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LINK TO THE TEXAS DEPT. OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES REGION 8 REPORT
Medina Lake Level
The lake level is at 1,027.21 feet - 35.5% capacity.
A heartfelt thank you to The Bandera Prophet's sustaining sponsors,
whose support helps us provide free news, stories and information to our community.
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Burger night and financial education workshop this Tuesday
The Lakehills Community Center is happy to welcome Financial Foundations: Your Blueprint to Thrive. Younger, older and everyone in between can gain insight in this interactive workshop Tuesday, June 15. Come a little early for a hamburger dinner provided by Thrivent
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Temporary foster families needed immediately
A Doggie 4 You, a non-profit dog rescue in Pipe Creek has an immediate need for temporary two-week foster partners for small to medium size dogs from June 14 - 26.
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Frontier TalesIn a back corner of the Frontier Times Museum in Bandera sits a nondescript shadowbox that holds a notable piece of frontier history – the wooden mallet of the notorious Judge Roy Bean. The self-proclaimed “Law West of the Pecos” is one of those rugged characters that still captivates the imagination of those who are intrigued by the rowdy days of the Old West. While there have been much misrepresentations about old Roy Bean, the true tales of his life are even more mesmerizing as the fabrications.
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ExpressionismMaybe it’s because I was a disc jockey or maybe it’s just something we all do, but I find I have expressions that I’ve used over and over in my life. Like when I’m checking out at the grocery store and the checker asks me if I found everything I was looking for. I always say, “The only thing I couldn’t find was a rich single man.”
So, I’m offering up some of my favorites. Let’s jump right in. |
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Today in Texas History
On this day in 1936, author Robert Ervin Howard committed suicide in Cross Plains, apparently distraught at the approaching death of his mother. The Texas native finished high school in Brownwood and, while attending Howard Payne College, began writing his very successful heroic fantasies, including Conan the Barbarian.
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Breakfast, Flags and Honors at the Legion this Saturday
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Bandera All Class Reunion Weekend 2021 Schedule of EventsWe’re making progress towards the BACR weekend and I am excited about the addition of the rodeo on Friday. You will be given a discounted rate and a special wristband for entry, if you are a part of the BACR group.
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The Latest at the Bandera LibraryThe Bandera Library is so pleased to announce the first author visit we have hosted in over a year. Come by the library on Saturday, June 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to meet local author Joanne Kukanza Easley.
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Lakehills Area Library LeaningsThe Lakehills Area Library is excited to announce a new service for our patrons. The Texas Talking Book Program is a free library service for people who cannot read standard print because of visual, physical, or reading disabilities, whether temporary or permanent. All equipment and services are free, including return postage.
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Stampede rodeos a community successIt is a misconception to think that the rodeos are the product of one group. The biggest element in the success of these rodeos is the Bandera County Community. Without the local support of labor, time, sponsorships and home town enthusiasm, these rodeos could not continue to be successful. This support, and the energy created by the audience’s enjoyment of the show, are what sustain and promote our legacy as the Cowboy Capital of the World.
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Growing Up In BanderaOh yes!!! Those were the best of times in the 50s. It was summertime in Bandera and we said goodbye to St. Joseph's Catholic School and the nuns as we prepared for no shoes, no shirt and no homework for a few months.
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Human remains found in Timbercreek subdivision identified
A body discovered a week ago in the Timbercreek subdivision on Hwy. 16 has been identified. The man was reported missing in San Antonio on May 18.
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Commissioners Court Briefings
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Award winning local author launches second novelJoanne Easley is the proverbial “local gal who made good.” She lives in Medina and spends most of her time writing. Her first book, Sweet Jane, has been out over a year and has won several awards. Now she is launching her second book, “One More Look,” which will be released later this month.
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Two Minute Drill
There will be a BBQ and Shoot benefit fundraiser for longtime Bandera High School Ag instructor Fulton Pizzini on July 17 to help offset unexpected medical expenses.
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Cruisin’ the East End
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See the latest Caddo Kuntree, by Larry Haddad |
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Bandera's Memorial Day ParadeThis year’s Memorial Day parade first place winners include Custom Knives Churchman Made, Bandera County Library, Cowboy Capital Regulators and Bandera County Jeepers.
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Bandera's Hyo Silver celebrates anniversary ribbon cuttingJoanne Symons and her daughter Josie Symons Krider, along with friends and members of the Bandera Chamber of Commerce, prepared to cut the ribbon last Thursday.
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Optimist Club students of the year awarded
Luke Bitzkie and Rebecca Ellingson were named the John Slocum Optimist Club of Bandera Students of the Year, and were the winners of the Optimist Club 2020-21 scholarship.
