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Speed Wave Headed to Schertz: Schertz Police Department Working with State to Keep Spring Break Safe

The City of Schertz is joining forces with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) and hundreds of law enforcement agencies throughout the region and state to launch a massive statewide SPEED WAVE effort aimed at slowing down speeding motorists. The goal of the Speed Wave is to have law enforcement agencies work together to decrease crashes, injuries, and fatalities and to raise awareness about one fact: If You Speed, You'll Get a Ticket!

To achieve its goals, the Texas Speed Wave mobilization combines a concerted local and statewide media campaign with additional law enforcement activities to reinforce the message. As part of the campaign, Schertz was awarded a grant of $35,193.50 from TxDOT for a year long Selective Traffic Enhancement Program (S.T.E.P.) for speed enforcement during selected times throughout 2010. Spring Break 2010 is the next scheduled enforcement date to start on March 13, 2010 and to end March 21, 2010. Schertz officers will be out during these dates and working with other local law enforcement personnel to try to keep Spring Break safe for everyone.

Remember If You Speed, You'll Get a Ticket!

Brought to you by the Schertz Police Department and the Texas Department of Transportation.

Schertz Welcomes Connection to the Kingdom Books To Town

Owners Hilton and Olga Ayala (center in blue shirts) cut the ribbon to their new business "Connection to the Kingdom Books" as city and Schertz Chamber of Commerce officials look on.

Connection to the Kingdom Books, a bilingual Christian bookstore, opened Friday March 5 at 418 Schertz Parkway.

The store, located in front of the Handy Andy supermarket, is owned by Hilton and Olga Ayala. “Half of our books are in English and half in Spanish and we hope to serve the local area and all of San Antonio,” Hilton Ayala said.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Approximately 4.676+/- acres known as Lots 1 and 2, Block 3, Lost Meadows Subdivision, Unit 2, Count Block 5055C, Bexar County, Texas, located at 12046 and 12066 Lost Meadows Road.

All interested persons are invited to attend the hearing to express their views with respect to the annexation of the Land. Further information with respect to the proposed annexation will be available at the hearings. In lieu of attendance at the meeting, written comments may be submitted to the City. Such comments should be directed to:

City of Schertz
1400 Schertz Parkway
Schertz, Texas 78154
Attention: City Manager

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Approximately 4.676+/- acres known as Lots 1 and 2, Block 3, Lost Meadows Subdivision, Unit 2, Count Block 5055C, Bexar County, Texas, located at 12046 and 12066 Lost Meadows Road.

Application Deadline Looming for Hal Baldwin Scholarship

The Hal Baldwin Scholarship encourages young people to consider public service and is named after the Schertz mayor who has given 30 years of service to the city.

As Schertz residents since the 1960s, Mayor Baldwin and wife Barbara have seen the city grow from 5,000 residents to nearly 40,000 and become San Antonio's largest suburban city.

Baldwin, a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, has served Schertz as an assistant city manager, civic volunteer, city councilman and then mayor (for nearly 17 years).

In recognition of Baldwin’s long service, the Schertz City Council established his namesake scholarship to encourage high school seniors (public, private, or home-schooled) who are residents of Schertz to consider public service as a career path.

The $1,000 annual scholarship is awarded annually on a competitive basis.

The scholarship may be used for tuition or other fees or expenses for any postsecondary school which is accredited by a state, regional, or national accreditation agency and which may be a traditional 2- or 4-year institution or other educational institution offering courses, degrees, or other training suitable to a public service career.

High school seniors seeking the scholarship can pickup the application at the following locations:

City Hall (1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg #1)
Administration Building (1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg # 2)
Public Affairs Office (1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg #5)
Schertz Public Library (798 Schertz Pkwy).

Download the APPLICATION PACKET HERE

Students trying for the scholarship should complete and sign the application cover sheet and attach the following:

Resume
Statement of education goals
Essay on one of two topics: “What public service means to me” or “Discuss ethics and public service”
Two letters of recommendation: one from a high school faculty member (home schooled students may be recommended by any person who has been your instructor who is not a relative) and one from any person who is not a relative.

Application packets should be delivered to the City of Schertz City Manager's office (1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg 2) in a sealed envelope marked “Hal Baldwin Scholarship Application.” Complete application packages must be received no later than the close of business on April 30, 2010.

A five-member panel will review each complete application package and submit the panel’s recommended scholarship recipient to the Schertz City Council. The City Council will determine the winner no later than May 18, 2010 and is expected to present the scholarship at the May 25, 2010 City Council meeting.

Each year, the winner’s name will be engraved on a plaque that will hang in a prominent location in the Schertz Municipal Complex.

For more information, contact the City Manager’s office at 619-1000.

Download the APPLICATION PACKET HERE

WILENCHIK WALK FOR LIFE MARCH 6

Schertz City Councilman Tony Wilenchik’s walk through life ended last year but his walk to support the Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC) at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio continues.

The 2nd Annual Wilenchik’s Walk for Life 5K event, sponsored by VK Knowlton Construction and Utilities, will be Saturday, March 6 starting at 8:00 a.m. at the old Schertz Public Library Building, 608 Schertz Parkway.

Pre-registration is underway and fees are $20 for individuals 18 and older; $10 for ages 13-17 (children 12 and under are free). Teams of five or more individuals (registered together) are $15 each. Participants also can register on event day.

Dogs are also invited and registration is $10 per animal. The first 500 participants to register get a bag full of goodies on walk day.

Prizes will be award to Most Funds Raised and Best Team T-shirt Design, Team and Individual.

Signs of Love will be available for purchase. Signs will be placed along the walk route in memory of a loved one who has lost the battle with cancer or in honor of a loved one who currently fights or has survived. Signs are $15 and can be purchased at the Schertz City Hall Business Office, Bldg. No. 1, 1400 Schertz Parkway.

For more information on the Signs of Love program call Sylvia De Leon or Sheri Kinslow at 619-1000.

To register for the event or more information such as becoming a corporate sponsor or making a donation to the Walk for Life call the Schertz Customer Service at 210-619-1000 or visit www.schertz.com.

At last year’s Wilenchik’s Walk for Life, more than 500 people participated and helped raise approximately $30,000. 100 Signs of Love honoring and remembering victims and survivors of cancer dotted the parkway and served as a beacon for participants of the walk. Individuals, families, and teams from Main Street Homes, Guadalupe Valley Electrical Cooperative and the cities of Schertz, Live Oak, Selma, Cibolo and Universal City participated to increase awareness for cancer research.

REGISTER TODAY HERE!!!!! (PDF)

Wilenchik Walk for Life SPONSORSHIP FORM (PDF)

SIGNS OF LOVE DONATION FORM (PDF)

Spurs Coyote Spotted at Biz Expo!

The San Antonio Spurs Coyote visited the Business Expo 2010 at the Schertz Civic Center Feb. 23 and took photos with hundreds of visitors and vendors.

The popular event was sponsored this year by the Schertz Chamber of Commerce, the Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce and GVEC.
The ever curious Coyote visited each booth in search of “booty” in keeping with the event’s Treasure Island “Got Booty?” theme.
More than 300 visitors made their way to the 51 vendor booths to learn about doing business locally.

The Coyote was last seen struggling to load booty into a car driven by an assistant.

Pictured above: Schertz Economic Development Director George Antuna, Schertz Assistant City Manager David J. Harris, the Spurs Coyote, and Assitant to the City Manager Bob Cantu

Schertz Welcomes Sports Clips

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For additional information and interview opportunities, contact:
Karen Parker, Sport Clips team leader (franchisee)
Office: (210) 277-7678
e-mail: ckclippers@satx.rr.com

SCHERTZ, TX (February 18, 2010) -- Sport Clips, the nation’s leading men’s and boys’ hair-care franchise, will open its newest location at 17244 Interstate 35 North in Schertz on February 26, according to local Team Leader Karen Parker. This will be the twelfth Sport Clips to open in the San Antonio area since the first location opened in August 1998.

With almost 700 Sport Clips across the country, Schertz’s newest guys’ haircutter provides a unique, sports-themed environment, along with its signature MVP Treatment that features a steamed towel treatment, neck and shoulder massage, and precision haircut all in a hassle-free, family-friendly setting. All first-time clients will receive an MVP upgrade to their haircut service at no additional charge. Sport Clips surrounds its clients with sports-themed décor, and a big-screen TV in the lobby and at each haircutting station tuned to sports.

“Guys seem to like the fact that you don’t need an appointment to get a great haircut and other hair care services that help them ‘get away from it all’ for awhile. And, Moms and Dads enjoy bringing their sons, because it makes getting a haircut more fun,” said Parker. “Friday will be the first opportunity for everyone to come in and check us out.”

####

About Sport Clips
Sport Clips is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas and was established in 1995 by founder and CEO Gordon Logan. The franchise ranked in the top 100 overall and top 50 in growth for the sixth straight year in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Franchise 500” and in the top 50 in Dun & Bradstreet’s AllBusiness.com “2010 AllBusiness AllStars.” Sport Clips is the “Official Haircutter” of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and offers veterans preferential pricing on haircuts and franchises. They are also the largest contributor to the VFW’s Operation Uplink program, having donated almost $500,000 to help overseas soldiers call home. Sport Clips is a proud sponsor of Joe Gibbs Racing’s NASCAR driver, Joey Logano, and holds partnerships with several teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), and National Hockey League (NHL). For more on Sport Clips franchise opportunities click here and for locations throughout the United States visit SportClips.com.

SCHERTZ SOCCER COMPLEX HOSTS SOUTH TEXAS CUP

The Schertz Youth Soccer Alliance (SYSA), in conjunction with South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA) and the San Antonio Soccer Association (SASA), will host two major events on February 20-21, 2010 at the Schertz Soccer Complex.

STYSA is hosting the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Texas Friendlies. The ODP was founded in 1977 by U.S. Youth Soccer as a national identification and development program for elite level youth players. The program identifies and develops youth players to compete at the state, regional, and national levels in support of National Team development efforts. Participating in the ODP Texas Friendlies are Under-13 & Under-14 Boys & Girls State Teams from South Texas, as well as teams from Louisiana, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

Also, SASA is hosting the Texas State Soccer Association - South (TSSA-S) South Texas Cup (STC) at the Schertz Soccer Complex. STC is the official tournament organized and administered by TSSA-S, and created as a system of competitions to recognize the achievement of the most competitive adult men's teams and players. These competitions are organized to establish state champions in several categories, to include the Premier Division tournament which is scheduled to be played at the Schertz Soccer Complex.

The ODP & STC events will begin at 9:oo AM both Saturday & Sunday. The events are free to the public and everyone is welcome to watch high-level youth & adult soccer. The Schertz Soccer Complex has 12 full-sized competition fields, and is the longest active premier soccer-exclusive facility in the San Antonio metropolitan area. The complex is owned by the City of Schertz and is operated & managed by SYSA, a non-profit youth soccer organization.

For additional information, please visit www.saysat.org.

Viva Fiesta! Sweethearts Attend Miss Fiesta Pageant

Members of the Schertz Sweetheart Court joined Miss Fiesta 2010, Virginia Elliot and the members of her court at the Miss Fiesta Scholarship Pageant held at the Charlene McCombs Empire Theater February 13, 2010. Congratulations Virginia and Viva! Fiesta!

City Offices Closed - February 15, 2010

Schertz city offices will be closed on Monday, February 15, 2010 in observance of President's Day. For information about all city services, visit us on the web at www.schertz.com. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

Artz Reception - Feb 17, Schertz Civic Center

Join the City of Schertz and Schertz Area Artz Council at the Monthly Artz Reception February 17th (6:00PM) at the Schertz Civic Center (1400 Schertz Parkway, Bldg. #5). Meet artists Roger Price and Peter Graves and enjoy the sounds of Blue Bucks. Artz show will continue through February 24th. Admission is FREE!

A Distinguished Art Career ~ Artist’s Work has Garnered Awards and Recognition

As Roger Price began to develop his style and technique with a paintbrush at age 14, his father introduced him to an accomplished painter who shared a bit of knowledge with him that would encourage the then teenager to pursue his artistic ambitions.

“He said, ‘If you can draw, you can paint. It’s just a matter of mixing color.’ I also learned that every piece is not going to be a masterpiece,” Price said.

Although the 49-year-old artist may not have produced his magnum opus just yet, he pours his heart and soul into every brushstroke as he creates excellent works that attest to his passion for art.

For instance, in his painting titled, “Tim Duncan,” Price pays careful attention to detail in the work that depicts the Spurs player going for a slam dunk as he is guarded by three New Jersey Nets players. Price makes excellent use of color and light while emphasizing great details of the four players’ musculature, the folds of their jerseys and their facial expressions.

Incidentally, the painting as well as another Spurs-themed piece titled, “David Robinson” was created to show AT&T staff who purchased art for the arena what he could produce for them. It led to a commission of a 4-foot by 10-foot work, “The Starting Five,” depicting players of various ethnic backgrounds, that was hanged in the Spurs practice facility.

