Articles - News - Bandera Bulletin

Family of former city code enforcement officer challenge circumstances of termination

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Editor’s Note: This story first appeared online.

Former code enforcement officer Jon Davis’s wife and daughter delivered a series of allegations against former city administrator Jill Dickerson during the public comment portion of last Tuesday’s city council meeting, challenging the circumstances surrounding Davis’s termination and accusing city leadership of misconduct.

Davis’s wife, Stephanie, and daughter, Fiona, addressed the council and read a prepared statement criticizing Dickerson, who terminated Davis several months ago.

Among their concerns was an alleged statement by Dickerson that the city had been named in three lawsuits because Davis lacked the required certifications for commercial inspections.

“That woman stated that the city had been hit with three lawsuits because he was only certified in home, not commercial inspections,” Fiona Davis told the council.

Both Fiona and Stephanie disputed that claim, stating that Davis had been working toward commercial certifications and had spent time with City Marshal Earl Heidelberg on related coursework late last year.

In addition to challenging the certification issue, the family accused Dickerson of procedural misconduct during the termination process. Stephanie Davis alleged that her husband was called into a meeting regarding his employment without a third-party representative present because Dickerson simultaneously served as city secretary, city manager, human resources administrator and Davis’s direct supervisor. However, there is a dispute over whether Dickerson remained Davis’s supervisor at the time of the termination in March 2026.

“Effective December 2025, Jon answered directly to the city council and no longer fell under city administration,” Stephanie Davis said. “He had no idea. There was no verbal announcement, no email, nothing sent by your city secretary who does HR.”

According to Stephanie Davis, it was only after her insistence that her husband requested a formal termination letter. While awaiting the document, both she and Jon Davis said Heidelberg encouraged him to remain in his position. However, Dickerson later delivered a termination letter stating Davis was performing duties associated with the positions of building inspector and code enforcement officer without maintaining certifications required by the State of Texas.

The letter further alleged Davis refused to contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to obtain the necessary certifications.

Davis disputed the assertions in the letter and expressed frustration that Heidelberg did not speak during the meeting to confirm he had completed commercial inspection coursework.

“Earl was responsible for filing my coursework with TDLR,” Davis said. “But he didn’t say anything during that meeting.”

Davis also criticized city attorney Matt Groves, claiming the attorney would only communicate with Dickerson despite Davis being a city employee at the time.

“I am his client, too,” Davis said. “He should have been able to advise me of my rights.”

According to Davis, tensions with Dickerson increased after former city administrator Stan Farmer allegedly suggested he pursue the city administrator position upon Farmer’s departure.

“What really set it off was when Stan was leaving and told me to my face, with her hearing, that I should go for city admin because I’m overqualified for it,” Davis said. “But I didn’t want to. I just wanted to do code enforcement.”

Davis further alleged that several initiatives he developed during his employment were never presented to the city council. Among them were proposals for a revamped horse trail system, a plan to address feral cat populations within the city and county, and a standard operating procedure for the code enforcement department.

“I even wrote the SOP for code enforcement because there isn’t one,” Davis said.

Regarding the alleged lawsuits Dickerson reportedly referenced, Davis said he was never provided details or documentation concerning the claims.

Stephanie Davis said she plans to file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission after Davis’s unemployment benefits request was denied. During the meeting, she also encouraged residents who had heard allegations that Davis was unlicensed to contact him directly. However, the audio on the city’s YouTube recording cuts out when she begins reading Davis’s cellphone number and resumes immediately after she finishes.

The Texas Municipal League states that “in Texas, city councils are generally expected to provide complete, unedited recordings of public meetings to comply with transparency requirements, but they have discretion regarding certain aspects of video management and executive sessions.”

Dickerson, Mayor Denise Griffin and Heidelberg did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding the allegations.

Bandera added to cross-state trail following advocates’ push for horse-friendly tourism

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Bandera has officially been added to the developing xTexas Trail, a 1,500-mile hiking, cycling and equestrian route stretching across the state, following a grassroots effort by local horse advocates who believe the Cowboy Capital of the World belongs on any trail showcasing rural Texas.

The addition was announced by the xTexas Trail Association ahead of the second anniversary of the project, which founder Charlie Gandy first envisioned while hiking near Lake Tahoe on June 12, 2024.

For Bandera residents, however, the milestone represents more than a new dot on a trail map.

Members of the Bandera Equine Posse see the route as an opportunity to strengthen the city's equestrian identity, attract new visitors and build infrastructure that better accommodates horseback travelers.

'As soon as I heard about the xTx and realized where the trail originally traveled through the Hill Country — close, but not through the town of Bandera — I knew I had to reach out,' said Diana Walters, a member of the Bandera Equine Posse and co-owner of The Old Spanish Trail and The First National Ice Haus. 'The xTx simply had to come through Bandera.'

Walters said Bandera's longstanding connection to horses and cattle culture made the decision seem obvious.

'You just can't have a cross-Texas trail without including the Cowboy Capital, can you?' she said.

