TxDOT representative Eddie Guernsey points out details of the expansion.
Local residents attended a special Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Public Meeting at the S-T Cafetorium Thursday. TxDOT representatives were on hand to answer questions about the proposed widening of Hwy 181 between Sinton and Skidmore to a four-lane divided highway.
The meeting was led by TxDOT Advance Project Development Engineer, Victor Vourcos. Mr. Vourcos explained that the project was born out of a need recognized in 1992 when Hurricane Andrew resulted in gridlocked evacuation routes throughout much of South Texas. In 1993-94, a TxDOT task force identified Hwy 181 as a prime target for expansion and in 1995 began purchasing the railroad right-of-way in preparation for the potential project. Mr. Vourcos outlined the benefits of the expansion including foremost, the easing of hurricane evacuation, increased safety, and greater vehicular capacity. Currently, 4,300 cars travel Hwy 181 per day and that number is expected to increase to 6,000 cars per day by the year 2020.
TxDOT representative Eddie Guernsey next addressed the audience. With the aid of satellite imagery, Mr. Guernsey took the audience on a mile-by-mile tour of the proposed expansion beginning at the intersection of Sullivan Street and Hwy 181. He explained that all intersections would be realigned at right angles to eliminate blind spots experienced by school buses and "ranchers hauling those big horse trailers." Crossovers with designated safe turn lanes would be placed approximately every 1/2 mile and at places where 181 intersected county roads. Mr. Guernsey explained that relatively little private property would be affected by the new roadway as the northbound lane would run roughly over the top of the former San Antonio & Aransas Pass railway line.
The cost of the project is estimate at $27 million dollars. If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2006 with the expansion of Hwy 181 between Sinton and St. Paul and continue to Skidmore in 2008. The entire project is scheduled for completion by 2009.
The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session in which Mr. Vourcos explained that funding for the project was already earmarked, no homes or businesses would be displaced, and that TxDOT would work towards equitable reimbursement for any landowners whose property was affected by the project.
An aerial view of the intersection of 181 and SH 359. Yellow areas represent new or improved roadways. Pink areas represent "Right-of-ways to be acquired."
The Signal has added a new section to the website devoted to local church news. We're also trying something a little different by allowing local church members to post news directly to the website. And what better way to serve your church than to help spread the word about upcoming events and activities? If you are interested in submitting news and events directly to the Signal, email us at 
Parents may register their children for Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten Friday, May 7, 2004 at the Elementary office from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The following guidelines must be met by those who are registering children for Pre-Kinder:
On February 9, 2004, the Skidmore-Tynan ISD Board of Trustees, during their regular meeting, called for an election to be held on May 15, 2004, to elect two (2) trustees to the Board. The polling place will be at Skidmore-Tynan Elementary School between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted each weekday at the Central office located in the Events Center of Skidmore-Tynan ISD between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on regular business days beginning on April 28, 2004 and ending on May 11, 2004. The Board designated additional early voting to be held at the same location on Saturday May 1, 2004 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Applications for early voting ballot by mail should be mailed to Early Voting Clerk, POB 409, Skidmore, TX. 78389 and must be received no later than the close of business on May 7, 2004. -- Submitted by Rebekah Herzog, Early Voting Clerk.
Edwin Wallek Jr. recalls creative methods of planting used by his father during a 1950's drought, plus one "smart" dog in 
The Reverend Finis Jeffery and his wife Shirley will be the guests of honor at Sunday's 10 a.m. service at the United Methodist Church in Skidmore. The Reverend and his wife spent 30 years in Korea performing missionary work and are now enjoying a well deserved retirement in San Antonio. The Jefferys' friendship with the Fluths' dates back over 50 years as they attended the SMU Seminary together.
The Bobcat Little League Major Girls softball team braved an intermittent light rain Monday night to play the first official game for the newly formed league. The girls suffered some opening day jitters, falling to to their opponents 10-4, but sure looked sharp in their new Bobcat Little League uniforms. Kaitlyn Cortez was credited with earning a historic first run for the new league. You go girl.
