Community Service by Valerie Reddell

Vol. 160, No. 32 2012 Award Winner Better Newspaper Contest

75¢

TEXAS GULF COAST PRESS ASSOCIATION

2012 Award Winner Better Newspaper Contest

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

FRIDAY

2012 Award Winner Be er Newspaper Contest

Gonzales Inquirer The

OUR 160TH YEAR

September 21, 2012

SERVING GONZALES COUNTY

ESTABLISHED IN 1853 • GONZALES, TEXAS: HOME OF SHIRLEY STRAUSS • www.gonzalesinquirer.com

The Vaz Clinic, P.A.

Garth O. Vaz , M.D. Family Practice

You’ll Like Our Fees

Football Friday Night

Gonzales hosts Austin Lanier St. Paul hosts Weimar Shiner at Randolph Luling hosts Devine Nixon-Smiley is idle Games start at 7:30 p.m.

830-672-2424 New Friday Hours: 8:30AM-2PM 1103 N. Sarah DeWitt Dr., P.O. Box 562 Gonzales, Texas 78629 Email: THEVAZCLINICPA@stx.rr.com www.gvazmd.com

INSIDE Two taken to hospital a er midday crash snarls traﬃc at Sara DeWi Drive and College Street Thursday PAGE A7

Celebrations Birthdays

‘A resounding message’ City approves across-the-board employee pay increases B L A

editor@gonzalesinquirer.com Gonzales city employees will have an extra $2,080 in their pockets beginning Oct. 1 as a result of an acrossthe-board salary increase approved Tuesday by the Gonzales City Council. “[The salary increase] sends a resounding message to the employees, that this Council supports our employees,” said city manager Allen Barnes. The City Council’s decision to enact the salary increase comes, at least in part, in response to the marketplace. A

September 21 Leia Quinton Dalton Greg DuBose Johnny Hall Jr. Keith Heldarsen Jus n LaFleur Doris Leazer Nicholas Villa Teresa Waschichek

salary increase has been approved for Gonzales County employees, at least some area cities are already offering higher salaries for comparable positions and lucrative paychecks from the oilfield are creating obstacles which are harder and harder for the city to overcome. “We have a great, great city staff – and by city staff, I don’t just mean department heads, I mean the guys who work in the water department and the parks department, police department – I would hate to lose anybody we have,” Barnes said in presenting the proposal to the Council. Uncertainty also played a part in recommending the

pay increase. “[The salary increase] will alleviate some of the pressures that department heads have thinking, ‘when’s the next shoe going to fall’?” Barnes said. Barnes told the City Council that Cuero is considering raising its starting salary for employees to $13 per hour, which is $1 more than Gonzales currently offers. Applicants for city jobs have been very slow compared to previous years, Barnes said, which he blames on the oilfield, although he admitted “we’re fighting with McDonalds and Buc-ees for applicants.” See PAY RAISE page A3

Standing watch Daughters of Confederacy

September 22 Jordan Hermann Amy Saliger

seeking funds

B L A

September 23 Kelly DuBose Ross Hendershot III John Holden Trey King Gary Muelker Becky Villa Jaykob Yingling

editor@gonzalesinquirer.com

e has stood watch over Gonzales for the past 103 years. Day after day, night after night, tireless and unflinching, he is one of Gonzales’ most recognized figures. His vigilance has been unwavering. During storms, in blistering summer heat, on frosty winter mornings, he has stood his post, ready to give early warning of an enemy’s approach. He does not count the days, the months or the years. His dedication to duty transcends. He stands guard on quiet Sunday afternoons, amid the bustle of Come and Take It, every second of every day since 1909. His is a silent service, one that few can remember not being in Confederate Square. From his perch 32 feet above downtown, the eight-foot-tall white Carrara marble statue of a Confederate infantry picket shading his eyes as he keeps vigil to the north has served as guardian for generations who have risen and slept under the blanket of protection he ensures. He has been faithful. He has been constant. He has served without asking for anything in return. Until now. The more than 37,000 days that have passed since the statue and Confederate monument were erected in 1909 have taken their toll. They are in need of restoration and repair, but there’s no money

September 24 George Ara Jr. Sue Grauke Anton Lesak Jr. Jack Mills

Anniversaries September 20 Stephen & Sandy Henrichs September 22 David and Sascha Kardosz Email the Inquirer at ads@gonzalesinquirer.com to put your birthday or anniversary on our list

brought to you by

available for such a costly undertaking, except through donations. The statue is showing signs of biological growth that feeds on the minerals and moisture in the marble. That growth, according to renowned conservator Robert A. Marshall of R. Alden Marshall and Associates, will eventually break down the marble. In addition, the granite base’s joints and mortar are failing or missing altogether. But it’s nothing $16,000 can’t fix. See MONUMENT page A3

607 N Saint Joseph Street Gonzales, Texas (830) 672-2402 www.storeyjewelers.com

OBITUARIES June Hunter Hammerness Joy Frances Mills Nelson Elsie Gertrude Spitzenberger

PHOTO BY JEREMY WEBER/ GONZALES INQUIRER

BIBLE VERSE If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Thank a military veteran every day

Campaign launched to salute Pioneering Women For the first time ever, Pioneer Village and The Gonzales Inquirer will join in saluting modern-day women pioneers who have forged the way for others in their professions during the inaugural Gonzales County Pioneering Women Day on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Pioneer Village Living History Center. It is only fitting this day of recognition and celebration be held at the Village, according to Cindy Munson, manager for Pioneer Village. Also, according to Brenda Adams, publisher for the Inquirer, it is fitting that two large entities in the county – both operated by women – sponsor an event such as this, recognizing the contributions of women in the county

Our care makes a difference, our heart makes it home® A Home-Like Atmosphere Offering 24-Hour Care 701 N. Sarah DeWitt Drive Gonzales

Rehabilitation and Long Term Care

830-672-4530

and hosting a day all women can attend and join in celebration of being a woman. The women’s event celebrates pioneering women from Gonzales County’s recent history, who, by their actions and dedication, have led and won campaigns for equality and civil rights; who created and advanced educational and professional opportunities; and who made great contributions to the arts, sciences and humanistic causes. The event also recognizes innovative women who are helping pioneer new possibilities for generations of women to come. The work of the women nominated this year will represent a wide-range of occupations and accomplishments

– women from different areas of the county, educational, cultural, religious and economic backgrounds. The composite of their lives represents the mosaic of Gonzales County’s history and the diversity of its culture. The stories of these women’s lives will inspire others with the knowledge that adversity can be overcome and a purposeful life can be the outcome. Their stories are filled with pain and with joy, with challenges and with opportunities. They are stories of great tenacity, courage and ongoing hope. Knowing these stories expands our own sense of self and our knowledge of each other. The women who will be nominated should demonSee PIONEER SPIRIT page A7

HOLIDAY FINANCE CORPORATION LOANS LOANS UP UP TO TO $1,300.00

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Sept. 21, 2012

‘Cheating’ article generates interest for information “Cheating yourself,” an article about how cheating in school is on the increase, has received a lot of interest and feedback. The Tuesday, Sept. 18, article was inspired by a recent New York Times story, and the subject has received widespread coverage by magazines and newspapers. Although not specifically cited in the article, several researchers have studied the problem and have published their findings in scholarly publications. Those wanting more information about cheating should consult the findings of, among others: Donald L. McCabe, a professor at the Rutgers University Business School; Jeffrey A. Roberts and David M. Wasieleski from Duquesne University; Howard Gardner, a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education; Laurie L. Hazard, director of the Academic Center for Excellence at Bryant University; Jean M. Twenge, author of the book “Generation Me”; and Tricia Bertram Gallant, author of “Creating the Ethical Academy” and director of the academic integrity office at the University of California at San Diego. It was Bertram Gallant whose counseling of a student about academic integrity and her question to the student about what has been learned that prompted the completely serious response from that student: “Check the work my mom does?”

Pay Raise

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

One of the biggest concerns for the city was the impact not increasing salaries would have on the Gonzales Police Department. “The facts of life are, there’s a very high probability that we will lose a significant number of our policemen, and probably a significant number of our other employees to the county,” Barnes warned the Council. He said the Gonzales County Sheriff ’s Office has four additional deputy slots starting Oct. 1. “There’s a potential that shortly after that, we would lose several police officers.” Police Chief Tim Crow agreed that without the salary increase, his department could have faced a crisis situation. “[The salary increase] was to prevent a crisis from occurring, before it happened. This keeps us competitive with the county, it also keeps us competitive with the surrounding communities, and will hopefully lead to a longer retention of the officers,” Crow said Wednesday. “We want to be able to hire the best candidates we can. If we’re at a lower pay scale, then the better candidates will go to the higher paying agency. Our objective is to provide the best service we can to the community. We need to be able to hire the best qualified officers we can find,” he explained. The police department currently has five positions open. “[The City Council] needed to keep us competitive with what our local market is turning out to be. We want to retain our people, whether they’re mowing grass or enforcing the law or putting out a fire, we want to retain our people. We have to do everything we can to keep them employed,” Crow said. Councilman Clarence Opiela vocalized the consensus of the Council, saying “We can’t afford to lose any police officers.” While the salary increase approved increases salaries for

Brief history behind the Confederate monument In 1902, the recently organized Gonzales Chapter #545 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) began a new project: raising funds for a Confederate monument to be built in memory of all soldiers from this area who fought in the Civil War. In 1909, the Confederate monument cornerstone was laid in Gonzales’ main plaza, and in 1910, the monument was unveiled. Frank Teich of Llano, a noted creator of Civil War statues, sculpted the larger-thanlife Carrara marble representing a Confederate soldier “facing north, standing picket duty.” The marble sculpture was placed atop a granite base, the total monument being 40 feet tall. A sentiment heard dear, “Lest We Forget,” was inscribed on the south side of the monument. Although the Gonzales Chapter #545 later disbanded, the Cross of Honor Chapter #2553 was organized in 1990. In 2008, the chapter, along with the Historical Homes Association and the Gonzales County Historical Commission, erected an iron fence around the base of the monument. In 2012, the Cross of Honor Chapter #2553 started many projects, including a cookbook, to raise funds for the repair and restoration of the Gonzales Confederate monument. A renowned art conservator of sculptures has outlined a plan to return the monument to its original beauty, allowing the soldier to proudly guard Gonzales for generations to come.

all employees, the increase to $41,000 for a beginning police officer is consistent with what the sheriff ’s office is offering its deputies, Barnes said. “I really believe it’s necessary,” Opiela said of the salary increase. “I see people leaving all the time, everywhere.” “In order to remain competitive [with the marketplace], we’re going to have to do something,” said Mayor Bobby Logan. “We really can’t wait too much longer,” Councilman Tommy Schurig warned before the Council unanimously approved the increase. The annual impact on the budget for salaries is approximately $250,000, Barnes told the Council. The current salary basis and benefits through the end of the fiscal year (March 30) is just under $2,046,000. By matching what Gonzales County is doing, it would increase the city’s cost to $2,214,000. The city currently has $2.5 million budgeted for salary and benefits, Barnes said, so with the increases beginning Oct. 1, he anticipates a $326,000 surplus for salaries at the end of the year. Vacancies within the city Barnes told the City Council that about 30 applications have been received for the vacant Parks and Recreation director’s position, and that “several ap-

Monument

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

The Gonzales City Council at its Sept. 4 meeting authorized support and approval of the restoration, but did not appropriate any funds to accomplish the project. Therefore, the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) Cross of Honor Chapter #2553 is collecting donations, pursuing grants and undertaking fundraising projects in order to restore what has not only become a major tourist attraction, but is also a treasured town asset. Marshall, who has restored monuments, sculptures, paintings and national historical sites, is not unfamiliar with Gonzales. He was the one who re-

plications” have been received for the municipal court clerk and city secretary positions. Barnes also announced that Oliver Davis, curator for the Gonzales County Museum, has submitted his resignation citing health reasons. His last day is Oct. 12. The City Council discussed a proposed $17,000 salary increase to $40,000 for the museum curator position in order to attract “someone who is trained to be a museum curator.” City staff will discuss salary expectations with Texas State University museum program personnel – and possibly other resources for salary comparisons – and report their findings to the Council. Barnes said the curator position has not yet been advertised. Speculating on what applicants might be interested in the Gonzales museum, Barnes said, “If you can go to the museum that houses the cannon that started the Texas revolution, that’s got to be a feather in your cap.” Logan expressed concern that Gonzales is a stepping stone to bigger cities and bigger jobs. “As a small community, we can be a stepping stone in most categories,” Barnes consoled the Council. “That’s the just the nature of a small town.” The Council tabled a decision on the museum curator’s salary.

SS Pool Service Pool Cleaning & Service Repair If you were looking for a local knowledgeable pool expert, the look is over. With 14 years of experience in commercial and residential pool service, Shawn can help you keep your pool crystal clear all year round. We will be there whether there’s rain, sleet or shine.

CCall all today, we come today. o: 830-672-6259 c: 830-265-3053

FRIDAY • PAGE A3

cently restored the Texas Heroes Square statue. The UDC Cross of Honor Chapter’s efforts have already been rewarded with donations from Dr. Terry Eska, Southern Clay Products, Joe Bostwick, Col. S.D. Jackman SCV Camp, Nancy Kelsey, the Texas Division of the UDC Great Granddaughters Club and those who contributed through memorials made for loved ones. In addition, the UDC Cross of Honor Chapter has published a historical cookbook, “Southern Heritage Recipes.” The cookbook will be available from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at Come and Take It, and is also available by contacting Carolyn Rihn at 830-857-5745. The UDC Cross of Honor Chapter is a 501(c)(3) organization, and contributions are tax deductible.

For the first time ever, Pioneer Village and the Gonzales Inquirer will join in recognizing modern day women pioneers who have forged the way for others in their professions during the first-ever Gonzales County Pioneering Women’s Salute which will appear Tuesday, October 23 in the Inquirer.

Nominate your Gonzales County

The nomination process is open to women in the county in business or academia, and are or have been employed in Gonzales County. The mission of Pioneering Women is to recognize and honor Gonzales County women who’ve made extraordinary contributions within their fields of endeavor, and who will inspire future generations to utilize their own talents. Nominations will be accepted from our readers and residents beginning Sunday, September 30th. until 5 p.m. Sunday, October 7 on the Inquirer’s Facebook.

Vote for your Gonzales County

Five women from those nominated will be selected by a committee from the Village board and the Inquirer. Those five will be featured in a special Pioneering Women’s section Tuesday, October 23rd. Then again our readers and county residents will be able to vote on the five on our website, www.gonzalesinquirer.com beginning Monday, October 29th until Thursday, Nov. 1st at 5 p.m. All five women will be recognized during our Pioneering Women’s event and the woman receiving the most votes will be revealed during the event at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3rd at Pioneer Village in Gonzales.

Attend Our Pioneering Women’s Day

The Pioneering Women’s event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3rd and will offer women of the area an opportunity to shop, eat, and visit the many booths full of natural or handmade beauty, fashion and home decorating items. A wine tasting will also occur at the event from noon to 2p.m. There will be a $5 donation to Pioneer Village for all those attending the day’s activities and shopping.

PIONEER VILLAGE

2122 N. St. Joseph (Bus. Hwy. 183 N.) • Gonzales, TX 78629 • 830-672-2157

Shawn Malatek - Owner

GONZALES COUNTY ENGRAVED RIFLE ngraved Artwork eu ttstock. here on b

H001

Scan with Smartphone

2012 Historical Armory, Inc. ©

To Order Call 1-877-484-0179 For more information visit,

www.historicalarmory.com/county-editions

Engraved on affordable, American-made, stock Henry rifles, the Gonzales County Texas Historical Edition Rifle combines meticulous research, original artwork, and finely detailed engraving to celebrate the history of Gonzales County. The project is limited to 25 edition numbers. Personalization and layaway available.

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Sept. 21, 2012

FRIDAY • PAGE A7

Precautions for flu season

PHOTO BY ROB FORD / GONZALES INQUIRER A two-vehicle collision snarled traﬃc Thursday at Sara DeWi Drive and College Street, sending two to the hospital.

2 injured in Thursday crash on Sara DeWitt A two-vehicle collision involving a Ford F150 and a Ford Mustang snarled traffic about 11 a.m. Thursday at the intersection of Sara DeWitt Drive (U.S. Highway 90A) and College Street and sent two people to the hospital.

During the accident, the driver’s side door of the Mustang was caved in, trapping the driver, who appeared to be a woman. First responders were able to pry off the door and rescue the woman from the wreckage, and

both drivers were transported by Gonzales County EMS to Gonzales Memorial Hospital. No information about the drivers of the vehicles or their PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER medical conditions was available Nursing student Chelsea Lopez takes advantage of dis- Nursing student Veronica Hernandez receives a flu shot by press time. counted flu shots offered by Gonzales Community Health from Chris na Cordova of the Gonzales Community Center Wednesday at Victoria College-Gonzales Center. Health Center Wednesday at Victoria College-Gonzales Chris na Cordova, a Victoria College graduate, adminis- Center. The health center offered discounted shots to students, faculty and staff at Victoria College. tered the shots to the students, faculty and staff.

O JUNE HUNTER HAMMERNESS June Hunter Hammerness, 76, passed away peacefully among family at St. Joseph’s Regional Hospital in Bryan on Wednesday, Sept. 19. June was born May 16, 1936, in Gonzales County, to Marcellus and Beulah Hunter of Gonzales. She spent her childhood in Gonzales, and was active in the First Baptist Church and as a cheerleader at Gonzales High School. In 1958 and 1959, she was graduated from Southwest Texas Teachers College (now Texas State University) with Bachelor’s and masters degrees in education and counseling. Initial teaching assignments were in Seabrook and Texas City. Overseas, she taught in Venezuela and, later, back in the States, served as a school counselor in Gonzales and Houston. Her final position, from which she retired, was as counselor at Johnson Elementary in Bryan. On Aug. 21, 1961, she married Richard Hammerness, in Texas City. In 1963, Richard, June and their infant son, Brian, relocated to Venezuela, the first of a series of assignments with Standard Oil of New Jersey (now ExxonMobil). Subsequent moves included New York City, Colombia, Houston, Australia and Thailand. Following Richard’s retirement in 1995, the couple settled in College Station. June and Richard attended Central Baptist Church in College Station. Together they were active in the St. Joseph Well-

Pioneer spirit CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

strate leadership. By their actions, these role models honor all women. Their singular and combined work challenges social assumptions and stereotypes about who women are and what women can accomplish. The stories of their lives are filled with the power of words like “I can” and “I will.” Women’s history is a call to action, a call that recognizes and celebrates the possibility of individuals to do remarkable work. You will find incredible histories of amazing women from throughout the county. Every nominated woman should have used her talents, her grit and her determination to make a difference in our county. The theme is the same for those nominated, although the narratives will vary from rich, poor, young, old and all ethnic backgrounds. Some stories will be very familiar, but many are quieter tales that could be at risk of being lost or forgotten over time. The Village and the Inquirer hope to establish this as a yearly event. The mission of Pioneering Women is to recognize and honor Gonzales County women

ness Program, and the Brazos Valley Section of the American Association of Individual Investors. June was active in genealogy research and a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. June’s greatest joy in life was as grandmother to her three granddaughters Amanda, Sharon Paige and Emma Margaret, with whom she shared many happy memories of travel, holidays and family get-togethers. Survivors include her husband Richard; son Brian and his wife Rena; granddaughters Amanda, Sharon Paige and Emma; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. June was preceded in death by her parents and numerous aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 24, in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Faulkner and Rev. John Maurer officiating. Interment will follow in the Saturn Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23. Remembrances may be made to the Gonzales Pioneer Village Living History Center, P.O. Box 431, Gonzales 78629 or Texas Retired Teachers Residence, Stillwell Retirement Residence, 5400 Laurel Lake Drive, Waco 76710. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.

who’ve made extraordinary contributions within their fields of endeavor, and who will inspire future generations to utilize their own talents. The written biographies, bring the lives of these extraordinary women to life. How it works The Village and the Inquirer will recognize five outstanding women, and honor one on Nov 3. These women will be nominated by county residents on the Inquirer’s Facebook page. Five of those nominated will be selected, and all countians will be able to vote for their favorite pioneering woman on the Inquirer’s website www,gonzalesinquirer.com. Pioneering Women eligibility The nomination process is open to women in the county in business or academia, and/or have been employed in Gonzales County. Nominations will be accepted from Inquirer readers and county residents beginning Sunday, Sept. 30, through 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7 on the Inquirer’s Facebook. Five women from those nominated will be selected by a committee from the Village board and the Inquirer. Those five will be featured in a special Pioneering Women’s section in the Inquirer

on Tuesday, Oct. 23. Then Inquirer readers and county residents will vote on the five on the Inquirer website, www. gonzalesinquirer.com, Oct. 29Nov. 1. All five women will be recognized during the first-ever Pioneering Women event, and the woman receiving the most votes will be revealed during the event at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at Pioneer Village in Gonzales. The Pioneer Women event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, and will offer women of the area an opportunity to shop, eat and visit the many booths full of natural or handmade beauty, fashion and home decorating items. A wine tasting will also occur at the event from noon-2 p.m. There will be a $5 donation to Pioneer Village for all those attending the day’s activities and shopping. Those interested in having a booth at the event should contact Brenda Adams at publisher@gonzalesinquirer.com or call 830-672-2861.

PHOTOS BY LYNN ADAMS/ GONZALES INQUIRER Right, members of the Student Council from Victoria CollegeGonzales Center were on hand Wednesday to show their apprecia on to the Gonzales Community Health Center for offering students, faculty and staff discounted flu shots, administered by Victoria College graduate Chris na Cordova (front, center). Represen ng Victoria College were (from le ) instructor Kathy Kaminski, Student Council members Erica Tamayo, Shantelle Mishler, Ashley Skloss and Rachel Sanders, and instructor Karen Smith. The community clinic offers flu shots to the public weekdays. Appointments are preferred, but not required. Below, some of the students studying at Victoria College-Gonzales Center during the fall semester paused for a photo.

Entries sought for scarecrow contest He was the first companion Dorothy met along the Yellow Brick Road enroute to the Emerald City, and, although made of straw, was an important player in the search for the Wizard of Oz. Gonzales businesses and individuals can now do what they can to replicate the man of straw with the annual scarecrow contest, sponsored by the Gonzales Main Street. According to contest rules, scarecrow entries can be made of anything, and creativeness is encouraged. The only requirement is that scarecrows must be visible from the street without going in-

side. Scarecrow must be on display by Oct. 1, and judging will be held on Oct. 2. First-, second-

and third-place winners will be recognized. Call Barbara Friedrich at 6722815.

WALKER PLUMBING &

SEPTIC

SYSTEMS

123 BRIGHT ST • GONZALES • WWALKER@gvec.net

830-672-3057 OR 857-4006 SEPTIC INSTALLATION M-8953

(Includes site evaluation & design)

PLUMBING

(Commercial & Residential)

TWICE THE PAPER! $25 104 Issues A Year, What A Deal!

For Only Per Year!

News doesn’t happen just once a week! Why wait a whole week to get old news? You can receive Gonzales County’s most awarded newspaper in 2012 - The Gonzales Inquirer, twice a week! You’ll agree there’s a reason the Inquirer was recognized by its peers seven times this year when you see the outstanding coverage of what is most important to you - news from Gonzales County. Bring or mail this ad in with $25 and you can get 104 issues full of Gonzales County News for only 24 cents an issue!

25 d A s i h With T Offer good now thru Sept. 21st! In county only.

