I know from personal experience that many Texas veterans struggle to obtain disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Most VA personnel genuinely want to help veterans. But the sheer scale and complexity of the system can make clear guidance difficult to obtain.

Even in a major metropolitan area like Dallas-Fort Worth, veterans can struggle to find providers for medical treatment and disability claim examinations. Limited availability can mean long waits or onerous journeys for appointments. I’ve also heard troubling accounts of providers submitting inaccurate and, in some cases, allegedly fabricated information that can directly influence VA benefit determinations.

I’ve spoken with veterans who have waited years for decisions, only to have claims denied and find themselves paying out of pocket for medical treatment while fighting for the benefits they believe they are owed.

Some ultimately feel they have little choice but to hire private attorneys just to navigate the process.

Others give up because the maze of the VA benefits system is simply overwhelming. Many live in rural communities, where the nearest VA clinic is an hour’s drive. Others don’t know what benefits they’re entitled to. The more I discuss these issues with my fellow Texas veterans, the more I realize these experiences are the norm, not the exception, for veterans living in America today.

In short, the status quo leaves veterans to suffer from two huge shortfalls — one in the quality of assistance available to them, and the other in the number of people allowed to help.

Some believe that the solution is reforming the VA, which could help with quality. Others think expanding Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) or providing them with more funding or experienced staff is the answer, which could help with numbers. Those ideas are worthwhile, but it will take time and extraordinary effort to get them off the ground. Another option can address both shortfalls by leveraging resources standing at the ready right now: allowing private services to guide veterans through our complex VA claims-filing and benefits process.

If outside professionals can responsibly assist veterans with the complicated process of filing paperwork or accessing benefits, that means more veterans can receive the benefits they’ve rightfully earned. There are currently more than 70,000 veterans in the VA backlog, and about 40 percent of the VA claims our veterans submit are not initially approved.

In addition to asking who should help veterans, a better question is this: Why do we refuse to qualify the parties who are willing and able to help? If more organizations and professionals can assist veterans in navigating the system, if they can complement—not replace—the existing support network and reduce the current backlog, why would anyone stand in their way?

The answer, I’m afraid, is obvious: The current system is designed to benefit traditional VSOs and maintain the status quo.

When I served in the Air Force, success wasn’t measured by who completed the mission—it was measured by whether our mission was accomplished. We should treat veterans’ benefits the same way. The mission should always be helping veterans, not protecting outdated institutions or the status quo. Our veterans deserve a benefits system that makes good on its promises, and we give them one by welcoming every partner who is willing and able to help.

Will Thomson is an Air Force veteran, pilot, husband, father of two, and financial advisor who lives outside Dallas. After serving his country, he dedicated his career to helping families prepare for their financial futures and believes veterans deserve the same level of personalized guidance when accessing the benefits they’ve earned.

Sittenauer spoke about the campaign, comparing the governor’s race in Texas to a national presidential campaign. He described the campaign’s organizational structure and his role as regional organizing director for San Antonio and Corpus Christi.

He said, “Texas is not a Republican state, it is a non-voting state.” He also emphasized that the Hinojosa campaign is focused on rural counties.

Sittenauer said he is confident Hinojosa is running a strong campaign and will carry South Texas. He said she is within one point of incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott.

Independent candidate Leah Peterson, who is running for justice of the peace in Precinct 3, also spoke briefly to the group. She discussed her qualifications and said she would focus on fairness in office.

The club approved the minutes from its July meeting and the treasurer’s report. David Black, the new Democratic county chair, gave his report and emphasized the need to get people in Bandera County out to vote. He also encouraged the group to register more voters.

Former County Chair Lynn Oliver and Club Chair Anna Montague reported on their experience at the Back to School Bash. They said they handed out 40 voter registration forms to parents.

The group discussed ways to get information to voters. Members unanimously agreed that houseto- house canvassing was impractical for Bandera. Black said precinct chairs should have business cards available to give to contacts. Members also discussed the use of QR codes.

Anne Samuels gave a membership report. Robert Romano provided information about the next scheduled public protest. The protest is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, on the Bandera Courthouse lawn. The theme is “What has he done? We need a change.” The event is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m.

Patti Pyle reminded members that the next highway cleanup is scheduled for Sept. 20, depending on the weather. Volunteers will clean up Highway 16 from Country Accent Antiques to the Highway 1283 intersection. The group will have lunch at Mendoza’s following the cleanup. Pyle asked volunteers to wear hats and long pants.

Publicity Committee Chair Jodi Sinclair spoke about her upcoming article in the Bandera Bulletin.

Under unfinished business, the group briefly discussed not meeting during the summer months. Members also discussed attending James Talarico’s upcoming speaking engagement in Kerrville on Monday, Aug. 31, from 7 to 9 p.m. Attendees must sign up to attend the event, and Romano can assist with registration.

Under new business, the club voted to donate to Hinojosa’s campaign. Members also discussed increasing the club’s visibility through a fundraiser. A committee will look into the possibility and report back in September.

Member Tom Denyer spoke at length about ways the club could encourage people to vote. He said many Democrats stayed home because of confusion surrounding Kamala Harris’ late entry into the race. He noted that postcards are available to send to friends and neighbors encouraging them to vote and said 1,000 people voted Democratic in the last election.

For more information, contact the Democratic Club at P.O. Box 1741, Bandera, Texas 78003.

According to the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office arrest record, Eaton was arrested on the 200 block of FM 2107 at 11:59 p.m. Aug. 17 on a warrant.

The listed charge is “Fail to Comply Sex Off Duty to Reg Life/Annual,” referring to a failure to comply with a sex offender duty to register for life on an annual basis.

Eaton is listed on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Sex Offender Registry. His registration is lifetime, with quarterly verification required.

DPS' registry lists two offenses from California, both with disposition dates of June 22, 1988. One is listed as oral copulation involving a victim under 14, under California Penal Code 288a(c), with the victim identified as 13.

The second offense is listed as unlawful sex with a minor under California Penal Code 261.5, involving a 14-year-old victim. The judgment is listed as incarceration.

