Flashback: Bid accepted on Pleasanton City Hall




Mrs. Aerl Jernigan receives plaque from Optimist President Tom Benson naming her late husband “Lawman of the Year.” Deputy Sheriff Jernigan was killed in the line of duty December 21, 1976. Award was presented to Mrs. Jernigan Tuesday night at the Optimist Clubs Annual Law and Order Banquet. Express photo originally ran in the May 5, 1976 edition of the Pleasanton Express.

Mrs. Aerl Jernigan receives plaque from Optimist President Tom Benson naming her late husband “Lawman of the Year.” Deputy Sheriff Jernigan was killed in the line of duty December 21, 1976. Award was presented to Mrs. Jernigan Tuesday night at the Optimist Clubs Annual Law and Order Banquet. Express photo originally ran in the May 5, 1976 edition of the Pleasanton Express.

10 Years ago-

When was the last time you stayed up all night? Now, when was the last time you stayed up all night for a great cause? Hundreds of Atascosa Countians will congregate at the Jourdanton High School Stadium this Saturday to participate in the Second Annual Relay for Life huge fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. The maiden event last year raised over $60,000 and had 27 teams. This year coordinators are hoping to reach $80,000 and have already surpassed their goal of 40 teams. While it may be too late to raise funds ahead of time for the event, many can still benefit the group’s efforts by buying luminaries to honor cancer survivors or to memorialize cancer victims and to support each groups fundraising efforts. Everyone is welcomed to come and experience the 12 hour long “block party” as it was pegged by last year’s attendees.

20 Years ago-

A Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol trooper, Robert “Bob” Bratten Jr., was named 1995 “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.” The Aerl Jernigan Memorial “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” Award is sponsored by the Pleasanton Express and was presented to Bratten during the 1996 Atascosa County law Enforcement Association Banquet, held Thursday, April 25 at St. Andrew’s Hall, by Managing Editor David Wilkerson. Bratten, a native of El Paso is the son and eldest of three children born to an El Paso motorcycle policeman/ narcotics service officer and his wife Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bratten Sr. The elder Bratten’s job in law enforcement moved the family to Round Rock in 1975. Bratten graduated from Round Rock High School in 1978 and immediately joined the U.S. Marine Corps.

30 Years ago-

Participants in the 9th Annual 1986 Mercy Hospital Benefit this coming weekend will not just be going on a trail ride or enjoying a barbecue or having the fun of taking their chances at an auction. At the same time they are doing all of these things, they are also actively participating in the renovation and the total maintenance of Atascosa County’s only complete medical care facility, Mercy Hospital. Sister Joan of Arc, Mercy Hospital administrator, reviewed the work that has been in progress at the facility since the hospital’s 8th Annual 1985 Benefit which has been funded by money raised last May. “We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish with the help of the people of Atascosa County. Your goal is always to offer a higher standard of medical care to the people we serve. Money raised by this benefit is helping insure that our goal becomes reality.”

40 Years ago-

The showplace for community improvement in South Texas has done it again! For the sixth consecutive year, Fashing- Peggy Community in Atascosa County won first place honors in District No. 13 competition in the Texas Community Improvement Program. By virtue of this win, the community has qualified for regional judging to take place on May 11th. The Texas Community Improvement Program is a statewide contest sponsored by the Extension Service of Texas A & M University in cooperation with the investor-owned electric utilities companies of Texas. Its purpose is to help rural communities under 1000 population to help themselves through self-improvement. The 254 Texas counties are grouped into four regions.

50 Years ago-

Bold burglars broke into three Poteet business houses early Saturday morning and made off with $4,773 in checks and cash from the Arranaga super market. The burglars were professionals, according to investigators for Sheriff H.H. Coward’s office. Entry into the Arranaga building was made through the roof. A brace and bit and a keyhole saw were used to cut a hole into the roof, officers said. Thieves came through the ceiling over the meat counter. Officers believe that there were three or more burglars, who then broke the inside lock on the rear door, wheeled in acetylene torch equipment which was used to cut into a floor safe. Arthur Arranaga, store owner, said he discovered the burglary about 7:30 o’clock Saturday morning when he and his son came down to open up.

60 Years ago-

Bids on Pleasanton’s proposed new city hall are now being sought by the city council. The council Tuesday night accepted plans and specifications for the city building as presented by Harvey Marmon, member of the the San Antonio architectural firm of Marmon and Mok. In accepting the plans, the council voted to include air conditioning as part of the general contract. Bids will be opened at 7:30 p.m. on May 22. Residents here voted a $45,000 bond issue last year to be used for the construction of a new city hall. Besides city offices, the building will house the Soil Conservation offices, provide offices for the draft board and Chamber of Commerce, and a meeting room that all will be used as a Library. ROBBIE HAMBY, delves into the Pleasanton Express shelves for news of the past. Reach her at: rhamby@pleasantonexpress.com.


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