats, King smiled, but commissioners to respond. hope that someone will lis- Meanwhile, the safety net wasn’t any more revealing elected officials with far ten and endeavor to make Commissioner Randy less knowledge and experi- has frayed since the last than Huffman. Reichardt (whose term a positive difference here. time maps were drawn in “The committee’s job is to ence in their respective My employment with The ends today) did respond fields. Texas; the U.S. Supreme follow the law,” he said, “… Sealy News comes to an with Judge Tim Lapham’s It’s not that the council Court effectively removed to have a very, very trans- end today, Dec. 31. The permission. should have rubber the Voting Rights Act parent process, so that the newspaper is changing Reichardt basically told stamped whatever they requirement that Texas and public can participate and all hands and I’m one of the him it didn’t matter proposed, but the way states like it win federal legislators can participate, because nothing was going assets the new ownership permission before making and so that everybody knows they’ve responded to not to change, and by law he is not keeping. So, before changes in voting and elec- what’s going on, and third is only these men, but other doesn’t have to fix the the rumors start flying tion laws. to be fair. It’s the data that city staff as well, is embar- roads if he doesn’t want to. that I got fired over some- People who aren’t paying drives what’s fair or not. You rassing. They frequently He said the only way it thing I wrote or did, you attention to new political obviously have political con- belittle the work done by could change is if there Assistant City Manager can nip that in the bud maps in 2021 are going to be siderations, and the Supreme right now. I’ve known unhappily surprised when Court says it’s OK to have were enough petitions to Warren Escovy during get the court to switch to a council meetings. They’ve about this for a month and they find — sometime dur- political considerations.” my employer is working Still awake? This is how unit system. When all but ignored Public ing the next 10 years — that hard to help me transition the political table has been DBIs work. Redistricting is Mitchell asked what a unit Works Director Mark into another job. You don’t tilted to favor someone else. the process of drawing politi- system is, Reichardt told Pulos who told them do that with someone And even if they are pay- cal maps, pooling Texans him to look it up. months ago they need to you’ve fired. It’s more of a ing attention, it’s hard to into districts that will elect For the record, a unit hire his replacement tell what’s going on. The members of Congress, the system is where an engi- because he will retire layoff. people involved will tell you state House and Senate, and neer is responsible for the sometime between now I’ve enjoyed my time in the wildest things, to keep the State Board of Education roads of an entire county. and August. Otherwise, Sealy and wish everyone things from getting too for the next 10 years. The Currently, the four com- the wastewater treatment here all the best. I hope interesting, and to keep people elected in those dis- missioners are responsible plant will be out of compli- your 2021 goes far better from drawing too much tricts are the ones who draw for the roads in their pre- ance without a certified than the way mine is start- attention. the maps, which means the cincts. operator in charge. ing. Just last week, during The process starts with a built-in Texas Tribune’s symposium conflict of interest. on the upcoming 2021 legis- Sure enough, they draw lative session, the leaders of maps that increase their the House and Senate com- chances of success — not The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers: mittees on redistricting tip- only in elections, but in the What is your top New Year’s resolution? toed around any suggestion government decisions that A. Lose weight that the results of the 2020 follow. Democrats draw B. Get fit election will influence the Democratic maps. C. Read more redistricting maps they’ll be Republicans draw D. Learn a new skill drawing in just a few Republican maps. And the E. Complete a major project months. stakes are so high, the litiga- F. Other State Sen. Joan Huffman, tion over those maps never R-Houston, is a lawyer and really ends. a former state district judge. That’s the reason for the Last week’s question was: State Rep. Phil King is an bland answers. They might How have you survived 2020? attorney, too. And they both have some thoughts about A. I came B. I had some C. I have been hurt D. It was a know that redistricting liti- what the maps should look through it rough patches but by the downturn complete gation never ends. The cases like, but they’re not about to in good shape managed well in the economy disaster that started with the new say so out loud. 41% | 15 VOTES 32% | 12 VOTES 11% | 4 VOTES 16% | 6 VOTES census 10 years ago are still Mum’s the word. They open, even as another cen- want to keep it dull, espe- Log on to sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results and a new question every Thursday. sus is being completed and cially if it’s important.

READER SERVICES responsible for photos for 30 days after it runs. All $42 per year; outside Austin County in Texas, Main number: (979) 885-3562 items are subject to editing for style and content. $52; outside Texas, $70 per year. Notices of PUBLISHER MANAGING EDITOR Fax: (979) 885-3564 change of address should be mailed to The Susan Rovegno Joe Southern Mailing address: P.O. Box 480, Sealy, Texas 77474 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474-0480. [email protected] [email protected] Known office of publication: The Sealy News welcomes letters to the editor 193 Schmidt Rd., Sealy, Texas 77474 from readers. All letters must be signed/include AFFILIATIONS PAGE DESIGN SPORTS name, city of residence and phone number for The Sealy News is a member of the National Victoria Parker Cole McNanna DEADLINES verification. The deadline for letters is Friday at Newspaper Association, the Texas Press victoria.parker@ [email protected] The deadline for editorial submissions is Friday at noon before publication. For space reasons, Association, the South Texas Press Association, fenicecommunitymedia.com noon for the Thursday edition. Retail and Classified letters may not run in the next issue. We reserve the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association. display deadlines are Friday at noon for the the right to edit letters for clarity, grammar/ OFFICE MANAGER Thursday edition. The deadline for classified word spelling, length and for libelous statements, or CONTENTS CIRCULATION Debbie Prejean ads is noon on Monday for the Thursday edition. to not publish letters at publisher’s discretion. © 2020 by Sealy Publications Inc. Written Sandra Weeber Letters should be limited to 500 words or less. We consent is waived when permission is gained [email protected] EDITORIAL REQUIREMENTS will not publish political endorsement letters or in advance and full credit is given to The Sealy Lifestyle announcements — weddings, those supporting or opposing specific candidates News for material reprinted or reproduced, in ADVERTISING FRONT DESK anniversaries, engagements, newborns and or parties during an election cycle; we will whole or in part, electronically or otherwise. REPRESENTATIVE Kim Lynch birthdays — are run as free announcements. publish letters on issues before the voters. Susan Rovegno [email protected] Obituaries are 300 words for $30, photo $5, POST OFFICE [email protected] $0.10/word after 300 words. Submitted photos SUBSCRIPTIONS Entered at the post office at Sealy, Texas, under the may be picked up at The Sealy News after it The Sealy News is published weekly on Act of Congress of June 2, 1897. Periodical Rate The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Thursdays. The Sealy News appears in the newspaper. We are only Thursday. Subscriptions in Austin County, are postage paid at Sealy, TX 77474. (USPS 487260) has been Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887.

THE SEALY NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 SPORTS SEALYNEWS.COM 5

THIS SPORTS PAGE SPONSORED BY CLIFF JONES TOP SPORTS STORIES OF 2020 Sign on the dotted line

By COLE McNANNA [email protected]

nough has been said about the kind of year 2020 has been and although sports E were lost for a while, they served as a great escape from the current events. It was The Sealy News’ honor to bring you the sports news from all around the Austin County and there was certainly no shortage of tremen- 10. dous accomplishments despite the lack of time on the field. Student-athletes represented their towns and county at the district, region and state levels and the loss of another student-athlete brought the community closer together. The staff compiled the top 10 sports stories of the year. The countdown starts at No. 10 with the seniors in high school who signed on the dotted line to play at the next level.

Cowboy up Grayson Mays, the District 12-4A-D2 defensive MVP his final two years at Bellville, signed his National Letter of Intent to play football for the McNeese State Cowboys on the early signing day. He also garnered first-team all-district hon- ors at tight end the last two years to help the Brahmas extend a postseason streak to nine years. Mays earned academic all-district dis- tinction all four years and garnered academic all-state honorable mentions as a senior. His junior year he was named to the AP second- team all-state and as a senior he was named a first-team all-state defensive end by the Texas Sports Writers Association.