Both involved jail time. An arrest is an allegation and does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Five candidates have filed for the three city offices on the ballot.

Incumbent Mayor Denise Griffin is seeking a second term and will face challengers Cindy Coffey and Timothy Galarnyk.

Griffin was first elected mayor in 2024 and is seeking another term leading the city.

Coffey previously served with the city and has run unsuccessfully for City Council in 2023 and 2025.

Galarnyk, an independent forensic investigator, also has filed to run for mayor.

The two City Council candidates, husband and wife Allen Jehle and Dr. Randi Mellon, are running unopposed for the seats being vacated by Lynn Hogan Palmer and Jeff Flowers.

Jehle is a senior cybersecurity developer whose professional background includes software development, cybersecurity and technology infrastructure.

Mellon is a local dentist who owns and operates Tooth Scootin' Boogie.

Voters will select Bandera’s mayor and City Council representatives in the Nov. 3 election.

Residents can register to vote, verify their registration status and obtain additional election information through the Texas Secretary of State’s voter portal at goelect.txelections. civixapps.com/ ivis-mvp-ui/#/login.

Early voting will be conducted at the Bandera County Annex, Lakehills Area Library and Medina Annex from Oct. 19 through Oct. 30.

Early voting hours will be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19-23 and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 26-30. Weekend early voting will be available only at the Bandera County Annex on Oct. 24 and 25.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Election Day polling locations are: Precinct 101

Bandera High School Band Hall, 474 Old San Antonio Hwy., Bandera

Precinct 102

Pipe Creek VFD, 1331 FM 1283, Pipe Creek

Precinct 203

Lakehills Library, 7200 FM 1283, Lakehills

Precinct 204

Lakehills Civic Center, 11225 Park Road 37, Lakehills

Precinct 305

Bandera County Annex, 1212 Hackberry St.,

Bandera

Precinct 306

Medina Annex, 161 E. Parker St., Medina

Precinct 407

Bandera ISD Transportation Bus Barn, 1576 Hwy. 173 S., Bandera

Precinct 408

Tarpley Community Center, 232 Valentine Lane, Tarpley

Precinct 409

Lakeshore Volunteer Fire Department, 9019 Wharton Dock Road, Bandera

Precinct 410

Vanderpool Volunteer Fire Department, 32647 FM 187, Vanderpool

From July 13 through Aug. 19, the food bank hosted 28 events across 11 counties, distributing more than 388,667 pounds of food and water to more than 3,863 households, according to a San Antonio Food Bank news release.

Emergency distributions were held in Bandera, Kerr, Medina, Kendall, Real, La Salle and Uvalde counties. The food bank also held mobile markets in Kendall, Medina and Uvalde counties and popup distributions in Medina, Guadalupe and La Salle counties.

Items distributed included meals ready to eat, water, dairy products, eggs, chicken, produce, bread, cereal, snacks, disaster buckets, hygiene products, cleaning supplies and other warehouse inventory.

The San Antonio Food Bank said it continues to mobilize resources as communities recover from the flooding.

Residents experiencing food insecurity can contact the food bank’s Neighbor Services Hotline at 800246-9121. The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The food bank is also accepting donations to support families affected by the flooding. Donations of needed items can be delivered to the San Antonio Food Bank at 5200 Historic Old Highway 90, San Antonio.

Volunteer and monetary donations are also accepted through the San Antonio Food Bank’s website.

The Bandera Chamber of Commerce hosted a welcome and grand opening celebration for Van Dam on Friday, Aug. 7.

The small office was crowded with well-wishers and Chamber volunteers. Snacks and wine were served to commemorate the event. Chamber President Shelly Kosmalski circulated through the crowd, welcoming participants.

Van Dam, an Air Force reservist, introduced his three children and wife to the crowd. He served 10 years on active duty as an Air Force medic. His friendly demeanor and outgoing manner made everyone feel welcome.

“I am glad to be in Bandera,” he remarked.

Van Dam has lived in Florida, Germany and San Antonio while serving in the military.

Van Dam has experience in emergency medicine, intensive care, general surgery and family medicine. He has worked extensively with veterans to restore mobility, reduce pain and improve overall function. His focus is on personalized care tailored to each patient.

Chamber Ambassadors Sara Sandifer, Tim and Vanessa Churchman, and Kimmy Williams chatted with everyone. Jane and Richard Pratt spoke to visitors and chatted with other ambassadors. Minnie Webster and Christine Morse also attended the event and spoke with other Chamber members. The large group was extremely affable and very hospitable.

Van Dam spoke briefly and introduced family and staff members.

The pinnacle of the event was a ribbon-cutting held outside. The crowd came together to welcome Van Dam, his wife and their three children.

The chiropractic office is located at 650 State Highway 16 South in the strip mall. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Van Dam also offers alternative office hours once a month.

On Monday, Sept. 14, the office will be open from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1:30 to 7 p.m. Appointments may be scheduled online or over the phone at 830-796-7200.

Family Structure Does Matter, founded and led by Barbara Cox, is seeking women ages 18 and older to participate in interviews about their past and present experiences.

Organizers say the project aims to collect information that can be used to examine family dynamics and identify potential causes of challenges affecting families and society.

Officials say the project focuses on the role of family structure, including what they describe as the importance of healthy and functional nuclear families.

They plan to have information collected during the interviews professionally assessed by a statistician and mathematician to identify patterns and develop what organizers describe as data-driven findings.

Participation in the interviews is expected to take at least one hour and may last longer. Organizers prefer group interviews but also offer individual sessions. Meetings may be held at libraries, civic and community centers, shelters and other safe public locations.

Participants will discuss past and present experiences in what organizers describe as an empathetic environment. The sessions also include training on how to conduct eye dominance tests.

The project is open only to women and participation is not compensated. Organizers say information collected during interviews will remain confidential and will not be shared with outside parties.

Cox's background includes laboratory research work for the U.S. Army and civilian material support for Operation Desert Storm. She is a certified Texas teacher and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.

One participant, identified by organizers as Tiffany, described the project as “a wonderful organization performing meaningful research on family dynamics.”

