Section a for web

The

Issue 576

Island Moon

The voice of The Island since 1996

April 30, 2015

Around The Island

By Dale Rankin

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Weekly

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Photo by Miles Merwin. More Sandfest photos inside

Schlitterbahn Work in High Gear

editor@islandmoon.com

Who would have thought…cool weather in April?! Wednesday morning broke cool and clear with a break from the repressive humidity of late. Turns out maybe it wasn’t the heat…it was the humidity after all.

We can’t recall a time on our Island when the water table was as high as it is right now. Our Island floats on a pond of submerged fresh rainwater which in turn floats just above sea level and the recent heavy rains have left it filling the ditches, ponds, and wetlands all over Padre and Mustang Islands.

From Sandfest in Port Aransas and 26 miles south to Malaquite Beach on Padre Island National Seashore the recent wet weather created diverse conditions on area beaches last weekend.

By Dale Rankin Full-scale work at the Schlitterbahn waterpark has resumed in recent weeks after several months of being slowed by a financial realignment. Full work crews have poured more than 200 cubic yards of concrete and are concentrating on the Momentum River, crucial to the park’s opening, which will use one million gallons of water to move park visitors from ride to ride as they move through the park. Construction supervisors say two more cement pours, due in the next two weeks, will complete that structure and finish work can begin.

The other focus is on completion of the Flow Rider, which is the beating heart of the park. It provides the water thrust for the park’s most distinctive feature, the standing wave for surfing called the Boogie Bahn, and also provides the water

At the north end the beach road at Sandfest was closed to most traffic as the folks attending the event had to slog though water on the grounds.

POA to Study Cost of Storm Damage to Canal System

By Dale Rankin The Padre Isles Property Owners Association voted Tuesday to launch a study to determine the cost of replacing or repairing damage to the thirty-two miles of bulkheads in the canal system on The Island in case of a major storm.

In the aftermath of the wet weekend city crews along the Michael J. Ellis Seawall were busy Monday morning moving sand from the beach out toward the water leaving a wide, userfriendly beach in their wake.

Currently the POA is self-insured and has $8 million in reserve in case of catastrophic damage due to a storm or other natural disaster, however, no study has ever been conducted to determine if that amount is sufficient to cover costs in case of a major weather event.

Last year the bulkheads on Padre Island canals were placed under a Metropolitan Management District

flow for the Momentum River which is the key to the park’s operation.

Also in recent days crews have raised a tower at the south end of the park, (see photo) which will be the high point where tubers will begin their descent into rides below. Plans call for the existing pole to be surrounded by water-covered platforms which will propel riders back into the water features.

Work on the main building at the north end of the park has also progressed as crews are concentrating on finishing out the second floor, which contains a “locals’ bar” and forty hotel rooms. The building’s elevator has been installed and work is finished on the exterior stairs on the northwest corner of the structure.

Construction managers said this week that over the next few weeks the focus will be on completing the exterior of the building and doing the

detailed finishing work. Longtime Schlitterbahn employees who specialize in proprietary carpentry and artistry which makes concrete features appear as wood, a common look in Schlitterbahn parks, have been back working on the site after several months absence. In recent weeks trim carpenters, stucco

finishers, and electricians have been busy on the building and the wiring is now complete.

Work on the building will progress by floors and managers say plans call for the second floor to open to the public as work continues on the upper floors.

First Kemp’s Ridley Nests Found

By Donna J. Shaver, Ph.D. Chief, Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery, National Park Service, Padre Island National Seashore, donna_shaver@nps.gov Endangered Kemp’s ridley turtles began nesting in Texas last week. Only two nests have been found as of this writing, but this number will change and you can learn find information about the latest tally on the Padre Island National Seashore website www. nps.gov/pais. Hopefully many more nests will be found before the Kemp’s ridley nesting season ends in mid-July.

Many people have been asking when hatchling releases will begin this year and now that nests have been found, we can report that the first hatchlings will emerge and be

Turtles continued on A5

A Kemp's Ridley Turtle gets a little help from her friends

POA continued on A4

Further south in Kleberg County, on the beach that is part of the 3680 acre tract recently acquired by Nueces County from the Texas General Land Office the sandy area known as the Bowl which attracts 4-wheelers is now a lake due to the high water table caused by recent rains.

Inside the Moon

A little Island history

First U.S. Flag in Texas Planted on San Jose Island in 1845 Re-enactment planned for July 26

Editor’s note: In the last issue we ran an account written by then Lt. and future General George G. Meade conducted in anticipation of a possible war with Mexico over the land between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande. The need for the survey proved prophetic as sure enough United States troops came to The Island and marched south into Mexico.

SMA at Science Olympiad A5

By Dale Rankin Even further south in Kleberg County where the beach is not currently maintained a new line of dunes have begun forming between the main dune line and the water.

Tax Meeting Don’t forget the property tax seminar this Saturday, May 2 at 10 a.m. at the Seashore gym on Encantada. Longtime Islander Bob Maupin is holding a public meeting to familiarize property owners with the property tax system and how to file effective appeals. If you don’t work the system folks the system will surely work you.

We’ll see you there. In the meantime say hello if you see us Around The Island.

On the morning of July 26, 1845 the USS Alabama steamed to the beach at St. Jose Island. The ship, along with others, brought the U.S. Army of Occupation, with the Third Infantry in the van, had arrived from New Orleans in anticipation with a war with Mexico over the Nueces Strip which was between the mouth of the Nueces River and the Rio Grande.

Confederate General Braxton Bragg, future U.S. General Phil Sheridan, Stonewall Jackson, future Brigadier General Joe Hooker, and the future 14th President of the United States Franklin Pierce.

On board were a group of officers, mostly West Pointers, who would later fill the pages of the history of the Civil War: twenty-four yearold 2nd Lt. Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, William Tecumseh Sherman, future Confederate President Jefferson Davis, future

Just a few weeks prior, on June 26, the Ninth Texian Congress had consented to the annexation of the Republic of Texas into the United States of America. But in the mind of the Mexican government, who still wasn’t completely convinced any of Texas was not part of Mexico, the

Fishing A7

Clockwise from top left: President U.S. Grant, General Robert E. Lee, Confederate president Jefferson Davis - Members of the Rockport delegation would later become enemies during the Civil War. Nueces Strip, was still part of Mexico and the matter would be settled by a contest of arms.

Sports A8

Troops scrambled from the ship to the shore and a Lt. Chandler climbed to the highest dune on San Jose Island and planted the flag of the United States with its twenty-seven stars in the sand.

History continued on A4

Dee-Scoveries A14

A2

April 30, 2015

Island Moon

Runaway Chicken Found

First Friday May 1 at Art Center of Port Aransas The First Friday reception at the Port Aransas Art Center will be held at the center, 323 N. Alister, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday May 1.

Kimberly Delgado

It will be a group show featuring Betsy Bowen from Port Aransas and Minnesota: Kim Delgado from Corpus Christ; Laura Griffith from Ingleside; Kathryn Leeson Kight from Corpus Christi.

Betsy Bowen

For more information call 361-749-7334

A Rooster was found near the school and is believed to belong to someone on the Island. He is friendly and let's you pet him. He is between the back fence to Nemo Cay and behind the white fence from Keller Williams next to the Sandwich Shop. If you know the owner please let them know where he is. He woke me up bright and early this morning before the storm came in. Thought I was back at my Aunt's farm this morning!

VOTED BEST Veterinarian 2006-2014 Dr. Christi Kresser

Lara Griffith

Laura Griffith

RAY HERRERA DIRECTOR

Kathryn Leeson Kight Thank You For Supporting

CHRISTI KRESSER & Voting Us #1 in the Corpus Christi & Coastal Bend Area VETERINARIAN

The Port Aransas Art Center is a 501 (Neutered C) (3) Non-profit Corp. since 1996

Featured Pet

Riley P. Dog

Rescue Dog Fully Vaccinated Trifexis Protected Celebrity Dog

Responsible Owners Jan & Dale Rankin Padre Island Texas Dr. Kresser’s Patient

Australian Heeler Mix 2001 - 2014

Riley Was Loved By All...

He Loved Hotdogs But Never Recommended Them To Other Dogs Or Cats

Must present coupon at time of drop-off 14802 Compass (361) 949-8200

Go To padrevet.com For Coupons

THE 2ND ANNUAL SUMMER CONCERT SERIES KICKS OFF MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WITH CHARLIE ROBISON! Join us every Saturday night this Summer for great food, cold drinks and live music overlooking the gulf.

JUNE 6 JUNE 13 JUNE 20 JUNE 27 JULY 4 JULY 11

VISIT BLACKMARLINPORTA.COM FOR DETAILS AND TICKETS.

Walt Wilkins Thom Shepherd & Coley McCabe Thieving Birds Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis Joe Ely Aaron Einhouse

JULY 18 JULY 25 AUGUST 1 AUGUST 8 AUGUST 15 SEPTEMBER 5

Rob Baird Zane Williams Tyler & The Tribe Bri Bagwell Two Tons of Steel Mark McKinney

L O C AT E D I N PA L M I L L A B E A C H R E S O R T & G O L F C L U B 258 SNAPDRAGON, PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS 78373

April 30, 2015

Island Moon

Letters to the Editor

Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder

Mystery Solved Last week we ask readers if anyone knew what kind of boat is shown in this photo. Reader Les Porter from Port Aransas sent us the answer.

