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September 13, 2023
Letter to the Editor
A “Notice of Public Hearing” on tax increase is advertised for Bandera County, and the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District proposes to increase property taxes for the 2023 tax year.
The hearings take place at two separate locations, on the same date, at the same time. Why would any government body and public servants choose to do this on such an issue as raising taxes?
Does this illustrate accountability to the people they serve? Does it provide citizens access to information maintained by these government bodies, so that citizens can obtain a more complete understanding of both tax increase proposals? Will citizens be able to attend both hearings to obtain and/or provide information to both government bodies on the proposed tax increase?
Furthermore, why would any hearing for the public be held at 10 a.m., when the public cannot attend because they are at work? I leave any reaction to these questions to you, but I will venture a couple opinions: the timing serves the public servants’ needs, and minimizes distractions to our public servants from the public’s participation.
The hearings take place at two separate locations, on the same date, at the same time. Why would any government body and public servants choose to do this on such an issue as raising taxes?
Does this illustrate accountability to the people they serve? Does it provide citizens access to information maintained by these government bodies, so that citizens can obtain a more complete understanding of both tax increase proposals? Will citizens be able to attend both hearings to obtain and/or provide information to both government bodies on the proposed tax increase?
Furthermore, why would any hearing for the public be held at 10 a.m., when the public cannot attend because they are at work? I leave any reaction to these questions to you, but I will venture a couple opinions: the timing serves the public servants’ needs, and minimizes distractions to our public servants from the public’s participation.
R. Rodriguez
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July 27, 2023
Letter to the Editor
Each year a small group young men and women from Bandera County make a choice to serve in the nation's military. This is a decision that will affect them for the rest of their lives.
Only 1 percent of Americans currently serve in the military. The other 99 percent benefit from the sacrifices made by this select group of citizens.
People volunteer to serve in the military for many reasons. They may want to provide an important public service, follow a family tradition, find adventure in far-away places, or gain beneficial job skills. Some join in order to secure financial security which includes the benefits they receive as veterans.
Veterans comprise 5 percent of the U.S. population. This is reflected in the 5.3 percent veteran population in the State of Texas. However, 11 percent of Bandera County's population are veterans - more than twice that of the U.S.
Veterans are attracted to Bandera County for a number of reasons. Bandera County is close to the veteran services one can get at the military bases in San Antonio. Veterans in Bandera County also favor the Veterans Affairs Medical Center located in nearby Kerrville.
The federal government and the State of Texas provide a wide array of benefits to veterans. But veterans have to apply for these benefits. This is often a complex task, especially in the case of veterans who wish to file disability claims for injuries or illness connected to their military service.
The Department of Veterans Affairs accredits qualified and trained individuals to assist veterans in filling claims with the VA. The VA also encourages veterans to utilize the services of accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSO).
Not everyone can become an accredited VSO. But the VA established the means by which the State of Texas and individual counties can hire and employ accredited VSOs. These VSOs provide services free of charge to veterans.
One reason for accredited VSOs at the county level is that it is a local service. Veterans in the county do not have to travel to regional VA centers in Waco or Houston. They can meet with a benefits counselor in their home area.
Bandera County currently has an opening for a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
Veteran population in Bandera County is about 2,300. The veteran population in Gillespie County is about 1,700 and in Kerr County about 4,600.
Bandera County veterans deserve the availability of at least one full-time professional VSO. Neighboring counties do not have to provide services to Bandera County veterans. They are being turned away.
There is an overall shortage of VSOs in Texas. This causes some veterans to give up hope in receiving the benefits they earned.
Only 1 percent of Americans currently serve in the military. The other 99 percent benefit from the sacrifices made by this select group of citizens.
People volunteer to serve in the military for many reasons. They may want to provide an important public service, follow a family tradition, find adventure in far-away places, or gain beneficial job skills. Some join in order to secure financial security which includes the benefits they receive as veterans.
Veterans comprise 5 percent of the U.S. population. This is reflected in the 5.3 percent veteran population in the State of Texas. However, 11 percent of Bandera County's population are veterans - more than twice that of the U.S.
Veterans are attracted to Bandera County for a number of reasons. Bandera County is close to the veteran services one can get at the military bases in San Antonio. Veterans in Bandera County also favor the Veterans Affairs Medical Center located in nearby Kerrville.
The federal government and the State of Texas provide a wide array of benefits to veterans. But veterans have to apply for these benefits. This is often a complex task, especially in the case of veterans who wish to file disability claims for injuries or illness connected to their military service.
The Department of Veterans Affairs accredits qualified and trained individuals to assist veterans in filling claims with the VA. The VA also encourages veterans to utilize the services of accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSO).