The xTexas Trail, often shortened to xTx, currently follows a combination of public roads, trails and parkland from the Louisiana border to El Paso. Organizers envision it eventually becoming a continuous corridor for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders similar to long-distance trails found elsewhere in the country.

Gandy, a former Texas legislator and founder of BikeTexas, said the idea emerged while he was hiking in California and realized Texas lacked a signature long-distance trail of its own.

'I saw the possibility of creating an Appalachian- type trail across Texas,' Gandy said. 'I realized that I might be the right guy to do it.'

Gandy said his wife, Melissa, insisted that horses be included in the concept from the beginning.

That decision has shaped the trail's development in unexpected ways.

According to trail organizers, horse enthusiasts have purchased land near portions of the route with hopes of developing future camping opportunities. Businesses, churches and private landowners have also shown greater interest in supporting the project after learning it would accommodate horseback riders.

While a fully horsefriendly route across Texas remains years away, organizers say Bandera may become one of the first examples of what that future could look like.

The Bandera Equine Posse has already begun working with the City of Bandera to improve equestrian amenities throughout town.

Posse President Anthony Soupley said projects include improving the city's trailhead, adding additional horse hitching rails requested by local businesses and exploring the development of a livery facility in downtown Bandera where visitors could securely keep horses while visiting shops, restaurants and bars.

'With all of the work that the Bandera Equine Posse has been doing recently, it feels like a perfect partnership to have xTx come through Bandera,' Soupley said. 'In Bandera, it's all about keeping the cowboy culture alive and this is another great way to help make that happen.'

Trail organizers said discussions are underway for a dedicated horse-focused segment of the xTexas Trail around Bandera. Plans also include a proposed modern livery barn, which organizers believe would be the first facility of its kind in the United States designed specifically for long-distance equestrian travelers.

The trail's route through Bandera County highlights some of the Hill Country's most remote and scenic landscapes.

Organizers describe the region as a transition from rolling ranchland into rugged limestone hills carved by waterways including the Medina, Frio and Guadalupe rivers.

The area's geology, wildlife and history were major factors in bringing the route through Bandera County.

The Medina River, which winds near Bandera, once served as part of the boundary between Spanish colonial territories and later played a role in the region's development before Texas independence.

Today, the area is known for its limestone canyons, spring-fed streams, live oak groves and native wildlife ranging from whitetailed deer and armadillos to the endangered golden- cheeked warbler.

Gandy believes those natural assets, combined with Bandera's culture and hospitality, make the city a natural trail destination.

'We see Bandera as the first official Trailhead Town and a prototype for the xTx,' Gandy said.

He noted that successful long-distance trails often depend as much on communities as they do scenery.

'It's not just about outdoor adventure,' Gandy said. 'A big part for travelers is where you can enjoy terrific food and a comfortable, charming place to sleep for the night.'

Founded in 1853, Bandera became a major stop along the Great Western Cattle Trail and later adopted the title 'Cowboy Capital of the World.' Horses remain a visible part of daily life, with riders still able to travel along Main Street and tie their horses outside local businesses.

The Bandera Equine Posse, formed in 2025, was created to preserve that heritage and expand opportunities for equestrian recreation and tourism.

The organization's mission includes working with public and private partners to develop a countywide equestrian trail system while promoting horses as an important economic and cultural asset for the community.

The xTexas Trail Association reports that more than 150 volunteers have contributed to the project since its launch. The organization says the trail has attracted more than 4,000 social media followers and has been featured by outlets including CNN, NPR, Texas Monthly and Texas Public Radio.

City park resuming admission charge

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

After residents raised concerns about lost revenue resulting from the city council's decision to suspend admission fees at Bandera City Park, the council voted Tuesday to resume charging admission for the summer season.

The decision came during a special meeting June 2, reversing a March action that temporarily eliminated admission fees because of high E. coli levels and low water levels in the Medina River.

During the March 24 city council meeting, former City Secretary Allyson Wright told council members park revenue had steadily declined over the past several summers.

'Last year we brought in $31,000, we spent $17,000,' Wright said. 'So, we profited $13,000 for the park. We used to bring in [around] $180,000.'

To explain the declining revenue and reduced appeal of the park, Wright provided reports documenting elevated E. coli levels in the river.

'I don't see it getting any better, I see it getting worse,' Wright said. 'It's a good revenue source for when the river is nice.'

Wright also cited challenges staffing the ticket booth during weekends when visitation was low.

'Nobody wants to work the weekends when there's nobody coming into the park,' Wright said.

Council members Tammy Morrow and Debbie Breen attempted to ask additional questions before Council Member Lynn Palmer moved to suspend admission fees.

'I would like to just move this agenda along a little bit quicker,' Palmer said before making the motion.

Wright noted at the time that the council could reverse the decision later if conditions changed.

At the June 2 meeting, Morrow requested the issue be placed back on the agenda.

'I know we closed it because of the water conditions and I know they have not improved that much,' Morrow said. 'But still, they have improved some.

We were getting the park clean all weekend long. I think we jumped the gun on closing it.'

According to local doctor Randi Mellon, who spoke during public comment, the admission program generated an estimated profit of $25,000 during the 2023-24 fiscal year and approximately $16,000 during the 202425 fiscal year.

