12411578246201437642517430

THE BANDERA PROPHET
  • Home
  • News
    • Letters To The Editor
    • Election
    • Obituaries
  • Features
  • Sports
  • Community
    • Lifestyles
    • Church & Worship
    • Kids Corner
  • Veterans Voice
    • Military Announcements
    • Veterans News
  • Podcasts
    • GUIB
    • Effectively Elena
  • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
  • Contact
Picture
Picture
Picture

Medina River Cleanup slated for August 22

Now that the Medina River is flowing again, the annual Medina River Cleanup is back. August 22 will see paddlers from throughout the state gather at the Bandera City Park with local residents in an effort to cover 40 of the 50 miles within Bandera County.
Click for More
Picture
Picture

Labor Day Weekend festivities set in Bandera

The cattle are coming. On Saturday, Sept. 5, the annual Bandera Round-Up Longhorn Cattle Drive and Parade will proceed down Main Street, ​and the Men’s and Women’s Labor Day Weekend Ranch Rodeo kicks off.
Click for More
Picture
Picture

Neighbors unite to solve massive water shortage mystery

After an estimated 300,000 gallons of water mysteriously disappeared, stumping repair operators and halting water flow for four days to reportedly more than 100 households, neighbors Mark Hall and Mike Ruiz teamed up to discover the missing leak.
Click for More
Picture
Picture

Bandera Canyonlands Alliance launches fundraising campaign for aquifer monitoring well initiative

Representatives of The Bandera Canyonlands Alliance presented a $50,000 donation to the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District to begin the process of drilling two aquifer monitoring wells in western Bandera County. These wells will provide critical information to help protect drinking water, sustain agriculture and other businesses, and guide responsible growth.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera City Council members review flood response, city permit fees

The City of Bandera incurred approximately $260,000 in damages from July’s flood event, based on calculations by the Texas Department of Emergency Management. ​Council will also review the city’s fee schedule for next year. Proposed increases and permits include those for fencing, outdoor burning, and stray and lost animal services.
Click for More
Picture
Picture

Back to School Bash serves 700 students

The annual Back to School Bash, co-sponsored by the Hill Country Samaritans and Bandera ISD, drew a crowd of nearly 1,400 attendees, and provided approximately 700 students their backpacks and bags packed with essential school supplies.
Click for More
Picture
Picture

Bandera County commissioners receive briefing from Emergency Management Coordinator, vote on proposed elected officials salaries

“First and foremost, there were no casualties, no homes or RVs lost, no high water rescues, no missing persons reported.” 
Click for More
Picture
Picture

​Today in Texas History

On this day in 1908, blues pianist Robert Shaw was born in Stafford, Texas. His parents had a Steinway grand piano and provided music lessons for his sisters, but Shaw's father did not permit the son to play. Years later Shaw told an interviewer that he would "crawl under the house" to catch the musical strains coming from the piano lessons, and he played the piano when the rest of the family was away from home.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera County commissioners extend disaster declaration for New World screwworm

Bandera County commissioners approved an extension continuing a Declaration of a Local State Disaster regarding the threat of the New World screwworm in Bandera County. The original declaration was signed by Bandera County Judge Richard Evans on June 25, and will remain in effect for 30 more days.
Click for More
Picture

City has three positions on the election ballot, House and Senate debate voter registration requirements

Two Bandera City Council seats and City of Bandera mayor are on this year’s ballot. The last day to register to vote in this year’s mid-term election is Monday, Oct. 5, while the House and Senate continue debate on registration requirements.
Click for More
Picture

Property owners urged to report storm damage

If you have storm damage from the July 12 flooding and severe weather, the Bandera County Emergency Management is urging you to file a report with the Texas Department of Emergency Management’s iStat (Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool) system.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera City Council members press pause on proposed sidewalk project

Council members tabled discussion on moving forward with an Advance Funding Agreement for sidewalks along Main Street from Sycamore to Cedar streets, and along Cherry Street from Hwy. 16 to 11th Street.
Click for More
Picture

