Karnes Co. TX - NEWS - August 2006 This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Kimm Antell Copyright. All rights reserved. http://files.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm Copyright 2006 Victoria Advocate Online (http://victoriaadvocate.com) unless otherwise notated. ************************************************ August 1, 2006 Kenedy may get water relief from neighbor KENEDY - Relief from the drought may come to Kenedy, not from Mother Nature, but from neighboring El Oso. On Thursday, the Kenedy City Council heard a proposal from the El Oso Water Supply Corporation to sell water to the city. The community of El Oso is in the southwest corner of Karnes County. Kenedy is under mandatory water restrictions due to continuing drought conditions and high usage. No action was taken on the proposal. The city council is waiting on a water study by the city's engineering firm and will continue to study the situation and seek solutions, said city secretary Loretta Thiele. Also Thursday, the council approved a resolution authorizing an application for a Texas Community Development Program grant for water line work on St. Mary's Street. ************************************************ August 3, 2006 From: cattlenetwork.com USDA Designates Counties In Texas As Natural Disaster Areas WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2006 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated two counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas, making all qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for low-interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). On July 27, 2006, Live Oak and McMullen Counties were designated primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by drought that occurred from Jan. 1, 2006, and continuing. Also eligible because they are contiguous are Atascosa, Bee, Duval, Frio, Jim Wells, Karnes, La Salle, San Patricio and Webb Counties. On July 31, 2006, Calhoun County was designated a primary natural disaster area due to losses caused by excessive rain, flash flooding and flooding that occurred on June 20, 2006. Also eligible because they are contiguous are Aransas, Jackson, Matagorda, Refugio and Victoria Counties. All counties listed above were designated natural disaster areas, making all qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for EM loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the emergency loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity. USDA has also made other programs available to assist farmers and ranchers, including the Emergency Conservation Program, Federal Crop Insurance and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. Interested farmers may contact their local USDA Service Centers for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. ************************************************ August 4, 2006 From: Political State Report (polstate.com) TX: Redistricting Ruling Alters Five Districts, Shifts Political Futures The three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a court-ordered remedy map to rectify Texas' Congressional District 23, which was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this summer. In the process, the Court changed a total of five districts: 23, 28, 24, 25 and 15. New elections have been ordered in a winner-take-all style in these districts on Election Day, with run-offs in December if necessary. Here are the district make-ups, old vs. new: CD 23 Current Makeup: El Paso (part), Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Reeves, Pecos, Persidio, Brewster, Terrell, Crockett, Sutton (part), Valverde, Edwards, Real, Kerr, Bandera, Kendall, Medina, Zavala, Demitt, Webb (part), Maverick, Bexar (part). CD 23 New Makeup: El Paso (part), Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Reeves, Pecos, Persidio, Brewster, Terrell, Crockett, Sutton (part), Val Verde, Edwards, Medina, Zavala, Demitt, , Maverick, Bexar (adds southern portion). Cedes: Kendall, Kerr, Bandera, Real, Webb Gains: Southern Portion, Bexas County Leans: Toss-Up, between 46.3% (2004) and 50.1% (2002) Democratic CD 28 Current Makeup: Bexar (part), Guadalupe (part), Hays (part), Wilson, Atascosa, Frio, Lasalle, McMullen, Webb (part), Zapata. CD 28 New Makeup: Frio, Guadalupe, Hidalgo (33%) Jim Hogg, La Salle, McMullen, Starr, Webb (all), Wilson, Zapata. Cedes: Hays, southern portion of Bexas, small portion of eastern Comal. Gains: eastern portion of Bexar, remainder of Webb, Jim Hogg, Star, southwestern portion of Hidalgo. Leans: Solid Democratic (51.4% (2004) to 63.4% (2002) Democratic) CD 21 Current Makeup: Travis (part), Hays (part), Comal (part), Blanco, Bexar (part). CD 21 New Makeup: Bandera, Bexas (25%), Blanco, Comal, Kendall, Kerr, Real, Travis (16%). Alterations: alters northeast portion of Bexar served by district Cedes: Hays, southern portion of Travis County Gains: Kendall, Kerr, Bandera, Real Leans: Solid Republican, between 65.2% (2004) and 68.4% (2002). CD 25 Current Makeup: Hidalgo (part), Starr, Jim Hogg, Duval, Live Oak, Karnes, Gonzales, Caldwell, Travis (part). CD 25 New Makeup: Travis (50%), Lavaca, Hays, Gonzales, Fayette, Colorado, Caldwell, Bastrop (65%). Gains:southern portion of Travis, Bastrop, Hays, Fayette, Colorado, Lavaca Cedes: Karnes, Live Oak, Duval, Jim Hogg, Starr, Hidalgo Leans: Solid Democratic, 52.9% (2002) to 55.5% (2004) CD 15 Current Makeup: Cameron (part), Hidalgo (part), Brooks, Jim Wells, San Patricio (part), Bee, Refutio, Goliad, De Witt, Lavaca, Colorado, Fayette, Bastrop (part). New CD 15 Makeup: Bee, Brooks, Cameron (26%), De Witt, Duval, Goliad, Hidalgo (67%), Jim