VOL 5 ·ISSUE 32 PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Permit #60 WINNIE, TX
Gary P. Nunn Performs at Old Town Theatre
Gary P. Nunn performs at the Old town Theatre last Saturday evening, June 5, 2021. to an almost sold out By Wade Thibodeaux Texas music sensation crowd. It was a return Gary P. Nunn performed trip for Gary as he had at the Old Town Theatre performed in (contd on last Saturday evening page 9)
Thursday June 10, 2021
Huntsville Graduation Ceremony Held
ion this last Saturday, June 5, 2021. There were 354 students in the class and the event took a little over two hours from start to finish. The spacious pavilion allowed families to spread out while still enjoying a great view of their graduates as they crossed the stage. The weather was very adequate as anticipated rains held off and allowed families to gather with their graduates in Many graduates took the opportunity to partake in the traditional hat toss at the courtyard adjacent the end of the graduation ceremony. School Class of 2021 uation at the Cynthia to the seating area. By Wade Thibodeaux The Huntsville High celebrated their grad- Woods Mitchell Pavil-
This graduate who has very close ties to Walker County Press Publisher Wade Thibodeaux was certainly glad to receive her diploma from Huntsville High School Principal Paul Trevino.
Community
Thursday June 10, 2021
THEME: SUPERHEROES
ACROSS 1. Golf club handle 5. Aviation safety agency 8. Although, for short 11. “Give me your tired, your ____....” 12. Homecoming
guest 13. PhD in Great Britain 15. Legendary NFL quarterback Graham 16. Like Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard 17. Propelled like Argo
30. Another word for Tokyo 31. Makes a sum (2 words) 34. *Like The Joker 35. Without self-control 37. Black gold 38. Buddy 39. Site of Leaning Tower 40. Canvas ceiling fan 42. *____man, one of original X-Men 43. Comes to the fore 45. *____ Woman, first female in the Justice Society of America 47. “Rub A Dub Dub” vessel 48. Paralysis-causing disease, for short 50. Smoothie berry 52. *a.k.a. the Solution on page 7 Caped Crusader 18. *Batman’s 55. “Encore!” romantic interest 56. Pupil’s place 20. Wildebeests 57. Like Arizona 21. Use the other in summer end of a pencil 59. *Ben Grimm 22. Cherry mid- of “It’s clobberdle in’ time!” fame, 23. *Thor’s with The weapon 60. Eyeglasses 26. Brays like a glass donkey 61. Buggy ter-
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rain 62. Gingerbread creation 63. *Superhero creator, Stan ____ 64. Eurasian duck DOWN 1. Government Printing Office 2. Campus military acronym 3. Letter before kappa 4. For the time being, Latin (2 words) 5. Basic drumming pattern, pl. 6. Saints’ crowns 7. End of grace 8. Through, for short 9. Hie, third person singular 10. Not new or borrowed or bl 12. “All ____!” 13. Motherless calf 14. *Wakanda’s Black ____ 19. Make havoc 22. Coach’s locker room speech 23. Oodles 24. ____ one, on a pass 25. *Mighty ____ 26. *Known to say: “You
wouldn’t like me when I’m angry” 27. Steer clear 28. Grimace in pain 29. More cunning 32. Make pretty, two words 33. Break a commandment 36. *America’s title 38. Vienna Boys’ group 40. Public house, for short 41. Devoid of reverence 44. Seeking damages 46. Wondering ones 48. Put through a blender 49. Offer two cents 50. Turkish honorific 51. Jealous biblical brother 52. Perfect houseplant spot 53. Bob ____, famous boxing promoter 54. Cat o’how many tails? 55. Cash dispenser 58. Morning condensation
Walker County Press-Page 3
Business Directory
Thursday June 10, 2021 2801 Old Houston Road 936-435-0303 www.tomorrowspromise.com email: tpms1@msn.com fax: 936-730-8278
TEXAS MEDIA CORP Huntsville
Wade Thibodeaux (936) 581-5161
P.O. Box 149
Huntsville, Tx 77342
wade@txmediacorp.com
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Covid may have changed things, but children still learn the same way! Our hours have changed to 5:00am - 6:30pm
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Texas Tidbits From Historic Tours of Texas
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Sam Houston was baptized twice?