A native of North Carolina, Price served in the U.S. Army from 1978-1991 working for the Corps of Engineers. His military service allowed him to further develop his artistic talent, while producing a number of works that gained him recognition as an accomplished artist.

In 1990, Price was selected to the Army Artist Program which sent military artists of the Corps of Engineers to various parts of the world to create a visual record of Army activities. Price went to Germany for about a month to work alongside the 1st Armored Division, photographing and sketching scenes as the division celebrated its 50th anniversary with night fire exercises, military maneuvers, water crossings and obstacle courses.

“I flew back to D.C., and produced six paintings and seven illustrations which became part of the collection of the U.S. Army Center of Military History,” he said.

In 1991, Price won first place for a collage painting he created for the French and Allied Forces Art Competition. After the awards ceremony that was held in Paris, the artist toured Germany to show his works as part of a traveling art show. “I’m from the South, and here I was running around in France,” he said. “It was a dream come true.”

Other notable achievements include a commissioned piece, “First to Fire,” for the 32nd Air Defense Artillery, specifically in honor of the troops returning from Desert Storm. The centerpiece of the painting is the Patriot missile along with other air defense artillery. He also painted “On Freedoms Frontier” for the 43rd Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, which illustrates a surgical team in a field environment performing surgery.

“It was the unit on which the show ‘MASH’ was based,” Price said.

“The painting was presented during the closing ceremony of the hospital in 1997 in Korea. The producers of the show and several of the actors were there.”

The artist, who is a history buff, also has produced several outstanding historical military works, including “Colonel Benjamin O. Davis Jr.,” a portrait of the Air Force general and commander of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen. “I chose to do that one because I was really impressed with his background and that he reached the rank of a brigadier general,” Price said.

Price was stationed in Germany when he painted “Before the Last Charge,” a piece depicting the 10th Cavalry Regiment around 1912. When the artist took a print of the artwork to a German art distributor to be framed, the company was so impressed with his work that they offered to reproduce his works, which they did for nine years.

“My work was collected in Europe and in the United States, and I’ve visited bases, commercial buildings and people’s homes and have seen my work on their walls. It’s a feeling you can’t imagine,” he said.

Another history-based work “On the Field of Honor,” depicts a sword-wielding, African-American soldier on horseback battling an American Indian during one of the Indian Wars during the Civil War.

“It was something everyone knew probably did happen, and I wanted to do something that honored the soldier and the American Indian,” Price said. “I also wanted to symbolize the struggle for both sides and capture that particular moment in time.”

He is also proud that an illustration of three African-American soldiers on horseback with the 10th Cavalry graces the cover of a 1998 book, “Unlikely Warriors: General Benjamin H. Grierson and His Family,” printed by the University of Oklahoma Press.

After decades of a distinguished art career, Price continues to dip his brush into his palette to create a variety of works that are pleasing to the viewer, including nature scenes and portraits of jazz players. “Art is a part of me,” he said. “You can put your tools down, but they always call you back.”

GUADALUPE COUNTY VOTERS NEED YOU... Work at the polls!

Guadalupe County Elections office is in need of election workers to work in the Primary Elections on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, from 6 a.m. until the polls close. Positions for Judges and Clerks are available and will receive compensation of $8.50 per hour. Training is required and will also be also compensated.
    To be eligible, you should:
o    Be a registered to vote in Guadalupe County
o    Not hold an elected office or in the employee of an elected official
o    enjoy interaction with the public
o    be detail-oriented, able to take direction well and not easily distracted

    Those who are interested need to contact either Robin at 210-469-4199 or Rachel at 830-303-6363 by Feb.10th.

SCHERTZ UNEMPLOYMENT DECREASES IN DECEMBER

(January 22, 2010) San Antonio – The City of Schertz’s unemployment rate decreased in December according to labor market statistics released by Workforce Solutions Alamo. The city’s jobless rate for the month was 5.1 percent, down from 5.3 percent reported for November.
Schertz’s unemployment rate, meanwhile, registered well below the overall jobless rate of 6.8 percent for the 12-county Workforce Solutions area, which includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina and Wilson counties. Gillespie County registered the lowest unemployment rate in the Alamo Area at 4.6 percent.

When the 12-county Workforce Solutions Alamo area is compared to the State and Nation, the Texas unadjusted (actual) unemployment rate increased to 8.0 percent in December, up from 7.9 percent reported in November. The nation’s unemployment rate increased to 9.7 percent, up from 9.4 percent reported in November. Comparatively, the state and the nation released seasonally adjusted unemployment rates, with the state reporting increases to 8.3 percent while the nation remained the same at 10.0 percent for the month of December.

The mission of Workforce Solutions Alamo is to build a premier workforce in America by providing employers and residents with the opportunities, resources and services to develop and gain a competitive edge in the global economy. Workforce Solutions Alamo reaches over 40,000 businesses and more than 2.0 million residents in the City of San Antonio and the counties of Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Guadalupe, Gillespie, Karnes, Kerr, Kendall, Medina and Wilson counties. For more information on available workforce programs and services, visit our website at www.workforcesolutionsalamo.org.

Note: Only the Actual series unemployment rate estimates for Texas and the US are comparable to sub-state unemployment rates.

Media Contact: Eva Esquivel
Communications Coordinator
Workforce Solutions Alamo
(210) 581-1087

Gardening Experts Coming to Schertz for Grow Local Festival

Thinking about putting in a vegetable garden this spring? Don’t know what to do to get started? Need to know about those bugs in your garden? Well don’t fret because the Schertz Growl Local Festival is coming to the Schertz Civic Center February 27th!

Get advice from local experts on gardening and landscaping. See a rainwater harvesting demo. Talk to an expert on lawnmower maintenance. Learn the proper way to prune your trees! Shop for bedding plants, seeds, fruit trees, rainwater harvesting barrels and other quality garden products.

Take advantage of two outstanding garden seminars; only $5 each!

Spring Vegetable Gardening by Patty Leander from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Master how to grow your own vegetables, from soil to plant varieties.

Good Bugs, Bad Bugs by Molly Keck from 1 PM to 3 PM. Learn which bugs to keep in your garden; which bugs to squish.

For more information, including a complete vendor list and discount offers, visit their website at www.growlocalfestival.com

SCHERTZ GROW LOCAL FESTIVAL
Saturday, February 27th
9 AM to 4 PM
SCHERTZ CIVIC CENTER and COMMUNITY CENTER
1400 Schertz Parkway
Hosted by Guadalupe County Master Gardeners

Admission: $5.00 for adults, children under 18 free ~ Includes a complimentary Gardener Goodie Bag. $1 of the admission goes to supporting the Schertz Community Garden

Annual Spring Clean Up - March 6-21, 2010

Once again Schertz residents have the opportunity to Help Keep Schertz Clean! This year’s annual spring clean up is scheduled to take place March 6 - 21, 2010. During the two-week clean up, Bexar Waste will pick up household waste not covered under their normal collection service; such as lumber and general trash as well as major appliances and furniture for a fee (prices start at $25.00 per load and are determined by Bexar Waste). If you have questions regarding the details, please call Bexar Waste (210-566-5454).

Schertz Public Works provides year-round curbside chipping service of brush and tree limbs on Fridays for a fee of $25 per half hour. To make an appointment for brush and tree limb chipping service, call Public Works (210-619-1800). Chipping will be scheduled as first come, first served. Again, you must call and make an appointment. Please note: Bexar Waste picks up small bundles of brush and tree limbs (maximum length of 4 feet and maximum total weight of 50 pounds) with normal trash pick-up without any additional charges.

Drop off at Bexar Waste Site
Items dropped off here will be free of charge to residents as a service paid for by the City of Schertz.

Drop off Site Open March 6-21, 2010 (See below for hazardous items drop off times)
Drop offs may be made at Bexar Waste’s temporary collection point, 2221 F.M. 3009 (Near Live Oak Road) between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.

Please Remember
During the two-week clean up, Bexar Waste will pick up household waste not covered under their normal collection service, such as lumber and general trash as well as major appliances and furniture for a fee (prices determined by Bexar Waste). If you have questions regarding the details, please call Bexar Waste (210-566-5454).

Remember that free chipping service will no longer be provided. Schertz Public Works provides year-round curbside chipping service of brush and tree limbs on Fridays for a fee of $25 per half hour. To make an appointment for brush and tree limb chipping service, call Public Works (210-619-1800). Chipping will be scheduled as first come, first served. Again, you must call and make an appointment. Please note: Bexar Waste picks up small bundles of brush and tree limbs (maximum length of 4 feet and maximum total weight of 50 pounds) with normal trash pick-up without any additional charges.

What you need to know:
The Spring Clean Up is restricted to Schertz residents only. Waste delivered must be separated by type of material by the resident. Spring Clean Up activities do not apply to commercial property clean up, large property clean up, lot or acreage clean up, or lot and property land clearing. Commercial tree trimmers are not eligible for this service.

A current water bill or tax statement and proper identification are required when making a drop-off. Commercial waste will not be accepted.

Couches, Refrigerators, Stoves, Computer/Monitors, anything and everything that IS NOT HAZARDOUS OR TIRES can be dropped off, free of charge, during the clean up, Monday through Sunday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Materials WILL BE sorted by customer, NOT BY Bexar Waste employees.
Appliances will be ACCEPTED FREE ONLY IF Freon tank is removed, if Freon tank is still attached there will be a $25.00 fee at time of drop off. Any questions concerning the Freon tank removal, please contact Bexar Waste.

Hazardous Items/Tires and Drop off Times

1. HAZARDOUS ITEMS and TIRES may be dropped off ONLY on the weekends of March 13-14 and 20-21, 2010.

2. Tires are limited to eight (8) per household.

3. Hazardous waste includes but is not limited to:

Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, chemicals, cleaning and bleach products, swimming pool cleaners and chemicals, enamel and latex paints in cans and aerosol dispensers, varnish and stains, paint thinners and removers, acetone, etc.
TIRES are considered hazardous
Tires on rims, or wheels, commercial vehicle tires, tractor tires, and heavy equipment tires will not be accepted.
Automotive hazardous waste such as used oil, filters and batteries.
Empty propane tanks up to seven (7) gallons – VALVE MUST BE ENTIRELY REMOVED.
Mercury WILL NOT be accepted.

Questions?
For more information about the Spring Clean Up and what will and will not be accepted, please call Bexar Waste (210-566-5454) or Schertz Public Works (210-619-1800). You may also dial 311 within the City of Schertz.

The City of Schertz and Bexar Waste are not responsible for damage to vehicles or injury to citizens during this event.
The City of Schertz and Bexar Waste reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for not following the rules of the clean up.

Guadalupe County H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinic in Schertz

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will be giving H1N1 flu vaccines to the general public as well as specific groups of people who are at risk for getting H1N1 flu. There is no cost for receiving the vaccine.

Date:    Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Place:    Schertz Civic Center
             1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5
             Schertz, Texas

Hours:    1:00PM – 7:00 PM

If you have questions, call 210-619-1400

Shooting Supect Apprehended

On 01-11-10 at approximately 7:05 a.m. the Schertz Police Dispatch received a 911 call in reference to a shooting. Officer’s responded to the location where a victim was located with multiple gunshot wounds. Schertz EMS transported the victim to Brook Army Medical Center.

The suspect in the shooting is the ex-husband, Jefferson Crawford. The suspect fled the scene in a 2005 Cadillac CTS 4 door sedan which is beige or possibly brown in color. The actor is believed to be on his way back to the Houston, Texas area. The weapon was not located at the scene and it is believed that the actor is still in possession of the weapon

***Updated Information***

Information was received that the suspect in this case was located in Waller County, which is between San Antonio and Houston. The suspect had a gunshot wound and is being taken to a Houston Area Hospital.

Economic Development Corp Launches NEW Website

The Schertz Economic Development Corporation unveiled a new interactive website designed to provide answer questions from potential and future businesses about setting up shop or relocating to Schertz and the San Antonio Metropolitan Area. After a short evaluation period, the site will include interactive maps, regional economic information, and much more. According to EDC Assistant Director Jeff Jewell, "This website pushes us towards our goal of having one of the most comprehensive and excellent economic development websites in the state." Check out the new site at www.schertzedc.com

City Offices Closed

City of Schertz Officies will be closed on New Year's Day, Friday, January 1, 2010 and reopend for normal operations on Monday, January 4, 2010. In the event of an emergency, dial 911.

2009 Festival of Angels Holiday Lighting Contest Winners

The 2009 Schertz Festival of Angels Lighting Contest was another great success! Many residents and households participated and displayed their holiday cheer with their imaginative use of lights, ornaments, and other props. As in years past, the finals were extremely competitive with many homes deserving recognition of some kind. However, only five throughout the city could receive final recognition as this year’s winners. This year’s winners and their categories were:

VIEW PHOTOS OF THE WINNERS HERE!!!

