The Texas Department of Transportation has announced plans to widen FM 1289 this year.

This stretch of road which connects FM 238 on the outskirts of Port Lavaca to State Highway 185, the only road going into Port O’Connor, has long been a subject of concern to locals and visitors alike.

As the site of many accidents including four fatalities in the past six years, FM 1289 has qualified for Hazard Elimination funds through the Federal Highway Administration.

TxDOT will be taking bids in June of this year to build shoulders on the road from Coloma Creek south to Highway 185. This approximately four-mile stretch is the site of all the recent fatal accidents.
The work is expected to begin around August. It should take about eight months to complete the project.

“We’re glad to be able to do this,” said Randy Bena, area TxDOT engineer. “Having shoulders on the road will greatly add to its safety.”

Eventually, the eleven-mile portion of FM 1289 north of Coloma Creek to FM 238 will also be widened, but that will have to be done with State money.

Edna Whittaker 2/20/1917 - 12/20/2010

Edna Whittaker, the last Port O’Connor resident who was born on Matagorda Island, departed this life on December 20, 2010. Born on February 20, 1917, Edna was privileged to play in the vast “sandbox” that was Matagorda Island with her older brother Raymond and the neighboring Hawes children. When given the opportunity, she delighted in running up and down the steps of the island’s lighthouse, and when the Matagorda Island Lighthouse was rededicated in June of 2004, Edna was there to climb those steps once again. She was also pleased to participate in the dedication of the U.S. Postal Service Matagorda Lighthouse Stamp in July of 2009.

Edna at Port O’Connor Post Office.

Edna attended Port O’Connor School , graduating in 1934. She worked for Sidney Albrecht after school, then moved to Freeport for a short while where she worked at  a 5 & 10 cent store, the telephone company and Post Office.  During World War II, Edna was acting postmaster at Port O’Connor, a position that she relinquished to a veteran after the war.

During her lifetime, Edna worked and served in many different fields. She was a substitute teacher, and held a private school in her home; she taught catechism and played the organ at St. Joseph’s Church; was a caregiver to her ailing mother, brother and sister; administered shots in the community; helped hold elections, and took the census.  She worked for many years and retired from the Calhoun County Tax Assessor’s Office.

Edna is preceded in death by her parents, Timothy and Theresa Ann Schuster Whittaker, and her brother Raymond.

She is survived by her sister, Rosie Lucille Whittaker; nephew, Tim; niece, Joy; several great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass was held December 22 at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Port Lavaca. Pallbearers were: Tim and Gabriel Whittaker, Tommy Howell, Calvin Ragusin, Steve Bell, and Jay Cohen. Honorary pallbearers were: Paul Apostalo and Tommy and Cotton Harris. Graveside services were held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Brazoria.

Edna Whittaker will be dearly missed by her sister, her family and friends, and all those who knew her in the community .

On December 9th, 2010, the Calhoun County Commissioners Court went on record by requesting legislation be submitted next session of Texas Legislature giving Calhoun County the authority to make legal golf car operation throughout the entire county.  This Resolution will support the submission of legislation that is to be submitted by State Representative Todd Hunter  when the Texas Legislature meets starting January 2011.  The Calhoun County Gold Car Association worked closely with the Calhoun County Commissioners Court and the offices of Representative Hunter in the drafting and passing of this Resolution.

Resolution
Whereas, Calhoun Commissioners’ Court recognizes the need and value of operating golf cars within our county including all of the beachside communities, and
Whereas, The prudent operation of golf cars creates a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle, encourages tourism, and
Whereas, Their use saves energy, space as well as the environment, and
Whereas, Golf cars driven by responsible citizens are safe and good for Calhoun County and Texas,
Therefore be it resolved, that the Calhoun County Commissioners’ Court requests legislation be submitted at the next session of the Texas legislature giving Calhoun County authority to make legal golf car operation throughout the entire county.

Adopted this the 9th Day of December, 2010
Signed by Michael J. Pfeifer, County Judge; Commissioners Roger C. Galvan, Vern Lyssy, Kenneth W. Finster; Attested by Wendy Marien, Deputy Clerk

Winds gusted up to 70 mph in Seadrift, as an early morning rainstorm hit the Crossroads area on January 9. Damage was also reported in Bloomington and Placedo. The storm knocked out power for 6,000 homes in Victoria County and parts of Calhoun County.

CJ Garriott reports a downed tree just off 6th St. in Seadrift and one on 4th St. and Bay Avenue that came within one foot of landing on a house.

The photo at top shows the twisted remnants of the bait house which was thrown across another building and onto this shrimp boat.
-Photo by CJ Garriott

We hope 2011 is going well for everyone so far. With this issue we wrap up the 2010 holiday season and look ahead to the next big holiday: Valentine’s Day. And it’s time to start composing those Valentine greetings for your sweetheart, friend, grandchild, etc. Remember, we print them for free each Valentine’s issue. This year it will be February 11th, with the deadline for receiving greetings on Monday, February 7th. For info about the Sweetheart Banquet in Port O’Connor, read more…

We are sorry to report that we have lost several beloved members of our communities during the holiday season. They will surely be missed by all who knew them.

If you have interesting information to share about some of our “old timers”, why not tell the Dolphin about them (with their permission) while they are still with us. Your will be contributing to the enjoyment of our readers, while, at the same time, honoring our older citizens. Thank you for reading Dolphin Talk and now you can also read The Dolphin Talk online at www.thedolphintalk.com. Make sure to access all of the special features and post comments.
-Joyce Rhyne, Editor