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Did you know...?
The rest of the answer can be found at historictoursoftexas.com
Health Office: 936-295-6000 Email: huntsvilleoffice@ rolloinsurance.com Steven R. Gregory - Agent www.rolloinsurance.com 1010 University Ave. Huntsville, TX 77320
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Adult Sitter Services in your home or placement in our Personal Care home
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24 Hour Care or Adult Day Care Daily Activities and Scheduled Outings All Meals Provided Cleaning and Laundry Assistance with Medication and Hygiene
“Help With A Heart When Life Changes”
936-650-7199
Candace Ugarte - Owner/Operator
Thursday June 10, 2021
Arrest Report
Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home -All Prearranged Services Honored -Prearranged Funeral Sales
Joetta’s
Women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories Home Decor and gifts Tyler Candles and Glamour Wash
office: 936-661-6125 www.joettas.com
Walker County Press-Page 4
1700 Normal Park Huntsville, TX 77340
Located in West Hill Mill
936-291-7300
From the office of Walker County Sheriff
Clint McRae Sixty-Six individuals were arrested and booked into the Walker County Jail between Monday, May 28 and Sunday, June 6. Continued indictments
from last week are also as followed. The individuals named have been magistrated and formally informed of the charges against them.
However, just because these individuals were arrested and magistrated does not mean they are guilty of the crimes they are charged with committing. Also not
everyone charged with a crime is alleged to have committed the crime in Walker County, but perhaps was simply arrested in Walker County on
outstanding warrant(s) while in Walker County. In instances in which individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants, their orig-
inal conviction and the reason they are on probation or parole, if available, is included in parenthesis set.
Walker County Press-Page 5
Arrest Report
Thursday June 10, 2021
Personalizing Your Events...Since 1957 www.huntsvilleheartfieldflorist.com office: 936-295-5448
Corner of 16 and 31 Sam Houston Ave.
Thursday June 10, 2021
Arrest Report
Walker County Press-Page 6
Local News
Thursday June 10, 2021
Walker County Press-Page 7
Church Services Baptist: -University Heights Baptist Church worship services every Sunday at 9:30am and 10:45am -First Baptist Church Hunts-
ville every Sunday bible study at 9:30am, worship at 10:50, and 6:00pm Catholic: -St. Thomas the Apostale Catholic Church Rosary
at 5:00pm and 5:30pm (English) every Saturday and every Sunday at 7:45am (English), 10:45am (English, and 12:30pm (Spanish)
Tw o A r r e s t e d f r o m S h o t s Heard Call New Waverly
On Friday, May 28, 2021 around 1:15 pm the Walker County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a shots heard call in the 200 block of Tafelski Road, in New Waverly, Texas. Upon arrival deputies learned that a vehicle had come into the area and a passenger in the vehicle began discharging a firearm in the direction of multiple residences in the Waverly Village Apartments Complex. It was determined that no one was injured during the shooting but shell casings were recovered
from the scene. As the vehicle fled the scene witnesses were able to relay a description of the vehicle to dispatch. Deputies immediately located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle as it was leaving the scene. Two occupants were detained and transported to the Walker County Sheriff’s Office for interviews. Investigators located a firearm matching the caliber of the shell casings on the roadway near the location of the traffic stop, which will undergo ballistic testing.
Two suspects were arrested from the traffic stop. Daniel McMahon was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Control Substance (Penalty Group 3). Jerald Tremayne Merchant was arrested for Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, deadly conduct, and theft of a firearm. Sheriff Clint McRae would like to thank the witnesses that came forward with vital information as well as the deputies and investigators that worked this case.
