Best In
Calhoun County SponSored By:
preSented By:
TACLB 005960C --Licensed and Insured
wehmeyerservices.com
Thank You, Calhoun CounTY, For VoTing us #1 heaTing & air! Residential • Commercial • Industrial Air Conditioning Heating • Refrigeration Commercial Ice Machines Mini Split Air
Conditioners Dehumidifiers Whole house filtration UV lighting A/C Coil Coating
Service & New Installations • We service all makes & models
2
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
LaVaca BBQ Thank You to our valued customers for making our Texas Monthly-recognized BBQ the best in Calhoun County! We smoked 16 Best recognitions and 2 Runner Ups. You are LaVaca BBQ!
‘The Sweet 16’ 1st Place
• Best Restaurant • Best Barbecue • Best Overall Service • Best Restaurant Service • Best Family Dining • Best Tortillas • Best Gumbo • Best Tamales
• Best Ice Cream/Yogurt • Best Catering • Best Iced Tea • Best Waiter • Best Sandwiches/Subs • Best Birthday Party Place • Best Date Spot • Best Venue
Runner Ups 2nd Place
• Best Place to Work Under 100 Employees • Best Waitress
For more information call:
(361) 894 - 2333
Or come try our award-winning BBQ at:
532 N Virginia St
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
3
The Numbers Add Up for LaVaca BBQ 16 First Place Wins in their first year of business putting community, family - and brisket - first BY DD TURNER dturner@plwave.com
It’s all about family – and brisket – at LaVaca BBQ. The restaurant is run by the Nevarez family and populated with their Calhoun County family that awarded them 16 Best Ofs for the 2020 competition. Residents voted LaVaca BBQ as the first-place winner for Best Restaurant, Best Barbecue, Best Overall Service, Best Restaurant Service, Best Family Dining, Best Tortillas, Best Gumbo, Best Tamales, Best Ice Cream/Yogurt, Best Catering, Best Iced Tea, Best Waiter, Best Sandwiches/ Subs, Best Birthday Party Place, Best Date Spot, and Best Venue. It took second place for Best Place to Work Under 100 Employees and Best Waitress. LaVaca BBQ opened on Nov. 16, 2019, in what used to be a gas station at 532 N. Virginia St. “That’s my birthday,” said co-owner Lupe Nevarez, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Christine, and daughter Kelli Nevarez. “Kelli was teaching, but we brought her into the business and made her an owner,” he said. While the restaurant was catching the public’s attention with its brisket that brought with it an excellent Texas Monthly review, 2020 burst onto the scene, bringing with it the novel coronavirus which has overshadowed the year. But it gave Team LaVaca BBQ a
4
chance to take a break and regroup. “Actually, COVID wasn’t a big issue for us as we did several things to accommodate the disease,” said Lupe Nevarez. This included adding a driveway for pickup as well as tables outside the building to adjust to the 25 percent capacity ruling. “COVID-19 gave us an opportunity to improve our brisket,” said Lupe Nevarez. That improvement meant staying with the higherpriced brisket cuts during the meat shortage that occurred. Instead of using inferior cuts, Lupe Nevarez paid more for the brisket, which allowed him to keep his spot in the supply chain. “We moved up the chain and kept it,” said Kelli Nevarez. And brisket is the name of the game at LaVaca BBQ. The family’s priorities, prominently displayed on the building, are Jesus. Texas. Brisket. Another priority is giving back to the community that thoroughly enjoys the food they serve. This includes 10% off with a church bulletin each Sunday, a Labor Day giveaway of a Yeti cooler, ribs, and brisket as well as feeding more than 600 people over the Labor Day weekend to thank first responders and essential workers.
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Clockwise from top: A map filled with pins denoting where out-of-town visitors to LaVaca
BBQ are from hangs inside the restaurant; Steven Neveraz works on making sausage; the shirts and caps available for purchase inside the restaurant; and Monica Neveraz, who won Best Waiter, speaks with customers Armando and Ofelia Espinosa. At left top, Lupe Neverez is flanked by his wife, Christine, and daughter Kellie in front of the restaurants sign. Behind them is the priorities of the family: Jesus, Texas, Brisket. At left bottom: Lupe Neverez points out the grill used to create the award-winning and tasty food.
“We do our own thing, but it all goes back to quality,” said Christine Nevarez. “Our sausage is homemade, and everything is natural, hormone-free, and gluten-free as much as possible.” Kellie Nevarez will soon be managing the restaurant as Lupe and Christine are opening a second barbecue joint in Bay City. Kellie Nevarez wanted to stay local when she accepted a job teaching at HJM Elementary School and now works at the restaurant. It wasn’t an immediate thing, she said, noting she could watch the construction from the edge of the school’s hallway. She also worked with her father and mother on the barbecue competition circuit, and “I would act as his sous chef, help him remember the recipes and special sauces.” And now she joins the ranks of pitmasters, a level few women reach in Texas and will slice it up for serving. Christine Nevarez will be running the store in Bay City making “two females, mother and daughter, getting to run two restaurants,” Lupe Nevarez said. But he is not off the hook, as he will still be firing up the brisket while working his regular job. And family pitched in to make the competition food its best. They also pitch in to make the restaurants run like a well-oiled machine. Monica Nevarez was named Best Waitress and Stephen, who lives in Florida and does marketing for the restaurant, pitches in when he is down - whether it’s making sausage or refilling a tea glass. Great customer service, coupled with great food and great customers, is a recipe for success. “We are very appreciative of the community that has welcomed us with open arms,” said Christine Nevarez. “We’re not from here and didn’t know many people. But now we are starting to know everyone and to feel like part of the community. When people come in now, we know a lot of them personally, and they have become friends and like family.”
