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Bandera County Courier is published weekly by Gail S. Joiner, 1210 Hackberry St., Bandera, TX 78003. Subscription price $26 per year in Bandera County, TX; $36 per year for other Texas counties; $40 per year out of Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Bandera County Courier, P.O. Box 1704, Bandera, TX 78003. Periodicals Postage pending in Bandera, Texas.

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Gail Joiner: Publisher
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Staff: Judith Pannebaker, Editor
David Arny, Writer
Dennis Allyn, Political Cartoonist
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James Henry Frazar, Composition Editor
Contributors: Stephanie Parker, Marlene Heavner, Doug White, Clare Barnett, Mikie Baker, Doris Doebbler, Jack Finger, Ed Longhurst, Bill Ellis, Bob Jamison and Jim Harris.

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Entire contents Copyright © 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 - Bandera County Courier

The Bandera County Courier
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Items should be typed or printed and should include the name and daytime phone number of a contact person. Items submitted after deadline will be considered for that week's edition but may be held over for later publication. Photos should include information on the time and place of the event, as well as full names of people from left to right, front row to back.

County-wide articles in the on-line edition of the Courier:

SA City Council puts kibosh on mega-development’s ‘Plan B’	Published April 24, 2008
Major changes planned for iconic Bandera dance hall	Published Feb. 7, 2008
Camp Bandina Road opened	Published Feb. 7, 2008
CC trail riders saddle up for SA Stock Show & Rodeo	Published Jan. 31, 2008
Boosting Bandera’s tourist bucks	Published Jan. 24, 2008
SAWS water denial may derail mega-sprawl	Published Dec. 13, 2007
Guilott building, HC-SNAP ­ 'win-win' situation	Published Oct. 25, 2007
Special license plates available locally	Published Oct. 11, 2007
Affluent effluent raises nearby residents' wrath	Published Sept. 27, 2007
'MaeVion, MaeVion counts the money'*	Published Sept. 27, 2007
Controversial development inches closer to Bandera County	Published June 21, 2007
Seal coat work to begin along FM 1283	Published June 21, 2007
TXDot says, 'Toss 'em or be fined big time'	Published June 7, 2007
Despite appearances – much ado about nothing	Published June 7, 2007
Highway 173 construction off & running	Published June 7, 2007
State tourism spot features local roper	Published May 24, 2007
KC's Rogers offers blueprint for county-wide EDC	Published May 3, 2007
No injuries in flash flood	Published March 29, 2007
Birth certificates available in Bandera County	Published March 1, 2007
Volunteers carved the ice storm down to manageable event	Published Jan. 25, 2007
Will Bandera County run out of electricity?	Published Jan. 25, 2007
County and District Clerks take part in continuing Education Seminar	Published Jan. 18, 2007
Rains come…drought continues into 2007	Published Jan. 11, 2007
County-wide articles from 2006	County-wide articles from 2005

Major changes planned for iconic Bandera dance hall by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Feb. 7, 2008 The Bandera Community Foundation and members of other local non-profit groups discussed resurrecting Bandera's landmark Cabaret dancehall as a museum and special events venue at a Jan. 31 meeting.    Efforts are underway to transform the Bandera Cabaret on Main Street into a museum and multi-purpose facility that could become a major tourist magnet for Bandera.     During a Friday, Jan. 31, meeting of non-profit community organizations, it was announced that a 60-day clock is now ticking to raise $315,000 in pledges from investors to purchase the 70-year-old, 12,000 square foot dance hall.     Bandera Community Foundation President Dan Wise encouraged supporters of the project to distribute printed pledge forms to potential backers. According to Wise, a 501c (3) non-profit corporation called Cabaret Museum Inc. has been formed, a board of directors appointed and a 12-page prospectus is being prepared to entice patrons into underwriting the ambitious venture.     Planners envision a multimedia showcase featuring exhibits, programs and special events. Also on the drawing board for the proposed museum are presentations of Western Swing music with bands such as Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys; a permanent display for the Bandera County Public Library's Music Hall of Fame collection; a low-watt Bandera-centric radio station; headquarters for the Riverside Players, Bandera's resident theater production company; a gift shop featuring western-themed curios and CDs by local musicians and performers; and a banquet and catering service.     "We're off and running," Wise told attendees. "We need your help. Now that we have the contract, we can talk about the project."     James McGroarty, owner of the 11th Street Cowboy Bar and frequent sponsor of fundraising events for local charities and nonprofit groups, asked if planned live music performances at the museum would compete with his and other bar owners' business.     "I don't ever want to compete (with the museum). I don't want to wake up one morning to find out I've got Leon Rauch scheduled to play and you have Asleep at the Wheel."     Convention and Visitors Bureau Vice President Genie Strickland said live music performances would target a more family-oriented clientele than McGroarty's. "We're not going for bikers," she said, adding "Our main intent is to have bands only for fundraisers."     Saying she was "speaking strictly as a private citizen," Courier publisher Gail Joiner raised the issue of the valuable piece of real estate being removed from tax rolls because of its nonprofit status.     Wise said the museum would generate enough tourist dollars for area retailers, restaurateurs, hotel owners and bed and breakfast proprietors would make up for any lost property taxes. Yearly property taxes were later estimated to be approximately $6,000.     "The county doesn't have any tax revenue from the property now," said Wise. "The Cabaret's had five owners over the last few years and it's sat there for the past two years just deteriorating."     Joiner said the proposed museum was "the best idea yet of what to do with the Cabaret," but expressed concerns regarding competition between Bandera businesses and the live music, food and beverages offered at the museum. At that, a clearly exasperated Wise asked Joiner "What is your alternative?"     "It should be written in the museum's bylaws that live entertainment would be provided by local bar owners on a rotating basis," Joiner said. "Any and all catering should go out for bids from local restaurants and catering businesses. That would be the best of all possibilities."     Riverside Players director Harvey Raab Jr. suggested a novel approach to showcasing music at the museum. "There's a high tech alternative to live bands," said Raab. " You could have a state-of-the-art sound system and holograms of bands playing their songs."     Strickland agreed, saying she visited a museum in Abilene that featured holograms depicting life in the Old West. She referred to the Frontier Texas! museum, "a museum and visitor center featuring the Century of Adventure multi-media experience showcasing the 1780-1880 Texas Frontier," according to www.frontiertexas.com.

Camp Bandina Road opened Published Feb. 7, 2008 President Rayford Johnson and members of Bandina, Inc., along with rancher Jim Miles, dedicated a new road for use during flooding.    Members of Bandina, Inc., recently celebrated their new road that will allow passage to FM 2828 when the low-water bridge is flooded by the Medina River.     The group gave special thanks to neighboring ranchers, Jim Miles and Dr. Steven Kalter, who assisted with the effort.     Everyone who attended the road dedication also enjoyed a Texas barbecue.     Most residents remember the problems that occurred during the flood of 1978. They are extremely gratified to have a route out of the area in times of future flooding.     [t11]“Keep Our Highways Clean” posters from a contest sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Bandera County are now on exhibit at the Bandera County Public Library, 515 Main Street.     Five posters were selected from each school for display and judging. There will be winners for Alkek and Hill Country Elementary Schools from kindergarten through second grades and for third through fifth grades. Five posters selected from Bandera Middle School and Bandera High School are also on display.     Judging takes place Thursday, Feb. 14, and winners will be announced the next day. First place winner will receive a $50 United States Savings Bond, and the runner up will receive a certificate.     Members of the Kiwanis Club invites the community to visit the library and see the posters. In addition, the club thanks H-E-B and Wal-Mart for supplying poster board for the contest.

