LOCAL: Metrocom July 2015

HEALTHY IN 2015 VACCINATIONS MORE THAN A SHOT IN THE ARM - PG. 18

WHOLE-BODY TUNEUP WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY - PG. 16 NEW TREATMENTS IN SPORTS MEDICINE GET ATHLETES BACK IN THE GAME - PG. 20

Schertz Bond COMMUNITY NEWS

PG.24 Many projects already completed, natatorium construction could begin by this fall

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

VOL. 3, ISSUE 1

INSIDE

JULY 20 - AUGUST 17, 2015

LOCAL COMMENTARY PG. 06 SUSAN YERKES

YOUR SCHOOLS

Tiny but deadly mosquitoes pose a health risk for Texans

PG.21 New JISD

PG. 07 LOCAL EDITORIAL

superintendent shaping plans

Lawmakers correct to approve ‘cop-stop’ measure

Montoya has vision for district’s future

PG.22 NEISD

proposing halfbillion-dollar bond issue

PG. 26 EAT LOCAL BAHAMA BUCK’S No matter the season, store gives patrons a reason to enjoy cool treats

Funds will be used to improve existing facilities Sandwiches, other dishes featured at new Live Oak eatery

DEALS & COUPONS

Discover the city through LOCAL deals from restaurants, retailers and services in your community, and save money while you do it! pg. 27

Windcrest mayor survives removal vote PG.14

City council members vote 4-0 to keep Baxter

PG. 25 BUY LOCAL BLUE COLLAR PEST CONTROL Critter Gitters in Live Oak can help take care of little invaders

You’re Invited

To Help Us Celebrate Doss Audiology & Hearing Center’s 2nd Anniversary

Delivering Integrity Since 1954.

Two years ago, Doss Audiology & Hearing Center came to Schertz with the message of Better Hearing Healthcare, and you heard us loud and clear!

Thank you Schertz for two sound years!!

Special Anniversary Event!

August 11th - 13th • FREE hearing screening with state‑of‑the‑art equipment.

• FREE clean and check, if you currently wear hearing aids.

Proudly featuring a full line of Starkey Hearing products, including the Halo Made for iPhone hearing aid.

South Texas’ Original Pool Company. Gary Pools has been building and servicing swimming pools in and around San Antonio and South Texas since 1954. We are the largest family owned and operated pool builder in Central and South Texas. If you’re thinking of a pool, give us a call at 210-494-1313 – we’d love to hear from you.

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President Harold J. Lees

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Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Ron Aaron Eisenberg, Sana Harhara, Carole Miller, Eric Moreno, Ruben Renteria, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes

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Court’s rulings carry local impact

T

he recent flurry of decisions issued by the U.S. Supreme Court will surely affect lives across the state, including the greater San Antonio area.

The court ruled against state chapters of Sons of Confederate Veterans, which sought to overturn Texas’ refusal to authorize a specialty license plate ART featuring a Confederate battle flag.

Creative Director Justices upheld the legality of federal Florence Edwards tax subsidies in the Affordable Care Act, Contributing Photographer known as “Obamacare,” in Texas and threeRudy B. Ornelas dozen states elsewhere, which chose not to run medical-insurance marketplaces.

ADVERTISING The court then endorsed a far-reaching Advertising Director interpretation of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, Jaselle Luna giving plaintiffs more leeway in housingAccount Manager discrimination suits. Ruling in a Texas Dawn Radick case, the court found state officials violated Controller federal law in granting unequal tax credits Keith Sanders to landlords in minority neighborhoods.

The Supreme Court remained busy, ruling READER SERVICE FOUNDATION REPAIR 5-4 inSYSTEMS two more landmark cases. Justices Mailing Address San Antonio • New Braunfels • Austin granted same-sex couples the right to marry 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 nationwide, and in another decision announced Phone Fax 30, the court temporarily blocked Texas’ (210) 651-1444 • June office cell (210) 471- 9710 (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 tough law, which will allow nearly 8345 Ventura Blvd. • Selma,abortion TX 78154 Advertising Inquiries www.TexanRepairSystems.com a dozen clinics to resume operations. dradick@localcommunitynews.com Those rulings haven’t been embraced by Story Ideas all. Local SCV chapters are outraged – same tips@salocallowdown.com goes for opponents of “Obamacare,” which Website now seems destined to join Social Security www.salocallowdown.com and Medicare as permanent American staples.

The gay-marriage ruling was almost LOCAL Community News publications immediately countered by Texas Attorney Zone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 General Ken Paxton, who said county clerks Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249 could deny marriage licenses if doing so Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247 office (210) 651-1444 • cell (210) 471- 9710 might go against their religious principles.

Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 8345 Ventura Blvd.

• Selma, TX 78154 At the Bexar County Clerk’s office, www.TexanRepairSystems.com officials said hundreds of same-sex Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, couples sought marriage licenses in the 2015 Helen Publishing LLC and days following the court decision.

Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

These recent rulings will have a local impact, and like them or not, for For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call now, we’ll have to live with them.

Texan

Gregory W. Bauman

Gregory W. Bauman

us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229

WILL WRIGHT MANAGING EDITOR

THREE DECADES of TOUCHING lives and CARING for OUR community.

For 30 years, Northeast Methodist Hospital, a campus of Methodist Hospital, has been providing quality care to one of Bexar County’s fastest growing regions.

We understand the needs of our patients. This has led us to create better ways to serve our community, such as outstanding 24/7 full-service emergency care, an ER app to give you average wait times, surgical and cardiovascular units, a spacious intensive care unit, and inpatient rehabilitation. You never know what type of treatment you’ll need during or after an emergency, but you can rest assured that Northeast Methodist Hospital is one of the most comprehensive hospitals in the area. We are also designated as an accredited Chest Pain Center, as well as a Joint Commission Certified Stroke Center. Most recently, the hospital was recognized as an accredited Heart Failure Center by the Healthcare Colloquium.

Our mission has always been Serving Humanity To Honor God. And we’re honored that this focus has provided the community and our military residents with outstanding health care services for 30 years. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.

12412 Judson Road • Live Oak, Texas 78233 Download this FREE ER WAIT TIME app on your iOS device. Search: Methodist ER Available soon for Android devices

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JULY 20 - AUGUST 17, 2015

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Call the swat team!

by SUSAN YERKES

T

hey are the deadliest creatures on Earth. More than a million people a year die because of them.

They are …. mosquitoes!

Mostly, I think of a mosquito as that nasty little whining noise keeping me wide awake and slapping myself in the night, or the source of wildly itching red welts I try so hard not to scratch every summer. In these parts, mosquito bites usually are more of an irritant than a serious threat. Most deaths caused by mosquito-borne diseases occur in Africa (where malaria is rampant), the Caribbean, Latin America and parts of Asia.

However, because of our unusually wet spring, health care practitioners are preparing this summer for more West

Nile virus, dengue fever and a new illness to Texas – chikungunya virus.

Dr. Gregory Anstead, a specialist in infectious diseases at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio who once lectured on “Death Delivered on Gossamer Wings,” is also sounding a cautionary note.

“I think we do have to be concerned, especially with all the spring rain,” he said.

