LOCAL - Metrocom May 2021

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM VOL. 8, ISSUE 11 | MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS HAPPENING PG. 05

Get Ready for the Cibolo Crossing Stampede 5K

CIBOLO • CONVERSE • GARDEN RIDGE • LIVE OAK • SCHERTZ • SELMA • UNIVERSAL CITY • WINDCREST

SUSAN YERKES | PG. 06

HOME & GARDEN | PGS. 14-15

UNCLOGGING THE CORRIDOR

SPRUCE UP FOR SPRINGTIME

TxDOT taps contractors for I-35 expansion

Animal shelters, pet-welfare groups look to post-COVID life

by EDMOND ORTIZ

THE WIDENING AND DOUBLE-DECKING of Interstate 35 North won’t begin until 2022, but area leaders are already looking forward to what they call a much-needed

DECISION 2021

CHECK OUT

WINNERS OF LOCAL RACES

CONSTRUCTION continues on pg. 18

VOTERS continues on pg. 16

by EDMOND ORTIZ

AS COMMUNITIES EASE COVID-19 restrictions, animal shelters and rescues gradually are also resuming public activities and pet adoptions.

The pandemic shut down municipal, county and nonprofit animal shelters, RESCUES continues on pg. 20

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4 STAFF

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

Controller

PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna

Gracie Cortinez READER SERVICE

EDITORIAL

Mailing Address

Editor

Thomas Edwards News Staff

Edmond Ortiz Contributing Writers

Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Designer

5545 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 211 San Antonio, TX 78229 Phone: (210) 338-8842 Fax: (210) 465-9455 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Advertising@localcommunitynews.com STORY IDEAS: tips@localcommunitynews.com OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS

E. Fisher Contributing Artist

Jeremiah Teutsch Contributing Photographer

Olivier J. Bourgoin ADVERTISING

North Central SA: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 (Exclusively online).

North SA - Stone Oak: 78213, 78216, 78230, 78231, 78232, 78248, 78249, 78258, 78259 South San Antonio: 78204, 78210, 78214, 78223, 78235 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2021 Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

Senior Media Representative

Dawn Radick Multimedia Account Representative

Michael Valdelamar

ON THE COVER – (Left) Planned expansion of Interstate 35 North will relieve traffic congestion, state officials say. See story, page 01/courtesy photo. (Center) Randolph Metrocom May 1 elections saw Judson Independent School District candidate Jose Macias Jr. (second from right) win his race. See story, page 16/courtesy photo. (Right) Cibolo Animal Services Officer Michele Helgren shows a kitten to children from Little Cowboys & Tiaras Daycare/Learning Center. See story, page 01/courtesy photo

TA L K LO CA L

Viva vaccines FIESTA MAY BE A SCALEDDOWN affair this year, but at least it’s still being held.

Known as San Antonio’s biggest party, Fiesta originally launched decades ago to highlight Texas independence.

Though smaller in 2021, perhaps we should look at the celebration as a way to honor humankind’s hoped-for independence from COVID-19.

Last year, thanks to the novel coronavirus, the Alamo City’s revelry was canceled altogether to limit the pandemic’s outbreak, and with good reason. The scourge swept across the planet in 2020, causing death and tragedy everywhere.

Nor are we out of the woods yet.

However, due to unprecedented cooperation between scientists, governments and health care officials, revolutionary vaccines have been rolled out and the human race now has the potential to achieve herd immunity.

Wearing masks and practicing physical distancing are also helping.

Fiesta, normally in the spring, is June 1727. Gone this time are most of the parades and Fiesta Oyster Bake.

While we may miss the festive processions, chomping on turkey legs and cracking cascarones, it’s a small price to pay to ensure the defeat of this dreadful malady.

While we honor those who broke the chains of tyranny to create the Lone Star State, Fiesta 2021 can also symbolize our struggle to be free of a tyrannical disease.

Viva San Antonio! Viva vaccines!

The Landscape of your dreams starts here.

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MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

MAY

PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH OUR CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

City Councils/ School Districts Schertz: 6 p.m. May 25 & June 1, 8; 1400 Schertz Parkway

Live Oak: 7 p.m. May 25 & June 8; 8001 Shin Oak Drive

Cibolo: 6:30 p.m. May 25 & June 8; 200 S. Main St. Converse: 7 p.m. May 18 & June 1; 402 S. Seguin Road (via teleconference) Garden Ridge: 6 p.m. June 2; 9400 Municipal Parkway Selma: 6:30 p.m. June 8; 9375 Corporate Drive Windcrest: 5 p.m. May 17 & 6 p.m. June 7; 8601 Midcrown Drive Universal City: 6:30 p.m. May 18 & June 1, 15; 2150 Universal City Blvd.

North East ISD: 5:30 p.m. June 14; 8961 Tesoro Drive in San Antonio

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

HAPPENING Judson ISD: 6 p.m. May 20; 8205 Palisades Drive in Live Oak

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD: 6 p.m.

May 18 & June 15; 1060 Elbel Road in Schertz

MAY 18 & JUNE 15 COUNCIL ON THE GO

Residents can attend a Schertz town-hallstyle meeting beginning with a 6 p.m. meet-and-greet, followed by a 6:30 p.m. session, at John Paul II Catholic High School, 6720 FM 482 in New Braunfels

5

(May 18), and Corbett Junior High School, 12000 Ray Corbett Drive in Schertz (June 15). For more, visit https://schertz.com/ CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=533&ARC=1537.

