Karnes Co. TX - NEWS - January 2009 This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Kimm Antell Copyright. All rights reserved. http://files.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************ From finanznachrichten.de January 22, 2009 DGAP-News: Uranium Energy Corp. (deutsch) Uranium Energy Corp gibt eine abgeleitete Ressource von 1,3 Millionen Pfund eU3O8 beim Nichols-Projekt in Südtexas bekannt Uranium Energy Corp. (News) / Sonstiges 22.01.2009 Veröffentlichung einer Corporate News, übermittelt durch die DGAP - ein Unternehmen der EquityStory AG. Für den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich. --------------------------- ----------------------------------------- ------- Uranium Energy Corp NYSE Alternext - UEC Symbol an der Frankfurter Börse - U6Z Uranium Energy Corp gibt eine abgeleitete Ressource von 1,3 Millionen Pfund eU3O8 beim Nichols-Projekt in Südtexas bekannt Nichols-Ressource potenzieller Ableger für das nahe gelegene Goliad- ISR-Projekt des Unternehmens Austin (Texas), 21. Januar 2009 - Uranium Energy Corp (NYSE-Alt: UEC; das 'Unternehmen') freut sich bekannt geben zu dürfen, dass das Unternehmen einen unabhängigen Bericht gemäß National Instrument 43- 101 für das Nichols-Projekt in Karnes County, Texas, erhalten hat, der die abgeleitete Mineralienressource auf etwa 900.000 Tonnen eU3O8 mit einem durchschnittlichen Gehalt von 0,07 % oder 1.307.000 Pfund (ca. 593 Tonnen) schätzt. Diese abgeleitete Schätzung der Mineralienressource wurde mithilfe von anerkannten Methoden durchgeführt, die von der Norm CSA National Instrument 43-101 ('NI 43- 101') und den Klassifizierungen des Canadian Institute of Mining ('CIM') vorgeschrieben werden. Die Nichols-Liegenschaft besteht aus 1.040,7 Acres (ca. 4,21 km²) zusammenhängender Pachtgebiete, die sich etwa sechs Meilen (ca. 9,7 km) südlich der texanischen Stadt Falls City erstrecken. Die Nichols- Liegenschaft liegt etwa 50 Meilen (ca. 80,5 km) vom Goliad-ISR- Uranprojekt des Unternehmens entfernt, für welches das Unternehmen eine vorläufige Minenzulassung erhalten und Anträge auf zusätzliche Genehmigungen gestellt hat. Die Unternehmensleitung geht davon aus, dass alle beim Nichols-Projekt ermittelten und extrahierten Mineralienressourcen in der geplanten Goliad-Anlage verarbeitet werden. Texaco führte in den Jahren 1979 und 1980 ein Explorationsprogramm auf der Nichols-Liegenschaft durch. Das Unternehmen verfügt über technische Zeichnungen, die andeuten, dass Texaco geplant hatte, einen ISR-Betrieb auf dem Grundstück zu errichten. Die Pachtverträge wurden später von Chevron Resources übernommen. Der vollständige technische Bericht zum Nichols-Projekt gemäß NI 43- 101 wird eingereicht und in Kürze auf der SEDAR-Website (www.sedar.com) und auf der Website des Unternehmens (www.uraniumenergy.com) zur Verfügung stehen. Der technische Bericht wurde von Thomas A. Carothers, P.Geo., einer qualifizierten Person gemäß NI 43-101, verfasst, der über mehr als 30 Jahre Erfahrung im Urangeschäft (überwiegend im südtexanischen Urangebiet) verfügt. Diese Erfahrung konnte er unter anderem durch die direkte Arbeit für zwei operative ISR-Bergbaugesellschaften in Südtexas, US Steel und Tenneco Uranium, während der 1970er und 1980er gewinnen. Der technische Bericht für das Nichols-Projekt spiegelt die abgeleitete Schätzung der Mineralienressource auf der Grundlage der Ergebnisse von 34 Bohrlöchern und einem Kernbohrloch, die das Unternehmen im Jahr 2008 fertigstellte, wie folgt wider: Zusammenfassung der abgeleiteten Einschätzung der Mineralienressource Abgeleitet Cutoff-GT Tonnen Durchschnittl. Pfund Durchschnittl. Bereich (% Gehalt Gehalt eU3O8 Mächtigkeit der Tiefen multipliziert % eU3O8 * (Fuß) (Fuß) mit der Mächtigkeit) 0,3 900.000 0,07 1.307.000 6 300 bis 450 *Werte auf das nächste Hundertstel gerundet Um die Mineralienressourcen zu definieren, wurde das Produkt aus Cutoff-Wert von 0,02% eU3O8 und Gehaltsdichte (GT) von größer oder gleich 0,3 verwendet (die GT wird definiert als der Wert, der für ein spezifisches Bohrlochintervall durch Multiplikation des durchschnittlichen Mineraliengehalts in % eU3O8 mit der Intervall- Mächtigkeit in Fuß errechnet wird). Diese Cutoff-Werte liegen im Bereich der meisten ISR-Bergbaubetriebe im südtexanischen Korridor und in anderen Bundesstaaten, in denen der Abbau aus vergleichbaren Tiefen bei einer vergleichbaren Mineralisierung vorgenommen wird. Herr Carothers ist der Meinung, dass die Methodik und die abgeleiteten Mineralienressourcen, die vom Unternehmen ermittelt wurden, unter Einsatz der anerkannten Branchenstandards festgelegt wurden und dass die Klassifizierung der Ressourcen den von der Norm NI-43-101 vorgeschriebenen CIM-Definitionsstandards entspricht. Die Ergebnisse aus den Gammastrahlen- und Widerstandsmessungen, dem Prompt-Fission-Neutron (PFN)-Verfahren und lithologischen Untersuchungen deuten an, dass eine erhöhte Uranmineralisierung in vier verschiedenen Sandeinheiten der Whitsett-Formation der Jackson- Gruppe in dieser Gegend vorliegt. Alle mineralisierten Einheiten liegen unterhalb des Grundwasserspiegels in Tiefen von etwa 300 bis 450 Fuß (ca. 90 bis 140 m). Die Beurteilung der Daten zum bestehenden durchschnittlichen Gehalt der Uranmineralisierung und der Tiefe der mineralisierten Zonen deuten an, dass die ISR-Methode (In-Situ Recovery) wahrscheinlich das am besten geeignete Abbauverfahren für dieses Projekt darstellt. Herr Carothers gab im technischen Bericht die folgende Empfehlung ab, um die Ressourcengrundlage des Nichols-Projekts weiter zu definieren: 'Der erste Schritt sollte darin bestehen, mit einer weiteren Phase von Explorationsbohrungen, einschließlich ausgewählter Kernbohrungen, fortzufahren. Dies ist für dieses Projekt zu empfehlen, um die Klassifizierung der Mineralienressource auf angezeigte und gemessene Ressourcen hoch zu stufen. Außerdem wird dies eine weitere Definition der Mineralisierungsart des Vorkommens und eine Bestätigung der Daten ermöglichen und die Geologie des Vorkommens und das Grundwassersystem besser definieren.' Die technischen Informationen in dieser Pressemitteilung wurden gemäß den in der nationalen Norm NI 43-101 dargelegten Vorgaben der kanadischen Behörden vorbereitet und durch Clyde L. Yancey, P.G., Vize-Präsident für Exploration des Unternehmens und eine qualifizierte Person gemäß NI 43-101, geprüft. Über Uranium Energy Corp Uranium Energy Corp (NYSE - Alt: UEC) ist ein in den USA ansässiges Rohstoff-Unternehmen mit dem Nahziel, die Uranproduktion nach der ISR- Bergbaumethode in den USA aufzunehmen. Mit Hilfe seiner umfassenden Datenbank mit historischen Daten über die Exploration und Entwicklung von Uranlagerstätten hat das Unternehmen Uranprojekte im gesamten Südwesten der USA erworben und treibt diese voran. Vor kurzem wurde für das Hauptprojekt des Unternehmens, das Goliad-ISR-Uranprojekt in Südtexas, eine vorläufige Minenzulassung ausgestellt. Die Unternehmensleitung besteht aus angesehenen Spezialisten auf dem Gebiet der Urangewinnung, deren gemeinsame Erfahrung in dieser Branche dem Unternehmen aktuelles Know-how bei der Entdeckung und Entwicklung von Uranminen verleiht. Kontakt Nordamerika: Investor Relations, Uranium Energy Corp. Gebührenfrei: (866) 748-1030 Fax: (512) 535-0832 E-Mail: info@uraniumenergy.com Börseninformationen: Symbol an der New Yorker Börse - NYSE Alternext: UEC Symbol an der Frankfurter Börse: U6Z WKN: AØJDRR ISN: US916896103 Haftungsausschluss für zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen Diese Pressemitteilung enthält vorausschauende Aussagen im Sinne von Abschnitt 27A des US-amerikanischen Securities Act von 1933 in seiner letzten Fassung und Abschnitt 21E des amerikanischen Securities and Exchange Act von 1934 in seiner letzten Fassung. Aussagen in dieser Pressemitteilung, die nicht ausschließlich historische Tatsachen betreffen, sind vorausschauende Aussagen und umfassen alle Aussagen zu Ansichten, Plänen, Erwartungen oder Absichten, die die Zukunft betreffen. Diese Aussagen enthalten Risiken und Unwägbarkeiten, durch die die tatsächlichen Ergebnisse erheblich von denen abweichen können, die in den vorausschauenden Aussagen enthalten sind. Zu solchen Risiken und Unwägbarkeiten gehören u.a. die Auswirkungen der Produkte von Wettbewerbern, die Fähigkeit zur Befriedigung der Nachfrage der Kunden, die Fähigkeit zur Handhabung von Wachstum, der Erwerb von Technologie, Ausrüstung oder Mitarbeitern, die Auswirkungen von volkswirtschaftlichen oder betrieblichen Bedingungen, die Fähigkeit zur Akquise und Bindung von qualifiziertem Personal sowie Faktoren, die das Unternehmen nicht beeinflussen kann. Diese vorausschauenden Aussagen gelten zum Zeitpunkt dieser Pressemitteilung. Das Unternehmen ist nicht verpflichtet, diese vorausschauenden Aussagen zu aktualisieren oder die Gründe auf den neuesten Stand zu bringen, denen zufolge die tatsächlichen Ergebnisse von den vorausschauenden Aussagen abweichen können. Das Unternehmen ist zwar der Meinung, dass die in dieser Pressemitteilung geäußerten Ansichten, Pläne, Erwartungen und Absichten realistisch sind, trotzdem kann es keine Garantie für die Korrektheit dieser Ansichten, Pläne, Erwartungen und Absichten geben. Investoren werden angehalten, alle hier dargelegten Informationen zu berücksichtigen und auch die in den regelmäßig bei der Securities and Exchange Commission eingereichten Berichten genannten Risikofaktoren zu beachten. Diese Pressemitteilung stellt weder ein Verkaufsangebot noch das Einholen eines Kaufangebots dar, noch dürfen Wertpapiere in einem Rechtsraum verkauft werden, in dem solche Angebote, Anfragen oder Verkäufe ohne eine vorherige Registrierung bzw. Qualifizierung gemäß den Wertpapiergesetzen des betreffenden Rechtsraums ungesetzlich wären 22.01.2009 Finanznachrichten übermittelt durch die DGAP ************************************************ From seguingazette.com Lady Panthers stumble against Karnes City By Alan Wiederhold The Gazette-Enterprise Published January 25, 2009 GERONIMO - The Navarro Lady Panthers don't exactly hide the fact that they are a young team. One of the signs in the Navarro ISD Events Center says as much. However, a team laden with underclassmen and first-year varsity players are bound to experience growing pains against the upper echelon of their district competition. The Karnes City Lady Badgers are one of the teams expected to take one of the three playoff spots from District 28-2A at season's end. Though they had to earn it, the Badgers were able to travel back to Karnes County with a 52-40 win over Navarro on Friday. The Lady Badgers used a 13-0 run over the last half of the