Karnes Co. TX - NEWS - July 2008 This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Kimm Antell Copyright. All rights reserved. http://files.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm ************************************************ From redbone-red-bone.blogspot.com/2008/07/74-melungeon-12th- union.html July 1, 2008 # 74 -- MELUNGEON 12TH UNION By Gary J. Gabehart, The following were talking points at the MHA 12th Union Meeting in Harogate, Tennessee. MHA TWELFTH UNION: A MELUNGEON GATHERING LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY JUNE 27TH & 28TH, 2008 Title: Drakes, Goins and Others. The reality of then and now -- Mulatto, Free People of Color, Redbones and Melungeons. Words for we really don't know! 1893 letter of Albert Rigmaiden to Furman reviewed. Presented By Gary J. Gabehart[1] If you are tracking your family history and swearing by census reports and observations of enumerators, scribe's and poorly paid government workers who may have had a bias, you may find yourself in the wrong racial or ethnic hallway. Not everything in print is the truth. In recent history, last twenty years or so, it has become fashionable to be of North American Indian Blood, African Blood and of late, even Turkish Blood. Who's who when it comes to racial makeup is on everyone's mind. For ones ancestors to have been Redbone, Free Black, Melungeon, Mulatto, Free Person of Color, African or Colored Person can be a plus for some and of negative connotations for others. The terms mentioned are generally meant to be "of mixed blood," with of course; the exception of African, yet being African has its problems. Would you be West African, East African or South African or other African? See, without DNA testing, it is difficult. The question I ask is, if "Free People of Color" were really African or mixed African, why were they not called mixed African? If Redbone was another term for African Blood, why were they not called Black bone? Melungeon seems the same, why were they called Melungeon and not mixed African? Of course, the term Melungeon may have come from the French word Melange or the now archaic word Malengin [2], but I would not agree to argue the point. The fact of the matter is (call it an opinion if you must) Redbones, Melungeons, and Free People of color were not tri-racial peoples (European, African and Indian) as a whole. If anything, they were Multi-ethnic people, and some were and some were not. In other words, not all held African Blood or Indian Blood, but I expect all carried European or Middle Eastern genes. In Louisiana, where the Redbone issue is confronted, census records indicate three basic colors - White, African (slaves) and people of color or "free people of Color.[3]" Indians, as in other areas of the country, at the that time were not classified, but often were included in the FPC class. I maintain that "people of color," in general, contained other than Freed Slaves, Creoles and actually contained "other" classifications. Some of these folks were not White, not Black or never slaved, and it became "we just cannot tell, so we will put them in the "other" coffee can of racial classification or colorization," which happened to be FPC. Most of the Louisiana Redbone families were listed at one time or the other as Free People of Color (FPC), and obviously, you could be viewed as Redbone by marriage or association bringing this to a Social, Economic Level, as well as, a colorization issue. Same thing happened to Free People of Color. FPC sought out people of their own color upon arriving in town. They certainly were not going to be accepted by the White people in power and of status - that's what I mean about Social, Economic Levels. FPC sought out like people and perhaps became clannish. Redbones sought out like peoples and ended up forming enclaves of what was called clannish peoples. You get my point so I'm going to move on to my 5th and 4th great grandfathers, John Aaron Drake, Sr., and John Aaron Drake, Jr. First, do give you some background on this family, John Aaron Drake, Sr. was born about 1750 in Elizabeth Virginia and died about 1813 in St. Martinsville, Louisiana. Drake, Sr. was married to an Indian lady by the name of Elizabeth Charity Smith Chrieves. She was born about 1752 in Elizabeth, Virginia and died 10 Apr 1815. It is believed they had three children including John Aaron Drake, Jr. Here is where it becomes interesting. Drake, Jr., along with his siblings, were known as "Free Mulatto's" while their father was known as a White man. Now back in Virginia, a clarification of the laws and the definition of a Mulatto had been passed in October of 1705.[4] This statue said the following: "And for clearing all manner of doubts which hereafter may happen to arise upon the construction of this act, or any other act, who shall be accounted a mulatto, Be it enacted and declared, and it is hereby enacted and declared, That the child of an Indian and the child, grandchild, or great grandchild, of a negro shall be deemed, accounted, held and taken to be a mulatto." The term Mulatto, with respect to an Indian child, pretty much remained the same until it was modified again in 1866.[5] On 18 May of 1800, John Aaron Drake, Jr. B. abt 1776, d. abt. 1828, marries Rosalie Abshire b. 15 Jan 1762 d, abt.1871, at Attakapas Post, Louisiana. Since John Jr. is known to be a free Mulatto, the church has to do an investigation to prove he is the child of an Indian and a White Man. This was necessary to marry within the Church. Now I had some family members who when they saw the word "Mulatto" decided that we "had Black Blood" in the family. Why did they think that? They had not realized that the word had morphed over the ages and had meant something else back in the 18th & 19th century. They were headed down the Black hallway in search of their roots. Redbone? At best a Multi-ethnic group, not a tri-racial isolates. Not everyone in this group - Redbones - were the same when it came to National Origin. There were some mixed Indian, Asian Indians, Sub- Saharan, Middle Eastern, English, Scots, French - you name it. One prominent name among the Redbone was Goin[g]s, another Ashworth. Ever heard of the Ashworth Act in Texas?[6] Let me tell ya! When the Ashworth's left Louisiana they were called "Free People of Color" or Redbones. When they arrived in Texas they were called "Free Blacks." After fighting in the Texas revolution, they were told that all Free Blacks had to leave Texas. To make a long story short, friends in government had an Act passed that allowed the Ashworth's and others to stay in Texas. Now for the rest of the story. Very recently I received an email from an Ashworth family member who had encouraged a male Ashworth to have his DNA tested. This is the text from that email: "Our DNA was strongly from Armenia and Romania - Minimal amount of African and maybe a little more Native - it's as if I don't know who I am anymore. Maybe my DNA results answer the question about the 'dark' Ashworth's with the straight hair. But they are also the Ashworth's who lost their land in Texas along with their Nelson relatives for being 'free black.'" Need I say more? DNA is unraveling everything that we have thought in the past. Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana, parents were immigrants from the State of Punjab, North India. According to the US Census, there are about 10,000 South Asians or Asian Indians living in Louisiana. I am not going to get into the Melungeon issues as there are far more experts on Melungeons here today, and I, having focused mainly on my Indian heritage and my Redbone relations, am not the Melungeon expert. So I'm going to close by taking a look at the Albert Rigmaiden[7] letter to Furman written in 1892-93. By the way, Albert Rigmaiden is my 2nd cousin, 5 times removed. [1] Formerly with American Airlines, Commercial Airline pilot - Sundance Airways, President of Sundance Airways, Charter Pilot and Flight instructor, Certifications AMSEL-CFI-II, 9,500 hours or so. Former Field Coordinator, Grant funded Study "Au Su Salud," (Eagle Pass & Del Rio, Texas) University of Texas Health Science Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, San Antonio, Texas. Former Field Coordinator, Grant funded Study "Hispanic Women's Health," University of Texas Health Science Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, San Antonio, Texas. Former Field Coordinator, Texas legislature funded Study "Population living near Uranium mining areas," Pana Maria, Hobson, Falls City and Kenedy, Texas, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Department of Community Health & Preventative Medicine, Division of Environmental Toxicology, Dr. Wm. Au. Indian Activist, shut down streets in front of the Alamo out of respect of Alamo Graveyard; Former President San Antonio Council Native Americans; Former Board Member Save Texas Cemeteries; Current President Inter-Tribal Council American Indians; Board Member Redbone Heritage Foundation. Writes for various Blogs. 