Inside the Moon
Super Tanker A5
Padre Plunge A2
The
Issue 684
Island Moon
The voice of The Island since 1996
June 1, 2017
Photo by Debbie Noble
Free
Weekly
FREE
Around The Island
Record Kemp’s Ridley Nesting As Hatchling Releases Begin
By Dale Rankin The headlines on our little sandbar this week are dominated by two things – tourists, and the weather than ran them off early.
By Donna J. Shaver, Ph.D. Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery
Beach campers got a wet surprise early Memorial Day morning when the heavy weather came blasting in sending the tide along our beaches right up the dunes, which was really bad news if you were camped on the beach in front of the dunes.
National Park Service Padre Island National Seashore e-mail: Donna_Shaver@nps.gov We are thrilled to report that a record 300 Kemp’s ridley nests have been recorded in Texas so far this year. This far exceeds our previous record of 209 nests that were documented during 2012. And, we expect that some additional nests will be found before the nesting season ends in mid-July.
Beach harassers We got 140,000 hits on our Facebook page after a post about two guys harassing women at the beach. They weren’t doing anything illegal, that we know of, but there were creeping out women by taking their pictures and making lewd remarks. Witnesses say they saw the car being hauled off but we’re not sure what happened to the creeps. There are knuckleheads in every crowd and these guys were two of them.
Big boat theft Thieves broke into a forty foot sailboat on Primavera Monday night and tried to drive it away but couldn’t figure out how to start the diesel engines and instead grounded it across the channel. Investigators have spoken to one of the suspected culprits and there may be some felony arrests.
Oleander, oleander thy name is obstruction… Last issue we wrote about the need to trim/remove the oleanders which block the view along portions of the SPID corridor and have been instrumental in several wrong-way drivers of late who head north in the inside southbound lane. The corridor is state owned and we called on the state officials to act, however, that was misplaced. Gaye White in State Representative Todd Hunter’s office wrote to correct us. Gaye says the city and TxDOT entered into a Municipal Maintenance Agreement in 2012 which assigned the responsibility of mowing and trimming of the bushes in the median to the city and in fact, it was the city who planted the offending bushes. So if anyone is listening at city hall can you please dispatch a crew to dispatch with the oleanders before the summer season brings out of towners who are unfamiliar with the road. This is a serious safety issue.
Attention Fireworks observers For the past four years The Island has enjoyed a great fireworks show at the end of Whitecap. But it doesn’t happen by accident folks. The show is the work of Islanders Sharon and Jerry Watkins who raise the money and get the permitting. The show costs around $20,000 each year and right now, while the show will go on no matter, the fundraising is a few thousand dollars short. So far Island property owners, through the help of the Padre Isles Property Owners Association, have put up the money and Jerry is requesting some help from Island businesses. Make checks payable to Island Blast, addressed to 14890 Granada Dr. #205, or drop them here at the Island Moon office, 14646 Compass. All of the proceeds go directly to the show. If the money comes up short Jerry might have to get a job cutting oleanders on SPID and nobody wants that including Jerry. Our one hundred day Tourist Season has arrived at the same time as the Hurricane Season, like every year, and we never know which is going to kick up more dust on our little sandbar. After this rain we’ll all be doing the Skeeter Dance before you know it. In the meantime, say hello if you see us Around The Island.
Live Music A18
Farmer's Market A7
Crowds packed the county beach south of the seawall this Memorial Day Weekend!
Great Memorial Day Weather…Until it Wasn’t
The weather for Memorial Day 2017 cooperated…until it didn’t. The good weather held until early Monday morning when storms blew in from the southwest and flooded campers up and down area beaches.
Mustang Island State Park was door to door.
Including this unlucky van south of Bob Hall Pier.
But prior to the strorm’s arrival the beach along the Michael J. Ellis Seawall was full to capacity But then early Monday morning the wind came up and tides inundated beaches to the dune line catching many beach campers unaware and scrambling for higher ground leaving behind tents, cars, and larger recreations vehicles.
All in all it was a good Memorial Day, a sign of what is shaping up to be a big 100 day season on The Island.
Annual Island Political Action Committee Meeting June 8
The annual meeting of the Island United Political Action Committee will be held Thursday, 8 June, 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on the Island. The IUPAC was formed in 2009 to unite the vote of the 7200 registered voters on The Island.
The only empty space was the vehicle restricted beach on the south end of the seawall.
Our nest detection and protection program administered by Padre Island National Seashore’s Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery recorded 189 of the 300, including 182 at Padre Island National Seashore and 7 on North Padre Island north of the National Seashore. Nesting is always concentrated in south Texas, and 64 of the 300 were recorded on South Padre Island, 21 on Boca Chica Beach, and 26 elsewhere in the state north of North Padre.
The IUPAC holds candidate forums prior to each city election for members to choose candidates. United Islands are stronger Islands, and your involvement in the PAC ensures that our Islands have a greater voice in City decisions. Mark your calendars...hope to see you there!
For more than three decades, the National Park Service has worked with other agencies in the U.S. and Mexico to help recover the Kemp’s ridley population and form a secondary nesting colony of this native species at the National Seashore. Padre Island National Seashore is the most important Kemp’s ridley nesting beach in the U.S. for this endangered species, with more Kemp’s ridley nests documented at the National Seashore than at any other location in the U.S.
Turtles cont. on A4
A little Island history
Time to Reason with Hurricane Season NOAA predicts active season due to weak El Nino
By Dale Rankin Hurricane Season 2017 has arrived and if the prognosticators at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are correct it will be a busy one. For the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, NOAA forecasters predict a 45 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 35 percent chance of a near-normal season, and only a 20 percent chance of a below-normal season. They predict eleven to seventeen named storms – including April's Tropical Storm Arlene, with two to four of them becoming major
hurricanes. The 30-year historical average (1981-2010) for the Atlantic Basin is 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. A major hurricane is one that is Category 3 or stronger on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The prediction for the active season is predicated on warmer North Atlantic sea surface temperatures and the reduced likelihood of El Niño's development. The season runs from June 1 through November 30. NOAA forecasters predict a 70 percent likelihood of 11 to 17 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher),
including 2 to 4 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher). An average season produces 12 named storms of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. In 2016, NOAA forecast 10 to 16 named storms; fifteen storms developed, including four hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. The prediction for The surge tide from Hurricane Ike ran visitors increased activity off the beach at the seawall. in the 2017 season
History cont. on A4
A2
June 1, 2017
Island Moon
Biology Students Hosted on Island "Padre Plunge" Opens at Schlitterbahn!
Ribbon cutting ceremony opens ride
Island residents Charlie & Mary Kate Bass were pleased to host upper-level biology students from Abilene Christian University as they studied the birds of coastal Texas in their field biology course. ACU is surely doing something right, starting with getting bright young people to North Padre Island! (standing, left to right) Catherine Longest, Daisy Gomez, Davis Carter, Austin Fuller, Professor Tom E. Lee, Jr., Ph.D., and Hannah Lantrip (seated) Pryscila Luna, Samantha Eiverra, Leneka Cook, Maya Feller, and Allison Lynn
GORGEOUS!
