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WW II veteran receives 7 service medals
Shanna Powell, Granddaughter - Wednesday, July 01, 2009

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, 14th Congressional District, presents Woodrow W. Wilson with the Bronze Star on June 22, 2009. (Photograph contributed by Kelvin Billington)

After 64 Years, ‘Bee Man’ Honored For His Service

Woodrow William Wilson, formerly of Calliham, Texas, is a World War II Army Veteran who served as a Medical Aidman in the 7th Armored Division.

The 7th Armored Division reached the beaches of Normandy and participated in the Battle of the Bulge.

During the war, he was told by a commanding officer that he would receive some medals for his efforts in helping the wounded soldiers; however, he never received these medals after the war, and he has always wondered why.

When Woodrow entered the care of Hospice of South Texas of Victoria County, he again asked this question concerning his medals. A hospice representative contacted Congressman Ron Paul, who then made an inquiry to the National Per...

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County justice rebounding
Gerald Black, News Editor - Wednesday, July 01, 2009

LUCINDA VICKERS - ATASCOSA COUNTY ATTORNEY

The county attorney’s office came under media scrutiny three years ago. There were media reports that (former) county attorney R. Thomas Franklin was not getting cases filed and processed in a timely manner. Franklin made the decision not to run for re-election in 2008. When he left office, there was a large backlog of cases.

Newly elected County Attorney Lucinda Vickers took over January 1, 2009. In February, she took action to dismiss an estimated 1,400 case backlog. Vickers consulted with County Judge Diana Bautista, who said she had researched the pending cases and were from 2000 through the end of 2006. The cases were all misdemeanors – not juvenile cases, protective orders or cases in the JP courts.

Making the big decision, the new County Attorney “decide...

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Show your pride this Saturday, July 4
Gerald Blck, News Editor - Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Henry Netardus, Jourdanton Chamber of Commerce president presents a $1,000 check to Jourdanton Mayor Larry Pryor to help fund American Pride Day on July 4th. The free event will be held at the Jourdanton City Park. Admission is free

The 6th annual American Pride Day in Jourdanton is set for this Saturday, July 4th at the Jourdanton City Park.

The Jourdanton Chamber of Commerce, the City of Jourdanton, along with other local civic organizations are working together to host this big, free event.

Everything – from admission to hot dogs and soft drinks is all FREE to the public while supplies last.

Be sure to visit the swimming pool between 5–8 p.m. And, of course, admission is free, too!

The funnel cakes offered last year were very popular and event coordinator Larry Pryor has made sure to have more cookers this year.

Balloon animals will be fashioned and given away free. H-E-Buddy will be roaming around the park to entertain the kids.

The entertainment will...

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DPS says use SAFE Factor for July 4th
., . - Wednesday, July 01, 2009
DPS is urging all drivers to help increase the SAFE factor this 4th of July holiday weekend.
S - Secure yourself and passengers in seat belts.
A - Adjust your speed as to what is posted.
F - Focus on being an alert defensive driver.
E - Ensure that you do not drink and drive.

“We’ll be doing our part by having all available Troopers on our roadways,” said Captain Casey Goetz, San Antonio Highway Patrol. But we certainly need the help of drivers to ensure a SAFE holiday weekend.”

DPS is also participating in Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) – a nationwide campaign by state police agencies to reduce motor vehicle fatalities during holiday periods and Operation Holiday - a statewide effort to reduce fatalities on streets and highways....

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Fireworks Safety Tips
., . - Wednesday, July 01, 2009
1. Wet down the area that is to be used for the fireworks.

2. Use a cleared open area. A hard surface is recommended.

3. Always have plenty of water handy (a bucket or garden hose).

4. Only use legal fireworks. Remember all aerial fireworks have been banned in Atascosa County.
5. Do NOT wear loose fitting clothes.

6. Read the directions and warning label on fireworks. And, stand back several feet from lit fireworks.

7. Light only one firework at a time.

8. Use outdoors only.

9. Never throw or point fireworks at another person.

10. Do not use alcohol with fireworks.

11. Do not use fireworks during windy conditions.

12. Use safety glasses, and always be careful around animals.

13. A...

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No excuse not to know — no burning
., . - Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Express photo by Gerald Black

It is difficult to recall when the county was not under a “Burn Ban” during the past couple of years. But, county leaders want folks to know, it is still in effect and has purchased 19 signs that are being placed so that anyone entering the county will know there is a Burn Ban. TxDOT Sign Technician Jimmy Hograves installs this sign at the Atascosa-Wilson County line. The 19 signs are being placed at the county lines on each U.S. IH, FM and Texas highway. After TxDOT has placed all of the signs, it will be the responsibility of appropriate volunteer fire departments to open and close the signs after Atascosa County Fire Marshal Chuck Garris says the Burn Ban is in effect or has ended....

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Crowd-pleasers booked for Cowboy Homecoming
., . - Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Headliners for Cowboy Homecoming 2009 are David Lee Garza y Los Musicales,The Eli Young Band and Steve Wariner.

A smorgasbord of music has been booked for Cowboy Homecoming, just shy of two months away, and the mix of it all should please just about everyone.

Ticket prices range $10-$20 or a weekend armband of $35 will allow unlimited access to all events Thursday through Saturday. The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce will have tickets available in July.

New to the weekend of music line-up is Tejano Night on Thursday, August 13 featuring David Lee Garza y los Musicales. Opening for los Musicales will be the DesperadoZ. Tickets are $10.

Also new to the Friday’s evening schedule will be the addition of the Cowboy Homecoming Queen’s Coronation. The crowning of this year’s queen will take place at 7 p.m., prior to opening band, Pleasanton’s own Scott Wiggins Band and ending...

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Picnic planned at St. Rose of Lima
., . - Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Fr. Horacio is joined by Lydia Calvillo (left) and Elisa Piedra (right) to show two quilts that will be auctioned off at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church annual picnic on Sunday, June 28. (Photo by Emily Barrera)

It will be a fun-filled day for the entire family, as Father Horacio Florez and the parishioners of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church celebrate their annual picnic. All area residents are invited to join them in this celebration in Charlotte this Sunday, June 28.

The church will hold its Sunday Mass in Spanish at 10 a.m. The picnic will kick-off at 11 a.m.

Pick up a delicious plate of brisket and sausage, with all the trimmings of course, for $6. There will also be tea and dessert. Serving will start at 11 a.m.

The big auction will follow at 1 p.m. There will be many items available for your own home, or to give to loved ones as gifts.

Other activities going on during the afternoon include bingo games, the cake walk and plenty of children’s gam...

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