Cox said the project began as a regional effort and that she plans to expand the survey nationally.

“We women are uniquely positioned and experienced in family dynamics to offer valuable insights and information,” Cox said.

For more information or to participate, contact Cox at 830-624-5360 or visit FamilyStructureDoesMatter. org.

Visitors can enjoy a colorful display of new and treasured vintage quilts, along with other creative fiber arts. The event highlights the talent, creativity and craftsmanship of local quilters and fiber artists.

The Quilt Fest is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.

The exhibit will be open Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Medina Community Library is located at 13948 Highway 16 North, Medina, Texas 78055.

Visitors are invited to stop by the library and experience the beauty and artistry of quilting and fiber arts during the weeklong event.

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.

Alden Joe Lackey, 19, of Kerrville was arrested on August 10 for possession of a controlled substance (PG 2 < 1G).

Veronica V. McCumber, 46, of San Antonio was arrested on August 10 on local warrants.

Tinesha Alexandra Mc-Laury, 35, of Kerrville was arrested on August 10 on local warrants.

Mark Eaton, 68, of Medina was arrested on August 12 on a warrant for failure to comply with sex offender registration duties (life/annual).

Lu Slocum Ruddy, 72, of Bandera was arrested on August 12 for possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Pipe Creek Community Association unanimously adopted a resolution Aug. 15 supporting the acceleration of the funded 46 West safety project, according to a release.

Board members said the resolution will be sent to TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams, TxDOT San Antonio District Engineer Charles Benavidez, Bandera County Commissioner Troy Konvicka and state lawmakers.

According to a release, “PCCA's resolution is particularly meaningful because it comes from the community that lives and drives within the corridor every day.”

The winding roadway has seen a large share of accidents and fatalities during the last few years, according to TxDOT data.

Pipe Creek residents are not the only ones with concerns.

The Bandera Independent School District board adopted a resolution on Aug. 10 requesting improvements to 46 and asking TxDOT for a formal response on steps and timelines.

In addition, the Pipe Creek Volunteer Fire Department “has committed its full support to the effort, with Chief Rory Henrich preparing a letter to Tx-DOT on the department's behalf,” according to the statement.

Safety advocates said since the spring there have been four other entities asking TxDOT to improve 46 or accelerate betterments, including:

• Bandera County Commissioners Court — April

• Kendall County Commissioners Court — April

• Boerne Independent School District trustees — June

• Bandera Electric Cooperative board — July The resolutions build on formal letters sent earlier this summer to Williams by the national Motorcycle Safety Foundation and by state Rep. Wes Virdell, both urging the immediate implementation of the funded safety improvements.

For Bandera County residents looking for a day trip that combines history, museums, animals and views of San Antonio, the San Antonio CityPASS offers one way to organize several attractions into a single outing.

According to the City-PASS website, the pass provides one-time admission to a choice of four of eight participating San Antonio attractions. The current adult price for ages 12 and older is $63, while the child price for ages 3-11 is $53. CityPASS lists the regular combined price at $107.10 for adults and $86.01 for children and says the pass can save up to 41% for adults and 38% for children. Prices and program details are subject to change.

The eight participating attractions are Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises, San Antonio Zoo, Tower of the Americas, The Alamo, San Antonio Botanical Garden, Witte Museum, The DoSeum and San Antonio Museum of Art.

For a one-day trip from Bandera, travelers could select four attractions that are suited to their interests and schedule. CityPASS does not require attractions to be visited in a particular order, and there is no limit on how many included attractions can be visited in one day. Each attraction is available for one-time admission unless otherwise specified.

Start with San Antonio history

One option is to begin the day at The Alamo. City-PASS admission includes the Alamo Exhibit and Ralston Family Collections Center, as well as admission to the Alamo Church.

Reservations are required for The Alamo. CityPASS recommends making reservations as soon as possible for the best availability.

More information: citypass.com/san-antonio/ alamo.

Take a cruise along the River Walk

From the Alamo, visitors can head to the River Walk for a Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise.

The CityPASS ticket includes a 35-minute narrated boat tour along the River Walk, with live commentary about San Antonio's history and culture.

More information: citypass.com/san-antonio/ go-rio-cruises The cruise provides a break from walking while offering a different view of downtown San Antonio.

Choose a museum or the Tower of the Americas For a third stop, travelers can choose from several options depending on their interests.

The Tower of the Americas offers general admission, including unlimited sameday access to the Flags Over Texas Observation Deck and the 4D Theater.

More information: citypass.com/san-antonio/ the-tower-of-the-americas The Witte Museum includes its museum grounds, permanent galleries and select special exhibitions, although some special exhibitions require additional tickets.

More information: citypass.com/san-antonio/ witte-museum The San Antonio Museum of Art includes its permanent collections and special exhibitions.

More information: citypass.com/san-antonio/ san-antonio-museum-of-art The San Antonio Botanical Garden includes its 39 acres of themed grounds, the Family Adventure Garden and Lucile Halsell Conservatory.

More information: citypass. com/san-antonio/ san-antonio-botanical-garden The DoSeum includes its galleries and temporary exhibits.

More information: citypass.com/san-antonio/ the-doseum

Finish with animals or another attraction The San Antonio Zoo is another option for the fourth CityPASS selection. General admission includes the zoo's animal habitats, exhibits and Kronkosky's Nature Spot.

More information: citypass.com/san-antonio/ san-antonio-zoo For families with children, the DoSeum is another choice. For those interested in art, the San Antonio Museum of Art provides another option.

Because CityPASS allows visitors to choose four of the eight attractions, the itinerary can be adjusted rather than following a prescribed route.

What the pass includes CityPASS currently costs $63 for adults and $53 for children ages 3-11. City-PASS says its comparison price is based on the highest published box-office prices for the participating attractions and does not account for special rates or discounts for seniors, students, military members or residents. Actual savings therefore may vary.

The pass is valid for nine consecutive days beginning on the first day a visitor uses it or has a reservation. That means the pass does not have to be used entirely on the day of a Bandera- to-San Antonio trip. Visitors have up to one year from the purchase date to begin using the tickets.