Wells, Karnes, Live Oak, Refugio, San Patricio (43%). Gains: Duval, Live Oak, Karnes Cedes: small portion of western Hidalgo, Bastrop, Fayette, Colorado, Lavaca Leans: Solid Democratic (54.4 % (2004) to 61.3% (2002)). Statements MALDEF, Congressman Charles Gonzalez, and other has a good deal to say about the new remap. Gonzalez (D-San Antonio), who represents the 20th Congressional District, which was unchanged by the remap,said that the redistricting saga showed the continued need for the recently reauthorized Voting Rights Act: The map issued today shows the continued need for the Voting Rights Act, which was thankfully reauthorized on July 27th. The 2003 map was an attempt to blunt the voting strength of Latino voters in Webb County and the Supreme Court rightfully struck down that gerrymander. Without the strong protections afforded by the Voting Rights Act, the previous map would still be in effect. Today is a victory for the Voting Rights Act, yet we must remain vigilant that the right to vote is neither compromised nor negated for minority voters particularly Latinos here in Texas. I am pleased and relieved that I will continue to represent the citizens of the 20th Congressional District if they see fit to return me to the House of Representatives on Election Day. It has been an honor to serve them in Washington DC, and I hope I will be allowed to do so for another term. Texas State Representative Aaron Pena (D-Edinburg), who has kept close watch on the redistricting saga through his blog, A Capitol Blog, expressed pleasure that a city in his district anchors one of the newly redrawn districts: I am pleased that the city of Edinburg anchors one of the Rio Grande Valley districts in the map released by the federal redistricting panel," said State Representative Aaron Peña. "Unfortunately we have lost a strong advocate and friend in Congressman Lloyd Doggett. I do look forward to continuing to work with our congressional leaders for the betterment of our community." Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo), whose district was changed by the remap said the court's plan restores Hispanic voting strength in South Texas: Hispanic voting strength has been restored in South Texas today. I commend the panel of federal judges for setting partisanship aside and upholding the rights of all voters. While I deeply regret losing my valued constituents in Bexar, Comal, and Hays Counties, I look forward to working with the people of Jim Hogg, Starr, and Hidalgo Counties. I believe that the court's map is both fair and constitutional, and I'm delighted to be the sole representative for my hometown of Laredo, and Webb County. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), however, hailed the map as only a partial victory. MALDEF Southwestern Regional Counsel Nina Perales noted: We are very pleased that the District Court replaced the Legislature's illegal configuration of District 23 and increased the Latino population in that district. However, we are concerned that the District Court did not go far enough to restore District 23. The new plan for District 23 cuts out Webb County and features slightly worse performance by Latino-preferred candidates. Speculation Today's ruling also fuels speculation about who will run where. While Cuellar and Bonillia are likely to continue to run in their current districts, most election watchers in Texas expect former Congressman Ciro Rodriguez (D-San Antonio) to make a run, possibly in Bonillia's 23rd District instead of opting for a third re-match with Cuellar. Speculation is also mounting that State Rep. Richard Raymond (D-Laredo) may challenge Henry Cuellar in the newly reconfigured district. The biggest question that remains unanswered is what Congressional Candidate John Courage will do. Courage isone of the Democratic party's stars among Texas congressional-on a national and local level- gaining recognition from groups like Democracy for America and Governor Mark Warner's political action committee. Courage, who is running against Rep. Lamar Smith (R-San Antonio) in the old 21, saw key Travis County territory-Democratic precincts-slip away in the court's new remap. It seems most likely, however, that if Courage continues his race (when remedy maps first started being examined, he indicated he would) it would be in CD 21. The other affected districts, CD 15 and CD 25, will likely not change hands from their current Congressmen: Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) for CD 25 and Ruben Hinojosa (D-Mercedes) for CD 15. ************************************************ August 11, 2006 Kenedy ballpark fees to be returned KENEDY - Organizations that have paid to use Kenedy's city-owned ballparks this year will be getting their money back. On Tuesday, the city council voted to refund fees charged for use of the ballparks from Jan. 6 through Aug. 8. The refunds are being made because the fee structure was not uniformly enforced, according to city secretary Loretta Thiele. During the meeting, Mayor Randy Garza admitted allowing some organizations to use the fields at no charge. Fees for use of the ball fields at Annadel Rogers Park, Red Holchak Park and Johnny "Bear" Arenas Field are designated by ordinance and range from $25 per game to $100 per day. The council also rescinded a July 18 motion to begin charging the Little League $900 for use of the park's ball fields, and voted not to charge the Little League any fees for use of the fields. Thiele said the amount of money to be refunded has not yet been calculated. Also Tuesday, the council approved spending $2,000 on a groundwater aquifer study by Kyle E. Murray