A Bird Is A Bird, Unless It’s An Egret
Sharks Snap Skid, Sink Bloomington
Community Trauma: Hurricane Harvey’s Impact On Children & Families in Matagorda Co.
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PEDC’s hotel, apparel manufacturing projects take next steps BY RYAN WEST Palacios Beacon-Publisher
Although you should never count your chickens before they hatch nor point at a rainbow for it will make it disappear - but if you listen to the discussions at the Palacios Economic Development Corp. (PEDC) Board of Directors meeting, you may just believe that Palacios really may be on the verge of something. The long imagined efforts to bring a new hotel to town are no longer a lush oasis on the endless desert horizon, but truly happening. “The hotel project is moving forward and has taken the next step in the process to becoming a reality,” noted PEDC Executive Director Mike Ferdinand. “It has been presented
to us there is sufficient equity interest moving forward.” After the most recent site visit by the developer, Ferdinand said, “There seemed to be positive enthusiasm and support to move the project forward. In other ‘possible’ hotel news following Executive Session, the Board unanimously approved the motion to allow PEDC Executive Director Ferdinand to develop a sales agreement for the location of 0 Duson. Apparel Manufacturer The answer will come sooner than later n the code named Project CS, the garment manufacturing facility, looking to relocate with Palacios as a finalist. “They have accepted our employment survey and we will be meeting to discuss the re-
SEPT. 27, 2017 VOL. 110 • NO. 40
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dressed the Directors on the upcoming Pedal Palacios, a MS/150 Bike Ride, to be held Oct. 28. “This is a great event in Palaicos that brings in 100-200 riders a year,” Harrison said. “We brought in people from 25 different cities around the state and even a rider from California.” Harrison added, “We profited last year nearly $10,000 and the proceeds go towards signage and other tourism related items.” Harrison provided corresponding data with the PEDC Grant Application, and noted that last year the event had 24 hotels rooms in Palacios booked up for the event. Director Robert Garrett noted the event has been successful for the past nine years and (See PEDC, Page 3)
BEACON Palacios
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sults. We should get a strong indication within the next week or so if we are selected,” Ferdinand said. Asked by Director Robert Garrett on his feeling on the upcoming decision, Ferdinand replied, “We made the deadlines and the question really becomes - when he comes back and talks to Workforce Solutions and some of the other folks - and I think we’re very favorable as long as he believes he can get the labor here.” “Other than that, I think we have a very strong chance. Everything else is very much in our favor.” “That’ll mean jobs,” added PEDC President Mary Crocker. Pedal Palacios Grant Pedal Palacios co-chair John Harrison ad-
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■ Rudy Guerra
at Living Word Church Sunday The Living Word Church, located at 1405 12th St., will feature Rudy Guerra Ministries on Sun. (Oct. 1) with services in English at 10 a.m., and in Spanish at 6 p.m.
Clean-up underway...
■ County Retired
Teachers meet Tues. in Bay City The Matagorda County Retired Teachers’ Association will hold its monthly meeting on Tues. (Oct. 3) at 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church Gymnasiumin Bay City. The K-2 Steak House catered meal will feature chicken fried steak. The speakers will be Representative Dennis Bonnen, who will provide a Legislative Update report, and Michael Hames, who will speak on member benefits. For more information call 979-245-5109.
■ Palacios PD hosts National Night Out Tues.
This year’s National Night Out, hosted by the Palacios Police Department, is a free community event, and will be held on Tues. Oct. 3 from 6-8 p.m. at Railroad Park located at 6th and Main. Free finger-printing, games and food for all attendees.
Beacon Photos by Ryan West
A welcomed sight around the City by the Sea came after the City and County joined forces to tackle the mess made by Hurricane Harvey. Work began on removal of brush and tree debris last week.
9th annual PCMC Box Supper fundraiser Thurs.
