Bandera City Council member Jeff Flowers released a second public letter Friday, May 22 defending his earlier comments regarding the city’s canceled Flock Safety camera program, saying critics had mistaken satire for literal policy proposals and denying rumors of any financial connection to the vendor.

The letter follows Flowers’ May 13 statement, The Bandera Declaration of Digital Independence, released one day after the Bandera City Council voted 3-2 to terminate the city’s agreement with Flock Safety Systems, a license plate reader company.

Flowers and council member Lynn Palmer voted against ending the agreement.

The original statement drew local and national attention after proposing sweeping technology restrictions in response to the council vote, including bans on smartphones and GPS-enabled devices within city limits, prohibitions on residential and commercial outward-facing cameras and elimination of internet services and electronic recordkeeping in favor of paper systems.

In his Friday letter, Flowers said the earlier statement was intended as satire modeled after A Modest Proposal, the 1729 essay by Jonathan Swift that used exaggerated policy proposals to critique political positions.

Flowers said the proposals were meant to highlight what he described as contradictions in public opposition to license plate reader technology.

The letter also addressed criticism surrounding the debate, denied allegations that he received financial incentives tied to Flock and reiterated his position that ending the agreement created public safety and financial consequences for the city.

Flowers argued automated license plate readers are constitutional because there is no expectation of privacy on public roads and cited recent events in the Austin area as an example of why he believes the technology should remain available to law enforcement.

He also tied his position to broader state and national law enforcement priorities and urged residents to evaluate the issue through a public safety lens.

The Bulletin also contacted Flock Safety seeking responses to questions raised by community members.

Questions submitted to Holly Beilin, chief of staff to Flock’s chief from 1 customer officer, included whether the company would have accepted an extension on the invoice deadline while city officials continued deliberations, how Flock was initially introduced to Bandera, rumors circulating online regarding an alleged payout to Flowers, whether the company would reimburse grant funds following cancellation of the agreement and clarification on costs paid by the city.

FLOCK CAMERAS, CONTINUED

Flock declined to answer. “You'll have to work with Bandera PD or Council on this, these are not questions we can answer for the customer,” Beilin said in a statement provided to the Bulletin.

The Bulletin requested reconsideration on the first question regarding Flock’s billing policies but had not received a response as of publication.

The Bulletin also reached out to Mayor Denise Griffin and Interim City Administrator Jill Dickerson regarding rumors alleging a Flock payoff to Flowers.

Flowers responded publicly with the following letter: “To the Citizens of Bandera: “Last week, following the City Council’s 3-2 vote to terminate our fully funded state grant for public safety cameras, I published a piece utilizing a classic literary device known as a ‘Modest Proposal.’ It was a satirical mirror meant to highlight a glaring contradiction: the idea that we can demand absolute privacy on public roads while carrying GPS trackers in our pockets and pointing security cameras at our neighbors’ sidewalks.

“Predictably, the vocal minority and several national media outlets completely missed the satire. Instead, it triggered a wave of unhinged, anonymous cyber-bullying, vulgar insults and outright fabrications sent to my inbox. Local political cartoonists have even labeled my stance as ‘political suicide.’ This may be true for politicians that solely vote to get re-elected, but my core beliefs and how I vote on municipal issues are based on the long-term well-being of this community, not on whether I think I will get re-elected. I did not run for City Council to protect a title; I ran to protect Bandera.

“Let’s map out the cold, hard facts:

• Regarding the ‘Bribe’ Conspiracies: I have never received a single dollar, kickback or incentive from Flock Safety or any other technology vendor. To those hiding behind anonymous Proton Mail accounts sending me vulgar threats: your conspiracies are a fiction born out of an inability to debate real policy.

• The Fiscal Reality: The opposition campaigned on ‘fiscal responsibility.’ Here is the truth: the Flock system was 100% funded by a state grant. By canceling the contract, this council didn’t save you money, they threw away free state funds and spent $15,000 of local property tax dollars out-of-pocket to break the lease.

• The Public Safety and Constitutional Reality: This isn’t a theoretical debate, and it is entirely constitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court has long established there is no expectation of privacy for a vehicle traveling on a public road, a precedent federal and state courts repeatedly use to uphold fixed-location plate readers. Just days ago in Travis County, active shooters in a stolen vehicle terrorized neighborhoods. Austin couldn’t track them because their council previously caved to the same surveillance rhetoric now being heard in Bandera. The suspects were only caught after crossing into Manor, which uses this technology. “We live in a town that proudly aligns itself with core Texas values, frequently telling those with left-leaning ideas to move back to California. Yet when it comes to keeping our community safe, the vocal opposition is actively choosing to copy progressive Austin’s exact security failures.

