The Bandera County Sheriff’s Office assisted Bandera County Precinct 2 Constable Greg Spengler in executing search and seizure warrants Friday, Sept. 4, at the We Care Wildlife Sanctuary in Lakehills, where authorities discovered more than 20 dead animals and removed more than 100 others from the property.

According to statements from Spengler and Bandera County Sheriff Josh Teitge, the warrants were executed at approximately 7 a.m.

The investigation began after the Constable’s Office received photographs showing severely underweight horses at the sanctuary, according to Spengler.

The photographs were presented as probable cause to obtain search and seizure warrants to investigate allegations that animals at the property had been abused, mistreated or neglected.

Spengler said more than 20 dead animals, including approximately 15 horses and two primates, were discovered on the property. The animals were found in varying stages of decomposition.

The approximately 15 horses and two primates found dead are being transferred to a veterinary forensics laboratory for necropsies to determine their causes of death, officials said.

Representatives from the American Humane Society, volunteer veterinarians, livestock specialists and a specialized veterinary and animal care team from the San Antonio Zoo were at the sanctuary during the operation to conduct medical assessments of the animals, evaluate their living conditions and provide emergency care.

Following the assessments, multiple animals were seized and transported to appropriate locations for further treatment and testing.

Officials said animals removed from the property included domestic, livestock and exotic species, including horses, goats, pigs, turtles, tortoises, pythons and various bird species.

More than 100 animals were transported to a secure temporary shelter, where they are receiving veterinary examinations, medical treatment and ongoing care, according to Spengler.

“Our responders on scene documented critical welfare failures and severe neglect throughout the property,” said Cesar Perea, associate vice president of rescue at the American Humane Society. “These animals were deprived of the most basic necessities — food, clean water, and standard husbandry — leaving several animals, including horses, dangerously emaciated and forced to survive in hazardous conditions.”

Perea said the organization’s priority is ensuring the animals receive immediate veterinary care and appropriate permanent homes.

The Constable’s Office said it requested the American Humane Society’s involvement because of the organization’s expertise in animal cruelty investigations and the severity of the conditions documented at the sanctuary.

In addition to assisting with the investigation and evidence processing, American Humane Society responders coordinated the transportation of more than 100 animals to a secure temporary shelter facility.

San Antonio Zoo President and CEO Tim Morrow said zoo veterinarians and technicians assisted the American Humane Society during the operation.

“San Antonio Zoo is committed to the welfare of all animals, not just the ones in our care,” Morrow said.

“Our responders on scene documented critical welfare failures and severe neglect throughout the property,” Perea said.

Spengler said the investigation remains active and that authorities will continue working with animal welfare organizations to ensure the surviving animals receive care.

“Threats to animal welfare are taken seriously by our office, and we are committed to investigating these matters fully,” Spengler said. “Working together with our partners allows us to properly address these issues in our community.”

Teitge said the Sheriff’s Office will continue to support Spengler’s investigative efforts.

“As this remains an ongoing investigation, any specific questions regarding the case should be directed to Constable Greg Spengler,” Teitge said.

We Care Wildlife Sanctuary describes itself on its website as a nonprofit sanctuary that rescues, rehabilitates and provides permanent homes for exotic and domestic animals. Its website lists the sanctuary at 7688 PR 37 in Lakehills.

Officials say the investigation remains ongoing.

The Bulletin reached out to We Care Wildlife Sanctuary by email for comment but did not receive a response. The numbers listed on their website appear to be disconnected.

Texas Salt Co. owners Andrew and Daniel Almand serve on the association's board, with Andrew Almand as president and Daniel Almand as vice president. Nicole Lee serves as secretary, while Hernandez oversees day-to-day operations as executive director.

According to the association's mission statement, 'The Cowboy Capital Association exists to keep Bandera working – promoting the businesses of Bandera County, carrying the Cowboy Capital of the World to the traveling public, and returning the growth that creates to the community through commerce, jobs, and public revenue. Commerce. Community. Advocacy.'

The organization was created with a dual mission: increasing tourism to Bandera while helping local businesses grow and gain visibility.

'Our goal is twofold,' Daniel Almand said. 'One side of it is to help promote Bandera and bring more people and business to come to Bandera to help spend money with the local businesses. Then the other half is locals promoting locals and helping the small businesses here in town be more prevalent and help them grow and succeed.'

As part of that effort, the CCA plans to create an online business directory and expand marketing efforts to showcase local businesses and community events.

Andrew Almand said the association is focused on business advocacy rather than event management.

'We are not an event-based organization in any capacity,' he said. 'We will support other agencies or associations' events, but our main mission with the CCA is tourism, new money in town, heads and beds, and helping businesses understand where they can be better, more visible, doing some small-business consulting.'

He added that improving business success ultimately benefits the entire community through increased tax revenue, stronger employment opportunities and economic growth.

'I think that by us not being an event-based organization, it gives us more opportunity and more runway to work with local businesses to improve revenue, tax receipts and hotel occupancy taxes for the city and the county,' Andrew Almand said. 'When one company wins through our efforts, every single person in this town wins. All boats rise together.'

One of the association's early initiatives involves continuing to support First Friday activities downtown. While Texas Salt Co. currently operates the monthly event, businesses that join the CCA will receive additional promotional opportunities through First Friday.

'What we're being able to do now is small businesses or any business that signs up to be part of this CCA automatically gets a boost for the First Friday,' Daniel Almand said. 'We're really helping the small businesses that can't advertise too much, giving them a space in the middle of town once a month so that they can advertise their small business.'

At Tuesday's Bandera City Council meeting, council members requested that First Friday activities be relocated to 11th Street to reduce the need for road closures along Cypress Street.

Beyond business promotion, Hernandez said the organization is working to improve the visitor experience throughout the week. While Bandera attracts large crowds on Saturdays, he said the association wants tourists visiting Monday through Friday to enjoy the same level of activity and engagement.

'Bandera is so Saturday-centric,' Hernandez said. 'We want to make sure that when tourists come here during the week, they can also have a really good, full Cowboy Capital experience.'

The CCA is also exploring beautification projects and working with local historians to better showcase Bandera's heritage.

'We want to work on bringing some of Bandera's rich history out of the filing cabinets and bring them more out into the streets and into the businesses, so people can come out here and learn about the history of Bandera while they're here,' Hernandez said.

Community involvement will play a key role in the organization's efforts. Hernandez said the CCA is establishing a volunteer corps known as the 'CCA Ropers,' which will assist with community projects and association initiatives.

'We will have a body of volunteers that are committed to helping us with everything we're working on in the community,' Hernandez said. Volunteers will be able to register through the association's website.

The organization is also creating a donor and membership program known as the 'Compadres.' Lee said the initiative will allow residents and supporters to contribute financially or through professional expertise to help strengthen the local economy.

'Our main goal is to make sure that we're highlighting not only small businesses but the experience that Bandera has to offer, and then creating repeat visitors, not throughout the year but yearly as well,' Lee said.