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
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Food & Drink 2020 Results
Best Restaurant
Best Oysters
Best Mexican Cuisine
Cathy’s
Bubba’s Cajun Seafood
El Patio
LaVaca BBQ
La Antigua Restaurant
Scully’s Sports Bar & Grill Bubba’s Cajun Seafood
The Shack
La Terraza
Best Bar
Best Tortillas
Best Ice Cream/Yogurt
Best Catering
Scully’s Sports Bar & Grill
El Patio Restaurant Josie’s Mexican Food
Dairy Queen
La Salud Tasty Treats
Pit Devil BBQ & Catering
Best Burger
Best Tamales
Best Pizza
Best Steak
The Shack
Josie’s Mexican Food & Cantina
Bubba’s Cajun Seafood
O’Neil & Sons Brewing Co. Omar’s Bar
Wagon Train Drive Inn White’s BBQ
Best Salsa & Chips El Patio Restaurant
La Antigua Restaurant La Terraza
Best Crawfish
Bubba’s Cajun Seafood The Shack
LaVaca BBQ
LaVaca BBQ
Los Rios Mexican Grill & Seafood
Best Fajitas
La Antigua Restaurant
Josie’s Mexican Food & Cantina La Terraza
Best Menudo
El Patio Restaurant
La Antigua Restaurant
Sharkies Bar & Grill
Josie’s Mexican Food & Cantina
Best Seafood
Best Buffet
Cathy’s
Bubba’s Cajun Seafood
Cathy’s Skillet’s
The Shack
Bubba’s Cajun Seafood
Best Gumbo
Best Family Dining
LaVaca BBQ Cathy’s
LaVaca BBQ Cathy’s
Bubba’s Cajun Seafood
Bubba’s Cajun Seafood
Best Shrimp
Best Oriental Cuisine
Cathy’s
Bubba’s Cajun Seafood The Shack
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Cathy’s
Best Wings
Taiyo Sushi Fusion Beijing Buffet
Bayside Seafood
Domino’s Pizza
LaVaca BBQ
LaVaca BBQ
Josie’s Mexican Food
Domino’s Pizza
Wagon Train Restaurant
Pizza Hut
Texas Traditions Grill & Bakery Red Barn
Thank You, Calhoun County, for voting us
1
#
Fajitas Margaritas Breakfast Tacos Mexican Cuisine
We Appreciate Our Customers.
La Antigua 737 N. Hwy. 35, Port Lavaca, TX • 361-552-7764 Hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Breakfast: 6-11 a.m.
The Best
All Major Credit Cards Accepted - No checks.
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Best Fried Chicken
Best Chicken-Fried Steak
Best Restaurant Service
Best Waitress (Individual)
Wagon Train Restaurant
LaVaca BBQ
Stormy Reyna, Bubba’s
The Shack
Bubba’s Cajun Seafood
Monica, LaVaca BBQ Tasha Jones, Cathy’s
Best Bakery
Best Sandwiches/Subs
Best BBQ
Best Food Truck
Lacey’s Little Bakery
Subway Restaurants
Pit Devil BBQ & Catering
Los Charritos Express #2
Best Coffee
Best Breakfast
Cathy’s
Mad Batter Cheesecakes H-E-B
Cathy’s
LaVaca BBQ The Shack
Anchored In Love
Wagon Train Restaurant
Linnville Grind & Churn Restaurant
El Patio Restaurant
Best Margarita
Best Breakfast Taco
El Patio Restaurant
La Antigua
Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurant Scully’s Sports Bar & Grill
Best Frozen Drink
La Terraza
La Antigua Restaurant El Patio Restaurant
Josie’s Mexican Food & Cantina
Best Dessert
Rusty Hook Winery
Mad Batter Cheesecakes
Scully’s Sports Bar & Grill
Lacey’s Little Bakery
Best Coldest Beer
Best Meal Under $8
Cathy’s
El Patio
La Antigua Restaurant
O’Neil & Sons Brewing Co.
LaVaca BBQ
Bush’s Chicken
Scully’s Sports Bar & Grill
Wagon Train Restaurant
Best Wine Selection
Best Overall Service
Rusty Hook Winery
LaVaca BBQ
Lavaca Bluff’s Winery
Cathy’s
O’Neil & Sons Brewing Company
The Shack
Best Snow Cone
Best Bartender
La Salud Tasty Treats
Wendy Bumgardner, Rusty Hook Winery
Best Iced Tea
Best Waiter (Individual)
The Snow Cone Zone Shaved Ice Paradise
Andrea O’Neil Samantha Williams
LaVaca BBQ
Monica, LaVaca BBQ
The Shack
Steven Nevarez, LaVaca BBQ
Bush’s Chicken
Fernando, Green Iguana
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
LaVaca BBQ White’s BBQ
Bush’s Chicken Cathy’s
Josie’s Mexican Food
Seaux Cajun
Art & Misty’s Boiling Bus
Thank You, Calhoun County!
Non-Profit
THE HARBOR Children’s Alliance & Victim Center
children are people too
Crisis Hotline
552-HELP If someone has HURT you, let us HELP!
