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TOWN & COUNTRY

NOVEMBER 2018

MID-TERM ELECTION SPECIAL

Cruz & Cornyn Headline Republican Rally at Sun City

County Court #1: New Judge, Same Mission

Judge Brandy Hallford was sworn in June 2018 and re-

Top: Senator Ted "Come and Take It" Cruz received a standing ovation. Inset: Senator John Cornyn addresses the crowd.

Photos courtesy of David Valdez

Georgetown hosted both

Texas Senators October 23 for a Republican Rally at the ballroom in Sun City.

The standing-room-only crowd heard from and took photos with all of the Republican candidates who were on hand to encourage voters to see the races through the final 14 days and, above all, to vote.

Judge Bill Gravell opened the rally with a prayer and said of the event, "Senator Cruz was very dynamic, but the best part for me was being able to turn to my U.S. Congressman [John Carter] and hear a man who works harder, covers more territory and was with the United

States President just the night before. The passion and energy I've seen among Republicans in the past two days is inspiring. I can only compare it to the strength and energy I saw in college when we elected Ronald Reagan."

As of late Tuesday, Travis County had recorded 28,000 early voters to Williamson County's 21,000. "When you consider," Gravell says, "Travis has twice the number of registered voters we do, our numbers are tremendous.

Having our senators in the same room shows we are on the national radar and our voters care!" Polling locations reported lines with

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as much an hour wait, all day long, over the first two days of early voting.

Senator Cruz got his greatest applause when he reflected on how angry the party is over the treatment of Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch. "I bring a message to you from President Trump, which is we got a whole lot more work to do ahead of us." He identified low national unemployment, higher oil production and a booming Texas economy among the recent party achievements. He is also continuing the fight for Second Amendment rights

and to "repeal the train wreck that is Obamacare... because Texas is in our DNA." Early voting continues through November 2, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 6. Visit Wilco. org/elections for polling locations.

ports the number of cases she adjudicates is as fulfilling as their diversity.

County Court #1 hears misdemeanor criminal and civil cases, protective orders for victims of family violence, and other family law matters. CC1 also provides judgment for one-half of the county's Child Protective Cases (CPS). The Judge takes particular pride in these cases due to her background as a prosecutor and defense attorney, which she believes provides a balanced perspective from both sides of the table. "The growth in our population has meant an increase in filings, but I have practiced in all areas of my court and that is invaluable as a Judge."

Judge Hallford says, "We have a very busy court, but I love being able to help people at a new level. In my career as an attorney it was always so important to me to work in the trenches, so I could understand the law and how it affects people. I believe this experience prepared me well for this office and I am confident I can provide a level playing field for anyone who appears before the court."

Not content to just do the job, Judge Hallford is also supporting efforts to evolve indigent defense programs, which will provide support systems and service plans to help parents provide a safer environment for their children.

"My duty is to work for a child's needs once he or she is in the system. But, I worry about families' safety every day, and my experience has put a lot of resources in my toolbox to refer people in and outside of the justice system. For instance, the County now has mentors to help parents who may not have support systems of their own."

As a Judge, she has had the opportunity to see the justice system from yet another new perspective and appreciate its value in Williamson County. "When I go to jury empaneling, I see that it is standing-room-only. I love that this county cares about children, justice, and being fair. Even a few weeks ago when it was 40 degrees and raining, we had people standing in line. That's a great problem to have and I am proud to live and work in Williamson County. "

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Early voting thru November 2

To find out more about the Nov. 6 election in Georgetown, visit Georgetown.org. To look up a sample ballot, visit Wilco. org/elections.

Early voting continues through November 2.

Ballots in the City of Georgetown include Proposition A, which is the reauthorization of a dedicated 0.25 percent sales tax for street maintenance.

The 0.25 sales tax was approved in 2002 and was re-approved by the voters in 2006, 2010, and 2014. It must be reauthorized every four years.

Polling location hours on those days are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on Sunday, Oct. 28, when polling hours are 1 to 6 p.m.

Vote at these Early Voting locations in Georgetown: • Cowan Creek Amenity Center, 1433 Cool Springs Way • Georgetown ISD Administration Building, 603 Lakeway Drive • Georgetown Parks and Recreation Administration Building, 1101 N. College St. • Randall's, 5721 Williams Drive • Williamson County Inner Loop Annex, 301 SE Inner Loop Voters may cast a ballot at any Early Voting location in Williamson County during Early Voting. For a complete list, go to Wilco. org/elections.

Photo ID: Voters are required by Texas state law to show photo identification.

For a list of acceptable ID, go to Wilco.org/elections.

County Water Emergency

Monitor the Williamson County website Wilco. org and @PreparingWilCo Facebook and Twitter feeds for updates on water distribution in Williamson County.

For more information on the Austin Water Boil Water Notice, including a map of those affected by the notice, visit: AustinTexas.gov/ boilh2o

Georgetown Animal Shelter Uptick in Parvovirus cases Shelter hosts lowcost vaccination clinic Nov. 10

Since Sept. 24, Georgetown Animal Shelter has confirmed 12 cases of Canine Parvovirus in dogs that have been brought in from different parts of the city.

To prevent Canine Parvovirus or “Parvo” animals should be fully vaccinated. Until a puppy has received its complete series of vaccinations, pet owners should not take them to public places where the virus could be living, such as grassy areas, pet

shops, parks, puppy classes, dog parks, doggy daycare, kennels, and dog groomers.

To protect adult dogs, pet owners should be sure that their dog’s Parvovirus vaccination is updated every 1-3 years. Finally, do not let puppies or adult dogs come into contact with the fecal waste of other dogs. Always promptly dispose of your own dog’s feces.

The Georgetown Animal Shelter will host a low-cost vaccine clinic on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 8:30-11 a.m.

Three vaccinations for dogs are available including Rabies for $5, Bordetella for $5, and Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus for $10.

Vaccinations also include a free microchip. Only cash payments are accepted.

Parvo is a highly contagious disease that can affect all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months old are the most at risk. The virus affects the gastrointestinal tract and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces, environments, or people. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars, leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. It is weather resistant and can survive in the environment for long periods of time.

Signs of Parvo include lethargy, loss of appetite,

abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, fever or low body temperature, vomiting, and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration and damage to the intestines and immune system, which can cause septic shock. Most deaths from Parvo occur within 48 to 72 hours following the onset of clinical signs. If your dog or puppy shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

For more information on Canine Parvovirus, visit www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/canine-parvovirus.aspx.

CASA at 10 Years

CASA of Williamson County, TX was founded in 2009 serving 19 children with just 10 volunteers.

While it is not quite 2019, we could not wait to start celebrating when we saw our final numbers for the 2017-2018 year: 273 children with 131 volunteers!

Throughout the year, volunteers helped 85 children leave CPS care, 97% of which are now in a permanent home.

Walk a Mile in Their Shoes…

Three local non-profits are pooling their time, energy, and love for a collaborative fundraising project to benefit our local youth. The Georgetown

Project, Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center and CASA of Williamson County have united to not only raise money for education, child advocacy, and even basic necessities like food and shelter, but also to produce a memorable event to highlight their programs which help ensure our kids have a solid foundation for success.

The Soirée: A Coming Together for Kids, presented by Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick, will be held February 16, 2019 at Georgetown's elegant 4-star Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center. This year's theme: Walk a Mile in Their Shoes.

With Daytripper Chet Garner as emcee, Caboose as entertainment, and lots of games to play and other fun surprises, attendees will feel like a kid again as they enjoy an evening that helps our most vulnerable population, children in need.

“Giving back to the community is part of what the Hewlett organization does.

It’s in our DNA.” Says Barbie Sproull, Hewlett Marketing Director, “Don Hewlett Chevrolet is proud to support this year’s Soiree’. The 3 organizations that will benefit from this event help the children in our county that need all of us the most. We encourage other businesses to join with us in making a difference in so many young lives.”

For more information, visit www.soireewilcotx. org.

City Vendor Meet and Greet on Nov. 7

Do you have a business in landscaping, printing, plumbing or electrical services, graphic design, road construction, automotive maintenance, civil engineering, or architectural services? Do you sell vehicles, gravel, asphalt, medical supplies, or specialized software?

