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Happy St. Patrick’s Day, from The Sealy News
Powerlifting, PAGE 7
Serving Sealy and Austin County, Texas since 1887
VOLUME 133 NUMBER 11
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
18 PAGES, $1
County talks landfill ordinance Larger swaths of Austin county to be left unprotected By JOE SOUTHERN
editor@sealynews.com
Just when the Austin County commissioners thought they had nailed down a plan to protect the county from any potential landfills, they found themselves staring at a blank page again Monday morning during commissioners court. After several weeks of talks about an ordinance that would prohibit solid waste disposal within the county except for a small designated spot in the oilfields of Raccoon Bend, com-
missioners found themselves scrapping that plan and moving forward with one that leaves more of the county unprotected based on a model ordinance adopted by Webb County around Laredo. The commissioners formulated a plan that they are sending to an attorney for evaluation based on the Webb County ordinance that would prohibit a landfill within 5,000 feet of Interstate 10, Highway 36, all Farm-to-Market roads, and any railroad, 1,500 feet from the boundary of a floodplain, 1,500 feet from public
water system wells, 10,000 feet from an airport or air strip, and 25,000 feet from an incorporated town, subdivision or any recognized or future subdivision intended for residential use. State law already prohibits landfills in floodplains, which eliminates much of the southern end of the county from consideration. Prior to their discussion, commissioners allowed members of the public to speak about the landfill ordinance, treating it like an impromptu public hearing. See LANDFILL, page 5
Joe Southern
Alan Zahradnick passes out information to Commissioner Mark Lamp and other members of the Austin County Commissioners Court Monday morning while preparing to talk about a proposed landfill ordinance.
IT’S OFFICIAL City limits center parking on Main By JOE SOUTHERN
Joe Southern
Austin County Sheriff Jack Brandes won re-election for his third term as sheriff during last Tuesday’s Republican Primary. He does not have a Democratic challenger this fall.
Brandes wins re-election as sheriff
editor@sealynews.com
F
or anyone who has not heard by now, it is illegal to park trucks, vans, SUVs, and other large vehicles in the center parking spots downtown on Main Street. The Sealy City Council made its new ordinance official at its March 3 meeting when it unanimously approved the parking prohibition on its second reading. “So, my recommendation to council is to pass this ordinance,” City Manager Lloyd Merrell said. “We’re going to put up some signs down there as well that will clearly state what vehicles can be parked in the middle area.” The parking spaces have faded “compact cars only” signs painted on them. They have largely been ignored and unenforced. That
will now change, as the city posted signs downtown on Thursday afternoon. Councilmember Chris Noack said he wants to make sure the public is aware of the ordinance before it is strictly enforced. “I just want to make sure we give people ample time to understand the change. I don’t want us to go off writing tickets if we don’t have to,” he said. Merrell said enforcement won’t begin for at least two weeks so the required notices can be publicized. “We’ll put it on our web page and Facebook page, and we’ve been discussing it now for two months. … I would say we’re not going to start for three weeks to a month anyway,” he said. See PARKING, page 5
By JOE SOUTHERN
editor@sealynews.com
Austin County Sheriff Jack Brandes handily won re-election over challenger Ronnie Griffin 4,004 to 843 (82.6%) in the Austin County Republican Primary Tuesday and will serve a third four-year term as there is no Democratic challenger this fall. “I appreciate all the people turning out to vote. I’m glad for all the support,” he said Wednesday afternoon. “I will work hard for all of you as your sheriff.” He added that he was “very humbled by the turnout.” According to the county elections office, 30.4% of eligible voters cast ballots in the election. There were 4,919 ballots cast in the Republican Primary and 1,045 votes cast in the Democratic Primary. Kim Rinn, the county’s election official, said
Joe Southern
New parking signs were posted on Main Street last Thursday indicating that the middle parking spots are reserved for compact cars.
See SHERIFF, page 5
‘Presumptive’ coronavirus case in Fort Bend By R. HANS MILLER
Special to The Sealy News
A man in his 70s who recently travelled abroad has tested “presumptive positive” for the COVID19 virus – otherwise known as the coronavirus – Fort Bend County Health & Human Services officials announced in a March 4 press release. Since then, the county has identified up to six potential cases as of Monday, March 9. “Fort Bend County Health & Human Services has started an epidemiological investigation and is leading the effort to quickly
[identify] close contacts with the individual,” the press release said. Close contacts can include family members, coworkers, first responders and others who had contact with the patient, the press release said. The patient is currently in stable condition according to the press release. The press release said Fort Bend HHS understands the public’s concerns and reminded residents to follow some basic tips to ensure their risk of infection is reduced: • Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those
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Hygiene tips include: • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not See CORONAVIRUS, page 5
Courtesy CDC
A Fort Bend County man in his 70s who recently traveled abroad has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. Fort Bend County officials are working to identify anyone whom he has come in contact with to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.
THE VOICE OF AUSTIN COUNTY
WEATHER
415 Main Street Sealy, TX 77474 (979) 885-3511 www.ci.sealy.tx.us
with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first. • Practice healthy hygiene habits every day to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
DAY H/L/RAIN Thursday 84/67/10% Friday 81/68/20% Saturday 82/68/20% Sunday 82/69/40% Monday 81/69/30% Tuesday 81/70/40% Wednesday 81/65/40%
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BIBLE VERSE He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. — Psalm 91:1
Alderwoman award, PAGE 15
Sealy softball, PAGE 8
Sealy track, PAGE 9