Karnes Co. TX - NEWS - August 2008

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From caller.com

August 5, 2008 

Murder and mayhem on the Old Cart Road
By Murphy Givens (Contact)

In the early 1850s the U.S. War Department created the Eighth
Military District, responsible for operating a string of new army
forts. Headquarters were moved from San Antonio to Corpus Christi.
Supplies came in by sea and were hauled by wagon trains to San
Antonio and to forts on the frontier.

But lightering ships off St. Joseph's and transporting supplies
across the bay was difficult. The army moved back to San Antonio and
began to receive its supplies through the deepwater port of
Indianola, on the western shore of Matagorda Bay.

The army decision boosted the town of Indianola, which one visitor
described as looking like overlarge packing boxes set out on the
beach to dry. This new bustling seaport - "Queen of the West" - began
to compete with Galveston.

The growth of Indianola created a huge shipping business, with goods
coming into the port and moving up the trail to San Antonio. The
heavily traveled trail had several names - the Cart Road, the Old
Freight Road, the Goliad Road, the Mexican Cart Trail.

The Cart Road ran from Indianola to Victoria to Goliad to Runge and
Helena, in Karnes County, to Floresville and San Antonio. The trail's
exact route was always changing, depending on the availability of
grass and water for the freight teams.

There was a steady stream of wagons and carts pulled by mules,
horses and longhorn oxen moving up and down the Cart Road. The trip
to San Antonio - depending on weather and mud - would take from four
to six weeks. Many Cart Road freighters lived at Goliad or Helena,
stopping places in between.

Helena, the last major stop on the Cart Road, was a rough town. It
was named for Helen Owings, wife of one of the town's founders. The
town was known for the Helena duel, fought by two men whose left
hands were lashed together, leaving enough distance to slash at each
other with Bowie knives, but not close enough for fatal stab wounds.
The Helena duel, it was said, usually ended in one or both fighters
bleeding to death. This rough town was headquarters for Cart Road
freighters.

In the mid-1850s San Antonio merchants sought a cheaper way to get
their freight hauled from Indianola. The going rate was $3 for 100
pounds. The merchants recruited Mexican cartmen - carreteros - from
Chihuahua. These cartmen began hauling supplies for the San Antonio
merchants and the army at much-reduced rates. The carreteros lived at
a settlement on the San Antonio River.

The competition between the Chihuahua carreteros and Anglo
freighters created an intense rivalry. The Texas freighters, idled by
the competition, reacted with violence.

Men with blackened faces slipped into the camps of the Mexican
cartmen at night and cut the spokes of their wagons, creating mayhem
when the wheels collapsed on the trail. As the feud intensified,
ranchers and farmers along the Cart Road sided with the Texas
freighters, claiming that Mexican cartmen slaughtered their cattle
and enticed slaves - especially young women - to run away.

In July 1857, Mexican cartmen came under direct attack. A train of
carts loaded with U.S. military supplies was attacked near Helena.
One Mexican cartman was killed. In September, another train of 17
carts was attacked by men with blackened faces; two Mexican cartmen
were killed and others wounded. Other attacks were mounted near
Goliad and on Cibolo Creek in Karnes County.

Gen. David Twiggs ordered Army escorts for trains hauling government
supplies. The steady stream of goods moving from Indianola to San
Antonio slowed to a trickle. The merchants complained to Gov. E.M.
Pease, who called out a force of 75 men to put an end to violence on
the Cart Road.

Two suspected instigators of violence against Mexican cartmen -
named Wardick and Browning - were hanged on the square in Goliad.
There may have been other lynchings; the record is not clear.

The harassment and killing of Mexican carreteros ended. But the
violence succeeded in driving them away. After 1857, it was said, it
was rare to see a Mexican carreta on the Old Cart Road.

Dancing with loaded guns

Corpus Christi's first city ordinance - passed in 1852 - levied a $5
fine for carrying a deadly weapon at a dance or fandango.

Some years later, a witty editor wrote (we hope with tongue in
cheek) that a dance at Banquete was a tame affair - not too many
killed.

Once in the 1870s, J.B. "Red John" Dunn went to a dance in the town
of San Patricio. Dunn saw that even though it was a church dance most
of the men were armed. Those who were wealthy had pearl- and ivory-
handled pistols while others had pistols so old and rusty it would
have been suicide to fire one.

When the tempo picked up, Dunn noticed, and some fellow would give
his partner a hard swing, the handle of his pistol would strike the
handle of the pistol of the man next to him. Once, a man's pistol got
a hard jolt. He stopped dancing and pulled out his gun. The dancers
stopped, spellbound, waiting for the shooting to start. After cocking
it a time or two, the man decided the gun was all right. The music
and dancing resumed.

Branch Isbell ran into a different kind of weapon. He and another
cowboy were camped near Banquete and decided to ride over to a dance
at San Patricio. During the evening, Isbell asked a girl of 16 or 17 -
he said she was Lizzie Hinnant - for a dance. With no hesitation,
with no pretense of politeness, she said, flatly, no.

Isbell thought he had a good comeback. He said, well, there were
other fish in the sea and that he would cast his line elsewhere.

Lizzie had her own comeback. "Certainly there are," she said, "but
unfortunately for you, they quit biting at toads."

Isbell said he learned then that the yellow rose of Texas grows amid
some rather sharp thorns.

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From thecountywide.com

August 6, 2008

Thieves go on Hwy 181 crime spree

By Joe Baker


Last week burglars broke in and stole items from several Karnes
County businesses, many of which were located on US Highway 181.

On Monday, July 28, a go-cart was stolen from Joe's Outdoor
Equipment Service in Karnes City, which was the only business hit
that was not located on Hwy 181. Fortunately, police recovered the go-
cart and the alleged perpetrator is in custody.

Also during this same general time period, the Old 181 Wrecker
Service was the victim of a burglary. Perpetrators attempted to steal
a motorcycle but were unable to get it through the fence.

On July 29, several other 181 businesses were hit. Lotto tickets
were stolen from the One Stop Exxon station located between Karnes
City and Kenedy. Beer and wine were stolen from Jerry B's Restaurant
located just outside the Kenedy city limits. Lotto tickets and
cigarettes were stolen from Big B Food Store in Karnes City.

Karnes County Sheriff David Jalufka said that businesses in every
town on Hwy 181 have been hit by burglars in the last week.

Businesses along Highway 181 in Poth and Falls City have been
recently vandalized by perpetrators using BB guns and/or paintball
guns, but Jalufka said that he doesn't believe the perpetrators
responsible for the vandalism are the same individuals who are
breaking in and stealing from local Highway 181 businesses.

He does believe, however, that the burglars who hit the Kenedy
Farmers Coop on Friday, July 25, are the same perpetrators
responsible for the burglaries that happened on July 28 and July 29.

"We have two or three people identified," Jalufka said. "We've got
some video of it. We are just trying to clean it up… We know, pretty
much, who they are. We want a solid case."

"We're talking organized crime, here," Jalufka said. "There's whole
little herd of them and we've handled them, forever."

The sheriff said he expected that these individuals will be indicted
on charges during the next meeting of the grand jury on September 30.

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From seguingazette.com

August 10, 2008

Volleyball season starts Monday

By Jason Chlapek
The Gazette-Enterprise 

GUADALUPE COUNTY - The 2007 volleyball season was a successful one
for area high schools.

For the first time, all four teams - Seguin, Marion, Navarro and
Lifegate - qualified for the state playoffs in the same season.

On Monday, Seguin and Marion begin their quests for a return trip to
the postseason when they participate in season-opening matches.
Seguin hosts McCollum at 7 p.m. at Goldie Harris Gymnasium, while
Marion visits Comfort at 1 p.m. at Comfort High School.

Navarro starts its season by hosting a dual match against
Floresville and La Vernia. The Lady Panthers meet Floresville at 3
p.m. and La Vernia at 5 at the Navarro Special Events Center.

Lifegate won't start its season until Aug. 19, when the Lady Falcons
host Bastrop Covenant Christian.

For Seguin, the Lady Matadors return coach Robin Gerlich and its
entire starting lineup sans Emily Cheek, who is playing for Loyola
Marymount. Gerlich, who guided Churchill to state prominence, returns
for her second season at Seguin, where she has served as the
assistant athletic director since 2005-06.

Gerlich did not coach during her first two years at Seguin.

It has been said that Rome wasn't built in a day, and while that may
be true, Gerlich made that statement seem false as the Lady Matadors
won 21 matches and ended a 16-year playoff drought by finishing
fourth in District 25-5A to advance to the postseason for the first
time this century. 

While Seguin hopes to return to the postseason in 2008, the Lady
Matadors will not get a chance to do so in Class 5A. That's because
Seguin moved down to the 4A ranks in February when the UIL announced
its 2008-10 realignment and reclassification.

The Lady Matadors will compete in 27-4A, and while they won't have
to deal with Austin, Bowie or Westlake anymore, they will have to
spar with 4A state semifinalist Canyon, among others. Alamo Heights,
Boerne Champion (formerly Boerne High), Clemens, Kerrville Tivy and
Steele are the other teams who will join Seguin in the seven-team
gauntlet which is 27-4A.

Seguin will be young with only two seniors, but the Lady Matadors
will be experienced as they return five players from the starting
lineup - senior middle blocker Marcia Sagebiel, junior outside
hitters Brooke Abrameit and Alex Bothe, junior setter Kelly Koenig
and junior libero Megan Roy. Senior Shelby Kauitzsch, who split
playing time with Abrameit at outside hitter last season, will start
at rightside hitter this year.

While Seguin had to welcome a new coach last year, Marion is doing
the same thing this year, however, the Bulldogs didn't have to go far
to find a replacement for former coach Stephanie Langenberg. Two-year
volleyball assistant Robyn O'Bryan was promoted to the head
volleyball position this summer, and begins her second stint as a
head volleyball coach.

O'Bryan's previous head coaching experience was at Leakey in the
late 1990s.