If so, you may have an opportunity to do business with the City of Georgetown.

Find out more at the City Vendor Meet and Greet on Nov. 7, 2018. Sponsored by the City of Georgetown Purchasing Department, the event is from 10 a.m. to noon at the Georgetown Community Center, 445 E. Morrow St. At the event there will be an opportunity to meet with employees in the purchasing department and find out more about the City’s process to accept bids, proposals, and qualifications. A variety of City staff will also be present.

Light refreshments will be provided.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact the Purchasing Department at (512) 930-8141.

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Williamson County

5

ELECTIONS 2018 • CANDIDATES/ISSUES

Following is a list of candidates and issues that will appear on our readers' ballots during early voting Oct 22 - Nov 2 and on Election Day, November 6.

Williamson County has adopted Vote Centers for Election Day voting; i.e., Williamson County voters may vote at any polling place in the county on election day, rather than having to return to their home precinct in order to cast a vote.

Polls will be open from 7am until 7pm

FEDERAL United States Senator • Ted Cruz (R) • Beto O'Rourke (D) • Neal M. Dikeman (L)

United States Rep, Dist 31

• John Carter (R) • Mary Jennings "MJ" Hegar (D) • Jason Hope (L)

STATE Texas Governor

• Greg Abbott (R) • Lupe Valdez (D) • Mark Jay Tippetts (L)

Lieutenant Governor

• Dan Patrick (R) • Mike Collier (D) • Kerry Douglas McKennon (L)

Attorney General

• Ken Paxton (R) • Justin Nelson (D) • Michael Ray Harris (L)

Comptroller of Public Accounts • Glenn Hegar (R) • Joi Chevalier (D) • Ben Sanders (L)

Commissioner of the General Land Office George P. Bush (R) Miguel Suazo (D) Matt Pina (L) Commissioner of Agriculture

• Sid Miller (R) • Kim Olson (D) • Richard Carpenter (L)

Railroad Commissioner • Christi Craddick (R) • Roman McAllen (D) • Mike Wright (L)

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2 • Jimmy Blacklock (R) • Steven Kirkland (D)

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 4 • John Devine (R) • R.K. Sandill (D)

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6 • Jeff Brown (R) • Kathy Cheng (D)

on November 6. Election officials will allow everyone who is in line at 7pm to stay as long as necessary to cast a vote.

This General Election is the final in which voters can vote "straight ticket" to select the entire slate of candidates in their chosen party. Texas is one of the last eight states to engage straight ticket since its peak in the 1960s.

Louis Jacobson (Governing.com) reports critics worry that the option keeps voters

Presiding Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals • Sharon Keller (R) • Maria T. (Terri) Jackson (D)

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7 • Barbara Parker Hervey (R) • Ramona Franklin (D)

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8 • Michelle Slaughter (R) • Mark Ash (L)

State Senator, District 5 • Charles Schwertner (R) • Meg Walsh (D) • Amy Lyons (L)

State Representative, District 20 • Terry Wilson (R) • Stephen Wyman (D)

State Representative, District 52 * • Cynthia Flores (R) • James Talarico (D)

State Representative, District 136 • Tony Dale (R) • John Busy III (D) • Zach Parks (L)

Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals District, Place 2 • Cindy Olson Bourland (R) • Edward Smith (D)

Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals District, Place 3 • Scott Field (R) • Chari Kelly (D)

Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals District, Place 5 • David Puryear (R) • Thomas J. Baker (D)

Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals District, Place 6 • Michael "Mike" Toth (R) • Gisela D. Triana (D)

District Judge 277th Judicial District

from thinking critically about all the candidates on the ballot and encourages partisan polarization among voters. Supporters of Texas HB25 say removing the option impacts voters who may make more informed decisions in individual elections.

Removing straight ticket may also help voters recognize and vote on important down-ballot questions, bonds and nonpartisan elections, which aren't covered by the single-ticket mechanism.

District Judge 368th Judicial District • Rick Kennon (R)

WILLIAMSON CO Williamson County Judge • Bill Gravell (R) • Blane Conklin (D) • William (Bill) Kelberlau (I)

County Commissioner Pct 2 • Cynthia Long (R) • Kasey Redus (D)

County Commissioner Pct 4 • Russ Boles (R) • Carlos Salinas (D)

Judge, County Court-at-Law 1

• Brandy Hallford (R) • Don Morehart (D)

District Clerk • Lisa David (R)

County Clerk

• Nancy E. Rister (R) • Jessica Tiedt (D)

County Treasurer

• Scott Heselmeyer (R) • Omar Kadir (D)

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2

ISD BONDS

• Edna Staudt (R) • Audrey Amos-McGehee (D)

GEORGETOWN ISD Proposition A The issuance of $150,500,000 of bonds for the acquisition, construction, renovation and equipment of school buildings, the purchase of school sites and school buses.

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3

• Evelyn McLean (R) • Katherine Kerr Kubatzky (D)

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4

Proposition B The issuance of $15,500,000 of bonds for acquisition, construction and equipment of a District swim center.

• Judy Hobbs (R) • Stacy Hackenberg (D)

SPECIAL ELECTION* House District 52 Residents need to vote twice for their State Representative. With the recent resignation of State Representative Larry Gonzales, Governor Abbott has scheduled the special election for the final months of Larry’s term for November 6th. That means, there will be two elections for HD 52 on the ballot. One for the final months of the current term, and another for the new term that begins in January of 2019. In the special election, straight ticket voting does not apply, so everyone will need to vote for Cynthia Flores in the special election.

State Representative, District 52 (Unexpired Term) • Cynthia Flores (R) • James Talarico (R)

FLORENCE ISD Proposition 1 The issuance of $7,500,000 of bonds for School Renovations, Safety and Security, Technology .

LIBERTY HILL ISD Proposition 1 The issuance of $98,600,000 of bonds for New Schools, Renovations and Additions

UNOPPOSED • Judge, County Court-at-Law No. 2 Laura Barker (R) • Judge, County Court-at-Law No. 3 Doug Arnold (R) • Judge, County Court-at-Law No. 4 John B. McMaster (R)

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 • Dain Johnson (R) • KT Musselman (D)

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Trisha Tallman has been at Minuteman Press since 2015. She is a Corporate Account Manager and handles one of the largest accounts at the company.

Trisha loves the customer interaction that is part of her job; she feels service has always been her wheelhouse and she has always brought a love of people to her work.

Still, as the "office mom" she also enjoys being a resource for everyone on staff who needs help with projects, an extra opinion, or just a listening ear.

She says the teams she spends time with are amazing and she is always proud of the way they all come together when a big project presents itself. "It's all hands on deck, whether we're printing or stuffing envelopes, we all do what needs to be done."

Like many of the employees at Minuteman, she channels her efforts when making a deadline. "I look at the challenges of getting things to the client when they need them.

But I feel like [owners] Ty and Crystal have really created a culture of service and support here. We are all ready and happy to do whatever it takes to get the job done."

Williamson County 8

NOVEMBER 2018  AdvocateNewsTX.com

Valerie Covey Named President of National HCP Coalition

Williamson County Pct 3 Commissioner

Valerie Covey was named president of the National Habitat Conservation Plan Coalition (NHCPC) at the group’s meeting in October. The NHCPC was established to further the use, effectiveness of and support for large-scale Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) as local solutions to facilitate economic development and the conservation of threatened and endangered species and their habitats. Ms. Covey is also President of the Williamson County Conservation Foundation board.

A habitat conservation plan (HCP) is a planning document recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) as part of the enforcement of the Endangered Species Act and is a requirement in an application to obtain an incidental take permit (ITP).

An HCP identifies conservation measures developed and agreed on by local stakeholders to protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats.

Williamson County’s Regional Habitat Conservation Plan has been in place for ten years. The plan is designed so governmental entities including the State of Texas, Williamson County, cities and school districts, landowners, and developers can navigate the requirements of the Endangered Species Act in a more expedient and efficient manner. Prior to the establishment of the WCCF plan, all entities impacting endangered species needed to obtain an individual 10(a) permit from the USFWS. Williamson County’s RHCP has allowed many important projects to move forward, such as the county’s projects to enhance RM 620, the state managed improvements to SH 195, the City of Georgetown’s Southwest Bypass, the City of Round Rock’s raw water supply line, and other numerous public and private developments.

