ENERGY
PG.20
CPS Energy plans new substation for north Bexar County
Growth of population, business outpacing current power infrastructure PG.18 ‘Friday Night
Tykes’ creates debate among coaches
COMMUNITY NEWS VOL. 2, ISSUE 8
BRACKEN CIBOLO CONVERSE GARDEN RIDGE LIVE OAK SCHERTZ SELMA UNIVERSAL CITY WINDCREST
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FEB. 17 - MARCH 23, 2015
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Kindergartner’s safety lessons come in handy Bracken Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Bill Anz escorts Garden Ridge Elementary School kindergarten student Milo Campbell to his classroom on Jan. 8, when the pupil was honored during a morning pep rally and featured in a video commemorating his actions in helping extinguish a fire at his Comal County home in late December. Photo courtesy Comal ISD
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aYOU’RE Sk uS hoW you can! PAYING FROM THE EDITOR HOW MUCH We Also Offer... TO SELL YOUR • Property Management Budget looming large•locally Rentals HOME? 3
wwright@salocallowdown.com
President Harold J. Lees
Publisher Gregg Rosenfield
Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence Edwards Advertising Design Pete Morales Contributing Photographer Rudy B. Ornelas
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resident Barack Obama on Feb. 2 unveiled his fiscal 2016 budget, which totals nearly $4 trillion. Included are proposals to improve and upgrade infrastructure for public thoroughfares and transit systems; address education, child care and other items to aid American families; and combine tax credits with tax hikes to pay for it all.
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ADVERTISING Account Manager Dawn Radick Controller Keith Sanders READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Phone (210) 338.8842 Fax (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries rupton@salocallowdown.com Story Ideas tips@salocallowdown.com Website www.salocallowdown.com LOCAL Community News publications Zone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249 Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247 Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2015 Helen Publishing, LLC and Local Community News, LLC, all rights reserved. For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229
Also, the president is calling for an end to sequestration, a series of forced spending cuts approved in 2011. The $1.2 trillion in cuts, which began in 2013 and are scheduled to run through 2021, will continue to have an impact on outlays for national defense. Republicans are critical of the budget plan, especially its call to raise taxes on the wealthy, while adding entitlement programs and measures they claim will drastically increase the national debt. While members of both parties agree on a need to bolster defense spending, there’s a good chance the $585 billion defense-budget proposal won’t survive intact. According to DefenseNews.com, the Air Force’s proposed budget of $152.9 billion is $16 billion more than its 2015 allotment, with similar spending hikes for the Navy and Army. It’s too early to tell what will happen. Regardless, the final verdict will definitely affect the local economy, and especially active and retired military and civilian personnel. JBSA-Randolph alone creates an annual economic impact of $1.4 billion. Continued sequestration will affect area military and civilian payrolls, deplete job creation and likely decrease funding for local veterans’ programs. Instead of wasting time trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Congress should work with the president and end the squabbling about paying for national defense.
WILL WRIGHT MANAGING EDITOR
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FEB. 17 - MARCH 23, 2015
LOCAL COMMENTARY
Warning! This could happen to you by SUSAN YERKES
E
very year, one in six drivers in the United States gets a ticket. About the same number
get a warning. It happened to me recently, late one evening — a time I have always suspected traffic police stop folks for little things like changing lanes without a turn signal, on the off chance it produces a DWI arrest. Over time I’ve been stopped and given warnings, and in each case, the officer began by asking, “Where are you coming from?” or “Have you been partying?” Since I don’t drink, I have nothing to hide. In this instance, I politely answered the officer’s questions, waited patiently
and felt sweet relief when the officer said the word “warning.” I took my little computer-generated warning slip and wished him a hearty good night. My relief lasted about a week. That’s when letters from various lawyers arrived, advising me they’d be happy to help resolve the traffic violation they found recorded in the Bexar County Integrated Justice System. Traffic violation? Wait – it was a warning! I reached a nice clerk in the Bexar County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace office, who told me I had gotten a speeding ticket, and I was scheduled to pay the fine or appear before a judge. “But I got a turn-signal warning, not any kind of ticket!” I said. “In our records, it’s a speeding ticket,” she said. “It happens. Come in and talk to the prosecutor.” First, I was appalled. Next, I was grateful for the lawyer letters. Without them, I wouldn’t have known I had a court appearance scheduled. If I had failed to show, a warrant could have been issued for my arrest. Fortunately, I found the discarded warning in the recycling bin. I emailed the helpful clerk a copy, and a few days after Christmas the case was “dismissed.”
What happened? Precinct 3, Place 2 Justice of the Peace Jeff Wentworth, who would have heard the case, looked into my records. He explained that somehow my name, address and accompanying data was recorded on the warning, but had also somehow migrated to a speeding ticket received that same night by a woman we’ll call Ms. X. So the computer recorded it as my ticket. “It’s weird, but it does happen,” said Capt. James Roberts, operations supervisor for Precinct 3 Constable Mark Vojvodich. “It’s a glitch. The officer enters information on the computer in his car and his handheld. The information auto-populates directly to the system and is synced to the court. Somehow it attached your data to the next ticket. The input field on it does not auto-erase. So say the officer writes 30 tickets one night; if he doesn’t erase the input field, or move the mouse far enough on the screen, it can flip like that. It’s even harder for motorcycle cops, since they’re working off an inch-and-a-half screen.”
“I think sometimes it worked better handwritten,” Roberts added. “But the good thing about this system is, you can go look it up and see exactly what happened.” I wasn’t completely reassured. I wondered if the Department of Public Safety might have received the erroneous ticket and put it on my driving history. But after calling Austin I learned traffic tickets don’t go on your driving record unless you're convicted. I know a lot more about the business of traffic tickets now, including that the average traffic cop generates about $300,000 in revenue, when you add in court costs and various fees. I started the new year with renewed determination not to do anything that would give an officer any excuse to pull me over, and to save every single piece of paper I receive from any officer or court. Now, readers, I’d like to hear about your encounters with traffic officers. Email comments to syerkes@ salocallowdown.com.
