A national motorcycle-safety organization has joined the call for more protective measures along accident-prone Texas 46 West.

In a June 30 letter to Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director Marc Williams, a Motorcycle Safety Foundation officer urged the state highway department to step up enhancements along the deadly 11-mile stretch of roadway between Texas 16 near Bandera and Interstate 10 in Boerne.

The organization joins a host of other concerned groups including the commissioners courts of Bandera and Kendall counties, as well as local school districts, in calling for the betterments to 46.

“MSF supports TxDOT’s proposed safety improvements for the corridor, which include a four-foot centerline buffer, jersey barriers at Webster’s Corner and centerline rumble strips,” said Scott Schloegel, the group’s senior vice president for government relations.

The MSF official called the planned improvements “consistent with roadway safety strategies” and said they will provide additional protection at high-risk locations.

Schloegel said the MSF understands 46 is a heavily traveled corridor for motorcyclists and other road users, and cited statistics showing how dangerous the lanes can be for motorists.

“The safety concerns on this route are well documented,” Schloegel said. “ TxDOT reported 244 crashes on this portion of State 46 from 2021 through 2025, including six fatal crashes.”

He added, “For motorcyclists in particular, roadway design, visibility and unpredictable behavior by car drivers have a direct impact on crash avoidance and injury severity.”

Making the improvements sooner rather than later could save lives, Schlegel said, noting MSF is the country’s leading safety resource and advocate for motorcyclist safety.

The MSF “urges that these improvements be implemented as quickly as possible in the interest of all road users, including motorcyclists,” he added.

MSF is a nonprofit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Harley- Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha, members said.

MSF guidelines are utilized in 46 states and by the U.S. military and the federal government.

KERRVILLE — What took hours to destroy is taking months to rebuild, and no one knows that better than Austin Dickson.

Last July Fourth, the area experienced a tragedy that changed lives forever, said Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

Torrential rains dumped nearly unprecedented amounts of water into the Guadalupe River basin starting in Kerr County, then roared through homes and campsites to claim 139 lives and caused billions of dollars in damage.

“Families lost loved ones. Homes were destroyed. Businesses struggled to survive. The emotional toll was visible everywhere,” Dickson said.

But residents, businesses, first responders and relief agencies rallied to lend each other a helping hand.

Merchants and volunteers came together, stepped up

COMFORT — A year after the July Fourth floods devastated communities across the Hill Country, the owners and staff of High’s Café and Store are reflecting on how local businesses and volunteers banded together to support recovery efforts.

A unique dipping vat helping ranchers fight the New World screwworm recently led to national acclaim and recognition from members of President Donald Trump’s cabinet for Boerne-Champion High School student welders.

Displaying images of their vat — affectionately known as T-REX for its size and resemblance to the saurian — members of the school’s agricultural mechanics program took to the Freedom 250 Land & Prosperity Day celebration stage June 27.

They touted the group’s project and voiced support for national vocational education efforts.

Led by instructor Dorman Vick, the students traveled to Washington, D.C., on June 25 and were recognized two days later, including by members of Trump’s inner circle.

“This group of incredible kids ... are here today as the first high school group of kids to ever bring a project to the national level to be recognized,” Vick said. “What an historic day for vocational education and the future of this great nation.”

The students were recognized for designing and building the T-REX Mobile Dipping VAT, the first project ever built by high school ag mechanics students for use by the state of Texas.

T-REX is in place in South Texas, being used to help safeguard the U.S. cattle industry from the spread of the New World screwworm, which can be fatal to livestock.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins invited the students to serve as keynote speakers on the National Mall, sharing how career and technical education instruction has prepared them for success and transformed their futures.

In addition to Rollins, the students also met with members of the president’s cabinet including Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling.

“This experience wasn’t just about recognition,” Vick said. “It was about showing the nation what’s possible when students are given opportunities to develop real-world skills, discover their passions and believe in themselves.”

Boerne Independent School District Superintendent Kristin Craft praised the group for representing the district at the national level.

“For more than 20 years, Mr. Vick has inspired students to dream big and achieve extraordinary things,” Craft said. “Watching our students represent Boerne ISD on a national stage is a powerful reminder that learning can take students farther than they ever imagined.”

With the U.S. Capitol behind them, Vick and his students spoke on the National Mall about “The Power of Vocational Education.”

“I believe this will start a movement across America that’s going to put our kids’ hands back to work,” Vick said. “Watch out in your neighborhood, because vocational education is coming at you.”

In addition to Rollins, the students also met with members of the president’s cabinet including Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling.

Vick said McMahon spent time learning about the T-REX and other previous U.S. Department of Agriculture projects.

“She was so impressed that she is making plans to visit our program in the coming school year,” he added.

The educator said the recent plaudits are the culmination of the efforts of today’s students and as well as the ones who came before.

“I could not be prouder of every current and former student who has helped build this program over the past 21 years,” Vick posted to his Facebook page, Vick Welding-Nation. “This recognition belongs to all of you and proves what is possible when young people are given the opportunity to learn skilled trades, work hard and dream big.”

“

“I believe this will start a movement across America that’s going to put our kids’ hands back to work.”

— Dorman Vick

The Boerne Fire Department reported the boy, Jaylen Robinson, was found at 9:04 a.m. Monday, June 29, in 15 feet of water about 20 feet from the shore.

Fire Chief Manny Casarez told reporters the young teen, on a trip to the popular lake Sunday, June 28, with the family of an 11-year-old friend, was seen struggling to swim and didn’t return to the shore.

“One of the children, an 11-year-old, was able to get back to safety. The other one was not,” Casarez said.

Boerne first responders rolled when the call came in at 6:21 p.m.

Police arrived first, Casarez said, and began gathering information from witnesses.

Divers with the Fire Department arrived shortly after, launched a boat and began searching, the chief said.

At 9:15 p.m., officials made the call to suspend the search until Monday morning.

