Karnes Co. TX - NEWS - January 2008 This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Kimm Antell Copyright. All rights reserved. http://files.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm Copyright 2008 Victoria Advocate Online (http://victoriaadvocate.com) unless otherwise notated. ************************************************ From wilsoncountynews.com Unemployment rate up Wilson County's unemployment rate increased in November according to labor market statistics released by Alamo WorkSource. The county's jobless rate for the month was 3.9 percent - up from 3.7 percent in October. Wilson County's unemployment rate, meanwhile, equaled the overall jobless rate of 3.9 percent for the 12-county Alamo Area, which includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson counties. Gillespie County registered the lowest unemployment rate in the Alamo Area in November at 2.9 percent. The Texas unadjusted unemployment rate for November, meanwhile, also increased to 4.1 percent while the national rate edged up to 4.5 percent. Comparatively, the state and national seasonally adjusted unemployment rates registered 4.2 and 4.7 percent respectively in November. For more information, visit www.alamoworksource.org. ************************************************ From wilsoncountynews.com January 2, 2008 Wet weather, politics highlight 2007 WCN Staff Weather played a starring role in the area throughout 2007, affecting schools, businesses, city budgets, fire department resources, and agricultural production, as well as testing the patience of parents faced with yet another rainy day with the children indoors. The region was in drought conditions as the year began. The long spell of dry weather had caused a number of brush and grass fires in 2006, and Sen. John Cornyn said the wildfire season was the state's most prolific in its history. Freezing temperatures turned January rains, welcomed in the wake of the drought, into dangerous conditions, with ice and spectacular frozen landscapes bringing the area to a standstill. Along with power outages from the ice came school and business closures, most of only one or two days. Soon after, higher temperatures turned the icy precipitation into rain. January rainfall totals were twice the monthly average, prompting many to wonder if the drought was ended. Storms in early to mid-March washed out spring break for many students. Rainfall amounts between 4 inches and 10 inches were recorded during two separate storm incidents. Trees fell as their roots failed to hold in the sodden ground, and flash flooding occurred in many areas. Power and postal services were disrupted in the region; some roads were closed. A storm on April 25 brought winds exceeding 60 miles per hour, downing power lines, uprooting trees, and damaging businesses, homes, and vehicles. The National Weather Service could not confirm if the trail of damage was caused by a tornado. Rains again saturated the area. Summer brought no relief from the wet weather, with rain making a regular appearance throughout June and July. Storm systems in late June produced rainfalls of as much as 6 inches in some parts of the region. Heavy rains July 20 caused flooding in downtown Stockdale. Flooding also caused road closures, including parts of S.H. 123 and U.S. 87 near Stockdale, along with a stretch of F.M. 537. Wilson County officials applied for federal grant money to repair and rebuild roadways damaged by the floods. The National Weather Service confirmed several cities in South Central Texas had already received 35 inches of rain, the equivalent of the average annual rainfall in the area. Tropical Depression Erin brought more rain to the already-soaked area in mid-August. The Floresville River Park was literally under water as the San Antonio River overflowed its banks, causing S.H. 97 to be closed to traffic. Flood warnings continued for several days after Erin dumped more than 5 inches of rain at the San Antonio International Airport, and Stinson Field in San Antonio recorded more than 9 inches. Hurricane Dean threatened to bring more precipitation as Erin blew out inland. Had rainfall continued to accrue at the same rate, past records would have been obliterated, according to the National Weather Service. Rains decreased, however, as the school year approached. The spring and summer rains brought relief to the drought-stricken area. Unfortunately, stagnant water was a breeding ground for mosquitoes, bringing the threat of outbreaks of West Nile virus for animals and people. Pests, such as fleas, ticks, and biting flies, were prolific breeders, along with crickets, which produced in great numbers throughout the warm months. Drivers on area roads dealt with potholes caused by the rain, prompting Wilson County officials to scramble to find money in the budget for repairs. The year, which started with dry conditions, ended on the same note. Agriculture After fighting years of drought and drought-like conditions, 2007 gave area farmers and ranchers more rain and water than many would have liked. Livestock producers were concerned with animals being stuck in mud, as well as succumbing to insect- and water-borne illnesses. Good hay crops resulted from the rains, but some hay could not be cut, due to the soaked ground. Some fields could not be planted or harvested, and the Texas pecan harvest decreased, due to the excessively damp conditions. The proliferation of grasses and undergrowth produced lush landscapes through the spring and into the fall. Unfortunately, the drier weather since September has now produced prime conditions for grass and brush fires, with the once-green growth now dry, brown, and brittle, prime fuel for the fires that have kept area fire departments busy since before Christmas. Honeybees made headlines throughout the year. Initial reports about colony collapse disorder (CCD) had many worried about the survival of honeybees in the area. Soon after, however, that concern shifted from the well-being of bees to the well-being of people being attacked by bees. The first major incident the Wilson County News reported was when a local resident's two dogs died after honeybees attacked them. A man from the Somerset area then shared his near-death experience with the Wilson County News, recalling the attack that left him hospitalized for three days. Later, a couple told of an attack at their lake home. A large colony of bees had taken up residence behind an exterior wall of the house and attacked two men outside the home. Spiders, crickets, and snakes were also a topic of discussion for much of the year. The excessive rains and cooler climates kept these critters within sight most of the time. The increased number of snake sightings made many residents nervous, and several coral snakes were reported in places they had not previously been seen. Sports The Team Morones Boxing Club, the first boxing gym in Floresville, began the year by sending its first two fighters to the Golden Gloves competition, representing the town of Floresville. John Valdez made it to the sub-novice, light welterweight championship fight, but lost in a 3-2 split decision. Later in the year, Rick Morones Jr. declared his professional status, while continuing to fight out of Floresville. After advancing to the state tournament for the fifth straight year, the Poth Pirette basketball team finally captured that elusive state championship. Several players from that team later said it would always be remembered as their greatest high school memory. After trading court shoes in for cleats, the 2007 softball and baseball seasons were under way. Several area teams had strong seasons and made the playoffs, but the Falls City Beaverettes turned heads as they made school history. The softball team advanced to the Region IV semifinal round before falling to Shiner. It was the farthest any Falls City team had advanced in the history of their softball program. La Vernia dominated the Class 3A track world and made a strong showing at the state meet, sending several athletes home with medals. Later in the year, the La Vernia cross country teams were making headlines as both the boys and the girls teams advanced to the state meet. They boys captured silver medals as they finished second in the state, and the girls overcame many obstacles to finish 11th in the state meet. The Poth Pirette volleyball team made another impressive run through the playoffs but eventually fell in the state championship game. It was the first time that any member of the team had ever lost to another Class 2A opponent. Only their coach was familiar with how that felt. The 2007 football season left area residents with many memories. Poth Coach Jerry Bonewald announced his retirement and coached his final season for the Pirates. Stockdale Coach Andrew King kept his Brahmas in the state's top rankings for many weeks and eventually led them all the way to the regional semifinals. Floresville head Coach John Baker also turned heads as he took his Tigers from a 2-8 season in 2006 to an impressive 9-1 regular season and a district title. Fans then witnessed the end of an era as the final game was played at Eschenburg Field. Demolition began shortly after the regular season in order to make way for a new stadium. Education Local school districts have continued to grow as the area prospers. Student populations in the Floresville, La Vernia, Stockdale, and East Central districts are overflowing existing building and facilities, and several districts are utilizing portable classrooms. The growth prompted bond elections in La Vernia and Floresville in May; voters passed both and construction is under way. The plans in Floresville include a technology center intended to provide area students an opportunity to graduate high school with an associate's degree in hand, too. The center may also provide continuing education for the community. The La Vernia Independent School District is adding a new elementary/middle school campus, improving the high school facilities, and adding a junior high school gym and a district auditorium, among other things. The Stockdale school district continues improvements, including progress with a new high school. A facility study group in the East Central Independent School District recently proposed improvements to East Central High School and several other campuses. This may bring a bond election before the district's voters in May. All area districts continued posting quality results in UIL competition, as well as on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) in 2007. Internet Access to the World Wide Web continued as a hot topic in 2007. While many residents continued to express disappointment in Verizon and the company's unwillingness to upgrade the lines and technology in the Floresville area, other residents and business leaders have simply resolved to find another way. Satellite providers are currently being used by a number of businesses and residences in the area. Several "wireless" companies had petitioned the city of Floresville, seeking support and permission to install a new high-speed Internet product in the area. Floresville Independent School District is not entirely in favor of a wireless system, a system they currently use themselves. The district therefore contacted Time Warner Cable, in hopes of having high-speed cable installed in the area. The school is seeking a faster and more reliable provider than what they have in current wireless systems. With the growing network of campuses and computers, as well as the needs of the coming technology center, the current providers are insufficient. Time Warner made no promises but did spend a morning visiting with school and city officials, as well as local business owners. Time Warner made a request for information regarding the area's growth and potential clientele. Officials said they would review the data and make a decision in 2008. Stelera Wireless, using money largely received through a grant, has been working to install a high-speed wireless network in Floresville and Poth. The network is scheduled to be online the first part of 2008 and will provide customers within the coverage area with another option. Traffic lights With the growth in the area have come heavier traffic and new traffic patterns. New traffic lights installed this year at the intersections of U.S. 181 and F.M. 775 north of Floresville and at F.M. 775 and U.S. 87 in La Vernia are designed to improve the flow of traffic and reduce accidents due to increased volume. The new traffic lights in La Vernia include a left-turn signal for travelers turning off U.S. 87 onto F.M. 775. The traffic lights at U.S. 181 and F.M. 775 were part of an ongoing saga in the first half of 2007. In January, officials at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) said a study in 2005 of the intersection showed a traffic light wasn't merited; however, TxDOT was continuing to study traffic patterns there. According to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reports, there were 19 two-car collisions at the intersection in 2006 but no fatalities. On Jan. 26, 14-year-old Brandon Werntz started a petition drive to have a traffic light installed at U.S. 181 and F.M. 775. Brandon, a resident of the Eagle Creek Ranch subdivision near the intersection, was concerned about the dangers of using the intersection, something he and his family contend with on a regular basis. Two vehicle collisions occurred Feb. 14 and Feb. 17, prompting area residents to question TxDOT's decision against installing lights at the intersection. On Feb. 22, TxDOT announced plans for traffic lights to be installed within four to six months of the announcement. Following a number of delays, the lights were activated at the intersection in late October. Farewells Texas and the nation mourned as Lady Bird Johnson, the widow of former President Lyndon B. Johnson and a Texas icon in her own right, was laid to rest in her beloved Hill Country in July. Area residents bid a fond farewell to former Wilson County Sheriff Asa G. Fuller Jr., who passed away Dec. 15. Fuller served as the county sheriff from 1960 until January 1981. Former Wilson County Judge Martha Schnabel was laid to rest Oct. 11. In addition to serving as the first woman judge in Wilson County, she was the first San Antonio policewoman to graduate from the police academy, among other accomplishments. As the county mourned her, a weekend car accident claimed the lives of Alejandro Ray Maximo "Alex" Sanchez, 25, and Alexander Leon "Alex" Pruski II, 28, both of Floresville. The two died Oct. 13 when their vehicle crashed into a utility pole on U.S. 181 Business by the Avalon subdivision. Vehicle accidents claimed the lives of many other area residents. Herlinda Inez Vela, 23, and her son, Elijah Trae Vela, died after a head-on collision on U.S. 87 in Sutherland Springs May 25. One week later, area residents were shocked at the deaths of seven Stockdale residents in a crash on S.H. 123 near Seguin. Dead at the scene or later as a result of injuries sustained were Jose Roel "J.R." Amaya II of Nixon and Andrew Pomeroy of Seguin, along with Ernest Gonzales, his daughter, Jennifer Gonzales, and her children, Jesus Powell, Dominique Gonzales, and Andre Gonzales, all of Stockdale. Stockdale residents were also saddened by the death of Dustin Stewart Nov. 10, also killed in a vehicle collision. Stockdale residents mourned the passing of well-known and much-loved icons Miley Tiller Lorenz and Jannette W. "Peanut" (Childress) Wehmeyer. A crash at the intersection of C.R. 319 and F.M. 775 near La Vernia claimed the life of Aimee Lenhart, 19, of Floresville on Jan. 21. The death of Penney Coleman, 50, of Nixon, shocked area residents when a gas leak caused an explosion at her home Dec. 4. Coleman died from injuries sustained in the explosion. Wilson County lost an important water-rights advocate with the passing of Gaylon T. Click in March. A death of another kind was marked by listeners of local independent radio station KWCB 89.7 FM, who bid farewell when the station ceased operation June 30, bringing 30 years of community radio to a close. This brought the end of an era to the station's well-loved polka shows, live coverage of Floresville Tigers and other local teams' football games, and more that was typical fare for the station's listeners. Power to the people It has often been said, "You can't fight city hall." But residents in Floresville and Stockdale proved the naysayers wrong in 2007. Nearly 900 Floresville residents, outraged over the unsuccessful attempt to terminate controversial City Manager Juan Cedillo, signed recall petitions to remove council members Rudy Sanchez and Gloriana Ortiz from office. The two, along with Councilman Josie Herrera, voted in favor of retaining Cedillo's services during an Oct. 1 special meeting. In Stockdale, residents were alerted by the Wilson County News of public hearings scheduled for July 18, July 19, and July 20 to discuss the creation of a proposed halfway house for women. The house, which was located 3.4 miles outside the city along F.M. 1107, would have housed women recently released from prison. However, during the first hearing, in light of widespread opposition from area residents, the proposal was dropped. I'm walkin' Elected officials in Floresville and Elmendorf peppered the year with absenteeism. On July 26, during a Floresville City Council meeting, Councilman Rudy Sanchez abruptly stood up and left the room. Then on July 26, just before the council was to discuss Cedillo's performance review, Sanchez again abruptly left the meeting, leaving no quorum. The next council meeting, scheduled for Aug. 9, was canceled because it was known beforehand that there would not be a quorum. According to council meeting records maintained by City Secretary Josie Escamilla, there were 43 meetings from the day