Confidential ServiCeS Provided • 24 Hour Sexual Assault Center • 24 Hour Crisis Intervention With Hospital Accompaniment • Advocacy With Law Enforcement • Community Education • Children’s Advocacy Center
‘Children Learn What They Live’
361-552-1982
215 W. Railroad, Port Lavaca, TX 77979
1 #
7
Thank You For Your Vote &
Your Patronage�
Best
Oriental Food
Japanese specialties, hibachi in kitchen. Seafood, noodles, soup, meats in a family-friendly atmosphere 915 State Hwy 35 North, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 8
361-482-0459
HOURS Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.–2:45 p.m. 5–8:45 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.–2:45 p.m. 5–9:45 p.m. Sunday: Noon–2:45 p.m., 5–8:45 p.m.
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Lifestyles 2020 Results Best Church
Best Hotel
Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Parkway Church
Best Western
First Baptist Church of Port Lavaca
Best Dance/Gymnastics
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Best RV Park
South Texas Strutters - Calhoun Campus
The Two RV Park
TNT Elite Gymnastics
5 Sons RV Park
Joule Valdez, Choreographer
Best Retirement Facility
Port Lavaca Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Texas Lakeside RV
Best Place to Work (over 100 employees) H-E-B
Trinity Shores Senior Living
Memorial Medical Center
Bethany Senior Living
Port Lavaca Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Best Apartment Living
Best Place to Work (under 100 employees)
Villas on Independence
Port Lavaca Clinic Associates
Creek Side Apartments
First National Bank
Sea Greens Apartment Homes
LaVaca BBQ
Our Lady Of The Gulf Catholic Church 415 West Austin Street, Port Lavaca, TX 361-552-6140 WWW.OLGULF.ORG
Join Us For Mass
Monday-Friday: 8:05 a.m. Saturday: 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. en EspaĂąol Confessions: Saturday - 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration: Wednesday, 3:00 - 8:30 p.m.
To the greater glory of God! Thank you Calhoun County for your continued support of our parish and school. May our Lord Jesus Christ deliver us from all evil and grant peace to our days. We welcome you to come join us in worship, prayer, and study, so that we may come to know Him more, to love Him deeply, and to serve Him generously unto eternal life!
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
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Best Non-Profit Organization
#1 RV PaRk
The Harbor
Pregnancy Help Center Calhoun County Library
Best School
Jackson-Roosevelt Elementary School HJM Elementary School
Our Lady Of The Gulf Catholic School
Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for The Two RV Park as the Best RV Park in Calhoun County! Receiving this recognition is a great honor! 1402 Harrison Ave. Port O’Connor, TX 77982 Phone: 361-983-4688
Thank You Port Lavaca For Voting H-E-B “Best in Calhoun County” for:
PLACES TO WORK UNDER 100 EMPLOYEES We know you have a choice of where to shop. That’s why we work hard to bring you the quality, service and everyday low prices you deserve. Thanks again Port Lavaca for casting your votes for H-E-B. ©2020 HEB, 20-7512
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BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT! PROUDLY SERVING PORT LAVACA FOR OVER 34 YEARS
524 Village Road, Port Lavaca
(361) 552-3741
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
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Home Services 2020 Results Best Electrical Hayes Electric Acosta Electric
Power Hardware LLC
Best Flooring
Best Pest Control Dowell Pest Control
Superior Termite & Pest Control
Best Real Estate Firm
Grace Flooring
RE/MAX Land & Homes On the Bay
Jesse Caldera
Bay Breeze Real Estate
Randy’s Floor Company
Best Carpet Randy’s Floor Company Joe Leal
Russell Cain Real Estate
Best Realtor (Individual) Dallas Franklin Russell Cain Lindsey Smith
Best Homebuilder
Roland Cantu Custom Homes Brian Rokyta Rohe Builders
Best Glass Company Eclipse Tinting & Auto Glass Grace Flooring Keathley’s Glass
4 YEARS IN A ROW! Thank You, Calhoun CounTY!
Gingerbread School
361-552-5757
2202 Half League Road Port Lavaca, TX
BEST REMODELING Thank You For Your Support, Calhoun County! Royce Benoit Painting & constRuction
Interior • Exterior • Sheetrock • Remodels Flooring• Doors & Windows • Custom Painting • Small or Large Projects • Siding • Pressure Washing • Carports • Decks • Replace Soffit & Facial Board
36 Years Of experience
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361-482-9629
Thank You Calhoun County! 638 N. Commerce St., Port Lavaca | 361-717-4663 | dowellpestcontrol.com |
Dowell Pest Control would like to
express our gratitude to Calhoun County residents for voting for us as
Best Pest Control. We appreciate our customers and the votes!
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Best Heating & Air Wehmeyer Services
Becks A/C in Port Lavaca Coastal Refrigeration-Electric
Best Contractor
Roland Cantu Custom Homes
D Vasquez Construction, Port O’Connor, TX
Best Plumbing Young Plumbing Co. Grace Plumbing
Your Vote Means The World To us! 1ST BeST InTerIor DeSIgn
Port Lavaca Plumbing
Best Remodeling Royce Benoit
Randy’s Floor Company Coastal Improvements
Best Property Management Russell Cain Real Estate Texas Real Estate
Bay Breeze Real Estate
Best Interior Design
Robin Kacir, Randy’s Floor Company
Best Day Care Gingerbread School Coastal Kids Daycare Tots & Tykes Daycare
Best House Cleaning
Audie Vasquez & Tristan Upchurch Pink Flamingo, Michelle Cruz Coastal Cleaning POC Inc.