I KNOW A LOT MORE ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF TRAFFIC TICKETS NOW, INCLUDING THAT THE AVERAGE TRAFFIC COP GENERATES ABOUT $300,000 IN REVENUE.
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OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community
Why won’t politicians stay on the job?
A
recent series of decisions — or in some cases, defections — among elected officials to seek another office while still holding their current position should concern voters. This political game of musical chairs undermines public trust, often adds to the taxpayers’ burden of paying for unnecessary special elections to fill sudden vacancies, and interrupts the continuity of government operations. Simply put, once a candidate is in office, he or she should stay for the full term — barring illness or tragedy, of course. In other words, finish the job. Instead, voters in the greater San Antonio area since 2013 have been treated
5 to a merry-go-round of midterm and new-term officeholders turning into office seekers. Didn’t win an election for a higher office? Don’t like your current elected position? Then just throw your hat into the ring again, even if you haven’t finished your current term. That seems to be the message broadcast by some candidates. State Rep. Mike Villarreal stepped down to run for mayor of San Antonio, even though he won a Nov. 4 re-election bid. State Sen. Leticia van de Putte, smarting from her loss for lieutenant governor, is also seeking the San Antonio mayor’s spot against fellow Democrat Villarreal. Meanwhile, Villarreal’s mayoral bid prompted City Council District 1 representative Diego Bernal to also leave City Hall to run for Villarreal’s House District 123 seat. Costs of the Jan. 6 special election to fill the local house seat – as well as Van de Putte’s senate seat, which included a late entry from Converse Mayor Al Suarez – were paid by voters. Bernal, who voters returned to the council in May 2013, made the
OUR TURN continues on pg. 06
D
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FEB. 17 - MARCH 23, 2015
OUR TURN continues from pg. 05
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Feb. 17 runoff. After his fifth-place finish, Suarez remains in office. District 10 Councilman Carlton Soules left office after his successful re-election in May 2013 in a fruitless bid to unseat Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff during the November balloting. Not to be outdone, District 9 Councilwoman Elisa Chan also departed to run against State Sen. Donna Campbell, who beat Chan in the March 2014 Republican primary. San Antonio City Hall has seen plenty of other arrivals and departures, too, prompted by re-elected Mayor Julian Castro’s decision to pick up stakes and take over as head of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A domino effect followed, led by District 2 Councilwoman Ivy Taylor’s ascension to the mayor’s spot, which prompted not only a special election, but also a runoff election for her old seat. It’s likely most of these folks have the best intentions, but their comings and goings from the halls of power can only make voters’ heads spin. -The Local Community News editorial board includes Harry Lees, Gregg Rosenfield and Thomas Edwards.
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LOCAL LETTERS OUR POLICE ARE DOING A GREAT JOB EDITOR: We live in a neighborhood where our local police force is appreciated, and we like the feeling of being protected by those who serve. Every Christmas our neighbors provide a meal for our police officers and firefighters to show our appreciation. Sure, there are those who abuse their position, but they are in the minority. Margery Beitzel DON’T GENERALIZE ABOUT POLICE CONDUCT EDITOR: I agree with the general point of the recent From the Editor column that “every group has a few bad apples” — including police. But when you write that critics shouldn’t “tar and feather all police” and that protesters “want anarchy,” I submit that you are way off base. I don’t think you could cite one spokesperson at any of the protests who says that “all police” are killers of black men. On the contrary, these are specific cases that are being protested. The protesters want accountability for those officers involved in the killings of Eric Garner, Tamir Rice and others. Stephen Amberg
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HAPPENING LOCAL
Plan your month with our calendar of upcoming events in the community.
OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH
HAPPENING KEY
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A ribbon-cutting ceremony will start 10 a.m. Feb. 20 at The Cinnamon Rolls Bakery/Café, 1420 Schertz Parkway, Suite 270. The monthly Biz Ed (businesseducation) class and breakfast, featuring financial-management tips by area representatives from the Small Business Administration and Service Corps of Retired Executives, is 7:30-9 a.m. Feb. 25 at the Chamber/Visitor Center offices located at 1730 Schertz Parkway. Admission is $10; free to Chamber members. The Chamber’s March mixer begins at 5:30 p.m. March 5 at Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play and Stay, 7 Commercial Place in Schertz. Event admission, which includes networking, refreshments and Chamber Cash Drawing, is $10; free for Chamber
SCHERTZ CHAMBER EVENTS FEB/MAR The Schertz Chamber of Commerce has the following activities in February and March. For more, call 566-9000 or visit www.schertzchamber.org. The Chamber’s February luncheon, featuring presentations on upcoming developments by city managers in Schertz, Cibolo and Selma, is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway. Admission is $28, $18 for members who RSVP by Feb. 10. The Chamber’s February mixer begins at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Cibolo Coffee Haus, 3893 Cibolo Valley Drive, Suite 107 in Cibolo. Event admission, which includes networking, refreshments and Chamber Cash Drawing, is $10; free for Chamber members.
HAPPENING continues on pg. 08
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HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 members. The sixth annual “The Taste: All American,” co-sponsored by H-E-B and featuring wares from restaurants and food providers, is 5-8 p.m. March 19 at the Schertz Civic Center. Admission is $15 for adults; $10 for children ages 3-11, seniors over 60, and active military. Contact the Chamber for more information. The Chamber’s quarterly Small Business Forum, featuring business-development services staffers from the city of Schertz, is 5:30-6:30 p.m. March 26 in the Bob Andrews Conference Room in Building No. 2 of the Schertz Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway. RSVP to president@ schertzchamber.org. The Schertz Chamber Toastmasters convene each Monday at 6:45 p.m. at the Comfort Inn & Suites meeting room, 5571 Interstate 35 North in Selma. SCHERTZ LIBRARY WINTER BOOK SALE The two-day event, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 20 and noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 21 at the library, 798 Schertz Parkway, will feature a variety of books for all ages, including children’s selections, cookbooks and specially priced vintage books. Purchase
FEB 20-21
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a bag for $3 and stuff it with hours of reading pleasure. For more, call 566-0415. ANDRE BOOKER SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT AND AWARDS BANQUET The 34 Foundation is hosting the third annual event, which recognizes 201415 high school scholarship recipients, 6-9:30 p.m. at Harmon’s BBQ, 100 S. Main St. in Cibolo. Proceeds from a live and silent auction will benefit scholarship funding. For more, call 362-0543 or visit www.the34foundation.org.
