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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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Staff: Judith Pannebaker, Editor
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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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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.

Pecans protected at last Published Feb. 21, 2008 A bike path around the pecan trees. The sign on the fence. Staff Photos by Judith Pannebaker    As Texas Department of Transportation roadwork continues on Highway 16 North, personnel have apparently cosseted the remainder of the native pecan grove to ensure no further damage occurs to the trees. Locals fought long legal battles to protect the ancient grove.

Articles in the Medina section of the on-line Courier:

Pecans protected at last	Published Feb. 21, 2008
Big crowd, plenty of potluck cuisine marks Second Friday Jam Session	Published Feb. 21, 2008
These guys are wanted	Published Feb. 21, 2008
Medina Rose Garden Club honors Dee Bonugli	Published Feb. 21, 2008
Cub Scouts visit Kerrville PD	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Come to second Friday music	Published Feb. 7, 2008
Volunteer in Medina	Published Jan. 24, 2008
Medina cancer support group meets Monday	Published Jan. 3, 2008
The Bandera View	Published Jan. 3, 2008
Christmas lights in Medina	Published Dec. 27, 2007
Medina genealogical notes	Published Dec. 27, 2007
Medina Rose Garden Club Christmas Luncheon Dec. 12	Published Nov. 29, 2007
Doris Heder celebrates a Medina homecoming	Published Oct. 25, 2007
'Adopted Aussie' returns for Medina Homecoming	Published Oct. 25, 2007
Pumpkin Patch opens in Medina	Published Oct. 11, 2007
Coming to Medina Oct. 13	Published Sept. 27, 2007
Medina Homecoming set for Oct. 26-27 Submitted by Sandra Vannatter	Published Sept. 27, 2007
Medina’s musical evening	Published Sept. 6, 2007
The recent article about Dot Hatfield's books are on this link.
Medina EMS Ice Cream Social – ‘sweet success’	Published Aug. 30, 2007
Medina celebrates 'National Night Out'	Published Aug. 23, 2007
While Bandera County slept, TxDOT crept Iconic pecan trees felled during dark of night	Published Aug. 9, 2007
Medina Volunteer Fire Department	Published Aug. 2, 2007
Pecan grove not down & out yet	Published July 26, 2007
Payne’s responds to ruling on pecan grove	Published July 26, 2007
Collins’ bags deemed ‘Top 10’ collectible	Published July 26, 2007
Medina EMS: from the ground up	Published July 12, 2007
Medina Mikie's columns are on this link.	Medina articles from earlier in 2007.
Medina articles from 2006.	Medina articles from 2005.

Big crowd, plenty of potluck cuisine marks Second Friday Jam Session Published Feb. 21, 2008 Photos by Clare Barnett There was no shortage of food at the Friday, Feb. 8, jam session in Medina. Plenty of locals and Winter Texans attended the Friday, Feb. 8, jam session.    The Medina Jam Session is held regularly the second Friday of the month, 6:30 pm to 9 pm, at the Medina Community Center. The event is free. All musicians are welcome to play. Bring a dish or donation for food. It's a great time for the whole family. Contact Dave LeStourgeon for more information.

These guys are wanted Published Feb. 21, 2008    This photo – believed to have been taken about 1920 in Bandera County, probably near Medina – is one of many old photographs that The Medina Genealogical and Historical Society has on file in the Medina Community Library. Members of the historical society are looking for the identities of any of the men pictured in the photo to add to the area’s historical information.     Please send any information to the Medina Genealogical and Historical Association, Box 1554, Medina 78055 or email MGHS@att.net.

Medina Rose Garden Club honors Dee Bonugli Published Feb. 21, 2008 Medina Garden Club President Donna Payne with the maple tree planted in memory of Dee Bonugli. Photo by Clare Barnett Plaque by maple tree Dee Bonugli’s husband Chris and his parents attended the ceremony.    Immediately prior to the Wednesday, Feb. 13, meeting of the Medina Garden Club, members gathered on Highway 16 just south of town to honor the memory of Dee Bonugli.     An active garden club participant and past president, Dee succumbed to cancer last year. The members of the Rose Garden Club of Medina decided a fitting tribute to her memory would be to plant a tree in her honor.     The ceremony, attended by Dee’s husband Chris and his parents, was brief, but heartfelt. Members planted a beautiful native big-tooth maple and unveiled a plaque in Dee’s honor.     President Dee Tusch presided over the ceremony. During the dedication, she offered, “Dee participated in the garden club with whole-hearted dedication. She was a gardener in the best sense – a planter of not only organic material, but of little bits of her own positive thinking which she scattered among us. There could be no one better to begin this garden club’s re-dedication to planting trees for Arbor Day and naming them in honor of Medina’s most esteemed citizens. We dedicate this big-tooth maple tree to the loving memory of Dee Bonugli.”     Growing across the highway, directly across from the picnic area in front of the apple orchard, the tree serves as another living reminder of the beauty of Dee Bonugli and her participation in Medina. Its splendor will remind visitors of her memory when driving in or out of town.

Cub Scouts visit Kerrville PD Published Feb. 14, 2008 Medina Cub Scouts Pack 155 at the Kerrville Police Department.    Medina Cub Scouts Pack 155 enjoyed a field trip to the Kerrville Police Department Monday, Feb. 4.     The scouts were given a thorough tour of the department which included offices in the building used for interrogation, 911 dispatch and criminal processing. They were also treated to a K-9 demonstration and were allowed to inspect a police vehicle.     The pack is busy getting ready for the Pinewood Derby which will be held March 29 in Kerrville.     Scouts displayed their cars in their current condition at the monthly pack meeting Monday, Jan. 28. They were also presented patches for their efforts with the scouting popcorn fundraiser.