Best Illumination

3524 Hamilton

Most Creative

3424 Dartmouth Cove

Most Original

5010 Wedgewood

Most Animation

139 Nu Pecan Grove

Overall Appearance

3657 Diamond Falls

Finalists will be recognized at the January 5, 2010 Schertz City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m in City Council Chambers. Be sure to check back soon for nighttime pictures of the winners!

YMCA TO MANAGE SCHERTZ REC CENTER IN FEBRUARY

Coming soon to your neighborhood…

The YMCA of Greater San Antonio invites the entire Schertz community to become a part of their family! The new Schertz Recreation Center, located at Schertz Parkway and Elbel Rd. will open in February, will be the newest, and largest addition, to the Organization!

Membership is open and available to everyone, regardless of age, income, or fitness level. Whether you are a student, an active older adult, a family with or without kids or an adult of any age, the YMCA has a membership type specifically for you!.

Schertz area residents will receive many benefits by joining the YMCA, along with waiving the Joining Fee, a savings of $99.

In February, be on the lookout for Charter Member sign up opportunities. Charter Members are individuals who join prior to opening day and who will receive additional benefits.

Now more than ever, it is important to remain healthy in spirit, mind and body. The YMCA wants to help you develop and maintain healthy lifestyles, or simply show you how to improve them. So come take a group exercise class, play a sport in the gymnasium, bring your kids to our Childwatch, YLand or Teen Center, or climb our Rock Wall. Whatever you chose, you are guaranteed to find a program, activity or class that will meet your needs. Join us for Family fun and fitness in the New Year!

Visit their website at www.ymcasatx.org and become a member today!

Established in 1876, the YMCA of Greater San Antonio serves a 10-county area through nine branches and strives to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities through various YMCA programs. The YMCA’s Vision 2010 Plan is to serve the San Antonio community equally by building facilities in more areas.

For more information, or to learn more about YMCA programs, call 210-246-9622.

Read an Update on the Schertz Recreation Center Project HERE!

Schertz Recreation Center Slated to Open in February

The new Schertz Recreation Center is slated to open in February and George Logan can hardly wait.

“This recreation center will provide a daily opportunity for community wellness and leisure and is a reflection of the health consciousness of Schertz residents,” said the city’s Parks and Recreation Department Director.

“The center was approved by the citizens of Schertz through the 2006 bond issue and will meet and exceed the expectations of the community….big time!” Logan emphasized.

“The contractor, architects and staff have met every two weeks during the construction period and we will have a great building for the City of Schertz and our residents,” the Parks and Recreation Director said.

The 30,733 square-foot recreation building is located at 721 Westchester Drive, just east of the intersection of Elbel Road and Schertz Parkway.

The $7.2 million complex has recreational facilities and equipment, administrative offices, access roads, parking, and landscaping and sits on eight acres located just behind the new City Public Library facility on Schertz Parkway.

The recreational facilities include a full-court gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, free play room, dodge ball, and other open space indoor games.

A Playscape play room for children will be adjacent to the toddler and infant care facilities.

There will also be a teen center with teen programs, computers, video games, a climbing wall, cardio and fitness equipment area; aerobics room; Pilates exercise room; “Movies in Motion” room which includes riding and spinning down roadways in-sync with a movie feature down country lanes; and a multi-purpose room.

The YMCA of Greater San Antonio will manage the recreation center for Schertz and will provide membership discounts for Schertz Residents and city employees.

The YMCA has a scholarship program and will work with families and individuals who wish to join but have hardships or other financial difficulties.

Find out about YMCA Management of thethe Rec Center and Membership Opportunities HERE!

Wiederstein Rd. Getting Facelift

By Chuck McCollough

The section of Wiederstein Road between Schertz Parkway and FM 1518 will be upgraded including a new bridge, according to Schertz City Engineer Larry Dublin.

Schertz, Selma and Guadalupe County are participating in the upgrade.

The first phase of the project is making improvements on the road from FM 1518 in Selma to the Schertz city limits, Dublin said.

Work on that portion of the road also gives Schertz time to construct a bridge over the West Dietz Creek drainage ditch between the two cities.

Construction on the bridge is slated to run from late December 2009 to June 6, 2010, the city engineer added.

“The bridge is part of the overall effort to improve flood control and safety in the area. We already did a channel improvement in that area,” Dublin said.

The bridge is a $280,000 project with Schertz and Selma splitting the costs, he added.

After the bridge is finished the second phase of improvement to the road from Schertz Parkway to the Selma city limits will begin.

FM 3009 Construction Begins In Schertz

Following preliminary work, construction to widen FM 3009 from I-35 to FM 2252 at the Garden Ridge city limits kicked-off in early November and is expected to continue through 2012.

The $22.6 million project, which has been delayed from its original starting date in June, will widen the highway from two to four lanes with a raised median, with left turn lanes at intersections. Two overpasses will be added so motorists can bypass the two railroad crossings that cross FM 3009.

The project is expected to take three years to finish, with a completion date of October 2012.

The widening of FM 3009 will help alleviate early morning and rush-hour traffic congestion on the roadway, which is used by thousands of motorists every day going to work, shopping or restaurants.

Work on the roadway will be done simultaneously in two sections, from I-35 to Red Iron and from FM 2252 to Red Iron.

Keep up-to-date at the Texas Department of Transportation's Project website HERE

TRASH COLLECTION DATES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

In Observance of the Holiday Season, Trash Collection in the City of Schertz will be cancelled for customers who received pickup on Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Scheduled pick-up for December 25, 2009 will be December 22, 2009.

Scheduled pick-up for January 1, 2010 will be December 29, 2009.

City Offices Closed

Schertz City Offices will be closed on December 25th, 2009 and January 1st, 2010 in observance of the Holiday Season

NOTICE OF ELECTIONS

OFFICIAL NOTICE OF DEADLINE TO FILE APPLICATIONS FOR PLACE ON BALLOT

Please be aware that the term of office for the May 8, 2010 General Election and Special Election are for Mayor, Councilmembers of Places 1, 2, are up for re-election. The term of office for these three positions is two years and is from May 2010 to May 2012. A Special Election will also be held for the unexpired one-year term for Council Place 4. The term is from May 2010 to May 2011. Click HERE for more information and the candidate packet.

Visit the City Secretary's Website HERE

LANE CLOSURE NOTICE

Please be advised that Sunday night and Monday night, December 13 - 14, 2009 the Texas Department of Transportation will be Installing a concrete traffic barrier Approximately 200' North of Four Oaks Drive to 100' South of Red Iron

Schertz Police Department needs Your Help with BLUE SANTA

Once again it is time for the Schertz Police Department's Blue Santa program to get into full swing. Over the years we have been able to provide numerous needy families with gifts, food and monetary donations for their children, but most of all… the spirit of the holiday season. None of this would be possible without the donations received from the community; we could not do this without you.

With the continuing growth of the City, we ask if Blue Santa has helped you for the past two (2) years, please give others the chance and the opportunity to receive the same help and support that you have received in the past. Applications for the Blue Santa program are available at the Schertz Police Departmnet. We are once again asking for the communities help and support to make the Blue Santa Program a reality for the 2009 Christmas season. We are currently accepting nonperishable food items, new toys and monetary donations in through December 11th. Please contact Esther @ 210-619-1213 with any questions.

SKI SCHERTZ TONITE IN PICKRELL PARK!!

Schertz Assistant City Manager David J. Harris inaugurated the first ever "SKI SCHERTZ" invitational and kicked-off a day of festivities at the Festival of Angels in Schertz with a plunge down Mount Schertz. According to Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin, this is the first time that anybody has snow skied in Schertz, but it probably isn't the last. The Festival of Angels begins at 6:00 PM with the lighted parade down Schertz Pkwy and Main Street, and continues in Pickrell Park with live music, entertainment, and of course snow........join us!!!!!

Find out more about the Festival of Angels HERE!! (http://schertz.com/festivals.html)

Check out a video of David J. Harris' trip down Mount Schertz HERE (http://schertz-magazine.smugmug.com/Events/Festival-of-Angels-in-Schertz/10535415_PKb56/1/731678667_jqzTs)

Temporary Lane Closure on FM 3009

On Thursday, December 3, 2009 from 8:00 PM - 6:00 AM, the Texas Department of Transportation will be closing both directions of FM 3009 (Approximately 200' North of Four Oaks Drive to 100' South of Red Iron) in order to elimnate pavement markings and for placement of new markings and a traffic switch.

Thanksgiving Closure

Schertz City offices will be closed Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

The Staff at the City of Schertz wish all our residents a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

CHRISTMAS BOOKSALE - December 1st - 23rd!

     Christmas is creeping up on you! If you need an inexpensive gift for the teacher, clergyman, mailman, relative (close or distant), office worker, neighbor, or special person on your list, remember that the READ BEFORE BOOKSTORE is at your service in the Schertz Public Library.

     Our annual Christmas Booksale begins on December 1st and runs through December 23rd. It is held in the READ BEFORE BOOKSTORE just inside the Schertz Public Library. Many items that pertain to Christmas have been set aside for this sale. In addition, you will find new, clean, gently used books, CD’s, DVD’s, magazines and children’s books available for this annual sale.

     The READ BEFORE BOOKSTORE hours are as follows: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM; Tuesday from 11 AM to 7 PM; and Saturday from Noon to 5 PM. On Sunday we are closed.

     Donations of clean, odor free, gently used library items are always welcome at the READ BEFORE BOOKSTORE. These items are screened in the workroom for use in the new library. Copies that are needed there are processed for the library shelves in the library staff workroom. We treasure your donations and thank you for them. Remember to ask for a tax receipt from our staff if they don’t remember to remind you. We ask that you remember us when you plan to relinquish your library items.

     Reasonable pricing is always the norm at the bookstore sales. Recent hardcover books by popular authors are priced at $2.00 each. Book club editions are $1.00 each. Other books are priced
by the inch---50¢ an inch for hardcover books and 25¢ an inch
for paperback books. That means your books are placed in a pile and the pile is measured by the inch. Older books are researched against several library sources and a reasonable price is affixed to them.

     New gifts for the discerning bibliophile on your list include pencils, notepaper, kickballs, magnetic book marks, magnetic pencil holders, magnetic tablets, book wall clocks, and square pencil boxes made from scrap wood left from the building of the new Schertz Public Library.

     Remember to shop at the READ BEFORE BOOKSTORE in the Schertz Public Library when you are perusing your Christmas list!

San Antonio / Schertz Area Named on the Best-Performing Economic Areas in America

The 2009 Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners Best-Performing Cities Index ranks U.S. metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. The San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area, including Schertz, was ranked #11, up from #15 in 2008. Find out more at HERE.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to Chapter 43 of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended (the “Act”), NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Schertz (the “City”) will hold a public hearing on December 1, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas with respect to the proposed annexation of the following property (the “Land”):
Approximately 186.55+ or - acres known as Crescent Bend Park, located north of Schaefer Road and east of the Lost Meadows subdivision.

All interested persons are invited to attend the hearing to express their views with respect to the annexation of the Land. Further information with respect to the proposed annexation will be available at the hearings. In lieu of attendance at the meeting, written comments may be submitted to the City. Such comments should be directed to:

City of Schertz
1400 Schertz Parkway
Schertz, Texas 78154
Attention: City Manager

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to Chapter 43 of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended (the “Act”), NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Schertz (the “City”) will hold a public hearing on December 8, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas with respect to the proposed annexation of the following property (the “Land”):
Approximately 186.55 + or - acres known as Crescent Bend Park, located north of Schaefer Road and east of the Lost Meadows subdivision.

All interested persons are invited to attend the hearing to express their views with respect to the annexation of the Land. Further information with respect to the proposed annexation will be available at the hearings. In lieu of attendance at the meeting, written comments may be submitted to the City. Such comments should be directed to:

City of Schertz
1400 Schertz Parkway
Schertz, Texas 78154
Attention: City Manager

ELECTION RESULTS

The unofficial results of the 2009 City Curbside Recycling Referendum are as follows:

For: 1170 votes Against: 583 votes.

The referendum passed.

To see the results at the Guadalupe County Elections site, click HERE

Wedding Parade 2009 at Schertz Civic Center

Join A Moment in Time and the Schertz Civic Center at

Wedding Parade 2009.

Sunday, November 29 from 12PM - 5PM ~

Schertz Civic Center (1400 Schertz Parkway, Bldg#5)

Feature more more than 70 vendors and consultants

Below is a list of some of the Vendors that will be at the show!!!