“I fully support the lawand- order vision championed by President Trump and Governor Abbott — a vision built on robust policies designed to secure our communities and stop the fallout from failed liberal agendas.

“Turning our backs on state funding to keep our Town Marshal blind doesn’t protect the Constitution; it protects out-of-town criminals, human traffickers and abductors who use stolen vehicles to target our communities.

“As we enter Memorial Day weekend and honor the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for our freedom, let’s remember that true security requires active vigilance. It’s time for Bandera to look at the real numbers, look at the real threats and decide whether we actually stand for the law-and-order principles we vote for, or if we just like the slogan.

— Jeff Flowers, Bandera City Councilman” The Bulletin also has a pending public information request with the City of Bandera seeking all Flock-related emails from January through May 2026.

Many scenes of that long ago time remain fresh in my mind today.

My Granddaddy Kindla's house was situated just about in the center of that block and I spent a good bit of my childhood there.

There were some older boys around like the Tucker and Jenschke brothers as well as Pat Boyle. Little Pat and James McGroarty were the ones my brother Eddie and I used to play with in the alley behind McGroarty's Store.

A million things have changed about that area adding sadness to some of my memories.

The passing of someone connected to that part of my young life always leaves a hidden scar. The latest loss suffered was my lifelong friend James McGroarty.

James was a world traveler who had returned to the place of his childhood adventures and built a business venue unlike anything else the neighborhood had ever experienced. He had a vision and he worked hard to make it come true.

Bandera is a better place because of his determination.

I kinda lost track of James during the years after our Bandera school days other than when he would breeze into town on a break from his worldly business ventures.

On those rare occasions it was always a rowdy welcome home or see you later type of encounter.

Here later in our lives we were able to return to a more regular version of our earlier friendship.

He was generous in his efforts to accommodate the many nonprofit benefit requests pertaining to the 11th Street Cowboy Bar. He did so for me personally on two occasions, and I am forever grateful.

They were both very successful adding funds for a much needed community project.

I hold fond memories of all my friends from back in the days of growing up in Bandera. A few are sad and some even tragic but I know his memory will always be special.

That smiling red face never changed from his time of being a kid running around the neighborhood in a diaper to the man who built a business where it all began for him.

RIP my friend!

Can you imagine the Bandera Marshals (how many are there, 5?) having to try to confiscate phones from everyone in town?

I can hear folks yelling 'Come and take it!', or 'They can have my phone when they peel it out of my cold, dead fingers!.

The point so studiously avoided by his ridiculous proposals is that the Flock cameras were going to be placed by the GOVERNMENT. Perhaps THAT had something to do with the opposition they generated.

And the story about a car load of gang-bangers showing up in a stolen car in his driveway to burglarize his house makes me wonder why they came to his house.

'Inquiring minds want to know.' Never a dull moment around here, keep us laughing.

James MacMillan Bandera County

That was former Vice President Kamala Harris, potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028 — if so, she’d be the Democratic frontrunner say the latest average of polls compiled by RealClearPolling.com — basically saying the quiet part out loud on the Win With Black Women podcast on May 13 with host LaTosha Brown.

That is, Democrats have every intention of packing the Supreme Court, the House with five more seats (about one for D.C. and four for Puerto Rico), the Senate with four more seats (two for each new state) and bring the Supreme Court to as many as 13 or 21 justices.

In 2024, with D.C. and Puerto Rico as states, even through President Donald Trump would have still won the Electoral College, Republicans would have narrowly lost the House and Senate. The popular vote for the presidency would have been much closer.

And to do that, Harris would abolish the Senate filibuster, as she told Wisconsin Public Radio host Kate Archer Kent in September 2024: “I've been very clear, I think we should eliminate the filibuster for Roe, and get us to the point where 51 votes would be what we need to actually put back in law the protections for reproductive freedom and for the ability of every person and every woman to make decisions about their own body and not have their government tell them what to do.”

It’s as plain as day that this is what Democrats will do the moment they are back in power, as it is the position of the presumptive Democratic frontrunner for 2028. This is no hypothetical. Republicans do not even need to speculate about what might happen not if, but when they eventually lose power.