Anchor down Although her final season in a Sealy uni- form was cut short, Lady Tiger golfer Maddie Goad already knew there would be more golf in her future and that was made official on File photos Friday, May 15, at a signing ceremony at the Four Austin County student-athletes, Grayson Mays (top left), Maddie Goad (top right), Luke Thielemann (bottom left), Brylie Nedd Goad household. (bottom right), pledged their commitment to playing at the collegiate level in 2020 across four different sports: football, golf, track See SIGNINGS, page 8 and volleyball. Austin County reps show out at rodeos By COLE McNANNA tered 103 total points across four [email protected] events while Robbin Rice, a member of Bellville High School’s Class of Austin County representatives put 2020, scored big in two of her three on a show at the county, state and events to climb the rankings. nation-wide levels of rodeo in 2020, Byler punched her ticket to nation- including a trio that als with fifth-place overall finishes in went to nationals and a cutting and barrel racing as well as a Wallis native who fourth-place spot in pole bending to secured her third account for all but eight of her 103 ACYRA title in her total points scored. Rice used third- . final year of competi- place finishes in the cutting and 9 tion. reined cow horse events to rack up Starting at the Texas High School more than 30 all-around points in Rodeo Association’s state finals in both disciplines. Abilene, a pair of rodeoers with Competing in the girls cutting Bellville ties came away with the co- horse event, Samantha Grace Perko All-Around Cowgirl title after tying compiled a total score of 438 which atop the rankings with 68 all-around secured a fourth-place finish that Contributed photo points after the first rounds on June helped her advance with the two Sealy’s Samantha Grace Perko got her second taste of national rodeo competition in Guthrie, 12 and the final runs on June 13. Okla., and finished 12th overall in the girls cutting event. She was joined by a pair of Austin Jayci Byler, a current junior at County representatives in winning the team title for the fifth year in a row. Faith Academy of Bellville, regis- See RODEOS, page 8 Thielemann owns record TIGER By COLE McNANNA also to take down the record as [email protected] well. “It feels great because my mom of the week In what served as the last track and my dad both graduated from and field action before competi- here, so I was just trying to make tions were suspended due to the them proud,” he said in a May LANE HOLLEY coronavirus out- 2019 conversion. “Next year, break, Sealy senior hopefully I can make it back to state, but I would also like to discus thrower Luke break our school record.” Thielemann finally The record throw was on his eclipsed the school- mind coming into the afternoon . record length that and he entered the stadium feel- 8 has been burned ing good. Once his throw attempt into his memory at the Gobbler left his hand, it felt similarly as Relays in Cuero on March 14. good. In an interview following his “I did know right away because state championship appearance I had pretty much had that record as a junior where Thielemann memorized in my head,” he said took third overall, he mentioned in a March 26 phone interview. not only returning to the top meet “The record was 168 (feet) and I of the year this time around, but threw 168 (feet), 8 (inches).”

1629 South Circle Street Sealy, TX 77474 TIGER OF THE WEEK BROUGHT TO YOU BY 979-885-3554 cliffjones.com

THE SEALY NEWS 6 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 PORT SEALYNEWS.COM S S Bellville’s Reese presented Ford award By COLE McNANNA 2016. With a 39-yard kickoff return, he [email protected] finished the night with 424 all-purpose yards in the win. On Sept. 23 at the Pasture of Pain, Going into the second game of the sea- Bellville’s Richard Reese was presented son, Reese said he wasn’t planning on shat- with the Built Ford Tough Texas High tering records but just going out and play- School Football Player of the ing well. Week award by Ryan Ford for “I just went out there and played my his record-breaking perfor- hardest and did what I had to do,” Reese mance in the Brahmas’ Week said. “It means a lot but I couldn’t do it Two win over Cameron-Yoe. without my team and God. Without my . In the 54-41 road victory linemen blocking and the backs in the 7 over the Yeomen, Reese backfield with me that block too, (I couldn’t became the single-game rushing and scor- have done it).” ing leader in Bellville football history, The Built Ford Tough Texas High School breaking a record that had stood for over Football Player of the Week program hon- eight decades. His 345 rushing yards on 27 ored one player in each classification every Cole McNanna carries bested Willie Zapalac’s 35-carry, week based on nominations that consid- Bellville’s Richard Reese, 10, was presented the Built Ford Tough Texas High 323-yard performance from 1938, accord- ered individual performances on the field, School Football Player of the Week award by Ryan Kirkpatrick of Ryan Ford, right, ing to BellvilleSports.com. contributions to the team’s success through Sept. 23 at the Pasture of Pain for his record-breaking performance in the Brahmas’ Reese’s 42 points scored (six touchdown leadership, and off-field performances Week Two win over Cameron-Yoe. Also pictured is Bellville head football coach rushes and a 40-yard touchdown reception) including academic success and communi- Grady Rowe, left. also topped a record set by Mac Briscoe in ty citizenship. Brahmanettes’ finish as state semifinalists By COLE McNANNA as the newcomer of the year Jennifer Cervantes earned [email protected] from her setter position. second-team academic all- Earning first-team all-dis- state honors and joined The Bellville Brahmanettes’ trict recognition were senior Atkinson, McKay and run in the volleyball playoffs classmates Sarah Rogers and Warmke in representing the came to an end in the state Daelyn Warmke as well as Brahmanettes as top student- semifinals at junior Madison Morgan. athletes in the state. the hands of the Rogers and Morgan led the Three players were also Wimberley offense as opposite hitters and honored with all-state dis- Texans 3-1. the libero Warmke surpassed tinction from the Texas Girls Bellville fin- 2,500 career digs this season Coaches Association and 6. ished the sea- and also earned second-team another player will represent son with a 30-4 academic all-state distinction. Bellville at the all-star game overall record and won the Junior outside hitter Lexi during the TGCA summer District 24-4A championship Higgins and sophomore defen- clinic. by beating Sealy in a tie- sive specialist Carly Lange Seniors Sadie McKay and breaking match after the Lady were the Brahmanettes’ repre- Daelyn Warmke closed their Tigers split the season series sentatives on the second-team careers with TGCA all-state with them. Cole McNanna all-district and will both return and legacy all-star recogni- While the Brahmanettes Sealy senior Ally Dickens (7) battles with Bellville’s Madison Morgan, left, and to bolster the roster next year. tion. Classmate Sarah Rogers were the last team standing Sarah Rogers (6) at the net during the tie-breaking match at the Brahmanettes’ Six Bellville student-ath- joined them on the TGCA all- from their district, their exit home gym on Oct. 27. The hosts won 3-0 to claim the top seed going into the letes were also honorable men- state team in her final high allowed the all-district teams playoffs. tions in District 24 including school season. to be released and they fea- senior setter Katie Atkinson, Bellville junior Madison tured two superlative winners Brahmanettes also garnered district MVP after eclipsing – who was also earned first- Morgan will represent the for Bellville, three first-team academic all-state distinction 1,200 kills for her career this team academic all-state dis- Brahmanettes at the TGCA selections, two second-team from the Texas High School season. She was also one of the tinction – junior classmates all-star game at the summer members and six honorable Coaches Association and the academic all-state honorees, Mikayla Kasper, Neelie Schiel, clinic and will play on the red mentions. Texas Army National Guard. landing on the second team. Jordan Schroeder, and Emma team alongside other all-stars The entire varsity roster Leading the way was senior Sophomore Abby Wheeler, as well as sophomore from Classes 1A to 4A after was recognized with academic outside hitter Sadie McKay Aschenbeck made immediate hitter Marin Higginbotham. providing offensive firepower all-district distinction and four who was named the overall contributions and was tabbed Senior team manager opposite of Rogers. Former teammates open season on opposite sidelines By COLE McNANNA familiar stretch of road team all-state outfield entering the Saturday [email protected] that sat right behind honors as a senior. night game for the top of the practice field he Zaskoda followed in the ninth. When asked if it was toiled on for years grow- his footsteps and took The second pitch he weird to see a former ing up. over as one of the aces of threw, fellow freshman teammate in a different- “We actually drove the Sealy pitching staff Brenden Dixon hit it colored through Sealy on the way last year, leading the over the left-field wall to uniform here,” he said. “I was like Tigers three rounds deep make the Longhorns’ than he ‘This is where I went to in the playoffs before lead 4-0. Zaskoda was in, school!’ I’m super proud being named a first-team bounced back, however, Garret to be from Sealy and to all-district pitcher and a and retired the side with . Zaskoda represent Sealy at the top-50 right-handed a flyout, a lineout and a 5 from next level. It’s a huge pitching prospect accord- strikeout, showing prom- Sealy High School’s class honor. I wouldn’t be ing to PerfectGame.com. ise in his first collegiate of 2019 said, “A little bit, Cole McNanna where I’m at without The pair of former outing. yeah.” Former Sealy High School standouts Justin Eckhardt (left) and Sealy; it’s a great place teammates, who are now “I thought it showed “We got our own little Garret Zaskoda (right) now find themselves on opposite sides of and I love it there.” both freshman after my teammates that I’m minute there kicking it, an in-state rivalry between the universities of Texas and Rice. It was in that town that Eckhardt used a red- gonna try and do my job. chilling like we’re boys The baseball teams met for a three-game series in February at he created his friendship shirt year to recover from Home runs are gonna still,” Zaskoda said of his Reckling Park in Houston to open their respective seasons. with Zaskoda. Eckhardt Tommy John surgery in happen, but I’m going to pregame encounter with eventually lined up at 2019, converged on battle back and do what Justin Eckhardt, a mem- Eckhardt, now a pitch- Rice Owl teammates to wide receiver to catch Reckling Park in I can for the team,” ber of Sealy’s class of er for the University of open their respective passes from him on Houston over Valentine’s Zaskoda said. “I knew 2018, on Feb. 15. “Once Texas Longhorns, and baseball seasons in Friday nights before serv- Day weekend. The visit- it’s not my first home run they went in and we his new band of brothers February. ing as the Tigers’ three- ing Longhorns emerged I’ve given up; it’s not went in and put the uni- made a trip to Houston On their way from hole hitter on the dia- with a sweep although going to be the last so I forms on, it’s ‘I hate for a weekend series Austin to Houston, mond, eventually earning only Zaskoda made his might as well go out and you.’” against Zaskoda and his Eckhardt found a district MVP and first- debut in the series, try to get the next guy.”