A Moment In Time Wedding/Event Planning
A to Z Video Productions
Alva Linens
Bud and Bloom Florist
Cakes and More
Carmelina's Creations
Music Flo
O'Neills Catering
American Laser
Schertz Civic Center
Schertz Tales Magazine
Schertz Chamber of Commerce
Evember
JAB Productions
Beard Studios
Beyond Cake
BG's Catering
Black Tie Catering
Budget Bridal
Carino's Italian Restaurant
Costco

Dixie Flag Company

Reese Lighting Productions
Focused on You Photography
Granberry Hills
Greystar Properties
Hotel Indigo
Alamo Indigo
La Quinta
Mary Kay
Memory Maker Travel
Northern Lights Band
Olympia Hills Conference Center
Pamper Chef
Pedernales Cellars Winery
Premier Designs Jewelry
Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union
Rackowitz Photography
Rio Cibolo Ranch
San Antonio Weddings Magazine
Sandra's Creations
Say Cheese Photo Booth
Sheridan Productions
Stella and Dot Jewelry
The Traveling Vineyard
Today's Promos
Werner's Steakhouse
Zios
Roger's Entertainment
Straughan Photography
Royal Tuxedos
Tom Daniels Rolls Royce
Two Chic Chicks
Universal Travel
Simply Charming Cakes

LANE CLOSURES:

Reference: Ware-Seguin Rd Construction

There may be daily road closures along Ware-Seguin Rd as construction continues. Upgrades to Ware-Seguin, Boenig Rd, Pfeil Rd, North Grytown and Scenic Lake Rdare under way.

Reference: Chelsea and FM 1103 Intersection Closure

Closure at Chelsea Dr. and FM 1103 for planned road work may begin November 12, 2009 and continue through March 1, 2010, weather permitting. Updates will be posted as additional information is available.

Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Melvin Boeck, Public Works Inspector at (210) 619-1817.

WANTED: Holiday Lock-up Participants

WARRANT OF ARREST

Dear Schertz Patron:

A warrant of arrest has been issued for you to participate in the 4th Annual Holiday Lock-Up, Wednesday, November 18th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. sponsored by the City of Schertz to benefit the Blue Santa Program and the Festival of Angels. A friend or foe has accused you of: Offending Santa. This felony is against the laws of the City of Schertz and the rest of the world.

Each participant is asked to raise $100 from associates and friends using the enclosed sponsor form. On November 18th, please bring your funds to Schertz City Hall. We lock you up in our portable outdoor jail, take an unforgettable picture, and then you are free to go! If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation and/or placing one of your associates in jail with the enclosed mail-in form.

Please call to schedule your time to appear under warrant of arrest at City Hall, 1400 Schertz Parkway: Erin Matlock at 619-1072 or Shawn Ceeko at 619-1253. If you desire, we can provide service including a personal handcuffed arrest from a Schertz Police Officer and round-trip taxi service for you or one of your “friends”.

We certainly hope you can participate. Because of your generosity, needy families receive a very special Christmas, and all the children of Schertz have the opportunity to play in real snow!

Lockin’ and Loadin’

PARTICIPATION FORM

San Antonio #1 in Forty Strongest U.S. Economies

Business Week ranked the San Antonio Metropolitan Area as the #1 overall Strongest Metropolitan economy in the U.S.A.

Congratulations to San Antonio and all the Metropolitan Cities!!

Northeast OB/GYN Heading to Schertz

Schertz, October 26, 2009 – SPV Ventures, LLC, a San Antonio-based real estate developer with properties in San Antonio and Schertz, Texas announced today the addition of Northeast OB/GYN Associates as the newest tenant to its medical office project, Schertz Parkway Professional Plaza. The project, which is to begin construction as early as November, is located at 5000 Schertz Parkway in Schertz, Texas at the intersection of Schertz Parkway and IH-35.

Northeast OB/GYN Associates are women's health care specialists and provide all general services Obstetrics and Gynecology to patients throughout the San Antonio metro area. Northeast OB/GYN Associates currently has offices in Live Oak, Stone Oak and Village Drive, all in San Antonio, and it is anticipated that their new office in Schertz will augment these locations to provide a wide range of women’s health services to the Schertz/Cibolo/Selma area. “We are excited about expanding our services into the far northeast communities around and including Schertz. We recognize a need for women’s Obstetrics and Gynecological in these areas,” said Dr. Kent Sadler, Medical Director and CEO of Northeast OB/GYN Associates, “ and we are looking forward to providing our programs as well as welcoming other medical practices as they join in Schertz Parkway Professional Plaza’s continued development.”

According to Jesse Hellums, President o f SPV Ventures, “We are also extremely pleased to welcome Northeast OB/GYN Associates as the lead tenant for our project. This project has been in the works for some time, and we are now ready to begin, with plans already drawn and our financing underway.” Mr. Hellums added, “Schertz Parkway Professional Plaza will be comprised of a first phase of 18,000 square feet, which will of course include Northeast OB/GYN, and we plan to eventually construct up to 82,000 square feet of professional-use office space, as well as flex-space, as needed.”
Mr. Harry Whitney, Vice President of the Schertz Economic Development Corporation, was integral to SPV Ventures’ efforts to secure Northeast OB/GYN for the Schertz Parkway Professional Plaza project, according to Mr. Hellums. Mr. Whitney, having formally served 30 years as a hospital executive including president CEO of a Los Angeles facility, said “the City of Schertz and Schertz EDC is committed to providing the broadest range of services to our citizens and our neighboring communities, particularly in the medical field. The inclusion of Northeast OB/GYN into Schertz Parkway Professional Plaza is further confirmation of that commitment. Schertz EDC, along with Northeast OB/GYN and certainly SPV Ventures, is excited by the prospects of such a project for growth in our area.”

SPV Ventures, LLC, is a privately owned limited liability company based in San Antonio and has its main offices at 16161 College Oak, S. 100, San Antonio, 78249. Contact Carey G. Birmingham, managing director, for more information at 210-262-8490 or coinvestments@satx.rr.com.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION (AVISO DE ESPECIAL GENERAL)

To the registered voters of the City of Schertz, Texas:
(A los votanes registrados de la Cuidad de Schertz, Texas:)

Notice is hereby given that the polling places listed below will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on November 3, 2009, for voting in Special Election calling a non-binding referendum to be held in the City of Schertz, Texas concerning the City’s Curbside Recycling Program.

(Noticia es dabo por esto que los sitios de votacion listados abajo estaran abiertos desde las 7:00 a.m. hastes las 7:00 p.m. el dia 3 de Noviembre, 2009, Para votar en Elección Especial que llama un referéndum no-obligatorio ser contenido la Ciudad de Schertz, Tejas con respecto a Programa de Reciclaje de Curbside de la Ciudad.

LOCATION OF POLLING PLACES – NOVEMBER 3, 2009:
Colocacion de sitio de votacion - 3 de Noviembre, 2009:

Click HERE for More (PDF)

Guadalupe County Elections Office

Schertz Receives Innovation Achievement Award

Laserfische, the acknowledged leader in municipal government document retention and storage solutions presented the City of Schertz with an achievement award for innovative document management. Schertz Assistant City Manager David J. Harris and IT Director Myles Clauser accepted the award on behalf of the City at a special ceremony in Fort Worth Thursday at the annual Texas Municipal League conference. More than 100 people attended the ceremony.

According to Harris, the City of Schertz has made great strides in recent year to adopt new technologies that will enhance city services. “It’s about customer service,” said Harris. “By working with companies like Laserfische we are better prepared to manage our growth and ensure that our residents receive top-notch service.”

Laserfiche offers a suite of products and services that address enterprise-wide challenges from the perspective of executives, records managers, IT staff members and end-users. Since 1987, more than 25,000 organizations—including government offices, Fortune 1000 companies, healthcare organizations and non-profits—have used Laserfiche software to meet these challenges, improve productivity and enhance data security. Laserfiche is the acknowledged leader in the municipal government market, with 480 counties and 1,700 cities across the United States and Canada using Laserfiche solutions. Federal clients include all branches of the United States military, the Secret Service and the State Department.

Sewer Averaging November thru February Will Affect Schertz Residents 2009-2010 Sewer Bills

Sewer averaging for the winter months begins November 1, 2009 and continues through February 28, 2010. Meter readings taken over this period will determine your sewer average for the next billing year, which begins April 1. The readings will be averaged, and that average will be multiplied by $2.65 for resident with an average below 12,000 gallons. For resident with averages over 12,001 gallons the average will be multiplied by $2.84. That total will be added to the base rate of $3.75 (residential use). This average will be your sewer charge for the next twelve (12) months. Customers are encouraged to use water conservatively throughout the averaging months to ensure their sewer/water bills remain manageable. People who use large amounts of water (watering the yard, bath, etc.) during the averaging months can expect higher sewer bills for the next billing year. Karen Garcia, City of Schertz Public Works Business Coordinator, advises customers to double-check all residential water systems (toilets, showers/baths, outdoor faucets, etc.) for leaks and make sure their appliances are in good working condition. Commonly, unexpectedly high water bills can be traced to leaks (toilets, automatic sprinkler systems, etc.), or “running” toilets. Garcia also suggests that residents limit landscape water use, be frugal when washing automobiles, and limit unnecessary water use during the sewer averaging period.

The following are the averaging dates for all billing cycles:

November 1, 2009 thru Feb 28, 2010

For more information on water and sewer billing, averaging or other related topics, call 210-619-1100.

Ware-Seguin Road Closure

Ware Seguin Rd. will be closed between Boenig and the Schertz City Limits beginning Tuesday, October 20 and will remain closed through Wednesday, October 21.

Please call City of Schertz Public Works, (210) 619-1800, with any questions.

Change the Time and Change Your Batteries

By Schertz Fire Chief David Covington

On November 1st we will once again exit Daylight Savings Time and return to Standard Time. It is at this time we urge you to “Change your Clock, Change your Battery.” Of course, we are talking about the battery in your residential smoke detector. Did you know that two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without working smoke detectors? A smoke alarm is critical in giving you the extra few seconds you might need in exiting your home safely in a fire.

And changing your battery is only part of the routine maintenance you can easily do to ensure that the alarm works for you when you need it. Over time, dust or very small cobwebs may settle inside your smoke detectors sensing chamber. This may cause random false alarms. At least once a year you should gently vacuum the smoke detector with a soft brush attachment. Another good method of cleaning is to blow gently using a can of compressed air, such as you might have available when cleaning your computer keys or other electronics.

If you need a smoke detector, please call us at Schertz Fire Rescue, 619-1300. We will bring one to you, and install it for you! Please stay safe and maintain your smoke alarms so they are there for you when you need them.

Annual Fall Clean-up : Oct 10-25, 2009

Once again Schertz residents have the opportunity to Help Keep Schertz Clean! This year’s annual fall clean up is scheduled to take place October 10 – 25, 2009. During the two-week clean up, Bexar Waste will pick up household waste not covered under their normal collection service; such as lumber and general trash as well as major appliances and furniture for a fee (prices start at $25.00 per load and are determined by Bexar Waste). If you have questions regarding the details, please call Bexar Waste (210-566-5454).

Schertz Public Works provides year-round curbside chipping service of brush and tree limbs on Fridays for a fee of $25 per half hour. To make an appointment for brush and tree limb chipping service, call Public Works (210-619-1800). Chipping will be scheduled as first come, first served. Again, you must call and make an appointment. Please note: Bexar Waste picks up small bundles of brush and tree limbs (maximum length of 4 feet and maximum total weight of 50 pounds) with normal trash pick-up without any additional charges.

What you need to know:
The Fall Clean Up is restricted to Schertz residents only. Waste delivered will be separated by type of material by the resident. Fall Clean Up activities do not apply to commercial property clean up, large property clean up, lot or acreage clean up, or lot and property land clearing. Commercial tree trimmers are not eligible for this service.

A current water bill or tax statement and proper identification are required when making a drop-off. Commercial waste will not be accepted.

Drop off at Bexar Waste Site
Items dropped off here will be free of charge to residents as a service paid for by the City of Schertz
Drop off Site Open October 10 -25, 2009 (See below for hazardous items drop off times)
Drop offs may be made at Bexar Waste’s temporary collection point, 2221 F.M. 3009 (Near Live Oak Road) between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.

Couches, Refrigerators, Stoves, Computer/Monitors, anything and everything that IS NOT HAZARDOUS OR TIRES can be dropped off, free of charge, during the clean up, Monday through Sunday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Materials WILL BE sorted by customer NOT BY Bexar Waste employees.
Appliances will be ACCEPTED ONLY if Freon is removed prior to delivery. Residents must show proof of Freon removal certificate.

Hazardous Items/Tires and Drop off Times

HAZARDOUS ITEMS and TIRES may be dropped off ONLY on the weekends of October 17-18 and 24-25, 2009.

Tires are limited to eight (8) per household.

Hazardous waste includes but is not limited to:

Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, chemicals, cleaning and bleach products, swimming pool cleaners and chemicals, enamel and latex paints in cans and aerosol dispensers, varnish and stains, paint thinners and removers, acetone, etc.
TIRES are considered hazardous
Tires on rims, or wheels, commercial vehicle tires, tractor tires, and heavy equipment tires WILL NOT be accepted.
Automotive hazardous waste such as used oil, filters and batteries.
Empty propane tanks up to seven (7) gallons – VALVE MUST BE ENTIRELY REMOVED.
Mercury WILL NOT be accepted.