2nd cousin of Albert Rigmaiden, Great Grandson of Jeremiah Goins and the John Aaron Drakes of Virginia and Louisiana. Certified Chickasaw Indian with relations in Choctaw, Cherokee (Chief John Ross), Kiowa Nations and an unknown tribe of the Powhatan Confederacy. [2] The word Malengin as used by Edmund Spensor in his poem The Faerie Queenie to indicate an evil person or trickster. [3] http://backintyme.com/essays/?p=9 Frank Sweet, Two Color Lines, Three Endogamous Groups [4] Hening, ed., The Statutes at Large, vol. 3, pp. 229-235. October 1705-CHAP. IV. [5] From 1705 until 1866 the only legal definition applying to mixed Native Americans (excepting those having one-fourth or more African ancestry) was that of 1705. [6] Ashworth Act # 13, BY Gary J. Gabehart, http://redbone-red- bone.blogspot.com/ [7] Albert Rigmaiden, Treasurer of Calcasieu Parish Best, Gary J. Gabehart, Mishiho (Mish-eh-ho) Mishiho@Aol.com ************************************************ From 7thspace.com July 2, 2008 FEMA Publishes New Flood Risk Maps For Karnes County DENTON, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is presenting draft flood risk maps to communities in Karnes County, Texas. The maps will help county officials and local residents identify known flood risks and will be used for insurance and development decisions. The preliminary maps revise and update information on the existence and severity of flood hazards in every community in Karnes County as well as unincorporated areas. The maps are based on detailed ground elevation models, decades of rainfall and storm gauge information and current topographic data. "Flooding is the most common disaster in the U.S. and I urge Karnes County residents to look at the preliminary maps and be familiar with flood risks in their community," said William Peterson, FEMA regional administrator. "These maps can help residents make informed decisions about flood insurance and flood protection." Residents and property owners who believe the flood maps contain errors have from July 2, 2008 to September 30, 2008 to appeal by submitting scientific or technical information. Appeals are submitted through communities to FEMA. Once all appeals are resolved, FEMA will notify communities, insurance companies and residents of the effective date of the final maps. Floodplain administrators in each community have copies of the maps available for public viewing. Information about the maps is available at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/bfe. When the flood maps are finalized and effective, some flood insurance policy holders may see changes in their policies. Peterson recommends that all policyholders contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage and that policies account for new flood risk information. More information on flood insurance is available at www.floodsmart.gov. FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. ************************************************ From sanmarcosrecord.com July 03, 2008 Hays picked for title, no love for SMHS High School Football By Randy Stevens Sports Editor San Marcos - It's a summer tradition for Texas football fans. Tired of basketball and baseball, Texans can feed their veracious football appetites even though the season is still more than two months away. That's because Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine recently hit the stands, giving Lone Star football their first glimpse of the upcoming season. The magazine, which has come out annually for more than 40 years, previews every football program in the state on all levels - professional, college and high school. It's the brainchild of Campbell, the long-time sports editor at the Waco Tribune Herald. This year's edition lauds the Hays Rebels as district favorites, while San Marcos, a team which has made the playoffs 10 of the past 11 seasons, is predicted to fall short of a postseason berth in a very tough District 27-4A. Wimberley, another team consistently in the playoffs, is predicted to return to the postseason as the second- place team in District 7-3A, while Navarro is tabbed to claim a district title in District 28-2A. Lehman and San Marcos Academy, are both predicted to finish last in their respective districts. San Marcos head coach Steve Van Nest said he doesn't put much faith into preseason predictions, but was surprised his team was picked fifth (the top four teams go to the playoffs) in the newly realigned District 27-4A, especially when you consider the fact that San Marcos has made the playoffs the last nine straight seasons. "Our district is so tough that even though we're picked fifth, we're still going to be a pretty good ballteam," Van Nest said. "It's definitely going to be one of the toughest Class 4A districts in the state. Alamo Heights, a 10-2 regional finalist last season, is tabbed to win the 27-4A crown, followed by Cibolo Steele (11-2, regional semifinalists in 2007) and Kerrville-Tivy, a 10-2 area finalist last season. New Braunfels-Canyon, a team which San Marcos beat by two touchdowns last season, is predicted to place fourth. Schertz- Clemens, a perennial area power is tabbed to place sixth, followed by Champion High School from Boerne and former District 25-5A foe Seguin. Van Nest said he's hoping the lower-than expected forecast will motivate his players. "It might, I don't know," Van Nest said. "As a coach I don't really care about rankings and such. That's for the fans and the people to talk about. The team knows that it's going to be a challenge and I'm sure they're looking forward to it." The magazine says Hays should have an easy path to the title in District 17-4A. Hays was 6-4 and failed to make the playoffs last season, but players like running back Nick DeSantiago and wide receiver Brandon Lawrence will put the Rebels back into the fold. Manor is tabbed second in 17-4A, followed by Del Valle, Elgin, Lockhart and Lehman. Another team which finds itself in a tough and competitive district is the Wimberley Texans. The Texans spent the past two seasons in a four-team district, but realignment sent the Texans into Disrtrict 8- 3A, which includes last season's Class 3A, Division I state champions Liberty Hill. The Panthers, as expected, are predicted to win District 8-3A, followed by the Texans, Fredericksburg, Burnet, Llano, Canyon Lake and Ingram-Moore. Wimberley was undefeated in district play last season and finished the year with a 6-7 record as the team advanced all the way to the regional playoff last season. Navarro, is picked to win 28-2A ahead of Karnes City, Poth, Stockdale, Nixon-Smiley and Kenedy. The magazine also offered prediction for the college conferences, including Texas State's standing in the Southalnd Conference. The Bobcats, entering their second year under head coach Brad Wright, are tabbed to finish fourth in the SLC. Central Arkansas is tabbed to win the Southland title, followed by McNeese State and Northwestern State. Sam Houston is predicted to place fifth, followed by Nicholls State, Southeastern Louisiana and Stephen F. Austin. Texas State finished 4-7 last season and finished sixth in the SLC with a 3-4 record. ************************************************ From victoriaadvocate.com July 08, 2008 RIVALRY ENDS Brother, sister splitting up for first time as they head for separate colleges BY RUBI REYES RUNGE - One chose to go east for college. The other is staying closer to home in South Texas. One picked biomedical engineering as a course of study. The other chose nursing. As varied as these choices might seem, this brother-sister duo brings a new meaning to sibling rivalry. The twins led their Runge High School class as valedictorian and salutatorian. Ryan Esparza, valedictorian, and