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• W/D Connections* • Sparkling Swimming By COLE McNANNA • DVD video library Pool, Ponds, Waterfalls [email protected] • Bark Park & Fountains Although Bellville’s Cody “Hitman” Brown has • Childrens Play Area • 1, 2 and 3 bedroom been making noise with punishing hits for the Houston Roughnecks to begin the XFL season, it • 24 hr. maintenance apartments wasn’t long ago that he was punching But it’s not right! his timecard at Sealy Junior High School as a substitute teacher. We know you want your vehicle back the way it was. “I like being around an atmosphere YOU CAN HAVE WHAT YOU WANT! of kids, so it was a good experience,” he . said after the Roughnecks’ 28-24 win 4 over the St. Louis BattleHawks on Feb. 16. “I learned a lot working that job. I still stay in contact with a few of those people I worked with. Being here now and being able to play in front of them even shows the kids that I worked with that your dreams are never dead.” He is certainly proof of that, coming out on the 1125 Miller Road 979-885-3929 other side of a long, winding road that has led him Sealy, TX 77474 Fax 979-885-1376 back to his home state. Visit our website at After graduating from Bellville High School in Serving Austin County and working with www.edgewoodsealy.com you and your insurance company since 1978 *in select units See XFL, page 8

THE SEALY NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 SPORTS SEALYNEWS.COM 7 Bellville community honors fallen Brahma By COLE McNANNA coach and athletic director Recent graduate Dalton Bills One of Hood’s classmates, Ian Alvarez, a soccer team- [email protected] Grady Rowe had words to said one of his favorite memo- Alex Marek, shared another mate who graduated this past honor their friend’s life at a ries with Hood involved the postgame memory which also spring, said that although he The Bellville community remembrance gathering that postgame hangouts that were involved smiles. and Hood weren’t as close as came together on July 24 to followed memorial services. hosted in the Bills’ man cave “The one thing I’ll never for- some of his other friends, give the late Zach Hood one Hood was killed in an auto acci- this past season. get about Zach is after every Alvarez knew he could always more Friday dent on July 19. “Little did I know these seven football game, win or lose, we’d rely on Hood for whatever he night under the “Zach impacted a lot of lives guys would change my life and be talking with our family and needed. lights of the and that’s evident tonight,” create a bond that would never we’d always look for each other “He was unique in his own Pasture of Pain, Rowe said during the ceremo- be broken. Today we are known at the end of each game to get way and for that reason, he where he ny. “As I visited with his mom as the Cavemen and it would our picture together,” Marek was loved by so many,” Alvarez . excelled in both this week, she said she knew never be the same without said. “No matter what hap- said. “On the field, he made his 3 football and soc- he had a lot of friends and that Zach,” Bills said. “Sitting pened that night, seeing him presence be known as a true cer in his three years as a he was close with a lot of peo- around, even after a loss and running up to me would always captain, always a leader, never Brahma. ple, but she didn’t realize the some bumps and bruises, Zach put a smile on my face. That a follower. Even in defeat, he Teammates from both true number of friends that he never failed to put a smile on would make any night perfect never let his guard down and squads as well as head football had.” our faces.” for me.” always managed to persevere.” Football, volleyball, cross country all see success By COLE McNANNA School Coaches Association in senior student-athletes garner tered a 9-2 district record fol- five years, the Sealy Tiger [email protected] their final years sporting the academic all-state distinction lowing a loss in the tie-break- cross country team had indi- black and gold. from the THSCA where two ing match against Bellville vidual representatives at the In the first year of the each landed on the first and that determined who took the state championship meet in University Interscholastic second team and five more top seed going into the playoffs. Round Rock. League’s biennial realignment, Sealy wins second earned honorable mentions. The Lady Tigers were hon- The Lady Tigers claimed the the Sealy fall area title in three years Rhys Reichardt and Jackson ored with a haul of all-district district championship and fin- sports teams For the second time in three Osborne represented Sealy on awards including two superla- ished fourth at the regional experienced years, the Sealy Tiger football the first-team academic all- tive winners (Brylie Nedd, meet where two freshman run- team fell in the third round of state and Blake Zaskoda and offensive MVP; Breanna plenty of suc- Brandes, setter of the year), ners qualified for the top meet the playoffs following an unde- cess on the foot- Mark Arriaga registered a spot the co-coach of the year (Kim of the year. The Tigers took . ball field, vol- feated district campaign. on the second-team academic Boyd), three athletes on teams second at the district meet and 2 leyball court Sealy posted with a 9-3 overall all-state. Adrian Arriaga, Kade earned their sixth straight spot and four more with honorable and cross country course. record and registered its sec- Killough, Josh Paz, Grayson mentions. in the regional championship Out of the four teams that ond outright district title, bi- Brandes and Ricardo In addition, it was the fourth where Xavier Olvera came competed, the Tiger football district championship and Villagomez all garnered aca- year in a row the entire varsity within three positions of quali- team and Lady Tiger cross area trophy in the last three demic all-state honorable men- squad earned academic all-dis- fying for state as well. country team came away with years. tions. trict distinction. On top of that, On the grandest stage, Sealy the district championship For their efforts, the Tigers the six seniors also earned aca- freshmen Annabelle Williams while the Lady Tiger volleyball were honored with a host of Lady Tigers claim first demic all-state honors from the (58th) and Allyson Guerrero team and Tiger cross country all-district awards including bi-district win since 2017 THSCA: Darby Sanders (first- (66th) finished within the top team finished as district run- the overall MVP (quarterback team), Alyssa Foertsch (first- 70 and were honored with all- On the volleyball court, the team), Ally Dickens (second- ners-up. D’vonne Hmielewski), defen- Lady Tigers compiled their state distinction by the Texas Football and volleyball com- sive MVP (safety Tyler team), Avery Oliver (second- Girls Coaches Association. best district record since con- team), Brooke Kram (second- Hennessey) and coach of the bined for three playoff wins secutive 9-1 marks in 2014 and team) and Brylie Nedd (sec- Three seniors also earned and the girls’ cross country year (Shane Mobley). In addi- 2015 and won their first bi- ond-team). statewide recognition from the team sent a pair of freshman tion, Sealy earned 12 first- district championship since THSCA with academic all- runners to the state champion- team selections, eight second- 2017 with a home sweep of Sealy runners earn state honors: Cameron ship meet. On top of that, 18 team nods and six more hon- North Forest. Eschenburg (Elite team), Coral senior student-athletes gar- orable mentions as well as 31 Sealy finished with a 24-6 top-5 team finishes Becerra (second-team) and nered academic all-state dis- academic all-district honorees. overall record – where 18 wins at regionals Madison Manak (honorable tinction from the Texas High The Tigers also had nine came via sweep – and regis- For the third time in the last mention). The unprecedented, the unknown, and the unfortunate By COLE McNANNA sons. “We had regional “We had been seeing [email protected] powerlifters that were everything else getting leaving (Friday) after- canceled and postponed At the beginning of the noon and they’re post- and had a couple of mes- coronavirus pandemic, poned right now. Again, sages passed through University it’s everybody siding on until they eventually Interscholastic League the side of safety and it’s said we’re done,” he (UIL) better to be safe than said. “I didn’t really announced sorry I think.” know what to think, an update “There’s no words, you maybe we’d only have to that it is hurt for those kids,” miss a couple of weeks “extending Brazos coach Ryan and then we could keep its suspen- Roecker said of the class playing but we just have Cole McNanna . to play it by ear and 1 sion of all of 2020. “There’s nothing At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Shane Mobley, Sealy ISD’s athletic director and UIL sanctioned contests to compare to. You sit there’s only so much you head football coach, said the suspension of UIL activities was “about the safety of the people.” to include all rehearsals, there and watch the can do.” Pictured is Mobley addressing the football team after a 2018 practice. practices and workouts shock and awe of the through March 29,” a week unfolding as far as statement released on NBA canceling their sea- March 16 says. son (along with other) The update came after professional sports. You previously shutting watch the NCAA, and down the basketball then (Thursday) you state championships watch the state basket- March 12 due to corona- ball tournament get can- virus concerns. celed which was only All three of Austin inevitable. We figured County’s UIL represen- something was gonna tatives, Bellville, Brazos happen with us educa- and Sealy, extended tionally and athletically.” spring break and eventu- The NCAA shut down ally never returned to its operations shortly in-person learning. after and canceled the “It’s an unknown for a rest of the winter sea- lot of people,” said Sealy sons and spring champi- Athletic Director Shane onships where a couple Mobley. “It’s not only the of Sealy High School state basketball tourna- alumni were getting ment, but it’s the ready to compete in. Houston Livestock Show Sam Houston State and Rodeo, one-act plays, pole vaulter Clayton there’s so much stuff Fritsch made it all the that’s all involved in way to Albuquerque, this.” N.M., for Indoor “It’s about the safety of Nationals only for that the people,” Mobley con- meet to get shut down in tinued, “you look at other the coming days. countries what they’re “We had Wednesday to going through. I know train and even then, people will have different there was talk because opinions about what’s that’s when the NBA going on and how this is started to postpone their playing out, but I know games and cancel their the athletic directors games,” Fritsch, a mem- that I’ve talked to, the ber of Sealy High School’s last thing we want is for class of 2017 said. “We our kids to get something saw that and thought that could have been pre- ‘OK, well, we’re not too vented.” worried about it right Of course, this preven- now because we’re not tion is also putting the near as big of a crowd.’” kibosh on some seniors’ The following day final chances at sports, around lunchtime the many with champion- word came down and ships on the line. Garret Zaskoda, a 2019 “Right now, those are graduate and pitcher for all suspended,” said the Rice Owl baseball Bellville’s Grady Rowe of team, could see the writ- winter sports’ postsea- ing on the wall.