O'Bryan will aim not only to return Marion to the postseason for the
fourth time in as many seasons, but also to get the Bulldogs to
advance past their playoff-opening match. 

Marion won a district championship in 2005 and received a bye in the
bi-district round only to lose its area round match to Hallettsville,
and the Bulldogs earned the third-place playoff berth each of the
last two seasons only to fall in the bi-district round both times.

Marion is now in 27-3A and still competes against La Vernia and
Luling, who were 26-3A rivals of the Bulldogs the last two years.
Marion also is reunited with former district rivals Poteet and
Somerset after a two-year hiatus, and Sam Houston and Hawkins round
out the district, making it a seven-team loop.

Returning for Marion are senior hitters Lindsey Conran, Kasey
Haecker and Megan Williams, junior setter Ashley Jacobsen and
sophomore libero Danielle Brown. Haecker will miss the first six
weeks of the season after undergoing surgery this summer.

Conran, Haecker and Williams are the only seniors on the Marion
roster.

Navarro hasn't had a coaching change since 1993-94, nor has it
failed to qualify for the postseason since then. Jackie Baker,
entering her 15th season as head coach of the Lady Panthers, hopes to
make it 15-for-15 in qualifying for the playoffs in 2008, however,
she will have to rely on a starting lineup projected to be full of
juniors.

For the first time in Baker's career, she will not have a senior
class, but the glass is half-full as half of her starting lineup
returns in middle blocker Sydawnie Douglass and hitters Hannah Bonds
and Noelle Kubenka. Other players projected to start are setter
Kandace Newton and rightside hitter Stephanie Moeller, while Toni
Frazer and Haley Franzen will split time at defensive specialist.

Navarro competes in 28-2A against the same teams it faced in the
previous 29-2A alignment sans Randolph and Yorktown. Randolph moved
into 27-2A with Blanco, Comfort, Cole, Brooks Academy, Harper and
Johnson City, while Yorktown moved down to Class A.

While the new district has diminished in size from eight teams to
six, it is still expected to be a competitive road for the Lady
Panthers as No. 2 Poth is still a district rival as are Nixon-Smiley
and Stockdale. Karnes City and Kenedy round out the 28-2A pool.

Lifegate also has a new district in TAPPS 4-A, which will feature
new teams and some familiar ones.

The Lady Falcons will still do battle with Universal City First
Baptist, who swept Lifegate for the TAPPS 5-A crown in 2007, and they
also face San Marcos Hill Country Christian and a trio of San Antonio
schools - Believers Academy, Christian Heritage and Harvest.

Lifegate will aim for a return trip to the postseason with hitter
Bekah Tate and middle blocker Jasmin Flowers. 

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From westwardsagas.com

August 9, 2008

Talkin' Texan
Being a fifth generation Texan, I have often been told I talk funny.
When I travel I sometimes feel intimidated by the comments on my
accent from people who aren't from Texas. Can you imagine being told
by a cab driver from Brooklyn that you talk funny?

There are different dialects spoken by natives of the Lone Star
State. Texans from the piney woods of East Texas have a twang that
surpasses any Georgia cracker you will ever meet. I enjoy the accents
in West Texas the best and love the way they say "all bidness"
(business).

Texas has been a melting pot of diverse cultures for 300 years,
starting with the Canary Islanders to San Antonio, followed by land
impresarios bringing settlers from Germany to the Texas Hill Country,
Alsatians to Castroville, and Polish settlers to Panna Maria in South
Texas. Each came with their native tongue, now five or six
generations later. They all sound the same with a friendly Texas
drawl and a tip of the hat. How ya'll doing? I love that drawl and
sure missing hearing it when I'm away from home.

Over the years I've found that words used in my family were not
always understood outside the home. You should have seen the look my
waitress gave me when I told her the glass of milk she brought was
"blinky," which to me meant it was about to spoil. Frequently older
members referred to being "all stove up," which was their way of
describing joint or muscle pain. I have no idea where the word "stove
up" or "blinky" came from. Are they unique to my family? Can anyone
tell me?

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From Google.com

August 10, 2008

Texas 7 member volunteers for execution this week
By MICHAEL GRACZYK 

LIVINGSTON, Texas (AP) - Michael Rodriguez remembers the
exhilaration of newfound freedom when he hid in the back of a stolen
truck as he and six of his buddy convicts staged one of Texas' most
notorious prison breaks.

Then he recalls seeing his photo on national TV and grasping the
reality that their Hollywood-style plan to rob a Nevada casino had
gone terribly awry. He and his fellow fugitives were being hunted
everywhere as the killers of a police officer, Aubrey Hawkins, at a
store they robbed outside Dallas.

This week, Rodriguez is set to become the first of the six surviving
members of the infamous "Texas 7" - all of them now on death row - to
go to the death chamber.

"I'm glad we got caught, so no one else would get hurt," Rodriguez
said, discussing with a reporter for the first time his involvement
in the crime spree eight years ago.

"It was so thrilling that we actually got away with it," he said of
the December 2000 escape from a maximum security prison. "But after
Mr. Hawkins got killed, and I saw (ABC's) Peter Jennings on the TV
news with our pictures, I thought: 'Oh my God, Oh my God. Am I in
trouble!'"

After some six weeks of evading an intense manhunt, the fugitives
were captured in Colorado. One of the seven killed himself as
authorities closed in on him.

"I'm glad it ended when it did. It would have been a mess."

Rodriguez, 45, said he welcomes this week's execution, set for
Thursday.

"I have a lot of people here telling me how unfair the system is,"
he told The Associated Press in what he said would be his first and
last media interview. "At some point in our lives, you have to have
some sort of accountability. I can't see how people in my situation
deny that."

Rodriguez, who first went to prison with a life sentence for
arranging the 1992 slaying of his wife in San Antonio, worked for
more than a year to convince the courts he was competent to drop his
appeals and volunteer for execution.

"I'm just moving forward," Rodriguez said from a small visiting cage
at the Polunsky Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice,
site of the state's death row. "Look. I'm guilty of what they said -
everything."

And he said he wants the family of his former wife, Theresa, and the
relatives the slain police officer "to know how truly sorry I am and
I am willing to pay."

"I think it's a fair sentence," he added. "I need to pay back. I
can't pay back monetarily. This is the way."

The slain police officer's wife, Lori Hawkins, calls Rodriguez's
apologies "a little too late."

Rodriguez and six other inmates overpowered workers at the state
prison system's Connally Unit near Kenedy in South Texas on Dec. 13,
2000, took the workers' clothes, grabbed guns from the prison armory
and fled in a prison truck.

"It was an experience. It's real strange to think on that and how I
got here," he said.

They drove to a nearby store, where Rodriguez's father had parked
another truck for them. Raul Rodriguez later pleaded guilty to being
involved in the escape plan.

They headed to Irving, a Dallas suburb, where ringleader George
Rivas, a convicted robber serving 18 life terms, had a plan to rob a
sporting goods store by posing as employees of its security service.
They got uniforms from a used clothing store in Houston and radios
from an electronics store holdup.

"George Rivas thought he planned everything," Rodriguez said.

While some gang members scrambled to find materials to restrain
store employees and others gathered weapons, a woman outside noticed
the activity and called police.

Hawkins caught the call. He'd been having Christmas Eve dinner with
his wife and son a few blocks away.

Patrick Murphy, a convicted rapist who was posted as a lookout,
tried to warn his fellow escapees that a police officer was driving
into the parking lot but their radios "didn't pick up real well."

Rodriguez said that when he saw the police car he hid under sleeping
bags they had stuffed with stolen guns and money.

"I just heard shots - pop, pop, pop. I thought it was the police.
But no, it was us," he said.

Afterward, he went to the police car, where the officer appeared to
already be dead.

The gang went to Colorado, were Rivas used cash from the store
robbery to buy a big RV, and even went to a police supply store,
posing as a lawman, and ordered body armor to be used in the Nevada
casino heist.

On Jan. 22, 2001, a SWAT team surrounded the gang at a trailer park
outside Colorado Springs, Colo.

"I'd never seen anything like that in my life," Rodriguez said of
the police firepower.

Rivas, Rodriguez, Garcia and Randy Halprin were arrested. Larry
James Harper, another convicted rapist, committed suicide. Murphy and
Donald Newbury, a convicted robber, surrendered two days later in
Colorado Springs.

He blamed the original crime that landed him in prison for life, the
1992 murder-for-hire slaying of his wife, on "the lust of a coed" he
met at what then was Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos.

"My wife was a wonderful person and didn't deserve this. I fell for
a coed. It was stupid. I sit in my cell and think: How the heck did I
get here?

"But I was a willing participant. You can call it lust... I really
thought I would get off, like a lot of people who are deluded." 

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From thecountywide.com

August 13, 2008

Hercules Aqualon plant changes ownership

COVINGTON, Ky. and WILMINGTON, Del. - Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) and
Hercules Inc. (NYSE: HPC) announced in July that they have entered
into a definitive merger agreement under which Ashland would acquire
all of the outstanding shares of Hercules for $18.60 per share in
cash and 0.093 of a share of Ashland common stock for each share of
Hercules common stock. The total transaction value is approximately
$3.3 billion, or $23.01 per Hercules share based on Ashland's July 10
closing stock price and including $0.7 billion of net assumed debt.
The transaction, which would create a major, global specialty
chemicals company, is expected to close by the end of calendar 2008. 

The Hercules Aqualon Group owns and manages the plant in Kenedy
which manufactures specialty chemicals.

With sales in more than 100 countries, Ashland is a manufacturer of
specialty chemicals, a leading distributor of chemicals and plastics,
and a provider of automotive lubricants, car-care products and quick-
lube services. Hercules is a leader in specialty additives and
ingredients that modify the physical properties of water-based
systems and is one of the world's leading suppliers of specialty
chemicals to the pulp and paper industry. 