No party rules forever. The GOP can’t and won’t win every election — and President Donald Trump is term-limited and can no longer run. The proposal Harris is outlining is practically inevitable to occur.

In fact, since Franklin Roosevelt, every time Democrats win the White House, they also win the House and Senate — a trifecta of power.

Roosevelt had it, Harry Truman had it, John Kennedy had it, Lyndon Johnson had it, Jimmy Carter had it, Bill Clinton had it, Barack Obama had it and Joe Biden all had it. And often times with supermajorities to run the table on legislation.

That is why it was not until 2022 that Democrats, with a meager 50 to 50 plus the Vice President Senate majority, finally tried and failed to abolish the filibuster to pass their H.R. 5746 election takeover bill.

But looking at Congressional Republicans, particularly Senate Republicans, the answer appears they have no intention of doing anything about it.

There are no plans overturn the Senate parliamentarian and abolish the filibuster, do any talking filibusters or even to ensure every bit of legislation they need is put into the upcoming budget reconciliation bill — whether it is Iran war funding, White House ballroom funding, the Save America Act to require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote and voter ID to vote.

Instead, Republicans appear content to sit back and wait for Democrats to act first — and then be dominated by Democratic one-party rule for a generation.

One leader not content with this outcome is President Trump, who recently called for Senate Republicans to in the very least replace the Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, writing on Truth Social on May 20, naming Democrats as “Dumocrats”: “Shockingly, Republicans have kept the very important position of ‘Parliamentarian’ in the hands of a woman, Elizabeth MacDonough, who was appointed, long ago, by Barack Hussein Obama and a vicious Lunatic known as Senator Harry Reid, who ran the Senate for the Dumocrats with an ‘iron fist.’

Over the years, she has been brutal to Republicans, but not so to the Dumocrats — So why has she not been replaced? There are many fair people who would be qualified for that vital job. The Republicans play a very soft game compared to the Dumocrats.

It is their single biggest disadvantage in politics. The Dumocrats cheat, lie, and steal, especially when it comes to Votes in Elections, but stick together, whereas the Republicans allow the Elizabeth MacDonoughs of the World to stay in power, and brutalize us. We need THE SAVE AMERICA ACT passed, and NOW — And, likewise, kill the Filibuster, which would give us everything!”

Trump warned Democrats were waiting to do the same thing: “If we don’t pass at least one of these two provisions quickly, you will never see another Republican President again.

The Dumocrats will end up with 2 additional States, D.C. and Puerto Rico, and all that entails, including 4 Senators, many Congressmen, and many additional Electoral Votes, and they will also get their dream of a packed United States Supreme Court with their most favorite number — 21 Justices.

The Dumocrats will eliminate the Filibuster on the First Day that they get an opportunity to do so. The Republicans aren’t doing it because they say the Dumocrats will never do it, but the Republicans are WRONG. Get smart and tough Republicans, or you’ll all be looking for a job much sooner than you thought possible!”

President Trump is right. Here, again, Republicans don’t need to speculate. Just listen to what Kamala Harris said. When Democrats get back in power, they are going to run the table, pack the House, Senate and Supreme Court, open the borders, and make country-changing reforms to the electoral system — permanently. The question is what, if anything, Senate Republicans intend to do about it.

Robert Romano is the Executive Director of Americans for Limited Government.

Guest Column

When Donald Trump recently said “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation”, he certainly provided the Democrats with a potent campaign message. Although our multi-billionaire President may have thought he was posturing as a tough guy for the ears of Iranian leaders, he was also demonstrating a complete disconnect from the reality he is creating for this country.

The campaign promise to address and improve pocketbook issues for everyday Americans made up a large part of Trump’s appeal for many voters. At this point, it is safe to say that he has backed away from any semblance of trying to adhere to his promise. We know that regardless of how the stock market may be doing; on a day to day basis of living in the USA, paying more for gas and food plus housing does not help everyday Americans.

This disconnect (and lack of caring) should not be surprising when you consider who makes up our current cadre of leaders. An estimate of the wealth of just 12 members of the administration plus DOGE leaders came to $290 billion as of last December. When Forbes magazine looked at just the cabinet members last August, their total wealth was at $7.5 billion. The Forbes total did not include the President whose estimated wealth has increased an estimated $1.4 to $4 billion just in his second term. Gas, food, and housing costs are chump change for the super rich.