Come to second Friday music Published Feb. 7, 2008 Brad and Harvest were with Grandma Linda Barton at the Jan. 11 Second Friday Medina Jam Session. The next jam session will be held at the Medina Community Center Friday, Feb. 8, beginning at 6 pm. Bring a dish and the family to enjoy live music from local musicians. Photos by Clare Barnett     Mary LeStourgeon and Harold Englelverht cut a rug at the Medina jam session Jan. 11.    The monthly Medina Jam Session will be held Friday, Feb. 8, 6:30 pm to 9 pm at the Medina Community Center.     All musicians are welcome to play. Bring a dish or donation for food and come and listen and dance. It's a great time for the whole family.     Contact Dave LeStourgeon for more information. The event is held regularly the second Friday of the month.

Volunteer in Medina Published Jan. 24, 2008    Looking for a way to help our community? Why not volunteer your time or money to help here. We have many opportunities, and this week I'd like to highlight the Medina EMS Support Team.     This group meets at 7 pm the fourth Tuesday of every month, at the EMS Barn. The group raises funds to support our EMTs, maintain the EMS building and help the community be a safer place to live in. In the last year, the support team donated defibrillators to the constable, library, school and the fire department.     Meetings normally only run an hour and the group has three fundraisers a year. It's a great team of hard-working individuals who make our community a safer place.     For more information, call President Susan Tefft at 830-589-2862.

Medina cancer support group meets Monday Published Jan. 3, 2008    The Medina Area Cancer Support Group will meet at 7 pm, Monday, Jan. 7, at the Medina Community Library on Highway 16 North.     Speaker will be Pam Haylock, RN, MA, oncology consultant and doctoral candidate at UTMB Galveston, who has written several books relating to cancer.     Haylock's presentation will be nutrition for cancer patients and survivors.     "You will not want to miss this presentation on the importance of proper diet during cancer therapy and after," said a spokesman for the group, adding, "So y'all come, meet Pam and ask the questions about nutrition those of us who have been or are now plagued with this disease called cancer may have."     The December meeting featured Loretta LaRouche, who offered tips on how to live a stress-free life to the fullest. "Many of us needed this laughter to help see ourselves as others may see us. What a pleasant time we had together," offered the spokesman.     Meetings of the support group are held in Medina the first Monday night of each month. Everyone is invited to attend — survivors, caregivers and people now going through therapy.     For more information, contact Robert Gladden at 830-589-7664.

The Bandera View Published Jan. 3, 2008    Please join Medina Mikie and the gang for the Bandera View, Friday, Jan. 4 at 12:30 pm. Simply tune into KCWM 1460 am or catch them on the Internet at KCWM.net.     This week's topic: New Years Resolutions. And feel free to come by Sassaphrazz to join in all the fun. The more, the merrier!

Christmas lights in Medina Published Dec. 27, 2007 Christmas lights at the Medina Children's Home Photos by Clare Barnett Christmas lights reflected in the lake at Medina Children's Home. At Randy MacNaughton's home, Santa swapped his reindeer for a John Deere.    Some of the night scenes at Medina Children's Home and one at Randy MacNaughton's home.

Medina genealogical notes Published Dec. 27, 2007    Memorials and donations to the Medina Genealogical and Historical Society continue to enrich the collection at the Medina Community Library, which now includes approximately 300 books relating to genealogical research.     A fascinating five-volume set entitled "The Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest 1825-1916" was recently donated by Cherry and James Jones in memory of Eva Jean Keese.     The society recently purchased "Oldtimers of Southwest Texas," by Florence Fenley, which includes historical gems of Uvalde County such as Christmas on the Frio; Mrs. Kate Rogers, Daughter of the Big Bend, Woman of the Rangeland, Kills Panther, Deer, Javelinas and Breaks Own Horses; Will Slade, Old Time Cowboy and Saddle Maker Rides with Outfits at 13; and Goes to Military Institute — Rooms with Will Rogers.     These, as well as other interesting historical books, are available in the library's Texana Room.     "Please join us in promoting, preserving and protecting our historical heritage," said a spokesman for the genealogical and historical society.

Medina Rose Garden Club Christmas Luncheon Dec. 12 Published Nov. 29, 2007    The Medina Rose Garden Club Christmas Luncheon will be held Wednesday, Dec. 12, beginning at 11:30 am at the Medina Community Center. Bring a dish, share your holiday plans and enjoy a program featuring a Victorian Pencil Santa Collection.