The Best
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
1ST BeST CarpeT
2nD FloorIng & remoDelIng We deeply appreciate the effort and time it took in voting us the Best in Interior Design and Best in Carpet. We equally appreciate the second place recognition in Flooring and Remodeling. We are convinced we serve some of the nicest people in Calhoun County. We appreciate and are so grateful for the opportunity given to us as we do our best in serving you, our customer.
Randy’s Floor Company
220 E. Main • Port Lavaca, TX 77979 • 552-6785 Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. NO FUEL CHARGE IN PORT LAVACA
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First National Bank
Thank You
Calhoun County for recognizing us as:
BEST BANK FOR 6 YEARS RUNNING 2020 VOTED BEST: Karen Caraway, Loan Officer Tracie Durrance, Teller Car Lender Small Lender Home Lender
2020 SECOND PLACE: Linda Evans, Teller
2020 THIRD PLACE: Barbara Black, Teller Port Lavaca
361-552-6726 • Hwy 35 Bypass at Half League
www.fnbportlavaca.com
Bank by Phone, Bank by Internet or by iPhone or Android Apps
Port O’Connor
361- 983-2508 • 3675 W. Adams
14
Seadrift
361-785-5321 • 101 Railroad
Victoria
361-579-7911 • 4304 N. Mockingbird (Main at Mockingbird)
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Zipping to a third win
Texas Wavenet Wireless wins Best Internet Provider By JARED VAN EPPS jvanepps@plwave.com
Clockwise from top: John
Gertchen, Texas Wavenet worker, helps co-owner of the company, John Kelly, get his equipment on to climb one of the Wavenet towers; Johnny Polk loads one of the work trucks for the company; Kelly climbs one the towers. He was working the tower at the intersection of Texas Highway 35 and Texas FM 2433. (Jared Van Epps/Photos)
Texas Wavenet Wireless has been serving and providing internet service in Calhoun County for more than five years. Blair Kelly, co-owner/office manager, joined her husband, John Kelly, in the internet providing business. Kelly said her husband has been in the business longer than she has. “I started helping him once he started, but he’s been doing this since almost out of high school,” Kelly said. “He kind of started and worked his way up, learning the different areas of it.” Texas Wavenet Wireless is currently servicing Seadrift, Six Mile, Alamo Beach, Magnolia Beach, Indianola, Olivia, Weedhaven, Port Alto, Cape Carancahua and the Port Lavaca area. Service currently also covers the lane area of Seadrift, parts of Green Lake, and the area around Olivia. Kelly said they try to make their internet packages affordable and added they have five different packages “that people can choose from depending on their needs.” When COVID-19 hit Texas, Wavenet Wireless got busy because peopled needed the internet for school, Kelly said. The company also set up hot spots for Calhoun County ISD when they transitioned to remote learning for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. Kelly talked about the importance of helping the district and parents who don’t have internet service. “It’s a really big deal for us to try to help out where we can,” Kelly said, “and that is why my husband started the business. He wanted people to be able to have something that was affordable, and it was a local customer type thing.” Kelly added they do as much locally as they can and are “donating” where they can.”
SEE ZIPPING, PAGE 29
Best Internet Service Provider Three Years In A Row!
Texas Wavenet Wireless
strives to deliver a personalized and reliable service that customers can depend on. We are so grateful for your support these last five years as a new business in the area. Thank you for your votes. Texas Wavenet Wireless P.O. Box 28 Port Lavaca
361-551-8345
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
15
Services 2020 Results
Best Attorney
Best Home Lender
Carly Wall
First National Bank
Anne Marie Odefey Jane Lane
TDECU Cal-Com Credit Union
Best Bank
Best Small Lender
First National Bank
First National Bank
Wells Fargo Bank IBC
Best Credit Union
Cal-Com Federal Credit Union TDECU Coastal Teachers Federal CU
Best Car Lender First National Bank
Cal-Com Federal Credit Union TDECU
TDECU Sun Loan
Best Teller
Tracie Durrance First National Bank Linda Evans First National Bank Barbara Black First National Bank
Best Loan Officer Karen Caraway First National Bank
Lisa Lerma Cal-Com Federal Credit Union Majlin Bordovsky Cal-Com Federal Credit Union
Best Investment Broker
Edward Jones - Robby Williams Edward Jones-Ashley French Edward Jones - Daylen
Best Broker Russell Cain
Roland Cantu
Custom Homes newhomespltx@gmail.com
361 920 7376
#1 Contractor & Home Builder Thank You, Calhoun County, for voting Roland Cantu for Best Contractor! Your support is appreciated.
Thank You! We may have to hide our faces, but we can’t hide our love and care we have for each and every family we serve. Thank you for voting Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home best of the best for the third consecutive year.
Standing from left: Funeral Assistants Jerry McClendon, Lydia Aguirre, Renee Behrens, and Allyson Abraham. Seated from left: Funeral Directors: Justin Small and Jamie Kinsfather. Not pictured: Funeral Assistants Bill Myrick, Susan Bryant and David Holford.
Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home 123 Newlin St, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 • 361-552-9766 www.richardsoncolonial.com
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BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Best Title Company
Best Law Firm
Gulf Coast Title Company
Roberts Odefey Witte & Wall LLP, Attorneys At Law
San Jacinto Title Services
Best Internet Provider Texas Wavenet Wireless TISD, Inc Sparklight
The Law Office Of Jane Lane, P.C.