For more on the RHCP and participation contact WCCF@Wilco.org or visit wccf. wilco.org.

The Williamson County Conservation Foundation was formed in 2002 to further responsible development in the county within the federal requirements of the Endangered Species Act. Establishing preserve lands allows development of vital regional projects—roads and schools—to proceed while protecting listed endangered species in environmentally sensitive areas.

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Eagle Scout Prepares a Remodel at Child Advocacy Center

Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick, WCCAC Executive Director-Kerrie Stannell, Lucas Friggler, Judge Bill Gravell, Sheriff Robert Chody

On Tuesday, October 16, Georgetown

Eagle Scout Candidate Lucas Friggler was joined by Judge Bill Gravell, Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick, Sheriff Robert Chody, and other volunteers to help renovate the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center.

Friggler and other Boy Scouts have organized the renovation as part of their troop’s merit badge project.

Friggler wrote to several County officials in hopes that they would support and engage with his project for the sake of the kids who "deserve better."

He hopes his Eagle project will benefit

love

the kids of Williamson County by updating and renovating the inquiry room at the District Attorney's office. Friggler said, "I have seen these rooms and find them below a standard my parent or likely you yourself would allow for your own children."

The project is even more personal than his merit badge; Friggler's family is currently waiting for a child to foster-adopt themselves.

The Scouts and County officials will also be working together to update and renovate the outdoor gazebo, a place for rest and quiet for all who visit. Visit Wilcocac.org/ for information or to support the center.

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Congressman Carter's "Justice Served Act" Signed into Law

L-R: Congressman John Carter, WCSO Sergeant Gary Haston, District Attorney Shawn Dick and Allison Clayton - Texas Innocence Project

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gressman John Carter, Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick, Sheriff's Sgt. Gary Haston and Allison Clayton, Texas Innocence Project, were together in the Congressman's former "office" at the 277th District Court to announce the signing of Carter’s Justice Served Act and its potential impact on local cold cases. President Trump signed the bill October 9.

The legislation provides funding to local prosecutors for cold cases where suspects are identified through new DNA evidence. The bill will not only help in the prosecution of cold cases and solving some that would be otherwise impossible to close, it will help give victims and their families justice, and ensure that the right people are held accountable.

Rather than adding funds, the bill adapts current grant

programs, like the Debbie Smith Act, to meet evolving needs of the Criminal Justice System.

Debbie Smith was attacked and sexually assaulted in 1989, but it took six years and DNA evidence to convict her attacker. He was sentenced to 161 years.

When Congressman Carter introduced the bill he explained, "Previously, criminals were able to hide behind the DNA backlog, as evidence sat on a shelf untested. Now that the backlog has been addressed, prosecutors will have the resources they need to move forward, putting criminals behind bars and bringing about justice for victims of heinous crimes."

Congressman Carter told the assembled press last week, "The use of DNA evidence to solve crimes first came to the scene in 1986. Since that time, it has become one of the most reliable tools used to identify and prosecute criminals. When I first started working with DNA cases in the 90s, it took weeks and sometimes months to get results from a single lab in Minnesota. Now we can get results nearly instantly."

Carter says files for aggravated sexual assaults were stacking up; reams of rape kits that had not been tested, and it became an issue that was important to Congress so they put together the Debbie Smith Act, the funds from which were was used to get DNA testing on rape kits across the country; "No longer do prosecutors have to say 'if only we had the money to do this.'"

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The Justice Served Act will provide $391 million across the state, which represents 5-7% of the funding in the Debbie Smith Act. County officials also expressed optimism that this aid may help advance multiple cold cases, including that of Rachel Cooke, who vanished near her home in 2002.

District Attorney Dick said, "Obviously, our Rachel Cooke case is one we're hoping yields some evidence, and yields some information, so any of these funds that have now been turned on will hopefully help in all these investigations."

For the last decade, Congress has put $100 million a year into reducing the DNA evidence backlog.

Now that crime laboratory capacity has expanded and new suspects are identified, Congress and the states are shifting funding to prosecute and put criminals behind bars. There is a national DNA database that includes samples from all those incarcerated for felony crimes at the time of its inception, and everyone convicted since.

"As a former judge," Carter says, "I understand that evidence is only useful if our justice system has the funding needed to pursue charges and subsequently prosecute dangerous criminals. We must ensure our law enforcement entities and prosecutors have the funding they need to clean up our streets and put evil behind bars. The Justice Served Act will help make that job a little easier."

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WILLIAMSON COUNTY TREASURER Advocate News publishes this "apples-to-apples" feature for contested races that affect the county or individual city and school board political races. Candidates are given the same three questions and responses are printed in the order in which they were received. Candidates are also asked to comply with our policy of positive, first-person response; i.e., answers that reflect negatively on an opponent rather than positively about one's own background and platforms will be edited out.

Omar Kadir (D) What made you decide to run for County Treasurer?

Contested elections create a healthy electorate. We all need to have a choice on our ballot.

What qualifications and background do you have for this position?

My entire career has been in the accounting industry.

Why do you believe should voters choose you?

As a professional accountant, I know I can do that job because I've been taught by the best!

Scott Heselmeyer (R)

What made you decide to run for County Treasurer?

As a 6th generation Williamson County resident, my roots run deep in this county.

Last year, I was honored to be unanimously appointed as Williamson County Treasurer by the Williamson County Commissioner’s Court, receiving the vote of commissioners from both parties. My legal and financial background help me take a unique approach to the office. This, and a career spent helping small businesses in Williamson County succeed, are making a real difference in sound management of the county’s finances. I am looking forward to continuing that leadership through a full term.

What qualifications and background do you have for this position?

I have served as Williamson County Treasurer for the last 19 months. Voters can look at the results that the Treasurer’s office has produced under my leadership and at my long record of service and involvement

in Williamson County. After graduating from Thrall High School, I received my undergraduate degree from Texas A&M and my law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. Prior to being appointed County Treasurer, I practiced law in Williamson County for 14 years, representing primarily small to mid-sized businesses and local banks. In this capacity, I dealt with multi-million-dollar banking and real estate transactions on a daily basis, and I have served several years on the board of a local community bank. The County Treasurer serves as the county’s financial manager, and these

experiences provide me with a unique skill set for that role.

Why do you believe should voters choose you?

The County Treasurer is the county’s chief investment officer. During my tenure, we have more than doubled the rate of return on county assets, and this fiscal year we produced more than $8.8 million in investment returns for the county. My legal career has focused on complex, often multi-million-dollar, banking and real estate transactions. This background is bolstered by my experience as director of a local community bank. These experiences provide me with a unique combination of education and real-world application that allow me to carry out the responsibilities of the Treasurer’s office expertly. This is a challenging role in a rapidly changing environment. The taxpayers can’t afford to provide on-the-job training to a candidate without these experiences and qualifications.

Editorial • Local 12

NOVEMBER 2018  AdvocateNewsTX.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Why a Republican Majority is Critical President Trump and a Republican Congress have accomplished a lot of what they promised; lower taxes and fewer regulations. The result is a growing economy and increasing prosperity.

Unfinished promises are; More and Permanent Tax Reductions, Improved Health Care, Better Border Security/Immigration Policy, Rebuilding our Infrastructure and More Favorable Terms of Trade.

While these are important, there is another objective—restoring trust/faith in our government institutions—especially those to whom we have given so much power over our lives. Trust in the IRS, FBI, DOJ, CIA, NSA etc. has never, for good reasons, been lower.

Benjamin Franklin was famously asked as he was leaving Constitution Hall - What have you given us? His reply was; “A Constitutional Republic if you can keep it.”

Restoring trust is essential to keeping it.

While all politicians/parties have been involved in unethical, corrupt and unlawful acts in the past, the major current issues/ acts occurred under a Democrat Administration. While there is already enough smoke to indicate a major fire there is, as yet, no accountability and we know not to depend on those responsible to credibly investigate themselves.