The public is invited to join the fun at the 9th Annual Palacios Community Medical Center (PCMC) Box Supper Fundraiser. This event will be held Thurs. (Sep. 28) beginnag at 5:30 p.m. at the Palacios Recreation Center, located at 2401 Perryman Ave.. The Box Supper Fundraiser is a delight-
ful evening which the citizens of Matagorda and adjacent counties look forward to every year. Local chefs prepare a culinary feast and place it in a decorated “Mystery” box. The box supper will consist of a complete hot or cold meal for two or more and will be sold to the highest bidder. All (See BOX, Page 5)
Seawall Commission assesses damage, eyes lengthy recovery effort after Harvey BY TERRY MOSIER
The Commissioners of the Matagorda County Seawall Commission are being cautious when it comes to the clean-up in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey as they discussed preliminary plans at the recent regular monthly meeting. With all of the storm damage to assets along the bayfront, the Commissioners are being careful to document the costs involved
in emergency repairs for public safety, recreational asset repairs, and improvements. The exact documentation will mean the difference in getting reimbursed completely, partially, or not at all in some cases. The commissioners realize and acknowledge that the public wants the piers, boat ramps, and lights all repaired immediately, but some repairs will not be done quickly in some cases due to paper work and prior ap(See SEAWALL, Page 3)
1 SECTION, 12 PAGES
City’s annual Fall Clean-Up Saturday It’s that time once again for the annual Fall Clean-Up sponsored by the City of Palacios and Waste Connections. This Saturday, September 30, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Palacios residents can dispose of a variety of junk items for free, while there will be a fee for some items. There will be no charge for junk, trash, old furniture, and appliances (except refrigerators and air conditioners), and no hazardous material can be accepted. There are fees, however, for some items, which include; 50¢ per pound for all electronic material, $2.50 per regular tire, $7.00 for regular tires with rim, $9.00 for tires over 16 inches, $13.00 for tires over 16 inches with rim, and $20.00 per refrigerator or air conditioner. Clean-Up day is for Palacios residents only, and you will be required to present a City of Palacios utility bill and picture ID. Any fees incurred can be added to residents’ utility bill by signing a charge authorization. For those whose utilities are paid by their landlord, a proof of residence will be required. Residents can call City Hall at 361 972-3605 for assistance with large items, otherwise, bring all items to 6th St. and Commerce.
MCND weathered Harvey, seeks bids for Jensen Point land BY TERRY MOSIER
Sometimes well made plans do pan out. They did at least at the Port of Palacios with planning and response after Hurricane Harvey. In the Promrtion & Development, and Operations Reports, Port Director Debbie Morris reported preparations for Hurricane Harvey were underway for several days prior to landfall, which helped to minimize damage to District property. Poststorm recovery included requesting Port commercial operators to report any dam-
age, removal of debris, repair of safety hazards and restoration of utilities. Morris noted visits to the area by U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold and State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, as both visited the area and were told that the Port weathered the event well with few incidents. Land for Sale Also in her reports, Port Director Morris reported the Notice of Bid Requests for two parcels of land owned by the District off Jensen Point Road was to be posted on (See MCND, Page 4)
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Page 2 - Palacios Beacon - Wed., September 27, 2017
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A bird is a bird - unless it’s an egret A friend of cow and hippopotami
like, semiarid terrain, oak clumps, thicketlined rivers, and hybrid Brahman livestock are made to order for the cattle egret’s needs.” So “I believe it will do extremely well when it said Roger Tory Peterson in a 1954 National reaches the coastal prairies of Texas. The veld- Geographic. Dr. Peterson (who, according to the Geographic’s brief biography, “…is one of the outstanding ornithologists of our time,” and is now known for the Peterson Field Guide series), had journeyed to Spain in 1952 to study cattle egrets, among other birds. Until that time, the cattle egret had never been seen in North America and Dr. Peterson was somewhat surprised to hear, upon his return, of sightings of the bird in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Florida. You’ve no doubt seen cattle egrets yourself. You know, they’re those mostly-white birds