Not everyone can become an accredited VSO. But the VA established the means by which the State of Texas and individual counties can hire and employ accredited VSOs. These VSOs provide services free of charge to veterans.
One reason for accredited VSOs at the county level is that it is a local service. Veterans in the county do not have to travel to regional VA centers in Waco or Houston. They can meet with a benefits counselor in their home area.
Bandera County currently has an opening for a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
Veteran population in Bandera County is about 2,300. The veteran population in Gillespie County is about 1,700 and in Kerr County about 4,600.
Bandera County veterans deserve the availability of at least one full-time professional VSO. Neighboring counties do not have to provide services to Bandera County veterans. They are being turned away.
There is an overall shortage of VSOs in Texas. This causes some veterans to give up hope in receiving the benefits they earned.
Gary Noller
~ Gary Noller is a U.S. Army veteran with service in the Vietnam War. He is a member of American Legion Post 157 in Bandera.
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June 30, 2023
Letter to the Editor
The Mark Bonner Memorial benches have finally arrived, thanks to the donations and community support for our shotgun club. The benches memorialize our beloved coach Mark Bonner. Mark had many quotes, but the one that rang true to everything was, “One Bird at a Time.”
It’s a lesson our 4-H Shotgun Club kids can remember their whole lives. We can only take one breath at a time, one step at a time, and one bird at a time.
The loss of Mark and recently Vicki Browning have been a huge toll on the Bandera 4-H shotgun club. We never expected to have to deal with losses like this in such a short timeframe, but we are a strong family and a tight club with obvious community support.
Vicki will be memorialized with a special “Sportsmanship” award presented to 4-H kids for years to come. Vicki was a stickler for respect, proper behavior, and sportsmanship, as we all should be. These 4-H kids are tomorrow’s leaders, we are just making the best better.
So, thank you Bandera County for supporting our 4-H Shotgun Club at a time when we were dealing with the losses of our family members.
It’s a lesson our 4-H Shotgun Club kids can remember their whole lives. We can only take one breath at a time, one step at a time, and one bird at a time.
The loss of Mark and recently Vicki Browning have been a huge toll on the Bandera 4-H shotgun club. We never expected to have to deal with losses like this in such a short timeframe, but we are a strong family and a tight club with obvious community support.
Vicki will be memorialized with a special “Sportsmanship” award presented to 4-H kids for years to come. Vicki was a stickler for respect, proper behavior, and sportsmanship, as we all should be. These 4-H kids are tomorrow’s leaders, we are just making the best better.
So, thank you Bandera County for supporting our 4-H Shotgun Club at a time when we were dealing with the losses of our family members.
God Bless You,
Robbie Robinson
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May 25, 2023
Compromise reached
More than 30 citizens attended the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District (BCRAGD) board meeting, and well over 50 citizens sent in comments. This was a tough issue. The board deliberated in an executive session for nearly an hour regarding the variance request by RR 417 to pump groundwater into impoundments during Stage 5 drought. Without a variance, ALL pumping into these impoundments would cease during Stage 5 drought.
In a unanimous vote, the board agreed to grant a variance to RR 417 allowing them to pump ONLY FROM LOWER TRINITY WELL P-1177 up to 24 acre feet of water into their recreational lakes during Stage 5 drought. The board also stipulated that monthly pumping records must be submitted to the District, and that this variance can be reviewed if new information becomes available.
Friends of Hondo Canyon believes this is a good compromise.
The variance does not allow for groundwater pumping from the Middle Trinity Aquifer during Stage 5 drought.
The variance puts a lower cap on groundwater withdrawal from the Lower Trinity Aquifer during Stage 5 drought – lowering the total annual allowable withdrawal from 40 acre feet to 24 acre feet.
Water, like minerals, is a vested property right in Texas – a landowner ‘owns’ the water beneath his land. The BCRAGD board must represent all of us in Bandera County – business owners and residents alike. I believe that the compromise reached today serves all.
PS: There is still work to be done! Our dedicated Middle Trinity monitor well, which includes a precipitation gauge capable of warning for flash floods, has been on line since June 2022. We now have a goal of funding a dedicated Lower Trinity monitor well. We have raised $16,200 towards the $40,000 needed to complete this project, which we will also have outfitted with a USGS satellite monitor so that anyone can have access the real-time and historical data collected. This well will be drilled next to the dedicated Middle Trinity monitoring well. The benefit of this location is information can be simultaneously collected regarding both Trinity aquifer levels and their recharge/possible communication characteristics.
Can you help? Your donation to Friends of Hondo Canyon is tax deductible.