sister Jordan Esparza, salutatorian, used that rivalry to help push each other to the top of their class. "I have one up on her," said Ryan, as he laughed. "But I think she would rather it be me than anyone else." The twins' parents, Sally and Danny Esparza, said Ryan is the most competitive. "They are always trying to outscore each other," Sally said. "Ryan would win most of the time, but when Jordan would win he would be so mad." Competition aside, the twins agree they are each other's better half. "He's better in math and science, and I'm better in English and history," Jordan said. "We just balance each other out." The balance that comes so natural to them will be put to the test this fall when Ryan leaves for New York and Jordan to Corpus Christi. "I'm so anxious," Ryan said. "But it is going to be a little awkward not having her around." For the first time in 18 years they will be apart for more than just a couple of days. "Ryan is curious and opted for the east coast, Jordan decided to stay locally," Sally said. Ryan will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., to major in biomedical engineering. Jordan will attend Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to major in nursing and become a nurse anesthetist. "We have a support system and use it to help each other reach the highest performance level that we could," Jordan said. "Through phone and e-mail I think we will be able to keep it up." The twins used the friendly competition to excel in school and extra curricular activities. Jordan was involved in cheerleading, volleyball, basketball and National Honor Society. She still found time her senior year to take dual credit hours at Coastal Bend College in Beeville. Ryan also took dual credit hours in Beeville and was in National Honor Society, golf, and played football. He has 50 college credit hours. "We are very proud of them and everything that they have accomplished," Sally said. Now all that's left for them is to pack their belongings and attend their college orientations. Ryan and Jordan will have to adjust to being without their other half. "We are both realizing that we are leaving," Jordan said. "I tell him I'm not scared but I really am." "This will be the farthest we've ever been from each other," Ryan said. "But we'll be alright." ************************************************ From victoriaadvocate.com July 08, 2008 Corpus Christi players fare well at junior event Corpus Christi golfers took three of the five flights Tuesday at the Southern Texas PGA Junior Tour event played at Colony Creek Country Club. Ryan Bibby won the boys 14-15 division with a 78-69-147, while Vance Cavazos carded a pair of 70s for a 140 to win the boys 16-18 division. Posting an 82-72-154 in the two-day event, Vanessa Johnson won the girls 15-18 division. Clay Atkinson of Three Rivers won the boys 12-13 division with an 85- 85-170, and Ali Cowan of Deerfield Beach, Fla., won the girls 12-14 division with a 76-79-155. Victoria's Maddy Buhler took second in the girls 12-14 division with an 80-78-158, while Woodsboro's Kasie Fierova was fourth with a 100- 87-187. The area's top finish in the girls 14-15 division came from Edna's Meredith Kresta (77-86-163), who finished fifth. Yoakum's Larissa Loredo (88-88-176) tied for seventh and Runge's Alicia Caballero (121- 107-228) was 10th. Shiner's Matthew Pohler finished third in the boys 14-16 division, posting an 83-81-164, while Victoria's Garrett Wakefield was seventh with a 92-88-180. Other area finishers were Victoria's Weston Hall (97-93-190), Derik Satsky (98-106-204) and Williams Watkins (124-117-241) and Shiner's Colter Kaspar (113-107-220). Victoria's Jordan Salazar (82-72-154) placed sixth in the boys 16-18 division, edging Yorktown's Robert Knobles (77-78-155) by one shot. Goliad's Vince Vela finished at 82-86-168 and was followed by Victoria's Michael Vasquez (80-91-171), Yoakum's Jack Matusek (87-85- 172), Cuero's Derek Loebbecke (89-85-174), Port Lavaca's Tanner Hermes (89-91-180) and Woodsboro's Josh Fierova (89-100-189). ************************************************ From thecountywide.com Inside the Karnes City ISD school board By Kevin Matula They handle two precious resources: schoolchildren and tax dollars. They can come under fire from irate parents and weary taxpayers, along with hearing the scorn of students - including their own teenage children - who dislike policies like losing the privilege of the parking lot during lunch or strict, non-trendy dress codes. Because of the potential for scrutiny, they don't take their elected offices lightly. "My prayer before every school board meeting is that the decisions made be based on what is best for the kids and our district," said Karnes City ISD board trustee Sharon Purser, who has served since 2003 and has two children, Kendall and Jeremy, who attend Karnes City High School. Last term, Purser served as the board vice president. "The opportunity to serve on the school board presented itself, and I had a desire to offer my honest input to the business related to educating our students," Purser said. Students may not be aware of the seven elected school board members such as Purser who set policies, establish tax rates, hire staff and make rules. But everything these adults do related to the business of KCISD affects them. "Students should realize that their education is one of the most important things in their lives," said Board President Dennis Mika, a nine-year member who has seen his own three adult children, Michelle, Kevin and Karen, graduate from KCHS. "Students should care who sits on the school board because school board members provide the oversight and guidance of the education that they receive." The KCISD held its annual board elections on May 10, with one newcomer Darlene Puente being elected to fill the vacancy left by longtime member Rosendo Martinez, Jr., who decided not to seek reelection. On Tuesday, May 20, Puente was sworn into office. "The students, employees and parents of KCISD have worked hard to achieve high honors both in academics and in athletics," said Puente, whose daughter Lindsey graduated in 2003 and son A.J. graduated in 2006 and whose son Taylor is an incoming freshman. "Our children are our future in this district, and I want to help build a school system that excels and continues to be strong and thriving." Also on Tuesday, May 20, Mika was reelected as president, while incumbent member James Adams took the office of vice president and Terry Johnson kept his title as secretary. "The people who sit on a school board have a very important role in ensuring the students have the facilities, teachers and resources to attain their goals," said Johnson, whose wife Melanie Johnson teaches science at KCHS and whose son Rhett is a KCHS freshman and daughter Hailey is in junior high. "They work as a team to make decisions that will impact the entire educational experience the student receives." In addition to Mika, Adams, Johnson, Purser and Puente, longtime member Trini Gamez and two-year member Russell Swize round out the 2008-09 board. "I have always had an interest in politics in every form," said Swize, who graduated from KCHS, whose wife Carol is employed with the district and whose six-year-old daughter Kasey will be a first-grader at Roger E. Sides Elementary School next year. "I wanted to give back to (the district) and the students and to make sure it continues to be the best school system in South Texas." Board members are compelled to run for election for various reasons, but all of them indicated the students are their number one priority. "Students should feel confident that the elected trustees will listen to their concerns and issues with an open mind," said Gamez, whose sons Glenn and Jeremy and daughter Linda graduated from KCHS. While the superintendent, business manager and campus principals typically make day-to-day decisions affecting students and staff, these administrators still answer directly to board members. Issues such as Student Handbook contents and discipline policies, TAKS scores and curriculum are but a few concerns the board must address regularly. "Students should be aware of the political processes that are in place in our government," Mika said, "and if they feel that there are problems in the school district, they should, along with their parents, get involved in