Vote With Your Head

General information about Tuesday's 2006 Primary and General Election can be found on the Texas Secretary of State's website. This website also contains a printable plain-text Bee County Ballot.

Visit www.uselections.com for a list of candidates (including current office holders) with links to their websites. And finally, if you prefer to be a super-informed voter, try logging into www.vote-smart.org for extensive information on candidate positions on hot issues, voting records, biographical information, etc. Be be an informed voter!

County Judge to Sue Bee-Picayune

The Signal passes on the following information without comment:

Oct. 27, 2006 Letter - via email:

Bee County Judge Jimmy Martinez To Sue Beeville Bee Picayune For Falsehood

For years the Beeville Bee Picayune has attacked and harassed minority public servants who have been elected to various offices in Beeville and Bee County. This pattern of harassment and attacks crossed the line on Friday, October 27, 2006. In recent articles published by the Beeville Bee Picayune the local newspaper knowingly and recklessly printed material falsehoods about Bee County Judge Jimmy Martinez who is the Democratic candidate up for reelection in the November 7, 2006 General election.

While the Beeville Bee Picayune is known for the slanted one-sided stories it prints, and which is protected under the first amendment, it can not knowingly or recklessly print material falsehoods. “This is exactly what they have done,” states Bee County Judge Jimmy Martinez. “I emphatically deny that I have ever taken a bribe, or gift for political or personal gain.”

Friday’s article is just the latest and perhaps the most serious example of misrepresentations of facts and the telling of half-truths, and he believes that the paper’s repeated presentation of “facts” in such a slanted manner has crossed not only the boundaries of journalistic integrity, ethics and professionalism, it also is actionable.

Judge Martinez is further consulting counsel to see if Friday’s article does not actually constitute free advertising for the benefit of his opponent and a political contribution to his opponent by a corporation. If so, the Bee Picayune’s actions may constitute a felony and Judge Martinez will request the appropriate authorities to investigate further.

Attorneys for Judge Martinez will be filing a lawsuit in the Bee County District Clerk’s Office.

JIMMY MARTINEZ
Bee County Judge

Trans-Texas Corridor Reality Check

Stacie Bednorz informs the Signal of the latest CorridorWatch.org Bulletin "TxDOT's 'Myth Versus Reality' Press Release Misses the Mark." Read all about it on the CorridorWatch.org website.

Update: Newsvine.com also has a story on the proposed project: Texas farmers furious over superhighway.

Bee County Youth Board Seeks Young Leaders

The Bee County Extension Office, of Texas Cooperative Extension, is starting a Youth Board for Bee County. The Board will be made up of high school youth in Bee County. Members will meet at least two times a year, attend a leadership training day camp during the summer, and host at least one youth program each year.

We are looking for a “few good youth” to help start the inaugural Youth Board for Bee County. Candidates should possess a drive to help better Bee County youth programs and a willingness to participate. Members will be trained on the components of the Youth Board and implement the planning process for a youth-based program here in Bee County.

For many years, youth programs have been planned and lead by adults. While these programs may have been successful, research shows that when young people work with adult volunteers the programs will be more successful and have greater impact; the ability of young people to communicate well, solve problems, and work effectively with others will increase significantly.

The County Youth Board’s purpose is to help the county Extension agent determine what programs should be implemented from year to year, determine how to reach new youth audiences, and identify youth issues that should be addressed in Bee County. The benefits to youth serving on this board include being a significant part of the educational process, seeing the impact the Youth Board has on the county, seeing positive changes in program participants, and developing skills members can use for the rest of their lives.

The Bee County Extension office has received a Rural Youth Development Grant to fund youth programs in the county. As a part of this grant, Rusty Horn, Madelyn Juranek, and Allison Porter received special training in launching the Youth Board. This training will serve as the model for the training all Youth Board members will receive in July.

Youth on the Youth Board will have the unique opportunity to represent Bee County youth and experience first rate leadership and life skills trainings. Any youth interested in being a part of the Youth Board (or if you know a youth who would contribute to the youth board) may contact Rusty Horn, County Extension Agent – Family and Consumer Science, Bee County at 361-362-3280 or rrhorn@ag.tamu.edu

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Don't Toss that Old Cell Phone!

Bee Proud Bee Clean’s used cell phone and ink cartridge recycling project is back for the summer! If you have a used cell phone collecting dust somewhere in your home or office now is the time to see that it is disposed in an environmentally friendly way.

