According to an H-E-B news release issued Saturday, the affected products were distributed to stores across Texas and Louisiana between July 3 and Aug. 5. 

The recall was issued after NatureBest was informed by Coast Citrus Distributors that certain jalapeño peppers supplied by the company had been recalled. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, federal, state, and local officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections linked to jalapeño peppers imported from Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors.  

As a result, products manufactured with the affected peppers may also be subject to the recall. 

Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious, and in some cases life-threatening, infections, particularly among young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms commonly include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. 

NatureBest Precut & Produce LLC has halted distribution of the affected products and is working closely with its supplier and regulatory agencies to address the recall and protect public health. 

H-E-B has joined the voluntary recall and removed several products from store shelves, including select guacamole blends, ceviche, and Pico de Gallo items. 

H-E-B has published a complete list of affected products on its website for customers to review. 

Boerne Community Theatre brings the beloved “Peanuts” gang to the stage with “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” running Aug. 21 through Sept. 6.

Directed by Donna Provencher, the musical based on Charles M. Schulz’s long-running comic strip offers charm, wit and heart as it explores everyday life through Charlie Brown and his young friends, promoters said.

Provencher and the BCT team chose the production for several reasons.

“It was a show that felt well suited to our space,” Provencher said. “We knew we were looking for a smaller-cast musical with a lot of public recognition and nostalgia, something people would enjoy and have heard of.”

The story has always resonated deeply with her, Provencher added.

“Charlie Brown is, of course, read as the kid who can’t catch a break, but I’ve always found him to have a lot of autistic-coded traits,” she said. “He’s earnest and vulnerable; he wants to be loved and to belong and do the right thing and can’t understand why sometimes that is not enough.”

Stepping into the title role is Mason Low, a recent Clark High School graduate. Low said he approaches the iconic character by focusing on quiet resilience.

“I wanted to play into an idea of someone motivating themselves that today is going to be a good day, but life hits them with a curveball,” Low said. “Most of the time, he misses it. But he just keeps on going, trying to move past it.”

Playing the part right after graduating from the high school on San Antonio’s North Side has made the role especially personal.

“It hits a little close to home for me. I’m always asking if I belong. There’s always a hint of uncertainty and worry somewhere,” Low said.

He added he hopes audiences leave understanding that, “Even though that kite might not fly on the first try, there are still so many things that can bring you happiness. Even after a rough day, those things will still be there for you.”

A highlight of the run is a sensory-friendly performance 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27. Sponsored by the Autism Community Network, all tickets for this show are free; call the box office to reserve.

The production includes brighter house lights, reduced volume, a quiet space with sensory tools and a relaxed atmosphere where audience members can move or step out as needed, promoters said.

Two of the performers that evening share similar experiences with many in the audience, adding meaningful representation, according to producers.

Provencher praised artistic director Allen Rudolph for making it happen so quickly.

“He said, ‘On it,’ and then four days later he had it set up with the Autism Community Network,” she said. “He really does listen.”

The theater is at 907 E. Blanco Road. For reservations or tickets, call the box office at 830-249-9166.

Average home tax bill will drop

The City Council Tuesday received a 2026-27 budget of $163.9 million that reduces spending by 7.7% from the current year’s budget.

The proposed 2027 budget includes a recommended increase of just under 1 cent to the city’s property tax rate, from 47 cents to nearly 48 cents. The proposed property tax rate increases by 74 cents — equal to $7.40 for each $100,000 of taxable value.

Even with the hike in the tax rate, the average Boerne home’s tax bill will still drop by more than $100 from $2,289 to $2,186, based on the city’s tax rate.

“I am pleased to file the proposed budget. The budget is balanced, aligns financial resources with the City Council’s strategic priorities and reflects months of collaboration among the City Council, department directors and employees,” City FROM PAGE 1

Manager Ben Thatcher read in a letter Aug. 11 to Mayor Frank Ritchie and council members.

Behind the spending reduction is an expected decrease in the General Fund, officials learned.

Thatcher said sales-tax revenue is expected to decline by about $550,000 when compared to the current year’s budget.

Permit- fee revenue is projected to be about $400,000 under the previous fiscal year 2025 budget figure, while interest income is expected to drop by about $320,000.

“Together, these three revenue sources are projected to provide about $1.27 million less than in the fiscal year 2026 budget,” the city manager said.

Department heads trimmed, reduced or delayed spending requests. Thatcher said departments cut or deferred about $600,000 in recurring costs and allowed $1.56 million in one-time costs to expire — creating about $2.16 million extra in budget capacity.

“This budget continues to prioritize the services our residents expect while making strategic investments in the people and infrastructure that support our community,” the city manager said.

The proposed budget includes a 3% cost-ofliving adjustment for employees, along with merit increases based on performance. It also accounts for a projected 9.2% increase in the city’s health insurance costs while continuing to provide competitive employee benefits.

The budget funds three new full-time parks service workers and three new part-time seasonal attendants to maintain the city’s new Boerne Heritage Volkspark once it opens on Adler Road.

The Boerne Police Department will receive an additional officer for its patrol division, to help meet the community’s growing public safety needs, officials said.

Additional funding is also proposed for Boerne Fire Department equipment.

Construction will begin on Boerne’s Fire Station No. 2 in the eastern portion of the city’s service territory.

But the munici pality will fund the 22,000-square-foot facility with cash and issuing $20 million in certificates of obligation, thereby having no influence on the 2027 budget or tax rate.

The fire station is expected to take between 14-18 months to complete.

Under state law, a municipal budget has to be in place by Oct. 1.

costs

• 3 new full-time parks service workers

• 3 part-time seasonal attendants at new Boerne Heritage Volkspark

• 1 new patrol officer

Source: City of Boerne

• Arts After Hours Aug. 18, 25 - Paper Clay Vintage Pots. Sept. 8 - Image Transfer.

• Mini Workshops Sept. 11-13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 'Hill Country Horizons: A 3-day Start-to-Finish Landscape Intensive' with Pauly Tamez. Participants will complete a finished oil landscape painting while at the same time learning foundational techniques: composition, color mixing, brushwork and finishing.