15721 FINISTERE
EXCELLENT PRICE $242,500! •2 garages for him! • EXCITING KITCHEN •Enclosed rv parking
Send Letters and Photos to:
editor@islandmoon. com and follow us on Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
Island Creations Remodeling
Total Renovation & Remodels, Outdoor Kitchens & Spas, Additions, Kitchen & Bathroom Upgrades, Sunporches, Replacement of Windows and Doors, Roofing, Painting & Stucco
Landscaping Insured Member, Padre Island Business Association Member, Builders Association, Corpus Christi
960-0327
Design work, Yard Maintenance, Decks, Pergolas, Installation of Rock, Grass, Plants, Trees, Walkways, Paths, Tree Trimming, Container Planting, Vacant Lot Mowing & Shade Covers. All Kinds of Fencing, Pressure Washing & Deck Staining & Sealing
Concrete
Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks, Patio Overlays, Decorative Stamping & Staining, Decks, Bulkheads, Grouted Stone Walls & Patios, Decorative Stone Paver Driveways & Patios
Owned & Operated by Island Residents David & Katherine Pierce References Available Upon Request Commercial & Residential
Doing Everything a Home or Business Needs
June 1, 2017
A3
Island Moon
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Letters to the Editor
Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery
Buried Treasure
Coldwell Banker Advertising
Free Kittens Four Free kittens Available. 4 weeks old as of 5/25/17. •
Four sweet kittens thrown in box and dumped in field by airport.
•
2 males/2 females; white male, calico female, Siamese colored female,Siamese colored male.
•
Initial check-up at vets - all are healthy and gaining weight. alert, playful, talkative, love to be held.
•
1 pound each.
•
All are comfortable around well behaved dogs.
•
Eating solid food and kitten replacement milk. Initial fecal exams pending.
Hola Moon Monkeys,
Jan Park Rankin Classifieds Arlene Ritley Production Manager Abigail Bair Contributing Writers Joey Farah Andy Purvis Mary Craft MayBeth Christiansen Jay Gardner Todd Hunter Dotson Lewis Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk Photographers Miles Merwin Debbie Noble Mary Craft Ronnie Narmour Office Security/Spillage Control (Emeritus) Riley P. Dog
A few months back Dale wrote an article about buried treasure on the Island for the spring break folks showing up. Loved the article and I am always on the hunt for any "treasure"! Unfortunately, it has only resulted in just a few sand dollars. That was until Easter Sunday. Driving out from the Bluff on this holy morning I and my partner were on our way to meet up with friends for our annual "Easter Sunrise Services", which started with Bloody Mary"s and Screwdrivers(of course), and concluded with grilled ribs and all the fix'ins. We were around beach marker 297 down a ways south of Bob Hall Pier. After pouring another tall Bloody Mary and while waiting on the grill master to finish with the ribs, I took a short walk beside the dunes looking for shells and the occasional sea beans. I looked down and found a sea heart and spied what I thought was another beer cap turned upside down in the sand. Much to my surprise the beer cap had a hole in it. I had found my "GOLD" Turns out was was a ring. Not a long lost treasure but a treasure to someone perhaps. I'm sure it had not been lost for very long or the sand would have completely covered it up. It is a man's gold wedding band with an inscription and date on the inside. I was wanting to request if you could publish something in the Island Moon about it so I can get it back to the owner. Hopefully some will know who this may belong to and read it in your excellent publication. May also get him out of the doghouse with the spouse. Thanks for your time and consideration, Keith Langford
Publisher Dale Rankin About the Island Moon The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale Rankin, Editor / Publisher. Total circulation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes delivery to 4,000 Island homes, free distribution of 3,000 copies in over 50 Padre Island businesses and condos, as well as 600 copies distributed in Flour Bluff, 1,400 copies on Mustang Island and Port Aransas businesses. News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office.
The Island Moon Newspaper 14646 Compass, Suite 3
Traffic
Corpus Christi, TX 78418 361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
Where to Find The Island Moon Port Aransas
Sand Piper Condos Sea Gull Condos Gulf Breeze RV Pioneer RV La Palmilla Golf Club Stripes (1A) Kody’s Restaurant
Trinity By the Sea Episcopal
North Padre All Stripes Stores Black Sheep/ Barrel CVS Whataburger
Amano
Doc’s Restaurant
WB Liquor
Snoopy’s Pier
361 Bar
Isle Mail N More
Moby Dicks
Island Italian
Spanky’s Liquor
Brooklyn Pie Co.
IGA Grocery Store
Ace Hardware
Port A Glass Studio
Holiday Inn
San Juan’s Mexican Restaurant
Texas Star (Shell)
Wash Board Laundry Mat Drop Anchor Bar & Grill
Padre Pizzeria
Chamber of Commerce/ Visitor’s Center
And all Moon retail advertisers
Flour Bluff
Shorty’s Place
H.E.B.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Whataburger on Waldron
The Gaff Wild Horse Treasure Island
Call John at 361-877-8521 for more info
Send letters and photos to editor@ islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
WB Liquor
Back Porch
Gratitude’s
Tom Cullinan
$99.00 vet special at Dr. Kresser’s Island vet; I will cover for adopting family. (initial shots/spay or neuter/follow up fecal/follow up physical exam)
Subway Island Tire
Tarpon Inn
I give full credit to the Island Moon's cautionary advice for getting shoppers into the stores the day before. The weekend rush to the island may not begin as early as we might think.
Currently on eye medicine for four days; will be clear by Monday 5/29/17.
Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant
Public Library
Giggity’s
There was rock star parking waiting for me at both Moody's Meats and HEB, as were well-stocked shelves, and only a handful of customers. I didn't even need to wait to check out and pay The sole traffic problem I noticed on the way back to the island (at 65 m.p.h.) were a half dozen reckless Islanders tailgating my car, speeding past, and cutting sharply into my lane ... apparently to teach me a lesson for daring to drive the speed limit on a holiday weekend. They failed. After the new Aquarius stoplight winked me through once again, I didn't need to stop at the other two stoplights before getting home at 12:00 noon.
Jesse’s Liquor
Port A Parks & Rec
Woody’s Sports Center
Last Thursday, before Memorial Day, I didn't have enough time to go OTB to the mainland for groceries but I did have time to pick up the Island Moon and a full complement of its news related to weekend driving. Despite grave warnings for getting around on the Memorial Day weekend, I set out on Friday at 10:30 in the morning. I escaped the marauding oleanders on Park Road 22, noting that they actually hide some of the Schlitterpiles from view. Traffic was free and easy on the outbound trip, the 20-mile backup on Highway 361 hadn't quite formed, and even the new Aquarius stoplight winked at me for stopping at its red light.
Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station Police Station Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID
Dolphin found at mm 259 on Monday.
Send letters and photos to editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
Did Ya Hear?