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This month at the Medina LibraryThe Summer Reading session number one will be June 23, session two will be June 30, at 10:30 a.m. Kids Bingo will be June 3, from 4-4:30 p.m.; crafts for kids will run from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Local author Joanne Easley will have a book signing for her novel Just One Look on Saturday, June 5, at 10:30 a.m. Legos are back - come by on Monday, June 28, from 3-4:30 p.m.
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Glenn Earl Moehring
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NASA in MedinaThe Medina Community Library hosted Kerr County Commissioner Tom Moser on May 10. He gave a presentation on “Humans in Space — Past, Present and Future.”
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Pipe Creek Christian School surprised by additional blessingsThe Pipe Creek Christian School was recently surprised by the generous donation of more Health and Safety Kits from the Educational Heroes Safety Campaign. Once again, the kits were provided courtesy of the True Value Foundation in partnership with our local True Value retailer Johnny Boyle.
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Welcome Home!
Family and friends gathered on Main Street this morning to welcome home Buddy Byrd. Buddy had complications caused by Covid-19, and has been in the hospital for four-and-a-half months. His family thanks the community for their love and support.
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CORE Academy accepting registration now
The Career Opportunities Reflecting Excellence Academy is a four-day exploration program for youth to experience higher education and career choices. This program will provide youth an opportunity to explore career and leadership opportunities in a diverse global economy as well as learn about post-secondary degree institutions across Texas.
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Emergency broadband benefit available to BEC Fiber subscribersBandera Electric Cooperative is working to help build consumer awareness about the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. The temporary benefit will help to lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
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Mico firefighters host successful barbecue eventThe Mico Volunteer Fire Department Firefighters and EMS Technicians wrap up a barbecue fundraising event. The fire house had a large crowd, leaving standing room only for bidders as they examined all the wonderful items in the live and silent auctions.
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Lakehills American Legion Independence Day Parade and BBQ returnsThe American Legion Post #410 announces the return of its traditional Independence Day celebration in Lakehills on Saturday, July 3. The parade kicks off on PR 37 at 11 a.m. with live music on the gazebo beginning at 1 p.m., and the now locally famous chicken and sausage BBQ serving for dine-in or take-out at noon.
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Suspect in fatal shooting at English Crossing arrested
Abelardo Daniel Garcia, 30, was arrested May 6, in connection with the fatal shooting of two people, one of whom was killed in Bandera County.
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Wood things come to those who improvise
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Changes at the Cross Roads
As you drive on Hwy. 16 S., you may have noticed a flurry of activity at the intersection of Kings Ranch and Polly Peak.
CrossRoads Fuel LLC, the new owners of the 4.5-acre corner lot, have have already implemented many changes as they upgrade the facilities. The canopy signage over the fuel pumps has been replaced and a new affiliation with Valero, which was reportedly looking for a retailer in the area, is already in place. |
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Bandera Baseball Parents' NightBandera's varsity Bulldogs closed their season against Fredericksburg on April 23 and celebrated Parents Night before the game.
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San Antonio man killed Sunday night, shooting marks third fatal shooting in the county this yearA fatal shooting Sunday night has led to a multi-county pursuit. A San Antonio man was shot near the intersection of English Crossing and Rodeo Road. The suspect remains at large.
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Bandera grandmother murdered while sitting in her home
A 72-year-old Bandera woman was fatally shot through a glass door, while she sat in her living room in the Twin Lakes subdivision. The suspect remains in custody at the Bandera County jail on a $1 million bond.
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Bandera Academic Decathlon takes first in Nationals, outscoring every team in their divisionThe Bandera Academic Decathlon team earned the top spot in their division during the awards ceremony on Saturday May 1.
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American Legion bingo proceeds help the Hill Country Honor GuardBandera American Legion Post 157 Commander Susan Junker presents Bingo proceeds to the Hill Country Honor Guard.
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Scoreboards are now four for five at Bandera High School
Bandera High School received three additional new scoreboards last week, this time in the main gym and on Bulldog Field.
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The View From Dry Creek HillA cat took refuge from the bitter cold this February and became my office cat. She’s sitting on the windowsill watching the deer and the birds this morning. The windows are open and we’re both enjoying the air and the view. If either one of us sneezes or coughs it’s only the pollen reminding us how nature works. I’m OK with that, and the cat doesn’t seem to care either.
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FEMA assistance available to help pay funeral expenses for loved ones lost to Covid-19Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance to families who lost a loved one to Covid-19.
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RiverFest on the Ranch
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The Buzzard's Roost, by Juan Mogeaux
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Dog rescue receives $69,000 grant
A Doggie 4 You announces the receipt of a capital campaign project grant from the Perry & Ruby Stevens Charitable Foundation. The ultimate goal is to move the rescued dogs from outdoor kennels. When the Dog Compound is complete, the capacity will increase from 150 to 200 dogs, which helps reduce the number of stray dogs euthanized each year due to lack of shelter space.
