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Tri-Canyon’s Only Weekly Newspaper!
Current Weekly News for Leakey, Camp Wood, Sabinal, Utopia and Surrounding Areas Vol. 5 No. 32
INSIDE
www.hillcountryherald.net
August 5, 2015
editor@hillcountryherald.net
OLD SETTLERS REUNION ONE FOR THE BOOKS by Nueces Canyon Chamber of Commerce
My name is Robin Shield and I work within the Office of the President for AT&T. Our job is to resolve issues on behalf of senior leadership for the company. I will be your point of contact on this issue through resolution. To ensure that I have a full understanding of your requested resolution, I will be trying to reach out to you over the next few days. If you prefer, you can call me directly at 847.240.7227 or email me at rs9869@att.com
VET CLINIC BURKS LEAKEY AUGUST 29
The 54th Annual Old Settlers Reunion now resides in a happy place in our memories. With sincere optimism, we trust that you, family, and friends once again shared in a time honored tradition of the beautiful Nueces Canyon. After the parade, MC Casey Bolt welcomed all attendees and introduced Mark Martinez, who led in a prayerful invocation. Dustin Vernor sang the National Anthem, Mayor Chavez led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Mayoral Welcome, and Kristi Powers, Nueces Canyon Chamber of Commerce President, gave an opening welcome, and introduced the coronation ceremony of our 54th Annual Old Settlers Reunion King Josh Cox and Queen Debbie Cox. We extend a huge thank you of gratitude to all who participated in the events – parade, salsa contest, pie contest, talent contest, horseshoe and washer pitching contest, and Yeti raffle. To all the parade participants, we thank you for creating exuberant fun in the eyes and minds of the kids – young and old – who witnessed your attractive and colorful floats, vehicles, and beautiful horses. Citizen of the Year Bubba Hickman and military service veterans did an excellent job as parade marshal. Winners of the salsa contest tied for first place were Lupe Carabajal and Salud Carabajal, second place winner Andreas Carabajal, and third place Jackie Sellars. Pecan pie winner first place is Barbara Herpeeche, second place is Megan Prather, third place is Eric Whipkey, and runner-up Pat Rogers. Eight teams participated in the horseshoe competition. Lee J Kovarcik and Collin Kovarcik of Boaz Ranch won first place team; Chrissie Brown and Simon Hamilton won second place team. Twenty-two teams participated in the fiercely competitive washer-pitching contest. Earnest and Isaiah Franco won first place team; Tony and Jesse Sanchez won second place team. continued page 2
54th Annual Old Settlers Reunion King Josh Cox and Queen Debbie Cox.
LEAKEY ISD MOVING TOWARD COMPLETION One year ago today, LISD moved in portable buildings to facilitate the school year during the construction project. Within the last month, the air conditioning units, (pictured left) have arrived, insulation (foam and roll), wiring, and duct work have begun. The stage area in the cafeteria and offices are more defined. Outside fire exits are in place. Sheetrock and technology drops will start this week. The exterior has been completed along with the staircase to the second floor. At last month’s LISD board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Barbara Skipper advised the board the target move in date for the new building is September, 2015. Reviewing the budget
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“Anything For Laughs” ............................ Page 7
by Julie Becker
status of the project, Skipper noted an overage of $45K in the current budget. She stated the project is slightly behind schedule mostly due to weather related issues. Though two-a-days have begun and school shopping is upon us, the project is moving toward completion. During the building process, LISD board members have been advised of the status and have maintained constant contact with school administrators and contractors. There are always naysayers on any project and the local gossip mill runs overtime, but in a community that never fails to come together for their children, I am very proud to say “PROGRESS!”
Texas Sales Tax Holiday is Aug. 7 to 9
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THE GREAT AMERICAN EXODUS… PART ONE ............................ Page 7
(AUSTIN) — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds shoppers they can save money on certain items priced under $100 during the state’s annual sales tax holiday. This year, the sales tax holiday is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday,
Aug. 7 - 9. The law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 from sales tax, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend during the weekend. “As the father of three young children, I know backto-school expenses can really put a strain on family
budgets this time of year,” Hegar said. “This is an opportunity for families to save some money and prepare for the start of the school year.” Lists of apparel and school supplies that may be purchased tax-free can be found on the Comptroller’s website at TexasTaxHoliday.org. This year, shoppers will save an estimated $87 million in state and local sales taxes during the sales tax holiday. To your kids, shopping for new clothes, gear, and school supplies may be the only good thing about going back to school, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune every year. Here are 10 great ideas for how to get everything they need and save a few bucks doing it. Hold off buying trendier gear Kids may love a certain lunch box or pencil case they find in July, but once they start school and see that their friends are all using another kind, they’ll beg
The Spirit of ‘45 ............................ Page 9
INDEX State News .................... Page 2 Legals/Jail Register ...... Page 3 Community News ......... Page 4-6 Feature Story ................. Page 7 Obituaries ...................... Page 8 Classifieds ..................... Page 12
Today’s Weather
High: 96° Low: 73°
William John “Bill” Mechler was born in 1926 in San Antonio to Henry and Josephine Zinsmeyer Mechler and weighed 13 and a half pounds, was featured in the San Antonio Light newspaper, as a cover story, as being the largest baby on record. He grew up in Castroville, went through the eighth grade, and then went to work with his family in the fields. He met his future bride while working for her parents, Edward and Cecila Becker of Macdona. Bill was 19 when he enlisted in June, 1945, got basic training at Fort Sam Houston, was attached to the Army Corp of Engineers 36th Texas division, and advanced to the rank of Sergeant. He was in charge of approximately 9,000 German prisoners of war (POW’s) and served as translator. He also aided in the contruction of a bombing strip to be used in the bombing of Berlin, but it was never used. Later it was used for bombing missions during the War in Iraq. Bill was a sharpshooter with a rifle. He
by Billie Franklin
became a liazon between the prisoners and the Army, aided in meeting basic needs of the prisoners. After the war, he returned to the farm, married Agnes Ann Becker, and farmed. During the drought, he worked at the Medina Base in San Antonio. When the drought broke, he went back into farming in Macdona, Texas. In 1973, the family moved to Sabinal and continued farming and also ranching. He also had a meat packing plant in Sabinal. He ran a teacher education store for a few years. He was involved in the Boy Scouts and the Sabinal Lions Club where he was on the hearing board and did eye testing throughout the area. He later became involved with Sabinal Helping Hands which served Sabinal area citizens as a food pantry. He passed away in June, 2013, and Agnes passed away ten days later. He and Agnes are survived by 5 daughters, 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren.
you to upgrade them, and that only results in wasted cash. Shop end-of-summer sales You know as well as we do that kids wear short sleeve polo shirts all year long, so hit the big summer sales and snap up discounted duds that can be worn well into fall. Stick to the list The teacher’s supply list at the start of a new school year is daunting enough so don’t waste time and money on unlisted items. Extra supplies, while they may be cute, will probably never get used and just leave your pockets empty. Head to the supermarket for basic supplies Check weekly circulars for great deals on pens and loose-leaf paper, and get your weekly grocery shopping done at the same time. Bonus: buying everything in one place will save time and gas money!