CC trail riders saddle up for SA Stock Show & Rodeo by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published Jan. 31, 2008 Assistant trail boss Mark Mimms and scout Tom Madsen “headed up and moved out” the Cowboy Capitol Trail Riders’ Association on their 39th annual trek from Bandera to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. The ride began Saturday, Jan. 26, and is still heading toward the Alamo City. Photos by Viola Allen Scout Tom Madsen Tony Mimms and Sarina Mimms More trail riders heading out from Mansfield Park Vince Anderwald from Harwood    The Cowboy Capitol Trail Riders’ Association started down the road to the Alamo City – and its San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo – on Saturday, Jan. 26, and they’re still on the trail.     Hittin’ the trail     On the evening of Friday, Jan. 25, cowboys and cowgals – along with their cayuses – gathered at Mansfield Park on Highway 16 North before heading out the next day at 9 am. One week later, on Saturday, Feb. 2, the trial riders will make their grand entry into the rodeo arena, with 2008 Trail Ride Queen Monica Smith at the head of the contingent.     The first leg of their journey took riders from the park to the Tarpley VFD on FM 470; the next day, Sunday, Jan. 27, they wended their way to the Dixie Dude Ranch on FM 1077. Other stops along the way included sojourns at Bandera Downs on Highway 16 South and Triple H Equitherapy Center, 791 Backhaus Road, in Pipe Creek.     Continuing down Highway 16, the trail riders made camp at Schott’s Taxidermy on Highway 16 and PR 37 on Wednesday, Jan. 30. The next evening they bivouacked at VFW Post 7108 on FM 1560. Tomorrow evening, Friday, Feb. 1, after their last day in the saddle, the riders will camp in Helotes at the Lions Club on Highway 16.     The next morning, Saturday, Feb. 2, everyone – riders and hosses – will be trailered to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo campsite at the AT&T Center where they’ll do the Cowboy Capital of the World proud by participating in the grand entry to the 59th annual San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.     This year’s trial boss, Scott Hester of Comfort, is assisted by Joel Hodges and Mark Mimms.     ‘Saddlin’ up for St. Jude’     Unwilling to pass up a good time – or the chance for another trail ride – members of the Cowboy Capitol Trail Riders’ Association will be “saddlin’ up for St. Jude” on Saturday, March 1, during a cause close to the heart of member Vince Anderwald.     The fundraiser, which includes activities for the whole family, will take place from 10 am until dark at the Rockin’ A Ranch on Interstate 10 in Harwood. Proceeds will benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital that serves over 300 local children with cancer. Activities include dinner, door prizes, hay rides, pony rides, a trail ride, face painting, barrel races, pole bending, kiddy train and moonwalks, among others. Although the activities are horse-centric, participants are advised “no riding skills are necessary.”     A trail ride begins at 10 am, and the dinner bell starts ringin’ at 4 pm. Raffle tickets for a Registered American Quarter Horse and a handmade quilt cost $25 each.     Although there is no entry fee, a $20 donation is requested, with kids ages seven and under admitted free. For directions or more information, call Anderwald at 830-857-4886 or Helen Hults, 210-379-9197. Rain date for the fundraiser is Saturday, March 8.

Boosting Bandera’s tourist bucks by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published Jan. 24, 2008 Bandera County CVB Director Patricia Moore with CVB Board President Homer Stevens and tourism guru, Douglas Harman Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker After calling the Frontier Times Museum “Bandera’s ‘biggest’ and ‘missed’ opportunity,” tourism guru Doug Harman added, “(It) offers a special opportunity to become one of the top western museums in the state.” Photo courtesy of the Frontier Times Museum web site    Douglas Harman, former executive director of the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, recently reported on the "good, bad and - sometimes - downright ugly" aspects of Bandera as a tourist draw.     Maximizing tourism     The Bandera County Convention and Visitors Bureau sponsored Harman's Monday, Jan. 7, presentation, "The Keys to Maximizing Bandera Tourism Success." The talk emerged from an earlier "mystery shopping tour," which scrutinized the Cowboy Capital of the World through Harman's knowledgeable eyes. To ensure an unbiased assessment and experience, the CVB did not plan or make arrangements for his tour of Bandera.     Last fall, Harman, who has been described as "one of the most respected tourism leaders in Texas," along with Terry King, president of Clayton Consulting, and the pair's respective spouses visited Bandera "posing" as a quartet of typical tourists. This month Harman offered a 90-minute critique of the visit to community leaders.     His first encounter with Bandera occurred over five years ago when he and his family visited the Mansion in Bandera during a Christmas holiday. "My second visit provided feedback to the CVB," he said. However, for the past 18 years, Harman had apparently followed the CVB's marketing of Bandera. Texas friends and "old rodeo people" had also kept him abreast of local happenings.     In addition, as a self-described "long-time collector" of J. Marvin Hunter's Frontier Times magazine, as well as cowboy gear, Bandera definitely remained on Harman's radar.     $$$s & ¢¢¢s     Successful tourism, he said, can be measured in dollars and cents. In the best of all tourist worlds, viable destinations understand what visitors want; have unique characteristics of special appeal; are accessible, safe and attractive; market to the right audiences; possess a clear "brand" identity and brand strategies; focus on product improvement; employ cooperative marketing with key regional partners; and have great signage.     "Make Texas heritage fun, interesting and authentic," Harman urged. "Kick off your events with a boom."     He also advocated an increased emphasis on Texas' colorful and diverse heritage, especially the cowboy-vaquero connection. "Most cowboy traditions came from Mexico. Use this as another challenge and marketing opportunity."     Referencing the twice daily longhorn cattle drives through Fort Worth's Stockyard District, he added, "Remember, what is ordinary to you and the community may have a tremendous tourist potential."     To maximize tourism in Bandera, Harman suggested reaching back into the area's not-too-distant past. An era of particular interest to him was that of the "Free State of Bandera." He called it "an interesting marketing approach, like going back to the natural beginning of the area," and asked "Does Bandera have a 'wild side'?"     Additionally, Harman particularly was enthusiastic about the summer program "Cowboys on Main," which, he recommended, expanding. He also suggested a more natural setting for the activities, such as on the courthouse lawn rather than on Highway 16 in front of the courthouse complex.     Practical suggestions     While praising the unique quality of the visitors' center, he also pushed for improvements. "You have a great visitors' center, but put more information on the historical aspect of the building." In addition, Harman proposed establishing additional information centers throughout the county. "Bandera and Bandera County must be perceived as one large, single destination," he said, adding, "which should be easy since the city and county share the same name."     Calling the local music scene "very important to the future of tourism in this area," Harman said, "Austin might bill itself as the 'live music capital of Texas,' but Bandera has a bigger claim to old Texas music." He also advocated capitalizing more on the area's western heritage. "Cowboys and cowgirls are a basic appeal. Rodeos are simple to make available to everyone."     However, he advocated more explanation of the monument on the courthouse lawn and the city's designation as "The Cowboy Capital of the World."     "Branding and a sense of humor go together," said Harman. Citing the intimate lingerie lingering on the ceiling of a local watering hole, he added, "I know Bandera has a sense of humor."     'Biggest' & 'missed' opportunity     He presented the Frontier Times Museum as a double-edged sword, calling it Bandera's "biggest" and "missed" opportunity. He observed, "(J. Marvin) Hunter collected what he collected; however, the collections should be analyzed. There should be good explanations about the history and chronology of the collections."     In particular, he gave his enthusiastic nod of approval to the newly acquired cowboy hat collection and art of Warren Hunter, son of the museum founder. Warren Hunter also contributed the striking block prints on the covers of the Frontier Times magazines.     "The museum offers a special opportunity to become a high-quality attraction," Harman said. "It could be one of the top western museums in the state."     Could stand improving     Other tourist-centric aspects about Bandera that need improving include:     • marked entrances to both the county and city or the county. Harman said, "You need appropriate entrances. There is no excuse for not having good ones."     • more and better signage - not only in the city, but also on county roads designating points of interest. When queried about current signage, Harman described it unapologetically as "some of the ugliest signage anywhere in Texas.     • constructing vehicular pull-offs along scenic highways throughout the county.     • avoiding over-commercialization. "Visitors want memories and experiences unique to the area," Harman said, cautioning the assembly to "avoid the 'geography of nowhere'."     • encouraging commercial business owners along Main Street to upgrade and cleanup their establishments. "The number one issue is to clean up Bandera. Trash is a turn-off," Harman said.     • preserving and restoring the old facades of buildings along Main Street.     • constructing more sidewalks. Harmon said, "It's critical to make downtown friendly and attractive for pedestrians. There should be sidewalks throughout the town - from the river to Brick's."     • exploring possible ways to turn Lake Medina into a major tourism draw. "Why is there no interesting restaurant overlooking the lake?" Harman asked.     • effectively utilizing key historical themes, such as frontier life, Native American culture, historical trails and nature tourism.     • adding a "brand" and lighting to the water tower. "The water tower can be seen for miles and is one of the city's best means of visibility," Harman declared. "It needs to stay 'funky,' but can certainly be improved to include a brand identification of Bandera. You could just paint 'Bandera' in bold old-style letters on the water tower."     • encouraging establishment of retail businesses along Main Street rather than real estate offices and attorneys.     • upgrading lodging both in and around the city. "Quality lodging is critical to the future of Bandera's tourism success," he said, calling current lodging "sub-par and over-priced." When queried further, Harman said his group "had not had the best experience" in their choice of lodgings - one in the center of town and the other just outside of Bandera.     Future challenges     "Your challenge is getting your house in order before the flood of development that's on the way arrives," he told the SRO crowd at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center. "Strategic planning is needed to ensure Bandera becomes a quality tourist destination spot in Texas."     Harman deemed nearby natural areas and the Medina River as "critical to the future of tourism. Nature tourism can become one of this area's greatest opportunities."     In conclusion, he asked, "Is tourism's economic importance to Bandera being recognized?"     Quoting the West Texas adage, "A tourist brings in more money than cotton and is easier to pick," Harman added, "Serving your tourists effectively will make the quality of life better for the people who live here."