By Mary Craft mkay512@aol.com
Business Briefs The Balli Center that is being built next to Seashore Middle Academy that will house the grocery store has several units available for lease. The unit size is adjustable to the needs of the client but the minimum is 1750 sq. ft. If you are interested, send an email to Mohsin Rasheed at yasininvestment@gmail.com. Dragonfly & Curacao Blues now offers drink specials nightly 8 – 11 pm at the bar. They have $5 infusion drinks or shots, house wines, long Islands and appetizers before the kitchen closes. Also, $4 margaritas, mojitos, draft beers and $3 well drinks and all bottled beers. You can reserve their party room next to the restaurant for your graduation, birthday, engagement or any occasion by calling James Gay at 949-2224. Fancy Paws Boutique & Pet Styling will be opening their second shop next to Jesse’s Liqour by the end of June. They currently are in business at 7114 Saratoga and can be reached at 993-7674. The Black Sheep Bistro/ Barrel is having their wine and food pairing with five entrees on Tuesday, June 6th starting at 7 pm. They will have an exclusive new wine selection and reservations are recommended. The Surfside Sandwich Shoppe has changed its hours to 10 am – 6 pm daily. Check out their daily lunch specials on their Facebook page. The 34th Annual Take a Kid Fishing Tournament in Port A will be held Saturday, June 3rd at a cost of $10. Registration is Friday, June 2nd 5:30 pm at Woody’s Sports Center 136 W. Cotter. There will be trophies and food and youths up to age 17 can participate. The Boathouse Bar & Grill is celebrating their 4th anniversary with a crawfish boil on Saturday, June 3rd starting at 2 pm. The drink special will be $2 Lone Star tall boys, $3 Miller Lite tall boys and $5 mules. The bands will be Aaron Jacobs at 2 pm and Red Giant at 8:30 pm. The Litter Critter will be at the wastewater treatment plant at the end of Whitecap on Saturday, June 10th 8 am – 3 pm. The POA has requested the city to provide more bins and grabbing machines to avoid the hour wait there was in May. Mikel May’s Beachside Bar & Grill has karaoke every Wednesday 6 – 9 pm with DJ Sosa. Also on Wednesday enjoy a crab or shrimp boil for two at a cost of $29.99 and drink specials. The Splendiferous Band will be playing at the Treasure Island Bar in Port A on Friday, June 2nd. They are located at 315 N. Alister and are open 5 pm – 2 am. The Children’s Miracle Network Live Telethon will be held at Schlitterbahn on Sunday, June 4th 10:30 am – 4pm. Domingo Live will be broadcast there 10:30 am – noon and KIII TV news anchors Joe Gazin and Katia Uriarte will bring stories and interviews noon – 4 pm. A dollar will be donated to Driscoll Children’s Hospital from every ticket sold. Sonic now has Transformers color changing slushes in three flavors for a limited time. They are available in medium size for $2.29. The Annual Island United Political Action Committee Meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn on Thursday, June 8th 6 – 9 pm. There will be a vote for new members and officers, cash bar and door prizes. It is open to the public. Creative Referral Network meets every Friday at Coffee Waves in Flour Bluff 8:30 – 9:30 am. It is open to all business and is a 100% free networking.
June 1, 2017
Count Your Turtles
History cont. from A1 is El Nino connected. Strong El Nino and wind shear typically suppress development of Atlantic hurricanes, so the prediction for weak conditions this season points to more
Ruined boat from hurricane Celia hurricane activity this year. Also, warmer sea surface temperatures tend to fuel hurricanes as they move across the ocean. However, NOAA officials say the climate models are showing considerable uncertainty, which is
Gulf storms in June The longest gap between storms on the Texas coast is 15 years from 1886 to 1902, and statistically Texas has been due for a major storm until 2015. But what about June storms in the Gulf of Mexico, and particularly along the Texas Coast? Texas’ storms have traditionally hit in the early or late part of the season with the Arlene most frequent months on the Texas Coast Bret being August and Cindy September.
Hurricane Names for 2017 Don Emily Franklin Gert Harvey Irma Jose Katia Lee Maria Nate Ophelia Philippe Rina Sean Tammy Vince Whitney
A4
Island Moon
But what about in June? Since 1960, only eight Atlantic basin hurricanes have formed in June or earlier. That’s an average of one every 6.25 years; but Tropical Storms in June are not as rare. The last June hurricane was Allison in 1995. It reached Category 1 strength in the Gulf of Mexico and hit Northwest Florida as a tropical storm. There were two June hurricanes in the 1980s – Bonnie, which struck Texas as a Category 1 system in 1986, and Alberto in 1982. There was only one June hurricane in the 1970s, Agnes, which hit the Florida Panhandle in 1972.
In the 1960s there were three June hurricanes, Hurricane Alma reached major hurricane status in 1966; then in 1968, two hurricanes formed in June, Abby and Brenda, the only time that has happened in the past 50 years. According to Dr Neil Frank, who tracked hurricanes for KHOU Television in Houston until his retirement in 2008, there have only been four hurricanes since 1950 strike the Texas coast. They were where Audrey, Alice, Bonnie, and Alex the most recent. Hurricane Audrey was the most noteworthy since it was a category 4 with winds of 145 mph making landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border. Hurricane Audrey remains the earliest June hurricane to reach category four status. Over the last 150 years, one June hurricane has formed every 10 years with one tropical storm forming every five years
June Storms in the Gulf of Mexico 2012 June Four storms formed before July 1. Tropical Storm Alberto May 19-22 off the East U.S. Coast. Tropical Storm Beryl 26 - 30 May Beryl was a pre-season tropical storm that made landfall in northeastern Florida and affected portions of the southeastern United States. It was the strongest pre-season tropical cyclone of record to make landfall in the United States. Hurricane Chris 18-22 June. Chris became a hurricane at 39.4oN latitude, making it the farthest-north hurricane to develop during the month of June. The only other hurricanes to develop north of 35oN latitude so early in the season were unnamed hurricanes in June 1959 (at 38.4oN 65.3oW) and June 1893 (at 38.3oN 72.9oW). It did not impact the Texas Coast. Tropical Storm Debby 23-27 June Debby was a large tropical storm that formed in the southcentral Gulf of Mexico and made landfall in the Florida Big Bend region. It caused considerable freshwater flooding, primarily in central and northern Florida. No impact on the Texas Coast. 2005 June 1. The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active Atlantic hurricane season in recorded history. Before it was over the season caused 3,913 deaths and record damage of about $159.2 billion. Of the storms that made landfall, five of the season's seven major hurricanes—Dennis, Emily, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma—were responsible for most of the destruction. 2010 June 25-July 2 Hurricane Alex. On June 30 Alex made landfall at Soto la Marina, Tamaulipas in Mexico as a large Category 2 hurricane, bringing heavy rains, wind, tornadoes and record level rainfall to South Texas. Hurricane warnings issued on June 28 the area from Baffin Bay to the mouth of the Rio Grande. A tropical storm warning was posted from Baffin Bay northward to Port O'Connor. Governor of Texas Rick Perry declared a state of disaster in 19 counties and ordered the deployment of Texas Military Forces personnel (including 80 citizen-soldiers of the Texas State Guard Medical Brigade) to the Rio Grande Valley. President Barack Obama also declared a state of emergency, freeing federal funds for 25 counties in Texas.On June 29, authorities began evacuations of residents of coastal areas in Tamaulipas. One June 30 the Brownsville, National Weather Service issued a flood watch for South Texas as the storm was expected to produce heavy rainfall for up to 18 hours.
2011 June 8, Tropical Storm Arlene formed in the western Caribbean, crossing Cuba before making landfall on the Florida Panhandle on June 11. Arlene caused only moderate damage, although one swimmer was caught in a riptide and drowned in Miami Beach, FloridaJune 30, 2011 – Tropical Storm Arlene makes landfall south of Texas near Cabo Rojo.[135] The outer bands of Arlene cause 1–4 inches of rain in South Texas. This season was the first time that the Atlantic hurricane season was more active than the typhoon season but this phenomenon was repeated in the 2010 season. The season officially began on June 1, 2005, and lasted until November 30, although it effectively persisted into January 2006 due to continued storm activity producing a record twenty-eight tropical and subtropical storms with seven which became major hurricanes; a record five Category 4 and four Category 5.
Turtles cont. from A1 You can help Turtle patrollers from various organizations are searching Texas Gulf beaches daily to find nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles and their eggs so that we can document and protect them. Beachgoers and other people working on the beach also sometimes find nesting, especially in developed areas of the Texas coast. We thank these individuals for spotting and immediately reporting nesting.
Before they hatch!