So if the economic well being for everyday Americans is off the table for making America “great,” what is on the table. We have heard a lot from the President about a fabulous ball room, his bathroom remodel, gold “enhancements” to the White House, a proposed giant“Arc de Triomphe”, his gold statue in Florida, painting the reflecting pool, his renaming of the Kennedy center, even his choice of curtains. At the same time, the President’s recently stated goal of blocking Iran from a nuclear weapon is supposed to be the sacrifice of everyday Americans and certainly not at the expense of his vanity projects.

However, Trump’s increase in personal wealth during his term plus vanity projects are not all that is happening in terms of the “greatness” being experienced within the world.

Thanks to the Iran war/excursion, Russia has been handed a lifeline to its cash cow of selling oil. Russia’s monthly oil export revenue has gone from $9.7 billion before the war to $19.7 billion in April of this year. The tax revenue boost the Russian government receives has increased by 70% which greatly helps their domestic budget - sorely needed in light of their own war debacle.

Trump’s Iranian adventure adds to the view in Europe that they cannot rely on the USA as a NATO ally. On top of the Trump tariff roller coaster, threats to seize Greenland, plus disparaging remarks about NATO; the launching of the Iran war without consultation or warning to European allies (followed by admonishing Europe for not jumping in to help when the war has gone badly) may be the last straw. This chill of relations between the US and Europe has set Europe into a go it alone path that could lead to shifting alliances to ensure their safety.

Having allies has enabled the US to have an oversized role in the world. It has arguably been key to our economic strength. But. when you add the chilled relationship with Canada plus the Asian countries now suffering the most from the Iran war misadventure to the mix with Europe, we see a potential shift away from alliances with the US. Turning friends to at best a strained relationship does not lead to the trust that has previously given the US an upper hand in our capabilities to pursue an agenda that empowers this country.

However, the country that will benefit the most from Trump’s ‘go it alone/I don’t give a damn’ approach is China. Everyone knows that Trump loves pageantry and the appearance of being fawned over. Despite a pageant filled welcome, his recent trip to China where he praised the leadership of Xi Jinping notably did not receive a similar type of compliment toward him from Xi. Although a subtle nuance, this is viewed as a show of increasing strength by Xi.

The business-like attitude shown by China during the recent summit comes along as trade deflection is occurring. The US tariff regimen along with the sourness associated with the US Iran debacle is leading the trade relations between China, Europe and Canada to adjust.

We have already seen Canada and China move toward greater trade cooperation. For example, China’s auto producers who are banned from the US market have started providing autos to Canada. In 2025, China’s total trade with Europe ($828 billion) exceeds China’s trade with the US ($559.7 billion). This trade deflection will not help everyday Americans particularly when our President acts whimsically and carelessly causing even more estrangement with trading partners.

What is perhaps most telling in regards to greatness is how a nation understands and acts regarding the future. Trump’s desire to make the US the world’s leading petro-state Is extremely wrong headed (“Drill Baby Drill”). This approach increases the US dependence on a non-renewable polluting resource and fosters an economy readily

SEE premier source for wind, solar, advanced batteries, and electric vehicles. After decades of propaganda and political pressure by fossil fuel companies to disparage renewables, the US has fallen behind. It will not help the US economy to ignore a sector in the global economy that has surpassed $1.5 trillion and is forecast to reach $2 trillion by 2029.

Trump’s “let them eat cake” attitude toward US citizens is exposing that the “greatness” trumpeted by Trump has more to do with Trump’s vanity and legacy. If this means that overall US leadership and greatness in the world is diminished and its citizens standard of living falls, he could care less as long as he can make some more bucks at the same time.

W Laurence Doxsey, Retired, Former Director of Office of Sustainability for City of San Antonio, former Environmental Officer for US Department of Housing and Urban Development, former Sustainability Officer for City of Austin, resides outside Medina.

Data from the American Clean Power Association indicates the state has 54 wind projects stalled as part of a nationwide delay affecting 165 onshore wind projects.

President Donald Trump has long opposed wind power.

Energy experts such as Environment Texas Executive Director Luke Metzger say the administration is using the regulations, such as ensuring a wind project would not affect military airspace, as an attack on renewable power.

“It’s hard to see this as anything other than an effort to slow or stop wind power regardless of the consequences for consumers, the environment and grid reliability,” Metzger said.

In a statement, a Defense Department official said the military is still evaluating the projects.