that stagger and lurch alongside cattle in the pastures, sometimes even riding on the cattle’s backs, and flocking behind farm machinery in the fields – they look sort of like anorexic bowling pins. If you’ve seen one you’ve seen a thousand of ‘em and anyone who travels the Texas Coast can tell you Dr. Peterson’s prediction was 100% correct. In the roughly 60 years since first seen in North Cattle egrets are not discriminatory when it America, the cattle egret has comes to help with lunch. Although named for their indeed done “extremely well habit of associating with cattle who flush the birds’ on the coastal prairies of Texdiet of big bugs and small snakes, the cattle egret is as.” only too pleased to allow a horse the same privilege Not that the bird hasn’t done (or a stalk-chopper or 24-foot tandem disc for that extremely well just about evmatter). erywhere in the tropical or BY MICK SCHEIB Palacios Beacon
Pirate Festival hands out booty... Hey ho’ me hearties! The good Pirates of Palacios docked this week with a treasure chest full of loot ($25,000) to support programs that serve children and families at the City by the Sea Museum and the Palacios Area Fund. Pictured are: (left to right) Edith Gower, Isaak Ricio, Sally Kurtz, Donna Brune, Paula Whitney, Margie Wier, Margaret Doughty, Sarina Riccio, Lynda Bible, Jonathan Cuellar, Vikijane Mosier, Brigid Riccio, Lavery Riccio, Daniel Cuellar. (Beacon Photo by Brandi G. West)
warmer temperate zones of the earth. And, I have personally seen them as far north as North Dakota. By its own wing-power, the bird has expanded its range from its native Africa – where it hung out with Cape Buffalo, elephants, hippopotami and the like – across Asia, into Southern Europe, the South Pacific and Australia. It is probably the only Old World bird to settle in the New World under its own steam; probably aided by the wind, it made the 1700-mile trip from Africa to South America hence to Central America and northward. It is now found on every continent of the planet except Antarctica, where there are no cows. For as man has expanded his cattle operation, the cattle egret has gone along for the ride. Some say the bird blew into Texas with Carla, came in the eye of the hurricane, but surely no one has asked it to leave. For the bird eats big bugs and small snakes and one local rancher even saw one choke down a rat. The cattle egret, a clever rascal, uses cattle as “beaters” to flush his fair game for him. As a cow grazes, she kicks up all sorts of insects for the egret to gobble. A study confirmed that egrets following cows fed at one-and-a-half times the rate of, and took only two-thirds the number of steps of birds that were hunting by themselves. The birds also ride the animal’s backs, plucking ticks as they go. So it’s an easy lunch for the birds, and a bit more comfortable for the cows. Now the cattle egret has discovered the advantages of modern technology and often follows tractors in even greater numbers than they follow cows. Farmers, cows, hippopotami (and the like) all look with a benevolent eye upon the cattle egret, for they all know that big bugs beget little bugs and small snakes are known to grow. They’re particularly friendly creatures as well; in some places, they’re reported to “be as tame as chickens.” Of course, it isn’t a chicken nor is it a “cowbird,” a much different bird. The cattle egret is a member of the heron family. (Hint: if a long-legged gawky, gangly bird flies off and it crooks its neck into an “S” shape, it’s a heron. If it flies with neck outstretched, it’s likely a crane.) Unlike its cousins, the snowy egret and the great white heron, the cattle egret doesn’t have the delicate recurved back plumes on the back of its head and neck. Plume hunters hunted the snowy and great white heron nearly to extinction in the late 1800’s, selling to the millinery trade. The “cross aigrettes,” as the plumes were called when attached to m’lady’s hat fetched as high as $32 per ounce, more than the price of gold at that time! Now, I’ve been thinking that a person might utilize such a smart, adaptable, adventurous creature for some purpose other than merely
