Judge Kirsten B. Cohoon of the 451st state District Court could decide that day, officials said.

Wampler, son of former Kerrville Mayor David Wampler, was charged in 2024 after his Chevrolet Silverado pickup was involved in a head-on collision with Kimberly Fawn Brasher’s Toyota Prius a little after 10 p.m. in the 2600 block of FM 473 in Kendalia.

Brasher, 27, an Arkansas native and mother of two, died at the scene.

According to friends and family, she worked as a yoga instructor and motocross racer. She spent several years as a nanny in California and taught in Dallas and Austin public schools.

She also led a preschool called Edge of the Woods.

The Amarillo native eventually settled in Fayetteville, Arkansas, “a community she loved dearly,” said close friend Amelia Cox.

Department of Public Safety troopers at the crash scene suspected a 27-year-old driver of being intoxicated and found a handgun in his possession, which constituted an additional charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon, according to court records.

The 77-year-old widow stood on her porch Wednesday, listening to the drone of chainsaws while watching volunteers clear large deadwood trees, thick underbrush and creeping vines from her Wasp Creek Road property north of Boerne.

“They are cleaning up my yard, making it less susceptible to embers from wildfire,” said Kathleen, who asked that her last name not be used. “I just can’t believe how blessed I am that they have been here and they’ve been so wonderful about doing this hard work.”

Star photos by Jeff B. Flinn The Hill Country Fire Coalition of Texas, joined by 15 students from Boerne High School, helped clear the property May 13 as part of the Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant program.

Christie Wiley, director of the coalition, helped coordinate Wednesday’s cleanup.

“What we’re focusing on today is using funding … the National Fire Protection Association gave us, focused on the house and 0-5 feet out,” Wiley said. “We’re here to help make the house more fire resilient.”

Wiley’s volunteers cleared the 5-foot radius around the home of anything posing a fire hazard, and also felled several big trees lost to oak wilt while clearing shrubs, grasses, plants, vines and branches.

When fire spreads, it consumes the most abundant and available fuel, the volunteers said.

Wiley added that education is as important to the program as preventive efforts.

“Just the fact that (homeowners) are not cognizant to the threat posed by bushes being up too high, that they are up against the windows,” she said. A fire could consume those bushes and limbs, heat up and shatter or melt glass, creating another entry point for fire.

The Boerne High seniors joined the effort as part of the school’s annual Senior Service Day, which is set aside for pupils to give back to the community.

In recognition of the need for wildfire readiness, County Judge Shane Stolarczyk and the Kendall County Commissioners Court proclaimed May 2 as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day and May 13 as the 2026 WCPD project day.

Coalition leaders said the proclamation highlights the shared responsibility residents, community organizations and local government all play in reducing wildfire risk.

“The work property owners do today directly affects how safely and effectively firefighters can respond tomorrow,” said a statement from the coalition.

The coalition set in motion the Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant program this year.

“We’re trying to help people that need the financial assistance or physically can no longer do the work, around their home – give them an opportunity to apply for a small grant where we can help them do the work on the ground.”

Kathleen said the community coming together — from retirees to high school seniors — touched her heart.

“It’s just a miracle. I just can’t do this anymore,” said Kathleen, who lost her husband eight years ago. “This is truly a blessing.”

“We’re here to help make the house more fire resilient.”

— Christie Wiley, Hill Country Fire Coalition of Texas

Voting is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kendall County Courthouse Annex, 221 Fawn Valley Drive, across Esser Road from Boerne ISD Stadium.

On the ballot will be two Kendall County Commissioner Court seats — county judge and Precinct 2 commissioner.

Incumbent County Judge Shane Stolarcyk drew 4,292 votes in the GOP primary March 3, outdistancing challenger Ricky Gleason, who finished with 3,979 votes.

Candidate Besa Martin received 1,449 votes.

Since no candidate secured a 50% majority in the race, Stolarczyk and Gleason are headed for a runoff.

Stolarczyk received 44.16% of the vote and Gleason 40.94%.

Meanwhile, Precinct 2 Commissioner Andra Wisian drew 1,360 votes, or 47.8%, in her reelection bid March 3. She will face challenger J.C. Taylor, who ended up with 1,088 votes, or 38.24% of the ballots cast.

A third candidate, Richard Elkins, received 394 votes, or 13.4%.

No Democrat challengers filed to run, which means the winners in the runoffs will face no opponents in the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Legal action by plaintiffs Garret Daley and Lindsay Ward state they were on the grandstand Aug. 31, 2024, watching a rodeo when the structure collapsed, sending dozens of spectators to the ground.

Vera Smith, 79, died six days later of her injuries. About 100 people were in the section that was affected, officials said.

The plaintiffs said they suffered serious injuries when the structure fell, trapping them beneath the debris.

The legal action sought compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and asked for punitive damages.

Ward and Daley’s lawsuit alleged the defendants — including the Kendall County Fair Association, its president Shane Boerner, his firms SB Farms and SB Equipment and Welding, Hill-Tex Construction Inc. and Cent-Tex Quality Transport LLC — “failed to ensure the bleachers were safely constructed and maintained” prior to their use.

Several other lawsuits remain, including one filed by members of Smith’s family.

No criminal charges surfaced following the incident.

The Kendall County District Attorney’s Office in March 2025 said there was “insufficient evidence to prove a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt” after prosecutors “evaluated the ability to meet the burden of proof.”

The city of Boerne found the KCFA failed to secure necessary permits before constructing a new bleacher seating area, work that continued up to the day before the event. City officials also said it was not inspected by the Boerne Fire Marshal’s Office prior to the rodeo.

According to earlier reports, the city commissioned a structural engineer who determined an improperly welded support beam led to the mishap.

A story in the Jan. 19, 2025, Star noted a statement from the city that said, “The bleachers ‘were an old structure that was salvaged, and the new structure was made to house eight VIP sections, the bar and a common walkway. Additionally, welding work on the bleacher structure was still occurring up to the day before the event.’”