PO Box 616 • 622 N. St. Paul • Gonzales, TX 78629 830-672-2861 • Fax: 830-672-7029 gonzalesinquirer.com

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Sept. 28, 2012

FRIDAY • PAGE A3

O ADOLPH E. KUNTSCHIK Adolph E. Kuntschik, 79, of Gonzales, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012. He was born June 14, 1933, in Gonzales County to Frances Kuntschik. Adolph married Emily Darilek on Oct. 13, 1956, at St. James Catholic Church in Gonzales. He was a long-time member of St. James Catholic Church, and had served three tours of duty with the U.S. National Guard before being honorably discharged. Adolph was a member of the 4th degree Knights of Columbus. He had worked as the store manager for Gonzales Lumber Company before going to work for Charter Crude Oil Company where it wasn’t uncommon for him to work 12- to 13-hour days, day after day in the oilfield. Adolph finally retired from Enron Corporation 1997, yet he was not one to sit still, he loved working with his hands. Adolph could often be found tinkering in his workshop or messing with his Martin houses. He refurbished antique furnishings, especially furniture made of solid wood, which he would strip, sand, repair and stain to look as if these antiques had just came off the showroom floor. He was never one to shy away from hard work, most often he accepted the more difficult jobs as challenges and he always persevered. As a younger man, when time permitted, he enjoyed dove and duck hunting, and always delighted in loading up his family and loving wife to attend a dance, something he and Emily thoroughly enjoyed together throughout their 55 years of marriage. Adolph was

THOMAS “TOM” WESLEY ILEY III

an attentive loving husband, an adoring father and a doting grandfather and great-grandfather. Adolph E. Kuntschik is survived by his dear wife, Emily Kuntschik of Gonzales; daughter and son-in-law Debra Susan Budd and husband Gary of Houston; sons and daughters-in-law Brian Steven Kuntschik and his wife Ramona of Plano, and Kenneth Alan Kuntschik and his wife Billie Sue of New Braunfels; grandchildren Matthew Steele, Katie Carney, Whitney Wahl, Megan Steele-Lassig, Kristen Garlick, Kyle Kuntschik, Giovanna Kuntschik and Ishbel Kuntschik; and great-grandchildren Mattison Steele, Hannah Wahl, Kennedy Lassig and Emily Carney. He was preceded in death by his mother and an infant son, Thomas Eugene Kuntschik. A rosary was recited Thursday, Sept. 27, at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Raaz as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. James Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers include Kyle Kuntschik, Johnny Johnson, Darren Darilek, Jerry Shepherd, Tommy Schurig and Kevin LaFleur. The family received friends at the funeral home Thursday evening. Memorials may be made to the Gonzales Knights of Columbus, St. James Catholic Church or the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.

Thomas (Tom) Wesley Iley III, was a strong man who succumbed to Mantle Cell Lymphoma on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012. Tom lived the majority of his life in George West. His early life was spent on the Iley ranch in Clegg, while his last 30 years have been spent in George West. Tom’s strength was evident in his character, his work ethic, his physicality, his joy and his faith in Jesus Christ which sustained him thoughout his 61 years. Tom’s strength and work ethic were inspired by his deceased father, Thomas W. Iley Jr. His strength of faith was nurtured by his beloved mother, Gertrude Ehrig Iley. He was an innovator in the oilfield industry with his open concept of saltwater disposal that his family established in the early 1980s, and later expanded to include hauling trucks, doing business as MoriAh Salt Water Hauling and Disposal, with his co-worker Vince Conard. Thomas was a member of First Baptist Church in George West, a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, city council member, Longhorn band booster, children’s softball coach, South Texas Blood Bank

active donor, adult basketball facilitator and chamber of commerce member. Tom is survived by his wife of 35 years, Crickett Boyea of George West; daughter Megan and husband Tim Drennon and grandchildren Kennedy Beth and Lleyton of Pflugerville; daughters Marib Iley of San Antonio and Hannah Iley of Austin; and son Thomas Wesley Iley IV, a Baylor University student. Additional survivors include brother Dennis (Gayle) Iley and family of Manhattan, Mont.; sister Sharon (David) Iley Snider Smith and family of Elgin; mother-in-law Lucy Boyea of Austin; brother-inlaw Lyle (Diane) Boyea and son of San Antonio; sister-in-law Elizabeth (Daryl) Mai of San Antonio; and mother-in-law Linda Boyea of Tucson, Ariz., and son Eric Rillorta of Washington, D.C. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Iley residence, 1314 Houston Street in George West. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, at First Baptist Church in George West with Rev. Bruce Irving officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Galloway and Sons Funeral Directors in Three Rivers.

See addi onal obituaries on Page A6

LOUISE HUNT LEPORI Louise Hunt LePori , 95, of Hammond, La., passed away Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was born Sept. 17, 1917, in Palmer, a daughter of the late Columbus “Lum” Hunt and the late Lillie Durham Lincoln. Surviving are her daughter Ann Rodrigue, daughter and son-in-law Rosemary and Henry Thomas, stepson and daughter-in-law Richard and Mary LePori, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Vito Pizzitola; second husband John LePori; brothers Jesse, William, Al and Roy Hunt; and sisters Minnie Hunt and Anna Hunt Campbell. Friends were received Thursday, Sept. 27, prior to the services at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Denton Creek Cemetery in Gonzales. An online guest book is available at www.harrymckneely. com.

to holidays like Veterans’ Day. We “It just shows me that he’s want to try a classic film series as thought it out, that he knows what CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 well. Birthday parties and special needs to go where,” GEDC direchis business philosophy. “We try screenings are also available,” he tor Carolyn Gibson told her board in support of Anderson. to provide the best experience for says. our patrons from the presentation to service. The theater is a meeting place in small towns and adds a diversion that everyone enjoys without having to travel to major cities. Movies are part of the Allyssa Aguirre & Ricky Ruiz American culture. I believe they are more enjoyable when watched Erika Anderson & Dustin Lester in the theater with the splendor of Katelyn Keyser & Robert Ramos the big screen and big sound and an audience.” Bridgette Tomas & Houston Burnett Anderson immediately placed Kellie Roberts & David Haug an order for digital movie equipMeagan Morgan & Justin Campion ment, which is the industry’s current gold standard, but expects it Blaine Morgan & Taylor Davis to be the end of the year before Leslie Patteson & Brian Kelley the equipment is installed. He says he will open the theater on Nov. 2 with 35mm, “but I will be replacing the projectors to provide a much better picture. I will also be 617 St. Joseph upgrading the sound systems.” Gonzales, TX The lease agreement calls for a $2,500 security deposit at lease signing and an additional $2,500 Open Mon.-Sat.9:30 am-5:30 pm to be paid on Feb. 1, 2013. Because of the expense involved with the upgrades to digital equipment, the GEDC waived the $1,000 monthly rental fee until May 1, 2013. AnReaders’ Reader derson is assured first right of reChoice fusal on the purchase of the Lynn, WINNER 2012 which is priced at $250,000. The GEDC has agreed to discount the sales price by $12,500 for each year 2007 FORD TAURUS SE Anderson leases the theater. “I hope to preserve some of Loaded, 3.0 engine, 59,007 miles these great old movie theaters and $ provide an environment that is unique and enjoyable to the community,” Anderson says of his vision for the Lynn. 2009 HYUNDAI ACCENT He says he will show first-run 4 door automatic, White, Very clean, 1.6 engine movies, but admits that with only 40,146 miles two screens and studio require$ ments, “we will have to play some features two or three weeks after their release date.” 2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA Anderson plans to offer special screenings, the first of which is a Loaded, 3.5 engine, 4 door, Automatic, free outdoor showing of “Despica84,885 miles, Flex fuel, Extra special ble Me” on a drive-in-sized screen $ at Confederate Square on Oct. 20. He also plans to have a free showing of “The Polar Express” PHOTOS FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY Dec. 22-24, and will have a model train layout and a visit from Santa Claus. Call Frank Supak at 830-857-8017 “We will have kid shows in the or 830-263-1441 1820 Sarah Dewitt • Gonzales TX 78629 summer, dinner and a movie, outwww.westmotors.com door screenings, and events tied

Nominate your Gonzales County

Lynn Theatre

Bridal Registry

The China Basket 830-672-8013

September Deals

Vote for your Gonzales County

Attend Our Pioneering Women’s Day

11,500

13,500

13,900

WEST MOTORS

PIONEER VILLAGE

2122 N. St. Joseph (Bus. Hwy. 183 N.) • Gonzales, TX 78629 • 830-672-2157

Coming to the Square Oct. 20, 2012 FREE MOVIE IN DOWNTOWN PG rating GONZALES

DESPICABLE ME &

• Starts at Dark • Bring the Family!

brought to you by:

LYNN THEATRE Downtown Gonzales

The Gonzales

Inquirer

PAGE A6 • TUESDAY Oct. 2, 2012

Running M CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

Once Metzler learned about the potential grant offered through Lone Star Bank, she decided to check it out. In addition to the small business loan Metzler received from Lone Star Bank, which was funded by a low cost Economic Development Program (EDP) advance from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), she also received an accompanying $20,745 EDPPlus grant from FHLB Dallas. With the help of the grant and loan, Metzler opened her restaurant, the Running M Bar and Grill, in November 2011. EDPPlus grants are available through FHLB Dallas member institutions, such as Lone Star Bank, and are offered in conjunction with EDP advances. The EDP provides favorably priced advances to FHLB Dallas member institutions to support economic development and community revitalization projects that qualify by location, income or targeted services. If a member institution is approved for an EDP advance, the member’s customer may then be eligible for an accompanying EDPPlus grant. EDPPlus grants are noncompetitive and available on a first-come, first-served basis to promote and enhance small business development and

job creation in underserved areas or to underserved populations. FHLB Dallas has awarded more than $10.6 million in EDPPlus grants. Metzler says the grant and loan have been critical to her transition to restaurant owner. In addition to the EDPPlus grant, she also qualified for a grant from the city. “So I actually got both grants and put about $50,000 back into the building,” she says. “I used the grant funds for renovations, put in insulation, installed a pony wall that separates the restaurant from the bar, upgraded the central heating and cooling unit, purchased all of my supplies, refrigerators, coolers, all my kitchen appliances, tables, bar supplies, everything.” Lone Star Bank has been using the EDP and EDPPlus for several years. “It’s just such a great program for us in the community,” says Lone Star Bank vice president Gary Mobbs. “It’s just another tool in our tool box that has given us the ability to serve our communities and help our small businesses. The EDPPlus grant is great way to help the customer with various project costs.” Mobbs said Metzler was the perfect candidate for the program. “We try to help small businesses in any way we can, and I really want to see the downtown area grow

www.gonzalesinquirer.com and do well,” he says. “Ms. Metzler refurbished an old historic building that is in a good location and is one of the main focal points on the old square. These types of projects are essential to the revitalization of the downtown area.” The Running M Bar and Grill is located on St. Paul Street right on Confederate Square in downtown Gonzales. Situated next to the Lynn Theatre, a new boutique, framing shop and several offices, it is in an area that the city wants to revitalize. “They are really trying to get things going around here,” Metzler says. The St. George Street block in downtown Gonzales has undergone a recent renovation that showcases what can be accomplished in the downtown area and serve as an impetus for continued rehabilitation of downtown buildings. Metzler says she thinks of her establishment as a homelike place that gives families a place to eat and relax in Gonzales. She now has 21 full- and part-time employees, and she leases a small apartment, which was included in the purchase of the restaurant, to one of her regular customers. At 55, she has worked full-time at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, part of the Texas A&M system, for 30 years. She is planning to retire in January and devote

her days to the restaurant. With the help of the EDPPlus grant and the loan, she feels like her restaurant is in a good position to thrive. “Without that assistance it would have been hard to open the restaurant,” Metzler says. “I would have had to take on more debt and my payments would have been a lot higher. I guess with determination I could have done it, but it would have been a lot harder.” The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 12 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $34.7 billion as of June 30, 2012, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to more than 900 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. Visit www.fhlb. com.

SACRED HEART PARISH Flatonia, Texas

Turkey & Dressing Dinner OCTOBER 7, 2012 PLATES $8.00 | SERVING 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

Dine-In with Chris Rybak or Drive-Thru + + Silent Auction + +

Downtown Cuero 144 E. Main

Doors open at 4pm, Mon.- Fri. Tue, Oct. 2: Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament Wed, Oct. 3: ** NEW ** POOL TOURNAMENT & Hump Day Karaoke w/DJ Rocketman

Thu, Oct. 4: Ladies Night & Thirsty Thursday Acoustic Jam Session w/Brandi Behlen

Fri, Oct. 5: DJ Rocketman Sat, Oct. 6: Mario Flores & The Soda Creek Band ($8 Cover) Mon, Oct. 8: Monday Night Football (Houston Texans @ NY Jets) Tue, Oct. 9: Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament

UPCOMING BANDS

Oct. 27: La Diferenzia Oct. 31: Halloween Costume Contest (Cash Prizes) Nov. 21: Bill Pekar Visit us online at www.troubadourstx.com or check us out on Facebook. Nov. 24: Gary P. Nunn

We’re Looking for

REAL LOSERS!

to par ticipate in

GONZALES COUNTY’S

WEIGH IN—WEIGHT OFF! Be slim for the holidays and win cash to help pay for the holidays! Have fun while losing weight and improving your health! Entry fee is $50 per person. Our Shakes and Frozen Yogurt and the Gonzales Inquirer invite you to participate in our Weight-Off Contest. You could win money and gain better health! Our Spring winner took home over $300 - This weight off challenge, you could be the winner and use the money for Christmas!

HOLIDAY EDITION

Win Health! Win Money! Lose Weight! Feel Great! COURTESY PHOTO Local barrel racer Lindsey Trammell (le ) poses with the two visi ng chefs Saturday during events at the J.B. Wells Park

COURTESY PHOTO Aaron Sanchez and Aquils Chavez (with their interpreter, Hector Porras) while they take in barrel racing at the J.B. Wells Arena.

Motorcycle-riding chefs experience local flavor of restaurants, J.B. Wells Two motorcyclists, Aaron Sanchez and Aquils Chavez, stopped in Gonzales recently while cycling across Texas, checking out local foods and lifestyles. Sanchez is an award-winning chef and author, co-star of Chopped Food Network, owner of Centrico Restaurant and Tacombi in New York City, as well as Mestizo Restaurant in Kansas City. Chavez is a television personality, chef and owner of La Fisheria in Houston. He introduces real food from Mexico to Houstonians, and his show

is carried on Fox Net Utifisima, a channel dedicated to food, health and family and is lifestyle driven. The two stopped in Gonzales Friday, and stayed through Saturday, visiting the Running M Bar and Grill and then on to Gonzales Food Market, where they were filmed learning first-hand about sausage making. They also made a stop at the J.B. Wells Park, where they were photographed with barrel-racer Lindsey Trammel before they went on their way to Luckenbach.

Go to our website

www.gonzalesinquirer.com and click on the icon

see what

everyoneʼs beentalkingabout!

Pioneering Women’s Day

Mon Mon

Tue Tue

1 Dr. Kodack Dr. Ortiz Dr. Craig

During our 1st Ever Pioneering Women’s Day

Dr. Agan Craig Dr.Dr. Kodack Dr. Dr.Kodack Malik Dr. Thangada H. Ross

Dr. Malik H. Ross

13 15

Awards-Spa Day, Craft Show & Sale

Sat., Nov. 3•10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dr. Kodack Dr.Kodack Agan Dr. Dr. Dr.Khan Craig Dr. Thangada

publisher@gonzalesinquirer.com

Our Shakes and Frozen Yogurt 321-St. Lawrence jhoff1953@yahoo.com

Watch for more information!

Our Shakes and Frozen Yogurt 321-St. Lawrence

622 N. St. Paul • 830-672-2861

Specialty Physician Outpatient Clinic

October 2012

Dr. Dr. Agan Craig Dr. Dr.Kodack Kodack

830-672-2861 or

Monday, October 8 6:30 P.M. Call or email to reserve your spot!

Gonzales Healthcare Systems

We are looking for vendors to sell and demonstrate natural, hand-made health & beauty products, crafts, jewelry & apparel

Pioneer Village, Gonzales, TX Booth space available w/wo electricity. For more info contact Brenda Adams

WEIGH-IN & INFORMATION SESSION

Dr. Agan Dr. Kodack

Dr. Craig Dr. Kodack

Wed Wed

Thu Thu

Fri Fri

Sat Sat

Dr. Craig Dr. Dr.Quebedeaux Quebedeaux Dr. Neely Dr. Craig Dr. Hennessee Dr. White Dr. Holcomb

Dr. Craig Ryan Ryan Dr.Dr.Kumar

Dr. Craig Dr.Dr.Twittero Agan Dr. Dr.Twittero Kapoor Dr. Kodack

108

Dr. Dr. Dr.Craig Craig Dr. Craig Craig Dr. Dr.Neely Neely Dr. Dr.Quebedeaux Quebedeaux Dr. Hennessee

14 16

15 17

Dr. White Dr. Craig Dr. Dr. Hennessee Dr. Craig Neely Dr. Quebedeaux Dr. Craig Neely Dr.Dr. Quebedeaux Dr. Quintero Dr. Craig Dr. Holcomb Dr. Holcomb

119

10 12

Dr. Dr. Craig Craig Dr. Dr.Cummins Quintero Dr. Ryan

Dr. Dr.Craig Craig Dr.Dr.Kavanagh Kavanagh

Dr. Ryan

Dr. Twitero Dr. Kodack

16 18

17 19

Dr. Craig Dr. Dr. Craig Ryan Dr.Malik Ryan Dr.

Dr. Kodack Dr.Dr.Kodack Craig Craig Dr.Dr. Twitero

Dr. Malik Dr. Cummins

Dr. Twitero

Dr. Neely Dr. Craig Dr. Craig Neely Dr. Quebedeaux Dr. Craig Dr. Dr.White Craig Dr. Quebedeaux Dr. Dr. Holcomb White Dr. Hennessee

Dr. Ryan Dr. Dr.Craig Ryan

Dr. Craig Dr. Kavanagh Dr. Craig Dr.Kavanagh Twitero Dr.

Dr. Craig

Dr. Twitero Dr. Kodack

Dr. Ryan Dr. Craig

Dr. Kodack Dr. Craig

Dr. Neely Dr.Craig

Dr. Quebedeaux

Dr. White Dr. Craig Dr. Neely Dr. Quebedeaux Dr. White Dr. Craig Dr.Craig

11 13

Oncology Audiology Helen Ross, Hearing Specialist Rohit Kapoor, M.D., P.A. 210-655-0075 (830) 372-2237 Cardiology William Craig, M.D. (830) 672-3845

Ophthalmology Joseph Kavanagh, M.D. (830) 379-3937

Dermatology Vicente Quintero, M.D. (866) 624-8026

Orthopedics G. Steven White, M.D. (830) 379-9492 Trent Twitero, M.D. (830) 379-9492

Neonatology Marisol Ortiz, M.D. (361) 575-0681

18 20

Nephrology Azhar M. Malik, M.D. 361-576-0011 Neurology Praveen Thangada, M.D. (830) 303-1819

Nuerosuergery Byron D. Neely, M.D., P.A. 979-968-6500 Urology Robert Ryan, III, M.D. (830) 379-8491

Podiatry Terri Quebedeaux, D.P.M., P.A. (830) 672-7581 Pulmonology John Holcomb, M.D. (210) 692-9400 Surgery Kathleen Koerner, DO, MS (830) 672-8502 Lino Oballo (830) 672-8502

Located at Sievers Medical Clinic: Ear, Nose, & Throat Disorders Michelle Cummins, M.D. (361) 551-2565 Jennifer Hennessee, M.D. (830) 379-0299 Gynecology Stephanie Kodack, M.D. (830) 672-8502

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Oct. 5, 2012

FRIDAY • PAGE A3

October proclaimed Breast Cancer Awareness Month

O CONSTANCE DIANE MILLS DEMENT Constance Diane Mills Dement, 67, of Gonzales, died Tuesday, October 2, 2012. Born Jan. 12, 1945, in Evansville, Ind., Diane was the daughter of the late Mitchell Elroy Mills and Carrie Selena Duncan Mills. She married Jerry Dale Dement on May 20, 1965, in Sturgis, Ky. Diane attended Murray State University, where she received a BSN. She was a registered nurse for 41 years at various hospitals and schools. Diane enjoyed quilting for everyone she knew and especially for her family and friends. She was a member of the Tuesday Morning Sit-N-Sew Quilters Group of Bowling Green, Ky. She was also a member of the Happy Heart Quilters and the Peace Makers Quilting Group, both of Madisonville, Ky. She also loved to sew, make ceramics and travel. With her husband being an auditor for the U.S. Federal Government, she had the privilege to live in Germany, Texas, Kansas and throughout Kentucky. In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Dale Dement; her father and mother-in-law, Wesley Dennis Dement and Versa Pearl Rhew Dement; and her brother-in-law, Rodney Dement. Diane is survived by her sons Daniel De-

ment and his wife Imelda of King George, Va., and Deron Dement and his wife Paula of Gonzales; brother Adrian Duncan Mills and sister-in-law Margaret Ann “Annie” Mills of Eddyville, Ky.; brother-in-law and sisterin-law Donald and Betty Sue Dement of Madisonville, Ky.; sister-in-law Linda Dement of Madisonville, Ky.; uncle and aunt A.J. and Margaret Mills of Sun City, Ariz.; uncle and aunt Alan and Frances Duncan of Louisville, Ky.; aunt Mary Virginia Loman of North Carolina; and grandchildren Kelly Dement of San Antonio, David Dement of King George, Va., and Taylor Dement of Olathe, Colo. Gravesite services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Madisonville, Ky., with Rev. Lon Lorton officiating. Family will receive friends before the service at the gravesite. Anyone wishing to send flowers may send them to First Presbyterian Church, 260 W. McLaughlin Avenue, Madisonville, Ky. 42431. Donations may be made to Gonzales Healthcare Systems Foundation, P.O. Box 587, Gonzales 78629. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.

City council

Petru had said in July she hoped the differences could be resolved. Additionally, the City Council approved the appointment of Larry Wehde to the Gonzales Economic Development Corporation. Wehde, who serves as deputy superintendent for Gonzales ISD, fills the unexpired term of Clarence Opiela, who resigned his GEDC board post after his election to the City Council. The date for the November City Council meeting has been changed to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5. The regular meeting date is Nov. 6, but because of the general election on that date and the use of council chambers as a polling place, the move became necessary. The City Council approved a contract for the Highway 97 water well project to Excel Construction Co. Council approved a bid of $581,625, which Mayor Bobby Logan noted was “considerably less than the original, first, only bid” Council had previously received before the project was re-bid. The City Council approved a contract for 1.5 and 2.5 MG Standpipe project to Central Texas Water Maintenance for the renovation of the two standpipes. Council approved a bid of $145,047. The City Council approved a contract for improvements to Middlebuster Road and Harborth Street to J.R. Worksite. Council approved a bid of $523,548.20 for construction and $49,600 for engineering. The City Council approved the tax resale of a lot in the 900 block of Jesse Smith Street to Floyd R. Taylor for $1,000. The property had been available since 1994.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

beverages, prepared in a safe and clean environment,” Shuler said in his written proposal to the city. Shuler will begin operation of the concession stand on Oct. 10. In other business, city manager Allen Barnes reported that he has initiated talks with Dr. Lynn Denton, founding director for the Bob Bullock State History Museum, regarding the Gonzales Memorial Museum. Denton is scheduled to meet with city representatives on Oct. 15 to hammer out details for filling the vacancy left by the resignation of curator Oliver Davis. Barnes reported that he has also met with Melanie Petru and Kay Bakken from the Thomas Shelton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and that “they were ecstatic.” Petru, however, said the DAR is “encouraged” by the direction the city is proceeding, and indicated the DAR is receptive to the city’s attempts to resolve the differences between the city and the DAR. It was July 10 that the DAR informed the City Council that it was suspending its involvement at the museum until the city executes a signed agreement stipulating the DAR’s role at the museum. Other points of contention cited was the effective use of the city-owned PastPerfect computer software and a commitment by the city to take responsibility for cleaning, maintaining and updating climate control options for the DAR chapter house.