Pete Alsop

The Corpus Christi Police Department is holding an informational meeting, Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 PM at the sub-station located on Zahn Road and 361 – just over the Packery Channel bridge.

Island Delivery Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin Classifieds Arlene Ritley Production Manager Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah

This vessel is an ultra deepwater rigid and flexible pipelay construction vessel probably being used by Chevron on the TLP (Tension Leg Platform) that left Ingleside a few weeks back. It may be under contract for another operator in the deepwater GOM.

Andy Purvis

Les Porter

Devorah Fox

Port Aransas Conoco Phillips (retired)

Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner

Waterfront Worries

Chad Peters

Every waterfront homeowner needs to go out and check the condition of their bulkhead. Our bulkheads are over 40 years old, and some of them are beginning to need more attention than they are currently receiving.

Todd Hunter Dotson Lewis Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver

So what should a homeowner look for? The easiest thing to check is the condition of the bulkhead cap. If there are cracks, exposed rusting rebar, or chunks fallen out, then the cap needs repair.

Photographers Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan Mary Craft Ronnie Narmour Office Security/Spillage Control (Emeritus)

Riley P. Dog Publisher Dale Rankin About the Island Moon

The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale Rankin, Editor / Publisher.

Total circulation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes delivery to 4,000 Island homes, free distribution of 3,000 copies in over 50 Padre Island businesses and condos, as well as 600 copies distributed in Flour Bluff, 1,400 copies on Mustang Island and Port Aransas businesses.

News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office.

The Island Moon Newspaper 15201 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 250 Corpus Christi, TX 78418 361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

Where to Find The Island Moon

Lisabella’s Restaurant Pioneer RV Park

Sandpiper Condos WB Liquors Port A Arts

North Padre

Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A

All Stripes Stores

A Mano

CVS

Coffee Waves

Whataburger

Moby Dicks

Doc’s Restaurant

Spanky’sLiquor

Snoopy’s Pier

IGA Grocery Store

Isle Mail N More

Carter Pharmacy

Brooklyn Pie Co.

San Juan’s Taqueria

Ace Hardware

Wash Board Laundry Mat

Texas Star (Shell)

Port A Parks and Rec

Island Italian

Holiday Inn Jesse’s Liquor

Public Library

Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant

Chamber of Commerce

Island Tire

Duckworth Antiques

And all Moon retail advertisers

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Subway

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H.E.B.

Stripes @ Cotter & Station Gratitude Gift Shop Keepers Pier House Port A Glass Studio The Gaff

By Maybeth Christensen

Have you thought about setting up a neighborhood watch program in your neighborhood?

Distribution

Port Aransas

News from your POA

Liquid Town Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station Police Station Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID

A more serious condition is something known as a “washout”. This means that the sand behind the bulkhead is washing out into the canal. If you have sand immediately behind the bulkhead cap, it is easy to see a washout. It appears as a depression in the sand or even as a gaping hole several inches deep and wide. If there is a poured concrete walkway or concrete between the house foundation and the cap, it is much more difficult to tell if there is a washout. However, if you take a hammer and tap on the concrete and hear a hollow sound, you can be pretty sure that there is a serious washout hidden by the concrete. If your house is built within a foot or so of the cap, this can mean serious problems since it means that the sand that should be under your foundation and around the building piers is no longer there. Thus, there is less support for the piers and the foundation.

Another serious indication of a bulkhead in trouble is a gap between sections of the bulkhead itself [not the cap]. If you can insert your fingers in the gap between the bulkhead sections, then it is very likely that the sections are bowing out, maybe an inch or more, which can be a contributor to washouts. These gaps in bulkhead sections can also be an indication that the tiebacks are beginning to fail. The tiebacks are what help to hold the bulkheads upright.

If you have a waterfront house that is within a foot or so of the bulkhead, you may be facing serious foundation issues if the bulkhead is failing.

Coastal Texas Fishermen Urge Congress to Protect America’s Fisheries, Consumer Access and Thousands of American Jobs Members of the Seafood Harvesters of America will be in our Nation’s capital next week as part of the organization’s “National Outreach Days,” urging Congress to uphold the landmark Magnuson Stevens Act (MSA) and protect fishing jobs from Massachusetts to Texas and from California to Alaska.

During a series of meetings with key Senators, Representatives and staff, commercial fishermen from around the country will: 1. Highlight the latest “Status of Stocks” report from NOAA Fisheries, which shows that the number of species considered to be “overfished” has hit an 18-year low. Regional Fishery Management Councils and fishermen have worked tirelessly to implement MSA’s vision through the best available science, increased accountability, and co-management of fisheries to serve the needs of millions of American consumers and fishing-dependent coastal communities.

2. Warn Congress that the job is far from finished, and these gains could easily be reversed if Congress abandons the existing MSA policies. For example, two weeks ago the Seafood Harvesters of America vehemently opposed a proposal in the Gulf of Mexico that could make it impossible for consumers to buy genuine American Red Snapper in grocery stores and restaurants.

Accountable fisheries that abide by strict Annual Catch limits, using the best science possible, will ensure the seafood-consuming public maintains access to domestic sustainable seafood.

3. Remind Congress about what’s at stake: the future of American seafood along with thousands of commercial fishing jobs from George’s Bank to the Bering Sea and from the Florida Keys to the California coast.

Nearly all of them are small, family owned businesses passed from one generation to the next. Seafood Harvesters of America (“The Harvesters”) is an umbrella association representing 16 commercial fishing organizations from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico north to New England. For more information, please visit seafoodharvesters. org.

Think your property valuation is too high?

Plan to attend the Town Meeting, Saturday, May 2 at the Seashore Learning Center Gym at 10 AM. Bob Maupin, Island resident and former member of the review board will tell you everything that is needed to appeal your valuation.

Did you know all of the storm water drains empty into our canal system?

Some residents were surprised when the storm drains were slow to accept all the rain runoff from our recent storms. With “normal” rains, the system handles the runoff; however, when we have 4 inches of rain in a matter of an hour, the system is overwhelmed.

Did Ya Hear?

A3

by Mary Craft mkay512@aol.com or @padreeyelander on twitter

New Advertisers One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating is on time or you don’t pay a dime. Check out their coupon in this issue for $35 off any repair. Call 288-3852 or visit onehouraircorpuschristi.com.

Business Briefs

# 361 The Black Marlin Bar & Grill at First Palmilla Golf Resort will start its second annual summer concert series Memorial Day weekend with Charlie Robison. TheLive concerts M will run every Saturday until Labor Day. First Friday at Port A Art Center will MAY S feature local artists exhibits including an Island Moon contributor and artist extraordinaire Betsy Bowen. There will be PORT live music and refreshments. Everyone is A women’s apparel shop in Port A is opening a location on this end of the Island next to Lyco’s Nails.

welcome so stop by Friday, May 1st 5:307:30 pm.

I write many letters to residents telling them to clean out their gutters. Everything on the street and in the gutters will, of course, end up in the storm water drainage system and our canals.

So, the next time you find it easier to dump something on the street or into the storm drains, STOP – THINK – REMEMBER – it all helps clog the storm drains and ends up in the canals.

City brush set out time is not until May 27 with pick up set for June 1. Dumping on vacant lots is not an acceptable alternative. You can always bring the brush to the Litter Critter which is now at the wastewater treatment plant at the far west end of Whitecap. It is on the SECOND and FOURTH Saturdays of each month from 7 AM to 4 PM. The City has a recycle bin at the Fortuna Bay boat ramp, across from the office. It is a RECYCLE bin. TV’s, microwaves, furniture, refrigerators, and so forth, do not fit in the recycle bin. Leaving them on the ground next to the bin just means we have to pay someone to haul that stuff away. The City does not do it!

City Water Billing Scam Warning The City of Corpus Christi is warning customers about a possible scam claiming they have a past due water bill and if it is not paid, their utilities will be disconnected.

There have been reports from citizens saying they have received a phone call from a 361 area code. The caller identifies themselves as a City utilities representative and asks for large amounts of money to be wired to a specific location to avoid having their water turned off.

It is the City of Corpus Christi’s policy to notify past-due water customers by mail. Anyone with a delinquent water bill will receive a pink notice. No City representative will call and request payment or ask for personal banking information.

If you receive such a call, report the incident immediately to the Corpus Christi Police Department at (361) 886-2600.

The Island Stragic Action Committee (ISAC) will meet Tuesday, May 5th 5:30 pm at the Comfort Suites on Windward Drive.

Chief Appraiser Ronnie Canales Canales will discuss the Island location for tax-payers contesting their 2015 property valuations and changes in property valuations for Padre Island and the Island Tax Increment Refinance Zone. The public is encouraged to attend and there is an open mic period for citizens to be heard. The committee meets the first Tuesday each month and is an advisory committee to the Corpus Christi City Council.