Questions?
For more information about the Fall Clean Up and what will and will not be accepted, please call Bexar Waste (210-566-5454) or Schertz Public Works (210-619-1800). You may also dial (210) 619-1000 for City of Schertz Customer Relations.

The City of Schertz and Bexar Waste are not responsible for damage to vehicles or injury to citizens during this event and reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for not following the rules of the clean up.

Coming Together to Support Safe neighborhoods and Community Camaraderie

It was National Night Out October 6th and Schertz residents came out in droves to support safe neighborhoods and have a good time. Area Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, and EMS personnel were on hand to visit with neighbors and promote safe communities in an effort to bring down crime.

The National Night Out is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, and was held in cities across Texas. This year market the 26th anniversary of the event.

Mayor Hal Baldwin and members of the Schertz City Council, including John Trayhan, Jim Fowler, and David Scagliola, along with city management and staff divided up the town attended as many activities and celebrations as was possible in a three hour period. According to Schertz Police Department Special Projects Officer Shawn Ceeko over two dozen neighborhoods in Schertz held publicized activities, not including the block and house parties that seemed to be on every street. Here is a short list of some of the neighborhoods seen in the photographs:

Schertz Bank & Trust on Main Street
Randolph Field Realty on Main Street
Sycamore Creek Apartments
Wynnbrook Subdivision
The Woods at Greenshire Subdivision
Dove Meadows Subdivision
Berry Creek Subdivision
Forest Ridge Subdivision
Jonas Woods Subdivision
Savannah Bluff Subdivision
Savannah Square
Whisper Meadows Subdivision
Northcliffe

View Photos HERE

If your neighborhood or event was not listed and you’d like to participate in next year’s activities, contact Officer Shawn Ceeko at 210-619-1253.

Flu Vaccine

***Due to the tremendous response, EMS is temporarily out of stock of Flu Vaccine***

Please watch this page for further updates.

Schertz Sweethearts Crowned at 20th Anniversary of Scholarship Program

The Schertz Sweetheart’s celebrated the 20th Anniversary of their scholarship program September 30th with the crowning of a new Miss Schertz and Sweetheart’s Court.

The name sweethearts has become recognizable not only within Schertz but in dozens of surrounding communities for nearly 20 years. Members of the Sweetheart Court serve as ambassadors at local community events and of course at city parades and festivals. They also participate in various community service projects in and around the Schertz area.

More than 200 people were on hand to bid farewell to the 2008-2009 court and support the contestants vying for the opportunity to win a title and scholarship money for college. Former Mrs. Texas, Joy Reinagel hosted the evening with music provided by Fran Badrack and the Northern Lights. Taylor Weidman, who served as Miss Schertz 2008-2009, thanked the attendees and members of the Sweetheart Advisory Group for what she said was a year full of excitement and opportunity.

After a grueling two-day selection process, which included interviews by contest judges Jason Allen (Country Music Singer, Songwriter, and Producer), Lindsey Musch (President, Miss Fiesta San Antonio), and Penny Gardner (Vice-President of the Fiesta San Antonio Executive Committee), finalists converged at the Schertz Civic Center. The final evening of the competition involved a Texas-themed talent competition and Q&A with Joy Reinagel before the Judges scores were tallied and the title holders announced.

The 2009-2010 Schertz Sweetheart title holders are:

Miss Sunshine, Starla Honeycutt
Miss Liberty, Sarah Corder
Miss Freedom, Emile Crow
Miss Friendly City, Julianne Royce
Miss Tri-County, Erin Harvey
Miss Schertz, Kailin Windham

Special thanks to everyone that participated in the competition and congratulations to those selected to represent the City of Schertz throughout 2009-2010.

View and purchase photos HERE

Learn More about the Sweethearts Court HERE

New City Fee Schedule in Effect

Effective October 1, 2009, a new fee schedule for the City of Schertz is in effect. To view all city fees approved as part of the 2009-2010 city budget, click HERE.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION (AVISO DE ESPECIAL GENERAL)

Click HERE for More (PDF)

Crescent Bend Nature Parks Poised to Be Gem of Bexar County / Schertz

The City of Schertz and Bexar County opened South Texas’ newest park, Crescent Bend Nature Park, September 18th with onlookers and supporters cheering on what will surely become the gem of the Lone Star State. Born out of the tragedy of two flood, a federal buyout, and years of planning, Crescent Bend Park covers 175-acres and is by far the flagship of the Bexar County and Schertz park systems.

Located where Schaefer Rd., intersects Cibolo Creek (Between FM 78 and FM 1518), the park is the brain child of Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson and Schertz Assistant City Manager David J. Harris. Crescent Bend Nature Park was conceived because two floods, in 1997 and 1998, decimated the local community and made the area unlivable. The story of how the park came about is long and tedious, but the outcome is undeniable. Now, the former flood-ravaged residential community is a testament to Texas perseverance.

Proponents of Crescent Bend Nature Park will tell you that the park opening isn’t the end of the project. In point of fact most folks see Crescent Bend and all area parks as far from complete: They are part of an ongoing effort to keep the area as natural as possible. As part of their plan to keep the area pristine, area residents and Schertz Parks and Recreation employees decided that Crescent Bend and other Schertz parks needed a little more color. So a plan was developed and it was decided to paint the sun-parched landscape with the vibrant colors of nature; specifically the color Maroon. In keeping with that goal, Maroon “Alamo Fire” Bluebonnet seeds were spread across several acres of Crescent Bend Park with the hope that by the spring the area would blanketed with maroon for the whole community to enjoy. Alamo Fire Bluebonnets are as special as the Crescent Bend Area. Originally discovered in Bexar County, Alamo Fire is certainly unique and exotic. To many, the odd colored bluebonnets are a novelty without purpose, but to the residents along Cibolo Creek: those who have endured countless floods and hardship, the maroon bluebonnets are a symbol of rebirth.

Now residents from all over Schertz can join the Schaefer Rd., community and paint the town Maroon. A limited supply of Alamo Fire seeds are available for residents of Schertz to pick-up and take home to disperse on their own properties. The seeds can be picked up a the Schertz Civic Center (1400 Schertz Pkwy Bldg #5). Parks officials plan to blanket other parks with seed and… weather permitting, Crescent Bend and all of Schertz will be on its way to becoming the Maroon “Alamo Fire” Bluebonnet Capitol of Texas.

Special thanks to Bexar County and Commissioner Tommy Adkisson for all the hard work in making the Crescent Bend Nature Park a reality!

Schertz Police Department Investigating Robbery

On 09-20-09 at 12:08 p.m. the Sonic Restaurant located at 5001 Corridor Loop in Schertz was robbed by a slender white male. The suspect displayed a knife to a waitress at the location and demanded all of her money. The suspect then left the location driving a gold in color Jeep Cherokee with an undisclosed amount of money. The waitress was not harmed during the incident.

Schertz Police Department Investigating Robbery / Shooting

On 09-20-09 at 9:58 hours the Quix Convenience Store located in the 18900 block of IH 35 was robbed. The robbery suspect is described as a white male. The clerk was shot during the robbery. The suspect then fled the location in a white four door vehicle. The clerk was taken to Brook Army Medical Center for treatment of his injury.

Schertz Annual Fall Clean Up set for October 10 - 25

Couches, Refrigerators, Stoves, Computer/Monitors, anything and everything that IS NOT HAZARDOUS OR TIRES can be dropped off, free of charge, during the clean up, Monday through Sunday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Materials WILL BE sorted by customer NOT BY Bexar Waste employees.
Appliances will be ACCEPTED ONLY if Freon is removed prior to delivery. Residents must show proof of Freon removal certificate.

Hazardous Items/Tires and Drop off Times

HAZARDOUS ITEMS and TIRES may be dropped off ONLY on the weekends of October 18-19 and 25-26, 2008.

Tires are limited to eight (8) per household.

Hazardous waste includes but is not limited to:

Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, chemicals, cleaning and bleach products, swimming pool cleaners and chemicals, enamel and latex paints in cans and aerosol dispensers, varnish and stains, paint thinners and removers, acetone, etc.
TIRES are considered hazardous
Tires on rims, or wheels, commercial vehicle tires, tractor tires, and heavy equipment tires WILL NOT be accepted.
Automotive hazardous waste such as used oil, filters and batteries.
Empty propane tanks up to seven (7) gallons – VALVE MUST BE ENTIRELY REMOVED.
Mercury WILL NOT be accepted.

Services / Reception Scheduled for Wilenchik

Arrangements for Council Member Tony Wilenchik are as follows:

Friday, September 18th:

- Viewing to be held at Schertz Funeral Home from 3pm - 9pm
Website: www.schertzfuneralhome.com
Phone Number: 210-658-9224

Saturday, September 19th:

- Funeral service to be held at 9:30 am at Oakwood Baptist Church in New Braunfels, TX
2154 Loop 337 N., New Braunfels, TX 78131
Website: www.oakwoodbaptist.org

- Internment to follow funeral service at Hill Country Park Cemetery off of Hwy. 46 in New Braunfels, TX

- Reception following internment service at Schertz Civic Center to honor Michael "Tony" Wilenchik.

By the request of Mrs. Wilenchik (per Tony's wishes) that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the:

Investigational Drug Development Unit (IDD)
of the Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC)
7979 Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, TX 78229

Wilenchik Will Be Remembered!

Above: Schertz Council Member Tony Wilenchik with his wife Valerie

Chuck McCollough

Contributing Writer

Schertz City Councilman Tony Wilenchik would have fit right in with the heroes in President John F. Kennedy’s book “Profiles in Courage.”

Courage, tenacity and a sense of humor helped Wilenchik continue to serve the Schertz community even as he battled cancer.

Wilenchik died Monday (Sept. 14) after a long battle with Stage-4 Leiomyosarcoma cancer. Services are pending.

In 2001, he was appointed to city council to fill an unexpired position and was re-elected in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009.

In June 2006, doctors told the councilman he only had six to nine months to live but he stretched that to more than three years and he didn’t waste a moment of that precious time, according to those who love it him..

And Wilenchik served right up to the end.

“Tony showed up at the last City Council meeting (September 8) and he was in so much pain you can’t believe it but he said that was the way it is and he had to accept it,” said City Manager Don Taylor.

“Tony was so determined to continue going on. He went to church using a cane and wearing slippers because his feet were so swollen, but he made it,” said Taylor. “He was like a brother to me.”

Mayor Hal Baldwin said Wilenchik “made a tremendous contribution to the council and the city. He was not only a good councilman but extremely knowledgeable and the go-to-guy on council when we had a question.”

Baldwin said Wilenchik was in a lot of pain in the final weeks and months of his life “but he hung in there with the council. I have never seen anyone fight an illness like Tony,” the mayor said.

“He was an inspiration to the council and a very dear friend. Tony will be missed very much,” Baldwin added.

Taylor said Wilenchik was the real McCoy, someone who walked the walk even when it was hard to walk.

“When someone passes on many times people say that person was the greatest person but the difference here is that Tony was the greatest. He never quit working for the city and the employees and he loved doing something every day to help his community,” the city manager said.

Originally from New Jersey, Wilenchik did a lot of travelling before making his home in Texas.

He joined the Air Force more than 40 years ago and while stationed in Norway, he met his wife, Valerie, a native of England.

They first came to the San Antonio area in 1984 and then moved to Converse and finally Schertz.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1998, Wilenchik joined USAA where he worked in life insurance and later transitioned into banking and became a Certified Financial Planner.

Wilenchik’s drive was reflected in his healthy and active lifestyle that included being an experienced and avid marathon runner.

He ran in 43 marathons, participated in the Boston marathon four times and even ventured through 50-mile races.

But in 2006, everything changed when Wilenchik went into the hospital for hernia surgery.

Within a couple of days, he felt extreme nausea and discomfort. Doctors performed a CAT scan that found cancer outside the colon wall. “It was metastatic to the liver,” he said in an earlier interview. “It’s a rare cancer only found in about nine percent of cancers.”

Taylor said Wilenchik was told by doctors that the cancer may have been caused by exposure to Agent Orange while he was in Vietnam.

Wilenchik's condition improved and then got worse but he never quit trying to help improve his community. He and his wife were active with the Schertz Humane Society and he sponsored the doggie dash event as a fund raiser for the group.

Wilenchik also supported a number of other community groups including veteran-related ones like Operation Home Front.

Mayor Baldwin said Wilenchik spent a lot of time at City Hall working with Taylor and the staff to improve the city and the circumstance for city employees.

In an interview months before his death, Wilenchik said: “The city has given me a place to be when I had nothing. My goal is to give back to the city and the people. I know I will. I’m living it now. I want to continue to help people and serve others.”

Family and friends say Wilenchik achieved that goal and much more.