The association's leadership believes its efforts will help preserve Bandera's identity as the Cowboy Capital of the World while creating opportunities for businesses across the county.

'Let's do business the cowboy way, Bandera's Marketplace,' Andrew Almand said.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Frontier Times Museum, 510 13th St. in Bandera. The event is free and open to the public, with refreshments provided.

Dion’s book tells the story of Detective Neil Monaco and his K9 partner, Brandy, and the role their partnership played in the development of the National Canine Program.

The presentation will include photographs and accounts of Monaco and Brandy’s work.

According to the museum, the story highlights the pair’s contributions to travel safety and public safety practices.

The event is intended to provide an opportunity for community members and families to learn more about the history behind the program and the relationship between Monaco and Brandy.

The Frontier Times Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information about the event, call the museum at 830-796-3864.

Bandera Brewery is gearing up for a full day of beer, games, live music and German food when Bandera Beerfest returns Saturday, Sept. 19.

“Beerfest is a special event every year, and this year is going to be jampacked” said Johnny Oliver, co-owner of Bandera Brewery.

The festivities will include several beer-themed competitions, beginning with Brewery Pong at 12:30 p.m. Keg Hold will follow at 3:30 p.m., with the Stein Hold competition scheduled for 3:45 p.m.

Beerfest also will feature the special release of Bandera Brewery’s Oktoberfest Märzen Lager, giving attendees an opportunity to enjoy the seasonal beer as part of the celebration.

Live music will be provided by The Nightcrawlers from 4 to 7 p.m.

Food will be available from The Schnitzel Box, featuring German fare to complement the Oktoberfest theme. The neighboring Jimmy’s Burgers will also have food options for order.

Oliver said the goal is to create an event that feels like a true community celebration.

“Bandera is our home, and we love being able to put events like this together for the community,” he said. “We want people to come out, have fun, listen to some music, try some great beer and make some memories.”

Game tickets are available at BanderaBrewery. com/BanderaBeerfest and in person at the brewery.

Beerfest begins Saturday, Sept. 19, at Bandera Brewery, 3540 Hwy 16 S. There is no admission fee.

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.

Tiffany Ann Leal, 46, of Pipe Creek was arrested on September 1 for unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance (PG 2 < 1G).

William Preston Woodworth, 55, of Bandera was arrested on September 1 on local warrants.

Elvert Marshall Akin, 78, of Fredericksburg was arrested on September 2 on a local warrant.

Christian Michael Greene, 53, of Austin was arrested on September 5 on a felony warrant from another agency.

Noor Faris Rafti, 34, of Bandera was arrested on September 5 for driving while intoxicated with an open alcohol container.

Randy Edwin Brooks II, 53, of Killeen was arrested on September 6 for public intoxication.

Charles Montloche Raimondo, 41, of Boerne was arrested on September 6 on a felony warrant from another agency.

Andrew Scott Parks, 18, of Bandera was arrested on September 7 for minor consuming alcohol.

Micah Vance, 18, of Bandera was arrested on September 7 for minor consuming alcohol.

AUSTIN — A new survey of Texas adults found bipartisan majorities support several proposals addressing undocumented immigration, including legal status for some long-term undocumented immigrants, a path to citizenship for certain immigrants brought to the United States as children, and measures intended to reduce illegal immigration.

The survey was conducted by the University of Maryland's Program for Public Consultation as part of its Common Ground in the Battlegrounds? series, which examines areas of bipartisan agreement on policy issues in competitive states and congressional districts.

Among Texas respondents, 72% said they favor offering legal status to undocumented immigrants who have been in the United States for years and have not committed a crime if they pay a penalty and any taxes they owe. Support was 80% among Democrats and 62% among Republicans.

The survey also found 80% overall support for providing a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children and have not committed a serious crime. Support was 85% among Democrats and 75% among Republicans.

For undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of a crime, 87% of respondents favored deportation. That included 85% of Democrats and 93% of Republicans.

Steven Kull, director of the Program for Public Consultation, said the findings show support among both parties for reducing the number of people living in the United States without legal status through a combination of legal pathways and enforcement.

“Bipartisan majorities favor reforms that would reduce the number of immigrants living in the US without legal status, but not through mass deportation,” Kull said.

The survey also examined proposals intended to reduce illegal immigration for employment.

An overall 82% of respondents supported requiring employers to verify the legal status of new employees through the federal E-Verify system while increasing the number of work visas based on labor demand. Support was 84% among Democrats and 83% among Republicans.

Another proposal — hiring several hundred additional immigration judges and staff to reduce the time asylum seekers wait for court hearings — received 75% overall support. The proposal was supported by 82% of Democrats and 73% of Republicans.

The proposals included in the survey were based on legislation introduced in Congress.

The Texas survey was conducted May 27 through June 19 with 630 adults. The response rate was 8.4%, and the reported confidence interval was plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.

The sample was obtained from multiple online opt-in panels and weighted to match the state's adult population based on factors including age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, household income, marital status and home ownership. The survey was offered in English and Spanish.

The Common Ground in the Battlegrounds? project is conducting surveys on 15 topics in 11 competitive states and 28 competitive U.S. House districts ahead of the November midterm elections. The project says its goal is to identify areas of bipartisan agreement and provide information to the public, policymakers, candidates and journalists.

The project involves the Program for Public Consultation, the Civic Innovation Center at the University of Maryland and Voice of the People. The organizations state that they do not advocate for policy positions or endorse candidates.

Readers can view the full Texas questionnaire, toplines, crosstabs and methodology, along with results from other states and congressional districts, at: https://www.publicconsultation. org/commonground- in-the-battlegrounds/ The survey release also provides access to the individual state and district results.

• Lighthouse Church 2-Year Anniversary, 10 a.m., Lighthouse Church, 101 Center St., 830-328-1911. Anniversary celebration with BBQ.

• Live Music, 1 p.m., First National Ice Haus, 646-734-9754. Live music in downtown Bandera.

• The Broken Toe Jam, 2 p.m., Bandera RV Park, 830-796-8153. Community jam and potluck.

• Live Music, 3 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live Texas country music and jam sessions.

• Live Music, 3 p.m., The Longhorn at Way Back Texas. Live music featuring Texas country and acoustic performances.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 • Faith & Freedom Series, 3 p.m., Medina Community Library, 830-589-2825. Sheriff Josh Teitge speaks at the Rodney Camp Pavilion. Free admission.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 • Wagon Rides, Campfires & S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Wagon rides, campfires, s’mores and all-day putt-putt golf.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 • Wagon Rides, Campfires & S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Wagon rides, campfires, s’mores and all-day putt-putt golf.

• Live Music, 2:30 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 • Wagon Rides, Campfires & S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Wagon rides, campfires, s’mores and all-day putt-putt golf.

• Book Club, 5:30 p.m., Frontier Times Museum, 830-796-3864. Author Chris Dion discusses his book about one man and his dog and the development of a national canine program.