“We reassembled at 7 a.m. and quickly got crews back in the water,” Casarez said, adding the child was pulled from the lake about two hours later.

The boy’s family arrived early Monday to be on hand while the search continued.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this young child,” Casarez said.

This is the second death at the lake in the past five weeks. Du Long, 80, of San Antonio, perished May 24 during a Memorial Day weekend outing.

Boerne Fire Chief Manny Casarez speaks during Monday’s press conference at Boerne City Lake, where a San Antonio youth drowned Sunday. Dive team members found the boy’s body early Monday morning.

Star photo by Jeff B. Flinn

Presentation of the awards took place on the last day of the Texas Newspaper Association’s annual Convention & Trade Show, held June 18-20 at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport. According to TPA officials, 103 member newspapers submitted 1,020 entries encompassing stories or other content published in 2025. The impartial Washington Newspapers Publishers Association handled the judging across 10 divisions grouped by frequency and circulation.

The Star is owned by Granite Media Partners Inc., a 50-year-old Texas news and marketing company that operates or manages publications stretching from East Texas to the Big Bend area.

“The Star’s performance in the statewide contest continues to show our commitment to rigorous reporting, adherence to the facts and telling our audience what happened, not what to think,” said Thomas Edwards, executive editor of Granite. “Our ultimate goal is to keep our communities informed without fear or favor dictating our efforts.”

Managing Editor Jeff B. Flinn echoed Edwards’ sentiment.

“The time and effort put into the work reflect the face of the cities and county we cover,” Flinn said. “A paper can only be as great as the community it serves.”

The Star awards included:

• Second place, feature photography. Judges’ comments: “Good action shots, the trampoline and dog photos especially; those look like they’d be very difficult to get.”

• Second place, headline writing. Judges: “Good use of words to draw reader in to see what content holds. Nicely done.”

• Third place, feature writing. Judges: “Wonderful feature about Ammie’s Playground. The lead pulled me in and made me suddenly care about a playground that’s more than 1,000 miles from where I live.”

• Fourth place, news photography. Judges: “Really liked the polo action shot, and the principal’s face in the award photo.”

Boerne Star staff includes Publisher Daniel Philhower, Edwards, Flinn, Sports Editor Kerry Barboza, Staff Writer Veronica Rector, Administrative Assistant Sonya Pitts, Advertising Executive Tony Estala and Circulation/Delivery Edwin DeJesus Jr.

“With our tight-knit staff, it’s a total team effort to get the news covered, produced, printed and delivered each week,” Flinn said. “We’re happy to be recognized for such effort.”

According to TPA officials, Granite publications overall claimed more than 40 statewide awards, including five firstplace commendations. Some of the awards lauded the company’s continuing expansion into digital platforms.

TPA, founded in 1880, is dedicated to advocating for the welfare of Texas newspapers, “encourages higher standards of journalism and plays an important role in protecting the public’s right to know as an advocate of First Amendment liberties,” according to its website.

The organization represents 328 paid- circulation newspapers — 40 dailies and 288 non-dailies.

A dream to create a lasting holiday commemorating U.S. independence has turned into a celebration all of Boerne can enjoy, said the founder of the annual Boerne Flag Run.

According to Camden Vicknair, who was 15 in 2019 when he kicked off the event, the run is about more than fireworks and celebrations — it also shows support for local first responders. Since its beginning, the event has raised more than $36,500 to support the Boerne Fire Department, local veterans and future first responders. This year’s proceeds will aid special programs within the Fire Department and provide scholarships for aspiring firefighters.

The 5K run, 1-mile walk starts 8 a.m. Saturday, July Fourth, in Main Plaza and finishes there.

BOERNE FLAG RUN 5K, 1-MILE WALK

8 a.m. Saturday, July Fourth; Main Plaza start, finish https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/TX/Boerne/flagrun5ksouth-texas/ways-to-donate.html

Runners leave the start-finish line at the beginning of the 2025 Flag Run 5K. File photo Vicknair said the event’s continued success belongs to the people who have supported it from the very beginning.

“Growing the event has been a learning experience, but I give all the credit to our community for showing up year after year and making it what it is,” he said. “While it has taken time and effort to build, it would be nothing without the people.”

One of his favorite moments comes just before the race begins.

“Seeing the runners take off carrying their American flags is a full- circle moment,” Vicknair said. “It brings me back to before the race started, when I would tag along with my dad and his friends as they ran through town carrying an American flag.”

His dad is Toby Vicknair, a lieutenant with the Boerne Fire Department.

Watching his son’s idea become a community tradition has been especially meaningful, said the first responder.

“He took the initiative to do the work it would take to make this event happen,” the elder Vicknair said.

“The neatest part to me is seeing everyone out there together,” Vicknair added.

“ You have people competing, walking and enjoying the day, families spending time together, and neighbors connecting with one another. It is bigger than just a race now, it has become a celebration of community.”

Participants are encouraged to carry a U.S. flag during the race, with awards presented to the first-, second- and thirdplace finishers bearing a standard size American flag. Registration includes a race shirt, finisher medal, professional race timing, aid stations, food, drinks and music.

“This is not just another 5K,” the younger Vicknair said. “It has character, an amazing atmosphere and is a great way to start your Fourth of July. Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday with us.”

The cost to enter the 5K is $45 while the accompanying 1-mile walk is $35. To sign up, go to: https:// runsignup. com/ Race/ Info/ TX/ Boerne/ flagrun5k. Registration closes Friday, July 3.

“Seeing the runners take off carrying their American flags is a full-circle moment.”

— Camden Vicknair

The City Council unanimously adopted the name during its June 23 meeting, ending a weeks-long process involving input from both the community and the city’s elected representatives.

The park development, initially costing $13 million, primarily was funded with 2022 bond money. The near-30-acre space across from Curington Elementary School is expected to total $16 million for its first phases.