Upon the transaction's close, Ashland will have pro forma combined
revenue for the 12 months ended March 31, 2008, of more than $10
billion, including approximately $3.5 billion generated outside North
America. For the same period, Ashland generated earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of $365
million excluding certain items, while Hercules reported ongoing
EBITDA of $392 million excluding certain items. Specialty chemicals,
which on a pro forma basis represents approximately 75 percent of
total EBITDA, will serve as Ashland's primary platform for future
growth.

Ashland Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James J. O'Brien said,
"The acquisition of Hercules fulfills our objective to become a
leading specialty chemicals company. It creates a defined core for
Ashland composed of three specialty chemical businesses with strong
market positions and promising global growth potential: specialty
additives and ingredients, paper and water technologies, and
specialty resins. In addition, we expect our financial profile to be
enhanced significantly through reduced earnings volatility, improved
profitability and stronger cash flow generation." 

Hercules President and Chief Executive Officer Craig A. Rogerson
said, "We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to combine Hercules
with Ashland. Our companies share proud and similar histories of
nearly 100 years of innovation, dedication and service. Hercules
shareholders will receive a significant premium over the current
trading price for their shares and, through their ownership of
Ashland shares, the opportunity to participate in the upside
potential of the combined company. We look forward to working with
Ashland to bring these two great companies together."

In specialty additives and ingredients, Hercules' Aqualon business
is one of the most recognized and admired specialty chemical brands
in the world and brings Ashland a significant market position in
rheology modifiers, which alter the physical properties of water-
based systems. These additives are used across a wide range of
industries to make everything from adhesives and paints to foods,
pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Nearly all of Aqualon's
additive products are water soluble polymers derived from renewable
materials. The combined company generates, on a pro forma basis,
approximately one-third of EBITDA from bio-based or renewable
chemistries.

"We will combine the paper and water businesses of each company to
create one global paper and water technologies business with annual
revenue of $2 billion," said O'Brien. "In particular, Hercules'
leadership position in pulp and paper technologies bolsters our
participation in one of the world's largest water treatment markets.
The combined businesses will provide the scale to leverage
opportunities in other key water treatment markets including
municipal, industrial and marine.

"The third business within our new core - specialty resins - is one
where Ashland has long enjoyed a strong reputation for innovation and
service. A broader international footprint will offer the specialty
resins business expanded global growth opportunities in key building
and construction markets, including infrastructure and wind energy.
In addition, our Distribution and Valvoline businesses provide
complementary capabilities and share similar markets with the
specialty chemical businesses," said O'Brien.

Ashland expects to realize annualized run-rate cost savings of at
least $50 million by the third year following the transaction's close
by eliminating redundancies and capturing operational efficiencies.
In the first year following the transaction's close, while the
combination is modestly dilutive to earnings per share on a reported
basis, it is expected to be significantly accretive to Ashland's
earnings per share excluding merger costs and noncash depreciation
and amortization charges resulting from the transaction. 

O'Brien continued, "We are extremely impressed with the quality of
the Hercules people and we look forward to welcoming them into the
Ashland family. Our companies share a common desire to live up to our
own high expectations, and those of our customers, shareholders and
the communities in which we operate. We are also very pleased that
John Panichella, president of Hercules' Aqualon Group, and Paul
Raymond, president of Hercules' Paper Technologies and Ventures
Group, have agreed to join Ashland after the close of the
transaction, reporting directly to me. In addition, we expect to
maintain a significant presence in Wilmington, Del., where Hercules
is headquartered. 

"An integration team with members from both organizations will
determine how best to utilize the strengths and scale of the combined
company worldwide. We will work with the Hercules team to ensure a
smooth transition," concluded O'Brien.

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From rafu.com

August 13, 2008

At JANM Conference, Tales of Endurance from the Interior Wes
By NAO GUNJI
Rafu Assistant Editor 

Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah talk about unique
histories of JA settlements in the early 20th century. 

DENVER.-Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, Denver, Clovis, Gallop, El
Paso, Rio Grande Valley, Salt Lake City-these are not the places
typically mentioned when Japanese American history is discussed. In
spite of their distinguished stories and geographical proximity, the
JA legacy is often restricted to the West Coast experience and the
internment during World War II.   

A group of Japanese Americans and scholars from the above regions
gathered in Denver, Colo. during the Japanese American National
Museum's national conference on Independence Day weekend to share
their untold stories of their settlement and the discrimination they
faced in the early 1900s. 

In 2005, a grant of nearly $1,000,000 was given to a 3-year project
that will incorporate the JA history in Arizona, Colorado, New
Mexico, Texas and Utah into public school history curricula.
Partially funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
National Leadership Grant, the collaborative effort includes academic
institutions such as the University of Texas San Antonio's Institute
of Texan Cultures, Arizona State University's Asian Pacific American
Studies Program, the University of Colorado at Boulder, the
University of New Mexico and the Davis School District in Utah.    

At the JANM conference, which was part of the project, "Enduring
Communities: The Japanese American Experience in Arizona, Colorado,
New Mexico, Texas, Utah," Art Hansen, a professor emeritus in History
and Asian American Studies at Cal State, Fullerton and a historical
consultant at the museum, mediated a panel, which carried the same
title with the project. 

"These are not just the stories of one minority group," Hansen said
before introducing the panel. "They're the stories which are really
at the heart of the American promise, and we need to document those
and make them accessible."

The panelists representing the states included: Karen Leong,
Japanese Americans in Arizona Oral History Project co-coordinator;
Daryl J. Maeda, assistant professor of Ethnic Studies at the
University of Colorado at Boulder; Andy Russell, a Central New Mexico
Community College history instructor; Thomas Walls, non-partisan
Chief of Staff for the Oklahoma State Senate; and Nancy Taniguchi, an
author and historian.     

Each of the panelists previously submitted an essay to
DiscoverNikkei.org on the JA history in the five respective states. 

Arizona 
During WWII, Japanese Arizonans were divided by the military line,
which kept more than half of the community from being sent to the
internment camps. Those neighborhoods-located north and east of the
dividing line-included: Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix and Tempe. 

Although those who lived in the areas remained free from detention,
they suffered more direct racial discrimination from the public.
According to Leong, grocery and department stores would not serve
them, and Japanese Americans could only enter Phoenix with a permit
or if accompanied by a Caucasian American. Some farmers survived only
on what they produced or had to rely on non-Japanese hired workers to
represent them to sell their produce at the Phoenix market. 

Japanese Arizonans played an important role in supporting the
relocation of the Californians to Arizona. After being released from
the camps, many of them lived on the farms or in the homes of
Japanese Arizonans, worked for them, and received assistance to
rebuild their lives.       

Leong stated that the understanding of the inter-ethnic
relationships is also critical when teaching the history of early
Arizona. Since Arizona became a state only in 1912 and it was a
relatively undeveloped state during the war, different minority
groups had to rely on each other for survival. For instance, American
Indians were deprived of their lands by the government to construct
internment camps-Poston and Gila River-and forced to relocate. 

"Japanese American history, history of the internment is the history
of Arizona. It's not just a history of one group, it changes the
whole way of thinking about the Arizona history," said the panelist.

Cynthia Kadohata's novel, "Weedflower," which depicts a friendship
between a Mohave Indian and a JA child at Poston, is suggested
reading material for the project curriculum.

Colorado 
The Japanese American history in Colorado thrived as the state's
agricultural industry blossomed in the early 1900s. Despite the anti-
Asian sentiment, by 1909, approximately 3,000 JA men worked the
fields of Colorado, most of them on sugar beet farms.  

Colorado is characterized by its absence of the alien land law most
of the western states issued around 1920. Japanese Americans in
Colorado began laboring on farms and eventually became independent
farmers in the Arkansas Valley, San Luis Valley and in western
Colorado near Grand Junction and Delta. 

After the outbreak of WWII, Colorado Gov. Ralph L. Carr welcomed
Japanese Americans, and its population increased 15 fold in the
Denver area during the war years. Also, its rural population tripled
mainly due to over 7,800 JAs interned at Amache.        

The Amache internees operated an extensive agricultural system,
which included over 500 acres of vegetables and crops and over 2,000
acres of field crops, along with cattle, hogs and poultry. Many of
them worked on sugar beet farms outside Amache with seasonal passes.
Over 150 JAs served as instructors at the Navy Japanese Language
School in Boulder from 1942 to 1946.

In the WWII era, Colorado bore one of the most prominent Nikkei
journalists; James "Jimmie" Omura. Omura relocated from San Francisco
and became the English-language editor of the **Rocky Shimpo**. His
controversial position of supporting the draft resisters was later
described as "arguably the most courageous and significant Nikkei
journalist writing ever produced" by a historian. 

New Mexico 
In prewar decades, railroad work sustained more Japanese Americans
than farming in New Mexico, and it was this community, which
experienced hardships during the war. In Clovis, the Santa Fe
Railroad fired Japanese employees, put them under house arrest, and
excluded them from company homes and property after Japan's attack on
Pearl Harbor. 

Roy Ebihara, who was born in the Santa Fe Railroad's segregated
community, "Jap Camp," in Clovis in 1934, shared his experience of
"the exodus" at the Denver conference.

"I have other brothers and sisters who are unwilling to talk about
this. When we want to leave a legacy, when we want a legacy about our
heritage, I think it is important one of us steps forward. So, here I
am," said the retired optometrist, who currently resides in
Cleveland, Ohio.

Ebihara remembers that immediately after the Pearl Harbor, men from
the Sheriff's Department came to look for contraband. They took his
father's shortwave radio, a TV and killed the family's German
Shepherd. 

In January 1942, the Ebiharas and nearly 20 other Japanese Americans
from the Santa Fe Railroad housing were taken to an abandoned and
isolated Civilian Conservation Corps camp in Lincoln County by a
vigilante group. There, the family spent the next 11 months living
"like Robinson Crusoe."

"We, the kids, loved it," Ebihara said. "It was like a vacation for
11 months."     
  
In December 1942, the family was again forced to relocate to the
West. They decided to join one of the older sons, Henry, in Topaz,
Utah. The Ebiharas stayed at Topaz briefly until they moved and
resettled in Cleveland on labor release. 

