Page 4 - BSB_2_25

Did You Know?1952 to serve hot meals to the school for 31 cents a plate. The school equipped the cafeteria with a refrigerator, deep freezer, electric stove, hot water heater, and three- compartment stainless steel sink. Mrs. Charles Staudt served the meals to students and teachers. An outside kitchen was built in 1957 and enclosed in 1966.A dedication ceremony and barbeque were held on May 11, 1952. The center is host to the Bulverde Spring Branch Chamber Foundation’s Bingo in Bulverde evening on the first Friday of every month. The 2025 Spring Chicken BBQ & Festival will be held on April 27. The spring festival proceeds go toward maintenance of the center. The venue is also available for special events. Go to https://www.bulverdecommunitycenter. org/ for more information.Contact me at connieclark. conniecanwrite@gmail.com to provideBOy Connie McFall Clarkn East Ammann Road near Bulverde Road is the Bulverde Community Center, establishedin 1951. A nationwide organization called the Grange was formed for the betterment of agriculture and rural communities had a presence in the Bulverde area. That organization approved Oscar Schmidt’s vision for a community center to host social events. San Antonio businessmen L. E. Travis, Marshall Lasswell, Lynn Allen, Dr. Gus Pagenstecker, and Ned Wells offered their advice, services, business experience, and financial aid to the project. These men and their families became residents of the rural community of Bulverde.The Grange purchased and donated the 6.3 acres of land where the community center stands today. It was next to the Rahe Rural High School. Reinhold Leismann & Sons of Blanco was the building contractor. Groundbreaking began in July 1951 and was completed in October 1951. People of the community were instrumental in helping complete the structure.On December 31, 1951, the first dance was held at the community center. Music was provided by Herbert Laubach and the Rhythm Pals. Dances were held monthly following the first Valentine’s Day Dance in February 1952. The dances continued for 29 years.A cafeteria was added in Februaryhistorical events, people and places that our readers would be interested in.Connie McFall Clarkspotlights historical and human interest stories from the area. www.conniecanwrite.comTBy Lou Duggano alleviate the severe drought conditions in the San Antonio area, it would take approximately9 to 10 inches of rain spread over a period of time to significantly replenish water resources and improve soil moisture levels. This amount of rainfall would help raise reservoir levels and provide much-needed relief to the region.Restoring the Edwards Aquifer to normal conditions depends on several factors, including the current water levels, the rate of water usage, and the amount of rainfall needed to replenish the aquifer. Generally, significant and sustained rainfall over the aquifer’s recharge zone is required to restore it to normal levels.The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) uses a network of rain gauges and NEXRAD radar data to estimate the amount ofTBy Lou Dugganhe 2025 Texas Legislative sessionbegan on January 14. The stateopened the session with a $20B surplus. More than 2,000 bills were filed before the session kicked off. There are several key priorities on the agenda. Below are some of the main issues expected to be forwarded:1. School Funding and Vouchers: Increased funding for public schools and the introduction of a school voucher program are high on the list.2. Property Taxes: Continued efforts to provide property tax relief, including potential elimination of school property taxes, are being discussed.3. Border Security: Strengthening interagency operations to combat criminal enterprises at the border is a significant focus.4. Energy, Emerging Technologies, and AI: Evaluating the impact of renewableA Series on Water and GrowthWater and Growth Update: The Current SituationLocationBoerne Blanco BulverdeNew Braunfels KerrvilleSan Antonio Airpor Canyon Lake2024 Rainfall (in)27.31 30.45 44.0 25. 56 25.43 24.00 20.0Avg Annual Rainfall (in)35.02 34.13 32.0 34.29 27.30 33.00 36.0rainfall that becomes recharge to the aquifer. This data helps in understanding the precipitation trends and evaluating the effectiveness of recharge efforts.As of January 1, 2025, the Edwards Aquifer levels were as follows:• San Antonio Pool (J-17 Index Well): 627 feet • Uvalde Pool (J-27 Index Well): 831.1 feet• Comal Springs: 62 cubic feet per second (cfs)• San Marcos Springs: 84 cfsThe San Antonio Pool was in Stage 4, which means a 40% reduction in groundwater withdrawals, while the Uvalde Pool was in Stage 5, with a 44% reduction.As of January 4, 2025, Canyon Lake in Texas was at 50% capacity with a water level of 880.64 feet above sea level. This is significantly lower compared to its historical levels. The lake’s highest recorded level was950.32 feet in 2002 during a major flood event. As of this date, the lake was 28.36 feet below the flood pool.Locally, here’s a comparison of the 2024 rainfallnumbersforBoerne,Blanco,Bulverde, New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Kerrville, and San Antonio International Airport:Remarkably, Bulverde received more rainfall than its average annual amount, while others received less. A significant factor in its rainfall capture was a rainfallof 14.375 inches of rain during July. All Bulverde rain amounts were captured, measured and logged by rain gauge at Highway 281 & 1863.shutting out Highland Park in the second half and securing the win.San Antonio Airport ConstructionCity officials kicked off a new era for the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) this week by breaking ground for a new terminal. The $1.68 billion new terminal will be constructed alongside the existing Terminal B and built to accommodate the region’s continued growth. The 800,000-square-foot terminal is expected to be completed in 2028.News Briefs of Local InterestLegislative Updateenergy, exploring new technologies like small modular nuclear reactors and advanced batteries to support the power grid, plus evaluating issues surrounding artificial intelligence.5. Local Control and Governance: More local control over school finance, safety, and security measures, as well as flexibility in student discipline policies.6. Water and Growth: Drought and residential development continue to impact aquifers and lakes.7. Marijuana and Gambling: A new bill aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis has sparked discussions among policymakers. Sports betting advocates are hopeful that 2025 might be the year for legalization.8. Abortion: HB 1493, called the “Life of the Mother Act,” lists three situations for which it seeks to clarify healthcare providers’ liability, or lack thereof. Also, Republican lawmakers and law enforcement officials have signaledintent to crack down on abortion drugs, which are often mailed from states with more lenient laws.Smithson Valley HS Wins State Football ChampionshipSmithson Valley High School made history by winning their first-ever state football championship. The Rangers defeated Highland Park 32-20 in the Class 5A-Division I title game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This victory marks a significant milestone for the school and head coach Larry Hill, who finally won his first state title after 34 years and five attempts.The game was a showcase of Smithson Valley’s running game, led by quarterback Cade Spradling and running back Brad Sowersby. Spradling rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns, while Sowersby added 152 yards on the ground1. The Rangers’ defense also played a crucial role,4www.bsbhighlights.comFebruary 2025