Best Massage Therapy Ines Olachia
Sarah Henderson
Best Dry Cleaner Keep U Neat Cleaners Downtown Cleaners
Town & Country Cleaners
Best Florist Salt Blossom
Gardenland Nursery
Greenhouse Floral Designers
Best Income Tax Preparation
Sara Mclendon
Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home
Angel Lucy’s Funeral Home Grace Funeral Chapel
Best Bail Bonds A & A Bail Bonds
American Bail Bond Co Betty Ramirez, A&A Bail Bonds
Calhoun County Animal Hospital Happy Paws Zayda Falcon
Best Lawn Care
Best Hair Stylist Erika Fortanel
Best Propane Company
Mercedez Kalisek
Talbott Propane Enterprise
Martin Sowa
Aleene Medina
Chuck Watkins AJ Pina
Best Nail Salon Sarah Nails
Main Street Nail Salon Solar Nails Salon
Best Veterinary Clinic Calhoun County Animal Hospital
Tejas Propane Airgas, Inc.
Best Furniture Rental
Uncle Mike’s Port Lavaca
Best Equipment Rental
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
AT&T
Verizon T-Mobile
Best Safety Services
Safety Council of The \Texas Mid-Coast Texas Commercial Fire & \Safety Supplies/Drug Testing
Best Hotel
Holiday Inn Express La Quinta
Best Western
Best Engineering Company Testengeer, Inc.
G &W Engineering
Best Photographer
Best Pet Grooming Missy’s Pet Grooming & Boarding
Best Cell Phone Provider
United Rentals
Jackson Photography
Clips & Dips Dog Grooming
Louis Alaniz
Jimmy Heysquierdo
Maxim Crane Works
LanSyd Photography & Photobooth
Fluffy Mutt Grooming & Spa
Robert Montero
Momentum Rental & Sales
Port Lavaca Veterinary Clinic Bayfront Animal Hospital
Best Personal Trainer
Certified Training & Safety
SCS Hair Salon
Herman Novak Agency
Best Funeral Home
Sit & Stay Sleepovers Pet Sitting with Jennifer Soefje
Marvin Gardens & Landscaping Design
Amy Cantu
Gary Krenek, Farmers Insurance
Best Pet Boarding
The House of Hair
Knobles Tax Service
Bob Bonar, State Farm
Jeco’s Marine & Tackle
Marvelous Gardens, Inc.
Shear Beauty
H&R Block
Best Insurance Agency
POC Rod & Gun
Best Hair Salon
Best Barber
Financial Tax Services
Best Rod & Reel Repair
Hope Images
Best Car Wash BayWash
17
Best Title Company Melissa Sterling, standing, and Joey Gregory run Gulf Coast Title Company, Named Best Title Company for the fifth time. (DD Turner/Wave Photo)
Easing the path from Point A To Point B
Gulf Coast Title named Best Title Company for fifth time by voters BY DD TURNER dturner@plwave.com
You have perused home listings trying to find the perfect home for you and your family. You have attended open houses or walked through homes with realtors to check out how it feels and might look with your furnishings in place. You have decided, and you are ready to buy. To make that experience the easiest it can be is the reason Gulf Coast Title Company comes onboard, run by mother-daughter duo Melissa Sterling and Joey Gregory. The company’s goal is to find any problems with the title, resolve them, and make your buying experience a pleasant one. “If there is a title defect, we correct it and take the steps to transfer a clean title,” said Gregory. For the fifth time since the contest’s inception, Gulf Coast Title Company has been named Best In Calhoun County. At Gulf Coast Title, each person working there has a specific task to accomplish for every title that comes through the office. Opened in 2007, Gregory noted the process is lengthier than most people realize as it involves running a check Debbie Baldera, manning the reception center, is joined on the title to make sure by LaVon Garcia at Gulf Coast Title Company. (DD Turner/ it was always transferred correctly to escrow and Wave Photo) entering the information into the system. Sterling, co-owner of the company, said they have to be licensed through the Texas Land
Melissa Sterling — Manager LaVon Garcia • Joey Gregory Debbie Baldera • Sariah Flores Sheila Benitez• Michelle Grubert Missie Landry (not pictured)
2121 Sailboat Port Lavaca, TX Phone: (361) 551-2300 Fax: (361) 551-2312
SEE EASING, PAGE 27
18
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
2020 Best Lawyer
Carly Wall
Six Years In A Row
Best Lawn Care
Your Vote & Support Is Appreciated! BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Seated from left, Carly W. Wall and John Villafranco. Standing, from left, Sandra Witte, David Roberts and Anne Marie Odefey.
6 Years In a row
Best Law Firm Roberts, Odefey, Witte, & Wall, LLP Attorneys at Law
2206 North Highway 35 Bypass, Port Lavaca, Texas 77979 Office: 361-552-2971 www.portlavacalaw.com
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Best Boutique
Best Clothing & Most Helpful Employees
#1 Safety Services
Certified Training & Safety
Certified Training & Safety thanks you for your vote! We have been proudly serving Calhoun County (and others) for 10-plus years and look forward to many more.
Safety Saves Lives!
Owners: Christy & Maria
A Big THANK YOU To Everyone Who Voted For Us! We Appreciate Your Support!