The Oct. 3 Boeme Book Festival will feature this book on one of the panel discussions.

I spoke with the delightful 94- year- old Jean Granbury Schnitz, who lives in Boerne and has two story contributions in the book. Schnitz participated in the Texas Folklife Festival for 31 years, where she played her great-grandfather’s hammered dulcimer.

One of her story contributions is about her experiences at the Texas Folklife Festival. Her other story covers spontaneous gatherings and happenings , mainly through the small communities across Texas.

Two other contributors that will be with us for this program are storytellers Donna Christopher Ingham and Bernadette Nason. You might recognize their names from their participation in our annual Liars Contest. Nason’s story in the book relates an English woman’s perspective on different Thanksgiving celebrations through the years – during the pandemic, overseas in Dubai, and more.

This is such a great book with a treasure of stories from down-to-earth writers from across Texas. It will soon be cataloged and available for checkout at the library.

We hope you join us Oct. 3 to celebrate 10 years of the Boerne Book Festival. Thank you so much to our annual sponsors including Kay and Bryden Moon, the Boerne Public Library Foundation, The Friends of the Boerne Public Library, The City of Boerne, H-E-B, and Susan and Skipper Nelson.

AUGUST 20 •THE CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE -The final class of a three-part series with Chef Sidney Hill exploring chocolate from bean to bar. Set for 6:30-8 P.M., attendees will learn the history and origins of chocolate and have the opportunity to make their own chocolate. Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road. Get tickets at cibolo.org

• KENDALL COUNTY 4-H NIGHT: Discover the many opportunities 4-H has to offer from 5-7 p.m. at Kendall County AgriLife Extension, 315 Rosewood. Explore featured projects, meet local members and volunteers, and get all of your guestions answered. Contact: 830-331-8242.

■ KENDALL COUNTY ECONOMIC SUM-MIT set for 8:30-11 a.m. at The Bevy Hotel, 101 Herff Road. Explore the key forces shaping Kendall County's future through panel discussions on workforce, tourism, and sustainability.

AUGUST 21

• ADULT NIGHT HIKE: Adult Night Hikes are longer hikes, using unfamiliar trails from 8-9:30 p.m. at Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road. Hikers can expect to spend time without flashlights in hopes of viewing nocturnal wildlife. Cost is $15 per adult.

AUGUST 22

• BLUEGRASS JAM: Bring an instrument and play along or just come to listen from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to the Bluegrass Jams while exploring the exhibits and grounds of The AgriCultural, 102 City Park Road. Free to the public; donations are welcome.

AUGUST 25

• BINGO FOR BETTER HEALTH: Come join an evening of fun with exciting bingo prizes, raffle items and community spirit from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Helena’s Episcopal Church, 410 N. Main St. Fundraising benefits uninsured, low-income adults in the community. Tickets are $55. Contact: Jessika Goad, 830-249-0130.

• BACK TO SCHOOL Creation Station: Kick off the school year with a creative workshop from 6-8 p.m. at Downtown DIY, 206 W. Highland Drive, designed for kids, teens, teachers, and moms. They will offer a choice of projects for every style. Tickets $29.95. Registration required.

AUGUST 29

• MOONDANCE OUTDOOR CONCERT from 7-9 p.m. at Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road in Boerne. Enjoy live music by GLEAUX, local vendors, and good times. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15/ person.

SEPTEMBER 2

• NOAH’S NATURE WALK: Join the Cibolo’s Nature Center’s Education Director at 2:30 p.m. for a refreshing 30-minute nature walk along the trails. The walks will begin on the back porch of the Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park.

• CHUCK WAGON BREAKFAST: Come on down from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and enjoy a delicious meal the only way Texans know how: BIG. This is a free event, hosted at Kendall County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 1307 River Road in Boerne.

SEPTEMBER 4

• FAMILY NIGHT HIKE: This hike begins at 7:45 p.m. and is intended to accommodate short legs and short attention spans, learning about and enjoying The Cibolo. Cost is $30 per family, so bring parents, grandparents and the kids, to 140 City Park Road. Details: 830-249-4616.

• KENDALL COUNTY FAIR: Take in all the Kendall County Fair fun, including an action-packed rodeo, bull riding, mutton bustin, live music, the exhibit hall, livestock shows, shopping and food, and, of course, the carnival all weekend long. Hosted at the Kendall County Fairgrounds, 1307 River Road.

SEPTEMBER 5

• KENDALL COUNTY FAIR Parade: Residents and visitors flock to Main Street wearing smiles across their faces Saturday morning of Labor Day Weekend for the Kendall County Fair Parade, starting at 10 a.m.

Abel Sanchez Hernandez

d., June 22, 2026

Abel Sanchez Hernandez came to live in the Sisterdale/Kendalia area in 1990 and lived with the Mack Arnold family beginning in April of that year. He passed away on June 22, 2026, in an Austin hospital with his family by his side.

Guanajuato Mexico was home to the Hernandez’ family. The relatives lived on a ranch when Abel was born. Abel’s mother passed away shortly after his birth, so he was raised by his father, sister, and brothers. He was privileged to attend school and had a teacher that took extra time with him.

Abel did not speak English but quickly accomplished the language translation, which helped him all through his career. Living with the Arnolds provided opportunities to work for other neighbors in the vicinity.

He worked for a nearby horse ranch and became interested in miniature horses. Consequently, the Arnolds raised four miniature horses.

He worked for the Paniolo Wedding and Event Center for 20 years, and whenever he spoke of his work, it was clear that he took great pride and personal ownership in all he did. Abel never let you down. If you were preparing for a party, it didn’t matter if it was 2 people or 30 people Abel wanted everything to look nice and that his work was top-notch. He was a good man with strong morals and integrity that earned your respect.

Abel is survived by his brother Angel Sanchez Hernandez, sister-in-law Auralia, sister Sarafina Sanches Hernandez, his niece Carolina Artega and her husband Pedro, his nephew Andres, and grandniece, Denice, grandnephews Pedrito and Angel. Abel has two sons, Kothan and Javel.