"(Their stories) should not be ignored or marginalized by those who
are interested in the western U.S. history and Japanese American
Studies," said Russell, who encouraged the audience to come to New
Mexico for further, much-needed research on the region's JA history. 

"(Japanese Americans in New Mexico) want people to know that they
have their own stories before the war started and hardships during
the war. They may not have been at internment camps, but they were
fired and kicked out from their houses," Russell continued. "Some of
them asked to be in camp because they were starving."   

Russell stated that although New Mexico has not been Anglo-dominated
and been known as the "Tolerant State," Japanese Americans in some
communities, like Clovis, suffered physical and cultural isolation.
On the other hand, in other cities, such as Gallup, the state's
tradition of toleration seemed to prevail. During the war, Gallup
High School elected two Nisei class presidents.  

Texas
The settlement of Japanese immigrants started in Texas in the early
1900s when the Japanese Consul General from New York, Sadatsuchi
Uchida, filed a report to the Japanese government to encourage his
fellow countrymen to come to the state for rice farming opportunities
on the southeast coastal plains around Houston and Beaumont. Many of
those rice farm owners hired not only Japanese laborers, but also
blacks, Anglos, Mexican Americans, Louisiana French, Austrians, and
white Russians. In the 1910s, the Rio Grande Valley became a popular
destination among Japanese immigrants due to its mild climate and
undeveloped, yet fertile farmland. 

In 1921, the alien land law was introduced in the Texas Legislature.
What made Japanese Texans stand out among other JAs in the western
states is that they lobbied against the bill. Among them was a
nurseryman from Houston named Saburo Arai. Although the legislation
eventually passed, Arai provided letters of support from Anglo Texans
and testified before a Senate committee. 

During the war, Texas hosted three internment camps; Seagoville,
Kenedy and Crystal City. They contributed to a huge increase in the
Japanese American population in the 1940s. At its height, Crystal
City housed 4,000 internees and more than two-thirds of them were
Japanese. 

The anti-Japanese sentiment had calmed down partially due to the
heroic rescue of the Texas Lost Battalion by the all-Japanese
American 442nd Regimental Combat Team. In order to save the lives of
211 Texans, the 442nd lost 200 Japanese American soldiers, with 600
more wounded. For this deed, the members of the 442nd were named as
honorary Texans by the state and their legacy helped heal the wounds
brought by Pearl Harbor. 

Utah
The early migration of Japanese contact labor started in the 1880s.
Labor agents, also Japanese immigrants, recruited many of those
workers to mines and sugar beet farms, and a growing number of
economically independent Japanese developed new businesses and
institutions, such as community newspapers and churches. 

Like other interior-western states, Japanese Americans in Utah
suffered increased racism in the 1920s, but Taniguchi stated that the
dominating LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) culture
actually helped JAs to fit in quickly. Both the Japanese and LDS
traditions emphasized family, farming and community, plus LDS
churches typically ask their followers to give up their previous
backgrounds, communities to unite under their faith. 

LDS convert, Mike Masaoka moved to San Francisco to become national
secretary and field director of the Japanese American Citizens League
in the mid-20th century. He was a spokesperson to bring national
awareness to the JA community outside the West Coast. During the war,
the JACL headquarters relocated to Utah and brought its newspaper,
**the Pacific Citizen** to the state. The group organized the
National JACL Credit Union in Salt Lake City in order to help
Japanese Americans whose assets had been frozen or restricted.         

Due to nearly 8,000 internees from the San Francisco Bay area to
Topaz, there was a rapid increase in the circulation of the **Utah
Nippo** from 600 to 10,000 during the war years. 

In 1947, Utah's Wataru "Wat" Misaka was picked in the first round by
the New York Knicks during the initial National Basketball
Association draft and broke the professional color barrier. That same
year, Mike Masaoka spearheaded intensive lobbying for redress,
resulting in the 1948 Evacuation Indemnity Claims Act, which paid out
$38 million of an estimated $400 loss. He was later chosen as the
very first "J.A. of the Biennium" by JACL. 
===
Through these panels, workshops, curriculum sharing and
collaborative sessions, the JANM and the anchor partners are working
to create educational curriculum in the five states for grades 4-12.
The curricula will incorporate student-produced video oral histories
that connect the WWII Japanese American experience to local, state,
regional and national issues. These materials will be available
during the 2008-2009 school year. For more information on the
Enduring Communities curricula, email ec@janm.org

************************************************

From Associated Press

August 15, 2008

Michael Rodriguez Has Been Executed. Texas "7"

HUNTSVILLE, Texas - Texas has executed condemned inmate Michael
Rodriguez, convicted of taking part in killing a Dallas-area police
officer nearly eight years ago while a member of the infamous "Texas
7" gang of escaped fugitives.

Rodriguez, 45, had ordered all appeals dropped and volunteered for
Thursday's lethal injection.
He was the eighth convicted killer executed this year in the
nation's busiest capital punishment state and the fourth this month.
Another is set for next week. He was the first of the six surviving
"Texas 7" band to be put to death.

The fugitives shot and killed Irving policeman Aubrey Hawkins after
they broke out of jail in 2000. Prosecutors say Rodriguez was among
the gang shooting at the officer.


Update 6:00pm Inmates last meal was fried chicken breast(spicey),
Grilled pork steak with unions, bacon cheeseburger with
everything,fresh garden salad with french dressing,french fries with
ketchup.

Update 1:32pm There are about 150 police officers from all over the
state planning to attend his execution to show their support for the
slain police officer. His execution should happen sometime after 6pm.

A member of the "Texas Seven," a group of convicts who escaped
prison and eluded authorities for over a month beginning in December
2000, is scheduled for execution today after 6 p.m.

Michael Rodriguez, 45, is one of the six surviving members of the
"Texas Seven" who escaped the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Connally Unit and, while on the loose, murdered Irving police officer
Aubrey Hawkins.

His execution will take place at the TDCJ Walls Unit.

According to a report compiled by Court TV Online, Rodriguez was
already serving a life term at the time of the group's escape, which
took place on Dec. 13, 2000. He had been sentenced to life in prison
for paying a hit man $2,000 to kill his wife in 1992.

The other members of the "Texas Seven" - George Rivas, Larry Harper,
Joseph Garcia, Patrick Murphy Jr., Donald Keith Newbury and Randy
Halprin - were also serving various long-term sentences.

On the day of their escape, during a time when there would be less
surveillance in certain areas, the seven convicts overpowered and
bound nine civilian maintenance supervisors, four correctional
officers and three uninvolved inmates in an electrical room.

Disguised in stolen civilian clothing and using identification
stolen from their victims, the group eventually drove away from the
prison in a maintenance truck with weapons they had stolen from a
guard tower.

The prison truck was later discovered at a Wal-Mart in Kenedy, Texas
approximately three miles from the prison. It was at the Wal-Mart the
group picked up their getaway vehicle, which authorities later stated
was provided by Rodriguez' s father.

Within the following two weeks, the group traveled through Texas on
their way to Colorado, during which time they robbed at least three
locations including a Radio Shack in Pearland, Texas and an Auto Zone
in Pasadena, Texas.

On Christmas Eve, the seven allegedly robbed Oshman's Super Sports
USA Store in Irving, Texas. Hitting the store at the end of the
business hours, the convicts allegedly held several employees hostage
and stole $70,000 in cash and checks, at least 40 firearms,
ammunition and clothing.

On their way out, Irving Police Department Officer Aubrey Hawkins
arrived at the scene.

According to the Irving Police Department Web site, Hawkins had been
dispatched on a suspicious circumstance call to the store and was the
first to arrive.

After encountering into the group of convicts, Hawkins "came under a
barrage of gunfire without warning and had no time to take evasive or
defensive action."

Mortally wounded, Hawkins was then pulled from his squad car and run
over by the convicts.

Following the sporting goods store robbery, the group purchased a
jeep and a motor home and traveled to Woodland Park, Colorado. They
set up a temporary residence in the Coachlight Motel and RV Park
shortly after, and stayed in the area for almost a month.

The trailer park owner finally contacted Texas authorities when a
friend advised him that the group of travelers were likely the "Texas
Seven."


The next day, authorities captured Rivas, Rodriguez and Garcia, who
surrendered. They then went to the trailer park to apprehend Halprin
and Harper, but Harper committed suicide by shooting himself twice.

Newbury and Murphy, who had traveled to Colorado Springs, were found
on Jan. 23.

Following their capture, the surviving six convicts were indicted on
capital murder charges by a Dallas County grand jury on Feb. 1, 2000.

According to the TDCJ Web site, Rodriguez, Rivas and Newberry were
sentenced to death for their parts in the death of Hawkins.

The Associated Press
HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) - Death row inmate Michael Rodriguez sees his
execution scheduled for tomorrow as an attempt to make up for some
very bad decisions.

His first bad decision led to the murder of his wife. The second
made him a key partner in 1 of Texas' most notorious prison breaks
and ultimately cost the life of a suburban Dallas police officer. The
gang of fugitives who became known as the "Texas 7" gunned down
Irving Officer Aubrey Hawkins during a Christmas Eve 2000 sporting
goods store robbery.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Rodriguez says that,
"sadly, a lot of people got hurt." He says he thinks death is "a fair
sentence." In his words, "I need to pay back. I can't pay back
monetarily. This is the way."

Rodriguez would be the first inmate to be executed of the six
surviving members of the seven who broke out of a South Texas prison
in December 2000.

The gang was captured in Colorado after six weeks on the run. One,
Larry Harper, killed himself rather than surrender to authorities.

Rodriguez would be the eighth prisoner executed in the nation's most
active capital punishment state this year and the second this week.

The Texas 7

The infamous "Texas Seven" were convicts who broke out of a South
Texas prison in 2000. The gang was involved in the slaying of a
police officer, then captured in Colorado after six weeks on the run.
Here's a look at the seven, who, except for one who killed himself,
were all convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death.