The average American replaces his or her cell phone every 12 months. The result is that Americans discard more than 130 million used cell phones a year. That’s four cell phones per second! All of which adds up to 65,000 tons of potentially toxic waste generated annually. Bee Proud Bee Clean in cooperation with EcoPhones, a Texas cell phone recycler, seeks to address this growing concern while simultaneously raising money for its community projects. In the Cell Phone Recycling Fundraiser, the group is paid for each digital cell phone collected. EcoPhones refurbishes and resells cell phones that have value and recycle the remainder in accordance with EPA regulations. Used printer ink cartridges are also being collected.

Cell phone and ink cartridge collection boxes are available at the Bee County Tax Assessor-Collectors Office located at 411 E. Houston, Beeville. Used cell phones and ink cartridges (those that will fit in the palm of your hand ONLY) may be dropped off during regular office hours at this location. Cell phones are also being collected at Charlies Treasures, located at 300 W. Corpus Christi. For more information on the cell phone and ink cartridge recycling project please call 375-2558.

Judge Jimmy Martinez Calls for Exxon-Mobil Boycott

KRIS-TV 6 reports that on Monday, the county commissioner's court voted 4-1 to pass a resolution that urged folks to stop buying gasoline from Exxon-Mobil on May 1, and not to buy it again, until the price drops to a $1.309

County Judge Jimmy Martinez said the boycott has to work. He believes if people don't buy Exxon gas, then Exxon is forced to lower its price and the other companies are forced to follow. But others believe it's just not that simple.

Bee County has three Exxon stations - all owned by the same local company. That company told 6 News the only impact an Exxon boycott would have would be on their profits from the sale of food and merchandise, which makes up for about a third of their sales.

For the full take, visit KRISTV.com for the full story:

04.24.2006 - Bee County Commissioners call for boycott of Exxon-Mobile [KRISTV]

Trans Texas Corridor Update

TTC-35 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (DEIS) ISSUED.

It’s out – and look out! The Federal Highway Administration has now released the Draft EIS for TTC-35 which includes 521 miles of toll road that TxDOT and Cintra Zachry want to see open by 2015.

In the path, as it has been narrowed today, are more than one and a half million acres of prime farm land, almost one million people, three major aquifers, more than 8 thousand acres of public park land, and more than 100 acres of federally recognized historic sites. From North to South the Recommended Preferred Corridor Alternative impacts these counties: Cooke, Grayson, Collin, Hunt*, Rockwall, Kaufman, Dallas*, Ellis, Navarro*, Hill, Limestone*, McLennan, Falls, Bell, Williamson, Travis, Bastrop*, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Bexar, Wilson*, Medina, Frio, LaSalle, and Webb. ( * Path could avoid these counties)

CorridorWatch.org will provide county-by-county TTC-35 maps in the very near future.

TTC-35 April 2006 DEIS Map (4MB)

Full DEIS Document

More analysis and detail from CorridorWatch coming in the next few days. -- CorridorWatch.org BULLETIN #2 04.04.06 submitted by Stacie Bednorz.

Hazardous Waste Pickup Thursday at Bee County Coliseum

Do you have old car batteries, pesticide containers, or used motor oil at your home or farm? If so, now's the time to safely dispose of them. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is sponsoring the Texas Country Cleanup.

Items accepted include Lead-Acid batteries (car, boat, tractor, etc.), used motor oil and filters (limit two 55-gallon drums of oil per participant), transmission fluids, brake fluids, power steering fluids, and empty plastic pesticide containers (high pressure or triple rinsed with lids and paper instructions removed).

Texas Country Cleanup
8:00 a.m. to Noon
Thursday, February 18, 2006
Bee County Coliseum/Expo Center

Call Donnie Montemayor at 361-362-3280 for more information.

Recycle Your Old Cell Phone

A used cell phone and ink cartridge collection is underway sponsored by the Bee Proud Bee Clean organization. If you have a used cell phone collecting dust somewhere in your home or office now is the time to see that it is disposed in an environmentally friendly way. If you are like most Americans, chances are you probably do--the average American replaces his or her cell phone every 12 months. The result is that Americans discard more than 130 million used cell phones a year. That’s four cell phones per second! All of which adds up to 65,000 tons of potentially toxic waste generated annually.

