Sept emb er 2014
Always
N EE II N Z Z A A G G A M M A
FREE G * RATIS
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary
of
IN FREER
TEXAS
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IN-HOUSE PHYSICAL THERAPY IN-HOUSE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PHYSICAL THERAPY BASED WOUND CARE SHARPS DEBRIDEMENT WOUND-VAC HornMed TELEMEDICINE MONITORS COORDINATES DME
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CONTENTS
MI VIDA MAGAZINE A publication of the Jim Hogg County Enterprise 304 E. Galbraith, Hebbronville, Texas 78361 Copyright 1998 by The Jim Hogg County Enterprise. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the express permission of the publisher. Entered as Second Class Matter at Hebbronville, Texas under May 5, 1926, at the Post Office the Act of March 8, 1979, Second Class Postage Paid at Hebbronville, Jim Hogg County, Texas 78361. POSTMASTER: Send inquiries to Jim Hogg County Enterprise 304 E. Galbraith P.O. Box 759 Hebbronville, Texas 78361
ON THE COVER:
Call (361) 460-9493
“I opened my eyes one fall morning and God just told me to do it. And because I had trusted His guidance before, I knew he would see us through. I was totally at peace going into it,” she said in a interview.
for information.
Base advertising rate is $6.00 per column inch. Volume and frequency discounts available. Contact us by email at enterprise78361@aol.com or at mividamagazine@aol.com Poncho Hernandez Jr. Juanita I. Hernandez Publishers
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MUY GRANDE 50TH ANNIVERSARY Depending on whether you are a
deer hunter or a tourist hoping to capture a trophy or souvenir, Muy Grande is definitely the place to be. .......... Since 1965, the popular watering hole along Texas 44
in Freer has captured the imagination of hunters hoping to bag their first South Texas Whitetail deer. It's been a long road. But a road worth traveling. The business got its name when founder Leonel Garza, who left the small Texas town of Benavides for a slightly larger city, made the comment that, “South Texas deer are as wide as the Rio Grande.” The quote inspired “Muy Grande” and led to the contest that has become the business's trademark, known worldwide for its authority in hunting South Texas Whitetail deer. Garza, however, attributes his success to an event involving a stranded hunter who appealed for help after his truck got stuck in the South Texas mud. When Garza refused the hunter's offer to receive money for his help, he replied stating, “Just tell your friends I'm the hunter's friend.” It turned out the hunter was a writer for the Victoria Advocate, whose column, “The Hunter's Friend,” convinced hunters throughout the state that Muy Grande was to place to be. Since then, the Muy Grande Contest has scored more than 18,000 deer for Garza's legendary contest. Fast forward five decades later, and Muy Grande is celebrating its 50th anniversary; a proclamation to the business's success and a tribute to its founder, Leonel Garza. Now in the hands of Leonel's daughter, Imelda, and her husband Kenneth, the business has
Continued on Page 24
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
September: Bizarre and unusual holidays DATE: 1 Emma M. Nutt Day, first woman telephone operator 1 Labor Day - First Monday of month 2 National Beheading Day 3 Skyscraper Day 4 Newspaper Carrier Day 5 Be Late for Something Day 5 Cheese Pizza Day 6 Fight Procrastination Day 6 Read a Book Day 7 Grandparent’s Day 7 Neither Rain nor Snow Day 8 International Literacy Day 8 National Date Nut Bread Day - or December 22! 8 Pardon Day 9 Teddy Bear Day 10 Sewing Machine Day 10 Swap Ideas Day 11 911 Remembrance 11 Make Your Bed Day 11 No News is Good News Day 12 Chocolate Milk Shake Day
12 National Video Game Day 13 Defy Superstition Day 13 Fortune Cookie Day 13 National Peanut Day 13 Positive Thinking Day 13 Uncle Sam Day 14 National Cream-Filled Donut Day 14 National Pet Memorial Day 15 Make a Hat Day 15 Felt Hat Day 16 American Legion Day 16 Collect Rocks Day 16 Step Family Day 16 Mayflower Day 16 Mexican Independence Day 16 National Play Doh Day 16 Working Parents Day 17 National Apple Dumpling Day 17 Citizenship Day 17 Constitution Day 18 National Cheeseburger Day 19 International Talk Like A Pirate Day 19 National Butterscotch Pudding Day 19 POW/MIA Recognition
Day 20 National Punch Day 20 Oktoberfest, begins, date varies 21 International Peace Day 21 Miniature Golf Day 21 National Women’s Friendship Day 21 World Gratitude Day 22 Business Women’s Day 22 Elephant Appreciation Day 23 Checkers Day 23 Dog in Politics Day 24 National Cherries Jubilee Day 25 National Comic Book Day 26 Johnny Appleseed Day 26 Native American Day 27 Crush a Can Day 27 International Rabbit Day 28 Ask a Stupid Question Day 28 National Good Neighbor Day 29 Confucius Day 30 National Mud Pack Day
* Accepting ages 0-13yrs of age * State Certified *Quality Care *A warm, caring atmosphere *Fun & Creative Games & Activities * $50 Per Child Flat Fee
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50 Years Ago Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard M. Nixon face off
in the first televised presidential debate September 26, 1960. As a tanned, fit-looking Kennedy debates a thin, wan Nixon (recovering from the flu and recent knee surgery) in need of a shave, the subject is policy, but the take-home message is that on TV, appearances matter. Exactly how much the event affects Kennedy’s fall victory is itself a matter of debate, but more than half of voters report the contest influenced their opinion. Nixon declines to debate in 1968 and, as president, in 1972, according to the Smithsonian Institute.