The department’s evaluation of wind turbines “is inherently complex and time-consuming because it involves balancing two critical, and sometimes competing, interests: developing energy sources while ensuring military operations and readiness are not degraded or impaired to the extent an unacceptable risk to national security is created,” the official said.

R&D plays vital role in state’s economy

Texas is one of the top five states contributing to research and development, according to a recent report from the State Comptroller’s Office.

The federal Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates R&D’s contribution to gross domestic product “after accounting for the resources used to produce goods and services, employment and compensation from 2012 to 2023.”

The R&D value added by Texas businesses reached $29.2 billion in 2023, a 131% increase from 2012. Further, R&D in the state supplied nearly 195,000 jobs and $30.1 billion in wages, salaries and benefits in 2023.

Texas has 15 Tier 1 colleges and universities, the most in any state. In 2024, more than 11,800 patents were issued in Texas, the second highest in the country, after California.

“When investments are made in research, the returns multiply — strengthening our competitiveness, securing our future and improving the lives of all Texans,” said Fernanda Leite, interim vice president for research at the University of Texas at Austin.

First case in 2026 of West Nile virus reported The year’s first case of West Nile virus has been reported in a Harris County resident, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported. The virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, though 80% of people infected with West Nile never experience symptoms.

“West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses are a fact of life in Texas in the warmer months, and all Texans should take precautions against mosquito bites to stay safe and healthy,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford.

She advised removing standing water from homes and yards, such as in buckets, old tires and other items.

The symptoms experienced by the unlucky 20% include fever, headache, nausea, muscle and joint aches, and fatigue. Though rare, West Nile virus can be fatal.

In the past five years, there have been 976 cases of West Nile in Texas, according to DSHS, with 106 deaths during that period.

Franklin Mountains State Park grows by 1,000 acres Franklin Mountains State Park, 15 minutes from El Paso, is now 1,054 acres larger to the east as the result of a new land acquisition, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reported.

“I am excited about this acquisition,” said Superintendent Cesar Mendez, “which extends the buffer zone all the way to Martin Luther King Boulevard, adding some lower elevation and flatter land to Franklin Mountains State Park and securing access points (trailheads).”

With 28,000 acres — or 43 square miles — the park is one of the largest urban wilderness parks in the world. It has more than 120 miles of trail and is a popular site with birders.

The acquisition helps safeguard the main mountain area of desert bighorn sheep habitat.

Federal aid for Panhandle wildfire victims The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a request for grant funds to assist victims of the Hungate Fire in Randall County, which has merged with the Chocolate Chip Fire, burning an estimated 14,000 acres and threatening more than 1,245 homes. Aid has also been granted for the Stinky Fire in Potter County, which has burned more than 2,500 acres and prompted evacuation of more than 500 acres.

“Texas has secured federal resources to further guard against wildfire threats in the Panhandle,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “With this grant approval, Texas has additional tools to help Texans remain safe from wildfire danger.”

The approval of a Fire Management Assistance Grant makes the state eligible for 75% reimbursement from the federal government for eligible costs associated with wildfire suppression. These grants are available to states, counties and cities to support the mitigation, management and control of fires that threaten to become major disasters.

Broker imposter scams being reported Several attempted broker- imposter scams over the past few months have prompted the Texas Department of Banking to warn that such ruses could pose a significant threat to financial institutions and consumers.

According to a TDB news release, “consumers are targeted after conducting searches for high-rate investment opportunities. Individuals contacted by the fraudsters are often not existing bank customers and are located across the United States.”

Some red flags to look for are cold calls, an incorrect or bogus email address, low-risk/high-reward offers and unusual funding procedures.

Anyone who is targeted by a broker imposter is encouraged to contact the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority at finra.org.

Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@texaspress.com

Bandera County Commissioners met on Friday, May 15, at the Lakehills Community Center to discuss the open position of Precinct 2 Commissioner.

Temporarily filling the position for the late Greg Grothues is Robert “Bobby” Harris, who offered insights into the two-year role.

“Part of the duties are setting the budget for Precinct 2, which covers road and bridge maintenance, county facilities, the annex, county park, and waste disposal,” he said.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Jack Mosely joined Harris in discussing finances, including the salary for the position.

“I might scare off potential candidates here,” Mosely said. “When I first started, [my salary] was $24,000 a year. We’re up to $30,000.”

Mosely went on to emphasize the importance of meeting with constituents.

“I always take my lunch to be with constituents,” he said. “I go to restaurants to eat breakfast and lunch, which I never did before.”