SAWS water denial may derail mega-sprawl by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published Dec. 13, 2007 Developers plan single-family residential and some commercial on the 1,766-acre Hills of Castle Rock subdivision located in the far north portion of Medina County on the border with Bandera County, along Highway 16 and Park Road 37. Map from the Baruch Properties Web site    A freight train-style development perceived as inexorably barreling down the track into Medina and Bandera counties was recently derailed by trustees with the San Antonio Water System.     On Tuesday, Dec. 4, the board unanimously rejected the developer's request to provide water to Hills of Castle Rock, owned by Baruch Properties (BP) Real Estate Investments, Ltd., of Dallas. The proposed subdivision was poised to sprawl over 1,766 acres, extending south and west from the intersection of Highway 16 and Park Road 37, 10 miles northwest of Helotes. Although the majority of the subdivision is in Medina County, approximately 40 acres spills into Bandera County.     Sponge-like water needs     To quench the thirst of the proposed 12,000 residents who would eventually live in 3,500 residential units on lots ranging from .25 to two acres, as well as a school and a 200-acre commercial area, Baruch Properties had asked SAWS to supply water from a main located 7.5 miles from the development.     However, developers had earlier indicated even water obtained from San Antonio would need to be supplemented. BP's plans called for either combining SAWS water with groundwater pumped from commercial wells, or instituting a reverse osmosis process to obtain additional water for the development.     Another concern centered around the developer's plans to construct a wastewater treatment plant.     According to state regulations, prior to issuing a permit for constructing a treatment facility, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires a developer to have a proven water supply.     Characterizing Hills of Castle Rock as "putting the cart before the horse," a representative from the San Geronimo Valley Alliance (SGVA) claimed the developer had requested a sewer plant prior to demonstrating he had adequate water for the subdivision. According to SGVA, despite the BP's apparent rhetoric, there is no great demand for water in the vicinity of Bandera Road and PR 37 — except for the developer.     Realizing the inclination of the SAWS trustees during the December meeting, BP reportedly scaled back the size of the subdivision to 2,700 residences — attempting to forestall being denied water.     Questions & concerns     For months, the proposed development had been met with organized opposition due to questions about density, traffic congestion, high water usage, emergency services availability, excessive storm water runoff and the effects of treated sewage to be discharged into San Geronimo Creek.     SGVA concerns focused mainly on the developer's request to release a minimum of 225,000 gallons of treated effluent per day into San Geronimo Creek, which feeds the Edwards Aquifer. The initial discharge rate would increase to 400,000 gallons daily and, according to SAWS staff, escalate up to one million gallons a day at build out. San Geronimo Creek flows into the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, which serves as San Antonio's main source of water.     During last week's meeting, San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger, a member of the SAWS board, offered his assessment of the situation, saying, "Density development in a sensitive contributing zone is not good for our city or our neighbors or our water."     In addition, Hardberger acknowledged "irreversible mistakes" had been made with previous city-sanctioned development over the aquifer, especially in areas along Loop 1604 North and US 281. "I would like to keep the San Geronimo watershed as pure as we can," he said.     Mayor as 'hero'     Staunch opponents of the Hills of Castle Rock development praised Hardberger. Calling the mayor "a hero," Annalisa Peace, executive director of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, said SAWS' decision took into account what was best for their customers and people who rely on the Edwards Aquifer.     According to Peace, 1.7 million people get their water from the Edwards Aquifer. She had previously requested that any discharged treated effluent be held to drinking standards rather than recreational standards.     In an earlier meeting with TCEQ officials, Medina resident Doug McNeil had asserted BP's proposed wastewater treatment plant would be located just four miles downstream from where the San Geronimo Creek goes underground and enters the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. He also noted 7 percent of the recharge providing water to San Antonio comes through San Geronimo Creek.     Pointing out that, by law, TCEQ is allowed to use higher standards when the Edwards Aquifer is affected, McNeil urged environmental quality officials to use "higher standards rather than the bare minimum."     SGVA President Randy Johnson deemed it neither practical nor necessary for SAWS to supply the subdivision with water at the present. According to SGVA, an interlocal agreement between Medina County and San Antonio was no longer in effect.     And, prior to the meeting, it was revealed developers of Hills of Castle Rock had never filed a preliminary plat with Medina County, according to SGVA.     In an interview, Bandera County Engineer Ray Rendon Jr. confirmed the developer had not yet submitted a preliminary plan to the county — let alone a preliminary plat.     "Long-term master plans and 'conceptual lotting plans' may sound impressive but don't meet legal requirements," a SGVA spokesman commented, adding, "BP has yet to prove sustainable water availability from their wells or any other source."     HC ambiance     At least one of SGVA's assertions proved correct. At the SAWS meeting, participants learned an agreement between BP and SAWS had been declared "null and void" because the developer had failed to sign it. Rather than sign the existing interlocal agreement, the developer had purportedly sought to increase the amount of water allowed to be harvested from the Middle Trinity Aquifer. Apparently, the amount of water cited on the original agreement with SAWS had proven inadequate for the number of homes scheduled to be constructed on the tract.     Had the agreement to purchase San Antonio water been approved, BP would have paid SAWS nearly $10 million just to connect the development to the water system. In addition, the company would have footed the costs of extending a large water main to the property.     More development     Seemingly aware that supplying the mega-subdivision with city water would change the ambiance of that part of the Hill Country forever, Trustee Salvadore Hernandez pointed out, "Once you have a large main out there, that's not the only thing that's going to grow. You're going to have outcroppings (of development) all the way to Bandera," as reported by Jerry Needham in his account of the meeting, published in the Wednesday, Dec. 5, edition of the San Antonio Express- News.     Hardberger later added, "The developer has been reasonable and the citizens have been reasonable. Because of the amicable discussions, it is tempting to work out a compromise; however, the reason to resist and deny this resolution is the density of the development and the (aquifer) contributing zone."     Board Chairman Alex Briseno opined that perhaps the city should discourage growth by not providing sewer and water utilities to certain areas. He added, "Sprawl is bad. Contiguous development is good," calling density and water quality "big issues."     Expressing his opposition to opposed to "leap-frog" development in favor of contiguous development, Briseno asked, "Do we really want to expand to the limits of the ETJ?"     Additionally, he referenced the property rights issue. "The bottom line? What is in the public interest? If we deny (BP's request), we lose control, but if we approve, we promote sprawl. I have no problem denying."     Back to drawing board     During the discussion, Hardberger said, "The developer can revise the development and resubmit it to SAWS or go to another water purveyor, but at this point, we cannot approve utility service to this (subdivision)." After the trustees' vote, an attorney for Baruch Properties said his client had three options — submitting an amended request for water from SAWS, approaching TCEQ or forming its own water district.     Regarding the decision, SAWS spokesman Anne Hayden, offered, "This has been a long and difficult process. We were striving to ensure doing the best possible thing for all concerned and at times this was difficult to do."     However, if a central water supply for Hills of Castle Rock is not forthcoming, homes in the subdivision will have to install wells, which would decrease allowable density considerably. For example, under current subdivision rules, only eight homes could be built on the 40 acres of the subdivision located in Bandera County.