Tickets are delivered by email, and CityPASS also offers the My CityPASS app, which provides attraction information, maps and reservation and entry details.

Parking is not included with CityPASS, according to the company. Visitors should check individual attraction websites for parking information.

CityPASS says visitors can visit attractions in any order and there is no daily limit on the number of included attractions they can visit. Reservations are required at The Alamo, and visitors can check reservation and planning information at citypass.com/guide/ san-antonio/reservations For those wanting to make the most of a single day in San Antonio, an itinerary built around The Alamo, a River Walk cruise, the Tower of the Americas and either a museum or the zoo offers a mix of history, sightseeing and entertainment. Travelers can substitute any of the other participating attractions based on their interests.

For current prices, attraction information, reservations and complete City-PASS details, visit citypass. com/san-antonio.

• August Lineup at Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 3 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music featuring local favorites, touring artists and weekly jam sessions.

MONDAY, AUGUST 24 • Open Mic, 6–9 p.m., Kickback Korner, 830-796 4496. Open mic hosted by Randy Smith and Willie. Musicians and performers are welcome.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 • Wagon Rides, Campfires & S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Wagon

rides, campfires, s’mores and all-day putt-putt golf.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 • Wagon Rides, Campfires & S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Wagon rides, campfires, s’mores and all-day putt-putt golf.

• Steak Night, 6 p.m., 11th Street Cowboy Bar, 830-796-4849. Bring your favorite cut of meat to grill on a Texas-sized BBQ pit.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 • Wagon Rides, Campfires & S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Wagon rides, campfires, s’mores and all-day putt-putt golf.

• ACE Wine & Tap Happenings, 6:30 p.m., ACE Wine & Tap, 830-460 3339. August activities include live music, Bunco, Book Club and more.

• August Lineup at Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 7:30 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music in downtown Bandera.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

• Wagon Rides, Campfires & S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Wagon rides, campfires, s’mores and all-day putt-putt golf.

• Friday Night Bingo, 5–10 p.m., 1331 FM 1283, Pipe Creek. Bingo, cash prizes and proceeds benefiting the Pipe Creek Volunteer Fire Department.

• Friday Music at River Oaks Courts, 6–9 p.m., River Oaks Courts, 830-246-2220. Live Texas music, food, drinks and entertainment in Medina.

• ACE Wine & Tap Happenings, 6:30 p.m., ACE Wine & Tap, 830-460 3339. August activities include live music, Bunco, Book Club and more.

• August Lineup at Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 8 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music in downtown Bandera.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 • Cowboy Capital Classic at Horseshoe Bend, Horseshoe Bend Disc Golf Course. PDGA C-Tier disc golf tournament presented by Bandera Chiropractic.

• Wagon Rides, Campfires & S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Wagon rides, campfires, s’mores and all-day putt-putt golf.

• Cowboys on Main,

10 a.m. and noon, Western Trail Heritage Park. Free Old West-themed event open to the public.

• Bandera Gunfighters, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Rattlesnake Ridge. Familyfriendly Old West reenactments featuring cowboy action and Western storytelling.

• August Lineup at Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 2 and 8 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music in downtown Bandera.

• Carson Miller, aka The Coastal Cowboy, 8 p.m., Shorty’s Lounge, 830-328-0005. Live music.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 • August Lineup at Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 3 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music in downtown Bandera.

Haught graduated from Tivy High School in 2019.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Kerrville.

“Growing up in a small town, I learned to rely on the people around me,” Haught said. “The submarine community is similar, and you have to depend on the people around you.”

Haught joined the Navy four years ago and now serves as a machinist's mate (nuclear).

“I joined the Navy for the opportunity to broaden my horizons and experience different things,” Haught said. “The Navy has allowed me to venture out and see the world and experience different cultures.”

Submarine support commands, like Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific (SWFPAC) and TRFB, play a critical role in the nation’s strategic deterrence mission by ensuring the Navy’s Pacific Submarine Force is mission-ready to deter adversaries and defend the United States.

SWFPAC, established in 1964 to support the nation’s sea-based nuclear deterrence program, assembles and deploys Trident II D5 missiles aboard the fleet’s ballistic-missile submarines while safeguarding the nation’s strategic assets. Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion (MCSFBn) Bangor works with SWFPAC to provide security for strategic assets.

Established in 1981 as the primary maintenance facility for the Pacific ballistic- missile submarines, TRFB is responsible for repairing, incrementally overhauling and modernizing ballistic-missile submarines during refits for the Ohio-class and the future Columbia-class until the end of service life.

Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world to deter aggression and defend the U.S. homeland.

There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.

The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Ballistic- missile submarines are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia- class ballistic-missile submarine will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. – replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous seabased strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Haught is part of a rich 126-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.

The Pacific Submarine Force provides strategic deterrence, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, precision land strike, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, early warning and special warfare capabilities around the globe.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Haught has had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of qualifying as a plant operator,” Haught said. “I never thought this would be possible. I had to work extremely hard for this qualification. I am also proud to be emergency welder qualified.”

Haught serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means a great deal to me,” Haught said. “The Navy has given me a huge leg up in life and prepared me for any future challenges I might face.”

Haught is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my husband, Roman, our son Marco, my mom Bonnie, and my dad, Kevin,” Haught said. “I couldn't do what I do without their support.”

This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. For more information, visit: https://www.navy.mil/ Navy-250/

The public is invited to attend the meeting in person at Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road in Boerne, or online through Zoom and a Facebook livestream. There is no charge to attend.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. with light refreshments. The chapter’s monthly business meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7 p.m.

Ben Pfeiffer, founder of Firefly Conservation & Research, will present “Luminous Landscapes: Fireflies in the Heart of Texas.”

Pfeiffer’s presentation will examine firefly species found in Texas and across the United States, including species found in nearby river basins and riparian areas. He will discuss why fireflies flash, how they use light to attract mates and threats that have contributed to declining firefly populations in parts of the country.

The presentation will also cover ways landowners can help support firefly populations, including certifying property as firefly habitat and growing native plants.