401 Broadway, Ste. C, Port Lavaca Christy: 361-484-7022; Maria 361-676-2521
20
Our Crew, from left: Bonnie Banks, Houston Banks, Denise Sandy, Kaddie Smith, Karla Perez and Kendall Gregory.
For Information:
361-553-8039 | www.cts-site.com
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Thank You, Calhoun County, For Voting Us Best Plumbing Company 6 Years In A Row.
Providing Quality Plumbing SaleS & ServiceS Since 1956
361-552-6733 • Fax: 361-552-4602 603 W. Austin St., Port Lavaca, TX.
Best Florist
$10 off floral arrangement with this advertisement Salt Blossom has fantastic customers! We appreciate you selecting us as Best Florist. We love serving you with quality products and timely service. We appreciate your vote of confidence and your business! 215 W. Adams, Port O’Connor | 361-220-1583 |
@ POC Salt Blossom
BEST PET BOARDING
Six #1s In A Row!
Thank You Calhoun County Come see us at 422 N. Virginia and let us help you with all your insurance needs
154 Years Combined Experience
BoB Bonar State Farm bob@bobbonar.com 361-552-4689 ‘We are here to serve your insurance needs.’
422 N. VirgiNia St.
(Three Years In A Row)
It’s been an enjoyable experience. Thanks for trusting me with your pets and for your support. A Vacation For Your Pet!
Call to schedule a sleepover! Check Us Out On
361-782-5934
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
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BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER
BEST PHYSICIAN Leigh Ann Falcon, M.D.
Thank you for continuing to trust me with your health. Port Lavaca Clinic Associates
1200 N. Virginia • Port Lavaca, TX 77979 • 361-552-6721 Tele-HealTH Is avaIlable For our PaTIenTs
Thank you for your trust in us. We are grateful to have been voted Best Clinic six years in a row. Thank you, Calhoun County!
Michael Caughron, FNP-C
Thank you, Calhoun County community. I am humbled by your continued support and confidence.
Port Lavaca Clinic Associates
1200 N. Virginia • Port Lavaca, TX 77979 • 361-552-6721 Tele-HealTH Is avaIlable For our PaTIenTs
Family Medicine
John B. Wright, MD Destiny Ibrom, FNP-C Michael Caughron, FNP-C Henry Salinas, FNP-C Timu N. Kwi MD
Internal Medicine
Leigh Ann Falcon, MD
Pediatrics
Jeannine Griffin, MD John Clinton, MD
Tele-Health Is Available For Our Patients
Port Lavaca Clinic Associates 361-552-6721
1200 N. Virginia • Port Lavaca, TX 77979 10 22
portlavacaclinic.com
Monday-Friday: 7:45 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. to Noon
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Health Care 2020 Results
Best Health Clinic
Best Dentist
Port Lavaca Clinic
Nielsen Family Dental
Twin Fountains Medical Clinic - Urgent Care
Lavaca Dental
Memorial Medical Clinic
Best Doctor
Dr. Leigh Ann Falcon Dr. Paul Bunnell Dr. Timu Kwi
Best Nurse Practitioner
Michael Caughron
Port Lavaca Dentistry
Best Physical Therapy/Rehab
Memorial Medical Center Rehabilitation Port Lavaca Nusring & Rehabilitation Center Gulf coast Rehabilitation
Best Pharmacy Walgreens Walmart
Traci Shefcik
H-E-B Pharmacy
Destiny Ibrom
Best Home Health Provider
Calhoun Home Health LLC
Best Physician’s Assistant Shanna O’Donnell Destiny Ibron Henry Salinas
Best Nursing Staff (Facility)
Best Nurse
Memorial Medical Center
Erin Clevenger
Port Lavaca Clinic Port Lavaca Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Best Urgent Care Memorial Medical Center
Twin Fountains Medical Clinic - Urgent Care
Sara Rubio Olda Flores
Best Optometrist Dr. Parker at Victoria Eye Center
The Best
6 YEARS IN A ROW!
Voted Best Dentist Your
Support Is
BEST HOME HEALTH Six YearS running
Thank you to Calhoun County for voting Calhoun Home Health
as the BEST Home Health. We appreciate your support and look forward to providing this community with the best care possible.
Appreciated!
Nielsen Family Dental Gentle Dentistry For Your Family
Rhonda Nielsen, DDS
361-552-6814
1300 N. Virginia St., Ste. 111, Port Lavaca, TX 77979
621 N. Virginia Street, Port Lavaca
361-552-6367 | 361-552-3182
Monday-Thursday: 8-5:30
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
11 23
➣
Best Urgent Care
Memorial Medical Center Emergency Room
➣
Bringing you so much, so close to home in healthcare.
Best Nursing Staff voted second by Calhoun County residents.
➣ ➣
Best Nurse Sara Rubio as voted by Calhoun County residents.
Congratulations on a job well done!
Best Physical Therapy/ Rehabilitation Center as voted by Calhoun County residents.