THE SEALY NEWS 8 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 PORT SEALYNEWS.COM S S

RODEOS Rice did both the reigned cow although that wasn’t enough XFL horse and girls cutting to get her in the short go. Her from page 5 events. total of 505 points landed her from page 6 Byler finished first and 59th overall in the event. other Austin County resi- second in her first two goes Perko came out and won 2012, Brown attended dents to the National High but registered 18th in the her first go and scored 146 Southeast Preparatory School Finals Rodeo competi- short go and she finished points which also helped her Postgraduate Academy in tion in Guthrie, Okla. 16th overall in the country. tie for second place in the Houston where he earned a At nationals, the trio not Rice took third in her first jackpot. With about five sec- roster spot in Kansas for the two goes at girls cutting and onds remaining in the second only came away with top fin- Independence Community earned a spot in the short go round, however, a cow ishes in their events but also College Pirates. After two where a fourth-place spot escaped and dropped her to years there, he led Arkansas Joe Southern earned a fifth consecutive helped her finish fifth overall seventh place in the rank- State to two bowl appearances Houston Roughnecks safety Cody team title for the state of in the event. ings. She ended up in the then dominated in the short- Brown (25) pressures Seattle Texas. Byler competed in In reigned cow horse, Rice short go and managed a sev- lived Alliance of American Dragons quarterback B.J. Daniels pole bending, Perko partici- took 15th in the first go and enth-place finish to register Football and was invited to the (7) during the XFL game in Houston at TDECU Stadium on March 7. pated in girls cutting, and 10th in the second go 12th overall in the event. Jacksonville Jaguars’ offsea- Brown ended with a tackle and a son training camp. sack which helped the Roughnecks However, a torn meniscus come from behind to beat the SIGNINGS Thielemann signed with the Junior College on Nov. 11 at ended his road in Jacksonville Sam Houston State Sealy High School. Nedd Dragons 32-23. from page 5 and he returned home in May Bearkats on Friday, May was a key cog in Sealy’s of 2019 and was surrounded by 15, at a joint signing cere- offensive machine that friends and family again who “It was a hard time,” he Blinn College in Brenham mony at classmate Maddie earned the first bi-district reminded him that the next bit admitted. “Being released by is the next stop on Goad’s Goad’s house. championship in three years of positive news was right Jacksonville and getting tour where she’ll step up to Thielemann qualified for and exorcised first-round around the corner. They were drafted by Seattle and then the college ranks after mak- the state championships demons that the Lady indeed partially right because being cut and waived by ing the state championships last year as a junior and Tigers faced the previous the spring was also when it them before I could even get as a sophomore in high took home a bronze medal. two years. was announced the XFL would up there was kind of a slap school and missing a return He started his senior year In her three years at the be making its return and in the face. I believe every- trip by only four strokes as where he left off the previ- varsity level for Sealy, Nedd Brown entered the draft. thing happens for a reason a junior. As a senior, Goad ous year and broke the compiled 1,065 kills, 728 The Seattle Dragons called and my parents and my girl- won the individual champi- school record. digs, 111 aces, 87 assists his name with their pick in friend preached that to me onships at the first two and 75 digs and was voted Round 6 of Day 2 of the draft too. ‘You’ve got to keep the tournaments, the latter of ‘Go Bucs’ team MVP her sophomore but before Brown went west, faith,’ they said and within a which was a preview of the Lady Tiger senior outside and junior season as well. he was released. As a free couple of hours, I had teams course the state champion- hitter Brylie Nedd was As a senior, she was named agent, the Houston Roughnecks calling me, so it was a bless- ship was to be held on. joined by family, teammates the District 24-4A offensive were able to make him a late ing. Everything happens for and coaches in signing her MVP and earned all-state addition to their roster, giving a reason and now I’m here Eat ’em up Kats National Letter of Intent to recognition from the Texas him another opportunity to in front of my family, play- Sealy discus thrower Luke play volleyball at Blinn Girls Coaches Association. shine in his home state. ing the game I love.”

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THE SEALY NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 9 FAITH SEALYNEWS.COM

