Retail sales grew modestly from the month before in April, but a shift in the timing of Easter appeared to be behind a slight year-over-year decline, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released today by the National Retail Federation.

As East Texas residents return to clean up their homes and businesses after extensive flooding earlier this month, the Texas Department of State Health Services urged residents and business owners to exercise caution. Among the recommendations: · Never use gasoline-powered generators or charcoal grills indoors. Keep them outside, at least 20 feet from homes to avoid possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Direct generator engine exhaust away from windows and doors · Never mix bleach with products that contain ammonia. Toxic fumes could be created.

The City of Alvin has been designated by the Texas Music Office (TMO) as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing the multi-step certification process. The Music Friendly Texas Community Certification Ceremony cohosted by TMO, the City of Alvin, and the Alvin Convention and Visitors Bureau will be held in person on Thursday, May 16, at the Historic Alvin Train Depot as part of a special city council meeting and will include Alvin city officials and community leaders, as well as Brazoria County officials.

The Meridian Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new member to its board of directors during its monthly luncheon on Thursday, May 9. Clay Feller, Branch Manager/Vice President at Sunflower Bank in Meridian, has stepped up to serve on the Chamber board.

The Texas Department of Transportation continues to repair Highway 6 between Clifton and Valley Mills after record-setting floods overtook roadways and bridges earlier this month. The Bosque County Office of Emergency Management said on social media that TxDOT is “working on the road as fast as possible.

S cams can impact every business, regardless of location, size, or industry. But they are especially a problem for small businesses. Local businesses and start-ups often don’t have the cyber security support or established accounting processes of larger companies. This can make them more vulnerable to scams.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 10 a.m. – Tickets are on sale at Ken’s Auto, Douglass Chevrolet and any Clifton Volunteer Firefighter for a Live Pro Wrestling Show benefiting the Clifton Volunteer Fire Department.

Thursday, May 16, 2024 ALL DAY – Meridian's Not So Jazz Band - Jazz band will perform at a baseball game at Baylor University. Friday, May 17, 2024 8 p.m.

Mondays weekly 11:30 a.m. – Bosque County Senior Services / Meals on Wheels Program serves meals to people aged 60 and up on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the Family Life Center at 300 North Main Street in Meridian.