The council unanimously approved reinstating admission fees.

Bandera City Park charges $10 for adults and $5 for Bandera County residents and children. Admission is free for active- duty military personnel, veterans, first responders, seniors 65 and older, Bandera Independent School District students and children younger than 6. According to Morrow, park passes are at no charge for city residents.

The council also reduced the cost of a seasonal park pass from $100 to $75.

The council decided to restart admissions on Father's Day, Sunday June 21st, but according to Kunz, admission fees are actually expected to resume June 20, the Saturday before Father's Day.

Mayor directed Flock installation to proceed as opposition mounted

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Editor's Note: Emails obtained by the Bulletin in an open record request are available in the online version of this story.

Despite mounting public opposition and growing concerns among council members, newly obtained emails show Bandera city officials continued advancing the city's contract with Flock Safety Systems, with Mayor Denise Griffin directing staff in late March to proceed with camera installations even as efforts to cancel the agreement were underway.

The emails, obtained by The Bulletin, provide new insight into how city leadership handled the automated license plate reader program in the months leading up to the Bandera City Council's May vote to terminate the contract.

After City Administrative Assistant Stephanie Biggs sought guidance on how to proceed with Flock Safety amid growing concerns from residents and council members, Griffin issued a clear directive in a March 26 email.

'I want the installations to go on as usual. We have a contract and they need to be installed as scheduled,' Griffin wrote.

The instruction came just two days after the issue returned to the council agenda for the first time since Council Member Deanna McCabe requested discussion of the contract in January and one day after city officials acknowledged privately that opposition to the program appeared unlikely to soften.

The Bulletin compiled the following timeline of events:

• May 13, 2025 — Former council member Brett Hicks and council members Lynn Palmer and Debbie Breen voted in favor of Resolution 2025-019, authorizing the City of Bandera to apply for the 2026 Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant. Presented by former City Manager Stan Farmer, the resolution included exploring the feasibility of partnering with Flock Safety Systems.

• Oct. 14, 2025 — Former council member Tony Battle and council members Jeff Flowers, Lynn Palmer and Debbie Breen approved Resolution 2025-035, authorizing the Marshal's Office to enter into a multiple-use agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the installation and operation of automated license plate recognition cameras within TxDOT rights-of-way. Hicks was absent.

• Jan. 13 — McCabe requested that Flock Safety be placed on a future council agenda for discussion.

• Feb. 9 — Biggs warned company officials that council members were already signaling they would likely end the agreement when it expired.

'Council is already leaning toward not renewing the contract once it expires,' Biggs wrote. 'That would be a shame and terrible waste of everyone's time and efforts. Not to mention money.'

• Feb 10 - Dickerson added Flock to the agenda, the first time since McCabe's Jan. 13 request to hear questions from the council prior to the scheduled Town Hall.

• Feb. 28 — A public town hall on Flock Safety drew significant resident opposition to the program.

• March 8 — The city paid a $17,000 invoice to Flock Safety. Former interim city manager and current City Secretary Jill Dickerson later drew criticism for authorizing the payment after residents had publicly opposed the contract. 'The invoice was paid because, per our agreement, it was due and council did not direct us to not pay it,' Dickerson told the Bulletin.

• March 24 — Flock Safety returned to the council agenda. McCabe attempted to cancel the contract, but the motion was tabled after City Attorney Matt Grove failed to provide a copy of the agreement during discussion in which financial concerns were raised.

• March 25 — Emails show city officials discussing growing opposition to the program. After a Flock representative suggested one-on-one meetings with skeptical council members, Biggs responded, 'I just don't know if they're willing to 'hear' the facts.' Griffin added, 'We have had someone here to explain it and the naysayers aren't changing their minds.'

• March 26 — Griffin instructed staff to notify Flock Safety that camera installations should continue despite the uncertainty surrounding the contract.

• May 12 — Council members McCabe, Breen and Morrow voted to terminate the contract, while Flowers and Palmer voted against cancellation. The motion carried. Emails obtained by The Bulletin show city officials were aware months before the May vote that support for the contract was eroding.

The correspondence also shows Biggs sharing a video of residents speaking against the company with Flock Public Affairs Manager Kerry McCormack so the company could 'see some of the things we're up against.' She additionally requested examples of successful Flock programs that could be publicized locally.

Following payment of the invoice on March 8, concerns about the contract's future persisted. Ahead of the March 24 council meeting, Biggs again warned Flock officials that cancellation appeared increasingly likely. Correspondence reviewed by The Bulletin indicates city staff believed efforts to persuade skeptical council members would be unsuccessful.

Despite acknowledging the growing opposition and the possibility that the contract could ultimately be terminated, Griffin directed that camera installations proceed as planned.

Biggs' concerns about cancellation continued through April, though the issue did not return to the council agenda until May 12, when the contract was formally terminated. When Biggs notified Flock of the council's decision, a company representative replied that the city would not be charged any fees for removing the cameras.

During a special meeting June 2, Dickerson told the council the city was in the process of seeking reimbursement from Flock Safety Systems.