“In Dallas, where the worst outbreak of West Nile in the United States occurred in 2012, there were very similar conditions – a very rainy spring and a hot summer that increases mosquito replication.”

He added: “Chikungunya is interesting.

We’ve only seen a few cases in Texas, mostly travelers returning from the Caribbean, but it’s incredible how quickly it has spread in some places. Basically, it was unknown in the Americas until December 2013. The first cases were in … the Caribbean, and in eight months it went from one to 350,000 cases in the Americas. Now it’s half a million.”

Should we expect the worst? Probably not. Most acquiring West Nile or even dengue fever experience zero symptoms to mild ones. Same with chikungunya.

Seventy percent of those infected will be symptom-free in a week. Horses

are particularly susceptible to West Nile, but there’s an effective vaccine for them (though not for humans). There are no vaccines – or curative medical treatments – for dengue fever or chikungunya. Even minor cases can keep you down for a week, and seriously threaten older and very young folks, and those with kidney disease, diabetes or weak immune systems.

The best prevention is not to get bitten.

Both Bexar County and the city of San Antonio, through the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, have spraying programs to control mosquitoes, but only in public areas. Olmos Park, Terrell Hills, Alamo Heights, Windcrest and most cities have their own spraying procedures or contracts. However, mosquitoes still thrive on some privately owned land, and in any backyard with standing water or pools without chlorination.

Dr. Anil Mangla, the chief epidemiologist with Metro Health, has some practical recommendations for protecting yourself this summer.

“Number one, use insect repellent.

Look for products that say (Environmental Protection Agency)-approved on the label, with ingredients such as DEET which, used in moderation … is generally quite safe.

There’s also citronella, and products with oil of lemon or eucalyptus are showing very good results,” the epidemiologist said.

Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent with black-pepper extracts and Repel with oil of lemon eucalyptus topped a recent Consumer Reports list of mosquito repellents.

“Number two,” Mangla said, “try to wear long-sleeved, loose shirts and pants outdoors, and three, don’t let standing water accumulate around your home.”

Since mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, be especially careful then.

Perspiration, dark clothing, movement, larger bodies and pregnant women attract mosquitoes. Unfortunately, according to recent genetic research, some folks are just born mosquito magnets.

If you do get bitten, here’s what to watch for beyond the darned itch. Fever, headache and joint pain usually appear three to seven days after a bite. It might just be flu, but if you’ve been bitten, check with a doctor. A simple blood test for mosquitoborne diseases can set your mind at ease.

Don’t let fretting about mosquitoes curtail your summer fun. Follow these tips and be ready to swat the little buggers!

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‘Cop-Stop’ provision makes a lot of sense

T

hank goodness cooler heads prevailed in the state Legislature during passage of a bill allowing licensed Texans to carry guns in plain view, with lawmakers opting to keep the “cop-stop” provision.

-The Local Community News editorial board includes Harry Lees, Gregg Rosenfield and Thomas Edwards.

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During a late-night session just days before the final gavel fell, after much debate over the bill, legislators decided to keep language that permitted police to check for a license when they see someone openly carrying a gun.

Law-enforcement organizations vociferously objected to dropping the provision. On the other hand, some — but not all — in the gun lobby argued that representatives of the government shouldn’t question Texans when they are acting legally.

Some advocates even suggested they

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Your next educational step starts now

Register for Fall Classes at NLC Apply by August 3 Register by August 16 (210) 486-5000

alamo.edu/nlc The Alamo Colleges are an EOE; for any special accommodations issue or an alternate format, contact the Title IX Coordinator, 210-485-0200.

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Views and opinions about your community

wanted the measure excised to prevent police from conducting racial profiling.

While the Second Amendment is very clear Americans have a constitutional right to own guns, it is imperative, in the interest of public safety, that officers be given the legal leeway to question anyone openly toting a firearm.

It is true dozens of other states have had open carry for some time, and of those, many don’t require a permit or a license. In addition, statistics show that gun owners licensed or allowed to carry a weapon in public pose very little risk to safety. In some cases, they may even deter crime.

Yet, no one seems to object if an officer asks for a driver’s license and proof of insurance.

The same expectation should exist for someone carrying a gun in open sight, provided there is adequate reason to stop him or her.

The bill allows those who already have concealed-carrying licenses to display a weapon in a hip or shoulder holster in the open.

We support the right of Texans to own and carry weapons, but we also support the right of people in public to enjoy a feeling of safety.

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8

JULY 20 - AUGUST 17, 2015

HAPPENING LOCAL

Plan your month with our calendar of upcoming events in the community.

Serving the cities of Schertz, Selma and Cibolo

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

HAPPENING KEY

FITNESS

ART

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Kids, age 3 to fifth-grade, are welcome at the Bracken United Methodist Church, 20377 FM 2252, 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., for a fun-filled week of games, music, stories and a handson mission project. Cost is $15 for one child, and $10 additional for other family members (maximum $35). Registration is limited to the first 250 children. For more, visit www.bracken-umc.org/vacationbible-school or stop by the church office.

JULY 20-24

To join, call us at (210)619-1953 or go online at www.schertzchamber.org

Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio

COFFEE WITH COPS The Live Oak Police Department offers an opportunity for residents to meet neighborhood patrolmen from 8:30-10 a.m. at Whataburger, 12806 Interstate 35 North in Live Oak. There will be no agendas or guest speakers, just a chance to sit and

JULY 23

12850 Toepperwein Rd Live Oak, TX 78233 PH#: 210-614-1234 Web: gastroconsa.com

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SCHERTZ CHAMBER EVENTS The Schertz Chamber of Commerce has the following upcoming activities. For more, call 566-9000 or visit www.schertzchamber.org. July’s monthly luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 21 at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, building 5, will feature Texas Department of Transportation guest speakers Jonathan Bean and Josh Donat, who will discuss updates on area roadway projects.

General admission is $28, $18 for Chamber members. July 22 at the Schertz Civic Center, 7:30-11 a.m., Direct Development Training hosts a morning breakfast seminar on “Thriving in the People Business” through interactive ideas and strategies to

JULY /AUGUST

JULY 25

KEEPING CONVERSE CLEAN The monthly bulky waste dropoff program called “Converse

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

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For more, call Live Oak police at 945-1700.

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improve personal, career and organization goals. Seating will be limited to the first 40 enrollees. General admission is $60, $50 for Chamber members. The Chamber hosts a ribbon-cutting at 4 p.m. July 31 for Painting With a Twist, located at 8206 Agora Parkway, Suite 100 in The Forum shopping center. The Chamber’s August mixer is 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at Retama Park, 1 Retama Parkway in Selma. Admission, featuring networking, refreshments and Chamber Cash Drawing, is $10; free for Chamber members. The Chamber is soliciting silentauction items and raffle donations for its sixth annual Chamber/Caterpillar Golf Classic, Oct. 9 at The Bandit Golf Club, 6019 FM 725 in New Braunfels. At least half the proceeds will benefit DECA programs at Clemens and Steele high schools. Contact the Chamber offices to donate funds or auction giveaways. The Schertz Chamber Toastmasters convenes each Monday at 6:45 p.m. at the Comfort Inn & Suites meeting room, 5571 Interstate 35 North in Selma.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 Community Clean-Up!” is 8 a.m. to noon at St. Monica’s Catholic Church’s parking lot, 501 North St. in Converse. No electronics, batteries, paint and/or accessories will be accepted, along with hazardous-waste items, motor vehicles, concrete, bricks and other construction debris. Converse residents are required to show proof of residence and current water bills. Similar events are scheduled the fourth Saturday of the month on Aug. 22, Sept. 26 and Oct. 24. For more, call 658-8285 or visit www.conversetx.net.