MAY 18 & JUNE 15 GARDEN MEETING

Live Oak Village Garden Club gathers from 1-3 p.m. in the Live Oak Clubhouse, 7901 Shin Oak Drive. For updates, call Jo Anna Wheeler at 210-655-1036.

HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

EDITOR’S NOTE: THE CALENDAR IS CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT SOME EVENTS MAY HAVE BEEN POSTPONED OR CANCELED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS. ACCESS TO PUBLIC MEETINGS MAY BE LIMITED OR STREAMING ONLY. CHECK WITH THE LISTED CONTACTS FOR UPDATES.

OPINION

6

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

New hope for I-35?

by SUSAN YERKES

THE DRIVE ON INTERSTATE 35 between San Antonio and Austin always has been fraught with frustration. When lanes are added,

construction turns into bottlenecks. By the time new ones are finished, thousands more vehicles are on the road as the population soars. By 2050, demographers project there will be 2 million more cars in the region.

For as long as I can remember, folks have been trumpeting exciting news about off the rails. In ’97, the Legislature created the Lone Star Rail District to ease Austin-to-SA traffic. Nearly twenty years, $25 million and a million dashed hopes later, LSRD went belly up, too.

Meanwhile, traffic keeps getting more clogged.

projects certain to ease the gridlock, only to have them turn into the dreaded POTS (bureaucratic-speak for Plans on the Shelf). Back in 1989, former Lt. Gov. Ben Barnes’ high-speed Texas train project raised more than $70 million — and then went

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Recent reports of a new federal transportation plan, aiming to greatly expand America’s railroads, has given some travelers optimism. However, even an enhanced Amtrak San AntonioAustin schedule would make little difference. The trains don’t go any faster than the traffic – usually a little slower, sometimes a lot slower.

Kevin Wolff, a former San Antonio councilman, Bexar County commissioner and past Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization chairman, downplays Amtrak’s role in relieving intercity congestion.

“It’s nice if you want to take a leisurely train trip,” Wolff said.

“But, Amtrak runs on mostly Union Pacific track, and UP doesn’t care about passengers.

They care about freight.”

Wolff once told me: “You can’t build enough roads to keep up with congestion.” However, building roads is a lot cheaper than building rails.

Even so, Texas Central, an international railway consortium based in Dallas, has announced plans to start construction this year on a high-speed rail line connecting Houston and Dallas at speeds of up to 200 mph. If the plan succeeds – a big if – it could revive a San Antonio-to-Austin line.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, Kevin’s dad, is skeptical.

“It would take God’s intervention for us to have highspeed rail,” he once said.

Managed traffic lanes may be a better answer. As AAMPO chair, Kevin Wolff said he helped ensure options to allow future leaders to designate new I-35 lanes as “managed” exclusively for mass transit or freight – maybe even the autonomous trucks and cars of the not-so-distant future.

Current plans are to add two new lanes in each direction on I-35 between Austin and San Antonio, with some of the work already underway.

Commuter-bus traffic in designated high-occupancy-vehicle lanes could be one solution.

Former Mayor Henry Cisneros also touted the idea when he worked on the ConnectSA initiative for VIA Metropolitan Transit.

Currently, three private bus lines make the trip almost hourly.

Dedicated mass-transit lanes for multiple-passenger transit or freight-carrying vehicles could be a positive step toward easing I-35 congestion.

For commuters, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. But, it probably isn’t a train. What do you think? syerkes@localcommunitynews.com

One of the most well-respected and award-winning journalists in South Texas, Susan Yerkes pens a column each month for LOCAL Community News. A veteran of newspapers, television, radio and online, she calls San Antonio home.

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MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

HAPPENING continues from pg. 05

MAY 21-23

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Blossom Athletic Center’s Littleton Gymnasium, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road in San Antonio, is the site of the annual NEISD PTA Used Book Sale. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, and noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. For updates, visit https://necouncilpta.com/web/ nec/?page_id=84.

MAY 22 & JUNE 12

MEET CONVERSE MAYOR Come to the City Hall lobby at 406 S. Seguin Road, and converse with Mayor Al Suarez from 8-10 a.m. No appointment necessary, but masks required during the pandemic.

For updates, visit https://www.conversetx net.

MAY 22

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Alpha Warrior Team Tough Challenge starts at 8 a.m. at Alpha Warrior Proving Grounds, 1 Retama Parkway in Schertz. High school groups are eligible to run the obstacle courses and fitness routes. For details and updates, visit https://www.athleteguild.com/ adventure-racing/schertz-tx/2021-alphawarrior-team-tough-challenge.

MAY 22

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

HAPPENING

Residents can discard unwanted documents at Shred Day in Garden Ridge, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall, 9400 Municipal Parkway.

For updates, visit https://www.ci.gardenridge.tx.us.

MAY 24 & JUNE 14

RANDOLPH METROCOM ROTARY The club meets from noon to 1 p.m. at Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City.

Lunches, $15 per individual, feature speakers. RSVP by 5 p.m. the Friday before to David Sippel at David@DavidSippel. com. For updates, call Liane Garrett, club

secretary, at 210-683-1169 or visit www. randolphmetrocomrotary.org.

MAY 25 & JUNE 8

WINDCREST LIONS CLUB The group meets each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Windcrest Civic Center, 9310 Jim Seal Drive. For updates, visit http:// www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/windcresttx/.