On the chart dated April 4, 1964, the Fab Four, better known as the Beatles, monopolized the top five on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the only time one act has ever locked up the Hot 100’s entire top five with No. 1, “Can’t Buy Me Love,” No. 2, “Twist and Shout,” No. 3, “She Loves You,” No. 4, “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” and No. 5, “Please Please Me.”
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M
ake no doubt about it, there’s always a fiesta somewhere, and on Oct. 3rd thru 5th, the best place to be is in nearby Concepcion, where all roads lead to fun and excitement. The 37th Annual Fiesta del Rancho celebration opens its doors at the Civic Center Fair Grounds in Concepcion, Texas with a $5 admission at the door. HISPANIC CULTURE Described as a celebration of the diverse Hispanic culture, the fiesta begins at 4 p.m. Friday and continues through 11 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 with food concessions, live music, a carnival, and arts and crafts. Other attractions include a Saturday parade with local elected officials, area royalty and guests, outdoor dancing, and a loteria. Also on the schedule is the traditional trail ride from Realitos to Concepcion, the annual Cabrito Guisado cooking contest, and the Singing Talent Contest on Sunday. Fiesta organizer Christina Cavazos said the event is an excellent opportunity for people to come and enjoy the Hispanic culture of South Texas.
“It has been a tradition for more than fifty years, and it’s still going strong,” Cavazos said. The three-day event is also promising record crowds. “If you like tejano music and want to have a good time, this is the place to be,” Cavazos said. BEST SOUTH TEXAS FIESTA The Fiesta del Rancho has been a local tradition for more than three decades, evolving from a local weekend gathering to a yearly event. It was relocated to it's present site thirty years ago and it's still going strong. Live bands in the works for this year’s fiesta include Steven Cavazos, Herrera Brothers,
Frank Garcia Y Los Culpables, La Mafia, Beto Ramon, Palacios Brothers, Bottom Creek Band, Ricky Naranjo, Kikker Daddy Legacy and David Trevino Y Los Tremendos. TRAIL RIDE For Trail Ride information call Julio Ramirez (Trail Boss) at 361-231-0621 or Julio Galvan (Assistant Trail Boss). at 512554-2969. The NEW two-day Trail Ride (Round Robin) begins and ends in Concepcion, Texas Friday and Saturday. Participants MUST provide a Coggins Certificate.
37th Annual Fiesta Del Rancho Celebration Oct. 3, 4, & 5, 2014 Civic Center Fair Grounds Concepcion, TX 78349
MUSIC LINEUP
ATTRACTIONS
Music Lineup
Friday, Oct. 3 Steven Cavazos Y Mezquie FRIDAY SATURDAY Frank Garcia Y Los Culpables La Mafia TheHerrera Herrera Bros. Brothers Saturday, Oct. 4 Beto La Mafia Frank Garcia Y Ramon Art & The Bottom Creek Boys Los Culpalbles Beto Ramon y Luna Llena Palacios Steven Palacios Bros. Brothers Cavazos Sunday Oct. 5 Ricky Naranjo Y LosBottom GamblersCreek David Trevino Y Los Tremendos Band Kicker Daddy Legacy
Live Music Outdoor Dancing SUNDAY Bingo Trailride Ricky Naranjo Singing Contest Cabrito Contest Kikker Daddy Parade Legacy known as Food(formaly Concessions
Country Roland Band)
David Trevino Y Los Tremendos
A 2002 Fiesta music schedu Del Ranch po le for t he year ster announc es the ly even weeken t. d
It may seem like a bit of an exaggeration, but if you’re from Concepcon (aka La Chona), then there’s nothing quite as exciting as the yearly fiesta.
s
World’s most exciting fiesta scheduled for October
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
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Legends of the Wild West
Wyatt Earp: His life and his legacy By Marcella Goss Mi Vida Magazine
The third child born to Nicholas and his second wife, Virginia Ann (nee Cooksey) Earp in Monmouth, Warren County, Illinois, Wyatt Earp was born on March 19, 1848. Wyatt had an older half-brother, Newton, born in 1837, by his father’s first wife, and two older brothers, James, born in 1841, and Virgil, born in 1843; two younger brothers, Morgan, born in 1851, and Warren, born in 1855. Their father was a veteran of the Spanish-American War, and Wyatt was named for his father’s commanding officer, Captain Wyatt Berry Stapp, of the 2nd Company Illinois Mounted Volunteers. During the Civil War, their father assisted in the recruiting and training of young men for the Union Army. When Wyatt was a year old, in 1849, his father decided to move the family to California, but they stopped on the way west and settled in Iowa. They returned to Illinois when the Civil War began. In November of 1861, older brothers Newton, James, and Virgil joined the Union Army. Too young to enlist, Wyatt dreamed of fighting for the Union alongside his elder brothers, and even attempted to run away and join up several times. But his father always caught up with him and brought him home. In 1864, Wyatt’s father organized a wagon train to California. In his teens at the time, Wyatt worked for a stage coach line, and by 1866 had become a teamster for a freight company. He ran the delivery route in the area of Nevada and Utah territories. In 1868 Wyatt moved to Missouri, following in his father’s footsteps and taking his first job in law enforcement in Lamar, Missouri, where he became constable, a position his father had
