Lifestyle

   With COVID-19 still a threat, parents may be tempted to leave a child in the vehicle while they run into the store. 
   Leaving a child in a vehicle, which can quickly heat up, is always a dangerous idea — even if it is for a very short time. 
   Children are more at risk for heatstroke since a child’s body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than an adult. 
   Heatstroke can occur at body temperatures above 104 degrees. Even mild outside temperatures can pose a threat, but with Texas temperatures soon climbing into the upper 90s each day, the danger becomes even greater. 
   The problem is that temperatures in parked vehicles rise quickly. According to San Francisco State University’s Department of Geosciences, in just 10 minutes, the temperature inside of a vehicle can increase by almost 20 degrees. 

   Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office reported a Sargent-based auto theft ring was broken up and two theft suspects arrested thanks to cooperation from several area law enforcement agencies.
   “The suspects in this case seem to have been operating an auto theft ring, operating in several surrounding counties,” Sheriff Skipper Osborne said in a press release Monday, June 8. 
   The sheriff’s office investigation began when it received a report of a truck and boat trailer stolen out of Sargent May 13. 
   Sheriff Office investigators determined a theft suspect from information provided by local citizens.
   Sheriff Officers located two stolen vehicles - one out of Houston and one stolen out of Rosenberg at a residence tied to one of the suspects in Sargent. 
   The stolen truck was recovered in Colorado County, and the boat trailer recovered abandoned in Angleton. 
   All vehicles were recovered and returned to the owners. 

Tidehaven High School’s class of 2020 graduates 72 senior students starting at 7 p.m. Friday, June 5, at Delvin Taska stadium.
   The gates open at 6 p.m. and the ceremony will also be streamed via Facebook and YouTube.
   Valedictorian Anton Kacer and Salutatorian Zoe Winkenwerder will be recognized and give speeches addressing their fellow classmates and the audience.
   Following Kacer and Winkenwerder are Fernanda Baltazar, Jacob Brooks, Wyatt Fitzgerald, Andre Villegas, Jolie Philyaw, Gabriel Sumrall, Call Davant and Karla Moreno to round out the top 10 students.
   The graduates chose their motto as, “It was the best of times. It was the worst of time…” by Charles Dickens.
   Their class song is “You Are Going to Miss This,” by Trace Adkins and the class flower is the sunflower.

   A tax abatement application an underground storage terminal at Clemville was accepted for review and negotiation by commissioners court at its regular meeting Monday, June 1.
   Houston-based Easton Energy proposes for one of its subsidiaries to build an underground natural gas liquid, crude oil and petrochemical feedstock storage terminal at Clemville.
   Easton’s proposed first phase calls for building a $36 million ethane well and above-ground infrastructure, creating 20-25 construction jobs and four to six full-time positions.
   As demand increases, Easton documents show, the company projects capital spending could reach $200 million and require 15-20 full-time jobs.
   The application seeks a five-year, incremental tax abatement beginning with a first-year 100% abatement and dropping to 55% in the fifth year.

   Zoe Winkenwerder is the Salutatorian of Tidehaven High School’s Class of 2020.
   Zoe is the daughter of Dustin Winkenwerder and Chris and Cassie Boyett.
   She is the eldest sibling to Seth, Kyler, and Jase Winkenwerder and Emma Boyett.
   Winkenwerder will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham and study biomedical science this fall.

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   Tidehaven High School’s class of 2020 Valedictorian is Anton Kacer.
   Anton is the son of Tony and Scarlett Kacer and eldest sibling to Madison Kacer and Justin and Josh Kitterman.
   Kacer plans on attending Texas A&M University next year and majoring in electrical engineering.
   “I chose this university or its rich traditions and educational/work opportunities,” he said.

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   Bearing a developing storm in the Bay of Campeche, hurricane season arrived Monday, June 1, amid a coronavirus pandemic, economic distress, and nationwide social unrest.
   With meteorologists projecting an active hurricane season, Matagorda County residents dealing with a shaky return to work after two months of stay-at-home edicts should begin making storm preparations now.
   Tropical Storm Cristobal was expected to reach the central Gulf of Mexico by this weekend.
   Meanwhile, the county’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases stands at 71.

The newest case was announced Wednesday, June 3, for a man between the ages of 40-50 who is recovering at home.
   There were seven new COVID-19 cases in May – the last reported May 28. The overall count includes 46 recoveries, 20 active cases, and five deaths. 

   After two years and 9 months, Riverside Park is now open to campers following a ribbon-cutting Monday, June 1.
   The park had been closed following flooding and damages from 2017’s Hurricane Harvey – that left the park buried deep in silt and sand - and the renovation and construction that followed.
   Bay City Parks and Recreation Department Supervisor Kelly Penewitt mentioned there were already 15 reservations made for the new spots.
   “We upgraded the Colorado Cove Campground with new utility pedestals, fire rings, parking pads, recycled plastic picnic tables, and sewer hookups,” she said in a press release.
   “The pedestals are designed to withstand floods. Other upgrades include blacktopping the roads, a new swing set, washer/dryers, and the boat ramp is ready for use.”  
   All the park buildings received a new roof and coat of paint and the ranger station was completely renovated.  

   Rain couldn’t dampen the spirits and hard work at the Boys and Girls Club of Bay City and Matagorda County’s 10th Annual Great Steak Cook-off, May 30.
   “We’re going to net about $85,000,” said BGCBC board member Janet Peden.
   “It’s really incredible under the circumstances. Last year was a record-breaking year and we had hoped for this year to be, too.”
   Peden cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason they venue and format changed this year.
   “But, we took everything in stride – including the weather,” she added.
   This year’s “Best Steak” winning team was the A-Team Cookers with members Mark Henderson, Matthew Ashcraft and Taylor Ashcraft.
   The A-Team Cookers went on to raise $11,000 in the live auction portion of the cook-off to provide their cooking services to the highest bidder.

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