• Live Music, 7 p.m., The Longhorn at Way Back Texas. Live music.

• Live Music, 7:30 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 • Wagon Rides, Campfires

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

• Fridays Are Free to Students, noon–2 p.m., Frontier Times Museum, 830-796-3864. Educational activities for young learners.

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

• Live Music, 7 p.m., Medina River Oaks Courts, 830-246-2222. Live music and happy hour.

• Live Music, 8 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music.

• Live Music, 8 p.m., The Longhorn at Way Back Texas. Live music.

• Live Music, 8 p.m.– midnight, Shorty’s Lounge, 830-328-0005. Live music.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 • Free Community Breakfast, 8 a.m.–noon, Bandera American Legion Post 157, 830-796-7528. Made-to-order omelets and other breakfast items.

• 3rd Saturday Market and Fabric Sale, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., The Sheepwalk Ranch. Fresh produce, plants, eggs, preserves, fiber, yarn, fabric and more.

• Bandera Preparedness Event, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Pipe Creek. Free event featuring presentations, workshops, a seed swap and health and wellness activities.

• Fall Plant Sale,

10 a.m.–2 p.m., Lakehills Area Library, 830-510-2777. Lakehills Garden Club plant sale benefiting its educational programs and projects.

• Homecoming Jeans & Mums Making, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Art Sea Paint & More, 210-501-4232. Create a custom homecoming mum and paint jeans. Supplies are limited.

• Cowboys on Main,

10 a.m. and noon, Western Trail Heritage Park. Free Old West performances.

• Bandera Gunfighters, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Rattlesnake Ridge. Old West shootout reenactments.

• Monthly Shooting Matches, Bandera Gun Club, 210-287 3785. Monthly shooting competitions.

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

• Bandera Brewery Beerfest, Bandera Brewery, 830-522 2246. Live music, yard games and food trucks.

• Wild West Skits and

Shoot-Outs, 2–4:30 p.m., Bandera General Store, 830-796-4925. Old West skits, costumes and shoot-outs.

• Live Music, 2 and 8 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music.

• Live Music, 3:30 and 8 p.m., The Longhorn at Way Back Texas. Live music.

• Light Up the Darkness Prevention Walk, 6 p.m., Lakehills Area Library, 830-510-2777. JAC Pack Suicide Prevention Walk presented by United Women in Faith.

• Live Music, 8 p.m.– midnight, Shorty’s Lounge, 830-328-0005. Live music.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 • Sunday Funday Barrel Race, Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena. Barrel racing competition.

• Sunday Horseback Ride & Chuckwagon Cowboy Breakfast, 9–11 a.m., Major Hope Corral, 830-328-2203. Horseback ride, cowboy breakfast, music, roping and ranch animal visits. Reservations required.

• Live Music, 3 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music.

• Live Music, 3 p.m., The Longhorn at Way Back Texas. Live music.

The Aug. 27 gathering was the third session of the 2026 Developer Roundtable series, which was launched earlier this year to bring professionals involved in development together to identify opportunities and challenges associated with conservation- oriented development in the Hill Country.

The region is experiencing rapid growth while facing challenges including land fragmentation, increasing demands on water resources and increasingly extreme patterns of drought, heat and flooding.

The day began with a tour of the nearly completed educational facilities at the Headwaters at the Comal, a New Braunfels Utilities conservation legacy project.

Nancy Pappas, managing director of the Headwaters at the Comal, and Michael Britt, an associate partner with Lake Flato, discussed the property’s buildings, landscape, water systems and parking lot, each of which was designed with an emphasis on protecting and enhancing the site’s natural resources.

The 16-acre property sits above the headwater springs of the Comal River and had served as a storage and equipment yard for New Braunfels Utilities for nearly a century.

Preliminary excavation uncovered archaeological evidence indicating more than 500 generations of human habitation and use at the site. Plans were subsequently modified to preserve those archaeological sites while restoring and revegetating the landscape above them.

John Hart Asher of Blackland Collaborative, the firm responsible for the property’s ecological restoration plan, described the transformation as a “reverse-Joni Mitchell.”

“We pulled up a parking lot, and created a paradise,” Asher said.

The restoration plan was developed using research into the native plant communities that historically dominated the site during its Historic Climax Condition, when the area supported its greatest biodiversity and bison roamed the land.

Native grasses and flowers have deep roots that can slow and absorb rainwater while providing habitat for native pollinators and insects. The landscape also is intended to reconnect visitors with the region’s natural heritage.

Stormwater retention through native plants and landscape design was one of the key themes of the roundtable.

Other presentations focused on night-sky-friendly lighting, green infrastructure, native plant communities and low-impact stormwater management.

Emily Manderson of Blackland Collaborative discussed lighting, green infrastructure and native plant communities, while Matthew Smith of Greenrise Technologies presented low-impact development practices for stormwater retention. Greenrise specializes in stormwater management and compliance across the Southeast.

Andrew Gauld, a designer with Oldner Lighting who has worked on night-sky-friendly lighting projects throughout the region and country, said effective lighting should complement a property rather than draw attention to itself.

“Good lighting, like good design, is not something you should really notice — it's about creating a warm and welcoming feeling,” Gauld said. “Good lighting is better for business. It can save money and attract more customers.”

The roundtable concluded with a case study from Fayette County, where Land Within Reach is developing The Homesteads at Walker Branch, a designated Wildlife Community where land restoration and stewardship are incorporated into the development’s value proposition.

Jacob McLaughlin, head of operations for Land Within Reach, said the property originally was an overgrazed hay production farm.

“Over the past two years, we’ve created grassland and wildlife management plans focused on restoring the land and creating a certified native Texas prairie — from a conservation perspective, we’re bringing huge value and function back to the land,” McLaughlin said.

The developers now are seeking buyers interested in the conservation-centered approach.

“Now we’re looking for buyers who believe in that model and want to be a part of something different,” McLaughlin said.

Katherine Romans, executive director of the Hill Country Alliance, said the response to the roundtable series has demonstrated an interest among development professionals in discussing conservation- focused approaches to growth.

“There is immense power in coming together with the development community to understand how we can better advocate for conservation-centered construction in the Hill Country,” Romans said.

The 2026 Developer Roundtable will conclude in November with a final session at the Campsite at Shield Ranch, a low-impact development and learning space in Travis County.

The roundtable is designed for professionals across the development landscape, including developers, engineers, equity partners and architects. The sessions are hosted at developments that demonstrate approaches to conservation, design and responsible growth.

This year’s fair carries the theme “Tradition Runs Deep,” with organizers highlighting the event’s focus on community, agriculture, entertainment and local tradition.

The fair opens Thursday, Oct. 8, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and an opening ceremony and ribbon cutting at 6 p.m. The carnival will operate from 5-11 p.m., with games, activities, vendors and live music throughout the evening.

Friday and Saturday will feature a full schedule of fair activities. The fairgrounds and carnival open at 11 a.m. both days, with games, animals, exhibits, vendors and live music continuing throughout the day.

