The Sealy Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in identifying 3 suspects involved in a robbery that took place on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at around 8:40pm.
2023 Fantasy of Light Parade
Sealy hosted its annual Fantasy of Lights on Friday, December 1st and Saturday, December 2nd. Though there are many activities that happen during the two day event, Saturday Night is the main event that many look forward to each year: Sealy’s Fantasy of Lights Parade! The parade began at 7pm and though the parade lasted for a mere hour the excitement it generated will carry everyone through this holiday season. We hope that ACNO's videoing of the parade will bring enjoyment for everyone as much as those who worked hard to make it a reality do every year. Merry Christmas to everyone!
Bellville 175 - Disney Frozen Performance by Bellville High Drama Department
The Bellville 175th Anniversary Celebration continued with the Bellville High Drama Department giving a sneak peak to their upcoming performance in December of Disny's Frozen. Held at the gazebo in Clark Park in Bellville, TX, the students put on a delightful performance to a park full of attendees.
Bellville 175 - Opening Procession and Opening Ceremony
The Bellville 175th Anniversary Celebration began with a procession to the courthouse. Leading the procession were the Boy Scouts of America from Bellville's Troop 36, followed by members of the Bellville Band and Flag Corp. Bringing up the rear were community members dressed in period clothing, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the historical period.
At the courthouse, Judge Tim Lapham recounted the history of Bellville and introduced individuals from the community who played key roles in organizing the celebration. He then outlined the various events planned for the day, inviting everyone to participate in marking this special occasion.
Bellville 175 - Jail Break at High Noon
This reenactment of a jail break from the historic Austin County Jail Museum in honor of the 175th Anniversary of the City of Bellville that took place on November 4, 2023.
Chelsea Humes from the Greater Sealy Area Chamber of Commerce caught up with young 4-H enthusiasts Andy and Emma to discuss their participation in the 2023 Austin County Fair. The dynamic duo was actively involved in running the 4-H Hamburger stand. The money from the food sales puts money directly back into the Austin County 4-H Club. This funding assists in supporting a range of projects, including care for chickens, pigs, cattle, and more. In addition to having a chance to buy hamburgers, visitors to the fair had a chance to buy sodas ice cream.
When Chelsea inquired about their personal 4-H projects for the year, both Andy and Emma expressed excitement over their mini-scapes project. This endeavor involved creating mini landscapes in troughs. Emma, in particular, shared the news that her project earned the Grand Champion title. The project's focus was on cultivating plants with good textures, which required the youngsters to possess in-depth knowledge about their chosen plants. Emma specifically mentioned using 'little butterfly pea vines' that were characterized by their alluring blue flowers, attracting butterflies.
For those interested in joining 4-H, Andy and Emma advised signing up for one of the clubs, such as Stars and Stripes or Welcome 4-H. They highlighted the importance of attending at least six meetings to participate in projects like livestock. Andy shared her six-year journey with 4-H, starting in the third grade, while Emma has been involved for two years, starting in the third grade and currently in the fifth grade.
Chelsea concluded the interview by expressing gratitude to the dedication of the youngsters and encouraged fair goers to support the 4-H stand for the benefit of the Austin County 4-H.
Austin County News Online sat down with Cynthia Zorn of the Bellville Christian Food Pantry to discuss what they do and how you can help. She also discussed the promotion to help the food pantry on Sunday, October 15th at the Austin County Fair. You got $5 off an armband with two canned goods. These canned goods go to the Bellville Christian Food Pantry to help those less fortunate in the area.
Gage McCain, the Junior Fair Board chairman, sat down for an enlightening interview about the ins and outs of the board's role in Austin County's fair. McCain shared that the Junior Fair Board serves as an introductory experience for juniors and seniors in high school, giving them a taste of what it's like to be on the main fair board. This initiative is in response to the aging membership of the current fair board, with the goal of ushering in a younger generation to eventually take the helm.
The Junior Fair Board holds its own meetings, though senior board members often attend to monitor proceedings. One significant project overseen by the junior board was converting a building into a youth agricultural education walkthrough. This hands-on experience equips the youth with decision-making and delegation skills, which are fundamental for any successful fair board member in the future.
