Week ending January 19: PreK- Amara Brown; K- Ana Brown, 1st- Mimi Mezzell, 2nd- Alexis Soechting, 4th- Kitty Mezzell, 5th- Jackie Gutierrez

Week ending January 26: PreK- Samantha Garcia; K- Kolt Leiker; 1st- Emma Sanchez; 2nd- Audrey Rhoads; 3rd- Mato Sanchez; 4th- Alex Lopez; 5th- Justice Epley

Week ending February 2: PreK- Grant Gregory; K- Bryce Sandy; 1st- Riley Pagel; 2nd- Lexi Ruddick; 3rd- Kyndra Carriles; 4th- Cole Spicak; 5th- Rylie Ragusin

Week ending February 9: PreK- Brynlen Eure; K- Isaiah Ochoa; 1st- Eli Busby; 2nd- Corbin Washburn; 3rd- Dane Spencer; 4th- Kamyla Guzman; 5th- Eben Smith

Sat., Feb. 17    Abandoned Crab Trap Removal 8:00-Noon    TPWD – POC Facility
Sat. Feb. 17    10 – Noon Tech Talk at POC Library
Sat., Feb. 24    Movie Time 10:00 – Noon    Port O’Connor Library
Thurs., March 1    Open House at New EMS South Station 10:00-Noon    6084 St. Hwy. 185 E., Seadrift
Fri., March 2    Boy Scout Barbecue 4:00-7:00    Sedrift School Cafeteria
Wed., March 14    Pi Day at POC First National Bank 1:00-4:00 pm    Bring a Pie, Share a Pie

The 23rd annual Sweetheart Banquet will be Thursday, February 8th at 6:30 PM in the Port O’Connor Community Center. Many people were sad it was not held last year and are excited about its return. First Baptist Church has received help from the POC Community Service Club and the Chamber of Commerce to bring it back this year. More than a dozen people volunteered to help with decorating, cooking and selling tickets. Without this help and community collaboration, the church would be unable to host this beautiful and exciting Valentine’s Day event. Special thanks to all of those who volunteered.

` Tickets are $8.50 each for a wonderful charcoal broiled steak dinner with all the trimmings, and are on sale now from the following individuals:

Doyle Adams- 361-250-0050

Debbie Michalek-361-468-7075

Mary Nell McGee-361-550-1249

Evelyn Lewis-361-408-0041

Mary Covarrubias-361-218-8641

Paula McCauley-361-218-1415

Judy Patek-210-378-5336

First Baptist Church Choir and others will share old western sweetheart tunes for your musical entertainment. The POC Youth and Baptist Men will be serving the guests.

All couples married 50+ years will be heralded, and special prizes will be awarded. The Port O’Connor Citizen of the Year will be announced and recognized at this special event. This is a special event in our community and tickets sell out completely. Get your tickets early and be part of the Old-Fashioned Sweetheart Banquet of Port O’Connor 2018.

Showing how interested Calhoun County Republicans are in picking the right man for the job, the January meeting of the Calhoun County Republican Club overflowed with members and visitors who came to hear two of the Congressional candidates speak.

First up was Bech Bruun of Rockport, a University of Texas graduate with degrees in Business and Law. Bruun is familiar to many area Republicans as being Chief of Staff to State Representative Todd Hunter when Hunter represented our District.

Bruun stressed his experience, having served in various roles at the State Capital for many years. He was the Director of Governmental Appointments for Governor Rick Perry until 2015 when he was appointed to the Texas Water Development Board. Governor Abbot appointed him Chairman of the Board. Believing that water is one of the most critical issues of the State, and he would not be able to devote the needed attention while running for office, Bruun recently resigned his position.

Next to speak was Chris Mapp of Port O’Connor. A self-described “outsider” with no credentials in government, Mapp is a 20 year resident of Calhoun County, residing in Port O’Connor.  As a long-time businessman serving the needs of recreational boaters and fishermen, he is particularly concerned  with how Marine Fishery regulations affect us locally, and all bureaucracies  affect small businesses and individuals State-wide and Nationally.

Being self-employed for most of his adult life, Mapp noted that being in the retail business for over twenty years gives experience that money cannot buy. He is, however, attending Victoria College and on-line at Saint Leo’s University of Florida, maintaining a 4.0 grade average, with a goal of completing his Bachelor’s degree in 2019.
Listing his two top priorities as securing the borders and the debt, he stressed the urgent need to fight and win the cultural battle in which our Nation is embroiled.
Also in attendance was Bret Macha, field representative for Blake Farenthold, our current District 27 Congressman, who continues in his office until January 19, 2019. Mr. Macha is available to address any constituent concerns and can be reached at 361-894-6446.

The next meeting of the Calhoun County Republican Club will be held February 5th at noon at Beijing Restaurant in Port Lavaca. The speaker will be Michael Cloud of Victoria, who is also seeking the District 27 position.

Public Forum Slated for February 8th

The Republican Party will hold a public forum for the Republican candidates on Thursday, February 8, at the Grace Episcopal Parish Hall, 213 E. Austin  in Port Lavaca. Forum will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the introduction of all uncontested candidates. A debate between the candidates for Congressman, 27th District will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a debate between the candidates for Commissioner, Precinct #4. The last 30 minutes will be reserved for written questions directed to any or all candidates.

The public is invited.  Finger food, coffee and tea will be provided.