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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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The Bandera County Courier
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(Proof corrections Noon Monday)

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.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Carol Bronicki of Niles, Michigan Published March 13, 2008    Carol Bronicki (left) of Niles, Michigan, recently took in all the sights of the Cowboy Capital astride Ricochet and accompanied by local buckarette extraordinaire Jeanne Beauxbeannie. Along with husband Ray, a retired Michigan State Trooper, Bronicki has enjoyed the temperate winters of South Texas for the past seven years and are currently guests at the Riverside RV Park.

Courier Photo Gallery in the on-line Courier:

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Carol Bronicki of Niles, Michigan	Published March 13, 2008
Valentine's Day celebrated at nursing home	Published Feb. 21, 2008
The Bandera County Courier welcomes John, Josh and Jana Chapman	Published Jan. 3, 2008
The Bandera County Courier welcomes Suzanne Peyer & John Hermanson	Published Jan. 24, 2008
The Bandera County Courier welcomes Ulla Berthel and Ivar Dannemand from Denmark	Published Oct. 25, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes The Baird Family stationed at Fort Sam Houston	Published Oct. 11, 2007
Courier goes to Las Vegas	Published Sept. 27, 2007
Who in the world... is reading the Bandera County Courier	Published Sept. 27, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes Jianping Xie and Mei	Published Sept. 20, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes The Murray family	Published Aug. 30, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes Michela & Andrea Toto of Italy	Published Aug. 23, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes Raymond & Aline Van Der Veen of Putten	Published Aug. 16, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes The Reese family of Hurst	Published Aug. 9, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes Cowboy dancers from Arlington	Published July 26, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes Patrice Swan of Bermuda	Published July 12, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes Shirley Ley and Wendie Burroughs	Published July 5, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes Dave and Jackie Cooper from Britian	Published June 21, 2007
Almost Patsy Cline back from France	Published June 21, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes more French tourists!	Published June 7, 2007
Who in the world … … is reading The Courier?	Published May 24, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes some great Danes	Published May 17, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes Clayton and Nina Elliot of Thrall	Published May 10, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes Ted and Maria Beasley of Bedford, New Hampshire	Published May 3, 2007
Girl Scouts have a 'blast' at car wash	Published April 26, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes Daytripping Voga visitors from Laredo	Published April 26, 2007
The Bandera County Courier Welcomes Carol, Mark, & Carson Beatty	Published April 19, 2007
Courier goes to Arizona	Published April 12, 2007
Bandera County Courier Welcomes Karen & Brantley Boyd from the French Quarter of New Orleans, La.	Published March 29, 2007
Tourist of the week	Published March 8, 2007
Miss Bantucky contest	Published March 1, 2007
Girl Scout cookies	Published March 1, 2007
The Bandera County Courier welcomes Liz Rivera and Peter Tenorio	Published Feb. 8, 2007
The Courier goes to Rockport	Published Jan. 4, 2007
Photo Gallery entries from 2006	Photo Gallery entries from 2005

Valentine's Day celebrated at nursing home Published Feb. 21, 2008    They crowned Valentine royalty at the Cedar Hill Nursing Home last week. Carl Barham was crowned king, Billie Heiman queen and Elza Pryor prince. Princesses Addie Douberly and Rosa Lee Pritchard were also selected.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes John, Josh and Jana Chapman Published Jan. 3, 2008    Christmas morning found John, Josh and Jana Chapman happily reunited with the Bandera and Tomball branches of their family at Tregenna Ranch. The trio trekked from White Rock, New Mexico, near Los Alamos National Laboratory, where John and Jana are employed. Josh is a sophomore majoring in zoology at Eastern New Mexico University at Tortales.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Suzanne Peyer & John Hermanson Published Jan. 24, 2008 Staff Photo by David Arny    Suzanne Peyer and John Hermanson, who traveled from Madison, Wisconsin, to the heart of the Texas Hill Country for a mid-winter vacation. Peyer, a University of Wisconsin at Madison graduate student, is currently working towards her Ph.D. in zoology while Hermanson is a research scientist with the US Forest Service. Peyer said the pair came to Texas to enjoy the "scenery, music and people." She looked forward to practicing her Spanish while visiting the Lone Star State.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Ulla Berthel and Ivar Dannemand from Denmark Published Oct. 25, 2007 Photo by David Arny    Two Danes who were anything but melancholy recently visited Bandera and were pleased with the friendliness they found rampant in the Cowboy Capital. Ulla Berthel and husband Ivar Dannemand, from Denmark's second-largest city, Arhus, were given a grand tour of the Hill Country by Bandera's own Great Dane ­ skilled carpenter and Scandinavian expat Finn Rasmussen. Thanks to him, Ulla said, "In two or three days, we've seen more sights than a tourist could normally see in a month."     Ivar recently retired after a 20-year career as a cruise ship captain. Lovely Ulla's work is in the field of geriatric health care. The globetrotting pair say the Texans whom they've met have proven to be the friendliest folks anywhere.     "On every corner, you find kindness here," Ivar said.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes The Baird Family stationed at Fort Sam Houston Published Oct. 11, 2007 Photo by Doris Dianne Frazar    Stacy Baird watches over his wife, Marisol, and son, Rye, as they picnic at the Medina Lake Cajun Festival, Saturday, Sept. 22. Stacy is in the Army and stationed at Ft. Sam Houston. They are originally from California. Stacy said they saw the banner advertising the Cajun Festival hanging over Broadway in San Antonio and it helped him find festival information on the Internet. "Thousands of people see that banner every day," Stacy said. The banner is near Ft. Sam Houston.