Congress has Constitutional oversight yet they have had to cope with DOJ, FBI, CIA road blocks based on what has proven to be a false premise of “PROTECTING SOURCES AND METHODS”.

The roadblocks have instead served to cover up acts/behavior we would expect in a Banana Republic.

Special Prosecutor Mueller is moving to wind up his investigation of the President and current Republican Committee Chairmen are determined to find facts and pursue accountability.

Democrats in line for key Chairmanships are already on record to moot the 2016 election and shut down Congressional inquiry into institutional malfeasance.

In other words, cover up the cancer and prove Dr. Franklin prophetic.

This issue is several magnitudes more important than mere policy debates.

We should all (Democrats, Republicans, Independents) vote to preserve The Republican Congressional majorities for two more years and hold them all (Executive and Legislative) accountable in 2020.

Pray Dr. Franklin was overly pessimistic!

Charles Baker, Colonel USAF (R) Georgetown

Support for Evelyn McLean

As Pct. 1 Constable and friend, I support Evelyn McLean for JP3. I write today because of letters I have seen in support of her opponent I find to be factually incorrect. Unfortunately, social media and the press are pretty much the only way voters get information about local candidates.

While it is not the responsibility of the press to correct a citizen's opinion, what do we do when that published opinion is based on inaccurate information?

For instance, a letter printed by the Williamson County Sun suggests that Katherine Kubatzky will save tax dollars "by only incarcerating those who really need it." Justice courts impose fines, they do not put people in jail, so to suggest that this candidate has a better—or more tax-friend-

ly—alternative in an effort to gain votes is either uninformed or deliberately deceitful.

The only criminal proceedings in a JP court are traffic and Class C misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only. The job does involve signing arrest warrants, however that is in due process with law enforcement and is not related in any way to sentencing.

I implore Precinct 3 voters to be aware of the actual responsibilities of all of our candidates, and their qualifications, before going to the polls.

Vinnie Cherrone, Constable 1 Precinct _____________________ There's no question I will be voting for my mom, Evelyn McLean, for Justice of the Peace, Pct 3 on November 6. What I want to share with your readers are the characteristics and principles she lives by that she doesn't put on her resume or list in her qualifications for the job. First and foremost, no one knows better than me how committed she is to the family. Being a professional woman with a full-time career and her own business never kept her from managing work/life

balance. She was always my biggest fan at my volleyball & basketball games, never missed watching me cheer, and attended all my other important events in and out of school. She will be able to connect and understand the multiple duties of the office, because she has been living her life that way—effortlessly—all my life. Who better to understand the diversity of responsibilities than a person who has done so seamlessly for many, many years?

She is also dedicated to the people of her church and the ministries they support because she is compassionate and empathetic as a rule.

Just this summer she and my dad traveled to Mazatlan on a mission trip to help special needs orphans.

Evelyn McLean will be a Judge who represents the people of Precinct 3 because she shares their values and priorities. I admire my mom for her desire to continue to serve. Even though she recently retired as a Police Captain, one of her first thoughts was "How else can I serve?"

I think the people of Precinct 3 deserve nothing but the best, and I know my mom fits that description.

Caitlin McLean Greatting Georgetown

In My Own Time I've had enough of politics. So to give

myself a break, I decided to watch some alien programming for fun. I am convinced that what we all need is a UFO invasion because, in true Independence Day style, a threat from space is likely the only thing that will make us all realize we are on the same team. Red vs. Blue will seem a little stupid when we have wave motion guns melting Stonehenge and Mt. Rushmore.

Still, Ancient Aliens got me thinking; I love a good mental exercise. I also love alternate history and time travel. Put the two together and see how much we really know our history. I enjoy the idea of being a time traveler and going back to just the right moment to, say, trip Gavrilo Princip at the last second before Archduke Ferdinand turned the corner... or steer the Titanic five degrees to port. Maybe I could explain if they just hit the iceberg head on, they’ll crunch the front of the ship, but won’t sink.

Then again, how do I do that? Tell the captain his unsinkable ship is doomed and he has to give everyone whiplash versus drowning?

How could I tell the FBI that a couple of planes are going to hit the Twin Towers and the Pentagon? First, I’d be in jail for the threat, and they’d question me forever about how I knew.

And frankly, off the top of my head, all I can remember is three flights from Logan airport headed to the west coast and there is a guy named Atta on one of them with a box cutter. If I didn’t have Google, that is the extent of what is in my own long-term memory. I suppose I could call in a threat of some kind of make sure no one goes into the buildings before 8 am, but that doesn’t save anyone on the planes, the buildings still collapse, and I’m in Gitmo.

Further back, if I warn someone about Pearl Harbor, again I’m probably a spy and the best we could do was have our planes already on alert. At least I remember the date on that one. (12/7/41, right?) Now I'm in an internment camp.

Maybe I could tell everyone in New Orleans that Katrina is going to wipe out half the city and they should all leave. But wait, they were told to leave before the storm hit.

Again, no one would believe me.

I could hang out in the book depository in Dallas on November 23, 1963, but would I have to kill Oswald myself and go to jail for a random murder? Not like anyone would believe he was about to kill JFK. I might have killed John Wilkes Booth before he shot Lincoln, but some doctors think Abe may have been already dying from Marfan’s disease. Again, I’m in jail.

If I felt like going back to the Middle Ages to be a miracle worker, again, I don’t

know which exact date to avoid the Black Plague. Plus, I would be bringing all kinds of weird bacteria with me and would likely get sick quickly from whatever diseases have been eradicated since then. Oh, and I don’t know how to make my own penicillin, so I wouldn’t be able to cure anything anyway. For that matter, I’d be lucky to even get a job since I don’t know how to make any food from scratch. Or hunt. Or grow stuff. And would likely be burned at the stake if someone caught me doing something evil, like math.

Would I kill Hitler as a teenager? Probably; because aside from depriving the world of the Volkswagen, I think that one might be worth going to jail.

There are more subtle things I could do that wouldn’t land me in jail I suppose. I could have invested in, in order, Microsoft, Apple, AOL, Netscape, Yahoo, Facebook, and Apple again.

My favorite, of course, is going back to 33 AD with a video camera and hanging out in the cemetery on the first Easter. But even that wouldn’t be without consequences. The whole premise of Christianity is faith, so if someone showed up with proof, what would we all argue about?

Practically speaking, theorists have recently pointed out that any time travel device would have to include gravity. If I travel to a different point in time, I also have to estimate where the planet will be in its rotation as well as where it will be in orbit. I could easily end up inside a volcano or floating in space on the other side of the sun. Again, too much math. Not worth the trip.

I guess I’d have to settle for something innocent. Maybe just hang out in my high school like a McFly on the wall and tell myself not to date that guy who turned out to be abusive, or not to be late for homeroom the year I lost a student council election by one vote (my own). Idiot.

How much would it change history if I had dinner with, say, Thomas Jefferson or Mark Twain; just to pick their brains a little. That’d be nice.

Can’t even say I would stop in 1957 to tell my dad to quit smoking. Where I am today is not where I would be if he had been around to tell me to make one or two different choices 20 years ago. Ironic. I also wish he were here to meet his grandson, whom I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t traveled around the world and met his father on the way, on a trip my dad would never have approved of in the first place. Paradoxes abound.

Safe to say, time travel will not be safe in my hands. Who knows? Maybe some future person already did it and steered the Titanic into the iceberg on purpose because someone on the ship would have given birth to the person who started World War III in 1977. Or maybe Bernie Madoff's grandfather (the real target) shoved an old lady out of the way and jumped into a lifeboat.​ Sounds like another good movie plot—a socially-conscious Terminator. Someone call James Cameron. Meanwhile, I'm going to go early vote just in case the aliens don't get here soon.

The Last Word NOVEMBER 2018  AdvocateNewsTX.com

13

OP-ED

PUBLISHER'S CORNER

Support for Congressman John Carter

ered business as usual that a Republican would serve in Texas’s 31st Congressional District. This year, with your vote, will be no exception. But that isn’t to say that 2018 hasn’t been a bit different. The Democrats have stepped up their game a bit. They are, at least, running a candidate this year with the ability to reach some people. Fortunately for Congressman Carter, however, when his opponent’s background is exposed, it becomes apparent that she is a leftwing liberal masquerading as a pseudo-conservative.