UC MOVIES IN THE PARK Universal City’s free Movies in the Park series concludes with “Paddington,” July 25 and “Big Hero 6,” Aug. 8 at Universal City Park, 305 North Blvd. Kids’ activities and movies begin at 7 p.m. and sunset, respectively. Guests may bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks; some concessions available for purchase.

For more, including details, visit www. universalcitytexas.com or call 619-0721.

JULY 25 AUG. 8

JULY 27-31

WANTED: KIDS AT COMAL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE The final Comal County Junior

Deputy Academy Program this summer, designed to teach ages 9-11 about the jobs of deputies, firefighters and first responders, will be held 8 a.m. to noon at Smithson Valley Middle School, 6101 FM 311 in Spring Branch. Campers receive T-shirts and graduation certificates. For registration deadlines and applications, visit a link at the county’s website, www. co.comal.tx.us or call 830-643-5840.

SCHOOL-SUPPLY DRIVE The culminating event in more than a monthlong collection of learning tools will be held all day at H-E-B locations in Schertz, New Braunfels and Bulverde. The annual Communities In Schools of South Central Texas’ “Pack the Bus” campaign provides new supplies to thousands of students throughout the school year. Donations may also be left at CIS offices, 161 S. Castell Ave., in New Braunfels.

For more, including updated drop-off places, visit www.cis-sct.org or call 830-620-4247.

AUG. 8

SCHERTZ IDOL 2015 GRAND FINALE A winner in the Schertz Chamber of Commerce’s

AUG. 15

HAPPENING continues on pg. 10

NOW ENROLLING FOR 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR

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The Country Church Home of “HIS Arena”

1005 W. FM 78, Marion, Tx (830) 914 -4749

We invite you to join us for services…

8:00-

Sunday Mornings:

9:15…Bible Study 10:30…Praise & Worship

Wednesday Evening -

5-6:30 Food-n7-8 Children’s Bible Baseball, thru 6 th 6:30-8:15 Youth Group

Boots-n-Jeans Welcome!

Call for more information or visit us online at www.TheCountryChurch.com

NOW HIRING BUS DRIVERS! • Competitive starting pay including experience pay for bus drivers.

• 9 paid holidays plus 5 additional personal/sick days leave.

• Driver Bonus for ($150) ½ route or ($300) full time route.

• Finger print reimbursement.

• Flexible hours part time hours/routes.

• TRS Retirement Savings Plan • Insurance Benefits • NON-CDL Routes Available

East Central Independent School District apply at www.ecisd.net or Call 210-649-4481 for more information

S

FREE ADMISSION, PARKING, & ACTIVITIE

Activities begin at 7:00PM - Movie begins at sunset, Approx. 8:30PM Bring your chairs, blankets, and snacks. Concessions will be available for purchase. No glass containers allowed in the park.

www.UCTX.gov

(210) 619-0721

City of Universal City

10

JULY 20 - AUGUST 17, 2015

HAPPENING continues from pg. 09 hYPer Young Professional group’s fourth annual singing contest will be crowned on a new date. Talented area performers, ages 10-20, will vie 5-8 p.m. at Crosspoint Fellowship Church, 2600 Roy Richard Drive in Schertz. For more, visit www. schertzchamber.org, www.schertzidol. com or facebook.com/SchertzIdol.

ON THE HORIZON LIVE OAK SHIN OAK SHINDIG The Live Oak Parks and Recreation Department’s citywide celebration, rained out May 16, is rescheduled for 4-10 p.m. at Live Oak Park, 8001 Shin Oak Drive. The event will feature live music, food, vendor booths and a wide variety of outdoor, family activities. For more, visit a link at the city’s website, www.liveoaktx.net.

SEPT. 26

LIVE OAK NATIONAL NIGHT OUT The Live Oak Police Department is registering neighborhoods and residential groups for block parties in conjunction with National Night Out observances. For more information and to register, call 945-1700.

OCT. 6

and crafts. Parents are urged to arrive on time; children must be supervised. For more, call 659-4160.

TEXAS TRI-COUNTY MONTHLY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Chamber’s luncheons are usually held the second Tuesday of each month 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road in Selma. Meanwhile, the next mixer is July 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Hooligan’s Bar & Grill, 13920 Interstate 35 North in Live Oak, with other events during the year.

For more sites and times, call 658-8322 for luncheons; for mixer call 973-7101, or visit www.txtricountychamber.org.

RANDOLPH METROCOM ROTARY The club meets Wednesdays at noon at the Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City. For more, visit www. randolphmetrocomrotary.org.

WEEKLY

CIBOLO GRANGE MARKETPLACE 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 facebook. com/CiboloGrangeFarmersMarket or email hunnisnax@gmail.com or cibolo1541@grange.org.

SEPT. 26

NORTHEAST ROTARY MEETINGS WEEKLY The San Antonio Northeast Rotary Club gathers 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at The Lion & Rose Pub in The Forum shopping center, 8211 Agora Parkway, Suite 112 in Live Oak. For more, visit www.sanortheastrotary.com.

CONVERSE LIBRARY CHILDREN’S STORY TIMES WEEKLY Story time is 10:30-11:30 a.m. each Wednesday at the Converse Public Library, 601 S. Seguin St. The free event gives toddlers an early start to literacy through book readings, music, and arts

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

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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 BLUE COLLAR PEST CONTROL, based out of Live Oak, is a licensed, insured, family-owned and operated business offering pest-control services for residential and commercial customers. Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday and Sunday. For more, call 541-2849, email bluecollarpest@yahoo.com or visit www. bluecollarpest.com or facebook.com/ BlueCollarPest. (See story on page 25) BAHAMA BUCK’S ORIGINAL SHAVED ICE CO., 2310 Pat Booker Road in Universal

City, offers shaved-ice treats, smoothies and other drinks to quench patrons’ thirst.

Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and noon to 11 p.m. Sunday. Winter hours, which start in September, are noon to 10 p.m. daily.

For more, call 437-1091 or visit www. bahamabucks.com. (See story on page 26)

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PRESTIGE PAINTING SERVICES, 1309 Cyrus McCormick St. in Schertz, provides interior and exterior painting and other residential- and commercialremodeling needs. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and by appointment only on Sunday. For more, call 765-9965 or 765-9548 or visit www.prestigeptg.com.

IN OTHER NEWS JUDSON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEES on June 23 approved a $228.8 million budget for 2015-16, which includes a 3 percent wage hike for professional educators and administrators. JISD also strengthened its contribution to employee insurance plans, and increased starting salaries for bus drivers and

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entry-level teachers to $13.75 an hour and $50,150 per year, respectively. The budget took effect July 1. The district estimated the cost of its pay-raise packages would total about $5.8 million.