RV park CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

bottles, beer bottles and beer cans thrown in four-foot-tall weeds saturated with trash, are all common sites at this city-run facility,” Weathers claims. “With Gonzales’ recent scramble to hire codeenforcement officers, it’s ironic how a municipality can issue citations to citizens when it cannot comply with it’s own ordinances at cityowned and operated properties.” Weathers says the J.B. Wells facility has seen its share of both violent and non-violent crimes since the number of residents has increased at the RV park. “Crime is not exclusive to the facility, but certainly more common as compared to other RV parks that provide professional oversight with rule enforcement and regular security patrols,” he says. Weathers, who says his fight is backed by other local RV parks, claims that the city’s use of J.B. Wells Park for long-term RV usage comes with an unfair advantage that private businesses cannot overcome. “Private business has a major disadvantage when it is forced to compete with a municipality that skirts the rules and uses an endless supply of taxpayer money to choke the life out of a local business,” Weathers charges. “RV parks can struggle to get by as they incur expensive overhead to run a proper facility subject to regular inspections and code enforcement, [especially] when they are in competition with a city-run facility that can give RV space rental away if it is so inclined with little or no oversight.” Weathers contends that the city is ignoring stipulations put in place when it became a steward of the parkland more than 50 years ago. “When J.B. Wells Jr. set aside land for a park, he

stated expectations as to how it should be maintained, with stipulations in his will executed in 1961,” he says. “The city of Gonzales, as recipient of this land, agreed to comply by accepting and developing J.B. Wells Park for public use. According to sources, the city of Gonzales has taken extreme liberties in assuming it is appropriate to utilize the J.B. Wells Park facility as it sees fit, without regard for contractual obligations and the law. Operating a commercial RV Park without being subject to the same standards, including the application and inspection processes, while requiring private business to meet these standards, is hypocritical.” City manager Allen Barnes deferred all questions regarding the threatened litigation to city attorney Jackie Williamson. Williamson was out of town when the letter from

Weathers was delivered to Barnes on Sept. 27, and says she obtained a copy of the actual letter on Oct. 1. She confirmed that, succinctly stated, “he’s wanting us to close down.” “It was my call, but I decided to turn it over to TML [Texas Municipal League], to legal, and then I’m going to let them take care of it,” Williamson says. “They’ll review it, they’ll get back with me, and then I’ll know more. “TML will do legal research on his allegations and any law he’s alleging we are violating, and they will render an opinion. We’ll probably know something in a couple of weeks,” Williamson says. TML was formed in 1913 “to serve the needs and advocate the interests of its members.” Membership in TML is voluntary, and more than 1,100 cities currently hold membership.

Pioneering Women’s Day We are looking for vendors to sell and demonstrate natural, hand-made health & beauty products, crafts, jewelry & apparel

During our 1st Ever Pioneering Women’s Day Awards-Spa Day, Craft Show & Sale

Sat., Nov. 3•10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pioneer Village, Gonzales, TX Booth space available w/wo electricity. For more info contact Brenda Adams

830-672-2861 or publisher@gonzalesinquirer.com

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER Gonzales County Judge David Bird recently signed a proclama on designa ng October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Gonzales County. On hand for the signing were (front, from le ) Pat Ferrell, Judge David Bird and Carolyn Harrell, and (back) Sherry Callaway, Shirley Pirkle, Juanita Blundell, Donna Koehler, Jane Kifer, Kari Birner and Arline Rinehart. Birner is the American Cancer Society staﬀ partner for Relay For Life and Rinehart is the event chair for Relay For Life of Gonzales County. The annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon will be held 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at First Presbyterian Church. Tickets are available by calling

Come and Take It flag presented

PHOTO BY ROB FORD / GONZALES INQUIRER Jon Harris, a civilian K9 trainer currently working in Afghanistan, recently presented to Gonzales a Come and Take It ﬂag that was ﬂown over Afghanistan last March. On hand for the presenta on were (from le ) Gonzales city manager Allen Barnes, Dr. Katherine Harris, Jon Harris, Gonzales Mayor Bobby Logan and Gonzales County Judge David Bird.

Mosquito warning issued for weekend Gonzales city health officer Dr. Garth Vaz warns that residents should protect themselves from mosquito bites during Come and Take It by utilizing the 5 D’s of prevention, which are: DEET — use repellants with effective ingredients Dress — cover exposed skin to block access Drain — Dump standing water wherever possible Dusk and Dawn — avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.

STOP WEST NILE VIRUS! Pool dirty, or even green? Green pools are a haven for mosquito growth. Let us help you stop the spread of the West Nile virus. Call Shawn right now for your pool cleaning needs.

SS Pool Service Pool Cleaning & Service Repair

Call today, we come today. o: 830-672-6259 c: 830-265-3053

Shawn Malatek - Owner

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Oct. 5, 2012

FRIDAY • PAGE A9

ing. Families who have Civil War soldiers buried in Harwood should call Linda Miller at 210420-5461.

and many door prizes. Attendees are encouraged to dress in pink, and join family and friends, survivors of any cancer and those still battling at this celebration of hope. There will be a “Best Decorated Pink Hat Contest” for those who create hats at home, and those attending will vote on their favorites. Tickets are $10 donation that benefits the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Gonzales County 2013. Call Shari Johnson at 830-8571200, Rebecca Flores at 512669-8196 or Janice Williamson at 830-857-5694. Free Movie on the Square Cliff Anderson and the Lynn Theatre will treat the community to a free outdoor movie shown on a drive-in-size portable screen on Confederate Square. “Despicable Me” will be shown beginning at dark. Bring the family and your lawn chairs. A concession stand will be available.

C C music. The Gonzales Art Group Show will be 5-7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 426 St. Paul. The Gonzales County Camera Club Photo Contest will be 5-8 p.m. at Cafe on the Square, 511 St. Joseph. Bands playing at the Biergarten are the Hole in the Floor Band 6-7:30 p.m., Tejano Crew 8-9:30 p.m. and Thom Shepherd 10-11:30 p.m. Come and Take It continues through Sunday night. Visit www.gonzalestexas.com.

Early SAT/ACT Testing Gonzales County high school students are encouraged to take their SAT and/or ACT tests now so that test scores will be received before the end of the year. Test dates should be coordinated with school counselors so that students can be registered on time. The SAT/ACT scores are mandatory on most college scholarship applications that students will be completing, including those presented by Gonzales County Area Go Texan. The Go Texan scholarship committee is available to assist students with any questions or issues that arise when completing the Go Texan forms. School counselors also have contact information for Go Texan and other scholarships. Odd Fellows Meat Sale Gonzales Odd Fellows Lodge #38 is sponsoring a smoked meat sale. The fundraising project will benefit the children and organizations that help children in the Gonzales area. Smoked meats available include chicken (about 3 lbs.) for $8 each, sausage (3-lb. packages) for $11 each, turkey (8-10 lbs.) for $22 each and ham (5-6 lbs.) for $26 each. Orders made by Nov. 15 will be delivered or available for pick up by Dec. 12. Call Larry Mercer at 830672-2982 or any Odd Fellow member. Free Piano Lessons Free piano lessons are being offered for students ages 8-18 at the Gonzales Public Library. Library membership is required. Registration by a parent or legal guardian is accepted at the library. No telephone registration will be accepted.

Saturday, Oct. 6 Come and Take It The annual Come and Take It celebration continues 7:45 a.m.-12:30 a.m. Activities are centered on Confederate Square and Texas Heroes Square for the three-day festival, which started Friday. Second-day activities include a carnival, live music, battle reenactment, historical presentations and contests. Come and Take It continues through Sunday night. Visit www.gonzalestexas.com. Church Garage Sale Temple Bethel Pentecostal, 1104 St. Paul Street, will hold its monthly garage sale 8 a.m.3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, and Saturday, Oct. 6, in the church reception hall.

Sunday, Oct. 7 Come and Take It The annual Come and Take It celebration continues 9 a.m.6 p.m. Activities are centered on Confederate Square and Texas Heroes Square for the three-day festival, which started Friday. Final-day activities include a carnival, live music, classic car show, memorial observation and cook-offs. Visit www.gonzalestexas.com.

Monday, Oct. 8

Friday, Oct. 5 Church Garage Sale Temple Bethel Pentecostal, 1104 St. Paul Street, will hold its monthly garage sale 8 a.m.3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, and Saturday, Oct. 6, in the church reception hall. Hay Show Entry Deadline Entries for the 2012 Gonzales County Hay Show are due by noon Friday, Oct. 5, at the Gonzales County Extension Office, well in advance of the Oct. 29 show. The show, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, with a stew supper at the Saturn Sales & Services on state Highway 97 five miles north of Gonzales, is open to hay producers who have baled hay in Gonzales County during the past year. An educational program conducted by state extension livestock specialist Joe Paschal will provide two continuing education units for private, non-commercial and commercial pesticide license holders. Producers participating in the Hay Show will obtain a free nutrient analysis on the hay they enter. There are six classes of hay for the show which producers can enter samples in: Bermuda grass, other warm season perennial grasses, warm season annual grasses, cool season grasses, legumes, and grass-legume mixture. The Hay Show is hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Gonzales County Beef Cattle Committee and the Gonzales Young Farmers. Call the Gonzales County Extension Office at 830-672-8531. Come and Take It The annual Come and Take It celebration gets underway at 6 p.m. in downtown Gonzales. Activities are centered on Confederate Square and Texas Heroes Square for the threeday festival. First-day activities include a carnival and live

Square Dance Open House The Come and Take It Square Dance Club of Gonzales is offering a free “open house”

session 7:30-9:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at First Presbyterian Church, 414 St. Louis Street across from the Gonzales County Courthouse. The open house is a “get-acquainted” opportunity that allows prospective students a chance to learn a few basic steps and to meet the friendly dancers. Lessons are offered 7-8 p.m. beginning Monday, Oct. 22, at First Presbyterian Church. Square dancing is an enjoyable social form of exercise, appropriate for all ages, teens to senior adults. Everyone is welcome. Call 830-672-7384 or 672-9307 or 672-3224.

Tuesday, Oct. 9 Desalination Presentation The Water Protection Association is sponsoring a presentation of the GBRA Desalination Project at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, at the Elks Lodge, 1200 Sarah DeWitt Drive in Gonzales. Jim Murphy is the speaker.

Friday, Oct. 12 Workshop Registration Pre-registration for a feral hog educational workshop continues through Friday, Oct. 12, with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office of Caldwell County, 1403 Blackjack Street, Suite B, in Lockhart. The workshop will be held 5:15-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Luling Foundation Farm. Cost is $20, which includes a meal, handouts and entry for door prizes. Three hours of TDA CEUs will be earned for commercial, non-commercial and private applicators; 2 hours of TDA CEUs for general; 1 hour of TDA CEUs for laws and regulations. Call 512-398-3122. Free Legal Aid Meeting A free legal aid community meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, at the Gonzales Learning & Career Center, 1135 St. Paul Street in

The Hearty Gourmet

Let Us Help You Celebrate!

B ridal Registry Erika Anderson & Dustin Lester Oct 27, 2012 Blaine Morgan & Taylor Davis November 24, 2012

813 ST. JOSEPH ST. • GONZALES, TX

830-672-GIFT 4 4 3 8 Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-5

Novedades María Norma Le oferece una variedad de surtido para bautizo, primera comunión, 15 años, boda y para cualquier otro evento social. También, oferecemos arreglos para iglesia, salones y mesas. Tenemos renta de tuxedos des de $65.00. Pidan su paquete especial.

Gonzales. The meeting is sponsored by Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, which provides free legal assistance to low-income residents and communities. Food will be served. Call 512374-2716.

Saturday, Oct. 13 Leesville Country Fair Leesville Country Fair, the annual fund raiser for Leesville Cemetery and benefitting the area high school scholarship program, will be begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, under two covered pavilions at the Methodist Church grounds. Live entertainment will be provided by Kerr Creek Band. Other activities include a silent auction, live auction, raffle drawing, country store, flag presentation and lots of activities for the kids, including a bouncer moon walk, animal exhibits, face painting, ring throw, football throw, bean bag toss, fire truck and police car. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be available throughout the day. Public Square Rosary A public square rosary rally will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Lavaca County Courthouse Square in Hallettsville. The rally is hosted by the Sacred Heart Catholic Community and sponsored by America Needs Fatima. Civil War Veterans The Sons of Confederate Veterans, Texas Bonnie Blue Camp #869 and Col. GustavHoffmann Camp #1838 will honor Confederate and Union soldiers who fought in the war between the states at a memorial observance at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Harwood Cemetery. All participants will be in period cloth-

Tuesday, Oct. 16 Feral Hog Workshop A feral hog educational workshop will be held 5:158:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at Luling Foundatoin Farms. Preregistration is required by Friday, Oct. 12, with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office of Caldwell County, 1403 Blackjack Street, Suite B, in Lockhart. Cost is $20, which includes a meal, handouts and entry for door prizes. Three hours of TDA CEUs will be earned for commercial, noncommercial and private applicators; 2 hours of TDA CEUs for general; 1 hour of TDA CEUs for laws and regulations. Call 512-398-3122.

Thursday, Oct. 18 Gonzales Book Club The Gonzales Book Club meets on the third Thursday of the month. This month’s meeting will be 10-11 a.m. Oct. 13, Liford’s Books and Fine Art to discuss “Farewell” by Horton Foote. Everyone is welcome and invited to attend.

Saturday, Oct. 20 Breast Cancer Awareness Breast Cancer Awareness Month will be celebrated with a second annual Pink Ribbon Brunch 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at the First Presbyterian Church of Gonzales. There will be great food, fellowship, entertainment, a guest speaker presenting information on the latest innovations coming soon with 3D digital mammography, a silent auction

Sunday, Oct. 21 Gonzales Youth Center BBQ The Gonzales Youth Center Bar-B-Que will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at the Gonzales Junior High cafeteria. The delicious plates will consist of beef brisket, potato salad, beans, pickles, onions, bread and dessert for $8. Meals are available for dine-in or drive-through pick up on St. Louis Street. Ken Hedrick will again head up the fantastic cook team. Tickets are available from any Youth Center member or can be purchased at the event. Any briskets left after 1 p.m. will be sold for $40 (halves for $20). Call Pat Anders-Ryan at 830857-3483.

Nominate your Gonzales County

Vote for your Gonzales County

Horarios de lunes a viernes de 10am – 6pm Estamaos para servirles en 119 N Main Street Moulton, TX 77975

361-361-596-4070

h t 0 2 e Th y School Reunion k s n e m o K

Attend Our Pioneering Women’s Day

will be held SATURDAY, OCT 6, 2012 at the MORAVIA DINING HALL in MORAVIA, TEXAS The Pioneering Women’s event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3rd and will offer women of the area an opportunity to shop, eat, and visit the many booths full of natural or handmade beauty, fashion and home decorating items. A wine tasting will also occur at the event from noon to 2p.m. There will be a $5 donation to Pioneer Village for all those attending the day’s activities and shopping.

All former students, teachers, trustees, residents and their spouses, and also anyone interested in the Komensky Community are invited to attend. Registration Begins at 10am followed by a catered noon meal consisting of fried chicken and trimmings for $5/plate. BRING SWEETS TO SHARE! Also bring an item for a silent auction (optional).

Reply only if attending, by contacting Martha Pavlicek at (361) 596-4930 or Barbara Janak at (361) 596-7001 / (361) 772-6409

! e m i T t a e r G m e A o F r o Do C

After the noon meal, a short meeting will be held followed by door prizes and social time.

PIONEER VILLAGE

2122 N. St. Joseph (Bus. Hwy. 183 N.) • Gonzales, TX 78629 • 830-672-2157

PAGE 6 • TUESDAY Oct. 9, 2012

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Leesville Country Fair

Vo ng

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The “Two Friends” quilt was pieced by Mrs. Robert Haynes and Mrs. Lem Kidd around 1960, but was quilted by “The Happy Quilters” in 2012. The story goes that Mrs. Haynes would drive into Leesville to pick up the mail, take her pieces of feed sack material and sewing items, then meet Mrs. Kidd at the café where they would sit and talk for hours sewing the blocks together, talking and working on the quilt. In later years, the quilt top was passed on to a member of the Haynes family who donated it to the Happy Quilters to be quilted with a few finishing touches and will be put in the auction at the fair. The quilt is mostly made from feed sacks from the 1940s and ‘50s. A close look shows the quilt is made into 16 patches per block, which is quite rare. The Happy Quilters were very happy to receive this quilt top to be quilted and put into the fair auction in memory of the friendship of “Two Friends” that most of the people in Leesville remember well. Started in 1998, the quilters were Charlene Anderson, Helen Taylor, Juanita Dubose, Bess Jones. They met every Monday morning. Doris Hewell helped to get it started by showing the others how to put it in the frame. At first, they bought kits. Later on, Myrtle Colwell, Jean Lott, Margie Rice, Janyce Littlefield, LaNell Haynes, Frances Altwine, Missy Dirks and Esther Moore joined the group. One quilt in the auction sold for $2,400. The first quilt to be raffled was called “Log Cabin.” Linda Patteson, daughter of Jane Cox, was the happy winner. Items for sale in the country store during the country fair include embroidered kitchen towels and dishcloths, Afghans, quilted table runners, canned jelly, jalapenos, figs, and handmade aprons and bonnets. Sno-cones and hot dogs will be available during the fair. The auction starts at 1 p.m., and the silent auction is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A horse-drawn wagon will give rides during the fair. There will be a raffle for the lavender nine-piece quilt, and a separate raffle for cash prizes. Tickets for those raffles will be available before and during the fair. There will be a drawing, auction, silent auction, country store, flag presentation and activities for the kids, including Bouncer Moon Walk, animal exhibits, face painting, ring throw, football throw, bean-bag toss, fire truck and police car. The Kerr Creek Band will provide live music entertainment, and there will be plenty of food and drinks.

Administration has made clear that they don’t guarantee or provide any assurance of the accuracy of their list. The Secretary of State’s Office and local tax offices regularly purge dead voters from the rolls, based on information from several sources. In some cases, the voter’s birth date, name or other identifying data is considered a strong enough match to death records to remove the voter from the roll automatically; when the match is weaker, the voter is sent a letter giving him an opportunity to prove he or she is alive. Ara, deputy voter clerk for the county Tax Assessor’s Office, clarifies these issues by putting things in perspective on a local level. “When they sent out the list for Gonzales County, there were only 40 people on it,” Ara says. “Of those 40, I think I sent out 21 letters. It was a list of deceased from Social Security – people and their Social Security numbers – and they were trying to match them up by name or number with voters listed with the state.” Ara says that when he gets the list, if anything matches, whether it’s the first name, last name or Social Security number, then that person’s name will appear. “A certain person I know showed up on the list, and he’s not dead,” he says. “We had a good laugh at that one. The only items that matched on him were his name and date of birth. The rest of the stats were entirely different.” Given all the variables

Go to our website

www.gonzalesinquirer.com and click on the icon

see what

everyoneʼs beentalkingabout!

such as Social Security number, middle initial or nicknames, Ara says a lot of research has to be done to make sure the wrong person isn’t taken off the list. “You have to go through the list to see how many matches there are, each one separately, and if it indeed was a match that needed someone’s attention, that the voter could be deceased,” he says. “If George sent them a letter, and if they didn’t respond in 30 days, then he is ‘supposed’ to purge them,” says DuBose, who is the county’s tax assessor-collector. “But if he knows for a fact they are not dead, then he didn’t send them a letter. What would be the point? Because we’re in a small county, we have an advantage over the larger counties in that we’re more likely to know these people.” Every month, the county clerk’s office provides the tax assessor-collector’s office with death notices, and from there, DuBose and Ara update everything accordingly. “That way we know for a fact if the voter is deceased, and we purge, or cancel, their name,” DuBose says. “And if a Gonzales voter dies in another county, then that county is required to send us a death notice within 30 days. We’re constantly keeping up with this kind of information.” DuBose points out that if she can’t make a good match, however, then they will not purge the voter. “If an election judge calls you wanting to know why someone isn’t on his list, and when we look the person up we’re showing them as deceased, it can be very

embarrassing if they’re standing there very much alive,” she says. For those voters who are still walking among us, it is important to keep in mind that voting officials need to be apprised of any changes in address. “People need to know that if they move, then they need to change their voter registration,” Ara says. “We have to have their new addresses so we know what area they are in.” DuBose adds that other factors such as driver’s license records need to be updated, mainly because they factor into voter registration as well. “The jury wheel is comprised of the voter registration list and driver license records,” she explains. “So even if we purge that voter as a death, if the family doesn’t turn in the deceased person’s driver’s license, they stay on the driver license list for a number of years. And they are still in the jury pool. The district clerk will send us a list of people that didn’t show up, and there are these deceased

people, and we’re looking at it knowing we canceled that person. ‘Why are they on here?’ It’s because of the driver’s license record. Most people’s families don’t know that they are supposed to turn in the deceased person’s driver’s license. “It’s very important to let us know if you move,” she emphasizes. “Every two years when we do that mass mailing, we send it to the last known address that we have listed for you. If you move, it will not be forwarded. Then we send you a letter asking if you moved, and if you don’t respond to that, you will be placed on a suspense list where you will stay through two general elections. Then you will be purged. “You can still vote, but your name will appear on the voter registration list with an ‘S’ by it – for suspense voter,” she explains. “At that time, the election judge is supposed to make you sign a statement that gives us your change of address. You can vote, but you’ll have to sign that affidavit.”

Downtown Cuero 144 E. Main

Doors open at 4pm, Mon.- Fri. Tue, Oct. 9: Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament (starting at 7 p.m.) Wed, Oct. 10: POOL TOURNAMENT Karaoke w/DJ Rocketman

Thu, Oct. 11: Ladies Night &

Acoustic Show w/Matt Thigpen

Fri, Oct. 12: Live Music by Mach One (No Cover) Sat, Oct. 13: Al Dean & The All-Stars ($8 Cover)

Doors Open At 6 P.M.; Music starts at 9 p.m.

Mon, Oct. 15: Monday Night Football (Denver Broncos vs San Diego Chargers) Tue, Oct. 16: Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament (starting at 7 p.m.)

UPCOMING BANDS

Oct. 20: Tim Hall Band Nov. 10: Matt Wayne Oct. 27: La Diferenzia Nov. 17: Trevor Cole Band Oct. 31: Halloween Costume Contest Nov. 24: Gary P. Nunn Visit us online at www.troubadourstx.com or check us out on Facebook.

olor the cartoon below any

“WITCH”

way, and your cartoon could be in the Inquirer and win goodies from of Gonzales! Bring This To Our

Nominate your Gonzales County

We d . , Oc t. 31st 5–7 pm

OPEN HOUSE Halloween Coloring Contest Rules: 1. Contest is open to children ages open to ages 6 and under and 7-10 2. Relatives of newspaper employees or contest sponsors are not eligible to win. 3. Contestants may use crayons or markers. 4. Limit one entry per child. Decision of judges is final. 5. Entries will not be returned, and may be printed in this newspaper. 6. All entries must be received by this newspaper on or before October 31 at 7 p.m. Winner will be announced in Friday, Nov. 2nd Inquirer.