MAY 25 & JUNE 8

CONVERSE LIONS CLUB The group meets at 7:30 p.m. in the offices of the Greater Randolph Area Services Program, 250 Donalan Drive in Converse. For updates, visit https:// www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/conversetx/.

MAY 25 & JUNE 8 OPTIMIST CLUB

The Windcrest Optimist Club gathers at 7 a.m. in the Windcrest Civic Center, 9310 Jim Seal Drive. For updates, call Andy Biancardi at 210-656-5117 or email apb437@yahoo.com.

MAY 26 & JUNE 9

GARDEN RIDGE LIONS CLUB The group normally meets at 7 p.m. in the Garden Ridge Community Center, 9400 Municipal Parkway. However, during the pandemic, virtual conferences take place. For updates, call Dick Holloway at 210-651-7431 or President Bill Foote at 210-651-9236 or email b1bill@hotmail.com.

MAY 26 & JUNE 9

SCHERTZ-CIBOLO LIONS CLUB The group meets from noon to 1 p.m. at Schertz Family YMCA, 621 Westchester Drive. Free admission; bring a lunch.

Newcomers welcome. For updates, call 210-445-3980.

MAY 26

SUPPORT GROUP New Haven Assisted Living & Memory Care, 2300 FM 3009 in Schertz, is the

MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

HAPPENING

MAY 29

site of free conversations from 10-11 a.m. for caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia sufferers. For updates, call 210-319-4965.

ON YOUR MARK Cibolo Crossing Stampede 5K starts at 8 a.m. at Cibolo Crossing, 18124 Interstate 35 North. Come for the run; stay for the live entertainment, food and more. For registration and updates, visit https://www. athleteguild.com/running/cibolo-tx/2021cibolo-crossing-stampede-5k.

MAY 28

DINNER IS SERVED American Legion Auxiliary Unit 667, 504 Bowie Drive in Universal City, serves chicken-fried steak from 5-7 p.m. Plates cost $8. For updates, call 210-658-3731.

MAY/JUNE

THE CHAMBER

MAY 29 & JUNE 12

The Chamber (Schertz-Cibolo-Selma area) offers several monthly activities, including a 10:30 a.m. to noon May 24 plaque-presentation ceremony at The Chamber offices, 1730 Schertz Parkway, welcoming new member Principium Resources; a 5:30-7 p.m. May 20 mixer at Physicians Premier ER, 580 Cibolo

WINDCREST PRODUCE MARKET River City Produce holds markets at City Hall, 8601 Midcrown Drive, from 10 a.m. to noon. Come in person, order online before or call 210-271-0164. For updates or to place orders, visit https://orders. rivercityproduce.com.

Valley Drive, Suite 137 in Cibolo; and 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. monthly luncheons: one is May 18 at Santikos Entertainment, 18214 Interstate 35 in Cibolo, focusing on area roadway updates by the Texas Department of Transportation, and another is June 15 at EVO Entertainment, 18658 Interstate 35 North in Schertz, discussing smallbusiness advertising tactics. For updates, visit www.thechamber.info or email finance@ thechamber.info. For pandemic information on business schedules or closures, call 210-619-1952. Offices are closed May 31, Memorial Day.

9

school districts; May 28 for the North East Independent School District; and June 3 in the Judson Independent School District.

MAY/JUNE

TRI-COUNTY CHAMBER EVENTS The group, cultivating business alliances across Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties, presents several monthly activities. For updates, visit www.txtricountychamber.org or call Lisa Jubela at 830-305-6926.

JUNE

SCHERTZ SUMMERTIME FUN Pickrell Park, 703 Oak St., is the site of outdoor movies and live concerts every Saturday. The entertainment includes “School of Rock” and Floodgage (June 5), plus

MAY/JUNE

SCHOOL’S OUT Barring bad weather make-up dates, May 27 is the last day of classes in the Comal and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City independent

HAPPENING continues on pg. 10

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MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

HAPPENING continues from pg. 09

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For lineups and updates in the free series, visit https://www.schertz.com/519/Music-Movies-inthe-Park.

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HAPPENING

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Live Oak Park Lakeside, 18001 Park Drive, hosts Junior Fishing Day from 7-11 a.m. Live Oak anglers age 13 and younger can fish for free; otherwise, it’s $2 for nonresidents. No license required. Bring your rod, but poles are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Adult supervision required. For updates, visit www. liveoaktx.net.

JUNE 6

CIBOLO GRANGE 1541 MEETING Adult members gather at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo, for socializing at 2:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. business discussions. Newcomers welcome. For updates, visit www.grange.org/ cibolotx1541/31-2/.

JUNE 9

‘COFFEE WITH A COP’ Garden Ridge residents can enjoy their java with police at 9 a.m. in First United Bank, 19099 Nacogdoches Loop. For updates, visit https://www.ci.garden-ridge.tx.us/Calendar. aspx?EID=1963&month=6&year=2021&day=25&calType=0.

JUNE 12

CALLING ALL DO-IT-YOURSELFERS Come to “DIY Saturday” from 9-11 a.m. inside the Comal County office of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 325 Resource Drive in New Braunfels. Cost is usually $15.

For series topics, updates or cancellations, call 830-620-3440.