815 North Virginia St., Port Lavaca, Texas 77979
361-552-6713
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BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Automotive 2020 Results
Best Vehicle Dealer
Bellah’s Cars & Trucks Affordable Auto Port Lavaca Chevy
Best Oil Change
Best Wrecker Service Coby’s Wrecker Service Bay Wrecker
Best New Car Salesman
Dipstix LLC
Mike Doddridge, Port Lavaca Auto Group
Cary’s Tire & Automotive
Manny Villarreal, Port Lavaca Auto Group
Affordable Auto
Best Boat Dealer
Coastal Bend Marine Sonny’s Marine Inc. Marshall Marine
Best Paint & Body Shop
Port Lavaca Collision Center Frankie’s Paint & Body Shop Abram’s Body Shop
Best Auto Parts
O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoZone
NAPA Auto Parts
Best Service & Repair
Ruben Hernandez
Best Used Car Salesman John Bellah
Edward DeLeon, Affordable Auto
Mike Doddridge, Port Lavaca Auto Group
Thanks For Voting Us As
#1 in
Service & Repair Tires & Repair
For The Third Year In A Row
Cary’s Tire & Automotive Affordable Auto
Firestone of Port Lavaca
Best Tires & Repair
Cary’s Tire & Automotive Affordable Auto
Firestone of Port Lavaca
Best Window Tinting
Eclipse Tinting & Auto Glass
Port Lavaca Auto Group Body Shop Firestone of Port Lavaca
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
CARY’S TIRE & AUTOMOTIVE
We Service All Makes & Models 918 Broadway, Port Lavaca, TX 77979
361-552-4499 • 361-552-1133 • 361-552-7766
HOURS: MONDAY-THURSDAY, 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.; FRIDAY, 8 A.M. - NOON
The Best
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Best Oil Change
Thank You, Calhoun County!
817 State Hwy. 35 SoutH 361-482-0277
Your Local Car Care Professionals 26
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Retail 2020 Results
Best Appliances
Best Liquor Store
American Appliance
Pojo’s Liquor & Gifts
Uncle Mike’s Port Lavaca
Baker’s Liquor Store
Aaron’s
Best Feed & Tackle
POC Liquor
Best Convenience Store Buc-ee’s
McKamey Bros.
Weaver’s Grocery Inc
Melstan Feed
First Convenience
Tractor Supply Company
Best Bait Stand
Best Storage Facility
Big Bear Shrimp & Seafood
Sandcrab Boulevard Self Storage
Indianola Fishing Marina
Six Mile Storage
The Fishing Center
Best Clothing Store Saltwater Treasures
The Rhinestone Pineapple Boutique
Bay Storage
Most Helpful Employees Saltwater Treasures
Robert Bryce, city of Seadrift Public Works Director Rhinestone Pineapple
Southern Sass
Best Boutique
Saltwater Treasures
The Rhinestone Pineapple Southern Sass
Best Specialty Shp Bluebonnet Blessings
Cee’s Antiques & Uniques
Best Hardware Store Ace Hardware Power Hareware Coastal Nail & Tool
Best Jeweler
Ondrea’s Custom Jewelry Cantu’s Jewelry
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Easing the path
From Page 18
Title Association, continue their education, and follow the rules of the Texas Department of Insurance – Title Division. Sterling moved to Port Lavaca in seventh grade and now feels like she was born, and raised here as was her daughter, Gregory. Both said they love working in the place where they grew up and knew the people. “It makes us proud and excited,” said Gregory. As for the work itself, it’s a new story each day, Sterling said. Both Sterling and Gregory said they enjoy diving into the property’s history and finding its origin. “It’s fast-paced and changing every day,” said Gregory. With more than 100 combined years of experience, the Gulf Coast Title Company crew of Sterling, Gregory, Debbie Baldera, LaVon Garcia, Michelle Grubert, Sheila Benitez, Sariah Flores, and Missie Landry are ready to handle the fast-paced world of clearing the title for your new home. From their Website:
OUR PRINCIPLES: “Our principles are respectable and as sturdy as the title policies we issue. Each and every transaction that takes place in our office is given the highest level of care and expertise so that our customers walk away feeling comfortable, appreciated, and secure.” OUR COMMUNITY “Not only do we take care of our customers inside the realm of the title industry, but we also care about the community to which they belong. Gulf Coast Title is owned and operated by hometown residents who take pride in being Calhoun County natives. We volunteer our time outside the office to organizations such as Rotary, The Education Foundation, PTO, Chamber of Commerce, and events that happen throughout the year.” The company is located at 2121 Sailboat Drive in Port Lavaca. Visit them online at https://gulfcoasttitleco.net.
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207 Kamey Road, Port Lavaca, Texas 77979 (361) 676-3336 |
Feed Store
McKamey Bros Feed Store would like to thank all of our amazing customers for voting us 2020 Best in Calhoun County! Come see us conveniently located on Hwy. 87 for all your feed needs. Feed | Farm and Ranch | Lawn and Garden | Pet Supplies | Propane | Lacrosse Footwear | Ice, Drinks, and Snacks | Bait and Tackle | Uhaul
Thank you to our loyal customers & to all of our future customers.
John Bellah,
Thank You! For Voting Us #1 for Best Appliances in Calhoun County!
owner of Bellah’s Cars & Trucks, voted as Best Vehicle Dealer & Best Used Cars in Calhoun County! Home Of The Average $200 Payments! Reasonable Down Payments!
BELLAH’S CARS & TRUCKS “COME AND SEE JOHN!” | IN-HOUSE FINANCING 619 Half League Road, Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Office: 361-552-7505 | Cell: 361-676-3331 | Home: 361-552-3330
Let’s raise a toast to Calhoun County! Thanks for voting us Best Liquor Store Six Years In A Row.