of the University of Texas-San Antonio. The council also awarded the bid of $405,000 for digging a new water well to Thomas Moy and Sons Drilling of Falls City. The council also approved $14,955 in expenditures by the Kenedy 4B Corporation. A revised plat for the new Wal-Mart Super Center was approved as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. An agenda item for an executive session to discuss Thiele's job was held in open session at her request. Last month, she had submitted her resignation as city administrator after Garza requested that the ordinance designating those duties be amended to assign them to the mayor. That ordinance was amended to reflect those changes. Following last month's executive session, the council took no action on Thiele's resignation. Garza announced at the time that she would remain as city secretary. On Tuesday, following a lengthy discussion that included members of the public, the council voted on three separate motions. It voted to accept Thiele's resignation as city administrator, voted to retain her as city secretary, and approved her rate of pay with the "understanding" that her presence at after hours city meetings would result in comp time. Responding to a question, Garza said that the changes in the ordinance regarding duties of the city administrator were not the result of any disciplinary action concerning the city secretary. ************************************************ August 13, 2006 Shelter offers new services to abuse victims By Bryan Kirk The Gazette-Enterprise SEGUIN - In a nondescript house somewhere in Seguin is a place of refuge for women who've suffered through an abusive relationship. They come to the Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter looking for hope and looking for help. Sometimes, that help is just a way out of being hurt, but other times, help comes in the form of services. One of those is brand new to the shelter. Recently, the shelter received a $50,000 grant from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health to help fund the Guadalupe Valley Trauma Project for another year. "It has been my life for two years," said Jennifer Hill, project director of the program and also a licensed therapist. The project provides mental health services for victims of family violence and sexual assault and addresses the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among survivors of physical, sexual and emotional trauma. "A lot of the people we see are suffering from symptoms of Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder, symptoms of depression and substance abuse," Hill said. Linda Rutherford, executive director of the Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter, said Hill was instrumental in the program's success. "She has done a lot as far as getting it funded for the second year," Rutherford said. Hill was enthusiastic about creating the program in Guadalupe County, so Rutherford encouraged her to write the grant. After several months of research and writing the proposal, the shelter was awarded the grant and became one of the only family violence shelters in Texas to offer this program. It provides group and one-on-one counseling at the shelter for residents and nonresidents and treats the effects of trauma resulting from abuse. Last year, the shelter saw 172 cases of domestic and sexual abuse. Most of those affected - about 70 percent - come from Guadalupe County, Hill said. The same program is also offered at outreach sites in Wilson, Karnes and Gonzales counties, which makes up the remaining 30 percent of reported domestic abuse cases. However, it is important to note the case load Hill has is not an accurate depiction of the number of actual domestic and sexual abuse cases reported in the four-county area. Cases of sexual abuse alone numbered in the hundreds in Guadalupe County in 2005. Rutherford said some of the shelter's clients come from more urban areas, such as Travis and Bexar counties. While the primary victim - the man or woman who suffered the abuse - often seeks help, Hill said she also sees the secondary victims - the primary victim's children and family - in abuse cases. All of them see Hill, which keeps her busy all of the time. "When I am not busy with one part of it, I am busy with another," she said. While just about anyone - including men - can be a victim of domestic or sexual abuse, victims often fit a certain profile. Most of the time, the victim is a woman about 30 years old who has no viable means of supporting herself. A lot of victims who fell into that demographic filled all of the available space inside the family violence shelter Friday, hoping to find refuge and peace of mind. "Everyone who is here now is using this program," Rutherford said. "What we look for is that light going off in someone's brain that tells them they are not the only one going through this and that there is someone who can help them. They realize for the first time there is a professional who will listen to them. Then they realize they can get help and they can get out." To learn more about the program, contact Jennifer Hill at (830) 372- 2781. ************************************************ August 18, 2006 San Antonio Express-News SARA board reduces proposed tax increase The San Antonio River Authority on Wednesday knocked a little off the proposed tax rate for next year to keep the rate from being subject to a tax rollback election. The SARA board proposed a rate of $0.016045 per $100 valuation. The current rate is $0.016425 per $100. For most owners of a $100,000 home, the tax would be $16.05 per year under the new rate. Property values