A rodeo is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a concert and dance at 8 p.m. both nights.

The fair also will feature a variety of competitive events and community contests.

Adult competitive-event check-in is scheduled for 8-10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9, while youth competitive- event check-in will take place from 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10.

Among the livestock events is a lamb and goat prospect show hosted by the Bandera FFA Booster Club on Saturday. Check-in is from 9-10 a.m., with the show beginning at 10:30 a.m. Lambs will follow the goat showmanship competition. Entry is $30, with $5 showmanship entries available at the gate. Banners, cash and prizes will be awarded.

The fair also will host an open horse show Saturday at Mansfield Park Arena. Classes include leadline, green rider equitation and pleasure, hunter under saddle, English equitation, trail, western pleasure, western horsemanship and reining. Junior classes are for riders 14 and younger, while senior classes are for those 15 and older.

Pre-registration for the horse show is $10 per class or $50 per day, while Saturday registration is $12 per class or $60 per day. The show is being coordinated through Bandera County 4-H Horse.

Horse owners are reminded that horses must have proof of a negative Coggins test under Texas law, and all horses will be checked upon arrival.

The fair’s Ranch Rodeo will feature a qualifier on Friday, Oct. 9, with the top six teams advancing to the finals Saturday. Events include steer tying, calf branding, trailer loading and Pony Express, with ranch bronc included Saturday for the final teams. The event has a $100 entry fee and $500 in added money, with a maximum of 10 entries.

A separate 42 tournament is scheduled in conjunction with the fair Friday and Saturday. Friday’s games begin at 7 p.m., with a $40-per-team entry fee. Saturday’s games begin at 10 a.m., with a $60-perteam entry fee. The tournament will be held at Mansfield Park.

The fair also is seeking community entries for its exhibits and contests. Categories include woodworking, welding, photography, painting and drawing, wreaths, floral centerpieces, mixed media, crafts, quilting, baking, cakes, pies, cupcakes and canning. Entries are open to artists, makers and craftsmen of all ages, with a Sept. 30 deadline listed for submissions.

A quilt show also is planned, with a limit of 60 entries and a Sept. 30 deadline. The entry fee is $5.

Younger fairgoers can participate in a cupcake contest, with children ages 8 and younger invited to submit their sweetest creations. The contest also includes a special cupcake category featuring Santa-themed designs.

The carnival will offer visitors a choice between unlimited-access wristbands and individual ride tickets. Unlimited carnival wristbands are advertised at $25, while individual ride tickets also will be available.

The fair’s third annual Bandera County Fair Pageant will take place Saturday, Oct. 3, at Bandera Middle School, ahead of the fair. Judge interviews are scheduled from 9-11 a.m., followed by the pageant at 6 p.m.

The pageant includes four youth divisions: Little Miss Bandera for ages 6-9, Jr. Miss Bandera for ages 10-12, Teen Miss Bandera for ages 13-15 and Queen Miss Bandera for ages 1618. Awards, scholarships and other prizes will be presented. Applications are currently open.

The Bandera County Fair will be held at Mansfield Park, 2886 State Highway 16 in Bandera. For more information, visit banderacountyfair.com or contact the fair at info@banderacountyfair.com or (281) 899-8817.

Bandera County Fair schedule Thursday, Oct. 8

• 5 p.m. — Gates open

• 6 p.m. — Opening ceremony and ribbon cutting

• 5-11 p.m. — Carnival

• Evening — Games, activities, vendors and live music

Friday, Oct. 9 • 8-10 a.m. — Adult competitive- event check-in • 11 a.m. — Fairgrounds and carnival open

• All day — Games, activities, animals, exhibits, vendors and live music

• 7-9 p.m. — Rodeo

• 8 p.m. — Concert and dance Saturday, Oct. 10 • 8-10 a.m. — Youth competitive- event check-in • 11 a.m. — Fairgrounds and carnival open

• All day — Games, activities, animals, exhibits, vendors and live music

• 7-9 p.m. — Rodeo

• 8 p.m. — Concert and dance

Peterson Health achieved Magnet recognition in August, earning one of the health care industry’s highest distinctions for nursing excellence.

The designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program recognizes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence and reflects Peterson Health’s nursing professionalism, teamwork and patient care.

With the recognition, Peterson Health joins the global community of Magnet- recognized health care organizations. The release noted that only a small and select group of U.S. health care organizations have achieved the designation.

“There’s a lot of emotion that comes with this recognition because I know how much work, heart, and dedication went into getting here,” said Kaeli Dressler, chief nursing officer.

“I’m incredibly proud of our nurses and of the entire Peterson Health team that comes together every day to care for our patients, support one another, and continually find ways to do better,” Dressler said. “This designation is a wonderful recognition, but more than anything, it’s a reflection of the culture of nursing excellence and commitment to our patients that our team has built together.”

Research cited by Peterson Health identifies several potential benefits associated with Magnet recognition, including higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help and receipt of discharge information. Research also has found lower risks of 30-day mortality and failure- to-rescue, as well as higher job satisfaction among nurses and fewer nurses reporting intentions to leave their positions.

Magnet recognition is considered a leading benchmark for nursing excellence and is also a factor used by U.S. News & World Report in its annual rankings of America’s Best Hospitals for quality of inpatient care.

The Magnet Model provides a framework for nursing practice, research and measurement of outcomes. The ANCC evaluates organizations across multiple components and dimensions to assess nursing excellence.

The model emphasizes nursing leadership, coordination and collaboration across specialties, and processes for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care.

Peterson Health is a nonprofit, independent health network serving the Texas Hill Country. Established in 1949, the organization serves patients from nine surrounding counties and has expanded to 19 locations in the region.

Peterson Health provides health care through its network of physicians, facilities and regional services and has received national recognition for quality and safety. The organization also has been named one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare for six consecutive years.

The Magnet Recognition Program is administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which identifies health care organizations demonstrating excellence in nursing care and professional nursing practice. The program describes Magnet recognition as the highest national honor for nursing excellence.

The Bandera City Council moved forward with a lower property tax rate and approved the elimination of one City Hall position during a special budget workshop Aug. 27, while ultimately declining to move ahead with proposed cuts to department head salaries.

Council members agreed to publish a proposed no-new-revenue tax rate of $0.567163 per $100 valuation, a decrease from the current rate of $0.569939 per $100 valuation. The proposed rate includes $0.109398 for interest and sinking (I&S) and $0.457765 for maintenance and operations (M&O).

Although the rate is decreasing, city officials said property tax revenue is still expected to increase because of rising property values.

“The no-new-revenue rate is 0.567163, and we are recommending to stay at the no-new-revenue rate to keep you pretty much in line,” temporary city Treasurer Christine Green told the council. “The reason that the tax rate can stay the same and still receive the same amount was because of the values of the properties.” The council is expected to hold public hearings and consider final adoption of both the budget and tax rate Sept. 22.

The most debated portion of the meeting centered on city staffing and employee compensation.