held, but then turned over to Wyatt, when his father was elected Justice of the Peace there. On January 10, 1870, Wyatt married Urilla Sutherland in Lamar, Missouri. Less than a year later, pregnant with their first child, Urilla died of typhoid fever. Wyatt sold the house they had bought when they married. The next few years, specifically from 1871 to 1874, history’s recordings of Wyatt’s activities are obscure. It is, however, quite factual that Wyatt went into a very deep state of depression after the death of his wife. The accounts of this period in his life hint at endeavors into “shady” activities, such as owning a brothel (Wyatt did indeed, with different members of his family own and operate brothels in other cities later in life), being a bouncer in a saloon(s), being a buffalo hunter, a pimp, and even a fugitive from justice, running from charges of horse theft. In 1875 Wyatt surfaces in history again, embarking on a life-long career of sorts, involving prize-fight promotion/officiating, mining and real estate ventures(some legal and some not) gambling, prostitution, border-jumping, buffalo hunting, Hollywood film consulting, and, last-but-not-least, law enforcement. It is for his experiences in law enforcement that Wyatt Earp holds his largest place in American history. In 1875 Wyatt Earp joined the City Marshall’s office as a deputy in Wichita, Kansas, then soon moved to Dodge City, where his brother, James, had opened a brothel. Wyatt came and went from Dodge City during this time-sometimes returning to Wichita, sometimes venturing into Texas, and there meeting up with his old friend, Doc Holliday. While in Dodge City, Wyatt got a reputation as a fearless law enforcement officer. He stood his
By the summer of 1880, all five of the Earp brothers along with their wives were in Tombstone, along with Doc Holliday. ground against the rowdy cowboys who came to town to celebrate the end of their cattle drives, and maintained the peace, much to the pleasure of the residents of Dodge City. During his time in Kansas, Wyatt became romantically involved with Mattie Blaylock, who became his common-law wife. In 1879 Wyatt received a letter from his brother, Virgil, telling him about the wonderful business opportunities available in the Arizona boom town of Tombstone. Wyatt and Mattie, along with Morgan Earp and his wife, and Doc Holliday and his partner, Big Nose Kate, traveled together to Tombstone to seek their fortunes there. On the way, Doc Holliday and Kate stopped off and remained in Prescott, where the gambling prospects were very good. At the same time, Virgil was appointed U.S.Deputy Marshall for the Tombstone Mining District. Morgan, Virgil, and Wyatt invested in silver mines around Tombstone, as well as other businesses, but nothing worked out. By the summer of 1880, all 5 of the Earp brothers along with their wives were in Tombstone, along with Doc Holliday. Wyatt worked for Wells-Fargo as a guard on their stage coaches, which were the main means of transporting cash and silver from the mines in Tombstone. The stage coaches were frequently robbed by members of the gang known as the “Cowboys.” “Cowboys” was a term never confused with young men who worked cattle on the ranches in the
Wyatt Earp area. They were always called “cattlemen,” or “ranch hands.” In 1880 a team of mules owned by the US Army were stolen by the McLaury’s, members of the Cowboy gang. Virgil asked his brothers to help him capture the McLaury’s and deputized them. Since the mules were property of the US Army, their theft was considered a capital offense, making it fall in Virgil’s jurisdiction as Deputy US Marshall. The stolen mules were returned, but the McLaury’s threatened Virgil, saying the next time they saw him, they would kill him. This was the beginning of the conflicts between the Cowboys-specifically the Clanton’s, McLaury’s, Curly Bill Brocius, Billy Claiborne, and Frank Stillwell-and the Earps. At the same time that Virgil was dealing with the mule theft case, Wyatt was appointed Deputy Sheriff for Pima County, which included the city of Tombstone. Accusations of ballot box stuffing created yet more friction and hard feelings between the Earps and the Clantons and McLaury’s. Another major incident that added fuel to this flame involved Curly Bill Brocius’ shooting of the Tombstone City Marshall, Fred White. Drunk and carelessly shooting off his pistols late one night, Brocius
Catch the ‘Gunslingers’ episode on Discover to learn more about Doc Holliday MI VIDA MAGAZINE
“...when the shooting began the men were no more than 10 feet apart. Ike and Billy Claiborne ran away ... but Tom and Frank McLaury and Billy Clanton stayed and died.”