keeping bugs out of cows’ faces. It would be a shame to use a cattle egret for flesh and eggs; after all, a stupid chicken does just fine for those purposes. You could keep the egret in the yard or the garden, where he would no doubt do great service to you eating big bugs and small snakes. But I would think that such a beautiful bird, one who is welcomed everywhere, could perform some sort of social service for you if it were properly domesticated. Many cats and dogs play the role of social ice-breaker when people meet; why couldn’t a suitably-trained flock of egrets perform the same service? Can you imagine the look of amazed delight on your guests’ faces as they walk towards your door between two columns of white birds standing rigidly at attention? Or let’s say your kids came home from a camping trip and you noted a tick or two. With a mere snap of your fingers, or a gentle wave of your hand, you would alert hundreds of hungry egrets to their plight. They would soon have those kids picked clean! Yessir! As time went on, of course, it would become widely known that you maintained a flock of trained egrets and you could use them as your personal representatives, ambassadors of good will. Then, when you receive an invitation to attend some function or social gettogether you couldn’t or didn’t care to attend, you could simply send your egrets. ****** Authorities have informed me that the last line of the story above really doesn’t work because egret is pronounced “EE-grit,” rather than ee-GRETTE” as I have been pronouncing it, and produced pounds of reference material to support their point. As far as is known, there is no jail sentence or wallet-strangling fine for pronouncing egret as “ee-GRETTE” and the worst that I can see happening is that I’d be exposed as a backwater bumpkin, especially in the presence of refined and cultured people. As I have never claimed to be anything other than a backwater bumpkin, my habit of saying “ee-GRETTE” holds little penalty. Nonetheless, one must have respect for the language and uniformity in pronunciation seems a laudable goal. It all seems another of those insoluble dilemmas I seem to face with increasing frequency as I age; another conflict between comfort and propriety. My solution is to sidestep the entire issue and use the Latin for cattle egret, bubulcus ibis; a decision that should hold me in good stead anywhere, especially in the company of dead Italians.
Dr. Jerry Young, D.O. General Surgery
(361) 972-2000
Dr. Jerry Young, D.O. is now offering services at Palacios Medical Clinic. To make an appointment with Dr. Young in Palacios, call (361) 972-2000.
For appointments in Bay City, call (979) 241-6186.
SEAWALL
proval requirements for FEMA assistance to be recovered. Inspector’s Report The Commission’s contract inspector, Larry Lanfear briefed the Commissioners in the following presented Inspector’s Report: East Bay Boat Ramp: The breakwater handrail and deck is 90% destroyed. The vinyl sheeting appears to be in good shape. The south boat dock is missing several deck boards and not usable. The north boat dock is missing deck boards at the two end sections and the handrail on the handicap ramp is damaged. Bay Front Park Walkway (East Bay): Walkway and handrail fared well. One AEP sidewalk light is out. The steps to access the water at the flag pole were damaged. Bay Front Park Walkway (Baptist Encampment): Asphalt on road received a lot of damage with pavement completely missing in places. Aluminum handrail received some damage. The bollards and guardrails on the south side were damaged with all of the guardrails destroyed and 50% of the bollards are missing. Bay Front Park Walkway (South Bay): The majority of the aluminum hand rail was damaged or destroyed. There are four sidewalk lights out. Lanfearwill notify AEP. Two of the lights are behind the Pavilion construction site with no access. The walkway and bulkhead do not show any additional damage from the storm. Bayshore Stress Wall: There was a lot of additional erosion behind the wall between McGlothlin St. and the Yellow Windmill due to the tidal surge going over the wall. Rhoades started repairs to the erosion today. Bay Front Park Playgrounds: The new playground equipment appears to not have any damage. River Road : There was a large wash-out next to the bridge. The County filled the wash-out. First Street Pier: The table at the covered area at the pier entrance has rusted thru and needs to be replaced for safety. The deck on the walk and the T-head is completely missing. There is stringer and some header damage. The electrical wiring and conduits are damaged. (Power has been cut off to the pier). The pier sign was destroyed. East Bay Pier: The deck on the walk and the T-head is completely missing. Most of the stringers and some of the headers are missing. The electrical system is destroyed. (Power to the pier has been cut off) Fourth Street Pier: The deck is completely missing at the T-head and there is damage to the stringers and headers. The electrical system on the T-head is damaged. (Power to the pier has been cut off) South Bay Boat Ramp: A section of the alu-
DEADLINE 5 P.M. FRIDAY
Palacios Beacon - Wed., September 27, 2017 - Page 3
