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Tri-Canyon’s Only Weekly Newspaper!
Current Weekly News for Leakey, Camp Wood, Sabinal, Utopia and Surrounding Areas Vol. 6 No. 4
INSIDE
www.hillcountryherald.net
January 27, 2016
editor@hillcountryherald.net
BURRIER SPEAKS TO DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Karen Collins
FEBRUARY 1ST LAST DAY TO REGISTER ............................ Page 3
Paul Burrier, retired Lt. Colonel, U. S. Army, was the featured speaker at the January meeting of the Uvalde de las Encinas Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), at El Progreso Library in Uvalde on Saturday, January 16th. Mr. Burrier told of his experiences during two tours in Vietnam, and explained the war from an insider’s viewpoint. His talk was both sad and inspiring, and ended on an encouraging note as he stated how proud he is that American people are currently realizing what these veterans gave to our country and now honoring them for their service. Mr. Burrier is a local historian, the author of books and publications, and
a dedicated patriot. He received a standing ovation from DAR members at the conclusion of his program and was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by DAR Regent Berry Lawrence. Regent Lawrence discussed the display of the DAR-sponsored Tribute to Vietnam Veterans, which will be at the Uvalde Court House from January 22nd through February 26th. She said it now lists names of about 655 veterans from this area who served our country during the Vietnam era. These names will be preserved in a booklet, and copies will be distributed to all the libraries who participated in the project during the past year. continued page 9
DAR Regent Betty Lawrence presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Paul Burrier.
JADE HELM REVISITED?—UWEX 16 COMING TO YOUR TOWN By Elaine Padgett Carnegie
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THE OLD TELEPHONE COMPANY A STORY OF THE CRENSHAW FAMILY UWEX 16—I would not be so concerned if it just didn’t seem like they had been sneaky about it! Of course, it was on the Real County Commissioner’s Court Agenda… we should have been paying more attention! The Hill Country
Herald was represented at the meeting however, or no one who have ever known what was going on at all. Maybe they didn’t like the fact that last year we actually wanted to know what was going on! Well whatever it is, this “new” Jade
Will Hurd’s Recent Visit ............................ Page 7
LETTER TO THE EDITOR ........................ Page 3
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INDEX Legals/Jail Register ...... Page 3 Community News ......... Page 4-6 Feature Story ................. Page 7 Obituaries ...................... Page 8 Classifieds ..................... Page 12
Today’s Weather
High:58° Low: 34°
by Billie Franklin
Helm without the fancy name that they threw at us in 2015 is a little different. I guess our commissioners were not the only ones who, amid mocking, giggling noises confirmed the request for further operations in our Texas County. I watched them do the same in Tom Green County on YouTube, the Statesman wrote, “In West Texas, commissioners of Tom Green County approved the military’s request to hold realistic training in the county, according to footage of a late October meeting.” According to the Austin American-Statesman, commissioners in November approved the same request in Bastrop County. Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape during commissioner’s court meeting they approved the request to allow U.S. Special Operations to conduct another covert warfare training in the county in the spring, told constituents “Don’t expect a comment
from the Governor this year.” Then of course, our commissioners approved the request in Real County in December. The Houston Chronicle said that the Military contacted Governor Abbott first. I understand they do not want to create a “media situation” again, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be informed. At least three Texas counties will host the realistic, unconventional warfare training exercise in 2016, following the Jade Helm exercise that stoked significant controversy. This time, the military wants civilian volunteers with previous government, military, or law enforcement experience to act as role players. The Houston Chronicle even published “Job Postings” from Oak Grove Technologies on their internet article where the Military is asking for specific types of volunteers to participate in the exercises. continued page 9
Last Thursday, I met with U. S. Congressman Will Hurd and staffer Ashley Harris at Grandpa Rudy’s BBQ in Sabinal. During the course of our conversation, he told me about his background, being raised in Leon Valley, San Antonio, his whole life, which he told rapid fire speech and included his service with the CIA, how he came to buy a home in Helotes, and run for Congress. I then told him of my recent writings on World War II veterans and the displays through my local chapter of the National Daughters of the American Revolution honoring Vietnam veterans and my personal support and strong interest in our veterans. He mentioned that while in the CIA in Afghanistan, he saw first hand how much our men and women who are in the military sacrifice for their country. He was very interested is knowing that the people of his district have chosen to honor both World War II and Vietnam veterans and proud to know that we care. Next, I asked him why he does his weekend trips throughout the 23rd Congressional District. His answer was that his title is U. S. Representative and asked me how could he represent people that has never met. “This is the fun part of my job.” he quoted to me. Meeting the people gives him ideas of how he can better serve them. I appreciate the time that he took to make me feel special and I really like his honesty and candor. He definitely has his feet on the ground. His parents raised him well. On Monday, he was due back in Washington and with the snow and all of Washington’s flight cancellations, I am not sure Congress was even able to meet. I am very pleased however that we have such a special Representative serving our district.
LEAKEY/NUECES RIVER AUTHORITY WASTEWATER PROJECT STATUS by Julie Becker
As the construction continues, status of the Leakey/NRA Wastewater project is on the front burner. NRA Utility Director, Mike Collard submitted the following construction update: Hoover Construction / TxDOT Subset:Progress since the last report is as follows: Manholes and sewer main have for the most part been installed along HWY 83, east and west side of the road, from RR337 south to the top of the hill near the new Family Dollar Store. Also, on RR 337 from Tucker Hollow to just past the Hill Country Herald Newspaper Office. Fisher-Poirier Construction / Office, Laboratory and Site Work: (pictured right) All the demolition is complete and interior framing has begun. About half the concrete work
is completed to include the slab for the new well house and forms are being placed for the remaining concrete work. In 2004, a Real County Comprehensive Planning Study identified the need for wastewater improvements in the Leakey area; In 2008 the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) awarded a wastewater facility planning grant to Nueces River Authority (NRA) to identify and proposed wastewater improvements; Project is divided into two phases, Phase 1 is the area west of the Frio River and Phase 2 is east of the Frio River; In 2011, the TWDB approved a loan forgiveness and grant for design and construction of wastewater system; In 2012 the project was funded in an agreement between the NRA and TWDB.
Architectural sketch of Future Plant Office