FEB 25
ETA PHI BETA SORORITY SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON A fundraising benefit for scholarships for San Antonio-area AfricanAmerican high school students is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston Golf Club, 1050 Harry Wurzbach Road in San Antonio. Proceeds from donations, $30 per individual, will go towards the organization’s 2016 scholarship fund. For more, call Ada Jackson at 637-5577 or visit www.deltakappachapter.com.
FEB 28
HAPPENING continues on pg. 09
9
SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 TRIUMPHANT LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION Triumphant Lutheran Church, 21315 Bat Cave Road in Garden Ridge, begins registration for preschoolers, ages 3 and 4, for the 2015-16 school year from 9 a.m. to noon March 2 at the church Fellowship Hall. Registration will continue at the preschool offices, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, until classes are full. For more, visit the preschool link at the church’s website, www.triumphantlutheran.org, or call 651-9090 and access option 2.
MAR 2
WILENCHIK WALK FOR LIFE Schertz hosts the annual event, named in memory of former City Councilman Tony Wilenchik, which features a 5K competitive fun run and 5K noncompetitive walk along Schertz Parkway, with proceeds benefiting cancer research. The race begins at 8 a.m. from the Clemens High School parking lot, 1001 Elbel Road. Fees for the 5K are $20 for adults, $10 for ages 13-17 and free for children 12 and under. Cost of the fun run is $25 for all ages.
MAR 7
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For more, call 619-1636; registration forms are available through links at www. active.com and www.visitschertz.com. GARDEN RIDGE WOMEN’S CLUB GARAGE SALE The nonprofit organization will host its annual event from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Garden Ridge Community Center, 9500 Municipal Parkway; 3 miles west of Interstate 35 on FM 3009. More than 65 vendor tables will be located inside and outside the facility. Admission is free. For more, call event coordinator Laurie Hageman at 658-8731 or email lauriekhageman@gmail.com.
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ESTATE PLANNING SEMINARS Free estate planning seminars, presented by attorney Cimarron Gilson of CG Law Office, are 10-11:30 a.m. March 21 and April 25 in the Pastoral Center of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 16075 N. Evans Road in Selma. Seating is limited. For reservations, call 566-6700 or email wills@cimarronlaw.com. For more, visit www.tricountylawyer.com.
MAR 21, APR 25
HAPPENING continues on pg. 10
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RANDOLPH METROCOM ROTARY The club meets Mondays at noon at the Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City. For more, visit www.randolphmetrocomrotary.org.
WEEKLY
NORTHEAST ROTARY MEETINGS WEEKLY The San Antonio Northeast Rotary Club meets 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at The Lion & Rose Pub in The Forum at Olympia Parkway shopping center, 8211 Agora Parkway, Suite 112 in Live Oak. For more, visit www.sanortheastrotary.com. CHILDREN’S STORY TIMES Converse Public Library, 601 WEEKLY S. Seguin St., holds free story times 10:30-11:30 a.m. each Wednesday, where toddlers can get an early start to literacy through book readings, music, and arts and crafts. Parents are urged to arrive on time; children must be supervised. For more, call 659-4160.
CIBOLO GRANGE MARKETPLACE WEEKLY The nonprofit agricultural and civic organization hosts a Farmers and Artisans Market each Thursday from 2-6 p.m. at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo. Homegrown produce and handcrafted items will be available from local vendors. For more, visit CiboloGrangeFarmersMarket/ Facebook or email hunnisnax@gmail. com or cibolo1541@grange.org. FUNDANCERS’ CALLER SCHEDULE WEEKLY The FunDancers’ Square and Line Dance Club meets each Sunday at Community Center North, 4923 Morning Drive in Schertz. Lessons start at 5 p.m., with dances 7-9 p.m. For more, visit the club’s information link at the Austin Square and Round Dance Association website, www.asrda.org. TEXAS TRI-COUNTY MONTHLY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Chamber’s monthly luncheons are held the second Tuesday of
HAPPENING continues on pg. 12
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The Federal Government has taken away options for your comfort! As of January 1, 2015, air conditioning manufacturers can no longer send 13 SEER units into our area. The units that are currently in stock are the only ones available, and once they’re gone, they’re gone! These units are some of the most popular options for residential home comfort systems in the San Antonio area and the government is saying we can no longer get them here! If you need to replace your air conditioning system, now is the best time to do it while you still have all your options available.
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HAPPENING continues from pg. 10 each month at Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road in Selma. Monthly mixers are held the fourth Thursday of each month. Other events are held throughout the year. For more, including sites and times, call 6588322 or visit www.txtricountychamber.org. ST. PAUL’S CHURCH FREE SUPPER MONTHLY During the first Wednesday of each month, St. Paul Evangelical Church, 108 S. Main St. in Cibolo, serves a free dinner 6-7:30 p.m. For more, call the church at 658-5874. NEISD COMMUNITY EDUCATION This spring, the North East Independent School District is offering a variety of adult and communityeducation classes, including instruction on home and garden techniques, community choir, culinary arts and financial planning. For more, call 407-0140 and select option 3, or visit links through the NEISD website at www.communityed.neisd.net.
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LIVE OAK CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY The Live Oak Police Department
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LOCAL LOWDOWN Take a quick look at what’s new in the community from opening and closings to news tidbits.
