Hondo Anvil Herald (Hondo, Tex.), Vol. 113, No. 2, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 14, 1999 Page: 1 of 28
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HONDO ANVIL HEP
e.
Volume 113, Number 2
Thursday, January 14,1999
Published in Hondo, Texas
Our 113th'
Medina County's Leading Newspaper
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Hondo City Council
meeting date changed
The next Hondo City Council
meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan.
19, instead of Monday, Jan. 18, as
scheduled, due to the holiday.
Tobacco settlement funds
ignite county/city dispute
By Jamie Heyen
Anvil Herald Staff
Anvil Herald weather observer Gerry Bridges re-
ports the following information for the past week:
Date
High
Low
Rain
Wed., Jan. 6
67
38
.00
Thurs., Jan. 7
69
42
.00
Fri., Jan. 8
69
48
.00
Sat., Jan. 9
53
35
.00
= Sun., Jan. 10
59
26
.00
Mon., Jan. 11
68
36
.00
TUes., Jan. 12
69
43
.00
Total rain for the past week: 0.00 in.
Total tain for January: 0.00 in.
Total rain for 1999: 0.00 in.
Avg. high temp, for the week: 64.8°
Avg. low temp, for the week: 38.2°
High temp, for 1998:69°, Jan. 7,8 & 12
Low temp, for 1998: 23°, on Jan. 4
Rain in 1998, thru Jan. 12:0.40 in.
Rain in 1997, thru Jan. 12: 1.39 in.
NEW YEAR’S BABY...Joshua
Cort Puente, weighing in at 7
pounds, 0 ounces, was bom at
4:43 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 10,1999
in Medina Community Hospital.
Proud parents are Regina Walker
and Nicolas Puente of Uvalde.
Joshua is welcomed by his
brother and sisters, John,
Heather, Bianca and Kayla.
Grandmothers are Carolina
Puente and Orene Van Cleve of
Uvalde. Attending physician was
Jose Salinas, M.D.
Word received last week that Me-
dina County, along with the City of
Hondo would receive tobacco settle-
ment funds in the amount of $480,000
has sparked a debate over distribution.
The debate is related to the fact that
Medina Community Hospital is
unique in that both the City of Hondo
and Medina County share ownership.
The county owns 75 percent and the
city owns 25 percent. Guadalupe
County is the only other county in the
state where both city and county share
hospital ownership.
In a suit Filed almost two years ago
known as the Tobacco Settlement, all
of the state’s 254 counties will receive
a portion of the amount of money they
have paid towards indigent care.
By law, Medina County is obligated
to pay indigent care costs towards the
hospital. “We put it into our budget
every year” said county Judge David
Montgomery, who claims that the city
has not paid indigent care and feels the
city should not be receiving any of
the money being allocated.
Payments are based on population and
how much is spent in the county for
health care. The city’s population, ac-
cording to the 1990 census, is 6,018, and
is entitled to $106,284.34 while the
county’s listed population stands at
21,294 and will receive $376,074.90.
Montgomery feels that, since the
county has been paying indigent care,
the county should be receiving all of
the money as “payback” money.
According to Montgomery, those
who are “obligated” to pay and have
been paying should receive the funds.
Mayor Jim Barden received word
from city attorneys saying the City
of Hondo “is not statutorily obligated
to pay for indigent care,” therefore
it has not paid any monies toward in-
digent care. But because the city owns
25 percent of the hospital, it will re-
ceive a check based on population.
Barden said he has made it clear to-
wards Texas Department of Health that
the city has not paid any money to-
wards indigent care.
EAA plans to manipulate rain
Water conservation loans also get rubber stamp
By Jamie Heyen
Anvh. Hsrald Staff
During a board of‘director* meet-
ing held in Hdndo onAwsday, the Ed-
wards Aquifer Authority entered into
a contract with Weather Modification
Inc. (WMI) to conduct a precipitation
enhancement program in the Edwards
Aquifer region in 1999.
After an hour of discussions on
whether or not to go forward with the
cloud seeding program, EAA board
members, in a 10-5 vote, elected to ap-
prove the $500,000 contract with WMI
which includes a one year contract re-
newal option.The program is funded
by the Authority, however, the Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Com-
mission will reimburse the EAA for
fifty percent of the program costs.