Courier goes to Las Vegas Published Sept. 27, 2007    Lew Koehn, past Commander of local American Legion Post #157, recently attended the annual American Legion National Convention in Reno, Nev. While away from home, Lew kept up with local news and happenings by reading the Bandera County Courier.

Who in the world... is reading the Bandera County Courier Published Sept. 27, 2007    Crikey! The Courier down under, at Bell's Beach, Australia. Barrie Sutherland, renowned surfing photographer and father-in-law of 1997 BHS grad Kenneth Lister, sat on a cliff near his home above the Southern Indian Ocean with his globe-trotting grandson Connor. Connor was featured in a photo with Dusty Britches during Bandera's celebration of the National Day of the Cowboy in the very issue his grandfather holds.     Collette Lister nee Sutherland, Connor's mom and Kenneth's Aussie bride, visited her parents in Victoria earlier this summer. Bandera resident Frank Lister told the Courier that his son, EO2 (SS) Kenneth Lister, served four years in the US Navy as a submariner aboard the USS Columbia and has been selected to attend the Navy's diving school. The elder Lister served 28 years in the Navy himself, retiring as Fleet Master Chief (Atlantic).

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Jianping Xie and Mei Published Sept. 20, 2007 Staff Photo by David Arny    The Intertribal Pow Wow at the 2007 Celebrate Bandera was a mustsee for Jianping Xie, PhD; his mother-in-law, Zhao Qiang; wife Mei Qiang, PhD; and sister-in-law, Zhen Qiang. Xie and Qiangi are medical researchers, she in neurobiology and he in pediatric oncology at the Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute in San Antonio. The couple have been married for 20 years and have a college-aged daughter, Yi Xie. The family is originally from south of Beijing.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes The Murray family Published Aug. 30, 2007    When 21 members of the Murray clan drove next door to the Twin Elm Rodeo packed into a pickup truck on a recent Friday evening, they gave the term “close family” a whole new meaning. Kinfolk winged their way to the Hill Country from points of origin such as Cincinnati, Ohio; Sacramento, Calif.; Denver, Colo.; and Panama City, Fla. to enjoy an extended weekend together at the Twin Elm Guest Ranch.     The Murrays are veteran Twin Elm guests. ”They’re always so wonderful to us,” said Bonnie, the family matriarch.     “Every time we visit, we have more fun than the time before,” added her husband Jim.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Michela & Andrea Toto of Italy Published Aug. 23, 2007    Michela and Andrea Toto of Piacenza, Italy, found Bandera courtesy of the popular travel guide The Lonely Planet, which described the Cowboy Capital as being a must-see for visitors to Texas. The Northern Italian duo were impressed with the locals they encountered while here, with Michaela commenting how "gentlemanly" she found them to be.     "Here, people see you looking at a map, they say, 'May I help you?' In Italy, no," said Andrea. Andrea, who works in commercial and residential construction, and Michela, who is a professional florist, plan to continue their month-long vacation in America with a trek to Las Vegas and Los Angeles before returning home.     "We love the USA!" said Michela with an enthusiastic smile.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Raymond & Aline Van Der Veen of Putten Published Aug. 16, 2007    Is this handsome couple from the Netherlands smiling because they just enjoyed a meal at Busbee's Barbecue on Main Street, or simply because they're glad to be in Bandera? Probably a little bit of both.     Raymond and Aline Van Der Veen of Putten, Holland, disembarked in Atlanta, Georgia, saw the 'gators at Florida's Okeechobee swamp, had coffee and beignets in New Orleans' French Quarter, then high-tailed it west to the Texas Hill Country.     The couple read about Bandera while sojourning in San Antonio. Once they saw the accommodations at the Muller's Ark Guest Ranch, however, they decided to spend the weekend here instead of in the Alamo City. Hiking, tubing, fishing and relaxing in a hammock beneath a tall grove of oak trees, as well as a trip to the 11th Street Cowboy Bar to hear some country music on Saturday night, became must-do items on their itineraries before heading home.