Bee Proud Bee Clean in cooperation with EcoPhones, a Texas cell phone recycler, seeks to address this growing concern while simultaneously raising money for its community projects. In the Cell Phone Recycling Fundraiser, the group is paid for each digital cell phone collected. EcoPhones refurbishes and resells cell phones that have value and recycle the remainder in accordance with EPA regulations. Used printer ink cartridges are also being collected. This is the groups second cell phone recycling effort. The first held in the Spring was considered very successful for a first time effort.

Cell phone and ink cartridge collection boxes are available at the Bee County Tax Assessor-Collectors Office located at 411 E. Houston, Beeville. Used cell phones and ink cartridges (those that will fit in the palm of your hand ONLY) may be dropped off during regular office hours at that location. This recycling effort will end on December 31 so the public is asked to make their donations as soon as possible. For more information on the cell phone and ink cartridge recycling program please call 375-2558. -- Submitted by Elizabeth Villines

Positive Outlook for Bee County

In his latest dispatch, Bee County Judge Jimmy Martinez shares a report from Bee County Community Affairs Department Director, Dennis DeWitt. The report details the many positive developments currently underway right here in Bee County.

Bee County Judge Jimmy Martinez

"The following information is in response to our conversation December 1st regarding good news in Bee County. It was compiled as a wrap-up of individual items that have been in the local news or as a result of contacts to the Community affairs Department staff regarding permitting and necessary certifications. Please be advised large corporations and businesses sometimes have plan and timeline changes depending on economic and other conditions. Our office has received comments from several Bee County residents that nothing ever happens in Beeville or Bee County.

The following listing indicates there is a huge movement toward the bright future of the entire county with most of the following occurring within the next eighteen months. Historically and economically, when these type improvements in an area begin to become evident there are several more companies or businesses waiting for final plans and complete financial commitments to finalize before announcing intentions and begin their construction.

• Super Walmart coming in. Planned 180,000square foot building across from old K-Mart now TSC)-construction hopefully is beginning early 2006.

• City of Beeville to construct new water tower to supply Super Walmart and North Beeville water pressure.

• 95% chance helicopter repair company moving into several aircraft hangers at Chase Field (+- 250 workers) area being prepared now-parking lots, phone lines...

• RanchHand bumper and grill guard manufacturing coming in-to be located in former Bowman beer distributor building off highway 202

• Out of state BBQ business moving into old Burger King building on Hwy 181 business North-cleaning up location now-new roof, interior renovations

• Exxon on West side of Beeville (hwy 59W) planning on extensive renovation/demolition/rebuild

• Exxon on East side (hwy 59E) rebuilt-now Shamrock (Valero) approximately $1.5
million investment

• Major road improvements-Hwy 59, including major bridge replacement East of Beeville, East of cattle sale barn

• Loop 351 improvements over l/2 complete-now working on southeast section near Capehart subdivision

• Main bridge serving downtown Beeville over Poesta Creek being replaced-demolition complete, base superstructure construction beginning

• $6 million in historic courthouse renovations moving along-projected opening late spring 2006

• $1 million courthouse annex building almost complete-across street from courthouse-projected opening late December 2005

• CVS pharmacy to construct building off hwy 59 in vicinity of Archer Street/movie theater

• Laredo National Bank to locate in Beeville and construct new facility off Hwy 59 in vicinity of Archer Street/movie theater

• Long John Silvers to partner up with A&W root beer at current location-will add to current building

• New store/restaurant to be constructed off Hwy 59 West of Amos Welders Sales

• Coliseum improvements up and running +- $1.5 million-new arena, parking, restrooms

• Public water and sewer installation/upgrades almost complete in Skidmore $4 million project

• Public water and sewer installation/upgrades almost complete in Tynan (phase 2) $+-300,000

• $75,000 Grant for low income on-site sewer system replacement for North Bee county residents complete

• $300,000 grant for low income on-site sewer system replacement for South Bee County residents on-going

• $millions in school improvements complete-new gym, new administration building, new "elementary" school

• New, fabulous 400# bronze plaque dedicated to Bee county graduates that have served in a war zone-names and war zones detailed on plaque

• New, outstanding "Veterans Walk of Honor", with names, rank, calendar years in military-engraved on brick pavers- to be finished soon between Congressman Hinojosa's office and new Criminal Justice Center across from courthouse-to be dedicated as the Veterans Plaza, to citizens of Bee County who have served in the military

• New Subway sandwich restaurant being constructed off Hwy 59 near Tio Tire Store

• New tamale retail sales outlet moving to Beeville soon-Granny's Tamales Too-home office/manufacturing plant is in Corpus Christi-moving into former "Read's Bookstore and delicatessen near downtown post office."