A Town Meeting on Taxes will be given

by Bob Maupin. Tax statements have arrived at most of our homes. If you think the value was increased too much, plan to attend on Saturday, May 2nd at 10 AM at the Seashore Learning Center Gym on Encantada,. You will learn what you need to do to protest your increases.

Ducks Unlimited Banquet will be held at Bluff’s Landing Marinat on Tuesday, May 5th at 6 pm. The ticket includes dinner and complimentary beer and there will be over $2500 worthe of raffle prizes. Tickets in advance are $35 for adults, $25 for college students and $15 for those 16 and under.

Check out their Facebook page for more info.

Laura Griffith

The Port Aransas Art Center Johnny D’s Restaurant location has been considered by two different parties to open a restaurant there but both have backed out.

Mobile Tax Appeal Coming to The Island May 9 – May 16 The Nueces County Appraisal District will offer an opportunity for property owners to discuss their property value matters without the need to travel downtown.

On Saturday May 9 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. a mobile tax office will be set up at the Seashore Middle Academy located at 15437 S. Padre Island Drive. Then the following Saturday, May 16, it will be at Ancel R. Brundrett Middle School, 100 Station St. in Port Aransas, Texas.

Tuesday, May 5

Patti Brandenberger and her daughter Candace Wilkinson.

ISAC to Discuss Variety of Island Issues

These are the topics for discussion for the next meeting of the Island Strategic Action Committee which is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 5 at the Comfort Suites on Windward Drive.

The public is encouraged to attend and there is an open mic period for citizens to be heard. The committee meets the first Tuesday each month and is an advisory committee to the Corpus Christi City Council.

Ongoing Business • Bond 2014 – the status of projects approved in the 2014 bond election.

• Access Roads (3A and 2) – improvements to the roads were part of the 2014 bond package.

Whitecap improvements • Update on Proposed Access Road 2A. Possibility of adding a new Beach Access Road between the Corpus Christi City Limits and Fish Pass.

Traffic/Street • Encantada Street – parking along Encantada during school hours • Engineering Project Status & Bond 2012 Report. This includes updates on all engineering projects on The Island, including but not limited to the Park Road 22/Whitecap Water Exchange Bridge • Beach & Park Management • Beach Status – beach maintenance policy and possible need for future Packery dredging

New Business • Open Meetings Act Training – this will be only second meeting with four new ISAC members.

Appraisal District Padre Island outreach Chief Appraiser Ronnie Canales will discuss the Island location for tax-payers contesting their 2015 property valuations on May 7 and changes in property valuations for Padre Island and the Island Tax Increment Refinance Zone.

B

A4

April 30, 2015

Island Moon

Port A Happenings…

History continued from A1 Capt. W.S. Henry reported, “It floats over a rich acquisition, the most precious Uncle Sam has yet added to his crown. Former President Thomas Jefferson who sealed the Louisiana Purchase might have disagreed with that grandiose assertion, but there was little doubt among the generals or politicians that this, the fifth flag to fly over The Island after those of Spain, France, Mexico, and the Republic of Texas would be the last. Lee and Davis had no way of knowing that they as President and General of the Army of Northern Virginia, would be partially responsible for the sixth and final new flag to fly here, that of the Confederacy.

With the planting of this, the first United States flag to be planted in the state of Texas the U.S. Mexico War had, for all intents and purposes begun.

On the Rockport

Once Around the State and Then Home!

Birding on the Boardwalk – Guided birding tour for anyone, novice to expert. Every Wednesday at 9 am at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center at end of Ross Ave, with local guide Nan Dietert FREE!

A Texas State University fraternity member went to New Orleans last week and was overserved; then he got into a cab following a fight in front of a hotel, during which his phone was stolen and he was separated from his girlfriend.

Port Aransas Community Park Pool Open Swim: Tue-Thu: 1-2pm, Fri-Sat: 1-5pm. Lap Swim/ Exercise: Tue-Thu: 8am-2pm, Fri: 8am-5pm; Sat: Noon-5pm.

Thinking he was on Sixth Street in Austin, he told the driver to take him back to his fraternity house in San Marcos. $1240 later he arrived in San Marcos only to realize his mistake and paid another $400 to fly back to New Orleans.

Water Exercise: Tue-Fri: 12 noon.

Deep Water Aerobics: Wed & Fri: 11am, involves aerobic exercising with belts to keep you afloat in the deep end of pool.

Total Body Aquacize: Tue & Thu: 10:30am & Sat: noon, with AAAI Water Aerobics instructor Sally Jo Bartlett - total body workout to strengthen all major muscle groups. Mom & Tot Time: Tue – Fri: 10:30-11:30am. Private, Semi-Private and Adult Swim Lessons available on request at pool office, 749-2416.

The fellow is a sophomore and recent pledge of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity but he seems to be catching onto fraternity life just fine. That’s a Total Frat Move Dude! John Belushi would be proud.

POA continued from A1 which would allow for the POA to apply for loans from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for bulkhead repair in case of a storm, however, it is not certain that the loans would be granted, and it is currently unknown how much, if any local money might be needed to match the FEMA money in order to secure the loans. Also unknown at this point is whether FEMA money could be used to repair any damage to the canals, rather than the bulkheads, since, while they are public waterways, they are owned and maintained by the POA which is a private corporation owned collectively by its approximately 5400 members.

Let the fun begin! Sunday, May 17, is the date chosen by the majority of voters for KPAB's Beach Party. The top choice was for 6 to 8 pm, with 5 to 7 as second choice. So, come at 5 and help us at up, or come at 6 and enjoy hot dogs on the grill. We'll have some soft drinks and water. BYOB, BYO side dish, BYOFrisbee, BY self and a friend! Everyone is invited; you don't have to be a KPAB member. We encourage anyone who is interested in helping Port A. Also, the last day to order a rain barrel is this Sunday, May 3. Don't forget! We have sold 84 so far, and all the discounted barrels are sold. We need volunteers to help hand out barrels on Saturday, May 9, from 9 until noon. Please contact Suzanne McCann (361-945-1465) or me (361-947-4343) if you can donate some time.

The USS Alabama

At the POA’s regular monthly meeting Tuesday Board Member Stan Hulse told the group he will place an item on the agenda for the next meeting calling for a risk assessment study on the canal system.

May 9: Rain barrel sale at the Water District Office.

“We need an estimate on what it would cost us in case of a storm, whether it is a category 1, 2, 3, or 4, to determine how much money we should build in a reserve for repairs,” Hulse said. “We don’t have to get exact cost numbers, but we at least need a baseline risk assessment.”

May 17: Beach party Eight companies of the Third Infantry established temporary quarters on San Jose Island with the intent of moving inland as soon as possible. They sailed along Live Oak Peninsula where they found a rocky point which protruded into the bay and Cavalry Commander Kirby Smith jumped his horse into the water from the ship’s deck and swam ashore. As the men landed they saw a large oak tree about half a mile to the southeast and set up camp in its shade. The strip of land between the landing spot and the tree – later known as the Taylor Tree - is where the town of Rockport – named after the rocky point – would later grow.

To this spot, and the original landing at San Jose Island, can be traced the events and decisions that would shape the American Nation through the end of the century: acquisition of the new American territory was first on the list and would lead them to the walls of Monterey and later to the walls of Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City, the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, the formation of the Republican Party, the election of Abraham Lincoln, the succession of the South, and finally the Civil War in which they would play key roles.

That evening local empresario James Power and his wife Tomasa invited General Taylor and John Howland Wood to dinner. Wood saw the value of the rocky point that would allow trains to run to deep water. He later became an Aransas cattleman.

That December President James Polk signed an act making Texas a state and in February, 1846 the Stars and Stripes became the official banner of the Nueces Strip. But that did not stop Texas Rangers from marching south into history with Taylor under the Lone Star banner.

July 26 re-enactment On Sunday, July 26, the Port Aransas Preservation & Historical Association is having a reenactment of the first raising of the United States in Texas on the 170th anniversary of the event..

Troops in period costumes will do the honors; that is if a United States flag with twenty-seven stars can be found. Current plans call for it to be on the south side of the channel in Port Aransas for the simple reason that getting the expected crowd over to San Jose would be difficult.

If you have interest in taking part contact us here at the Island Moon. We will see you there.

Thank you to Island Moon for spreading the word about Keep Port Aransas Beautiful!

Fiddler on the Roof, J.R. Coming to PACT in May

Beautification Trust POA board members also approved an audit of the recently disbanded Beautification Trust. The Trust, which had been in place since 2004 to raise money for and administer landscaping projects on The Island, was discontinued after the Trusts’ bank account was removed from the Seashore Foundation’s 501 nonprofit accounts. Check records handed over to the POA two weeks ago show that a total of $194,853 has been spent through the account since 2010 with a current fund balance of $55,169.41.

Of that amount, $16,950 is money raised for a police boat on The Island which POA officials say will be refunded to the donors, and $5209 is money raised for the Island dog park which POA officials said Tuesday will be turned over to the Island Kiwanis Club for management in cooperation with the organizers of the dog park project.

The Port Aransas Independent School District in a partnership with the Port Aransas Community Theater will present “Fiddler on the Roof, jr,” Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights May 7-9 at 7:00pm and Sunday May 10 at 2:30 pm.