Open and Opening Soon K&I HEALTH AND BEAUTY SPA, 1420 Schertz Parkway, Suite 160 in Schertz, offers body massages, facials and beauty services. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and Monday by appointment. For more, call 257-9509 or visit www.knihealthandbeautyspa. com or KniHealthandBeautySpa/ Facebook. (See story on page 25)
BIFF BUZBY’S BURGERS, 12702 Toepperwein Road in Live Oak, features affordably priced burgers, chicken fried steak, fried pickles and other fare. Featured is a challenge to consume its 3-pound burger, the Red Baron. Open 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. For more, call 590-2040 or visit www.biffbuzbys.com or BiffBuzby’sBurgers/ Facebook. (See story on page 26)
Address of local business Name of local business
LI-ION VAPE, 11403 O’Connor Road, Suite 118 in San Antonio, provides customers with e-cigarettes and other vaping supplies. Find low prices and friendly staffers in a well-lit environment including a vaping lounge. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 4554009 or visit LiionVape/Facebook. COLOR CLAY STUDIO, 17327 Interstate
35 North, Suite 202 in Schertz, is a “paintyour-own” pottery and canvas studio catering to individual artists. With BYOB parties, the business includes a variety of bisque (ready-to-paint ceramics), and offers instruction for painting on canvas. Classes available for beginners and experienced. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to
6 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 231-0196 or visit www.colorclaystudio.com.
CAVENDER CADILLAC, 7625 N. Loop 1604 East in San Antonio, recently opened a new store at 1604 and Interstate 35. Located on 10 acres with a 50,000-squarefoot dealership facility, the site features an array of 300 new and used cars – including 2015 Cadillac SRX, ATS, CTS and Escalade models. For more, visit www.cavendercadillac.com.
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IN OTHER NEWS TEXAS GOV. GREG ABBOTT SET RUNOFF ELECTIONS FEB. 17 for seats in Senate District 26 and House District 123. State representatives Trey Martinez Fischer and Jose Menendez (both D-San Antonio) garnered the most votes on Jan. 6 to replace Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, who is resigning to run for San Antonio mayor. In District 123, Democrat Diego Bernal and Republican Nunzio Previtera vie to succeed Rep. Mike Villarreal, a Democrat also planning a mayoral run. Early voting in both races began Feb. 9.
LOWDOWN continues on pg. 14
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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 13 INSTRUCTORS AND STUDENTS FROM THE 560TH TRAINING SQUADRON will again be flying at Seguin Auxiliary Airfield. A Jan. 20 ribbon-cutting event launched the airstrip’s reopening, which underwent a $12.4 million repaving and construction project with upgraded landing strips, buildings, parking apron, and the addition of an emergency access road. The 560th is one of six squadrons under the 12th Flying Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The undertaking forced the squadron to hold missions at JBSA and Seguin Municipal Airport – another auxiliary military facility – for the past three years. Air Force officials, including Col. Matt Isler, commander of the 12th FTW, joined Seguin Mayor Don Kell and other city officials and dignitaries at the ceremony. GARDEN RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ON FEB. 4 selected a new mayor, mayor pro tem and a new council member following the passing of the city’s late mayor, Andrew Dalton, who succumbed to cancer Jan. 8. Place 2 Alderman and Mayor Pro Tem Nadine Knaus, who acted as interim mayor during Dalton’s absence, was elected to succeed him as mayor. The body also chose
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SURVIVING MEMBERS OF THE ORIGINAL FREEDOM RIDERS returned to visit Judson Independent School District students during a variety of events leading up to Math Mathon the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Help Enrichment Jan. 19. Comprised of college students of various ethnicities, the Freedom Riders played a pivotal role in the struggle for civil rights during the 1960s, when they rode buses testing existing segregation laws in transportation and bus terminals. Events included a youth summit; a screening of a documentary, hostedand by San Antonio’s Enroll now build Public Broadcasting Service affiliate KLRN, your math skills like and a Jan. 17 unity parade, which began at never before! Kirby Middle School and concluded with festivities at Kirby’s Friendship Park.
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JUDSON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OPENED FILING FOR CANDIDATES in its May trustees election on Jan. 28. Contests include the Place 1 seat of JISD Board
LOWDOWN continues on pg. 15
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Place 1 Alderman John McCaw as Knaus’ successor as mayor pro tem, and appointed Shelby Trial to Knaus’ former council seat. Knaus and Trial are candidates for fullterm seats in the city’s May 9 election.
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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 14 President Steve Salyer; Place 6, currently held by June Adair; and the unexpired term in Place 7, which Sonny Merrell was appointed to following Beth Williams’ resignation to move out of state. JISD Administrative Offices, 8012 Shin Oak Drive in Live Oak, will accept applications weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., through Feb. 27. For more, call the district at 945-5100 or visit www.judsonisd.org. COMAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OPENED FILING FOR CANDIDATES in its May trustees election on Jan. 28. Four of seven single-member district seats will be contested: District 1, currently occupied by Board Vice President Stephen Smith; District 2, with Board President David Drastata; District 5, by Board Secretary Amy Freund and District 6’s Marty Bartlett. Filing applications are available 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at CISD Support Services, 1404 Interstate 35 North in New Braunfels. Applications for seats in District 1, 2 and 5 will be accepted until 5 p.m. Feb. 27; District 6 applications will be accepted until 5 p.m.
March 9. For more, call the district at 830-221-2000 or visit www.comalisd.org. SMITHSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR NATASHA CHICK received a $180,000 Navy ROTC scholarship during a January presentation in front of faculty, friends and the school’s Navy Junior ROTC cadets. Flanked by her father Ken and grandmother Mila, Chick received her award from Mike Briggs, commanding officer of the Navy Recruiting District San Antonio. Chick plans to study bioengineering at the University of California at San Diego. “It’s the third-ranked school for bioengineering in the U.S.,” she said, “and the campus is beautiful.” In the past two years, nine Smithson Valley seniors have earned the $180,000 Navy ROTC scholarship, with a total of 35 Navy and Army ROTC education grants awarded since January 2010.
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HERO continues from pg. 01
Force day-to-day activities, including civil engineers, support personnel, contractors and security forces. The Air Force predicts the AFIMSC headquarters will comprise 350 jobs. Hiring should begin this summer and completed late 2016. “This is good news for San Antonio and a fantastic decision by the U.S. Air Force,” said District 23 U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (R-San Antonio). “It says a great deal about the exceptional job being done by those in command at Joint Base San Antonio and I commend them for it. Their reputation and commitment to excellence has led to new jobs for the hardworking families in our area.” Added District 28 U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo): “These new jobs are a great investment in the city of San Antonio from the Department of Defense that will spur ripple effects of benefits for the economy, and I’m pleased these new personnel will be able to call San Antonio home.” The Air Force said JBSA-Lackland was selected partly because of its location and current number of support personnel.