Methodist: -First United Methodist Church worship every Sunday at 8:30am, 9:45am and 11:00am
Presbyterian: -First Presbyterian Church Huntsville classes every Sunday at 9:15am and worship at 10:30am
Non-Denominational: -The Ark Church. 10:30 am service. Loman’s Student Center, 1717 Avenue J. Lead Pastor - Luke Cunningham. 936-463-8416
Thursday June 10, 2021
Local News
Community Calendar Friday, June 11: -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library Monday, June 14: -Mother Goose Lapsit from 10:45am-11:45am at the library Tuesday, June 15: -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library -Free basic computer class from 11:00am12:00pm at the library -Pirates: History vs. Hollywood from 2:00pm-3:00pm at the library -Story time from 5:30pm-6:30pm at the library
Subscribe Today Name:____________________ Address:__________________ City, State, Zip: ___________________ $25.00 Mail Check or Money Order to: Walker County Press
P.O Box 149 Huntsville, Tx 77342
We Accept Most Major Credit Cards 409-296-9988
Wednesday, June 16: -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library -Familysearch workshop from 11:00am-12:00pm at the library Thursday, June 17: -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library -Book club from 10:30am-11:45am at the library -Lineage society workshop from 10:30am-3:00pm at the library -Free basic computer class from 5:00pm6:00pm at the library
Friday, June 18: -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library -Wild Things zoofari from 2:00pm-3:00pm at the library Monday, June 21: -Mother Goose Lapsit from 10:45am-11:45am at the library Tuesday, June 22: -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library -Free basic computer class from 11:00am12:00pm at the library -Story time from 5:30pm-6:30pm at the library
Walker County Press-Page 8
Bearkats Championship Parade& Celebration
The City of Huntsville ty celebration and pa- NCAA Division I Footwill host a communi- rade honoring the 2020 ball National Champion
Thursday June 10, 2021
Local News
Sam Houston Bearkats on Monday, June 28 at 6:30 p.m. The parade will follow the traditional route of beginning at 19th Street, traveling down Sam Houston Avenue, turning west on 11th Street, and ending at Ray Black Drive. The parade will make a brief stop at the Walker County Courthouse for the reading of proclamations from Mayor Andy Brauninger and
County Judge Danny Pierce. KSAM’s voice of the Bearkats, Rob Hipp, will serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies and will formally introduce the National Champions. “We are encouraging everyone to attend the parade or to submit an entry to participate. This is a community event and we want the community to show support and be involved,” says
City of Huntsville Tourism Manager, Tracy Rikard. The parade’s theme will be “Bearkat Spirit” and participants are encouraged to decorate their entries in Bearkat Orange and White. Trophies will be awarded for “Most Creative”, “Most Spirited”, and “Best Use of Theme.” To submit an entry please visit HuntsvilleMainStreet.com.
The 87th Legislature adjourned on May 31st, marking the end of a demanding session. Representative Ernest Bailes of House District 18 was able to take part in the establishment of meaningful legislation for his district, as well as the entire state of Texas. “It was an honor to serve the people of HD 18 this session as we cross the finish line known as sine die,” stated Rep. Bailes. “Unforeseen events in the last two years have brought numerous challenges to Texans, many of which we addressed legislatively through measures I was pleased to support.” As the only constitutionally-mandated task the legislature must complete each session, the state budget was approved for 2022-2023. Members were able to establish a balanced, fiscally responsible plan that reduced spending
overall by $13.5 billion. Representative Bailes passed, sponsored, and supported many key pieces of legislation, including but not limited to: ERCOT Reform Multiple legislative reforms were passed to ensure that Texas is prepared for future natural disasters. Second Amendment Rights - While maintaining protocols for background checks and all current laws regarding safe gun practices, the Firearm Carry Act further protects second amendment rights through permit-less carry. Rural Broadband Expansion - House Bill 5 creates the Broadband Development Office which will establish the expansion of broadband services to rural and underserved areas across Texas. Public Education Re-