school issues." Both women members cited drug and alcohol use among students as a major concern. "As a mother of teenagers, I think drug and alcohol issues continue to be a major concern," Purser said. "The choices kids make today can have a tremendous impact on their future. In my opinion, it is a real challenge for schools to educate and prepare kids beyond book-sense, using 'teachable moments' when it comes to addressing mistakes that are irreversible." Puente added that discipline also tops her list of concerns. "TAKS testing, alcohol and drug awareness, academics, closed parking lot and student discipline" are the most important, pressing issues she would like to address. "Policies are there to guide our administrators in the direction the board chooses to go. Once the policies are set, it is up to the board to see that the administrators carry out the policies. Policies are only as good as they are enforced." Gamez also mentioned cell phone use by students as a concern. Guaranteeing a high quality education for the students of this district also appeared to be a high priority among board members. "We have many good teachers on staff; however, when one retires or leaves the district, we struggle to find a good replacement because the applicant pool is often somewhat limited," Mika said. Johnson added that he wished more KCISD students would pursue higher education. "I would like to see a higher percentage of our students pursue a college degree in higher education or a vocational profession," he said. "In today's world a good education or set of skills is a required building block to being successful in life." Paying for school programs and setting tax rates for property owners also fall under the school board's authority. "My philosophy in terms of handling KCISD tax dollars is that of a conservative nature," Swize said. "Being from Karnes County and growing up on a farm, I realize that every dollar spent has to be done in a positive nature that will benefit the school and the students and will not be spent frivolously. I believe that policies that affect school children in Karnes City have to be policies that are conservative in nature but yet allow them to grow as adults." Sometimes the hardest job for board members is balancing tight budgets with the needs of students and teachers, and meetings can sometimes go late into the night. "You need board members that are willing to make the unpopular changes, for the good of the district," Purser said. "A trustee is one who looks out for the best interest of all students. It is a position of service, not self-service." ************************************************ From thecountywide.com July 9, 2008 Kenedy firefighters help raise $3,000 for MDA Firefighters packed up their gear and loaded onto their trucks for the July 4th weekend to answer a call from the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Every year firefighters around the state and nation collect donations for the MDA throughout their communities. Kenedy volunteer firefighters collected donations on July 4th and July 6th on Hwy. 181 and Hwy. 72. Thanks to the community and weekend travelers the department was able to reach their goal of $3,000. Appreciation goes out to Barth's Restaurant, Kenedy Tiger Tote, and Pizza Hut for their support and donations. According to the MDA web site, the Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA is the largest nongovernmental sponsor of neuromuscular diseases research. More than one million Americans are affected by neuromuscular diseases. About 250,000 have some form of muscular dystrophy. For more information on MDA and how you can help out please visit the MDA website www.mda.org. ************************************************ From thecountywide.com July 9, 2008 Runge school board hires interim superintendent By Joe Baker The Runge Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to hire Dr. Ann Dixon as interim superintendent during the July 3 school board meeting, according to Runge ISD School Board President Oscar Caballero. Caballero said the board has a high degree of confidence in Dixon's abilities and experience. He said she will also assist the school board in their search for a permanent superintendent. Dixon started work on July 8 and is expected to continue through October or November. The position became vacant when Runge ISD Superintendent Ernest Havner resigned from his position to take a new position as superintendent of schools of Riviera ISD; a 2A school district located in Riviera, a small town located about 16 miles south of Kingsville. Dixon has worked as interim superintendent for many school districts. Most recently she served as interim superintendent for the Kenedy Independent School District between August 2007 and January 2008. Dixon lives in Sisterdale and has previously served as interim superintendent for the Santa Gertrudis school district. Prior to that she was interim superintendent for Pettus ISD. She has also been interim superintendent for school districts in the Galveston and Dallas areas. ************************************************ From victoriaadvocate.com July 09, 2008 Doane, Linam win STPGA youth event Nine Advocate-area youth golfers participated this week in the Southern Texas PGA Junior Links tournament at Colony Creek Country Club. Victoria's John Doane and Lacie Linam won their age groups, while Bloomington's Logan Hernandez and Woodsboro's Justin Fierova also picked up first-place finishes. Doane won the boys 10-12 9-hole modified division with a 45, while Victoria's Patrick Kostella (48) was second and Runge's Austin Caballero (54) was third. Victoria's Tanner Hanes (56) tied for fourth. Linam (60) won the girls 10-12 9-hole modified event, while Hernandez (37) won the boys 10-12 5-hole modified and Fierova (42) won the boys 10-12 9-hole red tee division. Kenedy's Andrew Aguirre (50) followed Fierova in third place, while Victoria's Nick Cantwell (35) placed second in the co-ed 7-9 5-hole modified division. ************************************************ From thecountywide.com July 16, 2008 Local Priest to be missionary in Papua New Guinea By Kevin Matula He had always changed his mind from one thing to another. One day he wanted to be a truck driver, the next day a mechanic. His family made jokes, because young Adrian never could figure out what he wanted to do with his life. Then one day while sitting in his bedroom, determined to decide on a job, he finally had it figured. He wanted to become a priest. "I remember I went to my Mama to tell her what I wanted to do in the future; she smiled and said ‘what now?’" Rev. Adrian Adamik said. "I told her, okay, I want to be a priest. And I was expecting making fun of me, but my mama she didn’t make fun of me... and she said, ‘Well, if that’s really what you want to do, don’t tell anyone, I will pray for you and you pray for yourself and we’ll see what God will choose.’" Now, 30 years later, Father Adrian Adamik, current pastor of St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Karnes City will be beginning a new chapter in his life: Missionary to Papua New Guinea. Adamik, born and raised in the town of Zalesie Slaskie, Poland came to the United States about ten years ago. "I don’t remember what grade I was in, but there was a missionary from Papua New Guinea who was having a missions appeal and he was talking about Papua," Adamik said. "And that was the time I was telling myself, okay, I would like to be a missionary in Papua New Guinea." Once he had made the decision, to become a missionary, Adamik went to his pastor to tell him of his plans, but his priest strongly discouraged him. "I told him I would like to be a missionary in Papua New Guinea," Adamik said. "But he told me, ‘no,’ he would not let me. He wanted me to go and be a diocese priest. So I simply did as I was told and I will never regret it." Father Robert Ploch, former pastor of St. Cornelius and current missionary in Peru, and Father Frank Kurzaj contacted Adamik while he was still living in Poland. Adamik and Ploch both worked together at a parish in Poland, for one year. Then, Ploch came to Texas, and Adamik followed him in 1998. "Bishop (John) Yanta, with a polish group, and Father Frank came to Poland and they were in our diocese and that’s when they were asking for more priests to (come to) Texas," Adamik said. "So