“A Great Place to Eat” This devotional and directory is made possible by these businesses and churches First United Methodist Since 1936 who encourage all of us to attend worship services. Caring for the needs of our community Open 7 Days BAPTIST EPISCOPAL PENTECOSTAL through prayer, deeds, inspiration, and Louis A. Servos Excellent Service love in the Spirit of Christ 1629 Meyer, Sealy Banquet Room GRACE FELLOWSHIP 979-885-4140 ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL BROOKSHIRE TABERNACLE Catering 328 N. Circle Drive Meyer at Sixth Street 200 Atchison St. 979-885-2223 fumcsealy.org Pastor Tony Ramos 885-2359 UNITED PENTECOSTAL 281-702-5602 or 281-702-5601 The Rev. Eric LeBrocq, 5th and Otto W.S. 10:15 a.m. Pastoral Leader Samuel T. Taylor, Min. To advertise and support the Wed. 7 p.m. To advertise and support the Holy Eucharist 10 a.m. W.S. 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. church page, contact The Sealy church page, contact The Sealy FIRST BAPTIST BELLVILLE Tues. 10 a.m.; Wed. 7:30 p.m. News at (979) 885-3562 or 504 E. E. Strauss St. LUTHERAN News at (979) 885-3562 or [email protected] 865-3644 NEW LIFE SANCTUARY [email protected] S.S. 9:20 a.m.: W.S. 10:45 a.m. LIFEBRIDGE COMMUNITY Wed. 6 p.m. UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH 129 2nd Street, Sealy FIRST BAPTIST SEALY Pastor Scott Heitshusen (979) 627-7194 HOME COMFORT 2162 FM 2187 ANDERSON PAINT & BODY SYSTEMS 707 8th St. (832) 876-9011 Innovation never 885-3302 Fellowship at 9:15 a.m. AIS Martin Villarreal, Min. Working with you AIS Worship Service at 10 a.m. felt so good.™ Robby Magee, Min. AIR INSTALLATION AND SERVICE LLC S.S. 9:45 a.m.: W.S. 11 a.m. S.S. 10:30 a.m.; W.S. 11:30 a.m. and your insurance PO BOX 87 | BLEIBLERVILLE, TX | COREY JACKSON Wed. 7 p.m. ST. JOHN AMERICAN (ELCA) End Time Ministries Irvin Baxter company since 1978 cell: 979-877-8126 • office: 979-421-8080 LUTHERAN DVD's Wed. 7:30 p.m Free estimates! [email protected] TACLA 34038C MISSION BAUTISTA HISPANA Corner of Rogers and Third, Wallis 979-885-3929 1115 Maler Rd., Bellville Pastor Karen Wilhelm PRESBYTERIAN Alex R.Garcia, Min. Adult Bible study is every Sunday from S.S. 11 a.m.; W.S. 12 noon 10am – 10:30am To advertise and support the Wed. 7:30 p.m. Worship Service is 11:00am FIRST PRESBYTERIAN church page, contact The Sealy NEW BEGINNING BAPTIST 172 Selman Drive. ST. JOHN LUTHERAN S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m. News at (979) 885-3562 or CHURCH 520 North Holland St., Bellville 114 South Front St., Bellville www.firstpresbyterian.org Rev. Andrew Bell Rev. Herbert M. Long II, Pastor [email protected] 865-2081 979-885-3562 Power Up 9:30 a.m. OTHER Sunday School 10 a.m. S.S. 9:15 a.m.; W.S. 8 & Worship Service 11 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Sat. 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7:30 p.m. ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH ALL AROUND COWBOY Houser Roofi ng AUTOFROEHLICH CLINIC CERTIFIED AUTO REPAIR LLC 5812 Crosstree Lane COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR AND SERVICE NEW PRAIRIE VIEW BAPTIST OF CAT SPRING at Hwy. 36 North 979•472•9176 1007 S. Masonic 4303 Sealy Rd., San Felipe 480 Ross Street ★ ★ William Froehlich Charles Tompkins, Min. Sonny Rice, Min., 885-1155 Your Quality Metal Roofi ng Specialists Bellville, Texas 77418 Cat Spring, Texas 78933 Master Technician 885-6836 ★ Free Inspections ★ 979-865-54444 S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m. Phone: 979-865-4007 S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 10:45 a.m. ★ Free Estimates ★ www.stjohncatspring.org ASE MASTER CERTIFICATIONS Wed. 7 p.m. HouserRoofi ngTX.com Rev. Stephanie Stark CHRIST OUR REDEEMER WEST END BAPTIST S.S. 9:00 am; W.S. 10:00 am; Faith Christian Academy, Dennis Keen, Min. Fellowship and Coffee 9 mi.south of Hwy. 36 www.westendchurch.net after 10:00 am Service Jerry C. & Debbie McKinney, Mins. VISIT US TODAY! Sunday School 9:30AM W.S. 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship Service 10:45AM S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 10:45 a.m. ST. PAUL LUTHERAN, & 6 p.m. Wed. 7:30 p.m. MISSOURI SYNOD CHRISTIAN CITY SEALYNEWS.COM 979-885-3562 Men's & Ladies Bible Study Tuesday 6:30PM Wallis FELLOWSHIP Youth Group (LIT) Wednesday 6:00PM Ray Spitzenberger, Min. 5243 Hwy. 36 N. Adult Prayer & Bible Study Wednesday S.S. 10:15 a.m.; W.S. 9 a.m. 7:00PM Rusty Griffin, Min., 979-885-3113 TRINITY LUTHERAN, KO’s ELECTRIC CATHOLIC S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m., Wed.7 p.m. MISSOURI SYNOD Keith Oliver 4th & Atchison Sts., 885-2211 ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 979-885-3116 Frydek Rev. Ken Bersche, Min. Thuy Quang Nguyen, Min. S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m. 707 W. Main, Bellville “For All Your Electrical Needs” Sat. Mass: 4:30 p.m. S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 10:45 a.m. COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL Sun. Mass 7:30 a.m. METHODIST 1ST Sun. each month Communion Service” IMMACULATE CONCEPTION All Around Cowboy Church 608 5th St. DOWNEY-WESLEY CHAPEL “Church Times” 885-3868 UNITED METHODIST MILL CREEK CHURCH Sunday Wednesday service & Rev. Jonathan Moré 5158 Front St., San Felipe Pastor Monte Byrd Bible Study 9 a.m. youth service 7 p.m. W.S. Sat 5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. Worship & Church 10 a.m. Steffon Arrington, Min., 995-0434 631 S. Mechanic, Bellville Noon – Bilingual Children’s Church 11 a.m. S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 1st & 3rd 865-8064 We are located halfway between Sealy & Bellville on Hwy 36. Sun. 11 a.m. www.millcreekchurch.org 979-885-3562 5812 Crosstree Lane • 979-885-1155 • Paster, Sonny Rice GUARDIAN ANGEL S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m. Wallis Thuy Quang Nguyen, Min. FIRST UNITED METHODIST W.S. Sat. 6:30 p.m., 200 Atchison, Sealy MORNING STAR COWBOY To advertise and support the Sun. 9:30 &11 a.m. Rev. Mike Fraley, Min. 1566 Loop 497, Kenney, TX 77452 979-885-2223 church page, contact The Sealy CHRISTIAN 281 797-1955 News at (979) 885-3562 or http://www.fumcsealy.org/ Sunday: S.S. 9:30 W.S. 10:30 S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 8 & 10 a.m. Wednesday: B.S. 7:00 CHRISTIAN FAITH First Kids MDO T/Th 8am-2pm [email protected] 620 S. Front St., Bellville, 865-5464 MT. NEBO COMMUNITY ORCHARD UNITED Lynn Burling, Min. 103 Main St., 885-6651 S.S. 9:30 a.m. METHODIST S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m.; Wed. 7 p.m. W.S. 10:30 a.m. Rev. Bobbie Knowles, To advertise and support the Wed. 7 p.m. W.S. 9 a.m. NELSONVILLE church page, contact The Sealy CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY BRETHREN CHURCH 114 Hilburn at Bell PRAIRIE VIEW AME News at (979) 885-3562 or Bellville, Texas 77418 5601 Fannin St. San Felipe, TX 77473 352 Nelsonville Church Road in Bellville 228 E. Front St • Sealy • 979-885-2967 Church Service 10:30AM 979-885-2172 Rev. Michael Groseclose [email protected] www.steinhauser.com Sunday School 10:30 AM Rev. Reginald Honors (979) 865-3026 Wed. Service Noon 1st Wed. only Church School 8:45 A.M. 9 a.m. Sunday School (979) 865-5605 W.S. 10 A.M. (2nd & 4th Sunday) 10:15 a.m. Worship Service VISIT US TODAY! CHURCH OF CHRIST Virnau Sealy SAN FELIPE UNITED NEW DAY SEALYNEWS.COM ANDERSON STREET METHODIST DELIVERANCE CHURCH Tractor CHURCH OF CHRIST Rev. Joel McMahon 15474 FM 1458 in San Felipe 1537 Hwy 36, Sealy 803 Liveoak St. in Sealy FM 1458 & 2nd Street 281-770-9328 (979) 885-3549 S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11:15 a.m., (936) 488-8633 Sunday fellowship 8-11 a.m. Wed. 7 p.m W.S. 10 a.m. Sunday service at 9:15 a.m. BELLVILLE ABSTRACT CO. (979) 885-1953 Rev. Anthony R. Dabney, Jr. To advertise and support the ABSTRACTS SEALY CHURCH OF CHRIST ST. PAUL AME LAND TITLE INSURANCE 201 Sixth at Fowlkes 400 San Felipe St. RESTORATION CHURCH church page, contact The Sealy Chris Hodges, Min. P.O. Box 1261 Sealy, TX 77474 Lead Pastor: Nathan & Jennifer Strange 19 North Bell • P.O. Box 339 • Bellville, Texas 77418 S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. 979-885-2419 News at (979) 885-3562 or 1630 Meyer Street Sealy, TX (979) 865-3127 • (979) 865-5034 Fax & 6 p.m. Wed. 7 p.m. Rev. Reginald Honors American Legion [email protected] lschultz@ bellvilleabstract.com Church School 9 A.M. CHURCH OF Children’s Sunday School 10:00am W.S. 10 A.M. (1st & 3rd Sunday) Sunday Worship at 10:00am JESUS CHRIST OF Bible Study 6:30 P.M. Wednesday LATTERDAY SAINTS Wednesday Bible Study 7:00pm Fresh Meats To advertise and support the Phone: 979-987-1304 Smoked Meats WALLIS UNITED METHODIST and more…. church page, contact The Sealy THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST 123 Birch DEEP-ROOTED News at (979) 885-3562 or OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Wallis, Texas 234-2112 THE SHEPHERD’S WAY TEXAS 600 West, 832-474-6387 Ric Walters, Min., 1225 Eagle Lake Rd., 885-1225 -TRADITION- [email protected] Frank Lucas, Min. Bishop Bounds 281-384-8437 I-10 Exit 718 * Sealy, Texas * 979-627-6027 S.S. 11:20 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m. W.S. 10:30 a.m. W.S. 10 a.m. Wed. 7 p.m. Harle & Scheff

John B. Harle | Jerry S. Scheff

212 E. Main Street | Bellville, TX 77418 979-865-3198 979-885-3562 offi [email protected]

Bill’s To advertise and support the JANICEK’S COUNTRY MARKET church page, contact The Sealy PLUMBING SERVICE, SELECTION AND SAVINGS News at (979) 885-3562 or Residential/Commercial/New Construction Plumbing 333 Fowlkes, Downtown Sealy [email protected] Family owned & operated for 58 years! 885 - 3522 6409 Commerce St. | Wallis, TX 77485 | (979) 478-6444

To advertise and support the To advertise and support the church page, contact The Sealy church page, contact The Sealy News at (979) 885-3562 or 1401 Eagle Lake Rd., Sealy, TX • 979-885-2937 News at (979) 885-3562 or (For those not needing full-time nursing care, our affi liate, Arbors of Briarwood, 979-885-3562 [email protected] offers retirement/assisted living in Bellville - 979-865-3969) [email protected] www.colonialbellesealy.com • www.arborsofbriarwood.com

979-885-3554 POSTIVE FEED, LTD. 1-10 & Hwy 36 “COOKED” Molasses Sealy, TX TUBS Man or Beast 77474 Health is Wealth 979-885-3562 PO Box 1049 • Sealy, TX 77474 www.cliffjonesmahindratractor.com 979-885-2903 • ww.pf4feed.com

THE SEALY NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 10 SEALYNEWS.COM CLASSIFIEDS