After extensive discussion, council members approved an amended motion directing city administration to eliminate one position at City Hall. The motion passed 3-1, with Council Member Jeff Flowers voting against it. Rather than identify a specific position, the motion gives City Administrator Toni Kunz flexibility to determine how the reduction will be implemented.

The discussion originated with a proposal by Council Member Debbie Breen to eliminate the administrative assistant position, arguing the role had never received formal council approval.

“I think we need to cut one head or a head, a position somewhere, and try to maneuver around,” Breen said.

Council Member Deanna McCabe supported reducing staffing and said future positions should come before the council for approval.

“I would like to see the position actually be approved by council,” Mc-Cabe said.

Kunz urged the council to allow her time to evaluate applicants for several open positions before making permanent staffing decisions.

“I understand where you're coming from, and I just don't want to budget ourselves into a corner we can't move,” Kunz said.

Kunz told council members she is exploring ways to cross-train employees and potentially combine responsibilities in areas such as code compliance, permitting and administrative support.

The council also discussed department head compensation after Breen introduced a motion to reduce department head salaries by 9%.

“The reason I feel strongly about this is when we campaigned last year, we hit a lot of doors. Everybody was upset about the salaries here,” Breen said. “Our salaries pay higher than the county, and the county has no problem getting people to apply.”

Council Member Tammy Morrow expressed similar concerns during the discussion.

“I look at our positions. Our city secretary is more than the county judge,” Morrow said.

Kunz strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that city department heads manage responsibilities that differ significantly from county government positions.

“I find it interesting that we keep comparing back to the county,” Kunz said. “They're not in charge of supplying a clean water supply, a sewer system, 24/7, to a small, highly dense area. That's a huge responsibility.”

Kunz also warned that reducing salaries could negatively affect employee retention and recruitment.

“The people that have the experience that you're about to take their salaries down have had a career in successfully doing that in the last 10 years for our city,” she said.

Flowers also opposed salary reductions, arguing earlier in the meeting that maintaining competitive pay was important for retaining qualified employees.

Unopposed city council candidate Allen Jehle also spoke against salary cuts during the public comment portion.

“We don't want the city to have a reputation that could potentially be years that we have to undo,” Jehle said. “We don't want to have them leave and have only people who are desperate say, ‘Well, if I go to Bandera, I can get hired real quick, get trained up, and then go to a different place.’” The city currently budgets department head salaries at $100,000 for Kunz, $88,931 for City Secretary Jill Dickerson, $82,408 for City Marshal Earl Heidelberg and $77,251 for Public Works Director Terry Wells. The city treasurer position remains vacant and budgeted at $45,000 annually.

Following discussion, council members did not move forward with the proposed 9% salary reduction.

In other budget-related action, the council approved a revised conservation water rate structure designed to encourage lower water usage. The measure restores a 20% discount for customers using 1,500 gallons of water or less per month and applies to water and sewer customers both inside and outside city limits.

Council members also removed cost-of-living adjustments from the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget and discussed future quarterly departmental reporting, employee evaluations and additional cross-training opportunities among city staff.

The Austin-based workers’ compensation insurance provider announced the donations Aug. 25.

According to a press release, the funding will support small businesses, locally coordinated longterm recovery efforts and broader rebuilding needs.

The largest portion, $110,000, will go to LiftFund.

The funding will provide 10 grants of $10,000 each to small businesses affected by the flooding, with an additional $10,000 designated for program administration.

Small businesses in all 16 counties impacted by the flooding are eligible for the grants.

Another $20,000 will go to the Kerr Together Long-Term Recovery Group through the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The funding will support locally coordinated response and long-term recovery efforts addressing ongoing needs of individuals, families and the community.

The remaining $20,000 will go to the Rebuild Texas Fund through the OneStar Foundation to support broader recovery and rebuilding needs associated with the Hill Country flooding.

“Creating a stronger, safer Texas means standing with communities in their greatest moments of need and supporting the nonprofit organizations that help them recover,” said Veronica Martinez, senior manager of impact and community partnerships at Texas Mutual. “Across the Texas Hill Country, nonprofits are providing critical services and helping families and small businesses rebuild after devastating floods. We're honored to support their work and invest in the organizations that are strengthening communities today and for the future.”

Texas Mutual said recovery needs continue to evolve and that it will remain connected with its partners and affected communities to determine where future support could make a meaningful difference.

The company said supporting communities across Texas, particularly following disasters, is a core part of its corporate citizenship efforts.

Registration will begin at 6 p.m., with the walk scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to carry lights during the walk as a symbol of hope and remembrance. The event is intended to raise awareness of suicide prevention, honor those who have died and support mental health.

A suggested donation of $20 per walker will benefit Objective Zero, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans, current service members and their families through peer support, outreach and suicide prevention initiatives.

Organizers said the event is an opportunity for individuals, families and organizations to stand in solidarity with people affected by suicide and support resources for veterans and others who may be struggling.

Participants may walk in memory of a loved one, in support of veterans or to raise awareness about suicide prevention. Organizers said all are welcome.

Event details:

• What: Light Up the Darkness – JAC-PACK Suicide Prevention Walk

• When: Saturday, Sept.

19

• Where: Lakehills Community Library, 7200 FM 1283, Lakehills

• Registration: 6 p.m.

• Walk begins: 7:30 p.m.

• Suggested donation: $20 per walker

• Beneficiary: Objective Zero Information: Jenni Moore at Jennimoore59@gmail.com

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.

Rodney Robert Harrison, 60, of Canyon Lake was arrested on August 26 on a local warrant.

Samara Lynn Dunn, 24, of Kerrville was arrested on August 26 on a misdemeanor warrant from another agency.

Camron Jones, 24, of Bandera was arrested on August 27 for possession of a controlled substance (PG 2 >= 1G < 4G).

Amanda Neome Dering, 37, of Bandera was arrested on August 27 for walking on a roadway where sidewalks were provided.

Jose Maria Caballero, 36, of Bandera was arrested on August 29 on a local warrant.

Andrea Leigh Perrin, 42, of Bandera was arrested on August 29 for possession of a controlled substance (PG 2 >= 1G < 4G).

James Edward Lester, 71, of Crosby was arrested on August 30 on a local warrant.

According to public notices issued by the taxing entities, the upcoming hearings and meetings are: City of Bandera: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at Bandera City Hall, 511 Main St.

Bandera County: 10 a.m. Sept. 10 at the Bandera County Courthouse, 500 Main St.

Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District: 10 a.m. Sept. 10 at 440 FM 3240.

Flying L Public Utility District: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at 281 Stone Crest Drive.

The notices provide comparisons between the proposed 2026 rates and the rates adopted for 2025, as well as estimates of how the proposed rates would affect taxes on an average residence homestead.

Bandera County

IT’S YOUR WORLD. READ ALL ABOUT IT YOUR WAY.

According to the county's public notice, Bandera County is proposing a 2026 tax rate of $0.5605 per $100 of taxable value, compared with the 2025 rate of $0.5304 per $100.