Of 14 names submitted by council members, “the overall highest-ranked name was Boerne Heritage Park,” Assistant City Manager Kristy Stark told the council. “The next five names, the top six, you might say, ranked very very close, almost the same.”

Those five — Boerne Commons, Boerne Erbschaft (Heritage) Park, Volkspark, Boerne Community Park and North Boerne Community Park — received further council review.

Mayor Pro Tem Ty Wolosin said he looked up “Heritage” and “Commons” as park names “and they are extremely common throughout Texas. There are tons of them.”

With those names, he said, “There is no uniqueness, which I think, that’s one thing about our community, is the uniqueness. Boerne itself is a unique name.”

He suggested tying the top choice, Heritage, with a German word or name, to pay homage to the immigrants who traveled from North Europe to settle Boerne.

“Could we add something to those, to kind-of join the German heritage with one of those?” he said. Wolosin offered Boerne Heritage Volkspark, “something to make it more unique, might be interesting.”

Volkspark is German for “people’s park” or “public park” in English.

District 5 Councilman Joseph Macaluso agreed, saying, “I think it speaks to the heritage, overall and to the German history as well.”

He added, “To make it work, you just marry them.”

District 2 Councilman Joe Bateman urged caution on getting too creative with the name.

“I think we need to be cautious and not ‘over-unique’ ourselves with a name that’s difficult to pronounce” or people fail to understand its relevance, he said.

He added, “Whatever name we pick tonight, it’s about the park becoming a valued community asset. I’ve kind-of looked back and said, ‘You know what? There aren’t any wrong answers on this list.”

While he expressed his satisfaction with tying German heritage to the park, he added the naming process proved very time consuming.

“To me, the more important business is what we started off the meeting with, the city budget, and making sure we plan ahead for the next 10 years,” he said. “Boerne itself is a unique name.”

— Mayor Pro Tem Ty Wolosin

While no Kendall County residents died, the rising waters took a toll on commerce.

Businesses in Comfort saw a drop in customers, and supplies of free food and no-cost care products for rescue and recovery teams also bit into the bottom line. Already hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, the July 4 storm further rocked Comfort merchants.

A year later, the Boerne Star in a continuing series is chronicling the town’s rebirth and showcasing recovering businesses as residents roll up their sleeves, rebuild and get ready to “Bounce Back” once again.

COMFORT — For nearly a century and a half, travelers have found rest within the walls of Hotel Giles. What began as a stagecoach stop along one of the Hill Country’s busiest routes has evolved into a boutique hotel where the operators say Victorian charm and modern comforts exist side by side. .

Constructed in 1880 by architect Alfred Giles, the building originally served as a stagecoach stop for travelers making the journey between San Antonio and Fredericksburg.

Everything changed with the arrival of the railroad in 1890.

As rail travel gradually replaced the stagecoach, the building adapted with the times. An expansion completed in 1894 added a lobby and a parlor, spaces that remain preserved today. Guests walking through the front doors are greeted by these original gathering rooms, as well as the hotel’s historic central staircase.

While history remains at the heart of Hotel Giles, today’s guests enjoy modern amenities. Complimentary Wi-Fi, Roku televisions, Keurig coffee makers and spa-quality towels and bedding provide contemporary conveniences without sacrificing the building’s historic character.

The hotel entered a new chapter in March 2022 when Ernest Slatinsky and Cara Hines purchased the property, fulfilling a vision they had long shared.

“We always dreamed of owning a hotel,” Hines said.

Since taking ownership, they have focused on preserving the hotel’s beauty while making significant improvements to its infrastructure, ensuring the historic building will continue greeting visitors for years to come.

The property is now owned by seven partners: Slatinsky, Hines, Bruce and Linda Tingle, George Brin and Colleen Walter-Brin, and Laura Lee Hines.

Each guest room has its own personality, and several accommodations welcome four-legged companions, making Hotel Giles an “inviting destination for travelers with dogs,” employees said.

A recommended accommodation is the owner’s suite. The operators said the spacious retreat features a sparkling crystal chandelier suspended above the bedroom, a fireplace and a dining table that seats eight guests. From its private balcony, visitors can view Comfort’s picturesque Main Street while taking in the quiet pace of the historic town below.

The suite’s flooring is crafted from Mississippi longleaf pine, adding another authentic touch to the building’s character.

Each morning begins with a freshly prepared breakfast, offering guests a homemade start before they explore Comfort and the surrounding Hill Country.

Just across the street, visitors can continue their experience with another of Hines’ passions.

She owns MixHaus Art Gallery, a space dedicated to showcasing local artists. Exhibitions rotate every six to eight weeks, ensuring something new for returning visitors. Artists hoping to display their work must first present a portfolio demonstrating at least five years of artistic experience before being considered, sponsors said.

For Slatinsky, Hines and their fellow owners, preserving Hotel Giles means more than maintaining a historic building.

According to them, it means providing guests with an opportunity to experience a piece of Comfort’s past while enjoying the conveniences expected by modern travelers.

Hotel Giles 

717 High St., Comfort 

Hotelgiles.com

Kendall County officials have renewed a disaster declaration for the New World screwworm, saying it’s only a matter of time before the infestation shows up in the Hill Country.

County Judge Shane Stolarczyk told Commissioners Court June 23 he signed the first order June 18 after consulting with more than two dozen officials who recently gathered in Boerne, then issued it again this week.

“It’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ we start getting reported cases here,” Stolarczyk said. “That’s when it becomes incumbent upon us ... to be vigilant.”

He signed the disaster declaration “based on conversations with (Texas Department of Emergency Management) and a bunch of other folks from surrounding counties ... and the advice we received was to enter the disaster declaration.” The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly native to the Western Hemisphere. It lays eggs in the living tissue of fresh wounds in warm-blooded animals. The larvae —maggots — feed on the host’s flesh, causing severe wounds and often death if untreated.

The pest was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s. Since then, it occasionally reemerges and has resurfaced in Central America and Mexico, entomologists said.