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes The Reese family of Hurst Published Aug. 9, 2007    The Reese family of Hurst felt like they had "gone back in time" when they visited Bandera recently. While dad Richard, six-year-old daughter Sarah and mom Audelia were staying at the historic Mansion in Bandera on Hackberry Street, they were delighted to see some of the city's native whitetails wandering around the neighborhood.     The trio said they enjoyed a meal at the OST, with Sarah chowing down astride one of the saddles at the counter. Besides the legendary collection of John Wayne portraits on hand there, Audelia said she loves the unique chuck wagon-style salad bar.     "We appreciate places with some history behind them," said Richard, adding,"It's great seeing the cowboys park their horses on Main Street like cars."     "We definitely want to come back," said Audelia.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Cowboy dancers from Arlington Published July 26, 2007    Mike Rotondo and Mindy Fritz decided to take a side trip to Bandera when their dance club traveled to San Antonio from Arlington recently. They are members of the United Country Western Dance Council and compete along with other couples in the Cowboy's Country Dance Club at judged events all over the USA. The next world's competition will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, where Retondo and Fritz will hopefully two-step their way to top honors. For more information on county dancing competitions, visit www.cowboysdancehall.com.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Patrice Swan of Bermuda Published July 12, 2007    Hailing from the British colony of Bermuda, 16-year-old Patrice Swan enjoyed a horseback ride around Bandera recently on Honey, one of the equines from Rockin' EZ Livestock's stables.     Although the pink-hued beaches and crystal-clear waters of her island home are a long way from the Cowboy Capital, Swan said she "loves" Bandera and looked right at home in a western saddle.     Mark Mims, owner of Rockin' EZ Livestock, leads groups as well as individuals on horseback rides around Bandera and the Hill Country State Natural Area.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Shirley Ley and Wendie Burroughs Published July 5, 2007    Kingsville resident Shirley Ley and her niece Wendie Burroughs of Arkansas paused for a photo op before checking out the inventory at Artifacts on Main Street recently. Ley and Burroughs are the sister and niece, respectively, of Bandera's Diana Mazurek and the trio decided to spend a Sunday afternoon antiquing while Uncle Ken Mazurek and Ley's husband "Pops" looked after Burroughs' three kids, Kaitlyn, Tawni and Addison, back at the Mazurek's residence.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Dave and Jackie Cooper from Britian Published June 21, 2007    Dave and Jackie Cooper recently visited Bandera. Dave is a captain in the British merchant marine and spends his life carrying military cargoes all over the world, including such places as Iraq, the Falkland Islands, Canada and various US ports. Jackie is a retired senior civil servant who currently works part-time as a franchise manager for a British company which provides music and play sessions for pre-school children. They are hoping to be able to build on a lot they own in Medina in the next few years. They have both fallen in love with the Hill Country and Bandera County in particular, having visited many times in the past. This was only a short visit, but enabled them to renew old friendships and make new ones.

Almost Patsy Cline back from France Published June 21, 2007 The deputy mayor of Nice, France, Bernard Asso, was presented with an “Honorary Texan” plaque by the band during their trip. (from right) Dave Kemp, Rick reynolds, Lynette Pennel, Asso, Vicki Gillespie and Bryan Kibbe gathered for a photo beneath the starry skies of southern France. The goodwill ambassadors departed for France June 14, to perform at a country music festival there, and returned June 18.    The deputy mayor of Nice,France, Bernard Asso, was presented with an “Honorary Texan” plaque by the Almost Patsy Cline Band during their trip to France. (From right) Dave Kemp, Rick Reynolds, Lynette Pennel, Asso, Vicki Gillespie and Bryan Kibbe gathered for a photo beneath the starry skies of southern France. Bandera’s goodwill ambassadors departed for France June 14, performed at a country music festival in Nice, and returned home June 18.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes more French tourists! Published June 7, 2007 Staff Photo by David Arny    Patrick and Kate Giannini of Brest, France, shopped for baubles, bangles and beads at Bo Miller’s American Indian Jewelry Store on Main Street in Bandera.