The classic American musical, with book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). “‘Fiddler on the Roof, jr’ is a special adaptation of the classic Broadway musical, which tackles the universal theme of tradition in ways that reach across barriers of race, class, nationality, and religion,” the MTI website explains.

According to the bank records and budget summaries provided by the POA, $20,000 in money from POA membership dues has been placed in the Beautification Trust account each year since 2010. No timetable was given for completion of the audit.

A shortened script, “Fiddler on the Roof, jr” retains the famous Broadway storyline of a poor dairyman, Tevye, in prerevolutionary Russia. Tevye’s goal is to protect his daughters and provide them with a sense of tradition in the face of a rapidly changing world. The production includes many of the show’s most recognizable musical numbers including: “Tradition,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” and “Sunrise, Sunset.”

POA financial records The POA board also announced at their Tuesday meeting that monthly financial reports, including a balance sheet and spread sheet will be posted on the POA website and available to POA members. They also said a monthly list of checks written from POA accounts will be available at POA offices for perusal by members.

Ken Yarbrough is directing Fiddler on the Roof, Jr and the musical director is HG Olsen Elementary School music and art teacher, Gay de Montel. The cast and crew features more than 25 HG Olsen elementary and Brundrett Middle School students including:

Billish Park improvements

Thomas Ramsden, Taylor Alcorn, Zoey Montgomery, Molly Moats, Hannah Templeton, Calligraphy Lauseng, Victoria D'Herde, Casey Feil, Jerry Templeton, Pablito Snow, Colton Huckabay, Jadyn Clark, Casey McGrady, Dylan Linder, Kris Stevenson, Ben Villasana, Hannah Ramsden, Elish Brennan, Olivia Adams, Samantha Ogle, Ryan Ogle and Luke Merritt.

Technical director is Meghan Tipps and Richard Adams is assistant tech director. Brianna D’Herde is stage manager and Ashby Snow is adding her artistic talents to the completion of the set.

Work on improvements to Billish Park is back on track after a delay due to the death of the original planner for the project.

A bond election in 2012 provided $500,000 in funds for improvements to the park and, after design expenses and city fees, $360,000 is now available for use to fund an irrigation pond and system, a multi-purpose athletic field, and playground.

POA Executive Director MayBeth Christensen said plans for the park are about 60% complete and final cost numbers for the improvements are expected within three weeks. The POA has pledged $200,000 toward the improvements and the combined city and POA funds are expected to cover all costs except those for playground equipment which the Kiwanis Club is helping to raise.

Of course without parents and volunteers there would wouldn’t be a production. Rick and Claire Adams, Cindy Moats, Danna Alcorn, Mandie D’Herde, Dave and Peg Srader, Mike and Darlene Secich are just a few of those that are helping to make this production of Fiddler on the Roof, Jr so successful!

No firm timetable for the work to begin is yet in place.

Wake enforcement

Admission is $10 for adults 12 and over and $5.00 for students under 12. Tickets can be purchased online at www. brownpapertickets.com or at the Port Aransas Business Center located at 1023 State Highway 361 in Port Aransas.

POA representatives have contacted a private provider to determine the feasibility of using surveillance cameras to monitor No Wake violators in Island canals. Slowing down canal boats which cause wakes and long-term damage to bulkheads has been an ongoing effort for many years, but so far has been a problem without a solution.

The Island's

Edge Salon

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAX SERVICE

A private provider from San Antonio will make a study to determine the cost and best equipment for monitoring speeding boaters. Once that study is complete the results will be presented to the board for a decision.

Boat ramps

Robert E. (Bob) Maupin

So far this year the POA has sold a total of 548 stickers to allow boats to park at Island ramps after launching their boats. That is compared to 403 sold in the same period last year when a total of 764 of the $15 stickers were sold. So far this year 138 citations have been issued for boaters parking at ramps without a sticker.

Plans call for the parking lots at two boats ramps to be resurfaced each year.

Send letters to: editor@islandmoon.com

Serving the property owners of Upper Padre Island concerning the value of their residential property, exemptions and personal property renditions.

My certification as a Property Tax Consultant along with six years as a member of the Nueces County Appraisal review Board and thirtyfive years on the island have well prepared me to argue appraisals and help with renditions and exemptions.

Ph (361) 946-2092 Email: remaupin@sbcglobal.net

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April 30, 2015

Turtles continued from A1 ready for release beginning in mid-June. I will provide more information about the releases in my next column.

To help recover the species, it is vital that we find and protect the nesting turtles and eggs.

Patrols to find, document, and protect nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles and their eggs have been underway on the Texas coast since April 1.

Nests are also found because of reports from other people working or recreating on our beaches. Thus, we need your help to protect these beautiful sea turtles and their eggs which result in the precious hatchlings that thousands of people come to see get released at Padre Island National Seashore each year.

Turtle patrols underway Each year, Padre Island National Seashore conducts a program to find, document, and protect nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles and their eggs on North Padre Island. Kemp’s ridley and other sea turtles bury their eggs in the sand and never return to the nest to care for the eggs or resulting hatchlings. There are many threats to the eggs and hatchlings, including predation, high tides, poaching, and others.

Eggs from all nests found on the Texas coast are removed from the beach for protected incubation, to maximize their hatching success and ensure that the hatchlings safely enter the water.

Island. The sign has a photograph of a nesting Kemp’s ridley turtle and the telephone number 1-866-TURTLE-5. This toll-free number is a recorded message that directs callers to the appropriate contact for their geographical area. For example, people wanting to report observations on North Padre Island are instructed to call me at (361) 949-8173, ext.

226. My telephone number is also listed on the nesting posters that many stores, restaurants, and hotels on North Padre Island are displaying.

Watch for nesting

Other people that work or recreate on the beach are sometimes the first on the scene of nesting and report it to us. We greatly appreciate this help since it is challenging for patrollers to find nesting Kemp’s ridleys due the large area that we patrol and nesting habits of this species.

Kemp’s ridley is the smallest and lightest sea turtle species and they leave only a faint track in the sand. They often nest on windy and stormy days, which cause their tracks to disappear quickly. Also, Kemp’s ridleys often nest in synchronous emergences called arribadas, so while patrollers are busy at one or more nesting sites, they can miss others.

As during the last few years, our “nesting Kemp’s ridley alert” flag will be flown on flagpoles at the Padre Island National Seashore Entrance Station and Malaquite Pavilion each day that Kemp’s ridley nests are found on the Texas coast. These flags are intended to alert the public that the chances of finding additional nesting are elevated that day since a nest has already been found that day and this species tends to nest in arribadas. The flag is rectangular, with a bright yellow background

and black silhouette of a sea turtle. Smaller versions of this flag will also be flown on most of the turtle patrol vehicles on those days. We will also post on the Padre Island National Seashore Facebook page a graphic containing a photo of the flag and the telephone number to report nesting.

Signs and posters are again being used to alert beachgoers to watch for and immediately report nesting. Aluminum signs measuring 2 feet x 2 feet are located at most of the beach access points on Mustang and North Padre

Turtle Nest Report Yesterday, 6 Kemp’s ridley nest was found on the Texas coast, including 1 on Bolivar Peninsula, 2 at Padre Island National Seashore, and 3 on South Padre Island.

Kemp's ridley turtle So far this year, 8 nests have been confirmed on the Texas coast including (north to south in state): 1 Bolivar Peninsula

0 Surfside Beach 0 Quintana Beach 0 Bryan Beach 0 Brazoria County, N. of Sargent Beach 0 Sargent Beach 0 Matagorda Peninsula 0 Matagorda Island 0 San Jose Island 0 Mustang Island 3 North Padre Island, including 3 at Padre Island National Seashore 0 Boca Chica Beach

Disciplined Group Competed Against the Best

By Brent Rourk

While you are on the beach, please watch for nesting and immediately report observations to a passing turtle patroller, law enforcement officer, or me at (361) 949-8173, ext. 226. It is essential that you report the nesting turtle or her tracks as soon as you see them, so that biologists can try to get to the site to document and protect the nesting turtle before she re-enters the Gulf.

We also want to examine the tracks before they

The SMA Science Team poses for a group shot after the competition

1. protect the nesting turtle and nest from passing traffic and other people 2.

allow her to nest undisturbed

3. photograph or video her from above after she has finished digging and started to lay her eggs, or when she is returning to the water 4. examine her to see if she has a metal tag on a front flipper, record the tag number, but do not remove the tag 5. mark where she nested (do not pierce sand) 6.

allow her to re-enter the water, and

7. remain at the site until a biologist arrives, if possible.

If the nester is already gone and you find her tracks, please mark them. Place markings where they terminate towards the water and where they intersect higher on the beach, where the nest may be located. Walk to the side of the tracks so that you do not erase them and do not poke anything into the sand or you could pierce eggs. If possible, stay at the site until a biologist arrives.

Drive carefully If you drive your vehicle on the beach during the nesting season, you can help protect nesting Kemp’s ridleys and their nests by being watchful and driving slowly. Even though they can measure two-feetlong, it can be difficult to see nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles that are on the beach.