form - HB 1525 brings about a new phase for restructuring public education, providing more equity across all Texas school districts and increasing the Foundation School Program formula funding. Support for Retired Teachers - The state budget increases the state’s contribution rates at the Teacher’s Retirement System (TRS), and allocates over $890 million to maintain current health insurance premiums and benefits through TRS-Care. Property Owner Rights - HB 448, included in HB 2730, establishes the opportunity for land owners to file a complaint against an entity proposing to acquire their property under eminent domain authority. Protection for Unborn Life - SB 8, the Texas Heartbeat Act, prohibits abortions after the detection of an unborn
child’s heartbeat. Healthy Texas Families - The pandemic made clear that Texas needs permanent solutions for easier access to health care, and HB 4 along with HB 2056 make technological leaps forward to promote engagement in health, telemedicine, and teledentistry services. A Safe and Secure Texas - SB 15 bans the sale of personal data from certain state agencies, and the budget allocates
Walker County Press-Page 9
over $1 billion on border security. Law Enforcement Support - HB 1900 provides corrective solutions for municipalities that do not appropriately fund their police, while SB 23 requires certain counties to hold elections before reducing the funding of the county’s primary law enforcement agency or reallocating their funds. Protecting the Freedom to Worship - Multiple measures were passed, confirming religious or-
ganizations and their activities are essential at all times, and ensuring no church is closed by a governmental entity. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve my community,” Bailes said. “I look forward to getting back home to provide details on the work we’ve accomplished, though there’s still work to be done on election integrity and bail reform in the interim.”
Gary P. Nunn at Old Town Theatre (contd) Representative Ernest Bailes Completes 87th Legislative Session
Gary P. Nunn moved over to the keyboard to finish out the evening’s entertainment last Saturday night. Huntsville before the song beginning with the Watson on Friday, July Covid-19 pandem- very first song he ever 2, 2021 at 8:00 pm. Get ic shuttered the entire recorded. Two and a half your tickets early as State. The crowd seemed hours later he finished this show will sell out enthusiastic to be out with his two most popu- quickly. Tickets for all celebrating and Nunn did lar songs before coming upcoming shows can be not disappoint. His band to the front of the theatre obtained at www.oldcame out for a short 30 for an impromptu meet towntheatre-huntsville. minute warm up session and greet. org. and then Gary took the Next up for the Old stage and sang song after Town Theatre is Gene
Community
Thursday June 10, 2021
Obituaries
Dorothy Thurlene Lahr Clark Dorothy Thurlene (Lahr) Clark, 89, of Montgomery, Texas, formerly of Woodward, Oklahoma, went peacefully into the arms of our Heavenly Father on the morning of June 1, 2021. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 8, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 11, at 10:00am in Clayton Hall at First Christian Church in Woodward, Oklahoma, followed by internment at Elmwood Cemetery. Dorothy was born in Woodward to Fred Jacob and Ruby Rebecca (South) Lahr on July 23, 1931, the youngest of their four children. Her father passed away not long after she turned two, but his family was still very much a part of her life and she spent
a lot of time on their farm while growing up. Though Dorothy was raised during the Great Depression with a young widow as head of the family and sole breadwinner, she liked to say she never knew she was poor. She had a wonderful childhood and an excellent role model in her hard-working, no-nonsense, tender-hearted mother. Further strengthening her character and turning her into an avid weather watcher, Dorothy survived the catastrophic Woodward tornado of April 9, 1947. Not long afterwards, Dorothy became smitten with the charming Alvin Ernest Clark, a tall, curly-headed childhood friend of one of her older brothers, Keith. After graduating from Woodward High School, Dorothy turned her attention to marriage and she and Al wed at First Christian Church of Woodward on September 4, 1949. While Al finished his Civil Engineering degree at Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater, Dorothy worked in the college library to support them. After safely re-
turning from serving his country with the Army Corps of Engineers in the Korean War, God gave them four stairstep children: Lesta Christine (Christy), Kay Ellen, Carolyn Yvonne and Neil Alvin. Al’s career with Humble Oil / Exxon took them across the western half of the United States over the next 34 years. Though Dorothy dreaded hearing the news of each impending move, she dutifully relocated her family and quickly got them settled in their new locale. She may not have realized it, but with her mother’s heart, home was wherever she was. Dorothy was a classic beauty, inside and out, with a dazzling smile, infectious laughter and generous spirit. She picked up on a person’s interests or unique qualities and would often bring them up in a way to make that person feel like the two of them had a little secret or connection...it was something different and special with everyone. She had a quick wit and perpetual twinkle in her eye. She did needle