Residents are broadcasting mixed reactions to the news Bravo TV will film a reality show titled “Secrets, Lies, Texas Wives” in the Boerne area.

Many worry the program will shed a less-than-favorable light on the community, a Hill Country town founded in the 1840s by German immigrants known today for its charm and beauty.

“Boerne needs a show about what Boerne is really about,” read one social-media post from Kendall Marie Budnik. “Family, community and simple joys…maybe that would keep the trash out. We don’t need negative energy drama. Make Boerne Great Again!”

But another resident expressed humor at the situation.

“I’ll be watching my fellow neighbors on Peacock!” posted Paige Dianne Miles.

A post on Bravo.com sets the stage for the production: “In the heart of Texas Hill Country is the pictureperfect town of Boerne where wealth, beauty, faith and family reign supreme.”

The post adds, “Centered on a tight-knit circle of glamorous women, this series follows their lives as they raise families, run ranches and farms and manage sparkling social calendars in a town rooted in rodeos and tradition. Behind the polished smiles and Sunday sermons, however, there are intimate relationships and forbidden romances that test loyalties and marriages, jeopardizing the town’s pristine image and proving that perfection is far more complicated than anyone could imagine.”

The show was announced May 11 at NBCUniversal’s 2026 Upfronts presentation in New York City.

Comments from locals after news of the show began circulating prompted a response from City Manager Ben Thatcher.

“I want to acknowledge the concern we have heard from residents. We understand that concern because so little is known about the project at this time,” he said. “The city of Boerne learned about this project at essentially the same time the public did, through the public announcement.”

He added, “The city of Boerne is not producing, sponsoring, endorsing, casting or otherwise partnering in this television production.”

Thatcher also added a production manager had contacted city Parks and Recreation regarding a film permit.

“Based on that initial conversation, staff understand that the production currently anticipates filming primarily at residential homes, with possible occasional filming involving cast members exiting vehicles, walking in the downtown area or dining at local restaurants,” Thatcher said. “The production manager indicated that they do not anticipate needing to close streets.”

According to Thatcher, Boerne is a “Film-Friendly Texas Community,” a certification the city received in 2021 from the Texas Film Commission.

The Star reached out to Bravo’s media department to gather more details about possible filming and release dates.

Identities of cast members have not been publicized.

According to programmers, Bravo is a basic cable TV network that began airing Dec. 8, 1980. The owner is NBCUniversal Media Group, a division of Comcast’s NBCUniversal.

“I want to acknowledge the concern we have heard from residents.”

— City Manager Ben Thatcher

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Moondance is a summer concert series that began in 2000, when friends gathered in the Oak Motte at the Cibolo Nature Center for music, storytelling, and dancing beneath the glow of the full moon.

What started as a simple evening among friends has grown into a beloved summer tradition and a much-anticipated community gathering. It also serves as a memorial honoring Brandon Gallagher- Manning, who passed away in 2001, ensuring that his love for music and camaraderie continues to be celebrated year after year.

The heart behind this Texas Hill Country event runs deep. Once a month, near the full moon, the community comes together for an evening that blends live music, a handful of novelty vendors, and the simple joy of spending time outdoors under the stars.

For me, Moondance has become a so-called “Hallmark moment” in Boerne. String lights draped through the oak trees sets the inviting tone for the evening, casting a warm glow across the Oak Motte as guests arrive.

Everyone is welcome, including your fourlegged friends, on a leash of course. As the sun dips lower, there is a gentle excitement in the air. Staff and volunteers move about with the almost holiday- like hustle of preparing the stage and welcoming guests, while families and friends filter in, setting up their chairs and blankets beneath the trees.

Moondance is a truly family- friendly event where people of all ages can enjoy an evening together. Adult tickets are $15, and children under 12 are admitted free, making it an easy outing for families. Doors open at 6 p.m., with music running 7-9 p.m.

A simple checklist of items to bring might include a comfortable chair, a blanket, a cooler with snacks or drinks, and occasionally a bit of insect repellent.

This summer, local food vendors including Leo’s Taco Spot, Annie’s On a Roll, and Texas Chill Country will be onsite at each concert.

In the end, Moondance is a moment to slow down and relax. Nothing fancy is required. Just bring yourself, your friends and family, and enjoy an evening at your backyard Cibolo Nature Center. To learn more and purchase tickets in advance, visit cibolo.org/moondance.

Thanks to Frost Bank, The Brandon Fund, and Boerne Radio for making this event possible.

The appointments were announced during an annual members luncheon recently held at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort. More than 75 people attended.

Dakota Durden of GRIT Co. will serve as board chair; Caleb Clark of Edward Jones is vice chairman; Tony Trevino of Vantage Bank is treasurer; Chuck Gregory of Terracon is secretary; and Phil Hunke of Hill Country Square was named past chairman.

At-large members are Charity Huber of BEC and Phillip Quintanilla of WS & P Insurance.

The luncheon featured Texas Department of Transportation Commissioner Alex Meade as the keynote speaker.

EDC President/ CEO Amy Story gave an update about positioning Kendall County for “sustainable, high-quality” economic growth, according to a release.

The EDC is a public- private nonprofit geared “to promote business opportunities that will strengthen and grow a vibrant and diverse economic future for Kendall County,” the release stated.

American Craft Beer Week in Boerne celebrates springtime brews

Paying tribute to the area’s German heritage during American Craft Beer Week, six breweries are sponsoring the fifth annual Bock Walk the weekend of May 16 and 17.

American Craft Beer Week started May 11 and runs through Sunday.

Ty Wolosin, general manager of brewing operations at Cibolo Creek Brewing Co., said events Saturday and Sunday should offer a lot of fun for lovers of the strong lager.

“Essentially, it started five years ago, in a conversation between myself and the prior general manager of Free Roam,” Wolosin said. “We were just brainstorming things we could do to spur more people to get more business to breweries.”