Dennis DeWitt - Director, Bee County Community Affairs Department.

Korean Veterans Honored in Special Liberty Tree Ceremony

On Monday, November 14th, veterans of local Beeville VFW Post 9170 and Ladies Auxilliary, along with community members and representative of S-T ISD, gathered beneath the big oak tree at the entrance of Skidmore's Evergreen Cemetery to honor those who died in the Korean War and to recognize those few veterans still among us.

The Skidmore-Tynan band played the National Anthem and a beautiful rendition of "Taps" during the ceremony.


Spectators applaud as the plaque is unveiled.

Local dignitaries in attendance included, State Representative Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles, County Judge Jimmy Martinez, and County Commissioners Ronnie Olivares, Eloy Rodriquez, Susan Stasny, and Carlos Salazar.

Click here for more Liberty Tree Dedication photos at Shutterfly.com

Donate Old Cell Phones and Ink Cartridges to "Bee Proud Bee Clean"

Do you have a used cell phone collecting dust somewhere in your home or office? Chances are, you probably do. The average American replaces his or her cell phone every 12 months. The result? Americans discard more than 130 million used cell phones a year. That’s four cell phones per second! All of which adds up to 65,000 tons of potentially toxic waste generated annually. The phones’ disposal in landfills or incinerators can have a widespread impact on public health and the environment. The toxic material from a single phone is capable of polluting 158,200 gallons of water!

Bee Proud Bee Clean in cooperation with EcoPhones, a Texas cell phone recycler, is currently conducting a cell phone recyling program that addresses this growing concern and simultaneously provides an environmentally-friendly method to raise money for its community projects. In the Cell Phone Recycling Fundraiser, the group is paid for each digital cell phone collected. EcoPhones refurbishes and resells cell phones that have value and recycle the remainder in accordance with EPA regulations. Used printer ink cartridges are also being collected. Funds raised benefit community beautification projects.

Cell phone and ink cartridge collection boxes are available at the Bee County Tax Assessor-Collectors Office located at 411 E. Houston, Beeville. Used cell phones and ink cartridges (those that will fit in the palm of your hand ONLY) may be dropped off during regular office hours at this location.

This recycling effort will end on December 31 so the public is asked to make their donations as often and as soon as possible. For more information on the cell phone and ink cartridge recycling program please call 375-2558.

Another Skidmore Area Highway Drug Bust

Skidmore roads continue to serve as a dead end to not-so-sharp drug traffickers. The latest criminal to pass through with a half ton of marijuana didn't get stopped for behaving suspiciously - he simply had an expired registration sticker. The Victoria Advocate reports DPS seizes 633 pounds of marijuana.

County Judge Files for Bankruptcy

County Judge Jimmy Martinez recently released an open letter addressed to the citizens of Bee County. In the letter, he declares his intention to file for personal business bankruptcy and vows to keep his personal affairs separate from his duties as County Judge. Click Here to read the full text of the announcement.

Register Your Opposition to the Trans Texas Corridor

The Austin Toll Party organization has put a quick and easy e-mail letter on their website. Using the fill-in-the-blank web page form will send the Governor, Chairman Krusee and over 200 other elected state officials your opposition to the Trans-Texas Corridor and support for HB-3363. Be sure to add your own objections and concerns in the box titled additional comments. Click on this link: AustinTollParty -- Courtesy of CorridorWatch.org

BCA Presents Gershwin Musical Comedy

“Until Gershwin Do Us Part,” a musical comedy featuring the best songs of George and Ira Gershwin, will be presented by the Beeville Concert Association Sunday, April 10 at 3:00 pm at the Gertrude R. Jones Performing Arts Auditorium at Coastal Bend College.

Performers Steven Bull, Byrd Bonner, Sherry Houston, Linda McNeil and Bonnie Victor-Fried, are college chums together at a wedding. The situation calls for them to sing many of the Gershwins’ best-known songs, as well as some the audience is probably not familiar with. The result is a delightful, funny performance.

Bonner has a local connection—he’s married to the former Patty Riggle, a Bee County native. McNeil and Victor-Fried, friends of local travel agent Darlene Conoly, sang a concert of Broadway favorites last year for the BCA.