A celebration of life will be held at the Paniolo at 11 a.m. Aug. 29.

— PAID OBITUARY —

John also worked in real estate as an agent and property manager in Austin, where he met and married Kelli Lee Lehmberg.

In 1989, John and Kelli moved to Boerne where John designed and built deer feeders. Eventually, John and Kelli relocated to the Twin Lakes region of northwest Arkansas. There, John pursued his passions for fishing, hunting whitetail deer, woodworking, and collecting Case pocket knives and Indian artifacts.

John is survived by his wife, Kelli; two stepsons, Scott and Mark Roach; sister Margaret Davies; nieces Jessica Davies and Beth Sanz; and nephew Jeremy Davies.

A brief Remembrance Ceremony will be held on August 26 at 11:30 at the Boerne Cemetery.

— PAID OBITUARY —

College costs can seem daunting. In addition to tuition, you’ll need to account for housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other expenses. The average annual budget at an in-state public university runs around $30,990 today, and a private school is $65,470, according to the College Board. While most families won’t pay a college’s list price, you’ll still want to start saving as early as possible to be ready when your child is.

Lay the foundation early. You don’t have to wait until you have the perfect set of plans to start building. There are specific accounts designed to save for education, and some do not require a minimum opening deposit. Setting up automatic recurring contributions, even modest ones, lets you build steadily over time without requiring constant attention.

As your child ages, look for ways to redirect expenses you no longer have towards the build. For example, daycare costs, which can exceed $1,000 a month, can be shifted into a college savings account once your child enters school. Tax refunds and annual bonuses make excellent additional contributions. And others can pitch in – instead of birthday or holiday toys, ask grandparents or relatives to contribute directly to a college savings account.

Know the size of the house you’re building.

Families saving for community college followed by two years at a public university might target around $65,000. Those aiming for four years at a public school are looking at roughly $100,000. Whatever the goal, plan for education inflation of about 4% annually, which can roughly double costs over 18 years.

You don’t have to source all the building materials yourself. Scholarships, grants, student loans and income from part-time work are all legitimate ways to help finish the structure.

Don’t let one project consume the whole budget.

One risk for parents is pouring so much into the college fund that the retirement fund goes neglected. Remember, loans and grants exist for college, but not for retirement. Striking the right balance may mean targeting a more affordable school, planning to cover only a portion of costs or adjusting retirement timelines slightly.

Choose the right building materials. For many families, a 529 plan is the right foundation. Earnings grow tax-free, distributions are federally tax-free when used for qualified education expenses, and many states offer additional income tax deductions for contributions. Even better, anyone – such as grandparents or friends – can contribute.

Additionally, qualified expenses for a 529 plan go beyond tuition and cover books, computers, internet access, room and board, and more. Vocational and trade schools often qualify, too, opening the door to careers in skilled trades, healthcare and technology.

No contractor builds alone. A knowledgeable financial advisor can help you draw up a realistic blueprint and make sure the college project doesn’t crowd out the rest of your financial future. The earlier you break ground on that conversation, the stronger the structure will be.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

This elected official oversees the General Land Office (GLO). Established in 1836, it’s the oldest state agency in Texas. The main role of the TLC is to oversee Texas’ 13 million acres of public lands, using the revenue streams from these lands to invest in the Texas Permanent School Fund (PSF).

The GLO contributes over $1 billion annually to the PSF, which funds K-12 public education in Texas. At $60 billion, the PSF is the largest educational endowment in the US, yet Texas ranks near the bottom of the list in per-pupil education funding. While the fund has more than tripled over the last 30 years, the inflation-adjusted contribution to public schools by the fund has remained the same.

The GLO’s contributions to the PSF reduce the burden on individuals’ contributions to public education through property taxes. Democrats believe that we must improve the performance of the PSF and increase the amount we distribute to K-12 education. Democrats also believe that the private school voucher scam, passed in the 2025 Texas Legislature, is an unnecessary drain on public school financing and should be abolished.

The majority of the revenue from those PSF lands is from oil and gas leases. But the lack of diversification in energy production will eventually lower revenue for public schools over time. Currently, only a small percentage of revenue created on GLO-managed lands is from renewable energy. Democrats will expand that energy portfolio to secure a source of stable, long-term funding for the GLO’s contribution to the PSF. This expansion would include wind, solar, geothermal, kinetic wave energy, and offshore wind.

The GLO also oversees leasing millions of acres of state lands for farming, grazing, hunting, timber production and recreational purposes. The land is the cornerstone of Texas’ vibrant and functioning ecosystem. It filters air and water pollutants, minimizes the impact of increasing natural disasters through flood mitigation, and provides wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and economic benefits.

Democrats will work to ensure the GLO is responsibly managing public lands while minimizing the impact of natural disasters and combating climate change through sustainable agricultural and wildlife management practices.

The GLO can also have a profound impact on CO2 emissions. Texas emits more carbon than any other state. We see the effects of climate change every day: extreme heat, drought, more wildfires, unpredictable weather patterns and increased hurricanes and tornadoes. The communities most impacted by the current Land Commissioner’s denial of climate change are the ones who can least afford it.

The GLO is also responsible for distributing federal disaster relief funds. No agency has harmed Houston residents more in the past 9 years than the GLO.

In August of 2017, Harvey devastated Houston and Harris County, dropping 60 inches of rain, killing nearly 70 people, and causing $125 billion in damages. The city asked for $1.3 billion in flood aid and disaster relief, but very little of those funds have ever been distributed.

Democrats will make sure that the GLO will equitably help families across Texas, not play politics with billions of dollars in desperately needed mitigation and relief funds.

Democrats will prioritize Texans’ lives and livelihoods and establish a plan to put emergency federal funds to work in a matter of months — not years — after a natural disaster. Democrats will work with the communities impacted and federal partners to prepare for natural disasters ensuring we are funded, staffed, and ready for whatever disaster is to come.

The office is also responsible for overseeing the Veterans Land Board, investing in coastal resiliency, and overseeing the management and restoration of the Alamo.