Name: Parent’s Name: Address: City:

State:

Home Phone:

Zip: Age:

Gonzales Inquirer

The

622 N. St. Paul • Gonzales 830-672-2861 • Fax: 830-672-7029 www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Vote for your Gonzales County

Attend Our Pioneering Women’s Day

PIONEER VILLAGE

2122 N. St. Joseph (Bus. Hwy. 183 N.) • Gonzales, TX 78629 • 830-672-2157

PAGE 12 • TUESDAY Oct. 9, 2012 www.gonzalesinquirer.com Gonzales County and the Area

Localsports

Lady Comanches hold off Weimar Cardinals hang B J C on for 19-18 win sports@gonzalesinquirer.com

SHINER – Megan Klimitchek has said before that she feels privileged to coach the Shiner volleyball team. There was no doubt that she felt that way after the Lady Comanches’ 3-2 win over Weimar by scores of 25-20, 25-14, 24-26, 22-25, 15-10. Klimitchek even wept tears of joy after her team’s win. “We had heart and never gave up,” she said. “The girls knew this was an important match and that first place was on the line.” With the win, Shiner (21-13, 7-1 in District 26-A) moved into a first-place tie with Weimar. The Lady Cats on the first match between the teams, 3-2, last month. If the teams finish in a first-place tie, they will either need to flip a coin or play against each other in a tiebreaker match to determine who gets 26-A’s No. 1 seed and a bye in the bi-district round of the Class A state playoffs. Klimitchek did not comment on whether or not she preferred a coinflip or a rubber match, but she did take time to savor the victory over Weimar. “There aren’t many first-year coaches who experience matches like these,” she said. “I couldn’t be happier.” After claiming the first two games, the Lady Comanches opened the third game on an 8-4 run thanks to a pair of aces from Lauren Oden, a block and a kill from Amanise Coleman, and a kill from LaNeshia Hunt. But the Lady Cats used a 13-6 run to rally for a 17-14 lead. Weimar eventually built a 23-20 lead before Shiner used kills from Coleman and Oden and a pair of Lady Cat hitting errors to take a 24-23 lead and move within a point of clinching the match. But Weimar tied the game with a kill and used two Lady Comanche hitting errors to steal the game, 26-24, and keep the match alive. Shiner regained momentum at the start of Game Four as it opened with a 10-4 run. During the run, Oden had a pair of kills, Hunt and Julianna Rankin both had kills, and Tabitha Blaschke recorded a kill and a block. But the Lady Cats used a 15-7 run to build a 19-17 lead. The Lady Comanches

Apaches CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Gonzales scored on six of its seven first-half possessions, and had more than 300 yards rushing in the first two quarters as well. The Apaches called on D.J. Gonzales six times on the opening drive as he gained 54 yards on those six carries, including the drivecapping 3-yard touchdown run to give his team a 6-0 lead at the 8:55 mark of the first quarter. The drive took seven plays and 3 minutes, 5 seconds to complete. Gonzales held Sam Houston (0-6) to three-and-outs on its first two possessions, and the Apaches covered 83 yards in five plays on their third drive of the contest, which concluded with a 4-yard score from Lopez to give his team a 13-0 lead with four seconds left in the first quarter. D.J. Gonzales broke the 100-yard mark on a 50-yard run on the play’s second drive. James intercepted Tomaria Stringfellow and returned the pick 25 yards to the Hurricanes’ 42-yard line to give his team great field position. A pair of D.J. Gonzales carries for 10 and 27 yards, respectively, to set up a 5-yard touchdown run from Lopez to put Gonzales up 20-0 at the 9:49 mark of the second quarter. After Sam Houston picked up a first down thanks to a 21-yard pass

B J C

sports@gonzalesinquirer.com

PHOTO BY JASON CHLAPEK / GONZALES INQUIRER From le , Nixon-Smiley hi ers Hailey Boatright and Kelby Henderson try to block a kill a empt by Luling hi er Megan Emmons (14) during last week’s match.

tied things up three different times, but could never regain the lead as Weimar eventually closed out the game on a 3-0 run to send the match to a fifth game. “I was nervous going into the fifth game,” Shiner libero Meagan Chumchal said. “I knew I had to pick up every hit that came my way.” Just as they did in the previous four games, the Lady Comanches opened the game on a run – 5-0 – but this time there was no looking back. The Lady Cats could not get any closer than three points, 6-3, as Shiner used a pair of kills each from Blaschke and Coleman, and a trio from Rankin – including the match-clincher – to seal the victory. The Lady Comanches were led by Chumchal (team-high 36 digs), Coleman (11 kills, team-high 4 blocks), Oden (27 digs, 9 kills, 7 assists, teamhigh 4 aces, team-high 4 blocks), Rankin (team-high 14 kills, 13 digs, ace) and Schacherl (team-high 39 assists, 17 digs, team-high 4 aces and 2 kills). Blaschke (6 kills, 2 blocks), Hunt (19 digs, 12 kills, 2 assists, ace, block) and Tamara Hajek (5 digs) also contributed to Shiner’s success. “We had to read the court, give our all and dig deep,” Oden said. “Our goal is to get to state, and there’s so much more for us to accomplish.” Shiner visits Prairie Lea at 5 p.m. today at Prairie Lea High School. Luling 3, Stockdale 1 After dropping the first game, the Luling volleyball team rallied to win the

play from Stringfellow to Khiry Darby, the Apache defense tightened up to force yet another Hurricanes punt. Gonzales once again went on another runoriented scoring drive as James had carries of 6 and 4 yards, followed by totes of 2 and 31 yards form Lopez and an 11-yard run from D.J. Gonzales to set up a 1-yard score from Matt Hillman to put the Apaches up 26-0 with 4:45 left in the second quarter. Coltin Russell intercepted Stringfellow on the ensuing play to set his team up at the Sam Houston 49, and it took just six plays for Gonzales to strike again as D.J. Gonzales scored from nine yards out on his final carry of the night. Russell had a 19-yard catch on the first play of the drive, and also caught a two-point conversion pass from Martinez following an errant extra point snap as the play gave the Apaches a 34-6 lead at the 1:34 mark of the second quarter. Another turnover led to another quick Gonzales touchdown. This time Miller returned a Jvoni BadieJones fumble 27 yards to the Hurricanes’ 15 before Hillman connected with Cameron Smith for a 15-yard score to give the Apaches a 41-0 lead with 1:03 remaining before halftime. Although Gonzales rested its offensive starters in the second half, the Apaches

RUNNING M BAR & GRILL Downtown Gonzales

520 Saint Paul St | Gonzales, TX 78629

830-672-3647

OPEN FOR LUNCH • Mon-Fri 11 AM – 2 PM OCTOBER 11 < Zack & Wes of Dolly Shine OCTOBER 12 DJ OCTOBER 13 Scotty Decker >

OCT. 18 - TAYLOR DAVIS • OCT. 20 - WHISKEY SIN

next three to win its first district match, 3-1, over Stockdale Friday at Luling High School. The scores were 18-25, 2520, 25-11, 25-7. Amanda Lee led the way for the Lady Eagles with 18 digs, 11 kills and eight aces — all team-highs. Maria Castillo (team-high 18 digs, 2 aces), Carley Glass (16 digs, 9 kills, team-high 3 blocks, 3 aces) and Claire Patterson (team-high 21 assists, 7 digs, 2 kills, block) were other team leaders, while Lauren Beyer (5 kills, 3 digs, 2 blocks), Hanna Clark (7 digs, assist), Miranda Sheffield (4 digs, 2 kills, block) and Sara Townsend (5 kills, 2 digs) also contributed. Luling (1-6 in 28-2A) hosts Schulenburg at 6 p.m. today. Schulenburg 3, Nixon-Smiley 0 Schulenburg coasted to a 3-0 victory over the Nixon-Smiley volleyball team Saturday at Schulenburg High School. The scores were 25-14, 25-12, 25-11. The Lady Mustangs were led by Alena Alvarez (team-high 5 assists, team-high 4 aces, 2 digs), Hailey Boatright (team-high 3 kills, ace, block, dig), Treca DeLeon (team-high 9 digs), Savannah Martinez (team-high 3 kills, block, dig) and Devon Tristan (teamhigh 3 blocks, 3 digs). Miranda Carrillo (2 digs), Jennifer Flores (6 digs), Megan Guerra (4 assists), Kelby Henderson (3 digs, 2 kills), Abby Scarbrough (2 kills, assist, dig) and Meagan Stone (3 digs) also contributed. Nixon-Smiley (9-18, 2-6 in 28-2A) hosts Poth at 6 p.m. today.

second-teamers still found their way into the endzone three times. After coming up empty on a 12-play drive that ended in a turnover on downs at the Sam Houston 19, Ramirez intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards to the 3 before scoring from two yards out to give Gonzales a 48-0 advantage at the 2:34 mark of the third quarter. Another short punt set the Apaches up at the Hurricanes’ 49, and they found the endzone nine plays later thanks to an 8-yard touchdown pass from Martinez to Ramirez to increase the lead to 55-0 with 7:28 left in the fourth quarter. James had a 17-yard carry on the drive, while Martinez ran twice for a total of 13 yards. Sam Houston got on the scoreboard at the 6:26 mark of the final quarter as Dewayne Brown hit Terrance Winkfield for a 68-yard score to cut the Gonzales lead to 55-6. But the Apaches put the game away on a 9-play, 46-yard drive, which

concluded with a 5-yard touchdown from Martinez with 1:04 left to play in the contest. Martinez had carries of 4 and 14 yards earlier in the drive, while Ramirez carried the ball five times for 18 yards on the drive. Following the touchdown, Martinez took a knee on the extra point attempt. “These kids compete when they have the chance,” Lock said. “It’s good when you can give everyone a chance to play. Sam Houston is a young team that lost a lot of people from last year. They also have a lot of guys who are hurt, but coach (Gary) Green does a good job over there. I wish them the best of luck the rest of the season.” Gonzales opens District 26-3A play at 7:30 p.m. Friday at La Grange. Lock believes his team will have a challenge from the Leopards. “La Grange is a good team and we have to go over there,” he said. “But I believe our kids will answer the call.”

Pioneering Women’s Day We are looking for vendors to sell and demonstrate natural, hand-made health & beauty products, crafts, jewelry & apparel

During our 1st Ever Pioneering Women’s Day Awards-Spa Day, Craft Show & Sale

Sat., Nov. 3•10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pioneer Village, Gonzales, TX Booth space available w/wo electricity. For more info contact Brenda Adams

830-672-2861 or publisher@gonzalesinquirer.com

Throughout his career, St. Paul running back Adam Hollenbach has been known for his running. But on Friday, his kicking played a pivotal role for the Cardinals. Hollenbach booted an extra point after scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to provide the ultimate difference in St. Paul’s 19-18 win over Brazos Christian in the TAPPS District 5-Division III opener for both teams Friday at Brazos Christian School in Bryan. Fans of the forward pass would have been disappointed if they attended FriAdam day’s contest. The Cardinals threw the Hollenbach ball seven times, while the Eagles went to the air on four occasions. St. Paul (3-2, 1-0 in TAPPS 5-DIII) never trailed in the contest, and started the scoring on a 21-yard run from Dylan Barton to seize a 6-0 lead at the 4:04 mark of the first quarter. Brazos Christian (4-2, 0-1 in TAPPS 5-DIII) answered with a 56-yard scoring run from Kenny Honnas to tie the game at 6 with 2:42 left in the second quarter. Garrett Hollenbach broke the 6-6 tie with 1-yard touchdown score, and folEarlywine his lowed with the extra point to put the Cardinals up 13-6 at the 7:06 mark of the third quarter. The Eagles answered with a 48-yard touchdown pass from Gentry Gayle to Justin Duewall, but the extra point attempt failed as St. Paul held on to a 13-12 lead with 3:44 remaining in the third. Martin Kennedy scored on a 9-yard run on the final play of the third quarter to give the Cardinals a 19-12 lead Tristan heading into the final quarter. Honnas Newman once again pulled Brazos Christian within a point with his 2-yard score with 8:40 left in the contest, but his two-point conversion run was stopped short of the goalline as St. Paul maintained the lead. Kennedy led the Cardinals in rushing (12 carries, 134 yards) and receiving (2 catches, 26 yards). Hollenbach also had 115 yards on 17 carries, while Mitchell McElroy completed 4-of-7 passes for 54 yards. St. Paul hosts New Braunfels John Paul II at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Comanche Stadium in Shiner. Dilley 41, Nixon-Smiley 15 Dilley turned a pair of fumble returns and a punt return for touchdowns and received 145 yards of total offense from Will Urban as the Wolves pulled away from Nixon-Smiley, 41-15, Friday at Gosch Stadium in Dilley. Despite the loss, the Mustangs actually had more yards of total offense than Dilley, 271-214, and more first downs, 12-10. Dilley (3-2, 2-0 in 15-2A-DII) got on the scoreboard first when Joe Garcia returned a fumble 70 yards for a touchdown to give his team a 7-0 lead at the 4:26 mark of the first quarter. But Nixon-Smiley (0-5, 0-2 in 15-2A-DII) knotted things up at 7 thanks to an 18-yard touchdown pass from Nick Pena to Garrett Earlywine with 8:48 left in the second quarter. The score was tied 7-7 at halftime, but the Wolves took the lead for good with a 3-yard touchdown run from Leonardo Garcia to seize a 13-7 lead at the 4:56 mark of the third quarter. Marcos Rodriguez returned a fumble 24 yards and Urban added a two-point conversion to increase the Dilley lead to 21-7. Orlando Bernal added a 2-yard touchdown run at the 11:25 mark of the fourth quarter to make it 27-7 in favor of the Wolves. Tristan Newman responded with a 61-yard touchdown run, and Pena hit Earlywine for two to cut the Dilley lead to 27-15 with 9:30 left in the fourth. Bernal put the game away with a 75-yard punt return for a score with 2:42 left in the contest to increase the Dilley lead to 33-15. Following a turnover on downs, Urban added a 36-yard touchdown run and a two-pointer for the final scores of the contest with two minutes remaining. Urban led all rushers with 106 yards on 11 carries. Newman led the Mustangs in rushing (9-63), and also had a pair of catches for 30 yards and completed 2-of-2 passes for 40 yards. Pena led all passers as he went 7-of-13 for 98 yards, and Earlywine led all receivers with seven catches for 108 yards. Nixon-Smiley hosts Stockdale at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Mustang Stadium in Nixon.

REMEMBERING OUR

SERVICE MEN & WOMEN

WHO ARE DEFENDING OUR FREEDOM! • Tyrell L. Johnson, US Army, Fort Stewart, Georgia • Zach Head of Gonzales, US Marines, Hawaii • Britt Hindman of Cost, US Marines, California • Scott Hindman of Cost, US Marines, Austin • John Dubose III of Gonzales, US Navy, California • Howard Schwausch of Gonzales, US Army, Afganistan • Ernie Martinez of Gonzales, US Marines, California • Matthew Davis of Gonzales, US Navy, Florida • Clay Gregory of Gonzales, US Navy, California • Greg Kuntschik Jr. of Gonzales, US Army, Killeen • Kevin Kuntschik of Gonzales, US Marines, California • Bradley Frailicks of Gonzales, US Army National Guard, Austin • Tyler Brown of Gonzales, US Marines, California • Jeff Gonzales of Gonzales, US Army, Killeen • Kegan Kay of Gonzales, US Navy, Japan • Eric Herrera of Gonzales, US Marines, California • Felix Gonzales III of Gonzales, US Navy, California • Travis Windham of Gonzales, US Army, Iraq • Matthew Craven, US Marines, Afganistan • Joshua Sanchez, US Marines, Afganistan • Louis A. Aguilar of Gonzales, US Army, stationed in Illinois • Jarrett Falks of Gonzales,US Airforce, Ramstein AFB, Germany • Jonathan “J.D” Falks of Gonzales, US Airforce, Moody AFB, Georgia To submit the name of a serviceman or woman, email to ads@gonzalesinquirer.com mail to PO Box 616, Gonzales TX 78629 or call 830-672-2861 Include name, rank, hometown, branch of military and location stationed

PAGE A2 â&#x20AC;˘ TUESDAY Oct. 16, 2012

Bus crash CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

It was 7 a.m. Saturday when the St. Joseph High School freshmen, junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams left Victoria enroute to Hyde Park Baptist Schools in Austin for three matches. Most of the girls passed the time napping as the bus traveled north on Highway 183. But at FM 2067 (Cheapside Road), the peaceful journey became a blur of confusion, anguish and terror, where life and death hung in the balance. The school bus left the roadway onto the shoulder â&#x20AC;&#x201C; possibly even the ditch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and struck at least one sign. The Department of Public Safety said the driver then overcorrected in an attempt to wrestle the bus back onto the roadway, sending the behemoth careening into the southbound lane and into the path of an oncoming 18-wheeler. Driver Clint Parks, 67, who has been driving buses for St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extracurricular activities for about six years, worked frantically to regain control of the bus, wrenching the steering wheel back to the right to avoid a head-on collision. But by then, the DPS said, the bus was fishtailing and its fate was sealed. The bus plunged into the ditch and began rolling, wiping out several yards of a barbed-wire fence, snapping the posts as it flipped before coming to rest on its right side just feet from impacting a utility pole. Miraculously, no one was seriously injured. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What I remember, we got into the ditch, the bus was hitting the signs, and then we swerved over into [the other] lane and then made, like, a circle around and then started flipping,â&#x20AC;? said one of the girls, who had been among those dozing before the bus left the roadway and who was tossed about as the bus flipped. Although virtually unscathed, she and a handful of her teammates who huddled together as they watched their friends taken away on stretchers, remained shaken as they tried to piece together what had happened. No one is sure how many times the bus rolled â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of the girls said â&#x20AC;&#x153;it felt like two [times]â&#x20AC;? and a DPS trooper at the scene said â&#x20AC;&#x153;probably two or threeâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but the force of the impact as the bus sought a resting place crumpled metal, shattered windows and hurled its occupants in all directions. Trying to come to grips what they had survived â&#x20AC;&#x201C; recalling personal items flying everywhere, windows breaking, metal crunching and girls falling on top of each other as the bus tumbled â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the girls said the wreck was surreal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It felt like we were sleeping, but we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t,â&#x20AC;? one girl said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was just like a daydream,â&#x20AC;? another said. For Heinis, who was the first person on the scene with any emergency medical training, he wondered what it must have

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER

Teammates comforted each other in the a ermath of a wreck that could have been worse.

been like for those who found their world literally turned upside down. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were flyinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; all over the place,â&#x20AC;? he surmised. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you roll a bus of that size at 70 miles an hour â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure they were doinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gonna be a violent ride.â&#x20AC;? Both he and the St. Joseph girls confirmed that the school bus was not equipped with seat belts. Parents following the bus when the accident occurred, said they were traveling at 60 mph. When Heinis came upon the crash site, it was an environment in which minutes mattered and action had to be taken. He joined impromptu rescue efforts that were already underway by parents and passersby. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why I stopped immediately when I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see [first responders] on scene. I just had to kinda take charge, basically, until the EMTs [arrived],â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[The girls] were

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

pretty upset and scared, to be expected. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were starting to pile out of the bus [when I arrived],â&#x20AC;? Heinis said. His training and certification in First Aid, CPR and as an EMT gave him the tools to act quickly and decisively as he performed triage, attending to those most seriously injured. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started helping out, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when I found out that there was a girl still in the bus, so I left everybody else and I went to her. She was the only one that was still in the bus. She was really scared, had a cut on the side of her head. So I stayed with her and calmed her down. She wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t trapped or nothing. I just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to move her and let her come out of the bus just in case she had C-spine injuries or something like that.â&#x20AC;? Heinis said he was on the scene 7-10 minutes before the first emergency responders from Gonzales arrived. Crews from Cuero and Yoakum also responded. At the height of rescue operations, the highway was a traffic jam of vehicles from Gonzales County EMS/Rescue, Gonzales Fire Department, Gonzales County Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, Yoakum EMS, Yoakum Fire Department, Cuero EMS and two DPS troopers. For one Gonzales firefighter working the

PHOTOS BY LYNN ADAMS/ GONZALES INQUIRER

First responders from Gonzales, Cuero and Yoakum (above) worked in concert Saturday morning 12 miles southeast of Gonzales on U.S. Highway 183 to treat injuries at the scene of a school bus rollover. Twenty-seven people were transported to hospitals in the three nearby ci es. Emo ons were high as parents and friends converged on the crash site to ďŹ nd loved ones recovering from an array of scrapes, scratches, bumps and bruises sustained when the school bus ďŹ&#x201A;ipped as many as three mes a er avoiding a head-on collision with an 18-wheeler. Right, emergency medical personnel worked diligently to administer care to those injured.

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER

Virtually every window in the bus was shattered (above), and personal items were strewn everywhere as the bus lay on its side (below).

'U &DWK\ %RRWK 0DUMRULH %XUQHWW /LOOLDQ )HUQDQGH] 6KHUU\ 3RH 6X]DQQH 6H[WRQ 0IONEER 6ILLAGE AND 4HE )NQUIRER CONGRATULATES OUR FINALISTS AND WE THANK THE PUBLIC FOR NOMINATING VERY DESERVING WOMEN FOR OUR FIRST EVER HONOR

scene, he was struck by the sheer number of injuries, although most were just scrapes, scratches, bumps and bruises. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People were layinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; all over the place,â&#x20AC;? he observed, more rhetorical than informational. Jim Russell, Gonzales County EMS/Rescue director and the one in charge of medical efforts at the scene, praised the teamwork of all agencies involved in the rescue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody did a great job. Yoakum guys, Cuero guys, everybody stepped up,â&#x20AC;? he said. Russell reported that 18 people were taken to Gonzales Memorial Hospital, while a DPS trooper at the scene said 27 people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 23 of them volleyball players â&#x20AC;&#x201C; were transported to hospitals in Gonzales, Cuero and Yoakum. The Victoria Advocate reported that two girls and co-head coach Allyson Griffin were treated and released from Cuero Community Hospital, four girls and cohead coach Alvin Mumphord were treated and released from Yoakum Community Hospital, and 17 students and freshmen coach Tori Escamilla were treated at GMH. St. Joseph principal Bill McArdle confirmed that 27 people were hospitalized, and said everyone except Parks was released by 6 p.m. Saturday. He said most injuries were scrapes and bruises, although there were a couple of girls whose cuts required stitches. Parks remained in GMH overnight and was released Sunday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a miracle [the injuries were not more severe],â&#x20AC;? McArdle said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their guardian angels were looking over them.â&#x20AC;? McArdle dispelled early reports that a tire blowout was responsible for the chain of events that led the crash, and admitted â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever know [the cause].â&#x20AC;? A Mass of Thanksgiving will be held Tuesday morning at St. Joseph as the school, faculty and students â&#x20AC;&#x153;count our blessings,â&#x20AC;? McArdle said.

4HE )NQUIRER S SALUTE TO THESE FINALISTS WILL BE /CT 7E INVITE YOU TO READ ALL ABOUT THEM AND THEN STARTING -ONDAY /CTOBER THRU 4HURSDAY

.OV AT P M GO ON THE )NQUIRER S WEBSITE WWW GONZALESINQUIRER COM AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE FINALIST #ALL EMAIL OR TEXT ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND GET THEM TO VOTE ALSO $WWHQG 2XU 3LRQHHULQJ :RPHQÂśV 'D\

4HE 0IONEERING 7OMEN S EVENT WILL BEGIN AT A M 3ATURDAY .OV RD AND WILL OFFER WOMEN OF THE AREA AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOP EAT AND VISIT THE MANY BOOTHS FULL OF NATURAL OR HANDMADE BEAUTY FASHION AND HOME DECORATING ITEMS ! WINE TASTING WILL ALSO OCCUR AT THE EVENT FROM NOON TO P M 4HERE WILL BE A DONATION TO 0IONEER 6ILLAGE FOR ALL THOSE ATTENDING THE DAY S ACTIVITIES AND SHOPPING

3,21((5 9,//$*(

1 6W -RVHSK %XV +Z\ 1 Â&#x2021; *RQ]DOHV 7; Â&#x2021;

Upcoming Events at J.B. Wells Park in Gonzales 10/18-10/21 Three & 1/2 Amigos Cutting 10/20-10/21 Lone Star Classic Steer & Heifer Show

Graham Land & Cattle Co

Proudly brought to you by: . 3732 U.S. Highway 183 S â&#x20AC;˘ Gonzales, Tx â&#x20AC;˘ 672-6504 â&#x20AC;˘ www.grahamfeedyard.com

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Cook-oﬀ CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

i l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

i l

s Cem o Cem i l

U V 20

Waul

i l

t u 90A

CR-465

Rising Star

Pecan Branch Cem i l

Pecan Branch

Search CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

areas of Lake Wood and Greenwood Hills, and adjacent to U.S. Highway 90A. According to a DPS report, Gonzales County sheriff ’s deputies received a call from a citizen saying that undocumented citizens were being loaded into the back of a pickup truck early Wednesday afternoon. Reportedly, the sheriff ’s deputy located the vehicle on Highway 90A near Lake Wood and Greenwood Hills at about 1:30 p.m., and followed it while calling DPS for backup. “He briefly lost the vehicle while we were on our way to back him up,” the DPS trooper reported. “But we soon found the truck in a nearby pasture. The truck was empty, but we could see several people moving through the brush.” Officers then sealed off a perimeter around the 640acre section of land where the vehicle was found. “Deputies and DPS were

i l

Ft. Waul

Gonzales IOOF CemJewish Cem Gonzales 66 Gonzales Maso R-4

¬ « 97

Hodges Cem

Green Dewitt Cem

able to apprehend two people,” the trooper said of the Wednesday captures. “We contacted I.C.E. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and Homeland Security, and they arrived and recovered the two. “We continued our search for about five hours [on Wednesday],” the trooper said. A DPS trooper continuing the search Thursday morning came upon six more people walking along Highway 90A near the J&E Ranch and the San Marcos River bridge. He was able to apprehend three of them, but the others eluded capture. The three in custody will also be turned over to Homeland Security, the trooper said. As of press time Thursday, DPS officials were able to confirm that five people had been apprehended. Authorities said at least three illegal aliens remain on the loose, but the number could be as high as eight if reports of 13 illegal aliens turn out to be accurate.