Michael Rodriguez, 45: Arrested with George Rivas, Randy Halprin and
Joseph Garcia on Jan. 22, 2001, a day after police received a tip
from a trailer park resident outside Colorado Springs, Colo. Born in
Dallas, he was serving a life sentence for capital murder in San
Antonio after his conviction for paying another man $2,000 to kill
his wife so he could collect life insurance proceeds. Rodriguez's
wife was shot in the head in July 1992 after she and her husband came
home from a movie. She died on the floor of the garage at their San
Antonio home. He has given up all appeals and is scheduled to die
Thursday.

George Rivas, 37: The leader of the fugitives, at the time of the
December 2000 prison break the El Paso native was serving 99 years
for aggravated kidnapping and burglary. He and two other men robbed a
sporting goods store in El Paso in April 1993. The robbers forced the
employees to handcuff themselves and then escaped with money. More
than a month later, they robbed a Toys 'R' Us but were caught while
trying to escape. His appeal is at the federal district court in
Dallas.

Joseph Garcia, 36: He was serving 50 years for murder in San
Antonio. He stabbed Miguel Luna to death after the two men had a
frustrating drive together and Luna gave bad directions. When Garcia
stopped the car, Luna attacked him and grabbed his keys. Garcia
chased Luna, jumped on him and stabbed him 19 times. Garcia, from
Bexar County, said he acted in self-defense. His appeal is at the
federal district court in Dallas.

Randy Halprin, 31: The Collin County native was serving 30 years for
injury to a child, specifically, beating up a baby. He had met the
mother in an Arlington homeless shelter in 1996 and moved in with the
family. A month later, while the mother and two other children were
playing in a different room, Halprin repeatedly beat the infant
because, he later said, the baby would not stop crying. When the
child was taken to the hospital the next day, doctors discovered
broken arms, legs and a fractured skull. His appeal is at the trial
court in Dallas.

Larry Harper, 37: Killed himself in January 2001 inside an RV at a
mobile home park 50 miles southwest of Denver as police closed in. He
was serving 50 years for aggravated sexual assault in El Paso, raped
three women over six months in 1993 and 1994. Each time, he surprised
the women at their home, tied them up and repeatedly assaulted them.
Harper's victims lived near the University of Texas at El Paso, where
he attended marketing classes between 1986 and 1994.

Patrick Murphy Jr., 46: He and Donald Newbury surrendered at a
Holiday Inn about 20 miles east of where their colleagues were
captured two days earlier. He was serving 50 years for aggravated
sexual assault with a deadly weapon in Dallas. The Dallas native
entered the home of a 23-year-old woman he had known since high
school and put a knife to her throat. Murphy then covered the
victim's head with a pillowcase, cut off her nightgown and raped her,
court records show. Three days before the crime, Murphy pleaded
guilty to a burglary charge. His appeal is at the trial court in
Dallas.

Donald Newbury, 46: Born in Bernalillo County, N.M., he was serving
99 years for aggravated robbery, robbing a woman at an Austin hotel
in 1997 while armed with a sawed-off shotgun. Newbury was a three-
time felon whose first armed robbery conviction came in 1981. He was
convicted of armed robbery again in 1987, and was suspected in about
a dozen other armed robberies in the Austin area in 1986 and 1987.
His appeal is at the federal district court in Dallas.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

************************************************

From http://friedchickenandgrits.blogspot.com/2008/08/he-was-honored-
for-his-wwii-military.html

August 15, 2008

He was Honored for His WWII Military Service 

Photo album from the funeral of Tom Kortz which took place in Panna
Maria and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

************************************************

From wilsoncountynews.com

August 19, 2008

No losers in the Olympics; they are all proud winners

It's not every day that someone from your own hometown earns a spot
in the Olympics. 

It's not every day that you can say that someone you know is going
to the Olympics. It is indeed something to be proud of for us in
Wilson County to be able to say that we know some-one - or know his
family or classmates or teachers - or even that we at least know
someone who knows someone who knows Dusty Jonas! It's pretty exciting.

While few people dare even to dream about such an opportunity, for
Jonas, the dream became reality when he qualified for the Summer
Olympics in Beijing.

The Wilson County News proudly announced the news in a front-page
story by Robert McDonald on July 15: "Dusty Jonas earns spot on U.S.
Olympic team."

"Former La Vernia High School graduate Dusty Jonas has made the U.S.
Olympic high jump team. The 22-year-old attended the Olympic trials
earlier this month in Eugene, Ore., earning his spot on the team.
Jonas went into the trials as the No. 1-ranked high jumper in the
world. During the Big 12 Outdoor Championships earlier this year,
Jonas jumped an astounding height of 7 feet, 8-3/4 inches, a mark
unmatched by anyone in the world this year." 

Long before that, however, Jonas was someone to watch. Bill
O'Connell wrote in a story for the Wilson County News, Feb. 25, 2004:
Senior guard Dusty Jonas is "considered to be one of the nation's
best high-jumpers in high school, and he might be the most intriguing
player on the roster based on his athletic ability. Jonas last year
won a gold medal in the National Junior Olympics with a leap of 7
feet, 3 inches in the high-jump competition. Jonas signed a letter of
intent this past fall to compete in track and field at Nebraska after
he turned down similar offers from in-state schools Texas and Texas
A&M, as well as Arkansas."

As the time for the Olympic event approached, the communities here
came together with a huge show of support and raised the $12,000
necessary to send the Jonas family to China to watch the competition
of their brother and son. 

Richard Hinojosa, the La Vernia girls' Athletic Director and Jonas'
former coach, said in a post to our Web site that Dusty's parents,
Mike and Donna, "have always been huge supporters of him and his
younger sister Aimee, a heptathlete at the University of Texas-San
Antonio." 

Hinojosa also mentions "Grandparents Gene and Virginia Burnett of
Smiley, Cathy and Callen of Runge; and Debbie Burnett, Dusty's aunt
from Smiley, were always present at junior high and high school
meets. Many times Mike, Donna, and Aimee would travel to see Dusty
compete while he was at Nebraska."

It is fitting that Dusty's family was able to experience the thrill
of an Olympic performance, however short it may have been. It is an
honor to have Jonas and his family in Beijing representing the United
States, the University of Nebraska, Texas, Wilson County, and La
Vernia. 

As an update, another post from Hinojosa on Sunday said: "… Dusty
cleared his first three heights this morning at the Olympics. He fell
just a bit short of advancing to the medal round. The young American
High Jump trio of Jonas, Jesse Williams, and Andra Manson all
competed well but did not advance …."

I think Hinojosa summed it up well with: "It was extremely exciting
just the same. The Olympic competitions have truly been spectacular.
We are all happy and proud that Dusty was a part of such an
incredible competition."

Family and friends are anticipating a welcome home for the Jonas
family. 

As soon as details of his homecoming become available, they will be
posted on the Web: http://wilsoncountynews.com. 

************************************************

From caller.com

08.19.08

Oil and Gas Report

There were no new drilling permit applications for Aransas, Brooks,
Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg or San Patricio counties.

BEE COUNTY

Tidal Petroleum Inc. of Schertz has filed for a permit to drill the
No. 1 South Goree in the Mineral West (11000) field. With a proposed
depth of 11,000 feet, the well will be 16 miles northwest of Beeville
in the Hrs T. B. Barton Survey A-83.

Whitesands Operating LLC of Corpus Christi has filed for permits to
drill two 4,650-foot wells in the Sliva Southwest (Frio Curlee)
field. The No. 3 and No. 4 Wolters will be 11.5 miles southwest of
Beeville in the F. O. Skidmore Survey A-486.

KENEDY COUNTY

Newfield Exploration Co. of Houston has filed for a permit to
directionally drill the No. 97 Mrs. S. K. East "B" to a depth of
19,000 feet in the Sarita East (Frio) field. The well will be 9.2
miles northeast of Sarita in Block 10 of the A. & D. De La Garza
Survey A-99.

LIVE OAK COUNTY

Burlington Resources Oil & Gas Co. LP of Houston has filed for a
permit to drill a 13,000-foot wildcat well. The No. 1 Marlene Olson
will be 14 miles southwest of Kenedy in the W. H. Rogers Survey A-408.

MCMULLEN COUNTY

Drill -Co. Inc. of Metairie has filed for a permit to drill the No.
1A Duwel in the Lagarto Creek (Cole) field. With a proposed depth of
2,700 feet, the well will be 9.5 miles north of Freer in the A B & M
Survey A-20.

Manti Operating Co. of Corpus Christi has filed for a permit to
drill a 6,000-foot Wildcat well. The No. 1 Edwards will be 5.2 miles
northwest of Tilden in the N. Scott Survey a-421.

Swift Energy Operating LLC of Houston has filed for a permit to
drill the No. 250 SBR to a depth of 12,500 feet in the A. W. P.
(Olmos) field. The well will be 7.0 miles southeast of Tilden in
Section 5 of the RT Co Survey A-560.

Swift Energy also filed for a permit to drill the No. 2018 Bracken
"A" in the A.W.P. (Olmos) field. The well, which has a proposed depth
of 12,000 feet, will be 6.7 miles southeast of Tilden in Section 3 of
the B & B Survey A-516.

NUECES COUNTY

Redwine Resources Inc. of Dallas has filed for a permit to drill a
5,500-foot Wildcat well. The No. 1 Isensee-West will be within Corpus
Christi in Section 404 of the B S & F Survey A-975.


REFUGIO COUNTY

Kebo Oil & Gas Inc. of Portland has filed for a permit to drill a
6,900-foot Wildcat well. The No. 9 Thelma Heard will be 18 miles
northeast of Refugio in the J. & J J Garza & J. Vidauri Survey a-66.

************************************************

From thecountywide.com

August 20, 2008

Kenedy councilman calls for police to step up enforcement of traffic
laws

By Cathy Passmore


The Kenedy City Council members worked from a lengthy agenda at
their August 12th monthly meeting. Councilman Ken Reiley had concerns
about incidents that occurred with persons running stop signs, and in
particular, an incident involving a near miss involving his car. 