So far this year, 300 Kemp’s ridley nests have been confirmed on the Texas coast including (north to south in state): 2 Bolivar Peninsula 5 Galveston Island 0 Brazoria County, N. of Surfside 3 Surfside Beach 0 Quintana Beach 0 Bryan Beach 0 Brazoria County, N. of Sargent Beach 0 Sargent Beach 5 Matagorda Peninsula (area record) 0 Matagorda Island 1 San Jose Island 10 Mustang Island (area record) 7 North Padre Island north of Padre Island National Seashore 182 Padre Island National Seashore (area record) 64 South Padre Island (tied for area record)
Memorial Day sign. Photo by David Frank
21 Boca Chica Beach (area record)
Please watch for nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles while you are on the beach. Immediately report nesting turtles to a passing turtle patroller or by calling 361-949-8173, ext. 226 (North Padre Island) or 1-866-TURTLE5 (elsewhere in Texas). Also, if you see a nester, please do not rush up her or you could frighten her and cause her to go back into the water without nesting. If you drive on the beach during the nesting season, please watch carefully for nesting and drive slowly. Nesting Kemp’s ridleys can be difficult to see and often cross the beach roadway to nest in the embryonic dunes, or nest in the beach roadway where the sand is soft. It takes about 45 minutes for them to crawl up the beach, dig their nest chamber, lay their eggs, cover the nest, and return to the sea. During about 15 of these 45 minutes, while they deposit eggs into the nest chamber, they are nearly motionless and in a trance-like state. To learn more about what to do if you see a nesting turtle and to obtain the latest information on the number of nests found this year, visit the Padre Island National Seashore website at www.nps.gov/pais or our Facebook page titled Padre Island NS Division of Sea Turtle Science & Recovery.
Egg Protection Eggs from all nests found on the Texas coast are retrieved from the beach for protected incubation to help keep them and the resulting hatchlings safe from predators, high tides, human disturbance, and other factors that could harm or kill them on the beach. Eggs from most nests found at Padre Island National Seashore and northward on the Texas coast are brought to our incubation facility at the National Seashore for protected care. Eggs from some of the nests found at the southern end of the park are brought to a protective screen enclosure called a corral located near our Turtle Patrol Base Camp. Eggs from South Padre Island and Boca Chica Beach are transferred to a corral on South Padre Island. Eggs are closely cared for in the incubation facility and corrals. Eggs incubate for about 48-53 days before the hatchlings are ready for release.
A truck with a view!
Hatchling Releases Each year, Padre Island National Seashore invites the public to attend 20-25 releases of our hatchlings that emerge from eggs cared for in our incubation facility. These public releases are held in front of the Visitor Center on Malaquite Beach at Padre Island National Seashore, starting at 6:45 am. No fee is charged to watch these releases and thousands of people attend each year. Hatchlings must be released when they enter an active state called the “frenzy”. Typically our releases are scheduled when multiple clutches are hatching and we advise people interested in attending a public release to target a time when several clutches are due to hatch and be released at the same time. The more clutches hatching at a given time, the better chance that some hatchlings will frenzy at the time of a scheduled public release. This provides “insurance” so if some of the hatchlings become active and must immediately be released in the middle of the night, others are potentially still available for the early morning scheduled public release. Our first public release of the year will be sometime between about June 6 and June 11, when eggs from our first group of nests found this year will hatch and the hatchlings will be ready for release. Other releases will follow from that time through at least mid-July when eggs from the last group of nests currently in our facility will hatch. Since the nesting season is on-going, if additional nests are found then later public release dates will be added for those nests that are yet to be found. As we place more eggs into our facility we will add information about them to our website. Depending upon when more nests are found, public releases could continue through mid-August this year. If you are interested in attending a release you should first check the website at www.nps. gov/pais for those projected release dates for clutches that we are incubating. As the date that you are interested in approaches, start calling the Hatchling Hotline (tel. 361-949-7163) or check our Facebook page titled Padre Island NS Division of Sea Turtle Science & Recovery for the latest information on the next upcoming release. We will announce public hatchling releases on the Hatchling Hotline and that page. We encourage people to use of the Facebook page in lieu of the Hotline because you can access Facebook any time, but sometimes the Hotline number rings busy due to the high volume of calls that it receives. We look forward to seeing you at a release this year!
Mr. Ed's in Time-out! Bad behavior Memorial day weeked got this poor guy some time in horse jail.
The Best Pizzeria in the Coastal Bend Now Serving
Pizza By The Slice!
Only $3.99
For any 1-topping Slice Only 25 for Each Additional Topping Monday Thru Friday 11am - 3pm Dine-in and Pick-up Only
949-0787 14493 S.P.I.D Suite E
padrepizzeria.com
Gluten Free • Wine Wednesday - Half Price Bottles All Day • Monday football special $1.99 domestic draft beer all day
June 1, 2017
A5
Island Moon
The Ship was Almost as Big as Port A!
Super tanker She came in through the Port Aransas jetties like she owned the place.
Tides of the Week Tides for Bob Hall Pier June 1 - June 8
Day
High /Low
Tide Time
Th
1
Low
2:51 AM
1
High
10:43 AM
1
Low
5:50 PM
0.8
1
High 9:19 PM
1.0
2
Low
4:10 AM
2
High
11:01 AM
2
Low
6:13 PM
2
High
11:38 PM
3
Low
5:37 AM
3
High
11:14 AM
3
Low
6:42 PM
0.4
F
Sa
Su
Height in Feet
Sunrise Moon Time Sunset
0.2
6:33 AM
Set 1:48 AM
1.5
8:20 PM
Rise 1:37 PM
0.5
6:33 AM
Set 2:26 AM
1.3
8:21 PM
Rise 2:32 PM
0.7
6:33 AM
Set 3:03 AM
1.2
8:21 PM
Rise 3:26 PM
High 1:43 AM
1.2
6:33 AM
Set 3:38 AM
4
Low
7:04 AM
0.9
8:21 PM
Rise 4:18 PM
4
High
11:26 AM
4
Low
7:12 PM
0.2
5
High 3:07 AM
1.3
6:33 AM
Set 4:13 AM
1.1
8:22 PM
Rise 5:10 PM
5
Low
8:30 AM
5
High
11:34 AM
5
Low
7:43 PM
0.0
6
High 4:06 AM
1.5
6:33 AM
Set 4:48 AM
6
Low
-0.1
8:22 PM
Rise 6:02 PM
7
High 4:52 AM
1.6
6:33 AM
Set 5:26 AM
7
Low
-0.2
8:23 PM
Rise 6:54 PM
8
High 5:31 AM
1.6
6:33 AM
Set 6:05 AM
8
Low
-0.3
8:23 PM
Rise 7:45 PM
W
Th
8:12 PM 8:40 PM 9:07 PM
The arrival of the Anne is a harbinger of things to come for the Port with the announcement in
Almost $1.5 billion in oil was exported out of Corpus Christi last year, according to the website U.S. Trade Numbers. The port’s website says more than 29.7 million tons of crude oil was outbound from the port in 2015, which would equal more than 217 million barrels for the year or 600,000 barrels of oil a day. So Island residents should get ready to see larger ships like the Anne make their way through the channel in the coming years. In anticipation of the increased activity at the Port there is currently about $40 billion in new development underway. That is more than the current total value of all the taxable property in Nueces County.
63
72
1.2
Tu
53
More than 8,100 vessels sailed through the port in 2016, carrying a total of 94.3 million tons of cargo, according to port financial records. A total of 34 million tons of cargo made its way through the port on 2,238 vessels during the first four months of 2017. The port took in a record 103 million tons of cargo in 2015, according to Port statistics.
The new line was needed because the refineries in the Port of Houston are at capacity. The new pipeline will be the second Permian Basin-toCorpus Christi regional project. Houston-based Plains All American owns and operates Cactus Pipeline, which moves 250,000 barrels of oil a day and is expanding to 390,000 barrels per day.