JUDSON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT Carl Montoya traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend a Career and Technical Education celebration held at the White House on June 30.

Montoya participated in a discussion heralding the innovations of CTE in public education. He was among a select group of top educators, business and industry partners and student leaders who listened to a speech by first lady Michelle Obama and visited with the president’s administration about the advancements and opportunities in the field.

SCHERTZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE formally celebrated its 10th anniversary during its monthly luncheon on June 16. Nineteen of the original 29 charter businesses received commemorative plaques, and attending members received wine glasses. Affiliates were also invited to

Healthy Teeth, Happy Kids!

JULY 20 - AUGUST 17, 2015 place items from their businesses in a timecapsule trunk donated by Ash Lynn Rose Gift Shop, which will remain shuttered until the Chamber’s 25th anniversary in 2030.

THE SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL JUNE 16 PASSED AN ORDINANCE BANNING ALL CELLPHONE USE and texting for drivers within city limits. The measure — approved in a 3-2 vote — restricts the use of mobilecommunication devices and portable electronics, while operating motor vehicles, to hands-free operation only. Violators could risk fines up to $200. “It’s been approved and is in effect,” City Manager John Kessel said. “Most people are not using cellphones because of the (similar San Antonio ordinance); and since that was passed, we’ve really seen a decline in usage.”

Police Chief Michael Hansen said officers would begin implementation after placards have been posted alerting motorists entering the city. “Once the signs have been placed in accordance with state law, the officers will engage in enforcement activities,” he said. “We will have a period of 60 days of education, notifications and warnings.”

Hansen said postings have been created and await approval by the Texas Department of Transportation before being installed on

roadways and highways, which he expects within a few weeks. “Our intent is to educate the public on safer driving habits,” Hansen said. “Our desire is to promote the benefits of using hands-free devices and hope that most citizens will comply on their own.”

CONVERSE CITY COUNCIL recently appointed Jeff Beehler to succeed outgoing Place 6 Councilwoman Renée Paschall, who resigned following her May election to the Judson Independent School District’s board. Mayor Al Suarez said Beehler, who served on Converse’s Planning & Zoning Commission and is the husband of former Councilwoman Laura Beehler, was selected amongst eight applicants on June 16. “He’s served on several city commissions and usually attends all of the City Council meetings,” Suarez said.

THE SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL COULD BE ASKING VOTERS HEADING TO THE POLLS IN NOVEMBER to consider approving several city-charter amendments and to decide on bond projects, in addition to contested council seats. City Manager John Kessel said the five-member commission,

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 13

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 12 which spent six months reviewing the document, has proposed 19 amendments to the charter, which governs city operations. Kessel said the bond election may involve electorate approval for funding of several roadway improvements plus a new fire station, adding, in the coming weeks, the council would consider which items to include on the ballot.

IN A 5-4 DECISION JUNE 18, THE U.S. SUPREME COURT RULED TEXAS doesn’t have to include the battle flag of the Confederacy on state-sponsored vanity plates, determining the case involved government speech and not free speech.

The Texas Sons of Confederate Veterans had asked the court to overturn a decision by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to deny authorizing a specialty license plate featuring the flag to commemorate their heritage and Southern ancestors who fought 150 years ago. The state, meanwhile, cited concerns of AfricanAmericans and others who believe the insignia is offensive and perpetuates the South’s practice of enslavement during the Civil War and a painful reminder of

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www.aaplumbingsa.com white supremacy. It also contended state instruments, such as license plates, shouldn’t carry such representation. In the case, styled as Walker v. Texas Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans Inc., the justices’ majority opinion said Texas acted as a public entity in disallowing the plates and not as an individual entitled to free-speech protections outlined in the Constitution.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVED ACROSS-THE-BOARD PAY RAISES for Comal Independent School District employees June 11. The hike, which begins in the 2015-16 school year, will benefit eligible full-time employees, teachers, faculty and other staffers, as well as increases the starting wage for bus drivers and custodians.

“We always wish we could do more. We value the work of all of our employees, and we will continue to address areas of need and give the district’s compensation task force the chance to expand these opportunities,” said David Drastata, board president. Added Superintendent Andrew Kim: “Although compensation isn’t the only reason people choose to work in Comal ISD, we know we have to be competitive with our surrounding districts. We want to be fair and continuously improve in this area.”

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JULY 20 - AUGUST 17, 2015

WINDCREST continues from pg. 01

HE (MAYOR) CALLED ME A THIEF. IT’S NOT THE FIRST TIME HE’S DONE THAT.

Mayor apologizes for taped-call foul language

by WILL WRIGHT

W

INDCREST – No stranger to the heat of political battle, Mayor Alan Baxter has weathered several controversial bouts during his tenure – but none as serious as this latest storm.

In a special meeting June 29, the City Council voted 4-0 to retain the mayor.

Baxter was accused of wrongdoing in a complaint stemming from his expletivefilled phone call with former Windcrest Volunteer Fire Department Chief Erick Vargas, which was released to a media outlet.

Baxter appeared relieved after the council allowed him to keep his seat.

“I apologize again to the citizens who heard my vulgar language on the tape, which wasn’t appropriate,” he said. “That’s not going to define me.”

DAN REESE (RIGHT) FORMER VOLUNTEER FIRE CHIEF

Vargas recorded the May 26 call and later gave it to KENS-TV, which aired a portion on June 18. Baxter could be heard cursing more than 70 times in his conversation with Vargas, who resigned his position in early June.

The incident led to a formal complaint filed June 22 by another former volunteer fire chief, Dan Reese, who claimed the mayor slandered him during his taped talk with Vargas.

“He called me a thief,” said Reese, who served as chief from January 2008 until October 2013, when he resigned after a pay dispute with the mayor. “It’s not the first time he’s done that.”

On June 26, the council called a special meeting for 9 a.m. June 29.

Windcrest residents packed the chambers expecting a public hearing. Instead, the proceedings moved to executive session behind closed doors, where Baxter, Reese and other witnesses hashed out the disagreement until late afternoon.

After City Attorney Michael Brenan said the council’s private meeting was indeed legal, Mayor Pro Tem Pam Dodson refrained from participating in the session, which didn’t include public input.

“I’m not going to be part of this,” she said before walking out of council chambers.

It’s unknown exactly what transpired during the closed-door session. At issue was Baxter’s on-tape profanity, which the mayor said shouldn’t have been recorded in the first place.

“It was a private conversation between two men – one that was recorded without my knowledge,” Baxter said June 23, before the meeting. “I apologized to Erick after that conversation, which is just now coming to light.”

Vargas claims Baxter never apologized to him.

“If he did, it’s the first time I’ve heard of it,” he said. “I haven’t received one yet.”

Baxter said Vargas’ tape didn’t include the entire discussion, which lasted about 17 minutes.

“There were several minutes that went by before he started recording,” said Baxter, who added he had a printed transcription of the conversation, but declined to provide LOCAL Community News with a copy.

Baxter contends Vargas broke city rules by taping him without his knowledge.

“In a court of law, it wouldn’t be admissible,” Baxter said. “I’m not going to get into what we discussed. I’ve already apologized for my language, but I won’t apologize for what was brought up during the conversation.”