Mandatory evacuation orders lifted

Mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted, and RVers may return to RV parks within the city limits. The Bandera City Park entrances will be closed until further notice, according to the City of Bandera. Pedestrians may enter the park, but caution is advised near the water. Meanwhile, Medina Lake has risen more than 22 feet in one week.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera mayor issues disaster declaration

As of 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, the Medina River has risen to 11.04 feet, approximately two feet in one hour. With moderate to major flooding expected as water journeys from the North Prong, City of Bandera Mayor Denise Griffin has issued a Declaration of Disaster.
Click for More
Picture

Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country launches flood relief fund

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has launched the Texas Hill Country Flood Relief Fund to support communities across the 10-county service area impacted by the July 2026 floods.
Click for More
Picture

Flash flood warning extended, Medina Lake up 19 feet in one week

The National Weather Service has extended the flash flood warning for Bandera County. At 9:35 a.m. today, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing more heavy rain, placing Bandera County in a four of four risk for considerable to locally catastrophic flash flooding. A surge of water is making its way from the North Prong, and the Medina River is expected to crest before noon today at around 25 feet. Meanwhile, Medina Lake is up 19 feet from last week.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera County commissioners submit comprehensive flood plan

Commissioners, in partnership with the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District, unanimously approved the submission of Bandera County’s Senate Bill 3 (SB3) Outdoor Warning Siren Project Plan to the Texas Water Development Board for funding through the SB3 Grants Program.
Click for More
Picture

Medina and Sabinal River E. coli counts

Surface Water Staff from the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District collect water samples from sites along the Medina River, Medina Lake, Sabinal River and their tributaries to assess levels of E. coli bacteria and water temperature. The June 30 results listed were analyzed at the BCRAGD lab. 
Click for More
Picture

Bandera County commissioners move forward to enhance flood warning warning system

Bandera County commissioners unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District (BCRAGD) to move forward with a grant and overall planning for a flash flood warning siren system, enhancing the county’s flood early warning system already in place.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera City Council members discuss City Hall access, credit card usage

After an audit and review of the City Hall/Municipal Court/Marshal’s Office adjoining layout, Bandera City Council members are being asked to complete the Criminal Justice Information Services certification process to have unescorted access to the building. 
Also, the city’s credit card policy is under review following council member's concerns about more than $25,000 spent on Amazon, and more than $3,500 for food and drinks.
Click for More
Picture

Continued contention creates conflict for Bandera City Council
Councilman releases public statement

Controversy, contention and conflict continue to plague Bandera City Council members regarding the cancelled contract with Flock Safety and the use of license plate readers within the city limits.
Click for More
Picture

Juneteenth celebrated at the Bertha Tryon/Hendrick Arnold Cemetery

Once again, the historic Bertha Tryon/Hendrick Arnold Cemetery - a parcel owned by Freedman and soldier Hendrick Arnold, who was awarded land after the Texas Revolution for his service and bravery in the Siege of Bexar (1835) and the Battle of San Jacinto (1836), was center stage for the annual Juneteenth celebration in Bandera.
Click for More
Picture

Author speaks out against proposed border wall in national park

Reading aloud from his cell phone newly breaking news, Ben English announced a proposed ban on a border wall in Big Bend National Park had failed, and the federal administration would proceed with construction after waiving dozens of regulations. English was in the middle of a Faith and Freedom book signing at the Medina Community Library last week when he received the text.
Click for More
Picture

Woman’s body recovered after her car was swept away by flood waters

The body of a woman reported missing has been recovered. Bandera County Sheriff Josh Tietge said her car was located several miles downstream from where it was swept away by flood waters. The woman was still inside the vehicle, which was completely submerged.
Click for More
Picture

New murals for the Cowboy Capital of the World

Pipe Creek artist Melissa Sutherland was commissioned to highlight the cowboy culture and primitive history of Bandera through her bright and joyful art. She has been busy painting three western murals in the side courtyard of the First National Ice Haus on Main Street. 
Click for More
Picture

Damaging parasite reaches the Hill Country

Three Texas counties have reported cases of the New World screwworm, including Gillespie County outside of Fredericksburg. According to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), a quarantine in established infested zones is in effect in parts of Kerr, Gillespie, Edwards, Kimble, La Salle, Sutton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Webb and Zavala counties. Executive orders prohibit the removal of any warm blooded animal from those zones without authorization from the TAHC.
Click for More
Picture