Checks can be set to:
Friends of Hondo Canyon 11035 FM 470
Tarpley TX 78883
Friends of Hondo Canyon
In a unanimous vote, the board agreed to grant a variance to RR 417 allowing them to pump ONLY FROM LOWER TRINITY WELL P-1177 up to 24 acre feet of water into their recreational lakes during Stage 5 drought. The board also stipulated that monthly pumping records must be submitted to the District, and that this variance can be reviewed if new information becomes available.
Friends of Hondo Canyon believes this is a good compromise.
The variance does not allow for groundwater pumping from the Middle Trinity Aquifer during Stage 5 drought.
The variance puts a lower cap on groundwater withdrawal from the Lower Trinity Aquifer during Stage 5 drought – lowering the total annual allowable withdrawal from 40 acre feet to 24 acre feet.
Water, like minerals, is a vested property right in Texas – a landowner ‘owns’ the water beneath his land. The BCRAGD board must represent all of us in Bandera County – business owners and residents alike. I believe that the compromise reached today serves all.
PS: There is still work to be done! Our dedicated Middle Trinity monitor well, which includes a precipitation gauge capable of warning for flash floods, has been on line since June 2022. We now have a goal of funding a dedicated Lower Trinity monitor well. We have raised $16,200 towards the $40,000 needed to complete this project, which we will also have outfitted with a USGS satellite monitor so that anyone can have access the real-time and historical data collected. This well will be drilled next to the dedicated Middle Trinity monitoring well. The benefit of this location is information can be simultaneously collected regarding both Trinity aquifer levels and their recharge/possible communication characteristics.
Can you help? Your donation to Friends of Hondo Canyon is tax deductible.
Checks can be set to:
Friends of Hondo Canyon 11035 FM 470
Tarpley TX 78883
Friends of Hondo Canyon
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May 5, 2023
The month of May is National Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness Month.
NF is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerve tissues. They can grow anywhere in your nervous system, including on your brain and spinal cord. It can also cause optic glioma, and Lisch nodules, bone deformities, learning disabilities, fine and gross motor skills delays, multiple Café au lait spots and other things.
There are three types of NF. NF 1, NF 2, and Schwannomatosis.
NF 1 is the most common and affects 1 in 3000 people of all races and genders. Fifty percent of the people with NF inherited it, and a spontaneous mutation on a very long arm of chromosome-17 results in the other 50 percent.
In April 2020, the FDA approved a drug called Selumetinib that can shrink plexiform tumors in individuals two years old and older. With continued research maybe one day there will be a cure for NF.
Sheila Zavorka
Lakehills
There are three types of NF. NF 1, NF 2, and Schwannomatosis.
NF 1 is the most common and affects 1 in 3000 people of all races and genders. Fifty percent of the people with NF inherited it, and a spontaneous mutation on a very long arm of chromosome-17 results in the other 50 percent.
In April 2020, the FDA approved a drug called Selumetinib that can shrink plexiform tumors in individuals two years old and older. With continued research maybe one day there will be a cure for NF.
Sheila Zavorka
Lakehills
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April 24, 2023
Water is precious
So wonderful to get rain - Praise to our Maker!
In 2019, with your financial support, Friends of Hondo Canyon partnered with Bandera River Authority and Groundwater District (BCRAGD) and United States Geologic Service (USGS) to provide start up funds to drill and equip a Middle Trinity Monitoring Well and Flood Alert Station in Hondo Canyon. And it works! We now can be alerted when rapid rains indicative of flash flooding occur. Alleluia!
We also can watch our Middle Trinity Aquifer level, which before this recent rain, has fallen 42 feet since the monitor station went live on June 9, 2022. For a link to see for yourself (and see how much this new rain has changed our section of the Middle Trinity) click on the link:
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/inventory/?site_no=294003099141101&agency_cd=USGS&
And, here is where I need your help. As development in our canyon proceeds, many more deeper, Lower Trinity wells are being drilled. Friends of Hondo Canyon would like to raise startup money to drill and equip a Lower Trinity Monitoring Well next to our Middle Trinity Monitoring Well. We need to raise an additional $40,000 to achieve this goal.
Water is precious. A USGS equipped monitor well provides access to real-time and historical data for everyone. The flood alert station is already in place -warning downstream landowners and give magnitude of sudden precipitation. A Lower Trinity Monitoring Well will provide more information about the aquifers we so depend upon. Any donation would be appreciated.
Margo Denke
Secretary/Treasurer
Friends of Hondo Canyon
In 2019, with your financial support, Friends of Hondo Canyon partnered with Bandera River Authority and Groundwater District (BCRAGD) and United States Geologic Service (USGS) to provide start up funds to drill and equip a Middle Trinity Monitoring Well and Flood Alert Station in Hondo Canyon. And it works! We now can be alerted when rapid rains indicative of flash flooding occur. Alleluia!