"A need for more tickets issued for this rampant disregard for stop
signs is in order," Reiley said.

A police officer present at this meeting noted that they are working
on this issue and the department is looking at changing schedules to
accommodate and curb these occurrences.

Another concern was the recent burglaries along Highway 181. The
council members asked what the city could do to help prevent these
burglaries.

"What time of day are these occurring?" asked Councilman Bob Patton.
The police officer said they are usually early morning. The police
are working with the Karnes County Sheriff's Department on these
robberies also. The 11 p.m. curfew will be strictly enforced to
control criminal mischief acts by kids. And alarm systems and dogs
were suggested as good deterrents to avoid home robberies.

No action was taken on the first item of the regular agenda. City
Manager Reggie Winters said more information is needed before action
should be taken on fuel use at the airport. It was tabled for a
future meeting.

But action was taken to amend the city park's rules for use of the
baseball fields. Mayor Randy Garza has concerns about the
availability of certified peace officers being on hand for many of
the games.

"There should be a list of these officers available, on call and
willing to be at the field as needed," Garza said. "Also needing to
be determined is limiting the reserving of a field for a season to
twelve weeks. We have some groups who are signing up without
expecting any time limit on the use of the field."

Other council members agreed and stated that the group also must be
a real league. There still will be allowances for young kids to
practice when the fields are available. The time limit will be
discussed when leagues come to register. And youth groups or leagues
will still need to reserve and pay for use of the fields. The
amendments recommended were voted on and passed by the council.

Winters then reported that the St. Mary's Street water line project
will start in the coming week. And he also reported to the council on
the recent meeting with downtown business owners and TxDOT about
their plans for the revitalization of the downtown area starting in
September or October. There were some questions about the regulation
of awnings.

"I have a question about the awnings," Councilwoman Mary Ann Sanchez
said. "Some, myself included, had taken ours down completely only to
learn that we would not be able to put new ones up. Those who only
partially started to remove them can restore or replace what they
need."

Winters said because of the many rumors about the awnings, he would
look into this situation.

"To be in compliance they must be five feet back from the street and
since the city took over the code compliance in 1998 they will work
with TxDOT. The revitalization will be done one block at a time with
installation of new street lamps, new sidewalks, cement ramps, and
parking will remain the same as now."

Other discussion on this subject included whether or not there is
any city ordinance concerned with renovations of downtown buildings.
Of particular interest was the subject of color that a building might
be painted.

The city can look at zoning ordinances for buildings but "the
easiest way for compliance might be designating a building as
historical," City Attorney Craig McAda suggested. "Other cities I
have known about have found it difficult to regulate downtown
property owners without them being deemed of historical value to the
city." It was decided that present zoning ordinances will be looked
into concerning this matter.

Two other ordinance matters were discussed. One that already is in
existence concerning garage or yard sales was amended to include the
two-day sale be within a 90-day time period limit and that the $5 fee
is non-refundable. The council approved this amendment. The other
one, concerning informational signage in neighborhoods, such as
"Slow, Children at Play" was determined to need more information
before action can be taken. It was decided that to determine if a
city policy is needed and how a sign like that was in any way
enforceable should be researched. The matter will be brought up again
at a later date.

Also acted upon and approved was amending the truck route ordinance
to increase and extend it to go up to Highway 181 at Flax Plant Road.
TxDOT and the Texas Motor Vehicle interests, particularly concerning
engine and brake ordinances, will be notified of the change.

The council then approved a re-plat for Jaime Albiar from Lot E ½ of
18, 19 in the JDN tract of the Levi Pullin Subdivision to be known as
Lot 19A, Block 3 in the JDN tract of the Levi Pullin Subdivision also
known as 321 Booe Street.

The soon-to-be voted-on fiscal year budget was an important topic
with the effective and rollback tax issues to be considered. The
revised property tax values are at $10 million, about the same as
last year the council learned from Winters. It was suggested that a
proactive action could be taken to increase the tax rate within the
limit allowed. Winters said it could be increased up to four percent.
The council voted to do so and Winters will adjust the budget and be
prepared for an upcoming final budget workshop. The budget will be
ready for adoption by August 19.

In other action, the council asked Winters to discuss with the
Kenedy Independent School District personnel the possibility of
entering an inter-local agreement to file in the name of the city
when initiating a lawsuit to recover taxes owed on their properties.
It was determined that would be the best way for the city to recover
funds from the expense of cleaning up properties held by KISD through
a tax foreclosure. Winters was asked to look into this matter also
and report back to the council at their next meeting.

With the Veolia Water Capital and Renewal offering ready to be
signed, some slight adjustments were asked to be included by City
Attorney McAda and several council members. This would include
requests for an inventory of existing equipment and property the city
has and goals and performance reports on a regular basis. When these
are included in the contract, the revised contract will be ready to
sign on the August 19.

Along these lines, earlier in the meeting other water issues had
been discussed. A need to call list was approved and adopted by the
council that will affect extending the time before a water cut-off is
made. This will include only government funded housing projects, and
businesses, and other projects that would affect 20 or more families
in one project. A call would be made to give these customers extra
time to get the payment to the city office.

Also, early in the meeting, Councilman Reiley had stated that
recently the water bills seemed to be higher than usual. He suggested
that perhaps Veolia could check on this and do a tabulation.
Councilwoman Sanchez said she had asked previously for a check on
fire hydrants to make sure they are working. She said she was sure
there was one she knew about that was probably not working. Ray
Borroum of Veolia said he would look into both matters.

After the regular meeting a closed session was held to discuss and
deliberate the role of City Manager Reggie Winters. It was reported
that no action was taken at this meeting.

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From wilsoncountynews.com

August 22, 2008

Vegas game night might turn into Las Vegas trip

Pat Kopecki

A night of Vegas games with a Hawaiian twist is only a short drive
away, when members of the Consolata Healthcare Foundation sponsor
"Luau Las Vegas Style" in Kosciusko Hall beginning at 6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 23.

This will be "one big party," said board member Lester Moczygemba.
The highlight of the evening will be the drawing of door prizes, with
the biggest prize being a trip to Las Vegas for three days and two
nights. There's a catch, though: You must be present to win the trip.

The foundation, which raises funds to acquire items on the Connally
Memorial Medical Center's "wish list," is looking to purchase a new
sign for the hospital. The tall, lighted sign would more easily
direct patients and visitors as to where to enter the medical center
and find offices in the Medical Building.

The evening will start off with a happy hour at 6 p.m., with games
of blackjack, craps, poker, slots, and more beginning at 7 p.m. The
$50 entry fee includes a delicious, Hawaiian-style dinner, two beer
tickets, and chips for playing the games. 

During the live and silent auctions, many great items will be
available. Those with wanderlust might be interested in bidding on
two-night stays at the Hotel Valencia on the River Walk in San
Antonio or the Holiday Inn at Market Square, or perhaps a weekend
stay at the Westin Riverwalk or the Hilton San Antonio Airport. Many
would be willing to sign their names for a two-night stay at the La
Quinta Inn and Suites at the Medical Center.

For those with a craving for the great outdoors, how about a bow-
fishing trip, or a deer hunt for four? A guided fishing trip and a
spring turkey hunt are also in the offering, and what better items to
bid on to take along than four Adirondack chairs, handmade by Lester
Moczygemba, or perhaps Texaloy's famous Lone Star Grill.

Closer to home, the Maverick Golf Club has donated two rounds of
golf for four - and to play with, place your name on the dotted line
and maybe you'll win some Titleist Pro V1 balls!

If all this activity makes you hungry, try to win gift certificates
to Chili's, the Outback Steakhouse, or Citrus in San Antonio. And
don't worry about putting on the pounds … a three-month membership to
Anytime Fitness in Floresville will be on the auction block, too.

Those looking to spruce up the house can find plenty of items here,
from a wine rack to butterfly metal art to a Texas mesquite cutting
board by Faifer & Co. So many businesses - and residents - have
donated beautiful items, there just isn't space here to list them all.

Everyone also will have a one-in-52 chance to win one of two diamond
rings or one of two firearms. Once again, you must be present when
they call the winners' names! 

After the gaming events end, and prior to the auction, a short video
will showcase the work of the Consolata foundation.

Polak's Sawsage Farm Restaurant of Kenedy will cater a sumptuous
meal consisting of meatballs in barbecue sauce, shrimp on a skewer,
shrimp cocktail, sweet and sour chicken kabobs, and fried rice with
pineapple, almonds, and snow peas. Your dessert selections include
pineapple cobbler, key lime pie, and coconut cake.

Tickets can be purchased at Connally Memorial Medical Center, H&H
Pawn, the Floresville Chamber of Commerce office, and the Wilson
County News office. Tickets will also be available at the door that
night.

The Consolata Healthcare Foundation, established in 1999, has been
an active part of the community. The foundation is named after Sister
Mary Consolata, the first administrator of the former Wilson Memorial
Hospital, now the Connally Memorial Medical Center. 

Current board members include Pam Bonney, hospital Administrator
Fran Chilek, Dawn Fleming, Nick FitzSimon, Andy Joslin, Janice
Joslin, Pam Varnon Lothringer, Alton Moczygemba, Lester Moczygemba,
Rachel Peña, Melissa Popham, Jason Smith, Paul Sack, and Daniel
Tejada. Morgan Dunbar serves as the executive director.

For more information, call Katie Etringer at the medical center at
830-393-1315.

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From wilsoncountynews.com

August 19, 2008

Home Town Wood Crafts custom builds to your every need

FLORESVILLE - Looking for that special piece to place in a corner of
a room, but can't find exactly what you want? Billy Mason is here to
assist you. Located in the heart of the historic downtown area, at
1025 C St., Home Town Wood Crafts is available to provide that
special hard-to-find piece of furniture that you dream of owning. 

Mason has been a woodcrafter for the past 30 years, and can make any
type of furniture to your measurements to fit your every need. 

Mason, who is self-taught, recalls the first project - a doghouse -
he built at the age of 6 or 7. What started at this young age became
his lifelong desire to become self-employed, doing what he enjoys
most. 