third quarter to take a 36-24 lead, and then held off a spirited fourth- quarter run by the home team that saw Navarro cut the lead to three points. "They played hard. As young as we are, we did a lot of good things," Navarro head coach Darrell Harborth said. "They did a great job and I'm proud of my girls for battling back like they did." Freshman Valerie Vrana led the Lady Panthers with double-double tallies of 13 points and 11 rebounds. Burgandy Partain added 11 points that included a 4-of-6 showing from the field. Kelsey Neiswender scored 15 points to lead the Lady Badgers. Teammate Vanessa Urrutia turned in a double-double performance of 13 points and 14 rebounds. Urrutia reached 11 rebounds before halftime. The Lady Badgers appeared as if they were going to run away with the game early, scoring the first seven points of the contest barely three minutes in. Erica Conover put the Lady Panthers on the board with 4:46 remaining in the opening period, but that was immediately followed by a 6-0 Karnes City run. The Lady Badgers led 13-3 at the end of the third first quarter. "Our thing, and I've been stressing it for weeks and weeks, is four solid quarters," Harborth said. "We had two four or five minutes stretches in the first quarter and third quarter that come back to get us and you can't have that against good teams." The Lady Panthers turned the tables on their visitors in the second quarter, scoring the first seven points and cutting the lead to 13-10 by the 5:06 mark. Navarro finished the quarter on a 5-0 run and trailed 19-18 at the end of the first half. It was physical game throughout, and the Lady Panthers benefitted in the first half. Karnes City was called for 17 fouls during the first 16 minutes. Navarro scored 12 of its 18 points from the free-throw line, which countered a 3-of-19 showing in field-goal attempts. Ball control played a role in the Navarro setback, as they Lady Panthers turned the ball over 33 times in the game. During the 13-0 Karnes City run in the third quarter, Navarro missed four field goals and had five turnovers. The Badgers led 36-24 at the end of three quarters. The Lady Panthers used a 9-0 run between the 6:42 and 3:05 marks of the fourth quarter to pull to within three, but the comeback effort ran out of steam as Karnes City held on for the victory. Conover finished the game with seven points. Samantha Nichols added five points. Brittany Kinney scored nine points for Karnes City. Lindsay Labus added six points for the Lady Badgers. While it was tough lesson learned, Harborth pointed to the bigger picture after the game. "I think there's nothing but great things for team ahead," he said. "We're improving every day, every game, so I'm proud of them." The Lady Panthers finished the first half of district play with a 2- 3 record. They host the Lady Mustangs of Nixon-Smiley on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ************************************************ From seguingazette.com Panthers crush Badgers 63-41 By Alan Wiederhold The Gazette-Enterprise Published January 25, 2009 GERONIMO - Some coaches and commentators adhere to some variation of the philosophy that the best offense is a good defense. Friday night in Geronimo, the Navarro Panthers showed that some of the best offensive displays are triggered by good defense. In a game when Zach Hernandez scored 24 points in three quarters as the Panthers drubbed the Karnes City Badgers 63-41, it was the team's defensive showing that earned the highest superlative from Navarro head coach Bob Ermel. "That's the best defensive game since I've been here at Navarro," Ermel said. A quick glance at the final stat sheet backs up Ermel's comment. Though Navarro induced fewer Karnes City turnovers (13) than they committed (17), the Panthers "badgered" their visitors nonetheless. By game's end, the Badgers shot a mere 25 percent (12-of-49) from the field. No Badgers player scored more than nine points. "They wanted this game tonight and by golly they went out and took it," Ermel said of his team's performance. The Panthers took the game (or control of the game, at least) in the third quarter. After going into halftime with a slim 26-23 lead, the boys of Geronimo overwhelmed the Badgers in the third period, winning the quarter 24-10. The hometown Panthers wasted little establishing the tempo of the third quarter, scoring the first seven points of the frame in less than two minutes, forcing a Karnes City timeout with the score 33-23 in favor of Navarro. The stunned Badgers would endure multiple scoring runs by the home team during the quarter. Still holding a 10-point lead a few minutes later, the Panthers embarked on an 8-0 run between the 3:01 mark and 1:03 marks. Hernandez started that run with an incredible layup while slipping through the traffic. The home side of the gym, which was already in a frenzy by this point, got even louder on the Karnes City's next trip down the floor when A.K. Williams delivered a powerful block to a field-goal attempt from the Badgers' Cory Smolik. Williams finished the game with 14 points and seven rebounds. The Panthers as a team shot 65 percent (11-of-17) from the floor during the third quarter. Hernandez scored eight points during the period. Will Valdez scored six of his eight points during the frame. Hernandez also