Two were struck by passing vehicles on South Padre Island a few years ago and we are working hard to try to avoid that here. Kemp’s ridleys nest anywhere from the high tide lines into the dunes, but often nest in the vehicle tire ruts where the sand is soft. These turtles cannot move quickly to avoid an approaching vehicle. They are slow when crawling on the beach, and are nearly motionless and enter a trance-like state when depositing their eggs into the nest chamber.

Nesting Kemp’s ridleys are light green and blend in with their surroundings on the beach.

They also often become partially covered with sand during nesting.

If you find sea turtle tracks, approach carefully in case the nester is still on the beach. If you must drive past a track site, drive low on the beach on the hard packed sand if possible. This will reduce your chances of running over a nest and the amount of the tracks that obliterate by driving over them. Following these guidelines will help ensure the survival of these endangered sea turtles and their eggs that many people are working diligently to help save.

Donna J. Shaver, Ph.D. is the chief of the Sea Turtle Science and Recovery Division for the National Park Service at PINS, the Texas Coordinator for the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network and a regular contributor to the Moon.

0 Galveston Island 0 Brazoria County, N. of Surfside

Seashore Middle Academy at Texas State Science Olympiad

What to do if you see a nesting Kemp’s ridley or tracks

Kemp’s ridley turtles nest mostly during daylight hours, and our patrols are conducted during the day. Patrollers watch for the tracks that nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles leave in the sand as they Drive carefully and observe speed limits on the beach. crawl up the beach, bury their eggs in the sand, and return to the sea.

Kemp’s ridley turtles only take about 45 minutes to nest, so they disappear. We use the tracks to help us locate often return to the sea before biologists arrive the nest. on site. However, we hope to be on site with as If you find a nester, please do not rush up to many of the nesters as possible so that we can document and protect them until they safely re- her while she is crawling up the beach or you may frighten her back into the water. Things enter the water. that you should also do to help include:

4 South Padre Island

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Island Moon

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Veteran science students tried to encourage the newcomers when talking about the science tournaments and the Texas State Science Olympiad competition at Texas A and M University in College Station last weekend was no exception. With a strong class of students from 5th to 8th grade the SMA science team practiced with the help of a tireless SMA staff.

Then off to College Station to face the strongest middle school science teams in the state of Texas.

SMA placed 18th out of the top 31 middle school science teams in Texas, netting a few individual awards in the process. SMA science teacher and science team sponsor Katie Sykes was pleased that the team fared stronger this year than last and was grateful for a tremendous amount of parent and volunteer support.

Sykes detailed, “Fifth graders competed this year which was interesting especially when they were standing next to and competing in the same room (not against) seniors in high school.

Great parent support. I could not have asked for better. Big ‘Thank Yous’ to Melanie Ortiz, Debi Cartwright, Marsha and David Burkett, Beth Koutsambaris, Tara Haney, and Kim Grassedonio for going as chaperones.”

Tristan Cardon, James Kernan, and Austin Cartwright placed 3rd in the Experimental Design Division, earning a medal. Tristan

commented, “I am extremely proud of how we did in the state competition. We put in a lot of work and some of it showed in the end. Overall, it was a great ending and my last Science Olympiad.”

James stated, “This is the first time I placed top 10 in all of my events, and I am very proud.”

Mary-Elizabeth Blue, who placed 5th in the Food Science division, was amazed at how well SMA does at the state level competition, declared, “It’s amazing to see how such a small school can do so incredibly well at state-wide competition.”

As the competition welcomed fifth graders this year, it si important to know that SMA has relied on the dedication and determination of this year’s eighth graders, especially those like Tatiana Ortiz, James Kernan, and Tristan Cardon who have contributed to the SMA Science Team for several years. It thanks them for their service and at the same time welcomes the new fifth graders and all of the returning science students.

Two of this year’s seventh graders who will be leaders next year were excited about science competition. Isaac Young and Trace Crane echoed, “Science Olympiad was a great and fun mental challenge, and it rewarded us with an unforgettable experience.”

Islander is Special Olympics Athlete of the Year in Region 2 Special Olympic Games Popular With Local Athletes

By Brent Rourk Shelley and Robert Bethea drove their two children Kathryn and Destin to the Flour Bluff Stadium for Special Olympic track day under blustery skies and cool temperatures. Both of their children, veterans of Special Olympic games in Texas, were excited about competing in different track and field events.

Special Olympic volunteers had worked tirelessly to set-up the track events and organize the ceremony and pageantry surrounding the Special Olympic games. The only things they needed athletes and cool weather. Families arrived and the games were soon under way.

The games survived the weather and the athletes went home with smiles and terrific memories of competing and meeting some of their good friends.

Special Olympics Mission The Mission of Special Olympics is clear according to their website; “to provide yearround sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”

Kathryn and Destin Bethea Shelley and Robert declared that their two children love the Special Olympic Games that are held throughout the year, giving Kathryn and Destin an opportunity to display their skills and socialize with other athletes. Saturday was no different.

All of the athletes proudly displayed their medals. Although all of the track athletes provided serious looks prior to the races, they were all smiles and hugs afterwards. Kathryn Bethea was awarded Female Athlete of the Year in Region 2 (Kingsville to Victoria.)

The Special Olympics reaches out to fund events for all kids regardless of economic status according to Shelley Bethea. Shelly has become a volunteer coach for the Special Olympics.

She and her husband Robert give a lot of time as coaches and volunteers. The smiles on the childrens’ faces make it so valuable.

Special Olympics has meant so much to Shelly and Robert’s children as Shelly explained, “Special Olympics has kelp them involved with other kids like them. It has helped them grow up a little. The Victory Dance Celebrations help socialization opportunities. It has made them aware that they are not alone.”

Special Olympic Veterans Both Kathryn and Destin have been involved in Special Olympics since 2005, including track, basketball, swimming, and bowling. Whether dribbling a basketball or racing down a track Kathryn puts her heart and soul into the sport, leaving it all on the court. Though Kathryn enjoys the Special Olympics year round events and competitions, her real passions are music and theatre.

Destin is as competitive as an athlete can be.

His passion is football (a devout Longhorn fan), and he loves to play video football, using his amazing understanding of the complex schemes to successfully out maneuver his father.

As dedicated Longhorn fans, the Bethea family was treated to a colossal surprise a couple of

Kathryn and Destin met UT Coach Mac Brown years ago when they stopped by Austin and the Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium just to take a peek. To their surprise they were welcomed with open arms by the Longhorn staff and the family received the ‘Royal’ Tour, including a meeting with then head coach Mac Brown.

Working with Schools and Reaching Out Special Olympics works closely with schools to provide athlete’s needs during the school year and school days. Flour Bluff School District has been terrific to the Betheas who appreciate the school transporting their children to events during the school week.

Additionally, Special Olympics engages in many community events to raise money to support athletes as well as community service activities such as working at the local food bank.

Shelley added, “A trained Special Olympic athlete is a ‘Global Messenger’. They give Special Olympic Vision to community organizations for different purposes, i.e. funding, support, and athletes.”

Special Olympics accepts all ages, including adults. There is no age limit to compete in the athletic events; however, there are different age divisions.

Currently, both of the Bethea children happily attend school at Flour Bluff where Kathryn is in the READY Program, preparing her with a variety of life and job skills. Destin is preparing for the READY Program learning specific skills. Both children are also currently enrolled in a Special Olympics bowling league.

A Move to Sicily A potential move to Sicily for three years will take the family to Europe. They will be missed here by many, including all of the friends they have met through Special Olympics and at Flour Bluff High School. They will be missed on the basketball court and on the track, but they will be back.

In the meantime, we wish them a great experience in Sicily, and we thank Special Olympics for providing the opportunities that is does for our athletes of all ages.

Become a Volunteer Consider becoming a volunteer or coach for Special Olympics. Check http://www. specialolympics.org/ and http://www.sotx.org/ for additional information or call Alice FultonGarza, Director of Special Olympics – Area 2 at 361-857-5679.

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April 30, 2015

Island Moon

Stuff I Heard on the Island

by Dale Rankin For each of the last few weekends I have made a point of driving the 26 miles of beach from Port Aransas on the north to Malaquite Beach at the northern end of Padre Island National Seashore. It’s not exactly work and I’m certainly not complaining, if anything it’s a labor of love, but over time I have noticed some things that are hiding in plain sight. Here are a few.

People don’t like bollards I’m no sociologist but one thing is impossible to miss; people don’t like bollards on the beach.

From the county beach near the jetty in Port Aransas to the non-bollard beach a few miles further south, to the new pedestrian-only beach at the Michael J. Ellis Seawall, the portions of beach with no bollards fill to capacity before the beaches with bollards even begin to fill.

Maybe it’s just habit or maybe there is some deep-seated desire among beach goers to roam free but there is no denying that visitors to our beaches don’t like restrictions on their movement.

Naked Men of Kleberg The days of the Naked Men of Kleberg Beach are numbered but a few of the diehards are taking full advantage of their traditional freefire zone on the eight miles of beach in Kleberg County. For the uninitiated the beaches in Kleberg County are a full hour’s drive from the Kleberg County seat in Kingsville. The Naked Men of Kleberg know this and have been rendezvousing there in the altogether since anyone can remember.