The last day to register to vote in the November election is Oct. 5. Texas does not have online voter registration; voters will need to fill out a form and mail it to the Kendall County Elections Office.

For details on statewide offices or to register to vote, call our office at 830-3311243 or visit www.kcdems.us Laura Bray is the former Chair of the Kendall County Democratic Party.

Editor, In response to Rich Sena’s Aug. 9 column, “Communism Making Alarming Inroads,” thanks so much for your alarming article about communism making inroads. Just when I thought it was safe to bring down my fear level, now socialists are morphing into communists. And I’d been alarmed about fascists for the past several years.

Where is Joe McCarthy when we need him? Thanks for raising my fear level higher again.

Steve Rode

Boerne resident

GOP scare tactics

Editor, Responding to Rich Sena’s Aug. 9 “Right of Center” column: I am a Democrat. I am not a communist.

I love Social Security and Medicare, both Democratic socialist ideas that have affected and helped save millions of lives.

Republicans are using this scare word because they have failed the American people and need a way to distract your attention.

The current high cost of living is not a result of Democratic policies but are the results of the Republican party’s failed policies.

Richard Caldwell Boerne resident

AUGUST 4

8:29 a.m., 31000 block of W. Interstate 10 - A caller reported possible fraud on his credit card account and provided dispatch with the last location the card was used.

12:24 p.m., 31000 block of W. I-10 - A caller reported threats to the location from a former employee.

8:54 p.m., 1300 block of S. Main Street - A caller reported someone broke her vehicle’s window and stole items from the vehicle.

9:17 p.m., mile marker 539, W. I-10 - A caller reported a mobile home pulled off into the grass and was being welded.

AUGUST 5

5:50 a.m., 300 block of Ivy Lane - A caller reported his niece stole $5,000 to $7,000 from him within the past seven months.

12:08 p.m., 800 block of Johns Road - A caller reported an ongoing issue with a person who said the caller was following her around.

2:06 p.m., 100 block of E. Flowing River - A caller reported a woman in his driveway who was yelling at his door and sitting in her vehicle. The caller added the woman proceeded to make obscene gestures.

2:33 p.m., 500 block of Fabra Lane - A caller reported his apartment was burglarized.

AUGUST 6

10:07 a.m., 1300 block of S. Main Street - An employee reported two cellphones were stolen from the location.

11:09 a.m., 100 block of Old San Antonio Road - A caller reported a vehicle was stolen from the location.

11:43 a.m., on Staudt Street - A caller reported a prior client threatened to come back to the location and steal.

1:01 p.m., 100 block of Chestera - A caller reported she had video footage of someone on her property who had a criminal trespass warning.

AUGUST 7

9:31 a.m., 100 block of E. Bandera Road - A caller reported the smell of an electrical burn inside his house. Boerne F.D. was contacted to handle this situation.

2:16 p.m., Deep Hollow/Highway 46 - A caller reported a dump truck missed the curb and fell on its side. The caller said the vehicle hit a tree and knocked it over.

AUGUST 8

1:04 a.m., 300 block of Winding Woods - A caller reported she was woken by smoke alarms going off in the area; however, the caller did not see any fire.

12:04 p.m., 600 block of W. Highway 46 - A caller reported a fire a quarter mile from the road.

AUGUST 9

No reports were received for this day.

AUGUST 10

12:09 a.m., 300 block of Sandy Shoal - A caller reported her ex-boyfriend was threatening to kill her and would not let her leave.

12:15 a.m., 800 block of Johns Road - A caller reported a vehicle driving around the parking lot really slowly for the past 30 minutes.

3:40 p.m., 31000 block of W. I-10 - An employee reported he sold a vehicle to someone who was not who they said they were.

5:41 p.m., 100 block of Inverness A caller reported a group of children who were ding-dong-ditching her home the previous evening.

KENDALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AUGUST 4

9:58 a.m., 300 block of Deer Road - A caller reported a trapped racoon and requested Animal Control to pick it up.

11:32 a.m., 300 block of FM 474 A caller reported sexual assault that continuously occurred in San Antonio and Kendall County. The caller contacted SAPD, who told her to get a report for Kendall County, too.

11:50 a.m., 100 block of Rusty Lane - A caller reported identity theft to his bank.

2:15 p.m., 200 block of Wengenworth Road - A caller reported her neighbor’s property was being trespassed and vandalized.

4:05 p.m., mile marker 543, W. I-10 - A caller reported a trailer with expired plates and a smoking rear tire.

AUGUST 5

3:54 a.m., 200 block of N. Highway 87 - A caller reported a rattlesnake inside her house that bit her dog.

5:44 a.m., 200 block of S. FM 3351 - A caller reported two donkeys on the side of the road. The owner was located and was warned due to this being an ongoing issue.

11:53 a.m., 100 block of Oak Acres Lane - A caller reported a scam caller, claiming to be a lieutenant with the sheriff’s office, who attempted to get money from the caller.

12:46 p.m., Waterstone Parkway/ Rio Frio - A caller reported kids on dirt bikes in the area who were riding on the road.

1:41 p.m., 37000 block of W. I-10 A caller reported a woman damaged the door to her storage unit in recent days.

AUGUST 6

4:46 a.m., 300 block of FM 474 - A caller reported she was being harassed via text message by a family member who was out of state.

8:19 a.m., 900 block of N. Main Street - A caller requested an officer make the location to have a weapon removed from the premises.

12:13 p.m., on Stuart Street - A caller reported receiving a phone call from someone posing as a Kendall County Sheriff’s Officer. The caller did not send over any money but did want the incident documented.

12:28 p.m., on Shooting Club Road - A caller reported four trailers were stolen during the past year.

1:56 p.m., 100 block of Alonzo - A caller reported a woman in a vehicle who was driving around the area, selling beer to construction workers. The caller further reported a physical altercation broke out over the alcohol.

AUGUST 7

4:23 a.m., 900 block of E. Highway 46 - A caller reported two large donkeys were outside the fence, by a zebra.

10:07 a.m., 800 block of FM 289 - A caller reported her sister continued coming on her property, and she requested to issue a criminal trespass warning.