TxDOT develops short- and long-term plans for Hwy. 46

The Texas Department of Transportation has refined short- and long-term objectives for Hwy. 46. Immediate plans include pre-formed rumble strips, additional warning signs and pavement marking improvements.
Click for More
Picture

Local teen named the 2026 San Antonio Express News Alamo City High School Sports Boys Adaptive Athlete of the Year

This week, Matthew Jeffery was awarded the San Antonio Express News Alamo City High School Sports Boys Adaptive Athlete of the Year for 2026.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera City Park gates to open​

Bandera City Council members unanimously approved reopening Bandera City Park, just in time for Father's Day. Also, the city is set to present a plaque during the Gumball 3000 event, which is set to take place on Monday, June. 8. 
Click for More
Picture

Bandera City Council cancels license plate readers; council member issues public statement

Bandera City Council members approved the removal of Flock Safety license plate readers within the city limits, as well as the discontinuation of Flock Safety’s agreement with the city, however the discussion continues.
Click for More
Picture

Medina teachers are recognized

Medina ISD proudly celebrates 18 teachers who earned designations through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program. Through approved local designation systems, districts are able to identify and recognize outstanding teachers based on student growth and classroom performance.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera Area American Legions announce community support and fundraising events

Recently at the Lakehills Community Center Youth Gala, American Legion Post #410 and American Legion Post #157 announced donations to support Bandera County youth programs.
Click for More
Picture

91-year-old military veteran, among many others, stands post at memorial for the fallen

In the early morning hours of Saturday, May 9, as most of Bandera County slept, a memorial to our fallen and departed Law Enforcement Officers rose from the lawn of the Bandera County Courthouse.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera County recycling group honored by commissioners

Don’t Make Waste Bandera volunteers were honored by Bandera County commissioners for their 2025 recycling efforts, and 15 years of partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep Texas Recycling. Last year, DMWB collected 54 tons of recycling; and saved 793 trees, 85k kw hours, 365k gallons of water, 591 yards of landfill space, 465k pounds of air pollution, 238 barrels of oil, and an estimated $2,278 in landfill fees.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera Fire and Rescue seeking expansion, looking for property

To keep up with growth in Bandera and Bandera County, Bandera Fire and Rescue is trying to grow, too. Currently located on Main Street, in a fire house with a small office and five bays at maximum capacity, the station’s need for expansion is becoming urgent.
Click for More
Picture

Countywide burn ban lifted

Though the countywide burn ban is lifted, authorities strongly urge residents to register with the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office before lighting up.
Click for More
Picture

Don’t Make Waste Bandera recognized as Silver Star Affiliate by Keep Texas Beautiful
Honored for strengthening community programs

Keep Texas Beautiful, a statewide nonprofit that inspires and empowers Texans to improve their communities, has recognized Don’t Make Waste Bandera as a Silver Star Affiliate, a distinction recognizing strong community engagement and expanding local impact.
Click for More
Picture

City treasurer announces resignation, citing ‘shift in council’s priorities’

Prior to council convening in closed session, City Treasurer Allyson Wright submitted her official letter of resignation. Wright began her career with the City of Bandera seven years ago, rising to the position of treasurer in 2022.
Click for More
Picture

‘Too Many Lives Have Been Lost’
Bandera County commissioners pass resolution seeking widening of Hwy. 46

More than 1,060 people have signed a petition requesting the Texas Department of Transportation widen Hwy. 46 W. between Pipe Creek and Boerne. Citing hundreds of accidents that include multiple fatalities and serious injuries, Bandera County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution this month declaring the stretch unsafe.
Click for More
Picture

From the Hill Country to the Heavens: Bandera native plays vital role in historic Artemis II moon mission

They say "Cowboy Capital of the World" for a reason, but one local alumnus is proving that Bandera’s reach extends far beyond the rodeo arena—all the way to the lunar surface.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera County Fair Association receives generous donation

The Bandera County Fair Association extends heartfelt thanks to founding sponsors for their incredibly generous gift of $50,000. Their support marks an historic moment for our community that will ensure the Bandera County Fair returns after more than four decades, with the last fair having taken place in the 1980s.
Click for More
Picture