But ownership of that beach has now passed into the hands of Nueces County which will take over law enforcement there under the auspices of Precinct 4 Constable Bobby Sherwood. I haven’t spoken to him about it but I’m going to go out on a limb here and speculate that Bobby and his boys are going to take a somewhat dim view of a bunch of grown men with reverse lobster tans running around the beach with their squishy parts a-floppin.

I was down that way Sunday and saw two potentially Naked Men lurking in their vehicles waiting to jump out if they determined I “was cool.” I put on my best “non-cool” face and came by unscathed without having to whip out my Buck knife to poke out my one good eye.

Enjoy it while you can Naked Men of Kleberg, there’s about to be a new Constable in town. It’s time to find your pants.

Where Guys Go For Haircuts!

Dune protection

If you look closely at the dunes as you drive to different parts of the beach you will find that the dune structure in Port Aransas is far superior to that anywhere else. The front-notching system used by the City of Port Aransas is clearly the best practice for building a dune line that will stand up to high water. The idea is to cut out a section of the dune and place the sand along the waterline, which serves to widen the beach, and replacing the “notch” with seaweed or other flotsam and jetsam that washes up. The new dune is built higher than the one which was removed and the result is that the dunes in Port Aransas are higher and of a sturdier build than those anywhere else.

I don’t know why the practice hasn’t been adopted everywhere but it should be because clearly it works better than anything else.

Corpus Christi city beaches Having said that I want to compliment whomever has changed the way the beaches in the Corpus Christi Limits are being maintained in the past few weeks. For decades we Islanders watched in amazement as city crews scraped up sand and Sargassum from the waterline and dumped it in front of the dune line. This serves to make the beach narrower by moving the waterline in and the dune line out. It also meant that the dune field got wider but not taller. If it wasn’t the worse method of beach maintenance possible it was the worst we have come up with so far.

But in recent days things have changed. Crews along the seawall are now moving sand from the base of the wall and pushing it out toward the water and the effect on the beach is already noticeable. There is still about four feet of sand piled up in front of the seawall that was pumped from Packery Channel and spread on the beach to re-nourish it that has been moved there by the prevailing southeasterly wind. The goal of using sand from Packery to re-nourish the beach was not to make the beach taller but to make it wider and if the crews continue doing what they are doing now they will accomplish that.

CCPD Traffic Officers Investigating Fatal Crash Corpus Christi Police Traffic Officers were called out to investigate a fatal crash this morning on Padre Island.

Police received a call, at 2:55 AM, from a passing motorist reporting that he saw a truck on its side in the grass in the 14100 block of Whitecap Boulevard.

Officers arrived and found the red 1996 Chevrolet Silverado truck still running and the driver still inside. CCFD EMS arrived and determined that the 39 year old male driver was dead.

Corpus Christi Police Traffic Investigators determined that the truck was traveling east on Whitecap Boulevard and appears to have struck the left curb. The driver overcorrected and then crossed the road before striking the right curb causing the truck to flip onto its side. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt.

Eastbound traffic lanes on Whitecap Boulevard were closed for just over two hours while the crash was investigated.

The Nueces County Medical Examiner responded to the scene and took custody of the victim.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and the driver was the only occupant in the truck.

Skeleton found in dunes April 22 7:35 p.m. Beach Access Road 4 Death Investigation A 28 year old man jogging near Beach Access Road 4 on Padre Island called Corpus Christi Police after he found some human bones in the dunes.

The jogger ran to a nearby motel to call police and met them there. He was able to direct the officers to the bones he had come across.

The Nueces County Medical Examiner was called and he confirmed that the bones were human and that they had been there for a while. Officers will work with the Medical Examiner to investigate if any crime has been committed. As of this writing the remains have not been identified.

Robbery by tree saw blade April 21 12:05 p.m. 200 Naval Air Station Drive Aggravated Robbery A man delivering merchandise to the Stripes Store located at 240 Naval Air Station Drive was threatened after he tried to stop a female from stealing his goods.

The 34 year old man told officers he was making a delivery at the store when some of his merchandise was stolen. When he confronted the offender to recover the property the female pulled out a tree saw blade and threatened him with it.

Officers later located the 48 year-old female not very far from the store and arrested her for robbery.

Police Calls 14400 block Cabana East 10 a.m. April 27 Theft $1500-$20,000 14400 block SPID 2:30 p.m. April 25 Assault by contact 100 block Zahn Road 9:30 a.m. April 23 Theft $1500-$20,000 14900 block Leeward 4:10 p.m. April 21 Found property 15300 block SPID 7:33 p.m. April 22 Dead on Arrival 15500 block Dyna 12:21 p.m. April 27 Assault with injury 13300 block SPID 4:58 p.m. April 24 DWI Gypsy at Whitecap 2:53 a.m. April 24 Dead on Arrival

To whomever is making the decisions for the city on beach maintenance; keep up the good work, it is working.

Empty beach The eight miles located just south of the Corpus Christi City Limits on Mustang Island are the least-used of any beaches in the area.

The only way to access them is through the beach road near the fire station and once you get to the Fish Pass jetty heading south you must turn around and go back. The beach is also narrow at points and there are usually areas of soft sand. The result is that the beach there is nearly deserted even on weekends when other beaches are packed. An access road there would be a great addition and newly elected Chairman of the Island Strategic Action Committee Greg Smith has been working on it. Easier access there would help to relieve the overcrowding on other beaches which gets more pronounced each year.

The weather is great so get out there and get in some beach time; just watch out for naked men with reverse lobster tans. Otherwise you might need your Buck knife.

TeepeeFest!

Barber Joe Make your appointment ONLINE today on your computer or phone. Step #1-­‐Go to BarberJoeSexton.com, #2-­‐Click on the big yellow “Appointments” buCon, #3-­‐ Click the cut you want and #4-­‐Click an open Dme slot in my schedule. (Turn your phone sideways and click on the yellow bar at the top). I’m INSIDE the yellow Alamo-­‐looking building at 15037 Park Rd 22. Text or call 361-­‐500-­‐8955.

Police Blotter

TPWD Taking Public Comment on Shrimp and Oyster Regulation Proposals

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is currently seeking public comment on proposed changes in commercial shrimp and oyster regulations. The proposals will be considered for adoption by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission at its May 21 public hearing.

The recommended changes include: Port Aransas surfer Jeff Wilson and friends who built it out of trash they and others picked up on the beach. The group of surfers call it Living Beach Art and their group effort TeepeeFest to show people it can be fun and cool to clean the beach. Their theme is Leave Only Footprints and their beach art has become a regular feature of Sandfest. Keep up the good work you guys!

Proposed Shrimp Regulation: Eliminate the count/size requirement for commercial bay shrimpers in inside waters; Under current rule, commercial bay shrimpers may not exceed the legal shrimp count of 50 heads-on shrimp per pound of shrimp during the fall season (August 15 – October 31). The department recently held several meetings with the shrimping community to discuss their concerns and listen to their suggestions related to current shrimp regulations. Members of the community suggested the department remove this count requirement. TPWD staff agree with this suggestion as shrimp often die when they are caught, leading to undersized shrimp being thrown back resulting in a waste of the resource.

Clarifications to Existing Shrimp Regulations: • Update a reference to the effective date of federal rules stipulating turtle excluder device (TEDs) requirements; • Correct an outdated statement regarding the waters in which TEDs are required.

Proposed Oyster Regulations: Require dead oyster shell greater than ¾” to be returned to the reef at the time of harvest and be counted as an undersized oyster, and amend the definition of “sack of oysters” to include dead oyster shell greater than ¾”.

Many of the state’s oyster reefs have been depleted and hundreds of thousands of cubic

yards of cultch (material, such as oyster shell, that furnishes a place for larval oysters to attach and grow to maturity) have been removed from the state’s public oyster reefs as a consequence of oyster dredging. The majority of the cultch removed from public reefs is not recovered. The continuing removal of shell from oyster habitat poses a threat to the viability of the state’s oyster fishery, because a reduction in the cultch juvenile oysters depend on for growth results in less recruitment and, potentially, fewer legalsized oysters.

Comment on these proposals may be made in person at the following public meetings: Bay City -- Monday, April 27, 7 p.m., Bay City Service Center, 2105 Ave M Texas City -- Tuesday, April 28, 7 p.m., Texas City Convention Center, Nessler Center, Surf Room, 2010 5th Ave North Rockport -- Wednesday, April 29, 7 p.m., Aransas County Court Room, 301 N. Live Oak Port Lavaca -- Thursday, April 30, 7 p.m., USDA Service Center, Bauer Exhibit Building, 186 County Road 101 For those who cannot attend the scheduled public meetings and would like additional details, new online resources for getting involved include recorded video presentations of the proposals and the ability to provide public comment online at http://tpwd.texas.gov/ business/feedback/public_comment/..

Public comment may also be made by phone or e-mail to Jeremy Leitz (512) 389-4333; e-mail: jeremy.leitz@tpwd.texas.gov, and in writing to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744. The commission will also accept comment during its May 21 public hearing in Austin.