Also on June 2, Biggs submitted her resignation as the city's administrative assistant and grant coordinator.

'She's given us a week,' newly appointed City Manager Toni Kunz told the council. 'We are doing our best to accommodate that.'

Griffin declined to respond to the Bulletin's request for comment.

EDC missing $15,000 payment, moves to replace auditor

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Editor’s Note: Bulletin subscribers saw this story first because they have access to the e-edition, which includes an extra digital page that didn’t make it to print.

The Bandera Economic Development Corporation (EDC) raised concerns Wednesday over a $15,000 check that failed to reach its intended recipient and questioned the authenticity of a recently completed audit. The $15,000 check was intended to fund disc golf improvements at Bandera’s Disc Golf Course, at the request of local chiropractor Dr. Allan Gratia.

The former EDC board, which included members Debbie Breen, Lynn Palmer, Eric Cothran, Laura Devenport, Patricia Mc-Mullan, and Manny Longoria, had made the approval in Aug. 2025.

The EDC approved the $15,000 contribution go to the city so that municipal officials – which would include current city secretary Jill Dickerson and former city treasurer Allyson Wright - could provide oversight of the project.

However, according to newly appointed EDC member Andrea Jankoski, Dr. Gratia was not informed that the city had allocated the funds until she personally notified him prior to the meeting Wednesday — nearly 10 months after the expenditure had been approved. The EDC voted unanimously to request the $15,000 back from the city to distribute it to Dr. Gratia.

Jankoski and board member Nancy De Foster then questioned the EDC’s recent audit, which was conducted by Donald L. Allman, the same auditor for the city.

“I prepared the audit from the previous fiscal year…,” said De Foster, “I was looking at the balance sheet, the statement of net position, and the number on the 2024 audit. They were identical. The capital assets, our infrastructure, and our equipment values were identical. That didn’t change from 2024 to 2025.”

Jankoski also expressed concerns that Allman had not requested to look at expenditures.

“How do you audit financials for an organization if you don’t look at the actual expenditures and question them?” Jankowski stated.

Jankowski went on to question the zero findings in the city’s recent audit.

“Findings are not unusual in audits, nor are they necessarily negative,” Jankoski said. “What concerned me was that the city audit resulted in no findings at all. I was uncomfortable by how limited the audit process appeared to be, particularly because no additional supporting documents were requested beyond the basic materials provided.”

The EDC moved to search for a different auditing company.

In other business, EDC board president Kim McAleb gained accessed to the “outdated” EDC webpage and obtained her own email address: kim. mcaleb@ banderatx.gov.

De Foster later raised concerns that the board members did not have updated ordinance manuals – something that should be provided by the city secretary or city attorney, according to the Texas City Attorney’s Association.

McAleb’s own manual was from 2017.

“We will get this straight,” McAleb said, assuring members that they would receive a copy of the updated bylaws.

The EDC also moved to post a part-time administrative position to the EDC, publishing an updated meeting schedule on the EDC website, seeking out new legal counsel, and further discussing the Buck Creek Properties at another meeting.

Dickerson did not provide a statement on why Dr. Gratia had not been notified about the $15,000 approval expense, or why the EDC had outdated bylaw manuals, though the Bulletin sent multiple requests for comment.

Biggs rescinds resignation, remains with city in dual role

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Bandera Administrative Assistant and Grant Coordinator Stephanie Biggs has rescinded her resignation and will remain employed by the city, according to City Administrator Toni Kunz.

The Bandera Bulletin learned of the decision Friday, June 5, after submitting a public information request seeking a copy of Biggs' resignation letter.

In response to the request, Kunz notified the Bulletin that Biggs had withdrawn her resignation following discussions with city administration.

'We had a really productive week,' Kunz said. 'Stephanie has decided that she would very much like to be a part of all the changes and solutions we have been discussing.'

Kunz did not provide additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding Biggs' resignation or what prompted her decision to remain with the city.

Biggs serves as the city's administrative assistant and grant coordinator, assisting with administrative operations and grant-related projects.

Biggs

Rural Roundup focuses on aging-friendly communities in Bandera

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

More than 40 residents, nonprofit leaders, volunteers and elected officials gathered in Bandera on May 30 to discuss how rural communities can better serve aging populations.

The event, known as the Rural Roundup, focused on challenges facing older adults in the Texas Hill Country, including transportation, healthcare access, caregiving support, nutrition and social isolation.

Organized by a volunteer steering committee and sponsored by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and the Hill Country Alliance, the gathering marked the ninth Rural Roundup held across the region since the program began four years ago.

Participants heard presentations on age-friendly community planning and discussed ways local governments, nonprofits and community organizations can strengthen services for older residents.

'Everyone is aging every day,' said Rebeca Gibson, regional engagement manager for the Hill Country Alliance. 'Our goal was to bring together neighbors and leaders to highlight successful programs already serving older adults in the Hill Country while identifying additional opportunities to make our communities welcoming for people of all ages.'

Several existing programs were highlighted during the event, including KerrKonnect, a doorto- door transportation service for older adults in Kerr County, and Bandera's transit connection to Wharton's Dock, which organizers said was developed through collaboration among local and regional partners.