COURTESY PHOTO Gonzales County 4-H members recently helped serve meals at The Heights of Gonzales nursing home on Family Night. Members helping were Mary San Miguel, Ashlynn Tatsch, Gretchen Singleton, Dillon Mills and Lonnie Soe e

Dr. Cathy Booth Marjorie Burnett Lillian Fernandez Sherry Poe Suzanne Sexton Pioneer Village and The Inquirer congratulates our finalists and we thank the public for nominating 18 very deserving women for our first-ever honor.

s y a w r o f g n i k o Lo to improve your your wealth? Through RB Financial LLC Investments and Insurance, a registered Investment Professional can meet with you, at no cost or obligation, to help develop an effective plan and make wise investment decisions. Call us at 1-888-294-0202 to schedule an appointment at an RBFCU location closest to you.

The Inquirer’s salute to these finalists will be Friday, Oct. 26. We invite you to read all about them and then starting Monday, October 29 thru Thursday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. go on the Inquirer’s website www.gonzalesinquirer.com and vote for your favorite finalist. Call, email or text all your friends and get them to vote, also. Attend Our Pioneering Women’s Day

PIONEER VILLAGE

2122 N. St. Joseph (Bus. Hwy. 183 N.) • Gonzales, TX 78629 • 830-672-2157

Roa

4-H helps for Family Night

Camp

Duncan Ferry

tonio

combines the intimacy of a thrilling exclusive concert with a personally guided tour through ravishingly beautiful homes. Gonzales is the perfect place for the pilot episode of American Classical, not only because it has so many spectacularly beautiful homes, but also because Gonzales has a long history of starting things – like Texas – that become much bigger and change the world.” San Antonio PBS TV station KLRN also has a history of launching successful programs. KLRN filmed the first episode of “Antiques Roadshow,” which is the most successful program in PBS history. Tony Morris currently hosts a nationally-broadcast radio program, Classical Guitar Alive!, which is broadcast weekly on more than 200 public radio stations internationally. Call 512-657-1400, email ClassicGuitarAlive@gmail. com or visit www.ClassicGuitarAlive.org.

Greenwood

n San A

Two others at the scene — Tony Anthony Hernandez, 24, of Gonzales, and Jasmine Lampkin, 24, of Gonzales — were shot during the gunplay, but survived their wounds. In the aftermath of the shootings, Parris Brown, 24, of Hallettsville, turned himself into Gonzales police later the day of the incident. Warrants for murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon had been issued for Brown. He remains in Gonzales County Jail facing

a bond amount of $200,000 ($100,000 for murder and $50,000 on each charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon). Taylor had indicated within days of the shootings that he expected more arrests to be made in the case, and the investigation points to the involvement of a second gunman. Rudolph, 21, is from Louisiana, but has been living in Cuero, Taylor said. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Rudolph or any other information about the shootings is asked to call Gonzales police at 830-672-8686.

Classical

53 CR-2

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

has enough pins, plates and screws in his body to make it difficult to pass an airport scanner, Birmingham’s music is steeped in stark realism. “I never really quit riding bulls,” he laughs. “The music just sort of took over. But, what you see is what you get when you deal with me, and that is how I want to come across through my music.” Critics agree that Birmingham indeed delivers on record and on stage. One of the best reviewed acts of 2006, he has been described as “refreshing,” “rough & tumble” and “a true Texas treasure.” Opening for Birmingham at 9 p.m. is D.J. Richter from Gonzales. Birmingham will take the stage at 11 p.m. and go until 1 a.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5-12 and under 5 years old free. A portion of the proceeds from the weekend events goes to scholarships for Nixon-Smiley CISD seniors who are planning to further their education.

91 20

Shoo ngs

“No Apologies,” spawned a No. 1 single and earned the country music outlaw a Top 10 spot in the Best Of Texas Top 30 songs of the year. Since then, he’s become a major force on the Texas music scene. He has been compared to Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr., and producer Eric Paul describes the country traditionalist as “the first real singer of the 21st century.” Humbled by the accolades, Birmingham attributes his pure and gritty musical style to his true grit lifestyle. “I believe that country music should reflect the common people,” Birmingham says. “That’s pretty much my mission statement, to stay grounded in the knowledge that I’m a blue collar individual, a country boy. There are a lot of people out there like me, and I’d like to be their voice.” This South Texas native is no manufactured “hat act.” Birmingham is a former professional bullrider who

FRIDAY • PAGE A3

V U

Judging begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with the Dutch oven dessert, followed at 11 a.m. with pork ribs, 11:30 a.m. for pork other than ribs, noon for the surprise category, 12:30 p.m. with pinto beans, 1 p.m. with chicken and 1:30 p.m. for brisket. Also on tap for Saturday’s festivities are kids games starting at 8 a.m., which includes mutton bustin’, pig tying, goat slapping and pig scramble. A live auction begins at noon, and the popular wild pig races are at 1 p.m. The Qualifying San Antonio Ranch Rodeo begins at 4 p.m. Saturday. The rodeo is the last qualifying ranch rodeo on the circuit, so organizers are expecting a large turnout of teams trying to qualify to the San Antonio Ranch Rodeo Finals, which is held in February. A dance featuring Jarrod Birmingham will follow the Saturday ranch rodeo. Birmingham’s 2006 CD,

Oct. 19, 2012

RB Financial LLC is affi liated with Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU). Representatives are registered, securities are sold, and investment advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free (866) 512-6109. Non-deposit investment and insurance products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by RBFCU or RB Financial LLC. CBSI is under contract with the fi nancial institution, through the financial services program, to make securities available to members. CBSI is a registered broker-dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America. FR081117-7FC3

Outd doors

Oct. 19, 2012 FRIDAY • PAGE B3 www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Game Warden field notes

Patience was a virtue for man stranded in Guadalupe River The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports. Sooner or later A Gonzales County game warden responded to a call regarding a missing boater on Lake Wood several hours after dark. The warden remembered seeing the boater pass by on the Guadalupe River during the middle of the afternoon, so he launched a boat into the river with a deputy sheriff and assisted with the search and rescue. About an hour later, the warden and the deputy found a stranded boater about 10 miles upriver from the Lake Wood dam. He was mosquito bitten, but otherwise unhurt. The boater said he had plowed over a shallow gravel bar and his boat sucked up rocks in the intake and started taking on water and the engine compartment became awash. The man also ruined his cell phone during the ordeal, so calling for help was impossible, but he was close to a dock so he secured his boat and climbed onto the dock to wait for help. As the warden approached the dock, the man said, “I knew you’d come get me sooner or later.” Dove caught your tongue? A Waller County game warden and a Harris County game warden were patrolling Waller County when, just before sunset, the wardens heard multiple shots

coming from a wooded area. They made their way through the trees and observed three dove hunters having a great hunt, but not retrieving the doves that fell into the woods. If they had, they would have found the two game wardens. After the wardens hid in the brush for about 30 minutes, one of the hunters announced to his friends, “I am done. I have 23.” The wardens looked at one another to make sure they both heard the same thing when the hunter yelled again, “I am done. I have 23 doves.” The wardens took his word for it and announced their presence, separated the hunters, and discovered one with 20 doves, not 23. The other two hunters were within the daily bag limit. One of the wardens walked the hunter who was over his limit back to the hunter’s truck to retrieve his license. At the truck, the warden observed dove feathers that appeared to be from earlier in the day. The warden made a statement to the hunter, “This morning’s hunt was good, wasn’t it?” The hunter promptly agreed that it was really good and then realized what he had done, and said, “Oh, no.” He admitted that he had also shot a limit in the morning. Citations were issued for exceeding daily bag limit and failure to retrieve game. A picture says a thousand words A Washington County game warden received information about a possible hunting violation from a

local cyber crimes unit. The warden interviewed an individual that had posted a photo on his Facebook page of six cattle egrets that had been killed during a dove hunt on Labor Day. On the subject’s Facebook page, it was noted that only three doves had been killed because the egrets got in the way. The subject gave a statement stating he and three other individuals had shot the egrets. The warden obtained information on the other three hunters and the location of the violation, which occurred in Austin County. With assistance from an Austin County game warden, statements were obtained from the other three hunters. Citations and restitution pending on all four subjects. Smile, you’re on Candid Camera Two Van Zandt County game wardens were contacted by a local ranch owner concerning a unique picture that was taken on his game camera. The photo showed a woman, with a very distinct tattoo, holding a baby white-tailed deer fawn. The time stamp on the photo said that this woman was on the ranch property in May on the same date and time the ranch was burglarized and several firearms, hunting equipment and a Polaris Ranger were stolen. The wardens then conducted a press conference seeking help from the public in naming the woman in the photograph. The wardens soon received multiple Operation Game Thief calls

that matched the woman in the photo with her name and the warden’s received a tip to her current location in Smith County. The wardens, accompanied by a Wood County game warden, went to the location and found her. After being interviewed, the woman confessed to stealing from the ranch and identified her accomplice. The investigation led to a substantial amount of stolen items being recovered, including three guns and the missing vehicle. The case was turned over to the Van Zandt County Sheriff ’s Office, where burglary of a habitation, trespass and unlawful use of a motor vehicle were filed on all subjects.

see if the hunters would continue shooting after sunset, and after waiting in the brush for a while, the wardens made contact with them. While among the hunters, the wardens found three men and two shot guns, one a 12-guage, the other a 20-gauge, and spent shells everywhere. The problem with this is that only one man admitted to hunting. One warden asked

one of the non-hunters why he had so many shells in the back of his truck. The man said his girlfriend was shooting beer cans. When the warden asked where she was shooting from and to see the cans, the man said she was shooting from 15 yards away and had missed every time. The warden called his bluff and the man later admitted to hunting and citations were issued.

Three days for a buck

The Chupacabra is innocent until proven guilty Two Val Verde County game wardens investigated mountain lion sighting reports that were called in from the outskirts of Del Rio. The first investigation was for a horse that allegedly had been attacked and the second involved a herd of goats. No indications or evidence was found that a mountain lion is roaming and feeding on pets in Del Rio. The wardens also ruled out a Chupacabra. It was my girlfriend’s fault A Milam County game warden and Bell County game warden were patrolling Milam County on opening day of dove season when they located a group of hunters right before sunset. The wardens waited to

COURTESY PHOTO Ricky Lester and Becky Morris with a trophy buck Morris got Oct. 11 on the Lester Ranch south of Gonzales. She shot him with a 308 Browning Rifle using 150 grain Hornady bullet. He scored a gross of 196-1/8, with a net score of 188. It took three days of hun!ng to finally take this trophy buck. The hard work by Ricky Lester and his crew in ge"ng this deer is much appreciated.

GOT GAME?

Show all of Gonzales County what you bagged! The Email your photos and info to editor@gonzalesinquirer.com Photos will appear on our Friday Outdoor Page.

2138 Water Street Gonzales, TX 78629 Phone: 830.672.1888 Fax: 830.672.1884 info@sleepinngonzales.com

Gonzales Inquirer

www.sleepinngonzales.com

Fehner & Son Grain Co. 1922 Co. Road 197, Gonzales, TX 78629 830-672-3710 • CUSTOM MIX FEED • LIQUID FEED • CATTLE CUBES • GRAINS • LIQUID FERTILIZER • PELLET FEED • SPRAYING

830-857-3638 • 830-857-3636

803 US Hwy 77A N. Yoakum, Texas 361-293-9999

Shown with optional accessories on private property. Always protect the environment and wear a seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. ©2012 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • yamaha-motor.com

Pioneering Women’s Day 2138 Water Street Gonzales, TX 78629 Phone: 830.672.1888 Fax: 830.672.1884 info@sleepinngonzales.com

www.sleepinngonzales.com

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 Pioneer Village Vote online Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at www.GonzalesInquirer.com

830-203-5111 2100 Water Street (Highway183) Gonzales, Texas 78629

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Oct. 23, 2012

scene, Rocha and Villa were trapped inside the vehicle after the left side of the car crashed into the tree. Emergency first responders had to use the jaws of life to extract the women. DPS said Garza was released from the hospital, but Villa and Mills remain at Brackenridge.

Crash

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

three women were taken by ambulance to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin. All four women were wearing safety belts, traverse seeking a place to call home. the DPS reported. Martha was later diagnosed with AlAccording to the DPS trooper on the zheimer’s disease. Norman stayed by her side, loving and loyal to the end as Martha passed away just two hours after their 60th anniversary. So many sweet memories filled Norman’s heart upon this passing, memories that recalled how he boldly introduced himself to Martha at a dance and won her heart on the dance floor, and memories of raising five wonderful children together in homes filled with love and the scenic beauty they witnessed of the natural world as they traveled through life together. Norman Albert Wundt was a loyal, honest, robust and hardworking man. He believed in treating all people fairly and would not tolerate prejudices. He instilled these qualities into his children and certainly they are a reflection of their father’s values. He freely gave of his time to those who needed him. He loved his garden and enjoyed writing as he committed memories of his life to volumes of paper. Certainly, as he now dances through the golden streets of heaven with his loving wife Martha, God is smiling and welcoming his good and faithful servant home. He is survived by his daughters and sonsin-law, Karen Janet and Alvin Cook, and Evelyn Lucille and Dennis Engblom, all of Austin; sons and daughter-in-law, Warren William Wundt of Seguin and James Avery and Ellen Wundt of Belmont; brother Marvin Julius Wundt of San Marcos; grandchildren Sherri Escalante, Gina Blackstone, Douglas Cook, Charles Wundt, Victor EngFor the first time ever, Pioneer Village and the blom, Angie Decou, Shelby Scharen and Gonzales Inquirer will join in recognizing modern Kyle Wundt; and 11 great-grandchildren. day women pioneers who have forged the way for He was preceded in death by his wife, others in their professions during the first-ever parents and a son Allen Wayne Wundt. Gonzales County Pioneering Women’s Salute which will appear Tuesday, October 23 in the Inquirer. Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 20, in the Belmont United Methodist Nominate your Gonzales County Church with Pastor Paul Smith officiating. Interment followed in the Belmont Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dale Burell, Marcos Burell, Perry Winegeart, John Henry Burell, Mike Bond, Richard Goss, Royce The nomination process is open to women in the county in business or Towns Jr. and Martin Garcia. Honorary academia, and are or have been employed in Gonzales County. The mission of pallbearers were Pat Romike, Tom KolterPioneering Women is to recognize and honor Gonzales County women who’ve made extraordinary contributions within their fields of endeavor, and who will man and Richard Kolterman. Memorials inspire future generations to utilize their own talents. Nominations will be may be made to the Belmont United Methaccepted from our readers and residents beginning Sunday, September 30th. odist Church. Services are under the care until 5 p.m. Sunday, October 7 on the Inquirer’s Facebook. and direction of O’Bannon Funeral Home in Luling. Vote for your Gonzales County

Norman Albert Wundt Norman Albert Wundt, 98, from Belmont, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012. He was born Jan. 14, 1914, in Robstown, to William Julius Wundt and Meta Kolterman Wundt. Norman married Martha Marie Burell on Dec. 21, 1938, in Georgewest. He was a member of the Belmont United Methodist Church. Norman became well acquainted with hard work as a young man. He had worked as a roughneck on south Texas drilling rigs and later gained employment at a cotton gin. While working, he played baseball for the Plymouth Oilers of the South Texas Baseball League. He was a successful pitcher for the team and had many fond memories of the game and the people he met along the way. He had also played the violin in his father’s band and learned to appreciate the Big Band sounds of that era. At the age of 24, he married his sweetheart Martha Burell and they purchased a dairy farm near Orange Grove. After a few years, he moved his dairy operation to Taft and built this operation into the second largest milk-producing farm in south Texas. It is important to note that in those days, there were no milking machines – cows had to be milked by hand and the milk then delivered for processing at the end of the day and the same process repeated every day. In 1953, Norman moved his family to Belmont and they made their home on a ranch on the beautiful Guadalupe River. He became active in the community of Belmont where he served as one of the founders of the Belmont civic association and had served as president of the association. He was instrumental in building the Belmont Community Center and was very active in his church where he had built the altar and the church pulpit with his own hands that are still in use today. After their children had grown, Norman and Martha purchased a home in Austin. Norman obtained his real estate broker’s license and went to work as a real estate agent and broker in Austin while Martha went to work as a florist. In time, they purchased a RV and traveled together all across the United States, delighting in taking their children and grandchildren with them. The Big Bend area was Norman’s favorite, a country wild and wide open, much like what the pioneers and early settlers had to

TUESDAY • PAGE A3

Friday, Nov. 9th The Gonzales Inquirer will offer Salute Pages. To participate, see our ad inside the Inquirer I believe in trust. I believe in building relationships. I believe in my family.

Attend Our Pioneering Women’s Day

I hope my family arranges a funeral which reflects that. The Pioneering Women’s event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3rd and will offer women of the area an opportunity to shop, eat, and visit the many booths full of natural or handmade beauty, fashion and home decorating items. A wine tasting will also occur at the event from noon to 2p.m. There will be a $5 donation to Pioneer Village for all those attending the day’s activities and shopping.

relationships a person has built over a lifetime. families ensure that each funeral is as unique as the life it celebrates.

Y our

We are here to serve your family when you need help the most.

funeral

home logo

SEYDLER-HILL FUNERAL HOME and contact

PIONEER VILLAGE

2011

information

here

"Proudly Serving the Gonzales Area Since 1914"

www.nfda.org

2122 N. St. Joseph (Bus. Hwy. 183 N.) • Gonzales, TX 78629 • 830-672-2157

For a Life Worth Celebrating

Advertise in The Gonzales Inquirer Call 830-672-2861 today

FREE SHOW ADMISSION

Pioneering Women’s Day We are looking for vendors to sell and demonstrate natural, hand-made health & beauty products, crafts, jewelry & apparel

During our 1st Ever Pioneering Women’s Day Awards-Spa Day, Craft Show & Sale

Sat., Nov. 3•10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pioneer Village, Gonzales, TX Booth space available w/wo electricity. For more info contact Brenda Adams

830-672-2861 or publisher@gonzalesinquirer.com

Don’t miss our 28th show!

Wednesday & Thursday, Oct 24-25, 2012 Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St., Victoria, TX • Luncheon Speakers - Sheriff T. Michael O’Connor & Doc Blakely (Humorist) • Pesticide License Training & Testing - Wednesday • 7 Hrs of TDA Pesticide License Credits - 10 to choose from • 23 Educational Programs; No Reservations Required - $10/Person/Day • Luncheon Tickets Available Pre-Sale - Call 361-575-4581 • Horsemanship Demonstrations each day by Van Hargis Full show schedule and lineup of exhibitors at

www.southtexasfarmandranchshow.com 9th Annual South Texas Farm & Ranch Show

GOLF TOURNAMENT

4-Man Scramble October 23rd Tee Time 8:00 am at Colony Creek Country Club Proceeds benefit the show’s Youth Ag Scholarship Fund!

Contact David Dierlam (361) 920-0250 or Gill Dollins (361) 648-9698

Thanks to Our Luncheon Sponsors Crossroads Wealth Management Holt Agribusiness Graham Land and Cattle Co. Monsanto Simplot Victoria Advocate Victoria Oliver Co., Inc. In Conjunction with the South Texas Farm & Ranch Show

The Golden Crescent Veterinary Ranch Seminar

October 24th 6:30-9:30 p.m. More Info Call (361) 578-2934 • $10.00 at the Door – in Annex.

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Oct. 26, 2012

FRIDAY â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE A3

G P R Oct. 22, 2012 10/11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reported unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, 200 block of Highway 90A. 10/15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reported the , 300 block of West Cone Street. 10/15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reported harassment, 200 block of Reid Street. 10/15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reported criminal mischief, 700 block of St. Paul Street. 10/15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; JeďŹ&#x20AC;ery Lee Malatek, 47, of Gonzales, arrested and charged with driving while license invalid, 1100 block of Tinsley Street. 10/16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reported assault, 1600 block of St. Andrew Street. 10/16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jus n Ray Gammons, 23, of Gonzales, arrested and charged with injury to a child, 700 block of St. Paul Street. 10/17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reported the , 700 block of St. Frances Street. 10/17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reported criminal mischief, 200 block of St. Matthew Street. 10/18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reported criminal mischief, 700 block of Church

Street. 10/18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reported assault, 400 block of College Street. 10/16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15-year-old female detained and charged with trespassing, 1700 block of Seydler Street. 10/18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reported criminal mischief, 1300 block of Donovan Street. 10/20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Crystal Ann Riojas, 25, of Gonzales, arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, 1100 block of Sarah DeWi Drive. 10/20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Juan Antonio Gonzales-Cano, 56, of Gonzales, arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, 1300 block of St. Lawrence Street. 10/21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reported assault, 1700 block of Seydler Street. 10/21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Juan Perez, 32, of Yoakum, arrested and charged with no driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, 100 block of College Street. 10/22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reported criminal mischief, 1300 block of Robertson Street.

G C S â&#x20AC;&#x2122; R Oct. 20, 2012 10/14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cli on Grantham, 29, of Gonzales, local warrant, no driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license issued, released on order to appear. 10/15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ronald Thomas Pennington, 21, of Smiley, evading arrest or deten on with a vehicle, requires $25,000 bond, remains in custody. 10/16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kristy Chanell BarďŹ eld, 34, of Houston, local warrant, the of property more than $20 less than $500 by check, requires $2,500 bond, remains in custody. 10/16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Brandon Michael James, 24, of Houston, local warrant, forgery of a ďŹ nancial instrument, requires $25,00 bond, remains

in custody. 10/18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Silvino Tobias Cas llo, 31, of Houston, local warrant, the of stolen property more than $1,500 less than $20,000, remains in custody. 10/19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Michael Anthony Richter, 53, of Palacios, commitment/ sentence, driving while intoxicated (2nd oďŹ&#x20AC;ense), released, weekender/work release. 10/19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Felipe Medina Garcia, 52, of Waelder, no driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license issued, no liability insurance, speeding, released on order to appear. 10/19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; William E. Butler, 87, of Nixon, Victoria County warrant, criminal trespass, released on $500 bond.