JUNE 12

NATURE DISCOVERY SERIES Intended for elementary school youngsters, Crescent Bend Nature Park, 12780 W. Schaefer Road in Schertz, is the place for kid scientists at

10 a.m. Preregistration is required; space is limited. For registration and updates, visit http://www.schertz.com.

JUNE 12

CALLING ALL SHOPPERS Garden Ridge Market Days at Northeast Bible Church, 19185 FM 2252, is from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local farmers, artisans and businesses are featured, plus free entry and parking. COVID-19 safety protocols are enforced. For updates, visit https:// gardenridgemarketdays.com/.

JUNE 13

MORNING MEAL American Legion Auxiliary Unit 667, 504 Bowie Drive in Universal City, hosts “Second Sunday” from 8-11:30 a.m.

Breakfast buffets are $7 for adult and $3 for children 3-10. Younger tykes eat free.

No charge for parking. For updates, call 210-658-3731.

JUNE 14

ANIMAL LOVERS The Humane Society of Live Oak meets from 6:30-730 p.m. in the Live Oak Clubhouse, 7901 Shin Oak Drive. Open to all. For updates, email HumaneSocietyofliveoak@gmail.com.

JUNE 14

MEET GARDEN RIDGE MAYOR “Coffee with the Mayor” is from 9:30-11 a.m. at City Hall, 9400 Municipal Parkway.

COVID-19 safety protocols enforced. For updates, visit https://www.ci.garden-ridge. tx.us/.

JUNE 14-18 & JULY 19-23

DOES YOUR KID WANT TO BE A COP? The Schertz Junior Police Academy is from 8 a.m. to noon for 8- and 9-year-old cadets (June 14-18), plus 10- and 11-year-olds (July 19-23). Registration ends June 1 and June 28, respectively. For forms, details and updates, visit https://schertz.com/352/ Junior-Police-Academy.

MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

JUNE 14-18

GIVE CONVERSE THE BRUSH The city, divided into four sectors, staggers monthly brush pickups. Next collection area for clippings is Zone 2. Residents should place brush on the curb the Saturday before (June 12). For more, visit www.conversetx.net.

JUNE 19 ART FANS

The Youth Building behind the Live Oak Clubhouse, 7901 Shin Oak Drive, will host art fans at 11 a.m. For more including field trips, plus updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/ LiveOakLeagueOfArts/.

JUNE 21

STRUGGLING WITH CANCER? The New Life Cancer Support Team, a community outreach ministry of New Life Baptist Church, 101 North St. in Converse, meets at 7 p.m. in the Rupp Building. Those dealing with cancer are invited for emotional and physical support. For updates, call 210658-1972.

JULY 22

HONORING ESSENTIAL WORKERS The Randolph Metrocom Rotary Club recognizes 2020’s local essential workers from 6-9 p.m. at the Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road in Selma. Features include casino games and free appetizers. For updates, visit https://www.randolphmetrocomrotary. org/sitepage/casino-night-fundraiser.

MONDAYS

RAISE A TOAST The Schertz Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters Club meets from 7-8:15 p.m. over Zoom during the pandemic; at other times, the club gathers in The Chamber offices, 1730 Schertz Parkway. For updates, visit http://schertzchambertm.weebly.com/.

TUESDAYS FORE!

Senior golfers meet at 8 a.m. at Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center, 12900 Mount

HAPPENING

11

Olympus St. in Universal City. The league is for those ages 60-plus. Cost is $10, an annual pot to winners. For updates, call Jesse Cox at 210-601-1504.

WEDNESDAYS

GREATER RANDOLPH AREA KIWANIS FOUNDATION The group meets at 7 a.m. in Jim’s Restaurant, 7000 N. Loop 1604 East in San Antonio. For updates, email Cindy Newton at cindyn@satx.rr.com, or call 210381-4082 or visit www.grak.org.

WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS PTSD SUPPORT GROUPS

Family members of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder meet for a 6:30 p.m. Wednesday meal at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo. The following day, the same place and time is reserved for a dinner and talk only with service members. For updates, call 210-390-8002.

THURSDAYS

CIBOLO GRANGE MARKETPLACE The nonprofit agricultural and civic organization presents goods by area farmers and artisans from 3-7 p.m. at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo. For updates, visit facebook.com/ CiboloGrangeFarmersMarket or contact cibolograngemarket@yahoo.com.

SUNDAYS

FARMERS MARKET Live Oak Farmers Market, 8151 Pat Booker Road, is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fresh produce and meats from local growers, plus gardening plants and landscaping products, are available.

For updates, visit facebook.com/ liveoakfarmersmarketonpatbooker or call 210-249-8030.

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@ localcommunitynews.com.

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12

LOWDOWN MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW IN THE COMMUNITY FROM OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS TO NEWS TIDBITS.

Fix My Phone Plus in Cibolo always puts the customer first, says store manager Chandler Marks.

It opened in December at 513 Cibolo Valley Drive, Suite 131. Photo by Olivier J. Bourgoin

Open and Opening Soon FIX MY PHONE PLUS, 513 Cibolo Valley Drive, Suite 131 in Cibolo, offers individuals and school systems repairs, plus unlock-and-recover services.

The shop also purchases and sells phones. This is the initial Texas site for the company, which has several Oklahoma shops. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 210904-7861 or visit https://www.fixmyphoneplus. com/cibolo-tx.

CIBOLO AUTOMOTIVE, 106 Rawe Ave. in Cibolo, offers a full range of general maintenance and comprehensive repair services, as well as vehicle inspections. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. For more, call 210-338-5112 or visit https://www.facebook. com/CiboloAutomotive.