Doris Heder celebrates a Medina homecoming Published Oct. 25, 2007    After a 35-year absence, Doris Jeanne Heder Scott ­ possibly the only surviving member of the Medina High School Class of 1938 ­ has returned to her home in the Medina area. Doris and her husband, Walter, refurbished and enlarged the family home on Highway 16 just northwest of FM 2828 that Doris lived in while attending high school.     Doris' grandparents, Florence Jan Sapp and Robert Samuel "Sam" Smith, lived in the house originally located on a long straight stretch two miles south of Medina.     According to "old timers," a log cabin lurks under the vertical wood planks on the front section of the house. Sam Smith acquired the farm during his 12-year tenure as Bandera County Sheriff and tax collector. Doris vividly remembers her great-grandfather, William Densley "Seco" Smith, who lived until she was about eight years old. Seco Smith's stellar reputation as a marksman, Indian-tracker and pioneer in Bandera and Medina counties remains intact to the present.     Doris' great-grandmother, Julia Long Smith, was the second of Seco's three wives. Medina residents remember Doris' mother, Laura Vivian Smith, who outlived her husband, Louis Heder, by a number of years. When Doris and her husband, Walter Scott, returned to Medina in 1978 to begin the addition on the family homestead, the couple enjoyed sharing time with Doris' mother for a number of years.     Members of the MHS Class of 1938 started first grade together as 7-year-olds.     Doris attended the Medina School for 11 years, while some of her classmates had gone to one-room schoolhouses at Lima or Rocky Creek until the consolidation of all Medina schools in 1930.     Until Doris entered the sixth grade, the family lived on their property behind what is now Bandina. Students caught the bus through a back entrance on the old Center Point road ­ now FM 2828. Louis Heder drove his three daughters about the four miles across pastures on ranch roads. Rainy days made it impossible for the girls to attend school. Although Doris only remembers her parents driving automobiles, the neighbors visited the family in horse-drawn wagons and buggies.     In the two-story Medina School, teachers were often responsible for two grade levels in their classroom. Doris remembers having Jenny Kirkland in first and second grades, Tennessee Slinsky in fourth and fifth and Kathryn McBryde in sixth and seventh. Her third grade teacher was Mrs. Landrum.     In the upper grades, she recalled taking math from Marvin Hatfield, English with Andy Nichols and homemaking with Mrs. Coles. Superintendents were Carl Wheeler and Mr. Cole.     After graduation, Doris completed course work at a San Antonio business school. She took a job in the bookkeeping and accounting department for a wholesale company specializing in candy and cigars. Doris used this foundation in business expertise for many years.     In 1941 she met her future husband, Walter Scott, a young airman from Phoenix, Arizona, at a USO Dance. They married on Valentine's Day, 1942. During WWII, Walter moved from Kelly Air Force Base to Lackland AFB and then to Laredo as a flight-line mechanic on aircraft.     Walter served 24 years in the United States Air Force. For many of those years, Doris worked in civil service jobs where the couple was stationed.     Their son Michael was born in Laredo and daughter Jean Marie was born at the next duty station, Luke AFB, near Phoenix. After leaving Phoenix, the family moved to Munich, Germany, for three years. Additionally, they had two tours at Hamilton AFB, California, and a tour in Anchorage, Alaska, in between the Hamilton assignments.     Walter's last assignment was as flight line chief of engine mechanics of small fighter aircraft.     He retired from the air force in 1965, and the couple remained in the San Francisco area.     As a civilian, Walter switched from repairing aircraft engines to repairing boat engines.     Doris recalled her most challenging job as working in accounting for the air force base commissary.     The Scott's two children and four grandchildren made California their home; however, daughter Jean Marie died in her 40s of cancer.     For many years, Doris enjoyed traveling with her sister Vivian Louise, until Louise's health declined. Marion Elizabeth, the middle Heder daughter, died in the late nineties.     At this time, Doris' health remains very good, and she has made the adjustment of living alone since Walter's death in 1987. She enjoys playing bridge weekly and being with friends, and is amazed how her calendar is continually filled.

'Adopted Aussie' returns for Medina Homecoming By Sandra Vannatter Special to the Courier Published Oct. 25, 2007 Larry Mudd, son of Naomi Smith Mudd, with his wife, Timi, and son, Jason, returned from Down Under to celebrate the 2008 Medina Homecoming.    This is shaping up to be an especially big year for the MHS Class of 1978 during the Medina High School's homecoming, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26 and 27.     Larry Mudd, who this year celebrates his 30-year graduation, is coming home from Australia.     He relocated there in 1984 and hasn't returned to Medina since his class' 20-year reunion.     In a series of email interviews, Mudd revealed some little known facts about his emigration to and his current life "Down Under."     A sense of wanderlust ­ and self-described laziness ­ started Mudd on his great adventure. "I had never traveled out of the United States, but had some holiday (vacation) time and wanted to visit a different country. I was a bit lazy ­ I wanted to go somewhere where I didn't have to learn another language. I did a holiday trip (to Australia) one year and liked it so much I went back the following year."     Once Mudd made his big move, earning a living posed no problem. Prior to moving to Australia, he had been employed in Austin. Mudd's boss had previously worked with a friend who owned a computer service company in Perth, Australia. "This gave me an excellent job reference and a job contact right from the start," Mudd wrote.     Initially, he serviced computers and printers at customer sites. "I worked there for two years, and then moved to a subsidiary of the national telephone company, Telstra," Mudd wrote. "I worked in the research and development section on high-speed communication equipment."     He currently works for an electronics manufacturing company called Advanced Technology & Manufacturing and is involved in component selection and sourcing for products built by the company.     Homesickness for the Lone Star State apparently never entered the equation because in some sense, the topography of Australia resembles Mudd's native state.     "The state of Western Australia is bigger than Texas and, like Texas, contains a whole range of sub-region types, including beaches and coastline," he wrote, "Just two hours' drive away, there is hill country. In fact, the area I live in, 'Shire of Swan,' is actually called the 'hill country'."     And, like their Texan counterparts, Aussies are extremely friendly. "You can strike up a conversation with a stranger on a bus, and the next thing you know, he's suggesting sights to see, best prices or where to buy something," Mudd wrote.     He has been married 13 years to his wife, Timi. Originally from Thailand, she has lived in Australia for about 20 years. The couple have a 12-year-old son, Jason. When he's not involved in family activities, Mudd tinkers around with electronics. "I like playing around with computers, satellite TV and communications. My house is solar powered, so I'm always on the roof playing with solar panels or satellite dishes. With all the junk I have on the roof, I guess my house looks a bit like NASA," Mudd wrote.     Reminiscing about growing up in the little community of Medina in the 1960s and 1970s, he recalled riding his bike down to the river and taking a dip on a hot day.     "We used to climb up in the top of the cypress trees and dive into the river. There was a big swing at Rocky Creek that must have swung halfway across the river. We used to dive off the cliffs there, too. When I think about it now, we were pretty crazy."