Billy Malaer

Belinda Walker

Court CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

October 2011. Belinda Wright Walker had been the first. In Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proceedings, Walker had her trial reset for Nov. 16. Walker, who was terminated by the city in July 2011, is charged with 13 counts of theft by a public servant, allegedly misappropriating as much as $250,000 in municipal funds during a span of more than two years. According to the grand jury indictment, Walker is alleged to have â&#x20AC;&#x153;unlawfully appropriatedâ&#x20AC;? on 13 separate occasions â&#x20AC;&#x153;United States currency, of the value of less than $20,000, from the city of Gonzales â&#x20AC;Ś without the effective consent of the owner â&#x20AC;Ś by virtue of her status as such a public servant.â&#x20AC;? The charges against Walker, who served as the city parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secretary, came eight months and one day after she was terminated from her position with the city Parks &

Anna Louise West

Recreation Department. Walker was booked into the Gonzales County Jail on March 12 and was released that same day after appearing before County Judge David Bird and posting a $10,000 bond. LaJuane Catrell Clark, the man who allegedly unleashed himself on an onslaught of raucous behavior in September, on Thursday had his trial reset for Dec. 12. Clark, 37, of Gonzales, allegedly caused quite a stir in various parts of town when he reportedly became intoxicated and began driving around and causing numerous disturbances. On Sept. 5, Clark allegedly ran his vehicle into a Department of Public Safety unit parked in the parking lot of the Gonzales County Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, walked into the lobby and stripped naked, yelling obscenities and getting into a scuffle with police before being arrested. Clark is also alleged to have caused a disturbance at Gonzales

John Andrew Garza

LaJuane Clark

Community Health Center earlier in the day, and later in the residential area commonly known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hillâ&#x20AC;? where he allegedly discharged a firearm. Clark remains in Gonzales County Jail facing a multitude of charges and a cumulative bond amount of $102,500, including deadly conduct ($40,000,) unlawful possession of firearm by a felon ($40,000), criminal mischief resulting from damage to a patrol car of less than $20,000 ($15,000) and indecent exposure ($7,500). Also appearing before Peschel was Henry Fonseca, who received 10 years deferred adjudication and an $800 fine. Fonseca, 46, was

Henry Fonseca

charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the stabbing of Eusebio Deleon in September 2011. John Andrew Garza, 29, had his trial reset for Nov. 16. On May 17, Garza and another man were taken into custody during an earlymorning raid by Guadalupe County Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office SWAT and DPS. As a result of that raid, Garza was charged with deadly conduct, endangering a child and possession of a controlled substance. Anna Louise West also had her trial reset for Feb. 19. West, 33, of Cuero, is charged with the Feb. 18 shooting of David Dubose, 48, of Gonzales County, in a remote pasture just south of Gonzales.

Pioneering CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

All five finals will be recognized during the devent, and the woman receiving the most votes will be revealed at 2 p.m. at Pioneer Village. A $5 donation to Pioneer Village will be accepted from all those attending the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and shopping. The event is sponsored by Pioneer Village and The Gonzales Inquirer.

City of Gonzales names City Secretary Kristina Vega, who has served as administrative assistant to the city manager since April, has been named the new city secretary for the city of Gonzales. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kristina has proved herself to be a valuable asset to the city. Since April, she has worked very effectively with citizens, Council and staff,â&#x20AC;? said city manager Allen Barnes in announcing the appointment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She has been performing many of the functions of city secretary for the last several weeks, and has done an outstanding job.â&#x20AC;? Barnes said the position attracted a pool of 15 applicants, and three were inter-

viewed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kristina was head and shoulders above the others, including a couple of people with experience as city secretary,â&#x20AC;? Barnes said. Vega is a native of Gonzales and a graduate of Gonzales High Kris na Vega School. She replaces former city secretary Candice Witzkoske, who resigned Sept. 10. Vega begins her new duties Monday.

Save the Date and Plan to Attend!

Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pioneer Village - Gonzales Come enjoy the many booths, the wine, food and help us honor our Pioneering Women Finalists. The Pioneering Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3rd and will offer women of the area an opportunity to shop, eat, and visit the many booths full of natural or handmade beauty, fashion and home decorating items. A wine tasting will also occur at the event from noon to 2p.m. There will be a $5 donation to Pioneer Village for all those attending the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and shopping.

Thanks to our many sponsors which include:

DARCYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S VINEYARD CARAWAY FORD WEST MOTORS THE HEIGHTS

AOG PERSONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FLOWERS FRAMES AND THINGS

PIONEER VILLAGE

2122 N. St. Joseph (Bus. Hwy. 183 N.) â&#x20AC;˘ Gonzales, TX 78629 â&#x20AC;˘ 830-672-2157

Thanks to all the sponsors! The First Shot Barbecue Cook-off Committee would like to thank the following sponsors for making the cook-off and tractor pull a success. We had over 130 cooking teams. Allen's Body Tech J.C. and Bradley Avant Adams Extract and Spices Apache Chemical Supply Jack and Peggy Barnett Breitschopf - Cooper Realty Shirley Breitschopf Burchard Abstract Corp. Robert K. Burchard Best Western Regency Inn & Suites Boomer's Sports Bar Kari Breitschopf Becky Breitschopf Emi Bozka China Basket Circle G Truck Stop Cooper Appraisals Davis Insurance Agency DuBose Insurance Agency Vonnie DuBose Elstner Dozer Service Ehrig Bros. Ag Don and Nancy Ford Larry Finch, C.P.A. Fehner and Son Floyd and Gindler Gonzales Livestock Mrkt GVEC Gonzales Poultry Supply Gonzales Cannon Gonzales First Shot Surveying Geo Nix Operating, Inc. Gonzales Inquirer Hyden Highway Hauling Hand Ranch Holmes Foods,Inc. Hodges Construction Co.

Hartman Distributing I.C.A. J Bar B Foods Johnson Oil Co. Joe Kotwig K.C.T.I. Knights of Columbus Kitchen Pride L'auberge du lac Casino and Resort Lindemann Fertilizer Service Lone Star Bank Joe Dale and Sissy Mills Carla Marek Linda Menking Emily Neuse Law Office of Sue Ortman PeeWee Ploeger Peterek Reese's Print Shop Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union Running M Bar and Grill Sage Capital Bank Storey Jewelers Southern Livestock Schmidt & Sons Smokehouse Cookers Jimmy and Susie Selzer Randy Smith, Realtor T Electric Tuch Tire Service Texan Nursing & Rehab Tiger Tote Vic's Concrete Finishing W.B. Farm & Ranch Supply Wells Fargo Bank

PAGE A6 • FRIDAY Oct. 26, 2012

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

2012

Gonzales County Pioneering Women A salute to modern-day women pioneers who have forged the

way for others Sponsored by Pioneer Village

and The Gonzales Inquirer

IN HER OWN WORDS

Cathy Booth encourages others to look past their limitations PHOTO BY ROB FORD / GONZALES INQUIRER

here’s something in your life that inspires you and, obviously, inspired others to nominate you. What and/or who inspired or molded you?

I’m sure you’ve heard, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” I know that has been the case for me. I have been truly blessed to have several people who inspired me over the years. In my very youngest years, even before I started kindergarten, my paternal grandmother planted those earliest seeds. She worked out of the home from the 1950s through the mid-1970s, at a time when most women were stay-at-home housewives. She spoke Latin, Italian and English fluently and could type some unbelievable number of words per minute on those very old manual typewriters. Grandmother also raised four children, cooked like a great Italian chef and helped run the dairy farm. She was truly the original multi-tasker! She was also a mere 4’7” and, thus, never learned to drive because she couldn’t see over the steering wheel. And yet she never let that hold her back. I would like to think she is proud of who I am today and somehow knows how much her refusal to conform to the traditional roles for women influenced me. In later years, there were teachers who inspired me. Mr. Rodenbeck had one of those old teaching certifications that allowed him to teach any high school class. So I wound up having him for P.E., history, driver’s education, health and science through my high school years in Boerne. Every year I would get my schedule and groan because I had him 2-3 more times. I stayed annoyed at him because he was always after me to put in more effort. He knew my family life was a train wreck due to my parents’ bitter divorce, but he didn’t allow me to use it as an excuse. He said he was sure I had more potential than the effort I was putting out. My straight “C” average didn’t impress him. Of course he was right, but I didn’t realize that until long after high school. One teacher who influenced me in an unexpected way was Mr. Janzow. One morning, in front of the entire second period, he once told me that I would, “Never be more than a housewife …” My face burned with embarrassment. It’s been more than 35 years, and I still vividly remember the color of the wall, the sound of the shuffling chairs of my peers behind me, the pain in my heart. I refused to cry. He had caught me sleeping in class and never once bothered to wonder why. The fact was, I was working late hours at a restaurant to help my then-single mom keep the electricity on and food in the house. I was 15 years old. For him, it was a throw away comment. For me, it’s a bitter memory. Years later, I realize it was that bitter moment that turned me in to the

kind of educator who looks at the “whole child.” There are many layers and facets to every child. Teachers need to understand as many as we can to best help the student learn. He taught be a lesson I never forgot. Mr. Janzow taught me how NOT to be a teacher. In more recent years, I was honored to work under the previous superintendent in Nixon (Richard Faulkner) for seven years. He always had a quiet wisdom about him. Perhaps the most important thing he ever taught me was that I don’t have to solve every situation. Sometimes things need to work out without my intervention. I have truly come to understand that over the years. It seems counter-intuitive for a leader, but it really is an important understanding. I have also had the joy of working with some amazing school board members over the years. Dr. Ronald Mangum led the board that hired me in 2004. Richard Lott served many years as president, and today I have Phillip Morris. Each is a leader in his own right, and their mentoring has helped me grow in my own leadership role. The success we have had in NixonSmiley can all be attributed to the support and trust of the boards I have worked with. The synergy achieved by a strong board/superintendent team is magical. I think the summary of my ideas about who inspires me is that there is something to be learned from everyone who crosses our path. It may take years to understand the true influence each had on us, but our lives are so much richer for each encounter. What and/or who still inspires you? The teachers in my district inspire me every day. Teaching in today’s public schools is a grueling, usually thankless job. It seems they are criticized from every angle. From angry parents to accountability pressures to the critical news reports claiming that “the system is broken.” Why would anyone subject himself or herself to that kind of endless abuse? And yet, they continue on – with a smile! It doesn’t take long to see how much they love our children. Watching a teacher lean down to soothe a crying little one or a high school teacher pull a gawky teenager close for a hug that he isn’t getting at home – I am moved to tears fairly often. They are patient beyond description – believing in every child. There are little miracles happening in our classrooms every day. Teachers inspire me to keep doing my best so that they have the tools, support and encouragement to follow their calling and teach our children. What can you do to inspire or mold others?

Our care makes a difference, our heart makes it home® A Home-Like Atmosphere Offering 24-Hour Care

701 N. Sarah DeWitt Drive, Gonzales

Starting Monday, Oct. 29

What does the term “pioneering woman” mean to you? How does that apply to you and your life?

My hope is that I can encourage others

Sponsor of Pioneering Women

Rehabilitation and Long Term Care

to look past their limitations – whether self- or society-imposed. We all think there is a ceiling. When I have the opportunity, I love to tell my stories. Not because I think I am some amazing person, but more because I am simply a “normal” person. I think that I am living proof that there is hope for every one of us to reach seemingly impossible dreams. One story I tell is how my parents were both dropouts. My mother was pregnant at 14 with my older sister and within four years had three children. Dad had to go to work to support a family. My father worked hard, but lacking an education, we always struggled financially. I didn’t live in the extreme poverty I see some children struggling through today, but I wore a lot of hand-me-downs and had to wait for the family to have enough money for school shoes some years. I specifically remember knowing that milk was a luxury we could only sometimes afford. I began working at 8 years old selling fruit on the side of the road for a friend of my dad’s during the summers. At Christmastime, I was expected to help with the Christmas tree sales. As I grew older, neither of my parents supported the idea of a college education – their philosophy was that women needed to get married and have children. Somehow, though, I dreamed bigger and the path kept laying out before me. I took out student loans and worked to pay for my college. When I graduated in 1988, I was the first in my family to get a college degree. By 2002, I had earned my doctorate. I did those things not to impress others, but to prove to myself there were no limits. Mr. Rodenbeck was right – I was capable of more, I just had to apply myself. I also like to tell a story about an event that happen my third year of teaching. I thought that being a teacher was the ceiling – I had “achieved” and was done. But then Dr. Kathy Jongsma came to my door to compliment some curriculum materials I had written. As she left, I was thinking to myself, “Wow, a female doctor from central office!” That achievement seemed about as likely as jetting off to Jupiter. And yet within three years, I was in central office. Just six years after that, I had earned my doctorate. Again, not because I am some amazing person, but because I decided that there really wasn’t a limit. I tell these stories only to remind people that I am just a normal person. But I dreamed bigger and wanted more – the two important starting points to achieving our potential. Being poor, being female, growing up with uneducated parents, having no money for college – these are mere obstacles, not walls.

830-672-4530

Proud sponsor of Pioneering Women! Caraway

Gonzales

VOTE 1405 Sarah Dewitt • Gonzales • 830-672-9646

A “pioneering woman” is someone I would like to be, but I don’t see it in myself. I am just a normal person who was been given some exceptional opportunities and had the blessing of a path opening for me. Sometimes that path seemed to close in before me, but a few whacks of the machete and somehow the trail opens back up. I am guessing that those who nominated me see me as “pioneering” because of the fact that the superintendency is still a largely male-dominated field. I will never forget my own sister’s first comments when I called to tell her I’d been hired. She said, “Cathy, I thought superintendents were all ‘old guys’ with gray hair?” (I was not quite 40 years old). Shortly after that conversation, I attended my first meeting with a group of area superintendents. I had the high school principal with me. The other superintendents (all gray-headed men) kept talking around me … to him. They were completely dismissive. He finally grew embarrassed and pointed at me saying, “SHE’S the superintendent.” It really never ended. I get amused to this day when salesmen come in to the central office. I am often sitting in the outer office (reception area) working with staff. The salesman will look at me and say, “Is the superintendent in? Can I speak with him?” I chuckle a little and say, “Sure, follow me.” Then all 5’0” of me stands up and I walk them into my office, sitting down behind the nameplate that says “Dr. Booth.” The look on their face is priceless! I’m sure that you can see I am very proud to be the first female superintendent ever in Nixon-Smiley, and am truly grateful for the school board who took a chance on me back in 2004. There was plenty of criticism through the community at that time. There were those who were very sure that a woman could not handle the job. I remember about two years in to the job, one of my staff came to me and said, “You know a lot of us thought the board was crazy to give you this job. But turns out they were right.” I think that was a compliment? (Kind of backhanded!) This is my ninth year as superintendent and 16th in the district, which is something I am very proud of. The average tenure for Texas superintendents is about four years. Moreover, Nixon-Smiley CISD has emerged through some tough financial times with a solid fund balance and beautiful new facilities due to some crafty financial strategies I was able to implement as superintendent. Our teachers are paid well above average for the area, and our students are achieving. As a side note, I also teach education courses online for National University. I have been teaching online since 2002, before it was the “go-to” standard it has become. Just a decade ago, it was an almost See CATHY BOOTH page A11

Proud Wine Sponsor for Pioneering Women PO BOX 133 | 7952 FM 1891 HALLETTSVILLE, TEXAS 77964 | TEL: (361) 772-2389 www.darcysvineyard.com

For Your Favorite Pioneering Woman!

Thru Nov. 1st!

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Attend Our Pioneering Women Day Events

Saturday, Nov. 3

PIONEER VILLAGE

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Oct. 26, 2012

FRIDAY • PAGE A7

2012

Gonzales County Pioneering Women A salute to modern-day women pioneers who have forged the

way for others Sponsored by Pioneer Village

and The Gonzales Inquirer

IN HER OWN WORDS

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER

Marjorie Burnett tackled what very few women would, even if it meant hard labor

here’s something in your life that inspires you and, obviously, inspired others to nominate you. What and/or who inspired or molded you? What and/or who still inspires you? I believe my work ethic was inherited from Grandmother Ada Plowman Burnett, a tiny lady, widowed in 1922. She did man-work without complaint. During the time families kept their own plots clean at Pilgrim Cemetery, I went with her many times and I was too little to do much work, but did what I could. All grown up and Grandmother gone, I continued efforts at that cemetery under guidance of greataunt Jessie Plowman Perkins. They were my inspiration for work ethics, including the importance of clean cemeteries. My passion is cemeteries. I have found and marked graves found in numerous cemeteries and did a complete renovation of a little cemetery near Chapel Hill in Washington County that is now being maintained by a family across the road from the cemetery. All 17 graves have markers including some whose names are unknown. A Confederacy marker is at the grave of great-grandfather Noah Whiddon. DRT member Sharon Hall and I cleared debris, prickly pear, etc. in Burns Cemetery, which I maintain. Greatgrandfather Winslow Burns, a Confederate soldier, is buried there. Current work is being done for a total renovation of Union Cemetery near the former site of Sample where another great-grandfather, his wife and two of their children are buried. I make my own markers for the graves found, often lettered only as “adult male,” “small child,” etc. My wish is that when I’m gone, someone will take the initiative to continue maintaining these hallowed sites. What does the term “pioneering woman” mean to you? How does that apply to you and your life?

Pioneering? I’m not sure, but I may be one of very few women who will tackle most any project even if it means hard labor. I think I got my hard head from great-grandmother Sally Dillard Burnett. But I prefer to call it perseverance. My piano teacher would say, “Perseverance, Marjorie, perseverance!” She also persevered, realizing my ear was better than my fingers for piano playing. Who has influenced your life personally and professionally? My years as a real estate broker and insurance recording agent were under the guidance of my husband, Ray Wright, and when he died suddenly in 1970, many real estate friends thought I couldn’t keep the business going. I said, “I can,” and I did for more than 20 years, always remembering the ethics learned from Ray. And I’m still ethical. What’s on your “bucket list”? What do you still want to achieve? I don’t have a bucket list. I’m happy to live in the house where I was born, not one to go on cruises, but would like to take a couple more trips for family history research. What’s the best thing you’ve done for your “cause” or your calling? Best thing done for cause or calling? I’m not sure. I’m happy to have a small but really wonderful family. Although I was

always working, as a bread winner should, my son and daughter have never said I didn’t pay enough attention to them but they may have thought so. And next to raising children, it’s being faithful to my church and the cemetery work. During the years I was Nixon-Smiley editor for The Gonzales Inquirer, I was on call 24/7, attending sport events, dashing out in the night to a wreck or house fire and making friends. I’m in my third year as Registrar General for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, a full-time job with overtime. Since

June 1, I have approved 179 applications as of Oct. 11. In 1989, I was organizing president for the Elizabeth Zumwalt Kent DRT chapter in Smiley, which is still going strong. For more than 30 years, I was an Adult Girl Scout and organized a Girl Scout troop and a Cub Scout troop in Smiley. I am a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, United Daughters of the Confederacy, United States Daughters of 1812 and Texas State Association of Pioneer Families of Texas. As an ordained Elder, Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, I had the honor of conducting the marriage ceremony for my grandson. I believe cemeteries should be well maintained out of respect for those who have gone on to a better world. The hardships they survived through all those earlier times are amazing. At both Burns and Union Cemetery, there are many babies buried. At Union, I’ve taken a special interest in the gravesite of Dr. J.W. Smith, wondering how many nights he sat up with a grieving family whose little 2-year-old girl he couldn’t save. Also, through family history research and doing the inventory of Union Cemetery, I found an “old friend” buried just a few feet from the doctor’s grave. My late sister-in-law Jo Ann was also researching, and we found that her grandfather and Michael Cassidy [1828-1898] were Army buddies. When I clean his grave, I send a little smile up to Jo Ann.

Thank You for Making Our Star Shine!

L to R: Pam Parker, Cookie Kremling, Carolyn Leazer, Peggy Barnett. Not pictured are Monica Leal & Hilary Hernandez

www.lonestarbank.com

PAGE A8 • FRIDAY Oct. 23, 2012

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

2012

Gonzales County Pioneering Women A salute to modern-day women pioneers who have forged the

way for others Sponsored by Pioneer Village

and The Gonzales Inquirer

IN HER OWN WORDS

Lillian Fernandez with some of her Girl Scouts at a Gonzales nursing home PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER

When told she couldn’t, Lillian Fernandez realized she could, and then proved it

here’s something in your life that inspires you and, obviously, inspired others to nominate you. What and/or who inspired or molded you? What and/or who still inspires you? What can you do to inspire or mold others? Growing up, I was inspired by my mother and father, Sue and Jim Rodriguez. My mom taught me how to make the most with the least amount of resources available, and my dad taught me that no matter who you are, you have the right to be yourself. I grew up in the time of racism, and it wasn’t always easy being “Spanish speaking.” There were a lot of places were “Spanish speakers” weren’t served, but my dad didn’t let that stop him from being a part of the community. He didn’t hide at home or stick with “his kind.” In fact, my dad and my mom became a well known part of the community. Most of you will probably remember “Mr. Jim” and the friendly smile and handshake he was always ready to give. Yeah, my mom and dad, they are where I learned about tenacity. Today, I am inspired by my children, my grandchildren and my Scouts. When they think I don’t notice or that I am not looking, I see the people they are becoming. The leaders they are growing up to be. I try to be a role model to my grandsons by emphasizing the importance of respect for each other and other people. Everyone is different and that is what makes us special. We should learn to work with each other, not against each other. What does the term “pioneering woman” mean to you? How does that apply to you and your life? If you see a job that needs to be done,

you do it. Fear is a factor, but doesn’t outweigh the courage to do what is right. I have been involved in the Scouting movement for more than 30 years, and I have realized that with every person I meet, I pass along a little of myself. I try to instill in them, what my mother and father taught me. I show them how to be leaders and how to respect themselves and others. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to voice their dreams, and I do what I can to build their esteem and help them realize that they can do anything with hard work and determination. Who has influenced your life personally and professionally? I have met a lot of people who have had an impact on my life. Some taught me about my profession in radiology, others taught me that sometimes you have to laugh at yourself for being so serious. I have met people who made me cry, made me feel like I could do anything, made me want to start over and do it better. Every person I meet, I learn something from them. I have to laugh a little at this question, too, because, believe it or not, the people who have also influenced me are the ones who told me “I couldn’t.” I couldn’t be a woman in a position of authority in the medical field. I couldn’t take a bunch of girls and teach them how to become the leaders of tomorrow by just showing them how to build a campfire or sell a box of cookies. As a single mother, I couldn’t find a way to make a better life for me and my children. Some might not call it influence, but I do. Because had it not been for being told I couldn’t, I would not have realized that I could. What’s on your “bucket list”? What do

Get Fabulous for Fall at Our

Holiday Event

you still want to achieve? I have seen a lot of places because of Girl Scouting and I have done a lot of things. But, I would have to say: 1) finishing a quilt 2) creating an outstanding, unforgettable piece of jewelry 3) seeing my grandsons play for the Mighty Apaches (one of them believes he belongs in the NFL), and 4) I would still like to achieve finding a place for our Girl Scouts to call their own. Independence Trails Service Unit (Gonzales, Nixon-Smiley and Waelder) needs a place that Girl Scouts can meet, camp, earn badges, plant flowers, show their creations and troop achievements to anyone who enters. We have been looking for a building with a little land so we can have a Girl Scout Center/scout house, and being able to provide that or see it come to pass would be a great achievement. What’s the best thing you’ve done for your “cause” or your calling? I have been a board member and a national delegate when we were with the Lone Star Girl Scout Council in Austin. We are now part of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) in San Antonio, and I have been a two-time national delegate, a member of the Volunteer Adult Steering Committee and I am also a facilitator for adult volunteer training. All of this I do for the girls. When they aren’t able to speak for themselves, I try to become their voice. I vote for changes that would be positive for them. I am in a leadership role at all times. Why is Girl Scouting so important to you?

