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Wimberley View
Lions Club makes shopping easy at September Market Day
Wimberley Market Day will take place again next month during the Labor Day weekend on Saturday, Sept. 2. The Wimberley Lions Club’s directory and map, available at Lions Field, makes quick work of finding unique treasures such as the beautifully crafted cedar table shown in the accompanying photograph. Lions members at the information table at Gate 2 will be able to direct visitors to specific vendors and the many concession stands around the multi-acre marketplace, to assist in and enhance shoppers’ treasure hunting experience. As always, live music starts at 11 a.m. and goes until about 1 p.m. Angelo and the Blue...
Players present classic ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’
Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize Winning, “A Streetcar Named Desire” opens on The Wimberley Players stage Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 24. In 1947, only two years after his highly successful play “The Glass Menagerie” premiered, Tennessee Williams at the age of 36 opened “A Streetcar Named Desire” – a future Pulitzer Prize-winning American masterpiece that still captivates audiences with its powerful portrayal of intricate human relationships and such issues as mental illness, domestic violence, and repressed sexuality. Over the next few years, his writing legacy continued with some of the most iconic plays to grace the American theater stage including...
Library deadline draws near, Ozona Bank leads with new donation
Ozona Bank has continued their support of the Wimberley Village Library expansion and renovation project with an additional gift of $7,500. Presented on Aug. 22 by Ozona President Kelly Barclay, the funds will go towards the renovation of the library’s existing structure — the second part of the overall project. Prompted by the library’s Aug. 31 deadline to raise the remaining $300,000 for the renovation, Barclay said she hopes the gift will spur community donors to help. “The bank’s directors, officers and staff are excited to be a part of the Wimberley Village Library’s journey,” said Barclay. “We encourage the residents...
Kotarba & his ‘Music in the Course of Life’
If you are a regular at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse, the singer-songwriter performance venue in Wimberley, you might see Joe Kotarba selling tickets. He is a regular volunteer there, not just as a music lover, but as a sociologist researching the relationship between music and the experience of the self. For four decades, Kotarba has been researching baby boomers and their music experiences. He learned that boomers didn’t outgrow the rock ‘n’ roll of their adolescence but have allowed it to inform and define the remainder of their lives and the world around them. In his newest book, “Music in the Course of...
COUNTY UPDATES
, Hays County residents and visitors can now access crime and arrest data for all of Hays County on one platform: Citizens Connect. The system by Tyler Technologies boasts being the first in Texas to have all law enforcement agencies in the same county sharing data on a single Citizens Connect platform. Through a collaborative effort between Hays County Sheriff’s Office, San Marcos Police Department, Kyle Police Department, Buda Police Department and Texas State University Police Department, these agencies now have a shared computer database of crime activity that is also accessible to the public. This system provides the agencies with...
Riffs, Roams and Raves: A Weekly Column
Riff: Bob Livingston, Part Two Last week we learned that Buddy Holly’s “vibey desk” in Miss Honey’s classroom, in which he was allowed to sit, offered up one final bit of advice for young Bob Livingston – “Get out of Lubbock.” And get out he did. In ’69 he moved to Red River, New Mexico where he met Ray Hubbard, “Before he was Ray Wiley Hubbard,” he said in a tongue-in-cheek aside that poked fun at his pal’s branding team. By 1970 he was signed to Capital Records which led to a move to California where he met Michael Murphey. He...
Chamber of Commerce to revive annual bat festival
The Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced the return of Wings Over Wimberley, a fun-filled festival that took place previously in 2019 and 2021. This year’s event will take place on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 8–9, between the Cypress Creek bridge and Ozona Bank. The festivities will take over the Ozona Bank property that runs along RR 12. We Are Blood will also be set up at the Wimberley Visitors Center for a blood drive on Friday, Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “We are excited to bring WOW back,” said Pamela Rudd, committee coordinator. Live music will begin onsite...