Bracken, New Braunfels firefighters lead tribute to young hero by SUSAN YERKES
G
ARDEN RIDGE – Many little boys have fantasies of becoming courageous firemen. For 5-year-old Milo Campbell, the dream came true in January, when the Garden Ridge Elementary School kindergartner was hailed as a hero for thinking fast and acting bravely to prevent what could’ve been a damaging fire at his southwest Comal County home. The drama occurred abut 3 a.m. Dec. 30. Milo smelled something burning and his feet were hot. A small bedside lamp had overturned and ignited his comforter, sheets and mattress.
Garden Ridge Elementary School kindergarten student Milo Campbell, 5, is lifted from a New Braunfels Fire Department truck by Fire Marshal Capt. Patrick O’Connell. Milo was driven to school in the truck on Jan. 8 as a reward for his quick actions, which prevented a potential disaster at his home in late December. Photo courtesy Comal ISD
“We didn’t even know anything had happened until the next morning,” said Milo’s mom, Fallon Franklin-Campbell. “We rushed upstairs and there was a huge hole that had gone through the sheets, his mattress topper and another mattress, and the Spiderman lamp by his bedside table was completely melted. “It had toppled over onto his bed in the night and started the fire.”
Milo extinguished the flames, employing techniques he learned during the Bracken Volunteer Fire Department’s visit to his school during Fire Prevention Month in October. “I smelled it first,” Milo said, “and when I put my foot down in the bed, I said, ‘Ow, ow!’ and I kept saying it. I was kind
HERO continues on pg. 17
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long at all for this to become a tragic story instead of one with a happy ending.” Garden Ridge Principal Julie Cronkhite agreed. “I think the common reaction to danger for children is to run and hide. Milo didn’t do that. He did exactly what we tell them to do – stay calm, think and act, and then go to their safe place,” she said. Bracken VFD Assistant Chief/ Fire Marshal Bill Anz was glad Milo paid attention during his department’s outing last fall. “Milo is a pretty smart, brave kid,” Anz said. “He didn’t freak out or lose control. He just did what he had learned, to unplug the heat source and move it away from contact. Children’s mattresses are supposed to be self-extinguishing, so maybe that would have happened; but Milo definitely did all the right things he had heard about during Fire Prevention Week.” Jason Gordon, a Comal Independent School District spokesman, said CISD has long welcomed school visits from emergency responders. “We’re a large district in terms of area, with about 30 schools, and all of them
HERO continues from pg. 16 of scared. I saw the lamp, unplugged it, and then I looked down in the hole in the bed and saw orange and I put it out.” Franklin-Campbell said the following morning New Braunfels Fire Department officials investigated the incident and determined the lamp had probably short-circuited. “They said in another five or 10 minutes his whole bed could have lit up,” she said. “His little sister (1-yearold Jovie) was sleeping in the room next to his. He saved us from something that could have been really bad.” New Braunfels Fire Marshal Capt. Patrick O’Connell said the lamp might have fallen over, and the short caused the lampshade to overheat and melt. The exposed light bulb pressed into Milo’s mattress and sheets, sparking the combustion. “When Milo unplugged the lamp he put out the heat source and helped avert what could have been a disaster,” O’Connell said. “It gives validity to the in-school fire-safety lessons we’ve been teaching for years. A lot of kids his age would have gone and hid or run away when they saw something like this in their bed. It might not have taken
HERO continues on pg. 18
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HERO continues from pg. 17 have great relationships with local fire and law enforcement,” he said. “They come out during Fire Prevention Week, and work with the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) programs. We’re very proactive about these things.” Bracken VFD officials have visited area schools for about 20 years, Anz said. “The students are always enthusiastic and willing to listen,” he said, “but this is the first time I could say a child did something he (recently) learned. It really made us feel what we do is worthwhile.” Anz came up with an idea to highlight Milo’s act, and Cronkhite gave him the green light. On Jan. 8, fire trucks from the Bracken and New Braunfels fire departments pulled up in front of Milo’s house to give the kindergartner and his mom a ride to school. Firefighters escorted the pupil into the
cafeteria, where Cronkhite led a short pep rally in Milo’s honor. He received more recognition later in the morning, when he was featured in a brief video assembled by fifth-grade students. During the next few days, Milo’s story cropped up repeatedly on area television and radio stations. “Last summer Milo talked about wanting to be a fireman when he grew up,” Franklin-Campbell said. “So, last summer we took him to the New Braunfels Fire Department. They showed him around and gave him a little badge and a little fire outfit. He was hanging on their every word. Then, when Bracken’s fire department came out to the school (in October), he talked about it for days.” Now, after all the accolades, does Milo think about someday becoming a firefighter? “Yes!” Milo said, with a big bright smile.
HE DIDN’T FREAK OUT OR LOSE CONTROL. HE JUST DID WHAT HE HAD LEARNED. BILL ANZ, BRACKEN VFD ASSISTANT CHIEF/FIRE MARSHAL
YOUTH continues from pg. 01
and possible long-term psychological affects caused by players’ negative experiences. San Antonio Sports President and CEO Russ Bookbinder remembered this advice from legendary area football coach D.W. Rutledge, executive director of the Texas High School Coaches Association. “Treating 8- to 10-year-olds as if they were high school or college athletes skips the necessary steps that allow for the full and healthy development of the athlete,” Bookbinder said, paraphrasing a 2014 statement from Rutledge, who led Judson High School to four state championships. “Often coaches don’t recognize and comprehend the value that they have in the lives of young people,” added Bookbinder in a SAS white paper calling for uniformed certification of youth-sports instructors. “While teachers and parents are considered the central influences on a child’s upbringing and future success, it is the coach that can play an even more precious role.” More area figures chimed in. Jeremy Samplaski, a student pastor and head football coach at Castle Hills First Baptist School, a private, Christian academy for students in pre-kindergarten
Parents urged to seek coaches who encourage, not discourage by ARTHUR SCHECHTER
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AN ANTONIO – The second year of “Friday Night Tykes,” an Esquire Network reality TV series chronicling youthfootball teams, mainly in greater San Antonio, debuted Jan. 20.