Pfeiffer founded Firefly Conservation & Research, a conservation and educational organization focused on protecting fireflies and their habitats through education, research and conservation efforts. His research focuses on Texas and North American firefly species, including their life cycles, preferred habitats and flash patterns.

He is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Firefly Working Group and has worked with organizations including the Xerces Society, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Master Naturalist chapters, The Nature Conservancy, land trusts, commissions and private landowners.

Pfeiffer studied biology at Texas State University and is a certified Master Naturalist.

The Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country Chapter is a volunteer organization sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. The chapter is one of 48 in Texas and serves 10 counties, including Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, Menard, Real and San Saba.

The chapter provides training in natural resource management and opportunities for volunteers to participate in community projects.

More information about the chapter and membership is available at Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country Chapter. Those wishing to attend the meeting by Zoom can preregister through the Zoom registration page.

Of the more than 9,000 campuses in the 2025-26 school year, 24% earned an A; 34% earned a B; 23% earned a C; 10% earned a D; and 4% earned an F. Some schools did not receive grades. About one in four schools saw their grades improve, while about the same number of campuses saw a drop.

TEA Commissioner Mike Morath praised the ratings, noting the hundreds of campuses in high-poverty communities that earned an A.

“We are teaching them handwriting. They are memorizing the timetables. They are thinking through more and more advanced math problems. All children can learn and achieve,” Morath said.

The grades are based on three main metrics: how students perform on the state exam and meet other college- and career-readiness benchmarks; improvement on state tests over time; and how well schools educate underserved students.

How the voucher numbers stack up thus far As Texas gears up for the first year of its school voucher program, The Dallas Morning News reported more than 27,000 students have returned their school vouchers. More than two-thirds were previously enrolled in public schools.

Although over 122,000 students have been awarded vouchers, critics say using them can be challenging. Private schools can deny admission, charge more in tuition than the voucher covers or be located too far away.

“Just because you got an award does not mean you have a seat in a private school,” said Dee Carney, director of the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency. “They have to pick you.”

The program offers $10,474 to families to offset private education costs. Special-needs students can receive up to $30,000, while homeschooled students can get $2,000.

Native American groups sue to block Big Bend constructions A nonprofit group that aims to protect Native American historical sites filed suit in federal court to block the Trump administration’s border security construction in Big Bend National Park, the Houston Chronicle reported. The suit claims the Department of Homeland Security does not have authority under federal law to build in national parks and seeks an injunction to stop construction and demolition work.

Construction equipment arrived at the park a few weeks ago to build new patrol roads and vehicle barriers, sparking strong opposition from park supporters and area residents. More than 40 Texas state House members, both Democrats and Republicans, have signed a letter asking Gov. Greg Abbott to halt demolition and construction in Big Bend.

“We support securing our border and recognize our duty to protect Texans. However, it is essential that border security policy be pursued in a manner that is effective, fiscally responsible and respectful of the communities and landscapes we are sworn to protect,” the letter read.

New secretary of state opposes suit seeking closed primaries Texas’ new secretary of state says he agrees with his predecessor in opposing a lawsuit seeking to restrict Republican primaries to voters registered with the party, but predicts the issue will be settled in the next legislative session, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Newly appointed Secretary of State Robert Howden recently filed an answer as to whether the state’s official position had changed. He recently succeeded Jane Nelson in that position.

The Texas GOP filed suit last year against the Secretary of State’s Office, arguing that only registered Republicans should be allowed to vote in that party’s primaries. Texans are not required to register with a specific political party, so they can vote in either party’s primary.

The party unsuccessfully tried to close the party’s primary system during last year’s legislative session, then filed the suit when that attempt failed.

Appeals court rules for mail ballot ID requirements The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated limits on mail-in voting enacted in 2021 that a lower court ruled violated portions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the San Antonio Express-News reported. The decision by the three-judge panel was unanimous.

The new requirements included asking those who vote by mail to provide identification or a Social Security number, or risk having their ballots rejected. The judges echoed President Donald Trump’s claim of widespread election fraud in their ruling.

“It has long been established that mail-in ballots are prone to fraud,” Judge Andrew Oldham wrote in the opinion. “That is why voting by mail jeopardizes election integrity and democracy itself.”

Several advocacy groups had sued to block the provisions, saying they further complicated voting and locked out people with disabilities from the voting process.

ERCOT error left Texas grid with fewer power reserves An undetected error led the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to buy billions of watts less in reserve power for seven months than its plans called for, The Dallas Morning News reported. Despite that, the Texas grid has held up so far under record demand, even as ERCOT bought 3.7 gigawatts less in reserves. That is enough electricity to power as many as 3 million homes.

The reserves fell short because an employee responsible for modeling how much backup power was needed switched jobs, according to a regulatory filing. ERCOT has responded by adding a second reviewer to verify the modeling.

Independent market grid monitor Potomac Economics used the mistake to point out that ERCOT has been overpaying for reserves since the deadly 2021 winter freeze.

“The ERCOT proposal goes too far and will result in significant excess cost with no added reliability benefit,” the monitors wrote.

Migrant children held for months at detention center Federal figures show many migrant children at the detention center in Dilley, south of San Antonio, have been held for 100 days or longer, the Texas Standard reported, far exceeding the 20-day legal limit.

For example, a teen who emigrated from Iran was arrested in Los Angeles with his family and sent to the center, and has been there for more than 123 days. In an affidavit, he said he and other detainees share rooms with cockroaches, spiders and mosquitoes.

“We have been put through hell for the past four months, and our physical and mental health have deteriorated in ways that might not be reversible for years,” Maryam Tahmasebi, his mother, wrote.

At least 60 children have been held in Dilley for more than 100 days, according to an analysis of federal government data.

“The facility is in perpetual violation of the law,” said U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio.

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

There is no question that the life of any President of our country is to be protected to the max. In responding to the journalists with ‘If I go, you go”, Trump is reminding them that he is a target of multiple enemies and that being near him is dangerous. However, the problem with the incident of the decoy plane is that the Trump White House did not acknowledge that it happened for 34 days and even threatened to prosecute those that said it did happen.