10:47 a.m., Ashton Circle - A caller reported receiving a call requesting payment for missing jury duty with federal court.

12:03 p.m., 600 block of Roosevelt - A caller reported a person came to the location and was bothering his employees.

AUGUST 8

8:19 a.m., on Comanche Trail - A caller reported his wife was bitten by the barn cat.

12:20 p.m., on Staudt Street - A caller reported she received a call saying she missed jury duty, and the scam caller had her Social Security number.

2:37 p.m., 1200 block of Desert Gold - A caller reported a dog in her yard chasing a deer.

FOR COMPLETE POLICE REPORT LISTING, GO TO: BOERNESTAR.COM

PEC cares for its communities and believes that supporting area educators with the resources they need can turn creative classroom ideas into meaningful learning experiences that benefit students and strengthen communities. PEC will award up to $10,000 in grants annually through the new program.

Approximately 10 grants of $500 and five grants of $1,000 will be awarded for qualified projects.

“It’s important to listen to the ideas our teachers have and to support them in bringing those dreams to life,” said Kevyn Packer, PEC community outreach specialist “We hope that by investing even a small amount, we can make significant change to enhance student learning and our communities for years to come.”

Applications are now open on PEC’s website through Sept. 7, and winners will be announced in October. To be eligible for a PEC Educational Spotlight Grant, kindergarten through eighth-grade teachers must work in one of the communities within the cooperative’s service area.

Grants can be used for classroom supplies and materials needed for specific projects and instructional resources, including field trips.

PEC’s Educational Spotlight Grants are funded by the generosity of members enrolled in the cooperative’s Power of Change Program. Through the program, members can opt to round their bill to the nearest dollar each month to help support nonprofits, educational opportunities in the classroom, and provide financial bill assistance to qualifying PEC members in need. Members interested in supporting teachers can enroll in PEC’s Power of Change Program online.

“We look forward to recognizing these exceptional teachers for their contributions with funds that will help elevate the quality of education in our communities.

• Aug. 20, 1:30 p.m.: The Drawing Club meets in the conference room.

• Aug. 21, 10 a.m.: Tai Chi is facilitated by volunteer Lavada Smith in the community room.

• August 24, noon – The Reality Readers Book Group will meet to discuss “ Wait Till Next Year,” by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

BHS starts the year at 1-0 and is playing in the Northeast/Northside tournament this weekend in San Antonio.

Ava Seamans led the team with nine kills; Bella Pettet had six kills, while Layla Shanley and Riley Caldwell both finished with four kills apiece.

Kiley Coffland gave Stevens’ problems with her serve and dropped in six aces, while Caldwell had three aces. Coffland also came up with 12 digs, Lauren Magnus added 10 digs, Pettet recorded nine digs and Mallory Miles and Caldwell both tallied eight digs.

Seamans had a block to go with her nine kills and Magnus finished with 17 assists.

The Lady Barons took the first two games, but the Eagles bounced back to win the third game before falling in four sets.

St. Mary’s Hall won the match, 25-21, 25-14, 24-26, 25-16.

The Eagles were trailing by two points in the third set, 23-21 but scored the next two points to tie it at 23-23. The Barons tallied the next point to pull ahead 24-23, but again, Geneva tied it at 24-24, forcing a timeout from St. Mary’s Hall.

Geneva closed it out by earning the next two points to avoid the sweep and force a fourth game that the Lady Barons won.

The Eagles start the year at 0-1 and are scheduled to play in the Wimberley tournament this weekend that started Thursday and concludes Saturday. Geneva visits Johnson City on Tuesday as they continue non-district play.

After the Little League tournament committee disqualified Oklahoma for using an ineligible player, it was decided that Monday’s semifinal game between Boerne and Louisiana would be for the Southwest Region title and the winner would advance to this year’s Little League World Series in Pennsylvania.

Oklahoma ( Tulsa National Little League) had won the “sit-out” game on Sunday and was waiting to play the winner of the Texas West – Louisiana on Tuesday, but they were disqualified, leaving Monday’s game as the title tilt instead of a semis game.

Three formal protests were filed against Oklahoma, including one by Boerne Little League at the regional level for using an ineligible player. After an investigation, they were disqualified.

This is part of the statement that Little League issued after Monday’s decision: “Following a recent protest related to the eligibility of the players on the Tulsa National Little League Baseball team, the Little League Inter-national Tournament Committee has determined that a player who participated on the team during the International Tournament is ineligible.

“As a result, the committee has removed Tulsa National Little League from the Little League Southwest Region Tournament and declared its previous game a forfeit. The decision of the Little League International Tournament committee is final and binding.”

Well, Oklahoma didn’t just walk away quietly; they decided to file a lawsuit with the support of Tulsa National Little League, parents and players. Judge Ryan Luna of the 414th district court granted a Temporary Restraining Order and ordered Tuesday’s championship game to be played.

Boerne or Texas West won Monday’s game 4-1, and the Little League organization crowned them Southwest Region champs. The Boerne team was told they didn’t have to play on Tuesday by Little League and went home since school started Tuesday at Boerne ISD despite the restraining order.

On Tuesday, the lawsuit was dissolved and the Little League organization issued a statement about the whole situation. This is part of what they said: “We appreciate the Court’s timely and considered decision to vacate the Temporary Restraining Order, allowing enforcement of the Tournament Committee’s decision to remove Tulsa National Little League from the Southwest Region Tournament and declare its previous game a forfeit. The decision upholds our commitment to a fair and equitable experience for all children based on our Official Rules, Regulations, and Operating Policies.

“Due to the legal nature of this matter, we are unable to provide any additional information at this time. We look forward to welcoming Boerne Little League to Williamsport for an incredible Little League World Series experience.”

After a crazy couple of days, the Boerne team is focused on the Little League World Series that starts Aug. 19. They left Friday and their first game is Aug. 21.

On Monday, Champion visited Kerrville Tivy and then on Tuesday, the Lady Chargers were at Pieper. Champion’s first home match won’t be until Aug. 25, because of work being done on the floor.