For many observers, the coaches’ conduct with 8- and 9-year-olds was a low point last season, and despite suspensions, little seems to have changed inside the Texas Youth Football Association, judging by early episodes so far in 2015. Whose fault is it when adult instructors don’t provide the best role models? In the wake of the new season, notables in area youth sports offered their opinions on coaching protocol, parental responsibility
YOUTH continues on pg. 19
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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM YOUTH continues from pg. 18 through 12th grade, said there are two coaching breeds: encouragers and yellers. “There are times you have to get into faces,” said Samplaski, who prefers praise to condemnation. “My goal is never, ever to beat a kid down. My goal is always, always, always to build a kid up.” Longtime football clinician and former youth-sports coach Doug Conrey added, “You want a teacher, not a screamer. You don’t want someone who loses his temper.” Monte Vista Historic District child psychologist Michael Berler said a coach’s threatening style could be overwhelming. “Any time (there’s) yelling … fear swamps (the youngster’s) thinking mechanism,” he said. “All they do is soak up the fear and not hear what the coach is yelling about.” A 2013 Michigan State University study of 10,000 children ages 5 to 14 revealed 70 percent quit sports by the time they turned 13, chiefly because of ill-tempered coaches who lacked positive reinforcement methods and applied too much pressure. “What we always want to be careful is to not take away the fun and enjoyment that a child gets from being part of sports,” Bookbinder said.
Berler advises parents to monitor behavior of their children’s coaches with surprise visits during practices. “I think there’s a very important aspect to see somebody unannounced; in kind of not in their Sunday-best,” the therapist said. “Seeing the informal environment in which they’re being coached is absolutely necessary, recommended and very appropriate. “I’d want a coach to teach a young man … how to navigate both winning and, maybe particularly more so, losing.” Alamo Heights Little League coach Scott Kohler said teaching such life lessons are critical in molding character. “The end goal of these kids is not professional sports,” he said. “It’s to make them better citizens, and if you just keep them playing longer, they’re going to learn life skills that are going to help them down the road. “So, you don’t want to turn kids off on sports by your coaching. That’s kind of counterproductive to what we’re trying to accomplish.” Saul F. Levenshus, president, CEO and youth-sports administrator at Barshop Jewish Community Center, said the adults are the problem.
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Saturday March 21st, 12:00 - 4:00 PM Converse City Hall 405 S. Seguin Events showcasing various “green” programs available to Converse residents such as:
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St. Monica’s Choir US Martial Arts Training Center in Converse Special Appearances: Queen Elsa, Snowball, HEB Buddy Free Photo Booth A Special Thanks to our Sponsor Converse-based arts & crafts vendors and businesses invited to participate FOR INFORMATION: (210) 659-9163
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The construction of the proposed Bulverde Substation near U.S. 281 North and FM 1863 will be on 5 acres designated for the building, as well as the necessary transmission and distribution lines. “This substation will provide more electric capacity needed in this fastgrowing area near U.S. 281 and FM 1863,” said San Antonio District 9 Councilman Joe Krier. “It will do the same for areas south of this new substation within the city limits. The project is set to begin construction in mid-2016.” A new substation will not only meet the electric-service demands of the area’s burgeoning population and commerce, but will also increase the quality and dependability of the power service, according to CPS officials. “The Bulverde area is fast growing and is currently served by a substation in the Stone Oak area,” said CPS Energy Project Manager Cathleen Ballard. “The new substation will improve the reliability of the service and create capacity for new population growth.” According to Ballard, the Bulverde Substation is designed to receive power at a 138-kilovolt transmission and step down to a distribution level of 35 kilovolts. Initially, CPS plans for three distribution circuits, with the ability to expand to 12. “The number of customers in the area and the projected growth are outpacing CPS Energy’s capacity with the existing infrastructure,” Ballard said. CPS is working on acquiring the property easements. The utility expects to have the substation up and running by June 2017, Ballard said. Residents can follow the progress of the Bulverde Substation Project online at www.cpsenergy.com.
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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM YOUTH continues from pg. 19
CISD continues from pg. 01
“(Parents) got to say, ‘I don’t want (my child) to play on this team, because I don’t trust this coach,’” he said. Included in SAS’s Coach Ed manual, an instructional youth-sports coaching guide, is a passage from Rutledge: “Volunteer coaches are a great necessity in providing that first encounter with organized sports. However, without proper education in the areas of a child’s physical and emotional development, volunteer coaches can cause kids to give up on sports and suffer emotional trauma.” Bookbinder feels incidents portrayed in “Friday Night Tykes” should be taken with a grain of salt. “I think for every coach they may’ve focused on having a lapse of judgment, there are 50 other coaches doing it right,” he said. Others described the series as a cautionary tale to parents of young athletes. Mike Shull, who guided his 2009 McAllister Park team to the Little League World Series, said the program resembles another on TV. “It’s like the ‘Housewives’ shows and people fighting each other,” Shull joked. “My wife said, ‘I wondered what happened when the cameras aren’t on.’”
Proposed May 9 election could set CISD’s future course by WILL WRIGHT
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EW BRAUNFELS – Comal Independent School District is finalizing plans for a May bond election, which officials hope will provide two muchneeded middle schools, improve technology, add safety and security, and address other pressing needs.
With trustees grappling with details of a preliminary package to present to voters as a $150 million bond measure, the Jan. 22 monthly board meeting turned into a marathon lasting more than nine hours – beginning at 6 p.m. and wrapping just after 3 a.m. Included were serious, often heated,
Comal Independent School District trustees, (from top left), Amy Freund, Stephen Smith, Denise Kern, Laurie Schley, David Drastata, Marty Bartlett and Cody Mueller, along with CISD Superintendent Andrew Kim, discuss proposals to include in a $150 million bond election later this spring. Photos by Rudy Ornelas
plan discussions, and a lengthy private conference on extending Superintendent Andrew Kim’s contract, which trustees approved by a 5-2 vote. The board is scheduled to further discuss bond details in a Feb. 19 workshop, before staging a final ballot during its Feb. 26 meeting. For months, officials considered what to include in the bond, based on a fiveyear financial projection, which also focused on the district’s capital-improvement needs
and land acquisition for future schools. About $94 million would be earmarked to build two new middle schools – both scheduled to relieve enrollment at Smithson Valley and Canyon middle schools, projected to reach capacities by 2018. CISD proposes a 1,150-pupil facility near Borgfeld Road in the Kinder Ranch, with a 1,050-student school on Hubertus Road in Garden Ridge.