Guilott building, HC-SNAP ­ 'win-win' situation by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published Oct. 25, 2007 Gay Guilott with HC-SNAP President Carey Reed and her husband, Tommy, a member of the HC-SNAP board of directors Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker    When Carey Reed, president of the Hill Country State Natural Area Partners (HC-SNAP), found out realtor Gay Guilott, owner of Guilott Realty, Inc., wanted to donate her current office building to a nonprofit organization, Reed literally "snapped up" the offer.     Then, Reed made the rounds of governmental entities, such as the Bandera County Commissioners Count and Bandera City Council, seeking letters of support for the project.     As Reed explained to commissioners Oct. 11, "Gay Guilott is constructing a new office building on the same site of her present building. She offered us her present building free of charge to use as a park headquarters. We've raised enough money to move it and now we're starting a letter-writing campaign to Texas Parks and Wildlife."     The "we" Reed referred to was HC-SNAP, a non-profit 501(c)3 "friends of the park" group, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Bandera County's Hill Country State Natural Area. Reed also indicated TPW would add some funds to the project after determining the extent of local governmental support.     "The only caveat is that Gay would like the building off her lot (at 129 Highway 16 South) by Nov. 4 since that's when construction will begin on her new building," Reed said.     "This sounds like a good deal for everyone," commented County Judge Richard Evans, pointing out, "Mr. Dabney likes this park and that's good." Walt Dabney serves as TPW division director in Austin. Reed left sample letters, addressed to both Dabney and TPW Chairman Peter M. Holt Reed, with commissioners.     The letters explained the building donated by Guilott "has a western feeling more in keeping with our cowboy image here in Bandera County." Reed indicated the additional office space provided by the building is "greatly needed," adding, "There is also the possibility of space being used as a historical exhibit of the ranching heritage of the park."     Reed's efforts to mount a letter-writing campaign in favor of the project proved more than successful. When she addressed city council on Thursday, Oct. 18, she told councilmen TPW administrators had cried "Uncle," suggesting they had received more than enough letters to warrant green-lighting the moving project.     "(Park Manager) Paul David (Fuentes) received a call from Austin this morning. He was told we didn't have to send anymore letters. They had enough," Reed told council. "We've had overwhelming support regarding this donation." She added, "We're very excited. The additional space will allow the park manager to have his own office."     Reed revealed several proposals had gone out soliciting bids to move the building. She asked if city permits were required to move the building from its present location to the natural area.     City Administrator Gene Foerster said permits were necessary to move mobile homes, but not permanent buildings.     Councilman Horst Pallaske noted the police department would need to be involved in the process and the Texas Department of Transportation might require a permit.     In an interview, Guilott credited her husband, Finn Rasmussen, and Bandera County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Patricia Moore as being the impetus behind donating the building to the state natural area. "We were going to tear it down," Guilott said prior to learning about the potential recipient.     In an interview, Moore, who also serves on the HCSNAP board of directors, recalled speaking with Rasmussen about Guilott's building, which is located across the street from the convention and visitors bureau.     "Finn said we would have to look at the building much longer, and explained what was going to happen," Moore said. "SNAP is always looking for ways to assist the park, and I thought the building would be perfect. Gay agreed." Moore introduced Guilott to Fuentes, and the rest was history.     "This came out of the clear blue and is a wonderful blessing," Moore added, "It's truly a win-win situation."     Guilott's present 1,110 square-foot building was stick-built in sections and has undergone two additions. "The original building was built about 20 years ago," Guilott said.     She plans to build a 2,400 square foot office building using pier and beam construction on the site of her present office. The new building will feature oldstyle batting sides, as well as an abundance of glass.     "We'll use stained concrete for the flooring and install a wood interior. We won't use sheetrock inside."     According to Guilott, the configuration and traffic patterns of her present office had become obsolete. The building must be removed from the site by the first week in November because that's when the slab is scheduled to be poured, she said. Guilott added, however, "There's no rush getting (the building) to the park. We have a place to store the building until it can be moved."     Reed explained the three-step process moving of the building entailed lifting it, hauling it to the state natural area and setting up the building. According to Fuentes, the building will be stored at the park after its relocation prior to being placed there permanently. "That way we can take time preparing the site." Reed added.     While certain details need to be taken care of, everyone is looking forward to the handsome building's dedication at the Hill Country State Natural Area.

Special license plates available locally Published Oct. 11, 2007    Special license plates can be obtained locally beginning Thursday, Nov. 1. At that time, local Texas tax assessor-collectors offices will issue specialty license plates ­ a duty formerly assigned to the Texas Department of Transportation Special Plates division. The local sale of special plates should result in more efficient service.     Motorists who already have special plates or those who would like to order special plates for the first time will be able to apply for and pick up their special plates at local tax offices. In addition, after the new program is implemented, citizens can order or renew special plates in person, by mail or on the Internet.     Specialty license plates include military with the exception of Legion of Valor and Merit, Silver Star and Gold Star; organization; collegiate; professional sports teams; personalized; personalized dealers; and miscellaneous.     For specialty plates with a $30 extra-charge over the regular license fee, organizations receive $22 from the fee; the state, $7.50; and the county, 50 cents. For specialty plates costing $40 over the regular license fee, the state receives $39.50 and the county, 50 cents.     Disabled Veterans fee will be $3 for the first set and full registration fees for additional sets. Purple Heart fees are $3 for the first set and full registration fees for additional sets with no plate limit on additional sets     For questions, contact the Office of Bandera County Tax Assessor-Collector Mae Vion Meyer, RTA, at 403 12th Street or call 830-796-3731.