The notice lists a no-new-revenue tax rate of $0.499485 per $100 and a voter-approval tax rate of $0.591909 per $100. Because the proposed rate is higher than the no-new-revenue rate, the notice states that the county is proposing to increase property taxes for the 2026 tax year. The proposed rate is below the voter-approval rate, so the notice states that an election to approve the rate is not required.

The county notice compares the tax imposed on an average residence homestead in 2025 with the amount proposed for 2026. The average homestead taxable value is listed as $288,446 in 2025 and $298,825 in 2026, a 3.6% increase.

Based on those figures, the notice lists the tax on an average homestead at $1,530 for 2025 and $1,675 under the proposed 2026 rate, an increase of $145, or 9.5%.

The total tax levy on all properties is listed as $21,193,163 for 2025 and $22,069,514 for 2026, an increase of $876,351, or 4.13%.

The notice also includes an adjustment related to a state criminal justice mandate. It states that the county auditor certified $148,271 in expenses during the previous 12 months for maintenance and operations costs associated with keeping inmates sentenced to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The notice says those costs increased the county's no-new-revenue maintenance and operations rate by $0.0014714 per $100.

The county's public hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sept. 10 at the Bandera County Courthouse.

City of Bandera

According to the city's public notice, Bandera is proposing a 2026 tax rate of $0.567163 per $100 of taxable value.

The notice lists the same $0.567163 rate as the city's no-new-revenue tax rate. The proposed rate is below the city's voter-approval rate of $0.600000 per $100. Because the proposed rate is not greater than the no-new-revenue rate, the notice states that the city is not proposing to increase property taxes for the 2026 tax year.

The proposed rate is slightly lower than the city's 2025 rate of $0.569939 per $100.

The city's notice lists the average residence homestead taxable value at $197,160 in 2025 and $197,042 in 2026. The tax on the average homestead is listed at $1,123.69 in 2025 and $1,117.54 under the proposed 2026 rate, a decrease of $6.14, or 0.546%.

The total tax levy on all properties is listed at $1,005,311 for 2025 and $981,163 for 2026, a decrease of $24,168, or 2.4%.

The City of Bandera's public meeting to vote on the proposed tax rate is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at Bandera City Hall.

The notice lists Council Members Debbie Breen, Tammy Morrow, Deanna McCabe and Jeff Flowers as voting for the proposal. Council Member Lynn Palmer is listed as absent. No council members are listed as voting against the proposal.

Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District

According to its public notice, the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District is proposing a 2026 tax rate of $0.052128 per $100, $ 35

compared with an adopted 2025 rate of $0.05 per $100.

The notice lists the difference as $0.002128 per $100 and identifies the proposed rate as a 4.2% increase.

For an average residence homestead, the notice lists a 2025 taxable value of $288,775 and a proposed 2026 taxable value of $299,144. The tax on the average residence homestead is listed as $144.39 for 2025 and $155.94 under the proposed rate, an annual increase of $11.55, or 8%.

The notice states that, if the proposed combined debt service, operation and maintenance and contract tax rate requires or authorizes an election, the district proposes to use the tax increase for flood preparedness projects and continuous groundwater monitoring.

The district's public hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sept. 10 at 440 FM 3240.

The notice also outlines provisions under which an election could be required or requested depending on the district's classification and the resulting increase in taxes on an average residence homestead.

Flying L Public Utility District

According to its public notice, the Flying L Public Utility District is proposing a 2026 tax rate of $0.39361 per $100, compared with an adopted 2025 rate of $0.370847 per $100.

The notice lists the difference as $0.022763 per $100 and identifies the proposed rate as a 6.138% increase.

The notice lists the average residence homestead taxable value at $304,243 in 2025 and $309,443 in 2026. Under the proposed rate, the notice projects an annual increase of $90 in taxes on the average residence homestead, or 7.98%.

The notice states that the district proposes to use the tax increase for the purpose of digging a new well.

The Flying L Public Utility District's public hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at 281 Stone Crest Drive in Bandera.

The notices emphasize that the actual tax impact on individual property owners can vary depending on the taxable value of each property and how that value changes relative to other properties.

• Labor Day Weekend Ranch Rodeo, Mansfield Park. Women’s and men’s ranch rodeos and mutton bustin’ for children.

• Sunday Horseback Ride & Chuckwagon Cowboy Breakfast, 9–11 a.m., Major Hope Corral, 830-328-2203. Horseback ride, cowboy breakfast, music, roping and ranch animal visits. Reservations required.

• Tarpley Volunteer FD Support & Celebration Event, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Tarpley VFD, 830-562-3403. Labor Day weekend celebration featuring BBQ, a parade, auctions, a raffle and family activities.

• Live Music, 1 p.m., First National Ice Haus, 646-734-9754. Live music in downtown Bandera.

• Live Music, 3 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Texas country, jam sessions and live music.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • Wagon Rides, Campfires & S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Wagon rides, campfires, s’mores and all-day putt-putt golf.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • Wagon Rides, Campfires & S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Wagon rides, campfires, s’mores and all-day putt-putt golf.

• Live Music, 2:30 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • Food Is Medicine Summit, Sovereignty Ranch, 818-939 7248. Sept. 10–13 event featuring homestead skills, workshops and discussions on food, health and legislation.

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

• Zeke’s Night, 6:30 p.m., First National Ice Haus, 646-734 9754. Monthly songwriter series featuring original music from local, regional and national artists.

• Zeke’s Night: Women of Texas Music, Part 2, 6:30 p.m., First National Ice Haus, 646-734-9754. Listening-room event featuring original songs and stories from Texas songwriters.

• Live Music, 7:30 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • Food Is Medicine Summit, Sovereignty Ranch, 818-939 7248. Sept. 10–13 event featuring homestead skills, workshops and discussions on food, health and legislation.

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

• CCTRA Dinner & Discussion, 5:45 p.m. Cowboy Capital Trail Riders Association dinner and discussion featuring trail updates.

• Adan Hernandez Chicano Artist Tribute, 6 p.m., Bandera Kronkosky Public Library. Exhibit celebrating the life, art and legacy of Chicano artist Adan Hernandez.

• Live Music, 7 p.m., Medina River Oaks Courts, 830-246-2222. Live music and happy hour.

• Live Music, 8 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music.

• Live Music, 8–11 p.m., Shorty’s Lounge, 830-328 0005. Live music.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • Food Is Medicine Summit, Sovereignty Ranch, 818-939 7248. Sept. 10–13 event featuring homestead skills, workshops and discussions on food, health and legislation.

• Second Saturday Artisan Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Lakehills Artisan Village & Produce, 210-260-2323. Local produce, baked goods, canned goods, eggs, jewelry, crafts and more.

• Cowboys on Main,

10 a.m. and noon, Western Trail Heritage Park. Free Old West performances.

