Victoria College recently named 147 students to its Fall 2015 Dean’s List. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must complete at least 12 semester hours during the semester, earn at least a 3.50 grade point average, and must not have failed any classes.

Congratulations to the students from our area named to the Fall 2015 Dean’s List:

Seadrift
Jorge Jose Casias
Darian Kay Bubenik

Point Comfort
Victoria Marie Espinosa

Port Lavaca
Kayln Runge
Justin Monroe Osborn
Alyssa R. Crober
Haley Danielle Acosta
McKenzie Anne Zwerschke
Kennedy Jean Daniel
Long Thanh Nguyen
Vanessa Orozco

Seadrift City Council has cancelled the May 7th City Election. There are no contested positions for the two Council positions and the Mayor’s. In accordance with the election code, City Council has voted declaring those filing for reelection: Councilman Ranier Brigham and Peggy Gaines and Mayor Elmer DeForest elected as of June 1, 2016 to be re-sworn in within the time frame specified by the code.

It has been brought to the Council’s attention by the Seadrift Volunteer Fire Department that due to advanced age and corrosion issues, its pumper truck, purchased in 1994, is in need of major repairs and is no longer certified by the state. The City’s ISO Rating is a 4. Insurance underwriters use the ISO ratings on which to base premiums. The lower the number the lower fire insurance premiums to residents. The City was last rated by ISO in 2012 and the condition and certification of fire fighting apparatus equipment is part of the rating structure. Since the primary fire truck is now de-certified any future visit by ISO during a compliance audit, while in non-compliance, will result in increased fire insurance premiums for residents.

There are three primary companies identified in the country that build and sell pumper trucks and the cost of a truck is over $200,000. Since it takes about six months after ordering to receive a truck, next year’s City Budget will have to be adjusted to reflect the payments on the truck, with expected delivery about 6 months after order authorization.

Council voted to request sealed bids from these three companies based on the VFD’s specifications (one of which would be all stainless steel fittings to prevent corrosion); on trade-in value; and on financing.

Giving the Building Permit report, Mayor DeForest reported that there were eleven permits issued in the month of February, bringing a gross property taxable valuation increase to the City of $208,500.00.

After reading the Police Report (327 calls for service; five arrests), Chief Leonard Bermea expressed his concern over the continuing problems at the school. Meeting with the CCISD Superintendent, the Chief was informed that this was a problem to be handled by the school, not by law enforcement. Disorderly students from Port Lavaca are being sent to Seadrift School, with the hope that a “change of scenery” will change their behavior. This is causing disruption at Seadrift School, including assaults on teachers. It is hoped that this matter will be brought to the attention of the School Board and a better solution found.

Russell Cain, Rep. Todd Hunter, Connie Hunt, Becky Berger, Rep. Geanie, Morrison, Carol Wooten, Ed and Corbin Hunt

On Saturday, March 5, Russell Cain hosted a surprise 80th birthday party for Connie Hunt at the Grace Episcopal Parish Hall in Port Lavaca. About 70 friends were there to greet Connie, her husband Ed, and their son Corbin from Briggs, TX.

The biggest surprise of all was the attendance of State Representatives Todd Hunter and Geanie Morrison, Becky Berger, SREC SD 18 Representative, and Carol Wooten, District Representative for Congressman Blake Farenthold.

State Representative Todd Hunter presented Connie with a Resolution and a Flag flown over the State Capitol in honor of her 80th birthday. Becky Berger presented Connie with Senate Proclamation #156, signed by State Senator Kolkhorst. A Letter of Congratulations from Governor Abbot was presented by State Representative Geanie Morrison; and a copy of Recognition of her 80th birthday, read on the U S, House Floor by Congressman Blake Farenthold, was presented by his District Representative, Carol Wooten.

Larry Robinson gave a beautiful rendition of all the classics from the 1940’s and 1950’s. A fabulous meal was catered by The Pantry along with a huge birthday cake from Russell and Cherrie Cain.

“All in all, it was an absolutely wonderful day,” Connie said.

Connie Hunt, a resident of Magnolia Beach, has been active in politics for many years. Formerly Chairman of the Calhoun County Republican Party, Connie is the “go-to” person for getting things done, organizing meetings and events, and keeping the local party informed on local, state and federal issues.

18 EMS Calls for Feb., 2016:
Medical-14
Trauma-2
Accident-2

11 FIRE Calls for Feb., 2016:

February 2: Seadrift Volunteer Fire Department responded to a travel trailer on fire off of West Dallas Ave. in Seadrift.
February 4: Seadrift VFD responded to Main Street & West Austin Ave. for a natural gas leak, assisted by Seadrift Police Department.
February 12: Seadrift VFD, Port Lavaca FD, Magnolia Beach VFD, and Port O’Connor VFD responded to a grass fire Hwy 238 near Coloma Road.
February 14: Seadrift VFD responded to assist Port Lavaca VFD with a vehicle accident Hwy 35 & Hwy 2541; cancelled while en-route.
February 16: Port O’Connor VFD & Seadrift VFD responded to a grass fire on Hwy 1289; Port Lavaca FD also responded.
February 21: Port O’Connor VFD & Seadrift VFD responded to a boat fire on Hwy 1289 one mile from Hwy 185; Port Lavaca FD also responded.
February 22: Seadrift VFD responded to a one-vehicle accident on Hwy 185 near Lane Road.
February 25: Seadrift VFD responded to Port O’Connor to assist Port O’Connor VFD with a fire in a travel trailer; cancelled while en-route.
February 26: Seadrift VFD & Port O’Connor VFD responded to a grass fire off of Lane Road; Port Lavaca FD also responded.
February 26: Seadrift VFD & Port O’Connor VFD responded to a grass fire off of Hwy 185 near Hwy 1289; Port Lavaca FD also responded.
February 28: Seadrift VFD responded to Hwy 185 in Seadrift for a natural gas leak, assisted by the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office.

The Calhoun County Democratic Party Convention will be held at the Calhoun County Library meeting room, with entrance on Ann Street at W. Mahan, Port Lavaca, Saturday, March 19. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m. with convention starting at 10:00 a.m. For more information, please call County Chair Evelyn Burleson at 552-2791 or 210-232-8066.

The Calhoun County Republican Convention will be held on Saturday, March 19, 9:00 a.m. at Grace Espisopal Parish Hall in Port Lavaca. In order to attend, you must have voted in the Republican Primary.

For those who have never been, this is a mini State/National convention. Delegates are nominated to represent Calhoun County at the State Convention. Policy Resolutions are submitted and voted on to be incorporated in the State, and eventually in the National Republican Platform. These platforms are guidelines for our elected officials to follow the policies set down by the people.

If you are interested in what the Republican Party stands for, you need to attend and participate in the process.

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Registration and Refreshments. Convention is convened at 9:30 and business begins. Business should be completed by 11:00 a.m.