Affluent effluent raises nearby residents' wrath by Judith Pannebaker Bandera County Courier and Sula Combs Hondo Anvil Herald Published Sept. 27, 2007    Don't look now, but a 3,500-unit gorilla, lurking just down the road, is poised to put its footprint in Bandera County, and its treated waste in one of the Hill County's most pristine creeks. Last month, personnel with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) held a public meeting on an application for a permit to construct a wastewater treatment plant for a proposed mega-subdivision off Bandera Road.     Mega-development concerns     At build-out, Hills of Castle Rock, owned by Baruch Properties Real Estate Investments, Ltd., of Dallas, will cover over 1,766 acres, extending south and west from the intersection of Highway 16 and Park Road 37, 10 miles northwest of Helotes. Although the majority of the subdivision is in Medina County, approximately 40 acres spills over into Bandera County.     Baruch Properties' (BP) "Conceptual Lotting Plan" details 3,550 residential units, a school and a 200-acre commercial area. The development will eventually include 12,000 people, on lots ranging from .25 to two acres, making Hills of Castle Rock the largest population center in the area.     Approximately, 110 people attended the August public meeting, including three Bandera County residents ­ Precinct 2 County Commissioner Bobby Harris, Fidel Ramirez of Concerned Citizens of Bandera County and Jim Hannah, former member of the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District.     The proposed development has been met with organized opposition on grounds of density, traffic congestion, high water usage, emergency services availability, excessive storm water runoff and concerns about the effects of treated sewage to be discharged into San Geronimo Creek.     Most concerns were focused on the developer's request to release a minimum of 225,000 gallons of treated effluent per day into San Geronimo Creek, which feeds the Edwards Aquifer. The initial discharge rate would increase to 400,000 gallons daily and, according to staff with the San Antonio Water System, reach up to one million gallons a day. San Geronimo Creek flows into the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, which serves as San Antonio's main source of water.     Edwards Aquifer under fire     Annalisa Peace of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance pointed out that 1.7 million people get their water from the Edwards Aquifer. She asked that the discharged treated effluent be held to drinking standards rather than recreational standards.     According to Medina resident Doug McNeil, seven percent of the recharge providing water to San Antonio comes through San Geronimo Creek. He asked TCEQ representatives if they have requested input from San Antonio and the Edwards Aquifer Authority regarding the purity of their drinking water. McNeil pointed out that, by law, TCEQ is allowed to use higher standards when the Edwards Aquifer is affected. He urged TCEQ officials to use the "higher standards rather than the bare minimum."     On his TCEQ permit application for construction of a wastewater treatment facility, the developer had apparently indicated no one within five miles of the proposed facility uses creek water for household purposes.     According to reports, however, at least two families who live within three and a half miles of the treatment facility said they use water directly from San Geronimo Creek when their shallow wells dry up during droughts, which occurred in 2005 and 2006. Other individuals indicated they routinely drink creek water, while others contended they consume fish caught in the creek. In addition, residents use the creek for recreational purposes.     Kendall County resident Bob Webster raised questions about the quality of the treated effluent, including the percentage of total dissolved solids, remaining particulate matter and phosphate levels.     TCEQ officials admitted they knew nothing about emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, which can adversely affect fish and children.     Those attending the meeting pointed out another serious error in the developer's permit application. The application claimed that the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone lies 11 miles downstream from the proposed plant.     However, during the public comment session, resident Randy Johnson asserted, "Less than four miles down the creek from where the treated sewage enters the San Geronimo Creek, the water goes underground and enters the Edwards Aquifer. By allowing this treatment plant to be built as planned, TCEQ is threatening to destroy the water supply for over 1.7 million people. It's time for TCEQ to stop giving in to developers and protect our precious water supply. Once the water supply is destroyed it can never be fixed."     Members of the Hill Country Planning Association supported Johnson's contention.     Flood plain     In addition, Johnson informed TCEQ staff that the location of the proposed pump station is only four feet above the 100 year flood plain.     Concerned about quality standards and safeguards of the wastewater treatment facility, an unidentified woman asked what would happen if a flood washed the sewage out through manhole covers before it reached the plant. In that case, said TCEQ officials, raw sewage would be dumped into the creek.     The next question was who would be responsible should an accidental discharge of untreated sewage cause people to contract amoebic dysentery or an infection associated with E. coli.     An attorney for TCEQ replied that would be a civil matter between the affected citizen and the developer. According to the attorney, TCEQ has sovereign immunity, and, therefore, cannot be sued. The only time TCEQ could be held liable would be in a case involving, the attorney added.     Others questions concerned whether the amount of impervious cover would allow contaminated storm water to run into the creek, also affecting the flood plain.     However, neither TCEQ nor the developer proved amenable to discussing that eventuality.     TCEQ representatives wanted to keep the issues of effluent and storm water run-off separate, indicating they do not evaluate the two at the same time.     State Representative David Leibowitz of District 117 told representatives from TCEQ and BP, "These people have legitimate concerns. You should not take them lightly. Some families have lived here for several generations and they know all about this area. Give them respect and credence. How can you put this many homes on this many acres and not have devastating results?"     Sustainable water     Another bone of contention arose regarding the developer's failure to comply with Medina County Subdivision Regulations that require proof of sustainable water availability for all projected residents.     The developer apparently plans to purchase water piped in by the SAWS, possibly combining it with water pumped from commercial wells, or perhaps institute a reverse osmosis process.     As was pointed out, TCEQ requires a proven water supply before issuing a permit to construct a wastewater treatment sewer plant.     Bandera County's Jim Hannah asked, "Do you propose to provide sewer services from your plant in Medina County into the Bandera County part of the development?"     David Parkerson of BP and Post Oak Development indicated the developer was prepared to meet Bandera County development standards.     Hannah rejoined, "Will you consider replatting for lower density that will not require a wastewater treatment plant?"     "We consider two lots per acre low density," Parkerson replied.     However, after Hannah persisted in his questioning, Parkerson conceded, "We would take it under consideration."     Commissioner Harris noted that the creek would never recover from the after effects of storm runoff and that the development would create a "logjam of traffic" on Highway 16 and Park Road 37.     TCEQ under fire Representatives from the San Geronimo Valley Alliance, Inc. (SGVA), a group opposing the sewer plant, expressed other serious concerns about "the city-sized, densely-populated development."     "TCEQ's attitude seems to be to do the bare minimum in order to follow the law and to compartmentalize everything to the point of absurdity," noted a spokesman for the grassroots organization. "How can an environmental agency not require proof of water availability before issuing a sewer plant permit?"     In the next legislative session, SGVA representatives vowed to ask Texas lawmakers to approve legislation that prohibits dumping of treated sewer water into creeks. Also, SGVA would like an agency created with regulatory authority over TCEQ.     "Because it currently doesn't answer to anyone, we feel TCEQ is misusing and abusing its power by protecting developers to the detriment of the environment and the health, safety and welfare of the people ­ the mandate they're supposed to be following," the spokesman continued.     Fire & EMS protection     In its position paper, SGVA contended, "Evidently Baruch Properties' vision for fire protection consists of offering land to the Emergency Services District including Medina Lake's Volunteer Fire Department in Bandera County. Nevertheless, it will likely be a while before a firehouse can be constructed, and the current fire station is several miles away along narrow, winding Park Road 37.     "BP's idea of law enforcement is apparently to rely on the Medina County Sheriff's Department. But, due to Medina County's road system, there is no direct route from the sheriff's department in Hondo, 45 miles away, into the far northeastern portion of the county, site of the proposed housing development.     "Roadway gridlock will certainly occur in areas where in-gresse-gress would fall on seven of the nine subdivision openings along Park Road 37's two lanes. The other two road openings would be on Highway 16. The Texas Department of Transportation says it won't be able to upgrade Park Road 37 for decades."     BC beware     Before the hearing concluded, the group offered a cautionary note to Bandera County residents, "If a city of 12,000 is allowed to be built here, it will be no time at all until huge developments are knocking on the City of Bandera's door, jeopardizing ever more areas of the Hill Country."     The office of United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has requested SGVA to provide a summary of the public meeting with TCEQ on the application for a permit to build a wastewater treatment facility for the Hills of Castle Rock development.