The Rural Roundup series is part of Leading in the Rural Hill Country, an initiative that connects community leaders across the region to address common challenges and share solutions.

Organizers said future Rural Roundups will continue to focus on issues affecting rural Hill Country communities while showcasing local efforts to address them.

Bandera softball players earn all-district honors

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Several members of the Bandera High School softball team received District 27-4A athletic and academic honors following the conclusion of the 2026 season, according to an announcement from Bandera Independent School District last week.

Junior Preslee Greenley was named to the First Team All-District squad after leading the Bulldogs with consistent play throughout the season.

Sophomore Cerissa Fernandez and junior Becky Gomez earned Second Team All-District recognition.

Four Bandera players received Honorable Mention honors: juniors Mia Ranly, Jasmine Longoria, Haily Livingston and Riley LaLanne.

The Bulldogs also placed four players on the Academic All-District team, which recognizes student-athletes who maintain a grade average of 90 or higher during the season.

Bandera's Academic All-District honorees were Greenley, Becky Gomez, Rehnahta Gomez and LaLanne.

'We are proud of the persistence these players showed in the face of a tough season,' the coaching staff said in a statement. 'More importantly, their success in the classroom proves they understand what it means to be true student-athletes. They continued to work hard and support one another as one.'

The honors were selected by District 27-4A coaches following the season.

GUMBALL 3000 STOPS IN BANDERA

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The Gumball 3000 Rally made a stop in Bandera on Monday, drawing crowds to downtown as more than 100 exotic vehicles traveled through the Cowboy Capital of the World. Officials said international event brought visitors, media attention and tourism-related business to local shops, restaurants and attractions. See the full story in next week’s Bulletin. Photos and videos from the event are currently on our Facebook page.

Bandera businesses featured in new AI-driven tourism network

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

A Texas Hill Country vacation rental company is betting that the future of tourism begins with artificial intelligence, and it has chosen Bandera as the starting point.

Backroads Hill Country announced June 2 the launch of HillCountry.ai, a new AI-powered travel discovery network designed to help visitors find lodging, restaurants, attractions and local businesses throughout the region. The first town-specific site in the network, Bandera.ai, is now live and centered on the Cowboy Capital of the World.

The project is the latest effort by the Pipe Creekbased company, which has managed vacation rentals in the Hill Country since 2001. Company owner Spencer Forrest said the idea grew out of decades of helping visitors navigate the region.

'Most travelers planning a Hill Country trip end up patching together information from a half-dozen websites, none of which actually know the area,' Forrest said in a statement. 'We've spent 25 years answering these questions by phone. HillCountry.ai is what happens when you put that knowledge into a system that scales.'

Bandera was selected as the first launch location because of its strong tourism identity and Backroads Hill Country's extensive presence in the area.

According to the company, it currently manages 47 properties in Bandera County and has developed relationships with local businesses and tourism partners over the past 25 years.

The new platform features a conversational AI guide named 'Brody' that allows users to ask questions in plain language, such as where to find barbecue, what events are happening during a particular weekend, or where to rent a cabin large enough for a family gathering. The system then generates recommendations based on information compiled by the company.

According to Backroads Hill Country, the AI guides are built using Anthropic's Claude language models and draw from a proprietary database of more than 500 verified businesses across 13 Hill Country communities.

Company officials said listings were manually researched and cross-referenced using sources including Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor and local information.

Bandera.ai launched with a directory of 62 verified Bandera-area businesses across 11 categories, as well as information on 47 vacation rental properties managed by Backroads Hill Country.

The site is also connected to the company's Hill-Country mobile application, which covers approximately 40 communities throughout the region.

The broader HillCountry. ai project consists of more than 100 internet domains organized around towns, rivers, parks, attractions and destinations throughout the Hill Country.

Town-specific sites are planned for communities including Fredericksburg, Kerrville, Boerne, Concan, Leakey, Wimberley, Gruene, Lago Vista, Luckenbach and Marble Falls. Additional launches are expected on a weekly basis in the coming months.

Forrest said the project is intended to address changes in how travelers search for information online.

'More travelers now start trip planning by asking an AI assistant rather than a search engine,' the company said in its announcement. 'The local knowledge comes first; the structure is just what makes it legible to the systems doing the answering.'

According to the company, early testing has shown AI search platforms such as Perplexity citing information from HillCountry. ai when responding to travel-related questions about the region. Company officials view that trend as evidence that businesses increasingly need information structured in ways that artificial intelligence systems can access and understand.

The Texas Hill Country attracts an estimated 5 million visitors each year, and Backroads executives believe a growing percentage of those travelers will rely on AI tools to plan trips, select accommodations and choose destinations.

Under the platform's model, businesses can be listed without charge and may appear in AI-generated recommendations to one business per category within each town.

The launch also represents a significant expansion of Backroads Hill Country's operations beyond vacation rentals.

The company currently manages 86 properties across 13 Hill Country communities and maintains a regional travel website, backroadstexas.net, which has published tourism-related content since 2001.