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A probe on the back side of a colonoscopy
I’ve been running a little behind schedule this week - a pun that may be more appreciated as this story goes on. I generally avoid first-person dissertations, but in the spirit of a brutally honest transparency that may help someone else, I thought it befitting to temporarily lift the veil.
A word of caution for the sensitive, this story may not be appropriate for everyone. |
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Bandera County property values see market increase
Taxable values for Bandera County have increased. The Bandera CAD will mail out annual notices of appraised value the first week of May. Property owners whose value has increased more than $1,000 will receive a notice. Major changes in property values this year were brought on by substantial increases in both the number of sales and sale prices. There is a housing demand in our market area, as well as across the state, that is driving sale prices and market values upward.
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Peterson Health launches vaccine self-scheduler
As Peterson Health continually strives to improve access and offerings for the COVID-19 vaccination as they become more readily available. Now, anyone needing a COVID-19 vaccine can visit the Peterson Health website and click on the link, COVID-19 Vaccine Self-Scheduler.
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BEC Foundation awards community grants
Hill Country Samaritans received a $2,500 grant to purchase backpacks and school supplies for their annual Back to School Bash from the BEC Foundation during their first quarter grant cycle.
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Job Corps celebrates another graduate
Elaine Marie Palmer proudly graduated from the Christian Women’s Job Corps of Bandera County on Monday, April 5.
She wore her cap and gown with obvious joy, and when asked to say a few words, she expressed gratitude to God and to the Job Corps for giving her the skills she needed to get the job she recently acquired. She said she now has hope for the future. |
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BEC gives Utopia ISD students bucket truck demonstration
On Tuesday, March 30, Bandera Electric Cooperative presented a safety and bucket truck demonstration to grades pre-kindergarten through eight, and the career path of a lineman to grades nine through 12 at Utopia ISD.
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Life after the NICU
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K9 police dog helps keep Bandera County safe
Undoubtedly the cutest member of the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office, K9 Police Dog Zeus is also an integral soldier in the fight against crime.
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American Legion Riders receive donation, plan next rideCommander Susan Junker presents $300 to American Legion Riders #157 “Preacher” Chris Dion, Larry Crocker and Michael Invergo. Their next ride will be May 1.
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Bandera Canyonlands Alliance launches public awareness campaignThe Bandera Canyonlands Alliance is urging local residents in Bandera County to be aware of a precedent-setting permit application that would put pristine area waterways at risk.
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Church & WorshipPlease see our comprehensive list of area churches and places of worship.
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Local animal rescue leads seizure of more than 70 animals after owner dies of tick-borne diseaseThis week, animal rescue group A Doggie 4 You led a large dog seizure of more than 70 dogs, a few cats, and two donkeys in Moore.
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Lakehills Saturday Market off to a good startThe first ever Lakehills Last Saturday Market got off to a good start. Even though competing with the bikers in town and the opening day of Bandera Little League, more than two dozen vendors came to sell their wares. Although the visiting crowd was not huge, it was steady. Those attendees were not only looking, but buying and contributing to our local economy.
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Bulldog Photo GalleryThis week's photo gallery features Bandera softball and soccer.
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NRCS & Bandera SWCD host online forum
The Bandera SWCD needs the public’s input. Together with the local USDA NRCS, an online forum has been created to gather feedback that will help the districts set priorities and implement programs locally.
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Chamber of Commerce recognizes award recipients
During the annual Bandera County Chamber of Commerce Gala, awards were presented to members in recognition for the work and the differences they made in the community during 2020. The Bandera Prophet’s Larry Haddad was named this year’s Cowboy Capital Award recipient.
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Renaissance woman spreads her wings and influence in Bandera’s business communityBank manager, business owner and single mom are just a few of the titles Alana Smith can claim. As if running a bank and owning a local bar aren’t enough to prepare an impressive resumé, the entrepreneur is adding two more businesses to her repertoire.
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Mother launches support group after daughter attacked by dogA Bandera County child is continuing her recovery after she was attacked by a dog in her neighborhood. Tara Worley said her daughter was riding her bicycle in February when a neighbor’s dog escaped its back yard and pursued the 11-year-old girl.
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City comprehensive planning sessions have begun
“The layout of the community was very intentional, but it has grown up,” Simplecity.Design CEO Matt Lewis said during an open house and workshop last week.
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Commissioners pass resolution, consider another opposing proposed legislatureBandera County commissioners are considering a resolution in opposition of House Bill 3, which is on the floor in the current Legislative Session. Lawmakers have about three months left to deliberate on a host of proposed bills, some of which are focused on shoring the governor’s reach and thereby reducing the power of local authorities.