680 700 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 COMMERCIAL HOUSES FOR 85 85 85 85 85 85 MISC. SERVICES HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED PROPERTY FOR RENT RENT OR LEASE HOUSE LEVEL- FOR RENT AP- RENTAL: NICE HELP WANTED ING AND foun- PROX 1500 NEIGHBOR- - All positions: RANCH HAND TO WORK dation repairs. SQFT COMMER- HOOD-2 Bed- cooks, mainte- ON HORSE RANCH NEAR HELP Slabs – Piers and CIAL BUILDING. room 2Bath, nance, and ca- beams, replace OFFICE and washer/dryer shiers. Apply in- FM 723 AND FM 359: rotten sills and WORK SPACE hookup, Water, person at Kathy’s Full time employee needed: Live-in wood. 40 years 1404 Ward Bend trash, sewer is Korner, 9027 S.E. WANTED! with your family, all expenses paid. experience. Free Rd, Sealy. 979- paid. Storage I-10 Frontage Rd, estimates. Mobile 885-3395. space. Good deal Sealy. 979-987- Also, part-time help needed, Home leveling. on rent! 678-469- 6077 3-4 days per week, from Fold and assemble plastic bags. 281-232-6268. WAREHOUSE 7673. 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. FOR RENT: 9020 HORSE RANCH (Bilingual with own transportation. $9.00 per hour plus benefits. NW I10 front- 3B/D 2 BATH IN New Ulm look- One hour lunch break.) 620 age road, Sealy. with study on 1 ing for stall clean- Tasks: Feed horses, clean stall, take Apply in person: HOUSES FOR SALE 50X30x10, 2 slid- acre $1500.00 a ers, grooms, and month $1500.00 experienced peo- horses out to pasture and bring them ing 11’ doors, back, and some additional farm work. 2,000 SQ FT, concrete floors, deposit. Addi- ple for foal watch Transcom International 4-bedroom, 3 utilities. $800/ tional +/- 3 acres and broodmare RECENT EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! 2893 FM 1094 bath, fireplace,mo +deposit with fenced available. care. Contact Bill kitchen island, contract. Call 1962 Beckendorff at 325-500-5557. Call or text at 713-419-9009. Please 832-628-5933 or Rd. Call 979-885- Sealy, TX 77474 granite down- leave a message, call will be returned. stairs bar located email Omejia66@ 6262 RANCH in quiet neighbor- yahoo.com. MOVE-IN SPE- HAND 900 900 900 hood in Crystal CIAL; REMOD- BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS Beach, Tx by WANTED FOR ELED Town- December 24 OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES School. For more homes - New Full time information, call RENT Owner & New employee needed: Puzzle Answers 936-488-1314. Mgrs.: 2&3 Bed- Live-in with Mini room, Covered your family, all OWNER FI- expenses paid. Warehouses Parking; Agent +/- NANCE, YOU 281-578-2888 10 ac w/Office, Home & pick home, we Size 10x20 Part time help needed on horse Warehouse Auctions Jan 21 Contact Public Inspection 11-2pm Friday January 8 buy & finance to SPACIOUS 2 BD. ranch near FM 1 bath w/ washer THREE RIVERS, TX • 345 & 349 Highway 72 you, fixed rate Bill’s 723 and FM 359. Just over an hour from San Antonio & Corpus Christi 15-20% down; No & Dryer hook up. Auctions: 11am, Thu Jan 21 on site or bid live from credit check, loan Supermarket New laminate Working days Located in Eagle Ford Shale anywhere at auctionnetwork.com negotiable, 3-4 application, tax floors and fresh 800.801.8003 • williamsauction.com/TX 885-3522 days a week, returns, social se- paint. $250 Sec. TX JEFFREY MICHAEL ASHBY RE LIC 550021; CODY LOWDERMAN AUC LIC 16991 7 am to 5:30 pm BUYER’S PREMIUM (BUYER’S FEE IN WI) MAY APPLY. curity; foreign na- Deposit with good credit/ rental his- 1 hour off for tional ok; Richard lunch. Bilingual (281) 546-4646 tory. $699 / month + Utilities. Please with own S & H transportation. Mini call (832)437- 630 Warehouses 0471. RECENT LOTS AND ACREAGE EXPERIENCE FOR RENT NECESSARY! Size 10 x 20 3BR/2BATH Mo- FOR SALE: 1 713-419-9009 bile Home remod- acre lot in Sealy, $60 per month Leave message. Grubbs Rd. No eled, beautiful, restrictions. For storage shed, big porch. Wallis 713- info call 979-472- 979-885-0700 Follow us on 8932. 301-9420. Facebook for PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: FOR LEASE: 3 Bedroom 2 Bath easy access to All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination newly remodeled based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or home. 2021 Spar- SSEALYEALY NEWSNEWS an intention or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of row Lane. 713- 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing 498-5953. TexSCAN Week of LEGAL ASSISTANCE custody of children under 18. SEALYNEWS December 27, 2020 Have you been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate ACREAGE Lymphoma? If you have been diagnosed with the which is in violation of the law. 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We Principal Office: Austin, TX; Co-counsel may be associated. urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.

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THE SEALY NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 SEALYNEWS.COM 11