Champion (1-1) is entered in the Abilene Tournament this weekend.

Against Kerrville Tivy, the Lady Chargers fell in straight sets after the Lady Antlers won the match, 25-23, 25-21, 25-16, as Tivy increased its margin of victory with each passing game.

Brielle Boothe led the team with 11 kills and two aces, Brady Cooksey and Finley Weikle finished with 5 kills each, while Addy Menden came up with four blocks.

Cooksey added 10 digs and 22 assists to her totals and Hannah Perez had seven digs.

Against Pieper, the Lady Chargers bounced back to win in four games, 25-22, 22-25, 25-16, 25-21.

Brielle Boothe recorded 23 kills and 10 digs, while Finley Weikle added 22 kills and three aces. Brady Cooksey tallied two blocks, 13 digs and 50 assists, while Hannah Perez came up with 24 digs and Seyla Boothe had 10 digs.

The Deer defeated the homeschool team, 25-18, 25-14, 18-25, 28-26.

Comfort starts the year at 1-0 and is scheduled to play in the Wimberley Tournament this weekend on Friday and Saturday.

The Deer will host Center Point and Bandera on Tuesday in a tri-match as each team will play against the other. Matches start at 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. After that, Comfort is in the Floresville tourney next weekend, Aug. 21-22.

Comfort has a new coach in Jennifer Lee, who has coached at seven different schools in three states over the last 20 years. She was last at Kempner in Sugar Land before coming to Comfort. Lee is a graduate of Texas State University.

Victim’s family questions whether justice was served

Two weeks after Blake David Wampler received probation when pleading guilty to a manslaughter charge in a wrong-way collision, the victim’s family continues to express disappointment with the outcome of the case.

Kim Brasher, 55, an Austin teacher and mother of two, was killed in a vehicle crash about 10 p.m. June 8, 2024, in Kendalia.

The victim’s children, Rain Brasher, 34 and sibling Blue Brasher, 24, said they remain disheartened the defendant won’t spend more time behind bars.

“Even though the court case is over, this tragedy lasts a lifetime for our family,” Rain Brasher said.

Deferred adjudication According to testimony during sentencing in late July of this year, eyewitnesses observed Wampler driving erratically on FM 473 and passing in a no-passing zone before his Chevrolet pickup crossed into Brasher’s lane and struck her Toyota Prius head-on, killing her instantly.

Following the crash, Wampler, then 27, declined to submit to a breathalyzer test or field sobriety examination on the advice of his attorney, Gary Trichter, a Houston-based lawyer who specializes in driving- while-intoxicated cases, according to court records.

Wampler testified at his sentencing he was on the phone with Trichter shortly after the collision. Witnesses told the court the defendant never offered any aid to Brasher.

More than two month’s before the July 30 and July 31 sentencing hearing, Wampler pleaded guilty to manslaughter and waived his right to a jury trial, leaving 451st state District Judge Kirsten Cohoon to determine punishment.

The jurist sentenced Wampler to 10 years of probation as part of deferred adjudication.

Deferred adjudication is a type of plea deal with probation that can be handed down by a court if a defendant pleads guilty or no contest to the charge. A judge does not formally find the accused guilty and, if all community supervision conditions set by the bench are met, the court eventually can dismiss the charge.

Wampler was also ordered to complete 500 hours of community service, pay a $10,000 fee and court costs, and submit to drug and alcohol testing.

Under the court’s guidelines, Cohoon directed Wampler to serve 154 days in the Kendall County Jail, or for the duration of the year.

As a condition of probation, Wampler also must report to the county jail each year on June 8 and June 9 — the anniversary dates of the crash — for the next 10 years and serve two days in custody.

Prosecutors Andrew Fields and Steven Belt had sought a long prison sentence, not probation.

“After significant deliberations among the attorneys in our office, and meeting with the family of the victim, the state recommended 15 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the offense of manslaughter,” Fields said. “Our office believed the facts of this case warranted such punishment. We presented 20 witnesses at sentencing to paint a complete picture of the events that led to the horrific and completely avoidable crash on FM 473 that night.”

Family still reeling

Blue and Rain Brasher said in their view Wampler’s punishment did not reflect the severity of the crime.

Blue Brasher, who was speaking with her mother by phone at the time of the crash, said the decision to grant deferred adjudication in the case left the family heartsick.

“She (judge) has been hard on criminals in the past and respects what the victim wanted,” said the daughter. “So I would just love to ask her, how does that feel if your verdict made the victim’s family feel crushed?”

Bound by ethical codes of judicial conduct, judges traditionally are prohibited from making statements about the outcome of cases outside of proceedings.

Cohoon through an aide offered this statement to the Star: “Thank you for the opportunity to comment. However, I am not permitted to comment on individual cases outside of statements made from the bench in open court with all parties present.”

The statement added, “Court proceedings are open to the public, and anyone interested in observing the work of the 451st Judicial District Court is welcome to attend. It is a privilege to serve this community, and I appreciate the public’s interest in the work of the court.”

The siblings also expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of accountability from Wampler.

According to the Brasher siblings, they eventually received a card from the Wampler family expressing condolences and noting that a $1,000 donation had been made to a charity in Kim Brasher’s memory.

However, Blue Brasher said they never received a message from the defendant acknowledging responsibility for her mother’s death.

“Never once in that card did he say, ‘I am sorry for killing your mom,’ or take any accountability that he was at fault for our loss,” she said.

However, when Wampler took the stand during the sentencing hearing July 31, he did express his regrets for the death of Kim Brasher.

The Brasher family said there was an insurance settlement but added no amount of money can replace the hole left in their lives by their mother’s demise.

The original allegation The siblings also question whether all evidence was fully considered in the case.

According to court records, authorities originally announced Wampler would be charged with intoxication manslaughter. But on May 18 of this year, Wampler entered a guilty plea to manslaughter after a Kendall County grand jury found insufficient evidence to proceed with the intoxication-related charge, according to court records.

A toxicology report obtained through an open records request showed the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component of marijuana, traced to Wampler.