Pet Adoptions at Ace Hardware on The Island Weekly pet adoptions are being held at ACE Hardware on the Island Saturdays from 11-3. The events are held by Mission Pawsible Animal Assistance. Stop by and say hello and if you can’t adopt an animal they would gladly take a donation for care of the animals in foster homes.

April 30, 2015

A7

Island Moon

Backwater Adventures Photos by Miles Merwin

Sandfest 2015

On the Rocks

By Jay Gardner & Aaron Baxter This article is from my buddy Aaron Baxter at TAMUCC. He is helping collect offshore fish for a study. Here’s the skinny: Managing fisheries is a complex science and business!! With many competing interests (ie commerce, sport and commercial fishermen, oil and gas, shipping, conservation), it is a daunting task to accomplish. Scientists at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC), and University of South Florida (USF) are working under a NOAA Marine Fisheries Initiative (MARFIN) grant that is attempting to provide data for integrated ecosystem assessment (IEA) that hopefully will lead to a more balanced ecosystem based approach to fisheries management.

webpages, internet forums) to spread the word.

What we need is the entire gut of the fish, and an identification of the fish (to species or a picture), the approximate location of where it was caught, and the length (and weight if possible). In addition to the gut, we will also need a small piece (about one square inch) of dorsal (back) muscle tissue for a chemical analysis of the stable isotopes of Nitrogen and

One tool used (among many) is the use of fishery ecosystem models that help to predict the effects of fishing, and other activities, on the fish and fishery. An important component of those models is trophic data, or diet data, of the fishes. What do they eat!!

It is this myriad of complex species interactions that are fed into the model. The problem is, for many species, good diet data are hard to come by. So, one of the tasks for the TAMUCC and USF scientists under the MARFIN grant is to collect more fish diet data. For some species, this can be accomplished from fish specimens collected by NOAA’s SEAMAP cruises. But for others, especially fish that occur offshore such as snappers, groupers, pelagics, and sharks, this method of collection is not very efficient.

The scientists at TAMUCC have assembled many diet data from published and unpublished references, and are currently extracting and loading it into the GoMexSI database (gomexsi. tamucc.edu), but much more data are needed.

Thus we are looking to citizen scientists to assist us in acquiring the needed fish stomachs along the Texas coast to partially fulfil the needs of the mathematical models. We have compiled a list of species for which we need data, and will be contacting local fisherman and citizen scientists through various media outlets (i.e. newspapers,

Jeff Abel with a large sandbar shark Carbon, which also provide us information about carbon sources and trophic level of the fish. The gut and fish tissue samples should be placed on ice or frozen. Contacts:Jim Simons 825-3223 or james.simons@tamucc.edu or Aaron Baxter 825-3659 or aaron.baxter@ tamucc.edu Samples can be dropped off at the CCS, or we can meet to pick them up. We are available most days and can send a student to make the pick up.

Moon Phases SEA Banquet May 14th at American Bank Center The 15th Annual Sea Banquet for the Saltwater Fisheries Enhancement Association is set for Thursday, May 14, at the American Bank Center. The event draws a full house of outdoor enthusiasts for live auctions, free food and drink, and is the major fundraiser for the organization which promotes conservation and preservation of saltwater resources for recreational users in the Coastal Bend.

The group recently bought and sunk the ship Kinta S at an artificial reef site nine miles out from Packery Channel. All the money raised

by SEA stays in the Coastal Bend.

The banquet begins at 5:30 and runs for several hours. Individual tickets are $125, a table for eight is $1000, and a Sponsorship Table is $1750. For more information contact Libby Trevino at 361 886-1100 or by e-mail at seaccadm@sbcglobal.net.

Active Spring Severe Weather Season!

It's been a very active spring severe weather season thus far across South Texas. So far year to date, our office has issued 58 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, 17 Tornado Warnings, and 26 Flash Flood Warnings.

Just for the month of April we received 173 reports of severe weather occurring within our 15 county area of responsibility spanning from Laredo to Victoria. A report constitutes a preliminary account that large hail, damaging winds, tornado, flash flood or thunderstorm wind gust >39 mph occurring (over marine areas).

Record Rainfall!

The March 1 through April 26 period is now the wettest of all-time for both Corpus Christi and Laredo for 2015! For Victoria, it is the second wettest of all-time with 1997 being the wettest March 1-April 26 period. This is also the 4th wettest start to the year on record for

Corpus Christi with a total rainfall of 15.92" which is 9.01" above normal. This is the 6th wettest start to the year on record for Victoria with a total of 19.23" (9.51" above normal) and 8th wettest start for Laredo with 7.73" total (3.60" above normal).

Tides of the Week Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) April 30- May 6, 2015

Day

High /Low

Tide Time

Height in Feet

Sunrise Moon Time Sunset

Th

F

Sa

Su

M

Tu

W

30 30 30 30 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6

High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low

1:58 AM 8:14 AM 1:04 PM 8:10 PM 3:00 AM 9:15 AM 1:18 PM 8:31 PM 3:53 AM 10:18 AM 1:30 PM 8:52 PM 4:41 AM 11:29 AM 1:32 PM 9:16 PM 5:28 AM 9:44 PM 6:14 AM 10:15 PM 7:03 AM 10:52 PM

1.4 1.0 1.3 0.6 1.5 1.1 1.3 0.4 1.6 1.2 1.3 0.3 1.7 1.2 1.3 0.1 1.8 0.0 1.8 0.0 1.9 -0.1

6:50 AM Set 4:46 AM 8:02 PM Rise 5:14 PM

83

6:50 AM Set 5:21 AM 8:02 PM Rise 6:05 PM

89

6:49 AM Set 5:57 AM 8:03 PM Rise 6:58 PM

94

6:48 AM Set 6:35 AM 8:04 PM Rise 7:52 PM

98

6:47 AM Set 7:15 AM 8:04 PM Rise 8:46 PM 6:46 AM Set 7:59 AM 8:05 PM Rise 9:42 PM 6:46 AM Set 8:47 AM 8:05 PM Rise 10:36 PM

99

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April 30, 2015

Island Moon

SPORTS Sports Talk

Facts about the 2015 National Football League Draft

By Dotson Lewis

Special to the Island Moon Dotson’s Note: At our Sports Talk group meeting last Friday at Nolan’s, the conversation got around to the upcoming NFL Draft which starts today and goes through Sunday. Some can hardly wait to watch and/or listen to the whole thing, and others couldn’t care less, and will not watch and/or listen at all. If you want to watch the whole thing start-to-finish, here is the website: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/live The 2015 NFL draft is the 80th annual meeting of National Football League (NFL) franchises to select newly eligible football players. On July 17, 2014, commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the draft would be moved from Radio City Music Hall in New York City (where it had been held since 2006) to either Chicago or Los Angeles. On October 2, 2014, Auditorium Theatre in Chicago was announced as the official site. The previous fifty NFL drafts (since 1965) had been held in New York.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the right to select first due to the fact they compiled the league's worst record in the previous season.

The Arizona Cardinals will make the final pick in the draft, commonly called Mr. Irrelevant.

Because this pick is a supplemental pick and cannot be traded, the Cardinals are assured of picking last.

One of the major storylines approaching the NFL Draft is the competition between the previous two Heisman Trophy winners: Jameis Winston winning the award in 2013, and Marcus Mariota in 2014. Both are considered excellent prospects and have the potential to become the first overall draft selection. Winston is considered to be a more polished pocket passer and pro-style quarterback, but has had several off the field issues while playing at Florida State, ranging from sexual assault allegations to shoplifting incidents. Mariota is considered a better athlete, the fastest quarterback in the draft, and has a better off-the-field reputation.

However, Mariota ran a spread offense at Oregon which typically has not transitioned well from college to the NFL. Although both have issues, analysts predict a very large margin between the two in relation to the other quarterbacks of the draft.

Seventy-four underclassmen announced their intention to forgo their remaining NCAA eligibility and declare themselves available to be selected in the draft. An additional ten players who graduated chose to enter the draft, bringing to 84 the total number of players with college eligibility remaining eligible to be drafted.

The selection order for the first round is as follows. Two teams do not have first-round selections: Buffalo, which traded its first-round selection to Cleveland; and Seattle, which traded its first pick to New Orleans. Buffalo and Seattle's first selections in the 2015 draft are currently in the second round (Buffalo 50th overall and Seattle 63rd overall). The selection order for subsequent rounds will follow the order of the first round, except that teams with the same record and same playoff result will rotate among their respective groups (these groups are indicated by the bold gray lines in the table below). Also, 32 additional supplemental picks will be allocated between the ends of round 3 through 7, for a total of 256 picks.