MAMA MILL’S JAMAICAN KITCHEN, 110 Meek St. in Cibolo, offers curry chicken, jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail and other traditional dishes. Takeout also is available.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. For more, visit https://mamamillskitchen.com/ or call 210408-0408.

AGAPE FAMILY FIRST HEALTH & WELLNESS CLINIC, 645 Woodland Drive, Suite 300 in Schertz, offers full-service primary and routine care, treatment for illness and injury, and management of chronic conditions. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to noon Friday. For more, call 210-9041166 or www.agapefamilyfirsthealthandwellnessclinic.com.

MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

ERNIE’S PATIO BAR, 200 Pfeil Road in Cibolo, is housed in the former Schlather & Sons feed store. It features a family- and dog-friendly environment with indoor and outdoor seating, food trucks, television sets, lawn games and live music. Hours are 3 p.m. to midnight weekdays, 11-1 a.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday.

Happy hour is 3-6 p.m. weekdays.

Brunch with mimosas is available on weekends. Ernie’s is open to all ages until sunset, then only visitors 21 and over are allowed. For more, call 210254-3271 or visit www.facebook.com/ ErniesCiboloTx.

DUTCH BROS., 5398 Walzem Road in Windcrest, plans opening in late 2021 or early 2022, according to the business. The Oregon-based coffee chain is set to build a walk-up and drive-thru store. It’s part of the company’s Texas expansion, including upcoming debuts in Universal City, East Terrell Hills, Castle Hills and Northwest San Antonio.

IN OTHER NEWS

THE BEXAR COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT BOARD APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF A VACANT 42-ACRE TRACT NEAR RETAMA PARK IN SELMA, as University Health has long-range plans to develop a full-service hospital there. According to various reports, University Health considers the Randolph Metrocom an underserved market along the fastgrowing Interstate 35 North corridor.

No timeline or other details have been announced.

THE 438TH CIVIL DISTRICT COURT IN MARCH RULED AGAINST CONVERSE MAYOR AL SUAREZ and other city officials, denying the latest attempt to dismiss a lawsuit that Councilwoman Kate Silvas filed in 2019 when elected city leaders sought her removal from the City Council, officials said. Suarez

13

filed another appeal March 30. Silvas’ suit alleges Suarez and other council members exceeded their authority by working toward her subsequent removal from the dais. She claimed the defendants objected to her inquiries on several City Hall issues.

CONSTRUCTION ON A 170,000-SQUAREFOOT INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX IN SCHERTZ IS UNDERWAY at 17670 Four Oaks Lane. The 9.5-acre Four Oaks Distribution Center, from Rosewood Property Co. and Phelan-Bennett Development, can accommodate a single user or multiple tenants. It features 30-foot clear heights, 32 dock doors and a 147-foot truck court. It is adjacent to the Tri-County Industrial Park. Construction is expected to finish this fall.

JUDSON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT JEANETTE BALL WAS NAMED SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR in Education Service Center Region 20. The first JISD superintendent to receive this honor, Ball now represents ESC Region 20 in the annual Texas Superintendent of the Year award program. ESC20 serves 93 school districts across 19 counties sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards. A state committee will interview all regional winners in August and select five state finalists.

The SOTY award winner will be announced in September at the 2021 Texas Association of School Administrators/TASB convention.

“Out of 93 districts in the region, she is the best of the rest. Everything we ask of her, she does,” JISD board President Renée Paschall said. “Dr. Ball has transformed this district and continues to bring innovation as a destination district.”

Find LOCAL Lowdown at www. localcommunitynews.com.

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

14

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

SPECIAL SECTION HOME & GARDEN

APRIL MAY 1813-–JUNE MAY 15, 11, 2021

Controlling insects in your garden

THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS WILL HELP YOU RECOGNIZE INSECT PROBLEMS.

FROM THE TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

MANY KINDS OF INSECTS feed on garden plants. Insect pests damage plants in two ways. Some chew holes in the leaves, stems, roots or fruit, and some stick their beaks into the plants and suck out plant juices.

Insects attack garden plants at all times of the year. Some insects will feed on sprouting seed and young seedlings.

Others feed on the growing plant or on the mature plant and its fruit.

KINDS OF INSECTS The insects that feed on garden plants

can be divided into two main groups: the sucking and the chewing insects.

RECOGNIZING INSECT PROBLEMS

CONTROLLING INSECTS

A good gardener must learn to recognize insect problems. To know when insects are damaging your plants, watch for anything that does not look normal.

Many insects can be managed without using pesticides, but this cultural control requires extra time and effort. It may also result in slight damage to your plants.

Some of the cultural methods you can use to prevent or control insect damage are: • Keep weeds and grass pulled out of the garden. Mow the area around the garden.

• Plant varieties that grow well in your area.

• Apply the correct amount of fertilizer and water when needed.

• When you have picked all the fruit, destroy the old plants by removing them or plowing them under.

• You can wash off some insects, such as aphids and spider mites, with a water hose.

• You may handpick some insects or egg masses from the plant to prevent damage.

Chemical control of insects often may be necessary. For best results, treat insects before large numbers build up in the garden.

Dusts or sprays provide good

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Plants are stunted and do not grow properly.

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Plants have deformed or damaged leaves.

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Plants look yellow or light in color.