Authorities investigating death of Bandera County Jail inmate

The Texas Rangers are investigating the death of an inmate while in custody at the Bandera County Jail.
Click for More
Picture

Hill Country Preservation Coalition proposes alternate route for Howard-Solstice Transmission Line 

Today is the deadline to make public comment on the Howard-Solstice 765-kilovolt transmission line.
The Hill Country Preservation Coalition (HCPC), composed of conservation organizations and hundreds of grassroots supporters, has proposed a “Least Harmful Route” map for the transmission line as the only route that will minimize damage to pristine river basins and land fragmentation. 
Click for More
Picture

Bandera County 4-H members medal in District Horse Judging Contest

Sixteen 4-H members from Bandera County participated in the District 10 Horse Judging Contest in Katy, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, on March 9.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera celebrates First Responders with special luncheon and official proclamation

Community members, public safety personnel, and local leaders gathered Sunday afternoon to honor the men and women who serve Bandera County as first responders. The appreciation luncheon, hosted by Gail Stone Realty / Keller Williams Bandera, took place at The Longhorn at Outback Texas.
Click for More
Picture

Arthur Nagel Community Clinic named Non-Profit of the Year

The Arthur Nagel Community Clinic has been named Non-Profit of the Year by the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce.
Click for More
Picture

Medina students named TAFE National Qualifiers

The TAFE State Teach Tomorrow Summit 2026 is in the books and your Medina TAFE Members rocked it!
Click for More
Picture

Sign dedicated at Bertha Tryon-Hendrick Arnold Cemetery

The Bandera County Historical Commission unveiled an interpretive history sign at the Bertha Tryon-Hendrick Arnold Cemetery on Saturday, Feb. 28.
Click for More
Picture

Parking lot improvements completed at LHCC

It should be easier going in Lakehills, at least for those headed to the Community Center, as the Medina Lake Betterment Association announced recent repairs and renovations to the parking lot at the Lakehills Community Center. This is thanks to the generous support of the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation, a fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation, which granted $60,000 for the work. 
Click for More
Picture

City to schedule tests of flood warning system

Beginning in March, the City of Bandera flood warning system will be tested the first Wednesday of each month at noon.
Click for More
Picture

Plans underway to upgrade county flood warning system

Bandera County commissioners approved a resolution accepting financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board authorizing execution of a grant agreement up to $1.25 million to fund the installation of an outdoor warning siren system.
Click for More
Picture

District Court ruling supports groundwater district decision on contested well permit applications

District Court Judge M. Patrick McGuire issued a ruling Jan. 16 supporting the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District’s decision to deny a request from Vanderpool Management, LP to increase their water production limit.
Click for More
Picture

2026 Bandera County Junior Livestock Show - Horse Division Results

The 2026 Bandera County Jr. Livestock Show was held Jan. 7-10. This year’s Horse Division winners were Lawson State - Junior High Point, Carey Reed - Horse Division Superintendent, Kaleia Langley - Cindy Kline Memorial Award Winner, Brooke Lee - Senior High Point.
Click for More
Picture

Arthur Nagel Community Clinic receives Point of Care Laboratory upgrade installation

Heart to Heart International announced a point-of-care lab will be installed at Arthur Nagel Community Clinic in Bandera. The clinic is located within the region where the Texas Flooding on July 4 occurred. ​The HHI Laboratory program aims to improve patient outcomes by implementing timely and accurate treatment protocols.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera Cowgirls round up for New Year’s Day

The annual Cowgirl Roundup was started in honor of all the hardworking and very talented cowgirls in Bandera County. This year’s photo included 52 cowgirls.
Click for More
Picture

Happy New Year!