• 2nd Saturday Nature Talk: Naturally Famous – Best of Awards, 11 a.m., Medina River Oaks Courts, 830-246-2222. Presentation highlighting notable plants, animals and natural wonders.

• Bandera Gunfighters, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Rattlesnake Ridge. Old West shootout reenactments.

• Monthly Shooting Matches, Bandera Gun Club, 210-287 3785. Monthly shooting competitions for participants of various experience levels.

• Wagon Rides, Campfires

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

• Live Music, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music.

• Wild West Skits and Shoot-Outs, 2–4:30 p.m., Bandera General Store, 830-796-4925. Old West skits, costumes and shoot-outs.

• Live Music, 9–11 p.m., Shorty’s Lounge, 830-328 0005. Live music.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

• Food Is Medicine Summit, Sovereignty Ranch, 818-939 7248. Final day of the Sept. 10–13 event featuring homestead skills, workshops and discussions on food, health and legislation.

• Sunday Horseback Ride & Chuckwagon Cowboy Breakfast, 9–11 a.m., Major Hope Corral, 830-328-2203. Horseback ride, cowboy breakfast, music, roping and ranch animal visits. Reservations required.

• Live Music, 3 p.m., Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826. Live music.

President Donald Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration that makes Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance available in the affected counties.

Officials say the program provides assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities.

The approval comes as Bandera County continues its recovery from the July flooding.

County officials previously reported about $300,000 in emergency repairs had been completed in the Pipe Creek area, with permanent repair costs expected to be significantly higher.

Texas Division of Emergency Management teams also identified damage to several low-water crossings, including one on Bear Springs Road.

Temporary repairs have been completed, according to Bandera County Emergency Management Coordinator Judy Lefevers.

The counties approved for Public Assistance are Bandera, Crockett, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, La Salle, Mason, Maverick, Menard, Real, Sutton, Uvalde, Val Verde and Zavala.

The governor's request for Public Assistance for nine additional counties remains pending, according to a press release from his office.

Federal assistance for individuals also remains pending. Texas has requested FEMA's Individual Assistance program for 30 affected counties. If approved, the program could provide assistance for temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, disaster legal services, disaster unemployment assistance, and medical, dental and funeral expenses related to the disaster.

In Bandera County, Lefevers previously said relatively few residents had reported individual damage to their homes through the state assessment process. Four residents had indicated their residences were affected, with no significant structural damage reported at that time.

Residents and business owners who experienced damage are encouraged to submit information through the Texas Division of Emergency Management's Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool, or iSTAT.

Damage information can be submitted at https:// damage.tdem.texas.gov/. The information helps officials identify affected areas and connect Texans with available resources.

A separate request to authorize additional FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program resources statewide also remains pending.

The governor's office said the state also has taken other actions in response to the July flooding, including extending SNAP replacement benefits, adding counties to the state disaster declaration and deploying additional emergency response resources.

The federal Public Assistance approval is separate from the pending Individual Assistance request. Public Assistance is intended primarily for eligible emergency work and repairs to disaster-damaged public facilities, while Individual Assistance would provide aid directly to eligible individuals and households if approved.

The survey was conducted by the University of Maryland's Program for Public Consultation as part of its Common Ground in the Battlegrounds? series, which examines areas of bipartisan agreement on policy issues in competitive states and congressional districts.

Among Texas respondents, 72% said they favor offering legal status to undocumented immigrants who have been in the United States for years and have not committed a crime if they pay a penalty and any taxes they owe. Support was 80% among Democrats and 62% among Republicans.

The survey also found 80% overall support for providing a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children and have not committed a serious crime. Support was 85% among Democrats and 75% among Republicans.

For undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of a crime, 87% of respondents favored deportation. That included 85% of Democrats and 93% of Republicans.

Steven Kull, director of the Program for Public Consultation, said the findings show support among both parties for reducing the number of people living in the United States without legal status through a combination of legal pathways and enforcement.

“Bipartisan majorities favor reforms that would reduce the number of immigrants living in the US without legal status, but not through mass deportation,” Kull said.

The survey also examined proposals intended to reduce illegal immigration for employment.

An overall 82% of respondents supported requiring employers to verify the legal status of new employees through the federal E-Verify system while increasing the number of work visas based on labor demand. Support was 84% among Democrats and 83% among Republicans.

Another proposal — hiring several hundred additional immigration judges and staff to reduce the time asylum seekers wait for court hearings — received 75% overall support. The proposal was supported by 82% of Democrats and 73% of Republicans.

The proposals included in the survey were based on legislation introduced in Congress.

The Texas survey was conducted May 27 through June 19 with 630 adults. The response rate was 8.4%, and the reported confidence interval was plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.

The sample was obtained from multiple online opt-in panels and weighted to match the state's adult population based on factors including age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, household income, marital status and home ownership. The survey was offered in English and Spanish.

The Common Ground in the Battlegrounds? project is conducting surveys on 15 topics in 11 competitive states and 28 competitive U.S. House districts ahead of the November midterm elections. The project says its goal is to identify areas of bipartisan agreement and provide information to the public, policymakers, candidates and journalists.

The project involves the Program for Public Consultation, the Civic Innovation Center at the University of Maryland and Voice of the People. The organizations state that they do not advocate for policy positions or endorse candidates.

Readers can view the full Texas questionnaire, toplines, crosstabs and methodology, along with results from other states and congressional districts, at: https://www.publicconsultation. org/commonground- in-the-battlegrounds/ The survey release also provides access to the individual state and district results.

Monte Nesbitt, Ph.D., a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service pecan specialist and associate professor in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences in Bryan- College Station, said the 2026 crop is expected to be modestly larger than last year's.

The Tri-State Pecan Growers Association estimated Texas production at about 42 million pounds, though growers did not issue an official forecast at their July conference.

Nesbitt estimated the state's overall yield at about 39 million pounds, up from 32 million pounds last year.

Wholesale prices were stronger at times for the 2025 crop, with some spring lots topping $2 per pound and approaching $3 per pound during the first quarter of 2026.

The opening price for the 2026 crop will depend on the volume and quality of early harvests in Georgia, Louisiana and East Texas. Rising diesel, gasoline and fertilizer costs, along with increased spraying required because of disease and insect pressure, are also squeezing growers' margins.

More growers are turning to direct-to-consumer sales in an effort to improve returns, according to a 2024 survey by the Texas Pecan Growers Association. Nesbitt expects retail pecan prices to rise slightly this year along with broader food inflation.

Weather, disease create challenges

Pecan trees bud in late March and are not harvested until October at the earliest, leaving them exposed to weather, pests and disease for much of the year.

An unusually wet spring in North, East and Central Texas left many orchards needing little irrigation through July but also created conditions favorable for pecan scab, a fungal disease that can cause dark spots and lead to blackened or dropped shucks. Growers also reported increased cases of downy spot and powdery mildew.

Dry weather has since spread across much of the state. The hot, extremely dry conditions arrived as trees entered kernel fill, the critical August-to-September period when the edible portion of the nut develops and water demand is highest.