crafts most of her life and was an excellent seamstress (there are a lot of Dorothy Clark creations still floating around out there). Books and puzzles were no match for Dorothy as she tore through them voraciously. Her family will cherish the letters she wrote to them over the years and the journals she kept while living with Al when he was transferred to Korea. And let’s not forget her green thumb (and our burned thumbs she doctored with her aloe plant) and her love of fishing (she could hook and reel them in with the best of ‘em). She loved all her pets from childhood on, but none was more beloved than her little Sugar dog, a dappled not-quite-miniature dachshund that never left her side (except if someone was cooking in the kitchen). Above all, Dorothy loved the Lord and served Him faithfully all her life. Though we are heartbroken and life feels empty without her, we are at peace and praise Jesus knowing she is in Heaven, completely healed, meeting up with all those who’ve gone before
Walker County Press-Page 10
her that she longed to see again. Her legacy and our memories go far beyond the confines of these few paragraphs. She was a devoted and cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, cousin, friend, neighbor and parishioner. We are so grateful to have had her in our lives, and she will be greatly missed by everyone she loved. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Al, parents Fred and Ruby, brothers Quintin (Bert) and Keith, sister Doris Sternitzke, and grandsons Ted Elliott and Chandler Clark. Dorothy is survived by daughters Christy Clark (Dave) of Montgomery, Texas, Kay Pentecost (Ron) of Lenexa, Kansas, and Carolyn Wood (Matt) of Alpharetta, Georgia; son Neil Clark (Sheridan) of Edmond, Oklahoma; granddaughters Ellen Harrison, husband Casey and children Chase and Emily of San Marcos, Texas, and Beth Knighton, husband Jeremy and children Sophia and Isabella of Edge, Texas; sister-in-law De-
lores Lahr Painter of Woodward, Oklahoma; and numerous beloved nephews, nieces, and close friends. Memorial donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to First Christian Church, 1316 9th Street, Woodward, Oklahoma 73801. Condolences to family my be made at www.shmfh.com
Jack Dempsey Townley Jack Dempsey Townley, 96, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2021. Jack was born on August 4, 1924 to Richard Harrison and Fannie Dunham Townley in Blanchard, Texas. He grew up during the depression, and joined the US Army in March of 1943. He proudly served his Country during World War 2 in the Central European Theater, serving as an infantryman. He was awarded 3 Bronze Stars, the Silver Star, and several other medals. He returned to Polk
Walker County Press-Page 11
County after the war, where he met the love of his life, Georgia Estelle Kelley. They married on April 22, 1947 and had three beautiful childrenJackie, Sandra, and Richard. Jack had many local business interests. He owned and operated the barbershop in the Loman Student Center at Sam Houston State University for over 30 years. Many young men got their first haircut or first military haircut in that barbershop. Many employees and friends came through those doors over the years. Jack was a 65+ year Master Mason at the Grand Lodge of Texas, Forest Lodge #19, as well as a Knights Templar. He never met a stranger- he would figure out who your family was, and there was always conversation to follow. As a member of the “Greatest Generation” Jack was a man of honor, integrity,
Community
and had a deep and abiding faith in God. His handshake was his word and bond. He put his faith into action daily. The measure of a life well lived is measured in love, and Jack had so much love to go around. Above all else, he was a cherished husband, Dad and PawPaw. We know there is a celebration going on in Heaven that has left a hole in our hearts. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Georgia, their daughter Sandra, daughter and son in law Jackie and Billy Woods, his brother Bay and sister Ida Mae Munson and special friend, Louise Fondren. Left to treasure his memory are his son and wife, Jack Richard and Debbie Townley, granddaughters Kelly King and husband Wade, Stacie Woods, Christie Woods and Colin Guinn, grandsons Greg Townley and Steven Townley and Jennifer Adams.