Several limitations and responsibilities for the position were also addressed: An individual commissioner does not have the authority to act alone; the county authority does not extend to the incorporated city of Bandera; a county commissioner has the right to determine with contracts to pursue and set the tax rate; the county commissioner has control of water sewer and floodplain, but has turned over water district management to a specialized water district; and the position does not offer the ability to handle civil disputes.

“Otherwise, I wouldn’t have a solar farm in my precinct,” Mosely said.

Mosely also acknowledged a hot issue in Precinct 2 – paved roads.

“There are over 200 miles of road in my own precinct [3], with 83 of them still being dirt,” Mosely said. The commissioners cited Texas Department of Transportation as a “headache”, causing delays in road repairs in addition to limited funds.

The meeting also informed residents that Bandera County GOP would be responsible for the application vetting process. After an inquiry from a resident regarding a potential question-and-answer panel with the candidates, incoming party chair John Irving stated he would look into it.

“We want to make sure you have a say in who represents your area,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Troy Konvicka.

A timeline for residents was also established: July 4 to August 12 will be the vetting process. On August 24, the name of the selected candidate will given to Bandera County Tax Assessor Andrea Jankoski. Election voting will be held in November.

Harris offered final words of advice to potential candidates.

“You got to learn to count to three,” Harris said. “And don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

• Wagon Rides, Campfires and S’mores, 6:30 p.m., Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Enjoy familyfriendly wagon rides, campfires, s’mores and putt-putt golf in the Hill Country.

• Wednesdays Pickers Circle with David Wayne, 7 p.m., Red Horse Saloon, 830-510 3650. Bring an instrument or stop by to enjoy live music and an open jam session.

THURSDAY, MAY 28

• Wagon Rides, Campfires and S’mores, 6:30 p.m., Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Evening outdoor fun with family activities and campfire treats.

FRIDAY, MAY 29

• Riding on Faith Rodeo, Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena. The summer rodeo series opens with weekly rodeo events and classic Texas competition.

• Catfish Fry-Day, 4 p.m., Al’s Hideaway Cabin & RV, 830-510-3331. Enjoy catfish and community during this recurring dinner event while supplies last.

• Copy My Canvas Painting Party, 6 p.m., Bandera Kronkosky Public Library. Paint along with guided instruction and create your own artwork in a relaxed setting.

• Rodney Joe Smith Live, 6:30–9:30 p.m., Wild West Bar & Grill at Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7746. Live music performance in the Hill Country.

• Wagon Rides, Campfires and S’mores, 6:30 p.m., Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Family activities continue with wagon rides and outdoor fun.

SATURDAY, MAY 30

• Spring Bazaar and Community Garage Sale, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Lakehills Area Library, 830-510-2777. Browse local vendors, garage sale finds and support community activities.

• Cowboys on Main, 10 a.m. and noon, Western Trail Heritage Park. Weekly cowboy demonstrations and Old West experiences in downtown Bandera.

• Bandera Gunfighters, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Rattlesnake Ridge. Live Western reenactments and familyfriendly shootout performances.

• SpringFest Supporting

Lakeshore VFD, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Lakeshore Volunteer Fire Department, 830-796 7404. Community event featuring food, activities and support for local firefighters.

• Heartbeat of Texas, 5 p.m., Four Sisters Ranch, 830-426 1602. Evening of music, food and fundraising benefiting land preservation efforts.

• Wagon Rides, Campfires and S’mores, 6:30 p.m., Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Family evening activities and campfire fun.

SUNDAY, MAY 31

• Sunday Horseback Ride and Chuckwagon Breakfast, 9–11 a.m., Major Hope Corral, 830-328-2203. Guided horseback ride followed by a cowboy breakfast; reservations required.

• Sip, Savor and Discover Wine & Chocolate Experience, 1–5 p.m., Monte Alteza Tapas & Wine Garden, 210-889-1000. Curated wine and artisan chocolate pairings featuring flavors from around the world.

MONDAY, JUNE 1

• Read Between The Wines, 6 p.m., Paniolo Winery. Bring a favorite book and enjoy a casual evening of reading and conversation.

TUESDAY, JUNE 2 • Dinosaur George at Medina Community Library, 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m., Medina Community Library, 830-589-2825. Interactive exhibits and hands-on learning focused on dinosaurs and natural history.

• Wagon Rides, Campfires and S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Family-friendly outdoor activities continue into June.