Vargas said shortly after he succeeded Reese as VFD chief, he

WINDCREST continues on pg. 15

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM WINDCREST continues from pg. 14 became convinced there was a need to record his calls with the mayor.

“It became very obvious that I needed to do it – not only to protect myself, but to protect the Fire Department and firemen against Alan Baxter,” he said. “This isn’t the only conversation I recorded – I have many more.”

Vargas said he also taped phone calls with City Manager Rafael Castillo and Economic Development Corp.

Executive Director Robert Colunga.

Baxter said he never asked for Vargas’ resignation.

“I think the conversation speaks for itself,” he said. “I don’t put Windcrest’s dirty laundry out on the street. I think the first person who doesn’t (curse) in the heat of battle – let him cast the first stone.”

Reese, who lost his challenge to Place 1 Councilman Jake Jacobi by 57 votes last November, claimed the procedure which led to the council’s vote to retain the mayor was flawed.

Five years ago, a series of scandals led Windcrest voters to oust three incumbent council members. Under Baxter, first elected councilman in 2010 and mayor in 2011 and

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2013, the city has seen economic growth, lowered tax rates and implemented qualityof-life improvements, his supporters said.

This latest flap again divided Windcrest residents.

“Why in the hell are they going after the mayor – he’s done nothing but clean things up,” said a resident at the meeting who was not identified. “I’ve been here since 1977 and things are getting back to where they used to be. The mayor has reduced my property taxes and garbage rates for the last three years.”

A week later, on July 6, the council met in another special session. Agenda items included proposals to unseat Dodson as mayor pro tem, conducting a financial investigation into VFD finances, and selecting an interim fire chief.

No action was taken to replace Dodson, who was the lone council member voting against the other proposals after Baxter announced VFD administrative offices were closed, pending an investigation by the Texas Rangers and police.

The council voted 4-1 to authorize hiring legal representation to protect the city’s interest in the VFD probe. By the same vote, it sanctioned the city manager to hire an interim fire chief.

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The American Physical Therapy Association says more than 184,000 physical therapists are licensed in the United States. In Texas, more than 10,000 people work as a physical therapist, and the number is expected to grow 39 percent, to nearly 14,500 people by 2016.

APTA describes physical therapists as health care practitioners who help individuals maintain, restore and improve movement, activity and functioning, thereby enabling

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17 THERAPY continues from pg. 16 optimal performance and enhancing health, well-being and quality of life.

Accepting most insurance plans, physical therapists provide for individuals of all ages. Bottom line, if it hurts or someone has been injured, physical therapy may help relieve the pain and restore normal bodily functions without surgery.

The annual salary for physical therapists

in San Antonio ranges from just over $64,000 to nearly $87,000, according to Salary.com.

Mary Lee “Bitsy” Pratt has spent 39 years working as a physical therapist in San Antonio. She founded Pyramid Plaza Physical Therapy in 1991, and her office is at 6391 De Zavala Road, Suite 100.

“I love my work,” she said. “My job is to keep people moving. When they have

THERAPY continues on pg. 18

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THERAPY continues from pg. 17 movement difficulties they are less likely to be social, to be active in their community, to get out of the house, to do things.”

Pratt, like many physical therapists, has a special interest in helping seniors maintain their balance and avoid falls.

To treat people for disabilities with pain or other issues requires a physician’s referral.

She and others sharing her line of work in Texas are requesting legislation to permit potential patients to seek these health care specialists without a doctor’s handoff.

Before he went into physical therapy, Phillip Trueman, an Australian by birth, was a professional squash player.

However, he left the court for a new field after his marriage to a Texan and their 1990 move to San Antonio.

He is currently the lead physical therapist at The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group’s Stone Oak location, 150 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 310.

“I’d seen several physical therapists while I was playing squash. They’d helped me overcome injuries,” he said. “I like accounting for the body – problem solving, trying to figure out how things work and then fixing it, and that’s what we do as

physical therapists. Absent a traumatic injury, it’s often difficult to find the cause of someone’s pain. I’m a nuts-and-bolts kind of guy and this is a perfect profession for me. It’s like being a detective.”

Trueman said he has learned over the years, “Some things we can fix and some things we can’t fix.” Like Pratt, he hopes to see the state law changed to permit self-referral to physical therapists.

“Not needing a physician’s referral would save patients time and money,” he said.

Dr. Diana Schonhoff decided to become a physical therapist after her mom told her a story about seeing one teach a young girl to walk.

“I love the people, the varying aspects of what I do as a physical therapist, everything,” Schonhoff said. “As a physical therapist, you can work from newborns to geriatrics. It is the most fascinating field.”

Schonhoff is at Garden Ridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, 18945 FM 2252.

“I have patients who walk into our clinic all hunched over and they walk out tall and proud. It is such an exciting career,” she added.

To find a physical therapist, visit www.physicaltherapists.com or ask your primary-care physician.

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obody likes getting shots, but nobody likes getting sick, either. Today, vaccinations are the front line of defense against many common diseases, starting in infancy and continuing through life.

Vaccinations use dead or weakened disease germs to boost the immune system.

Nowadays, by the time toddlers are 2, they may’ve gotten up to 20 vaccine doses preventing hepatitis B, pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, polio, flu, measles, mumps, rubella and more. As well, national advertising campaigns remind folks to get flu shots, and recently there’s been a lot of talk about human papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine for adolescents, as TV commercials tout adult vaccinations preventing pneumonia and shingles.

In Texas, a number of shots are required before schoolchildren may enroll, and for years thereafter. For a list, visit www.cdc.gov.

“We didn’t get a lot of these vaccines back when we were kids. Advances in research have created a lot of progress, but a lot of people ask me why they need them,” said Dr. Shahed Izaddoost of the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Physician Group.

“Some people say they worry about side effects, so they might not want their child to get vaccinated,” Izaddoost added. “As doctors, we worry if your child does not get vaccinated, because these diseases can be very serious. It’s good that people ask questions, but at this point, we’ve had a lot of experience with vaccines, and there is no credible research to show they cause long-term harm.”

Meningococcal vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, polio vaccine, Tdap for diphtheria and pertussis – all are part of the arsenal doctors use to help prevent diseases, which can spread quickly in children.

Most insurance plans cover routine, recommended vaccinations, and the

VACCINATIONS continues on pg. 19

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VACCINATIONS continues from pg. 18 federally funded Vaccines for Children program aids underinsured kids. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District also provides many free or low-cost vaccinations through the Immunization Clinic; call 207-8894.

“Many illnesses can be prevented by vaccination,” said Dr. Anil Mangla, chief epidemiologist at Metro Health.

Dr. Patricia Mackin, a primary-care physician with Baptist Health Systems, said while most ads for shingles vaccine focus on the painful rash, more serious effects are possible. The pain, caused when nerves affected by childhood chicken pox are reactivated, can return in some people, and if the rash gets into a person’s eyes, blindness can result.

Which brings up an important fact about vaccines, Mackin said.

“In order for any vaccine to be approved and recommended by the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), it has to prevent or decrease the risk of a condition that can kill or significantly disable a person, and something that can cause blindness, even if that is not the common outcome,

would be disabling,” Mackin said. “Shingles is a lot more common than most people think.”