Crescent Bend Nature Park Opening Sept 18th

There was no bright side that could have been imagined right after the Lakewood Acres subdivision was destroyed in the 1998 flood along Cibolo Creek. Eleven years later, a partnership between the City of Schertz and Bexar County has transformed what was once a place where people lost so much into an area where friends and families can spend time together.

On September 18, the 175-acre Crescent Bend Nature Park in Eastern Bexar County will official open to the community after two years of land buyouts, identifying funding sources, and construction. Now, Schertz residents can enjoy a number of recreational activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Please join Bexar County Commissioner
Tommy Adkisson ‐ Commissioner Pct. 4,
and the City of Schertz
for the Grand Opening of
Crescent Bend Nature Park

at 12:30 PM Friday, September 18, 2009

Intersection of Cibolo Creek at Schaefer Road, Schertz, TX 78108

DIRECTIONS from SCHERTZ CITY HALL

OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING POSTER

For more information about the grand opening or to learn about Schertz' Maroon "Angel Fire" Bluebonnet project, contact the Schertz Public Affairs Office at 210-619-1062

Artz' Third Thursday'z Beginning Sept 17th

Beginning September 17th, the Schertz Area Artz Council launches Third Thursday’z in Schertz: A Celebration of Artz. This monthly show will be held in the Schertz Civic Center and highlight the works of several area artists.

Each month, Schertz Tales will spotlight an artist who is a member of the Schertz Area Artz Council through a feature titled “Z-Spot.” Our first featured artist is photographer Uzuri McMillon, whose works are included in the council’s September art show, “Solace and the Meditation.”

Septmber's Third Thursday kicks-off with a reception on Septmber 17th at 6:30 PM at the Schertz Civic Center (1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg #5).Daily viewings of "Solace and Meditation" are from 8 AM- 5 PM -- Admission is FREE!!

Learn more about Artz' Third Thursday'z and the artists displaying at Schertz Magazine.

Country Club Blvd. Construction to Begin in Northcliffe

Road construction will begin Monday Sept. 14, 2009, on Country Club Blvd. in Northcliffe. Construction will begin on the East side of the street, allowing two way traffic on the West side of street. If you have any questions concerning this matter please contact Melvin Boeck, 488-4207 or 619-1817 or by e-mail mboeck@schertz.com

Schertz to Conduct Mobile Survey of City Roadways

Schertz will be conducting a full survey of city roadways located within its city limits as part of ongoing efforts to plan for future projects and needs. According to City Engineer Larry Dublin, Transmap Corp. has been brought on board to help complete the project in a fraction of the time it would take otherwise. Transmap is a geographic information services company that focuses on collecting and managing information related to property, assets and conditions using advanced satellite, inertial navigation, and digital imaging methods to collect precise location and visual information for use with any GIS.

For Schertz, Transmap is bringing in its On-Sight Mobile Mapping van to drive the roadways and survey assets, such as fire hydrants, water meters, drainage inlets and manholes, sanitary sewer manholes, signs, striping, lengths of curbs, lengths and condition of sidewalks, street lights, and traffic signals.

The Schertz mobile van survey will take place September 21 through October 15.

Notice of Tax Revenue Increase

The City of Schertz conducted public hearings on August 25, 2009 and September 1, 2009 on a proposal to increase the total tax revenues of the City of Schertz from properties on the tax roll in the preceding year by 4.48 percent.

The total tax revenue raised last year at last year’s tax rate of $0.4090 for each 100 of taxable value was $8,170,848.

The total tax revenue proposed to be raised this year at the proposed tax rate of 0.4342 for each $100 of taxable value, excluding tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year, is $8,501,079.

The total tax revenue proposed to be raised this year at the proposed tax rate of 0.4342 for each $100 of taxable value, including tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year, is $8,964,840.

The City of Schertz of City of Schertz is scheduled to vote on the tax rate that will result in that tax increase at a public meeting to be held on September 8, 2009 at Council Chambers, City Hall, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building # 4, Schertz, Texas
at 6:30 pm.

Schertz Ushers in New Era in Learning: Opens New Public Library

In late 2005, Garden Ridge Pottery founder Eric White and his wife Carolyn donated $1 million towards the construction of a new state-of-the-art public library in Schertz. On, Saturday, August 29th, city, state, and community leaders: as well as scores of volunteers and supporters, gathered to cut the ribbon at that new library at 798 Schertz Parkway and usher in a new era of learning in Schertz.

The donation by the White’s was just one factor that started the ball rolling on a whole community effort to build a new library. In May 2006, voters visited the polls and overwhelmingly approved issuance of a bond to help the project alone. Two years and $8.5 million later, the new 31,000 square foot Schertz Public Library dwarfs its predecessor.

Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to come and check out the building and join us in celebrating Schertz’ new era in learning.

Stay tuned for more about the grand opening in the October 2009 issue of Schertz Tales.

Photo by Diana Webb

Schertz Little League Coach Heading to World Series

Chuck McCollough
Contributing Writer

Mike Shull is the Schertz connection to the Little League World Series.

He is manager of the McAllister Park Little League team and a controller at Republic National Distributing (RND), 6511 Tri County Parkway in Schertz.

RND is a wine and spirits wholesaler and distributor and the 230 employees at the Schertz location are one large cheer section for Shull and his group of kids who are playing incredible baseball.

Those employees recently posed in front of a long banner on the gate of the business that says “Go Coach Shull and the McAllister Park Little Leaguers.”

“I have known Mike for many years and know how passionate he is about baseball and I am very impressed how he handles these young fellas on the team,” said Steve Hughes, Director of Operations at the Schertz RND location.

“Watching Mike on TV when the team is playing I see the same mild-mannered guy who works here. We know his background in baseball in high school, college and professional and now see that experience as he coaches the McAllister team,” he added.

Hughes said Shull played minor league ball for the California Angles but an injury kept him from going further.

“His son John is playing with the McAllister team and we watched John grow up. For us here at Republic it is really seeing family when we see Mike, his son and the rest of the team on TV at the Little League World Series. We are all very excited,” Hughes said.

Kathy Real is accounting manager at the local RND and works with Mike Shull20when he is not managing a world-class Little League team.

“There is so much support for Mike and the kids here at our business and in the Schertz community. We have been sending him text messages of support because they are doing so well,” she said.

Real described Shull as laid back at work and as a baseball manager.

“I think that laid back, easy going manner is one reason the players are doing so well. They play without showing the pressure of the game,” she said.

“Mike is teaching those boys about sportsmanship and how to do your best. It seems like in each game a different player has stepped up just when needed and it really is a team effort,” Real said.

RND employees, Schertz residents and those in San Antonio and South Texas will be watching Shull and his team go for the glory this weekend

City Council to Hold Public Hearing on 2009-2010 Budget.

The Schertz City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept 1, 2009 and Tuesday, Sept 8, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Complex, Bldg #4, 1400 Schertz Pkwy, Schertz Texas on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2009 - 2010.

Download PDF Summary of the 2009 - 2010 Proposed Budget ABOVE.

2010 Master Calendar

The Schertz City Council adopted the 2010 Master Calendar which includes meeting dates and city holidays. A copy in PDF format is available HERE.

The calendar may also be accessed at the City Secretary's WEBSITE

Smith to Hold Health Care Forums

Brian Baluta

202-225-4236

(SAN ANTONIO, TX) – Congressman Lamar Smith announced today that he will hold constituent health care forums for the 21st District of Texas on Monday, August 24 in both Kerrville and San Antonio. Smith is also asking constituents to bring their opinions in writing and he will deliver them to the White House and Congressional Leadership.

“Americans are doing their homework on healthcare reform. And they’re right to be leery of government-controlled healthcare that will increase costs, eliminate jobs through punitive taxes on small businesses, and put a government panel between doctors and patients.”

“I believe Congress should pursue reform, but the legislation pursued by Democratic leaders will neither reduce costs nor improve care,” said Smith.

At the forums, Smith will talk to constituents about his health care priorities, listen to their ideas and concerns, and field questions.

Who: Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21)

What: Constituent Health Care Forums

When: MONDAY, August 24, 2009

Where:

Kerrville
9:30 a.m.
The Kathleen C. Cailloux City Center for the Performing Arts
910 Main Street
Kerrville, TX 78028
830-896-9393

San Antonio
12:30 p.m.
Schertz Civic Center
1400 Schertz Parkway,
Bldg. #5 in the Municipal Complex
Schertz, TX 78154-1634
210-821-5024

DIRECTIONS to Schertz Civic Center

Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Increase

The City of Schertz will hold two public hearings on a proposal to increase total tax revenues from properties on the tax roll in the preceding tax year by 4.48 percent (percentage by which proposed tax rate exceeds lower of rollback tax rate or effective tax rate calculated under Chapter 26, Tax Code). Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable
value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

The first public hearing will be held on August 25, 2009 at 6:30 PM at Council Chambers, City Hall, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building #4, Schertz, Texas.

The second public hearing will be held on September 1, 2009 at 6:30 PM at Council Chambers, City Hall, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building #4, Schertz, Texas.

The members of the governing body voted on the proposal to consider the tax increase as follows:

FOR: Jim Fowler John Trayhan

Tony Wilenchik

AGAINST: David Scagliola

PRESENT and not
voting:

ABSENT: Michael Carpenter

The average taxable value of a residence homestead in City of Schertz last year as $148,080. Based on last year's tax rate of $0.4090 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed last year on the average home was $605.65.

The average taxable value of a residence homestead in City of Schertz this year is $156,130. If the governing body adopts the effective tax rate for this year of $0.4156 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $648.88

If the governing body adopts the proposed tax rate of $0.4342 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $677.92.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the hearings and express their views.

INSPECTIONS AND PERMITS DIVISION CHANGES TO INSPECTION SCHEDULE

Effective August 12, 2009, there will be no inspections scheduled after 12 noon on Wednesdays. This time will be reserved for construction conferences and staff plan reviews from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm every Wednesday.

You may also begin submitting your request for inspection at inspections@schertz.com. This e-mail address is for inspection requests only. Any incomplete requests will not be scheduled.

Thank you for your partnership and support with this revision to our inspection schedule. You may contact the Inspections Department at (210) 619-1750 if you have questions.

Schertz Firefighters to Fill the Boot for MDA

The Schertz Professional Firefighters Assn. Local-4083 Will be doing “Fill the Boot” for MDA on August 14, 15 and 16 at the intersection of IH 35 & FM 3009. Times will be approximately. 11-1300 and 16-1800 hrs. Last year local firefighters raised $14,000 for MDA. All of the money raised stays in the San Antonio area for those who need it. It cost’s $800.00 to send one child to MDA camp, $85.00 per/min of research.

So, let’s fill the boot!

Flick and Float Comes to Pickerell Pool

Bring your swim trunks, towels, and blankets out to Pickrell Pool (708 Oak Street) this Saturday, August 1st for the first ever Flick & Float!

ONLY 150 attendees will get the chance to swim and watch Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa FREE!!!!!

Free Activities begin a 7 PM with the show starting at 830 PM.

For more information contact Pickrell Pool at 210-659-0701

Coming Home: Texas Pays Tribute to Fallen Hero

Texans from as far away as Waco and Corpus Christi lined the streets of Schertz today (July 26^th) to pay their final respects to LCpl Brandon T. Lara who sacrificed his life in the line of duty July 19^th while supporting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.

Lara was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. The Marine's remains were brought to Randolph Air Force Base and depart for the Zoeller Funeral home in New Braunfels at 10:30 AM. The procession which included law enforcement and emergency personnel from three counties (Comal, Guadalupe, and Bexar), and nearly a dozen cities, including: Schertz, Cibolo, Universal City, Selma, Mario, and New Braunfels headed from Randolph AFB down FM 78 to FM 3009 and then to IH 35.

Christina Mendoza and her family came to Schertz from Waco after hearing about Lara’s return on an email blast from friends. “I believe every soldier who has died fighting for our country deserves our respect,” said Mendoza. “Freedom and liberty are not just words used by politicians; they were paid for by people like Brandon.”

While no official count of the number of people lining the roadways was taken, City officials indicated that more than a thousand people were present possibly as many as two thousand. Schertz Police Lt. Marc Bane who helped organize the procession with said that he felt this was great tribute to Brandon and to his family. “We need to let our soldiers and family know how much they mean to us.”

A prayer service for LCpl Lara is scheduled for 7 PM today at the Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels. A procession will depart the funeral home on Monday, July 27, 2009, at 9 AM. for a 10 AM graveside service at the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, with full military honors.

Those wishing to record their thoughts, sympathies, and prayers for the Lara family may do so on the Legacy Guest Book at:

http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=130114905

Jean Paul and Veronica Aredeux of St. Hedwig, Texas, who have a son serving in the US Navy, offered the following at Legacy:

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM!

May God bless Brandon and Family and God Bless America!

Hero Bracelets honoring Brandon are available at: http://www.herobracelets.org/?p=2180

For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 1st Marine Division public affairs office at (760) 725-8766.