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Medina TAFE students knock it out of the park
Two Medina TAFE (Texas Association of Future Educators) students placed as national qualifiers in the State Teach Tomorrow Summit Competitors event, held March 3-6.
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Bandera Natural History Museum is
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City approves resolution designating water tower as historic landmark designationBandera City Council members have given their seal of approval for the Bandera County Historical Commission to seek a formal Landmark Designation for the city’s water tower.
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The BEAST does it again
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School districts keep mask policies in place
Governor Greg Abbott announced on March 2 that he was rescinding his executive order mandating masks and opening all Texas businesses to full capacity, effective Wednesday, March 10. Local school districts, however, will maintain the status quo, for now.
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Sisters combine vision, talent to bring children’s book to life
Not all that came from last year’s shutdown was bad. Forced to slow down, many rediscovered precious time with family, moments otherwise lost in the minutiae of work and extracurricular activities. Two Lakehills sisters, both Bandera High School graduates, wrote a book.
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Pipe Creek Christian School helps others
During the month of February, Pipe Creek Christian School and New Life Resale Shop held their “Share the Love” food drive. Seven large containers of food were collected and delivered to the Helping Hand food pantry this week.
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Texas Winter Storm survivors in Bandera County can apply for Federal Disaster AssistanceTexas homeowners and renters in 18 additional counties who suffered damage from the winter storm that recently struck Texas may now apply for disaster assistance with FEMA.
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Discovering a Lost History: African-Americans in Bandera CountyThe stories of the early black residents of Bandera County were traditionally overlooked by local historians who focused more on Bandera’s European immigrants and white settlers. Much was written on the original Polish families who settled along the Medina River to work the cypress mills and on the Mormon families whose site of their short-lived colony sits beneath the waters of Medina Lake.
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Commissioners declare all legal county businesses essentialCounty commissioners this morning unanimously approved a resolution declaring all legal businesses in Bandera County as essential services. The resolution, drafted by Pct. 1 Commissioner Bruce Eliker, cites the U.S. and Texas Declarations of Independence that guarantee “the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in the face of govenrmental overreach.”
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Mayor signs Disaster Declaration for City of Bandera
City of Bandera Mayor Suzanne Schauman has signed a Disaster Declaration for damages caused by the winter storm last week. Schauman said the declaration will not help city residents get federal assistance, but she said it will allow her to file a claim for losses the city incurred.
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Teacher - What a Title!
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Texas citizens called on to help identify the strengths and needs of their communitiesTexas Speaks is being conducted in Bandera County and across the State of Texas to allow the citizens of Texas to provide their input on the assets and issues in their communities. The local branch of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has a rich history of providing educational programs that address the most critical issues in the county, and invites your participation in the Texas Speaks process.
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County works toward dedicating part of Hwy. 173 to fallen Marine veteran, Bandera heroCommissioners approved a resolution supporting a bill that dedicates a portion of Hwy. 173 S. to Rodney Buentello, who died in 2016 while rescuing two teenagers at the dam in Bandera City Park.
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Countywide burn ban lifted
After days of consistent rain, Bandera County Judge Richard Evans lifted the countywide burn ban, effective immediately.
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Bandera High grad uses comedy to spread message of hope and acceptanceFrom a pool of more than 1,300, only four people were chosen this year to receive The Second City scholarship - a mentorship and training program for comedic talents, carried out in partnership with Saturday Night Live. Morgan Van Dyne, 2012 Bandera High School Graduate, was one of those four.
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Warrior52 water - the blue bottle that’s more than just H2O
A water that’s good for earth, body and country is in Bandera. Warrior52 Premium Alkaline Water has been introduced to the community by local business owner and Marine veteran Jerad Wilcox, and is on shelves now.
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Bingo suspended until safe
The weekly Wednesday night bingo hosted by the Bandera American Legion Post 157 has been postponed in the interest of safety for both players and volunteers.
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Growing Up In Bandera - PodcastAnyone who grew up in Bandera will always get around to telling stories involving the river. Fishing, swimming or just hanging out, it was the place to be. It always provided some entertainment if we didn't have enough gas to drag main or follow the fire truck when the siren on the water tower signaled the volunteer firefighters.
Listen to Episode 7 of Growing Up In Bandera on podcast. Written and narrated by Glenn Clark. |
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Reading CornerWatch The Little Cowboy, by Jessica Nohealapa'ahi Goode
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Effectively Elena - PodcastI’ve been accused of being a boat rocker. God forbid. I get no pleasure out of seeing how far something will wiggle until it tips over. I have no desire to see folks struggling in the water, and have no desire to end up swimming if I’m meant to be in the boat.
Listen to Episode 2 of Effectively Elena on podcast. Written by Elena Tucker. |