The event had humble roots as Wolosin and some friends simply wanted to “‘walk and bock,’ try each other’s bocks. It was that casual; it wasn’t a sponsored event; a ‘word of mouth’ thing.”

After the first foray, a second year led Wolosin and others to make the walk “more official, push it, more and more. Maybe we can get some backing behind it?”

According to brewers, a bock is a strong dark beer brewed in the autumn and consumed during spring.

It is also “a good style for people that do not like really hoppy beer. The bock is still a nice beer to start with,” Wolosin said.

Another brew offered during the Bock Walk, called Maibock, is “a slightly lighter version of a bock. They’d brew a slightly lighter version for the springtime,” Wolosin said.

Mai is German for May. The breweries participating in the walk and their offerings include:

• 28 Songs Brewhouse & Kitchen: “Kicks Like a Goat”

• Cibolo Creek Brewing Co. and Hamby’s: Maibock, “My Neck” • Free Roam Brewing Co.: “High Fence”

• Tusculum Brewing Co.: “Tuba King”

• The Dodging Duck Brewhaus: “My Duck Maibock” A press release about the Walk states, “Beer enthusiasts are encouraged to explore each location, try the unique interpretations of this seasonal favorite, and experience the collaborative spirit that defines Boerne’s craft beer culture.”

There’s no set time for the start of the walk.

“Just ask for the bock; they’ll know you’re on the walk,” Wolosin said.

In addition to the festivities, attendees and supporters can commemorate the occasion with a limited-edition Boerne craft brewery T-shirt, available for preorder online. The exclusive design features all six breweries.

Go to www.gunpowderandcab. com/products/ boerne-craft-beer-shirt to learn more.

However, storms the past few days still have not relieved drought conditions and officials are noting a “drop in water levels.”

“The city is working to evaluate next steps to reduce water fluctuations.”

— Chris Shadrock, Boerne spokesman 

Though there are a handful of dams locally on the creek, the one raising eyebrows is found at the east end of River Road Park in downtown Boerne and is part of the town’s picturesque waterfront.

In response to concerns, city spokesman Chris Shadrock released a statement: “There is no break in the dam. It remains in good overall structural condition, which was confirmed in 2025 by an inspection with a third-party engineering firm. Following recent rain events, city staff observed a drop in water levels, and it is believed there are several factors playing a role in the fluctuation.”

According to Shadrock, those include:

• Ongoing drought conditions

• Changes in creek capacity after sediment removal and natural groundwater interaction

• Some subsurface seepage occurring under portions of the dam 

The seepage, Shadrock said, is “not uncommon given the dam’s age and original 1800s limestone construction. The city is working to evaluate next steps to reduce water fluctuations.”

Salvador Dobbs owner Veronica Brown said she remains concerned.

“I have a rain gauge at my bar,” Brown said. “When we (Boerne) received heavy rain, I was excited because I really wanted to see how fast it would fill this creek because it has been empty forever.”

In past few years, the city has allocated millions of dollars for renovations at River Road Park, which includes Cibolo Creek — a popular attraction.

Brown worries the drought could have an impact on tourism.

“There used to be a rope swing I would swing on as a child,” she said. “I’m passionate about this creek because it’s literally my front view of my bar.”

Browns’ rain gauge recorded a swift 14-inch drop after the heavy rainfall. She went to social media to see other residents weigh in – but it quickly became a blame-game.

Some of the posters pointed fingers at city officials and Parks & Recreation, but Brown said that is not helping the situation.

“I’ve said before, I don’t care who is at fault,” she said. “I just want to know if there is any issue.”

For more on the water conditions, visit boerne-water-dashboard. com.

A “holistic pet wellness” event coming to Boerne next month will offer tips and highlights about the proper care and nutrition of a household’s four-legged family members.

Michele Jaime, owner of Fetch & Friskers and a 15-year Boerne resident, has assembled a team of five speakers for the June 13 program at The Kendall, 128 W. Blanco Road.

The “Wags & Whiskers Wellness Roundup” is designed to be an immersive, education-focused experience, Jaime said.

Attendees to the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. program will hear from assembled experts, interact with like-minded pet owners and explore products and resources that support longterm health and vitality, organizers said.

“We’re seeing more and more pet owners ask deeper questions about nutrition, prevention and long-term health. What we try to do is teach people to better care for their animals, holistically,” Jaime said. “This event brings those conversations and resources together in one place for our community.”

One key aspect is raw food consumption, which pet-care advocates say is beneficial for better bone and dental health, improved skin and coats, high protein availability, low ecological impact, removal of processed foods from the diet, minimizing bad breath and higher energy levels.

“They just live a better- quality life when fed raw foods,” Jaime said. “With raw feeding, it just changed their lives. They don’t have ear problems, itchy skin disappears, the teeth maintain and the breath improves.”

Even people who feed as little as 25% of their dog’s food raw see benefits, she added. Those include cleaner teeth and increasing the “good bacteria” in the gut.

Speakers include:

• Billy Hoekman, vice president of Nutrition & Formulation for Green Juju: “Gut health, probiotics and raw feeding.”

• Carter Easler, director of research and education for MycoDog & CBD Dog Health: “The Senior Dog Study. A clinical trial measuring how functional mushrooms and adaptogens ( cannabidiol) support brain health, behavior and quality of life in aging dogs.”

• Lynda Loudon, integrative emergency veterinarian and founder of Dog Mom Society: “Pesticides, heartworm treatments, flea and tick treatments and vaccinations for pets more naturally.”

• Roxanne Stone, nutrition education director for Solutions Pet Products: “Protective health span through fresh fermented raw processing and raw milk.”

• Rita Hogan, canine herbalist and author of “The Herbal Dog”: “Spay and neuter support with herbs.”

Tickets are $89 for the day and are available by calling Fetch & Friskers, 210-898-8884, or by email at info@fetchandfriskers. com.

“What we try to do is teach people to better care for their animals, holistically.”

— Michele Jaime

The purchase of 31 acres along North Main Street to build a new middle school is helping the Boerne Independent School District remain ready for the future, officials said.