in the authority's four-county jurisdiction rose by 14.6 percent, while state law allows a rollback election in water districts if taxes on the average homestead values rise by more than 10 percent. The proposed rate would raise about $12.9 million in revenue, compared with $13.2 million if left at the current rate. Most of the authority's taxable properties are in Bexar County, although it also operates in Goliad, Karnes and Wilson counties. The board has scheduled a public hearing and a vote to consider adoption of the tax rate for Aug. 30. **************************** August 22, 2006 http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=156234 Tradestar Resources Corporation Announces Alliance With Rockwell Energy in Texas Operations HOT SPRINGS, AR -- (MARKET WIRE) -- August 22, 2006 -- Tradestar Resources Corporation (PINKSHEETS: TSRR) announced today that the company has formed an alliance with Rockwell Energy. Rockwell is a Houston, Texas-based Oil & Gas Company, and will be operating the wells in the Karnes County project for Tradestar in the (Hysaw- Hobson) Lease. The two companies have formally agreed to participate together in multiple joint venture projects for oil & gas development in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Tradestar has acquired additional Karnes County lease acreage with an existing well (Hysaw-Hobson No. 6A, adjacent to the existing Hysaw wells) that will be equipped and completed within the next few weeks. This additional well in our already established field is expected to add good production revenues and value to the company. Tradestar will also be participating in a re-completion for a Wilcox gas well in Karnes County (Janssen #1A). About: Tradestar Resources Corporation is an independent energy company that is engaged in the exploration, development, exploitation and acquisition of on-shore and natural gas properties in conventional producing areas of the United States. Tradestar strives to enhance asset value by expanding oil and natural gas reserves raising production levels and increasing cash flow. Tradestar intends to foster its growth as an independent oil and gas company by investing in only proven producing wells. The company's web site is http://tradestar-corp.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements with respect to the results of operations and business of Tradestar Resources Corporation which involves risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual future results could materially differ from those discussed. Risks and uncertainties of the Company will be detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports. The Company intends that such statements about the Company's future expectations, including future revenues and all other forward-looking statements be subject to the "safe harbor" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. --------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Contact: Tradestar Resources Corp. 501-423-3005 SOURCE: Tradestar Resources Corporation ********************** August 24, 2006 Kenedy council votes that it will seek city administrator Advocate Staff Report KENEDY - The Kenedy city council has decided it does need a city administrator after all. Tuesday night, the council voted to advertise to fill the position and form an interview panel to review applicants. Late last month, the council stripped city secretary Loretta Thiele of her duties as city administrator and amended an ordinance assigning those duties to the mayor. At the time, Mayor Randy Garza told the Advocate there were no immediate plans to hire a city administrator. The mayor later said that the changes in the ordinance regarding duties of the city administrator were not the result of any disciplinary action concerning Thiele. Thiele began work in the city's accounting department in 1996 and became city secretary in 1998. In 2003, she assumed the dual role of city administrator and city secretary. The city administrator interview panel will consist of from five to seven members representing the city council, the economic development board, the planning and zoning board, the parks board and the 4B sales tax board. Also Tuesday night, the council approved planning and zoning recommendations to change the zoning from agriculture to commercial at the industrial park to accommodate the new Wal-Mart Supercenter and adjacent shopping center. The council also approved allocating water and sewer funds to pay 89 percent of the city's bond obligation with the other 11 percent coming from general revenue. This will minimize the effect of the debt service on the tax rate. ********************** August 31, 2006 River authority adopts lower tax rate San Antonio Express-News The board of the San Antonio River Authority on Wednesday adopted a lower tax rate for next year but still estimates it will bring in $1.3 million more in taxes due to higher appraisals. The board, which lowered the rate to keep it from being subject to a tax rollback election, adopted a rate of $0.016045 per $100 valuation. The current rate is $0.016425 per $100. For most owners of a $100,000 home, the annual tax would be $16.05 under the new rate. Property values in the authority's four-county jurisdiction rose by 14.6 percent, while average homestead values rose by 10.1 percent. State law allows a rollback election in water districts if taxes on the average homestead values rise by more than 8 percent. At a 95 percent collection rate, the new tax is projected to raise $12.3 million. Most of the authority's taxable values are in Bexar County, although it also operates in Goliad, Karnes and Wilson counties.