Sanchez and Ortiz were elected to the council (May 18, 2006) until Sept. 19. Of those meetings, Ortiz missed eight. Sanchez missed four and was late for one. In addition, four of the meetings were canceled due to lack of a quorum. In Elmendorf, it was Councilman R.M. "Andy" Anderson who became known for walking out of council meetings. The first time, on June 14, Anderson nearly walked out after City Attorney Humberto Saldaña suggested council enter executive session to discuss the selection of the city's mayor pro tem. Anderson returned to his seat after being admonished by Mayor Thomas Hicks. Then on July 13, Elmendorf City Secretary Cody Dailey was promoted to the position of city administrator. Because Anderson walked out of the meeting, Dailey's hiring was approved by a 3-0 vote of the council. Less than 40 minutes into the Nov. 8 meeting, Anderson walked out again, this time joined by Councilman Tom Green, after the two objected to a five-minute recess. Because of Councilman Richard B. Rodriguez's absence that evening, the meeting ended for lack of a quorum. Hello and goodbye to Cedillo On Jan. 16, Cedillo took over as city manager after former City Manager Gary Pelech had been reassigned to head the newly formed 4A corporation for the community center. Cedillo, who lives in Pharr, was the former city manager of the Valley towns of Donna and Elsa. According to reports in the Valley Morning Star recently obtained by the Wilson County News, during the mid-1990s, Cedillo's past in those towns included firing two police chiefs, lawsuits, and alleged attempts to cover up criminal investigations involving city employees. Cedillo's short tenure quickly became controversial during budget workshops Sept. 6 and Sept. 13, in which it was revealed that the proposed budget had some city employees receiving raises as high as 26 percent. Several of these individuals were family members of city councilmen. In the final budget, which was approved Sept. 27, the raises were shaved down to 3 percent across the board - except for Municipal Judge Sheila Garza, who reportedly still received a 24- percent salary increase. Then on Sept. 6, Cedillo published an incorrect and incomplete tax- rate notice in the Floresville Chronicle-Journal, which not only would have shorted the city's tax income, but also violated the city charter. City council members had the opportunity to fire Cedillo with cause over a municipal waste-collection contract with IESI. IESI charged the city an additional $50,000 because of having only four days of start-up time. Fingers were pointed at Cedillo, alleging that he procrastinated with contract negotiations. According to Cedillo's contract, this would be reason for termination with cause. During a special meeting Oct. 1, council members Sanchez, Ortiz, and Herrera voted to not fire Cedillo. After the resignation of City Attorney Howard Berger and the attempted ouster of police Chief Daniel "Danny" Martinez, the council voted unanimously to terminate Cedillo's contract effective Oct. 25. Five days later, Cedillo filed a federal lawsuit against the city, which was eventually settled through mediation. According to interim City Attorney Rolando L. Rios, part of the settlement also included changing Cedillo's official employment status from "terminated" to "resigned," so that he would not be hindered from pursuing future employment. Crime scenes Unfortunately, no year can go by without a downside. The area saw plenty of crimes in 2007. The year got off to a gruesome start, with the body of missing Seguin resident Vincente Garcia, 29, being found in the Cibolo Creek along Scull Crossing Road near La Vernia Jan. 7. The investigation was turned over to the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office. That same day, a pickup truck was reported stolen from the Wilson County Precinct 1 maintenance yard. The truck was later found in Schertz, stuck in mud and abandoned. Less than two weeks later, on Jan. 18, San Antonio resident George C. Casarez, 42, was arrested outside the Valero gas station at the intersection of U.S. 181 and F.M. 775 and charged with possession of 28 grams of methamphetamine, commonly referred to as "ice." Area residents and schoolchildren were put on alert when Jason Daniel Cruz, 22, escaped from the Karnes County Jail Feb. 9. But freedom was short-lived for Cruz, who was apprehended eight hours later, after someone tipped off police that Cruz was hiding in the attic of a relative's nearby home. The violence continued when a dispute between two Adkins men over a picnic table ended March 14 with one shooting the other. Lewton Fuerst, 26, allegedly shot his neighbor, Glen Hastings, 45, after the two fought over the table that Hastings was purchasing but had yet to pay for. St. Patrick's Day at Richard's Bar in Cañada Verde turned violent as four men were stabbed during a fight. Ricardo Pacheco Marroquin, 27, John David Martinez, 28, and David Richard Marroquin, 37, were eventually arrested and charged in the incident, after witnesses came forward and identified them. Another stabbing occurred in Stockdale when resident Pascual Almendarez, 33, was stabbed to death March 26 after an altercation in his home. Arrested and charged in the incident were Amanda Laijas, 45, Antonio Cortez, 36, and Manuel Esparanza, 33. Because of soaring copper prices, the metal has become increasingly more appealing to area thieves. Alfred Romero, 25, and Reynaldo Alcorta, 26, were arrested and charged June 22 with stealing copper from the Cingular Wireless tower off U.S. 181 outside Floresville. On Nov. 15, Johnny Ray Rivas, 34, was booked for stealing copper from the Floresville Electric Light & Power System property in Floresville. Children were ultimately the victims of one particular crime, when $700 worth of food and drinks were stolen from the La Vernia Grizzlies' Pop Warner concession stand at Wiseman Field before it was burned down July 31. La Vernia police later arrested Robert Atkins, 17, and Frank De Hoyas, 28, In spite of this setback, the Grizzlies had an amazing season. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials made their way into Wilson County when they assisted the Wilson County Sheriff's Office in detaining 56 illegal aliens who were living in an abandoned residence near F.M. 2579 and Mariana Road outside Floresville. Perhaps the most tragic crime of the year occurred when Alex Crank Jr., 47, was arrested and charged with attempted murder on Sept. 14, after police said he allegedly shot his father, 76-year-old Alex Crank Sr. at the family's ranch near Elmendorf. The charges were upgraded 10 days later, after the elder Crank died from his injuries. Another tragic incident occurred Sept. 28, when Raymond Charles Bunte, 83, of La Vernia shot one of two suspects who were breaking into his neighbor's house located off F.M. 1346. The suspect Bunte shot attempted to run over Bunte as he made his getaway. In La Vernia, police are still looking for the parties responsible for poisoning four dogs and two cats between Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 with a lethal mixture of poison and ground beef. The year ended on a relatively peaceful note, with few reported crimes during the month of December. Local law-enforcement officials, perhaps, are hoping that will be the trend in the new year. ************************************************ From wilsoncountynews.com January 4, 2008 Karnes Electric returns credits The Karnes Electric Cooperative Inc. board of directors authorized the return of $250,868.69 in capital credits to the cooperative's members. Current members of Karnes Electric received their capital credit refund as a credit on their November 2007 bill. Members no longer receiving service from the cooperative had a check mailed to them. There are over 900 electric cooperatives across the United States. All are nonprofit businesses. The national cooperative network provides electricity to 37 million people in 47 states and owns and operates 42 percent of the nation's electric distribution system. Nationally, cooperatives retire approximately $450 million in capital credits annually. This year's return of over a quarter of a million dollars is one of the largest refunds the cooperative has made in its 69-year history. Karnes Electric Cooperative Inc. is headquartered in Karnes City, with a district office in Pleasanton. The cooperative has returned over $2.5 million to members during the past 10 years. ************************************************ From sanmarcosrecord.com January 03, 2008 Gobbler gathering interrupts first dove outing of the season Outdoors Locally By Jim Darnell Daily Record Columnist I wasn't thinking wild turkeys. It was the opening day of the winter dove season and my wife Beth and I were at our dove/turkey/pig lease on Cibolo Creek near Panna Maria. I had tried unsuccessfully to harvest a turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas. In November, I had misjudged the range and missed a big fat holiday bird. But now it was time to shoot doves. The winter dove season is usually feast or famine. If you have a good food source doves can be thick. Other fields a few miles away can be barren. And we have had hundreds of doves on the lease since November. And the numbers have increased with each successive cold front. Each time we were on the creek turkey hunting we watched big flocks of doves with longing eyes. Would they stay with us until Dec. 26 or migrate farther south? They did stay. When Beth and I parked the truck, doves began to exit pecan trees in the creek bottom in big numbers. Flights of 10 to 12 birds were common. I grabbed my Browning Sweet Sixteen gauge, stuffed the magazine, turned my lab out and started shooting. After a walk through some fields, I returned to the creek bottom to sit and wait for doves to return to roost. But as I emerged from some brush into an open area in a pecan grove, about 30 turkeys went airborne. Some flew across the creek, some flew up the creek, and others ran up the hill into the fields. Turkeys literally went everywhere. "Rats," I said. "Thinking doves and step right into the turkeys." I set down in the pecan grove with my retriever, Lady, waiting for doves to begin to pour back into the trees. But it didn't take long for the turkeys to start calling. Soon they were re-gathering in the grove about 100 yards upstream. They came from all directions. Some came running to the rendezvous. Others were flying back from across the creek. As they re-gathered they cautiously began to move in my direction. Now I was in a mess. I had the wrong gun loaded with dove shot. But worse yet I had a Labrador retriever who was watching the turkeys. She wanted to attack them. I grabbed her collar, and as sternly as I could in a whisper, told her to "Lie down." Fortunately, I had a little knoll between me and the turkeys. I got off my hunting stool slowly to minimize my profile. Holding on to Lady's collar and trying to make her stop wagging her otter tail we waited. She watched with anticipation. More birds were calling from across the creek and then taking flight from behind me right into the growing flock of turkeys. Two went airborne from right behind me. I turned Lady loose and tried to swirl for a shot. Too late! They were already overhead. Now free, Lady charged the enemy. Turkeys went nuts. Some were flying into the safety of the pecan trees. Others were running full speed ahead of the yellow monster breathing down their backs. "Oh, no," I said under my breath. "What a mess!" Then I thought, "Maybe not. All she has to do is flush one my direction." Sure enough, she ran toward a big bird and it took flight straight toward my hideout. I clicked the safety off the sweet sixteen and swung the barrel upwards. By now the bird was almost directly above me at about 20 yards. When I pulled the trigger, the bird collapsed. It was DOA before hitting the ground. Dove loads are lethal at that range. The little pellets broke both wings and both legs. Not a shot hit the head but the breast looked like the bodies of Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker after Frank Hamer and his deputies took care of them on that Louisiana country road. Lady ran to the big bird but wouldn't pick it up. She looked at me and seemed to say, "Wow. That's a big dove." After pictures we drove to the upper part of the lease and shot doves until sunset. No Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey, but New Year's Day will do. Jim Darnell is an ordained minister and host/producer of the syndicated outdoors show, God's Great Outdoors. His column runs every Thursday in the Daily Record. ************************************************ From seguingazette.com January 6, 2008 D.A. appoints prosecutor to assistant DA By Ron Maloney The Gazette-Enterprise SEGUIN - District Attorney Vicki Pattillo Friday announced the appointment of a new first assistant district attorney, but the appointee is a familiar face around the Guadalupe County Courthouse. Assistant District Attorney Carrie Moy, a 15-year veteran of the 81st Judicial District Attorney's office - where she also served in the second post - replaces Pattillo's previous first assistant, Allison Lanty, who has gone into private practice in New Braunfels. The 81st Judicial District encompasses Atascosa, Frio, Karnes, La Salle and Wilson counties. Moy's trial preparation and courtroom experience includes being one of the prosecutors on two capital murder cases in the 81st Judicial District. In one, the convicted killer has already seen his sentence executed. "The first one got death and he is dead," Moy said Friday. The second remains in state prison. In another case Moy prosecuted nearly a year ago for Pattillo, a Guadalupe County man convicted for raping two young girls got four 99- year sentences and an additional 20 years on a lesser count. For Moy, that wasn't enough, and she asked the judge to "stack" the sentences, which is allowed by law. In effect, it would have meant a sentence of 416 years. The judge declined. "I think 99 years is enough for this defendant, counselor," the judge said. Moy made no apologies. "Some people need to stay in prison," Moy said. In her new post, Moy, who last year prosecuted a couple of the county's highest-profile criminal cases, will see her responsibilities increase to include mentoring other attorneys in the office and supervising it when Pattillo's out of town or working in Gonzales or Lavaca counties, which are also part of Guadalupe County's 25th Judicial District. Pattillo said Moy was the clear choice to replace Lanty, whose experience in Seguin went back more than a decade and who she inherited from previous District Attorney and now District Judge, W.C. Kirkendall. "Carrie's an experienced attorney who has been an important asset to this office," Pattillo said Friday. "I'm proud to make her my first assistant." In her job, Moy prosecutes cases presented by the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office, the Cibolo Police Department and the Lavaca County Sheriff's Office. Pattillo's office is a busy one. It processed more than 1,700 cases in 2006 and filed more than 1,200 of them - more than 260 which were motions to revoke probation filed in connection with previous prosecutions. Moy said she appreciated the confidence Pattillo had placed in her. "I'll keep working to help protect the residents of the three counties in this district," Moy said. "I look forward to my new role and will continue to do the best job I can for this office." Moy, who grew up in Poth, is a graduate of the Baylor University school of law. ************************************************ From wilsoncountynews.com Karnes County youth show set The communities of Falls City, Karnes City, Kenedy, and Runge will host the Karnes County Youth Show Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 17- 19, on the Karnes County Fairgrounds off U.S. 181, north of Otto Kaiser Hospital. The auction will be held on Saturday, beginning with a buyer's party at 2 p.m., followed by the auction at 3 p.m. New buyers must report to the registration table for a buyer's number. To make a contribution to the youth show, send a check or money order payable to the Karnes County Youth Show Fund, P.O. Box 95, Karnes City, TX 78118. ************************************************ From southwestfarmpress.com Jan 11, 2008 CBPBA and Wildlife Association to hold burn school in Bee County A two day prescribed burn school and demonstration burn will be conducted in Bee County Friday, January 25th, and Saturday, January 26th. The Friday burn school will be held at the Bee County Exposition Center and will be followed by the Coastal Bend Prescribed Burn Association's (CBPBA) annual dinner and meeting. The school begins at 1:00 pm and will run until about 5:30. A social hour will follow immediately and the annual meeting and dinner begins at 6:00 pm. The next day, on Saturday, January 26th, a 200 acre demonstration burn will be conducted on the Copeland ranch near Mineral. Start time and maps to the burn location will be provided at the meeting the night before. CEU credits will be available. Nature Conservancy personnel from Victoria will assist with the burn and school. CBPBA President Kirk Feuerbacher, wildlife biologist for McFaddin Enterprises, will preside. Feuerbacher is a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager with extensive burn experience, especially in South Texas and the Coastal Bend. Guest speaker will be Dr. Charles "Butch" Taylor from Sonora, Texas. Dr. Taylor is with the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and is nationally known for his work with prescribed fire. He is a member of the Texas State Burn Board and helped form the extremely successful Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burn Association. He has many interesting experiences to share. Cost is $25 for the 2 day school and includes dinner at the annual meeting and lunch on burn day. If you attend the annual meeting and not the school the price is still $25. Member dues are due January 1 and renewing members and new members can pay at the meeting. Dues are $25 per year. You do not have to be a member to attend. Contact Larry at 361-362-0430 to make reservations or for more information. The CBPBA is a cooperative of landowners and interested parties from twelve Texas Counties, including Aransas, Bee, Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Karnes, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, and Victoria. CBPBA members share manpower and resources to help each other burn on their properties. They conduct annual burn schools throughout the Texas Coastal Bend and work to encourage the use of prescribed fire in Texas. The Bee County Wildlife Management Association is co-sponsoring this event. Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating ************************************************ From caller.com 01.11.08 Nueces Charities grant applications due Feb. 1 Nueces Charities Inc. is accepting grant applications from community service projects or programs serving Nueces, Kenedy, Kleberg, Jim Wells, Duval, Live Oak, McMullen or Brooks counties. Nueces Charities collects funds through the Nueces Electric Cooperative Operation Round Up program and has $28,500 available for awards. The first-quarter review of grant applications for 2008 will be in February. Eligible organizations are encouraged to visit www.nueceselectric.org to download the grant application packet. Organizations should complete and submit the completed application by Feb. 1. The second-quarter deadline will be May 1. Application packets also may be obtained in the NEC office at 709 E. Main Street, Robstown. Information: 800-632-9288, Ext. 244, or 387-2581 in Robstown. ************************************************ From foxbusiness.com Jan 09, 2008 Escondido Gas Storage, LLC Announces Non-Binding Open Season Package HOUSTON, Jan 09, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Escondido Gas Storage, LLC (Escondido) announces a non-binding open season for its proposed 18 Bcf working capacity Escondido Gas Storage Project, located approximately 55 miles southeast of San Antonio, Texas in Karnes and Live Oak Counties. The open season for firm and interruptible storage service begins January 9, 2008 and continues through 5:00 pm CDT February 15, 2008. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080109/LAW015LOGO) The Escondido Gas Storage Project will be constructed in the depleted Atkinson Gas Field and will initially have 18 Bcf of working capacity. Design plans include an injection rate of 275 MMcf/d and a withdrawal rate of 335 MMcf/d, allowing 3 to 4 cycles per year. Storage capacity could be expanded based on market interest. The Escondido Gas Storage Project has been approved for development by the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC: 37.80, +0.42, +1.12%) and is planned to be in service by March, 2010. Escondido will offer intrastate storage services pursuant to the rules and regulations of the TRC. Pending the results of the open season, Escondido may also file a Section 311 Application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to provide firm and interruptible storage service and interruptible hub services to interstate markets. Potential pipeline connections for the Escondido Gas Storage Project include CPS Energy, Enterprise Texas Pipeline LLC, Gulf South Pipeline Company, Houston Pipe Line Company LP, Kinder Morgan Texas Pipeline, LLC, and Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Corporation (Transco). Depending upon customer requirements, Escondido may offer interruptible hub service on its header system in addition to other potential pipeline connections. Escondido is owned by Torch Energy Advisors Incorporated (TEAI), a privately held, Houston-based energy company. Founded in 1981, TEAI has a long history of owning, operating and maximizing value from large energy-related projects. During its twenty-five year history, Torch has been directly responsible for the investment and management of over $3 billion in energy assets. For additional information, please contact Ralph Carthrae, 713-756- 1765, carthrr@teai.com or Mary Frances Deibert, 713-753-1428, deiberm@teai.com. (http://www.escondidogasstorage.com) SOURCE Escondido Gas Storage, LLC http://www.torchroyalty.comCopyright © 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved ************************************************ From bizjournals.com January 14, 2008 South Texas Electric Cooperative awards $100M power plant contract South Texas Electric Cooperative, a nonprofit generation and transmission cooperative, has awarded an equipment supply contract to Wartsila Corp. toward construction of a 202.5 megawatt gas-fired power plant. The power plant contract is worth more than $100 million. The South Texas Electric Cooperative, based in Nursery, Texas, serves eight distribution cooperatives. These cooperatives collectively provide services to more than 170,000 members in 65 South Texas counties. The new power plant will be called the Pearsall Power Plant and will be located about 50 miles southwest of San Antonio in Pearsall, Texas, on an existing brownfield site. The plant will be equipped with 24 Wartsila 20V34S engines and all related mechanical and electrical equipment. Burns & McDonnell Inc. of Kansas City will assist the contractor with engineering, permitting and construction management activities. The power plant will be completed in phases with the first 75 megawatts of power to begin delivery by late 2009 and the remaining 128 megawatts of power delivered by the end of 2010. The facility will be connected to the state's electric grid in order to supply power to all eight cooperative members. South Texas Electric Cooperative was formed in 1944 to provide wholesale electric power to Karnes, Wharton County, Victoria, Jackson, San Patricio, Nueces, Magic Valley and Medina member cooperatives. Wartsila develops technologies for the marine and energy markets. The Finland-based company employs more than 15,000 workers at 150 global offices. ************************************************ From foxbusiness.com Jan. 14 2008 Wartsila to Deliver 203 MWe Gas Power Plant Near San Antonio, Texas to South Texas Electric Cooperative HOUSTON, Texas, January 14, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Wartsila Corporation, a leading global provider of power solutions, has been awarded an equipment supply contract by South Texas Electric Cooperative (STEC: 8.72, -0.33, -3.64%), a non-profit generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Nursery, Texas. The contract for the 202.5 MWe gas-fired power plant is valued at over $100 million USD. Currently, STEC serves eight distribution cooperatives, which provide services to over 170,000 members in 65 South Texas counties. "The analysis of the various options proved Wartsila a clear winner environmentally, economically, and in the project's ability to meet rapidly changing market conditions," Michael Packard, General Manager of STEC, said. "We are thrilled to be working with both STEC and Burns & McDonnell on Wartsila's first large installation in the state of Texas," says Frank Donnelly, President of Wartsila North America. "This flexible power plant will efficiently provide the generation needed for the region's growth, as well as the grid stability required for the increasing influx of wind power". The power plant, to be called the "Pearsall Power Plant", will be located about fifty miles Southwest of San Antonio in Pearsall, Texas on an existing brownfield site. It will be equipped with twenty-four Wartsila 20V34SG engines, including all related mechanical and electrical auxiliaries, SCR's, installation and commissioning support and training. Burns & McDonnell, Inc. of Kansas City will assist with engineering, permitting, and construction management activities. The plant will be connected to the ERCOT grid and supply power and Ancillary Services to STEC's eight cooperative members, helping to serve their 750 MW peak load. The plant is anticipated to run about 4000 hours per year. The first 75 MW of the Pearsall Power Plant is expected to enter commercial operation in late 2009, with the remaining 128 MW beginning commercial operation by the end of 2010. Wartsila's Flexible Power Plants - A Superior Alternative Wartsila's flexible power plants features include the ability to reach full plant output in eight minutes, provide 25% power in two minutes, the highest simple cycle efficiency available in the industry, constant performance over varying ambient conditions, low lifecycle costs, small unit sizes and rapid response to varying grid conditions. Wartsila's natural gas fuelled technology has the capability to operate efficiently at low loads. The Pearsall Power Plant will be able to run at as little as 8 MW with a competitive heat rate. This feature not only translates into lower electricity costs for STEC member cooperatives, but it also increases the number of megawatts of "spinning reserve" available to the customer, thereby increasing the value of the plant. Additionally, Wartsila's flexible power plants are able to supply all commercially traded ancillary services, including black start capabilities. Wartsila flexible power also allows its customers to meet today's increasingly stringent air quality requirements. Furthermore, by employing a closed loop cooling system, Wartsila's engines do not consume process water or require significant wastewater treatment or disposal. This helps to address the growing concern over water supply in many areas of the US. About the South Texas Electric Cooperative: South Texas Electric Cooperative was formed in 1944 to provide wholesale electric power to member cooperatives. Presently the South Texas Electric Cooperative serves eight distribution cooperatives; Karnes, Wharton County, Victoria, Jackson, San Patricio, Nueces, Magic Valley and Medina electric cooperatives. These cooperatives provide service to over 170,000 members in 65 South Texas counties roughly 1/5 the area of Texas. The cooperative's headquarters are located in Nursery Texas, at the Sam Rayburn generating plant. One hundred and sixty employees are based at the Sam Rayburn plant while another twenty-two are based at the Pearsall generation facility. STEC's power is generated utilizing a variety of fuels, including lignite, natural gas, diesel and hydro. These resources include a 50% share in the San Miguel Electric Cooperative lignite generation plant located in Christine Texas; the Sam Rayburn facility which is a combination of resources including dual-fuel, combined-cycle generation; and the Pearsall facility, a gas-fired unit located in Pearsall Texas. The remaining resource is the output of the Amistad- Falcon hydro project. About Wartsila Corporation: Wartsila enhances the business of its customers by providing them with complete lifecycle power solutions. When creating better and environmentally compatible technologies, Wartsila focuses on the marine and energy markets with products and solutions as well as services. Through innovative products and services, Wartsila sets out to be the most valued business partner of all its customers. This is achieved by the dedication of more than 15,000 professionals manning 150 Wartsila locations in 70 countries around the world. Wartsila is listed on The Nordic Exchange in Helsinki, Finland. http://www.wartsila.com/power For further information about STEC, please contact: Dotty DiSanto, System Engineer, South Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc., Direct: +1-361-575-6491, Fax: +1-361-485-6129, Email: dottyd@stec.org. For further information, please contact: Sabrina Garg, Senior Marketing Specialist, Wartsila North America, Direct: +1-281-233-6209, Fax: +1-281-233-6233, Email: sabrina.garg@wartsila.com; Or Maria Nystrand, Public Relations Manager, Marketing Communications, Wartsila Finland Oy, Direct tel: +358-10-709-1456, Fax: +358-10-709-1425, maria.nystrand@wartsila.com.SOURCE Wartsila Corporation Copyright © 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved ************************************************ From foxbusiness.com Jan. 15 2008 Independent Report Estimates Lucas Energy's Proved Reserves At $54.5 Million HOUSTON, Jan 15, 2008 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Lucas Energy, Inc. (OTCBB:LUCE), a U.S. based independent oil and gas company, today announced the results of an independent study of the Company's oil and gas reserves performed by Forrest A. Garb and Associates, Inc., an independent licensed petroleum engineering firm based in Dallas. The report estimates the undiscounted future net revenue (FNR) from these reserves at $92,674,580, or a discounted PV-10 of $54,555,200, which is commonly known as the SEC PV-10 figure. This equates to $1.34 per share in discounted (PV-10) Proved Reserves. The reserve report, which is based on interests owned by Lucas Energy, Inc. in certain oil and gas properties located in Gonzales, Baylor, Karnes, and Wilson counties, Texas. The total net reserves are 1,506,004 barrels of crude oil and 36.39 MMcf of natural gas, which breaks down as follows: Oil (MBbl) Gas (MMcf) PROVED DEVELOPED PRODUCING 229.64 -- PROVED NONPRODUCING 76.69 36.39 PROVED UNDEVELOPED (PUD) 1,119.70 -- TOTAL PROVED 1,506.04 36.39The report did not include reserves attributed to the new wells drilled as part of the 2008 drilling program, or new properties acquired since April 1, 2007. The reserve report did not take into account any behind pipe, probable, or possible reserves that Lucas Energy may hold. James J. Cerna, Chief Executive Officer of Lucas Energy, stated, "This gives our shareholders a better view of the Company's current assets and future net revenues. We will continue to build out our production and reserves through suitable acquisitions and drilling activities, while maintaining a low operating cost structure." William A. Sawyer, Chief Operations Officer of Lucas Energy, said, "We are very pleased with this new independent report. Our acquisition of 1,000+ acres, 8 new wells, and new laterals drilled over the past few months, not included in the report, will surely add additional reserves to this calculation." Complete financial results are available on at http://www.sec.gov. Lucas Energy, Inc. (OTCBB:LUCE) (www.lucasenergy.com) is an independent crude oil and gas company building a diversified portfolio of valuable oil and gas assets in the United States. The company is focused on identifying underperforming oil and gas assets, which are revitalized through a meticulous process of evaluation, application of modern well technology, and stringent management controls. This process allows the company to increase its reserve base and cash flow while significantly reducing the risk of traditional exploration projects. The Company's headquarters are located at 3000 Richmond Avenue, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77098. The Lucas Energy logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4192 The statements in this press release regarding any implied or perceived benefits from existing of oil and gas field properties, actual reserves and revenues to be derived from the reserves, plans to drill additional oil and gas wells, anticipated revenues, the acquisition of additional oil or gas leases, maintaining mineral lease rights, and any other effects resulting from any of the above are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the continued production of gas at historical rates, costs of operations, delays, and any other difficulties related to producing minerals such as oil or gas, continued maintenance of the oil field and properties, price of oil or gas, marketing and sales of produced minerals, risks and effects of legal and administrative proceedings and governmental regulation, future financial and operational results, competition, general economic conditions, and the ability to manage and continue growth. The reserve values stated in the December 31, 2007 report are estimates and should not be interpreted as being exact quantities. They may or may not be actually recovered and the revenues stated in the report may be more or less than what will ultimately be recovered. While the reserve estimates presented in the report were believed reasonable at December 31, 2007, several factors may lead to a future revision of the reserve estimates presented in the report, including general economics, the Company's operations and reservoir performance. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents we file from time to time with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement identified by the words "expects," "projects," "plans," "feels," "anticipates" and certain of the other foregoing statements may be deemed "forward-looking statements." Although Lucas Energy believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future activities and results to be materially different from those suggested or described in this press release. These include risks inherent in the drilling of oil and natural gas wells, including risks of fire, explosion, blowout, pipe failure, casing collapse, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, environmental hazards, and other operating and production risks inherent in oil and natural gas drilling and production activities, which may temporarily or permanently reduce production or cause initial production or test results to not be indicative of future well performance or delay the timing of sales or completion of drilling operations; risks with respect to oil and natural gas prices, a material decline in which could cause the Company to delay or suspend planned drilling operations or reduce production levels; and risks relating to the availability of capital to fund drilling operations that can be adversely affected by adverse drilling results, production declines and declines in oil and gas prices and other risk factors. Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors The United States Securities and Exchange Commission permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions. We use certain terms in this press release such as "producing," "production," "discovery," "commercial viability," and "reserves" that the SEC's guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 10-KSB for the year ended March 31, 2007 available by contacting Lucas Energy. You can also obtain this form from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. This news release was distributed by PrimeNewswire, www.primenewswire.com SOURCE: Lucas Energy Lucas Energy, Inc. Corporate: James Cerna, Jr. 713-528-1881 Media: Richard Angle 866-513-5823 (LUCE)© Copyright 2007 PrimeNewswire, Inc. All rights reserved. ************************************************ From seguingazette.com January 17, 2008 Navarro moves into first place tie with win By Jason Chlapek The Gazette-Enterprise UNIVERSAL CITY — Five in a row. That’s how many games the Navarro boys basketball team has won, and the latest victory occurred on Tuesday as the Panthers ran out to a 29-12 first-quarter lead and never looked back en route to a 71-56 victory over District 29-2A leader Randolph at Randolph High School. With the win, Navarro (12-9, 5-1 in 29-2A) not only extended its winning streak to five games, the Panthers also moved into a three- way tie with Poth and Randolph for first place in the district standings. Nixon-Smiley sits behind those three in fourth place with a 3-3 league mark. Getting out to a quick start has been the key to Navarro’s success during the win streak, and Tuesday’s victory was no different. The Panthers outscored the Ro-Hawks, 29-12, in the first eight minutes of play, and never allowed the opposition to pull within more than 13 points. Navarro’s largest lead was 22 points, which they held on two occasions during the contest. Wesley Ply scored a season-high 29 points, while Zach Hernandez recorded a double-double with 22 points and 12 assists. Inside play also helped Navarro as Clayton Warren and A.K. Williams led in rebounding with 12 and 10 boards, respectively. The Panthers host Kenedy at 8 p.m. Friday at the Navarro Special Events Center. The contest will serve as the 29-2A first-half finale for both teams. Marion boys MARION — The West Campus Farewell Tour was alive and well on Tuesday at Marion High School. The Cougars opened District 26-3A play with a 66-39 rout of Marion. West Campus, which will close its doors at the end of the school year because of massive flood damage sustained in August, improved to 13-7 overall with a 1-0 district mark. West Campus students attend classes at South San Antonio High School. Marion (11-12, 0-1 in 26-3A) lost for the fourth time in the last five games. Not only did the Bulldogs struggle defensively as they surrendered more than 55 points for the fourth consecutive time, they also didn’t do much better on offense. Marion did not have a player score in double figures either. Trent Corkran led the Bulldogs with 8 points while Stayton Cockrill and Austin Gomez each contributed 7. West Campus was led by Efrain Mojarro’s 17 points. Anthony McMorris and Sergil Turcio scored 13 and 11, respectively, for the Cougars. Marion travels to La Vernia in search of its first district win. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at La Vernia High School. Lifegate boys SEGUIN — This one truly was a slugfest on Tuesday. The Lifegate and Fredericksburg Heritage boys basketball teams played a physical, defensive-oriented contest, which resulted in low field goal percentages for both teams. But in the end, it was Heritage who had the last laugh as it picked up a 36-30 victory over Lifegate at Lifegate Christian School. Lifegate (10-9, 2-1 in TAPPS 7-A) received 8 points from Heath Jones. The Falcons visit First Baptist at 7:30 p.m. Friday. ************************************************ From seguingazette.com January 17, 2008 Marion whips West Campus By Jason Chlapek The Gazette-Enterprise SAN ANTONIO — The Marion girls basketball team never gave West Campus a chance on Tuesday. The Bulldogs never surrendered more than 7 points in a quarter, and scored 11 or more in the first three to record a 63-25 victory over the Lady Cougars at Shepherd Middle School in San Antonio. West Campus plays its home games at Shepherd because of flood damage sustained at West Campus High School. Marion (19-7, 2-1 in District 26-3A) jumped out to a 15-6 lead at the end of the first quarter, and was practically in cruise control throughout the rest of the game. The Bulldogs built a 26-13 lead at the half, and led 55-20 after three quarters of play. Marion outscored West Campus, 29-7, in the third quarter. Mackenzie Langemeier led the Bulldogs with 18 points, eight assists and seven steals. Kasey Haecker led with 11 rebounds, and also posted 7 points, while Reyna Noriega scored in double figures for the fourth consecutive time with 16 points. Marion hosts La Vernia at 7:30 p.m. Friday for a battle to reach first place in the 26-3A standings. Navarro girls UNIVERSAL CITY — After finishing the first half of 29-2A play in fourth place, the Navarro girls basketball team took its frustration out on Randolph on Tuesday. The Lady Panthers held the Lady Ro-Hawks to less than 20 points in each half during a 53-33 victory at Randolph High School. Navarro (12-13, 5-3 in 29-2A) also received some help from Karnes City, who edged Yorktown, 44-43, on Tuesday. The Navarro win combined with the Yorktown loss moved the teams into a third-place tie. The Lady Panthers were led by Haley Helweg and Brittany Parker, who scored 15 and 11 points respectively. Randolph was led by Shaunea St. Louis and Kendra Sturgis each with 13 points. Navarro hosts Kenedy at 6 p.m. Friday at the Navarro Special Events Center. Seguin girls BASTROP — Courtney Moore scored 26 points to lead Bastrop to a 72-50 victory over Seguin at Bastrop High School. Seguin (9-16, 4-4 in 25-5A) was led by Kindle Busch and Jasmine Haynes, who scored 16 and 10 points, respectively. The Lady Matadors host Akins at 8 p.m. Friday at Goldie Harris Gymnasium. ************************************************ From FOXbusiness.com Jan. 14 2008 Wartsila to Deliver 203 MWe Gas Power Plant Near San Antonio, Texas to South Texas Electric Cooperative HOUSTON, Texas, January 14, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Wartsila Corporation, a leading global provider of power solutions, has been awarded an equipment supply contract by South Texas Electric Cooperative (STEC: 7.99, -0.03, -0.37%), a non-profit generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Nursery, Texas. The contract for the 202.5 MWe gas-fired power plant is valued at over $100 million USD. Currently, STEC serves eight distribution cooperatives, which provide services to over 170,000 members in 65 South Texas counties. "The analysis of the various options proved Wartsila a clear winner environmentally, economically, and in the project's ability to meet rapidly changing market conditions," Michael Packard, General Manager of STEC, said. "We are thrilled to be working with both STEC and Burns & McDonnell on Wartsila's first large installation in the state of Texas," says Frank Donnelly, President of Wartsila North America. "This flexible power plant will efficiently provide the generation needed for the region's growth, as well as the grid stability required for the increasing influx of wind power". The power plant, to be called the "Pearsall Power Plant", will be located about fifty miles Southwest of San Antonio in Pearsall, Texas on an existing brownfield site. It will be equipped with twenty-four Wartsila 20V34SG engines, including all related mechanical and electrical auxiliaries, SCR's, installation and commissioning support and training. Burns & McDonnell, Inc. of Kansas City will assist with engineering, permitting, and construction management activities. The plant will be connected to the ERCOT grid and supply power and Ancillary Services to STEC's eight cooperative members, helping to serve their 750 MW peak load. The plant is anticipated to run about 4000 hours per year. The first 75 MW of the Pearsall Power Plant is expected to enter commercial operation in late 2009, with the remaining 128 MW beginning commercial operation by the end of 2010. Wartsila's Flexible Power Plants - A Superior Alternative Wartsila's flexible power plants features include the ability to reach full plant output in eight minutes, provide 25% power in two minutes, the highest simple cycle efficiency available in the industry, constant performance over varying ambient conditions, low lifecycle costs, small unit sizes and rapid response to varying grid conditions. Wartsila's natural gas fuelled technology has the capability to operate efficiently at low loads. The Pearsall Power Plant will be able to run at as little as 8 MW with a competitive heat rate. This feature not only translates into lower electricity costs for STEC member cooperatives, but it also increases the number of megawatts of "spinning reserve" available to the customer, thereby increasing the value of the plant. Additionally, Wartsila's flexible power plants are able to supply all commercially traded ancillary services, including black start capabilities. Wartsila flexible power also allows its customers to meet today's increasingly stringent air quality requirements. Furthermore, by employing a closed loop cooling system, Wartsila's engines do not consume process water or require significant wastewater treatment or disposal. This helps to address the growing concern over water supply in many areas of the US. About the South Texas Electric Cooperative: South Texas Electric Cooperative was formed in 1944 to provide wholesale electric power to member cooperatives. Presently the South Texas Electric Cooperative serves eight distribution cooperatives; Karnes, Wharton County, Victoria, Jackson, San Patricio, Nueces, Magic Valley and Medina electric cooperatives. These cooperatives provide service to over 170,000 members in 65 South Texas counties roughly 1/5 the area of Texas. The cooperative's headquarters are located in Nursery Texas, at the Sam Rayburn generating plant. One hundred and sixty employees are based at the Sam Rayburn plant while another twenty-two are based at the Pearsall generation facility. STEC's power is generated utilizing a variety of fuels, including lignite, natural gas, diesel and hydro. These resources include a 50% share in the San Miguel Electric Cooperative lignite generation plant located in Christine Texas; the Sam Rayburn facility which is a combination of resources including dual-fuel, combined-cycle generation; and the Pearsall facility, a gas-fired unit located in Pearsall Texas. The remaining resource is the output of the Amistad- Falcon hydro project. About Wartsila Corporation: Wartsila enhances the business of its customers by providing them with complete lifecycle power solutions. When creating better and environmentally compatible technologies, Wartsila focuses on the marine and energy markets with products and solutions as well as services. Through innovative products and services, Wartsila sets out to be the most valued business partner of all its customers. This is achieved by the dedication of more than 15,000 professionals manning 150 Wartsila locations in 70 countries around the world. Wartsila is listed on The Nordic Exchange in Helsinki, Finland. http://www.wartsila.com/power For further information about STEC, please contact: Dotty DiSanto, System Engineer, South Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc., Direct: +1-361-575-6491, Fax: +1-361-485-6129, Email: dottyd@stec.org. For further information, please contact: Sabrina Garg, Senior Marketing Specialist, Wartsila North America, Direct: +1-281-233-6209, Fax: +1-281-233-6233, Email: sabrina.garg@wartsila.com; Or Maria Nystrand, Public Relations Manager, Marketing Communications, Wartsila Finland Oy, Direct tel: +358-10-709-1456, Fax: +358-10-709-1425, maria.nystrand@wartsila.com.SOURCE Wartsila Corporation Copyright © 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved ************************************************ From foxbusiness.com Jan. 15 2008 Independent Report Estimates Lucas Energy's Proved Reserves At $54.5 Million HOUSTON, Jan 15, 2008 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Lucas Energy, Inc. (OTCBB:LUCE), a U.S. based independent oil and gas company, today announced the results of an independent study of the Company's oil and gas reserves performed by Forrest A. Garb and Associates, Inc., an independent licensed petroleum engineering firm based in Dallas. The report estimates the undiscounted future net revenue (FNR) from these reserves at $92,674,580, or a discounted PV-10 of $54,555,200, which is commonly known as the SEC PV-10 figure. This equates to $1.34 per share in discounted (PV-10) Proved Reserves. The reserve report, which is based on interests owned by Lucas Energy, Inc. in certain oil and gas properties located in Gonzales, Baylor, Karnes, and Wilson counties, Texas. The total net reserves are 1,506,004 barrels of crude oil and 36.39 MMcf of natural gas, which breaks down as follows: Oil (MBbl) Gas (MMcf) PROVED DEVELOPED PRODUCING 229.64 -- PROVED NONPRODUCING 76.69 36.39 PROVED UNDEVELOPED (PUD) 1,119.70 -- TOTAL PROVED 1,506.04 36.39The report did not include reserves attributed to the new wells drilled as part of the 2008 drilling program, or new properties acquired since April 1, 2007. The reserve report did not take into account any behind pipe, probable, or possible reserves that Lucas Energy may hold. James J. Cerna, Chief Executive Officer of Lucas Energy, stated, "This gives our shareholders a better view of the Company's current assets and future net revenues. We will continue to build out our production and reserves through suitable acquisitions and drilling activities, while maintaining a low operating cost structure." William A. Sawyer, Chief Operations Officer of Lucas Energy, said, "We are very pleased with this new independent report. Our acquisition of 1,000+ acres, 8 new wells, and new laterals drilled over the past few months, not included in the report, will surely add additional reserves to this calculation." Complete financial results are available on at http://www.sec.gov. Lucas Energy, Inc. (OTCBB:LUCE) (www.lucasenergy.com) is an independent crude oil and gas company building a diversified portfolio of valuable oil and gas assets in the United States. The company is focused on identifying underperforming oil and gas assets, which are revitalized through a meticulous process of evaluation, application of modern well technology, and stringent management controls. This process allows the company to increase its reserve base and cash flow while significantly reducing the risk of traditional exploration projects. The Company's headquarters are located at 3000 Richmond Avenue, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77098. The Lucas Energy logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4192 The statements in this press release regarding any implied or perceived benefits from existing of oil and gas field properties, actual reserves and revenues to be derived from the reserves, plans to drill additional oil and gas wells, anticipated revenues, the acquisition of additional oil or gas leases, maintaining mineral lease rights, and any other effects resulting from any of the above are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the continued production of gas at historical rates, costs of operations, delays, and any other difficulties related to producing minerals such as oil or gas, continued maintenance of the oil field and properties, price of oil or gas, marketing and sales of produced minerals, risks and effects of legal and administrative proceedings and governmental regulation, future financial and operational results, competition, general economic conditions, and the ability to manage and continue growth. The reserve values stated in the December 31, 2007 report are estimates and should not be interpreted as being exact quantities. They may or may not be actually recovered and the revenues stated in the report may be more or less than what will ultimately be recovered. While the reserve estimates presented in the report were believed reasonable at December 31, 2007, several factors may lead to a future revision of the reserve estimates presented in the report, including general economics, the Company's operations and reservoir performance. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents we file from time to time with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement identified by the words "expects," "projects," "plans," "feels," "anticipates" and certain of the other foregoing statements may be deemed "forward-looking statements." Although Lucas Energy believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future activities and results to be materially different from those suggested or described in this press release. These include risks inherent in the drilling of oil and natural gas wells, including risks of fire, explosion, blowout, pipe failure, casing collapse, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, environmental hazards, and other operating and production risks inherent in oil and natural gas drilling and production activities, which may temporarily or permanently reduce production or cause initial production or test results to not be indicative of future well performance or delay the timing of sales or completion of drilling operations; risks with respect to oil and natural gas prices, a material decline in which could cause the Company to delay or suspend planned drilling operations or reduce production levels; and risks relating to the availability of capital to fund drilling operations that can be adversely affected by adverse drilling results, production declines and declines in oil and gas prices and other risk factors. Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors The United States Securities and Exchange Commission permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions. We use certain terms in this press release such as "producing," "production," "discovery," "commercial viability," and "reserves" that the SEC's guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 10-KSB for the year ended March 31, 2007 available by contacting Lucas Energy. You can also obtain this form from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. This news release was distributed by PrimeNewswire, www.primenewswire.com SOURCE: Lucas Energy Lucas Energy, Inc. Corporate: James Cerna, Jr. 713-528-1881 Media: Richard Angle 866-513-5823 (LUCE)© Copyright 2007 PrimeNewswire, Inc. All rights reserved. ************************************************ From seguingazette.com January 18, 2008 Area hoops teams compete in key matchups By Jason Chlapek The Gazette-Enterprise GUADALUPE COUNTY — All eight area basketball teams are at different phases of their district slates, and all eight compete tonight. The Seguin and Navarro girls teams are battling for playoff spots with six games to go, while the Navarro boys hope to close out the first half of 29-2A play in first place. The Seguin boys will try to end the first half of 25-5A action on a winning note, while the Marion girls hope to exact revenge against a La Vernia team who beat it just 10 days ago. The Marion boys will aim for victory after losing the 26-3A opener on Tuesday, and the Lifegate boys and girls teams each have tough challenges at First Baptist tonight. Girls basketball Marion (19-7, 2-1 in 26-3A) opens the middle third of triple round robin district play by hosting La Vernia at 7:30 p.m. at Marion High School. Marion finished the first third of district play with a 63-25 rout of West Campus on Tuesday. Over the last two games, the Bulldogs have won by 55 and 38 points, respectively. They also beat Luling, 81-26, on Jan. 11. Marion has surrendered an average of 25.5 points, and scored an average of 72 points in the two victories. The Bulldogs also have found another scoring threat to complement Mackenzie Langemeier in Reyna Noriega. Noriega has posted double-digit point totals during each of the last four games. A Marion win tonight moves the Bulldogs into a first-place tie with La Vernia with five games left to play, including the rubber game between the teams on Jan. 29, at La Vernia. Navarro (12-13, 5-3 in 29-2A) hosts Kenedy at 6:30 p.m. at the Navarro Special Events Center. The Lady Panthers are coming off one of their more dominant wins, 53-33, over Randolph on Tuesday at Randolph. The win marked just the second time in district play that Navarro was victorious on the road. The Lady Panthers dropped road games against Poth (60-41), Nixon-Smiley (51-46) and Yorktown (49-48), during the first half of district play. Poth and Nixon-Smiley hold the top two spots in the district standings, while Navarro and Yorktown are tied for third. Navarro and Yorktown trail Nixon-Smiley by a single game. Since the Lady Panthers faced Poth, Nixon-Smiley and Yorktown on the road during the first half of 29-2A play, they’ll host all three the second time around. Navarro hosts Poth on Tuesday, Nixon-Smiley on Jan. 29, and Yorktown on Feb. 5. Seguin (9-16, 4-4 in 25-5A) found out how facing a team the second time around at its place can be tough as the Lady Matadors suffered a 72-50 setback at the hands of Bastrop. Seguin beat Bastrop, 65-47, on Dec. 4, at Goldie Harris Gymnasium. Speaking of facing a team the second time around, the Lady Matadors have a golden opportunity to exact some revenge tonight when they host Akins at 8 p.m. at Goldie Harris. Akins beat Seguin, 69-63, on Dec. 11, in Austin. Seguin is in fifth place, just one game behind Westlake and Anderson, who are tied for third in the district standings. Lifegate (9-1, 2-0 in TAPPS 7-A) will aim for a little revenge of its own as well tonight. Only this one traces its roots back to volleyball season where First Baptist swept the Lady Falcons to claim the district crown. The teams meet on the court at 6 p.m., but this time they’ll be dribbling up and down the court as opposed to hitting the ball across the court. Tonight’s game will be the first of two meetings between Lifegate and First Baptist. Boys basketball Navarro (12-9, 5-1 in 29-2A) has a chance to not only extend its winning streak to six games, but also finish the first half of district play with six wins in as many league contests. The Panthers have not lost a district contest since dropping a 71-67 decision at Poth on Dec. 18, and they have not lost a game since Dec. 28, when they suffered a 66-47 setback at the hands of Ingram Tom Moore in the Natalia Tournament. Navarro had a reputation for pushing the ball up the court, and scoring almost at will. But the Panthers have stepped things up defensively as well by allowing 56 points or less in the last four games. The backcourt play of Zach Hernandez and the frontcourt trio of Wesley Ply, Clayton Warren and A.K. Williams have all been pivotal in Navarro’s recent successes. Marion (11-12, 0-1 in 26-3A) hopes to score an upset over No. 6 La Vernia (19-1, 1-0 in 26-3A) when the teams meet at 7:30 p.m. at La Vernia High School. Tonight’s game will be the first of three meetings between the Bulldogs and Bears. Marion is coming off a 66-39 loss to West Campus on Tuesday, and has lost four of its last five contests. Bulldogs coach Jon Allen will need the quartet of Josh Brown, Trent Corkran, Austin Gomez and Ricky Gonzales to step up and score tonight. Seguin (11-11, 1-5 in 25-5A) hopes to stop the bleeding tonight when the Matadors visit Akins at 8:15. Seguin has just eight players on its roster, and has been hampered by injuries. Lifegate (10-8, 2-1 in TAPPS 7-A) visits First Baptist at 7:30 p.m., and is coming off a tough 36-30 loss to Fredericksburg Heritage. ************************************************ From silvercreek78250.blogspot.com January 19, 2008 Trip Report: Wilson County and Karnes County... I have been threatening to go to Floresville for a while now, ever since regular reader Bob told me about the White House Saloon and Cafe being a spiffy place to visit. I even brought it up to a co- worker who lives out in Wilson County and he mentioned several other "Must Visit" places in the greater Wilson/Karnes County area. So, my wife and I filled up the truck, turned on the Garmin and headed for Highway 181 South. The above map provides a little detail on where we went. For now, I'm only gonna hit the our visits on the southern part of the trip - Poth, Falls City, Hobson, Karnes City and finally Kenedy where we decided to turn around and head back to Floresville for lunch, which I'll tell you about later.About 7 miles southeast of Floresville on Highway 181 is a small town called Poth. Not pronounced like moth, but rather like oath (with a P in front of it). My freind had suggested that if I blink, I might pass right through Poth without realizing it.The land down Highway 181 outside of San Antonio (once you get past about Elmendorf) provides for some exceptional views. Other than the occasional house built directly off the highway where the occupants have no idea that 181 isn't their private driveway, and therefor have no worries about leaving all their crap scattered across yards as if everyday were a rummage sale, the land is really beautiful and worth seeing. Do you ever wonder how it gets so bad that you have what any unbiased observer would call a Junk Yard in the front of your house for everyone to see? I mean, wasn't it Louie Anderson, the comedian who is quite rotund who said, "It's not like I woke up one day, looked in the mirror and said, "Oh no! Look at what happened!" I just have a hard time believing that some of the people who live right up against the highway are thinking, "Oh, nobody will notice if we leave these ten burnt out cars on our front porch. Here, we'll just throw a blue tarp over them and maybe park the boat with a hole in front of it". Geeze, I hope I'm not describing my friend's house.Anyway, back to Poth. Lots of wide open farmland and a tiny little area of town, the good news is, they have their own water tower and Post office. Just for fun, say, "Poth Post Office" three times fast. I'll wait.Anyway, not a whole lot more of it. They do have a Police Department and a few restaurants and craft places. We didn't really drive off of 181, so I'm sure we missed some of the more important landmarks. If you live in Poth or are from there, I'd love an e-mail or a comment. I'd love to know more about the small town.Next is the small town of Falls City. There is some form of industry in town and a place for people to get some vittles, but we also saw lots of things that had seen better days. I'm not quite sure what my fascination with old wooden shacks with rusted roofs is, but I like to imagine what they were like new and if they were intended to be more than just a shack for storage. You see so many older dwellings that would make perfect "fixer uppers" (and we say it jokingly, realizing how really far gone they are, but just imagine how grand this structure must have been when it was new and with a fresh coat of paint.Oh, the folks in Falls City are pretty proud of their Falls City Beavers. That is the mascot for the high school. But, suitable for a convenience store mascot too. And, if you need some stamps...We did not realize that there was a town called Hobson, but it turns out they have a Post office, so they must be there. In this case, don't blink is an understatement. Continuing southeast on Highway 181, we couldn't get over how much we liked the landscape. It is fairly flat but with occasional small hills and lots of cattle grazing. Horses too. I also appreciate the sense of humor the people in this part of Texas have. If you click on the picture above to enlarge it, you can see the sign in the right side of the picture says, Rancho "Not So" Grande.The county seat of Karnes County is, Karnes City. Imagine that.Instead of blowing through this town , we did pull off of Highway 181 so we could take a look at a few of the landmarks in the city. You can actually see the courthouse from quite a distance.We drove down a main road and saw the Public Library which seemed pretty modern compared to the house just across the street from it.This cat* started to take one of its nine lives into his own paws in an effort to get to some of the older businesses in the area. Not sure what he was hoping to find, but I like his style. * Attention PETA: No animals were harmed in photographing pictures for this blog entry. Again with the imagery of something long ago forgotten, I thought this was a nice view. Of course, it is probably still fully operational. Just needs some TLC.Finally, we got back onto 181 and headed into Kenedy, just to say that we had. We didn't do a whole lot of looking around - in fact, drove into town, gawked at a few things and turned around and headed back.On the way into Kenedy, You can see something on the horizon beyond the beautiful landscape. Upon closer inspection, it was a huge grain mill situation.You can't help but notice a lot of run down structures and wonder what the history behind each of them is. But we did see this place called Jerry B's. It has a dead plane posing in front of it. Many readers will recall Bucks Landing off 1604 near Stone Oak. I'm thinking this plane wasn't as nice. But I liked the signage and if we hadn't already planned on lunch someplace else, we would have stopped.And of course, there is a post office and a second hand store in Kenedy, so I'd say you could easily make a day of it. Just remember, my wife and I often drive through small and interesting places and take a few pictures and post them here without having the benefit of stopping and really getting to know a place. So I hope that if something catches your eye here, you might take a short (or long) drive and see some of these places for yourself. Share your thoughts on the things we missed if you will. Next time, I'll tell you about Floresville and lunch at the Maverick Grill. (Look at http://www.karnestx.com/photos.html for these photos.) ************************************************ From seguingazette.com January 20, 2008 Panthers dominate Kenedy By Jason Chlapek The Gazette-Enterprise GERONIMO — This one was never close. The Navarro boys basketball team received double-doubles from Wesley Ply, Clayton Warren and A.K. Williams on Friday as the Panthers recorded their most lopsided victory of the season, 86-36, over Kenedy at the Navarro Special Events Center. The win helped Navarro (13-9, 6-1 in District 29-2A) finish the first half of league play in a first-place tie with Poth (6-1 in 29- 2A). The teams meet at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Navarro Special Events Center for the right to move into first place outright. Poth won the first meeting between the teams on Dec. 18. The 50-point victory was Navarro’s largest of the season. The Panthers’ previous-high was 34 with they beat Nixon-Smiley, 66-32, on Jan. 4. Navarro jumped out to a 40-19 halftime lead and never looked back. Warren finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven steals — three shy of a triple-double. Ply recorded his 10th double-double of the year with a game-high 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Williams had 15 points to go with a game-high 13 rebounds. Zach Hernandez scored 15 points and had a game-high five assists, while Caleb Smith scored 13 points. Marion boys LA VERNIA — The Marion boys basketball team had trouble with La Vernia’s 6-foot-7 post Kevin Kotzur on Friday as Kotzur dominated the Bulldogs with 27 points to lead Class 3A No. 6 La Vernia to a 77-40 victory over Marion at La Vernia High School. Marion (11-13, 0-2 in 26-3A) has lost its first two district contests by 27 points or more. The Bulldogs also lost to West Campus, 66-39, on Tuesday. One problem Kotzur presented Marion with was a size disadvantage. The Bulldogs’ tallest player is 6-3 Stayton Cockrill. Ricky Gonzales was the only Marion player in double figures with 16 points. In addition to Kotzur’s 27 points, Cameron Miller and Brian Staudt also had 10 points. Marion hosts Luling at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Lifegate boys SAN ANTONIO — The Lifegate boys basketball team suffered another close loss on Friday as they fell short against First Baptist, 52-49, at the San Antonio Factory of Champions. Lifegate (10-9, 2-2 in TAPPS 7-A) found itself trailing throughout most of the game, but always managed to keep it close. The Falcons made several key defensive stops, but never could quite get that extra boost to take the lead. Cruz Sepeda led with 15 points, while Alex Schaeffer scored 13 for Lifegate. Lifegate hosts Atonement at 7:30 p.m. Friday. ************************************************ From dnpc.blogspot.com January 21, 2008 Traveling Around Texas It's a dreary and drizzly day today - a good time to catch up on our travels. We've been here in San Marcos for almost two months now, and have enjoyed fairly warm weather, made new friends, and of course, sampled almost every restaurant in the area. One of our day trips was to the town of Fredricksburg, a quaint town settled by German immigrants in 1846. The main street is filled with shops, many specializing in German antiques and gifts (lots of nutcrackers!), and a number of German restaurants and brew pubs. While there, we visited the National Museum of the Pacific War, a surprisingly extensive facility focused on Admiral Chester Nimitz, who grew up in the family hotel which now houses the museum entrance. It was especially meaningful for us because in the early 80's while stationed in Washington state, we visited the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the then-mothballed Battleship Missouri , and with Brendas' WWII Pacific war veteran Dad, stood on the spot where Admiral Nimitz signed the Japanese surrender documents. The town and museum are well worth the trip if you are in the area, especially during the Christmas season when the streets are decorated and the shops are filled with holiday gifts. On the way, we stopped at one of Texas' most famous country- western locations, Luckenbach, the subject of the Waylon Jennings hit song. It's not easy to find, since the signs for the town disappear as fast as they put them up, but eventually we pulled up in front of the combination post office/general store/bar. While it may be a rockin' place during the summer, on this weekday afternoon it was quiet, with only a few visitors. Brenda immediately charmed the bar patrons (both of them) and within a few minutes was being serenaded with a guitar solo by her new-found friend, singing a song about the ghost of Waylon visiting the bar and inspiring new songs. It was a truly friendly group, & we enjoyed our brief stay at this landmark location. Less memorable was a two-day trip to the Rio Grande Valley, where we visited to scout possible volunteer sites for next winter. The valley or "RGV" as it's known, is a popular location for "Winter Texans", those who journey from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and other northern states and Canada to escape the winter. The east-west highway along the border from Brownsville to Mission is filled with literally hundreds of RV parks, from huge upscale resorts to small mom & pop trailer parks. We