Doc Holliday shot and killed White as he attempted to take his pistols away from him. Wyatt saw the shooting, and ran to White’s aid, grabbing Curly Bill and clubbing him with the butt of a pistol. But it was too late to do anything for Fred White; he died a short while later. When the case came to trial, Wyatt testified in Curly Bill’s defense, saying that the type of pistol Curly Bill had was known to easily go off when the hammer was only cocked half way back, and that he believed it was an accident. Curly Bill Brocius was acquitted of any crime, and the death of Fred White was ruled to be accidental. But the Cowboys still held a grudge against Wyatt because he had pistol-whipped Brocius. About this time, Cochise County was created from a portion of Pima County. Tombstone became a part of the newly-created Cochise County, and a new County Sheriff and deputies were needed. The creation of the new county opened up a can of worms. There were numerous bloody skirmishes over the drawing of the county line, especially when the line was to go through private land, sometimes splitting a silver mine right down the middle. Mine owners were furious, and real estate investors added to the fracas by delving into illegal land-jumping scandals, doctoring of land deeds and titles, and bank notes and mortgages. So when a new County Sheriff was named, he and his
Bat Masterson deputies would have their work cut out for them. Wyatt wanted one of these newly created jobs, and had the support and backing of many Tombstone residents. But the fly in the buttermilk was Wyatt’s romantic interests in Josephine Marcus, an actress who had arrived in Tombstone for a brief stay while performing with a traveling theatre group. While in Tombstone, Miss Marcus had also turned the head of newly-elected Cochise County Sheriff, John Harris Behan. Behan had “won” the sheriff election through his association and friendship with the Cowboys, who threatened Cochise County voters who did not show loyalty to Behan. With Behan as Cochise County Sheriff, the Cowboys need not fear prosecution for any of their illegal activities. In the meantime, Virgil Earp had given up his position as Deputy US Marshall, and had taken Fred White’s place as Tombstone City Marshall. Morgan served him as a deputy. Wyatt acquired interest in a faro game at a local saloon and gambling house, The Oriental. He also invested money in some of the local silver mines, and even dabbled in borderjumping schemes. Threats against him and his brothers continued to come from members of the Cowboys gang. The Cowboys robbed a stage coach, were arrested by Behan, walked through the front door of the jail, and minutes
later, walked out the back door of the jail. This pattern of “arrested and let go-arrested and let go” finally reached his apex on October 26, 1881. On that day the Clanton’s and McLaury’s, along with Ike Clanton and Billy Claiborne, were reported to the Earps to be threatening and waiting there for them. Virgil swore Wyatt in as a temporary assistant city Marshall and deputized Doc Holliday to join him and Morgan in confronting the gang gathered at the O.K. Corral on Fremont Street. It was a small space between the Harwood House, a boarding house, and the Fly’s Photography Studio at the rear entrance of the O.K.Corral, and when the shooting began the men were no more than 10 feet apart. Ike and Billy Claiborne ran away when the shooting started, but Tom and Frank McLaury and Billy Clanton stayed and died. The whole thing was over in 30 seconds. Morgan was nicked by a bullet in both shoulder blades and a vertebra. Virgil was shot through the calf muscle of one leg, and Doc Holliday was grazed by a bullet. Wyatt remained untouched. Four days later, on October 30, Ike Clanton filed murder charges against the Earps, but they were never indicted. Cowboy gang members and supporters vowed revenge regardless. Virgil was ambushed and maimed by Ike Clanton while walking across a street in Tombstone, but Clanton was acquitted of all charges. In response, Wyatt contacted the US Marshall Crawley Dake, and asked him to make him Deputy US Marshall with the authority to appoint his own
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deputies. Dake gladly obliged, and even sent money to Wyatt to help him hire deputies. Wyatt also raised funds from the sale of his interest in the Oriental Saloon at this time, and from other business ventures. He even mortgaged his house own home. Then on March 18, 1882, Morgan was assassinated while playing pool. Morgan’s body was to be shipped home by train, first to Benson, Arizona, where other family members were waiting to accompany the body as far as Tucson. Morgan’s parents and wife were waiting there, to accompany the body to their home in Colton, California, for burial. Frank Stilwell was found shot to death near the train station in Tucson. Afterward, Wyatt decided it was time to take the law into his own hands, convinced that local people of authority would never do anything to bring his brother’s murderers to justice. He and Doc Holliday, along with other friends, went on a two-week long trip across the Arizona territory, seeking revenge against the Cowboys. After having saved him from a mob who wanted to hang him for his role in the death of Fred White, and after testifying under oath on his behalf that exonerated him of guilt in that shooting, Wyatt shot and killed Curly Bill Brocius after stumbling onto a wood camp Brocius shared with Pony Diehl and other Cowboys. Wyatt and his band of avengers received support from Sierra Bonita Ranch owner, Henry C. Hooker, who outfitted them with new mounts from his magnificent stock of purebred horses and refused payment from Wyatt, even though he had recently received funds from E.B. Gage, a supporter and mining owner from Tombstone. Coroner reports claimed Frank Stillwell, Curly Bill Brocius, Indian Charlie, and Johnny Barnes were killed by Wyatt and his men during their two week long ride for revenge. CONTINUED IN THE OCTOBER 2014 EDITION OF MI VIDA MAGAZINE
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
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- RE-ELECT -
X
X
X Rafael “Ralph” Saenz III
Librada “Libby” Vela FOR
Rogelio “Roy” Guerrero
S.D.I.S.D. - SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE NOV. 4, 2014
“Keep The Progress Going” Political paid for by the candidates: Rafael Saenz III, Librada Vela, Rogelio Guerrero
Duval County Treasurer Robert Elizondo Mrs. Lupita Elizondo Staff Anna Marie Gomez Susie Ramos 2014
Catering for all occasions: Oilfield Catering, Company Parties, Weddings, Birthdays, Reunions, Funeral Meals, Etc.
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MI VIDA MAGAZINE Duval County Museum to host branding iron exhibit It's Round-up time in Duval County! We're rounding up interested Duval County ranching families to join us in sharing their cattle brands and ranching history. So save the date, OCTOBER 18, 2014, for events including branding iron exhibits and presentations, kids' activities, concessions, music, and a live branding demonstration. Contact the museum (361) 2792597 or any historical commission member for more information.
WEATHER WHYS Question: Which U.S. city has the warmest year-round temperature? Answer: The top four are in the state of Florida, not surprisingly, says Brent McRoberts of Texas A&M University. "Because of its southern location and large coastline with warm waters that surround the state, Florida is the warmest state in the country," McRoberts says. "The city of Marathon in the Florida Keys has an average year-round temperature of 78.5 degrees while Key West comes in second at 77.8 degrees. Interestingly, the Florida Keys and Miami Beach are the only locations in the continental United States that have never had a frost or freeze. The all-time lowest temperature at Key West is 41 degrees. The others warm cities in South Florida are Miami (77.2), West Palm Beach (75.4) and Fort Myers (74.4)."