The acquisition in the 1200 block of North Main was finalized May 5, the district said in a May 6 news release.

“This newly purchased 31-acre tract of land is a strategic location for the future of the district,” said Superintendent Kristin Craft.

The current Boerne Middle School North campus sits on 10-landlocked acres on Johns Road, while an ideal middle school site is 30-40 acres, school officials said.

The district sought land in the voter-approved 2022 bond with the goal of building a new middle school to replace the campus on Johns Road, which educators said is cramped.

Craft in the prepared statement said the purchase showcases BISD’s emphasis to continue becoming “future ready.”

“We are delighted that our rate of growth has slowed slightly over the past 18 months. It’s allowed us to be intentional and planful and to evaluate what the needs of our community are currently,” the superintendent said.

The purchase marked “a major milestone in the district’s proactive approach to accommodating future growth, expanding educational opportunities and meeting the needs of the community,” district officials said.

After the middle school moves, the current 10-acre campus could be transformed into a career technical education “hub” by relocating the structured vocational and skills programs there, thus delaying the need to build a third high school.

“This is a landmark day for Boerne ISD,” said school board President Kristi Schmidt. “While we hope to follow through with the construction of a new middle school and a refreshed CTE hub, we need to make sure it’s what our taxpayers want, too.”

She added the district “will be patient and prudent.”

According to Schmidt, “We purchased the land Van Raub Elementary School resides on in 2004 and that campus wasn’t opened until 2018.”

Youth-driven segment draws a crowd

Hundreds turned out Thursday to enjoy breakfast, noon and evening programs as part of the National Day of Prayer.

The fourth annual Boerne Day of Prayer event, organized by members of Boerneprays.org, included a youth-organized and youthdriven “Light Up the Square” segment, which saw attendees twice break into smaller prayer groups around the Main Plaza gazebo.

Many went to their knees, hands pressed together, in their expressions of devotion.

Messages from teens Adeen Pop, Emma Lee and Tristan Onweller were shared among younger worshippers, with the session stretching well beyond its allotted hour.

Onweller preached to a packed audience from 1 Timothy 4:12-13.

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech and conduct and love and faith and purity,” Onweller read.

He referred to the next verse, 4:13, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.”

He added, “As you can see right here, there are so many of us who … are young that are just on fire for the Lord. There is a revival happening in our town. Over the past year, I have seen so many Bibles just pop up around Boerne.”

After the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast launched the day to a crowded house at Las Guitarras Restaurant, the main public gathering began at noon on Main Plaza.

The program, in addition to worship music, included state Sen. Donna Campbell, Mayor Frank Ritchie, Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk, County Commissioner Andra Wisian and Sheriff Al Auxier.

Campbell, whose District 25 includes Boerne, read a proclamation from Gov. Greg Abbott proclaiming the day as National Day of Prayer — first set in motion in 1952 by President Harry Truman and Congress, renewed on the first Thursday of May each year since by the nation’s presidents.

“Generations of Americans have recognized its power to bring healing, clarity and peace,” Campbell read from Abbott’s message.

“My hope is that people of faith will continue to lift up our state and nation, asking for guidance, unity and steadfast resolve, as we reflect on this year’s theme, ‘To glorify God among the nations, seeking him in all generations,’” she said, quoting the governor’s statement.

Auxier prayed for the safety of law enforcement agencies and first responders both in Boerne and nationwide.

“Bring unity between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” Auxier prayed. “Be their shield. Guard their minds from fear, their hearts from bitterness and their spirits from fatigue.”

The sheriff added, “Let truth prevail over falsehood, and justice be carried out with fairness and mercy.” “There is a revival happening in our town.”

— Tristan Onweller

Boerne High School students are teaming up this week with the Hill Country Fire Coalition of Texas to reduce a wildfire risk around the Kendall County home of an Army veteran’s widow.

The coalition received a Wildfire Community Preparedness Day grant from the National Fire Protection Association for the second consecutive year to support its efforts, officials said.

Organized in 2024, the coalition is a nonprofit made up of volunteers working to reduce damages from out-of-control conflagrations through a Kendall County Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

“Our 2026 effort focuses on launching a new Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant Program to assist residents with demonstrated need, who are ineligible for state and federal funding,” said coalition Director Christie Wiley. “While we can complete unlimited property- risk assessments, risk only changes when mitigation work is done.”

Wiley said the agency has designated May 13 as its workday to coincide with the high school’s Community Service Day.

Coalition members will partner with pupils and volunteers from the Bergheim area — the Buckers — to help the veteran’s widowed spouse clear debris and eliminate wildfire risk in “the immediate zone.” That zone, which includes the structure and a 5-foot radius, is the most vulnerable to embers, volunteers said. “This project reflects what we strive for every day: Neighbors helping neighbors, one property at a time, one community at a time,” said Wiley, who expects about 30 Boerne High students to participate.

Preparedness Day grant money that is left over will be used to launch the coalition’s Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant program to “bridge the gap between completing the risk assessment and implementing risk-reduction work on the ground,” Wiley said.

Organizers said volunteers on Wednesday as needed will clean the roof and gutters, replace or repair loose or damaged shingles, install 1/8-inch metal mesh screening on vents in the eaves, clean debris from exterior attic vents, take care of damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows, and move anything that can burn away from exterior walls.

To learn more about the coalition or the workday, call 830-326-9031 or email info@hcfcoftx.com. “This project reflects what we strive for every day.”

–– Christie Wiley

In the Boerne Independent School District race, Place 7 trustee Rich Sena was reelected to a fifth term, outdistancing a challenge from Michael Ethridge, a Boerne businessman and former Boerne High School graduate.

In the Fair Oaks Ranch City Council contest, Place 6 Councilman Jonathan Swarek returns to the dais after defeating challenger Matt Reigelsperger.

Sena, the longtime Boerne ISD board member, drew 2,415 votes, 62.45% of the tally, to Ethridge’s 1,452, good for 37.55% — a 963-vote difference, or nearly a 25% margin of victory.