I said, well why not?" He arrived in Texas on August 5, 1998. Adamik went straight to Holy Name parish in San Antonio with Kuzaj. He spent three months in San Antonio. At that time Adamik was enrolled at San Antonio College to take English as a second language class. On November 3, 1998 he was assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. Cornelius and Immaculate Conception church in Panna Maria. He was the pastor of the Immaculate Conception while Ploch, was the pastor of St. Cornelius. Adamik notes that he is very proud of his time spent in Panna Maria, oldest Polish settlement in the United States. "During the time I was at Panna Maria... that’s when we did the renovation of the church," Adamik said. "The paintings on the ceiling were restored; major renovations were done interior and exterior. The sidewalks, the buildings around (the church), all the roofs were changed. The renovation of the rectory, the remodeling was all done when I was there." He stayed at Panna Maria until May 31, 2001. He was assigned to St. Pius X parish in San Antonio, where he stayed for one year. Then on June 1, 2002 he was assigned as pastor of St. Cornelius in Karnes City. After being at St. Cornelius for six years, Adamik says that he has an attachment to the parish. "This is the first parish I have stayed for the longest time; it’s really an amazing and wonderful thing. During that time I’ve felt like I’ve become part of the parish and a part of the family here," he said. "I start to know people and you know it’s an interesting thing because when I’m looking at the people here, when I go to the store or somewhere I look at the faces, they are no longer anonymous faces. After this time (being in Karnes County) I can see some history behind each face, which makes living here... makes me feel simply closer to them." The Karnes County area has many Polish priests at the different parishes. Father Gregory Sawicki and he had many interesting hunting and fishing trips. One major trip was at Choke Canyon Lake near Three Rivers. "We (Father Gregory and Adrian) got a sail boat, not a large one...and of course we decided to go and try out the boat on Choke Canyon Lake," he said. "At that time a missionary from Tanzania was visiting us. On that Thursday morning we got in my pickup and went to Three Rivers, at the south gate of Choke Canyon Lake." Once they began, the wind was low, but by noon the wind had stopped. "We were bored we had nothing to do, so we decided to pray a rosary... and by the way we asked the Lord for some wind, because that would help," Adamik said. "Anyhow I think we overdid it with the prayer, because at 2 p.m., a thunderstorm came, and the wind was coming from the south gate (where they entered the water)." According to Adamik, "it was really nice." The boat was moving very well, going with waves until 3 p.m. when Adamik lost control of the boat. "It all was so fast I couldn’t even put the sails down," he said. "The wind was so strong at this point, it laid the boat completely on the water, and that’s when the boat sank, in the middle of the lake." But, he said that the boat was the kind that didn’t completely sink, because of the different chambers within the boat. He tried to get the water out of the boat, with a bucket, but the waves kept the water coming in. So they decided to pull the boat as they swam, but by 6 p.m., fatigue set in and they decided to abandon the boat. "Meanwhile we were trying to give some signals, to get some help, but nobody was around," Adamik said. "No boat, nothing... I was using the whistle and a signal.... so we decided we had to count on ourselves." They swam until they reached shore at 10 p.m. By that time it was too dark for them to find their way to safety. By the next morning they made their way back to a road and found someone who called a park ranger. They were back at Adamik’s pickup by 2 p.m., Friday. "It took us about 21 hours until we were back," Adamik said. "It was 21 hours of fighting for survival." Some of his regular duties as pastor of St. Cornelius include preparing adults and students to receive the sacraments of the Catholic Church, visiting the sick and homebound and always being there to counsel his parishioners. He experiences the joys and sorrows of people on a regular basis. This past Saturday he celebrated the full cycle of life by baptizing a child, uniting a couple in marriage and by bringing comfort to a family at a funeral he officiated. He also celebrates a total of ten masses a week, including services at Bluebonnet Manor and Karnes City Health and Rehab Center. During mass, parishioners take an active part during the service. The lectors, Eucharistic ministers and altar servers all assist the priest during mass. Altar servers are students ranging from second grade to twelfth grade. They assist the priest during mass – they are his right hand boys and girls. "I would say to them (upon my departure) keep up the good job, be close to God as you are during the mass, keep him in your lives and when ever you hear the call – go for it," Adamik said. "It doesn’t matter where you will be, be always close to God because that’s what will give you strength and will keep you going. Either it be a married life, or maybe somebody would like to be a priest or a nun. It’s a great thing. I truly pray and hope that some of my boys and girls will truly respond to God’s call." A good memory for Father Adrian included when the parishioners would get together for volleyball. "The youth came to play and some adults, we barbecued," Adamik said. "We sat there from, gosh... 4 p. m. till midnight. It was really nice, a good memory." Adamik will leave the states on July 22 to go to Poland for seven weeks where he will take care of all the paperwork to be officially registered as a missionary. After seven weeks, he will come back and will be a resident in Hobson where he will live in the rectory there. Once he "closes his American life" he will go to Papua. He received his work permit within two months of application. This process usually takes up to one year. Now all he has to wait for is his visa. Even though Adamik was disappointed with his pastor’s decision for him to not be a missionary at the beginning of his ministry, he believes that by coming to Texas it has prepared him for life in Papua New Guinea. "I can’t even count the blessings God has brought to me during my priestly life," Adamik said. ************************************************ From thecountywide.com July 16, 2008 County officials postpone burn ban decision till July 31 By Cathy Passmore County officials discussed the current burn ban during the July 8 meeting of Commissioners Court. It was concluded that the burn ban issue should be added to the agenda for the next County Commissioners’ meeting (July 31) to determine if the recent rains were sufficient for lifting the ban. County officials discussed and approved entering into a new inter- local participation agreement with the Texas Association of School Boards. As an energy cooperative member, this allows the county to be part of the consortium that works to get lower rates from a direct energy source. County officials agreed this would help with the rising cost of energy. A list of precinct election judges and alternates was presented to the court for approval for the upcoming November 4 general election. "Be sure and remind those working in the election to not be rude to the people that come to vote," said Commissioner Isidro "Stormy" Rossett. "Several people complained to me about that happening in the last primary election. We want to encourage people to vote, not discourage them." "I will remind them at their pre-election meeting that they are to be courteous at all times," County Clerk Alva Jonas said. Vi Malone, county treasurer, asked the court to consider approving David Bryant, of Colonial Life Insurance Company, to be administrator for the section 125 Cafeteria Plan (health insurance option) for the 2008-09 fiscal year, to be effective October 1, 2008. "This will allow the enrolling employees to have help with the process, to sign up on time, and to understand the scope of the benefits they can receive," Malone said. After discussion about the employees not being obligated to sign up only with Colonial Life to get the assistance, the court approved appointing Bryant to serve as administrator