Pumpkin Patch opens in Medina Published Oct. 11, 2007 Lauren Worrich of Helotes celebrated autumn’s approach by communing with plenty of pumpkins at Love Creek's Great Pumpkin Patch Saturday, Oct. 5.     San Antonio’s Benjamin Aulner wondered whether to explore the hay maze at Love Creek's Great Pumpkin Patch in Medina on Saturday, Oct. 5. Isabella Griffitts of San Antonio enjoyed playing a pumpkin during the day-long festivities at the Medina pumpkin patch.     Caleb Griffitts of San Antonio posed for a photo as a scarecrow at Love Creek's Great Pumpkin Patch Saturday, Oct. 5. Liliana Obregon of San Antonio checked out "baby pumpkins" during the opening day of the popular Love Creek's Great Pumpkin Patch. Photos by Clare Barnett    Medina’s Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Celebration, located just off Highway 16 North, is open Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays now through Tuesday, Oct. 30.     Admission for adults is $5, children $4 and infants free. Offerings include pumpkin painting, farm animals, hayrides, storytelling, games, apple orchard tour and more. For more information, call 800-449-0882.

Coming to Medina Oct. 13 Published Sept. 27, 2007    Though it's hard to believe that it's almost fall, a sure sign is the annual Medina Main Street Sale. It's time to clean out the garage, barn and storage unit and bring all your treasures to town. This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever.     Scheduled this year for Saturday, Oct. 13, the street sale has run every spring and fall for more than 10 years. Cherry Jones has headed the Street Sale for years and reminds participants that booths are 10 feet by 10 feet, with a nominal donation of $7 to cover advertising.     "We place ads in the local papers as well as surrounding counties, including San Antonio. Plus we've contacted area radio stations and distributed flyers all over three counties," said Jones.     If you've ever participated in this event, you know how much fun and how profitable it can be. Not only can you visit with your neighbors and those dedicated out-oftown shoppers, but you can sell all those unwanted items and score some cash.     Everyone is invited to participate. Don't forget to spread the word ­ for a fun time with great bargains in Medina, call Cherry Jones at 830-589-7223 to reserve your spot today. Also, if you'd be interested in helping to run this growing event, mention that to Cherry.     She's always looking for more local participation. And don't forget to mark your calendars for Saturday, October 13, at 8 am.

Medina Homecoming set for Oct. 26-27 Submitted by Sandra Vannatter Published Sept. 27, 2007    The homecoming committee has been working with the student council sponsor at Medina High School, Mrs. Virginia Britt, to make plans for the traditional events during the weekend of October 26 and 27. Mrs. Britt is finally back in her classroom after recovering from injuries she sustained in an automobile accident.     The homecoming football game, with a pregame coronation of royalty, is Friday, Oct. 26, and the parade and carnival will be Saturday, Oct. 27. The event on Saturday, which really brings back the ex-students, is the program for the class reunion groups at 1:30 pm.     It is great fun to see the alumni in the parade and visit with them later. These class groups meet every ten years. The honored classes this year are 1928, 1938, 1948, 1958 (Fifty-Year Group), 1968, 1978, 1988, and 1998. Representatives from each honored class will be contacting the graduates.     The theme of the parade this year is "Celebrating Our Holidays." That should be an easy theme for decorating individual entries. Anyone who plans to participate in the parade may contact Mrs. Britt by email at virginiab@ medinaisd.org, or call the high school and leave a message at 830-589-2851.

Medina’s musical evening Published Sept. 6, 2007 Photo by Clare Barnett    Sept. 14 marks the “Second Friday Musical Evening in Medina.” The musicale takes place from 6:30 pm to 9 pm in the Medina Community Center on Highway 16 North. Everyone is encouraged to bring a covered dish or make a monetary donation to cover the cost of the evening’s potluck fare. Anyone who plays an instrument should, of course, bring it along. The musical evening is open to the public, and musicology aficionados of all ages have participated in previous musical evenings, which are quickly becoming famous for casual dining and hilarious entertainment.