In Fair Oaks Ranch, Swarek landed 747 votes, topping the 561 received by Reigelsperger. The 186-vote difference represented a 14.2% margin of victory for Swarek.

The Boerne ISD board and Fair Oaks Ranch council will still meet to canvass the unofficial vote tally before swearing in the victors.

What began four years ago as “a simple prayer meeting at the gazebo” on Main Plaza has blossomed into a triple header of worship, praise and community worship as Thursday brings National Day of Prayer to Boerne.

Rob O’Connell, one of the core organizers of the Boerne Prays group, said this is a second go-round in the city for participation in the national observance, which the Ministerial Alliance previously sponsored and held at various community churches.

“This is the first time we’ve gone public, and used public venues, to meet and invite people from the city to join together,” O’Connell said.

The National Day of Prayer Boerne begins with the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, 8 a.m. at Las Guitarras Restaurant, 911 S. Main St. Tickets are $15 per person for the breakfast, available online at boerneprays.org.

Those joining Mayor Frank Ritchie include the Rev. Mark Quick, Living Hope Church; the Rev. Bernie Berg, Boerne River Church; Father David Chacko, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church; the Rev. Ruben Mendez, Iglesia Cornerstone; and Alfred Gallegos, Cross Mountain Church.

The Day of Prayer starts at noon on Main Plaza, where community leaders — including state Sen. Donna Campbell, Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk, Ritchie, Sheriff Al Auxier and County Commissioner Andra Wisian — will offer “Prayer for all in authority,” meaning those who are in positions to serve the residents of Boerne and Kendall County.

New this year is “Light Up the Square,” a youth-led prayer event set for 7 p.m. on Main Plaza.

This marks the 75th annual National Day of Prayer in the United States. Since 1952, Congress has designated the first Thursday in May a day for Americans “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.”

The theme for 2026 is, “Glorify God among the nations; Seek him in all generations,” from 1 Chronicles 16:24.

“Prayer is so simple and so easy, and so freely given.”

— Will Smith Will Smith is in his third year with the Day of Prayer organizers, including a half-dozen individuals who launched the first one for Boerne in 2023.

“I’ve tried to be a good advocate of faith, especially for my community and co-workers,” Smith said. “This is just a nice way to come together and enrich the faith aspect of how important it is within our community.”

He added, “Prayer is so simple and so easy, and so feely given.”

O’Connell addressed the “Light Up the Square” youth-led event.

“We really thought we should lean in to this because we believe God is moving greatly among the Gen-Zs,” O’Connell said. “Many people are coming to faith because they’re lost, without hope and God offers them a way forward. So, we’re very enthusiastic about having the youth-led event.”

Serving the local National Day of Prayer became a staple for Smith once he heard of the group’s formation.

“I just think it’s a really worthwhile cause,” Smith said. “It’s impactful. People walk away and are like, ‘Wow. That was easy and such a blessing to be a part of.’”

This past weekend’s Lemonade Day meant more than just kids serving sweet drinks to thirsty customers — it also taught valuable economics lessons to young entrepreneurs, organizers said.

The Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce celebrated its eighth year hosting Lemonade Day on Main Street in Boerne — with events also in Fair Oaks Ranch, Comfort and other Kendall County sites — with an estimated 400 kids manning more than 130 booths to broaden their sales and marketing skills.

Participants can also move on to national recognition.

Each stand is tasked with selling its own spin on lemonade, ranging from popsicles and mock-a-ritas to classic lemonade.

“Once parents sign up, I tell them this is your kid’s project,” said Melissa Hinton, a Chamber spokeswoman. “We provide backpacks for the kids, and we also get youth workbooks as well as mentor guides.”

The workbooks, which are provided by event sponsors, include lesson plans that teach kids how to spend, save and share, she added.

Participants are also encouraged to take financial education classes sponsored by Sonora Bank.

All proceeds belong solely to the child manning the booth; he or she can then decide on how to use it, keep it or share it.

“A majority of our stands actually donate a portion to a nonprofit, or they donate all of it,” Hinton said.

Chamber President Kim Blohm’s son, Mason, said it was an easy decision about what to do with the $250 he made selling lemonade mock-a-ritas.

“I picked the (Hill Country Animal League) because I’ve seen how much they care for my foster dogs,” Mason said. “They’ve helped our family of pets, and I’m thankful they’re around to help. I wanted to give back so they can keep helping more animals.”

In a statement online, the league thanked Mason for his contribution: “This young entrepreneur donated every dollar in profits to help animals at HCAL. Not many people can say their lemonade helped fund real care for pets in our community.”

The Chamber will be hosting an online voting competition for best booth. For more information, visit boerne.org.

“A majority of our stands actually donate a portion to a nonprofit, or they donate all of it.”

— Melissa Hinton

Boerne High’s Top 10, in order, are: Blythe Wilkes, Olivia Stahl, Austin Jehnke, Molly Miller, Matthew Russell, Taylor Roberts, Sydney Smith, Cadence Nance, Lila Davis and Sara Kleeman.

Champion’s Top 10, in order, are: Lauren Johnston, Julia Simescu, Ingrid Braden, R. Ethan Conrad, Sofia Morales, Joseph Wilson IV, Isabella Studer, Hannah Taliaferro, Addison Blake and Avery Knight.

“These students worked tirelessly to achieve this level of academic excellence. We are so proud of their sacrifice and dedication,” said Superintendent Kristin Craft. “Each of them is so much more than a scholar; they represent the full spectrum of what’s possible in Boerne ISD.”

Craft lauded the district for its efforts to “ graduate students with work experience, on- the- job training, exposure to internships and mentorship, and an incredibly well-rounded education.”

She added, “We are all cheering for them as they take on their next adventures.”

Champion’s graduation ceremony is set for 8 p.m. May 21, with Boerne High at 8 p.m. May 22. Both ceremonies take place at Boerne ISD Stadium, 1 Greyhound Lane.