Meanwhile, coverage for seniors seeking a vaccination for pneumonia can vary. Prevnar was originally recommended for children, and then expanded for use in adults with kidney problems or weak immune systems, in addition to Pneumovax. More recently, the CDC has recommended all adults over 65 be vaccinated with both Prevnar and Pneumovax, Mackin said, adding, “We’re hoping that Medicare will follow through and cover this, but we are not sure.”

As someone who sees patients of all ages, Mackin strongly urges both sexes to receive the HPV vaccine up to age 26.

“The vaccine combats cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. It’s important for men, too, although it is not as common in males,” the physician said.

Like many physicians, Mackin strongly suggests vaccinations against pertussis, both for children, and adults who interact with youngsters, especially infants, for whom it can be fatal.

“That’s something so interesting about vaccines — they can protect you from some serious problems from birth right up to the golden years,” Mackin said.

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SPORTS MEDICINE

Scientific advancements ease sports injuries

by CAROLE MILLER

I

t may sound like science fiction, but emerging techniques in the treatment of sports injuries literally involve healing yourself.

The sports-medicine field recently has embraced two new procedures: orthopedic stem-cell treatments and platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, therapy. Both aim to help the body repair itself using injections of substances from the patient’s system.

Professional and amateur athletes alike have turned to such remedies hoping to quicken the curative process and accelerate a return to action, medical practitioners say.

Famous players who have chosen this path include Peyton Manning,

Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, Rafael Nadal, Hines Ward, Chris Capuano, Chris Johnson, Prince Amukamara, Bartolo Colon and many others.

“PRP therapy is a low-risk natural alternative to traditional methods of treatment for sports injuries including tendons, ligaments and joints,” said Dr. Ephraim Brenman, a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician and pain-management specialist with The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group. “The patient uses his or her own body cells and natural-healing capabilities without the need for surgery.”

To create platelet-rich plasma, a small blood sample is drawn. Using a centrifuge, the blood is separated into layers. The platelet-rich layer is removed and injected directly back into damaged

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tissue. This causes inflammation and increased blood flow to the area, which works to speed the healing process.

“PRP therapy is very useful for partial tears or fraying of certain tendon or ligament injuries like tennis elbow or partial tears of the tendons around the elbow.

It also can be useful for golfer’s elbow,” Brenman said. “It also can be specifically used for partial tears of ligaments such as the medial collateral ligament or the anterior cruciate ligaments of the knee, and PRP therapy allows the patients to return to their sporting activities in a faster and more natural fashion.”

Orthopedic stem-cell treatments also utilize agents found in the patient’s body, this time in the bone marrow. Since the stem cells don’t come from a donor, it’s autologous or “stand alone” stem-cell therapy.

During the procedure, a bit of bone marrow is taken directly from the patient’s hip. This marrow contains mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, which haven’t yet differentiated into a certain type of cell (fat cells, muscle cells, cartilage cells, etc).

The sample is filtered, concentrated and injected into the injured area. The idea is for MSCs to assume its surroundings’

characteristics and facilitate regeneration of lost or damaged tissue. After this outpatient procedure, most folks can resume low-impact activities very soon.

“We are still figuring out a lot about the details of utilizing stem-cell therapy, and as of now, it can be used for standalone attempts at potentially delaying the onset of arthritis in certain joints and in combination with cartilage restoration procedures, as well as ligament reconstructions,” said Dr. Christian Balldin, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports-medicine specialist in The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group.

Orthopedic stem-cell treatments are currently used for many conditions including osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, bone loss, cartilage defects, disc-related back pain, meniscus tears, nonunion fractures, osteonecrosis and tendinopathies.

Because most insurance companies consider stem-cell treatment and plateletrich therapy “investigational,” these methods are not normally covered by health insurance. However, many in the health field feel out-of-pocket costs are reasonable considering the benefits.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM JISD continues from pg. 01

Another bond issue needed to address growth

by WILL WRIGHT

L

IVE OAK – Four months into his job, Superintendent Carl Montoya continues to develop a vision for the Judson Independent School District.

Everything about his position excites Montoya, named in March to succeed Willis Mackey. Citing the district’s rich history and recent successes, the new top man said he hopes to lift JISD to even greater heights.

“It’s a great district from many angles,” he said. “First, the academic side is very strong and has a great history in academics and state assessments – and of course, there’s athletics.

“I see a staff that cares about kids and wants to do a good job, whether they’re teachers or administrators, and a very good and balanced district. Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen district schools win all kinds of awards – at the state level, the regional level and even some recognition at the national level.”

Montoya came to JISD from Brownsville ISD, which he oversaw starting in 2011.

He has more than 36 years in secondary school education, serving in various teaching and administrative capacities.

Montoya recently unveiled a list of a dozen goals and programs, and JISD trustees seem happy with his performance so far.

“Dr. Mackey really helped lead the way in the district being open to the community and outreach, and Dr. Montoya is clearly helping continue that plan,” trustee Jose Macias said. “We want to open additional doors and be very transparent with the community and continue keeping the lines of communication open.”

Added board President Steve Salyer: “He’s blended in from his first 100 days on the ground. He’s been meeting with the community and is out meeting with the teachers and administrators and students. He’s working out really well.”

There’s plenty on Montoya’s plate, the main course being building upon the district’s academic successes.

“We will continue to work with the district’s (academic) departments, such as curriculum instruction and its support staff, because that is our bread and butter,” he said.

Directives stemming from the 2013 passage of House Bill 5, which set stricter academic standards for public schools, substantially changed the state’s curriculum

MONTOYA

and graduation requirements and increased assessments and accountability.

Districts are now required to include career components in secondary school academic plans.

Therefore, Montoya wants to enhance the career-pathway programs at the district’s two high schools – Wagner and Judson – while also including the same at JISD’s nascent high school, currently under construction on Evans Road and slated to open in August 2016.

Montoya also hopes to expand Judson

Middle School’s science-technologyengineering-mathematics, or STEM, program to all of the district’s middle schools, while enlarging its early college programs.

“Judson Early College Academy is outstanding, but there’s no reason why we can’t make our other two high schools early college high schools,” Montoya said. “That’s going to be one of our other goals. We did it in (Brownsville), where every high school in the district became early college schools before I left there.”

Newly elected board member Renée Paschall agreed.

“Turning all high schools into early college high schools would be a plus for our district,” Paschall said. “If we would do that, all of our high schools would have to offer the same (curriculum), and that would be awesome.”

Northeast Lakeview College has cosponsored programs with JISD since 2009.

Both educational systems on May 29 celebrated the success of a yearlong Adopt-aSchool Initiative, where students from Salinas and Spring Meadows elementary schools and Kirby Middle School received firsthand introductions to the college experience.

“We want to do more – not only with the

JISD continues on pg. 22

Northeast Methodist Hospital Celebrates 30 Years Of Successfully Serving Northeast Bexar County Northeast Methodist Hospital, a campus of Methodist Hospital, this year celebrates its 30th anniversary. This milestone reflects the success of the hospital and the major role that it has played in the development of northeast Bexar County, one of the county’s fastest growing regions. ”What sets us apart is that we recognize and value the unique needs of each of our patients. It is a process that we continue to improve on, creating ways to better serve our community when they need us most,” said Michael Beaver, CEO at Northeast Methodist Hospital.