However, Texas law does not have a “per se” law that establishes a specific THC concentration constituting legal intoxication for drivers, unlike surrounding states such as Oklahoma, which would have found Wampler impaired.

Prosecutors also made a note of the toxicology report.

“The second page of the toxicology report has a detailed explanation of the three different findings,” Fields said. “Those findings are why the ingestion of THC was included in the indictment as one of the allegations of recklessness.”

The Brasher offspring also objected to arguments made in defense of Wampler suggesting the crash could have happened to anyone.

“I would never do something like this,” Blue Brasher said. “And if he was really sober, that makes it worse. … This was a violent decision. I feel concerned when people say it was an accident that could happen to anyone, because then I want them off the roads as well.”

When reached by the Star about Wampler’s case, Trichter declined to comment.

The Texas Department of Transportation is proposing the betterments for the Herff Road-River Road interchange.

Jeff Carroll, city director of engineering and mobility, presented the plan to the council on Tuesday, explaining two alternatives and the benefits of each.

Of the two plans presented, the city favors “alternative 1,” which adds dual left-turn lanes from River Road onto Herff, and creates a free-flow right turn from Herff south onto River Road.

“With the free-flow right turn, you basically have a continual green light at all times. You won’t have to stop for a light,” Carroll said.

The process involved meetings between city officials and TxDOT several times in July.

In the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s recent “call for projects,” TxDOT submitted a proposal “to do some turn-lane improvements” along Herff, Carroll told the council.

AAMPO receives federal funds for infrastructure projects and holds an application process to approve requests from area cities.

The Herff-River roads project was selected for MPO active status at the beginning of 2026, which allowed TxDOT to begin a design phase.

The schematics are just the beginning of the process, presented without cost estimates or timelines, officials said.

River Road running through Boerne is also designated as Texas 46, which means it remains a TxDOT thoroughfare; all traffic improvements must be submitted to and approved by the state.

“What a lot of people don’t seem to grasp is River Road is technically State Highway 46,” Carroll said. “State Highway 46 as well as Main Street, West Bandera and Blanco (Road) are TxDOT. We have to deal with TxDOT and their jurisdiction.”

Carroll said the crossroad was deemed “the worst intersection in the county” by a 2022 Kendall County transportation committee.

The committee noted the intersection has been known to stack cars 70 and 80 deep during peak traffic hours. The problem, Carroll said, has only gotten worse.

The city gave the intersection an “F” rating when conducting its recent Mobility Service Plan.

Alternative 1 calls for acquiring land from the Cibolo Center for Conservation for the construction of a shared-used path along Herff. The city has been in talks with The Cibolo, which also favors alternative 1.

Alternative 2 would extend the roadway inward — meaning the trees in a center area between the two Herff lanes would be eliminated, and the bridge “filled in.”

Alternative 2, Carroll said, would be more expensive as it includes bridgework and removing several big trees in the center. It would also require lane closures during the bridgework, further adding to traffic delays during construction.

The “shared-use path” alongside Herff is a federal requirement, Carroll said. The funds to support the TxDOT work are federal, requiring the paths to be added to all roadwork.

The Kendall County Commissioners Court will review the plans at its next meeting, Carroll said.

PAULA HORNER

HCCA PRESIDENHlU COUNTRY l !.. iu Am

For several years, The Hill Country Council for the Arts and the Cibolo Creek Quilters Guild have partnered to create the Stocking Stuffer program, a great Kendall community project.

Stuffing handmade Christmas stockings, these two organizations combine forces: Members of Cibolo Creek Quilters Guild create custom-made stockings and, with in-kind personal item donations made by you and local businesses, HCCArts board and community members, stuff them at a fun-filled afternoon social.

The stockings are delivered to the clients of Kendall County Women’s Shelter and the Hill Country Pregnancy Center. The children are covered through other wonderful programs in the area, so we decided unanimously to pamper the moms and women provided for by these two organizations.

Our goal this year is to provide stuffed stockings to 150 deserving moms and women, in hopes of sharing our Christmas cheer.

We ask that you contribute this year— and, to make donations easier, we accept cash/check donations mailed to: HCCArts, in care of Stocking Stuffer Program, PO Box 2024, Boeme, Texas 78006. Sponsor a handmade stocking and its “stuffings” with a $100 donation. You can also donate online by referring to the website, www.hccarts.org. All donations are tax deductible.

Cibolo Creek Quilters Guild is a community of quilters and fiber artists who gather for friendship, sewing and developing creative sewing techniques. They promote and advance the art of quilting by exchanging ideas in all aspects of quilting, as well as supporting the community with charitable quilts, service projects and events.

We are grateful to members of the Cibolo Creek Quilters Guild, a 501-c3 nonprofit organization, for painstakingly cutting out and sewing these holiday stockings for each woman and mom. For the CCQG schedule of programs and workshops: https://www. cibolocreekquiltersguild.org.

• HCCArts is a 501(c)(3) non profit and recognized by Americans for the Art, Hill Country Business Committee for the Arts, partnering with local and Hill Country businesses to promote the arts in the Texas Hill Country. Programs include performance arts, visual decorative and fine arts, music, dance, and literary arts.

The focus is to enhance community awareness, develop opportunities for involvement, encourage individual and corporate support, and to develop a long-range plan for promoting, and cross-pollinating the arts within the 19 counties of Texas Hill Country.

Star photo by David Basarich

They were probably also the first to deal with a lawsuit after they were declared the champs as well (See Boerne Little League team story).

Boerne’s journey at the Southwest tourney began with a 10-3 loss to Texas East. That meant Boerne would have to win its next three just to make it to the championship game, but it turned out they only needed two wins to play for the title after Oklahoma was disqualified.

Boerne bounced back to beat Mississippi 10-0 and then faced Texas East in a rematch. In a low-scoring game, Boerne or Texas West took the rematch, 3-2. That put Boerne in a game on Monday against Louisiana, and the winner would play Oklahoma for the title.

But Oklahoma was disqualified for using an ineligible player and that left Monday’s game between Boerne and Louisiana as the championship contest.