Medina EMS Ice Cream Social – ‘sweet success’ Published Aug. 30, 2007 Bandera County EMTS who attended the Medina EMS Ice Cream Social Saturday, Aug. 25. Even EMS Coordinator Cindy Martin, third from right, got into the act. Photo by Susan Tefft Constable Don Walters had his own special spoon Photo by Clare Barnett LD Moore, left, and Dot Hatfield helped Helen Hicks celebrate her victory. Photo by Clare Barnett Caliche Hill with Dave LeStourgeon on guitar performed Photo by Clare Barnett Precinct 3 Constable Don Walters, Fire Marshal Ralph Dresser and Bandera County EMS Director Cindy Martin served as judges. Photo by Clare Barnett Helen Hicks’ vanilla ice cream was anything but plain and won second place honors for her at the Medina Emergency Medical Service’s Ice Cream Party Saturday, August 25. Approximately 75 people attended. Photo by Clare Barnett Sisters Kellie and Kristin Boyd earned first and second place, respectively, with Kellie’s Vanilla Butterfinger concoction and Kristin’s Strawberry Delight ice cream. Photo by Clare Barnett    More than 15 varieties of delicious homemade ice cream had ‘em standing in line last Saturday evening at the EMS barn at Medina’s annual EMS Support Team Ice Cream Social.     Ice cream-loving adults and children enjoyed an evening filled with the music of Caliche Hill, with Dave LeStourgeon on guitar; hundreds of homemade cookies; and gallons of delicious ice cream.     Ice cream winners included:     • Adult First Place - peach by Julie Mills.     • Adult Second Place - vanilla by Helen Hicks.     • Youth First Place - Butterfinger by Kelly Boyd     • Youth Second Place - Strawberry Delight by Kristen Boyd     • Most Unusual - Caliche Road by Donny Rambin     Serving as an illustrious panel of judges – who all claimed to be ice cream experts – were Precinct 3 Constable Don Walters, Fire Marshal Ralph Dresser and Bandera County EMS Director Cindy Martin.     "We'd like to thank the community for their support in this successful event. The participation and donations that we received will help Medina's EMS stay at the forefront in keeping our area a safer place to live," President Susan Tefft said, adding, "and don't forget, the EMS Spaghetti Supper will be here before you know it."

Medina celebrates 'National Night Out' Published Aug. 23, 2007 Photo by Mikie Baker    Medina residents review education materials and informational handouts at the town's annual Night Out party Aug. 7 to promote safety awareness.

While Bandera County slept, TxDOT crept Iconic pecan trees felled during dark of night by Judith Pannebaker & David Arny BCC Staff Writers Published Aug. 9, 2007 A sawdust and wood shaving pile marks the site of the former pecan tree at the intersection of Kyle Ranch Road and Highway 16. Two trees are now ghosts of their former selves, said Medina residents. Staff Photo by David Arny    According to a source speaking on the condition of anonymity, Texas Department of Transportation personnel, assisted by private contractors, including armed security guards, removed two increasingly controversial pecan trees during the night of Wednesday, August 1. Under the cloak of darkness, TxDOT personnel apparently asked law enforcement officers to divert motorists along Highway 16 North from FM 470 and FM 2828. Travel was restricted on these thoroughfares between 10 pm and 4 am.     The unnamed source overheard a TxDOT official explain the traffic diversions were necessary to ensure “less chance of trouble.”     However, in an email to the Courier, Laura Lopez, TxDOT public information officer, put a different spin on the closures, writing, “In due consideration of safety for the public and our workers, the roadway was closed last night at midnight … and reopened at 3 am. We apologize for any inconvenience to travelers during this period.”     It should be noted TxDOT routinely closes heavily traveled roads in the San Antonio metropolitan area during repairs and construction projects to forestall public safety hazards. The unnamed source described the workforce scurrying around the pecan grove as “a small army of chainsaw-wielding workers and clipboard-carrying technocrats.” Equipment at the site was said to include an excavator, a steel container with a 40 cubic-yard capacity and a “Barko.”     The Barko (Hydraulic Forestry Loader), which has the capacity to bristle with grapples, shears and tree-delimbers, was purportedly used to extract the roots of the two downed trees.     According to the website www.barko.com, the company’s mantra is “Leave no stump behind.” “Also included on the website is the phrase “… (makes) the trees cringe with our line of dependable, profitable and productive feller buncher models.”     In addition, it was also alleged the crew who felled the trees had been called away from a project in Seguin, a 170-mile roundtrip, to work their graveyard shift in Bandera. The crew was purportedly originally out of Yoakum.     In her email, Lopez characterized TxDot’s approach to the trees’ removal as “an innovative and carefully designed,” adding, “Engineers were able to minimize the tree removal.” After indicating original plans had called for removal of five or more trees, she asserted, “TxDOT engineers worked to preserve the integrity of the pecan tree grove and yet provide needed measures of safety to the public.” TxDOT personnel plan to plant 10 pecan trees to mitigate the loss of the pair of trees.     One of the trees, Lopez wrote, was suffering from fatal fungal rot and the other was directly adjacent to “high speed” travel lanes. The posted speed limit on that section of the two-lane scenic highway that meanders by the Medina River is 65 mph.     However, Medina resident Karen Schenck, who attended many court hearings challenging TxDOT decisions, disparaged the necessity of driving quickly through the historic grove. “The area is a natural passage for wildlife,” she said. “It makes absolutely no sense to allow traffic to go through that area at a high rate of speed.”     Schenck added, “It breaks my heart that they would cut those old-grove trees. They can never be replaced.”     The native pecan grove, which forms a canopy over Highway 16, has been the subject of protracted litigation between TxDOT and Bandera County citizens.     In a recent decision, US District Judge Royal Ferguson of the United States Western District Court of Texas determined that TxDOT and the Federal Highway Administration “should not be enjoined from completing a Highway 16 road-widening project,” ruling the trees’ removal did not outweigh the “significant expense incurred by the state” from further delaying the project. In addition, he ruled the public has an interest in completion of the safety project.     Ferguson also determined it was “highly unlikely” that area landowners would prevail in a lawsuit filed under the National Environmental Policy Act, which claimed removal of two pecan trees would cause irreparable environmental harm.     After learning about Ferguson’s decision, John Payne, attorney for plaintiff Medina resident Jacquelynn R. Kyle, indicated he planned to file an appeal with the US Fifth Circuit Court in New Orleans.     “The plaintiffs in this case do not believe the ruling by the federal district court is correct,” Payne wrote in an email. “They believe the people of this county have a right to be heard, and that the value of the native pecan grove outweighs any value TxDOT has to offer.”     After learning about the late night fate of the two iconic trees, Payne added, “It is certainly a shame that our government and governmental agencies can see fit to do their work in secret and in the dead of the night, with armed guards. Most of the people who operate that way are doing something dishonest that they don’t want the rest of the world to see.     “That does not sound much like the ‘America’ I think we all hold dear. When our government and governmental agencies cease to be accountable to the people, that’s the start of something other than democracy and the American way of life for which such a high price has been paid over the years.”     Payne decried the fact an state agency such as TxDot could “come through our homes and do whatever they please, as well as being answerable to no one but themselves.” He then reiterated, “My clients plan to continue their efforts to be heard in the federal district court in San Antonio, as well as in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.”     When asked for a comment on the events during the night of August 1, Todd Sandidge, local TxDOT employee, offered no explanation, saying instead, “All questions are to be answered by the TxDOT public information officer in San Antonio or Mike Coward, Kerrville area engineer.” The Courier’s calls to Coward were not returned.     In a prepared statement, however, Coward offered, “We are ready to complete the project. The delay from the legal challenges has impacted the contractor and resulted in an increased project cost that we will need to negotiate, but we are hoping to be finished by Christmas.”     After learning about TxDOT’s late night operation, Wesley Zirkel, salesman at Medina’s Ace Hardware Store, commented, “I knew they were going to pull a Paul Bunyon on us.”