The hospital originally opened as Village Oakes Hospital in 1985. It became part of Methodist Healthcare in 1995. Located in the city of Live Oak, the hospital serves Live Oak, Converse, Garden Ridge, Kirby, Marion, Schertz-Cibolo, Selma, Universal City, Windcrest and surrounding communities.

Hospital growth has resulted in a full-service ER, expanded surgical and cardiovascular units, and the Joint Replacement Academy which offers orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation. In 2012, Northeast Methodist received one of only two Gold Awards presented by the Texas Medical Foundation Health Quality Institute for distinguished efforts in health care quality improvements. The hospital also is accredited by The Joint Commission in stroke care and is designated as an accredited Chest Pain Center. Most recently, the hospital was recognized as an accredited Heart Failure Center by the Healthcare Colloquium.

The hospital is a proud supporter of the Randolph Metrocom Rotary Club’s Partners in Education Foundation which helps underprivileged children living in the Judson, Schertz-Cibolo and Marion Independent School Districts. “Northeast Methodist Hospital has been outstanding in their support,” said Mike Isbell, immediate past president of the Rotary Club.

“They have participated since the program started more than 20 years ago, and they are always behind us 100 percent.”

22

JULY 20 - AUGUST 17, 2015

JISD continues from pg. 21 universities in northeast San Antonio, but the others in the area, such as the University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M-San Antonio, St. Mary’s and St. Phillip’s universities and the University of the Incarnate Word,” Montoya added. “There no reason why we can’t connect with those groups to establish other early college programs for our students.”

Enhancing parent-teacher interaction and raising student attendance at all campuses are also among Montoya’s objectives, along with strengthening communication with the seven cities in the district.

“We’ve been meeting with the mayors and I believe they feel that their economies are directly tied into (our) success,” he said. “We need to grow as their communities grow, and working with the mayors is helping us connect with their needs in that area.”

Converse Mayor Al Suarez, who served in JISD’s recent Principalfor-a-Day program, said the new superintendent has the right focus.

“Dr. Montoya is hitting the ground running, and he has come up with some great ideas,” Suarez said. “One of them is bringing in some of the other

“The Bug Stops Here”

cities that haven’t been as involved.

Montoya said the district’s education foundation is working to enhance JISD’s relationships with the business community and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

However, as the district keeps growing, its residents may soon be asked to help.

“We’re starting to get overcrowded again,” Montoya said. “Within the next year we’re going to have to go the board and ask them to consider another bond issue for expansion.”

JISD spokesman Steve Linscomb said voters in 2013 approved $83 million for districtwide additions and improvements without increasing the tax rate.

“We do need to finish completing the new high school, and other upgrades are needed at existing schools throughout the district,” Montoya said, adding the district is considering two more elementary schools and a fine-arts facility.

Montoya said he’d be discussing these projects, and others, with the school board.

“These are general goals – and we’ll add and subtract other items over time,” he said. “They can’t all happen overnight, but many of these items we can see happen within a year.”

Officials say no immediate tax hike needed

by WILL WRIGHT

S

everal North East Independent School District campuses could benefit from improvements if voters in November approve a near-$500 million bond that does not call for an immediate tax hike, officials said.

What makes this request distinctive is residents will only be asked to fund present academic institutions, said Aubrey Chancellor, an NEISD spokeswoman.

“This is the first time NEISD has proposed a bond without a new school,” she said. “The focus of this bond is about equity – renovating and upgrading outof-date facilities at some of the older campuses and focusing on enhancements and renovations at other schools.”

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Those areas include Roosevelt High School and Krueger Middle School.

Adjusted for growth and inflation, the 2015 bond’s actual total – $499,950,000 – is in line with amounts contained in NEISD’s recent bond requests occurring in four-year increments. Voters approved bonds of $449 million, $498 million and $399 million in 2003, 2007 and 2011, respectively.

Unlike the previous three, present tax rates would remain unchanged if voters approve a bond referendum Nov. 3.

“There will be no new tax rate for at least five years,” Chancellor said.

A 36-member Facilities Steering Committee met for months and considered public input in rating a list of districtwide projects. If voters approve, facilities improvements will receive $225.8 million; extracurricular programs $89.8 million; and technology upgrades $72.4 million.

“The committee met five times and did a lot of homework outside of those meetings,” Chancellor said. “They really did a great job of coming up with the final draft, which considered and prioritized the needs of all students throughout the district. It’s really far-reaching.”

NEISD continues from pg. 01

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM NEISD continues from pg. 22 Other categories slated for 2015 bond money include: district operations, $60 million; safety and security, $20 million; bond-program management, $17 million; and a $15 million bond-contingency program.

If endorsed by the electorate, it will be the second bond election for Superintendent Brian Gottardy, whose first was in 2011.

“I am so proud of the process the district has taken over the past six months,” he said. “Our community has given great feedback and the Facilities Steering Committee has been dedicated to gathering all the information and putting together a great plan.”

The committee held meetings at Madison and Churchill high schools on March 30, April 28-29 and May 19-20 before its final meeting June 15 at the district’s Education Service Center, which culminated in a presentation to the school board.

“It’s about taking care of all of our schools – not just the newest schools,” committee member Ricki Ford said.

“This bond will address the older

schools and bring them up to the current standards at the newest schools.”

Ford, whose children attend Churchill, said she has frequented school board meetings and served on NEISD committees during the past 26 years.

She noted that all principals were asked to assess their campuses’ requirements and seek community comments.

Those wants amounted to nearly $2 billion, so paring it to $500 million would ensure residents wouldn’t see a tax increase for the rest of the decade, Ford said.

“We had a lot of information to consider,” she added. “We ranked it according to needs, and tried to address as many things as we could to help all areas throughout the district.”

Several proposed projects didn’t make the final cut. Among them, a new elementary school in Johnson High’s feeder pattern — $42.8 million; replacing portables at Madison High — $25 million; a districtwide consolidated activity and logistics center for JROTC programs — $18.8 million; and adding a baseball facility in the Heroes Stadium Complex — $11.7 million.

Several projects comprise the total earmarked to expand or enhance extracurricular programs – including $17 million to upgrade the district’s

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natatoriums; $10 million to add a new pool; and $12.5 million for work on Comalander Stadium.

Asked if those and other aspects might pose problems with voters, Chancellor said they’re all part of the district’s overall educational goals.

“NEISD ... always believes in providing a 360-degree education, which means classroom academics and also extracurricular activities,” she said. “We believe it makes for more well-rounded students, as studies have proven those who are more involved in extracurricular activities do better in the classroom. We have many parents who have come to expect (this) and they fully support it.”

Ford would like to see another aquatic facility.

“I think we do need another pool,” she said. “I don’t have a swimmer, but (adding a pool) has come up year after year. We have a lot of community classes and think it’s important to everybody in the community.”

Chancellor said NEISD retired $747 million in bond debt over the past three years, which amounted to $137 million in savings (on payments and interest).

The school board will meet on or before Aug. 24 to place the bond on the November ballot. Chancellor said it could amend the recommended plan before then.