So far, no cases have been reported in Kendall County. On June 3, screwworm was first confirmed in Texas in a calf in Zavala County.

As of June 26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported 25 cases of screwworm in America.

The most recent report was of four infected sheep in Crockett County.

Stolarczyk said the screwworm does not feed on carcasses that normally attract flies and maggots, only live animals.

“This is just a matter of us being vigilant. We don’t want our livestock, as well as our deer and axis, being decimated by this,” he said.

Gov. Greg Abbott first signed a New World Screwworm Disaster Proclamation on Jan. 29, which has been renewed every 30 days.

A June 5 proclamation inked by Abbott recognized the recent migration and spread of the screwworm in the state, saying it “presents an imminent threat of widespread danger and injury” to the Texas’ livestock and wildlife, and the state economy as a result.

The proclamation signed June 18 by Stolarczyk states that “a declaration ... will initiate additional emergency management measures (that) authorize the use of resources and encourage the coordination between Kendall County and other entities” facing similar screwworm problems.

A newsletter produced by Precinct 2 Commissioner Andra Wisian notes several neighboring counties have established quarantine zones, including Kerr County.

FREDERICKSBURG — A Boerne official addressed more than 75 leaders and advocates recently gathered for the Hill Country Dark Sky Conference to find ways to reduce light pollution.

The attendees represented 15 counties and 40 communities at the annual event, which focused on strengthening regional efforts to preserve the area’s star-filled night skies.

The meeting brought officials from local governments, utilities, businesses and state parks to share insights, explore emerging challenges and develop connections to advance dark-sky preservation.

Ryan Bass, Boerne’s environmental program manager, spoke of Boerne’s ongoing work to preserve and protect dark skies through community partnerships, ordinance development, public outreach and infrastructure improvements.

A city release said the session “showcased the evolution of Boerne’s dark sky initiatives, implementation of outdoor lighting regulations and successful lighting improvements projects.” Hosted May 28 by Fredericksburg in partnership with the Gillespie County Economic Development Commission and the Hill Country Alliance, the event brought experts, city and county officials together in Fredericksburg, a recognized International Dark Sky Community.

Presentations highlighted local government initiatives, dark skyfriendly lighting practices, state park stewardship efforts, utility partnerships and community-led advocacy, officials said.

Other speakers included representatives from Gillespie County, the Hill Country Alliance, Arup, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky, Comal County Friends of the Night Sky and Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky.

Katherine Romans, Hill Country Alliance executive director, said when the first Hill Country Dark Sky Conference was held eight years ago, “it felt like the underlying message was that the Hill Country has something incredible and worth preserving in our star-filled skies, and many communities were just starting to see the need to actively protect them.”

She added, “ Today, most of our region’s communities are fully involved. They know how to preserve our night skies, and they know why it matters. The amount of progress we are seeing here is as inspiring as the stars themselves.”

As development continues to accelerate across Central Texas, communities throughout the Hill Country are working together to protect one of the region’s most treasured natural resources: its star-filled night skies, according to a release from organizers.

“They know how to preserve our night skies.”

— Katherine Romans, Hill Country Alliance

The recent heavy rains across Boerne have delivered a significant boost to Boerne City Lake, producing the third-largest one-week water level increase recorded at the waterway in the past 26 years, city officials said.

From June 14 to June 22, the lake level rose from 29 feet 3 inches to 39 feet 1 inch — an increase of 9.8 feet in just eight days.

Rain gauges at the lake measured more than 8 inches collected during that time, which saw thunderstorms and even a flash-flood warning.

The rise trails only two historic flooding events in recent decades: the July 2002 floods, when the lake climbed 23.5 feet in one week, and the May 2015 floods, when water levels rose nearly 18 feet in just three days.

The increase is welcome news for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department heading into the summer recreation season, providing improved lake conditions for residents and visitors alike.

“We’re excited to start summer 2026 with water levels looking this good,” said Lissette Jimenez, Parks and Recreation director.

She added, “Boerne City Lake is one of our community’s favorite outdoor destinations. In our last fiscal year, we welcomed more than 200,000 guests who enjoyed taking advantage of everything the lake has to offer.”

While the recent rainfall totals across the area have been impressive, the location of the rainfall was just as important, according to Ryan Bass, city environmental program manager.

“Boerne City Lake has a relatively small watershed compared to many reservoirs across Texas,” Bass said. “Significant rises in lake levels depend on rainfall occurring in the right places throughout the watershed. This increase highlights how impactful those recent storms have been.”

The watershed for the Upper Cibolo Creek area above the dam is 19.5 square miles and entirely in Kendall County, which covers more than 660 square miles in all.

Since the early 1970s, Boerne City Lake has not only served as a recreational asset but stands as a critical component of the city’s water system, officials said.

Water levels can fluctuate throughout the year based on rainfall, evaporation and drought conditions.

While the recent rain has made significant improvements in the ongoing multi- year drought, Boerne Utilities water customers remain under Stage 2 water restrictions.

Residents can view current lake levels and learn more about Boerne City Lake by visiting the city’s website at ci.boerne. tx.us/. The level of Boerne City Lake rose 9.8 feet in eight days, from June 14 to June 22. Rain gauges at the lake measured more than 8 inches during that time.

Source: Boerne

“Boerne City Lake is one of our community’s favorite outdoor destinations.”

— Lissette Jimenez, Parks and Recreation director

FOR MORE ON DAS FESTIVAL OF KENDALL, SEE PAGE 3

County commissioners Tuesday approved an architectural concept that will move the elections and Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 offices into the former Burdick Community Center.

However, the space needed for each of the two departments means there is not enough room in the new digs for the Veterans Service Center and Indigent Health and Housing offices, officials said.

John Allender of ArchiTexas, the architectural firm hired to redesign the former Burdick Community Center purchased by the county in 2024 from the Roy Maas Meadowlands, led a review of the firm’s findings and design, submitted to the Kendall County Commissioners Court during its June 23 meeting.

