Bandera Area Local News Headlines & More!

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The Bandera County Fair is 21 days away. Three days of events including carnival rides, adult and youth exhibits, live music and dancing, family activities, ranch rodeo, vendors, animal shows and more will take place at Mansfield Park, 2886 Hwy. 16, Bandera.  Click here for the full story and schedule of events!

The Bandera countywide burn ban is now in effect. Following a recommendation by Bandera County Fire Marshal Jason Rutherford, commissioners have reinstituted the Burn Ban in Bandera County effective immediately.

Click here to learn how to be "fire-safe" when on your own property or traveling.  

Where is Jordan Tomkins?  Jordan Tomkins was walking alone along Park Road 37 in Lakehills in April 2022.  She vanished over four years ago without a trace, and still hasn't been found.  For more details on this story, click here.  It's time to talk.   

Among other business, Bandera County Commissioners unanimously approved next fiscal year’s final budget and tax rate, at $0.5605 per $100 valuation, a $.0301 increase (the current year tax rate is $0.5304 per $100 valuation).  “We lost $500 million in property valuation this year. That’s a catastrophe,” Evans said. “We reduced the tax rate four years in a row, prior to this year.”  Pct. 4 Commissioner Jody Rutherford said much of the tax money will pay for unfunded mandates passed down from the state.   (An "unfunded mandate" is when Texas makes a legal requirement for a County but does not provide financial support for that legal requirement).  Click here for more and other business passed including recognition of "4-H week" by proclilimation!

Flags, history, music, and a whole lot of questions filled the Medina Community Library this week as approximately 55 Medina Elementary “Bobcats” got an up-close and firsthand lesson in what the American flag really means.  Students in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades joined teachers and volunteers for a special, interactive patriotism program presented by the Bandera County American Legion Honor Guard. The program, hosted by the Medina Community Library, was the culmination of the library’s celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary.  Click here for the full story and photos.

Follow-up:  9/10/26:  An Update from WCWR Owner Armando Mendez speaks with KSAT 12 News in San Antonio.  

From: 9/4/26: More than 100 animals were seized from a Bandera County wildlife sanctuary after authorities found evidence of severe neglect and abuse, including more than 20 dead animals on the property, according to the Precinct 2 constable’s office. Click here for the local story from KSAT 12 in San Antonio.

City of Bandera Mayor Denise Griffin announced Tuesday evening that Lynn Palmer resigned from Bandera City Council, effective immediately. Griffin said she received a message that Palmer would not be returning to council “for a lot of reasons.”  “That’s all I’m really supposed to say on that,” Griffin said.  Griffin requested consideration of an appointment to fill the unexpired term (until the November election) be placed on council’s next regular agenda. Click here for more.  

From dire service in Vietnam, World War II Service, and even a bull attacking a patrol car, Bandera County Veterans have poignant stories to tell.  The local Bandera Prophet has a strong commitment to the military and to the Veteran stories.  Click here to learn about the exposure that Bandera County Veterans, active-duty assignments of Bandera County residents and other military updates including Veterans stories.  

As a Veteran, the Bandera Prophet would like to hear your story.   Please join this great storytelling archive!   Click here to hear the Veteran stories or to get more information.  

After the passing of our beloved Bandera County Commissioner Pct #2 Greg Grothues, the Bandera GOP had to replace him using the County Election Committee according to Texas Election Law (TEC) and they empaneled a selection committee and procedures to do it impartially.  This is the full report that was provided to the Bandera County Election Committee.  To see the report, click here.