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Plants look wilted and droopy.

If your plants show any of these symptoms, examine each plant closely for insects. Also examine the soil near the plant base, as many insects drop and hide there when disturbed.

MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

15

No Down Payment • FREE ESTIMATE Keeping your garden green and free of harmful insects takes planning, keen observation and careful application of mitigation efforts, according to the Texas A&M AgriLIfe Extension Service. File photo

control.

Before you buy a pesticide, read the label to see if it is recommended for the pest and plants you want to treat.

Before you use a pesticide, read the label to see how much you should use.

Read all information on the label and follow all directions.

All insecticides are poisonous, so handle them with care and keep them away from children and pets.

This article is from Joseph Masabni, assistant professor and extension horticulturist; and Patrick Lillard, extension assistant, The Texas A&M University System

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

DECISION 2021

MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

Voters nix Converse annexations GARDEN RIDGE TAPS NEW MAYOR; MACIAS RETURNS TO JISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

by EDMOND ORTIZ

VOTERS CASTING BALLOTS in the May 1 elections rejected Converse’s proposed annexation of two neighborhoods and approved two of three City Charter amendments.

Elsewhere, a former Garden Ridge councilman ousted the incumbent mayor, and a former Judson Independent School District trustee returned to the school board.

CONVERSE Voters in Dover/Meadowbrook and the Parc at Escondido/Weichold, two unincorporated areas south of Converse, overwhelmingly rejected the city’s

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annexation efforts.

The city now must wait until 2022 to consider another annexation election for those neighborhoods. A recent state law grants residents in an area to be annexed the right to hold a referendum on the issue.

Mayor Al Suarez said the city respects the residents’ decision.

“As the second-largest populated city in Bexar County, the city of Converse will continue with its planned responsible growth, strategic plan and numerous ongoing projects,” he said.

“Our sincere thanks to the annexation (area) and Converse residents for exercising their right to vote and be heard,” Suarez added.

The electorate approved two charter revisions and shot down a third.

One requires the mayor or a council member to immediately resign upon declaring their candidacy for another public office.

Voters also approved a measure requiring anyone who has been removed from the council to wait at least three years before running again for a spot on the dais.

A third proposal — extending terms in office from two to three years — was defeated by nearly 20 percentage points.

GARDEN RIDGE Former Councilman Robb Erickson received 85% of the vote to defeat Mayor Larry Thompson, who sought a third term.

“I am extremely grateful to all of the citizens of Garden Ridge who came out to vote during the election.

My family and I are humbled by the results,” Erickson said. “We look forward to continuing the great work by Mayor Larry Thompson, the City Council, staff and employees

in making Garden Ridge such a wonderful place to live.”

Place 2 Alderwoman Lisa Swint won a second term, tallying 55% versus Dave Wright.

“We can’t thank you enough for the trust, support and encouragement,” Swint said.

Jesus “Jesse” Valdez, a business consultant and most recently a Planning and Zoning commissioner, ran unopposed for Place 3.

Councilman Bryan Lantzy declined a reelection bid.

JISD Converse resident Jose Macias Jr. collected 58% en route to winning the District 4 school board seat, topping Evette Livingston.

Macias previously spent nine years representing District 4 before his appointment to the Alamo Colleges District board.

Macias said he looks forward to providing years of institutional knowledge of JISD’s organizational strategies and processes.

“That is part of what I bring to the table. The ultimate winners are our children,” he added.

Converse resident Rafael Diaz Martinez Jr., an educational-software executive, collected 63% and won a full four-year term, beating techproduct manager Emilio Silvas.

“A very strong early vote and Election Day ensure our continued service and confirm that our communities agree with and approve of my vision, work product and ability to be a servant-leader,” Diaz said.

LIVE OAK With 60% of the votes, nurse practitioner Erin Perez claimed the Place 3 City Council position against Anthony “Tony” Ruffin.

“Thank you to all the Live Oak

MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

17

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Various cart and dumpster sizes available for your needs Garden Ridge Mayor Larry Thompson (foreground) and City Council hopeful Dave Wright (left, background) visit during a candidate meet-and-greet April 18 at Paul Davis Park. Both were unsuccessful in their May 1 races. Photo courtesy/Larry Thompson

community and the Erin Perez campaign team for winning the Live Oak people’s vote for Place 3,” she said.

SAN ANTONIO Unlike the 2019 race where he was forced into a hotly contested runoff with former District 6 Councilman Greg Brockhouse, Mayor Ron Nirenberg this time easily won reelection with nearly 62%.

Second-time challenger Brockhouse secured 31%, followed by Denise Gutierrez-Homer and Gary Allen out of a 14-candidate field.

For this third term, Nirenberg has made pandemic recovery, workforce training, and infrastructure investment among his top priorities for his next two years in public office.

“Thank you San Antonio, we did it together,” Nirenberg said in a brief video statement.

District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry won reelection with 54%, beating four challengers.

Perry told supporters his reelection is a reaffirmation of his leadership and “for what I have done for this district.”

The electorate also passed a City Charter amendment that enables San Antonio to issue bonds for permanent public improvements, such as building affordable housing, or others not prohibited by the Texas Constitution.

A more controversial initiative that proposed repealing police officers’ collective bargaining rights was narrowly rejected by 51% of voters. The San Antonio Police Officers Association used its Facebook page to thank Proposition B opponents.