The detailed rules for determining draft order can be found on the NFL draft website: http:// www.draftsite.com/nfl/rules/

Tony Romo won’t watch 'boring' and 'monotonous' NFL Draft

Chicago Bears at the Green Bay Packers (Thanksgiving Night, Week 12) If you have eaten enough turkey to have a Thanksgiving hangover by this point, and you are still awake at 8:30 p.m. ET, this unexciting game might put you to sleep. In fact, it might have all of us snoring with a cocktail in our hands by halftime. With the Packers playing at home against what promises to be a suspect Bears team, this game has slaughter written all over it. The Bears have lost 9 of their last 10 meetings with the Packers. And with Jay Cutler likely to be under center, we can all expect that patented second quarter interception to put this one away and send us all to bed.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the St. Louis Rams (Thursday Night Football, Week 15)

Rams head coach Jeff Fisher In what will likely be quarterback Jameis Winston’s prime time debut, this game does not present much of a wow factor. Neither team will be anywhere near contending for the playoffs at this point. This could also be a Thursday night shutout, especially considering the Rams defense has been known to have its way with lower-scoring offenses in the past.

Surely sitting the bottom of the heap within their divisions, the most we can hope for in this late-season game is some sort of closescoring competition to keep us from changing the channel.

New York Jets at the Dallas Cowboys (Saturday Night, Week 16)

Dez Bryant & Tony Romo Did we see how well the Cowboys played during the stretch run in 2014? The Jets, who will have their usual meager handful of wins at this point in the season, will be no match for a potential playoff-bound Cowboys playing at home. While we do not know who will be quarterbacking for the Jets, we do know if the Cowboys have last year’s December version of Tony Romo in the house, this game could be a blowout city.

San Diego Chargers at the Oakland Raiders (Saturday, Week 16)

Millions of sports fans will tune in Thursday to watch prime-time coverage of the first round of the 2015 NFL draft on ESPN and NFL Network.

But Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo won't be one of them. Romo told news media at the Cowboys' Valley Ranch training center he finds TV coverage of the draft "monotonous."

As most Cowboy fans recall, Romo was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003.

Tennessee Titans at the Jacksonville Jaguars (Thursday Night Football, Week 11) Every NFL team gets the opportunity to appear in a prime time game. So why not pit these two bottom-feeding AFC South teams, who totaled a combined five wins last season, together on Thursday Night Football? The positive here is that if neither team has racked up a win to this point, it would bring some intrigue to the game.

Send Letters to the editor to editor@islandmoon.com

By Andy Purvis Special to the Island Moon

Nine-time coach of the year Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success.”

The game itself has been played in France since the 12th century. It was initially played indoors against a wall. Eventually moved outside, the game was played by royalty on a manicured lawn. By the 16th century, the game began to resemble the one we see played today.

Hitting a tennis ball correctly requires location, movement, and deception. Tennis is a game where a bounce can define your match, good or bad. In 1981, John McEnroe yelled, “You can’t be serious.” Yes, you can, and Director of Tennis at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Steve Moore is the example. Of course McEnroe was contesting a call during a match, but don’t mistake that for Moore’s overwhelming passion for teaching winning tennis.

Steve Moore knows tennis. He pours his heart and soul into everything he does concerning the game. They say he can spot a good backhand from a moving car, even through the sunglasses. He must be one heck of a recruiter. His athletes come from all over the world.

“We try to recruit high character athletes who buy into the team being a family, for life,” said Moore. “We have been blessed to have so many good people surround this program.” The old saying goes that he doesn’t find substitutions, he recruits reinforcements. Moore is a teacher and he seems to notice everything. It’s like he has eyes in the back of “your” head. He’s the kind of fellow who can look you in the eye and connect. When listening to him, he speaks about family, faith and the culture of playing to win in tennis and in life. He’s an educator first and a coach second. I guess you could say he’s created a family racquet.

Pressure and preperation Moore understands that pressure and preparation are what make you great. He believes that with the absence of pressure, it’s hard to do great things. Being the favorite is not pressure. He loves it. He teaches his kids that there are real life issues that are far more important.

They say there is no “I” in team, but there is one in win. And his teams win wherever he goes. “Winning a random year or two is about talent and flash,” said Moore. “But sustained winning is about creating a culture of substance and character.” The Corpus Christi Islanders Men’s Tennis team has now won eight straight Southland Conference Tennis titles.

The Islanders reached #40 this year in Division 1.

This is the ninth straight year they will appear in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) National Poll and the second time they have cracked the top 40 (#35 in 2009). “We really take pride in seeing our university ranked up there among the BCS teams,” exclaimed Moore.

They are currently ranked #57 in the nation. The only thing that could stop these guys is perhaps food poisoning. Talented, well-coached and in shape, these guys can make it rain first serves.

His kids put away their opponents like a fine drop-shot. Volleys come at their opponents from so many different angles they sometimes think they are surrounded. Moore understands that a quiet mind and a quiet body produce the best strokes.

Four appearance and a #5 national ranking. In 2004, Steve was on the move again to Texas A&M.

Coach of the Year for nine years In 2006, Steve Moore chose to leave Texas A&M and return to the Sparkling City by the Sea to coach men’s tennis at our university. Moore would also take over the women’s program in 2008. His success in both programs has been outstanding, and the support of his programs through attendance and funding has opened the eyes of many. Moore has just been named Southland Conference Coach of the Year for

the ninth consecutive season, a record among all SLC coaches since its inception. In 2012, Moore was named to the National Division 1 Men’s and Women’s Tennis Committees. This honor came with a bag full of respect. Steve is also the ITA’s National Chairman over all the colleges in Texas. You could say he has the attention of the world of tennis.

It has been said that an athlete will never forget his coach. He may forget his teachers but not his coach and how and what kind of person they were. “I learned about sports from my grandfather, Paul Laudadio,” said Moore.

“He always taught me that sports were about principals: character, respect, working your tail off, never quitting and team before self. No amount of winning mattered unless these values were present.” I’ll bet the farm none of these kids will ever forget Steve Moore. Let’s just call that another win.

For all the up-to-date news about Islanders’ tennis, check them out on Facebook (IslandersTennis) and follow them on Twitter and Instagram (@IslandersTennis).

Andy Purvis is a local author and radio personality. His newest book “Greatness Continued” in now available to order online at bn.com, Amazon, Google Books, Bookamillion, etc. You may also purchase all three of his latest books at the local Barnes & Noble Book store in Moore Plaza. All three books are also available in e-book format, Kindle, Nook, Apple I Pad and Kobo. Please visit www.purvisbooks. com for more info and leave a message in the guest section. You may also contact him at purvis.andy@mygrande.net and don’t forget to listen to Dennis & Andy’s Q & A Session each Thursday night from 6-8 PM on ESPN 1440 KEYS.

Homegrown product Steve is a home-grown product who attended high school at Incarnate Word Academy and graduated in 1989. He played tennis on scholarship in 1990 at North Texas State and transferred in 1991 to Abilene Christian University. Steve graduated in 1993 with a BA in Kinesiology. While at Abilene Christian, Moore was ranked nationally in singles. In 1994, Moore joined the college coaching ranks at SMU University.

Games to watch/not watch in 2015 With the recent release of the 2015 NFL schedule, there will be 53 prime time games that will take place throughout the season. There are some excellent matchups on the schedule and some that will be downright bad. The following is our take, what is yours?

It’s A Family Racquet

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers Tough decision here. If you’re going to put off last-minute holiday shopping, is it really going to be to see the Oakland Raiders play on Christmas Eve? Not likely. If the Chargers are still led by Philip Rivers in this one, they could very well be competing for a playoff berth. If the Raiders are competing for an actual playoff spot at this point, then something went severely wrong in the AFC West. Then again, this might actually be the Raiders last home game in Oakland before moving to Southern California.

Dotson’s Other Note: My thanks to ‘Michael McCarthy of USA Today’ for Tony Romo’s comments regarding his not watching the NFL Draft. Your suggestions, comments, questions and concerns regarding “Moon Sports Talk” are appreciated. Call the Benchwarmers 361560-5397 weekdays, Mondays thru Fridays, 3-6 p.m. or contact me. Phone: 361-949-7681 Cell: 530-748-8475 Email: dlewis1@stx.rr.com

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Steve Moore left SMU after one season to coach at Texas Tech. In 1998, he returned home to start the Islanders Division 1 program.

One of his dreams had come true. His results were immediate and remarkable. His success was such that SMU called and offered him the head women’s coaching job. Steve left for Dallas in 2001. That same year, Moore also assisted the SMU men’s team to a NCAA Final

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April 30, 2015

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Island Moon

Sandfest Winners

Airtales

By Jason Towns Something went awry last week in cyberspace and no Airtales made their way to the editor. So not only is this week's column short, it's also really last week's column. And it wasn't really a column in the first place, but more of a "photo essay" of our time at the Wings Over South Texas airshow. Which of course is old news now, but anyway...

This year's airshow was a great success and my family and I were tasked to display (and protect) the Third Coast Squadron Commemorative Air Force biplane as it sat amongst the crowd for photo ops and questions. The Towns Train of papooses, strollers and wagons carried most everything we needed to survive an afternoon of thundering noise, steaming humidity and even the hunger of young-uns. Here's a few photos.

Blue Skies!

The Navy's Blue Angels break into a sunburst over the crowd at NAS Corpus Christi airshow last weekend. The show was canceled Saturday due to torrential rains but went almost 100% according to plan on Sunday afternoon.

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A local "aviator" trying to show up the Angels. He's not doing a bad job...

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Towns family at the airshow

Hayden family at the airshow

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Island Moon

April 30, 2015