“Our goal was to find out the best approach for interior renovation without altering the exterior,” Allender said.

The center is at 119 Old San Antonio Road.

The 10,500- squarefoot building will be divided between the Justice Precinct 2 office and courtroom through the front of the building, with the County Elections Office accessible via several entrances off the back.

“The goal really was to find out the best approach for interior renovation of this building without considering additions to the exterior,” Allender said.

Projected population growth was paramount for the two larger operations, elections and JP2, as the county continues to be one of the fastest growing in the state, he said.

“We had considered moving Veterans Services and Indigent Healthcare but realistically, we’re only going to have room for those two departments,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner Andra Wisian.

For now, the veterans and indigent healthcare offices remain at 126 Rosewood Ave.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Richard Chapman applauded the move to the center.

“We went after this with the concept (that) this plan has to work for a minimum of 10 years, and I think it will,” Chapman said. “I don’t think it would be worth spending the money and the effort if we weren’t projecting these two departments out 10 years.”

The JP2 space will include a larger courtroom, a jury room, a waiting room and a secure court clerk’s office. A key element for the JP2 portion is ballistic protection for the court clerks.

Allender said there will be two 1,500-square-foot storage center mezzanine levels built on each side of the building.

The design allows for 4,779 feet for JP2 and the elections office will occupy about 7,500 square feet — more than twice the 3,000 square feet Elections Administrator Staci Decker said her office currently uses.

“We’ve been there for 16 years, and we probably outgrew it about five years into it,” Decker said.

The elections office currently is located at 221 Fawn Valley Drive, off Esser Road.

“The goal really was to find out the best approach for interior renovation.”

— John Allender, ArchiTexas

The board unanimously approved a resolution Monday urging the Texas Department of Transportation to accelerate planned safety improvements along Texas 46 West between Interstate 10 and Texas 16.

Boerne ISD joins Kendall County, Bandera County and others in encouraging continued attention to safety along Texas 46 West.

“The safety of our students, staff, families, and school transportation operations remains one of our highest priorities,” Board President Courtney Darter-Bruce said. “When presented with information regarding safety concerns on SH 46 West, our board believed it was important to support efforts that could help make this roadway safer for everyone who relies on it each day.”

Collisions and fatalities have piled up along the stretch, which is heavily traveled by Boerne ISD students, families, staff and school buses.

The resolution follows outreach from community advocate Brad Dobson, who presented crash data, planned TxDOT safety improvements and ways to accelerate the timeline.

“We appreciate Mr. Dobson for bringing this issue forward, sharing the facts, and helping the board understand how this roadway impacts our school community,” Darter-Bruce said.

Work began this week, as TxDOT crews installed rumble strips along the westbound lane. TxDOT officials last week said they expected to have the strips in by week’s end. Repainting traffic lines was also part of the plan, TxDOT officials said.

The resolution notes school buses travel the road daily and that students are picked up and dropped off along the corridor.

The board’s resolution acknowledges TxDOT’s planned safety improvements, including centerline rumble strips, roadway resurfacing, turn lane enhancements and other measures identified for the corridor.

The resolution does not commit district funds, the district said.

“ Our responsibility is to advocate for the well-being of the students, families, and employees we serve,” Superintendent Kristin Craft said. “This resolution reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance safety throughout our community.”

Riders will begin showing up at Joshua Springs at about 5 a.m., with the ride set to begin at 7 a.m.

Greg Pratt, Tour de Boerne event director, said last year’s ride raised $70,000 that was distributed among charities and organizations, including Blessings in a Backpack, Coats for Kids, Hill Country Boys and Girls Club, Hill Country Family Services, Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center and Open Trail Ranch. The Waring, Comfort and Sisterdale volunteer fire departments were also included.

“We’ve given to them in years past, but it was even more meaningful last year, because our event happened one week before the floods,” Pratt said, referencing the deadly Guadalupe River flood July 4, 2025.

Riders have signed up to complete one of three courses: the 63-mile CenterPoint course, the 45-mile Comfort ride and the 28-mile Sisterdale course.

“We constantly get feedback from the riders about how well-supported our ride is, and how we’ve thought about every detail. So that’s very satisfying to hear,” Pratt said, calling the ride “the premier ride in the state of Texas.” All the roads the riders will use remain open to the public, Pratt said, giving residents a chance to see the riders en masse.

“It’s not a race, it’s a recreational ride,” Pratt said. Every rider who finishes their selected course receives a finisher’s medal.

“We didn’t want this to be a race because of the beauty of the Texas Hill Country,” Shawn Hudson, Tour de Boerne IT director, said.

More than 200 volunteers make the tour happen, staffing registration tables and manning the many turns and directions necessary on the course.

Pratt said the Boerne YMCA will be at Joshua Springs helping out.

“They will cater to the families waiting around for their significant others to finish the ride. We wanted to offer some activities for them,” Pratt said.

The ride also has an economic impact on the area.

“The economic impact of Tour de Boerne is fantastic. We try to drive traffic here to the hotels and the shopping and the restaurants,” Pratt said. “It’s really made an impact, and that’s important to us, to make that happen.”

Under instructor Dorman Vick, students recently completed the 2,200-gallon unit, built to help fight the New World screwworm and fever ticks, two biosecurity threats to livestock.

The project used 331 pages of computer- aided design blueprints and five documentation binders. The semitrailer includes a heavy-duty chute and tub system to process livestock while administering treatments.

Champion’s Agricultural Mechanics program is believed to be the only high school program in the nation to complete federal and state government- commissioned builds in response to active biosecurity concerns in the cattle industry, according to program officials.

Champion High School ag welding students stand by “ T-REX,” the mobile dipping vat they built that is now being used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in its ongoing battle to eradicate the New World screwworm.