The Zoller Funeral Home can be reached at 830-625-2349.

View Photos of the procession at: http://tinyurl.com/m2b28o

Video of the procession: http://tinyurl.com/lc2ag8

Schertz Residents to Line Streets to Honor Fallen Soldier

LCpl Brandon T. Lara made the ultimate sacrifice for out country July 19th while supporting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. The Marine's remains will arrive at Randolph Air Force Base on Sunday, July 26th and depart for the Zoeller Funeral home in New Braunfels at 10:00 AM. The procession will head from Randolph AFB through Schertz down FM 78 to FM 3009 and then to IH 35. It will then up IH 35 to New Braunfels. The Schertz Police Department will be providing traffic assistance for the procession.

Citizens plan to line the roadway and salute this brave soldier as we bring him home to rest. Visitation will be from 4-9 p.m. Sunday at the Zoeller Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. A procession will depart the funeral home on Monday, July 27, 2009, at 9 a.m. for a 10 a.m. graveside service at the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, with full military honors.

An online Legacy Guest Book has been establish for those who cannot attend the procession or services: http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=130114905

Hero Bracelets honoring Brandon are available at: http://www.herobracelets.org/?p=2180

For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 1st Marine Division public affairs office at (760) 725-8766.

The Zoller Funeral Home can be reached at 830-625-2349.

BVYA Hosting Pinto Zone Tournament

The Buffalo Valley Youth Association is pleased to host the 2009 Pinto Zone Baseball Tournament and congratulates the following teams on winning their State Championships to qualify for this prestigious tournament. Games are scheduled for July 22 - July 25 at Schertz Ballpark (1400 Schertz Pkwy).

Schertz, TX	BVYA Buffaloes
Kinder, LA	Kinder All-Stars
Picayune, MS	Picayune Pride
Orange, FL	Forest Hills All-Stars
Benbrook, Tx.	Texas Regulators
Oak Hill, Tx.	Oak Hill Thunder
Burleson, TX	Burleson Young Guns
Brownsville, TX	Brownsville Sluggers

For more information visit BYVA on the web at www.bvya.com or call Karen at 210-659-1610.

Schertz Fest 09 Set for Oct. 2-3

October is a great time of the year in Texas. The weather begins to cool, the sky is a rich blue, and the German towns celebrate in Style!

Join the Schertz Parks and Recreation Foundation October 2-3 at Schertz Fest in Pickrell Park ( 701 Oak Street). This two-day event will have something for the whole family: food, fun, a carnival, music, and more festivities. Admission is FREE!

OCTOBER 2-3

Carnival,Vendors,Crafts,FOOD,Cowboy Poets,etc.

Free Admission

Also, Join us for the Texas gulf coast bbq cookers bbq cook-off

Keep Up to Speed at www.schertzfest.net

New Fee Schedule to Take Effect Oct. 1, 2009

The Schertz City Council approved a new fee schedule as part of its FY 2009-2010 budget. The new fees will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2009. Checkout a copy of the NEW FEES at www.schertz.com

The Schertz Fire Department is Coooooool!

The Schertz Fire Department has joined forces with area residents to help cool things off all summer long! Through August 31, Schertz fire stations are collecting and distributing electric box fans to help elderly citizens who may suffer most from high summer temperatures.

Residents who want to cool things off in Schertz can donate new box fans at either Fire Station #1 located at 1400 Schertz Parkway or Fire Station #2 at 19085 IH35 North. Fans will be distributed to eligible clients in Schertz, including Bexar, Comal, and Guadalupe County’s. Eligible recipients must be least 60 years old.

Interested parties should call 311 or 619-1301 if they would like to request a fan or if they would like to donate fans or need additional information. The program runs through August 31, 2009. So, be cool and donate a fan today!

Schertz Recognized as One of Top Places to Live in the U.S.A.: Wants More Texas Towns on the List

For the second time in 2 years, Schertz, Texas was named one of Money Magazine’s top places to live in Texas and the United States.

Located between Austin and San Antonio on the IH-35 and IH-10 corridors, Schertz is the largest city in the San Antonio metropolitan area with more than 32,000 residents, encompassing more than 28 square miles.

Every two years, Money Magazine releases its list of America’s best small towns. In 2007, Schertz was ranked #40 in the U.S., and was one of only three Texas towns making the top 50 list.

The 2009 list of the best small towns in the U.S. is the first ranking by Money Magazine since the national economic recession began in 2007-2008. Thirty-five of 2007’s top 50 cities are absent from the 2009 rankings. Schertz, one of only fifteen cities still ranked in 2009, improved its standing and moved up the list to be named America’s 39^th best small town in 2009. This year Friendswood, Mansfield and Georgetown joined Schertz, Hewitt and Keller on the top 50 list bringing the total number of Texas cities in the top 50 to six.

Schertz, which has experienced remarkable population growth, has increased its population more than 80 percent since the 1990 census, making it one of the fastest growing cities in Texas. Today nearly 35,000 people call Schertz home. Newcomers to the city of Schertz can be assured city leaders are concentrating on maintaining the city's prosperous outlook and quality of living through sound planning and fiscal responsibility. New roads, a library, and recreation center are all scheduled to open in 2009.

Hal Baldwin, who has represented Schertz as Mayor since 1994, says that it is the people who have made all the difference. “I think Money Magazine’s ranking of Schertz is a reflection of the hard work this community has done over the past 50 years. I want to give credit to the volunteers…the people who work hard to make this city an outstanding place to live.” Assistant City Manager David J. Harris added that “They [Money Magazine] are recognizing that we have quality leadership, great volunteers, and professional staff.”

In addition to being one of the premier places to live, Schertz has also maintained strong economy presence in Texas. The City of Schertz’ unemployment rate actually decreased in April according to labor market statistics released by Workforce Solutions Alamo. The city’s jobless rate for the month was 4.3 percent, down from 4.7 percent in February.

Schertz’s unemployment rate, meanwhile, registered much lower than the overall jobless rate of 5.4 percent for the 12-county Workforce Solutions area, which includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina and Wilson counties.

Eva Esquivel, Communications Coordinator for Workforce Solutions Alamo added "As we look at the overall changes in the Alamo Region, the decreased unemployment rate in Schertz contributed to the overall decrease of our region."

Council Member Tony Wilenchik explained that “supporting the growth of business in the area, there are increased opportunities for our citizens to find employment close to home. As residences and businesses expand together we will continue to have employment opportunities not found in other cities in the region.”

According to Schertz Economic Development Director George Antuna, "This is just another clear indication of the forward thinking visionaries our community espouses. From quality of life, quality of place, a reliable water source, and sense of community are all traits and endeavors that have put the City of Schertz in the forefront. We have some way to go but we have come a long way as well.”

Money Magazine’s ranking of Schertz is a source of pride for so many in the city. While cities, states, and the nation are struggling with the recession, Schertz is trying to wade through the economic downturn and emerge stronger than ever. According to Council Member Michael Carpenter, "We have stated that we want to be the premier city in the metropolitan area - being recognized by CNN/Money Magazine as being in the top 40 small cities in the United States in 2007 and again now in 2009 suggests we are on the right path, that we are succeeding in our goal. Only 9 of the top 50 cities recognized in 2007 bettered their position in 2009 - Schertz is one of them. That's keeping some pretty good company, and suggests that we may be a lot closer to our goal than some may think."

All told, folks in Schertz are excited about being recognized, but the general consensus is that everybody wants more Texas towns to be on the list. Said Carpenter, “I’m proud of Schertz, but we want to see 25 Texas cities on the top 50 list in 2011.

Learn more about America’s best small towns at: http://tiny.cc/VtZfI

Buffalo Valley Lions Club Supports Community

At a recent Buffalo Valley Lions Club meeting, donation checks for $500 were presented to Schertz EMS, Schertz Fire Department, and Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program.

Lions Club President DC Morgan (L) and Treasurer Eddie Williams (R) present a check for $500 to Schertz Deputy Fire Chief Glen Outlaw.

According to Lions Club President D.C. Morgan, the Lions are actively involved in the local community and supports dozens of local charities. “We are excited to be able to give back to a community that has given us so much.”

WANTED: Schertz Fest Volunteers

The Schertz Parks and Recreation Foundation needs volunteers to help with Schertz Fest on October 2nd & 3rd, 2009, at Pickrell Park. Currently, there is a need for vendors, ticket booth workers, beer booth workers, and soda booth workers. Two hour shifts are available for volunteers. Anyone interested in working this fun-filled event should contact Gail Douglas 619-1610 or gdouglas@schertz.com. Visit www.schertz.com for more details.

Fowler Sworn in As Schertz Mayor Pro tem

Place 1 Councilmember Jim Fowler was sworn in as Mayor Pro tempore by Mayor Hal Baldwin at City Council on May 2^nd. First elected in May 2006, Fowler has served as the Council Liaison to the Schertz Economic Development Corporation and the Parks and Recreation Board.

Fowler retired from Johnson Controls World Services, Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC), in June 2001. He spent 40 days in China teaching conversational English to middle and high school teachers, followed by nine months as a Mission Service Corp Volunteer at the First Baptist Church of Schertz. He accepted a Mission Service Corp position at the Hispanic Baptist Theological School (now BUA), where he has been since June 2002.

The 23-year Air Force officer earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering at the University of Wyoming, and a Master of Business Administration in project management and production systems, through the West Coast University in Los Angeles. His military assignments included tours in Kansas, California, Tennessee, Washington D.C., Texas, Newfoundland, and Tripoli, Libya.

In addition to his duties as Mayor Pro Tem, Fowler is a volunteer missionary for Baptist University of the Americas (BUA). He is also active in his church, Cibolo Valley Baptist, serving in a variety of positions, and he enjoys golf, astronomy, and fishing.

As Mayor Pro tem, Fowler will fill in for Mayor Baldwin in the event of his absence from City Council meetings and at official events and activities. The six month term runs through December 1, 2009.

Furillo Tapped for Baldwin Scholarship

Samuel Clemens graduate Emily Furillo was chosen as the first recipient of the Hal Baldwin Scholarship. The $1,000 annual scholarship was established to in March in recognition of Mayor Hal Baldwin’s more than 30 years of service to the City of Schertz, and to encourage high school seniors to consider public service as a career path.

Furillo, who serves as President of the Schertz Youth Commission, plans to attend Texas Tech University in the fall.

Schertz Pools Offer Relief from Summer Heat

The hot days of summer are upon us and with temperatures continuing to rise, the Schertz Pools at Pickrell Park (708 Oak St.) and Northcliffe (4601 Cherry Tree) are a welcome site to many toasty folks.

The YMCA of Greater San Antonio, which manages both city pools opened their gates June 6, 2009, and plan to remain open until August 23, 2009. Hours of operation at Pickrell pool will be from noon to 7:00 pm (Pickrell pool will be closed for cleaning on Mondays). Northcliffe Pool is open from noon to 7:00 pm with cleaning day set for Tuesdays.

Pickrell Park pool will be closed July 2-5, 2009 for the Schertz Jubilee and Northcliffe will be closed July 4th.

For more information about the pool activities, visit the YMCA website at www.ymcasatx.org. If you do not have access to their website or if you are interested in information concerning lifeguard training, swim lessons, pool reservations, pool parties, and other activities, contact the YMCA at 210-246-9629.

Click It or Ticket in Schertz: Schertz Police Department Receives Traffic Safety Grant

For another year, the City of Schertz wrapped a successful week-long involvement in the annual Memorial Day Texas Click It or Ticket mobilization program. Sponsored by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS), the law enforcement community, training agencies, associations, prosecutors, the judiciary, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the goal of Click It or Ticket is to have law enforcement agencies work together to decrease crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

To achieve its goals, the Texas Click It or Ticket mobilization combines a concerted local and statewide media campaign with additional law enforcement activities to reinforce the message. Selective Traffic Enforcement Programs (STEPs) are grants provided by TxDOT to law enforcement agencies to enforce traffic safety laws such as speed and safety belt use. The City of Schertz received an $8,000 grant from the program to help defray the costs associated with having off-duty Schertz police officers work overtime to issue citations and to watch for DWI offenders.

Schertz EMS Recognized

Northeast Lakeview College President Dr. Eric Reno presents a certificate of appreciation to Jason Hedrick with Schertz EMS for the departments quick response to an emergency in 2008.

The 2010 Census is Easy, Important and Safe.

This census will have 10 questions to answer. It is important - Census data is used to determine how more than 300 billion dollars in federal grants are spent across the U.S. It is safe - The Census will ensure the safety and confidentiality of information collected.

Your participation is Vital!

For information, please visit www.2010.census.gov.

Fowler Sworn in As Schertz Mayor Pro tem

Place 1 Councilmember Jim Fowler was sworn in as Mayor Pro tempore by Mayor Hal Baldwin at City Council on May 2nd. First elected in May 2006, Fowler has served as the Council Liaison to the Schertz Economic Development Corporation and the Parks and Recreation Board.