1.0
4
42
0.6
M
Moon Visible
When the Anne steamed into the channel last week at 1100 feet long and 200 feet wide she was the largest oil tanker to ever call on a port in the Gulf of Mexico and a sign of things to come for the Port of Corpus Christi. She can hold up to 2.2 million barrels of crude but had to come in unloaded to navigate the Port of Corpus Christi’s 45-foot draft limit and docked at the Oxy Ingleside Energy Center escorted by five tug boats. Congress has twice approved plans to dredge the port to a 52-foot draft — in 2007 and 2014, but each time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to put the $350 million needed on its funding list. Port officials plan to fund the first phase of the project on their own. That segment is estimated to total roughly $35 million. Last September, the Port Authority approved $2.1 million in contracts to hire consultants to conduct sediment testing and other studies until more funding can be found.
March of a new 730-mile pipeline which will run from the heart of West Texas to the Port with a capacity of upward of 440,000 barrels per day from the Permian Basin when it comes on line in the first quarter of 2019. Production from the Eagle Ford Shale play could also add 150,000 barrels per day bringing the total capacity of the line to 590,000 barrels per day. Those numbers will require ships the size of the Anne.
80
1.2 87 93 97
Photo by Patti Brandenberger
Choose one of our Signature Paninis and a medium Gelato... only
$
Photo by Steve Coons
15
Wednesday & Thursday 12-8 Friday & Sunday 12-9 Saturday 12-10 14254 SPID Sweet 101 361-589-4130
The BACK PORCH
Austin Meade June 1 Two Tons of Steel June 2 Davin James June 3 Ruben V. June 8 Tejas Brothers June 9 Joe King Carrasco June 10
The BACK PORCH Bar ON THE WATERFRONT
132 W. Cotter St. The
PortA
A6
June 1, 2017
Island Moon
Senior Moments
D-Day 1944 By Dotson Lewis Special to the Island Moon the invasion.
Dotson’s note: The largest amphibious assault of World War II, and of all time, was the Normandy Landings on 6 June 1944, in which British, Canadian, and United States forces were landed at Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword Beaches. This report is provided in the event your memory has faded, or for your enlightenment if you have never heard and/or known some of the details.
Introduction
D-Day Landings: June 6, 1944 By dawn on June 6, thousands of paratroopers and glider troops were already on the ground behind enemy lines, securing bridges and exit roads. The amphibious invasions began at 6:30 a.m. The British and Canadians overcame light opposition to capture beaches codenamed Gold, Juno and Sword, as did the Americans at Utah Beach. U.S. forces faced heavy resistance at Omaha Beach, where there were over 2,000 American casualties. However, by day’s end, approximately 156,000 Allied troops had successfully stormed Normandy’s beaches. According to some estimates, more than 4,000 Allied troops lost their lives in the D-Day invasion, with thousands more wounded or missing.
Anecdotingly
Bee-ing and Dogginess By Abigail Bair Last week, the G.P. (Great Provider) decided he was going to head out to the annual Kerrville Folk Music Festival. Dad has been a “Kerrvert” for many years, and wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to play guitar and sing songs about boobs (and folksy topics like shipwrecks and the more depressing aspects of trains) with his friends. The downside is that dogs aren’t welcome at Kerrville due to the face that every single person would bring at least one pet, and the festival would rapidly disintegrate into an all-out Mad Max style canine free for all. Provisions had to be made for Dad’s shovelheaded tank of a dog, Rowlfie.
It took almost 45 minutes to make it back. I didn’t lose my grip on the dogs, but it was a near thing. We got into the house, oozing through the door to prevent the insect invasion -- I still had to shoo a few more determined bumblers out with my cap. I ran to the shower, and stayed under the lukewarm water for close to 40 minutes – totally eradicating any environmental good I might have done by only bathing once. As soon as I emerged, my phone rang.
Less than a week later, on June 11, the beaches were fully secured and over 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed at Normandy.
Preparing for D-Day During World War II (1939-1945), the Battle of Normandy, which lasted from June 1944 to August 1944, resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the battle began on June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day, when some 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France’s Normandy region. The invasion was
For their part, the Germans suffered from confusion in the ranks and the absence of celebrated commander Rommel, who was away on leave. At first, Hitler, believing the invasion was a feint designed to distract the Germans from a coming attack north of the Seine River, refused to release nearby divisions to join the counterattack. Reinforcements had to be called from further afield, causing delays. He also hesitated in calling for armored divisions to help in the defense. Moreover, the Germans were hampered by effective Allied air support, which took out many key bridges and forced
“What did you need?” the Rev asked. “I needed you to drive us home because I was being attacked by bees for reasons.” “What reasons?”
This is Rowlfie's "Can I get up on that there couch with you?" face. It is effective. Rowlfie and Dad are best friends, and the pup is used to going practically everywhere with the G.P. When he’s left at home for even an hour, Rowlfie takes on a mien of tragic desolation so severe that even delicious beef basted dog biscuits are no consolation. The G.P. is a diligent dog walker, and poor Rowlf is convinced that if he isn’t allowed his swaybacked stroll for at least five miles/day, he’lll flat out die.
The Regans at the Normandy American Cemetery one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history and required extensive planning. Prior to D-Day, the Allies conducted a largescale deception campaign designed to mislead the Germans about the intended invasion target. By late August 1944, all of northern France had been liberated, and by the following spring the Allies had defeated the Germans. The Normandy landings have been called the beginning of the end of the war in Europe. After World War II began, Germany invaded and occupied northwestern France beginning in May 1940. The Americans entered the war in December 1941, and by 1942 they and the British (who had been evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk in May 1940 after being cut off by the Germans in the Battle of France) were considering the possibility of a major Allied invasion across the English Channel. The following year, Allied plans for a cross-Channel invasion began to ramp up. In November 1943, Adolf Hitler, who was aware of the threat of an invasion along France’s northern coast, put Erwin Rommel in charge of spearheading defense operations in the region, even though the Germans did not know exactly where the Allies would strike. Hitler charged Rommel with finishing the Atlantic Wall, a 2,400-mile fortification of bunkers, landmines and beach and water obstacles.
the Germans to take long detours, as well as efficient Allied naval support, which helped protect advancing Allied troops. In the ensuing weeks, the Allies fought their way across the Normandy countryside in the face of determined German resistance, as well as a dense landscape of marshes and hedgerows. By the end of June, the Allies had seized the vital port of Cherbourg, landed approximately 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in Normandy, and were poised to continue their march across France.
Victory in Normandy By the end of August 1944, the Allies had reached the Seine River, Paris was liberated and the Germans had been removed from northwestern France, effectively concluding the Battle of Normandy. The Allied forces then prepared to enter Germany, where they would meet up with Soviet troops moving in from the east.
Did You Know? The Normandy American Cemetery, overlooking Omaha Beach and the English Channel, was established on June 8, 1944, as the first U.S. cemetery in Europe during World War II. It holds the graves of more than 9,300 U.S. servicemen who died in the D-Day invasion or subsequent missions. In January 1944, General Dwight Eisenhower was appointed commander of Operation Overlord. In the months and weeks before D-Day, the Allies carried out a massive deception operation intended to make the Germans think the main invasion target was Pas-de-Calais (the narrowest point between Britain and France) rather than Normandy. In addition, they led the Germans to believe that Norway and other locations were also potential invasion targets. Many tactics was used to carry out the deception, including fake equipment; a phantom army commanded by George Patton and supposedly based in England, across from Pas-de-Calais; double agents; and fraudulent radio transmissions.