We also can watch our Middle Trinity Aquifer level, which before this recent rain, has fallen 42 feet since the monitor station went live on June 9, 2022. For a link to see for yourself (and see how much this new rain has changed our section of the Middle Trinity) click on the link:
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/inventory/?site_no=294003099141101&agency_cd=USGS&
And, here is where I need your help. As development in our canyon proceeds, many more deeper, Lower Trinity wells are being drilled. Friends of Hondo Canyon would like to raise startup money to drill and equip a Lower Trinity Monitoring Well next to our Middle Trinity Monitoring Well. We need to raise an additional $40,000 to achieve this goal.
Water is precious. A USGS equipped monitor well provides access to real-time and historical data for everyone. The flood alert station is already in place -warning downstream landowners and give magnitude of sudden precipitation. A Lower Trinity Monitoring Well will provide more information about the aquifers we so depend upon. Any donation would be appreciated.
Margo Denke
Secretary/Treasurer
Friends of Hondo Canyon
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April 18, 2023
Thank You
Thank you to our Bandera River Ranch neighbors, Tom and Patty. I am overwhelmed by the kindness they have given me.
Last [week’s] storm caused a tree to break at the base and fall over our driveway. It hit the passenger door mirror, sliding down to the ground by way of the hood on my vehicle.
When Tom and Patty were walking the neighborhood the next morning they saw it and decided to knock on my door, because they wanted to help. The first thing he asked me was "Do you have a chainsaw?"
I replied, "Yes, but I am by myself today and won't have a way to remove it until later." Without hesitation he said, "I've got one and I'll be over this afternoon."
Twenty minutes later he was in the driveway with all of his own tools. He asked me to stay back so that I wouldn't get hurt and got busy. His wife came over and we picked up the pieces Tom cut and put them beside the gate of the fence.
THANK YOU! I promise to 'pay it forward', the kind deed that has been gifted to me.
May we all open our hearts to help each other just as my neighbors have blessed me.
Laura P.
Bandera River Ranch
Last [week’s] storm caused a tree to break at the base and fall over our driveway. It hit the passenger door mirror, sliding down to the ground by way of the hood on my vehicle.
When Tom and Patty were walking the neighborhood the next morning they saw it and decided to knock on my door, because they wanted to help. The first thing he asked me was "Do you have a chainsaw?"
I replied, "Yes, but I am by myself today and won't have a way to remove it until later." Without hesitation he said, "I've got one and I'll be over this afternoon."
Twenty minutes later he was in the driveway with all of his own tools. He asked me to stay back so that I wouldn't get hurt and got busy. His wife came over and we picked up the pieces Tom cut and put them beside the gate of the fence.
THANK YOU! I promise to 'pay it forward', the kind deed that has been gifted to me.
May we all open our hearts to help each other just as my neighbors have blessed me.
Laura P.
Bandera River Ranch
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Courtesy Photos
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January 23, 2023
Thanks y’all
This is the fourth year I have had the opportunity to thank all the folks who came out to help put up Christmas displays on the courthouse lawn, also it’s the second year we have put up displays in City Park on the river.
This is done by volunteers and BCAG (Bandera Community Action Group), trying to help the community. We hope it can grow to more than just Christmas.
The two ends of the park were done by BCAG and the middle was filled in by clubs/groups/churchs/businesses. Last year we had 12 displays, this year there were 20, with a lot of room to grow.
This year was a little difficult because of weather, if you remember it did rain in November when we were trying to put up the displays, and even when we were taking them down. The weather made it difficult to schedule the Christmas carolers and music groups we’ve had in
past.
Thanks to all who helped: Bandera 4H; Pipe Creek 4H and all of the 4H parents; Boys & Girls Club; Bandera Wranglers; Bandera Chamber of Commerce; Bandera CVB; Bandera County Juvenile Probations; Bandera County for use of the courthouse lawn and a $600 grant; City of Bandera for use of City Park, bucket truck and employees; Bandera EDC for lights and displays; and of course Chip Aragones for putting the lights on the courthouse.
Keep up the good work.
Linda James: Lkjames.bandera@gmail.com
Jack Moseley: Jmoseley@banderacounty.org
This is done by volunteers and BCAG (Bandera Community Action Group), trying to help the community. We hope it can grow to more than just Christmas.
The two ends of the park were done by BCAG and the middle was filled in by clubs/groups/churchs/businesses. Last year we had 12 displays, this year there were 20, with a lot of room to grow.