For 23 years and counting, my family and I share with you our New Year welcoming.
Click for More
Picture

First responders honored for life-saving actions

On April 16, a 71-year-old man was attending a barbecue, and suddenly went into cardiac arrest, sustaining a head injury after falling down. EMS and Pipe Creek Volunteer Fire & Rescue first responders initiated CPR and administered life-saving medications.
Click for More
Picture

Solar company files for bankruptcy, operations at Bandera County farm expected to continue

Pine Gate Renewables, LLC, developer of the Rio Lago Solar project in Bandera County, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Click for More
Picture

Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrated at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church

In the early, dark hours of Dec. 12, Father Frank Kursaj got St. Stanislaus Catholic Church open early and ready for us to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Grotto.
Click for More
Picture

Student sculpture on display at Western Art Museum

Medina ISD Senior Dominic Charnetski's sculpture brought home Reserve Champion of his class at the Western Art Show.
Click for More
Picture

Group donates money to county for tractor purchase

Bandera County commissioners accepted an $8,000 donation collected to supplement the purchase of a tractor to be used at Mansfield Park. The group effort was organized by people who regularly use the arena, and suggested a larger series tractor with upgrades and accessories.
Click for More
Picture

Silver Sage hosts volunteer and staff appreciation night

The Silver Sage Hill Country Resource Center hosted a volunteer and staff appreciation event on Saturday, during which Hill Country volunteers were treated to a Casino Night under the stars at the Silver Sage Ranch.
Click for More
Picture

Mayor proclaims Patricia Moore Day

Recognizing her many contributions to the city and county of Bandera, Mayor Denise Griffin proclaimed Nov. 13, 2025 as Patricia Moore Day.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera native completes Appalachian Trail

Corinne McMullan recently completed the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike, a 2,200-mile trek along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains.
Click for More
Picture

Notes from Bandera County Commissioners Court

Due to an apparent email system glitch, Bandera County has an outstanding bill for autopsy services dating back to 2019.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera County 4H Clubs tackle a junk removal job

October 11 was designated by the National 4H Council as “One Day 4H,” a day of service. On that day, the Bandera 4H Clubs visited the home of Stella Martin in Bandera River Ranch.
Click for More
Picture

City to pursue interlocal agreement with county for animal control services; council member asks TxDOT to pump the brakes on Main Street parking

Imploring the city to maintain its animal programs, members of the public shared their concerns regarding the growing number of stray and abandoned animals within the city limits. Also, ​the Texas Department of Transportation was asked to avoid eliminating angle parking on the first block of Main Street.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera Natural History and Art Museum to unveil 17th century Graduale de Sanctis

The Bandera Natural History and Art Museum is proud to unveil its newest artifact on loan, the Medici Graduale de Sanctis of 1614, a liturgical choir book of Gregorian chants used during traditional Roman Catholic Mass. 
Click for More
Picture

Bandera City Council members consider Bandera Livery proposal

Bandera City Council members have plans underway to form a committee regarding a full-time facility to safely hitch horses in a secure area downtown.
Click for More
Picture

Recycling group thanks volunteers, hosts recruitment reception

“It takes a whole community to come together to solve a problem. We have to realize the importance of collective action,” Don’t Make Waste Bandera founder and volunteer Robert Brischetto said during a volunteer appreciation and recruitment reception.
Click for More
Picture

Cecil LeStourgeon installs plaque on Justice Center building

Bandera County commissioners approved the installation of a plaque commemorating LeStourgeon Masonry for stone and blockwork on the Justice Center building. The request was brought by Cecil LeStourgeon, who did the stone work on the county building in 2009.
Click for More
Picture

Utility companies identify Bandera County as potential pathway for energy transmission lines

During a special called meeting, Bandera County commissioners heard details from CPS Energy and AEP Texas regarding the Howard-Solstice 765-kV Single-circuit Transmission Line Project and its proposed routes.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera veteran reunited with iconic flag 59 years after battle

A quiet wish whispered to a friend materialized in a reunion that crossed state lines and took one year to coordinate. U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Johnny Camp once again held his iconic American flag, damaged in battle and presented to him for heroic valor 59 years ago.
Click for More
Picture

AgriLife Extension program coordinator earns honors for 4-H program excellence

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 4-H Bandera County youth program coordinator Kara Spangler was recently honored during the Texas Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals conference, earning specialty awards for Citizenship in 4-H Youth Development and Excellence in Healthy Living Programming.
Click for More
Picture

Texas bill bans students from using cell phones, wireless devices during school hours