Great grandchildren, Brittanie and Jordan Dugas, Alex Vader and Vince Pale, Ross Vader, Lesley and Jace Zeller, Achillies and Cruz Guinn and Great-Great grandchildren Jack and Beaux Dugas, Joey Zeller, and Lorelei Pale, as well as many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, where Jack was a founding member. Visitation was Tuesday, June 8th from 5 to 7 pm at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. Funeral services were at 2 pm on Wednesday, June 9th at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. Burial followed in the Adickes addition of Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www. shmfh.com.
Sam Houston Memorial
Funeral Home
1700 Normal Park Huntsville, TX 77340
936-291-7300
Thursday June 10, 2021
C u s t ome rs Recei v i ng Fraudul ent Te x t s Posi ng a s DM V The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) has become aware that some customers are experiencing instances of information requests (via text messaging) purporting to come from TxDMV. This is known as phishing (the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information). A form
of phishing, smishing is when someone tries to trick you into giving them your private information via a text or SMS message to your cell phone. To you, our valued TxDMV customer, we cannot stress enough that TxDMV will never reach out directly via email, or text, requesting any personal information from you. If you receive such an email or text message
purporting to be from TxDMV, please do not respond to it. Trust your intuition. If an email or text message purporting to come from TxDMV just seems odd, or out of the ordinary, please ignore it. For your peace of mind, it is best to contact TxDMV directly if any messaging seems suspicious. Here is an example of a fraudulent text message received by some TxDMV customers:
Here is the best recommended action you can take upon receipt of such a message: Do not click on any links within the message. Block the sender of this message on your cell phone. Delete the text message. Use your own best judgement and trust your intuition.
Smishing is becoming an emerging and growing threat in the world of online security. To learn more about fraudulent messaging and text messages, we recommend the following informational link which should prove very helpful: https://efraudpreven-
tion.net/home/templates/?a=3 As always, be safe, be vigilant and exercise caution in your dayto-day communication needs via email or text. Thank you, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles IT Department
Walker County Press-Page 12
Lifestyle
Sunday Observations by Christy
Thursday June 10, 2021
You encourage a bigger Communication can never have felt like I problem than you had save us all from a cared about anything until you mess with to begin with….. all multitude of problems. enough to protest. those I love. because you opt to not Talking to others, not Flooding my home, my In an effort to not be respond. Until the 10th at others, helps as well. neighbors, my family, I one of the thousands day. Listening to those who promise you…. I care calling our drainage When you don’t put you in a position of enough. And while I district, I opted for an communicate, you power. Acknowledging may not show up with email. Few days went bring upon the air that one house flooded a picket sign, or march by, I followed up. Still of arrogance. The is too many. I’ve seen down a street, I have hearing crickets. Then I questions of honesty. some improvements become quietly…. followed up again, and The conversations over the course of the triggered. I hope my copied a few bosses in of comparing notes last 18 months with community has too. that email. Low and because you are our drainage district, This weeks response behold I got an email now viewed as I can’t omit that. But has proven what my the next day. untrustworthy. Simple the events of 3 weeks momma always told I was not asking for facts are, if you shut ago have proven, we me…… no one listens them to do brain surgery. down communication need more. More to me until I am at a I wanted to know if I you are perceived as work, more cleaning, full fledged scream. misunderstood an email guilty, whether you are more clearing, but The thing is, at this from their office a year or not. bottom line…… more point all of you should ago. The information Happy Sunday peeps. communication. I be too. I was given, appeared to disagree with what WOODS, WATERS, and WILDLIFE I saw on their website. I wanted clarification. It could have been handled super easily, and eventually THAT question was answered, By John Jefferson by the