Gage clarified that to be a part of the Junior Fair Board, one should be a member of either FFA or 4-H, with participation restricted to juniors and seniors in high school. Once their term ends, these young members can consider their experience as an apprenticeship, opening doors for potential election into the main fair board in the future. Currently, the Junior Fair Board consists of eight members, a chairman, and a vice-chair. These members hail from various schools in Austin County.
On a personal note, McCain expressed his passion for agriculture as the driving force behind his involvement. He's also an active participant in animal shows, boasting a commendable track record with his goats and rabbits. He represents Brazos High School and is currently in his senior year.
When asked about his involvement with other fair activities, McCain mentioned his participation in the Champion Drive and his receipt of the Outstanding Buddy Award. In a heartfelt note to the Austin County community, McCain emphasized the importance of early involvement in such activities, expressing a personal
Michelle Wright, who represents Texas A&M Agrilife External Services of Austin County, elaborated on her role and the organization's objectives. She has been with the organization in Austin County for 31 years, starting as a free agent in 1992. In 2004, her title changed to "family and community health agent." Her primary duties revolve around health and wellness, including chronic disease management, increasing physical activity, and diabetes education.
At the Austin County Fair, Michelle serves as one of the directors and is responsible for overseeing the home economics exhibits in the expo, ensuring that they're organized and properly displayed. The expo showcases a wide range of items, from quilts to food to plants, allowing for a diverse showcase of talents and interests.
Speaking about Agrilife's broader mission, Michelle stated that their ultimate goal is to help people thrive. Although they function as educators, they don't confine their efforts within classroom walls; instead, they are "educators without walls," teaching anywhere from the back of a truck to a grocery store. The greater AgriLife Agency serves all 254 counties in Texas.
The subjects they cover aren't arbitrarily chosen. Their educational content is research-based and often tailored to the needs and concerns of the community. Through a program called the Texas community futures, community leaders and educators convene to identify pressing issues, vote on them, and prioritize which ones to address.
Michelle also highlighted one of the programs they offer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which aids women, especially those without insurance or underage, in getting mammograms. The emphasis of the program is not only on providing the service but also on educating women about the importance of early detection.
In summary, Michelle Wright plays a pivotal role in Austin County's community development through health education and awareness, always aiming to help individuals and the c
The Bellville High School Leo Club took time out of their volunteer day at the fair to interview with us. This group, comprising compassionate young students, this club actively participates in fair-related initiatives, ensuring its success and enhancing the fair experience. Their dedication reflects their core values of Leadership, Experience, and Opportunities (LEO), offering personal growth opportunities for both members and fairgoers. The Leo Club's involvement with the fair showcases the positive impact teenagers can have on their community through service, challenging stereotypes about youth. Their presence at the fair is a shining example of how young hearts can make a meaningful difference in a beloved local event.
Philip Shackelford, the Texas A&M Regional Program Leader for Ag and Natural Resources and 4-H Youth Development, is a central figure in the Austin County Fair. He discussed the ins and outs of the livestock show careers, which predominantly span from third grade to a student's senior year in high school. He gave explanations of the different categories and how things are judged at the fair. Shackelford shared his history, having spent 15 years in Austin County as a county center major, followed by advanced studies and a subsequent administrative role overseeing county agents in a vast region. The emphasis of the extension, where Shackelford works, is to identify and address local issues through educational programs. He praised the grassroots approach of the extension, which collaborates closely with local communities to address their specific needs rather than imposing external solutions.
Bruce White, The Bellville Times Interview - 2023 Austin County Fair
Bruce White with the Bellville Times stopped in to the Austin County News Online studio trailer to say hi and discuss the Sealy vs. Bellville Football game that took place the night before where Bellville won 69-0.