Who in the world … … is reading The Courier? Published May 24, 2007    A British Beefeater, that's who, along with Ann Galley (left) of Aidsley, S. York, England, and Bandera County resident Kay Trevino at the Tower of London.     Trevino visited friends in "Merry Olde" in April, and the Galleys will return the favor this fall when the Cowboy Capital weather turns more temperate. For those who find the red and black costume familiar, it's often seen on gin bottle labels. However, the Yeoman Warders – aka "Beefeaters" – have patrolled the parapets and passages of the Tower on the banks of the Thames River since 1485.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes some great Danes Published May 17, 2007    Bandera just seems to be a magnet for wonderful people from around the world.     Take the Møller family from Denmark, for example. Brothers Søren and Morten Møller, their lovely spouses Gry and Randi, as well as the Scandinavian foursome's charming cherubs Silas, Emily, Kristine, Frederik and the angelic Pernille (held by her mom Randi), posed for a family photo on Cedar Street during a recent visit to the Cowboy Capital.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Clayton and Nina Elliot of Thrall Published May 10, 2007    Clayton and Nina Elliot of Thrall, Texas, relax outside their Scamp travel trailer at Skyline RV Park recently. Nina is a school teacher who enjoys teaching second grade because "they're young enough not to have an attitude yet, but old enough to button their coats themselves." She's also a member of the loose-knit ladies' group Sisters on the Fly, who enjoy taking their recreational vehicles to various locations around the state for weekend camping excursions.     When asked if the "sisters" were into fly-fishing (a fishing pole is part of the group's logo), Clayton said the gals were indeed anglers, but "instead of fish, Nina usually brings home another antique" after a trip with her sorority.     Clayton's job as an emissions tester for an environmental services firm isn't for the fainthearted. Scaling smokestacks at refineries and chemical plants in order to measure pollutants, sometimes to a height of several hundred feet, is all in a day's work for him.     "It's not too bad unless it's really windy and the stack starts swaying back and forth," he said with a grin.     The couple are shown with their two Jack Russell terriers, Ceili and Piper.     [t22]Washington, DC – Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21) held a telephone town meeting last night from his office in Washington, D.C. He spoke with constituents in Bandera, Comal, Kendall, Kerr and Real counties for more than an hour.     "This is an excellent way for me to reach out to my constituents and hear about issues important to them," said Congressman Smith. "We discussed subjects ranging from illegal immigration, to Iraq, to border security."     The telephone town meeting enables calls to be placed to registered voters. Live polls also were conducted during the call. One of the questions asked was, "Do you think local law enforcement officials should be able to enforce immigration laws?" 90% of callers said yes, local law enforcement officials should be able to enforce immigration laws, 8% said no and 2% had no opinion.     Another question asked was, "How would you rate the telephone town meeting?" 95% of callers said it was helpful and informative, 3% said it wasn't and 2% had no opinion.     "These telephone town meetings enable me to stay in touch with the people I serve," said Smith.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Ted and Maria Beasley of Bedford, New Hampshire Published May 3, 2007    Visitors Ted and Maria Beasley of Bedford, New Hampshire, pause on Main Street after a Saturday lunch at the O.S.T. and a shopping spree at The Cowboy Store. The couple swung through Bandera as they made their way west towards Carlsbad, New Mexico, Roswell ("I've always been a UFO buff," explains John.) and on to Arizona's Grand Canyon, where they hope to spend a few days camping. After that, it's on to the blackjack tables in Las Vegas and a leisurely trek north through the Rocky Mountains.     "We love the laid-back atmosphere here," said Maria of Bandera. "The food at the O.S.T. was great and the salespeople at the Cowboy Store helped us find the perfect cowboy boots for the western half of our trip."

Girl Scouts have a 'blast' at car wash Published April 26, 2007    Members of Girl Scout Troop 444 held a fund-raising car wash Sunday, April 15, at the corner of SH 16 and SH 173. The girls, as well as visiting volunteers Reno and Harley Williams, had a "blast", according the scout leader Phyllis Tillotson. The hot work was concluded with a good-old-fashioned water war and the troop earned over $200 for their efforts.     The proceeds will go towards an overnight stay at a San Antonio Riverwalk hotel, celebrating a successful annual Girl Scout Cookie sale.     For information about joining the Girl Scouts USA, visit the organization's Web site at www.gsa.org or call Phyllis Tillotson at 830-510-2316.