This year was a little difficult because of weather, if you remember it did rain in November when we were trying to put up the displays, and even when we were taking them down. The weather made it difficult to schedule the Christmas carolers and music groups we’ve had in
past.
Thanks to all who helped: Bandera 4H; Pipe Creek 4H and all of the 4H parents; Boys & Girls Club; Bandera Wranglers; Bandera Chamber of Commerce; Bandera CVB; Bandera County Juvenile Probations; Bandera County for use of the courthouse lawn and a $600 grant; City of Bandera for use of City Park, bucket truck and employees; Bandera EDC for lights and displays; and of course Chip Aragones for putting the lights on the courthouse.
Keep up the good work.
Linda James: Lkjames.bandera@gmail.com
Jack Moseley: Jmoseley@banderacounty.org
January 3, 2023
An observation
Just an observation, don't see how any $ General in Bandera meets the fire code. Many times I've been at a store and had to change aisles because of restocking clutter blocking the way. Surprise inspection would definitely improve public safety.
R. Rodriguez
R. Rodriguez
December 29, 2022
One more time
One more time we are asking for volunteers at the Bandera County Courthouse and the City Park. This time it’s to take down all the hard work we did a month ago.
Looks like the weather will be better than it was in November.
ALL HELP WELCOME Saturday, Jan. 7, start at 9:30 a.m.
For more information or to volunteer contact: Bandera Community Action Group
Email: lkjames.bandera@gmail.com Linda James
830-688-9048
Email: jmoseley@banderacounty.org
Jack U Moseley Commissioner Precinct #3 830-522-1500
Looks like the weather will be better than it was in November.
ALL HELP WELCOME Saturday, Jan. 7, start at 9:30 a.m.
For more information or to volunteer contact: Bandera Community Action Group
Email: lkjames.bandera@gmail.com Linda James
830-688-9048
Email: jmoseley@banderacounty.org
Jack U Moseley Commissioner Precinct #3 830-522-1500
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November 11, 2022
That's wonderful of the ROTC young men to clean the highway. It's a shame that that is necessary, but glad we have good people working on it.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Dorothy Taylor
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October 28, 2022
Because of your interest and the efforts of more than 30 volunteers, the county commissioners approved Thursday opening the Bandera dump site (between Mansfield Park and the Bandera Electric Coop) for recycling to all county residents, beginning Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Please help us show the county that we want recycling to continue by bringing corrugated cardboard, aluminum cans, and #1 plastic bottles during that period Oct. 29 and each Saturday afterward.
With success at the Bandera site, we hope to expand the recycling to other solid waste sites in the county in the coming year and include other items for recycling. In the meantime, come to Bandera (3012 SH 16 N).
A huge thank you to Commissioner Jody Rutherford, Rachel Hering of Keep Texas Recycling and all of you who volunteered to work at the site and get this back on track.
Please help us show the county that we want recycling to continue by bringing corrugated cardboard, aluminum cans, and #1 plastic bottles during that period Oct. 29 and each Saturday afterward.
With success at the Bandera site, we hope to expand the recycling to other solid waste sites in the county in the coming year and include other items for recycling. In the meantime, come to Bandera (3012 SH 16 N).
A huge thank you to Commissioner Jody Rutherford, Rachel Hering of Keep Texas Recycling and all of you who volunteered to work at the site and get this back on track.
Bob Brischetto and Janus Olive
Coordinators
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October 5, 2022
Gone Country, this is a great story. To hear her point of view about her reunion, her old friends, the carpet and her bra is hilarious. I wish I could’ve been there, in person, with her. We’d have a great time together. I look forward to read On this Day In Tx History. I love the history, the stories I’ve never heard.
Keep up the great work.
Keep up the great work.
Rae McDaniel
Pipe Creek
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September 9, 2022
Cars parked on the shoulder along SH173 SB at Alkek Elementary is not safe. The queue is outside the school zone where the speed limit is 55 mph and there is no advance warning. It may be safer if the school traffic is stacked on the bus barn parking area or the open field between the bus barn and the school. An additional width along the existing drive could be graded to stack school traffic and would be much safer.
Also, once Dollar General opens, the situation will be worse due to traffic to/from Dollar General, Alkek Elementary School and SH 173. The school, Dollar General, TxDOT and Bandera County need to come up with strategies to improve safety at this location.
Also, once Dollar General opens, the situation will be worse due to traffic to/from Dollar General, Alkek Elementary School and SH 173. The school, Dollar General, TxDOT and Bandera County need to come up with strategies to improve safety at this location.
Robert Rodriguez
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July 20, 2022
Today I will start with a brief history lesson of solar, then I will tell you where I am going with this.