TOP 10 “I’m definitely sad- 6. Elections “Cynthia and I McAllister said he said, “very disappoint- dened by the mayor’s noticed what we turned in his applica- ed in the election from page 3 With many spring resignation. She did elections postponed to thought were financial tion on Feb. 7 but the judge, very disappoint- really great things for Nov. 3 and a highly irregularities and we postmark on his rejec- ed in this town that She asked the mem- the city and I have contentious presiden- began researching tion notice is Feb. 20, you will allow that to bers of council not to learned a lot from her,” tial election unfolding, them,” McAllister said. nearly two weeks later. happen. That should say anything and City Noack added. voters in Austin “That led to the auditor He also said his appli- not happen when we Attorney Tim Kirwin County came to the confirming some of our cation has all the all know each other in said he would email 7. Neglected polls in record num- concerns and I think required blanks filled this town,” he said. each of them informa- horses seized bers. that we are, by law, in. Kelly said her appli- Davidson said he tion about the resign to whistleblowers and cation was missing her turned in his applica- One horse is dead Former Austin run law. The meeting protected by state law. occupation, which is a tion to Foley on Feb. 7, and two more were County Judge Carolyn was held online. And I believe I’m being required blank. a week before the Feb. recently seized by the Bilski won a special Whitehead’s resigna- retaliated against for The two said Foley 14 filing deadline. He Austin County Sheriff’s election to replace tion leaves a small my involvement in that gave them a hard time attended the Feb. 11 Office in a case of Mayor Janice window of time for can- investigation,” in 2018 and 2020 when town council meeting severe neglect. Whitehead, who didates to file for the McAllister said at the they tried to apply for and nothing was said Thomas Ryan of resigned to move out of position in the Nov. 3 March 10 council meet- a position on the ballot. to him. Austin County lost cus- the city, over former special city council ing. They said Foley nor- “Also, on Feb. 20, a tody of the two surviv- mayor Nick Tirey 1,462 election. “This is election engi- mally notarizes the letter was mailed, 11 ing horses after a court to 796. Incumbent “On the next agenda neering,” Kelly said in applications when they days after I submitted hearing before Precinct school board member we’ll have to call an an interview with The come in, but each time my application, of my 3 Justice of the Peace Jay Aguado held off a election. Nothing’s Sealy News. “She’s the two of them came being rejected,” he Clyde Drake on Aug. 6. challenge by Ralph open to file yet and engineered this so to the office she failed said. The deceased horse Bond 3,359 to 1,987. In there will be a short there would be no elec- to have her stamp with He said his applica- and an emaciated black the write-in race for window, maybe eight tion.” her. That included tion was rejected stallion were kept in Precinct 3 Constable, or nine days, to file,” Foley told The Sealy Kelly in 2019 when she because he wrote his small round pens on incumbent Ronnie Whitehead said in an News that she followed ran against Mayor name in the wrong box. Ryan’s property and a Griffin won election interview afterward. the law and treated Bobby Byars. Most of pony was kept chained night with 677 votes “That was another tim- them fairly. She said the other applicants, to an old car behind his over challengers Tobey 4. Unmasked ing issue where if we as the election official however, had their home. The pony has Baggerly (372) and officials did it too late they’d she has five days after applications notarized been relocated to a Robert Campbell (246). Despite increases in only have about three receiving an applica- by Foley. local horse rescue and “I love Sealy and I COVID-19 cases and days to file so we want- tion to review it. She “We had to have the stallion is being love the people,” Bilski deaths, County Judge ed to give enough time said she found errors someone else notarized held at an auction said late Tuesday Tim Lapham and other to file.” on three applications the applications,” house until he can night. “I’m proud and county leaders contin- Whitehead said she and sent each candi- McAllister said. either be auctioned or honored that they trust ue to defy state health will stay on in a hold- date a form letter with McAllister, Kelly, taken to the horse res- me to be their voice.” recommendations to over capacity until the checked boxes indicat- and Davidson com- cue. The civil case was Griffin, the incum- wear face coverings in next mayor is elected. ing the reason for plained at the March prosecuted by bent Precinct 3 consta- public. At two sessions “It will be run like a rejection. 10 town council meet- Assistant District ble, had to run as a of commissioners court regular election just in “We’re supposed to ing that they were Attorney Jesse write-in after he made over the summer, November instead of notify the candidates being treated unfairly Skinner, who con- an 11th-hour bid to run Lapham, EMS Director May. Technically I and that’s basically by Foley. The council firmed that the horses against Sheriff Jack Walter Morrow, Sheriff could have waited until what I did,” she said. nonetheless voted 3-2 were taken from Ryan. Brandes in the March Jack Brandes, Sept. 16 to announce She denied any dis- to cancel the election District Attorney primary. He lost to Emergency Services my resignation, but crimination in her without discussing the Travis Koehn said Brandes 4,004 to 843. Director Ray Chislett, you have to hold an rejection of the two motion amongst them- Ryan did not face crim- “I appreciate all the and several others election within 120 incumbents and a third selves. Prior to the inal charges. people turning out to were not wearing face days of the tendering, applicant, Jeffrey vote, the three rejected “We did not put him vote. I’m glad for all coverings. All four com- so I wanted to make it Davidson. candidates and two in jail or arrest him for the support,” Brandes missioners, Randy as smooth a transition “There is no conspir- other members of the cruelty to animals,” said. “I will work hard Reichardt, Chip Reed, as possible,” she said. acy here,” she said. “I public spoke out. Koehn said. for all of you as your Bobby Rinn, and Mark Whitehead said she have to treat everyone “I’m very, very disap- He explained that sheriff.” and her husband sold fairly.” pointed,” Davidson although the horses See TOP 10, page 12 their house in Sealy were malnourished and faster than expected. 5. Election suffering from neglect, “Nobody’s running controversy FINANCIAL FOCUS they were not being me out of town. We’ve brought to you each week by treated cruelly. in San Felipe faced much tougher “He just failed to In San Felipe, the issues than this. It’s nourish them like he news wasn’t about the just a personal deci- Member SIPC should,” Koehn said. May 2 city election but sion. We found a house Beyond losing his about the rejection of and my husband made ANDREW KRAMPITZ CAMERON T KERSHNER horses, Ryan is respon- election applications by the decision. We just Financial Advisor Financial Advisor sible for court costs three people, including didn’t expect to sell our and care of the horses two alderpersons, and Time for New Year’s Financial Resolutions house to the second while in custody of the the subsequent cancel- person who walked in sheriff’s office. ation of the election. Many of us probably felt that 2020 lasted a very if it happens, there’s probably nothing you can do the door,” she said. The horses were the Two incumbent San long time. But now that 2021 is upon us, we can about it. Instead of worrying about things you can’t Councilmembers Dee Felipe alderpersons make a fresh start – and one way to do that is to control, focus on those you can. When it comes subject matter of a make some New Year’s resolutions. Of course, you to your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored Anne Lerma and Chris story last August in whose applications for Noack complimented can make these resolutions for all parts of your life – retirement plan, put in as much as you can afford The Sealy News. Horse re-election were reject- physical, emotional, intellectual – but have you ever this year, and if your salary goes up, increase your Whitehead on the job advocates familiar with ed by City Secretary/ considered some financial resolutions? contribution. she did. the case complained Election Official Sue Here are a few such resolutions to consider: • Recognize your ability to build “I wish Mayor that the neglect has Foley claim her treat- • Don’t overreact to events. When the savings. During the pandemic, the personal Whitehead the abso- been going on for years ment of them demon- coronavirus pandemic hit in mid-February, the savings rate shot up, hitting a record of 33% in lute best in her life’s and although they’re strates a pattern of dis- financial markets took a big hit. Many people, April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economy next chapter,” Lerma happy the horses have crimination against convinced that we were in for a prolonged slump, Analysis. It fell over the next several months, but said. “Janice has led them. Kent McAllister decided to take a “time out” and headed to the still remained about twice as high as the rate of been seized, they are investment sidelines. But it didn’t take long for the the past few years. Of course, much of this surge in the City of Sealy with disappointed that it and Cynthia Kelly markets to rally, rewarding those patient investors Americans’ proclivity to save money was due to our passion and commit- took so long and the were elected to serve who stayed the course. Nothing is a certainty in the lack of options for spending it, as the coronavirus ment over the past death of one for it to on the board in 2018 investment world, but the events of 2020 followed caused either complete or partial shutdowns in three years. She has happen. but are being forced off a familiar historical pattern: major crisis followed physical retail establishments, as well as dining brought a calm to the “I’m glad they took in May after Foley by market drop followed by strong recovery. The and entertainment venues. But if you did manage city and the council the remaining two rejected their applica- lesson for investors? Don’t overreact to today’s to boost your own personal savings when your that was very much away, but I’m ticked off tions due to clerical news – because tomorrow may look quite different. spending was constrained, is it possible to remain they didn’t do it soon- errors. They claim she • Be prepared. At the beginning of 2020, a good saver when restrictions are lifted? Probably. needed, and all while nobody was anticipating a worldwide pandemic And the greater your savings, the greater your growth was flocking er,” said Lissa Johnson, is retaliating against and its terrible consequences, both to individuals’ financial freedoms – including the freedom to invest down the I-10 corridor. a horse owner who them for being whistle- health and to their economic well-being. None and freedom from excessive debt. When we reach Her leadership and lives down the road blowers on irregulari- of us can foretell the future, either, but we can be a post-pandemic world, see if you can continue professionalism will from Ryan. “One of the ties in the town’s prepared, and one way to do so is by building an saving more than you did in previous years – and certainly be missed.” horses died needlessly.” finances. emergency fund. Ideally, such a fund should be kept use your savings wisely. in liquid, low-risk vehicles and contain at least six These aren’t the only financial resolutions you months’ worth of living expenses. can make – but following them may help you and 50% accurate for to quickly vaccinate as • Focus on moves you can control. In develop habits that could benefit you in 2021 and RECORD response to pandemic-related economic pressures, beyond. those without symp- many health care work- from page 1 some employers cut their matching contributions to This article was written by Edward Jones for toms. This will help not ers, residents of long- 401(k) plans in 2020. Will some future event cause use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. only with COVID-19 term care facilities, and another such reduction? No one knows – and even Edward Jones, Member SIPC. “This machine can but with other issues people at risk of severe give a definite result in such as flu A and B and illness or death from 201 Fowlkes • Sealy, Tx 77474 COVID-19 as possible,” one hour’s time,” strep.” he said. (979) 885-4787 • (888) 397-8237 Fax • (888) 848-4787 Toll Free Lapham said in his Lapham also said report. “These machines that the county is still are 99+% accurate ver- awaiting its first ship- sus the quick tests. The ment of the COVID-19 quick tests are around vaccine. 90% accurate for “Our goal while vac- THANK YOU patients with symptoms cine supply is limited is for allowing us to be of service to you

We express our heartfelt appreciation to the Sealy community for allowing Seidel Schroeder to provide tax and accounting services from our Sealy branch for over Thank You 30 years. After much thought and consideration, Seidel The family of Gene Remmert would like to Schroeder has made the difficult business decision to relocate our branch office to the Katy area. express their heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of sympathy and condolences, the Robert Emshoff will be taking ownership of the Sealy numerous memorials, meals, flowers, and office of Seidel Schroeder, and the practice will offi- support as we mourn his passing. We have been cially be renamed Emshoff Tax Services LLC. Robert Emshoff, Rob Emshoff, Esmeralda De La Rosa, Donna touched by the kind words and remembrances Edwards, and Gale Priesmeyer will continue providing of the man we knew as husband, father and the same quality, personal service that you have grown papa. Thanks to Pastor Bersche and the office accustomed to. The new firm’s telephone number and staff of Trinity Lutheran Church for their office location will remain the same. We encourage you assistance with the service; the American to allow Emshoff Tax Services LLC to assist you in the Legion for the graveside service honors; Knesek future with your tax and bookkeeping needs. Funeral Home for their assistance in planning; Don and Janet Allphin for music; and to the ICU nurses at Memorial Hermann for their kindness and care.