Effective immediately, all Texas public school districts are required to implement a policy that prohibits the use of personal wireless communication devices during instructional time. Texas House Bill 1481, which amends Section 37.082 of the Education Code, was filed Dec. 2, 2024 and signed into law by the governor June 20.
Click for More
Picture

Hearts of Bandera Candlelight Vigil held to honor flood victims

A candlelight vigil was held at dusk on July 19, at Bandera City Park, to honor victims of the devastating July 4 flood. Led by Christopher Dion, the ceremony was held under the park pavilion, which was lined with 37 crosses made with wood collected from the flood zone, dedicated to the children lost.
Click for More
Picture

Outdoor warning siren test successful, more testing to follow

Bandera completed a test of the city’s outdoor warning siren yesterday, July 10, and notified citizens that more tests will follow. Calling the test run largely successful, the city said it will now focus on additional siren locations, analyzing sound coverage and exploring additional warning methods.
Click for More
Picture

Lakehills resident shares his experience during catastrophic Kerrville flood

“We were going to spend the night in Kerrville. The next morning, on July 4th, we had our first big tour.” On the evening of July 3, Vinny Mifsud was guiding a group down the Guadalupe River for his company, GlowRow kayak tours. He saw lightning on the horizon, and wrapped up the nighttime excursion.
Click for More
Picture

Medina River at Bandera City Park forecast to rise 17 feet

Bandera’s Independence Day parade scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled, as officials ask residents to prepare for possible flooding. The Medina River at Bandera City Park could rise 17 feet by 5 p.m. today, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Click for More
Picture

Kerrville mayor issues disaster declaration during historic, deadly flood

A torrential overnight downpour dropped between six and 15 inches of rain in Kerrville, causing a catastrophic flood that rivals the record set in 1987. 
Click for More
Picture

Texans prepare for possible outbreak of damaging parasite

The New World screwworm was eradicated from Texas in 1964, and the entire country in 1966, according to the National Agriculture Library, after a decade of wreaking havoc on livestock and wildlife nationwide, including Bandera County. Recently, the parasite was detected 600-700 miles south of the U.S. border. Though not in Texas yet, officials are taking action in an effort to combat a potential reinfestation.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera 94-year-old requests permission to be buried next to wife in historic cemetery

The last burial to take place at the Bertha Tryon/Hendrick Arnold Cemetery was in 1993, when Bertha Mae Tryon, wife of Ural Cal (Buddy) Tryon, was laid to rest. Now 94 years old, Buddy has requested to be interred next to her, when his time comes.
Click for More
Picture

There’s a new duckling in town

Well waddle you know, the beloved ducks of Bandera have introduced a new family member. Frequent visitors of B-Daddy’s on Main, the adorable paddling of quackers is also known to stop traffic on 11th Street.
Click for More
Picture

Equestrian ordinance to be enforced at Bandera City Park

No modifications have been made to the Parks and Recreation Ordinance regulating the equestrian trail in Bandera City Park, however the City Administrator existing regulations as written have not been actively enforced, and that is about to change.
Click for More
Picture

Texas Land Conservancy preserves East Verde Creek in Bandera County
​
Ninety-five acres of Golden-cheeked Warbler Habitat protected forever

Texas Land Conservancy, a leading conservation organization dedicated to protecting the land, water and wildlife of Texas, is proud to announce the permanent conservation of the East Verde Creek Preserve. This 95-acre property, located in Bandera County, serves as a sanctuary for the federally endangered golden-cheeked warbler.
Click for More
Picture

Bandera Paint & Body offers 15 percent discount to veterans and active-duty military

"On Dec. 3, 2021, our lives were changed forever, when our 24-year-old son was involved in a head-on collision. He was airlifted to BAMC that night, and began his fight for life. Although my son is not in the military, the amount of support he received from this wonderful group of folks has been humbling."
Click for More
Picture

Bandera ISD tackles bullying, supports mental health

It’s tough to be a kid. Aside from the daily responsibilities of school, academics, athletics, extracurricular activities and chores, kids today have the added pressure of Covid fears, the political landscape, personal and social media related stresses from things they experience, see and hear at home, from peers and online. All of this input can cause a data overload for any adult, much less someone whose brain is just five, 12 or 17 years old.
Click for More
Picture

Archived Headlines 

Below is a sampling of our headlines. All stories published in the Prophet are permanently archived.
​Please use the search engine to look for more.