'MaeVion, MaeVion counts the money'* Published Sept. 27, 2007    On Oct. 1, the new fiscal year begins and shortly thereafter, all taxing entities in Bandera County will begin the process of extracting their pound of flesh from area citizenry.     The office of Bandera County Tax Assessor-Collector MaeVion Meyer will mail out tax notices the first of November. For the most part, the following ad valorem taxes have been approved:     * Bandera ISD - $1.23 per $100 valuation     * City of Bandera ­ 45.2596 cents per $100 valuation     * Bandera County River Authority & Groundwater District ­ 02.90 cents per $100 valuation     * Bandera County ­ 70.71 or 68.69 cents per $100 valuation, depending on what is finally approved by county commissioners on Thursday, Sept. 27.     * To be sung to the tune of "Levon," with music by Bernie Taupin and lyrics by Elton John, © 1971 Dick James Music Limited.

Controversial development inches closer to Bandera County Special to the Courier Published June 21, 2007    New subdivisions slated for the Hill Country are coming under fire due to fears that rapid development will lead to a depletion of already fragile water and ecosystems.     In this area, no development has become more controversial than the proposed Hills of Castle Rock, slated for the construction by Dallas developer Baruch Properties at the intersection of Highway 16 – Bandera Road – and Park Road 37. At build-out, the subdivision will include 3,500 residential units and12,000 residents. While most of the development is located in adjacent Medina County, a corner of the 1,766-acre tract spills into Bandera County.     During a packed public hearing on Monday, June 11, Medina County Commissioners unanimously approved termination of a 2004 interlocal agreement with the City of San Antonio. The agreement had allowed San Antonio officials to plat subdivisions containing “habitable tracts of less than 0.4 acres” in Medina County – an agreement made possible because San Antonio's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) extends into Medina County.     According to Medina County Judge Jim Barden, in 2001, the state legislature decreed when land came under the jurisdiction of two government entities, the involved parties must decide which rules and regulations prevail. In lieu of a decision, the matter enters arbitration – which could take months. Medina County apparently patterned its interlocal agreement after one developed by Comal County.     The consensus of last Monday’s SRO crowd was that commissioners should prevent San Antonio from moving into Medina County and taking away citizens’ rights. They voiced a collective belief that commissioners have a duty to protect the rights of county residents.     Twenty-two members of the San Geronimo Valley Association (SGVA) opposed continuation of the agreement with San Antonio. They felt Medina County could do a much better job of platting subdivisions in their own county as opposed to "departments responsible for the suburban sprawl and gridlock in San Antonio."     To avoid arbitration, SGVA President Randy Johnson asked commissioners to cancel the agreement before the June 30 deadline, then negotiate a more favorable agreement. "TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) turned down SAWS' (San Antonio Water System) applications to bring water up Bandera Road from San Antonio on the basis that there had been no demand for it,” he said. “As things stand now, the subdivision will be approved by San Antonio with no water."     Echoing a concern about water, John Kennerly said that although he was not against progress, he believed in planning ahead, saying succinctly, "Don't let a bunch of people move in if they don't have water."     According to SGVA member Camille White, the association would like Medina County to require Baruch Properties to follow Texas law and drill 18 test wells – one for every 100 of the development's 1,766 acres. The group would also like the developer to test for sustainable water availability in the Trinity Aquifer, which has a slow recharge rate. Also, lot size should be related to well spacing to avoid drawing down the water supply, White said.     In addition, TCEQ administrators have granted SGVA an almost unprecedented public meeting about a proposed wastewater plant that would eventually release 225,000 gallons of treated effluent into San Geronimo Creek. According to Neil Hernandez, an authority on local water issues, the creek flows over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone only a few miles downstream, then goes underground near Highways 211 and 471, indicating seepage into the aquifer is probable and contamination possible.     Jerry Day brought up another issue. "These people don't have representation," he said. "They live in Medina County and pay taxes there, but they're subject to San Antonio's rules, and they can't vote there."     "Why did the county give up jurisdiction (in the first place)?" asked Bob Fitzgerald of Quihi. “I don't know that we wanted to give up any jurisdiction, but at the time we did it, the city could take actions we couldn't," Barden replied. “It became an escape clause that didn't work out the way we wanted.” In effect, the agreement enabled developers to bypass county regulations. Barden added, however, “I have no problem going to San Antonio to terminate and renegotiate.”     In the current interlocal agreement, San Antonio rules apply to tracts subdivided to a density of more than 2.5 units per acre, while Medina County rules apply to larger tracts of land. Commending the court, Annalisa Peace of Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance said, "You have done an excellent job on subdivision regulations, which is a good reason to terminate the agreement (with San Antonio)."     Precinct 2 Commissioner Beverly Keller’s motion to terminate the interlocal agreement with San Antonio was seconded by two other commissioners. When unanimously approved, spontaneous applause broke out in the courtroom.

Seal coat work to begin along FM 1283 Contributed Published June 21, 2007    KERRVILLE – Cox Paving Company LP, under contract to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), will begin the seal coat program on July 6 in Bandera County and continue through July 31.     Crews will be working on a nine-mile section of FM 1283 from SH 16 to PR-37 in Lakehills.     Seal coats are placed on the road pavement as a maintenance preventive measure. A seal coat is a spray application of hot asphalt to the road surface and a layer of aggregate. The process seals the surface of the roadway from moisture and the aggregate provides a new driving surface.     New pavement markings and raised reflective pavement markings will be added after the normal cure time, approximately 4-7 days after the seal coat is placed. This is the most cost-effective measure to preserve the existing roadway and avoid expensive future repairs.     This $169,000 work in Bandera County is part of the $ 3.5 million project that is scheduled to continue through the summer months.     TxDOT advises motorists to expect delays while traveling through this area.     For more information, please call Maggie Rios at (210)615-5836 in San Antonio, or Mike Boyd at (210)378-1839 in Kerrville.