“At the time, this is the proposal that’s being considered,” she said.

THE FOCUS OF THIS BOND IS ABOUT EQUITY – RENOVATING AND UPGRADING OUT-OF-DATE FACILITIES [...] AND FOCUSING ON ENHANCEMENTS AND RENOVATIONS AT OTHER SCHOOLS. AUBREY CHANCELLOR, NEISD SPOKESWOMAN

24

JULY 20 - AUGUST 17, 2015

SCHERTZ continues from pg. 01

City still seeks manager for senior center

by WILL WRIGHT

S

CHERTZ – City officials expect work could finally begin on a new natatorium, which is among several bond projects approved by voters almost five years ago.

The two-pool natatorium, set near the Playscape and public library at the corner of Schertz Parkway and Elbel Road, is the biggest undertaking of all bond projects voters approved in 2010 – and diving in has taken the longest time.

City Manager John Kessel said in recent weeks, the City Council selected the San Antonio office of Byrne Construction Services as the project’s construction manager at-risk. The company is charged with reviewing and

organizing the cost estimates associated with building the facility to paint a more detailed picture for city officials.

A year ago, the council selected another company, San Antonio’s Marmon Mok Architecture, to create a preliminary schematic design, which has since been completed.

“Once we know that it will fit into the cost estimate compiled by Byrne, then it will do a full-blown working design of the project,” Kessel said.

After Byrne ensures all expected costs will be covered by the city’s $9 million budget, then bids will go out seeking professional services – from general contractors, engineers, electricians and others.

“Only then will final construction start,” Kessel said.

City Executive Director Brian James added: “We should be starting in the fall, but we want to do the work on the front end in order to give us more certainty on the back end.”

In recent years, the city forged an agreement to share expenses with SchertzCibolo-Universal City Independent School District, which will put up $1.625 million in exchange for a 15-year, rent-free lease so

Clemens and Steele high schools can use the natatorium for practices and weekend meets.

Schertz Family YMCA, currently overseeing the city’s Northcliffe and Pickrell Park pools and its recreation center, would serve as manager. Schertz has reached a preliminary accord to annually compensate the organization to handle all of its pools and recreation center, with the Y sharing construction expenses of the pool for a multi-year term.

Finalization won’t occur until the city and other partners get a better idea of the pool’s construction costs.

“The Y has been part of the design process, and we don’t have any reason to believe they won’t be OK with their share of the costs,” Kessel said.

The natatorium is the final jewel of 2010 bond projects. Most have been completed, with others close to fruition.

The city’s relocated Playscape and new animal shelter opened in 2014 and the baseball fields debuted earlier this year.

“They’ve been holding tournaments for the first full season out there,” James said of the baseball site, which expanded from four to seven fields for teams from Buffalo Valley Youth Association and other area squads.

The new dog park, located adjacent to the

animal-adoption shelter on Community Circle Drive, behind the Schertz Chamber of Commerce building in the 1700 block of Schertz Parkway, is also open.

“We keep trying to have a ribbon-cutting for it, but it keeps getting rained out,” James said.

Additional finishing touches – viewing benches and other amenities – also await the new skateboard park, which also recently began rolling. The soccer fields, located on Maske Road just past the FM 1518 intersection, should kick off by fall.

“We have to let the grass on the fields grow in first,” James said, adding the soccer site will also include trees and playground equipment.

In another move not associated with the bond, the city still seeks a new manager for the Schertz Area Senior Center, which has been without permanent management since February 2014, when it ended its four-year association with the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is temporarily running the center at 608 Schertz Parkway.

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L

IVE OAK — Whether it’s the first or 100th time a critter invades your home or business, the “Critter Gitters” at Blue Collar Pest Control say no job is too big or too small.

Billy Sanchez-Lindsay and Patricia Sanchez-Lindsay, the husband-and-wife duo behind the pest-control service, say they offer one-time to monthly services.

The establishment — which can be reached by phone or Internet — offers several features, which include critter barriers, trap and relocate, and flea and tick control.

Staffers at Blue Collar Pest Control truly care about their customers’ needs, Billy Sanchez-Lindsay said.

“We will treat you like family,” he added.

Motivated by his wife and two daughters, he decided to open his own pest-control service after working six years in the industry.

In addition, the staff does not look at a customer as just a number.

“That is not what it’s about,” he said.

The co-owner also takes pride in his personal, one-on-one approach with clients; he usually is the contact over the phone and in person.

Aside from connecting with patrons via email and phones, the business also uses social media

Billy Sanchez-Lindsay, co-owner of Live Oak-based Blue Collar Pest Control, says his team of ‘Critter Gitters’ is ready to rid your home or business of those pesky little invaders. Photo by Collette Orquiz

to provide updates about pests in different areas and the specials offered

by Blue Collar Pest Control.

Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday.

BLUE COLLAR PEST CONTROL Operating out of Live Oak For more, call 541-2849 or visit www.bluecollarpest.com or facebook.com/BlueCollarPest

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JULY 20 - AUGUST 17, 2015

EAT LOCAL Learn about the newest neighborhood places for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks

Chill out all year at Bahama Buck’s

by SARA HARHARA

U

NIVERSAL CITY — While a cold, shaved-ice treat helps beat the summer heat, the owner of Bahama Buck’s Original Shaved Ice Co. is offering customers a year-round minivacation by providing a tropical dessert no matter the temperature.

“I was hooked the first time I tried the product,” said Mark Sims, a San Antonio native who opened the store at 2310 Pat Booker Road. “I grew up eating raspas, but the flavor and texture of Bahama Buck’s was something completely new to me. Beyond that, I have a strong coastal connection.”

The store celebrated its first

anniversary July 8, and its popularity continues to grow, Sims said.

“Our shaved ice is by far our most popular item on the menu,” he added. “Additionally, our guests can add ice cream and cream to the shaved-ice flavor of their choice, which is called Bahama Rama Mama (BRM for short), or Piccadilly, which includes chunks of pickles, shaved ice, chamoy and chili salt.”

Chamoy is composed of various Mexican sauces and condiments made from pickled fruit.

The proprietor said he and his staff enjoy visiting with customers.

“The absolute best thing about owning this business is the connections we get to make with the community,” Sims said. “These connections range from the daily guest interactions to working with the local schools

Cool treats such as these at Bahama Buck’s Original Shaved Ice Co. in Universal City give customers a chance to enjoy a tropical dessert year-round. Photos by Collette Orquiz

and community organizations to help (raise funds) or provide educational incentives.”

Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and noon to 11 p.m. Sunday. Starting in September, winter hours are noon to 10 p.m. daily.

BAHAMA BUCK’S ORIGINAL SHAVED ICE CO. 2310 Pat Booker Road in Universal City For more, call 437-1091 or visit www.bahamabucks.com

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New 2015 320i Lease - See dealer for details $1,250 down in addition to tax, title and license. 36 months/10,000 miles per For model year 2015 or later vehicles sold or leased by an authorized BMW center on or after July 1, 2014, year. stk # F1329 MSRP 34,950 Expires 5/30/2015 BMW Maintenance Program coverage is not transferable to subsequent purchasers, owners, or leasees.

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