A Weather Delay-June 5, 1944 Eisenhower selected June 5, 1944, as the date for the invasion; however, bad weather on the days leading up to the operation caused it to be delayed for 24 hours. On the morning of June 5, after his meteorologist predicted improved conditions for the following day, Eisenhower gave the go-ahead for Operation Overlord. He told the troops: “You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you.” Later that day, more than 5,000 ships and landing craft carrying troops and supplies left England for the trip across the Channel to France, while more than 11,000 aircraft were mobilized to provide air cover and support for
The Normandy invasion began to turn the tide against the Nazis. A significant psychological blow, it also prevented Hitler from sending troops from France to build up his Eastern Front against the advancing Soviets. The following spring, on May 8, 1945, the Allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. Hitler had committed suicide a week earlier, on April 30. Dotson’s Other Note: I could not let Memorial Day pass without reminding you of an historical event, which I am concerned may be fading from our memory. How can we ever forget that more than 156,000 members of the Allied Forces risked their all in this military operation that insured the defeat of the Axis enemy? Thanks to many of my World War II veteran friends and old issues of the Stars and Stripes newspaper that contributed to this report.Your thoughts regarding this or any articles appearing in The Island Moon are greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading and commenting on Senior Moments. I can be reached at: dlewis1@stx. rr.com and/or Land Line: 361-949-7681 Cell: 530-748-8475. Please Note: The next Veterans Round Table Meeting will be Tuesday, June 6, 2017, 9-11 AM, 3209 S. Staples. All Veterans, their families and anyone interested in Veterans affairs, are invited. Coffee & doughnuts are provided. Hope to see you there. Also our Veterans Radio Round Table is on the air on KEYS AM 1440, 8 – 9 AM, Saturdays. The next will air June 3, 2017. Please listen and call in. The listener/text line is: 361-560-5397…It’s your show. Hang in there/Have fun!
Send letters and photos to editor@islandmoon.com
difficult to hang on to. After half a mile, I was basted head to toe, plus the rosemary oil reeked like I distilled an entire field of the stuff and then swam in the result. That’s when the bees showed up. At first, it was just a couple of adorably bumbling scouts -- then a cloud of apian curiosity. I walked slowly, desperately trying to control the dogs, who sensed that my grip had weakened and were focused on dislodging me. The Rev’s house was close – only about two blocks away. Sanctuary! The slow procession continued with the forced decorum of a funeral where no one really liked the dead guy. Finally, we reached the Rev’s cool, shady porch. I rang the doorbell. No answer. Her car was gone. I tried to call her. Nothing. We had to turn around and walk the half mile home in a bee vortex.
I hemmed and hawed and finally hollered, “Because I had rosemary oil in my hair and they smelled it and it was a disaster!!!” My mother started laughing – and not a cute, charming, ladylike laugh, but the serious fall-down-on-the-floor guffaw of a drunken cowpoke. When she finally calmed herself, she helpfully pointed out that she “doubted they were Africanized” (killer bees are the Rev’s generation’s zombie apocalypse – she’s been worried about them since the Carter administration), and that she hoped I “felt a column coming on.” I hate to admit it, but I hung up on her.
When Dad leaves, it’s my job to provide daily walkies. Keeping dogs in fantastic physical condition is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they’re super happy, more obedient and tend to live longer. On the other, they’re incredibly strong with insane amounts of stamina. Stadler (my pup) is used to running 8 – 12 miles per day, towing me along on Gertrude (my bike) while I cling like a lamprey and scream things like “NO KITTIES” at appropriate intervals. The major problem with double dog duty is figuring out how to exercise them enough without killing myself. My solution was to try to walk them together. I own a leash made specifically made for this purpose. Essentially, it’s a glorified waterski tow cable with two lines coming from the handle rather than one. It seemed ideal. Walking two extremely strong dogs on the same lead presents some physical challenges. You have to sit on your heels and haul backwards with both arms to resist the drag, and it takes miles to tire them out. Additionally, Rowlfie has declared total war, and sometimes will hit the end of the leash with what the G.P. calls, “just a hell of a jolt.” It’s a tough gig. I don’t know how dog strength translates in terms of horsepower, but I’m pretty sure they could pull my car. I’m considering starting a really cute towing service – “Puppy Tows.” It might solve a lot of problems. I swim a couple of miles at the YWCA most days, so every Sunday, I treat my poor chlorine fried hair to a rosemary and coconut oil mask. It seems to help, and it smells nice. Because I didn’t want to waste water, I decided to take the dogs on their evening walk with the tonic still on my head. Two showers seemed excessive, and acting as the equivalent to a parachute slowing down a space shuttle causes me to sweat like a stevedore. The walk started out normally, 158 lbs. of dog dragging me, my heels leaving dents in the hot asphalt. However, as the 90 degree day warmed the oil under my old black ball cap, things got appreciably worse. My forehead began to drip grease, which I wiped away with my hands. The leash handle became slick and
We’ve got another week before the G.P. returns from Kerrville. Lessons have been learned. I’m now exercising the dogs individually, despite the sulking and fits of jealousy. It takes 3 hours a day. Suffice it to say, both Rowlfie and I really miss our Daddy, but only one of us is hiding under the bed pouting about it. The dog may have to scoot over.
Charter Boat Owners and Operators Wanted for new location on Packery Channel
Packery
Flats Floating Cabin Repairs Large Boat Slip (22’ x 40’) available good for either repairs or rebuilding
Located under the JFK bridge on Packery Channel Call for lease terms
Packery Flats Marina
361-774-8886
24 Hour Emergency Service
Carpet Cleaning Air Duct Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning
Tile & Wood Cleaning Fire & Water Damage Restoration
Call for our Daily Specials 361-993-9300 book online at www.servicemaster-tx.com
June 1, 2017
Farmer's Market Fun!
A7
Island Moon
Sally Marcos is quite a colorful lady over at Gratitude's in Port A.
Photos by Debbie Noble
Fly By Night Every Tue-Sat 8-11p at the Bar Start your night with us for First Round or Catch Last Round Before Heading Home $5 Infusion Drinks or Shots Sangrias & House Wines Apps(before kitchen close) Long Islands $4 Margaritas, Mojitos & Bloodys All Draft Beers $3 Well Drinks All Bottled Beers
&ˀȵɯʞʖƩʎ˵ β ˙ˀȵɑȵʞ ʎ˙ɛˆ ͉͌͏͈͉ ʞ˙˔ɵ ȵɗˀɛ Jˆʎȵʖɗ &ˀɸˮɛ ͎͉͋ʹ͑͌͑ʹ͊͊͊͌
2016 PADRE ISLAND BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
BETHENY BELL
CHERI SPERLING
TINA CANARY
MICHAEL LAMBERT
VICTORIA ROGERS
TARA GALLASPY
WHITNEY NOBLE
MEAGAN FUREY
ROBBIE O’QUINN
STACEY OLIVER
MARY SCRUTON
361-949-0101 View amazing tours & photos at
www.coastline-properties.com 14717 South Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, Texas 78418 BUYING | SELLING | LEASING | INVESTING
A8
June 1, 2017
Island Moon
SPORTS Sports Talk Special to The Island Moon
Authorities Identify Seven People Who Threatened Ref By Dotson Lewis Special to the Island Moon Dotson’s Note: Kentucky Coach John Calipari argued a call with referee John Higgins in the first half of the South Regional final game against North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament in Memphis on March 16. The following is an ongoing report of what has happened since. Mark Humphrey, Eric Olsen AP Sports Writer, Sarpy County Attorney Lee Polikov & Sheriff’s investigator Mat Matta contributed to this report. John Higgins told himself that it was just a basketball game and that he had a job to do, just as he’s done thousands of times before. But it wasn’t easy walking out on the court to officiate the Gonzaga-South Carolina Final Four contest. Not after thousands of phone calls, emails and
Surfing Memorial Day
Officials from all levels of the game started contacting Higgins, too. They’re used to screaming fans, but this was new. They were scared, too. They wanted to know how they would handle this new wave of criticism, which Higgins attributes to social media. “Nobody has ever seen anything like this,” Higgins said. “This is crazy.” Higgins got lots of support — from people in the Cathedral area where he grew up, people who contacted members of his large family and also the college coaches who reached out. Calipari did not. But it’s changed him. He’s a little more guarded in the aftermath. “You lose a little faith in people,” he said. It hurt. Still, Higgins said both he and his business will be OK. It will just take some time. He watched the championship game from home and sympathized with the officials. It was a hard game to work because neither team
Kentucky Coach John Calipari & John Higgins Facebook postings from disgruntled Kentucky fans disrupted his roofing business and frightened his family and employees.
shot particularly well, he said. With more than 30 cameras focused on every move, calls, as always, were probably missed.