boss that I had to copy. I now I have a sit shot past me. Vicky ly held tripled-plastic down meeting coming accelerated into hot bags open as I released up soon. pursuit. I grabbed the the trash grabber hanBut I couldn’t help trash picker-upper that dles and bagged the bat. wondering, why? Why we handle dead crit- The Internet said don’t did it take 3 emails, We were on our deck ters with and followed freeze the specimen. why did I have to watching it rain. But closely. I heard her yell Next morning, I took involve bosses, why our dogs seemed highly “DROP IT!” several it to the Department of did it take TEN days interested in the empty times from inside. State Health Services to get a response? Why collapsible trash bin we If you had just nabbed Lab. must someone get so put pruned branches in. a wild thing, wouldn’t A nice lady called me damned angry in an Vicky said it might be a you have wanted to eat 24-hours later. The test effort to get a simple cotton rat as she tipped it on the living room was NEGATIVE. Our clarification? rug, too? Ours have dogs’ vaccinations are it over. C o m m u n i c a t i o n , Our smaller dog darted carted in dead rats, always kept current. transparency, and in, snapped at some- squirrels, a dove, and But we had been woropenness avoid a whole thing unseen, and an owl. Then Vicky ried after Ruger carried lot of issues. When you dashed out, heading to yelled, “It’s a bat!” And the bat in his mouth. All cease to communicate, the doggie door, and in- she didn’t mean a Lou- is well, though, followto respond, you bring side. isville Slugger! ing the negative report. on more questions. You “Something’s in his “Don’t touch it!” I Bats carry rabies -- an ingive people time to dig. mouth!” I yelled as he warned. She careful- sidious disease. But like
GOING BATTEY!
We all hear the words triggered, woke, angered, and simply fed up. We see people who have reached those levels. But what do you do, when you look in the mirror and realize…… that you have become…. triggered. I think everyone eventually has something in life that shakes them. That will bring out the fight in them. That will cause them to reevaluate how they handle the situation that has triggered their anger. The older you get the
more times you find yourself with this level of determination. It’s not that you are old and crabby. It’s that you have reached a point of seeing more, witnessing more, being deceived, and falsely led. There is much truth to becoming wiser with age. Over the course of the last three weeks, since an 18” rain event slammed Fannett, I have found myself with a boiling rage. Anyone who knows me knows I tend to stay calm, rational, and level headed. Right up
Walker County Press-Page 13 the fear of blood-sucking vampire bats from old horror movies, the fear is overblown. TPWD biologist, Jonah Evans, termed bat-born rabies as “uncommon”. He referred me to TPWD’s bat information. Accordingly, less than one-percent contract rabies. It does still occur, however. Keep your guard up. Don’t handle live bats -- they can bite -- or dead bats, barehanded. Get them tested. And don’t demonize bats. Their bad reputation overshadows the good they perform. Foremost, they eat kazillions of mosquitoes every night! Each bat consumes roughly 1,200, nightly. Some
are said to gobble close to 3, 000! As much rain as we’ve had in recent weeks, we’re expecting a monumental mosquito infestation! Texas hosts 32 species of bats. Most common is the Mexican Freetailed bat. Its main enemies are white-nose syndrome, rabies, hitting vehicles, wind turbine blades, and cold weather. Significant numbers migrate to Mexico each winter, but not all. Many remaining here -- and others returning early this year -- died from severe cold in February. Bats also greatly benefit agriculture and homeowners through pollinating crops and gardens. Agricultural
Lifestyle estimates are in the billion$. Bat droppings, known as guano, are commercially gathered, too – giving mosquitoes a purpose for existing … I guess. Bats retreat from daylight in caves, rocks, old buildings, bridges, mines, and trees. They’ve even become tourist attractions. Bracken Cave is the largest bat colony in the world, hosting 1520 million bats each summer. Located in southern Comal County near San Antonio, it is owned by Bat Conservation International. See website. The most popular site in Texas is Austin’s Congress Ave. Bridge. And it’s free!
Thursday June 10, 2021
Proceed to the Route
While trying to follow the driving directions of your smart phone, sometime you may take a wrong turn. Immediately your phone starts telling you “return to the route.”