At this location for six months, he had a shop across the street for
1-1/2 years. Before that, he had a shop on U.S. 181 Business.

The range of Mason's work is endless, from barnwood furniture to
entertainment centers, to cabinets to help finish any room.
He also receives a lot of orders for picture frames.

From baby furniture to "It's a boy" special-delivery signs, Mason
can build anything for the newest member of the family. From toy
boxes to race-car beds, rocking horses, and old-time schoolroom
children's desks, with tops that open, Mason can build the item you
are looking for to assist in furnishing your child's room. 

For those seeking that special hope chest, Mason is here to assist.
He also carves, to your satisfaction, Texas Rangers and sheriff's
badges. 

Mason has an assortment of wood décor or "spirit" items, ranging
from swinging cows to grandmas and grandpas to "spirit" cheerleaders,
in an assortment of sizes. He will also personalize any project he
does, if the customer requests. 

For sports enthusiasts, Mason has carved and painted Dallas Cowboys
clocks. Other clocks include those with deer or windmills. As he uses
no nails, projects take longer to do, since he uses glue.

To assist his customers, Mason has pictures of his work to help
customers describe what they are looking for. He can reproduce
anything that is drawn on paper to whatever size the customer requests.

Mason purchases wood from several outlets to keep costs down, and
selects the wood to serve the need of the job at hand. He builds the
customer's order from a rustic look to finished or unfinished.

Currently, most of his customers are from out of town -Houston,
Karnes City, Stockdale, San Antonio, and Chicago - who saw his shop
and what he offers by window shopping. 

Worried about the time it might take to get that special piece of
furniture made? Not to worry, since on one Sunday alone, Mason
completed three pieces. It all depends on the time and the number of
orders he has, since his policy is "first come, first served." To
keep up, Mason can be found working on the weekends, and at night.

For example, a wheelbarrow planter box takes Mason four to five days
to complete. A cabinet might take 1-1/2 weeks, while a toilet cabinet
might take two days. It all depends on the details, as the more
detailed, the longer it will take, he said. 

Mason recently created a miniature, set-to-scale replica of the Pat
Brown Realtors office in Floresville. This project took 2-1/2 weeks
to complete, with three days needed to chip the rock look at the base
of the building. After close inspection of the actual building, Mason
included the light pole, air-conditioning units, and electrical wiring.

Some of Mason's works are on display at the Wilson County News
office at 1012 C St. A picture frame, planter box, and a farm scene
made out of wood can be seen there.

His wife of 20 years, Janice Garrett, assists Mason with the
painting, in whatever color the customer chooses. She'll even varnish
in whatever stain color the customer wants.

Currently, Mason works part time as a heavy-equipment operator with
F&W Electric. But he plans to be open seven days a week in the
future, doing what he enjoys the most - woodwork.

Normal hours of operation are Friday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.;
Saturday 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

Since Mason works at the shop at other times than are listed, he
recommends calling Garrett at her place of business, Garrett Auto
Repair, at 210-865-6042, to see if Mason is available. 

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From wilsoncountynews.com

August 19, 2008

Jennifer Kotzur makes world baton-twirling team

Kotzur wins 8 medals in the Junior Olympic games

Baton twirling is more than just "the girl with the stick in her
hand" who twirls with the high school marching band. It's more than
just an art. It is an artistic sport or hobby, as well as a
competitive sport. 

To one local Wilson County resident, baton twirling is not just a
hobby, it is her passion, sport, and life outside of her education.

Stockdale's very own Jennifer Leeann Kotzur continued following her
dreams with her sport of baton twirling, as she was the only
representative of the Lone Star State in the sport at the 2008
Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games/National Champions, held
in Detroit, Mich., from July 29 to Aug. 1. 

Preliminary competition took place for both teams and individuals
July 29-30. At this year's Junior Olympics, Jennifer competed in 11
out of 12 possible individual events an athlete could compete in,
setting a Junior Olympic record for baton twirling. After the two
days of preliminaries, Jennifer advanced to finals in 10 events:
solo, two-baton, three-baton, multiple baton, dance-twirl, flag, T-
strut, basic strut, military strut, and X-strut.

After four hours of competition and an hour of tabulation, the
results were in. Jennifer won gold medals in the advanced senior T-
Strut and advanced senior flag solo; silver medals in senior dance-
twirl and advanced senior military; and a bronze medal in senior
beginner 3-baton. Other medals she received include copper (fourth
place through sixth place) in senior beginner multiple baton, senior
intermediate 2-baton and solo, senior advanced basic, and X-strut. 

With her achievements, she not only became the first athlete to
compete in over eight individual events, she also was the first
athlete to receive more than eight individual medals in the Junior
Olympic games and in a Junior Olympic sport.

This competition followed Jennifer's most recent competition in the
2008 U.S. Twirling Association Twirling National Champions, the 2009
International Cup World Team Trials, and 50th-anniversary
celebration, July 12-19 in Daytona Beach, Fla. 

The 2009 International Cup World Team Trials allowed competitors
from across the country to compete in one-baton, two-baton, three-
baton, and freestyle trials competition, vying for the opportunity to
represent the United States in the junior, senior, and adult age
divisions for the 2009 WBTF World Championships to be held in Sydney,
Australia, next August. 

Kotzur was chosen to compete at world in two-baton and freestyle.
She also earned second place in National Dance-Twirl, advancing to
the Grand National Finals, where she placed eighth, third in strut,
fourth in two-baton, and fifth in solo. 

Kotzur is honored to be a member of the 2009 International Cup U.S.
World Team, and looks forward to competing at worlds next summer in
Sydney.

She twirled from 2003-06 for "The Goin' Band From Brahmaland," the
Stockdale High School marching band, and was named the first-ever UIL
state champion for baton twirling in 2006. While she was in high
school, Kotzur made the competitive baton-twirling circuit in such
organizations as the American Twirling Federation, the National Baton
Twirling Association, and the U.S. Twirling Association. 

She is the daughter of John and Charlotte Kotzur of Stockdale and
the granddaughter of Georgia Kotzur Laskowski of Karnes City. The 20-
year-old college senior is a history and political science education
major, attending Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. 

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From wilsoncountynews.com

August 26, 2008

Unemployment rate increases in county

SAN ANTONIO - Wilson County's unemployment increased slightly in
July according to labor market statistics released by Workforce
Solutions Alamo. The county's jobless rate for the month was 4.9
percent, up from 4.8 percent reported in June. 

Wilson County's unemployment rate, meanwhile, registered slightly
higher than the overall jobless rate of 4.8 percent for the 12-county
Alamo Area, which includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio,
Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson
counties. 

The unadjusted unemployment rate for the San Antonio area also
increased to 4.8 percent in July, up from 4.6 percent in June. 

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From victoriaadvocate.com

August 27, 2008

Four new coaches in 28-2A
BY MIKE FORMAN 

Karnes City's Tom Warlick hopes to turn continuity into success.

Warlick begins his seventh season as the Badgers' head coach, which
gives him a leg up on the District 28-2A coaches.

Navarro's Les Goad is the district's only other head coach returning.

Stockdale's Jim Wood was an assistant at the school last season.
Nixon-Smiley, Kenedy and Poth are also under the direction of new
head coaches.

Warlick's teams enjoyed a run of seven consecutive playoff
appearances, but haven't been to the postseason since 2005.

"We've got most of our backfield returning," Warlick said. "We had
to replace a couple of linemen up front. Defensively, we've had to
replace a few guys. If this team will gel together, it could be
pretty decent."

Nixon-Smiley hasn't been to the playoffs since 2005 and Kenedy last
advanced to the postseason in 1999.

"I feel in the district that there will be five playoff-caliber
teams," Nixon-Smiley coach James Duprie said. "I think Stockdale will
be down a bit from last year. Poth will undergo same of the same
growing pains of a new system. Karnes City will be improved from last
year season and Navarro will be a consistent contender. I think
Kenedy will be much improved from last season as well."

Kenedy coach Mike Ramirez leans toward Navarro as the favorite, but
believes every team has a shot at the playoffs.

"I've talked to other people and from what I've seen on film it
should be a competitive district," Ramirez said. 

"We're working toward winning in district." 

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From wkcurrent.com

August 30, 2008

DuBose family was part of Hunt’s founding years

EDITOR’S NOTE — This is the 133rd of a series of articles marking Kerr County’s sesquicentennial.

By Irene Van Winkle

West Kerr Current

Doris Bierschwale Wilkes was a tiny girl during the ravaging Hill Country flood of 1932, but she said she still recalls when her parents’ home along the Guadalupe River was completely washed away. She also recalls a quick recovery.

“The Red Cross gave each family $600 to build a house,” she said, which, amazingly, her father, Robert, did. 

As was the case with the Bierschwales (See West Kerr Current, Nov. 1, 2007), a similar resilience and resolve was in Doris’s maternal ancestors, the DuBose family. 

Doris and her husband, Chester, who live in San Antonio, visit here often, and do research on the family’s ancestry and movements.

The DuBoses were transplanted from Europe centuries ago due to religious disputes. They were French Huguenots, who eventually came to Germany before landing on American shores. It is possible that the name was also DuBois, since the description on the DuBose family crest says, “Of the woods, but not woodsy.” Translated from French, the word “bois” means woods.

In “The Days of the Upright, The Story of the Huguenots,” by O.J.A. Roche, the DuBose ancestors were mentioned during the upheavals following the 1598 Edict of Nantes issued by King Henry IV of France. It was meant to end the religious wars, and give Huguenots (or Calvinist Protestants) more rights in an essentially Catholic country.

But, Roche said, “... judges throughout the country, acting ‘within the law,’ ignored the edicts; and the accumulated precedent of the anti-Protestant decisions became the general law of France.” 