Question: What about other states? Answer: "If you've ever been to Arizona, you know it's very warm there, and the city of Yuma also has a year-round temperature average of 76.0 degrees," McRoberts adds. “Brownsville, Texas is right behind at 74.5 degrees, while Corpus Christi and the Florida cities of Orlando and Vero Beach all average around 73 degrees. Other Florida cities near these temperature averages include Tampa and Daytona Beach.” Question: You see on cartoons that raindrops usually appear like a teardrop. Are they really shaped that way? Answer: Not really, says Brent McRoberts of Texas A&M University. The common appearance of raindrops being shaped like a big tear is not very accurate, he notes. “Literature has frequently told us that rain-
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drops are often tears from above, and thus are shaped like a teardrop. But that’s not the case. The shape of a raindrop depends on its size. Small raindrops are actually spherical in shape and they take on different shapes as they fall to the ground. The larger ones are often compared to the shape of a hamburger bun. This is caused by air resistance on the drop as it falls to earth.” Question: Are larger raindrops shaped the same? Answer: Large raindrops often split in two because of their size, McRoberts adds. “When a raindrop gets to be large, it assumes a shape that is similar to a small parachute,” he explains. “When this happens, the raindrop is so large that it splits into several smaller drops. A larger raindrop naturally falls to earth faster than a smaller one, but it still takes a while. For example, a large raindrop that fell from a cloud at 5,000 feet would take about three minutes to reach the ground. Some raindrops can actually be different colors because of sand or other materials that collect in them.”
Compliments of
DUVAL COUNTY DISRICT CLERK’S OFFICE MR. RICHARD M. BARTON DISRICT CLERK STAFF:
Rachel S. Vela Administrative Assistant Brandy Adams, Chief Deputy Elizbeth R. Hinojosa, Deputy Clerk Zandra Sendejo, Deputy Clerk Sarah Chaves, Deputy Clerk
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
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201 N. Flournoy Alice, Texas Serving Breakfast & Lunch Open from 6am - 2pm Closed on sundays
361-661-0708
Lorena Espinosa, Juanita Charles, and Hilda Salazar
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
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The Best Enchiladas in Town! Good service, great food, Quotes adorn and low prices, keeps restaurant walls customers coming back
South Texans in search of authentic
and tasty Mexican food should head to Juanita's Restaurant at 201 N. Flournoy, where the decor is homey, the menu sizzles, and there’s always plenty of room for everyone. And, said owner Hilda Salazar, the daughter of Juanita Charles, for whom the restaurant was named, “we have the best enchiladas in town.” In fact, the restaurant has grown along with its surroundings in a part of town rarely on people's road map. Hilda's mom, Juanita, first opened the restaurant in a travel trailer on Beam Station Road, moving later to N. Flournoy, their present location. “It was her dream to open a restaurant,” Salazar said. And while the staff makes the restaurant run properly, good customer service and great food keep the customers coming back. “The menu has something for everyone, from taquitos to calabaza con pollo and lunch specials throughout the week,” she added. When asked what area in Mexico Juanita's food could be attributed to, Salazar said, “My mother came to Alice from Ojinaga Mexico,” a town in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua with the city of Presidio, Texas, directly opposite In the U.S. side of the border. According to Salazar, authenticity and attention to family recipes also plays out in the taste of the food. “We always use the best ingredients,” Salazar said, “so the result is better, tastier meals.” The restaurant also sports an outdoor dining area under a canopy attached to the woodframe building. Juanita’s Restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays.
What does Juanita’s Restaurant feature that’s a bit unusual? No, it’s not the cuisine. It’s their decision to showcase popular quotes framed and mounted on their walls. Take for instance the wood-carved frame that reads, “If you’re drinking to forget, please pay in advance,” or the quote that states, “If you want a stable relationship, get a horse.” In fact, some of the quotes adorning the wall weren’t even purchased by the restaurant, but were brought in by customers who enjoy the restaurant’s ambiance. “We wanted to showcase the restaurant to visitors; so what better way to do so than with quotes,” said Hilda Salazar, who manages the restaurant.
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
Open 7 Days A Week Breakfast All Day
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Why Pan de Campo is the best fiesta ever!
HOW TO MAKE PAN DE CAMPO 5 lbs. flour 2.5 lbs 1.25 lbs 1 lb. butter .5 lb .25 lb 4 tsp. salt 1 tsp .5 tsp 4 tblsp baking powder 2 tblsp 1 tblsp water water water
Fiesta scheduled for Oct. 10-12
The smell of sizzling fajitas on the grill and the
sounds of tejano music on stage will again highlight the annual Pan de Campo on October 10th, 11th, and 12th. Now in its 31th year after a six year hiatus and a return to the fiesta line-up in 2013, the event offers traditional food, entertainment and crafts, along with the traditional Pan de Campo cooking contest. The event is organized by David Ramos, an independent promoter, who brought the fiesta back to life in 2013.. Also known as camp bread, Pan de Campo is prepared on special occasions using flour, butter, salt, water, and baking powder. Portrayed as a South Texas staple, the bread was declared the official bread of the state of Texas by the Texas legislature in 2005. The Pan de Campo event kicks off Friday, Oct. 10th with music by Conjunto Oro and Michael Salgado followed by Joe Ramirez and Los. Palominos on Saturday and Fama on Sunday. A cumbia dance See FIESTA, Page 17
Pre heat the dutch oven over hot coals. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, adding just enough water to allow the dough to form a ball. Knead as for tortillas. Pat dough into flat cakes about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick and large enough to cover the bottom of the dutch oven. Grease or oil inside bottom of the dutch oven with oil, lard or shortening. Put in the bread. Replace the top on the dutch oven and cover the top with coals. Cook until done, usually 15 to 30 minutes depending on how hot the oven is. When it is done it is light brown and cooked through.