Medina Volunteer Fire Department Published Aug. 2, 2007    “If it weren’t for the great support of the Medina community, the Volunteer Fire Department wouldn’t exist,” explained Fire Chief Shane Keese. “Between our two major fundraisers a year, in addition to grants and donations, we’ve been able to buy a new fire truck and equipment that are both critical for successfully fighting fires.”     The Medina Volunteer Fire Department has quite a job on their hands. Their job is to cover more than 386 square miles, which is almost half the county. They handle a much larger and more rugged area than any other volunteer fire department in Bandera County.     The fire department is always looking for new volunteers. “If you’re willing to join, we’ll be more than happy to train you,” said Keese. “We have basic training plus on-going training in equipment, gear, swift water rescue, CPR, air life and critical care. We even offer a Junior Fire Fighter Program for anyone 13 years old and up. Adolescents will be trained and can help around the station, although you have to be 18 to become a firefighter.”     The fire department has big plans for the future, too. Not only would they like to purchase another new fire truck (custom designed by them for the type of brush fires prevelant in the Hill Country), but plans for a new firehouse are also in the works.     “We would like to obtain a piece of property (through purchase or donation) along Highway 16 for a new firehouse. We can’t expand and get more trucks and equipment until we have a larger building. This building would be multifunctional and serve as a community center as well. If you’d like to help with this project, please give me a call," said Keese. “Today, our fire department has four fire trucks, three of which are operational and one which is definitely a classic.”     The Medina Volunteer Fire Department has two delicious fundraisers every year, the Hunter’s BBQ Game Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 1, and the fish fry in the spring. “The bulk of our donations come from these two fundraisers. We really appreciate the support this community gives us. EMS always helps with desserts and local businesses support us with their auction donations. Without the people of this community, there’d be no fire department," said Keese gratefully.     As seen in the last two years of dry times, it takes an entire community to help with a major brush fire. The fire department was aided in the largest brush fire by many surrounding volunteer fire departments. “The outpouring from the community was incredible,” said Keese. “After we’d settled in to fight a tough fire, people from all over the community showed up bearing food and water. You just don’t know how much that means to us.”     Though has been the wettest year in a while, Keese gave some words of caution about controlled burns.     “The proper procedure is to first call the sheriff’s office and give notice of your burn, then call either the fire house or me and let us know. If you need any information on how to have a safe, controlled burn, don’t hesitate to call. If there is a burn ban, we notify the community in three ways; we raise the burn ban flag in town, post flyers in most public places and have it printed it in the newspaper. We thank people for obeying the rules in dry times,” remarked Keese.     Maintaining a volunteer fire department is a tough job, and wouldn’t be possible without good people in this community.     Please stop and thank a firefighter when you see one and don’t forget to send in those donations or volunteer your services. Medina is known for having one of the best volunteer fire departments around. Keep coming out to support them, Medina.     For more information, contact Keese at 830-589-7225.