You may want to note, that while her commercials and advertisements are “flowery”, she says almost nothing about her positions.

This should make it impossible for a thinking person to pull the lever for her. To put it mildly, she is standing on “sinking sand.”

Without a doubt, our esteemed Congressman, John Carter, will win next week. He will stand to fight another day. And he will win, not only because of his distinguished record of service, but because he has put together a great team that understands the process and has worked 24/7 along with other Republican candidates in the county and their teams.

by Terry Wilson, Texas Representative District #20

Here in Texas, in-person early vot-

ing began October 22nd, and runs through November 2nd. Texans have the opportunity to cast a vote and make their voices heard as to whom they want representing them in Washington, D.C. and in Austin.

That opportunity comes during the most contentious political climate I have ever experienced in the United States, rivaling some of the centuries-old tribal and ethnic conflicts I experienced during my years serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I hear a refrain from Texans that they are exhausted by the constant drumbeat of partisan acrimony. TexColonel Terry Wilson, US Army (Retired) ans are looking for representatives who understand that when it comes to government, fighting for the people His opponent is also a fighter, a decyou serve is more about forging working orated Air Force veteran who served in relationships than sharpening swords.

Afghanistan, but her antagonistic approach Serving in the Texas Legislature as State to conflict is short-sighted and reckless, Representative for Texas House District 20, burning every bridge that doesn’t serve her I have had the honor of sharing a constitimmediate goal, without regard for how uency with Congressman John Carter, a today’s opponent may need to be tomorpublic servant who embodies everything row’s ally. we need in our national politics right now.

In her autobiography she recounts, with Congressman Carter is running for great pride, how, as a political activist she reelection, and the choice between him and used lawsuits, bull-rush style lobbying, and his opponent, M.J. Hegar, is a perfect rep“full shock and awe” tactics, going so far resentation of the choice facing Americans as to ask an elderly congressman “Have about which direction we want to take our you ever sexually assaulted someone? ... Is politics. Both are passionately dedicated to it because you’ve never had the opportuour state and our servicemen and women; nity?”, insinuating that the older members however, it is how they approach the fight of congress were propping up a culture that makes this race so symbolic of our indifferent to sexual assault. This resulted current national political climate. in no legislation, and no change in funding Congressman Carter has worked to to help bring rapists to justice and demonbuild up our most important institutions: strate that we, as a society, do not tolerate helping take the Central Texas Veterans sexual assault.

Health Care System in Temple from 1 to 4 Compare that to Congressman Carter, stars; leading the effort to establish higher who, with nearly unanimous support this education opportunities in the district; and past week, passed, and the President signed working with the Army to create a pilot into law, The Justice Served Act. The new program at Fort Hood to help soldiers law provides much needed federal funding pursue well-paying civilian employment to process backlogged rape-kits, funds the through vocational training. investigation and prosecution of sexual Although his main focus is on building assault cases that have gone cold, and working relationships that produce results increases access and timely use of DNA for the people of Texas and Congressional testing to help prosecute rapists and exonDistrict 31, Congressman Carter isn’t afraid erate those wrongfully convicted. of a fight when one is necessary. When a As a recently retired combat veteran, terrorist struck Fort Hood, Congressman Infantry Colonel, and a uniformed acquisiCarter went the distance to award Purple tions executive for the United States Army, Hearts and pay full benefits to the surviving I have witnessed, and supported, congresfamilies, despite considerable pushback to sional committee hearings and budget classify the attack as workplace violence. negotiations. I can attest to the fact that Across 15 years, Congressman Carter those who walk in looking for a fight find has worked with both Republicans and themselves on the outside, rather than at the Democrats, stood firm while his party went negotiating table. They get a lot of things in and out of the majority, and worked with said, but never get much done. three different presidential administrations.

The choice is clear. A vote to add more Despite this turmoil, Congressman Carter turmoil and acrimony to Washington passed multiple pieces of legislation that without getting much done, or a vote to were then signed by the President during forge working relationships with others to each of those administrations, a feat fewer accomplish the work needed back home. than ten percent of congressional members Congressman Carter has an established recan claim. He accomplished all of this cord in the latter, and this district deserves without ever taking up residence in Washthat experience. ington, choosing instead to sleep on the I’m supporting Congressman John Carter couch in his office, and flying Southwest for re-election, and I’m asking you to do out of respect for the taxpayers funding the the same. travel.

by Mike Payne

Carter & Gravell Will Uphold Texas' Conservative Values There is just under a week to go before the 2018 election season is over. The results appear to be about what I expected going into these races. There are a lot of people who have worked hard, given selflessly, and contributed greatly. One race of interest is that of Congressman John Carter. Congressman Carter has represented Williamson County since 2003.

Throughout his tenure in Congress, he has accomplished much for our country, and even more for the residents of our great state of Texas. I could regale you with a list of thousands of constituents for whom Congressman Carter has intervened and “gone to bat”, but it would take volumes to name each individually.

Until now, it was consid-

As far as the Williamson County Judge race, there isn’t a harder working or more qualified candidate than Republican Judge Bill Gravell. After earning recognition for his JP3 court as a premier court throughout the entire United States, Judge Gravell will bring this same skill set to the role as the leader of a county that has for two decades been mired in the past.

Citizens should expect to see some swift and meaningful change in how this county leader responds to those who are charged with delivering the services that citizens depend on every day. Make no mistake, by electing Bill Gravell, Williamson County will have a County Judge with the ability and energy to transform the government side into the same winning formula as our economic base.

Above all, remember that we, the voters, must elect leaders who uphold traditional American values if we want to maintain the unique quality of life we have now. The Advocate firmly believes that Congressman John R. Carter and County Judge candidate, Judge Bill Gravell are two of the best. If you haven’t yet voted, do so on November 6th!

THIRD COURT OF APPEALS Mike Toth for Justice, Place 6 Justice Mike Toth was appointed to the Third Court of Appeals by Governor Greg Abbot in September 2018. He is also a Major in the US Marine Corps Reserves.

Justice Toth says he was inspired to join the Corps after 9/11. He spent four years on active duty as a Marine attorney, worked as an attorney for two federal judges, and as Special Counsel at the Texas Attorney General's Office, where he fought against federal overreach. Justice Toth was Senior Counsel at a private firm prior to his appointment.

"As a Marine and as an attorney, I have protected Texans, the rule of law and the Constitution. Becoming a Justice seemed to me to be the place where I could best continue protecting Texans and defending our Constitution."

Working closely with Attorney General Ken Paxton, Toth handled numerous cases challenging job-killing federal regulations that threatened harm to Texas

businesses and residents.

His legal arguments also helped General Paxton obtain numerous nationwide victories against the Obama Administration.

He was drawn to the Court of Appeals for the critical nature of the cases that come before the bench.

"The Third Court of Appeals the final stop for the vast bulk of lawsuits filed in this area. Additionally, the Third Court handles cases involving state regulations, laws, and officials because it has jurisdiction over the seat of the state government—Travis County."

Justice Toth will continue to serve Williamson County as a Marine and is running to continue as Judge; "I am fair, impartial, and fully committed to the rule of law. I will not legislate from the bench."

Having been appointed to the job during his campaign, he has pleased to report the duties are everything he hoped; "I truly love the feeling of waking up every day with the responsibility to enforce the

rule of law and defend our Constitution. It is a heavy burden, but also a very fulfilling one. I also enjoy the collegiality with my fellow justices on the Third Court, who are all wonderful and thoughtful people."

Toth asks for voters' support "because I will defend and uphold the Constitution. Voters can trust me to interpret and apply the law faithfully as it is written.

My experience and qualifications are why Governor Abbott, two former Texas Chief Justices, and major law enforcement and business leaders have endorsed me."

Governor Abbott says of his new Justice, " “Mike Toth will defend the Constitution as written and not legislate from the bench.