The company reports a 4.9-star average rating across more than 380 Google reviews.

Forrest said the goal is not simply to capitalize on the growing interest in artificial intelligence but to make local businesses easier for travelers to discover.

'We didn't build this to chase a tech trend,' Forrest said. 'We built it because we've watched Hill Country travelers for 25 years struggle to find what they actually want — and watched great local businesses get buried under generic results.'

Bandera.ai and HillCountry. ai are currently available online, while the HillCountry mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Growing Up in Bandera

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Celebrating our past here in Bandera has been around as long as I can remember.

The old Stompede Days celebration was a three day event organized by business people to bring visitors to town and fill the coffers. At the time we could have used a few more motels in town to accomodate the crowds that arrived by the thousands.

Oldtimers have differing views about those days of parades, rodeos and just plain hell raisin'.

I was about thirteen years old when the last Stompede celebration took place and my most outstanding memory is of those crowds. Traffic on Main Street was bumper to bumper from one end of town to the other.

At night people were sleeping in cars and on the ground all along the river. The crowbar hotel out behind the courthouse was usually packed every night.

Due to modern day problems sleeping on the river while camping overnight is no longer tolerated. The current nightly rates at hotels could have bought you a pretty good used car back in my high school days.

There are probably some oldtimers out around the Houston area who might be happy to know the Bandera sheriff's jail accomodations have improved immensely as they recall their 1950's Bandera experience so many years ago.

Sadly in modern times there is not much attention being given to the real beginnings of our town when the first stores and businesses were being established. They made it a place suitable as a staging area for some of the great cattle herds gathering for the drive north to the railheads.

They were an early part of our history but the cypress mill on the Medina River is what gave birth to the town of Bandera.

Early immigrants introduced to the rough life of what was to become Bandera's sawmill and shingle making era were a breed unequaled in determination.

Living in tents they scratched out a living in an area of the new world that was still plagued by Indi an raids, disease and a civil war. They created something we now neglect in our local history celebrations.

I guess there just isn't enough money to be made in it.

The life of my greatgreat grandfather on my dad's side of our family is well documented and familiar to just about everyone around these parts. The name Amasa Clark is well known and is recognized as one of the earliest settlers in the area but that doesn't tell the whole story about our family.

On my mom's side we claim some fame too with the Kindlas and Mazureks who came in with the earliest settlers. I guess it was just my luck that they were some of the Polish immigrants who decided to move on from Panna Maria and get their start in Bandera. I'm not sure how growing up in Panna Maria would have worked out for me. Growing up in Bandera was such a blessing and I wouldn't trade a minute of it for the best hound in the litter.

Sheriff’s Arrests

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Editor’s note – Readers are reminded that an arrest is not an indication of guilt. People are presumed innocent after an arrest until convicted.

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.

Ian Lane Short, 24, of Bandera was arrested on June 1 on a local warrant.

Sativa Anne Rasmussen, 51, of Pipe Creek was arrested on June 2 for driving while a license was invalid with a previous conviction and without financial responsibility.

Angel Yvette Hall Burton, 57, of Somerset was arrested on June 4 on a local warrant.

Devin Michael Cipolloni, 31, of Bandera was arrested on June 6 on a local warrant for burglary of a habitation.

Christian Cross Wayne Wilhelm, 28, of Boerne was arrested on June 7 on multiple local warrants and a felony warrant from another agency.

As of Monday, June 8, the jail report indicates a total population of 64 inmates, consisting of 47 males and 17 females.

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 • Wagon Rides, Campfires and S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Enjoy wagon rides, cozy campfires, delicious s’mores, and all-day putt-putt golf at this familyfriendly Hill Country attraction.

• Steak Night, 6 p.m., 11th Street Cowboy Bar, 830-796 4849. Bring your favorite cut of meat and cook it yourself on a Texas-sized barbecue pit during this weekly Bandera tradition.

• Wednesdays Pickers Circle with David Wayne, 7 p.m., Red Horse Saloon, 830-510 3650. Grab your guitar, bring your friends, and enjoy an evening of live acoustic music and jam sessions.

THURSDAY, JUNE 11

• Wagon Rides, Campfires and S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Family-friendly outdoor fun featuring wagon rides, campfires, and s’mores.

• Thursdays Summer Reading Program, 10:30 a.m., Bandera County Public Library, 830-796-4213.

Weekly summer reading activities and themed programs for children and families.

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

• Wagon Rides, Campfires and S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Enjoy an evening of family activities, campfires, and outdoor fun.

• Benefit Car Show, Silent Auction and Scholarships, 6 p.m., 11th Street Cowboy Bar, 830-796-4849. Fundraiser benefiting the Charlie Robison “My Hometown Foundation for Youth & Scholarships” and Bandera High School seniors, featuring a car show, silent auction, and live music.

• Riding on Faith Rodeo, 6 p.m., Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena. Weekly summer rodeo series featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and live entertainment.

• Just Us Live, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Wild West Bar & Grill at Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7746. Live music in a relaxed Hill Country setting.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

• Jurassic Jamboree, Bandera Natural History & Art Museum, 830-328-5090. Celebrate the museum’s 10th anniversary with live music, exotic animals, horseback riding, games, a magic show, and family activities.