tallied game-highs of five assists and three steals. "That court vision has been there," Ermel said of Hernandez's offensive capabilities. "He's had some games this year he hasn't shot well, and he definitely shot well tonight." While the fast-paced, transition game was producing one highlight- reel play after another for Navarro, perhaps overlooked was the blue- collar work of Cameron Kallies, who grabbed 15 rebounds in addition to scoring six points. I'm real tickled pink with what he's doing now," Ermel said, "because that just means so much to us." The win kept Navarro (12-7) atop the District 28-2A standings with a record of 3-0. The Panthers host Nixon-Smiley on Tuesday. "All I know is they don't have a lot of talent, but they make the most of what they've got," Ermel said of the Mustangs. "They can be very, very tough." The Panthers and Mustangs are scheduled for an 8 p.m. tipoff on Tuesday, and will immediately follow the varsity girls' game between the two schools. ************************************************ From bizjournals.com January 23, 2009 San Antonio economy added jobs in December The San Antonio economy added 400 net jobs during the month of December, according to labor market information released Friday by Workforce Solutions Alamo. The unemployment rate also dropped a tenth of a percentage point during December to 5.3 percent, down from 5.4 percent in November. The Texas unemployment rate for December, however, increased to 5.7 percent while the national rate rose to 7.1 percent. The San Antonio metropolitan statistical area - which includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Guadalupe, Gillespie, Karnes, Kerr, Kendall, Medina and Wilson counties - also ended the year with net annual job growth of 14,900 jobs or 1.8 percent. Robust hiring by San Antonio area retailers accounted for the majority of local jobs added during December as companies ramped up hiring for the holiday season. "The Alamo region continues to remain strong with positive annual job growth occurring as our seasonal trends stayed steady," says Workforce Solutions Alamo's Executive Director Chakib Chehadi. "Industries that experienced losses in November are recovering and the number of people who are unemployed is decreasing as a result." The Professional Business Services sector gained 200 jobs during December and 1,500 jobs over the year. Financial Activities added 200 jobs over the month and 500 jobs over the year. Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities added 100 jobs over the month, but lost 500 over the year. The Leisure and Hospitality sector lost 700 jobs in December, but finished the year with a net gain of 1,400 jobs. The Education and Health Services sector lost 400 jobs in December but posted net gains of 3,400 jobs for the year. The Construction and Other Services sectors each lost 200 jobs for the month. The Government and Information sectors each lost 100 jobs for the month. The Manufacturing and Mining sectors remained unchanged for the month. Workforce Solutions Alamo provides employment services on behalf of more than 40,000 area businesses and more than 2 million residents. www.workforcesolutionsalamo.org ************************************************ From victoriaadvocate.com January 22, 2009 Fire danger high Strong winds and low relatively humidity will create a high fire danger this afternoon for Karnes, Gonzales, DeWitt and Lavaca counties. The National Weather Service is forecasting winds increasing to 15 to 20 mph, with gusts to 25 mph. The relative humidity will drop to near 30 percent. Care is urged for all activities where there is a potential for wildfires to get started. ************************************************ From thecountywide.com January 21, 2009 Karnes City school board discusses Head Start building lease By Kevin Matula The Karnes City ISD Board of Trustees discussed the lease of the North Elementary building to the Economic Opportunities Development Corporation of Atascosa, Karnes and Wilson Counties, for the head start program, at the board's January 12 regular meeting. "This time last year we made the decision to notify them that we would charge them $1,000 a month," Superintendent Frances Penland said. "I think we need to look at it in terms of, 'do we want to keep doing what we're doing, do we want to increase their rent, because of revenue sources, or do we need to look at taking the building and using it for the district?'" Board member Sharon Purser asked Penland if the building had KCISD students in it. Penland noted that only students enrolled in the head start program use the facility. "We can always use the space, there are things we can do with it, we can even offer them to put a portable (building) on the property, if we wanted to keep them close," Penland said. Penland noted that the building is over 3,000 sq. feet in size. The current lease will be up on May 31. The head start program is federally funded. "I have a recommendation that we would either raise the rent… I would like to see us charge $2,000 (per month) … or, I think we could use it because we are pretty crowded in some areas," Penland said. "It's hard to displace somebody … (but) when we're landlords you've got a liability issue." "The vision would be that we would use the existing building, and I've