Only two races appeared on the ballot — the Boerne Independent School District Place 7 board seat between incumbent Rich Sena and challenger Michael Ethridge; and the Fair Oaks Ranch City Council Place 6 spot, with incumbent Jonathan Swarek facing challenger Matt Reigelsperger.

For final vote tallies, visit the Star’s online sites, including facebook.com/ BoerneStarNews.

Polls open 7 a.m. and close 7 p.m. Saturday.

Early voting ran April 20 through April 28.

The last day of early voting saw 639 voters – 21% of all early ballots cast — make their choices.

Voters could cast their ballots at any of three locations: the Kendall County Courthouse Annex, the Fair Oaks Ranch Police Department or the Comfort Independent School District’s temporary branch location.

The largest turnout came in the final two days of voting, with the 639 figure on April 28 and 509 voters on April 27.

That two-day tally represented 40% of all votes cast through April 28.

The Kendall County site saw 1,659 voters cast ballots there, the final day drawing 328 votes.

The Kendall County tally, by day, was: April 20: 184 April 22: 316 April 23: 245 April 24: 262 April 25: 65 April 27: 259 April 28: 328 Nearly 37% of early votes cast were at the Fair Oaks Ranch location: April 20: 85 April 22: 176 April 23: 167 April 24: 142 April 25: 82 April 27: 193 April 28: 230 The temporary Comfort location allowed voting on three days: April 25: 64. April 27: 57. April 28: 81.

Josh Sako is the local lawman honored by the TPWD commission and was named the 2025 National Wild Turkey Federation’s Texas Wildlife Officer of the Year.

“Dusty Jansky, Josh Sako and Randy Watts represent the professionalism, leadership and commitment to public service that define Texas game wardens,” Col. Ronald VanderRoest, TPWD law enforcement director, said in a prepared release.

Sako, a 2020 graduate of the 63rd Texas Game Warden Academy, began his career on the upper Texas coast in Jefferson County working saltwater- enforcement cases while also contributing “significantly to water safety operations,” the release noted.

He later transferred to the Hill Country, first to Gillespie County and then to his current duty station, expanding his enforcement focus to deer and turkey regulations, TPWD officials said.

His duties also include natural-resource enforcement, public safety and search-and-rescue operations.

“He is recognized for his strong investigative skills, including a recent case involving (an) illegal turkey harvest that resulted in state and federal violations,” the release stated. “Sako works closely with partner agencies to hold violators accountable and protect Texas’ wildlife resources.”

According to the state agency, Sako’s “involvement in search and rescue efforts, along with his role as an instructor for Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, further demonstrates his dedication to serving the public.”

Officials said he played an important role during the Kerr County July Fourth flood response in 2025, providing communication support, mapping assistance and recovery coordination, both as a warden familiar with the area and as a drone pilot.

In addition:

• Guadalupe County Game Warden Jansky was named the 2026 Shikar-Safari Club International Texas Officer of the Year.

• Trinity County Game Warden Watts was named the 2025 Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Texas Officer of the Year.

Additional land deeded to Boerne by a developer means Boerne Fire Station No. 2 will have a bigger footprint and include more training components, but the cost is going up, officials said this past week.

The City Council April 28 approved expanding the building by 6,895 square feet, to 22,000 square feet, at a design cost of more than $2.2 million— a $847,500 increase from the initial projection of nearly $1.4 million.

In addition to expanded training features including roof-access and a tower, the larger building will include additional museum space and library functionality, city officials noted.

The site is expanding from 3.3 acres to a 6.6-acre site.

During the Tuesday meeting, Assistant Fire Chief Walter Ball spelled out the “pivot points” in the design changes and accompanying costs for council members.

“This gives us a cleaner and safer traffic flow in and out of the station.”

— Assistant Fire Chief Walter Ball

Originally, the site topography was going “to require a partial belowgrade construction, which was going to lead to quite a bit of excavation challenges,” Ball said.

However, the 3.3 additional acres — deeded by the developer of Esperanza, the neighboring housing development — allows the building to be moved within the expanded 6.6 acres “to a flatter portion of the property ... that resulted in a fully at-grade single-story facility,” Ball said.

The $2.216 million is the design service fee going to architect Hoefer Welker LLC.

Meanwhile, the cost to build the three-bay facility is currently estimated at $22,573,414.

Ball said the department expects to go out for bids late this summer, with construction to start later this fall.

Relocating the station on the expanded 6.6-acre site aligns it with the nearby intersection of Esperanza Boulevard and Lajitas Street.

“This gives us a cleaner and safer traffic flow in and out of the station,” Ball said.

There will be a dedicated turn lane coming from Texas 46 and a dedicated deceleration-turn lane coming from Herff Elementary School.

The proposed amendment, approved 5-0 by the council, includes final plat revisions to incorporate the additional acreage; expanded civil engineering and landscape design for the enlarged site; inventory and assessment of natural site features; additional stormwater treatment design requirements; Esperanza infrastructure documents; and building redesign revisions related to the museum, training and health-wellness components.

LEMONADE!

Boerne Lemonade Day participants brought their “potions” to Boerne Sips Nutrition Thursday, where a panel of judges taste-tested the concoctions. Boerne Chamber of Commerce President Kim Blohm, second left, shares a laugh with judges Kendall Giusti, left, Presley Westbrook, Azteca Crawford and Marco Crawford.

After hearing stories of death and heartbreak along a dangerous 12-mile stretch of Texas 46, Kendall County commissioners Tuesday added their pleas to other agencies urging the state to make the road safer.

Just as Bandera County commissioners did earlier this month, counterparts in Kendall County April 28 unanimously approved a resolution pressing the Texas Department of Transportation to address roadway safety on 46 West.

Meanwhile, Kendall County officials also voted to seek additional funding for more surveillance cameras in town.