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Daytripping Voga visitors from Laredo Published April 26, 2007 Photo by James Henry Frazar    Members of a Laredo yoga club Arnulfo Santos Jr., Sandra Ballesteros, Evia Pictizak and Alberto Corroa came up to Bandera County for a day trip to Lost Maples State Park Saturday, April 21.

The Bandera County Courier Welcomes Carol, Mark, & Carson Beatty Published April 19, 2007    Carol, Mark and oldest son Carson Beatty enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon while visiting Carol's aunt Florida Barnes at her home next to the eighth fairway at the Flying L golf course.     Eight-year-old Carson begins third grade this fall and looks forward to joining the basketball team at his school. His younger brother Luke, 6, starts first grade in September and enjoys gymnastics.     "One reason we love coming to Bandera so much is, after spending all week in San Antonio, we can sort of decompress during the drive out here," says Carol.     Mark adds: "Bandera's not just a spot on the map- it has a culture all its own. There's always something going on here."

Courier goes to Arizona Published April 12, 2007    Buster & Joyce Quarles of Bandera, along with Bob & Sharon Bulian of Katy and Jean Wheeler of Ricardo enjoyed a 10-day trip to Sedona, AZ. While there, they visited Cottonwood, Jerome, Flagstaff, the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. Buster & Joyce caught up on the local news while touring the Grand Canyon before embarking down Route 66 on their way home.

Bandera County Courier Welcomes Karen & Brantley Boyd from the French Quarter of New Orleans, La. Published March 29, 2007 Staff Photo by David Arny    Karen Boyd and daughter Brantley pose for a photo while enjoying the hospitality of Henry and Susie Birdsong of Tarpley. One of the Birdsong's miniature horses, Emma, was an instant hit with Brantley, who was feeling like a real cowgirl before the end of the day. The Boyds, who live in the French Quarter of New Orleans, La., were here for a visit with Karen's mom, JoAnn Dumont, and her husband Ronnie.

Tourist of the week Published March 8, 2007    Co-owner Vicky Mullins greeted visitors at Medina Art Gallery's "Meet the Artists" open house Saturday, Feb. 24. The artist who came the greatest distance was Janet Canalichio from Little Rock, Ark. (not pictured), who introduced herself and her art to a large gathering. Canalichio, whose sister is an art professor at Texas State, began painting as a small child. She has gone back home to Arkansas, but her bold horse paintings and other artwork remain for sale and viewing at Medina Art Gallery.

Miss Bantucky contest Published March 1, 2007    Matt Rodriguez, as "Olga," responds to a question from emcee Tyler Henk at the Miss Bantucky Pageant Thursday, Feb. 22. The annual event helps raise funds for Project Graduation, a program which provides games, food and prizes for seniors at a post-graduation celebration each spring. Those wishing to help support Project Graduation may contact Shana Black-Miller at (210)912-9250.

Girl Scout cookies Published March 1, 2007 Staff Photo by Stephanie Day    A sure sign of the approach of spring…Girl Scout cookies. Samantha Meyer and Ashley Baker of Pipe Creek Troop 912 sold cookies in front of the courthouse Thursday, Feb. 22. It was the last week of the cookie sale, so if you didn't buy Girl Scout cookies, find someone else who did and mooch off them!

The Bandera County Courier welcomes Liz Rivera and Peter Tenorio Published Feb. 8, 2007    Practicing for an upcoming trip to Las Vegas, Nev., San Antonians Liz Rivera and Peter Tenorio enjoy themselves at the Downs at Bandera. Tenorio is a ‘Texas Hold-em' fan, while Rivera prefers Keeno, but they both liked the laid-back atmosphere and friendly folks they found at the Downs during a break from a recent Sunday afternoon motorcycle trip through the Hill Country.     Tenorio is an auto technician for CarPro and Rivera works as a billing services representative with Quest Diagnostics. "We saw the sign when we were riding into town," said Tenorio, "so after we had a Bubba Burger at Texarita's, we decided to come back and try our luck."

The Courier goes to Rockport Published Jan. 4, 2007    Clare Barnet, who photographs Medina happenings for the Courier, braved the cold winds of Rockport on the Texas Coast recently. Clare! watch out for those pelicans who are closing in on you from the water and from the air!