“We have been working on this pre-
cipitation enhancement concept as one
of many strategies to manage the aqui-
fer. We have hired the best contractor
in the business, Weather Modification
Inc., based in North Dakota,” said
Gregory M. Ellis, General Manager of
the Authority. "They have the experi-
ence and qualifications to run an ef-
fective rainfall enhancement program
in our area.”
The board members who were op-
posed to the weather modification pro-
gram voiced concerns over liability
should cloud seeding cause a flood as
inOctober of ’98. Board member
Carole Patterson, argued that some-
times meteorologists are unaware of
possible flood potential storms until
the exact time of the storm.
ft was mentioned by board member
Mike Beldon that according fo t)ie WMI
contract, seeding would only take place
between April 15 and September 15.
The way cloud seeding works goes
something like this. When there is a
potential cloud in the area that looks
like it may produce rain, but has not
within a substantial amount of time,
WMI will proceed to ‘seed’ that cloud
to make it rain. The total lifespan of
a seeded cloud is approximately 45
minutes. “We will try to milk as much
from one cloud as possible,” said
Ellis. The clouds have to be within a
certain precipitation mode to be
seeded. WMI also hires a meteorolo-
gist to work with them to determine
which clouds should be seeded and
at what time.
Ellis also explained that for liabil-
ity masons, WMI would be totally re-
sponsible for any disasters that might
occur. In which case, WMI will make
the final decision on when to fly, al-
though, EAA along an advisory com-
mittee will be “on the ground” to help
determine when a good time to fly
might be. For example, the EAA
would advise WMI not to fly while
farmers are harvesting their com.
Patterson moved to table the deci-
sion for further conference and until
there is ample evidence that the Au-
thority will not be held liable in any
suit against cloud seeding. Only five
members were in favor to table the
contract, therefore the board contin-
ued to pursue approval.
Gary and Roy Fairley spoke on be-
half of the Cibilo Creek Residential
Association, arguing that cloud seed-
ing would only cause more problems
in the long run and once cloud seed-
ing procedures have begun, they
would be hard to halt should some-
thing go astray. Roy Fairley also
pointed out that lag time for cloud
seeding could take anywhere from 20
minutes up to an hour and a half.
The father/son duo also noted that
since the flood in October, they have
not yet been able to move back into
their home in Cibilo Creek and how
cloud seeding could have enhanced
the flooding situation.
Gary Fairley questioned the EAA
on other ways to possibly conserve
water other than resorting to cloud
seeding, saying that “cloud seeding is an
unnatural state,” he also pointed out that
the National Weather Service is not con-
tacted until after a cloud has been seeded.
Ellis explained that cloud enhance-
ment is a very long term project that
doesn’t just happen overnight. He also
explained that should the EAA have
any problems with WMI, they can
give the corporation a 10 day notice
for the contract to be cancelled with-
out any questions.
Jerry Green, another board mem-
ber out of Bexar county, said he would
vote against the contract because he
believes there are other ways to re-
charge the aquifer.
“We didn’t ask for this money, but
because the hospital is ‘obligated’ to
pay, and the city owns 25 percent of
the hospital, the city will get money,”
said Barden.
Montgomery feels that the law
should hold that the city should pay
towards indigent care, especially
since it(the city )is getting some of the
“payback” money.
In a letter from the Texas Depart-
ment of Health, sent to both Mont-
gomery and Barden, dated Jan 12,
Commissioner of Health William R.
Archer III states, “Uner the agreement
regarding distribution, if two or more
political subdivisions are statutorily
obligated by law to provide indigent
health care services, payment shall be
apportioned based on 1990 census
population numbers.” The letter goes
on to say, “Medina Community Hos-
pital, a public hospital, is jointly
owned by Medina County and the
City of Hondo. These ploitical sub-
divisions are entitled to have the to-
bacco payment apportioned between
the county and the city...”
Montgomery feels that since the
hospital is obligated to pay then the
city should be obligated as well.
“Be assured, I don’t feel like they
(the city) deserve this money. It is
payback for money that has been paid
out. They’re (the city) being paid be-
cause they are obligated to pay, although
they have not paid. Medina County will
expect them to pay one-fourth of indi-
gent care from here on out and may go
back and find other monies that should
have been paid,” said Montgomery.