The photo is of a Mexican Free-tailed bat, one of Texas’ 32 bat species. It may not look like a bat to most since its wings are folded. Fortunately, the Flying Fox Bat, weighing over two-pounds, with a wingspan over four-feet, is not native to Texas. The Mexican Free-tailed is small enough to fit inside a medium-sized dog’s mouth; and eats muchos mosquitoes. Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“In all your ways acknowledge the Lord, and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6) Ever take a wrong turn in life? Our Jesus is there to encourage us to “return to the route.” Danny R. Biddy, Chaplain: Chambers County Sheriff’s Office & Fellowship of Christian Cowboys
Lifestyle
Thursday June 10, 2021
Disclaimer: This column is the opinion of Publisher Wade A. Thibodeaux and may contain subject matter on a variety of topics, but usually contains humor of some description. An occasional serious thought may be thrown in to entice the reader to think.
I reached a milestone this past weekend. My youngest graduated from High School. Little did I know 19 years ago when I made the comment that it would be a race to see which happened first, her graduation from college or me signing up for Medicare that mine and her world would be much different in these 19 years. Within just a few hours of her birth, neither college or Medicare was the objective. She was fighting for her life in Texas Children’s Hospital and all I could do was pray for just the next hour to go better. She eventually won the initial battle and was discharged from TCH on Halloween day. The next few years provided additional struggles that involved countless doctors appointments, some medical procedures, another almost two week hospital stay with a round of pneumonia, and eventually things started to level out and she became stronger medically.
Things were going along pretty smoothly for her and she was learning to cope with her disabilities, and we were learning how to do things as well to accommodate her needs and I got a divorce. Now, Annie is living in two houses basically as she is shuffled from house to house on alternating weekends and she just goes with the flow. This scenario rocks along for a few years and we start to see a few changes in Annie. Some of the changes seem to be somewhat normal as in the onset of teenage years and some can be attributed to Annie figuring how to play her parents against each other so that Annie gets what Annie wants. Her Senior year is just an outright struggle to get her through the process as she has an extremely bad case of senioritis and I’m not certain that if it hadn’t been for Covid-19 and the alternative remote learning platforms that we would have actually made it through
the year to graduate. Regardless, we made it and we were pretty much ready for graduation. The night before graduation, Annie has a complete meltdown and I’m not sure that she will even walk across the stage the next morning. Now, this is where it gets interesting. I’m legally divorced, but I will never be completely separated from my ex wife because of Annie. My ex and I have our moments of disagreement, but we have always been able to set aside our differences for the benefit of the kids. We had been in communication all week in preparations for this graduation ceremony and all of the logistics that came along with it. I will be the first to admit, I don’t have a clue about how to do hair and makeup and how to color match shoes to the jewelry and all of that girly stuff. We had made plans to meet at a neutral location on the way to the graduation venue so
that my ex could put the finishing touches on Annie before she walked into the graduation ceremony, but then at 10:00 pm. the night before, everything changed. Annie’s meltdown called for a drastic change of plans and I went to bed that night with the plan of my ex being at my house at 6:00 am the next morning to help Annie regroup and get through this process. Thankfully,(Much credit to my ex) everything went smoothly and uneventful as the girls gathered in An-
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nie’s room the next morning and selected clothes, shoes, hair devices, and whatever else was needed for the day. Annie was in a much better mood and we all ended up at the venue looking presentable and ready for the day. I was able to get Annie situated and then was able to turn my attention to my job of taking pictures and covering graduation for the paper. Annie, as she has always been able to overcome obstacles, handled the ceremony like she was an old pro and even
though she was one of the first to cross the stage was right on point as she accepted her diploma from the Principal while shaking his hand and then proceeded to each stop along the way, shaking hands or taking a picture, whichever was required. It’s been a crazy ride, but I wouldn’t change it for the world......unless I could make it better for the kids. Congratulations, Annie......you made it. Till next time, I’m........Wade in the Shade.
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Walker County Press-Page 15
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