He has the right experience and qualifications and I’m confident he’ll serve on the court with distinction. I strongly endorse Mike Toth for Third Court of Appeals and urge Texans to vote for him.”

14

NOVEMBER 2018 ï‚« AdvocateNewsTX.com

TOWN & COUNTRY

NOVEMBER 2018

Lionheart Academy Day Care y r a n i d r o a Extr

by Ann Marie Ludlow

Celebration Church in

Georgetown is working hard to prepare for full-time child care with Lionheart Children's Academy, set to open in January.

Sheryle Knorre, Executive Director at Celebration says a serendipitous meeting at a seminar introduced the church team to Lionheart. In a confluence of planning and good timing, that partnership is evolving into a long-sought community service the church hopes will give families the comfort and support they need in a child care solution. "We like the idea of circling back to when the church was the center of social activity as well as spiritual. Families can come here seven days a week; whether for a faith-based, social, or educational need.

The heart of our church and our pastors is about the people. The bridge of Lionheart and Celebration is that we can help the whole family and meet them where they are."

Celebration has a child care program in place for employees, so they are already licensed and compliant for the new educational settings. Knorre says, "The

church has been wanting to provide this kind of care, and recent growth in the area put a lot of families nearby. Our mission has always been that this new building would be of service to and a blessing in this community, and now, here we are."

Pastors Joe and Lori Champion agree with the Lionheart mission; "It is truly a ministry and they are really in alignment with Celebration's vision. We place a high value on the next generation because kids are not the church of tomorrow—they are the church of today. Training up leaders at any age is what we do here."

Knorre says the rooms and outdoor areas are designed with activity diversity; e.g., playscapes and messy areas; and children's developmental milestones in mind. "Everything down to the types of chairs and toys we will have, is intentional to help with that development. When you're a parent and you have to make tough decisions, you want to feel comforted and secure that the people and vision you choose are really the best thing next to mom and dad."

Celebration is hoping to

help families who are dual income or single parent homes by providing a welcoming and nourishing environment for children 6 weeks to 12 years old.

"We are so excited to have a staff that can't wait to love on these kids and be a part of helping them get to know Jesus while they are here. We also have certified teachers who are delighted to be able to teach in a church environment. The whole team is excited."

But, you don't have to believe Lionheart's marketing.

Adèle Vermillion (pictured below with her son, Christiaan) explained how much she appreciates everything the Academy represents and does for its families.

I hoped, ideally, to be able to be a stay-at-home mom.

I knew the bubble would likely pop and I prayed I'd find someone who would love and care for my son like I would.

My stepdaughter told me about the Lionheart Academy at the church nearby and from the moment I got there, it felt warm and welcoming. They knew my name,

LIONHEART CHILDREN'S ACADEMY IS A NONPROFIT spoke to me about my whole CHRISTIAN CHILDCARE ORGANIZATION SERVING INFANTS AGE 5 WITH FULL AND PART-TIME PRESCHOOL AS WELL AS family and told me they are not BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER CLUB just day care— FOR K - 12 YEARS OF AGE. they are there for the entire WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT EQUIPPING KIDS TO BE child, spiritually, WORLD CHANGERS AND SUPPORTING WORKING PARENTS physically and WHO NEED QUALITY, AFFORDABLE CARE AND EDUCATION emotionally. They FOR THEIR CHILDREN. said, "We are not PLEASE VISIT WWW.LIONHEARTKID.ORG babysitters. We are here to love paycheck until something and expresses, on his own, on your child." So right better comes along." Lion"I love my school" or "I then I knew that this was heart is worthy of a parent's love my church." the place, and we would do trust; they are there because Vermillion asks other whatever it took to leave they want to watch chilparents to take advanhim in those good hands. I dren grow and learn. Visit tage of their mission; that was really nervous about LionheartKid.org or call Lionheart teachers are not having others helping me 512-763-3000 to schedule a babysitters. They are there raise my child, but my son tour at Celebration Church because they want to be, loves Lionheart and every on Westinghouse Road in out of love for children and day he stops at the front Georgetown. their faith. It is "not just a

Meet Jesus • Make Friends • Be a Leader • Love Others 15

CityInsiderTX.com 15

CITY INSIDER

MAYOR'S UPDATE: GEORGETOWN AIRPORT MASTER PLAN UPDATE

by Mayor Dale Ross

This summer, City Coun-

cil approved an update to the Georgetown Municipal Airport Master Plan, a guide for future development at our local airport. It was a comprehensive, 18-month review and rewrite of the visioning plan for the Airport, last updated in 2005. Coffman Associates, a planning firm specializing in airport master plan consulting, worked with the City and a seven-member planning advisory committee in completing the master plan update.

We are very fortunate to be the home of the Georgetown Municipal Airport. The Airport is a key driver of our local economy, employing 139 people and supporting more than 500 jobs tied to it. According to a recent economic impact study by the Texas Department of Transportation, the direct impact to the local economy from our Airport is $20 million per year. Indirectly, the Airport’s impact is more than $50 million.

The airport also serves as a reliever to Austin-Bergstrom Airport, and is instrumental in providing aircraft avionic and maintenance support for aircraft owners in the region. Airport businesses offer a range of services; flight training, recreational flying, medical transport and evacuation, and power line and pipeline patrols.

The purpose of the update is to provide a vision for future development at the Airport. The update also addresses changes in the aviation industry on a local and a national level and identifies appropriate on-airport land uses that are consistent with the City’s Future Land Use Plan. The update also created an Airport Layout Plan, which is a requirement for grant funding from the Texas Department of Transportation, and developed a 20-year prioritized list of capital projects at the Airport.

In understanding the scope of the update of the Airport Master Plan, it is helpful to know what it does not include. The master plan is not an airport relocation study or a noise compatibility study. It is not a study to add aircraft capacity at the Airport nor does it change a previous City Council resolution from 1996 on airport runway length. It is not a specific development site

16

plan nor does it recommend any zoning changes at the Airport. The update recommends only concepts. The Master Plan does not entail pre-approval for funding of projects. Additional City Council approval is required for all future funding requests.

And finally, the update does not require an Environmental Impact Statement.

In addition to the citizen planning advisory committee who provided feedback, the Master Plan update process included three public meetings where members of the public could review draft elements of the plan, ask questions, and provide written feedback. Public review and feedback also were offered through the Master Plan update website.

The Master Plan includes an inventory of existing facilities and traffic activity; forecasts for future based-aircraft, takeoffs, and landings; facility requirements; and contextual information such as area socioeconomic data, and local planning and land use information.

The Airport Master Plan update includes several key findings and recommendations.

An updated Airport Layout Plan in the report proposes areas on the northwest and northeast quadrants of the Airport for future aviation-related development. Other recommendations include extending ground leases to 50 years, adding restaurant or concession options at the Airport, and considering a new name for the Airport. And finally, the update recommends that the Airport remains a general aviation reliever airport focusing on leisure and business aviation, not commercial passenger jet service.

To review the Airport Master Plan Update report, go to airport.georgetown.org/ airport-master-plan.

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CityInsiderTX.com

NOVEMBER 2018

Cattlemen's Ball: Success in Diamonds and Denim

The Williamson Museum hosted

one of Georgetown’s premiere events Oct. 20 at the Sheraton Georgetown; the 7th Annual Cattlemen’s Ball. Museum Director Mickie Ross put on a spectacular evening to raise money for museum events and exhibits, as well as to celebrate Honoree Gail "Big Boy" Hester for his legacy of caring and community involvement in Round Rock and across Williamson County.

The capacity crowd dismissed work, politics, and even sports

rivalries to enjoy music, steaks, TapSnaps, raffles, and impressive silent and live auctions. Among the top prizes were a seven-day trip to Punta Cana, artwork, jewelry, and special “to-do” things like a party for 20 at the Historic Courthouse during the Poppy Festival.

Honoree "Big Boy" has lived in Round Rock for 80 years and built a solid and friendly reputation of service through his ownership in an automobile repair shop. He says he got his nickname because

he has a twin brother and he was always the bigger of the two.

Big Boy is also known locally for his fundraising fishing trips that annually raise $20,000 for the YMCA and Chamber of Commerce. He was surrounded by family and long-time friends throughout the evening.