Join renowned educator and self-taught paleontologist George Blasing as he brings his prehistoric traveling museum to town, transforming the Rodney Camp into an interactive dinosaur exhibit for all ages.

The free exhibit, sponsored by Kathy Camp and David Lackey, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 2.

Visitors can journey back in time and explore the world of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures that once roamed the Earth.

Known as “Dinosaur George,” Blasing travels across Texas educating children and families through interactive exhibits presented at schools, libraries and museums.

His collection features a wide variety of prehistoric life, including fossilized mammals, dinosaurs and ancient fish.

Bring the whole family for a day of discovery, learning and prehistoric adventure.

The plan comes as Texas continues to lead the nation in population growth and job creation.

LCRA, which manages the lower Colorado River and the six Highland Lakes, provides wholesale electricity to Central Texas cooperatives and small towns and operates one of the state’s largest transmission networks.

According to the authority, the $1.8 billion capital program will be funded primarily through LCRA revenues and debt, continuing a funding model used since its creation in 1934 that does not rely on state appropriations.

The business plan projects significant growth in electricity demand across the Electric Reliability Council of Texas region through 2031, with water needs expected to increase as well.

Power

LCRA officials said the new Timmerman Power Plant in Caldwell County is helping meet increasing demand for reliable, dispatchable power. The plant’s first unit began operating in 2025, and a second unit came online last month.

LCRA Transmission Services Corporation also plans to invest about $8.6 billion in transmission infrastructure over the next five years to improve reliability and resilience of the electric grid.

Water

LCRA expanded regional water supplies last year with the addition of Arbuckle Reservoir in Wharton County and is studying the possibility of another reservoir in the lower basin.

Its water division plans to invest $153 million over the next five years in water supply development projects and additional funding for dam rehabilitation efforts intended to maintain safe operations.

Broadband

LCRA also plans to continue expanding telecommunications infrastructure through upgrades to its fiber network and radio system.

Among the projects underway is a partnership with the Kerrville Public Utility Board to develop telecommunications infrastructure supporting a flood warning system in Kerr County.

Officials said the FY 2027 business and capital plan is intended to address long-term population growth through expanded power generation, water resources and connectivity.

The Bandera County Commissioners Court will gather at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the county courthouse to consider a slate of agenda items including a subdivision replat request, transportation funding agreements, budget matters and county operations updates.

Among the action items scheduled for consideration is a request to replat Lots 473 and 474 in Bridlegate Subdivision Unit 3 into a single lot in Precinct 4, along with consideration of the final plat.

Commissioners also are scheduled to receive an annual report from the Texas Department of State Health Services Community Health program and consider a resolution related to an amended Advance Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the English Crossing at Medina River project under the off-system bridge program.

Additional agenda items include renewal of property and mobile equipment insurance through the Texas Association of Counties and consideration of an application to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for unclaimed capital credits received from electric cooperatives.

The court also will consider accepting a donation of sand from Riding on Faith Rodeo and Bandera ProRodeo for use at Mansfield Park arena, valued at $3,800.

Budget line item transfers and budget amendments are also on the agenda. Commissioners are expected to review several routine consent agenda items, including departmental reports, payroll, county receipts, minutes and deputations.

DALLAS — Gov. Greg Abbott declared Texas the “financial capital of America” during remarks Thursday at the Texas Bankers Association’s 141st Annual Convention, pointing to continued economic growth, business recruitment and the state’s expanding financial sector.

Speaking during a fireside chat at the convention, Abbott credited banks and financial institutions with helping fuel Texas’ economy and supporting access to capital for businesses and entrepreneurs.

“Growth cannot be accomplished without capital and access to capital,” Abbott said, adding that Texas’ banking industry has played a key role in the state’s economic development.

Abbott highlighted several measures he said demonstrate Texas’ economic strength, including the state’s repeated recognition as a top destination for business and economic development, along with continued job growth.

The governor also said Texas increasingly is attracting financial companies looking to establish headquarters, relocate operations or expand in the state.

Texas Bankers Association President and CEO Chris Furlow said the state’s banking sector benefits from a mix of global institutions alongside community and midsize banks.

“Our banking sector’s strength and depth is a true differentiator,” Furlow said.

Abbott also emphasized workforce development as a key part of sustaining Texas’ economic momentum, saying training and education initiatives are intended to prepare Texans for high-demand jobs and attract additional investment.