This delay (the ending of which was prompted by media reports) is another example where lying/deception/ non-transparency is the default position of this administration. It is true that a narcissist will express their primacy over others in a similar phrasing and we know fully well that Trump has this affliction. However, the lying aspect is truly perilous when a narcissist wields the power of a US President and when lying and deception is readily adopted as modus operandi within his administration.

This lying pattern repeats ad nauseam. Another recent example includes the failed repair of the reflecting pool. In this case, Trump insists the failure was due to vandalism even after his prosecutors found no grounds to pursue any so-called vandals. The failure was due to poor design, shoddy no-bid workmanship, and a rush job - all driven by the President.

For many, the putrid water and physical unraveling of the new bright blue coating in Trump’s “improvement “ to the reflecting pool symbolizes perfectly his actions that are degrading this country. He went down this path and we were stuck going with him (“If I go’ you go”). The result is now we, the taxpayers, have to not only pay for the botched work but for the cleanup and redo.

Consider the horrific Trump war of choice with Iran that we as taxpayers now must “go” with also. New layers of incompetence show up constantly along with the consistent non-stop lying from the President. We have been experiencing a roller coaster of lies from blustering threats to peacemaking utterances that have weakened our country in the eyes of the world.

The threat of munitions stockpile shortfalls has been the most recent exposure of the poor planning and understanding in starting this conflict. It brings great glee to China and Russia to see the US bogged down and exposed as incompetent and weakened. A big Trump lie here is that the US has decimated Iran and eliminated a nuclear threat (which Trump had said was done a year ago). That is no solace, even if true, to the farmers paying more for fuel and fertilizer - nor to everyday Americans seeing their cost of living increase as a result of the war bogging down the world’s energy supplies.

However, the part of the Iran War that will need full investigation and very likely result in litigation is the stock market gyrations that happen every time Trump threatens increasing the violence or states that peace is imminent.

If you are willing to pay $100,000 per month or a discounted $60,000 per month on a yearly contract, you can purchase early access through Trump Media and Technology Group to Trump’s social media posts milliseconds before the general public. That is just enough time for Wall Street traders, hedge funds, and high frequency trading firms to make stock moves through their technologically sophisticated systems. These insider tips can relate to not just the war but merger approvals, new White House initiatives, and many other actions that could have economic implications.

In this case the “you”, in “if I go, you go” is not the ordinary folks that have to work a job like journalists following the President and being exposed to life threatening incidents, nor taxpayers paying for Trump boondoggles like ball rooms, shutdown of critical government services, brutal ICE incursions in their community, the reflecting pool disaster, walling off Big Bend National Park, releasing public lands for commercial interests, living with increased costs of living and a degrading environment, etc.; it is the deep pocketed folks that can play games in buying and selling on the financial markets with insider information they can access by paying a fee to the President’s company.

The lying and graft we are enduring makes the falsely accused Biden “crime family” look like pick pockets compared to Trump’s mafia style actions.

This latest scam will likely be shot down in the courts which will add new judge(s) to Trump’s targeting of the “crooked justice system.” Then those judges like most all before them that have ruled against Trump actions will be subjected to personal (including life threatening) threats from Trump loyalists This includes even judges appointed under Trump.

When we go to the polls this Fall, remember it is our best chance to at least initiate a turn around from “going” with this former long-term Epstein buddy.

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.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was employee retention. City Administrator Toni Kunz said Bandera continues to experience high turnover, particularly in Public Works positions, because wages are not keeping pace with the cost of living.

“I think we have a big revolving door,” Kunz said. “We’re hiring at a lower rate and we’re losing them after training them and getting them to the point where we’re a well-oiled machine and then they leave for these rates.”

Kunz proposed increasing the base pay for Public Works employees by $2 per hour and establishing salary ranges for administrative positions, including permitting, compliance and utility staff. She noted that the current permitting clerk salary is $36,420 annually, while proposed salary ranges would allow for wages between $50,000 and $70,000 depending on experience and responsibilities.

“If you want true professionals and you want to be in the game, a competitive game, and you want people to stay, you need to pay competitive wages,” Kunz said. “I’m not talking about department heads. I’m talking about the people that support this city, the utility workers and all of those.”

Council members expressed differing opinions on city compensation.

“I think our department heads are way overpaid,” Council Member Tammy Morrow said.

Council Member Jeff Flowers said department head salaries are generally appropriate at their current levels, but argued that rising housing costs, fuel prices and other living expenses continue to make it difficult for lower-paid city employees to afford to work in Bandera.

“You either pay people nothing and we have turnover all the time, or we try to find a way to increase revenue so we can afford to pay and keep people here,” he said.

Council Member Deanna McCabe cited a Texas Municipal League salary survey comparing 130 general-law cities and said Bandera ranked highly in compensation levels.

“Out of 130 cities, we are number one,” McCabe said, adding that she continues to review comparative salary data.

The city’s employee benefits package also generated extensive discussion.

Bandera currently pays 100% of employee health, dental and vision insurance premiums. Employees also receive Social Security, Medicare, Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) contributions, life insurance, workers’ compensation coverage, longevity pay and certification incentives.

Morrow questioned the overall cost of the benefits package, while Council Member Debbie Breen suggested the city should only pay for certifications directly related to an employee’s job duties.

“I definitely agree with the certifications within their jobs,” Breen said. “What I wouldn’t want to see is certifications for things that aren’t required for their job.”

Breen also called for a review of the city’s Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) retirement plan, describing it as the “Cadillac” version of the retirement system.

“I think a town of a thousand people cannot afford a Cadillac version of the retirement system,” Breen said.

Former City Secretary Jill Dickerson explained that employees contribute 7% of their pay into TMRS while the city’s matching rate is set at 14%. However, because relatively few employees have retired from the city, the city’s actual contribution rate is currently closer to 11.4%.

“In the history of the city since retirement started, I think we’ve had 12 people retire,” Dickerson said. “Right now, you have nobody eligible for retirement for 10 years.”

