Infomaniacs: March 28, 2018 (6:00am)

Milam County Sheriff’s Office Releases Statement on Dogtown Ranch Sanctuary

RESPONSE REGARDING DOGTOWN RANCH SANCTUARY — August 6, 2026 (CAMERON, TX) — The Milam County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple complaints, including form letters, concerning Dogtown Ranch Sanctuary near Rockdale. We understand the seriousness of allegations involving animal cruelty or neglect, and we have taken these complaints seriously. Contrary to claims that no documented wellness check or investigation has occurred, Sheriff’s Office investigators have conducted multiple inspections of the property, including unannounced visits and an inspection involving an outside animal welfare investigator and licensed veterinarian. On April 6, 2026, Sheriff’s Office investigators arrived at Dogtown Ranch without prior notice and met with the owner, Angela Sera. Ms. Sera was cooperative and allowed complete access to the property. During that inspection: All dogs observed had access to food and clean water. All animal enclosures had shade. Dogs housed individually because they could not safely be kept with other dogs had food and water available. Investigators were advised that individually kenneled dogs are taken out throughout the day for exercise and bathroom breaks. Investigators did not observe any dog that appeared to be suffering, in immediate distress, or in need of emergency veterinary care. Investigators did not observe any deceased animals on the property. Two horses were also located on the property and shared a shaded enclosure. One appeared healthy and in good body condition. The second horse was noticeably thinner. Ms. Sera stated that the horse is nearly 30 years old. Investigators observed the horse eating and confirmed that it had access to the same food and water as the healthier horse. Sheriff’s Office investigators photographed every animal and every enclosure on the property. Those photographs were reviewed with an Assistant District Attorney. Based on the conditions observed and the evidence available at that time, it was determined there was no evidence supporting criminal charges. The Sheriff’s Office also coordinated with Humane World for Animals and the SPCA of Texas to obtain an independent assessment. On July 9, 2026, Sheriff’s Office investigators conducted another unannounced inspection of Dogtown Ranch, accompanied by an SPCA investigator and an SPCA veterinarian. Ms. Sera again provided full access to the property. Neither the SPCA investigator nor the veterinarian identified an emergency condition requiring immediate removal of the animals or criminal enforcement action. The SPCA did identify improvements that should be made to the property and its animal-care practices. The Sheriff’s Office received that list on July 28, 2026. On July 31, 2026, Sheriff’s Office investigators returned to Dogtown Ranch without prior notice. Ms. Sera agreed to complete the recommended improvements. Investigators have verified that she is actively working toward compliance and that several of the improvements have already been completed. Ms. Sera also agreed to reduce the number of animals at the sanctuary by surrendering a number of dogs to an outside organization. Reducing the animal population will help ensure that adequate care can continue to be provided to the animals that remain. Ms. Sera advised that some animals periodically die at the sanctuary. Many of the dogs housed there are elderly, medically compromised, behaviorally difficult, or otherwise unlikely to be adopted. As a result, some remain at the sanctuary for the rest of their lives. She stated that deceased animals are sometimes buried and sometimes burned. In rural areas of Milam County, the burning of deceased animals, particularly livestock, has historically been used to reduce odors and help prevent the spread of disease. Any disposal of animal remains is subject to applicable laws and regulations. The specific actions requested in the form complaint have therefore already occurred or are underway: Unannounced wellness checks: Sheriff’s Office investigators have conducted multiple unannounced visits. Independent veterinary or animal welfare review: An SPCA investigator and SPCA veterinarian personally inspected the property. Documentation of complaints and findings: Complaints, inspection information, photographs, and related records have been documented and preserved in accordance with applicable law. Public information regarding corrective action: The SPCA provided a list of recommended improvements. Ms. Sera agreed to complete those improvements and has already completed several. Coordination with outside organizations: The Sheriff’s Office has worked with Humane World for Animals and the SPCA of Texas. The Sheriff’s Office recognizes that some people may disagree with the operation of an animal sanctuary, the number of animals housed there, or the condition of an elderly or medically compromised animal. However, disagreement, online allegations, photographs without context, or repeated form complaints do not by themselves establish a criminal offense. While we don’t normally comment or respond on matters involving ongoing investigations, the amount of interest in this situation required an open and honest dialogue with the community. The responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office is to investigate the facts, document the conditions, consult with appropriate professionals and prosecutors, and determine whether the available evidence establishes probable cause that a criminal offense has occurred. Based on multiple unannounced inspections by Sheriff’s Office investigators, photographic documentation, consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, and an in-person assessment by an SPCA investigator and veterinarian, the Sheriff’s Office has not found evidence at this time that supports criminal animal-cruelty charges. The Sheriff’s Office will continue monitoring Dogtown Ranch’s progress toward compliance. If conditions deteriorate, recommended improvements are not completed, or credible new evidence of criminal activity is received, Sheriff’s Office investigators will investigate and take appropriate action. Anyone with firsthand information, photographs, video, veterinary records, witness statements, or other specific evidence is encouraged to provide it to the Milam County Sheriff’s Office. Credible and verifiable information will be reviewed.