Jesse Yarbrough, President of Wifinity Internet Interview - 2023 Austin County Fair
Jesse Yarbrough, President of Wifinity Internet Service, discussed the local internet service provider's offerings and future plans. Wifinity provides an annual-contract wireless internet service, currently promoting a limited-time free installation. Monthly costs, contingent on the chosen package, range from around $50 to $150. Yarbrough emphasized the technical nuances of their service, highlighting the difference between latency and bandwidth. While they are actively working on leveraging newer technologies to enhance throughput — potentially achieving gigabit speeds — the company places significant importance on reducing latency for improved communication quality. Yarbrough also mentioned that while many customers might be familiar with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, there are newer technologies on the horizon that promise better performance. A standout feature of Wifinity is its strong local focus, ensuring customers receive localized service, thus avoiding the hassles of dealing with distant or overseas call centers. Furthermore, the company is committed to community investment, primarily aiming to hire locally. As they grow, Wifinity aspires to promote from within, fostering employee satisfaction and loyalty. The discussion wrapped up with a recommendation for Austin County residents to consider Wifinity for their internet needs.
Kerri Riddle Spykes, Austin County Fair Festival Manager Interview - 2023 Austin County Fair
Kerri Riddle Spykes, the festival manager and "entertainment diva" for the Austin County Fair, sat down with us for an interview where she described her role in bringing entertainers to the fair. She explained how a committee, which includes her, deliberates on potential performers. They specifically aim to bring in up-and-coming artists to provide them with an opportunity to showcase at the Austin County Fair. Previously, they had big names like Garth Brooks perform at the fair.
There was a mention of the lack of female performers in recent years. Kari acknowledged that it's not intentional and it's more about availability and budget. She is actively trying to bring in more female artists in the future.
Kari has been working hard in her role for seven years and started around the same time as Kim Quinney, the current Austin County Fair Coordinator. They both enjoy their jobs immensely and consider their colleagues as their "fair family". She emphasizes the hard work that goes into planning the fair, as preparations for the next year start immediately after the current fair ends.
Finally, Kari encouraged everyone to come out and support the Austin County Fair, noting Easton Corbin would be performing to close out the weekend.
Kim Quinney, the Austin County Fair coordinator since 2017, is the driving force behind the heartwarming community effort that is the Austin County Fair. Her journey began unexpectedly when she accepted a receptionist job at the fair office, a role that would soon lead her to become the fair coordinator. Kim describes the fair as a perfectly designed puzzle where every element, from shows to volunteers, plays a vital role in its success. Adapting to change has been a challenge, especially when extending the fair to ten days, but it reflects the fair's ability to evolve. Under Kim's leadership, the Youth Auction Sale has thrived, generating over $2.5 million for local youth and scholarships. Beyond banners and money, the fair imparts valuable life lessons, such as empathy and resilience, to its young participants. The Austin County community's generosity shines, especially during the Youth Auction Sale and the Queens Contest, where young women engage in community service and leadership. Kim's dedication and passion ensure the fair's smooth operation, embodying the enduring spirit of this beloved county fair.
Jessica DeBarry, 2023 Austin County Fair Queen Austin County Fair 2023
Jessica DeBarry, the newly crowned 2023 Austin County Fair Queen, sat down with Austin County News Online and shared with us insights about her life and experiences. She's a junior at Sealy High School, with a vibrant presence in both academics and sports. Despite being academically inclined, Jessica also has a flair for sports, having played soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Her aspirations are rooted in the medical field, with a particular interest in becoming a nurse, specializing in labor and delivery or neonatal care. Beyond academics and aspirations, Jessica discussed the Fair Queen journey, detailing how it was a spontaneous decision, and how community and familial support was pivotal to her win. As for her future, she's contemplating joining either Texas Tech, Ole Miss, or UT for her higher studies. The interview concluded with Jessica expressing gratitude towards everyone who supported her on her journey, from friends to family.
ACNO at the 2023 Austin County Fair!!
ACNO at the 2023 Austin County Fair!!
We're streaming LIVE at the 2023 Austin County Fair! Look for our logo at the Cliff Jones RV display across from the expo center and stop bye and say "Hi!".
ACNO at the 2023 Austin County Fair!!
ACNO at the 2023 Austin County Fair!!
We're streaming LIVE at the 2023 Austin County Fair! Look for our logo at the Cliff Jones RV display across from the expo center and stop bye and say "Hi!".
ACNO at the 2023 Austin County Fair!!
ACNO at the 2023 Austin County Fair!!
We're streaming LIVE at the 2023 Austin County Fair! Look for our logo at the Cliff Jones RV display across from the expo center and stop bye and say "Hi!".
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