FAMA
MICHAEL SALGADO
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
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Jim Wells County ranch reaps benefits of conservation effort By Melissa Blair Natural Resources Conservation Service Texas
Driving through the Trejo Ranch, patches of green grass almost taller than the pickup puts a big smile on the faces of Jim Wells County ranchers, Arnold and Ida Trejo, who less than a year ago were destocking their cattle due to drought. Today, the grassy fields and the stockpile of hay show the benefits of the Trejo's conservation efforts of resting the land along with keeping forage residue on the ground that helped absorb the timely rains. Arnold Trejo developed a respect and love for livestock and ranching on his uncle's Duval County dairy farm as a young boy. He grew up in Alice where he worked in the oilfield and where he has owned and operated a trucking business for many years. Ida, who grew up in Premont and moved to Freeport, considered herself a city girl, until she fell in love with the country boy she met on a blind date and the country way of life. "I grew up loving the work; it grew in my heart
Bruce Healy presents a NRCS partner sign to Arnold and Ida Trejo for their conservation efforts. and I always knew one day I wanted to have my own ranch, cows, and tractors," said Arnold. "My wife said I was like a child filled with happiness when we acquired our ranch in Jim Wells County. Working on the ranch is really a great de-stressor for me, and I
just love it." Although Trejo had experience with ranching with his uncle and his brother, he knew that there was a lot to learn to be successful on his operation. He was running about 174 head, which was way too many, as evidenced by the lack of grass on the ranch. He and his wife voluntarily sought out the resources and knowledge of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and District Conservationist Bruce Healy to help them improve the condition of their land. Working with Healy over the last 12 years, the Trejo's have developed a conservation plan designed to help meet their goals of improving and sustaining their ranch. Their plan included reducing herd numbers as well as manipulating distribution and frequency of grazing. They did this by installing interior cross fences and a livestock watering system designed to facilitate cattle movement and distribution on their pastures. They also learned from Healy See RANCH, Page 16
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“We know now, after all we have learned, that running the ranch the right way makes a big difference.�
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RANCH - From Page 15 which financial assistance programs were offered through the NRCS that could help them meet their conservation goals for their ranch. In particular, it was the Environmental Quality Incentives Program's (EQIP) Strike Force Initiative that has assisted the Trejo's in implementing many of the conservation practices essential to Trejo's ranching operation. The Trejos visit with Bruce Healy about the solar pump & watering facility."Even though we sold the cattle for less than what we are buying them back now, what we would have lost in time, money in dealing with sick cattle and future forage resources (being able to produce our own hay), more than makes up for the cost difference," said Arnold. "We know now, after all we have learned, that running the ranch the right way makes a big difference." Arnold, who has served two years on the Jim Wells County Soil and Water Conservation District #355, and his wife have also been able to participate in local and national workshops that have helped them gain additional knowledge and drought survival tech-
niques. Arnold says they are "common sense" practices that you don't think about until you hear it from other ranchers. The Trejo's have been able to implement these strategies as well as share their successes with their fellow ranchers, such as destocking not to overgraze their pastures during and after drought and also concentrating on raising smaller livestock as they start re-stocking this year. The Trejos visit with Bruce Healy about the solar pump & watering facility."The Trejo's actively seek our advice, listen and follow through with suggestions to help improve their land and its natural resources," said Healy.
"They treat us as experts in the field and want us to visit and see what is being done in case there is a better way to implement new technology." The Trejo's children; Arnold Jr., who is an engineer in Corpus Christi; Tammy, who is a nurse in San Antonio; and Selena, who is a beautician in Corpus Christi, along with her four-year-old son, Alex, enjoy coming to the ranch to hunt, fish, and see the wildlife and cattle. Their parents have instilled a love of the land in their children and grandchildren and hope they will continue the ranch and the family's land stewardship efforts for future generations.
Cattle Brands of Duval County exhibit set for October 18, 2014
It's almost time, partners, to round up your
friends and family and join us at the Duval County Museum's event, CATTLE BRANDS OF DUVAL COUNTY, on October 18, 2014. We'll have presentation on the history of branding, an exhibit and history of branding irons from our area ranches, a live demonstration of a calf branding, activities for kids, concessions, music and more! If you've expressed an interest in exhibiting your own brand, an historical commission member will be contacting you soon. For more information, contact the museum at (361) 2792597 or any historical commission member.
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Once a town near Benavides, Palangana, population 50, took its name from salt domes
You can barely see the buildings that once maked the small town of Palangana when driving north on Texas 339. With a population esttimated at about 50, the town was located seven miles north of Benavides in eastern Duval County. Its name,
which means "basin" in Spanish, was taken from the Palangana Ranch and refers to the nearby salt dome eroded into a basin shape. According to the Handbook of Texas, Anthony F. Lucas, the discoverer of the Spindletop oilfield, drilled for
oil on Palangana Dome in 1901 but found none and left. In 1919 James Walker Cain and Alfred H. Smith, - still believing that oil was at the site bought a lease of 3,100 acres, covering virtually the entire dome, and in the winter of 1924 they found sulphur instead of oil. Cain formed the Duval Texas Sulphur Company, which was ready for production in the fall of 1928. After the TexasMexican and Southern Pacific railroads both declined to build a branch line to Palangana, the
resourceful Cain formed his own railroad company, the San Diego and Gulf Railway, which built an eight-mile spur connecting with the Texas-Mexican. The Palangana sulphur mine operated successfully until 1935, by which time Cain had acquired sulphur rights on part of Boling Dome in Fort Bend County. In 1947 the population of Palangana was estimated at fifty, but by 1968 it was no longer shown on maps of the area, though a few buildings and tanks still stood at the site.