“I don’t think it is important who
gets the money as long as it all goes
towards supporting indigent care,”
said Barden. The city will have to find
some way to work with the county to
administer the money so that it all
makes sense.” Barden went on to say
that the money the city gets will be
held in a separate account and will
not go towards the city’s needs, such
as repairing streets and the like.
“It is my opinion that the hospital
should be a separate entity. I would
like to initiate some discussion on this
topic,” said Barden.
Ellis refered to the cloud seeding
techniques that have been used in the
San Angelo area since 1985 showing
tfut total rainfall amounts have
incresed by 10 percent, which proves
that cloud enhancement will take a
sufficient amount of time to show re-
sults. Ellis felt confidant saying, “ we
could not make it flood if we tried.”
Patterson asked Ellis “if the aquifer
is above 700 feet, would we still fly?”
Ellis responded by saying, “no, our goal
is to keep the aquifer above 665. We will
know more as we do more testing."
Ellis said he believes that cloud
seeding will enhance the recharge
zone along with the use of brush con-
trol. He expressed that the EAA is
constantly trying to find new ways to
manage water and is looking into
some type of water storage. He ended
by saying, “seed enhancement is just
one Lego in the whole building.”
The board also approved ten
agircultural water conservation loans
in the amount of $860,316 for four
irrigators in Uvalde County and five
irrigators in Medina County. The
Texas Water Development Board pro-
vided the lowest interest loans, and ad-
ministered by the Authority, allows the
irrigators to install and use groundwa-
ter-saving irrigation equipment to im-
prove their irrigation techniques.
The next regular meeting of the
Authority board is scheduled for 4
p.m., on Feb. 16, at the Authority of-
fice, 1615 North St. Mary’s St. in San
Antonio.
Hondo chamber prepares
for 1999 awards nanquet
Hondo Area Chamber of Com-
merce directors will mark the begin-
ning of a new chamber year with the
annual Awards Banquet Thursday,
Jan. 21, at the Medina County Fair
Hall.
In addition to honoring local citi-
zens who have made significant con-
tributions to the betterment of the
community, the banquet gives busi-
ness people an opportunity to “net-
work” with others. Two outstanding
high school students are also singled
out by the Hondo Lions Club.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with
a social hour. A fajita dinner will be
served at 7 p.m. followed by presen-
tation of awards.
Claude Stanush, historian, author
and columnist with the San Antonio
Express for many years, will be the
speaker for the evening.
Castroville gives interim administrator,
public works director permanent jobs
By William Hoover
Anvil Herald Correspondent
Two of Castroville’s most impor-
tant employees, Bruce Alexander
and Donna Schueiing, are a lot more
confident about their future today.
Council voted to retain interim city
manager Donna Schueiing as city sec-
retary/administrator and drop her in-
terim status in an executive session
vote at the end of Tuesday night’s
council meeting. Schueiing has been
employed by the city for eight years.
Schueiing survived the vote 3-2,
winning official appointment to the
position. Council members Keith
Hazeltine and Kyle McVay declined
to vote for Schueiing. Both oppos-
ing city councilors expressed the
desire for someone with more pro-
fessional experience and more edu-
cation in public administration.
Schueiing was pleased with the
outcome regardless of the vote, “Two
of them were concerned about what
professionalism was; but, at least I
am in and I’m excited. The interim
title was confusing everyone.”
Bruce Alexander was retained as
permanent director of public works in
a unanimous vote. Alexander, who has
been with the city for 16 years, started
on the city’s electrical crew and
worked his way up to supervisor. Off
and on throughout his career Alexander
has been in charge of all city utilities.
Owl Band members
m *
earn All-State honors
Hondo High School seniors, Mike
Howard and Sherry Brambita,
earned All-State band honors at area
auditions held Saturday, Jan. 9, at
Alice and Banquete high schools.
The All-State ensembles are spon-
sored by the Texas Music Educators’
Association (TMEA) and the Asso-
ciation of Turns Small School Bands
(ATSSB).
Howard competed in the TMEA
audition process with over 30,000
baftd students across Texas. Most
students who participate in TMEA’s
All-State program are from 4A and
5Ai)igh schools. At Saturday’s area
auditions at Alice High School, Mike
was designated first chair by the
unanimous vote of a panel of five
percussion judges.