Courtesy photo Senior Avery Konieczny is among the student leaders on the project. He plans to enter the skilled trades workforce after graduation and wants to eventually own his own company.

“With a superior work ethic and tremendous talent, Avery has led by example,” Vick said. “His ’get it done’ mentality has played a major role in bringing projects like the T-REX and the mobile dipping vat to completion.”

“Man, it’s awesome to see kids have vision, direction and passion for building something bigger than themselves,” Vick said.

In April, at the groundbreaking of a U.S. Department of Agriculture’s $750 million domestic sterile fly production facility in McAllen, Ag Department Secretary Brooke Rollins praised Vick and the Champion students who created the mobile dipping vat, dubbed “The T-REX.”

“What they have done, and what they have built ... I think it’s especially timely as we’re breaking ground on the unprecedented project to eradicate the new world screwworm,” Rollins said. “What they have built continues an amazing partnership, an amazing opportunity to work together as a community with these incredible vocational ag FFA students.” “We want to honor them and elevate them and especially their incredible ag teacher, Mr. Vick,” she said. “His relentless commitment to the future of farming ... and the effort he puts in every day is the best representation.”

The Champion ag welding students will haul the T-REX from McAllen to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the July 4 activities there.

Champion High School ag welding students stand on “ T-REX,” the mobile dipping vat they built that is now being used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in its ongoing battle to eradicate the New World screwworm.

Courtesy photo

The Boerne Independent School District approved a budget Monday that includes 2% and 3.4% pay raises for most staff members and offers no-cost prekindergarten service to all full-time employees.

The financial forecast, presented by Chief Financial Officer Wesley Scott, shows budgeted revenue of $120,918,768 for the coming fiscal year.

Expenditures — including budget incentives, compensation and four additional full-time employees for program growth — on top of the amended recurring budget of $119,008,443, produced a deficit budget of $123,300,889, presenting the district with a projected deficit of $2,382,121.

However, Scott showed the board a graphic from the district’s previous three budgets, adopted in June 2022, 2023 and 2024, each with a projected deficit that ended the year with a surplus:

• 2022-23, $1,072,007 deficit; ending with a $4,930,133 surplus.

• 2023-24, $1,737,172 deficit; ending with a $277,773 surplus.

• 2024-25, $5,217,310 deficit; ending with a $3,664,684 surplus.

The district is moving in the right direction, officials said following Monday’s session.

“Over the past two years, Boerne ISD has made a deliberate commitment to invest in the people who serve students every day,” according to a news release from the district Tuesday. “From increasing teacher salaries and hourly wages to expanding healthcare contributions, adding employee stipends and creating new opportunities for families, district leaders have worked to ensure employees feel valued, supported and empowered to build long-term careers in Boerne ISD.”

The projected 2026-27 budget was structured assuming an enrollment of 11,179 students, with average daily attendance at 10,530 based on a projected 95.5% attendance rate.

Disbursements from the state are based on average daily attendance figures.

Meanwhile, a tax rate of nearly 99 cents per $100 of average property value stems from a maintenance and operations tax rate of almost 68 cents and an interest and sinking (debt balance) rate of slightly more than 31 cents.

The $0.9895 rate is a tax decrease of about 2.14 cents before house and commercial property value increases are taken into consideration.

In addition, the district approved its 2026-27 compensation plan, bringing raises to most employment groups. Teachers, nurses, librarians and instructional coaches in Steps 5 through 40 will receive salary increases of 3.4 percent or more over the prior year.

Texas law directs a state minimum salary plan that establishes base pay “steps” assigned according to an educator’s total years of accredited service.

Employees in Steps 1 through 4 will receive a 2 percent increase over the prior year. All other employee groups will also receive a 2 percent pay hike over the last year.

The newly approved compensation plan continues a commitment to the staff, district leaders said.

“Attracting and retaining exceptional employees will always be one of our highest priorities,” Superintendent Kristin Craft said. “Every success we celebrate as a district begins with the people who serve our students. This plan reflects our belief that investing in our staff is one of the most important investments we can make.”

Board President Courtney Darter-Bruce said the compensation plan reflects the district’s ongoing dedication to both employees and students.

“Our employees make Boerne ISD special,” Darter- Bruce said. “Every day, they invest their talents, energy and hearts into serving students. The board is proud to continue investing in the people who make our schools exceptional.”

District officials also elaborated on the expanded preschool care package offered to employees.

Last year, state House Bill 2 eliminated prekindergarten tuition for the children of classroom teachers. Beginning in 2026-27, Boerne ISD will extend that benefit to all full-time employees.

Eligible employees may enroll qualifying children in Boerne ISD Pre-K at no cost, pending available space, creating a savings of $675 per month, officials said.

“Supporting employees means looking beyond salary schedules,” Craft said. “We know our employees are also parents, caregivers and community members. Expanding access to pre-K is another way we can support families while helping employees thrive both professionally and personally.”

Das Festival organizers are resurrecting the family-oriented German heritage celebration and with it comes the Queen Pageant.

Berges Fest ran for 64 years before it ended.

The Queen Coronation is set for 6 p.m. Friday on Main Plaza downtown, on the festival’s opening night. The festival runs June 19-21. Three girls have been crowned in their respective age group and debut June 19.

The information on the festival’s royalty is conveyed via the wording of a press release:

• Queen, High School, Trinity Wangen.

Known for her nurturing heart and love for children, Trinity Wangen spends much of her time babysitting for families in the community and volunteering through her church.

A senior this fall at (Boerne-)Champion High School, she has also dedicated time volunteering at a local elementary preschool, where she discovered a deeper appreciation for mentoring and caring for young children.

Because she’s proud of her Norwegian heritage, she is currently learning both Norwegian and German to strengthen her connection to her family roots and cultural background.

She values family, faith, kindness and personal growth, and hopes to use her experiences to inspire others to embrace both ambition and compassion.