Aqua Texas fined almost $450,000 for overpumping
Local water utility company Aqua Texas was fined nearly half a million dollars for pumping almost twice the amount of water it was allowed last year out of the Trinity Aquifer. The company is now contesting that fine. The $448,710 fine was levied by the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District earlier this year. As reported by The Wimberley View in May, data obtained by The Watershed Association showed the Aqua Texas System in Woodcreek North pumped 374 acre-feet of water in 2022. While their permitted volume, outside of drought restrictions, is 339 acre-feet per year, their drought-allotted volume for 2022 was...
Wimberley Lions Club welcomes new president
Last month, the Wimberley Lions Club installed their new president and board members. The new president, Frank “Lion Boss” Curtis, will serve from 2023 through the end of June 2024. A club member since 1989, Curtis said, “I am honored to be president of the Wimberley Lions Club. The Club is over 50 years old, and it has contributed so very much to this community.” Recalling his initial involvement with the Lions, he said, “My sponsor, Barry Rhodes, who is still an active Lion, told me, ‘Frank, if you want to make things happen in Wimberley, then you have to join the...
Local haberdashery supports slow fashion
, In a handsome, tastefully appointed space at the corner of FM12 and RR3237 in the Keller Williams building is Wimberley’s very own haberdashery, Felix T. Jack. Since opening in November 2021, the shop acquired the handsome patina of a destination, where choosing quality clothing and accessories is part of an unhurried, intentional experience. Co-owner Heath Tolleson says the store pays homage to his grandfather, for whom the store is named, and his father, who liked to conduct business over a cup of coffee and conversation. “For me, it’s all about the connection,” said Tolleson. Inside, you’ll find denim lines from Glenn’s...
Fires ignite in a dry Hays County
A nearly monthslong drought has settled over Hays County while high temperatures continue to leach from the region’s precious water resources. Both factors have been instrumental in causing wildfires throughout the area and beyond, including two separate fires early this week. This month alone has seen around half a dozen wildfires, burning almost 500 acres of land, according to the Hays County Office of Emergency Management. The largest of these, the Oak Grove Fire, burned approximately 400 acres of land just east of Wimberley and lasted for several days before reaching 100% containment. On Monday, Aug. 21, the Office of Emergency Management shared a post on social media regarding the critical fire conditions in the area. Minutes later, a wildfire ignited in Buda, covering 28 acres before it was contained, according to information later released by the county. While crews were still fighting that fire, another fire ignited on the outskirts of Kyle, near FM 150 and Teal Lane. The smaller fire reached 100% containment an hour and a half later, according to the county.
Wimberley students back on campus
, , , , , Private, public and charter-school students throughout the Wimberley Valley headed back to class last week for the beginning of the 2023–2024 school year. This year marks the first time that the seventh grade was offered as an option at the Katherine Anne Porter School, which started its fall semester on Monday, Aug. 14. Wimberley ISD and St. Stephen’s Episcopal School began a few days later, celebrating their first day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 16. With the beginning of the school year comes the commencement of fall sports, many of which have already begun practicing and competing. Wimberley High School’s tennis and volleyball teams have already gone on the road for multiple matchups. Texan football will soon join them, kicking off its season with a game at home against Canyon Lake High School. The game is one of over 40 Peanut Butter Bowl games across the state in which schools compete to collect the most peanut butter jars. Donations can also be made online atpeanutbutterbowl. com.
Protecting land resources for future growth
Editor’s Note: This is Part Two in a series looking at conservation measures for land and water resources in Hays County. When one thinks of Texas, the concept of wide open spaces– land as far as the eye can see–immediately comes to mind. That land is precious to the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network which created the Hill Country Land, Water, Sky, and Natural Infrastructure Plan, based on input of from thousands of Texans. According to the network, the purpose of the plan is to steward natural resources and expand opportunities for all socioeconomic groups to experience these resources. The Texas Hill Country...