Pecan grove not down & out yet by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published July 26, 2007 Slated for felling Photo by Clare Barnett    A recent decision of the United States Western District Court of Texas makes it likely several native pecan trees along Highway 16 North toward Kerrville will be removed in the name of public safety, according to a press release issued by the Texas Department of Transportation. However, unwilling to let the trees come tumbling down quietly, John Payne, attorney for plaintiff Medina resident Jacquelynn R. Kyle, indicated he planned to file an appeal with the US Fifth Circuit Court in New Orleans.     “The plaintiffs in this case do not believe the ruling by the federal district court is correct,” Payne wrote in an email. “They believe the people of this county have a right to be heard, and that the value of the native pecan grove outweighs any value TxDOT has to offer.”     In its July 18 press release, the department offered, “TxDOT’s plans to improve safety at the intersection of Kyle Ranch Road and Highway16 have again been upheld in a court decision. US District Judge Royal Ferguson has determined that TxDOT and the Federal Highway Administration should not be enjoined from completing a Highway 16 road-widening project.”     In his decision, Ferguson ruled it was “highly unlikely” that area landowners would prevail in a lawsuit filed under the National Environmental Policy Act. The suit alleged removal of two pecan trees would cause irreparable environmental harm. Ferguson found that the trees’ removal did not outweigh the “significant expense incurred by the state” from further delaying the project. In addition, he ruled the public has an interest in completion of the safety project.     “TxDOT has developed a comprehensive plan to improve safety and, to the greatest extent possible, maintain the character and integrity of a pecan grove at the intersection of Kyle Ranch Road and Highway 16,” the press release continued.     According to TxDOT District Engineer David Casteel, PE, departmental strategy for that section of Highway 16 includes:     • Improving vehicular safety by widening the roadway and shoulders and placing protective guard fence between the passing vehicles and trees.     • Improving safety for bicyclists by adding a wider shoulder on one side and a bike-friendly path meandering through the remaining grove on the other.     • Improving the health of the historic grove by restricting root-damaging vehicle traffic, and by proper pruning and root treatment.     • Maintaining the essential character of the grove by removing the minimum possible number of trees.     TxDOT personnel will remove two trees – one which has been diagnosed with a fatal fungal rot and a second which is located at the edge of the pavement. Original plans called for removal of five of the heritage pecan trees. According to Casteel, the largest and healthiest trees will remain. To alleviate the “unavoidable loss” of the two trees, highway personnel will plant an additional 10 trees in the grove “for future generations to enjoy.” Calls to Kerr County TxDOT Representative Mike Coward regarding the size of the replacement trees went unanswered.     According to Casteel, the court decision allows TxDOT engineers to evaluate options and proceed with the delayed SH 16 work as soon as possible.     “Roadway safety is a serious, national public health issue. In Texas alone, approximately 3,500 people are killed every year in roadway crashes. These fatalities are not just statistics – they are someone’s parent, child or friend. Our engineers look at every person traveling our roadways as important members of society,” Casteel said.     “We are gratified that both federal and state courts have determined that TxDOT has complied with all environmental policies and laws. In addition, we look forward to continuing with our plan to improve safety in this area, as well as to improve the health of the pecan grove.”     “If allowed to stand, the recent ruling of the Federal District Court will allow the Texas Department of Transportation to move forward with their plans of partially – and perhaps completely – destroying a valuable natural resource, described by one journalist as “the most significant botanical site in the county,” Payne rejoined.

Payne’s responds to ruling on pecan grove By John C. Payne Special to the Courier Published July 26, 2007    Editor’s note: This is Bandera attorney John Payne’s complete response to the recent ruling by the United States Western District Court of Texas which ostensibly “sealed” the fate of two pecan trees along Highway 16 North. Payne serves as attorney for plaintiff Medina resident Jacquelynn R. Kyle in continuing litigation aimed at saving the grove.     If allowed to stand, the recent ruling of the Federal District Court will allow the Texas Department of Transportation to move forward with their plans of partially – and perhaps completely – destroying a valuable natural resource, described by one journalist as “the most significant botanical site in the county.”     Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the current status of this case is that the people's voice has yet to be effectively heard.     On the state level, TxDot has convinced the 4th Court of Appeals that the department is immune to any suit by the people that questions the department’s decisions regarding this natural resource. The Texas Supreme Court has refused to hear the case.     After hearing the evidence offered by the people, only Judge Stephen Ables of 216th Judicial District Court for Bandera County was willing to give to the people of this county a full trial on the merits (of the case).     As part of the evidence offered by the people, experts testified that – contrary to what TxDOT consistently maintains – the planned "improvements" will not make the intersection safer, but will actually make the roadway more dangerous to every person driving that stretch. But, of course, the 4th Court of Appeals reversed Judge Able’s ruling.     On the federal level, the Federal Highway Administration has convinced the federal district court in San Antonio that the court need not look at anything other than what is in the Administrative Record to make its determination. Of course, the only factors contained in the Adminstrative Record are what TxDOT chose to include.     So, again, no factors offered by the people as relevant and important were considered by the federal court when it made its current ruling allowing the destruction of the trees – and possibly the entire grove and canopy. Once more, the expert testimony offered by the people that TxDOT’s plans will make the roadway more dangerous for the residents and tourists of Bandera County will not be heard by the court.     The plaintiffs in this case do not believe the ruling by the federal district court is correct. They also believe that the people of this county have a right to be heard, and that the value of the native pecan grove outweighs any value TxDOT has to offer.     They plan to continue to pursue their case to the extent allowed in the federal district court, and to file an appeal in the Fifth Circuit Court in New Orleans.