been at schools where the head start came in and put portables in, and that would be their expense," Penland said. No action on the item was taken, but according to Penland it will be brought up at the next meeting, where action will be taken. The school board also accepted the resignation of Kathy Hill. Pam Poth and Maria Turner both were hired at the meeting. Also during the meeting, the school board voted to renew the superintendent's employment contract for one year. ************************************************ From wilsoncountynews.com January 27, 2009 Local residents witness history at Obama's inauguration WASHINGTON, D.C. - "I didn't think I'd get to see it," said Sammy Smith of Karnes County, echoing sentiments heard from many black Americans, as they witnessed the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States Jan. 20. Smith was one of a number of area residents attending the inauguration. Also playing their parts in the events as they unfolded were Floresville Mayor Daniel Tejada and San Antonio Police Department Sgt. Frank Martinez, who lives in Wilson County. A number of area middle school and high school students were also in Washington to see the peaceful transition of power from President George W. Bush to Obama, a hallmark of a successful democracy. Sammy Smith "I grew up in a segregated era," Smith recalled. "In my earlier years, I was involved in Democratic politics. I still have many friends in D.C. and that's how I received the invitation to the inauguration." Smith remembers all the U.S. presidents since Dwight D. "Ike" Eisenhower, the 34th president, who took office in 1953. "He did the best he could," Smith said. "They all have. But with President Obama, I think we might be headed toward a new day." The retired insurance-fraud investigator has traveled the world and lived in several different countries. His enduring memory of President Obama's inauguration is one of acceptance, he said. "I think the United States has validated that we [black Americans] are no longer second-class citizens," Smith said. "That's a memory I'll take to my grave. Our leader looks like us. Now, when I talk to people and say I'm an American, I can say that without reservations. It was a pleasure and I'm glad I lived long enough to see it." Frank Martinez Sgt. Frank Martinez is an 18-1/2-year veteran of the San Antonio Police Department. Chosen from among more than 400 applicants, Martinez was honored to be one of 60 officers chosen from the department to provide extra security during the inauguration. Law- enforcement agencies from across the country sent delegations to help the Washington, D.C., police with the events. The officers were deputized as temporary special deputy U.S. marshals while in the nation's capital. "It was breathtaking to see so many representatives from across the country - police departments, state police, and others," Martinez said of the deputizing ceremony. "The Washington police said this was the largest contingent of peace officers ever gathered for an inauguration and the single largest event they've ever hosted." The San Antonio officers provided security along the parade route. The officers formed a line facing the crowd, standing at parade rest; they were there for approximately 16 hours in sub-zero temperatures. One thing that sticks in his mind, Martinez said, is the sheer number of people attending the event. "We arrived at the site about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday," he said. "And already there were tens of thousands of people waiting to go through the security checkpoints to see the inauguration. That was when it struck us that this was real." Public-address systems allowed the officers and audience to hear Obama take the oath of office and his speech afterward. With their backs to the road and faces to the crowd, however, the San Antonio officers couldn't see the parade that followed. Watching the crowd, they could tell when the president came by. "I'll always remember the look in the people's eyes as he passed by," Martinez said. "They were crying, shouting - very emotional. It gave me chills as he passed. I'll always cherish that moment; it was an honor to be there." Martinez won't only have his memories to cherish. Each officer present could purchase a commemorative badge set from the event to wear on the day and keep, which Martinez did. He also brought home commemorative inauguration coins for his daughters, Misty Lynn, 15, and Ally, 10. He and his wife, Michelle, spent time talking with the girls about the event. "We talked about how [President Obama] is the first African-American president and that it was a historical moment," Martinez said. "I hope they keep the coins and pass them down to their kids and share the story. I was fortunate to go and am so blessed." Daniel Tejada Floresville Mayor Daniel Tejada traveled to Washington for the inauguration and to participate in a policy summit with 28th Congressional District officials, hosted by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar. The weather in Washington was dramatically different from the mild temperatures he left behind in Texas. "My hotel was overlooking the frozen Potomac River," Tejada said. "On Monday night, I took a water taxi to one of the inaugural balls. The sound of crushing