TXDot says, 'Toss 'em or be fined big time' by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published June 7, 2007 Advertising signs along Highway 16 into Bandea maybe in violation of TXDot rules and regulations. Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker    Small business owners in Bandera County were recently dealt a blow by the Texas Department of Transportation, when they became unwitting casualties in a campaign to keep rural travelways free from obtrusive commercial signage.     On May 22, Jerry W. Reavis, TxDOT district right of way administrator, sent letters to all businesses with advertising signs installed on private property fronting Highway 16 South between Privilege Creek Road and Cypress Park Lane.     He wrote, "These signs have been constructed in violation of the highway beautification provisions of VTCA Transportation Code, Chapter 394. The law requires anyone erecting or maintaining an outdoor advertising sign … along a rural road (to) first obtain a permit from the Texas Department of Transportation."     The letter continued, "Any outdoor advertising sign that does not meet the requirements of an exempt sign must be removed immediately, or you could be fined up to $1,000 a day for each day that your sign remains up." According to Reavis, as of Sept. 1, 2005, no sign permits can be issued on any state-maintained roadway in Bandera County.     Fearful that commercial illuminated billboards would proliferate throughout the county and destroy its rural ambiance, In 2005, a grassroots coalition asked then-73rd District State Representative Carter Casteel to sponsor legislation prohibiting roadside signage. Supported by a letter-writing campaign and public meetings, Casteel's effort was successful. Legislation specific to Bandera County prohibited additional advertising billboards from being installed in the county. Now, however, local business owners have learned their advertising efforts have also been swept up – or perhaps, down – in the signage prohibition.     Some signs, however, are exempted from current TxDOT rules. Among others, exempt signs include:     • directional or other official signs authorized by law, including signs pertaining to natural wonders and scenic or historic attractions.     • with certain provisos, signs erected for public elections.     • off-premise signs no larger than 32 square feet, displaying only the name of a place or activity and directions. In the case of small businesses, an off-premise sign on private property can extend to a maximum of 50 square feet.     • signs owned by a Chamber of Commerce no larger than 150 square feet, limited to public service information and located within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city or county supporting the Chamber.     A complete list of exempt signs can be found in TxDOT's Right of Way Manual, Vol. 7, Beautification; Chapter 9, Control of OAS (outdoor advertising signage) along Rural Roads, on the agency's website, www.dot.state.tx.us.     In an interview, Kelly Kenner, TxDOT right of way agent, acknowledged fielding calls from affected Bandera County business owners.     According to information garnered from callers, the person responsible for designing and installing the signs (Leroy Perkins) had contacted unnamed county officials about the project.     After being informed no county permits were required for roadside signage, Perkins had apparently failed to apply for necessary TxDOT permits, Kenner added.     The signs were installed on Perkins' land, according to one leasor, who pays him a $100 a year fee, in August 2005 – just a month before the prohibition on roadside signage went into effect. According to Kenner, a little-known aspect of TxDOT is its authority to monitor usage of private land, as well as rights of way, adjacent to state-maintained roads and highways. "TxDOT began regulating signs on private property and farm market roads in the 1970s as part of Lady Bird Johnson's highway beautification project," she said.     "We've let people have ‘freebies' for a few years while we concentrated on interstates and primary collectors due to the federal funding involved," Kenner continued. "Now with more personnel, we're concentrating on rural routes."     She emphasized current transportation code regulations do not preclude owners of small businesses from erecting "directional" signs of up to 50 square feet. "The signs can include a business address or directions, but cannot contain a telephone number," Kenner explained.     Most of the affected signs along Highway 16 are well within the size limits; however, to be compliant with TxDOT regulations, signs containing telephone numbers will apparently have to be redesigned.     A call to Perkins went unanswered prior to press time.

Despite appearances – much ado about nothing by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published June 7, 2007 Photo of dump site on Rio Ranchero taken by concerned citizens in November 2005 Photo by former Courier reporter Stephanie Day after the non-hazardous CRS-2, used in road construction had been covered up, but not removed.    An investigation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has cleared Bandera County Road and Bridge personnel of any wrong-doing in the now-infamous hazardous waste dump. That's the good news.     The bad news, however, is, to obtain the "all clear" status, county taxpayers had to shell out over $6,000.     The brouhaha began after an anonymous call to TCEQ officials contended gallons of "hazardous material" had been dumped in a pit on the side of Rio Ranchero Road.     During a recent meeting of Bandera County Commissioners Court, Road and Bridge Superintendent John Andrade informed the court after TCEQ-mandated testing, the "hazardous material" was deemed to be what he had told state officials and the court earlier, a water-based road sealant, CRS-2, that motorists drive on daily.     Never suspecting a problem would ensue, he said the non-hazardous substance had been unloaded on-site after a problem had developed with a conveyance vehicle. Andrade's command decision to dump, however, came back to bite him, and road and bridge crews later removed the non-hazardous substance as required by TCEQ.     "What will you do with it now?" asked County Judge Richard Evans.     "Put it back on the road eventually," Andrade replied, closing the book on the county's latest "tempest is a teapot."

Highway 173 construction off & running Published June 7, 2007    The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) began construction of Highway 173 from the Medina River Bridge south to the Medina County Line on Monday, June 4.     The 7.16 mile long project includes extending existing culverts, widening the San Julian Creek Bridge and adding 10-foot wide shoulders to the highway.     Other improvements involve adding right turn lanes from Highway 173 to FM 1077, Wharton's Dock Road and Bottle Springs Road. Acceleration lanes will also be provided for traffic turning right from these roads onto Highway 173. A continuous center two-way left turn lane will be constructed from north of Bottle Springs Road to south of Wharton's Dock Road. There will be two lanes southbound along the Alkek Elementary School frontage.     The $4,541,404 project will be managed by TxDOT's Kerrville office with construction scheduled for completion by early summer of 2008.     TxDOT Kerrville Area Engineer Mike Coward said, "Construction will require short term closures of one travel lane at a time, but no overnight lane closures are expected."     Although the public will experience some delays and inconvenience during construction, personnel with TxDOT and contractor Ray Faris, Inc. will work to keep these to an absolute minimum.     For more information, contact the TxDOT Kerrville Area Office at 830-257-8444.

State tourism spot features local celeb by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published May 24, 2007 Local icon Kevin Fitzpatrick delighted the film crew and onlookers with his trick roping skills and down-home brand of humor. Despite all the attention, it was just another day's work for Fitzpatrick's dapper Paint pony, Chief. Staff Photo by David Arny Camera crew technicians loaded fresh videotape during a break in shooting a commercial promoting Texas tourism. The Travel Channel is slated to begin running the ads in 2008, following post-production work. Staff Photo by David Arny    The Dallas-based Directorz production company and a professional film crew literally spent from sun up to sundown Friday, May 18, shooting at locations in and around Bandera for a commercial to be aired on cable television's Travel Channel. Part of the state board of tourism's "Texas-Like a Whole Other Country" series, director Jeff Bednarz and a small army of production assistants, location managers, camera technicians and a dozen or so actors showcased five area places of interest from the perspective of a family of visitors to the Cowboy Capital.     It was "lights, camera… action!" before dawn at the Hicks family's Mayan Ranch, with a segment featuring the "family" enjoying a trail ride while silhouetted by a hill country sunrise. Soon, the entourage moved with its three truckloads of equipment to Main St., where interior scenes were filmed at the OST, Busbee's and the Bandera General Store.     By late afternoon, Clay Conoly's Dixie Dude Ranch was bustling with cast, crew and extras preparing to wrap up the day's work by filming one of Bandera's favorite sons. Trick roper and goodwill ambassador Kevin Fitzpatrick displayed his skills atop his unflappable horse, Chief, and dazzled the crew and onlookers alike. After a segment featuring the "family" around a campfire, complete with chuck wagon and guitar-playing cowboy crooners, it was a "wrap."     From the hills of Bandera County, the troupe traveled to the sand and surf of South Padre Island to round out the locales featured in the commercial's raw footage. After that, the less conspicuous work will begin back in Dallas; editing, adding graphics, background music and a voice-over track.     Bednarz, a documentary filmmaker as well as a commercial director and owner of Directorz Production Company, has created commercials for such clients as Home Depot, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Michelob. Those and other commercials produced by him for his A-list customers can be seen online at: www.directorz.net.