The measure regarding the tragedy- plagued 46 was sponsored by commissioners Jennifer McCall and Andra Wisian, who both cited concerns regarding the twisting, mainly two-lane roadway from Texas 16 near Pipe Creek to Interstate 10 West at Boerne.

“At the end of the day, this is about saving lives,” Wisian said.

The resolution, read by McCall, in part states: “Whereas the safety of all roadway users within the boundaries of Kendall County is of paramount importance to the governing body, and constitutes a primary responsibility to protect lives and reduce injuries…TxDOT has responsibility for the state road design, safety improvements, traffic operations and related infrastructure within its district and collaborates with local governments.”

The resolutions by commissioner courts in both Bandera and Kendall counties have no binding effect on TxDOT, a state agency headquartered in Austin with regional engineering districts.

Though state officials were unavailable for comment at deadline, they have said in the past safety issues are taken very seriously. No major improvements are slated for 46 at this time.

During the Tuesday meeting in Boerne, one resident told commissioners about a fiery accident on 46 last year that continues to haunt a family member.

“My husband had to watch a woman burn to death.”

— Karen Schaefer “My husband had to watch a woman burn to death,” Karen Schaefer said. “You cannot travel that way without fear.”

Nikki Dobson, another resident and mother, cited statistics pulled from TxDOT’s database: Over a 10-year period, the stretch of highway resulted in 550 crashes and 13 deaths.

“One hundred of those crashes involve vehicles traveling in the opposite direction,” Dobson said. “Eight of those 13 people died because someone crossed the center line.”

Kendall County commissioners also heard from a local therapist, Gillian Rodriguez, who said she has worked with several families affected by the fatal accidents.

“The injury to these families is not just physical,” Rodriguez said. “It carries mental and emotional scars that last a lifetime.”

Meanwhile, in other business, commissioners approved applying for a grant of up to $200,000 to purchase and install more Flock surveillance cameras to help with crime control.

The county so far has 17. The funding would be funneled from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority.

Commissioner Chad Carpenter cast a dissenting vote.

Nearly three dozen songwriters and musical groups will take the stage Saturday and Sunday in Boerne during the fourth annual Music on The Mile.

What started as a simple idea — fill the Hill Country Mile with live music and let people wander from venue to venue — has grown into the city’s signature music weekend, organizers said.

Music on the Mile brings musical acts to restaurants, bars, breweries and shops on the Hill Country Mile, the downtown portion of Boerne’s major thoroughfare, Main Street, and other venues.

Co-chairs Nancy Holekamp and Johny Rosa said they have put together a solid lineup with 35 acts appearing in 13 venues along Main and River Road May 2 and May 3.

Locations include Bear Moon Bakery, Brantley’s 259, Camp Bar & Feed, Cibolo Creek Brewing, Lost Oak Winery, Pinchy’s Lobster & Raw Bar, Salvador Dobbs, Shoppes at 222, Texas Treasures Co., The Oak of Boerne, Tusculum Brewing Co., Bear Moon Stage at 322 and The Christmas Shoppe.

“This just started out where some of these guys could get some local exposure,” Holekamp said. “Boerne already has a vibrant music scene on the weekends, so hopefully this carries that out a bit.”

Acts include Hunter Billingsley, Noah Kurtis, Faith Jacobs, Kainoa, Brent Michael Wood, Odie and The Arcade, and Don’t Quit Band.

“They just want a place to play, that’s all they want. They want to play and make people happy,” Holekamp said.

Jacobi (Strings) gets the day started with an 11 a.m. set at Bear Moon. The Boerne Jazz Band hits Brantley’s 259 at 11:30 a.m. and Lynnwood King gets Lost Oak Winery going at noon.

The award recognizes Sierra’s leadership in fundraising and installing a Purple Heart monument and a tree-shaded bench at Veterans Plaza in Boerne, fully funded through private donations.

The monument was dedicated on National Purple Heart Day, Aug. 7, 2025, commemorating George Washington’s Badge of Military Merit, the precursor to the Purple Heart.

Sierra began the Purple Heart Project serving a steak dinner to Purple Heart recipients at his restaurant.

DAR officials said Sierra’s “meaningful initiative” honors service members and inspires civic engagement across Texas.

The Purple Heart is presented to service members who are injured or perish in action against a foe, or during captivity as a prisoner of war.

In presenting the award, the DAR highlighted “Sierra’s dedication, vision and lasting impact on the community,” according to a release.

The NSDAR is a service organization with a genealogically based membership, dedicated to patriotism, education and historic preservation.

For details on the chapter, email GWKChapter@ gmail.com or visit the website at https:// texasdar. org/ chapters/ GeorgeWKendall.

Local kids are learning that when life gives you lemons, just turn that into 200 money-making juice stands gracing locations across Kendall County on Lemonade Day Saturday. The effort is about more than just concocting sweet drinks, as young entrepreneurs learn valuable lessons about running a business and how to squeeze out a profit, organizers said.

“It is a youth entrepreneurship program that is a national program,” said Kim Blohm, Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce CEO.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 2, hundreds of Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch and Comfort kids will assemble, decorate and man booths serving various flavors of lemonade, including tart to tangy favorites such as old fashioned, strawberry mango and jalapeño margarita (alcohol free).

Lemonade Day stand owners can compete at the national level, Blohm said. They submit their business plans, a roadmap of their business, how well it performed and other post-analysis after the event.

“Two years ago, we had a local who actually won the national program and got to go on an interview with ‘Shark Tank’ … and it was amazing,” she added.

As the youths develop their own business plan, each stand can be of a different height and width and vary in decor.

Prices for cups of lemonade vary from stand to stand, said Chamber organizers.

“These kids will give you a run for your money. They have products they’ve made, they have cookies and items and everything,” Blohm said.

Participating youth signed up with the Chamber, acquired a permit, and then had to seek permission from a local business to set up on the sidewalk in front of the shop.

“They do financial literacy classes presented by Sonora Bank,” the Chamber CEO said. “We teach them how to manage their money, and how to give it back to the community.”