“You voted overwhelmingly to support your San Antonio police and ensured that we can continue to keep our neighborhoods safe,” the group posted.

Police reformers such as Fix SAPD argued SAPOA misled voters into thinking a vote for Proposition B would instantly cut police funding.

Fix SAPD pledged to keep backing greater accountability for police, especially officers accused of misconduct. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

INFRASTRUCTURE

MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

CONSTRUCTION continues from pg. 01 transportation project.

There will be traffic snarls, they acknowledge, but the eventual expansion will be worth the headaches if the work alleviates expressway congestion.

“It will be a trying time because chance, and traffic work, has always been a concern for our region, but we will find solace in the fact that when it is completed, we will be much better suited to handle the growth that our region has been receiving,” said Live Oak City Manager Scott Wayman.

The Texas Department of Transportation announced in April it was awarding a $1.5 billion contract to Spanish multinational company

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Ferrovial, through its subsidiaries, Ferrovial Construction and Webber, to improve I-35 between Cibolo and Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.

The design-build project from Loop 410 South to FM 1103 will take six years to complete, and feature construction of nearly 10 miles of nontolled roads, 18 miles of new elevated main lanes, and reconstruction and widening of the Loop 1604 main lanes and bridges.

The I-35 project will also bring highoccupancy vehicle lanes — designed for buses or other transport carrying a driver and passengers — to the Metrocom.

HOV lanes have already been added to U.S. 281 north of 1604, and to the Interstate 10 West corridor.

I-35 in Texas is one of the nation’s busiest interstate corridors, with traffic

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on the increase from northeast San Antonio to Austin.

According to TxDOT, the average daily vehicle count, on a yearly basis, is expected to rise from 169,017 in 2019 to 393,200 by 2044.

“This project will relieve traffic congestion through Selma, while helping meet the needs of our growing

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region,” Selma Mayor Tom Daly said.

Jose Carlos Esteban, Webber’s president and CEO, said in a news release: “I-35 serves as a main artery for travel and international commerce in Texas, in addition to the project itself bringing jobs and economic opportunities to Texans over the next six years and beyond.”

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

19

“We’re proud to have been selected to work with TxDOT on this vital project that will help keep Central Texas moving forward safely and efficiently,” Esteban added.

In Texas, Ferrovial Construction U.S. and Webber have partnered on five major design-build projects totaling more than $6 billion in construction, including three major freeway projects in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Officials in I-35 corridor cities said expanding the highway from Fort Sam Houston to FM 1103 will help reduce roadway clogs and improve public safety.

They also said the upcoming construction work will create more traffic headaches.

“Traffic on I-35 continues to increase and congestion will inadvertently happen,” Schertz Mayor Ralph Gutierrez said. “A project of this magnitude will provide many challenges to our daily commuting but ultimately the necessary relief. Our city is looking forward to the future completion of the project.”

Daly in Selma echoed Gutierrez’s sentiments: “With our region being one of the fast growing in the nation, it makes a lot of sense to make this expansion project a priority.”

“We know there will be some hiccups due to the construction, but I think this expansion will be a huge asset for Selma and the region,” Daly added.

Wayman lauded TxDOT’s planning efforts to curb traffic bottlenecks.

“I have no doubt that if Ferrovial was vetted by TxDOT and their leadership, that they were the best choice of contractor for the job,” Wayman said.

For project details, visit tinyurl.com/ a7xeec7j. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

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Garden Ridge Physical Therapy and Wellness Center, PC turned 23 years old May 8. Physicians asked why open a clinic so far out in the boonies?

The school bus brought Rob, Derek and Ryan to the clinic after school.

Dr. Schonhoff PT, DPT has been able to practice her beloved physical therapy profession in a beautiful milieu, in an amazing community, while enhancing her skills and raising her sons. Patients have come from Garden Ridge, Schertz, Cibolo, Marion, Universal City, Converse, San Antonio, New Braunfels, Houston, Corpus Christi, Yokum, Marble Falls, Seguin, Randolph AFB, Pleasanton, Victoria, Gonzales, St. Hedwig, Bulverde, Helotes, La Vernia, Boerne, Spring Branch, Canyon Lake and more to this little clinic out in the boonies. Each patient has been cherished.

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

FURRY FRIENDS

MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

RESCUES continues from pg. 01

halting normal programming and limiting residents’ access to give strays a forever home.

Smaller animal rescues also weren’t immune.

But with more businesses and public facilities reopening, animal shelters and other organizations are getting get back to pre-pandemic functions.

Today, some shelters admit visitors only by appointment, but others permit a limited number of walk-ins.

Stephanie Kinney, Live Oak’s animal control supervisor, said Live Oak Animal Control is nearly fully operational.

“We have invited our volunteers back a few months ago to walk dogs and help socialize our animals,” Kinney said.

The facility is looking for helpers to take shelter dogs on afternoon strolls.

Applications can be found on Live Oak’s website, https://tinyurl.com/5wmwyj8y.

“Our doors are open to the public.

However, we are still not taking customers to the back to view dogs,” Kinney said. “We do, however, bring the dogs up to the lobby for meet-andgreets.”

Converse Animal Shelter Inc., as of press time, was still accepting prospective adopters through appointments only, but the shelter hosted a rummage sale fundraiser on April 24 to give community members a chance to show their support.

In addition, adoption events are slowly returning.