It scared him, too. “I knew the eyes and cameras would be on me because of the national exposure and situation,” Higgins said. “I said to myself, ‘I’m not going to quit because of this — it’s too much pressure, it’s too hard.’ We got through it, and I thought we did a good job. I’ve got seven months to think about next year.”
But he’s hoping that’s as far as it went. “At the end of the day, it’s a basketball game,” he said. “It does not affect anyone’s life.”
That was Higgins’ final game until next season. But there will be no vacation. He has a company to put back together. Business at Weatherguard Inc., has become somewhat more normal since phone calls with a Kentucky area code were blocked. Little business got done the week after around 25,000 contacts were made through social media after Higgins officiated the Kentucky-North Carolina game, which the Wildcats lost by two points. He’s still dealing with the fallout from those thousands of negative emails and phone calls and the reviews on Weatherguard’s Facebook page that dropped its rating from 4.8 to 1.2. It’s back up to 3.0, but that’s still not good when weighed against the competition, Higgins said. He’s also got the unseen victims to take care of — his wife and family, some of whom wanted him to stop officiating after 28 years, and his employees. They were nervous and a little shaky, Higgins said, driving around the Omaha area in company trucks after everything they’d heard.
Persons Identified As Threating John Higgins Seven people have been identified for threatening basketball referee John Higgins after the NCAA Tournament game in March. Information will be referred to authorities in their jurisdictions to the FBI’s Omaha field office, a Nebraska prosecutor said Friday, May 26th. Sarpy County Attorney Lee Polikov said the identities were ascertained after a lengthy investigation following Kentucky’s 75-73 loss to North Carolina in the South Region final in Memphis, Tennessee, March 26th. Polikov did not release the names. John Higgins of Omaha, saw his Omaha based roofing company inundated with harassing Emails, phone calls and voice mails, including death threats Higgins and his family. “Based on the investigation’s findings, our office has determined that no local charges will be file and that pursuit of any criminal charges would be best served by deferring to authorities
False reports were even filed with the Better Business Bureau, using names such as Adolph Rupp, the legendary former Kentucky coach, and Calipari John, a reversal of the current Kentucky coach’s name. Higgins still isn’t sure exactly why the calls and emails started. Calipari did mention the officiating right away after the loss. Higgins left that game thinking he and his two fellow officials had done a good job, but he said no one is ever perfect, and that includes officials, coaches and players. That’s why he’s graded by his supervisors after every game. His performance has been good enough that he was given his eighth Final Four. “My job is to be fair to both teams, be professional and demand sportsmanship,” he said. “That’s what we’re supposed to do as officials. That’s what I try to do every time I get out there.” Higgins said the other officials didn’t suffer the same kind of harassment. He likes to think of himself as just another ref, but he’s more wellknown because of the number of games he officiates and, of course, the sun-bleached hair. “As you know, people like to give me crap about the hair, the Twitter account,” Higgins said. “I try to blend in when I referee a game.” Company officials started getting notifications about a half hour after the Elite Eight game. By Monday morning, it was a flood. Weatherguard has three lines, and they rang nonstop. Higgins said some people called 40 to 50 times a day. His home and company address were shared publicly, so the Omaha Police Department and the FBI were notified. OPD gave both special attention. After the situation became public, media outlets from across the country called for interviews. One even offered $10,000.
Charter Boat Owners and Operators Wanted for new location on Packery Channel
Packery
Flats Floating Cabin Repairs Large Boat Slip (22’ x 40’) available good for either repairs or rebuilding
Located under the JFK bridge on Packery Channel Call for lease terms
Packery Flats Marina
361-774-8886
John Higgins in the appropriate jurisdictions,” Polikov said in a statement the Associated Press. “The length of the investigation was drawn out due in part to the large volume of potential evidence requiring analysis, and the multijurisdictional issues arising from the multiple states in which the communications originated.” Polikov said at least two media outlets were identified as promoting and posting a video montage that exposed Higgins’ contact information. “This information has been referred to the Federal Communications Commission for further investigation of the potential violations related to applicable federal communications regulations,” Polikov said. Polikov didn’t say where the seven individuals reside or where the two media outlets are based. About 3,000 phone calls came into Higgins’ office in the two days after the game. Sheriff’s investigator Mat Matta estimated 75 percent were from Kentucky area codes. Higgins’ business also received a flood of bogus negative online reviews, causing his Google rating to plummet. Higgins’ website got more than 28,000 hits in the days after the game, and he was forced to take his business ace book page down. The Sarpy County sheriff’s department proved extra patrols around Higgins’ office in the days following the game, and Omaha police did the same near Higgins’ residence. When asked, Jim said he had no comment, other than to say he appreciated the work local law enforcement are doing on the case. Dotson’s Other Note: Can you believe this? I have known since I started officiating in 1946, that die hard sports fans are “nuts”, but the foregoing report takes the cake. What do you think the punishment should be for those who are found guilty of harassing and threatening the life of a basketball referee? Your comments, suggestions, questions and concerns regarding Sports Talk articles are greatly appreciated, please call the Benchwarmers at 361-560-5397 weekdays, Mondays thru Fridays, 5-7 PM, or contact me. Phone: 361-949-7681 Cell: 530748-8475 Email: dlewis1@stx.rr.com Have fun -30-
Photos by Debbie Noble
June 1, 2017
A9
Island Moon
The Traveling Moon Gets Around
Kathleen Dare , Suzanne Balluck and Gary Balluck on a missionary trip from Island Presbyterian Church. Projects included : forest replanting mahogany trees , teaching english, water filtration , making paper and many more for 5 working days
Julie and Steve Ruepke took the Island Moon to the beautiful Beach of Anguilla
On Isla Mujeres, From left to right are Islanders and Padre Island Yacht Club members: Dar Capistrant, Fred & Lyn Edler, Gail Morris, Brian Capistrant, Lyn & Bill Vincent, Rose Crookston, Ted Morris, Bob Muir, Thelma & Robby Coggin and Cindy Weatherby.
♥ Home Decor ♥ ♥ Chocolate & Coffee ♥ ♥ Gift Baskets ♥ ♥ Wine Accessories ♥ ♥ Jewelry & Purses ♥ ♥ Sunglasses ♥ Wine Wednesdays
The Moon traveled with us to Paris, France. Today we head to Rome. Thank you, Michael and Lupita Kemple
Open Until 6:30 with wine & snacks!
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 14814 Compass St. (361) 867-8033
Convenient and secure, timely pickup and delivery! COWs of Corpus Christi • 361.937.3930
www. 866-get-a-cow .com
C
a
u
s
e
w
a
y
Climate Controlled Storage
Starting at $39.00
Flo ur B luff Dr.