LOS PALOMINOS
FIESTA - From Page 14 on Saturday and Fama on Sunday. A cumbia dance off on Saturday and talent show on Sunday are also scheduled. The event, founded in the late 1970s by Duval County and the City of San Diego, the event pays homage to its original settlers, the vaqueros, with a traditional Mexican-style fiesta that featured the contest. The event is held at San Diego Plaza located on Texas 44.
LoneWolf Hotshot
Roel A. Soliz Leased by Pioneer Trucking, LoneWolf Hotshot is currently hiring an experienced wench truck driver. Offering 30% pay, CDL required, and must be able to pass a drug screening. Contact Alvin Salinas at (361) 701-8199
3037 Lost Creek Rd. Robstown, Texas 78380 Phone: 361-815-4829 Fax: 361-387-2930 ras_trucking62@yahoo.com
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A LOOK AT LIFE Johnson’s Birthday August 27, 1908 - January 22, 1973
In the weeks af-
ter the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the question, “Johnson - is he a good man, like Kennedy,” was posed by a Russian student in an interview by Robert Brigham while in Russia to chronicle reaction to the president’s death. Cover: 1963 LIFE magazine His findings appeared in the Dec. 6, 1963 edition of Life magazine. Brigham reveals his answer by stating, “we didn’t know anything at all about Kennedy until he became president. Only that he was rich.” But some San Diego residents knew Lyndon B. Johnson. And they knew him well. In fact, Johnson is reported to have visited San Diego on numerous occasions, driving into town to visit with political boss George B. Parr. In his book, “The Years of Lyndon Johnson - Means Richard M. Kleberg of Ascent,” author Robert A. PHOTOS: PUBLIC DOMAIN Caro chronicles the visit. He writes: “One of Parr’s intimates says that ‘for years’ Johnson would make visits to San Diego, driving past the Duval County Courthouse and pulling up in front of the low building with the pretty red tile roof and the massive grillwork. Inside, he and Parr would talk alone, sometimes sending out for hamburgers to the nearby Windmill Cafe.” It is interesting to note that Johnson, in his early career, served as a legislative staffer with Texas Congressman Richard M. Kleberg, who served six terms representing the Kingsville, Texas area. Johnson was born in August 1908 and served as the 36th president of the United States from November 1963 to January 1969.
TALLEST CONCRETE WATER TOWER
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WHAT HAPPENED TO NICOLAS BENAVIDES?
Coyote Water Tower
I f you believe t h e A l i c e Te x a s Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t, only in Alice will one find the world’s tallest cement water tower. Located in the city’s downtown near City Hall, the tower is what the 1976 Guinness Book of Records calls the “tallest concrete water tower in the world.” The tower was built in 1926-27, rising 165-feet into the air, with a tank measuring 28.4 feet in diameter. Concrete Water Tower On May 21, 1907, a plaque at the tower’s base was dedicated to the memory of Jose Angel De Leon, who fell to his death while helping to construct the tower on May 21, 1927. The concrete Water Tower is located on South Almond Street opposite San Diego Street in Alice, Texas. A logo of the Alice Coyotes football team is painted on the side of the tank.
Plaque in tribute to Jose Angel De Leon
(Left to right) Unknown man, Eugenio and Nicolas Benavides
Was he shot in front of a saloon in Hebbronville in the 1860s? D e s c e n d a n t ’s o f N i c o l a s B e n a v i d e s (1800 - 1860’s?), the brother of Placido, Eugenio and Isidro, are looking to confirm a story that has been past down through the generations. Nicolas is on the right of the picture. The picture appears in the Ano Centenario of Benavides, Texas handbook. As the story goes, Nicolas was said to be a Texas Ranger in the 1860’s and that he was shot and killed in front of a saloon in Hebbronville, (currently the site of Central Furniture Store.) Nicolas was said to be arresting a known criminal, possibly named Red Beard, and that the sheriff at the time, Sheriff Tell, took credit for the bandit’s arrest. Also, the Texas Ranger badge belonging to Nicolas was lost over the years. Any information on the whereabouts of the badge or any information on the shooting at the saloon, please provide the information to mividamagazine@aol.com, and the information will be shared with the interested family members.
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DUVAL COUNTY COURTHOUSE Geraldita L. Martinez Justice of the Peace, Pct. #1 P.O. Box 429, San Diego, Texas 78384 Ph. 361-279-6218 Fax: 361-279-3426 dita_1961@yahoo.com Clerk Jennifer Salaiz
308 Cecilia Street Alice, TX 78332 Visa & MasterCard (361) 664-3251 Fax (361) 664-8898 With 31 years of serving Alice and the surrounding areas, in addition to specializing in muffler and exhaust repairs, Three Star Muffler will now be selling, and maintainig new and used tires. Open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday - 9 a. m. - 2 p. m. Sunday - Closed.