Born in Mineola, Texas, he and his wife Patsy have been married since 1959. They have three sons (Karl, Project Manager at Columbus AFB, Miss.; Paul, a Security Manager with Sears and UTSA student; and Philip, wiring technician at BAMC) and two granddaughters.

Fowler retired from Johnson Controls World Services, Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC), in June 2001. He spent 40 days in China teaching conversational English to middle and high school teachers, followed by nine months as a Mission Service Corp Volunteer at the First Baptist Church of Schertz. He accepted a Mission Service Corp position at the Hispanic Baptist Theological School (now BUA), where he has been since June 2002.

The 23-year Air Force officer earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering at the University of Wyoming, and a Master of Business Administration in project management and production systems, through the West Coast University in Los Angeles. His military assignments included tours in Kansas, California, Tennessee, Washington D.C., Texas, Newfoundland, and Tripoli, Libya.

In addition to his duties as Mayor Pro Tem, Fowler is a volunteer missionary for Baptist University of the Americas (BUA). He is also active in his church, Cibolo Valley Baptist, serving in a variety of positions, and he enjoys golf, astronomy, and fishing.

As Mayor Pro tem, Fowler will fill in for Mayor Baldwin in the event of his absence from City Council meetings and at official events and activities. The six month term runs through December 1, 2009.

Dogs Dash through Schertz

Nearly 560 walkers and runners participated in the 2009 Doggie Dash at Pickrell Park May 30, making the 8th Annual event the largest yet. The Doggie Dash, which raises funds for the non-profit Schertz Humane Society, is organized by Lisa Connely, Homes for Pets/SHS President, and a score of volunteers.

“Wow – What a Day!” exclaimed Connolly. “Without the help and support of so many people this event would never be possible.”

For more information about the Schertz Humane Society or to view photos of the 2009 Doggie Dash, visit them on the web at http://www.homesforpets.org/

Important Schertz Public Works Information

Water Quality Reports will be mailed to all water customers by July 1, 2009. Please be checking your mailboxes. Please note that the 2009 report is based on the 2008 testing results. If you have any questions, please call Public Works at 210-619-1800.

STEVE SIMONSON COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Nominations are being accepted for the 2008-2009 Steve Simonson Award.

The Steve Simonson Community Service Award is presented annually to a Schertz citizen who during the eligibility year exhibited selfless commitment to his or her community via volunteer efforts that made a difference in others’ lives. The Steve Simonson Community Service Award recognizes people who voluntarily offer their time and talent to improve the community in such areas as (but not limited to) health care, social services, youth or senior activities, the arts, education, justice, housing, nutrition, community growth and development, and community morale.

Applications are available HERE or may be picked up a the Schertz Chamber of Commerce (1400 Schertz Pkwy-Bldg #3)

Application Deadline is June 19, 2009.

Schertz Unemployment Rate Decreases in March

The City of Schertz’ unemployment rate decreased in March according to labor market statistics released by Workforce Solutions Alamo. The city’s jobless rate for the month was 4.6 percent, down from 4.7 percent in February.

Schertz’s unemployment rate, meanwhile, registered much lower than the overall jobless rate of 5.9 percent for the 12-county Workforce Solutions area, which includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina and Wilson counties. Gillespie County registered the lowest unemployment rate in the Alamo Area at 4.0 percent.

Council Member Tony Wilenchik explained that “By supporting the growth of business in the area, there are increased opportunities for our citizens to find employment close to home. As residences and businesses expand together we will continue to have employment opportunities not found in other cities in the region.”

Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin expressed similar sentiments and said that the numbers are good news for the City of Schertz. “A lot of work has been done to develop jobs and create a great working environment.”

The Dallas Morning News reported on April 17^th that over 47,000 jobs were lost in Texas in March 2009. But, the state still had a much lower unemployment rate at 6.7 percent in March than the national average, which was 8.5 percent. Some States had double digit unemployment numbers, including:

Michigan: 12.6 percent

Oregon: 12.1 percent

South Carolina: 11.4 percent

California: 11.2 percent

North Carolina: 10.8 percent

Rhode Island: 10.5 percent

Nevada: 10.4 percent

Indiana: 10 percent

According to Schertz Assistant City Manager David Harris, "Our low rate of unemployment is a testament to our regions diversified economy, but if we want to continue having such a strong economy, Schertz and the region need to work together.” George Antuna, Economic Development Director for the City of Schertz explained that our “Low rate of unemployment is because many businesses in our city enjoy niche positions in industries that have kept them from feeling the worse effects of our national and global downturn.”

Overall, business and community leaders in the area believe that Schertz’ unemployment rate is a broader indication that the San Antonio region continues to benefit from its position along major trade corridors like I-35 and I-10. Schertz’ position along these trade arterials will continue to bolster our competitive strengths as a great location for businesses.

Schertz to Host South Texas' Largest EMS Week Activities

By Amy Sellers

Each year the City of Schertz celebrates National EMS Week during the month of May when we publicize and educate the public about injury and illness prevention, healthy living and safety practices. In addition we honor and appreciate all of the providers who selflessly give of their time and talents to serve the residents, businesses, and visitors in the region we serve.

This year EMS Week is slated for May 17th through May 24th.

As part of the activities, we will be holding our first annual Schertz EMS 2009 EMS Week Golf Tournament on May 17th at Olympia Hills Club. Proceeds go to EMS Week activities and community outreach programs. Additional proceeds will go to the Bobbie Dilworth Scholarship Fund. Cost is $200-for a team of 4 or $50 per person and we can add them to a team.

The week culminates with the EMS Extravaganza that is scheduled for May 23rd at the Forum Shopping Center from 10am-4pm (In front of Borders Books). The Extravaganza includes area hospitals, local clubs and charities, as well as the Lions Club eye screening, South Texas Blood and Tissue Bus, AirLife, STRAC, local Fire Departments, police departments, and a bunch more.....And, the best news is it's all FREE.

For more information, contact Schertz EMS at 210-619-1400.

Learn more about EMS WEEK EVENTS HERE

Be a Sweetheart!

The Schertz Sweetheart Committee is honored to announce that applications are currently being accepted for the 2009-2010 Schertz Sweetheart Court. Interested applicants must complete an application package, including 2 letters of reference (1 from a teacher/counselor, and 1 from a non related adult (ie, employer, organization for which you do community service) in sealed envelopes; submit a personal resume, an official sealed high school transcript, and a
3"x 5" photograph (head and shoulders).

The deadline for applications to the Court is July 27, 2009 by 5:00 PM.

The Schertz Sweetheart Pageant is scheduled for
Wednesday, 16 September 2009, 6:30 pm
Schertz Civic Center

Get your Application HERE

Visit the Sweetheart site HERE

Sweethearts Go Green!

SEE THE COMPLETE STORY ABOUT THE SWEETHEARTS GO GREEN CAMPAIGN AND THE LIMITED EDITION TOTES HERE

As part of their annual campaign to increase awareness about Schertz area issues, activities, and organizations, members of the Schertz Sweetheart’s Court chose to dedicate their project of the year to “Being Green”. The idea behind the campaign is to make the community aware about being environmentally friendly, promoting parks and recreational areas, and also to demonstrate how thinking green can help the local economy and be a primary means of raising money for the Sweetheart’s Scholarship program.

Beginning in March, the Sweethearts announced the Sweetheart’s “Go Green” logo contest and encouraged area students to submit logos that would serve as their official logo for the campaign. Students from all over Schertz submitted their vision of the campaign to the court. Ultimately 15 logos were judged by the Sweethearts, including several from the Universal City Baptist Academy (read more about their submissions in the article: “Baptist Academy Goes Green”). Ultimately, a logo created by former Sweetheart Kelly Ferguson, a home schooled Schertz Junior, received the nod.

Ferguson, 17, served as Miss Freedom in 2008 and is active with two different church youth groups. She participates in Girl Scouts and attends mission trips. Upon graduation in 2010, she plans to attend Harding University in Arkansas. As the winner of the Sweetheart’s “Go Green” contest, Ferguson won a $200 prize from FiberTech Polymers, the manufacturer of Timberwolf Composite Fencing. Congratulations to Kelly for a job well done!

In addition to the “Go Green” logo contest, the Sweethearts launched their recycled vinyl banner program. This completely original concept involved taking old advertising banners off of the City of Schertz Billboard at FM 482 and IH-35 and transforming the material into “chic” tote bags that are available for sale as part of their fundraising efforts. Just over 100 bags were produced and are being sold for $25.00. 100% of the proceeds benefit the Sweetheart’s Scholarship program. Get your limited edition bag at the Schertz Civic Center (1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5). There are only 120 bags, so visit us ASAP!!

So, what does “Go Green” mean? To the Sweetheart’s, it means thinking outside of the box; being conscious and creative. It also means thinking about the future of Schertz and how to keep our community the best play to live, work, and play in Texas.

Three Informative Powerful Seminars Tailored for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs!

Mark your calendars and plan to attend these small business workshops!

The City of Schertz is hosting three small business development seminars designed to provide local business owners or startups with the knowledge and skills they need to make their operation a success. Schertz residents and businesses will receive a discounted price to attend these workshops taught by business development experts with UTSA's Small Business Development Center.

May 6: The Business Plan, 6-9 pm, $30

This class covers the intricacies of what it takes to own and operate a small business.

May 13: Marketing Your Small Business, 6-8 pm, $25

Target marketing can be the key to a small business’s success, and this seminar will cover the basics of segmenting your market!

May 20: Cash Flow in Your Business, 6-8 pm, $25

This seminar will cover the basics of cash flow and how you can perform a cash flow analysis in order to ensure your cash management systems are in place.

ALL SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT THE SCHERTZ CIVIC CENTER, 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY, BUILDING #5, CASH OR CHECK ONLY!

PACE IS LIMITED! RSVP TO Laura Gilliland at 210-458-2047, or by email TO Business@schertz.com

Wilenchik's Walk Raises the Bar

More than 500 people turned out March 7th to raise money for cancer research at the first ever Wilenchik’s Walk for Life. The walk, named in honor of Schertz Councilman Tony Wilenchik who has been battling cancer since late 2006 raised a staggering $30,000 for experimental research programs at San Antonio’s Cancer Therapy and Research Center.

Individuals, families, and teams from Main Street Homes, Guadalupe Valley Electrical Cooperative, and the cities of Schertz, Live Oak, Selma, Cibolo, and Universal City trekked 5k up and down Schertz Parkway to increase awareness about cancer research. 100 “Signs of Love” honoring and memorializing victims and survivors of cancer dotted the parkway and served as a beacon for participants of the walk.

According to event organizer and Schertz Assistant City Manager John Bierschwale, almost 100% of the proceeds from the walk will be going to cancer research. “We are so excited that so many people came out to support such a good cause,” said Bierschwale, “By working together, we just may find a cure in our lifetime.”

Tony Wilenchik, who has filed for reelection to Schertz z City Council in May, credits the experimental programs at CTRC for his being here today. “I want to thank everybody for taking time out of their schedules to help make a difference”

See photographs from the Wilenchik Walk for Life by Brad E. Bailey HERE and Mary Spence HERE

Register for 34th Annual Schertz Jubilee Parade

The Schertz 4th of July Jubilee Committee is Now Accepting Registration Forms for the 34th Annual 4th of July Jubilee Parade.

Registration Forms may be found HERE, or you can contact:

Jessica Robinson: 619-1611
jrobinson@schertz.com

Sarah Gonzalez: 619-1803
sgonzalez@schertz.com

Registration Forms are due by June 15, 2009

City adopts revised Nuisance Ordinance

At a regular meeting of the Schertz City Council on January 27, 2009, a revised Nuisance Ordinance was adopted. View a Copy of the ordinance HERE.

Schertz Parkway Nearing Completion: All Lanes Open

The scenic route of Schertz Parkway opened early on Tuesday, January 13, stretching from Live Oak Rd to FM 78. The 2.9 million dollar development was part of a bond project approved by voters in May 2006. The city commissioned Don McClury & Associates to design the project. VK Knowlton was awarded the original bid at $2,026,757.40 to complete its construction.

The intent of the city in expanding Schertz Parkway was to continue the concept of its creation from IH-35 to Live Oak Rd. Included in its set-up are its vast greenery and professionally landscaped medians, scenic walking trails, and newly installed traffic lights posted at both Elbel Rd and Live Oak Rd. Its completion will make Schertz Parkway stand out as a destination of its own.

However, as Larry Dublin, the City Engineer notes, this project is not quite over as there is still work to be done. Over the next several weeks, residents can expect periodic lane closures as the final improvements are completed. “The most important thing is that we have traffic flowing again. That’s key,” emphasizes Dublin.

Traffic and street lights on Schertz Parkway began a one week period of Intermittent operation (flashing) today and will be fully operational January 21, 2009.