Congressman John Carter, a long-time friend, read from the proclamation he submitted to the record in the Library of Congress.

His recognition for Big Boy's countless contributions to Central Texas included; "If you know round Rock, you know Big Boy. If you've had your car repaired or been to a community event, maybe you attended one of his annual fishing trip fundraisers. Or perhaps you took the family to a baseball game at Dell Diamond. If you've enjoyed

all that Round Rock has to offer, you've felt the impact of Big Boy. He doesn't do any of this for publicity or personal gain."

The museum also announced their newest fundraising project, Wilco-pedia, the organization's first published history of Williamson County as a keepsake coffee table book, scheduled to be available to the public in March 2019.

Photo left: 2018 Honoree Gail "Big Boy" Hester and his wife, Louise, with Museum Director Mickie Ross (center) at the Ball.

• Above: Museum Board President Joe Savage shows off his one-of-akind cowboy hat for the occasion.

17

CITY INSIDER

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CityInsiderTX.com

NOVEMBER 2018

HONOR FLIGHT AUSTIN • ALL-FEMALE VISIT TO WASHINGTON D.C. MEMORIALS Every Honor Flight is

a special and profound experience but Flight #54 achieved another level of uniqueness.

Honor Flight Austin has taken more than 2000 veterans since its inception but for the first time, the entire cadre of veterans was female and they represented multiple United States combat eras.

The all-female flight was planned in the spring of this year and notices went out to military and women's organizations all over Central Texas. Thanks to consistent support from corporate and agency sponsors throughout the year, 43 women were able to make the expenses-paid trip to see the World War II, Korean and Vietnam Memorials and the two memorials specifically dedicated to women in combat.

One is The Women In Military Service For America Memorial, the only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended America throughout history beginning with the American Revolution. It is located at the ceremonial entrance

to the Arlington National Cemetery and was opened to the public in Oct 1997.

The second monument is the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, which lies in a grove of trees just south of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The 15-foot tall bronze statue depicts three women caring for a wounded soldier. There were over 265,000 women — many of them nurses — who served in the Vietnam War. Included in this group were Georgetown's American Legion Post 174 Judge Advocate Marti Renger-Hopkins and member Marilyn Campbell.

Post Commander Frank Espinosa says his members loved the idea of being on the same flight together and they reported that the trip far exceeded their expectations. Espinosa added; "This was the first time I have been on a flight myself and it was a wonderful experience; interacting with the personnel from Honor Flight as well as enjoying the delight of all the veterans."

Honor Flight Austin is committed to do whatever it takes to fulfill the dreams

of veterans and help them travel absolutely free to visit their Memorial.

Honor Flight began as a means to enable World War II Veterans to visit their memorial in the Nation's Capital as the site was so recently completed and so few of the Greatest Generation were unable to see it in their lifetimes.

The next flight, Nov 2 will honor African-American Community veterans.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 640 WWII veterans die each day.

Sadly, many of our WWII Veterans will never have a chance to see their memorial. They ask supporters to help find as many willing and able WWII Veterans in the state of Texas and give them a chance to see their memorial.

Friends and family may nominate a Veteran for an Honor Flight by filling out a Veteran application at HonorFlightAustin.org Anyone may apply to be volunteer or a guardian on a future Honor Flight. Guardians must be able to provide wheelchair support.

Now Open

Top: (L-R) Post Judge Advocate Marti Renger-Hopkins, member Don Jones, member Marilyn Campbell, member and Auxiliary President Tammy Mathis, and Post 1st Vice Commander Frank Espinosa, Jr. Arrival on October 20th. • Below: Veterans and guardians arriving back at Austin-Bergstrom airport to hundreds of family members, friends and well-wishers.

MILL DIRECT Carpet & Floor Covering

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512.930.3811

900 North Austin Avenue

Suite 113

Georgetown

34 b eers on D raft

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Pool League Dart League Texas Hold ‘Em Pub Quiz Night Live Music

Saturday Nights!

Superstar Karaoke Coming in July!

Sunday Brunch Buffet Non-Smoking and Smoking Rooms

305 Limestone Terrace Jarrell • 254-462-4060 NEW HOURS: MON-WED 3 pm to Midnight THURS, FRI & SUN Noon to Midnight SAT Noon to 1am 19

CITY INSIDER

CD RATES JARRELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Monthly Networking Luncheon

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Sonterra Pool Clubhouse | 510 Sonterra Blvd. | Jarrell, TX Guest Speaker: Texas Representative Terry Wilson Luncheon Sponsor: Massa Dentistry

www.JarrellCOC.com • info@JarrellCOC.com • 512-677-5501 www.JarrellCOC.com

DAILY SPECIALS!

512-677-5501

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LOBBY HOURS (both locations)

Monday-Thursday 8:30 am - 4 pm Friday 8:30 am - 6 pm

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60-Month CD

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CD Rates are current through the date of this issue.

12345 N. IH-35 • Jarrell (512) 746-2531

MONDAY Kids Eat Free (with the purchase of an adult meal)

EOE

Crispy Taco Plate $5.99 TUESDAY Wild Enchilada Dinner $5.99 House Margarita $2

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of Jarrell

WEDNESDAY Parrillada Mixta $10.99

Sundays

THIRSTY THURSDAY Chimichanga Plate $6.99

Breakfast Saturday & Sunday

(Ground beef or shredded chicken)

Catering Available

FRIDAY Live Mariachi

Delivery Service

Tall Domestic Drafts $2 after 7pm

WEEKLY SCHEDULE 9:45 am Bible Study • 11 am Morning Worship 5 pm Choir Practice • 6 pm Evening Worship

BAPTIST CHURCH P A S T O R

K E V I N

R O S S

Wednesdays 7- 8 pm

Youth - Grades 7 through 12 God’s Kids - Age 5 - 6th grade • Adult Bible Study

Even if you are not ready to be a member, you are encouraged to worship with us! We will be honored to be of service to you. We will provide a place in our church fellowship for temporary residents (and others) and a transitional step for those who need more time to review Baptist beliefs.

205 Sonterra Blvd | Open 7 Days a Week!

NEED A RIDE? Call (512) 966-0971

512-746-5262 | www.MexicanoGrilleJarrell.com

Dr. Max Johnson, Pastor

MONDAY - FRIDAY OPEN 10 AM | SATURDAY & SUNDAY OPEN 9AM

New Hope

110 W. Avenue G, Jarrell, TX

“ THE BARN CHURCH ” SERVICES: Sunday: 11 am & 6 pm

Sunday School: 9:45 am Wednesday: 7 pm

(512) 746-2828 1700 CR 305 | JARRELL

Uncompromising Bible Teaching The Rev. Dr. Bill Pederson, Pastor

Genuine Worship Authentic Fellowship

Join us for worship!

9:30 am Sunday School | 10:30 am Sunday Worship Children’s chapel & nursery offered during worship

Saturday, Dec. 8 • 4 pm

Free Concert

BACH’S MAGNIFICAT

Sun City Campus | 811 Sun City Blvd, Georgetown Traditional Services—Sundays at 9 & 11 a.m.

Rocky Hollow Campus | 375 CR 245, Georgetown Blended Service—Sundays at 10 a.m.

512-869-1310 | www.twptx.org | twp@twptx.org

5404 Williams Drive | Georgetown | 512-868-0902 | www.sgpcgeorgetown.org

20

CityInsiderTX.com

NOVEMBER 2018

WHAT

JARRELL'S

GOT...

Lu and Adi's Body Shop: Dents & Details Another sign of Jarrell

growth is a new, and local, energetic little auto body shop owned by Adisson Mata. Mata has been working on (and crazy about) cars since he was 6, and says his shop can handle "small dents to train wrecks."

He is also endeavoring to be a well-oiled machine that the community will know and rely on. "We provide the kind of service busy people have lately come to need and appreciate; open seven days a week and we can pick up and drop off a vehicle at the owner's residence."

Mata's goal is to make a bad situation go as smoothly as possible. "If you have an accident, call the police, then your insurance, then our shop. We work with all insurance companies so you don't have to worry. We walk your claim through the paperwork and keep you informed every step of the way."