Boerne has a fast start against Louisiana and starting pitcher Kase Yarbrough led things off with a triple and set the tone for the rest of the inning.

Walker Yost brought in Yarbrough with an RBI single, Chandler Schramek drove in two more runs and Kasen Martinez picked up an RBI, all in that first frame, and Boerne was up 4-0 before Louisiana could get out of the inning.

Yarbrough left after throwing 62 pitches and was replaced by Merritt Cude who entered in the third inning with the bases loaded and one out. Cude helped record the next two outs with a strikeout and a groundout to keep the shutout intact.

Louisiana loaded the bases again in the fourth frame, but again, Boerne’s defense stepped up and got out of the jam, not allowing a run through four frames.

After another scoreless inning in the fifth, Louisiana finally got on the board during its last bats in the sixth. With runners on first and second, one of their players hit a deep shot to right field that stayed in the park for a double and allowed the runner from second to score.

The runner at first was sent home as well but was tagged out at the plate to make it 4-1 with one out, instead of 4-2 with no outs. From there, Boerne’s defense clamped down and closed it out with the final two outs.

Boerne has a first-round bye at the Little League World Series and begins play on Aug. 21, 3 p.m.

* FREE VACCINE CLINIC at Hill Country Animal League: Free vaccines will be given for cats and dogs from 9 a.m. to noon at their location, 924 N. Main St. Appointments required. Call: 830-249-2341. * BOERNE DEMOCRATS MEETING begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Longhorn Café, 369 S. Esser Road, featuring guest speaker Katie Winer, co-founder of Hill Country Resistance. Contact: 830-331-1243.

AUGUST 15

* NATIONAL GEOCACHING DAY: Swing by headquarters or the Discovery Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Guadalupe River State Park, 3350 Park Road 31, to pick up a list of geocaches you can find in the park.

AUGUST 16

* WEDDING DECOR RESALE: Join Ironwood Events at Von Erich Ranch, 1637 FM 473, from noon to 3 p.m. for a Wedding Décor Resale event. Guests will have the opportunity to shop gently used wedding decor. Newlyweds have the chance to sell their items if they reserve a vendor space.

AUGUST 20

* THE CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE – The final class of a three-part series with Chef Sidney Hill exploring chocolate from bean to bar. Set for 6:30-8 P.M., attendees will learn the history and origins of chocolate and have the opportunity to make their own chocolate. Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road. Get tickets at cibolo.org * KENDALL COUNTY 4-H NIGHT: Discover the many opportunities 4-H has to offer from 57-7 p.m. at Kendall County AgriLife Extension, 315 Rosewood. Explore featured projects, meet local members and volunteers, and get all of your questions answered. Contact: 830-331-8242.

AUGUST 21

* ADULT NIGHT HIKE: Adult Night Hikes are longer hikes, using unfamiliar trails from 8-9:30 p.m. at Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road. Hikers can expect to spend time without flashlights in hopes of viewing nocturnal wildlife. Cost is $15 per adult.

AUGUST 22

* BLUEGRASS JAM: Bring an instrument and play along or just come to listen from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to the Bluegrass Jams while exploring the exhibits and grounds of The Agri-Cultural, 102 City Park Road. Free to the public; donations are welcome.

AUGUST 25

* BINGO FOR BETTER HEALTH: Come join an evening of fun with exciting bingo prizes, raffle items and community spirit from 5:308:30 p.m. at St. Helena’s Episcopal Church, 410 N. Main St. Fundraising benefits uninsured, low-income adults in the community. Tickets are $55. Contact: Jessika Goad, 830-249-0130.

AUGUST 29

* MOONDANCE OUTDOOR CONCERT from 7-9 p.m. at Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road in Boerne. Enjoy live music by GLEAUX, local vendors, and good times. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15/ person.

SAN ANTONIO — To commemorate 25 years of excellence in education, H-E-B will award more than $1 million in cash prizes to Texas educators and their schools through the 2027 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program. Nominations are now open, and anyone can nominate their favorite teacher, counselor, principal, school district, school board or early childhood facility and help them win their share of more than $1 million. Nominations are open until September 30, at HEBLovesTeachers. com/nominate.

Since the awards program began in 2002, H-E-B has awarded more than $15 million to outstanding Texas public school professionals who have gone the extra mile to serve their students and their communities.

“For 25 years, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards have celebrated Texas educators whose commitment reaches far beyond the classroom,” said Winell Herron, H-E-B senior vice president of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs.

“Their dedication to strengthening our communities and preparing the next generation of Texas leaders reflects the very best of public education,” Herron said. “In this milestone year, H-E-B is proud to increase our investment in the people and institutions driving meaningful, long-term impact across Texas.”

The increased cash prizes for 2027 winners and their schools are: * The Rising Star Award: One elementary and one secondary teacher with less than 10 years of experience will receive a $10,000 check for themselves and a $10,000 check for their schools.

* The Leadership Award: one elementary and one secondary teacher with 10 to 20 years of experience will receive a $15,000 check for themselves and a $15,000 check for their schools.

* The Lifetime Achievement Award: one elementary and one secondary teacher with more than 20 years of experience will receive a $30,000 check for themselves and $30,000 check for their schools.

* Two counselors, one elementary and one secondary, each will receive a $15,000 check for themselves and a $20,000 check for their school.

* Two principals, one elementary and one secondary, each will receive a $15,000 check for themselves and a $30,000 check for their school.

* One early childhood facility will receive $50,000.

* One school board will receive $50,000.

* One small school district will receive $75,000.

* One large school district will receive $150,000.

Boerne Little League, playing as “ Texas West,” was crowned the Southwest Region champs after they defeated Louisiana 4-1 on Monday in Waco.

A team from Oklahoma was disqualified for using an ineligible player and a judge issued a Temporary Restraining Order, ordering a championship game between Boerne and Tulsa be played Tuesday.

“ We appreciate the (414th District) Court’s timely and considered decision to vacate the Temporary Restraining Order, allowing enforcement of the Tournament Committee’s decision to remove Tulsa National Little League from the Southwest Region Tournament and declare its previous game a forfeit,” LLI said Tuesday.