• Monthly Shooting Matches, Bandera Gun Club, 210-287 3785. Competitive and recreational shooting events open to participants of all experience levels.

• Wagon Rides, Campfires and S’mores, Flying L Ranch Resort, 830-796-7745. Family-friendly wagon rides, campfires, and outdoor entertainment.

• Free Flag Day Breakfast, 8 a.m.-noon, American Legion Post 157, 830-796-7528. Pancakes, waffles, omelets, biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, coffee, and more while honoring the nation’s flag and supporting veterans.

• Lakehills Artisan Village & Produce Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 124 Center St., Lakehills, 210-260-2323. Shop local vendors, handmade goods, and fresh produce.

• Cowboys on Main, 10 a.m. and noon, Western Trail Heritage Park. Step back in time with weekly Old West demonstrations and cowboy heritage activities.

• Board & Brush Creative Class, 10:30 a.m., Bandera County Public Library, 830-796-4213. Hands-on workshop where participants create custom wood signs to take home.

• 2nd Saturday Nature Talk: Exceptional Birds, 11 a.m., River Oaks Courts Art House Café, Medina, 830-246-2220. Learn about some of nature’s most remarkable birds and their unusual behaviors.

• Bandera Gunfighters, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Rattlesnake Ridge. Family-friendly Western shootout reenactments and storytelling performances.

• Live Music at The Ice Haus, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., First National Ice Haus, 646-734-9754. Enjoy live music performances throughout the day.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14

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

• Texas Women’s Veterans Day Celebration, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., American Legion Post 157, 830-796-7528. Brunch, networking, and resources honoring and supporting Texas women veterans.

• Live Music at The Ice Haus, 1:30 p.m., First National Ice Haus, 646-734 9754. Afternoon live music performance in downtown Bandera.

The Possum Cop Chronicles

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The Blue Tsunami

As a law enforcement officer, you never know what’s in store for you when you put the badge on and go to work.

One minute, you might be eating a burger at the local bowling alley, and the next, you could be barreling down the highway in a Plymouth Fury in a lifeand- death fight to make things right.

And that’s just how it was for Texas Game Warden Arthur McCall around lunchtime on Friday, September 8, 1978.

Several officers, including McCall, were wrapping up lunch when Pleasanton Police Chief Bill Dean and Sergeant Lester Fuller got a call about two suspicious individuals parked in a red Plymouth Arrow with California plates near some businesses about a mile away from the bowling alley.

When Dean and Fuller found the vehicle, the license plates had been removed. A witness from a nearby business said that he saw the Pleasanton PD squad car arrive. Then, Dean and Fuller got out, and both officers approached the car on the driver’s side with Dean slightly in front.

The driver stuck his head out and pointed a gun. Dean and Fuller raised their hands and then slowly walked backwards. The driver shot, hitting Fuller in the chest. Fuller dropped to the ground and Dean dropped to one knee and returned fire, blowing out the back window.

The gunman hit the gas and sped off.

Once the radio call went out, every law enforcement officer within earshot came running, including McCall.

The suspect vehicle turned south on Highway 281 towards Three Rivers (at the time, there was no IH -37).

Atascosa County Chief Deputy Sheriff Leroy Anderson was the first unit behind the suspects as it sped south. McCall who was in a mid-70s Plymouth Fury four-door sedan game warden patrol vehicle that would fly, was second in line behind Anderson.

The passenger in the Plymouth Arrow grabbed a shotgun and began firing through the broken rear windshield, striking the front of Anderson’s patrol vehicle. Anderson slowed momentarily, making McCall’s Fury the lead vehicle. McCall rolled down his window and grabbed his AR-15 that he kept beside him in the front seat. While driving, he returned fire, striking the suspect’s vehicle at least once.

As the chase continued and the word of it spread, Live Oak County Sheriff Sam Huff and Game Warden Rick Thomas enlisted an 18-wheeler driver to park his rig across 281 about three miles north of Three Rivers.

Using cop cars to close any gaps, they had the road completely blocked.

When the two suspects saw the big rig in the road, they knew it was over. They threw both their weapons the .38 revolver that the driver had shot Sgt. Fuller with and the shotgun - out of the car. McCall ran over the shotgun with his patrol car before bumping the back end of the Arrow.

When the suspects finally stopped, McCall grabbed his rifle and ran to the driver’s side door. He broke the window of the vehicle with the rifle muzzle and ordered the men out of the car. The cavalry was right behind him as he put the driver on the ground and cuffed him. The passenger was gang-tackled to the ground and cuffed as well.

The two suspects, brothers from California, were arrested and booked into Atascosa County Jail. They were eventually convicted of Attempted Capital Murder and received long prison sentences.

Sgt. Fuller was air lifted to Wilford Hall Medical Center. He eventually made a full recovery and returned to work.

Nowadays, it’s sometimes called the “blue tsunami”, meaning that when an officer is in trouble, all officers (the blue), who are able, come crashing in to help. Indeed, that’s the way it was on Friday, September 8, 1978, and by the grace of God, it all worked out.