Mayor Denise Griffin defended the benefits package, noting that municipal governments typically provide more comprehensive benefits than private employers.

City officials also discussed plans to hire a fulltime treasurer once the budget process is complete.

The proposed position is budgeted at approximately $25 per hour, though council members questioned whether that rate would attract candidates with municipal accounting, payroll and Incode software experience.

Kunz said the city has received applications that she will review after the city’s budget is finalized.

Council members also debated garbage collection rates charged through the city’s contract with Republic Services.

Morrow criticized the city’s current markup structure, stating residential garbage rates are marked up approximately 41%.

“I called around to different cities, and they were between 10 and 15 percent on their markups,” Morrow said. “We’re at 41.”

Kunz explained that Republic Services receives a 5% annual contract increase and that smaller cities do not receive the same volume discounts available to larger municipalities.

After discussion, council members indicated support for absorbing Republic Services’ upcoming 5% increase rather than immediately passing the cost on to customers. The decision would temporarily reduce the city’s markup while officials continue evaluating a more equitable rate structure.

“We’re going to eat the 5% that it goes up for now,” Kunz said.

The workshop resulted in $53,000 in cuts, including consolidating employee appreciation expenses into a single account.

The city also continues to evaluate a permitting software package that could automate applications and potentially save an estimated 17 hours of staff time each week.

Meanwhile, council members reviewed funding for Country Christmas in the Park and Nightmare on Maple, debated the future of the Methodist Church parking lot agreement and discussed upcoming water, wastewater and infrastructure projects.

The budget is expected to be finalized on Aug. 25 at the next city council meeting.

On Aug. 26, 1920, the nationwide right for women to vote was enshrined into the U.S. Constitution through the 19th Amendment, but the fight for women’s suffrage started long before then.

In 1919, Texas women stood at the forefront of one of the most historic moments in American history as the Lone Star State became the first state in the South to ratify this Amendment. Ahead of the 106th anniversary of this critical Amendment’s certification, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on its history.

Women across the Unites States started organizing and protesting for the right to vote in the early 1800s.

In 1848, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott organized the Seneca Falls Convention, the first of its kind for women’s rights, to take place in New York.

Their plan, also known as the Declaration of Sentiments, advocated for broader educational and professional opportunities while calling for women’s right to control their own wages and property, later expanding to include the right to vote.

Roughly 300 women and men were in attendance for this historic convention. At the end of the two-day meeting, 68 women and 32 men signed the Declaration of Sentiments, starting what would be the foundation for women’s rights and the suffrage movement throughout many states, including Texas.

Nearly four decades later, U.S. Senator George Hoar (RMA) introduced a resolution in January 1882 to establish a Select Committee on Woman Suffrage, which passed 35-23, making Senate history.

But they did not stop there. Six months later, the Committee submitted a report to the full Senate outlining support for an Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was then drafted and named the Susan B. Anthony Amendment.

Unfortunately, this Amendment failed to pass the Senate by 16-34 in January 1887.

That didn’t stop Texas women, who continued to press on. There are two Texans in particular I’d like to highlight who helped advocate for women’s suffrage during this time: Mariana Folsom and Eliza E. Peterson.

During the 1880s, Mariana Folsom traveled across Texas speaking about the importance of giving women the right to vote and lobbying for women’s suffrage in the Texas Legislature. She was a key factor in building momentum in Texas. Sadly, she did not live to see the outcome of her hard work and dedication and passed away in 1909.

Eliza E. Peterson, a music teacher from Texarkana, also played an important role. She advocated for the African-American community and devoted her time to social reform and broadening the women’s suffrage movement.

Starting in 1898, Eliza traveled to many youth organizations, women’s groups, and churches to share the importance of women having the right to vote.

Because of the tireless efforts of thousands of strong Texas women like them, Governor William P. Hobby took a major step forward in the spring of 1918 by signing into law the right for Texas women to vote in state primary elections and Texas nominating conventions, resulting in 386,000 women registering to vote.

As part of the push to help make this a reality in all elections nationwide, President Woodrow Wilson addressed the U.S. Senate in September 1918, pleading with the members to pass the women’s suffrage Amendment, which was approved months prior in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Finally, almost a full year later, the Senate approved it by a vote of 56-25.

On June 28, 1919, less than one month after Congress made it official, Texas officially became the ninth state to ratify the Amendment and the first southern state to do so. Texas women had shown what it meant to be Texas tough, helping make this movement possible across the Lone Star State.

It was not until Aug. 18, 1920, that Tennessee become the 36th state to ratify the Amendment. Finally, the Amendment had passed in three-fourths of all states, the threshold needed to be officially certified to become part of the U.S. Constitution on Aug. 26, 1920.

The fight for women’s right to vote was a long one that took decades of advocacy, determination, and tenacity by women – including countless Texans – who did not let their voices be silenced. As we can see today, Texas women have kept up this rich tradition of shaping the future of our state and nation.

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Judiciary, Intelligence, Foreign Relations, and Budget Committees.

That was Energy Secretary Chris Wright explaining to Fox News’ Brett Baier on August 13 that as a result of hostilities in the Iran war in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, Middle East oil production is down about 5 or 6 million barrels a day. That's with the U.S. blockade against Iran plus whatever harassment Iran is still able to inflict on oil traffic.

This jives with U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that show OPEC oil production is down from 29.3 million barrels per day in 2025 to 24 million barrels per day in 2026. Overall global production is down as a result, from 106.1 million barrels per day to 100.8 million barrels per day, a 4.9 percent decrease.

By 2027, EIA estimates that OPEC production will be back up to 29.67 million barrels per day and so will global oil production to 109.7 million barrels per day.

But the hit to the global economy is not as bad as markets originally estimated, after WTI crude oil peaked at $114 per barrel on April 6, and now is down to about $82 per barrel as of this writing, almost a 28 percent decrease.

By December 2027, oil futures for WTI crude are down to about $70.57 as of this writing, another further 13.9 percent decrease, or an overall 38 percent drop in prices from the peak of the war.