for the cafeteria plan for county employees. The court then went on to approve the proposal for resale of two properties within the city limits of Kenedy. They are lots 11-13, Block 5, Person addition, city of Kenedy, Karnes County and the North 1/3 of Lot 1, Block 98, city of Kenedy, Karnes County Texas. County Extension Agent, Dennis Hale, discussed the crop failures in Karnes County as a result of the long drought. He presented a letter written to Governor Perry asking for the extension of Karnes County as a disaster area and its effects on the farmers and their crop losses. "It is to be sent to the governor with Judge Kendall’s signature so that the farmers can apply for aid due to their loss of income," Hale said. "There will be an important meeting held in Karnes City by the San Antonio River Authority concerning the lower midstream flow problem of the San Antonio River," said County Judge Alger Kendall, Jr. "It will be held at the Karnes City High School in the evening on July 22, and I encourage the county commissioners to attend." The meeting is scheduled to take place between 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. "Also, the updated FEMA flood plain maps are now available for all interested citizens to view," Judge Kendall announced. "There will be several copies available at various county offices in the courthouse and in the precincts of the commissioners." Following the regular meeting, another budget workshop for the next fiscal year was held. ************************************************ From thecountywide.com July 16, 2008 Kenedy city council focuses on water issues By Cathy Passmore Kenedy City Council members spent much of their meeting discussing water issues. The recent Veolia water report was considered as well as the renewal of their contract offering for the next several years with the City of Kenedy. "The water towers on St. Mary’s street are to be replaced," Councilman Ken Reiley said, "and the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) will be here tomorrow. We are short on cost but hope to have help from SARA. The trouble is we don’t know how much money we’ll need." Reiley suggested that an engineer, possibly Robert Thonhoff, Jr., currently working with the city, could be asked to help estimate the cost of certain aspects of the project. "If we could get a ballpark figure, we would have something to go on," Reiley said. City Attorney Craig McAda reminded him that estimates are normally given when bids are requested for certain projects. "Cost estimates are submitted with the bids as part of the process," McAda said. "But a specific part of the project might be able to be estimated." Walter Hill, Jr. speaking on behalf of the FPB land project, made a similar request. "If we could get questions about water and sewer lines answered, and an estimate of the cost of infrastructure, also a ballpark figure, it would help," Hill said. "The committee for the project is anxious to continue, but needs answers to these questions. Also in question is the possibility of septic tanks on the 56 larger lots." Council members asked the city manager to contact Thonhoff to find out if these estimates can be provided. "There needs to be consideration about starting a conversation with out of the city water users," McAda said. "Concerns of users needing large amounts of water, such as industries outside the city limits, should have an agreement to sign before the city provides access to its water. And then, we need to look at what jurisdiction do we have to require this kind of agreement." After discussion and a suggested need to look further into this matter, the item will be put back on the next agenda for further discussion and before a decision can be made. The same decision was made before total completion and renewal of the Veolia Water Capital contract can be approved. But, the council approved the installation of the SCADA system, the cost of which is covered in this year’s budget. This is considered the first phase of the total contract. There is a timeline associated with the projects to be done. Several aspects of the contract still need to be ironed out including whether to go for a seven or ten year contract rather then the usual five year. It was told that it would save money in the long run. Approval of the first stage was given with consideration of other stages to be finalized by the council and Veolia very soon. McAda then asked the council to act on payment of the Pacific Railroad License fee. The subject had been discussed at the last Council meeting. "Since a water line already exists across the railroad line, and the license is a one-time fee, it seems to be better to pay than to go through the process of asking for an easement," suggested McAda. "But there is a catch. The railroad has the right to revoke the license with a 30 day notice. The state of Texas has made some concessions to municipalities to have some leeway to keep that from happening." The motion to pay the $1,500 fee was passed by the council. There also was a continuation of discussion on the fees for use of the baseball fields at Joe Gulley Park. Most of the fees will be raised by $5 for a four hour use of the field. In the absence of Councilman Bob Patton, Councilman Felipe Leal and City Secretary Sandra Lindquist brought the recommendations for the revision of fees before the council. After some discussion, the motion was passed and a detailed list of all the fees can be obtained at the office of City Secretary Sandra Lindquist. Other additional or updated fees were brought before the council for approval by Jaime Albiar at the request of the city manager. These are for city permits along with official forms to sign that relate to what other cities of Kenedy’s size are charging. "Forms are needed for the city to keep track of work in process being done by citizens on various housing or land projects," Albiar said. With so many forms and changes to go over, the council decided to have a special workshop before any decision on changes are to be made. Also, a workshop on the next fiscal year’s budget will be held next week, July 22, to finalize the city manager’s budget recommendations. A draft for the proposed budget was included in the council members’ packet. Discussion on resale of two properties in Kenedy focused on a lien on one of the properties. Questioned was if the purchaser of the property was aware of the lien? After further discussion, both properties, Lots 11-13, Block 5, Person addition, and the North 1/3 of Lot 1, Block 98, City of Kenedy, Karnes County were approved for sale. A request early in the meeting by Cristi Baskerville for courtesy calls from the city office before disconnect of water is made, especially to multi-tenanted government housing projects, was discussed. Discussion centered on how decisions should be made in such cases and the fairness of calling some customers and not others before disconnect. "A change in the city ordinance concerning this might have to be made," said Councilman Ken Reiley. "It probably would require a list to be kept of exceptions to be made and the authority to do so." The city attorney said that resolutions have been made or changed in the past concerning such items. "Calls should be made before the water is turned off and a policy made to do so," Mayor Randy Garza said. "This will be put on the next agenda to finalize what decision is needed to do so." Next, the request for consideration for authority to be given to the city administrator to appoint a building and plumbing inspector to fill the position was granted by the council members. The current inspector had recently resigned from the position. An appointment to put Janette Hallmark on the Kenedy Public Library Board to replace Ida Ruiz was approved by the council. City Manager Reggie Winters gave the final report of the meeting. "There will be a community meeting by the end of this month with TxDOT to discuss the upcoming Main Street repairs. A contract will be let for the repairs in September. Business owners along the street need to be aware of this," he concluded. ************************************************ From chron.com July 18, 2008 Parts of Texas in exceptional drought By BETSY BLANEY AP Agriculture Writer © 2008 The Associated Press LUBBOCK, Texas — Exceptional drought has returned to Texas. Last year at this