Texas Tax Free Weekend is Almost Here

The state’s sales tax holiday for 2026 will begin on Friday, August 7th and run through Sunday, August 9th. Purchases on certain clothing and school supplies priced under $100 will be exempt from state sales tax. This means that shoppers save about $8 in taxes that would normally be charged on a $100 purchase. Texas State Comptroller Don Huffines says, “I am encouraging Texas families to take advantage of this sales tax holiday. As a father of five, I know how fast these expenses add up, and this weekend is the perfect time for Texans to save cash on the items they need.” Huffines estimates that shoppers will save $142.5 million in state and local sales tax during this year’s sales tax holiday. The exemption applies to items purchased in-store, online, by phone, or by mail. Even if purchases won’t ship until after the holiday, so long as they are purchased during they holiday, they are exempt. Shoppers using layaway can also benefit. Items placed on layaway or final payments made on existing layaway purchases during the holiday are tax free, provided the individual item price remains below $100. For a complete list of eligible items, visit TexasTaxHoliday.org.

It’s Official — The SpaceX Terafab Facility In Grimes County is Go For Launch

After weeks of calls and emails between WTAW and both the Governor’s Office and the State Comptroller’s Office, official word has finally arrived. After Anderson-Shiro and Iola School Districts signed off on the JETI agreements, we were just waiting to hear if Governor Abbott would sign off on the Terafab project as expected. Today, we received the news we have been waiting for. Terafab WILL be happening in Grimes County. It is expected that the company will break ground almost immediately, with production to begin in 2027.   Here is the press release from Governor Abbott: (AUSTIN, TX) ‒ Governor Greg Abbott today announced SpaceX will construct a vertically integrated semiconductor fabrication plant in Grimes County. The first phase of the Terafab project represents a capital investment of more than $16.8 billion and will create 3,000 new jobs. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $30 million has been extended to SpaceX. The facility is also a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. “Texas is where big ideas grow even bigger,” said Governor Abbott. “I congratulate SpaceX on this significant expansion of their investment in our great state. The first-of-its-kind Terafab facility will accelerate chip production in Texas at an unprecedented scale, create thousands of good-paying jobs in Grimes County, and expand economic opportunity for generations of Texans across Southeast Texas and beyond.” Already home to the global headquarters for SpaceX, a significant advanced manufacturing presence, and its Starbase launch facility, Texas was selected by SpaceX for the Terafab project because of the state’s business-friendly climate, skilled and growing workforce, robust infrastructure, and logistical advantages. The 100-million-square-foot facility will consolidate the production chain under a single roof to accelerate semiconductor manufacturing to meet the company’s future chip needs; jobs will include engineers, technicians, and plant operator personnel. “The foundations for the most exciting future are being built right here in Texas,” said SpaceX Founder & CEO Elon Musk. “In addition to our headquarters in Starbase, Texas, where Starship is being developed and launched, and our Starlink factory in Bastrop, Texas, where our high-speed internet kits are manufactured for millions of Starlink customers all around the world — we’re now embarking on the most epic chip-building effort — combining logic, memory, and advanced packaging all under one roof — in Grimes County, Texas. The Terafab is bringing cutting-edge manufacturing to America, creating thousands of high-paying jobs in the Lone Star State, and enabling us to produce AI chips at scale for use on Earth and in space.” “This is a generational change for Grimes County,” said Grimes County Judge Joe Fauth III. “When we can connect a company like SpaceX and the Terafab project to develop an industrial site in Grimes County, that makes all the sense in the world.” “We believe this agreement will strengthen our district, expand opportunities, and better prepare our students for their future,” said Anderson-Shiro Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Sarah Borowicz. “There are defining moments in the life of a school district, and this is one of those moments. Our commitment now is to ensure that every opportunity created through this agreement is managed wisely, transparently, and always with students at the center of every decision.” “The Iola Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to enter into an agreement with TeraFab AI, LLC under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act,” said Iola ISD Superintendent Jeff Dyer. “This decision was made after much thought and consideration. The Board’s stated priority has always been to do what’s best for Iola ISD. Throughout this process, the Board welcomed public input, regularly communicated with SpaceX’s representatives, and engaged a school finance consultant about the impact of this project. Ultimately, the Board determined that providing the requested tax incentives for this project was in Iola ISD’s best interest. I look forward to this opportunity and am hopeful that Terafab will be an excellent partner with Iola ISD.” “The Greater Brazos Partnership is grateful for the State’s leadership in advancing this proposed investment,” said Greater Brazos Partnership President & CEO Tom Johnson. “The region stands ready to deliver the workforce and infrastructure that projects of this scale require, and we look forward to supporting the state, Grimes County, and our local partners as this opportunity moves forward.” View more information about SpaceX. TEF is a performance-based grant, administered by the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor, that may be awarded to a business relocation or expansion project for which one Texas site is in competition with out-of-state locations to create new, good-paying jobs in the community and attract significant new capital investment to the state. Governor Abbott signed House Bill 5 into law following the 88th Regular Legislative Session, creating the JETI program to attract large, capital-intensive economic development projects that bring new capital investment and create new, good-paying Texas jobs while ensuring robust reporting and transparency.