Girl Scouting is important to me because I want the girls to see that being in Girl Scouts is not just about selling cookies and arts and crafts. It’s about learning about yourself and discovering that you can be a leader and that your actions influence your world and those around you. It’s about diversity and learning that everyone has their strong points and how to work together. While cookies are a big part of the Girl Scout brand, they are more than tasty treats. Selling cookies helps girls develop business sense and learn about money matters. While I try to be at as many council meetings as possible, I push for training to be closer to home for the convenience of our leaders and to have activities that bring other troops to Gonzales. One such event is our Walk thru Gonzales history where our girls dress up in pioneer costume and tell the history of our town. Girl Scouting offers the girls many opportunities, from summer camps in Utopia to sleeping with Dinosaurs at the Whitte Museum and seeing Disney Princesses On Ice, to name a few. The girls had a unique opportunity two years ago when then-CEO of GSSWT Anna Maria Chavez was a special guest on our Come and Take It float. The girls were honored to have her with us and enjoyed spending time with her after the parade. Today, Anna Maria is the CEO of Girl Scouts of America. That, in itself, makes me proud because it shows girls that there is no such thing as too much ambition. Which of the many “hats” you wear are the most important to you (and why)? Mom, Grandmother, Leader. Those are my important hats. I help leaders realize their individual leadership styles. While some lead via See LILLIAN FERNANDEZ page A11

Congratulations to the Pioneering Women Finalists

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, mingle with friends, learn make-up tips and ideas for the upcoming holiday season and get great holiday gifts for the people on your Christmas list! Laser information and consultations avaliable by Kathleen Koerner, DO, MS Complimentary Make-up demos -Botox & Juvederm will be available

Receive make-up tips from one of our make-up artists • Larissa Neel, Glo Professional Artist Miss San Antonio, TX • Wendy Boedeker, Gonzales Skincare Clinic Artist • Shawntel McCune, Gonzales Skincare Clinic Artist

Tuesday, November 6, 2012 • 5-8 pm Gonzales Healthcare Systems Outpatient Lobby 1110 N. Sarah DeWitt Drive Gonzales, TX 78629

Call 830-672-8756 for more information or to RSVP

LINDEMANN FERTILIZER SERVICE INC. Liquid Fertilizer & Weedspraying Liquid Feed • Feed Tubs Agricultural Spraying Supplies We Have A Better Solution....

COST, TX • 830-437-2269

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Oct. 26, 2012

FRIDAY • PAGE A9

2012

Gonzales County Pioneering Women A salute to modern-day women pioneers who have forged the

way for others Sponsored by Pioneer Village

and The Gonzales Inquirer

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER

IN HER OWN WORDS

here’s something in your life that inspires you and, obviously, inspired others to nominate you.

My relationship with Christ, friendships, color and old stuff that tells a story! What and/or who inspired or molded you?

the military that defend our freedoms. What can you do to inspire or mold others? Be the example, not just talk of it. What does the term “pioneering woman” mean to you? Preparing a way for others.

My grandmother, mother and Texas A&M have all inspired and molded me in ways that are too numerous to count! (Which, I cannot even imagine my grandmother trying to answer questions like these!) The lessons and opportunities I have had with each of them are amazing!

How does that apply to you and your life? Giving others opportunities they may not have thought possible and/or being the encouragement they need to move forward with a thought or opportunity!

What and/or who still inspires you? All of the above, as well as my children and my girlfriends who have husbands in

Who has influenced your life personally and professionally?

As wife, mom and friend, Suzanne Sexton walks the walk, rather than just talking the talk

Personally, I have been blessed with several mature Christian women who have been solid examples of what my life should look like. Professionally, there are two entrepreneurs that I have been honored to work for over the years: Sondra Wallace from Granbury and Barbara Crozier, a hometown lady! What’s on your “bucket list”? Finish visiting and taking in the sights and sounds of the lower 48 [states] with my family!

your “cause” or your calling? Sticking with it – through thick and thin! Which of the many “hats” you wear are the most important to you (and why)? Wife, mom and friend are the most important because they have all been given to me by God, and I need to invest my talents in each of them to inspire growth. What advice would you give to women starting out, who may be following your “pioneering” example?

What do you still want to achieve? Help as many people as possible realize what their God-given talents are so they can use them to His glory! What’s the best thing you’ve done for

Do not be afraid to use your creativity, even if it hasn’t been done before. And, above all, be “a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:30-31. (NASB)

Above & Beyond Thank you for all that you do!

To the Ladies of Circle T Motors

Rhonda Hand & Justyn Davis

Circle T Motors Inc

Your local used car & truck dealership 1505 E. Sarah Dewitt Dr. | Gonzales, Texas 78629

830-672-7788

PAGE A10 • FRIDAY Oct. 26, 2012

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

2012

Gonzales County Pioneering Women A salute to modern-day women pioneers who have forged the

way for others Sponsored by Pioneer Village

and The Gonzales Inquirer

IN HER OWN WORDS

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER

Sherry Poe, the woman behind the extreme makeover of Gonzales County women

here’s something in your life that inspires you and, obviously, inspired others to nominate you. What and/or who inspired or molded you? What and/or who still inspires you? As I reflect on how I got to where I am in my life and how humbled I am by my nomination as one of Gonzales County’s Pioneering Women, I find myself gathering thoughts not so much about myself, but of the people and events that have led me to this point in my life. I come from a long line of pioneers as you will see as I tell the story of my own lineage as an American woman from the great state of Texas. My German relatives immigrated here beginning in 1856 with one family, and the other family in the late 1800s. They came as farmers and interested in agri-business and then progressed into becoming small business owners. My great-grandfather, William Lindemann, moved his family to Cost in 1905 to run a general merchandise store that my grandfather, Milton Lindemann, and his brother, Alfred Lindemann, operated for many years. My grandfather, Milton, was a true pioneer in his field of interest, which was to provide electricity to the rural communities in the late 1930s. He, along with other pioneers, founded the Rural Electric Association, now known as Guadalupe Valley Electric Co-op. His son, my father, Noel (Buster) Lindemann, another true pioneer in agribusiness in this area, began a liquid fertilizer business in 1966, which is now owned and operated by my two brothers, Mark and Tom. I would have to say that all of those people have inspired me throughout the years to take a risk with an idea and run with it, although I have never really begun a business, other than the small part-time private practice I operated for 10 years as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I chose to become a public school employee in 1983, first as a special education teacher here in Gonzales, and then as a special

education counselor for Dewitt-Lavaca Special Education Co-op, retiring from there in 2008. All of those experiences have certainly played a huge part in the endeavor in which I am currently involved. I think, as with most people, all experiences in our lives make us who we are and bring us to the point where we are today. What does the term “pioneering woman” mean to you? How does that apply to you and your life? Who has influenced your life personally and professionally? The position I find myself in today, and the reason I believe I was nominated for this honor, is one that I did not choose for myself, but one that I was led to through a series of events, supernatural events, if I may use that word. I will tell this story just as it happened and the way I have told it to everyone else when asked how Christian Women’s Job Corps of Gonzales County came about. Some will find it offensive and too spiritual. Some will be puzzled by the language I will use to describe the events, but I take that risk when I tell this story and leave the reader to mull it over in their own mind. In the summer of 2007, as I prayed about my upcoming retirement from the public schools, I asked God this question: “God, you know me and you know what you want for me. What do you want me to do with the rest of my life?” In the stillness of that moment, I heard clearly in my spirit (not audibly), “I want to do an extreme makeover on the women of Gonzales County.” I knew that was God’s voice and not my own. I would not have ever considered something like this. Because I know that when God speaks something into being, it is usually something far different and greater than we as people can ever conceptualize. I knew to allow God to define this statement he gave to me. Later that same day, I decided to Google the phrase, “Christian

women’s makeover,” and when I did, the search engine page pulled up a number of entries, but listed first was this descriptor: Christian Women’s Job Corps of Kerr County; provides “extreme makeover for women.” I was taken aback for a moment, but as I tell others when I share this story, “God knows how to Google.” Because that confirmed what God had spoken to me earlier that day, I called Kathleen Maxwell, the director in Kerrville and shared my experience with her. She did not think I had lost my mind, but rather affirmed me, prayed with me and then offered her help. I put all of this in the back of my mind and finished out my school career and retired May 2008. In the fall of 2008, I visited the CWJC of Kerr County in Kerrville, and knew as I listened to the testimonies of changed lives from the 13 women who were currently enrolled in the program that this was what God was talking about. This ministry resonated with my spirit, and so I began the journey to become trained and certified as a site director so that we could establish a CWJC in Gonzales. I began sharing what information I had with local agencies such as GCAM, which later became our 501(c) (3) umbrella agency, with my church, my prayer group and other women’s groups. Then I called together a group of other pioneering women to become part of our advisory council: Marilyn Price, Kris McLain and Perri Bell. One of their first questions was, “where will you put this ministry?” “I don’t know,” I remember saying. From those meetings came the suggestion to talk to a vestry representative of the Episcopal Church of the Messiah and ask about the former rectory on 721 St. Louis. Again, I was a little taken aback as I considered that huge, stately mansion could be a home for CWJC. As that suggestion became a reality, I considered how the unfolding events were strengthening my faith and how I absolutely knew that God would make this a reality for the women of our little town. We had our

first open house Christmas 2009 in the rectory we renamed Bethany House. It was a small, quite obscure little event, but the Lord had begun the work and now we could see it take form. As I shared with my Christian women friends the vision God had given to me, they began to come on board – some as teachers, others as volunteers for various other positions and some as prayer support. We launched our first class of three women in January 2010. Currently, we are in our sixth class of women as we have one semester in the spring and one in the fall. We have three Bible teachers, five life skills course teachers and two computer teachers, all who are volunteers. No one in this ministry is paid staff, but the payment we receive for being able to witness the results of teaching God’s word and sharing His love with the women of Gonzales is beyond what the world can offer. CWJC is a ministry for women to offer them a “hand up, not a hand out,” as we teach Bible, life/job skills and computer five days a week for 11 weeks. The “extreme makeover” of Jesus’ redeeming and restorative love is available to all who are involved with CWJC – volunteers and students. All of our ministry expenses are funded by donations from local individuals, businesses or church groups. We have one fundraiser on the first Saturday in June called the Magnolia Tea, where we spotlight the ministry and alumni. What’s on your “bucket list”? What do you still want to achieve? What’s the best thing you’ve done for your “cause” or your calling? As far as a bucket list or what I still want to achieve, I would have to say that right now, this is enough for me. If God so chooses to move me into another arena, I pray I will be obedient to His call, which I consider to be the “best thing.” Saying yes to God’s call on your life is the best thing See SHERRY POE page A11

Since 1853 - Women Have Worked At The Inquirer Women in journalism — Pioneering a field dominated by men. For generations there have been women involved in the production of the tenth oldest newspaper in the State of Texas. We salute Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Darst, all the Reese women and the Chionsini women for the contributions you’ve made to our 160 years of success!

Pioneering rs New Frontiye ! Every Da We Salute All Gonzales Pioneering Women! Staff pictured: Kim Brown, Jessie Holt, Brenda Adams and Cammy Lewis

Brandi Chionsini Guy

Annie Reese Forshagen

Sponsor of Pioneering Women

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Oct. 26, 2012

FRIDAY • PAGE A11

2012

Gonzales County Pioneering Women A salute to modern-day women pioneers who have forged the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A10

one can do, for we all have a God designed destiny in this life. Which of the many “hats” you wear are the most important to you (and why)? As far as “hats” that I wear, I would say that of servant-leader is the most important. I cook, clean, wash, teach, administer and welcome people most every day, and no one thing is most important, other than pointing all who enter Bethany House to Christ. Our volunteers are all ministers and are called to this ministry, just as I was. They, too, feel as I do about obeying God’s word and pointing others to Christ. Not one of us is more important in this endeavor than another. We are the hands and feet of Christ to the women of Gonzales County who are in need and desire a fresh start, a makeover in their life. What advice would you give to women starting out, who may be following your “pioneering” example?

Advice that I would give to other women who may follow the example of stepping out into new endeavors is first check with your Maker, for it is He who has your most important work to do. The first part of my life I spent learning who I was and what I wanted to do. It was all about me. Thank God I have moved on to learn who God is and what He wants. There is no end to what He has in store for us, and we can be assured it will be the very best plan as Jeremiah 29:11 states: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says the LORD, “thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Closing thoughts Thank you so much for the opportunity to share information about this wonderful ministry opportunity that is available to the women of Gonzales County. We “touch the lives of a few so they may affect the lives of many.” Our address is 721 St. Louis and our phone number is 672-6180. Our email is cwjcgonzales@gmail.com. Anyone is welcome to stop by for a visit and learn more about Christian Women’s Job Corps of Gonzales County.

each one is an indiLillian Fernandez letter, vidual. I train the leaders CONTINUED FROM PAGE A8

and the leaders pass along their knowledge to the girls. I am on my third generation

of Scouts, and some of my girls’ grandchildren are now in Girl Scouting. My hat passes down. My hat as Mom (who

rules the world) isn’t worn as much because my children are grown. While they still come to me for advice, they are passing along

We have also been able to sustain some great programs, like a free afterschool program for extended learning (grades 1-6) and a daycare due to careful money management. We have some of the best technology available thanks to various grants that we were awarded. Perhaps most important, we have been able to increase our professional salaries to very competitive levels, which ensures the best teachers and administrators available.

questions, always tried to learn a little bit more each day and read incessantly. I really hate it when I don’t know something, even if it’s not a particularly important thing. As you can guess, I am an avid Googler (if there is such a word). There’s so much to know!

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER

organization, some through creativity or some through following the book to the

Cathy Booth CONTINUED FROM PAGE A6

unheard of way to earn a college degree, whereas today, it would be almost unheard of to have not taken at least one class online through college. I love working with upcoming teachers and administrators as they begin/advance their careers. Somehow, it gives me great pride to know I am touching lives that way. I am still a teacher at heart. What’s on your “bucket list”? What do you still want to achieve? I want to publish a book describing the true magic in today’s public schools, something to counter all of the criticism. All of the statistics thrown out today are arbitrary when it comes to the genuine measure of our success. There are millions of accomplished, happy adults around the world who are products of our U.S. public school system. We did something right. But those stories don’t ever seem to be told. I have also been blessed with my precious grandchildren. I want to spend time with them and instill the love for learning that I

have always enjoyed. I pray that they will someday look back on me with the love and pride I feel for my own grandmother. There really would be no greater accomplishment as far as I am concerned. What’s the best thing you’ve done for your “cause” or your calling? I hope that the “best” thing I have done is to ensure the students of Nixon-Smiley have the best facilities, programs and opportunities that we can afford. Through a combination of grant funding, utilizing “loop holes” the school funding formulas and seizing opportunities, we have been able to do many things in Nixon-Smiley that would otherwise have been out of reach. Our beautiful facilities are one example. Through the passage of a bond and by taking advantage of some stimulus funding, we were able to build a new gym and library. We also completely refurbished a tired, old school in Smiley. Today it’s a beautiful elementary campus. There were many people who thought that bond couldn’t happen in Nixon-Smiley.

Why is education so important to you? For the individual, education opens opportunities and brings about personal growth. Think of it like a stairway. When you stop learning, you are stuck on a step. But with each new skill or added knowledge, you take another step up. For society, education ensures that our nation (and our world) can continue to flourish. An educated, literate society is vital for the continuation of the human race. Personally, I have a passion for learning. I am more than sure my success in life can be attributed to the fact that I have never quit asking

Let Your Food Be Your Medicine Some foods that we buy at the grocery store, we think of them as simple used only to ﬂavor our foods ... In our exclusive Let Your Food Be Your Medicine Class, you will learn that foods such as lemons, garlic and ginger have amazing powers to heal. In this class, you will make your own cough syrup, healing teas and infused oils that support your immune system.

Join us for our grand opening! November 9, 2012 • 4 to 6 pm

Come relax and join the fun while learning ways to pack your winter toolkit and saving your family money.

(minutes from Gonzales)

Only 8 seats available. Reserve your spot by visiting www.wanthealing.com

and The Gonzales Inquirer

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER

Sherry Poe

way for others Sponsored by Pioneer Village

Healing Hands Ranch 196 CR 436 Harwood TX 78632 www.wanthealing.com Call Denise Mobbs at 830-857-0986 for more information

What advice would you give to women starting out, who may be following your “pioneering” example? Never underestimate yourself. Even the brightest, richest, most successful among us came in to the world as you did. Seize the opportunities, continually learn from those who cross your path and don’t forget to take time for yourself. These all seem so cliché, but honestly, that’s what it takes.

what I taught them to their families. Both of my children are business owners. My son, Isaac, is the owner of Next Concept Motorsports in Luling, and my daughter, Cheryl, owns Star Struck Graphix, here in Gonzales. Both of my children have become leaders, and pass along their knowledge – Isaac to his sons and employees, and Cheryl to her Junior Girl Scout Troop. I can hear myself in some of their words, although they may not realize it, and I am a very proud mother. My favorite hat is that of “Ma Sue” to my grandsons, Corey and Nico. Every chance that I get to spend time with them is wonderful. I can hear my son in their words and see his influence when they play sports. I make sure to talk to them about being leaders and standing on their own. I teach them about standing strong when others say back down. I teach them that “couldn’t” is a stepping stone to “could.”

What advice would you give to women starting out, who may be following your “pioneering” example? I would say learn about all of your interests and how you can help, even in the smallest way. Try everything until you find what you really want to do and then learn more about it. Focus on your choice and become an expert at it. But be courteous. As my dad told me, “don’t step on others on your way up, because you might need them on your way down.” Being a leader is about knowing your strengths and weaknesses. It’s about going forward when the rest of the world is pushing back at you. It’s about positive influence through positive actions – not using negativity as an enforcer. As I like to say, “you can’t be afraid, and you must hit the ground running because daylight is burning” ... and to my Girl Scouts and former Girl Scouts, I (Ms. Lillian) say “Move It! Move It! Move It!”

Don’t forget to

VOTE for your favorite Pioneering Woman!

Beginning Monday, Oct. 29, at www.GonzalesInquirer.com

Proud to be a sponsor for Pioneering Women WEST MOTORS

Call Frank Supak at 830-857-8017 or 830-263-1441 1820 Sarah DeWi • Gonzales, TX 78629 www.westmotors.com

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Cathy Booth

Nov. 2, 2012

Lillian Fernandez

Sherry Poe

Marjorie Burnett

FRIDAY • PAGE A3

Suzanne Sexton

Which of These Gonzales Women Will Be Chosen? Find Out While Attending Our

-Pioneering Women’s DaySaturday, Nov. 3 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pioneer Village Gonzales Proud Sponsor of Pioneering Women

PO BOX 133 | 7952 FM 1891 HALLETTSVILLE, TEXAS 77964 TEL: (361) 772-2389 www.darcysvineyard.com

Proud Sponsor of Pioneering Women

Caraway Gonzales 1405 Sarah Dewitt • Gonzales 830-672-9646

The event will begin at 10 a.m. and will offer women of the area an opportunity to shop, eat, and visit the many booths full of handmade beauty, fashion and home decorating items. A wine tasting will also occur at the event starting at noon with free wine tastings to all guests; at 1 p.m. wine tastings will continue with the purchase of a Darcy’s Vineyard wine glass; at 2 p.m. tastings will halt during presentations; and around 2:30 p.m. wine tastings resume till close for those who purchased a Darcy’s Vineyard wine glass. Wine will also be available for $5 a glass for the entire event and will be available for purchase by the bottle (to take home). Darcy’s Vineyard will donate 10% of all sales to Pioneer Village. There will be a $5 donation to Pioneer Village for all those attending the day’s activities and shopping.

Proud Sponsor of Pioneering Women

701 N. Sarah DeWitt Drive, Gonzales

830-672-4530

Proud Sponsor of Pioneering Women

The Hearty Gourmet 813 St. Joseph St Gonzales, TX 830-672-4438

Shopping • Eating • Wine Tasting Proud Sponsor of Pioneering Women

614 St. Paul St. Gonzales, Texas 78629

Proud Sponsor of Pioneering Women

Person s Flower Shop 1030 E. St. Louis, Gonzales

830-672-2883

Proud Sponsor of Pioneering Women

Custom Picture Framing 1308 St. Louis Street Gonzales, Texas 76529

Proud Sponsor of Pioneering Women 1200 Carl Ramert Dr. | Yoakum 361-293-2321 www.yoakumhospital.org Brought to you By

PIONEER VILLAGE

LYNN THEATRE

512 St. Paul Street, Gonzales, Texas

Thursday, November 15 • Late Night Showing of

TWILIGHT BREAKING DAWN PART 2 Friday, November 16 • Regular Showings of

TWILIGHT BREAKING DAWN PART 2 & WRECK IT RALPH Vol. 160, No. 45

75¢

TEXAS GULF COAST PRESS ASSOCIATION

2012 Award Winner Better Newspaper Contest

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION 2012 Award Winner Be er Newspaper Newspap Contest

2012 Award Winner Better Newspaper Contest

TUESDAY

Gonzales Inquirer November 6, 2012

The

OUR 160TH YEAR

SERVING GONZALES COUNTY

ESTABLISHED IN 1853 • GONZALES, TEXAS: HOME OF JUSTIN JOHNSON • www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Youth center bus sidelined with repairs The Gonzales Youth Center bus is in the shop for electrical repairs, GYC executive director Pat Anders-Ryan said Monday. Anders-Ryan apologized for the inconvenience, but said, until further notice, students will need to make necessary arrangements to be picked up when the center closes each day.

Death at Walmart ruled suicide B R F news@gonzalesinquirer.com

Officials have solved the mystery of the death of Sara Pettit, the 32-year-old Austin woman who was found dead in her car in the Walmart parking lot in September. According to a toxicology report from the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office, Pettit’s manner of death was ruled a suicide, and that she died of acute diphenhydramine toxicity. Texas Rangers found Pettit’s body about 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, in a late model Ford

Mustang, which was located in the heart of the parking lot almost directly under a light. Reports from a witness at the scene as well as other sources said the body was found in the backseat of the car. According to the Austin Police Department, Pettit was reported missing Sunday, Sept. 9. When the body was discovered, APD said there was “nothing suspicious” pertaining to the woman’s death, but the Texas Department of Public Safety did not initially share APD’s assertion. Speculation at the scene was that Pettit’s body had been in the car for about three days when it

was found, but there has been no official confirmation. Social network posts at the time orchestrating the search for Pettit said it was feared the woman could be a threat to herself. Diphenhydramine (abbreviated DPH, sometimes DHM) is an antihistamine used mainly to treat allergies. It is produced and marketed under the trade name Benadryl. It is also found in Nytol, Unisom, Tylenol PM, Excedrin PM, Midol PM, Zzzquil, Sominex, Tylenol Simply Sleep and Advil PM. It is available as an overthe-counter medication. See SUICIDE page A3

Polling places listed for the county

Women’s weekend

INSIDE

Trick-or-Treat photos Page A2 and A9 Pages A6-A8

Celebrations Birthdays November 6 Donald Cain Linda Cedillo Patrick DeCola Jesse Russell Jr. G.A. Saldana

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER Pioneering Women’s Day held Saturday at Pioneer Village Living History Center was climaxed with the naming of the Gonzales County Pioneering Woman for 2012 — Marjorie Burne (second from le ). Joining Burne at the ﬁrst-ever event were ﬁnalists (from le ) Dr. Cathy Booth, Lillian Fernandez and Sherry Poe. Finalist Suzane Sexton was unable to a end the event. The recogni on event which saluted modern-day women pioneers, was sponsored by The Gonzales Inquirer and Pioneer Village, which are operated by (back) Brenda Adams and Cindy Munson, respec vely.

November 7 Sandra Gordon Jo Mercer

Women honored, tempted

November 8 Ruth Ann Campion Viola Cuvelier Deanna De La Cruz Lois Faye DuBose Ryan Lee Jaymie McMains Susan Simper Catherine Winegeart

Anniversaries November 6 Bradley and Chelsea Fehner Brian and Sandra Philips

B L A

editor@gonzalesinquirer.com

Women — their contributions to Gonzales County as well as their often insatiable need for retail therapy — took center stage last weekend at two Gonzales venues. The first-ever Gonzales County Pioneering Women’s Day was held Saturday at the Pioneer Village Living History Center, in See WOMEN page A3

November 8 Harold and Be y Tieken Email the Inquirer at ads@gonzalesinquirer.com to put your birthday or anniversary on our list

brought to you by

607 N Saint Joseph Street Gonzales, Texas (830) 672-2402 www.storeyjewelers.com

OBITUARIES Clinton Alfred Bailey Keith Dunn DuBose Gary Lee Foreman Mary Evelyn Proctor Smith

Our care makes a difference, our heart makes it home®

PHOTOS BY LYNN ADAMS/ GONZALES INQUIRER Suzanne Sexton (le ) assists shoppers at her 5th annual Barn Sale at the J.B. Wells Show Barn. The twoday sale had something for everyone.