Blue Hole closes swim area, waits to re-evaluate
Blue Hole Regional Park announced on Monday the closure of its popular swimming area for two weeks, effective August 21 at 6 p.m. According to the park, swim conditions will be reviewed again in two weeks, and the possibility of further closures will be assessed depending on the circumstances. Despite E. coli levels currently remaining within normal ranges, the insufficient water depth at Cypress Creek, which flows through Blue Hole Regional Park, rendered swimming unsafe. Currently, Cypress Creek is approximately two feet below its normal level at the Blue Hole swimming area section. “We understand the disappointment and frustration that this early...
Experts weigh in on educating, training workforce
Editor’s Note: This is Part One in a series looking at education and workforce issues. The annual State of Workforce & Education Summit was hosted by the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater San Marcos Partnership last week, bringing both local and statewide leaders together to discuss the current conditions of education and employment. The event was held Wednesday, Aug. 9, in San Marcos. Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse gave a ‘State of Texas State University” address, focusing much of his 20-minute speech on fostering entrepreneurship and business innovation at the school, including an announcement of plans to double...
Event Views
WEEKLY EVENTS Adult Craft LAB with Wimberley Library Adult Craft LAB is a year-round tinker and craft program for adults 18+. Classes are held virtually via Zoom. Classes run on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. There is a class limit of 10 on a first come, first-served basis. Supply kits are free and included with each class. Supply kits are available inside the library in the craft area, Monday–Wednesday from 1 to 6 p.m. Farmers and Artisan Market The new Farmers & Artisan Market is a communitybased event specializing in fresh foods from growers, allowing people to buy their food directly from those...
Riffs, Roams and Raves:
Riff: Bob Livingston, country music gamechanger If Bob Livingston doesn’t top your list of Texas music luminaries and genre game changers, set his name in stone next to Willie, Waylon, Jerry Jeff Walker, Michael Martin Murphey, Ray Wiley Hubbard, Gary P. Nunn and the other Cosmic Cowboys who ushered in America’s progressive country music scene. At 74, this singer- songwriter musician is at the top of his game with an astonishing list of accomplishments behind him. According to Wikipedia, he has “toured without stop for 47 years” making him one of the “most experienced and world-traveled musicians in all of Texas...
COUNTY UPDATES
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra used the burn ban agenda item as a chance to discuss the Oak Grove Fire at last week’s Commissioners Court meeting. At the meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 8, Becerra analyzed the approximately 400acre fire that tore through Hays County, just northwest of San Marcos, earlier this month. He pointed out the need for additional access to the area by safety personnel. According to Hays County officials, as of 4:51 p.m. on Aug. 8, the official toll for acreage burned remained at 400. The Hays County Fire Marshal determined the cause of the fire was accidental and was...
Wimberley Institute of Cultures thanks sponsor
The Wimberley Institute of Cultures was recently included as a recipient of funds collected by ACE Hardware at their monthly Round Up at the Register for local nonprofit organizations. ACE’s Christy Degenhart sent their thanks to the community for choosing and continuing to choose to round up at the register for nonprofits. WIC is run by volunteer members who are interested in preserving the history of Wimberley and the surrounding valley by hosting meetings and events of historical and cultural nature and maintaining the Wimberley Valley Museum. This includes the 1857 Winters-Wimberley House and the 1877 Wimberley-Hughes House, as well as historical documents and photographs. The roundup funds come at a time of rising maintenance costs and are much needed, according to WIC volunteers. The Wimberley Valley Museum is open Friday afternoons and every Market Day weekend. Additional information about WIC and the events it sponsors can be found at wimwic. org.
Leaning Pear constructs new bar, expands
Wimberley’s Leaning Pear Restaurant will break ground this fall on an expansion of their bar, patio and parking area. “We’ll be tearing down the existing bar structure and building a 1,000 square foot bar with seating inside for up to 40 guests,” said owners Matthew and Rachel Buchanan. Along with a new building, we’ll have a pergola over outdoor tables on the side of the new bar.” Coinciding with the construction of the new bar will be the expansion of their liquor license. At present, they offer beer and wine. “We will also be offering a small menu of nibbles – bar bites...
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