Which is exactly what President Donald Trump promised would happen — one way or another — coming out of the war.

In other words, Iran’s capacity to disrupt global oil production and distribution is weakening rapidly as Middle East oil producers utilize U.S. Navy escorts and expand pipelines and other shipping capacities elsewhere.

As Secretary Wright explained, “Iran is attempting to hold the world economy hostage and to terrorize their neighbors. They've built up a giant arsenal. So, are they causing difficulties in the region? Absolutely. But they have a losing strategy at the end that will lead to the collapse of this regime in Iran as their economy gets strangled…But their ability to cause difficulties are declining. Our ability to escort and bring products out of that region is growing… They have sort of one card and it's shrinking in size.”

So, kind of like Daffy Duck eating the gunpowder and swallowing the match, it’s a neat trick, but Iran will only be able to do it once. After that, the global economy will have already adjusted — and never look back — taking away the last little leverage Iran had left.

And with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent firing up more sanctions — “from Epic Fury to Economic Fury” in Bessent’s words — perhaps Tehran should have taken the deal when it still had the chance. Time will tell — and so will oil prices as markets are smarter than anyone else. Stay tuned.

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

Commission seeks applicants

The City of Bandera is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on its Planning and Zoning Commission, encouraging both city and county residents to take an active role in shaping the community’s future growth and development.

The last time the commission met was Dec. 19, 2023.

While the city’s two open council seats and the mayoral position are limited to city residents, service on the Planning and Zoning Commission is open to county residents.

“The Planning and Zoning Commission is an excellent way for the public to get involved,” City Administrator Toni Kunz said. “In small towns and communities like ours, we rely heavily on the multiple layers of expertise and research available to us, such as this recommending body to the City Council focused on how land and buildings are used.”

Under the Texas Local Government Code, the commission reviews zoning regulations and development proposals, including mixed-use and multifamily residential projects, district development plans and updates to the city’s Comprehensive Master Plan.

“With the number of times it is mentioned in our Comprehensive Master Plan, which exists to map our intentional growth and preservation, it is clear to see the importance of this appointed body,” Kunz said. “Although the P&Z Commission's role is much more, it serves two primary responsibilities regarding the rezoning of land within the city and ETJ, and the approval of plats, both of which are primarily governed by Texas Local Government Code Chapters 211 and 212. People wanting to be a part of our sustainability is who we want to help.”

Commission members serve in an advisory capacity, with recommendations presented to the City Council for final consideration and action. The position is unpaid.

City officials have emphasized the value of the commission as development activity increases. Mayor Denise Griffin and members of the City Council have expressed support for having an advisory body provide additional review and recommendations on planning and zoning matters.

The growing number of development requests and the staff time required to process them also prompted city officials to propose increasing the fee for minor plans and minor replats from $100 to $600. The City Council is expected to consider adopting the revised fee schedule at a special budget workshop meeting Aug. 17 at 6 p.m.

Residents interested in serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission can submit an application through the city’s website at https://www.banderatx. gov/bc-pz

Local governments will receive $1.4 billion in sales tax allocations this month, a 13.6% increase compared with August 2025, Huffines said in a release.

The allocations are based on sales made in June by businesses that report sales tax monthly and on sales made in April, May and June by businesses that file quarterly.

“The increased sales tax revenue distributed to local governments is a strong sign the Texas economy continues to grow,” Huffines said. “It is also a clear signal that many local governments with increased sales tax revenue can dedicate much of that to property tax reduction. Lowering property taxes is one of the best ways to make housing more affordable and help Texans with the cost of gas, groceries and other living expenses.”

Cities will receive $920.9 million in August, a 14.4% increase from August 2025. City allocations are up 6% year to date.

Transit systems will receive $298.5 million, up 12.7% from August 2025 and 7% year to date.

Counties will receive $83.2 million, an increase of 7.5% compared with August 2025. County allocations are up 8.2% year to date.

Special purpose districts will receive $145.1 million, up 13.7% from August 2025 and 9.7% year to date.

Overall, local sales tax allocations are up 6.7% year to date, according to the comptroller's office.

Huffines said the increased revenue could allow local governments to dedicate more of their sales tax gains toward lowering property taxes.

The August allocations represent taxes collected on taxable sales during the reporting periods and distributed to local governments by the comptroller's office.

The annual fair, promoted as a fall celebration in the Cowboy Capital of the World, will feature live farm animals and livestock, rodeos, exhibits, carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, live music and food from local vendors, according to the Bandera County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The fair also is calling on local artists, makers, bakers, photographers, crafters and skilled craftsmen to enter their work in this year's contests.

Contest categories include woodworking and welding under agricultural mechanics, along with photography, painting and drawings, wreaths, Western- themed floral centerpieces, mixed media, crafts, quilting, baking and canning under home economics and fine arts.

Baking categories include cakes, pies and cupcakes. The cupcake competition is open to children 8 years old and younger.

Entries for the fair contests are due Sept. 15. Those interested in participating can contact Carita at the Bandera County Visitors Center at 830-796-3045.

The fair's rodeo schedule will include the Ranch Rodeo at Mansfield Park Arena on Oct. 9-10. The Ranch Rodeo will feature ranch teams competing in steer tying, calf branding, trailer loading, pony express and ranch bronc riding.

The entry fee is $1,000 per ranch team. The Oct. 9 competition will serve as the qualifier, with the top six teams advancing to the Oct. 10 finals.

Each event during the Saturday competition will have $500 in added money, while the final three teams will compete for an additional $1,000 in added money. Buckles will be awarded to the winning team, along with a Top Cowboy award.

The Ranch Bronc event also will be held as a standalone competition during the rodeo. It will be limited to 10 entries, with a $100 entry fee and $500 in added money.

The Ranch Rodeo is being produced by Triple R Rodeo. For more information about the Ranch Rodeo and entries, call 210-415-3906. Information about the stand-alone Ranch Bronc is available at 830-777-7129.

The Bandera County Fair Association also is seeking sponsors and vendors for the event.

Additional fair information, including vendor registration, is available through the Bandera County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 830-796-3045.