POJO’S LIQUOR Hwy. 35 & Travis, Port Lavaca
361-552-0032
BEER-GIFTS-WINE
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Whirlpool Cabrio® High-Efficiency Top Load Washer & Cabrio High-Efficiency Electric Steam Dryer
WTW8500DC
WED8500DC
• Sales • Service• Parts 36-inch French Door Refrigerator
Guaranteed Low Prices on
Whirlpool Duet® Steam Front Load Washer & Duet® Electric Steam Dryer
WFW92HEFC
WED92HEFC
WRX986SIHZ
You can't beat our prices on Whirlpool appliances
AMERICAN APPLIANCE “We Service What We Sell”
1917 W. Austin, Port Lavaca • 552-2317
Mon.-Fri.: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. • Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Entertainment & Social 2020 Results Best Family Fun
Best Jukebox
Beau’s Billard, Bowling & Arcade
Scully’s Sports Bar & Grill
Twin Dolphin Cinemas
Beau’s Billard, Bowling & Arcade
Indianola Fishing Marina
Omar’s Bar
Best Bait Stand
Best Karaoke
Harvey’s Tavern Casa Jalisco
Saltwater Saloon
Best Place for Birthday Party LaVaca BBQ
Beau’s Billiard Bowling & Arcade Red Barn
Best Date Spot LaVaca BBQ
Rusty Hook Winery
Scully’s Sports Bar & Grill
6 Years straight!
Thank you to all our customers for voting us ‘Best Bait Stand.’ We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to serve all your seafood & bait needs.
Best Fishing Guide
Christopher Cady, Seadrift Rudy Briseno
Captains Gary & Shellie Gray
Best Vape Shop Gypsy Moon
Pro Clouds Vape SCS Vape
Best Gym Evolution Tactical Combatives Calhoun County YMCA Topwater
Best Venue LaVaca BBQ Red Barn
Bauer Community Center
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
2241 Highway 35 N., Port Lavaca, TX 77979
361-553-8091
Zipping to a third win
From Page 15
Texas Wavenet Wireless won Best Internet Provider for the third year in a row for Best in Calhoun County. Kelly talked about how excited it is to receive this award again. “It’s really exciting for us, and we’re really proud of it,” Kelly said. “The employees are the backbone…there are six of us that work here. We’ve been really picky whom we bring in and make sure they’re the most effective.”
Kelly added it has “helped” that they know people, and that the “employees and the customers” make their business what it is. Kelly said she would like to thank customers for “giving “ them the award, especially through a pandemic. For more info about Texas Wavenet Wireless and their Internet packages, please go to www.wavenetwireless.com or call 361-551-8345.
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Bringing down The AwArds Evolution Tactical Combatives takes Best Gym, owner voted Best Personal Trainer There are several big gyms in Calhoun County, but a gym in Seadrift took home the best gym in the county. One of the many reasons could be that the owner of the gym, Robert Montero, was also voted the best personal trainer. Montero is a sergeant with the Seadrift Police Department, and in his spare time, he is the owner of Evolution Tactical Combatives (ETC). ETC is a versatile gym incorporating nearly every type of fitness. Not just fitness but anything from kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, mixed martial arts to tactical combatives, firearms, knife fighting, and strength and conditioning. Starting his martial arts journey at the American Kickboxing Academy as an 18-year-old, Montero primarily focused on Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu. Being an expert in the field of martial arts, Montero has been able to use those skills he has learned to make him a better police officer. “My training is part of my personal, and of course professional, everyday life, whether it’s situational awareness or actually going hands-on with someone,” Montero said. In 2018, he opened the gym, hoping to train police officers and reduce injury to both the suspect and the officer during an encounter by educating them on modern control techniques. Montero is working on building a new facility that will be a one-stop-shop for the entire spectrum of training. In winning the best gym and personal trainer in The Port Lavaca Wave’s Best In Calhoun County Contest, Montero thanked his clients and gym members for the opportunity to train them and become like a family. “It is an honor and a privilege to receive these awards and be recognized as the best in Calhoun County. I have been very fortunate to train some amazing people here and love the family we have created with the gym,” Montero said.
Top: Robert Montero, center, is with some of his students after a Jiu Jitsu training session. Left: Montero, and Jimmy Tolar training for strength and conditioning. Right: Montero training with his sniper rifle. (Contributed photos)
Fast,
Friendly 1808 W Adams Ave., Port O'Connor, TX 77982 | 361-983-4841
Service
#1 Boat Dealer We are here for all your boating needs from sales, services, parts and accessories since 1996. Thank you for your votes and for your business. 30
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Cal-Com Federal Credit Union YOUR COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
BEST CREDIT UNION Thank You, Once Again, Calhoun County! www.calcomfcu.org
Loan Officer: Lisa Lerma, second; & Maj Lin Bordovsky, third
We Look ForWard To ConTinuing To Serve Your needS.
3802 N. NAVARRO VICTORIA, TX 77901 (361) 572-3369
1401 N. VIRGINIA, PORT LAVACA, TX 77979 (361) 552-7476
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY
2807 JOHN STOCKBAUER DR. VICTORIA, TX. 77901 (361) 579-9929
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Best Veterinary CliniC
Thank you, Calhoun County, for voting us # 1 Veterinary Clinic for the third year in a row & second place in Pet Boarding. We appreciate your support! 1015 State Hwy. 35 Port Lavaca, TX 77979
361-552-4526 32
BEST IN CALHOUN COUNTY