(Continued From Page 1) minum handrail was damaged The boat dock appears to be in good shape. The high water moved the sand back to the concrete bulkhead. The table at the covered area has a lot of corrosion damage and needs to be repaired for safety. McGlothlin Street Drainage Ditch: 90% of the bag wall collapsed during the storm allowing a great deal of erosion to occur. Conger Vinyl Wall: Have not found any damage. Collegeport Community Bulkhead: I found a few minor wash-outs which don’t appear to be the result of the storm. Carl Park: Have not found any damage. The breakwater was completely under the water. The walkway has a lot of silt on top and may become a slipping hazard. The parking lot had approximately a foot of silt on top of the limestone. The County has started working on the removal. Oyster Lake: The break water is in good shape. There is an area where the vinyl sheeting and the whaler has been burned. The beach at the south end of the wall is growing and the beach at the north end is eroding away behind the wall. Citizen/Private Property Inquires: I have received calls from Scott Tran and the Gil Nelson heirs pertaining to wash-outs behind the wood bulkhead at their properties. Lanfear identified the following areas as yet to be inspected: Jensen Point, GLO property & Wells Point, and Beachside. Lanfear highlighted the following as priority areas for the Commission: Boat docks at East Bay Boat Ramp and bollards at the Baptist Encampment. Palacios Coastal Pavilion Update David Kocurek reported the new Pavilion lost a few of the ridge row shingles during Hurricane Harvey. The letter of termination to the contractor has been sent and now the bonding company will be taking over. Seawall Repairs-East Bayshore Stress Wall Project Charlie Rhoades has started digging today with engineers on hand to check for problems. Boat Ramp Improvement Grant: Is still progressing. Seawall Splash Apron The splash apron along the bay front got some serious damage from Hurricane Harvey. The engineers’ plans are being readdressed to incorporate new damages and repairs into the planning. Margerum Road Bulkhead Rhoades Land Leveling and Excavation has now completed the final grading of the project. Next Meeting The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 13 at 7 p.m. at the Matagorda County Navigation District #1’s Administration Building.
FALL CLEAN-UP Sponsored by the City of Palacios and Waste Connections.
Saturday, September 30th 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 6th Street and Commerce One-Day Clean Up for City of Palacios Residents Only
1. Bring a City of Palacios utility bill and picture ID. These must be presented before off-loading. City employees will help unload and check ID. 2. Fees for some items: .50¢ per pound for all electronic material. (Electronic material will be weighed on site) $ 2.50 per regular tire $ 7.00 for regular tires with rim $ 9.00 for tires over 16 inches $13.00 for tires over 16 inches with rim $20.00 per refrigerator or air-conditioner
PALACIOS Economic Development Corp. Exeuctive Director Mike Ferdinand led last week’s Comprehensive Strategic Planning Meeting held at City Hall. (Beacon Photo by Brandi G. West)
Working to move Palacios forward BY BRANDI G. WEST Palacios Beacon
The Palacios Economic Development Corporation hosted a second Comprehensive Strategic Planning session last Tues., Sept. 19 at City Hall. Host Mike Ferdinand, Executive Director of Matagorda and Palacios Economic Development Corporations explained that all entities: the City of Palacios, Palacios Economic Development, Palacios Chamber of Commerce, the Port of Palacios, Palacios Community Medical Center, businesses, faithbased organizations and nonprofits all have independent plans but the purpose of this meeting was to “More broadly coordinate the plans across the various platforms” and to collaborate on some “Common goals that we can actually move forward on and accomplish some things.” The next step from this meeting was to bring the findings to the Palacios Economic Development Corporation for input then to seek out commentary and feedback from the general public on this strategic plan for the city of Palacios. Meeting Overview The group discussed, re-
PEDC
business and new ventures.” Additional Commentary “We need to expand on why folks are coming to this point of destination,” Ferdinand said. Summarizing Ferdinand, he expressed desiring Palacios to be a “quality place”, explained that micro-businesses and entrepreneurial businesses seek out rural areas. He also stated, “main street revitalization is becoming critical to the survival of small communities,” that rural communities still need manufacturing, and touched on value added to agriculture/ aquaculture, and attractiveness to the retirement community and touched on the service industry and business development, and e-commerce which “has to be dealt with.” In response to Hurricane Harvey recovery Ferdinand indicated that a comprehensive tool developed by FEMA during Hurricane Katrina called the National Disaster Recovery Framework encompasses these such meetings and that Palacios has already accomplished these necessary tasks towards recovery.