Polls will be open 7 a.m.7 p.m. today for the General Election as Gonzales County voters cast their ballots in the Presidential race and several other state and local contests. There are 14 polling locations throughout the county, including five in Gonzales. Polling locations include: Precinct 1 – Gonzales County Courthouse, 414 St. Joseph Street, Gonzales Precinct 2 – American Legion Hall, 1512 N. Robertson, Gonzales Precinct 3 – City Hall, 820 St. Joseph Street, Gonzales Precincts 4 and 6 – Gonzales County Nixon Annex, 603 N. Central, Nixon Precinct 5 – Belmont Community Center (Methodist Church), 14335 U.S. Highway 90A West, Belmont Precinct 7 – Texas Elks Children’s Services (Elks Hospital), 1963 FM 1586, Ottine Precinct 8 – Harwood Community Center, 101 CR 230 North, Harwood Precinct 9 – Waelder Community Center, 311 U.S. Highway 90 West, Waelder Precinct 10 – Smiley Fire Station, 208 N. FM 108, Smiley Precinct 11 – Peach Valley Youth Camp, 581 CR 357, Gonzales Precinct 12 – J.B. Wells Park Multi-purpose Facility Show Barn, 2301 CR 197, Gonzales Precinct 13 – Leesville Cemetary Association, 6077 CR 155, Leesville Precinct 14 – Cheapside Community Center, 18 CR 297A, Cheapside Precinct 15 – Guadalupe Valley Telephone Co-op, 67 FM 466 South, Cost Election law requires voters to have their voter registration card or proof of identification with them See VOTING page A3

Title Express, Inc. 3586 Hwy. 181 N. Floresville, TX 78114

A Home-Like Atmosphere Offering 24-Hour Care 701 N. Sarah DeWitt Drive Gonzales

Rehabilitation and Long Term Care

830-672-4530

830-393-6496 830-393-9426 (fax) Email: tei@title-express.com Land Title Insurance for Gonzales County. Closings offered in our Floresville office or by mail.

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

Nov. 6, 2012

TUESDAY • PAGE A3

I feel so foolish. I hope nobody I know sees me like this.

Putting things back the way they’re supposed to be PHOTOS BY LYNN ADAMS/ GONZALES INQUIRER Rick Dawson (le ) and Edward Hunt were busy recently repairing 18 tombstones at the IOOF Cemetery in Gonzales following what appeared to be vandalism. Hunt said he presumed the stones had been knocked over by children – “I don’t see adults doing this kind of thing,” he said – and that some of the tombstones had been overturned for quite some me. One of the last tombstones repaired was one for William C. Schutz (shown), who was born in 1833 and died in 1896. The repairs come just in me for Veterans Day.

What about me? I’ve got these Popeye-looking arms that aren’t even mine. PHOTO BY ROB FORD / GONZALES INQUIRER Winners at the recent second annual Gonzales Learning and Career Center Pet Parade were Suzi Twomey’s Aubergine (le ) in the large dog division, and Lorrie Grogg’s Lola in the small dog category. The two pooches got together on the awards stand for congratula ons and “conversa on.”

Suicide CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

Like most other first-generation antihistamines, the drug also has a powerful hypnotic effect, and is often used as a non-prescription sleep aid, especially in the form of diphenhydramine citrate. A maximum recommended dose of 50 mg is mandated by the U.S. FDA. Texas Rangers, Gonzales police, Gonzales County EMS and Justice of the Peace Deidra Voigt responded to the incident PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER On hand for a recent ceremony marking the Gonzales VFW’s sponsorship of the Boy Scouts’ “Come and Take It Ship 262” were (from le ) Ian Maxwell, Bob Falany, Dillon Catchings, Dick Kuenzler, Dennis Nesser, Juan Gaytan and Fred “Fritz” Washichek.

VFW sponsors Boy Scouts’ sailing program The Gonzales VFW Post 4817 recently sealed its sponsorship for Boy Scout Troop 262’s launching of “Come and Take It Ship 262,” a program that helps youth learn small-craft sailing. The program is open to boys and girls ages 14-21, and is expected to include sailing excursions on area lakes with occasional trips to the Gulf of Mexico.

Women CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

which five women emblematic of the modern-day pioneering spirit characteristic of Gonzales County women were honored for forging the way for others in their professions and lifestyle. Marjorie Burnett, whose passion for preserving historic cemeteries was renewed following the event to celebrate women, was named the inaugural Pioneering Woman. Finalists

Scoutmaster Dennis Nesser said some Hobie Cat boats have already been donated for use with the program. He said the program will give Gonzales County youth sailing opportunities they would not normally have. The signing of the sponsorship came on the 50th anniversary of the

for the designation in a hotly-contested, tight race that drew big numbers for online voting, also included Dr. Cathy Booth, superintendent for Nixon-Smiley CISD; Lillian Fernandez, who has been involved in the leadership for Girl Scouts for more than 30 years; Sherry Poe, who gave birth to the Christian Women’s Job Corps of Gonzales County; and Suzanne Sexton, who could not attend the pioneering event

start of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and was specifically planned to commemorate the date. The Boy Scouts regularly participate in VFW activities such as flag ceremonies, and the sponsorship provides a way for the VFW to reciprocate its support of Troop 262. Those interested in the program should contact Nesser.

because of her annual Barn Sale, an entrepreneurial extravaganza that has become one of the shopping highlights of the year in Gonzales. It was Sexton’s fifth annual sale, which expanded to two days this year, that was one of the county’s other big events especially targeted toward women. The Barn Sale, which ran Friday evening and all day Saturday, attracted vendors and shoppers from through-

out the region for an eclectic selection of vintage, antique, unique, handmade, remade or otherwise-made stuff. With so much from which to choose, it had all the ingredients for maximum retail therapy.

Vo ng CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

when they vote. Voters who fail to have identification may be rejected for voting. New voter registration cards, which are yellow, were recently mailed by the Gonzales County election administrator. Almost 3,000 voters cast their ballots during the two weeks of early voting that ended Friday. The county clerk reports there are 12,440 registered voters in Gonzales County.

Woman treated following wreck B R F news@gonzalesinquirer.com

A Gonzales woman got quite a scare Monday morning when she found herself driving off a rural highway and crashing into a tree. Texas Department of Public Safety officials reported that at 7:50 a.m. Monday, Nov. 5, Jasmine Ontiveros, 19, was driving a blue Dodge pickup on state Highway 97 when she left the roadway and crashed into a tree in a private driveway. The DPS trooper who worked the accident said Ontiveros was headed southwest on SH 97 around a sharp curve when she suddenly lost control of the vehicle and careened off the road. Gonzales County EMS transported Ontiveros to Gonzales Memorial Hospital, where she was treated for minor injuries. It was also reported that Ontiveros was given a citation for driving without a license.

WALKER PLUMBING & SEPTIC SYSTEMS

123 BRIGHT ST • GONZALES • WWALKER@gvec.net

830-672-3057 OR 857-4006 SEPTIC INSTALLATION M-8953

(Includes site evaluation & design)

PLUMBING

(Commercial & Residential)

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER Toas ng the collec ve pioneering spirit of Gonzales County women during the inaugural Pioneering Women’s Day were (from le ) Cindy Munson, manager for the Pioneer Village Living History Center, which hosted and co-sponsored the event; Pioneering Woman finalist Sherry Poe; Pioneering Woman recipient Marjorie Burne ; Pioneer Village board members Lisa Brown and Brenda Adams; Pioneer Village volunteer Candice Witkoske; and Pioneering Woman finalists Lillian Fernandez and Dr. Cathy Booth. The first-ever community recogni on of the role women played in the development of Gonzales County as well as the role they con nue to play, was co-sponsored by The Gonzales Inquirer.

Mary Evelyn Proctor Smith Mary Evelyn Proctor Smith, 87, of New Braunfels, passed away Friday, Nov. 2, 2012. She was born March 19, 1925, in Texon, to the late Frank Sr. and Jewel Todd Proctor. She married her beloved husband, William T. Smith, on Nov. 6, 1943, in San Angelo. Mary was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved people, music and dancing. She is survived by her daughter, Stacey Robins and husband Tom of New Braunfels; son Randy Smith and wife Carla of Cuero; grandchildren Thomas and Blake Robins of Austin and Rene Smith of Seattle; and great-grandchild Jack Robins of Austin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Wanda Proctor Reuss and brother Frank Proctor Jr. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at Hillside Cemetery in Cuero with Bill Cotman officiating. A lunch will follow at First Presbyterian Church in Cuero. Honorary pallbearers include Tom Robins, Thomas Robins, Blake Robins, Joe Reuss, George Blackburn, Scooter Cheatham, Ricki McKinney and Lang Smith. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut Avenue, New Braunfels 78130. You may sign the guest book or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome. com. Arrangements are under the direction of Freund Funeral Home in Cuero.

To advertise in the Inquirer, call 830-672-2861

Lifeline is a government assistance program, the service is nontransferable, only eligible consumers may enroll in the program, and the program is limited to one discount per household consisting of either wireline or wireless service. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain the benefit can be punished by fine or imprisonment or can be barred from the program. Forms of documentation necessary for enrollment: All subscribers will be required to demonstrate eligibility based at least on (1) household income at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Level guidelines for a household of that size; OR (2) the household's participation in one of the federal assistance programs. 1: Current or prior year's statement of benefits from a qualifying state, federal, or Tribal program. 2: A notice letter of participation in a qualifying state, federal, or Tribal program. 3: Program participation documents (e.g., consumer SNAP card, Medicaid card, or copy thereof). 4: Other official document evidencing the consumer's participation in a qualifying state, federal,or Tribal program. Income eligibility: Prior year's state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement from an employer or paycheck. Social Security statement of benefits. Veterans Administration statement of benefits. Retirement/pension statement of benefits. Unemployment/Workers' Compensation statement of benefits. Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance. Divorce decree, child support award, or other official document containing income information for at least three (3) months' time. AT&T Mobility will NOT retain a copy of this documentation. Billing: Usage rounded up to the next full minute or kilobyte, at the end of each call or data session, for billing purposes. Screen images simulated. All marks used herein are the property of their respective owners. ©2012 AT&T Intellectual Property.

PAGE A4 • TUESDAY Nov. 6, 2012 www.gonzalesinquirer.com Opinions • Columns • Le ers

The

Gonzales Inquirer Open to all par es, controlled by none Published semi-weekly, every Tuesday and Friday, by Guadalupe Valley Publishing Co. USPS 221-740 • ISSN 1059-7158 622 St. Paul St., P.O. Box 616 Gonzales, Texas 78629 The Gonzales Inquirer, 622 St. Paul, Gonzales, Texas 78629 is a periodical postage paid at Gonzales, Texas and addi onal mailing oﬃces. Postmaster: For change of address, no fy The Gonzales Inquirer, P.O. Box 616, Gonzales, Texas 78629-0616

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Brenda Adams publisher@gonzalesinquirer.com

GENERAL MANAGER

Brandi Chionsini Guy jobs@gonzalesinquirer.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Lynn Adams editor@gonzalesinquirer.com

SPORTS EDITOR

Jason Chlapek sports@gonzalesinquirer.com

STAFF REPORTER

Rob Ford news@gonzalesinquirer.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Jessie Holt marke ng@gonzalesinquirer.com

OFFICE MANAGER

Kim Brewer subscrip ons@gonzalesinquirer.com

CLASSIFIEDS/OFFICE CLERK

Cammy Lewis ads@gonzalesinquirer.com

TRANSPORTATION

Adolph Janik CIRCULATION

Herman Grauke Mail Subscrip on Rates Payable in advance

In County One year ..................................... $49 Six months ................................. $35 Three months ....................... $19.50

Out of county One year ..................................... $53 Six months ................................. $40 Three months ............................ $24

Out of state One year ..................................... $73 Six months ................................. $50 Three months ............................ $30

You can reach us at: 830-672-2861 Fax 830-672-7029 publisher@gonzalesinquirer.com

Aﬃlia ons: Na onal Newspaper Associa on Texas Press Associa on South Texas Press Associa on Texas Gulf Coast Press Associa on OPINION POLICY Your opinion is very important to us at The Gonzales Inquirer. We welcome letters to the editor (300 words or less) as well as guest editorials. To submit either, email to publisher@gonzalesinquirer.com, bring by our office at 622 St. Paul or send to us at P.O. Box 616, Gonzales, TX 78629. Any copy submitted is subject to editing. Letters to the editor addressing an upcoming election will not be printed during the two weeks immediately preceding the election. Should you plan to submit a letter near this deadline, contact us to verify the last date letters can be received to be eligible for publishing. If you have any questions about this matter, contact Publisher Brenda Adams at 830-672-2861 or email publisher@gonzalesinquirer.com.

www.gonzalesinquirer.com

ALONG THESE LINES

ViewPoints

Political party animals

s it really a coincidence that U.S. federal elections fall just a few days after Halloween? I don’t think so. After all, it could be argued that both events provide an opportunity for sinister characters to roam the countryside scaring the Willy Wonkas out of us. While there are many odd aspects to American politics, surely one of the most bizarre is how we assign animal mascots to the two major political parties. And even stranger: neither is a turkey. The Republican Party has long been associated with the imposing elephant, while the Democrats are linked to the humble donkey. But how did these connections come about? Well, the association can be traced back to 19th century political cartoons. It all began in 1837 with a then little-noticed drawing that Nick showed Democratic President Thomas Andrew Jackson, well-known for his stubborn nature, leading a donkey. The donkey-Democrat association might have abruptly ended there, were it not for an observant political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, who revived the Democratic donkey some three decades later. The public quickly accepted the quirky connection. Not wishing the GOP to feel ignored, a few years later Nash again sharpened his quill and turned his artistic wit towards the Republicans. In 1874, a New York newspaper printed a story suggesting that two-term Republican President Ulysses S. Grant might run for a third term ‒ which no American president had previously attempted to do, at the time. Although the story of Grant running again was apparently untrue, the Democrats seized on the idea, hoping to scare Republican voters away from the party by portraying Grant as an aspiring “emperor” of the United States (nice to see that the distortion of facts as part of political strategy has been remarkably consistent throughout the years). Mr. Nast’s sketch was published in The New Yorker magazine, and depicted the Republicans as elephants that were unmovable when calm, but unstoppable and destructive when agitated. The public quickly embraced the connection, and the Republican Party would be forever linked to the popular pachyderm. Along these lines, of course, the Democrats have seen the elephant symbol as “a bungling, pompous and conservative” beast. But it was a former presidential candidate of the 1950s, Adlai Stevenson, who offered the best description of the Republican symbol ‒ at least from the Democratic viewpoint. He said: “The elephant has a thick skin, a head full of ivory, and as everyone who has seen a circus parade knows, proceeds best by grasping the tail of its predecessor.” Undeterred by the Stevenson description, the Republicans actually adopted the elephant as their official symbol some years ago, preferring to believe that the “dignified, strong and intelligent” animal represented them well. One wonders if elephants would view the comparison as complimentary or not. Not surprisingly, the Republicans haven’t offered a particularly flattering view of the gentle donkey either, considering it to be “stubborn, silly and ridiculous.” The Democrats have never officially adopted the donkey as their party’s symbol. Which is probably wise since, no matter how fondly you describe it, you will always be subject to mocking when your party is represented by an ass. Still, the Democrats claim its “humble, smart, courageous and loveable” nature is a good analogy to their party’s philosophy. Personally, however, I honestly can’t recall the last time I considered any Democratic (or Republican for that matter) politician as loveable. Despite their obvious differences, the elephant and donkey actually do have something in common, aside from pungent body odor: both have been used throughout human history, in various cultures, as beasts of burden to carry our heavy loads. Wouldn’t it be refreshing if, after this election, the two parties could not only actually pledge to work together but could combine the symbolic strength of the elephant with the donkey’s stubbornness to succeed, and carry the burdens of the nation to solve our problems for the benefit of all? Now that really would be scary. Nick Thomas’ features and columns have appeared in more than 200 magazines and newspapers, including the Washington Post, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, San Francisco Chronicle, and Christian Science Monitor. He can be reached at alongtheselines@yahoo.com.

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Religion and the election

eligious issues have played a significant role in numerous presidential elections, as they are in 2012. In 1800, his opponents accused Thomas Jefferson of atheism and trying to undermine the republic’s Christian foundation. In 1928 and 1960, many Americans were alarmed by the Catholic faith of Al Smith and John F. Kennedy, who they feared would be more loyal to the pope than the Constitution. In 1896, 1976, Gary Scott and 1980, professed Smith evangelical Protestants competed for votes. In 2000, George W. Bush’s faith was a major issue, especially after he declared Jesus to be his favorite philosopher. Barack Obama frequently discussed his faith journey and used biblical language to defend his social policies. In 2012, a key issue is how much support religious conservatives, especially evangelicals, will provide for Mitt Romney. When campaigning for the 2008 Republican nomination, Romney gave a speech in Texas to address concerns about his Mormon faith. (About six million Mormons live in the United States, more than the total number of Muslims and Jews combined.) While admitting that his “church’s beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths,” Romney affirmed “that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind.” Attempting to appeal to Americans holding a variety of religious views, he expressed his appreciation for features of Catholicism, evangelicalism, Pentecostalism, Lutheranism, Judaism, and Islam. Refusing to distance himself from his religious convictions as some urged him to do, Romney declared, “I believe in my Mormon faith and I endeavor to live by it. My faith is the faith of my fathers — I will be true to them and to my beliefs.” However, like Kennedy in 1960, he promised that “no authorities of my church … will ever exert influence on presidential decisions. Their authority … ends where the affairs of the nation begin.” As the governor of Massachusetts, Romney asserted, “I did not confuse the particular teachings of my church with the obligations of the office and of the Constitution — and … I would not do so as president.” In contrast to his approach in 2008, in the 2012 campaign, until the Republican National Convention, Romney rarely referred to himself as a Mormon or connected his policies with his faith. In an effort to help voters identify more with him, Romney took the calculated risk of having his supporters discuss his Mormon background and commitments and his work as a lay pastor in Boston for 14 years. Pastor Grant Bennett testified that Romney labored tirelessly to assist sick and needy members. “Mitt prayed with and counseled church members seeking spiritual direction, single

mothers raising children, couples with marital problems, youth with addictions, immigrants separated from their families and individuals whose heat had been shut off,” Bennett explained. Church members Ted and Pat Oparowski described Romney as a compassionate man who regularly visited their cancer-stricken son and preached his eulogy after the 14-year-old died. How prospective voters view Romney’s faith and the way it may affect his work as president could play a decisive role in what appears to be a close election. This issue is especially important to the millions of American evangelicals who have been a major force in American politics since the late 1970s. Most evangelicals view Mormonism as an alternative religion rather than a Christian denomination. They have more in common theologically with Obama, who claims to accept many of the doctrines they affirm. Moreover, much more frequently than Romney, Obama has used biblical teaching to support his policies, especially in aiding the poor. However, many evangelicals are repulsed by Obama’s views on abortion and homosexual marriage and his administration’s mandate to provide contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs as part of health care services. Undoubtedly speaking for many evangelicals, former Arkansas Governor and Baptist pastor Mike Huckabee declared at the convention, “I care far less … where Mitt Romney takes his family to church, than I do about where he takes this country.” Although Obama is a “self-professed evangelical,” Huckabee added, he supports changing the definition of marriage, “believes that human life is disposable … at any time in the womb,” and requires “people of faith … to bow their knees to the God of government and violate their faith … to comply with what he calls, health care.” In a recent issue of Christianity Today, Stephen Mansfield, who wrote a very positive spiritual biography of Obama, argued that voting for Romney is “a moral option for followers of Jesus Christ … even though his Latter-day Saint religion is far from orthodox Christianity” and his presidency would give “heightened visibility and influence” to Mormonism. Richard Mouw, the president of evangelical Fuller Theological Seminary, insisted that in 12 years of discussions with Mormon scholars and leaders and “extensive reading of Mormon literature,” he had found nothing to keep him from voting for Romney. For them, Romney’s positions on key issues are more important than his Mormonism. The extent to which other religious conservatives agree with Huckabee, Mansfield and Mouw will have a significant effect in deciding the 2012 election. Dr. Gary Scott Smith chairs the history department at Grove City College and is a fellow for faith and the presidency with the Center for Vision & Values. He is the author of “Faith and the Presidency from George Washington to George W. Bush” and “Heaven in the American Imagination.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Pioneering Woman recognition a surprise, honor To the Editor: Thank you to The Gonzales Inquirer, Pioneer Village and generous business folks for the gifts bestowed upon me. More thanks to all those who voted for me to be the first-ever Pioneering Woman in Gon-

zales County. I really didn’t think I would win that honor, but that it was an honor to be nominated. I think Saturday’s events have spurred me to work even harder on my large cemetery renovation. Marjorie Lee Burnett, Pilgrim

POLL QUESTION

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE ELECTION’S OUTCOME? A. I couldn’t be happier. The right people were elected. B. The wrong people were elected, but I voted my conscience. C. Too many Democrats were elected. D. Too many Republicans were elected. E. I’m so mad about the outcome, I can’t see straight. Visit our website at www. gonzalesinquirer/opinion to tell us your opinion. Opinion poll results will be published in next Tuesday’s edi on of The Gonzales Inquirer.

Results from last week’s poll ques on: What measures should be taken if a hurricane hits Gonzales County? A. Evacuate everyone 2 days ahead of the projected hurricane landfall. 00% B. Evacuate only those areas of the projected hurricane landfall. 00% C. Stay put and weather the storm. 00% D. I don’t think a hurricane will hit Gonzales County in my lifetime. 00% E. I’ll have to wait and see what I would do when a hurricane actually hits the area. 00%

Places&Faces

Nov. 9, 2012 FRIDAY • PAGE A7 www.gonzalesinquirer.com Photos From Around Town

The first-ever Pioneering Women’s Day honored all women of Gonzales County

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER Visitors to the Pioneering Women’s Day ac vi es had opportuni- Darcy’s Vineyard from Lavaca County was on hand for the ﬁrst Visitors to the Pioneering Women’s Day event had opportuni es es to peruse wares from local and regional vendors. Pioneering Women’s Day, providing samples for visitors. to purchase products from local and regional vendors.

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER Dr. Cathy Booth (center) was a finalist for the Pioneering Woman Marjorie Burne (center) received the Pioneering Woman award, Sherry Poe (center) was a finalist for the Pioneering Woman award, flanked by Brenda Adams (le ) and Cindy Munson. flanked by Brenda Adams (le ) and Cindy Munson. award, flanked by Brenda Adams (le ) and Cindy Munson.

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER Kenneth Poe (le ) samples wine provided by Darcy’s Vineyard Lillian Fernandez (center) was a finalist for the Pioneering Wom- Visitors to the Pioneering Women’s Day ac vi es had opportunifrom Lavaca County at the first Pioneering Women’s Day event. an award, flanked by Brenda Adams (le ) and Cindy Munson. es to peruse wares from local and regional vendors.

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS/ GONZALES INQUIRER The ladies at the Running M Bar and Grill in downtown Gonzales got into the Halloween spirit, dressing up for their customers. Par cipa ng in the evening’s fes vi es included (from le ) Kelli Gray, Marlene Metzler, Lisa Kotzebue, Jenna Philips and Briah Ramos.

PHOTO BY LYNN ADAMS / GONZALES INQUIRER In addi on to making their appointed rounds for Halloween, 12-year-old Keaton Kuntschik (le ) and 12-year-old Hannah Rowland manned the candy dish outside the Running M Bar and Grill in downtown Gonzales, handing out goodies to Trick-or-Treaters and passersby.

Thank You from our Pioneering Women! From all of us, thank you for your participation and support of our first-ever Pioneering Women’s Event. Whether you nominated us, voted for us, were sponsors of the event or attended, we’d like to thank you. We are honored by your support. A special thank you goes to the following: Yoakum Community Hospital Darcy’s Vineyards Caraway Ford West Motors AOG

Person’s Flower Shop Frames and Things The Hearty Gourmet The Heights Tommy Cox

Who Will Be 2013 Pioneering Women?

2012 Pioneering Women Finalists and Promoters

PIONEER VILLAGE