Information from The Smithsonian tells us it all began with Edmond Becquerel, a young physicist working in France, who in 1839 observed and discovered the photovoltaic effect. The first patent was filed in 1860 for the first solar powered engine and 1888 in the U.S. the first solar powered device. Charles Fritts created the first solar cell in 1883.
When the solar company tells you this is new technology which is going to save us all from ourselves, I want you to think again! This technology has been around for almost 200 years. The first industrial scale solar facility was built in 1983, 100 years after the first invention. It only lasted 11 years before being demolished.
I like to think about history, it wasn’t my strong suit at school, couldn’t memorize all those dates ad nauseum, but it didn’t stop me enjoying it. Now I have lived this long I feel I am part of it and certainly see it in a different light, but I digress.
Getting to my point about this technology and the fact it has been around for so long, why has it not progressed like all our other advances in technology? The first solar cell had an efficiency rate of 1 percent some 100 years ago, now they have an efficiency of 18-20 percent, not a huge gain in all that time. Think about the advances in oil and gas and all that have given us this abundant world we live in. Think about the nuclear advances and what it has given us and the natural gas revolution, all giving us cheap energy. This has all happened in a short period of time and technology has made power plants more efficient and cleaner, though they can always do more. And somehow solar is the poor stepchild, it just hasn’t performed.
Going back to history – 48 years ago Congress passed the Solar Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1974, “to make solar viable and affordable and market it to the public.” The federal government began handing out grants and tax incentives for research and development for solar and the 2006 Investment Tax Credit brought corporations looking for more money. The Texas Ch 313 Economic Development Program was set up in 2002 and the renewable industry found it beneficial getting state money and local tax breaks. The job requirement, which was a big part of the program, was set aside by the school districts signing a waiver, instead of 10 rural jobs, only 1-2 jobs were created long term.
One of the largest factors playing into the economics of a solar farm is the rental rate that can be offered for a solar lease to the landowners and the state and local incentives, CH 313 and Ch 312, to renewable energy projects. The incentives also come in the form of Renewable Energy Credits (REC), Performance-based incentives (PBI) or Feed-In Tariff (FIT), as well as all the federal credits and incentives. To point out just how much this cost us, the well-known name you will recognize is Berkshire Hathaway Energy; in its latest filings according to an article by Robert Bryce, has collected about $2.7 billion in tax credits over the last three years and Warren Buffet, the chairman and CEO famously said the “only reason” to build wind projects is to collect the PTC. This shows you just some of the scope of the Production Tax Credit program.
Many of you may have heard of Solyndra and their debacle. This solar enterprise took billions of dollars in investor funds and $535 million of taxpayer funds and then had to filed bankruptcy. This solar panel manufacturer, among many others have gone belly up and the industry moved to China, where there are no regulations, no environment controls and forced and slave labor, who can compete with that? Who is to say they don’t have an on-off switch embedded in the panels we buy from them? I have heard there have been spy devises implanted in the substations we bought from them! Now energy security is at risk.
So, you see where all this history is leading. Solar technology has not led the charge, it is the tax incentives and grant programs handing out money that drives this industry. This program of throwing money at solar and wind will not solve our problems and will not make it affordable. The fallacy of thinking that if we build more it will work better is ludicrous. We are paying for it twice, once through the tax man and then through our utility bill. Let’s not pay for it a third time by having to clean it up after they are gone. This year since Dec 2021 alone, there have been over 23 million solar panels installed and now online. At $2-$3 each to send to a land fill (chances are they won’t take them) or $15-$20 conservatively, to recycle (if they can find somewhere to do it), in five to 10 years there will be a huge problem and additional expense for solar companies or communities. Who knows what it will cost in the future.
Information from The Smithsonian tells us it all began with Edmond Becquerel, a young physicist working in France, who in 1839 observed and discovered the photovoltaic effect. The first patent was filed in 1860 for the first solar powered engine and 1888 in the U.S. the first solar powered device. Charles Fritts created the first solar cell in 1883.
When the solar company tells you this is new technology which is going to save us all from ourselves, I want you to think again! This technology has been around for almost 200 years. The first industrial scale solar facility was built in 1983, 100 years after the first invention. It only lasted 11 years before being demolished.
I like to think about history, it wasn’t my strong suit at school, couldn’t memorize all those dates ad nauseum, but it didn’t stop me enjoying it. Now I have lived this long I feel I am part of it and certainly see it in a different light, but I digress.
