The Bandera County Chamber of Commerce recognized its 2026 award winners Saturday, Feb. 21, honoring Wagon Rides of Bandera Texas, Jason Lopez, Buddy’s Septic & Water Well Service, Arthur Nagel Community Clinic, Christine Morse, Scott Kaufmann and Troy Adamietz during its annual Chamber Awards Ceremony.
Wagon Rides of Bandera Texas received the Cowboy Capital Award. In a separate post, the Chamber congratulated Debra Slate of Wagon Rides of Bandera, noting her efforts to “keep the Cowboy Capital spirit alive” through guided wagon rides that share Bandera history with visitors. The Chamber also pointed to the Wagon Ride benches placed around town for visitors.
Jason Lopez was named Citizen of the Year.
Buddy’s Septic & Water Well Service received the Business Community Service Award.
Arthur Nagel Community Clinic was named Non-Profit of the Year. The award recognizes the clinic’s commitment to improving health care access in Bandera and surrounding rural counties. The clinic provides primary care, preventive services, chronic disease management and behavioral health support across the Texas Hill Country.
“Every year the Bandera County community nominates and votes for organizations, individuals and businesses that impact the lives of residents in a positive way,” Chamber Executive Director James Hernandez said in a release. “Win or lose, every nominee makes the list due to their hard work and dedication to this community.”
Sandra Imery, executive director of the Arthur Nagel Community Clinic, said the recognition reflects the dedication of the clinic’s staff and volunteers.
“This award belongs to our staff, board members, volunteers and community partners who show up every day to care for our neighbors,” Imery said. “We are honored to serve Bandera and surrounding counties and remain committed to expanding access to compassionate, patient-centered care across the Texas Hill Country.”
Over the past year, the clinic expanded services across Bandera, Kendall, Kerr, Real, Medina and Uvalde counties.
Christine Morse received the Directors Award.
Scott Kaufmann was named Volunteer of the Year. Kaufmann is founder of the Ride and Rise Above 501(c)(3) organization, which supports veterans and individuals affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In July 2025, Kaufmann organized a fundraiser that raised more than $36,000 for families impacted by the July 4 floods.
“It is given to a man or woman who gives unsparingly of their time and volunteers in the Bandera community,” said Greg Lauman, vice president of the Chamber, describing the Volunteer of the Year award prior to its presentation.
Christopher “Preacher” Dion, a fellow organizer, said Kaufmann created Ride and Rise Above after personal family experiences with PTSD and has since led additional community efforts, including a Christmas gift fund for families in need.
Kaufmann declined to speak at the ceremony but later issued a statement.
“I am truly blessed to live in such a heartfelt community and honored to serve those in need as a humble servant of God,” he said.
Troy Adamietz received the Wilton Crider Cowboy Presentation Award.
The ceremony was hosted by The Longhorn at Way Back Texas. The Chamber thanked Esther Benedict of Benedict Metal Art for designing the awards and recognized Miss Bandera County Queen Gabriela Cabrera and Miss Bandera County Teen Sreya Ayers for assisting with presentations.
The Chamber also acknowledged nominees, including Western Trail Gunfighters, Carita Jundt, Hyo Silver, Lowe’s Market, Amy Ouellette, Barbara Engel, Tim and Vanessa Churchman, Bandera Helping Hand and Bandera Sports Complex.
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