HEB
Flour Bluff
Lag una Sho res
Climate CoNtrol oN site maNaGer opeN 7 Days eleCtroNiC Gate aCCess ViDeo surVeillaNCe HouseHolD & CommerCial moViNG supplies aVailable
Wa ldro nR oad
No loNG lease aGreemeNt!
Storage iS our buSineSS! offiCe Hours:
(361) 937-8673
m-f 8:30-6:00
sat 8:30-5:30
10514 S.P.i.d.
• Moving • storage • Remodeling • Free up space • home staging
866-get-a-cow
A10
June 1, 2017
Island Moon
COLDWELL BANKER ISLAND, REALTORS 14945 S. Padre Island Dr., Corpus Chris�, TX 78418
(361) 949‐7077 or (800) 580‐7077 www.cbir.com
ISLAND, REALTORS
15958 Punta Espada 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage. 2,575 sq. ft. Upgraded granite, lots of lighting. Double oven. $379,900. Charlie Knoll 361443-2499.
14853 Quarterdeck 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath 2 car garage with 2,177 sq. ft. Built in 2013. Master features walk in shower and separate tub. Granite and tile. $289,000. Charlie Knoll 361-443-2499.
15101 Cane Harbor 3/2.5/2 waterfront home located at the end of Cane Harbor. 2,615 sq. ft. Outstanding backyard with pool. Amazing views. $789,000. Call Charlie Rouzer 949-3015.
Beachfront! Corner Unit. 2/2 Spectacular views. Floor to ceiling windows. Private balcony. Elevators. Sparkling heated pool. Gated. Carrie 361-949-5200.
14745 Quarterdeck 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage located on a corner lot. 1,888 sq. ft. Granite counters, split bedroom arrangement. $229,900. Charlie Knoll 443-2499.
14427 Compass B8 $228,000. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 car garage. Great location. 1,326 sq. ft. on the water with boat and boatslip. Kellye 361-522-0292.
15821 Punta Espada 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage. 2,500 sq. ft. Room for a pool. East facing backyard. Upgraded granite, lots of lighting. $369,900. Charlie Knoll 361-443-2499.
Great 2/2 Unit at the Riviera on Ocean Dr. Fantastic waterviews from living and master. Tile and carpet floors. Very secure building. Call Cheryl Floyd 361-5630444.
15729 Dyna—3/2/2 interior lot. Walk to the Charter school and beach. Move in ready. Nicely landscaped backyard. Call for a viewing today. Cheryl 361-5630444.
New Construction by R.T. Bryant. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage. 1,854 sq. ft. of living area. Close to beach. Quiet area. $269,000. Call Terry 549-7703.
Condos, Condos, Condos
Check Out these Condos available in Wonderful Complexes allowing Short Term Rentals!
14978 Topgallant Fantastic two story 2,160 sq. ft. + a bonus area of 235. 3-2.5-2 two story. Salt water heated pool. Large lot on cul de sac. A must see. Call Cheryl 563-0444.
13641 Camino De Oro Luxurious one story 4/2.5/2 3,210 sq. ft. waterfront home with 2 living, 2 dining, 2 fireplaces, boat lift. $650,000. Cindy Molnar 5495557.
13953 Blackbeard 3/2/2 waterfront home with 1,589 sq. ft. North facing exposure. Open airy floorplan. Deck and dock set up for sailboat. $314,900. Charlie Knoll 361-443-2499.
15973 Cuttysark Gorgeous 3/3/2 located on large pie shaped waterfront lot with two dining areas, lots of built ins, boat dock, covered patio. $494,900. Terry 549-7703.
15629 Escapade Fabulous open floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 dining areas, 3+ garage, covered patio. Still time to customize, $314,900. Call Cindy Molnar 549-5557.
13921 Flintlock 3/2/2 with 1,499 sq. ft. of living space. Four side brick. Nice floor plan, covered patio. Close to boat launch. $204,900. Charlie 443-2499.
Walking Distance to Schlitterbahn!
Beach Club Condos Close to Beach Pool, hot tub, fitness center
Marquesas #401 2/2 unit Great complex $184,900
Anchor Resort #196 1/1.5 remodeled unit $139,400
#375 2/2 $159,900 #394 Studio $99,000 #334 1/1 $115,000 #289 Studio $115,000
Beach Haven #703 3/2.5/1 Close to beach $199,900
Call Charlie 443-2499 or Terry 549-7703 to view!
Lot 9 Block 218 Cruiser Great waterfront lot perfect for multifamily construction. 80x120. $150,000. Call Shonna Soderqvist 510-3445.
13830 Hawksnest Bay completely updated inside/out 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 dining, 3 living, over 4500 sq. ft., $675,000. Cindy Molnar 549-5557 to preview.
13722 A La Entrada 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 car garage w/3,769 sq. ft. located on a wide canal. Gourmet kitchen, dramatic fireplace, cathedral ceilings, office & more! $1,150,000. Charlie 443-2499.
15217 Isabella An amazing location and views are yours with this 3/2.5/2 waterfront. 2,013 sq. ft. Covered deck and boat lift. Large living. Call Charlie Knoll 361-4432499.
13817 Halyard 3/2/2. Open floor plan. Lots of tile. Great light. Lots of decking. 1,654 sq. ft. Separate laundry. $305,000. Call Cheryl for a viewing. 563-0444.
15674 Cumana 3/4/2. Bonus area now set up as a mother in law suite. Mature landscaping. Pool. Well maintained. You don’t want to miss this one. Call Cheryl 5630444.
14945 S. Padre Island Dr. Corpus Chris�, TX 78418 (361) 949‐2131 (877) 269‐2131
www.rentpadreisland.com Superior Service, Outstanding Reputa�on since 1999 Looking for Professional Long Term Property Management Services? Our services include: Tenant Qualifying Collec�ons of Rents Coordina�ng Repairs & Maintenance Professional Itemized Monthly Statements Marke�ng/Adver�sing
Looking for Long Term Rental Property? Below are some of our available rentals:
6612 Hardwick 3/2 $900
15125 Leeward #24 2/2 $1150
14910 Leeward #302 3/3.5/2 $2200
13953 Fortuna Bay 5 & 7 2/2 ea. $1200 ea.
13534 Buillon 4/3.5/2 $3000
13997 Ports O’Call 3/2 $1400
Leeward Isles #308 1/1 furnished $975
4765 Willowick 3/2/2 $1400
Beach Club #375 2/2 $1275
Sale Pending
Great Investment! Duplex with oversized RV garage. 12’x75’x15’ full hook ups. Each unit has: 3B/2B/1. Open floor plan. Tile. Boat Parking. Carrie 949-5200.
13914 Mingo Cay 1 bedroom, 1 bath waterfront condo with boat slip, covered patio and washer/ dryer hook up in unit, $110,000. Call Cindy Molnar 549-5557.
Portofino #407 4th floor corner unit with 3 bed., 2 baths; 1,406 sq. ft. of living space. Wonderful beachfront complex, great pool. $190,000. Cheryl 563-0444.
13626 Whitecap—Seaquist Homes 3/2/2. 1,635 sq. ft. Tile floors, stainless appl., open floor plan, crown moulding, covered patio. $229,000. Cheryl.
Looking for Vaca�on Rental Services you can trust? Call Padre Escapes, Padre Island’s Premier Vaca�on Rental Company at 361‐949‐0430 Visit us online at www.padreescapes.com email at vaca�on@padreescapes.com
13901 Hawksnest Bay Wonderful 4-2.5-3 new construction. Corner lot. Room for a pool. 2254 sq. ft. Tile floors. Mudroom and butler’s pantry & more. Cheryl.