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“gives great exposure to the city,” via the bike Citizens (FOEC), located in the 300 block of Main St. The FOEC had a small addition routes. The Board unanimously approved the grant added to the Senior Citizens Center and relocated there to have operations all under one request for $2,500. roof. Korcurek said the demolition would Economic Comprehensive Strategic Plan make another City-owned property available Meeting Of the recently held local Economic Com- for development. After a mishap while removing vines at prehensive Strategic Plan Meeting, attended by approximately 20 people, Ferdinand said, Mikes on Main in the 500 block of Main St., “We’ve been able to come up with Mission renovation continues to move forward , acand Vision Statements and the next step is or- cording to Ferdinand. Director Garrett asked the board to mark ganizational action steps, with a meeting to be Oct. 27 down as the 1st Food Truck Friday at scheduled in the near future.” the Outrigger Event Center, with plans to have Harvey Recovery The PEDC will be engaged with FEMA and future FTF’s on the last Friday of each month. Next Meeting other government agencies in the recovery The next meeting of the PEDC Board of Diprocess. Ferdinand noted, the Small Business Ad- rectors will be held on Oct 18 at 1:15 p.m. at ministration (SBA) is active in the county and the PEDC Office, located at 420 Main St. if businesses have been affected there is opportunity for low interest loans. The SBA is also supporting homeowners who didn’t have flood insurance but did receive damage and there is a loan opportunity for repair. 1105 Henderson • 361-972-5923 • M-F/8am - 5pm • Sat. by Appointment. Other Notes Palacios City Manager David Kocurek noted the Palacios Community Hub’s upcoming move from the former Palacios City Hall in the 400 block of 4th St., to the former Palacios Medical Clinic across town at 1519 Fourth St. Plus tax, shop supplies, and disposable waste fees where applicable. Diesels slightly higher. Kocurek also told the board MUST HAVE THIS COUPON. Coupon good through October 31, 2017 of the planned demolition of Coupon not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per person. the former administrative office of the Friends of Elder
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3. Residents may sign a charge authorization sheet and fees will be added to their utility bill. There will be NO CHARGE to residents for junk, trash, old furniture, and appliances (other than refrigerators and air-conditioners). Citizens may call City Hall 361-972-3605 for assistance with heavy Clean-Up for large or bulky items.
Hazardous material cannot be accepted.
Help make our beautiful city sparkle!
viewed and revised: potential 2017 Palacios ‘Tag Lines’, lists entitled ‘Palacios in the Past’ and Palacios Today, Strengths/Opportunities, Weaknesses, and Threats.’ The group also split and brainstormed to develop a ‘Vision’ and ‘Mission’ statements. Proposed Vision Statements The two proposed vision statements were: “To maximize quality of life for all community members through understanding of diversity, embracing opportunity and building economic prosperity” and “Palacios will be a forward looking inclusive community with a diverse population where everyone has a sense of responsibility and ownership supported by local entities, making it a great place to live, work and visit.” Proposed Mission Statement The proposed mission statement was: “To collaborate with educational and other institutions on promotion of our cultural diversity, maximize our unique assets and talent to provide an enhanced quality of life and increase employment opportunities by supporting existing
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