CISD continues on pg. 22
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FEB. 17 - MARCH 23, 2015
CISD continues from pg. 21 “Most of our capacity is at our elementary and high school campuses, which is why we are focused on building middle schools only, and only for those that are exceeding their capacity,” Kim said. Also slated for bond inclusion is $22.3 million for capital projects at existing facilities; $5.4 million for student safety and security; $21.3 million for technology; and $6.1 million for land purchases in highgrowth areas along U.S. 281 and Interstate 35. All told, the $150 million price tag is far less than the $451 million request voters rejected in November 2013. Only months later, a district audit of 2008 bond projects uncovered CISD was overbilled $7.1 million for architectural and construction services. Trustees later approved a $5.9 million settlement with the primary contractor, and took steps to ensure more oversight. Nonetheless, officials know they have an uphill climb in getting voters to approve another bond measure. “We have been listening to parents across the district since November 2013, and while many did not agree with the size of the last bond package, they have been asking us to come back with another bond
WHY IS THIS? After that date, water heater manufacturers will be required by the US government to modify the design of many water heater models. The new designs will be more expensive, and in many cases they will not fit in the same space as older heaters. That means, quite often, future water heater replacements will actually require significant REPIPING or even REMODELING just to get the new heater to fit. If you think your water heater may need replacing within the next few years, you might be WISE to tackle the job within the next few months.
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Canyon Lake High School’s boys choir members engage in a humorous salute to Comal Independent School District trustees, whose Jan. 22 meeting lasted until 3 a.m. the following day. Photo by Rudy Ornelas
to address specific needs,” Kim said. “That is why this bond is strictly needsbased. Our staff has worked hard over the past year to identify only those items that are needed. … That is why this bond is (much) smaller than the previous bond.” As trustees reviewed bond proposals contained in thick notebooks during the Jan. 22 meeting, most of the questions came from the board’s newest members, Laurie Schley and Denise Kern, who toppled incumbents in May 2014. Citing errors in the district’s past
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approach, both trustees wondered why some items couldn’t be financed through CISD’s fund balance, which totals about $48 million. The discussion on technology needs – including queries on leasing computers and possible cloud server storage – extended over an hour. “I’ve got great difficulty asking voters to pay for things they’ve already paid for,” Kern said. “Some of these things should have been taken out of maintenance
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Cataract Detection & Prevention In this day and age, more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts, and according to the National Eye Institute, by age 80, more than half of all Americans will either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. However, perhaps one of the most concerning aspects of these impactful statistics is the fact that there are currently no medications or treatment options besides surgery to correct cataracts making it the most frequently performed surgery. While most people who are affected by cataracts will not usually begin showing symptoms until at least age 40, cataracts can also occur among young adults or children. Risk factors that can lead to developing cataracts at a younger age include certain diseases, hereditary influences, eye injuries, eye disease, smoking and more. While cataract surgery is a very delicate, detailed operation, it is also one of the safest operations done today. The procedure is extremely quick and non-invasive, and more than 95% of surgeries are successful. Plus, because cataracts are now removed under a local anesthetic, patients are able to go home the same day and most people only experience a minor discomfort following surgery. In many cases, patients can see well enough to resume their normal activities a few days after having cataract surgery, while their vision will continue to improve over the following weeks. Because there is no definite cause of this disease, there is currently no way to prevent age-related cataracts. The best chance a person has for preventing cataracts is to avoid certain risk factors that have been proven to increase your risk of developing this vision problem. These risk factors include a family history of cataracts, certain diseases, such as diabetes, long-term steroid use, long term exposure to UV rays and excessive sunlight, smoking, unhealthy eating habits and certain eye injuries or diseases. Cataracts are easily treatable through today’s advanced technology. During a cataract surgery procedure, a surgeon will remove the clouded lens of the affect eye, then replace it with a new intraocular lens (IOL). Doing this requires a small incision at the edge of the cornea. The surgeon inserts a small ultrasonic probe that breaks up the clouded lens into a bunch of tiny parts, which are then suctioned out of the eye. From there, an intraocular lens is inserted to replace the cataract. This is then perfectly aligned by the surgeon resulting in the return of vision. Stitches are usually not needed for this surgery. So if you or someone you may know has questions or concerns about cataracts, please call to set up an appointment to talk to Dr. Klufas about this common condition. In Health, Dr. Roman Klufas, O.D. 210.651.3926
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FEB. 17 - MARCH 23, 2015
CISD continues from pg. 22 and operations budgets all along.” Board President David Drastata cited several options for subsidizing bond proposals. Using CISD’s fund balance, he said, could damage the district’s credit rating; to spread them out – either through yearly maintenance and operations budgets or longterm payment periods – could do the same. Drastata also theorized the district could simply do nothing. “I think that would be the worst thing of all to do,” he said. “It all boils down to what’s in the best interest of our students.” Drastata said trustees’ Jan. 7 approval to refinance $81.3 million in existing bond debt will cost taxpayers about $13.6 million. In addition, selling $150 million in bonds would come without raising the debt service tax rate, which the board lowered by 4 cents in September. In addition, reviews of CISD finances by Moody’s and Fitch rating services, maintained the district’s AA credit ranking – which officials said resulted from strong financial management and conservative budgeting. Kim said financing bond proposals through the fund balance might
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have repercussions. Actions taken by the Legislature and expected court rulings over subsequent months could uphold Comal ISD’s designation as a property-rich district – subjecting it to the state’s recapture of CISD tax proceeds through Texas’ current “Robin Hood” school-funding plan. Helen Keaton, CISD’s executive director of facilities and maintenance, admitted previous district officials under another administration made mistakes. She assured actions taken by her department – and approved by trustees during the past 18 months – would enhance financial oversight over future projects. Several trustees praised Kim for improving the district’s academic performance. With Schley and Kern dissenting, trustees awarded Kim a new contract. However, four current trustees will be up for re-election – along with the May 9 bond vote. “We’re at a place where we need two new middle schools,” said trustee Cody Mueller, whose district includes Garden Ridge. “We’re going to have to make some tough decisions. The last bond didn’t pass, for whatever reason, but moving forward, we have to have these things.”