Getting to my point about this technology and the fact it has been around for so long, why has it not progressed like all our other advances in technology? The first solar cell had an efficiency rate of 1 percent some 100 years ago, now they have an efficiency of 18-20 percent, not a huge gain in all that time. Think about the advances in oil and gas and all that have given us this abundant world we live in. Think about the nuclear advances and what it has given us and the natural gas revolution, all giving us cheap energy. This has all happened in a short period of time and technology has made power plants more efficient and cleaner, though they can always do more. And somehow solar is the poor stepchild, it just hasn’t performed.
Going back to history – 48 years ago Congress passed the Solar Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1974, “to make solar viable and affordable and market it to the public.” The federal government began handing out grants and tax incentives for research and development for solar and the 2006 Investment Tax Credit brought corporations looking for more money. The Texas Ch 313 Economic Development Program was set up in 2002 and the renewable industry found it beneficial getting state money and local tax breaks. The job requirement, which was a big part of the program, was set aside by the school districts signing a waiver, instead of 10 rural jobs, only 1-2 jobs were created long term.
One of the largest factors playing into the economics of a solar farm is the rental rate that can be offered for a solar lease to the landowners and the state and local incentives, CH 313 and Ch 312, to renewable energy projects. The incentives also come in the form of Renewable Energy Credits (REC), Performance-based incentives (PBI) or Feed-In Tariff (FIT), as well as all the federal credits and incentives. To point out just how much this cost us, the well-known name you will recognize is Berkshire Hathaway Energy; in its latest filings according to an article by Robert Bryce, has collected about $2.7 billion in tax credits over the last three years and Warren Buffet, the chairman and CEO famously said the “only reason” to build wind projects is to collect the PTC. This shows you just some of the scope of the Production Tax Credit program.
Many of you may have heard of Solyndra and their debacle. This solar enterprise took billions of dollars in investor funds and $535 million of taxpayer funds and then had to filed bankruptcy. This solar panel manufacturer, among many others have gone belly up and the industry moved to China, where there are no regulations, no environment controls and forced and slave labor, who can compete with that? Who is to say they don’t have an on-off switch embedded in the panels we buy from them? I have heard there have been spy devises implanted in the substations we bought from them! Now energy security is at risk.
So, you see where all this history is leading. Solar technology has not led the charge, it is the tax incentives and grant programs handing out money that drives this industry. This program of throwing money at solar and wind will not solve our problems and will not make it affordable. The fallacy of thinking that if we build more it will work better is ludicrous. We are paying for it twice, once through the tax man and then through our utility bill. Let’s not pay for it a third time by having to clean it up after they are gone. This year since Dec 2021 alone, there have been over 23 million solar panels installed and now online. At $2-$3 each to send to a land fill (chances are they won’t take them) or $15-$20 conservatively, to recycle (if they can find somewhere to do it), in five to 10 years there will be a huge problem and additional expense for solar companies or communities. Who knows what it will cost in the future.
Joanna Friebele
Landowner and tax payer
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Courtesy Photo
June 18, 2022
I live on Privilege Creek Rd in Pipe Creek. Yesterday afternoon I received a call from my neighbor across the road telling me there was a grass fire on my property her son Caden had spotted from their house. I ran outside to discover the grass fire quickly spreading in the front pasture. I called 911 then ran to the barn, where I grabbed a hose to put out the flames dangerously close.
The neighbor boys - Caden Smith, 15, and Lawsen Smith, 10, drove through my gate and started carrying water in a bucket and wheel barrel to keep the fire from spreading. They worked diligently to keep the fire at bay until and after the fire department arrived. By then, my husband Rodney was home and he and the boys continued to fight the fire. These boys are true heroes and should be recognized. Without their help it would have been so much worse. I didn't have time to think - and they came to the rescue.
An electrical wire on a power pole had blown loose due to strong wind and was cracking loudly and shooting sparks on the ground. I am so grateful we didn't lose any property and had very little real damage from the fire. Other neighbors I'd like to mention are Mike and JoAnn Arguelles, Carol Antell, and Chad and Lisa Smith, who literally helped put out the fire with hoses.
We also want to thank the Castle Lake VFD and BEC for reacting so quickly to our situation.
We were very lucky!
The neighbor boys - Caden Smith, 15, and Lawsen Smith, 10, drove through my gate and started carrying water in a bucket and wheel barrel to keep the fire from spreading. They worked diligently to keep the fire at bay until and after the fire department arrived. By then, my husband Rodney was home and he and the boys continued to fight the fire. These boys are true heroes and should be recognized. Without their help it would have been so much worse. I didn't have time to think - and they came to the rescue.
An electrical wire on a power pole had blown loose due to strong wind and was cracking loudly and shooting sparks on the ground. I am so grateful we didn't lose any property and had very little real damage from the fire. Other neighbors I'd like to mention are Mike and JoAnn Arguelles, Carol Antell, and Chad and Lisa Smith, who literally helped put out the fire with hoses.