At 24, he has the vitality of a millennial with the work ethic of great generations. "We have all been working on cars our whole lives and we have a great team dynamic. We are well-rounded and we take so much pride in our work,

we put a lifetime guarantee on it."

Not content to only help after an accident, they also have Saul, an honest-to-goodness artist from California who helps customers freshen up their old cars with custom paint and detailing.

Saul says he loves Texas and brought with him a California sense of nature and is meticulous about chemicals and spraying; "We are very conscious of our resources and over-spraying is bad for the car, our garage and the environment."

The process, Mata says, is pretty simple for the

customer. His folks go to the car or bring it into the shop, take photos, provide estimates and send out to the insurance company.

"We are happy to bring a new take to everything we do, make it convenient for the customer and make sure they don't have to deal with insurance themselves."

He is also happy to report when a client calls in, he answers the phone himself.

"The company number is my cell phone. We want people to fall in love with a new process to getting their car fixed."

Mata says they chose Jarrell because the business

Juan, expert on structural repair; and Adisson at work in the garage.

environment is growing and well-nurtured by the community. He also believes one of the pluses of working and serving with millennials means they are used to being transparent and on the same page with their customers; "The

customer becomes part of the team."

Call Lu & Adi at 979533-7975 for custom paint and detailing, body work, glass replacement (windshields), and paintless dent repair (hail damage).

21

CITY INSIDER

M•A•R•K•E•T•P•L•A•C•E PRODUCTS & SERVICES

DINING & SHOPPING

ANIMAL MEDICAL

OF SALADO Linda Quirk, DVM Lindsay Fultz,

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Small Animal Medicine • Vaccinations Wellness Exams • Dentistry • Surgery Spay/Neuter • Grooming & Boarding Microchipping • Hills Science Diet Heartworm/Tick & Flea Prevention

Taking the Best Care of Your Best Friend!

YOUR NEW FAVORITE TAQUERIA JUST OPENED

Made-From-Scratch Authentic Mexican Taqueria Now Serving Breakfast Lunch, and Dinner

Emergency Services • House Calls

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Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Sat 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Sun. 4-5 pm pickup only

512-746-2377 12901 N IH 35 Jarrell

EXPANDED COVERAGE AREA! Highspeed Internet Services Available In:

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Mobile Veterinary Clinic Vaccinations, Wellness Care, Microchipping, Spay/Neuter, Dentistry, Heartworm & Flea Preventive

Jarrell Clinic

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R E F R I G E R AT I O N

Repair • Installation • Service Sheet Metal Fabrication

Nov 3 & Dec 1 • 10 am - Noon 304 Sonterra Blvd.

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(in front of Sphere Realty Offices)

allpurposeair@ecpi.com

Florence Clinic Nov 10 & Dec 8 10 am - Noon

GET READY FOR

HOLIDAY SHOPPING!

ladies’ boutique • full service salon • barber shop

NEW ARRIVALS! BLACK FRIDAY EVENT NOVEMBER 23!

Follow us on Facebook for all the details!

180 TOWN CENTER BLVD | JARRELL (beside Sun Fresh Market) 254-291-4790 | Follow Us on Facebook for Sales & New Arrivals!

Salado Creek Antiques.com Always buying:

Fine Estates • Fine Jewelry • One Piece Or All

511 Stagecoach Road • Salado IH-35 Access Road - Northbound - Exit 285

254-947-1800

FREE Area Delivery • Estate Services Mon-Sat 10 to 5 • Sunday Noon to 4

Ace In The Hole Pawn (FM 970 & IH-95) David Foster, DVM • (254) 228-3960 No Appointment for Mobile Clinic Limited to Cats & Dogs

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Smith Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

(512) 746-5641 (512) 869-1032 St License # TACLA4518C

AUTO

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607 Leander Rd. • Georgetown 512-869-6993 Over 20 years of Quality Service

DEPENDABLE SERVICE

22

✯

LOCAL & LONG DISTANCE

512.863.7633

OFF ROAD RECOVERY

STONE SERVICES Automotive Repair Truck Repair Towing

(512) 746-2918 IH-35 - Exit 275

RV TOWING ✯ FLATBED AVAILABLE ✯ LOCKOUTS

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Breakfast ● Sandwiches ● Salads Smoothies ● Gourmet Coffee Espresso ● Homemade White & Wheat Bread & Bagels

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MOTORCYCLE TOWING

CityInsiderTX.com

NOVEMBER 2018

HOW TO GET VETERANS' FUNERAL AND BURIAL BENEFITS Dear Savvy Senior, Does the VA provide any special burial benefits to old veterans? My dad, who has late-stage Parkinson’s disease, served during the Vietnam War in the 1960s.

Only Child Dear Only, Most U.S. veterans are eligible for burial and memorial benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration.

Veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible. To verify your dad’s discharge, you’ll need

a copy of his DD Form 214 “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,” which you can request online at Archives. gov/veterans.

Here’s a rundown of some of the different benefits that are available to veterans that die a nonservice related death.

National Cemetery Benefits

If your dad is eligible, and would like to be buried in one of the 136 national or 111 grant-funded state and tribal VA cemeteries (see www.cem.va.gov/cem/cems/ listcem.asp for a list), the VA provides a host of benefits, at no cost to the fam-

ily, including: a gravesite; opening and closing of the grave; perpetual gravesite care; a government headstone or marker; a United

PROFESSIONAL

SERVING WILLIAMSON COUNTY SINCE 1993 Community Owned and Operated

By being a part of our community rather than a large corporation, The Gabriels can easily accomodate any service families require.

512.869.8888 • 393 N ORTH I-35 • G EORGETOWN , T EXAS

CavLaw,

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512.775-7676 • cavlawtx@gmail.com 181 Town Center Blvd • Suite 500 Jarrell, TX 76537

States burial flag that can be used to drape the casket or accompany the urn (after the funeral service; the flag is given to the next-of-kin as a keepsake); and a presidential memorial certificate.

National cemetery burial benefits are also available to spouses and dependents of veterans.

If your dad is cremated, his remains will be buried or in-urned in the same manner as casketed remains.

Funeral or cremation arrangements and costs are not, however, taken care of by the VA. They are the responsibility of the veteran’s family, but some veteran’s survivors are eligible for burial allowances, which are explained below.

If you’re interested in this option, the VA offers a pre-need burial eligibility determination program at www.cem.va.gov/pre-need or call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.

Private Cemetery Benefits

If your father is going to be buried in a private cemetery, the benefits available include a free government headstone or marker, or a medallion that can be affixed to an existing privately purchased headstone or marker; a burial flag; and a Presidential memorial certificate.

Funeral or cremation arrangements and costs are again the responsibility of the family (some burial allowances may be available), and there are no benefits offered to spouses and dependents that are buried in private cemeteries.

Military Funeral Honors

Another popular benefit available to all eligible veterans buried in either a national or private cemetery is a military funeral honors ceremony. This includes an honor guard detail of at least two uniformed military persons, folding and presenting the U.S. burial flag to the veteran’s

survivors, and the playing of Taps by a bugler or an electronic recording.

The funeral provider you choose will be able to assist you with all VA burial requests. Depending on what you want, certain forms may need to be completed which are always better to be done in advance.

For a complete rundown of burial and memorial benefits, eligibility details and required forms, visit www. cem.va.gov or call 800-8271000.

Burial Allowances

In addition to the burial benefits, some veteran’s survivors may also qualify for a $300 burial allowance (or $780 if hospitalized by VA at time of death) and $780 for a plot, to those who choose to be buried in a private cemetery. To find out if your dad is eligible, see Benefits.va.gov/benefits/ factsheets/burials/burial. pdf.

To apply for burial allowances, you’ll need to fill out VA Form 21P-530 “Application for Burial Benefits.” You need to attach a copy of your dad’s discharge document (DD 214 or equivalent), death certificate, funeral and burial bills. They should show that you have paid them in full. You may download the form at VA.gov/vaforms.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

23

CITY INSIDER

24

NOVEMBER 2018

CityInsiderTX.com