ice as the boat moved across the river sounded like a snow-cone machine. …" Tejada witnessed the presidential inauguration from the west side of the Capitol; he was one of approximately 240,000 ticket-holders at the event. "I think the overall atmosphere will always stay with me," he said. "The millions of people gathered to witness this historic event were so proud - proud to see a man of color break that glass ceiling. People were singing 'Happy New President' to the tune of 'Happy Birthday.' People were hugging strangers, crying, and were so happy to see this man being sworn in as president. As the cannons went off, it was like celebrating a new year, a new beginning." Overall, the atmosphere was great, Tejada said, with people being friendly and helpful toward each other. Considering the millions of visitors, he said, everything ran very smoothly and was well-organized. Historically, he thinks the election and inauguration of Barack Obama to the highest office in the land is inspirational. "When I speak to the younger generations," Tejada said, "I will remind them that here in our great land, that we can do anything we set our minds to do. Whether someone is black, Asian, white, or Hispanic, rich or poor, we can be doctors, lawyers, engineers, or even the president of the United States." ************************************************ From wilsoncountynews.com January 27, 2009 Grass fire spreads to structures SASPAMCO - Illegal burning is being blamed for a fire that decimated four outbuildings and a vacant house on Trinidad Road located just over the Bexar County line off C.R. 163 Jan. 21. The property owner, Amador Medina, said he had started burning a pile of trash he had accumulated over the course of the last two to three months. But the wind picked up and the flames quickly got out of control, eventually claiming the house and the buildings. The fire came within a few feet of a second, inhabited house also located on the property. "I started the fire over there," Medina said, pointing to the location of his burn pile. "And it took off like crazy that way, before I could even think about it." Dispatched to the fire, which was reported at approximately 2 p.m., were volunteer fire departments from Harmony, China Grove, Lone Oak, Sandy Oaks, and Floresville-Cañada Verde. Also responding were emergency medical technicians from Eagle Creek Volunteer Emergency Services, along with three workers and a tanker from Wilson County precinct 1. Residents with farm and construction equipment assisted firefighters. Assistant Chief James Friant of the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department said the fire scorched more than 3-1/2 acres of grass and brush. Because Medina's actions constitute a violation of Bexar County's ongoing burn ban, Deputy Joseph Canales of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office said the homeowner would receive a citation charging him with a Class C misdemeanor. If he is found guilty, Medina will be required to pay a fine of up to $500. In addition to Bexar County, the Texas Forestry Service's Web site lists 108 counties under a burn ban declaration including Atascosa, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, and Wilson. During this period, outdoor burning of household trash is limited to those living in unincorporated areas and having no access to trash collection services. Additionally, burning is limited to a screened burn barrel during daylight hours. ************************************************ From wilsoncountynews.com January 27, 2009 Shodrock, Mainz wed in Nov. 15 ceremony Megan Elizabeth Shodrock and Casey Curtis Mainz were united in holy matrimony Nov. 15, 2008. Megan is the daughter of Gerard "Buck" and Debbie Shodrock of Adkins, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Frank and Ann Wiatrek of San Antonio and the late John and Rosie Shodrock. Her great- grandmother is Susie Kortz of Panna Maria. Casey is the son of Robert and Joyce Mainz of San Antonio. He is the grandson of Pella Rose Niemietz of San Antonio and the late Sixtus Niemietz, and Beatrice Mainz of Hondo and the late Robert Mainz. Megan is a 2003 graduate of East Central High School in San Antonio. She graduated from Palo Alto College in San Antonio, where she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, with an associate degree in management in 2005. She graduated from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2006 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in management, as a member of Delta Mu Delta. She works as a financial marketing representative covering central Texas for Holt CAT. Casey graduated from East Central High School in 2002. He received a football scholarship and attended Mary Hardin-Baylor University in Waco before receiving an associate degree in kinesiology from Palo Alto College in 2005. He graduated from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and a minor in biology. He is employed as a teacher/coach in the Del Valle Independent School District. The couple were wed in the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in St. Hedwig, with Father Bill Zadora as celebrant. Michelle Sirois was the organist, and Sarah Sirois was the soloist. Amanda Westervelt and Tracie Montanio performed the readings during the ceremony. The