We also want to thank the Castle Lake VFD and BEC for reacting so quickly to our situation.
We were very lucky!
Lynette Kindred
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April 21, 2022
Many thanks to Miss Vicki for the coverage of the Lakehills Farmer’s Market. We are looking forward to growing and serving a deserving community. This is a labor of love, and with the commitment the Speicher’s have made, is sure to be a success.
Sharon Corwin
Lakehills
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April 12, 2022
I've lived in Lakehills since 2018 and when I looked up the census records we have the largest population in Bandera county....but for some reason we do not have our own post office. We have a tax office and we have a Municipal Court... but no post office. How could this come about? Why does the largest population have to drive to a neighboring town to collect their mail?
Amanda Furr
Lakehills
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March 24, 2022
It is a great honor to serve Medina as your new Postmaster. In my 11 years with the United States Postal Service, I have seen firsthand the role the Postal Service plays connecting neighbors and our community to the nation. Our Post Offices serve as a lifeline for our small businesses to reach customers no matter where they are.
Under Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s leadership and Delivering For America, the Postal Service’s 10-year plan, we are maintaining universal six-day mail delivery and expanded seven-day package delivery, stabilizing our workforce, and spurring innovation to meet the needs of our modern customers.
From an incredibly successful 2021 holiday mail and shipping season to our current role delivering COVID-19 tests, the Postal Service continues to provide a vital service for our nation and right here in Medina.
On behalf of the 650,000 women and men of the United States Postal Service, and specifically the employees of the Medina Post Office, allow me to thank the community for their continuing support of the Postal Service. Providing reliable mail delivery while strengthening the future of this treasured institution is our commitment to the American public.
Under Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s leadership and Delivering For America, the Postal Service’s 10-year plan, we are maintaining universal six-day mail delivery and expanded seven-day package delivery, stabilizing our workforce, and spurring innovation to meet the needs of our modern customers.
From an incredibly successful 2021 holiday mail and shipping season to our current role delivering COVID-19 tests, the Postal Service continues to provide a vital service for our nation and right here in Medina.
On behalf of the 650,000 women and men of the United States Postal Service, and specifically the employees of the Medina Post Office, allow me to thank the community for their continuing support of the Postal Service. Providing reliable mail delivery while strengthening the future of this treasured institution is our commitment to the American public.
Sincerely,
Brenda Braddock
Postmaster
Medina, TX 78055
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February 8, 2022
Thanks y’all
This is the third year I’ve had the opportunity to thank all of the folks who came out to help with the Christmas display on the courthouse lawn. This year was different than the past a new group has been formed to help with Christmas and other activities in the county for all of the groups/510c3 that put on the events. This group is know as BCAG (Bandera Community Action Group).
This year not only the courthouse but part of the city’s river park was decorated by the group. Twelve groups/churches/business put displays. Not bad for the first attempt. We also had Christmas carols and music groups at both courthouse and river park. The Bandera 4-H shotgun team took in over $1700 in donations. Next year we’re hoping more groups can participate.
The BCAG is trying to help the community and we hope it will grow.
Thanks to all who helped, Bandera 4H, Pipe Creek 4H and 4H parents, Boys & Girls club, Bandera Chamber of Commerce, Bandera CVB, BBA, Knights of Columbus, Bandera County Juvenile Probations ,and several churches. Bandera county for use of courthouse lawn, City of Bandera for use of City Park, the bucket truck and employees, Bandera EDC for lights and displays and, of course, Chip Aragones for the lights on the courthouse.
Also want to give a special thanks to The Dough Joe and Five Points for donated pizzas, and Partners Bank for bottles of drinking water.
Keep up the good work
This year not only the courthouse but part of the city’s river park was decorated by the group. Twelve groups/churches/business put displays. Not bad for the first attempt. We also had Christmas carols and music groups at both courthouse and river park. The Bandera 4-H shotgun team took in over $1700 in donations. Next year we’re hoping more groups can participate.
The BCAG is trying to help the community and we hope it will grow.
Thanks to all who helped, Bandera 4H, Pipe Creek 4H and 4H parents, Boys & Girls club, Bandera Chamber of Commerce, Bandera CVB, BBA, Knights of Columbus, Bandera County Juvenile Probations ,and several churches. Bandera county for use of courthouse lawn, City of Bandera for use of City Park, the bucket truck and employees, Bandera EDC for lights and displays and, of course, Chip Aragones for the lights on the courthouse.
Also want to give a special thanks to The Dough Joe and Five Points for donated pizzas, and Partners Bank for bottles of drinking water.
Keep up the good work