Admission is $6 for adults who do not hold BCA season tickets. Students through high school age are admitted free, as are CBC students with their ID’s.

Bee County Historical Society Announces Reorganization Meeting

"As the years go by, a lot of local history is lost due to folks passing away (oral history), old photos and documents lost or destroyed, and little organized effort to make our past known and appreciated by our young people."

Members and potential members of the Bee County Historical Society are invited to a reorganization meeting to be held at the A.C. Jones High School Lecture Hall, 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 29th, 2005. The society is in the process of expanding its membership, reviewing goals, and setting new directions. Those interested in preserving the rich history of Bee County may apply for membership to the society at the meeting. Membership dues are just $5 per year.

The Bee County Historical Society Planning Committee is comprised of Sandra Herrera, Steve Clegg, Rudy Garcia, Diana Braly, Margaret Moser, Ann DeRusse, Elizabeth Villines, Barbara Welder, Susan Stasny, Lena Mary Lacy, Jim McCollom, and Jack Seals.

CorridorWatch.org - Time to Act is Now

Margaret Mead said, "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." NOW is the time for OUR small group to change the world. We have been given an opportunity to postpone the otherwise certain development of the Trans-Texas Corridor and the statewide proliferation of state toll roads. Each of us has a solemn responsibility to do whatever it takes to protect our rights and those of our fellow Texans. As citizens, we have every right to demand that our state government listen to the people it represents. The only means we have to protect our rights is to exercise them. WE MUST CALL ON THOSE ELECTED TO REPRESENT US TO DO JUST THAT - REPRESENT US AND OUR CONCERNS.

Call and write your State Representative.
House District 35 - Representative YVONNE GONZALEZ TOUREILLES
Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768
Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0645
District Address: P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768

Call and write your State Senator.
Texas State Senator, District 21, JUDITH ZAFFIRINI
Capitol Address: P.O. Box 12068, Austin, Texas 78711
Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0121
District Address: P.O. Box 627, Laredo, TX 78042
District Phone: (956) 722-2293

Call your County Judge and Commissioner.
Judge Jimmy Martinez (361)362-3260
Precinct 1 Commissioner Carlos Salazar, Jr. (361) 362-3205
Precinct 2 Commissioner Susan C. Stasny (361) 362-3220
Precinct 3 Commissioner Eloy Rodriguez (361) 362-3210
Precinct 4 Commissioner Ronnie E. Olivares (361) 362-3215

Ask for their support of the provisions found in HB-3363. Demand that the state slow down the rush for toll roads and allow voters, taxpayers, and citizens the opportunity to understand and evaluate the unavoidable impact that the Trans-Texas Corridor and toll roads will have on Texas. Call your neighbors, friends, and family throughout the state. Ask them to do as you have and give us all the opportunity to look before TxDOT leaps. IF WE DO NOT ACT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY OUR CAUSE MAY BE LOST.

Generations of Texans, our children and grandchildren, will bear the costs and burdens of bad decisions motivated by greed and made in haste. It is one thing to study an issue and despite everyone's best efforts make a bad decision, but to rush forward with reckless abandon is unforgivable.

David & Linda Stall
CorridorWatch.org
Fayetteville, Texas

Sneaky Beaurocrats Attempt End Run Around Public Opposition to Trans Texas Corridor

From CorridorWatch.com: Without advance public notice, and announced late on the last day for legislative bills to be filed without the Governor's approval, TxDOT Officials joined by Governor Perry and Federal Highway Administrator Mary Peters signed a 342-page agreement with Cintra Concesiones de Infraestructuras de Transporte SA (Madrid, Spain) to create a master plan to finance and build the TTC-35 Trans Texas Corridor generally parallel to IH-35 from the Valley to the Red River. Despite growing concerns over the TTC project, Governor Perry and state officials are charging ahead as quickly as possible to build the first 600-mile segment of the 4,000-mile Trans Texas Corridor. Read more at CorridorWatch.com

Blogger Joins in Fight Against Trans Texas Corridor

Stacie Bednorz informs the Signal of yet another website, in this case a "blog," speaking out in opposition to the ill advised Trans Texas Corridor. The new Trans-Texas Corridor blog (similarities to the Signal are purely coincidental) contains many links to other sites including the original CorridorWatch.org. The Signal points you again to this map. Look for Bee County at the intersection of 3 proposed corridor routes.