The discussion was moderated by Furlow and concluded with Abbott thanking banking institutions for supporting entrepreneurs and business growth across Texas.

According to organizers, guests may tour the gardens of Rodney Myers and Carol Chambers in Pipe Creek from 9 a.m. to noon before returning to the library garden at the Lakehills Area Library, 7200 FM 1283 in Lakehills, for refreshments, plant sales and raffle drawings beginning at 12:15 p.m.

Organizers said raffle prizes will include a small greenhouse, stained glass artwork, whimsical garden art, gardening books and seed starter trays with grow lights.

The raffle drawing is scheduled for 1:45 p.m., and winners do not need to be present to win.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased in advance at the Lakehills Area Library, at either featured garden location or at the gardens on the day of the event.

Organizers said visitors may contact LLGCexecutivecommittee@ gmail. com to obtain garden addresses and additional event information.

Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20, according to organizers.

Roy announced the awards Monday, May 18, as part of the program’s seventh year honoring high school seniors across Texas’ 21st Congressional District for character, leadership, academic achievement and community involvement.

“I am proud of all that the incredible young men and women of Texas’ 21st Congressional District have achieved,” Roy said in a statement. “Texans have reason to be optimistic about our great state’s destiny with them as our future leaders.”

Freeman and Cook were among 36 students selected from schools throughout the district.

Although reasonable care is taken, clerical errors may exist.

In the section where those individuals who are arrested and booked are listed, law enforcement entities are denoted by the following abbreviations: SO – Sheriff’s Office; BTM – Bandera Town Marshal; DPS – Texas Department of Public Safety; PCT – Precinct/Constable; TPW – Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Steven Ray Small, 50, of Bandera was arrested on May 11 on a local warrant.

Craig Fielding Mallia, 30, of Pipe Creek was arrested on May 11 on multiple local warrants.

Abigail Lynn Reeves, 32, of Lakehills was arrested on May 11 on multiple local warrants.

Amanda Matilda Hoffman, 42, of Bandera was arrested on May 15 on a local warrant.

Mary Nicole Eastridge, 44, of Bandera was arrested on May 16 for possession of a controlled substance (PG 1/1-B >= 1G < 4G).

According to organizers, the event will include Lego exhibits, patriotic crafts, a popcorn fundraiser and an “Authors in the Library” meet-and-greet with several area writers.

Scheduled participants include Dan Holub, Cynthia Massey, Joanna Holden, Joel Maldonado, Angie Cole and Mollie Engelhart.

Organizers said visitors will also have an opportunity to meet local chess players for informal practice games and register for the library’s Summer Reading Program.

Community members interested in displaying Lego creations during the event may reserve free table space by contacting the library at 830-589-2825.

County officials previously declared portions of 46 inadequate because of repeated serious and fatal accidents, many involving head-on collisions.

The corridor under discussion stretches roughly 11 miles between Highway 16 in Bandera County and Interstate 10 near Boerne in Kendall County.

According to information presented during the meeting, TxDOT is pursuing both short-term and longterm safety projects aimed at reducing crashes and improving traffic flow along the heavily traveled route.

Officials said near-term improvements are planned at several intersections and along at least one curve identified as high-risk locations.

Proposed upgrades include widened roadways, additional turn lanes, pavement markings, rumble strips, friction treatments, warning signs and visibility improvements.

TxDOT representatives told commissioners that approximately $2 million has already been invested in immediate safety measures along the corridor.

Officials also said the agency has secured about $7 million through the Highway Safety Improvement Program for additional intersection projects in Bandera and Kendall counties.

According to TxDOT data presented at the meeting, 244 crashes were reported along the section of Texas 46 between 2021 and 2025, including six fatal crashes.

Transportation officials said common contributing factors identified in crash investigations included unsafe speed, failure to control speed and driver inattention.

County officials raised concerns about the pace of the planned improvements and the overall safety of the roadway, citing increased traffic volumes, narrow shoulders, sharp curves and limited visibility in some areas.

Officials also discussed the need for broader longterm planning rather than isolated improvements at specific locations.

TxDOT said a feasibility study is underway to evaluate larger-scale future improvements to 46.

Options under review include widening portions of the highway into a four-lane divided roadway, adding wider shoulders and medians, creating additional passing areas and realigning curves.

Transportation officials said those larger projects would require additional funding and possible rightof- way acquisition before construction could begin.

TxDOT officials said they exepct to present similar roadway improvement plans to Kendall County commissioners later this month.