“The dry weather we’re having now is impacting the development of kernel,” Nesbitt said. “Shriveled, malformed kernels can hide inside normal-looking shells.”

Growers with reliable irrigation have a better chance of finishing the crop, while those without adequate water face more uncertainty.

“August is the separating point where pecans can go well, or they go badly,” Nesbitt said.

Producers also faced above-normal pressure from pecan nut casebearer, an insect whose larvae burrow into nuts and feed on the kernel.

Despite the challenges, Nesbitt said Texas' size and geographic diversity should produce pockets of high-quality pecans.

“Experience and overseeing our annual state pecan show makes me very confident that there are going to be good pecans in Texas in 2026,” he said.

Regional conditions

AgriLife Extension district reports show continued heat and drought pressure across much of the state.

In the West Central district, temperatures topped 100 degrees daily, with limited rainfall. Pecan orchards were generally holding their own, although supplemental water remained important during nut filling. Pastures were drying out, stock tanks were declining and hay production was slowing.

In the Southwest district, hot, dry weather also stressed pastures and crops. Pecan scab was appearing as nuts formed, while webworms were abundant as pecans matured.

Across the Central district, temperatures exceeded 100 degrees nearly every day during the month, with some areas receiving no precipitation. Declining stock tank levels and deteriorating pasture conditions prompted some ranchers to begin feeding hay and supplements.

The 2026 pecan harvest is expected to begin in October, with final production and quality dependent on weather, irrigation, disease and insect pressure during the remainder of the growing season.

Heather Farmer, the Hill Country League’s youth voter and voter education officer, conducted the session.

Farmer is a retired English teacher who served in Northeast ISD for 30 years.

The audience was composed primarily of homeschool students, with three other adults attending.

Four members of the Bandera County Unit also attended, along with Medina librarian Alison Harbour, who provided snacks for the group.

Farmer began with background information on voting and the different sections of the voter registration card.

She used a voter quiz developed by the Montgomery County League to test the audience’s knowledge.

Even though the presentation focused on new or young voters, it was evident that experienced voters could learn a great deal as well.

Comparing voting patterns across the United States with those in Texas was an intriguing part of the presentation.

Farmer compared Texans’ voting percentages with those in Bandera County.

Her data showed that 71% of registered voters in Bandera County voted in the last election.

Farmer also discussed why presidential and midterm elections showed vastly different statistics.

Farmer reviewed the rules governing how firsttime voters can register. She said that if a teen is 17 years and 10 months old and will be 18 on Election Day, they can register to vote in their first election.

She also noted that the 18- to 24-year-old age group was the least likely to vote in any election. Water issues in the Hill Country were a critical factor that prompted older voters to participate in elections.

The timeline for the election process was discussed, including the purpose of primary elections, runoff elections and the general election.

Farmer made sure to include all political parties recognized by the state of Texas — Democrats, the Green Party, Libertarians and Republicans. She also explained how independent candidates secure spots on the ballot.

Farmer reviewed the types of identification needed to vote in Texas. She went over Texas voters’ rights, as well as things that are not allowed at the polls, such as any type of political advertising.

She also presented the process needed to vote by mail, as well as how to use curbside voting in the case of a disability.

The audience left the presentation with “swag bags” containing stickers and information sheets for new voters.

Even though the presentation was geared toward new voters, veteran voters could learn a lot about the process as well. Farmer recommended that participants visit Vote411. org, a site created by the League to provide more information.

The next Voter101 presentation will be held at the Kronkosky Public Library in Bandera on Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the downstairs meeting room.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization whose mission is to empower voters and defend democracy.

The Bandera County Unit of the Hill Country League of Women Voters meets quarterly at the Hens’ Nest in Bandera. For more information, contact Cathy Learoyd, Bandera Unit chair.

Gay Carnes, representative of Tennessee in the State of Texas, was honored and presented a certificate of thanks by Bandera Worthy Matron Sherrie Keese.

Carnes attended the Tennessee state convention and reported back to the Grand Matron of Texas.

Past Worthy Matron Cheryl Meyer also received a certificate of thanks for her work during the past year as District Deputy Grand Matron for District 5, Section 3.

As District Deputy Grand Matron, Meyer was responsible for overseeing and supporting the chapters in her section, which includes Bandera, Blanco, Boerne, Johnson City and Kerrville.

The Assuring that Robust, Thorough and Informed Congressional Leadership is Exercised Over National Emergencies Act, known as the ARTICLE ONE Act, would amend the National Emergencies Act and establish new congressional review requirements for presidential emergency declarations.

Under the legislation, a president could declare a national emergency by proclamation and would be required to immediately transmit the declaration to Congress and publish it in the Federal Register.

The president would also have to identify the specific statutory authorities intended for use under the emergency declaration.

The declaration and emergency powers invoked under it would initially remain in effect for 30 calendar days. Congress would have to approve the emergency through a joint resolution for it to continue beyond that period.

If Congress does not approve an emergency declaration within 30 days, the declaration would expire.

The legislation would also prevent a president from declaring another national emergency based on the same circumstances for the remainder of that president’s term.

The same restriction would apply to individual emergency powers that Congress declines to approve. Congressional approval of an emergency, however, would not itself create or expand the president’s statutory authority, according to the legislation.

For emergencies approved by Congress, the bill would establish another review process after one year. An emergency would expire unless the president sought its renewal and Congress approved another joint resolution allowing it to continue.

The measure includes an exception for situations in which Congress is physically unable to convene because of an armed attack on the United States or another national emergency. In those cases, the initial 30-day period would begin on the first day Congress is able to convene.

The legislation would also establish expedited procedures for congressional consideration of emergency declarations and renewals.

Under the bill, congressional committees would have 10 calendar days to consider approval resolutions before being automatically discharged from further consideration.

The bill would impose additional reporting requirements on the executive branch. A president would be required to submit a written report to Congress explaining the circumstances requiring the emergency declaration, its expected duration, planned government actions, the statutory authorities expected to be used and estimated federal expenditures directly attributable to the emergency.

For emergencies that remain in effect, the administration would also be required to provide periodic status reports, including information about government spending, actions taken and authorities exercised.

Roy said in announcing the legislation that the bill was intended to restore Congress’ role in overseeing national emergencies and the exercise of emergency powers.

Cohen, who previously supported similar emergency powers reform, said the legislation would establish additional checks and balances over presidential authority and ensure Congress remains involved in determining the duration of national emergencies.

The legislation was introduced as bipartisan legislation following renewed debate over the scope and duration of emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roy also cited the use of emergency declarations in other areas of government policy, including immigration and border security, as examples of issues Congress should address directly rather than leaving long-term decisions to executive emergency powers.

The measure would take effect upon enactment and generally apply to national emergencies declared after that date.

National emergencies already in effect would become subject to the legislation’s new review requirements when they would otherwise expire or be renewed under existing law Roy represents Texas’ 21st Congressional District, which includes Bandera County.