KC's Rogers offers blueprint for county-wide EDC by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published May 3, 2007 Bandera's Gary Johnston, Jan Angelini of San Antonio's Angelini Consulting Associates and Kendall County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Dan Rogers Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker    Two essential components of a successful county-wide economic development corporation (EDC) are collective will and fiscal commitment, according to Dan Rogers, CEO and president of the nascent Kendall County Economic Development Corporation.     Boilerplate for EDC     As guest speaker at a Friday, April 20, confab of Bandera County movers and shakers, coordinated by local realtor Gary Johnston, Rogers offered his organization as a blueprint for how things could – and should – be done. Rogers suggested that Bandera County is in a position to entice not just tourists, but any number of suitable businesses to the area.     "An EDC comprised of city and county residents and members from the (Bandera Country) Chamber of Commerce will get you the best results," he said. "If counties or cities find themselves with a (monetary) shortfall, development people are the first to be terminated. However, an EDC that includes both public and private sectors can weather any storm."     Rogers pointed out that as a "4B" city, Bandera receives tax revenues from the state that can be used for, among other projects, funding an EDC.     Mo' money     "As a 4B city, Bandera receives over $160,000 in sales tax rebates yearly," he said, urging city officials to earmark a portion of the money to recruit appropriate businesses to Bandera County. The city receives one and a half cents back from sales tax collected – with a half-cent earmarked for the city-sponsored 4B economic development.     "You can use a portion of the 4B funds to supplement those allocated for an EDC by public and private organizations and governmental agencies," Rogers said.     Comparing Bandera's to Boerne's situation, Rogers said, "Boerne elected to use its half-cent sales tax rebate to reduce homeowners' property taxes."     To fund what they considered a crucial EDC, both city council and commissioners court kicked in $50,000 for three years. "In addition, the Greater Boerne and Comfort Chambers of Commerce helped raise an additional $50,0000 through the private sector," Rogers said. Gold members invested $10,000 per year; silver members, $5,000; and bronze members, $1,000 for a three-year period. "Over 50 private investors contributed over $100,000 a year to the EDC," he said.     Tax relief     According to Rogers, a successful EDC will attract sufficient commercial entities to a county or city to relieve homeowners of onerous tax burdens.     "In Kendall County, 78 percent of taxes are paid by residents with Boerne residents paying 68 to 70 percent of taxes," he revealed.     "The ratio needs to be 60-40 percent in favor of businesses. For every dollar a residential property owner pays in taxes, he requires $1.15 to $1.50 back in county, city and school services," Rogers said. "Every tax dollar paid by businesses require only 35 to 65 cents back in services." He advised, "You must grow your business side as well as your residential side." To maximize the city and county tax base, Rogers suggested expanding existing businesses, nurturing a diverse workforce and recruiting service and medical industries and light manufacturing and distribution companies to the area.     As an example, Rogers' described his biggest coupe to date as convincing a pharmaceutical manufacturer from the northeastern US to move its corporate headquarters to Kendall County, as opposed to San Antonio. "The business will bring 300 employees to Kendall County in the next five years," he said.     It's a comin'     When the topic turned to growth, Rogers warned, "It's going to come. This county is less than 50 miles away from San Antonio, you're going to grow whether you're on I-10 or not."     Although he continually asserts, "I don't do houses or developers," in the same breath, he admitted to being an advocate of sorts for an increasingly controversial mega-subdivision. Esperanza, poised to sprawl within Boerne's extraterritorial jurisdiction, as well as across the city and county, will include 2,480 housing units at build-out.     "Along with houses, this development will bring needed commercial and industrial retailers to Kendall County," Rogers explained. "In addition, it follows the city's new master or strategic plan."     Master plan     He called a master plan "essential" for proper management of coming growth. Consultants hired by the City of Boerne worked 15 months to develop the latest Boerne Comprehensive Plan – at a cost of approximately $100,000. The master plan acts as a blueprint for placement of hospitals, houses, schools and commercial and retail businesses within the city and its ETJ.     "A master plan is something to work with daily and not just put on a shelf," Rogers said.     Wealth – going, going, gone     Attracting businesses and supplying them with a re-educated workforce would forestall death knells faced by countless areas across the nation, he felt.     "The goal should be to send kids off to school then entice them back to the area with good employment opportunities," he said. "A person's ‘maximum wealth' peaks at age 55. You don't want your residents 55 and older to relocate closer to their adult children. When they do that, cities and counties lose their wealthiest individuals."     Off the top of his head, Rogers identified several commercial entities as ideal for Bandera's rural and western persona, including an upscale hotel with "curb appeal," machine shops to create "piece parts" for major companies in San Antonio, other types of small manufacturing companies and software companies.     "Develop a strategic plan that caters to the needs of Baby Boomers, such as (upscale) spas and recreational facilities. Also, capitalize on the beauty of the country and its unique environment," he advised.     Make ‘em pay     At the same time, however, he entreated Bandera business leaders not to sell themselves short.     "If a business wants to relocate here, require they fund necessary infrastructure such as road upgrades and installation of water and sewer pipelines. You can be selective and manage the type of growth you want. Esperanza will bring in 1,250 acre feet of water as well as help put in a second water treatment plant."     He also advocated purchasing land now for future use. "Leave the land undeveloped, but put a sign on the property, ‘Site of (Bandera County Industrial Park.'     "There are a lot of consultants out there who can help you put together a plan," Rogers said. "Kendall County will work with you because we want to be a partner with Bandera County."     To form a regional EDC, Rogers said, the Kendall County EDC will join forces with similar organizations in Kerr and Gillespie counties. He said he looked forward to welcoming a Bandera County EDC in the future.     "We'll be fierce competitors. There's no doubt about that, but, if we can't get ‘em, I want someone else in the region to get ‘em."

No injuries in flash flood by David Arny BCC Staff Published March 29, 2007 A BISD school bus is among vehicles prevented from crossing the FM 470 bridge over the Medina River Tuesday, March 27, by flooding caused by torrential downpours in the area. Staff Photo by David Arny    Multiple lines of thunderstorms moving across central Texas on Sunday and Monday, March 25 and 26, dumped four to six inches of rain on ground still damp from downpours the week before. The storms made river and creek crossings in parts of Bandera County impassable for several hours Tuesday afternoon.     According to Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Ralph Dresser, the eastern half of the county was hardest hit by flooding. Dresser said rainfall in Vanderpool totaled only two inches by 3 pm Tuesday, while Utopia experienced fairly light rain as well. However, some residents living along a line roughly from Medina to Tarpley reported upwards of two to three inches of precipitation per hour.     A huge map of Bandera County on the wall at the Emergency Operations Center was dotted with almost 400 red push pins. The pins represented water crossings on both the north and west prongs of the Medina River and the main stretch of the river between the town of Medina and Lake Medina, as well as dozens of creeks and streams which feed into the river. These locations were rendered unsafe or impassable during the 2002 floods.     Computer monitors and television screens displayed radar images of the storm system from several weather services while Dresser and Bandera Emergency Medical Services Director Cindy Martin fielded non-stop phone calls and radio communications.     Traffic began moving across the bridge on FM 470 by 6 pm and all other bridges in the area were reopened by nightfall. Dresser said the river had crested at nine feet over flood stage, but no serious injuries or deaths had been reported.     When asked if he thought the county would experience more rain later in the week, as San Antonio television news stations had forecast, he replied, "Anyone who tries to predict the weather in the Hill Country is either a fool or a newcomer."

Birth certificates available in Bandera County