Picture

Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Highway dedicated in downtown Bandera

On its 57th anniversary, Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Saloon today was recognized with the dedication of Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Highway.
Click for More
Picture

Patricia Moore honored with Lifetime Achievement Award from Texas Travel Industry

Patricia Moore was honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, from the The Texas Travel Alliance (TTA), at the 39th annual Texas Travel Summit Awards Gala. This prestigious award recognizes Moore’s remarkable contributions and unwavering dedication to the travel and tourism industry in Texas.
Click for More
Picture

Jaylyn Lamb and Kirstin Pierce crowned Miss Bandera County and Miss Teen Bandera County

Jaylyn Lamb and Kirstin Pierce were crowned Miss Bandera County and Miss Teen Bandera County at the first annual Bandera County Pageant. 
Click for More
Picture

Medina Lake rises nearly six feet after setting new documented low

Since the drought of 2011, Bandera County has had 10 years of below average rainfall. Clinton Carter, PSM watershed ecologist and Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District field operations manager, said 2024 has had 30-plus days of drought, placing this year in the same water-starved league as 2023 and 2011.
Click for More
Picture

National Day of the American Cowboy celebrated in Bandera style

More than 6,000 people attended Bandera’s National Day of the American Cowboy celebration, a promising figure for its inaugural presentation at Mansfield Park.

Click for More
Picture

Heavy rain and flash flooding forced road closures

Numerous roads and low water crossings were closed last week after heavy rains led to flash flooding throughout the county. Some areas in Pipe Creek reported up to nine inches of water, while Bandera reported between six and seven inches during the Tuesday morning deluge.
Click for More
Picture

Water tower receives historic landmark designation

The Bandera County Historical Commission celebrated the long-awaited historical designation of the "Tin Man” water tower.
The water tower, named the Tin Man because of its resemblance to the iconic Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, is one of six still standing in Texas, the rest of the originals replaced by newer designs. Bandera’s was installed in 1940.
Click for More
Picture

Great Texans inducted in Frontier Times Museum Texas Heroes Hall of Honor

The Frontier Times Museum celebrated three great Texans on Friday, with an induction to the Frontier Times Museum’s Texas Heroes Hall of Honor.
Click for More
Picture

Groundwater district approves minimum lot size for domestic wells

Effective Sept. 1, a minimum of 10 acres will be required to drill new domestic wells, doubling the current acreage standard. The change was unanimously approved by the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District board of directors on Thursday.
Click for More
Picture

Officials gather for highway dedication

Local officials, as well as family and friends, attended the dedication of the Master Sergeant Rodney Lee Buentello Memorial Highway. ​The seven-mile highway dedication, which begins at the bridge at Bandera City Park to the Medina County line, is the result of a collaborative effort that crossed political boundaries.
Click for More
Picture

When phones were down, Bandera County answered the call

Bandera County commissioners delivered an after-action report of problems caused by the extreme winter weather two weeks ago, and the creative solutions many departments implemented to keep people safe.
Click for More

Your news. Now.

Independently owned. Locally operated.

The Bandera Prophet is grounded on the premise that relevant news delivery is ever-evolving. Founded by newspaper veterans, the Prophet,
​an award-winning publication, delivers up-to-date information by local writers and photographers
who combined have 50-plus years of experience in the field and newsroom. 

Completely free to readers, the Prophet is published on multiple platforms, and shared within the online community
. No paywalls and no paid subscriptions required, our team believes information is so necessary to our community, access should not depend on your income level. 
At the Prophet, news, sports, feature stories and more are immediately available with one click of a button or one swipe on a keypad. 
All content copyright property of The Bandera Prophet 
  • Home
  • News
    • Letters To The Editor
    • Election
    • Obituaries
  • Features
  • Sports
  • Community
    • Lifestyles
    • Church & Worship
    • Kids Corner
  • Veterans Voice
    • Military Announcements
    • Veterans News
  • Podcasts
    • GUIB
    • Effectively Elena
  • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
  • Contact