visited two National Wildlife Refuges, Santa Ana, on the border in the central valley, and Laguna Atacosa on the gulf coast. Both were busy with visitors and had great facilities. Many of the the winter Texans are avid bird-watchers and provide a huge visitor base for the refuges; surprisingly to us an entrance fee is charged (hence the great facilities). At Laguna Atacosa, we watched this Green Jay, a beautiful bird found only in this southernmost area. Although both the refuges have facilities for volunteers, we're not sure we'd be comfortable in the area, it's a long way to get here and doesn't offer anything special. A day trip to Corpus Christi was a more positive experience. We toured the waterfront, looked at RV parks, and enjoyed a Sunday brunch at a terrific waterfront restaurant. We liked the downtown waterfront and large-city facilities, and plan to return to the area and visit Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. On the way back, we stopped in the little town of Panna Maria, which amazed us in being the first Polish settlement in the U.S. There's not much left of the original settlement, just the church, a small store, and an even smaller museum. Still, it's an interesting story how the immigrants landed in Galveston and settled here - we would never have guessed that the first Polish settlement was in Texas! Finally, big news! Those of you that have followed our travels know that Brenda has long yearned to see a moose in the wild; you may remember that she was "Mooseless in Montana" in spite of over 3000 miles (or so) of back-country exploring. Well, thanks to our friends Dennis and Ann, she is NO LONGER MOOSELESS! As you can see by the picture, she has a Christmoose, complete with little bells and a fashionable satin finish. There is now much joy here as Brenda and the moose jingle their way through the coach, much to the confusion and dismay of the cat. Another item on our "bucket list" has been completed. Who knows what's next? Come back and see! ************************************************ From herald-zeitung.com January 24, 2008 Consultant to examine CCSCT By Chris Cobb The Herald-Zeitung SAN ANTONIO — There might be help on the way for the financially struggling Community Council of South Central Texas. The Alamo Area Council of Governments decided Wednesday to send a consultant to review the financial and organizational structure of the CCSCT and explore managing some of the programs operated by the low-income service provider. "That agency is riddled with problems at this time," said Guadalupe County Judge and AACOG board member Mike Wiggins. The CCSCT oversees the funding of aid programs — like family planning and utility assistance — to low-income Texans in 11 counties. The nonprofit is facing staggering amounts of debt. It was forced in November to clear all of its expenditures with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs before receiving funding. Its former executive director resigned Nov. 30. The AACOG board of directors voted to offer consulting and possible aid to the Seguin-based nonprofit if the CCSCT board formally requests such help at its Friday meeting. "The Community Council needs to be shored up," said Karnes County Judge Alger Kendall, a member of both the AACOG and CCSCT boards. "If not, they’re just going to be dumped and somebody is going end up having to pick it up." AACOG is a political subdivision of the state which provides numerous public services in 12 San Antonio area counties, including those served by the Community Council. Listed on Friday’s CCSCT board meeting agenda is an item which will allow AACOG to review every aspect of its operation. "The action has to come from the Community Council," said Al Notzon, who served as AACOG’s executive director for 36 years before retiring in 2007. "All that happened here today was setting the stage." AACOG commissioned its former director to review the finances, management and organizational makeup of the nonprofit, and help find possible solutions to its problems. "It’s not going to be an easy task because of the fiscal issues, as well as the structural issues," Notzon said. First and foremost, a forensic audit must be completed by the CCSCT to determine the depth of its financial woes. "If we have any glimmer of picking this program up, then we had better know what we’re getting into," said Comal County Commissioner and AACOG board member Jay Millikin. The two entities already have a working relationship, and AACOG has absorbed some of the CCSCT’s responsibilities in the past. The CCSCT currently provides aging and nutrition programs for AACOG, which already took over the nonprofit’s rural transportation program in 2006 and its workforce training program in 1983. Notzon would be evaluating what, if any, programs AACOG could take responsibility for and explore whether other entities also could shoulder some of the CCSCT’s workload. "Obviously AACOG is clearly a possibility, but it’s not the only possibility," said Notzon, who will be paid $108.88 per hour by AACOG and make a maximum of $50,000 for his consulting. A timetable was not set on how long it would take to complete an evaluation of the CCSCT. His report would go back to the AACOG board for consideration and possible action once finished. The move by the San Antonio based political entity was done in an effort to hopefully ensure that low-income services provided by the CCSCT can be delivered in a more efficient manner. "There is an absolute good chance that (the CCSCT) can get back on its feet," Wiggins said. "It definitely needs some new leadership and some new management in place. But the services that they provide are greatly needed by the residents in the counties they serve." ************************************************ From seguingazette.com January 25, 2008 Getting down to the knitty gritty By Jason Chlapek The Gazette-Enterprise GUADALUPE COUNTY — The district basketball races are winding down as the boys teams have six games remaining, while the girls have just four. The exception to the rule is the Lifegate boys, who have just five games remaining on their schedule after finishing the first half of TAPPS District 5-A play. All eight area teams will be in action tonight as the Seguin and Lifegate boys and Marion and Lifegate girls host key district contests, and the Marion and Navarro boys and Seguin and Navarro girls hit the road for their district games. Boys basketball Marion (12-13, 1-2 in 26-3A) will compete at South San Antonio ISD’s new Durbon Center for the first, and possibly last, time tonight when the Bulldogs visit district leader West Campus at 6 p.m. at the Durbon Center, located on the campus of South San High School. Unless Marion competes in the South San Tournament in the future, this could be the Bulldogs’ only appearance in the Durbon Center as West Campus High School will close its doors at the end of the school year because of major flood damage sustained at the school in August. Tonight’s contest will be the second of three meetings between the teams. West Campus won the first meeting, 66-39, on Jan. 14, at Marion High School. Both teams are coming off of key wins from Tuesday night. West Campus capped the first third of 26-3A play with a 60-53 victory over No. 6 La Vernia, while Marion recorded a 58-45 victory over Luling. In the win over Luling, Brandon Swanson led the way with 18 points, while Trent Corkran and Stayton Cockrill each had 10 points. Navarro (13-10, 6-2 in 29-2A) looks to bounce back after a tough 79- 76 overtime loss to Poth Tuesday at the Navarro Special Events Center. The Panthers visit Karnes City at 8 p.m. at Karnes City High School. Navarro won the first meeting between the teams, 66-55, Dec. 21, at Navarro. The Panthers have done well since the start of district play as they have won not only six of their eight 29-2A contests, they also have won eight of their last 11 as they finished 2-1 in the D’Hanis Tournament Dec. 28-29. In Tuesday’s loss, Navarro had big nights from Zach Hernandez (40 points, four assists), Wesley Ply (11 points, seven rebounds) and Clayton Warren (13 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and five steals). Warren led the Panthers in assists, rebounds and steals. Navarro also played short-handed in overtime as three of the eight players on the roster fouled out either in the fourth quarter or in overtime. Two other players finished the game with four fouls, and the Panthers still had a chance to send the game into a second overtime before Hernandez’s 3-point shot bounced off the side of the rim as the buzzer sounded. Navarro is tied with Randolph for second place in the 29-2A standings. Seguin (11-13, 1-7 in 25-5A) still has a pulse despite being deadlast in the district standings. The Matadors trail fourth-place Westlake (14-11, 4-4 in 25-5A) by three games with six contests to go, so with a strong finish and some help from other teams, Seguin could sneak into the postseason. The trek to stay alive starts tonight for the Matadors when they host Austin at 7:30 p.m. at Goldie Harris Gymnasium. Seguin is coming off of a 55-41 loss to San Marcos on Tuesday. Blake Rabe led the way for the Matadors with 21 points. Lifegate (11-8, 3-2 in TAPPS 5-A) hosts Atonement Academy at 7:30 p.m. at Lifegate Christian School. Girls basketball Seguin (10-17, 5-5 in 25-5A) kept its playoff hopes alive with a 46- 39 victory against San Marcos on Tuesday. Now the Lady Matadors face a pair of tough district contests on the road as they visit Austin at 7 p.m. today and Westlake on Tuesday. Austin and Westlake are first and second, respectively, in the district standings. Seguin beat Austin, 43-40, on Jan. 2, at Goldie Harris, which was the Lady Maroons’ only district loss so far this season. The Lady Matadors are tied with Anderson for fourth place in the 25- 5A standings. The teams meet on Feb. 1, at Goldie Harris. Marion (19-9, 2-3 in 26-3A) has lost two contests in a row, but can still clinch a playoff berth with a win over West Campus tonight. The teams tip off at 7:30 p.m. at Marion High School. A win will give the Bulldogs a three-game lead over West Campus with three games to go, and the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Lady Cougars. Marion won the first meeting between the teams, 56-25, on Jan. 14. Tonight’s game also will be the last time Marion will host West Campus in girls basketball as West Campus closes at the end of the school year. The Bulldogs are coming off of a pair of tough losses to La Vernia (57-52, OT) and Luling (48-47). In defeat, however, Marion senior guard Mackenzie Langemeier still managed to break the 1,000-points barrier with her 11-point outing at Luling. She has 1,001 for her career. Navarro (13-14, 6-4 in 29-2A) is in fourth place in the district standings, but can still move into second place if it wins its remaining four games. The Lady Panthers visit Karnes City at 6:30 p.m. at Karnes City. Navarro beat Karnes City, 60-45, on Dec. 21. ************************************************ From seguingazette.com January 22, 2008 Navarro girls win second consecutive game By Jason Chlapek The Gazette-Enterprise GERONIMO — Perhaps the Navarro girls basketball team is coming around. And it couldn't come at a better time as only five games remain in the regular season. On Friday, the Lady Panthers turned in one of their better outings of the season as they doubled up Kenedy, 62-30, at the Navarro Special Events Center. Navarro (13-13, 6-3 in District 29-2A) finds itself in a third-place tie with Yorktown. The teams trail Nixon-Smiley (7-2 in 29-2A) by a single game in the district standings. The Lady Panthers led throughout the contest, and built a 43-21 lead at halftime. The second half allowed Navarro to put things into cruise control as the Lady Panthers held Kenedy to just 9 points in the final two quarters of play. Four players in the Navarro roster finished the game in double figures as Brittany Parker led the way with 15 points. Sydawnie Douglass scored 13 points, while Haley Helweg and Cyntha Ramon each had 11. Kenedy was led by Melanie Martinez, who finished with 12 points. Navarro hosts 29-2A leader Poth at 6:30 p.m. today at the Navarro Special Events Center. Lifegate girls SAN ANTONIO — The Lifegate girls basketball team suffered its lowest offensive output of the year on Friday as the Lady Falcons fell to First Baptist, 47-31, at the Factory of Champions in San Antonio. Lifegate (8-2, 2-1 in TAPPS 5-A) also surrendered its second-highest point total of the season. The Lady Falcons were led by Tina Brown with 13 points. Lifegate returns home on Friday to face Atonement at 6 p.m. at Lifegate Christian School. Boys Basketball GUADALUPE COUNTY — It’s been more than a month since the Navarro and Poth boys basketball teams last took the court. The Pirates defended their homecourt successfully with a 71-67 victory over the Panthers on Dec. 18, at Poth High School. But tonight, Navarro gets its shot at redemption when Poth comes to Geronimo for an 8 p.m. tip off at the Navarro Special Events Center. Much has changed for Navarro (13-9, 6-1 in 29-2A) since Dec. 18. The Panthers have won eight of their nine games since that day, including all six 29-2A contests they have participated in. Navarro’s only loss in that time frame was 66-47 to Ingram Tom Moore in the D’Hanis Tournament. The Panthers and Pirates are tied atop the district standings, and Navarro enters the contest with a six-game winning streak. Navarro handed Kenedy an 86-36 loss on Friday. The 50-point victory was the Panthers’ largest margin of victory this season. Seguin (11-12, 1-6 in 25-5A) will try to somehow stop the bleeding which has plagued it since early December. After jumping out to a 7-2 start, which included the Matador Classic tournament championship, the Matadors have won just four of their last 14 meetings as injuries, grades and other intangibles have taken their toll on the team. Seguin, coming off a 45-43 loss at Akins Friday, gets a shot at redemption when it visits San Marcos at 7:30 p.m. today at San Marcos High School. San Marcos beat Seguin, 55-47, on Dec. 14, at Goldie Harris Gymnasium. While Seguin has won a district contest, Marion (11-13, 0-2 in 26- 3A) is still in search of its first league victory. The Bulldogs could get what they’re looking for when Luling comes to town tonight. The teams tip off at 7:30 p.m. at Marion High School. ************************************************ From sanmarcosrecord.com January 24, 2008 Big and smart, sandhill cranes are tough customers Jim Darnell Sandhill cranes are big birds. They’re tough to hunt. Their eyesight is extremely keen and they can take a hard hit with steel shot and still fly away. Thick feathers, tough skin and deep chests protect their vital organs. And it’s easy to think they’re in shotgun range when they are not because of their huge wingspan. They look like B-29 bombers coming in on you. Last week, my wife Beth and I drove to my lease in Kenedy in the afternoon to try our luck on the sandhills. My morning duck hunts on the lake had been good but no cranes. They always left the lake in the dark when we drove in to hunt. Knowing that they were roosting around the marshy area of the lake meant that an afternoon hunt would probably be good. When we arrived it was raining. Beth said, "I’m not going to hunt in this rain. I’ll stay in the truck." She’s just not interested in being macho. So I got into the duck blind to await the arrival of the cranes. Would they come today? I sure hoped so. I knew I was early so my retriever, Lady, and I had a little fellowship for the first hour. A pintail duck passed near the blind so I made a few notes on the duck call to see if he was interested. As I turned to call I saw them. Seven Sandhill cranes were standing on the lake shoreline about 100 yards south of me. How they flew in without me seeing them I will never know. Maybe my attention was on the duck. I called Beth on the cell phone. "Seven cranes slipped in behind me. They’re feeding between you and me," I whispered. "How about stepping out of the truck and letting them see you? I think they will fly right over me." Beth got out of the truck and with their sharp eyes they quickly spotted her. But instead of flying straight toward me they flew out over the lake before turning north. I tried three shots but they were too far. That first group had arrived at exactly 5 p.m. Sunset, which is the end of legal shooting time, was at 5:55 p.m. I figured that business was fixing to get hot. Within minutes, two cranes flew directly over the blind. They were high but right above me. When I pulled the trigger on the 12 gauge, the heavy load a magnum BB’s did the job. The lead bird collapsed. The other one escaped. But it didn’t matter. Groups of six, eight, ten, and sometimes 20 birds, began to pour into the wetland marsh adjacent to the lake. I quickly dropped a second bird and was hurrying to get back to the truck so that the birds could settle into their roost when three speckled-bellied geese flew down the middle of the lake. I made only a few clucks on my goose call before they turned straight toward the blind. Soon they were in point-blank range. When the 12 gauge roared, the two front geese dropped. Two with one shot. That was my dark geese limit. Snow geese have a liberal 20 bird limit but only two dark geese (specs and Canada’s) make up a full limit. When I rang Beth’s cell phone she asked. "Are you finished?" "Got ‘em," I answered. Soon I was in the vehicle, out of the rain and on the way home. My reason for hurrying away from the lake was a plan to hunt again Friday afternoon with hunting pal Noah Gallaher. By letting them into their turf with minimal disturbance maybe they would return Friday. Beth and I admired the two cranes. They’re huge. Lesser sandhills stand about 3.5 feet tall and weigh between 6 and 7 pounds. The greater