bride was stunning in a beautiful white Casablanca bridal gown. It had a trumpet-shaped silhouette with adorning pearl and sequined lace appliqués and a cathedral-length train. The maid of honor was Melissa Shodrock, the sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Melonie Turknett, Heidi Campbell, Amber Montanio, Allison Krueger, Grace Blanke, and Hailey Stimpson. Lauren and Mackenzie Woitena, cousins of the groom, were the flower girls. The groom's best man was Mark Montanio. Groomsmen were Jordan Baker, Brian Zigmond, Kevin Zigmond, Bradlee Thornton, Clayton Niemietz, and Preston Felux. The ring bearers were identical triplets Luke, Tyler, and Zachary Zigmond. The ushers were Josh Friesenhahn and Marc Jablonski. The couple held their wedding reception at the Red Berry Mansion on the Lake in San Antonio. They honeymooned in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and plan to reside in Austin. ************************************************ From thecountywide.com January 28, 2009 Growth boom coming to Karnes County By Leigh Ann Powers Karnes County's economic development is poised to "explode," according to Ray Kroll, executive director of Karnes County Economic and Community Development Corporation (KCECDC). The trigger for the county's growth boom will most likely be groundbreaking on the new housing development behind Wal-Mart. FPB Land Company is considering the 163-acre tract for single and multi- family housing as well as some retail and light industrial space. "It's my belief that just as soon as we turn ground on this development that Karnes County will explode," said Kroll. "Once we get this on the ground I've got so many people who are waiting for someone to go first. This developer has stepped out and said, 'I'm willing to go first.'" Kroll said that KCECDC's work on the housing development is "moving along well." Kenedy recently agreed to form a tax increment financing zone (TIRZ) benefiting the new development. KCECDC has been presenting the TIRZ to the various taxing entities and Kroll said that it has been well received. "We're hoping the developer will purchase the property before the first of April and we will be able to move forward with the housing development," Kroll said adding that he believes once the housing development is underway several of the other projects within the county will also be able to move forward. Kroll attributes the increased interest in Karnes County to the county's location and proximity to several urban centers. "I believe it is our location to San Antonio and the positive atmosphere we have in the county as far as tax rates and the projected growth rate we have for the county," he said. Urban sprawl in San Antonio to the north has moved as about far as it can go, according to Kroll. The only place San Antonio's continued growth can take place is to the south. Karnes County's central location between San Antonio and Corpus Christi as well as its access to Beeville and Victoria has made the county a prime location. While acknowledging that the current recession and credit crunch has impacted development, Kroll said that investors are still looking for safe places to put their money. Right now investing in Karnes County is a good bet. "Money is tight," he said. "But like the housing development, there are a lot of people out there who are looking to invest their money someplace other than the stock market. We're prime for it. As long as we can continue down the road we're going on now, we are very attractive to outside investors who need to put their money some place. They're seeing the county as a good place to look for investment." One company considering moving into the area is Tractor Supply. Tractor Supply is considering the property on US Highway181 between the old Wal-Mart store and Capital Farm Credit. The city of Kenedy removed one small roadblock by agreeing not to require Tractor Supply to build a retention pond at their proposed location. "They didn't say they wouldn't build here if they had to build a retention pond, but they did say it might put it off four or five years," said Kenedy City Manager Reggie Winters. Winters said that the city has no ordinance requiring the construction of a retention pond and that water will drain naturally off the property without the addition of the pond. "We're hoping that Tractor Supply will go through with the purchase of the property very soon," said Kroll. Specifics on what groups might be considering coming into the county cannot be announced until commitments are made, but some groups have made initial inquiries. Kroll said that he has spoken with one developer who is willing to invest between five and ten million dollars in the county once ten houses are on the ground in the new development. Kroll also said that there has been some interest in the old Wal-Mart location. Wal-Mart's lease on the site expires at the end of January, and Kroll hopes to have something to announce by early spring. While most of the growth will be around the new Wal-Mart, Kroll says it will eventually spread throughout the county. He said that he is currently working with a group who is looking at property closer to Karnes City and that he anticipates the majority of growth to be between Karnes City and Kenedy. "This four mile strip is a very