Trinity is sponsored by Boerne Love, Double FF Ranch, Paula VM Photography and L&L Health Insurance.

• Queen, Middle School, Natalie Stewart.

Natalie, 10, will be a sixth grader at Voss Middle School. Natalie said she loves Jesus, riding horses and swimming.

“I come from a big family with three brothers, so life is always fun and exciting. I enjoy making new friends, helping others, and trying my best in everything I do.”

She said she is honored to be among the first-ever queens for the Das Festival ofKendall. “Natalie is sponsored by Ironwood Events at Von Erich Ranch.

• Queen, Elementary School, Rayne Robertson Rayne Marie Robertson is a faith-filled and energetic 8-year-old proudly representing Boerne, Texas. With deep German roots through her mother, Rayne loves visiting her ‘Oma and Opa’ in Germany, learning the language and celebrating her family’s heritage.

A dedicated All-Star cheerleader, Rayne also enjoys soccer, swimming and traveling. Though she is sometimes shy, she shines onstage with her bright smile and positive spirit.

Rayne is thankful for God’s blessings, loves her community and hopes to become a veterinarian. She is sponsored by Kelly Barta Real Estate.

more expected over weekend

Thunderstorms that dropped 5-6 inches of rain Sunday and Monday have moved out of Kendall County, but more precipitation is on its way this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

The service issued a flashflood warning Monday as heavy rains lashed the area, forcing creeks and streams to overflow their banks and inundating roads and highways.

Residential rainfall reports included 5 inches in Fair Oaks Ranch, 5.8 inches in Waring, 5.8 inches in River Mountain Ranch, 5.72 inches along Upper Cibolo Creek Road and 4.5 inches in Bergheim.

Monday’s flash-flood warning evolved into a flash-flood watch that stretched through Tuesday night. Most roads that flooded Sunday and Monday reopened late Monday afternoon as waters receded.

Meanwhile, the weather service forecast calls for 30% rain Friday night, and a 50-55% chance Saturday and 30% Saturday night.

Teams responded to calls for high-water rescues late Sunday and early Monday, June 13-14, as rainfall totals reached up to 6 inches in some areas, said Brady Constantine, Kendall County emergency management coordinator.

“We had a rescue on FM 1376 Sisterdale Road, and closed the road (near Wasp Creek Road) just after that,” he added.

Another motorist trapped in deep water in the 100 block of Fredericksburg Road was also rescued, officials said.

Boerne Fire Department officials assisted in the emergency efforts, according to myboernenews.com: “The first rescue was along FM 1376 and Wasp Creek and the second was on Old Fredericksburg Road along the Kendall/Bexar County line. Both vehicles had single occupants and were safely rescued.”

At deadline, 1376 remained closed at Wasp Creek. The Texas Department of Transportation is assessing the damage, Constantine said.

In the meantime, the Guadalupe River did not surge out of its bed, he added.

“They are not getting the rain in Kerr County that we are getting here,” Constantine said, a reference to the storm-generated July 4 flooding last year that killed 134 people and caused more than $1 billion in damage.

“Everything we are experiencing today is normal rainfall flooding,” he added.

Boerne closed all city trails since several sections were underwater, particularly in areas along Cibolo Creek. However, those reopened later.

Fair Oaks Ranch residents saws Battle Intense flood when CiboloCreek escaped its banks because of heavy rainfall early Monday morning.

Courtesy photo

Issuance of a demolition permit for an older downtown building is on hold for now after city officials clarified that an earlier tie vote by a review commission did not mean it could be torn down.

A 3- 3 vote during a June 2 Historical Landmark Commission meeting thought to pave the way for the teardown was a misinterpretation of the development code and had to be thrown out, officials said this week in a follow-up announcement.

At the time of the June 2 meeting, commissioners were told the Unified Development Code noted a motion could be passed with three affirmative votes.

Not so fast, Boerne officials clarified days later after a review by the legal department, adding it takes a majority to pass a measure.

With six of seven commissioners present June 2, the Historical Landmark Commission voted 3-3 on a request for a demolition permit for the building at 305-323 N. Main St., the current home of the Red Crest Pet Shop and Boerne Grooming.

The split vote followed a commissioner’s question about an antiquated sign out front. Developers intend to allow the sign to be moved and not demolished, said Frank Valadez, architect with SA Partnership Architects.

Once the vote was taken, officials declared the motion had passed, but that decision was reversed this week.

The confusion arose when staff members relied on a section of the UDC that noted, “All issues shall be decided by at least three affirmative votes.”

On the contrary, according to Boerne officials who said, “Staff should have directed the commission to continue discussion and provide a different motion.”

After the commission’s session June 2, the staff sought additional legal review from the city attorney, who then determined a tie vote does not constitute approval.

If the applicant wishes to proceed, the request could come before the commission again on July 7.

A slew of comments on social media after the initial vote was reported decried the prospect of demolition, with many voicing support for the current structure and the nostalgia it evokes.

The developer’s plan calls for a new retail center known as Park Plaza that would include a twostory, 11,400-square-foot building. Owned by Hill Country Brothers Development LLC, the development eventually will require City Council approval.

The Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District tuned in to the station’s plight and signaled there was a solution at hand.

Baron Wiley and the BOFARS Media Group, owners of Boerne Radio, signed the deal on June 9, giving permission for KBRN to build an AM tower on the grounds of the Cow Creek office on Toepperwein Road.

Wiley was up against a June 15 deadline, set by the Federal Communications Commission, to have a tower to handle its AM transmission on the dial at 1500.

“Had this not happened, Boerne Radio would have ceased to exist on June 16,” Wiley said. “God’s timing is always perfect ... but man, that was close.”

When BOFARS Media, with General Manager Wiley at the helm, took on KBRN in October 2021, the tower for AM1500 – which was also on Toepperwein Road, just in a different spot –– was no longer available.

The property owner died, left the land to relatives, the land was sold and the towers were removed by the new proprietor.