Collins’ bags deemed ‘Top 10’ collectible by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published July 26, 2007 Mary LeStourgeon, Enid Collins’ first employee Photo by Clare Barnett “Bokay” by Enid Collins Staff Photos by Judith Pannebaker An array of Enid Collins’ vintage bags, ranging in price from $22.50 to $35, offered by Allen Pooser at the Highway 87 Flea Market in Comfort. A pristine example of an early Enid Collins’ linen bucket bag with a road runner motif with its original box and price, $41.    Ladies, it’s time to dust off your vintage Enid Collins’ purses and take them to lunch, or, less nostalgic souls may want to take ‘em to the eBay auction block.     In the July-August issue of Country Home magazine, folks “in the know” have dubbed Medina’s kitschy fashion accessory one of this year’s 10 hottest collectibles. According to Associate Editor Rachel Deschepper, prices for pristine examples of the definitive fashion accessory of the 1950s and ‘60s now range from $40 to $250.     Surprisingly, my introduction to Collins’ creations came in Fairmont, West Virginia. Every summer, Jones Department Store received a shipment of the bags, and my mother was first in line to purchase a pair – one for each of us. And, lest anyone forget, the $25 plus price tags made the bags substantial purchases in the mid-1960s.     After moving to Bandera County in 2000, I was surprised to discover my – unfortunately – long gone wooden box purses had been created just down the road in Medina. The circle that began with the “Money Tree” was complete at last.     A ranch wife, Enid Collins began making her canvas and leather bags in the 1940s to augment the family income.     Medina resident Mary LeStourgeon was the first employee of the fledgling business in 1945 when it was still located on the Collins’ ranch in Medina.     “Enid and Fred asked me if I could help them out and I ended up hand-stitching leather bags,” she recalled. “Of course, later, after they built the factory, that was done with sewing machines.” After a hiatus, LeStourgeon returned to the Collins’ enterprise and worked a decade in the office.     “The bags were beautiful. They were really art products. Both Enid and her husband, Fred, were very talented individuals,” she said.     Surprisingly, LeStourgeon doesn’t have a vast number of the collectible purses. “I don’t have as many as you thought I’d have,” she said with regret. “I guess I didn’t take advantage of that like I could have.”     Creating a unique fashion accessory seemed a natural outlet for Collins, a former college fashion design major. Initially, she purportedly peddled her purses at dude ranches in Bandera County, but an order from Texas’ legendary Neiman Marcus kicked the cottage industry into high gear.     By 1958, both an 80-employee purse factory and a retail outlet had been established in Medina. The first factory made canvas and linen bucket-style bags, with a second devoted to fabricating wooden box bags. In 1966, a third factory was opened in Puerto Rico. This plant, which turned out only papier-maché bags, closed two years later.     A stickler for details, Collins had the unique themed bags hand-decorated with paint, sequins and glittery “stones.” In addition, the bags featured leather handles and trim, round and square mirrors and brass fasteners and fittings.     During the late 1960s, Collins even came out with do-it-yourself kits, called Sophistikits I and II. Determined collectors seek the increasingly-difficult-to-find unopened kits.     The first themed purses incorporated Lone Star and Mexican motifs, including horses, Pax and Sol. Other popular themes included signs of the zodiac; Flora and Fauna, 1960; Night Owl, 1963; Slow Poke II, 1963; and the aforementioned Money Tree, as well as love birds and flower baskets, among other themes.     In 1970, Collins sold her business and copyrighted designs to the Tandy Leather Corporation, which continued to make “Enid Collins” bags until the mid-1970s. Collins died in 1990.     Even before the Country Homes endorsement, the bags were highly collectible. To forestall paying a premium price for a knock-off, inspect any potential purchase for the company signature – which had evolved over the years.     Bags produced when the company was owned by the Collins family were marked with an “ec” with the bag’s theme on its exterior. Interior trade names included “Enid Collins Original” and “Collins of Texas,” along with an occasional sun motif. Bags are also found with the company mark on the bottom of the exterior rather than the interior. However, those made in the 1950s or 1960s will always include Enid Collins’ name or initials.     Examples produced by the Tandy Leather Company contain the Collins name and the horse logo on the exterior, but are not stamped with Enid Collins’ name or initials.     If you feel the urge to own one of this year’s hottest collectibles, the best place to purchase one of Enid Collins’ bags would be on vacation, since prices seem to be more reasonable away from the collectible’s place of origin. However, models in an array of conditions can still be unearthed in area antiques malls and flea markets. Because condition and pattern or design popularity determines the final price, County Home’s Deschepper cautioned, “Beware of worn handles and missing stones.” Of course, purses with missing “jewels” should be less expensive than pristine models, but with packets of replacement fancies available on eBay for just $14.99, who cares?

Medina EMS: from the ground up Published July 12, 2007 The Medina EMS barn Photo by Clare Barnett    It all started about ten years ago when a concerned local resident, Jayne Rambin, decided that Medina and the northern end of the county needed their own emergency medical services. Rambin ran an ad in the paper inviting anyone interested in helping set up EMS services in Medina to attend to an upcoming meeting. More than forty concerned citizens attended the meeting. They formed the Medina EMS Support Team, electing Jayne as first president.     The EMS Support Team started fundraising with three goals in mind; to purchase land, build a building and find volunteers to become EMTs. Between bake sales, spaghetti suppers and community donations, it wasn’t long before Medina had its own EMS Barn. K.K. Amini was also very instrumental in the success of the Medina EMS by donating the first ambulance and a majority of the building funds.     In the beginning, over 20 people were trained to become emergency medical technicians. Today, our Medina EMS is part of a county-wide effort headed by the very enthusiastic and dedicated Cindy Martin, EMS Director of Bandera County.     The EMS Support Team is still busy raising funds for our end of the county through the Spaghetti Supper, Ice Cream Social and cookbook sales. “With part of the money raised this last year, the team donated defibrillators to both the library and the constable, Don Walters. In the works is supplying the Medina Volunteer Fire Department with a defibrillator to be used for the general public, as well as to be available for the fire fighters themselves, as they can be at great risk while battling wild fires,” notes EMS Support Team President Susan Tefft.     Other funds collected go to maintain and insure the building and provide supplemental supplies for the EMTs. The EMS Support Team also holds a free Halloween party each year, with hot dogs and treats for anyone who drops by. If you would like to join this great group of active, concerned Medina residents, and do something important for Medina, please call Susan Tefft at 830-589-2862, or drop by the next meeting at the EMS Barn on July 24 at 7 pm.     If you would like to become an EMT, are already EMT-trained or are a former EMT, you can now work just in the northern part of the county. Give Cindy Martin a call at 830-796-4282.     One other note; blessings go out to the family of Dee Bonugli, former President of the EMS Support Team. Dee worked tirelessly for the community and she will be missed by all.