desirable location right now," Kroll said. ************************************************ From thecountywide.com January 28, 2009 Karnes ag extension agent resigns to take Wilson County job By Joe Baker Dennis Hale, who has served as a Karnes County ag extension agent for the past 16 years, recently resigned from his Karnes County job to accept a new position in Wilson County. When Wilson County Ag Extension Agent Charlie Pfluger retired on October 1 after 32 years in extension, Hale decided to apply for the position left vacant by Pfluger's retirement. He said it was an opportunity for him to move his career forward, moving up to a larger county with a larger staff and a higher salary. Hale started work in the Wilson County office at the beginning of the year, leaving his position at the Karnes County ag extension office vacant for the time being. Many folks in Karnes County have expressed how much they will miss having Hale as the local ag extension agent. Karnes County Youth Show President Chris Jendrusch said that many of the people who work with the Karnes County Youth Show didn't fully realize just how large a role Hale played in the annual event, until they had to figure out a way to run the show without his assistance. Hale said the idea of taking the Wilson County position was attractive because he had been involved with many multi-county programs and had worked closely with the Wilson County ag extension office staff. "The learning curve was going to be fairly low," Hale explained. "I've been doing a lot of multi-county programs, so I knew a lot of the people over here - the producers… If I were going to make a move, this seemed like a logical time to make a move." Hale said there a lot of good people in Wilson County, just like Karnes County. "If you look in the phone book, you see a lot of the same names," Hale said. Dustin Biela, who is originally from Karnes City, also works at the Wilson County ag extension office and Hale said the fact that he already knows Biela was another factor that made the idea of changing jobs attractive. When will a new extension agent be hired to fill the position left vacant when Hale resigned? Hopefully in early spring, according to Hale. Hale said that normally in the middle of January, the extension internal announcement would go out - opening the position to extension employees only. Internal applications would then be taken for a couple of weeks. If very good applicants apply, then interviews will set up in February. Under those circumstances, a new agent may be hired as early as the first of March. However, if the quality of the internal applicants isn't completely satisfactory, the position could then be opened up for external applicants such as an ag teacher or someone who changed careers but is ready to go back to work in extension. Under those circumstances, the process may take as long as April or May. Hale said the district extension administrator will begin the interview process along with others and a candidate will be selected for recommendation to Karnes County's Commissioners Court who will then have final approval. County officials' approval is needed because the position is funded partially by the county and partially by the Texas A&M University system. Hale said he will miss working closely with Karnes County folks but he won't be that far away and he plans to stay in touch through the multi-county programs that will continue to be offered to local farmers and ranchers. The local agriculture community will continue to be updated on agriculture news and information and education through articles in the newspaper and other special programs, Hale said, noting that he is sure that whoever is hired will continue the tradition of keeping the community informed on all levels. Hale said he will be moving to Wilson County in the near future, in order to be closer to his new office. He offered some parting words of encouragement in terms of the future of Karnes County. "What I'm seeing in Wilson County is a glimpse of what is going to happen in Karnes County in not too many years," Hale said. "Wilson County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state of Texas… This is what y'all are going to be getting. It is going to happen in Karnes County. Wilson County is going to get it before Karnes does. Wilson and Atascosa are both just booming and the growth will move south." ************************************************ From caller.com January 29, 2009 Man is indicted in drive-by shooting CORPUS CHRISTI - A federal grand jury indicted a man Wednesday in connection with a Dec. 14 drive-by shooting in the 900 block of Brownlee. John Gilbert Rubio, who is facing charges in state court, was also charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon. Rubio, 21, had been charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in 2008 in Karnes County, according to court records. No injuries were reported in the drive-by. According to a complaint filed by a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent, witnesses told officers that a green Ford Taurus was involved in the shooting. Rubio was found in a car matching that description. A gun was found under the seat where he was sitting when Corpus Christi police arrested him. ************************************************