Every six months, BOFARS Media has been required to report on its progress to the FCC about securing a new permanent tower site — but there were no more available AM towers in Boerne, Wiley said, much less Kendall County.

Previously, extensions were granted every six months, up until the federal government shutdown in fall of 2025.

In December, Wiley said KBRN received a letter from the FCC stating its temporary license would not be approved “and in so many words, ‘build a new tower or sell the station.’” In January, Wiley spoke at the Noon Rotary Club and met Rick Swinghamer, who learned about the station’s problem.

That turned into a follow-up lunch meeting with Wiley, Swinghamer and Ben Eldridge, a Cow Creek board member.

Eldridge suggested room might exist behind the Cow Creek main office on Toepperwein.

After a presentation by Wiley at the March Cow Creek board meeting, participating in a subcommittee review in April, and drafting a 13-page lease agreement in May, the deal was inked with less than a week to spare.

“Cow Creek is excited about this new opportunity. We feel like it is a great way to get the word out about conservation and our mission,” Cow Creek General Manager Micah Voulgaris said, It’s also worth noting the tower is returning almost to where it started, Wiley said.

“The other ‘Christmas in June’ miracle,” Wiley said, “is the location of Cow Creek on Toepperwein Road is literally across the street from where the original tower ‘lived.’ The latitude/longitude coordinates for the new location are already approved.”

Now, Wiley said, another deadline looms — building the new tower, budgeted close to $200,000.

A capital campaign will be rolled out soon, he said.

Support from the community has been encouraging, Wiley said, after a letter to the editor in the Boerne Star first publicized the situation.

“Please expect delays, and take an alternate route, if possible,” Kendall County Precinct 1 Commissioner Jennifer McCall said. She sounded the warning during a June 9 Kendall County Commissioners Court session.

The dangerous stretch of roadway has raised concerns among local officials and led to calls for the Texas Department of Transportation to make improvements, including the rumble strips.

Records show the 11-mile section of 46 West, between Interstate 10 in Boerne and Texas 16 in Bandera, has seen 550 total crashes with 13 fatalities over the past decade. Of those deaths, more than half resulted from head-on and opposite-direction collisions.

Forty-three crashes involved wrong-side-ofroad or illegal passing violations, killing seven people and seriously injuring 14 more, according to state figures.

“We have had horrific incidents on that roadway, and I want timelines adhered to. We want (TxDOT) publicly talking about what they are going to do,” McCall said during a commissioners’ meeting in April.

Robert Madrigal, TxDOT area engineer out of the Kerrville field office, said work will begin on the Boerne end of the highway, somewhere near the Spencer Ranch subdivision intersection.

The work crew will operate in a 2-mile-long work area, reducing traffic to a single lane, he added.

“Traffic control will be a one-lane two-way traffic control operation with a pilot car,” Madrigal said.

Flagmen will halt traffic on the west side, while a pilot car leads east-bound traffic past the construction. Once the pilot car reaches the west side and motorists reach two-lane travel again, the pilot car will lead a line of eastbound traffic past the work site and deliver them to two-lane traffic closer to Boerne.

Madrigal said work is expected to last from Monday, June 15 to Thursday, June 18 beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day.

He echoed McCall’s concern about traffic delays.

“We encourage drivers to drive safely through the work zone and look for alternate routes, if possible,” he said.

“We encourage drivers to … look for alternate routes, if possible.”

— Robert Madrigal, Texas Department of Transportation area engineer

Dachshund races, plenty of music and beer steins are all part of the third Das Festival of Kendall opening Friday to celebrate Boerne’s German heritage.

For the first time, the event also recognizes three queen candidates joining a lineup that includes egg tossers, watermelon eaters and more, organizers said.

Das Festival, in its second year at Main Plaza, picks up where Boerne Berges Fest left off after a run of 54 years. The festival continues with the tradition of hosting the event on Father’s Day, every third weekend in June, and runs through Sunday.

The fest also serves as a fundraiser for charities — this year helping the Boerne Blaze Special Olympics program and Transformation House, which addresses a growing need for transitional housing for women and children impacted by domestic violence in Kendall County, planners said Things get underway the night of June 19 with queen coronations, bands, brews and food.

“Friday is 5 p.m. to midnight with the pageant at 6 p.m.,” said Veronica Brown, festival organizer. “There’s live music all night, food, vendors, beer and it’s all open to the public.”

Friday night’s bands are The Toman Brothers, taking the stage at 7:15 p.m., and Ben McPeak at 9:30 p.m.

The festival gears up again June 20 after the Das Festival parade, which proceeds from points north through downtown along the Hill Country Mile.

Once the parade wraps, the festival truly begins, said organizers.

Saturday starts the family- fun activities, including egg toss, wheelbarrow races, dachshund races, sack races, and contests for watermelon eating and beerstein

holding.

“We really want people to understand after the parade, to walk to Main Plaza, because it’s not just the parade,” Brown said. “I feel like a lot of people don’t understand it’s not just a parade or a Father’s Day parade, it’s a parade to kick off Das Festival.”

Saturday’s musical lineup features The Lost Mule Band at 7:15 p.m. and the Staudt Brothers at 9:30 p.m.

A side feature is “reunion weekend,” including the Boerne High School Class of 2006’s 20th get-together.

“That used to be a tradition. Our goal is to have all the high school classes have their reunions,” said Michael Ethridge, a Das Festival committee member. “Our 10th-year reunion was at Berges Fest.”

Brown added she appreciates the observance.

“My 20-year reunion was on Father’s Day. My 10-year reunion was on Father’s Day weekend,” Brown said. “We want to get back to that tradition.”

Last year’s festival, Brown said, had “magic.”

“Everything came together. People were congratulating us, people enjoyed themselves and it was just a magical time,” she said.

“

There’s live music all night, food, vendors, beer and it’s all open to the public.

— Veronica Brown, organizer