Three awards will be presented — best tasting, best stand and best entrepreneur. The winners get $250 to give to a nonprofit of their choice.

Before Lemonade Day, the Chamber will hold the best-tasting lemonade competition from 5-6 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at Boerne Sips Nutrition, 204 E. Hosack St.

Lemonade Day, which originated primarily in the Galveston area, had humble beginnings in Boerne, Blohm recalled.

“I think it started off with like 15 kids, and then 50 kids,” Blohm said on Boerne Radio 103.9 FM’s “Boerne Brew. “We now are at 425 registered kids, close to double what we were last year.”

Those kids will be paired up, many in teams, to staff the nearly 200 stands.

“The majority or bulk of the individuals in the stands will be on Main Street (in Boerne),” Blohm said. “At this point, with the amount that we have, there’s literally one on every corner, every mile, everywhere.”

“Two years ago, we had a local who actually won the national program and got to go on an interview with ‘Shark Tank.’’’

— Kim Blohm, Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce

Officials said turnout was expected to be light, with just two contested races on the county’s ticket. A total 1,173 ballots were cast after the first three days of early voting, about 2% of the county’s 58,061 registered voters.

Voters are set to decide a Boerne Independent School District Place 7 trustee race between incumbent Rich Sena and challenger Michael Ethridge, and the Place 6 seat for Fair Oaks Ranch City Council, with Matthew Reigelsperger challenging incumbent Jonathan Swarek.

A snapshot of votes by location sees a majority coming from Boerne.

April 20: 185 Boerne, 85 Fair Oaks Ranch April 22: 316 Boerne, 175 Fair Oaks Ranch April 23: 245 Boerne, 167 Fair Oaks Ranch Early voting runs through April 28 at the Kendall County Courthouse annex on Fawn Valley Drive, off Esser Road, and the Fair Oaks Ranch Police Department, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn Road.

Commissioners April 28 will vote on a resolution requesting the Texas Department of Transportation to provide a current safety assessment of Texas 46 West, between Interstate 10 in Boerne and Highway 16 in Bandera. Records show the 10-mile tract has seen 550 total crashes with 13 fatalities over the past decade.

“We have had horrific incidences on that roadway, and I want timelines adhered to, we want them publicly talking about what they are going to do,” Commissioner Jennifer McCall said. “We want everybody to be involved.”

Commissioners said the move looks to first gather public input, especially from highway drivers, and review a Texas 46 safety assessment with TxDOT before developing short-term, intermediate and long-term solutions to the problem.

Of the highway fatalities, more than half resulted from head-on and opposite-direction collisions. Forty-three crashes involved wrong-side-of-road or illegal passing violations, killing seven people and seriously injuring 14 more.

The rate of death is also accelerating, according to officials. Ten of the 13 deaths have occurred in just the last five years.

According to McCall, the proposal asks TxDOT to detail a short-term safety action plan — including design concepts, estimated costs and timelines — and coordinate meetings with the court to discuss extended plans through 2027.

The resolution also calls for an initial meeting as soon as possible after adoption to review the safety assessment and immediate action steps.

“ I want transparency,” McCall said. “I want the people who drive that road ... and all the constituents who live here — or not — I want them to have input along the way.”

McCall added she wants TxDOT to walk away knowing the county needs timelines adhered to and for its residents to be involved.

Tuesday’s meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the commissioners’ courtroom on the third floor of the Kendall County Courthouse, 201 E. San Antonio Ave.

The crowd gathered April 18 on the family ranch of Juanita Herff Chipman for her 104th birthday. Attendees shared memories and reflected on how both the family matriarch and home have shaped decades.

“Mother, we want to thank you for our lives and the gift of this amazing ranch, this place we’ve all had such an opportunity to enjoy all our lives,” said daughter Carolyn Chipman Evans. “To honor your footsteps for your birthday, your family gives you the gift of knowing that we will continue to love and protect this ranch.”

Juanita leads a large and devoted family, including six children, 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren — all bound not only by love, but by a shared connection to the land that has held their family together for eight generations.

According to son Jerry Drought, Juanita said she would leave the family the Herff Ranch only if they could come together and agree on specific allocations.

“She wasn’t really good at spelling or arithmetic, but her wisdom was incredible. (She said), ‘If you can’t agree, I’m going to give it to the church,’” Drought said. “We all agreed.”

Born April 17, 1922, in San Antonio, Juanita and her twin sister, Carolyn, entered the world under difficult circumstances. Their mother, Carol Herff, died at just 18 from complications of childbirth, and their father, August, was still in medical school.

The twins were raised by their grandparents at the family home in Boerne they call Suitsus, meaning “suits us.”

Though they attended school in San Antonio, their hearts belonged to the ranch along Cibolo Creek, where they spent weekends and summers riding horses, swimming, fishing and exploring the land. They were “real tomboys,” according to Cousin John Krueger. At 17, Juanita met Jimmy Drought. They married in 1941, as he began his career as a Navy pilot before becoming an attorney. Tragedy struck in 1960 when he was killed, and Juanita was left to raise their five children on her own.

Determined and resilient, family members recalled, she pursued a real estate license, an endeavor that led her to Guy Chipman. A fellow realtor and World War II veteran, they married in 1961 and built a life together that blended family and enterprise.

Guy founded the Guy Chipman Real Estate Company, which grew into the largest locally owned real estate agency in San Antonio. Together, they raised six children and shared 59 years of marriage.

The Herff Ranch remained central across decades. Juanita’s deep connection to the land helped inspire Carolyn to establish a home there, along with the Cibolo Center for Conservation, preserving part of the original ranch for future generations.

The family’s commitment to stewardship runs deep. They have shared portions of their land with the community, including property for the county fairgrounds and Boerne High School.

Today, much of the ranch is protected under permanent conservation, ensuring its legacy endures.

For Juanita’s 104th birthday, family members said they offered a gift that reflects her life’s greatest lesson: a promise to continue loving and protecting the land she cherished, and to carry forward the legacy she lives.