Schertz-based Homes for Pets has

May is

Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

After halting in-person events because of COVID-19, the San Antonio Humane Society, among local animal shelters and rescues, is restarting community programs such as Camp Humane and other public-outreach activities. Courtesy photo/San Antonio Humane Society

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opportunities noon to 4 p.m. every first and third Saturday at Petco, 13909 Nacogdoches Road in San Antonio.

Other shelters and welfare groups are again teaching animalsocialization and nature-education classes to children.

Cibolo Animal Services in March allowed youths from Little Cowboys & Tiaras Daycare/Learning Center to tour the facility and get a lesson on animal safety.

“Our kiddos asked so many questions and had a blast,” the Cibolo daycare center posted on its

Facebook page.

Elsewhere, the San Antonio Humane Society has resumed offering Camp Humane, where first through 12th graders go behind the scenes at the campus, 4804 Fredericksburg Road in San Antonio, and learn more about the nonprofit’s community work.

Camp Humane activities range from animal interactions to arts and crafts.

Parents may choose from several sessions available for all age groups from June 7 to Aug. 13.

Camper spots are reduced to 10 per session to accommodate physical

MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

21

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

distancing.

All staffers and campers must follow COVID-19 safety precautions and protocols. Visit SAhumane.org/

summercamp for details. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.

WHERE TO HELP

• Homes for the Homeless (www.facebook.com/ uchomesforthehomeless or 210-6582594) • Humane Society of Live Oak (http://hslotx.blogspot.com or humanesocietyofliveoak@gmail.com) • Live Oak Animal Shelter (https:// www.liveoaktx.net/living-in-live-oak/ animal-care-and-control#adopt-a-pet or 210-653-9140) • San Antonio Humane Society (https://sahumane.org or 210-2267461) • Schertz Animal Services (www. schertz.com/270/Animal-Services or 210-619-1550) • Selma Animal Control (https:// ci.selma.tx.us/132/Animal-Control or 210-651-7868) • Universal City Animal Care & Control (http://www.uctx.gov/644/AnimalCare-and-Control or 210-658-0700) • Windcrest Animal Care & Control Unit (www.windcrest-tx.gov/139/ Animal-Care-Control-Unit or 210655-0022)

For pet adoption, to foster and for volunteer and/or educational opportunities, these are many of the animal shelters and rescue groups based around San Antonio and the Randolph Metrocom:

• Animal Defense League (https:// adltexas.org or 210-655-1481) • Cibolo Animal Services (www. cibolotx.gov/Index.aspx?NID=94 or 210-658-4851) • Converse Animal Care (https://www. conversetx.net/292/Animal-Care or 210-658-5369) • Converse Animal Shelter Inc. (www. mynewbestfriend.org or 210-6584821) • Garden Ridge Animal Services (www. ci.garden-ridge.tx.us/113/AnimalServices or 210-651-6632) • Guadalupe County Humane Society (http://gchshumane.com or 830-3722055) • Homes for Pets (www.homesforpets. org or 210-619-1980)

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

ACTIVISM

MAY 18 - JUNE 15, 2021

UC residents petition for tax freeze

by EDMOND ORTIZ

UNIVERSAL CITY — Neighbors seeking a property-tax freeze for older residents and disabled homeowners could see the measure appear on the November ballot.

The city on April 1 received a petition with 982 signatures, more than the 573 currently required by law.

According to City Clerk Kristin Mueller, 851 verified signatures were enough to certify the petition.

The City Council now must vote to put

the tax-freeze proposal on a Nov. 2 specialelection ballot. Leaders have until Aug. 16.

State law dictates that if enough eligible voters submit a petition calling for a public

vote, the council is compelled to approve an election.

The city already offers seniors and disabled homeowners a $10,000 exemption off their property taxes.

Universal City levies the third-highest total property-tax rates among Bexar County’s 28 municipalities — 58.5 cents per $100 valuation, according to officials.

The 2020 median home value in Universal City was $182,746.

Petition organizer Kim Igleheart said seniors and disabled taxpayers deserve more relief given rising appraisals, and the absence of a local senior center, dedicated public transit or other services.

“Petition circulators were deeply moved by the personal accounts shared by elderly petition signers, some moved to tears, and hope this petition will bring them some relief,” Igleheart said.

Igleheart addressed misinformation on social media about an approved tax freeze’s effect on municipal finances.

“A freeze for some does not mean increased taxes for others, nor a loss in city services,” Igleheart said in a press release. “The city has numerous other means of offsetting the lost revenue, including substantial revenue increases

from sales taxes, ambitious economic development and new residential housing construction.”

At press time, City Manager Kim Turner said the city had yet to formally assess the current number of local seniors and disabled homeowners, or a tax freeze’s potential impact.

City staff will present an analysis to the council, and then to voters ahead of a special election. Setting an election, city officials said, does not reflect the council’s opinion for or against a tax freeze.

Turner said it’s important to understand a multiyear view of property values and taxes, and not just a look at one year, because property values increase yearly.

She added a fraction of a resident’s tax bill supports the city, with the rest going to other local taxing entities.

“We must see what happens in the long term,” she added.

Turner encouraged residents to consider the big picture: “Whether you have a tax freeze, you still have to drive on the same streets, walk the same sidewalks … use the same services supported by your taxes.” eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.

TRUTH & TAXES

• UNIVERSAL CITY CURRENTLY OFFERS SENIORS AND DISABLED HOMEOWNERS $10,000 PROPERTY-TAX EXEMPTION

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