sandhill looks like a small person at about 5 feet tall. They weigh 10 to 14 pounds. They are primarily birds of open fresh water wetlands but they also love cultivated, plowed fields. All cranes are omnivorous. They feed on a wide variety of tender plants, grains and invertebrates like mice and snakes. With their long beak they are very adapt to probing in the ground and finding planted agricultural seeds such as corn. Big groups can do severe damage to a crop. Sometimes they come into big conflict with the farmer. Friday afternoon Noah and I arrived before the cranes and hung some camo cloth on a fence that that we expected the cranes to cross at a low altitude. It was a good set-up. Big numbers of cranes came right over us. It didn’t take long to harvest our combined limit of four. We left quickly. Maybe we can squeeze in one more hunt before the season closes Sunday. Will the cranes come again or have they been educated? They are not stupid. Jim Darnell is an ordained minister and host/producer of the syndicated outdoors show, God’s Great Outdoors. His column appears every Thursday in the Daily Record. ************************************************ From herald-zeitung.com January 26, 2008 CCSCT asks AACOG for help By Chris Cobb The Herald-Zeit SEGUIN — The Community Council of South Central Texas formally requested help from the Alamo Area Council of Governments Friday, in an effort to find solutions to the nonprofit’s financial problems. The CCSCT is facing deep organizational debt. The board tried cut down on some operating costs Friday, eliminating benefits for part- time employees, doing away with three full-time job positions and closing down a senior center in Karnes County. The CCSCT board of directors voted to commission former AACOG Executive Director Al Notzon to conduct a thorough study of the organization, which oversees the funding of low-income aid programs to Texans in 11 counties. On Wednesday, AACOG directors approved a contract with Notzon to consult with the CCSCT and examine what avenues might be available to ensure that its programs continue to meet the needs of the people they serve. "This so we can find ways to prevent the situation we’re facing from reoccurring in the future," said Comal County Judge and CCSCT board member Danny Scheel. "I’m not coming here as Pollyanna thinking there’s a silver lining somewhere," Notzon said. "I’m coming understanding that (the board) is very concerned. My question now is, where do we go from here?" Notzon’s first request was that an in-depth audit be conducted to determine the extent of the CCSCT’s financial issues. The largest constraints on the CCSCT are strict sanctions placed upon it by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, one of its major funding sources. TDHCA officials are hoping Notzon’s input can help the struggling organization. "We think it’s a good thing," said TDHCA Executive Director Michael Gerber of Notzon’s involvement. "AACOG has a lot of management skill and capacity. I think (Notzon) brings a lot to the table." The TDHCA placed the nonprofit on a cost-reimbursement method of payment in November, forcing the agency to clear all of its expenses with the state before receiving funding. Gerber said the agency would have to make significant changes to its managerial and organizational structure to get off cost-reimbursement. "I don’t think their problems are ones that can’t be solved with good management," Gerber said. The CCSCT’s former executive director resigned on Nov. 30. The board set up an interview committee to seek a permanent replacement Friday. Notzon said he was initially approached as a possible replacement, but declined. CCSCT board members said his fee as consultant would have to be worked out, given the organization’s financial situation. AACOG agreed to pay Nozton $108.88 an hour, and a maximum of $50,000, but would like to be reimbursed by the CCSCT in the future. Board Chairman Adolfo Aguilar said he hoped AACOG’s assistance would help lead the way forward for the CCSCT. "We need expertise as we move forward," Notzon said. Earlier in the day, Congressman Henry Cuellar presented the CCSCT- run Head Start Center in Seguin with a grant award of $1,405,678, to fund programs in the seven Head Start centers in Guadalupe and Comal Counties. Cuellar reiterated that, although the CCSCT has had its problems, the people it serves cannot be forgotten. "This is important, because there were some issues," said Congressman Henry Cuellar. "Changes have been made and we have confidence that they can continue with these services. In our mind, these are services that are very, very important." ************************************************ From kiiitv.com January 25, 2008 Cowboys and Cowgirls are saddling up for a trail ride to San Antonio The South Texas Trail Riders 49th Annual ride from Corpus Christi to San Antonio is officially underway and all cowboys and cowgirls have left Edroy headed to Tynan for the night. Riders come from across the country to be a part of this venture. Many have different stories of why they decided to saddle up but all agree the reason they come back year after year is because of the friends they make along the ride. The trail ride travels to Tynan, Beeville, Pettus, Kenedy, Falls City, Floresville, Bexar County Sheriff's Posse Arena to Camp Grounds on Kono Rd. and then to the 59th Annual San Antonio Stock show and Rodeo. ************************************************ From seguingazette.com January 27, 2008 Murder suspect arrested in Oklahoma By Jessica Sanders The Gazette-Enterprise BARTLESVILLE, Okla. — A man wanted for murder in Guadalupe County was captured early Friday in northern Oklahoma. Juan Manuel Garcia, 28, charged in connection with the New Year’s Day stabbing death of 22-year-old Ismael Araujo, was tracked by police and U.S. Marshals to a motel in Bartlesville, Okla., where he was working as a construction worker. Bartlesville is about fifty miles north of Tulsa and 20 miles from the Kansas line. Tom Smith, a supervisor with the Marshals Service-sponsored Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, said investigators conducted a number of interviews and were able to get one of Garcia’s associates to provide information. "Investigators found that Garcia was in contact with a number of people in Texas and we were able to get one of them to cooperate," he said. "From there, we were able to determine where he was calling from." The Marshals contacted Bartlesville Police to inform them that Garcia might be staying in a hotel in the area, and the agency sent detectives to find out which room he was in, Smith said. Just after midnight, the Bartlesville Police SWAT team tossed a stun grenade through the hotel window, entered the room and arrested Garcia without incident, he said. According to the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, Bartlesville Police Chief Tom Holland said Garcia did not resist arrest and even confessed that he was wanted by authorities. "He said I’m the guy wanted out of Seguin, Texas" Holland said. "We hear he’s good at construction and had worked a job in Arkansas before coming to Bartlesville to do construction." Smith said that another man, likely a fellow construction worker, was staying with Garcia in the room. He said that man does not face any charges. "It all went very smoothly," he said. "He will be extradited back to Texas." Investigators believe that Araujo was killed during a New Year’s Eve party at a house in the 200 block of Mud Track Lane. Witnesses said he and Garcia began fighting during the pre-dawn hours over a dispute that occurred between their relatives in Mexico. Deputies were called a few hours later and Araujo’s body was found behind the house at about 8 a.m. Garcia is currently being held in Washington County charged with first-degree murder. If proved at trial, murder is punishable by five to 99 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Guadalupe Sheriff’s Detective Lt. Kevin Jordan said investigators in the Seguin area did not believe that Garcia would return to his native Mexico and were confident that he would be apprehended. "We knew that someone picked him up in Karnes County," Jordan said. "We felt that he would not be able to travel too far and that we would be able to locate him." Smith said that authorities have identified a person who may have helped transport Garcia and are investigating further. He added that officers in Guadalupe County and Bartlesville were both crucial to Garcia’s apprehension. "We could not have done this without the local law enforcement agencies, they really hit the ground running hard," he said. "When agencies like Guadalupe County do such great investigation work up front, it really makes our job easier when it comes to tracking people down." ************************************************ From wilsoncountynews.com JAN 29, 2008 Big horns come to SA for largest longhorn show in South Texas Big horns are headed to San Antonio for the largest longhorn show in South Texas. The South Texas Longhorn Association (STLA) will present the annual Texas Longhorn Show as part of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo on Saturday, Feb. 2. For many, Texas longhorn cattle conjure up images of days gone by — but in today’s world, those beautiful longhorns are turning heads and capturing the hearts of ranching enthusiasts throughout the United States. You’re invited to come see some of the best registered Texas longhorns in the region and experience a little bit of Texas history. "Kids and Horns," the youth haltered show, will begin Saturday morning at the Cattle Show Barn, South Arena, and will be followed in the afternoon by the "Freedom Show," an exhibition of non-haltered longhorns, which brings out some of the longest-horned females around. The show finale will include those grand trophy steers. With over 140 entries, including previous award-winning bulls, heifers, and steers representing breeding programs from across the state of Texas, the longhorns will be on display at the cattle barn and in the pens behind the auction barn from Friday evening, Feb. 1, throughout the weekend. Visitors can watch the show competition throughout the day Saturday or spend time walking through the aisles in the main cattle barn (haltered cattle) and the pens behind the auction barn (non-haltered) to see the longhorns up close. The STLA, an affiliate of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, has sponsored the annual longhorn show in San Antonio since early 1980. The STLA serves breeders and ranchers in the Central and South Texas areas by providing field day and ranch visit events and the sponsorship of various Texas longhorn shows during the year. The 2008 show listing of outstanding longhorns to watch for includes the seven-time world grand champion trophy steer, WOW KCC, owned by Kimble Cattle Company in Karnes City, who now sports over 109 inches of total horn (that’s right, over 9 feet of horn) and is still growing! The popularity of Texas longhorns remains at an all-time high. These magnificent animals are a beauty to see in the pasture, have fewer calving problems because of lower birth-weight calves, and are more disease-resistant than other breeds. They are also quickly becoming noted for producing a very lean and healthy beef product needed in today’s society. The STLA invites you to come see the "Big Horns in the River City" and see Texas longhorns in person. For more information about the STLA Longhorn Show at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, contact Steven Zunker, show chair, at 210-827- 3940, or e-mail BoxZranch@msn.com. ************************************************ From wilsoncountynews.com FEB 06, 2008 WCN chooses deer blind winners Robert C. McDonald 30.JAN.08 It was another successful Deer Blind Contest for the Wilson County News this year. We received nearly as many entries as last year, and many of our readers’ entries forced a new "unique" category for this year. We still had very nice entries, and others that scared our judges a little, but that was just part of the fun. This year’s top prize for the best deer blind went to Slade Kasper of Floresville. Kasper’s blind was built with creature comforts in mind, and that impressed the judges. After all, nearly everyone can appreciate that the blind was made large enough for four people, tall enough to easily accommodate his 6-foot, 3-inch frame, and comfortable enough in which to spend the whole day. The blind was equipped with lights powered by a 12-volt battery and wired to an actual light switch. Many of the judges found that a nice feature as well. Taking home first-place honors in our best-blind category this year was Shawn Ferguson. Craig Vontur of San Antonio submitted the worst blind this year. His "boat seat in the brush" may actually work, but none of our judges wanted to try it for the weekend. Ronnie Retzloff of Karnes City won our category for unique blinds. His box blind sitting atop an old combine was the type of thing most people have only heard about. Retzloff walks away with top honors in that category. The Wilson County News would like to thank all of our readers who participated, as well as each of our contest sponsors for donating the wonderful prizes. rmcdonald@wcn-online.com - Wilson County News ************************************************ From seguingazette.com January 30, 2008 Navarro boys take second By Jason Chlapek The Gazette-Enterprise GERONIMO — Weight lifting is one of the many ways student athletes get in shape for their respective seasons. It also happens to be a sport of its own — powerlifting. Navarro High School hosted a powerlifting meet on Saturday at the Navarro Special Events Center, and the boys team took second while the girls team finished sixth. Karnes City won both the boys and girls team championships. On the boys side, Navarro had a pair of weight-class champions in Daniel Kokenes (123-lb class) and Vicente Juarez (275-lb class). Kokenes finished the competition with 645 total pounds, while Juarez lifted 1,045 pounds. There also was a trio of second-place finishers for the Panthers as Chris Ruff (123-lb class), P.J. Solis (132-lb class) and Robert Lopez (165-lb class). Ruff totaled 495 pounds, while Solis lifted 830, and Lopez recorded a team-high 1,090. Other Navarro lifters who placed on the boys side were Devin Dirst (148-lb class, fifth, 795 total lbs); Zach Aguilar (165-lb class, seventh, 865 total lbs); Kevin Shehane (181-lb class, sixth, 810 total lbs), Kyle Mueller (198-lb class, fourth, 970 total lbs) and Steven Perez (220-lb class, 10th, 830 total lbs). On the girls side, Leneatta Hight was the top finisher for the Lady Panthers as she placed second in her weight class with 445 total pounds. Other competitors for Navarro were Brittnie Cowey and Emmy Hanlon, who finished fourth and sixth, respectively, in the same weight class. Cowey finished with 500 pounds, while Hanlon posted 480. Other teams participating in the Navarro Invitational were Randolph, Poth, Kenedy, Comfort, Luling, Lockhart, Gonzales, San Marcos Baptist Academy and Medina. Navarro competes in the Kenedy Invitational on Saturday at Kenedy High School. ************************************************ From baptiststandard.com 1/29/08 Teenager at South Texas Children’s Home dies By Vicki Hewitt South Texas Children’s Home BEEVILLE—J.D. Gomez, a 17-year-old boy in the care of South Texas Children’s Home, died Jan. 25. Gomez was discovered unconscious in the shower and did not respond to CPR administered by several staff members at the children’s home. The sheriff’s department and emergency medical service personnel arrived quickly, but Gomez did not regain consciousness. Gomez, an athlete at Pettus High School, left school with a fever and respiratory symptoms three days before his death. On Jan. 23, he was taken to the doctor in Kenedy and began taking prescribed medication to treat an infection. He had remained home from school Friday morning and had awakened to take a shower when he apparently passed out, children’s home officials said. "All signs of this tragic event indicate that Gomez’s death is health related," said Todd Roberson, president and CEO of South Texas Children’s Home. "We are deeply saddened by his death, and our hearts go out to this child’s family, the house parents, our caseworkers and others who have been involved in this child’s life. The local justice of the peace ordered an autopsy, as is typical in this type of instance, Roberson noted. "We know that staff did everything they could do to revive J.D. We also believe staff followed proper protocol and procedures for dealing with a child’s illness and seeking the proper medical treatment for that illness," he said. "Right now, we are working hard to help our campus community deal with the shock of this sad news." Residents and staff of South Texas Children’s Home assembled about 1:30 on Jan. 25 when Greg Huskey, Boothe Campus administrator, announced Gomez’s death. "We’re family," Huskey said, "and we wanted to be the ones to tell you this news before you heard it from others." Mark Childs, vice president of childcare at STCH, invited the children and staff to ask questions and to talk with a houseparent, caseworker, or any staff member to get the help they needed to deal with the loss. "We don’t have a lot of answers right now," Childs said. "But we trust God. This is a tough time, but we’ll get through this together." Caseworkers and counselors were on hand to offer comfort and counsel. South Texas Children’s Home has also offered counseling assistance to the Pettus Independent School District, and district Superintendent Tucker Rackley offered his support to the children’s home. South Texas Children’s Home has been meeting the needs of children and families in South Texas since 1952 and never had a situation of this nature during that time, Roberson noted. "There is a very close family atmosphere," he said. "Children in our care live in a cottage, or house, with a couple who serve as house- parents. The cottages function much like any family would, with meals being prepared in the cottages and the family planning activities together. The children attend public school, local churches, and participate in extracurricular activities. It’s going to be very hard for everyone to deal with this sad news. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time." South Texas Children’s Home is a multi-service organization offering basic dependent childcare, emergency care, family counseling services and international/humanitarian efforts. It is a licensed childcare facility regulated by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. It is also an affiliate of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and is governed by a board of 24 volunteer directors. STCH does not accept state or federal funds for operation, and relies solely on the generosity of individuals, churches, businesses, foundations and other organizations for funding. ************************************************ From team4news.com January 30, 2008 Perry declares wildfire disaster in 152 of state's 254 counties AUSTIN (AP) - Governor Rick Perry has declared a state disaster for 152 counties that already have burn bans as Texas deals with more wildfires today. The declaration allows affected counties to qualify for state assistance. High winds and dry conditions have made for explosive fire conditions across much of Texas. Perry's office also says eight military helicopters have been positioned in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth for rapid response. The governor's Division of Emergency Management is coordinating state support for local officials. Here are the 152 counties in the disaster proclamation: Andrews, Archer, Armstrong, Atascosa, Bandera, Baylor, Bell, Bexar, Bosque, Brewster, Briscoe, Brooks, Brown Carson, Castro, Childress, Clay, Cochran, Coke, Collingsworth, Comal, Comanche, Concho, Cooke, Coryell, Crane, Crockett, Crosby, Culberson Deaf Smith, Delta, Denton, Dickens, Dimmit, Eastland, Ector, Edwards, Ellis, Erath, Fannin, Fisher, Foard, Frio Garza, Gray, Grayson, Guadalupe, Hale, Hall, Hamilton, Hansford, Hardeman, Haskell, Hays, Hemphill, Hidalgo, Hill, Hockley, Hood, Howard, Hudspeth, Hunt, Hutchinson Irion, Jeff Davis, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Johnson, Jones, Karnes, Kaufman, Kendall, Kent, Kerr, Kimble, King, Kinney, Kleberg, Knox, LaSalle, Lamar, Lamb, Lampasas, Liberty, Limestone, Lipscomb, Live Oak, Llano, Loving, Lynn Martin, Mason, Maverick, McCulloch, McLennan, Medina, Menard, Midland, Milam, Mills, Mitchell, Montague, Motley, Navarro, Nolan, Nueces, Oldham Palo Pinto, Parker, Parmer, Pecos, Potter, Presidio, Rains, Randall, Reagan, Real, Refugio, Robertson, Rockwall, Runnels, San Saba, Schleicher, Somervell, Starr, Stephens, Sterling, Stonewall, Sutton, Swisher Tarrant, Taylor, Terry, Throckmorton, Tom Green, Travis, Upton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Van Zandt, Waller, Ward, Washington, Wheeler, Wichita, Wilbarger, Willacy, Wilson, Winkler, Wise, Young and Zavala. On the Net: http://www.governor.state.tx.us Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. ************************************************ From wilsoncountynews.com WCN chooses deer blind winners Robert C. McDonald 30.JAN.08 It was another successful Deer Blind Contest for the Wilson County News this year. We received nearly as many entries as last year, and many of our readers’ entries forced a new “unique” category for this year. We still had very nice entries, and others that scared our judges a little, but that was just part of the fun. This year’s top prize for the best deer blind went to Slade Kasper of Floresville. Kasper’s blind was built with creature comforts in mind, and that impressed the judges. After all, nearly everyone can appreciate that the blind was made large enough for four people, tall enough to easily accommodate his 6-foot, 3-inch frame, and comfortable enough in which to spend the whole day. The blind was equipped with lights powered by a 12-volt battery and wired to an actual light switch. Many of the judges found that a nice feature as well. Taking home first-place honors in our best-blind category this year was Shawn Ferguson. Craig Vontur of San Antonio submitted the worst blind this year. His “boat seat in the brush” may actually work, but none of our judges wanted to try it for the weekend. Ronnie Retzloff of Karnes City won our category for unique blinds. His box blind sitting atop an old combine was the type of thing most people have only heard about. Retzloff walks away with top honors in that category. The Wilson County News would like to thank all of our readers who participated, as well as each of our contest sponsors for donating the wonderful prizes. rmcdonald@wcn-online.com - Wilson County News ************************************************From wilsoncountynews.com TEEM lays foundation for student success Nannette Kilbey-Smith 30.JAN.08 School-readiness program provides early-learning opportunity STOCKDALE — From an office in this rural town, Joyce Homeyer coordinates a program at the local level that may turn the tide of student success in the Lone Star State. The Texas Early Education Model (TEEM), created by the State Center for Early Childhood Development (State Center) and the Children’s Learning Institute at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, was implemented two years ago in several parts of Texas in response to Senate Bill 23 from the 79th Texas Legislature. The program is based on 20 years of research led by Dr. Susan Landry and is built on the concept that early language and literacy skills can help children be more successful in school, and, ultimately, more successful as adults. Policymakers and educators in Austin, concerned about dropout rates and falling test scores, determined something needed to be done to stem the tide of dropouts and promote student success. National research indicated that investing in early childhood education reduces costs in remediation, dropout prevention, and other rehabilitation efforts. TEEM, an intervention-type program, targets 3- and 4-year-olds, promoting language and reading skills. It is being used in 3,000 classrooms across the state; in addition to large urban school populations, TEEM is also being implemented in seven rural areas, including the region for TEEM known as Stockdale Rural, which includes the school districts in Stockdale, Floresville, Poth, Kenedy, Karnes City, Runge, and Pettus. “We hope La Vernia will come on board next year,” Homeyer said. “We are also in five Head Start programs.” Other participating communities include Abilene, Austin, El Paso, Fort Worth, Laredo, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Victoria, among others. TEEM is a model that other states are interested in, according to Homeyer, TEEM grant coordinator and mentor for the area. “Prekindergarten is a hot topic now. Educators are catching on that laying a strong foundation in the early years eliminates so many problems as students get older,” she said. Homeyer is a former social worker and teacher of kindergarten and prekindergarten students. She became involved at the urging of her principal in Runge. The Stockdale Independent School District, under Superintendent Reece Blincoe, took the lead in bringing TEEM to the area and has invited other area school districts to participate. The grant-funded program costs the local districts nothing — only their time to implement and their participation. Costs are met through the funds from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Workforce Commission, and state funds. TEEM provides each participating program with school readiness kits, a Positive Beginnings kit, TEA state-adopted curriculum, and a PDA progress monitoring tool. “The program uses small-group learning and is geared more toward at- risk children,” Homeyer said. “Many at-risk students don’t have parents at home, reading to them. They may lack proper nutrition and good parenting at home. Before you teach them to read, you have to address their physical and emotional needs.” Mentoring the teachers, Homeyer helps them implement the state- provided curriculum. Participating teachers must also complete 40 hours of professional development per academic year for the first two years of the program, after which they receive certification in the program. Attending classes twice each month gives teachers the opportunity to network and collaborate, promoting success for the program and the students. “I’m very mindful this is taxpayers’ money we’re using and we ensure that if we purchase the materials, they’re being implemented,” Homeyer said. TEEM provides a foundation in letter-recognition and print-book awareness. “We determine if students know what a book is, where to start reading, and so on,” Homeyer explained. “TEEM also provides phonological awareness skills. Together, these are the highest predictors of reading success.” Participants work in small groups to address skills in which the students are weak. TEEM also utilizes learning centers, providing manipulatives, books, and related learning experiences. These help increase student vocabulary through objects, words, and concepts, according to Homeyer. “We do a lot of thematic thinking and provide a rich vocabulary, with a lot of reading of books,” Homeyer said. A school-readiness certification program tracks how the TEEM students fare in kindergarten on the Texas Primary Reading Inventory (TPRI) assessment. Kindergarten students are assessed using this tool three times; their scores are recorded in a database, according to a state mandate, to provide a method of accountability. “If students pass the TPRI at the beginning of kindergarten, they have the skills they need; they’re school-ready,” Homeyer said. “That tells us that TEEM is working.” “Across the board, we’ve seen our 3-year-olds doing well in pre-K,” she said. “I’m hearing good things from all our teachers.” According to a report from the Children’s Learning Institute, “TEEM is a proven model of success for Texas preschoolers that prepares kids for school by integrating community resources that focus attention on school readiness and appropriate social and emotional development in a child-centered environment.” More information can be downloaded from the Web site http://cli.uth.tmc.edu. ************************************************ From chron.com Jan. 31, 2008 Dallas DA outraged over release of man who helped Texas 7 escape By JEFF CARLTON Associated Press Writer © 2008 The Associated Press DALLAS — The Dallas County district attorney condemned on Thursday a judge's decision to release from prison the man who provided the getaway car to the "Texas 7," convicts who escaped from state prison in 2000 and killed a police officer while on the lam. "It's a disgrace for us in Dallas County and throughout the state of Texas," said District Attorney Craig Watkins, who learned last week that the man served only five months in prison. "To say that we are shocked and appalled at the release of Raul Rodriguez would be a gross understatement." Rodriguez, the father of one of the escaped inmates, was released July 26 on what's known as shock probation, Watkins said. Rodriguez pleaded guilty in 2003 to escape and providing implements of escape for providing the getaway car used by the Texas 7 inmates. He arranged for the purchase of a Chevrolet Suburban and had it parked a day before the escape in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Kenedy near the prison. A jury sentenced Rodriguez to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines. But because of a lengthy appeals process, Rodriguez remained free until February 2007. According to Watkins, the theory behind the shock probation given to Rodriguez in July is that by subjecting a defendant to prison time for a short period, the defendant will be scared into leading a law-abiding life. The widow of Irving police Officer Aubrey Hawkins is devastated that Rodriguez is free, said Toby Shook, who prosecuted Hawkins' killers. "To find out that he only served five months before a judge put him out on probation just made her sick to her stomach," Shook said. "I'm outraged at this process. The fact that Raul Rodriguez is walking around a free man is just highly offensive to the memory of Aubrey Hawkins." Rodriguez's attorney did not immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press. Watkins and Shook contend the shock probation tactic was inappropriate in Rodriguez's case because it was a jury, and not Judge Ron Carr, that sentenced Rodriguez. "When a jury assesses punishment, a judge can't go back and change that sentence," Watkins said. "In this case, a judge changed the sentence illegally." Watkins also disagreed with special prosecutor Herb Hancock not objecting to a defense motion for shock probation. "This is a case in which a police officer was murdered," Watkins said. "You would think the prosecutor's office would have objected to any motion filed by the defense for shock probation. "I can't see any legitimate reason why Rodriguez's sentence was reduced from 10 years to 5 months," Watkins continued. "I don't see any legitimacy there and I don't think I am out of line by criticizing it." The Karnes County district clerk's office said Carr was unavailable for comment. Phone messages left at listings for Hancock were not immediately returned. Watkins said he learned of Rodriguez's release from an appellate attorney in the Dallas County office who has monitored the case. The escape happened on Dec. 13, 2000, when the seven inmates overpowered workers at the Connally Unit in South Texas. They took the workers' clothes and 16 guns from the prison armory and fled in their car, then switched to the SUV left by Rodriguez's father. On Christmas Eve, while robbing a suburban Dallas sporting goods store, they fatally shot Hawkins 11 times. They were caught a month later in Colorado. Six of the escapees received death sentences and the seventh kill himself before he could be recaptured. Michael Rodriguez, Raul's son, has dropped his appeals and said he wants to die. But his execution date remains in limbo while the Supreme Court rules on a Kentucky case challenging lethal injection as a means of capital punishment. ************************************************ From seguingazette.com January 29, 2008 Navarro girls beat Badgers By Jason Chlapek The Gazette-Enterprise KARNES CITY — Staying alive seemed to be the theme for the Navarro girls basketball team on Friday. The Lady Panthers received 14 points each from Haley Helweg and Noelle Kubenka as Navarro completed a season-series sweep of Karnes City, 54-41, at Karnes City High School. The Lady Panthers also beat Karnes City, 60-45, on Dec. 21, at the Navarro Special Events Center. Navarro (14-14, 7-4 in District 29-2A) now has a chance to avenge a loss tonight when the Lady Panthers host Nixon-Smiley at 6:30 at the Navarro SEC. Nixon-Smiley beat Navarro, 51-46, on Jan. 2, at Nixon- Smiley. A Navarro victory moves the Lady Panthers into either a second- or third-place tie with Nixon-Smiley pending on Yorktown’s result against Stockdale. A Yorktown win combined with a Navarro win puts Yorktown in second place outright, while a Yorktown loss combined with a Navarro win creates a three-way tie for second amongst Navarro, Nixon-Smiley and Yorktown. On Friday, Navarro led 27-19 at the half before putting the game away by outscoring Karnes City, 27-22, in the second half. In addition to Helweg’s and Kubenka’s point totals, Brittany Parker and Rachele Herzog also scored 9 and 8 points, respectively, for the Lady Panthers. Karnes City was led by Avery Braun, who finished with 15 points. Lifegate boys SEGUIN — The Lifegate boys basketball team outscored Atonement Academy, 26-13, in the fourth quarter to finish off a 74-60 victory on Friday at Lifegate Christian School. Lifegate (11-9, 3-2 in TAPPS District 5-A) trailed 18-14 at the end of the first quarter before using a 21-17 second-quarter run to tie the game, 35-35, at halftime. The Falcons began to gain control of the contest in the third quarter as they outscored Atonement, 13-12, in the eight-minute span to seize a 48-47 lead entering the fourth quarter. Alex Schaeffer led the way with 13 points, while Brendan Gravett scored 8 and Cruz Sepeda and David McCulloch each had 7. Lifegate hosts Boerne Vanguard at 7:30 p.m. today at LCS. Seguin girls AUSTIN — District 25-5A leader Austin avenged its only league loss on Friday by running past Seguin, 67-27, at Austin High School. With the win, Austin (20-5, 10-1 in 25-5A) clinched a playoff berth, and moved within a victory of sealing a share of the district crown. Seguin (10-19, 5-6 in 25-5A) moved into a three-way tie for fourth place with Akins and Anderson with three games left in the regular season. The Lady Matadors were swept by Akins and lost to Anderson in the first meeting between the teams. Seguin hosts Anderson at 8 p.m. Friday at Goldie Harris Gymnasium in a contest which will have a large say in the Lady Matadors’ playoff hopes. Jasmine Haynes led Seguin with 9 points. The Lady Matadors visit Westlake at 8 p.m. today at Westlake High School. Navarro boys KARNES CITY — The Navarro boys basketball team never got on track on Friday during its 76-62 loss at Karnes City. Navarro (13-11, 6-3 in 29-2A) never led in the contest, and trailed, 35-25, at halftime. Zach Hernandez led the way with 25 points and four steals, while Clayton Warren recorded his third double-double in as many games with 17 points and 17 rebounds. Navarro hosts Nixon-Smiley at 8 p.m. today. ************************************************