time, nearly the entire state was free of any drought stage. On Friday, about 4.5 percent of the state was in exceptional drought, the most severe stage on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Parts or all of as many as 20 counties in the northern portion of South Texas are in exceptional drought, including Bexar, Travis, Bastrop and Hays counties. Portions of Dallam and Sherman counties in the far northwestern Panhandle also are in exceptional drought. There were no areas of Texas in the most severe category late last month. The first six months of the year were the 23rd driest on record, said Victor Murphy, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. The statewide average was 10.94 inches, 2.93 inches below the normal of 13.87. Ninety-two percent of the state was in some drought state on the map released Thursday. Those areas without any drought designation are in the far eastern and far western Panhandle, the northern part of the South Plains and in northeast Texas. In the past seven years, Texas has been on a roller coaster in the first six months of each. While 2004 and 2007 were in the top 10 wettest, 2002, 2003, 2005 and this year are in the driest 20 percentile. "Does normal ever happen?" Murphy said. Parts of the state are above normal for July rainfall. El Paso has had three times its normal rainfall so far this month. The normal is less than an inch; the city has 2.15 inches so far in July. Lubbock is also a little bit ahead of its normal. Both are feeling some influence of the monsoon season that is west of a line between Albuquerque, N.M., and the Guadalupe Mountains in Far West Texas. "The monsoon has been very, very beneficial to West Texas, southern New Mexico and most of Arizona," Murphy said. All or parts of counties in the northern portion of South Texas in exceptional drought are Colorado, Austin, Washington, Fayette, Burleson, Lee, Bastrop, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Gonzales, Wilson, Karnes, Comal, Hays, Bexar, DeWitt, Lavaca, Travis and Jackson. The state is also having some hot temperatures this year. June was the sixth warmest on record, and the January through June period was the 19th warmest, running 1.5 degrees about the normal of 61.8 degrees. Lubbock has yet to have a 100-degree day this month, though it had seven days in June that climbed into triple digits. Cotton producers need heat to mature their plants and are hoping the temperatures climb next month. August is a critical month for heat demand," said Steve Verett, a spokesman for the Plains Cotton Growers, which serves a 41-county region. "And we're hopeful that we'll have the normal heat accumulation" to help the crop. ___ Betsy Blaney has been the AP's Lubbock correspondent since 2001 and regularly reports on agricultural issues. ************************************************ From thecountywide.com July 23, 2008 Kroll hired as new economic development executive director By Cathy Passmore Ray Kroll, who was recently hired as executive director of the Karnes County Economic and Community Development Corporation, predicts a bright future for Karnes County. "The history of Karnes County is a gold mine and its location is very desirable with San Antonio, the number one vacation spot in Texas, less than an hour away and Corpus Christi with the coast’s sandy beaches a little further south of us," Kroll said. "With the interest we already have found and a solid community effort behind us to bring in more housing developments, businesses and opportunities for all, the future is indeed bright and can be very productive." Kroll grew up in China Springs which is a small town located near Waco. Kroll’s educational background is in the areas of finance and accounting and he also has experience and skills in management, marketing and real estate. "I am very excited about the chance to work for the betterment of Karnes County, not only by working to bring new businesses to the area, but also to improve the quality of life for all who make Karnes County home," he said. Kroll said plans to build a new hotel near the Wal-Mart in Kenedy and other planned economic development efforts are continuing to make progress. "The company building the hotel is also building one each in Pleasanton, Jourdanton and Floresville and will be using the same crew to build this one," Kroll said. "So when those are finished they will start on the one planned for here." He is very enthusiastic about another major plan that is in the works and hopes to be able to announce it to the public soon. Also, there will be an opportunity for those interested in starting their own small business or who already have a business to get assistance and expert advice from the Small Business Development Center. "This is one of my three major goals and part of my plan for action," Kroll said. "Joe Humphrey, an expert in teaching what it takes to start a business from start to finish, will be scheduling workshops for all interested," he said. "So, if you’ve always wanted to have a business of your own, he will hold classes at this office facility on the third Friday of every month. We are hoping to get this started in September." "The second major goal is to have something for youth leadership training," he added. Kroll said he believes there needs to be a program for high school age students, preferably at their sophomore level, who need an incentive to be prepared for their future. And his third goal is to get the whole community involved. "Growth is coming whether we want it to or not, and we can either have a part in its planning or let it happen haphazardly," Kroll said. "So no matter your age, your interest, your ideas for our community or if you just want to be a part of what’s going on in Karnes County, please give me a call or come by the office." "All are welcome at the County Development Board meetings," Kroll said. "They are scheduled for the third Thursday every other month and the next one will be on August 21 here at our office." Kroll added that future meetings may be held in different cities within the county. ************************************************ From thecountywide.com July 23, 2008 Vandals use pellet guns, paintball guns to cause damage in Falls City By Joe Baker An unusually high number of incidents of vandalism are causing concern for many residents and business owners in Falls City. Over the past two weeks there have been several incidents of vandalism where damage was caused to homes or business by perpetrators using BB guns, pellet guns or paintball guns. Falls City National Bank became a victim on Monday night, July 14. Vandals shot holes in three big plate glass windows and also the glass doors. The cost of repairing the damage is estimated at about $750. The bank is offering s $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of the crime. Falls City National Bank President Gerald Sekula and Vice President Corinne Sekula are encouraging anyone who has information about these crimes to contact the Karnes County Sheriff’s Office at 780-3931. Las Palmas, a Mexican food restaurant in Falls City, was reportedly victimized by vandals twice in the past two weeks. The Fillin’ Station – a Texaco gas station and convenience store in Falls City, was also victimized by vandals on the night of Tuesday, July 15. Cindy Howell, who works at The Fillin’ Station, said she hopes the reward the bank is offering will help encourage someone to come forward with information. Howell said she believes that the vandalism at her store probably happened between midnight and 5 a.m. She said that some local homes were also victimized on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday night of last week. "I know one lady, she was sleeping in bed and whatever they are using – a BB gun, or whatever it is – (the shot) came through her bedroom window and flew right over her head," Howell said. Howell said that Karnes County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Patty Quiroga is investigating the incident at her store. The Countywide tried to reach Deputy Quiroga for comment earlier this week but phone messages weren’t immediately returned. Howell said that she hopes that the sheriff’s office will step up patrols in the Falls City area. "I understand that they (the sheriff’s office) are short handed," Howell said. "Karnes City and Kenedy have their own police departments. I just wish that they (sheriff’s office) would spend more time here." From thecountywide.com July 23, 2008 Karnes City grad earns gold medal in national powerlifting meet By Kevin Matula In September, Karnes City High School graduate Dustin Witte will be heading to Potchefstroom, South Africa to compete in the Powerlifting World Championships. Witte won the gold medal at the USA National Powerlifting Meet in Killeen, Texas on June 14 for the Teen III Division. He would have gotten second place in the Junior division but he couldn’t lift in that division because he was only nineteen at the time of the meet. On July 28 he will turn twenty and therefore qualify for the Junior division at the World Championship. "My first reaction was when I was standing in the weight room, and my coach called me and said he had good news for me," Witte said. "So I said, What’s up, Cort?’ and he said, ‘Well you’re going to the Junior World Championship.’ It was pretty much a shock." Witte is not only on the US National Junior Team and US world Junior team, but he is also on the Texas A&M Powerlifting Team at College Station. He has broken the school’s dead lift record, squat record, and the total record for all three lifts. At the national meet he broke the Texas Team bench record, the Teen squat record, and the total record for all three lifts. His best lifts are 661 lb in the dead lift, 650 lb. in the squat and 370 lb. in the bench. "To hold the national record as a 19-year-old is pretty exciting," Witte said. During both Witte’s freshman and sophomore years in high school he had two injuries during football season. "So, in order to get back with everyone in my grade I had to get stronger for football," Witte said. "And that’s when I started doing powerlifting and after going to a couple meets I decided to keep it up. I found out I was actually pretty good." His high school junior year he was an alternate for state, and his senior year he placed ninth at the state meet. He said he attributes his success to Karnes City High School’s Coach Charles Hoffman who pushed him to do powerlifting during high school. He is sponsored by Quest Nutrition in powerlifting events. Witte is attending Texas A&M in College Station and hopes to graduate in 2010, with a major in Animal Science Dustin is the son of Mark and Debbie Witte of Karnes City. ************************************************ From cbs11tv.com July 23, 2008 Irving Police Ready For 1st 'Texas 7' Execution IRVING (CBS 11 News) ? The convicts came to be known as the "Texas 7" – a group of men who escaped from a state prison in 2000 and killed an Irving police officer. One member of the infamous group is set to be executed next month and there are several members of the Irving Police Department who say they'll 'be right there'. It was just before Christmas, December 24, 2000, when Irving police responded to calls involving one of their own. An officer dead – shot 11 times. After more than seven years Sgt. John Mitchell says he can't forget about his friend and co-worker Officer Aubrey Hawkins. Lt. Jeff Spivey investigated Hawkins murder and like Mitchell, can't let go of that fateful day. "Christmas Eve will never be the same," he said. "Without a doubt the most difficult investigation I have ever done." On August 14 "Texas 7" member Michael Rodriguez is scheduled to die by lethal injection. Rodriguez and six other inmates overpowered workers at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Connally Unit near Kenedy in South Texas on Dec. 13, 2000, took the workers' clothes, then grabbed 16 guns from the prison armory and fled in a stolen truck. Eleven days later, while Officer Hawkins ate Christmas Eve dinner with his family, the escapees were robbing an Irving Oshman's Sporting Goods Store. Hawkins was called to respond to 'suspicious activity' at the store. When the 29-year-old officer interrupted the robbery he was shot and killed. It was more than a month later before the escapees, who'd been the subject of a nationwide manhunt, were captured in Colorado. Before escaping, Rodriguez was serving a life sentence for hiring a hit man to kill his wife, Theresa, 29, so he could collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in life insurance money. Michael Rodriguez' brother, Mark, was also convicted for being a part of the murder-for- hire plot. Several years ago Rodriguez ordered his appeals dropped and began asking the courts to give him a death date – he now has it. Next month, Sgt. Mitchell and Lt. Spivey will join some 30 others from the Irving Police Department. The group plans to go to Huntsville, in their uniforms, to witness Rodriguez's execution. "We are going down just to show support for Aubrey and the family," Sgt. Mitchell explained. "As cliché as it sounds, [it's] the difference between good and evil." Rodriguez will be the first of the six captured escapees to be executed. Escapee Larry James Harper, who'd been serving a life sentence for a series of rapes, committed suicide in a Colorado mobile home before being captured. For those closest to Officer Hawkins, like Sgt. Mitchell, a tattered picture of the infamous "Texas 7" is just a reminder, "That there are bad people in the world." The other members of the "Texas 7" -- alleged ringleader George Rivas, Joseph Garcia, Patrick Murphy Jr., Donald Keith Newbury and Randy Halprin -- all sit on Texas' death row. All of those men are still appealing their sentences. Ironically, Michael Rodriguez' father, Raul, was released from jail in January. Raul Rodriguez was sentenced to 10 years in prison for 'permitting or facilitating escape'. With the help of a female friend Raul Rodriguez provided the car that allowed his son and the other six escapees to get to Dallas in 2000. After only five months behind bars, a Karnes County judge granted him an immediate release -- called 'shock probation'. ************************************************ From victoriaadvocate.com July 24, 2008 Farm Bill training scheduled YOAKUM – With the 2008 Farm Bill now official, area agencies are coordinating training for ag producers at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Turner Hall on state Highway 111, seven miles west of Yoakum. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Farm Service Agency offices of DeWitt, Lavaca and Gonzales Counties are hosting the event. Grady Kelley, Karnes-DeWitt County FSA executive director, Lawrence Campbell, Lavaca-Gonzales County FSA executive director, and Larry Falconer, Texas AgriLife Extension economist make up the panel of speakers. The topics will include: the Direct and Counter Cyclical Program, the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program, and the Livestock Forage Program. The deadlines for these programs are approaching. For more information contact Anthony Netardus of the DeWitt County Extension Office at 361-275-0816. ************************************************ From weather.net July 24, 2008 Tornado Warning National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio Tx 1014 AM CDT Thu, Jul 24 2008 The National Weather Service In Austin San Antonio Has Issued A * Tornado Warning For... West Central Dewitt County... Southwestern Gonzales County... South Central Guadalupe County... Northeastern Karnes County... Northeastern Wilson County... * Until 1100 AM CDT. * At 1011 AM CDT...Nws Meteorologists Have Detected A Severe Thunderstorm Capable Of Producing A Tornado 12 Miles Southeast Of Gillett...Or About 9 Miles Northwest Of Yorktown...Moving Northwest At 21 Mph. * The Tornado Will Be Near... 6 Miles Northeast Of Gillett By 1040 AM CDT... Nixon And Pandora By 1100 AM CDT... If You Are In A Mobile Home Or Vehicle...Get Out And Go To A Sturdy Shelter. If No Shelter Is Available...Lie Flat In The Nearest Ditch Or Other Low Spot And Cover Your Head With Your Hands. A Tornado Watch Remains In Effect Until 600 PM CDT Thursday Evening For South Central Texas. Lat...Lon 2933 9808 2947 9776 2903 9750 2894 9768 Time...Mot...Loc 1514z 151deg 18kt 2907 9764 ************************************************ ************************************************ ************************************************ ************************************************ ************************************************ ************************************************ ************************************************