Bfambila, who plays the button,
competed in the ATCSB auditions
held at Banquete High School. Stu-
dents who participate in the ATSSB
..... ■■ .........■"■■■■■
4-----------
process are from 3A, 2A, and 1 A
high schools. This is the second year
in a row that Sherry has qualified for
the ATSSB All-State Band.
Mike will perform in San Antonio
with the TMEA 4A All-State Band
on Saturday, Feb. 6, at the TMEA
State Convention. The concert will
be held in the Lila Cockrell Theater
at I p.m.
Sherry’s concert with the ATSSB
All-State Band will be at 11:30 a.m.
the same day at the Scottish Rite Au-
ditorium in San Antonio.
Other students who auditioned at
the ATSSB Area contest in Banquete
were Janies Garza, Megan Height,
and Kyle Jones, percussion; Janelle
Ortiz, flute; Laura Neely and Lynn
Pocock, clarinet; Evita Mendiola and
Nancy Guajardo, alto sax; Robby
Rodriguez, baritone sax; and Craig
Neely, French horn.
Rodriguez, Carlos Tovar
face murder indictments
By Jamie Heyen
Anvil Herald Staff
Last Thursday’s Uvalde County
Grand Jury found sufficient evidence
to indict both country singer Johnny
Rodriguiez and his lifelong friend,
Carlos Tovar, in connection with the
Aug. 29 shooting of 26-year-old
Sabinal resident, Israel “Bosco”
Borrego.
When asked how Tovar was in-
volved in the case, District Attorney
Tony Hackebeil said Tovar was suffi-
ciently involved in the shooting, say-
ing, “his conduct was more than sim-
ply as a bystander."
Even though only one shot was fired,
a person assisting or aiding in the com-
mission of a homicide can be held ac-
countable for the conduct of another
according to the district attorney.
On the night of the shooting,
Rodriguez had been at Tovar’s house,
who lives across the street from
Rodriguez’s mother's residence,
where the shooting took place.
Rodriguez, Tovar and Borrego had
been together earlier in the evening.
Tovar’s bond was set at $50,000,
which is parallel to what Rodriguez’s
was in August. He reportedly turned
himself into Uvalde County Sheriff’s
Office after the indictment. Tovar is
believed to be living in San Antonio.
Alan Brown, Rodriguez’s attorney,
remains confidant that his client was
acting in self defense when the shoot-
ing occurred.
“This simple fact is, I don’t believe
that,” said Hackebeil.
In an interesting turn in connection
with the case, Richard Gipprich, a
deputy with the Bexar County
. . *
Sheriff’s Department, was indicted
for a Class A misdemeanor offense
for violating what is known as the Pri-
vate Investigator’s Securities Act.
He was allegedly working as a pri-
vate investigator for Alan Brown.
The Grand Jury believes Gipprich
was “engaged in the conduct of a pri-
vate investigator” without being cer-
tified by the state.
Borrego’s widow filed a civil suit
against Rodriguez in October claim-
ing Rodriguez had caused the un-
timely death of her husband. Mrs.
Borrego, her two children and her
mother-in-law have reportedly filed a
nonsuit in the case stating they do not
wish to prosecute the matter at this time.
The civil suit requested direct dam-
ages as a result of Borrego’s unnatu-
ral death, punitive damages and court
costs. The Borrego family also asked
that a temporary injunction be or-
dered restraining Rodriguez from
transferring funds or ownership of
any property or spending any sum of
cash in his possession or control ex-
cept for reasonable and necessary liv-
ing expenses.
District Judge Mickey Pennington
granted the motion for nonsuit which
was filed Nov. 15 by Borrego’s attorney,
Michael E. Fredrick of Fort Worth.
Rodriguez has waived his right to
appear before the arraignment hear-
ing, which will be held Thursday.
Tovar will be advised to secure his
own attorney for further trials.
Hackebeil concluded by saying it
will be left up to a jury to assess pun-
ishment and “prove elements beyond
a reasonable doubt.” He also added
that it may be late summer before the
case goes to trial.
■■.iA
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Hondo Anvil Herald (Hondo, Tex.), Vol. 113, No. 2, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 14, 1999, newspaper, January 14, 1999; Hondo, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth818965/m1/1/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Hondo Public Library.