A trickle of wealthy Huguenots gradually began to emigrate. After the ascent of Henry’s grandson, Louis XIV, matters worsened. Louis tried to stem the tide of emigration, confiscating goods, and jailing the friends of those who left. Roche continued:

“Pierre du Bosc, minister of one of the wealthiest remaining Huguenot churches, at Caen, in Normandy, was selected to appear before the Royal Council. With Louis XIV present, DuBosc made a speech outlining the Huguenot case: ‘We are everywhere forced to the wall,’ he said. ‘Our condition is one of calamity; it is no longer endurable. Our houses of worship have been taken away. We are forbidden to practice our trades. We are not allowed to make a living.’ Then he warned:

“‘When they see the dike (of the Edict of Nantes) broken, they will expect the waters to burst through in a great flood. And in confusion and fear, each man will seek safety in flight. The Kingdom of France will witness the departure of more than a million people, to the great harm of business, manufacturing, farming, the trades and the arts, and to the whole prosperity of the Realm.’”

DuBosc’s appeal only worked briefly. By 1685, Louis XIV renounced the edict, declaring Protestantism illegal. The tide of immigrants swelled into France’s rivals of Prussia, Holland, Switzerland and Great Britain, draining it of many skilled individuals. 

Doris said that there were seven generations of church-builders in her family. This did not mean they were stone masons, but people who built up congregations. 

“They went to Germany where Martin Luther was, after leaving France,” Doris said. After they settled in America, they eventually turned to the Primitive Baptist faith. Doris said that the DuBose family settled in the Santee River area of South Carolina.

“DuBose Genealogy” by Dorothy Kelly MacDowell cites Peter, or Pierre DuBose (1703-1757), born in South Carolina, as the son of French immigrants, Isaac (1665-1740) and Suzanne Couillandeau DuBose. Isaac was born in Normandy, the son of Louis and Anne.

Peter married a much younger woman, Madelaine Dayer Guerry (born ca. 1725), and they lived in Christ Church Parish. One of their sons was Isaac Elbert DuBose (born in 1750-1824), who was a civil servant for the state of Georgia in the Revolutionary War. He and wife Sarah moved to near Milledgeville, Ga. and then to the Alabama River area.

Among their numerous children was Benjamin James (1805-1881), born in Jefferson County and married to Sarah Ann Lamar. Benjamin J. and Sarah lived in Washington County, Texas, ca. 1840, then came to Calhoun County, Ark., staying until 1870. 

Between 1827 and 1852, they had 10 children, some born in Alabama and the last four in Arkansas: Mary, James Lafayette, Martha Frances, Sarah Catherine, William Stortain, Ann Judson, Samuel Dent, Amanda E., Benjamin Isaac and John Elias. Within the next decade, they headed to Gonzalez County, Texas, and by 1882, they were in Black Creek in Medina County.

There is some history on two of the brothers: John Elias and Benjamin Isaac, and their nephew, John Lisbon.

The brother most closely tied to Kerr County is John Elias, who had three wives and many children. He was born in Arkansas in 1852, the youngest of Sarah Ann and Benjamin James’ 10 children.

In 1874, John E. married Mary Jane Hart, and had five children: Canary, Adkinson “Ad”, Joel, Leandre and Alice. Less than 10 years after their marriage, Mary Jane died at only 25 years of age.

Soon afterwards, John Elias married Missouri Spraggins Baker, who already had several children from her first marriage. Missouri and John had four children of their own: James Benjamin, William E., Marion Frank and Fannie. 

Lastly, John E. married Martha Caroline Littleton Sweatt (born 1855) in 1893. Martha already had four other children (Charley, Minnie Lou, Annie, and Clara) from her marriage to Charles Wesley Sweatt, who died after falling from his horse. John and Martha had two children, born in Kerr County: John “Edgar” and Enoch “De Witt.”

As time went on, in one generation, three DuBose brothers married three Byas sisters: Ad married Sallie “Mae” in 1906 at Rainbow Valley in Hunt, and they became Doris’s grandparents; Edgar married Pearl, and DeWitt married Eula.

John and Martha seem to have lived some time in the Hunt area before 1900, but they were in Medina County, the Zig Zag community, in the 1900 Census. Black Creek is about five miles west/north west of Devine, and Zig-Zag is named for the way its road cuts back and forth.

Soon afterward, they purchased 320 acres on the T.W. Anderson: 83 acres at the North and South forks of the Guadalupe River, and 236 acres adjacent on the South Fork.

In 1900, Martha and John Elias had settled on the south fork of the Guadalupe in Hunt. 

In 1911, John DuBose sold the 320 acres of land at the forks of the Guadalupe to Robert F. Hunt (brother-in-law of John’s son, Ad) for $6,000, with $800 down and the rest due within a few months. 

John DuBose moved to Alice, Texas. Hunt quickly filed a plat of a village in the river forks to be named Hunt. The new village had an established church, the Primitive Baptist Church of Hunt, deeded to them in 1907 by John.

Hunt obtained additional funding and paid off the note on time. Home sites in Hunt quickly sold. The post office at Japonica was moved to Hunt in 1912, and a store was established that also sold gasoline.

After spending about four years and most of their money, John and Martha DuBose moved back to Hunt. In January, 1916, they bought a farm from Emma Taylor and her husband that is on the South Fork and is now The Heart of The Hills Inn. This 80 acres was patented to T.C. Hyde in 1882. A village of Pebble, with a post office, was later platted there. They also built a house in Hunt behind the present post office, next door to the Woottons.

In October, 1924 they sold the 80-acre farm and John DuBose died the following year. Martha lived in her Hunt home on the South Fork until it washed away in the 1932 flood.

By 1910, the only children left in the DuBose houshold in Hunt were Marion Frank, John Edgar and Enoch DeWitt. All of John and Martha’s children later moved off except for Minnie, who married Hunt postmaster Virgil Wootton, known for his fiddle-playing. (See West Kerr Current story on the Wootton family, April 24, 2008.)

Minnie and Virgil stayed in Hunt their whole lives, but had no children. 

John Elias’s brother, Benjamin Isaac, moved out to Devine, Texas. His first wife, Elmira Davis, died at age 31 with measles, by which time she had borne six children. Benjamin then married Louisa Adams, and had four more offspring. After moving out to California, they returned to Medina County, where he and Louisa are buried.

John Lisbon (born 1859), the son of James Lafayette and Martha Missouri Cook Dubose, lost his mother while very young. Because James Lafayette enlisted in the Confederate States Army during the Civil War, John Lisbon and two siblings went to live with their grandparents, Benjamin James and Sarah Ann DuBose. 

Once he grew up, John Lisbon moved to Medina County and settled in the Zig-Zag Black Creek area with his first wife, Alice Amanda. 

After she died, he remarried, and later helped to establish the Zion Primitive Baptist Church at Zig Zag in 1884.

Ad and Mae had six children: Beulah Marie, Sallie “Mildred,” Merrill Clare, Joseph Carlton, Eunice May and Dorothy Nell. Three of them were born in Hunt at their home on Tegener Creek, Doris said. Merrill was born in Choate, Karnes County.

Ad worked mostly as a farmer, and he was also a deacon in the Primitive Baptist Church. He died when Doris was just two years old.

Mildred married Robert Bierschwale, who, Doris said, “went wherever the work was,” including building summer camps on the South Fork. Robert worked at Mo-Ranch, and elsewhere around Kerr and Gillespie counties.

For a time, they lived in a home on the river side, across from what is now Hunt Store. In 1932, Robert bought another lot on the block behind the present post office and built a house there. His mother-in-law, Sallie May, moved into his river front house in 1930 when Robert and his brother, George, bought the Morris Ranch store.

Robert moved into the 1932 house still under construction, and poured cement steps the day of the flood. Both of those houses washed away. 

Robert and Mildred had two daughters, Doris and Bonnie, who were born at their home. Doris was only four years old when the flood hit their house, as it did many of the neighbors living along the Guadalupe, and she still remembers the upheaval.

“Twelve families took refuge at the old Hunt School,” Doris said. “They had three families per room at the school, which had four rooms then. In our room we had mother and her siblings. I remember not having a change of clothes, so they gave me the preacher’s son’s shirt to wear,” she added. “It dragged on the floor and I felt like I was a princess.”

It was several days before they could cross the river, Doris said. But, with his family waiting for a dwelling, Robert quickly got to work.

“We were lucky, because my father was a carpenter, and our friends and family pitched in,” she said. “He bought one acre on high ground above and next to the Hunt school, and he built a four-room house. Imagine, he did all that with just $600.”

Robert and his brother, George, ran the Morris Ranch store, Doris said, but the economy was bad and they later went broke. She remembered going to the Morris Ranch school in 1934.

Of the nine children in the first grade at the school, Doris said, only three of them could speak English. The teacher, Mrs. Hohenberger, taught in German and English. Three grades were in one classroom, and the children could learn from each other.

Later, Doris also attended Tivy High School for a year or two, but things changed again.

“I moved to San Antonio during WWII,” Doris said. “Dad found a job as a carpenter at Brooks Field.” 

When Robert was 53, he died of a sudden heart attack.

Six of the nine Byas siblings are buried at Nichols Cemetery.

Doris said another interesting relative was DeWitt Dubose (1897-1977), her “Uncle Dee.” She still has a photograph of DeWitt taken right after WWII in San Antonio. He is shown walking alongside a large car as a security guard, while Gen. Douglas McArthur and other dignitaries ride on the convertible’s back seat with large crowds lining the street.

DeWitt served in two world wars, Doris said. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during the last days of WWI, at the age of 17, she said. He then re-enlisted at age 45 in WWII on his wife’s 44th birthday.

He was assigned to the 5th Amphibious Corp., on the submarine Nautilus and in 1943 swam ashore to examine Japanese underwater barricades. DeWitt fought in many battles, Doris said, including the Gilbert Islands, Marshall Islands and the Marianas (Saipan, Teneam and Guam).

Discharged in 1945, DeWitt went to Houston, where he was an agent for the Treasury Department (now the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms). He also was a private detective and a U.S. Marshal.

Doris said he enjoyed sharing his experiences, and “it could be that he may have exaggerated a wee bit for the excitement of the children.”

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