League of Women Voters gathers at the Hen’s Nest

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The Bandera Unit of the Hill Country League of Women Voters met at the Hen’s Nest on June 4. In attendance were Anne Valentino, Nancy Dyer, Patti Pyle, Anne Samuel and Vice President Janice Zitelman.

The group began the agenda by discussing the need for a volunteer to attend regular quarterly meetings of the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District. Nancy Dyer volunteered to serve as the League's contact person for the BCRAGD.

Zitelman also asked for a volunteer to attend Bandera County Commissioners Court meetings. Commissioners meet twice each month.

The group discussed the possibility of holding a candidate forum in October. Members outlined the differences between a fair and a forum and agreed that a forum would be the best format for presenting candidates.

Valentino listed the contested state races that could be featured, including Texas Senate District 24 (Pete Flores and Joe P. Herrera), Texas House District 53 (Kathryn Hartman and Wes Virdell), and chief justice of the 4th Court of Appeals (Antonia Arteaga and Bert Richardson). No local, school board or city council races were included in the proposal.

Zitelman also discussed two Voter 101 sessions scheduled in Bandera County. Voter 101 is a nonpartisan training program designed to help citizens learn more about the voting process.

The first session will be held at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 26 at the Roy Camp Pavilion adjacent to the Medina Community Library. Zitelman requested three volunteers to assist with room setup.

A second Voter 101 session will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 7 in the downstairs meeting room at the Bandera County Library. League member Heather Farmer, youth voters and civics education officer, will conduct both trainings.

The unit also considered participating in the League of Women Voters' Day of Action on Aug. 8.

Members discussed attending the annual Back-to-School Bash, which is typically held the week before the first day of school on Aug. 4. If the League participates, members would register new voters and help experienced voters verify that they remain on voter registration rolls.

The meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

The next meeting of the Bandera Unit of the Hill Country League of Women Voters will be held at 9 a.m. Aug. 6 at the Hen’s Nest.

League of Women Voters membership is open to men and women who believe in empowering voters and defending democracy. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

Library showcasing Valarie Moore's art throughout June

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The Lakehills Area Library is showcasing the oil paintings of local artist Valarie Moore throughout the month of June at the library, located at 7200 FM 1283 in Lakehills.

The library is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Moore's interest in art began at an early age through pencil drawing during her school years. Her passion for oil painting developed after watching television artist Bob Ross create paintings in 30 minutes, inspiring her to move from drawing to freehand oil painting.

Painting since 1980, Moore has taken oil painting classes but considers herself largely self-taught. Drawing inspiration from her travels and firsthand views of America's natural beauty, she specializes in landscape paintings that capture mountain shadows, waterfalls and other scenic vistas.

Her collection features a variety of subjects, from beaches and mountains to sunsets and nighttime scenes, reflecting her appreciation for the diverse landscapes found across the country.

The public is invited to view the exhibit during regular library hours throughout June at the Lakehills Area Library, 7200 FM 1283.

City park will charge admission again

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:55:00 -0500

Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect a new implantation following new information from city officials.

The decision came during a special meeting June 2, reversing a March action that temporarily eliminated admission fees because of high E. coli levels and low water levels in the Medina River.

During the March 24 city council meeting, former City Secretary Allyson Wright told council members park revenue had steadily declined over the past several summers.

"Last year we brought in $31,000, we spent $17,000," Wright said. "So, we profited $13,000 for the park. We used to bring in [around] $180,000."

To explain the declining revenue and reduced appeal of the park, Wright provided reports documenting elevated E. coli levels in the river.

"I don't see it getting any better, I see it getting worse," Wright said. "It's a good revenue source for when the river is nice."

Wright also cited challenges staffing the ticket booth during weekends when visitation was low.

"Nobody wants to work the weekends when there's nobody coming into the park," Wright said.

Council members Tammy Morrow and Debbie Breen attempted to ask additional questions before Council Member Lynn Palmer moved to suspend admission fees.

"I would like to just move this agenda along a little bit quicker," Palmer said before making the motion.

Wright noted at the time that the council could reverse the decision later if conditions changed.

At the June 2 meeting, Morrow requested the issue be placed back on the agenda.

"I know we closed it because of the water conditions and I know they have not improved that much," Morrow said. "But still, they have improved some. We were getting the park clean all weekend long. I think we jumped the gun on closing it."

The council unanimously approved reinstating admission fees.

Bandera City Park charges $10 for adults and $5 for Bandera County residents and children. Admission is free for active-duty military personnel, veterans, first responders, seniors 65 and older, Bandera Independent School District students and children younger than 6. According to Morrow, park passes are at no charge for city residents.

The council also reduced the cost of a seasonal park pass from $100 to $75.

The council decided to restart admissions on Father's Day, Sunday June 21st, but according to Kunz, admission fees are actually expected to resume June 20, the Saturday before Father's Day.

Family of former city code enforcement officer challenge circumstances of termination

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:42:00 -0500

Former Code Enforcement Officer’s Family Alleges Misconduct in Termination, Challenges Certification Claims