Betty, Clint and Tammy 620 HWY 90 West • Sealy, TX 77474 Phone 979-885-6588 • www.ssccpa.com

THE SEALY NEWS 12 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 SEALYNEWS.COM

TOP 10 and his deputies have 3. $2.8 million an educational stand- Reeves to escort Merrell careful about how we not been wearing donation point,” he said. to his office at city hall grade things that were from page 11 masks in public. He said the money and supervise him done at home. We have Christmas came In October Lapham raised by the fund is cleaning out his office great confidence in early for the students filed the paperwork used to provide scholar- that night. everything that was Lamp, have been wear- of Sealy ISD as a $2.8 necessary to lift the ships for graduating Prior to the executive done in the last nine ing masks. Morrow, million donation was mask order in the seniors from Sealy High session, Merrell com- weeks, but going for- after being confronted, made to the Sealy county and to allow School. plained about slander- ward in this interim began wearing his. Scholarship bars to reopen. “There could be pro- ous statements made in Lapham, who is a Endowment Fund in period that we’re doing “Bars can open on grams that maybe the the community about volunteer firefighter in November. from home, we’re not the 14th, I believe, school board can’t do he and his wife, Marsha Cat Spring, has never “We didn’t know we sure how that’s going to that’s Wednesday. I but we can help,” Merrell. advocated wearing face were getting anything look yet,” she said. have some paperwork Zapalac said. “I’ve never had my coverings. In his regu- at all,” said Bill After a lot of hand- that I’ve started on position in local govern- lar postings on Burttschell, president wringing, surveying, Friday and am going to Facebook, he has never of the fund. 2. Officials resign, ment tied to such slan- and negotiating over follow-up on today that advised anyone to wear The donation comes are dismissed derous talk before,” he the summer, local a mask and only made they allow county judg- said. “An acquaintance schools returned in from Darryl Randerson In December, both one mention of them in es to do that goes with of mine was warned by through the Darryl City Manager Lloyd August with a hybrid of a post from July 2. your hospital capacity, a member of the com- Randerson Trust, a Merrell and Sealy EDC in person and online “I still believe it is so that should be munity ‘watch out for part of the Agnese S. Executive Director instruction. the business owner’s repealed on Lloyd and Marsha Randerson Estate. Robert Worley submit- “We’ve had about right to enforce a mask Wednesday,” Lapham Merrell, they’re trou- Randerson, 83, who ted their resignations. 2,200 students regis- order if they so choose said in court. “There’s ble.’ That is getting lives in Las Vegas, Both were placed on tered and we’re at and an individual’s an exemption from the very close to defama- Nevada, said he and paid administrative about 71% (choosing) right to patronize that mask order that tion of our character.” his mother used to talk leave. Merrell worked face-to-face learning business if they choose requires 20 or less new In a meeting a week about ways to honor for the city for almost and 29% remote learn- and avoid those they cases over the last 14 earlier, Merrell issued a her parents, Joe and three years and Worley ing,” said new Sealy don’t feel safe,” he said. days and we should be challenge to the council Elizabeth Schier, who almost two, but they ISD Superintendent He made that com- well below that now. to “let me do my job or first purchased a have had an increasing- Bryan Hallmark. “We ment following a We were right at that terminate me.” 1,000-acre tract near ly rocky relationship made some minor lengthy post where he on Thursday and He began his remarks Sealy back in 1920. with the city council. adjustments to the shared the guidelines Friday, so I’m going to by reviewing portions of “We talked about Worley announced at plans based on the feed- from the governor’s work on that today as the city charter that how nice it would be to the beginning of back that we received office when Gov. Greg well, so the mask order outline the duties of the honor my grandparents December that he was when we put it out, and Abbott issued a state- will probably come off.” city manager and the by donating money to leaving to take another we’ve had some state wide mask mandate. No sooner had the council and alleged vio- the school district,” he job at the end of guidance change over That mandate requires words left Lapham’s lations by members of said. December. Two weeks the course of three people to wear masks mouth when the council. One was The money comes later, in an email dis- weeks.” in public except under Commissioner Randy having members of from the sale of land pute with The more significant certain circumstances. Reichardt pulled off his council deal directly on the west side of Councilmember Larry changes made, It also allowed for mask and has not worn with employees without Sealy not far from Koy, Worley agreed to Hallmark said, included counties to seek an once since at a meet- first consulting him. where the Walmart stop working but will extending the mask exemption from the ing. The other commis- “Neither the city Distribution Center is continue to receive his requirement for stu- order under certain cir- sioners kept theirs on. council, the mayor, nor located. salary through dents in high school cumstances, which In November, after a council member may “My grandfather December. He will con- down to fourth grade Austin County has not. the number of COVID- give orders publicly or bought the land that tinue on as a consultant instead of fifth grade “Every person in 19 cases and deaths privately to any such we sold a couple years through Dec. 31 but and giving teachers the Texas shall wear a face began to rise, Lapham officer or employee, this ago,” Randerson said. will not oversee day-to- ability to choose to covering over the nose had to renew the mask is a violation of the Burttschell said he day operations of the wear either a face mask and mouth when inside order but has rarely thinks this is the larg- charter,” he said. EDC in a deal brokered or shield, or a combina- a commercial entity or been seen in public est charitable donation between Worley, City tion of both, instead of other building or space with one on and never made to any founda- Manager Lloyd Merrell, 1. Schools mandating shields. open to the public, or at a commissioners tion in Sealy, certainly City Attorney Tim closed, reopen Sports and other when in an outdoor meeting. the endowment fund. Kirwin, and Koy. activities resumed, but public space, wherever In Sealy, the city “For a town of Sealy’s When Schools closed Koy, who is also on for spring break in under strict pandemic it is not feasible to council has had mixed size, they don’t realize guidelines that include maintain six feet of results with masks. this size of donation the EDC board of direc- March, no one knew tors, emailed City that they would not wearing face coverings social distancing from Lately, Councilmember dollars,” he said. and social distancing. another person not in Dee Anne Lerma has Sealy Scholarship Manager Lloyd Merrell reopen until August. asking for an item to be The coronavirus pan- News came as a sur- the same household,” not been wearing a Endowment Fund prise in December Abbott ordered. mask when seated at Board Member Leroy placed on an upcoming demic forced many council agenda to fire things to shut down when Brazos ISD The order includes a her table. Zapalac, a founding announced that when $250 fine, but only Councilmember Larry member of the fund Worley. That followed and schools were sud- an email Worley sent dently forced to teach students resume school enforced at the local Koy usually has his board, said he was following winter break, level. It does not pulled below his nose. ecstatic when he heard Koy asking if a rumor classes online. Spring was true that Koy sports and other extra- they will no longer have appear it will be The rest have been fair- about the donation. the option to enroll in “This will benefit the wanted to shut down curricular activities enforced in Austin ly consistent with face remote instruction. County, as the sheriff masks or a face shield. citizens of Sealy from the Sealy Main Street were canceled. program. Rather than Sealy ISD Superintendent Brian respond to Worley, Koy Superintendent Sheryl Thompson announced went to Merrell to seek Moore said distance the district will discon- Worley’s termination. learning is an experi- tinue its virtual pro- “I’m going to ask that ment that has everyone gram, despite increases Liquor Store this be put on the Dec. learning to adapt. in COVID-19 cases 15th meeting to fire “For our sixth within the district. At Worley,” Koy said in his through 12th graders one point the district email to Merrell. we are doing it virtual- closed Brazos “This resolves getting ly, so their stuff is Elementary for two Now Open me out of Mr. Koy’s online. For our pre-k weeks. hair,” Worley said. “He through fifth grade we In a letter to district wants me gone. He’s had actual work pack- families, Thompson wanted me gone for a ets that we were giving said beginning Jan. 6, OPEN Mon - Sat: 10am-9pm long time.” out to them,” she said. families can either Merrell, who has “For some of those kids “return to school for been under fire from it’s very individualized. face-to-face instruction, Wide selection for holiday gifts the council recently For others it’s more enroll in a private over a number of grade-level specific.” school, withdraw to a issues, said during a The elementary homeschool program or and New Year’s festivities! special meeting on Dec. school packets are transfer to another 14 that he was resign- picked up along with school district that WINE, SPIRITS, BEER ing at the end of his lunches on Mondays. offers remote instruc- COCKTAIL MIXERS contract on Feb. 1. “Once they drive tion.” After going into an through and pick up Thompson said pan- CIGARS & SMOKESHOP executive session, the their food they just con- demic protocols will MUCH MORE! council emerged and tinue on and go around remain in place but voted to accept his res- the corner and pick up explained the adjust- ignation and immedi- their packets,” Moore ment was made in part 6103 Commerce St. ately place him on paid said. “The teachers to allow faculty’s focus Wallis, TX 77485 administrative leave have established office to fall solely on the in- until his time was up. hours in different ways person instruction. 832-863-2210 The council instruct- that they can connect “The effort required ed Police Chief Jay and check in with each of our teachers and of the kids and each of administrators will no the families. There’s longer be divided by the some that we haven’t requirements of offer- heard from yet and ing remote learning,” we’re probably going to the letter reads. “This take a drive out and see does not apply to a stu- how they’re doing, dent that is quaran- make sure they’re OK.” tined due to COVID-19 One of the big ques- or has a positive tions right now is how COVID-19 test. We will the work will count. offer instruction sup- “I think we’re going port just as we would EXP THE WORLD to have to be really for any other illness.” with BVSCU in your pocket. Pet overpopulation BECOME A MEMBER FOR JUST $5 isn’ t the end of the world, MOBILE BANKING unless you’re a puppy or a kitten. DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS PLEASE, LOAN SERVICES spay or neuter your pet today! 2344 HWY 36 S. Please call us if you can’t afford to do it on your own. Sealy, Texas 77474 PUPS - Prevent 281-391-2149 Unwanted Pets 979-732-5591 All loans are subject to credit approval. 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