MI VIDA MAGAZINE FROM THE EDITOR: Welcome to our second edition of Mi Vida Magazine. I started this magazine to provide readers and advertisers with an alternative solution for their reading and advertising needs. Sure there are plenty of magazines, but it is my hope that over time, the content in Mi Vida will convince you that there are many more stories yet to be told; stories about South Texas people from South Texans. This magazine will be a mix of business, community announcements, history articles, media releases and whatever else is of value to our readers. The plan is to grow and become what the community needs. So what’s in store for our future? To start, the magazine will expand with its own website. Hopefully one that is well put together to facilitate your reading experience. And like the magazine, it will be entirely free and open; just drop in, search our content, and read the articles each month. A final word of thanks goes to our advertisers, who in actuality, make this publication possible.
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MI VIDA MAGAZINE
It’s Official!
Latin Grammy Award Winner Intocable to headline 10th annual Vaquero Festival The Jim Hogg County Vaquero
Festival Association is excited to announce that Intocable will be the Headliner for this year’s festival set for Friday, October 31st and November 1st at Peña’s Ranchito on Highway 16 South in Hebbronville, Texas. Intocable will be performing on Saturday! Intocable is one of the most influential groups in the Tejano/Norteño music scene today. Their road to success began eighteen years ago (nineteen in August) in Zapata, Texas, when friends Ricky Muñoz and René Martínez dreamed of bringing their songs to the world as they crafted a unique and
extraordinary style of music which expertly fuses Tejano conjunto music, Norteño folk rhythms, pop ballads and rock. After years of dedication and passion, the dream is an indisputable reality. With #1 hits such as “Rabarte un Beso”, “Prometí”, their latest “Te Amo (Para Siempre)” as well as fan favorites like “Dame Un Besito,” “Eres Mi Droga,” Enséñame a Olvidarte,” “Sueña,” “Contra Viento y Marea,” “Llueve,” “Arrepiéntete,” among others, Intocable continues to entertain and delight audiences in both the United States and Mexico. Their songs are heard in radio stations throughout
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1485 E. Main St. Alice, Texas 78332
361-661-0190
Juan Munoz Jr.
the American Continent and the band has played live in world-renowned venues such as the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City, the Monterrey Arena in Mexico, and the Reliant Astrodome Stadium in Houston, with a historic record of more than 70,000 fans singing along and enjoying one of the best shows in the industry. And to top off an already exceptional career, Intocable made history by being the first and so far only act of their genre to sing the halftime show at the Cowboys vs. Redskins game at the famed Dallas Cowboy Stadium. Today, the group Intocable is the
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standard bearer of “la música norteña.” Its achievements have been recognized with two GRAMMY Awards (in 2005 for their album Intimamente and in 2011 for the album Classic), seven Latin GRAMMY and multiple nominations, thirteen Premios Lo Nuestro, numerous Latin Billboards and two Billboard Regional Mexican Awards, as well as many other nominations, including one from the American Music Awards. Not only these but in 2010 Billboard Magazine named them “Group of the Decade”, and were honored by Billboard with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. The new album also includes “Nos Falto Hablar”, a rock infused jewel also written by Ikerlan that will be the second single and “Culpable Fui (Culpable Soy)”, a power ballad reminiscent of 1980s rock power ballads. “We are excited about Intocable being our headliner for our 10th Annual Vaquero Festival!” a spokesman for the organization said.
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HINOJOSA WELDING SERVICE FABRICATION AND REPAIR 120 Flournoy Rd. Alice, Texas 78332 361-664-9923 Family built, owned and operated in Alice, Texas for over 17 years. Founded after working for years, specializing in welding, mechanical work, and construction. Innovators with plans to expand, won’t hesitate to get into something new, and never say no. With 14 employees, Hinojosa’s does work for companies such as Weatherford, Baker Hughes, Key Energy, Basic Energy, Pioneer and Nabors. They participate in community and charity events such as Toys For Tots, Back To School Bash, and sponsor local sports teams. Having started from nothing but a caliche patch, Rene Hinojosa Jr., brother Roel Hinojosa, and their employees have come a long way with hard work, perseverance and determination, and have no plans at stopping here.
Rene Hinojosa, Jr. Ph: (361) 664-9117
Fax: (361) 664-0034
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MI VIDA MAGAZINE
Continued From Page 4 has grown steadily, outpacing copycat contests throughout the state. One of five daughters, Imelda took the step after being awakened by a phone call from her sister informing her hat her father had been rushed to the hospital. For Imelda, the call was a wake up call, eventually leading to her decision to help with the family business. “Something was different this time,” she said. “It was like I opened my eyes and God just told me to do it. And because I had trusted His guidance before, I was totally at peace going into it.” “We dusted, cleaned the windows and put on a couple coats of paint to spruce up the place and once we got caught up on the bills, we started stocking the shelves again. I even remember – for months – putting our tax money in a coffee can at the end of every day,” she told a reporter for South Texas History Magazine. Since then, the contest has grown from a single category - The Widest Spread - to 10 divisions and a total of 70 categories, a far cry from what the contest boasted years ago. The business has also grown into the proverbial hunting ground for South Texas hunters, offering hunting supplies, a gift shop, fuel, in-store dining, fishing and hunting licenses, along with Muy Grande Camouflage supplies and day-today necessities. Muy Grande is located at the intersection of Hwy. 16 and 44 in Freer.
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MUY GRANDE Open 7 days a week www.muygrandevillage.com at the Intersection of Hwy 16 & 44 Freer Texas
361.394.5383
FUEL SOUVENIRS HUNTING GIFT SHOP