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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM
K&I Health and Beauty Spa’s Alea Dennis, far left, performs eyelash extensions for a female, while Stephanie Washington, left, treats a male customer to a microcurrent facial. Photos by Rudy Ornelas
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CHERTZ – Residents seeking a comforting place to enhance and rejuvenate their well-being are encouraged to visit K&I Health and Beauty Spa. In September, co-owners Katrina and Ismael Ramirez opened the business located at 1420 Schertz Parkway, Suite 160. Katrina Ramirez said the goal was to fashion a health and beauty spa based on providing organically beneficial remedies and wellness routines. “Our inspiration (is) the drive to share what we’ve learned with others through consultations and healing services,” Ramirez said. “We opened a relaxing environment that educates clients on the
importance of taking care of themselves through natural methods, while showing them ways to enhance their beauty.” K&I offerings include microdermabrasion and microcurrent facials, massage sessions, lash extensions, makeup applications, full-body waxing, body wraps and spray tanning. Romero said all services are conducted following consultations and directions from professional aestheticians and therapists. “For ladies, your makeup can only be as beautiful as the skin underneath,” Ramirez said. “At K&I Health and Beauty Spa, we help educate and create a healthy canvas for your beautiful portrait. Here, healthy is beautiful.” The spa caters to males, too. The
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The kitchen serves a fleet of big burgers – each made with fresh ground beef and served with all the trimmings. Home-style platters such as chopped steak, chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken also include several side items. An array of appetizers, grilled sandwiches, salads and desserts are also featured. The venue is adorned with model World War I and II fighter airplanes of various shapes and sizes, along with old-fashioned warplane memorabilia. Smiling at eaters are cartoon images of the mysterious, dashing fighter ace Biff Buzby. A popular attraction is “The Red Baron” challenge. Patrons attempt to consume a 3-pound cheeseburger and fries within 30 minutes. Anyone able to devour the $21.95 entrée receives a free
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HOURS OF OPERATION Mon, ( closed) Tues. (11a.m-11p.m) Wed. (11a.m-9p.m) Thur. (11a.m-9p.m) Fri. (11a.m-11p.m) Sat. (2p.m-11p.m) Sunday (11p.m-5p.m)
210-566-2900
“Loving Care When You’re Not There”
2801 Pat Booker Rd. Universal City, TX 78148
1271 Oak Street, Schertz, TX 78154 210-658-8170
www.maryellenbistro.com
Discount Programs
All Repairs
20% Off
All Custom Designs
50% Off
Battery Replacement
AR’s, AK’s, Handguns, Gold & Silver Bullion
FREE Jewelry Inspections Visit
www.mrgoldus.com For Online Specials
Mr. Gold
~fine jewelry
Jewelry and Watch Repair Jewelry Appraisal Service, (G.I.A.) G.G
11503 E. Loop 1604 N., Suite 103 Universal City, Texas 78148
We Buy Gold
Since 1989
5524 Walzem Rd, San Antonio, TX 78218
Family owned and operated
210-369-9631
Tue-Sat: 10:00-5:00
Shop online at www.mrgoldus.com www.mrgoldus.jewelryshowcase.com
210-590-3645
Automotive Specialties
ain s . M 6 5 9 - 3 0 2 0T G A R A G E
w w w. s p a r k s f i r e a r m s . c o m
RECEIVE $200 OFF * Any interior or exterior over $2000
708 MAIN STREET SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154
QUALITY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE SINCE 1971 • Bg Services • 24 Month, 24,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty • Maintenance/Repair – Oil Changes – Brakes • Engine Diagnostic – Drive-Ability Concerns
• Suspension – Struts And Shocks • Tires – 30-60-90K Interval Services • 2 Master Certified Technicians • Tow Services
Main Street Garage is a husband and wife business in Schertz, Texas, Henry (UTSA 03) and Melissa (UTSA 95, UT Austin 99) have owned Main Street Garage since December 2010. Melissa – President and Full time Licensed Pharmacist that believes is World Class Customer Service and fixed with integrity. Henry, VP, runs the daily operation of the business and adheres to family values and Military-style work ethics and gives 110 Percent and then some for each customer.
FREE ALIGNMENT CHECK
.99 19 OIL CHANGE $
For 1st Time Customers
(210) 659-3020
Mon-Friday 7:30am – 6:00pm Saturday 8am – 2pm
Because Painting is Personal Interior and Exterior Painting • Wallpaper Removal • Drywall and Texture Repair • Carpentry • Free Color Consultations •
Call CertaPro Painters to schedule a
FREE Estimate. 210-490-0460 www.certapro.com
LOCAL DEALS
Military/First Responder
30% Off
Find more LOCAL deals online at salocallowdown.com
27
SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM
*****ECR WSS Postal Customer Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit 6450 San Antonio TX
Join us on Saturday, February 28, 2015
It’s never too early or too late to put your retirement savings plan in place and start taking steps toward making your dreams come true. • • • •
Talk to a banker about retirement savings options Try the My Retirement Plan® (MRP) online tool Speak to a financial advisor about the Envision® planning process Learn about the unique retirement planning needs for business owners
COMMUNITY NEWS
Investment and insurance products: NOT FDIC-Insured | NO Bank Guarantee | MAY Lose Value Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Envision® is a registered service mark of Wells Fargo & Company and used under license. Deposit products are offered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. © 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.
4204 GARDENDALE STE. 201 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78229
For more information visit wellsfargo.com/retirementday