Wraths Across America Make

Call For 9/11See Page 2 See Page 8

SharkesUpended On

Gridiron

WEDNESDAYSEPt. 2, 2020

VOL. 113 • NO. 35

BEACONBRIEFS

P. O. Box 817 • 310 Fifth St.Palacios, TX 77465

(361) 972-3009palaciosbeacon@gmail.com

Website: palaciosbeacon.com

The OnlyNewspaper In The

World Published Just For The Palacios Area.

PALACIOS,

•

TEXAS

Beacon Deadline 5 p.m. Friday

Except for paid advertising, all articles, photos or other information submitted on Monday will be published on a space available basis only.

thObserving Our

113Year1907-2020

Open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.Beacon Closed Wednesday

• Deadline for Articles, Classified & Display Ads 4:30 p.m. Friday•

BY ALAN C. SCHULMANPalacios Beacon - Reporter

SUBSCRIBETO THE

PALACIOSBEACON

Proudly Serving The City By The Sea Since 1907USPS 418460 1 SectiON, 10 PAGES

PalaciosPalaciosBEACONBEACON$1.00

Unemployment rate in County tops 11%, State at 8.2%

(See JOBS, Page 2)

Shopping local during pandemic helping boost City’s sales tax rebates

BY RYAN WESTPalacios Beacon-Publisher

See Page 10

PCMC HelpsWelcome New

PISD Staff

Council mulling re-financing debt & saving over $300k

BY ALAN C. SCHULMANPalacios Beacon - Reporter

BY RYAN WESTPalacios Beacon-Publisher

Four week COVID-19 downward

trend in Co.

City stays with proposed budget, no tax hike

(See CITY, Page 3)

(See COVID, Page 2)

A training for new substitutes will be held on Friday, Sep-tember 4, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the Palacios ISD board room. Anyone interested in becoming a substitute is required to at-tend. Individuals who were substitutes for Palacios ISD dur-ing the 2019-2020 school year are not required to attend.

New substitutes must submit an online application at www.palaciosisd.org, bring their photo ID, and social security card. A High School diploma is required.

Masks are required for anyone attending the training. Hand sanitizer will be provided.

If you have any questions, please contact Jenni Frenzel at 361-972-5491 Ext. 1003 and leave a message. You may also email her at jennif@palaciosisd.org. Please allow one busi-ness day for a response.

In a mixed bag of local and state unemployment num-bers, with some rising and some falling, the one thing that can can be said at this time is, “it’s not really that bad.”

With a Texas not season-ally adjusted unemployment rate of 8.2 percent, during a pandemic, one can look back ten years and see a rate of 8.1 percent in Texas, sans pan-demic. Texas ranks second, behind Georgia, of the 10

largest state’s lowest unem-ployment rates, with Cali-fornia and New York having the highest unemployment at over 13% and 15% respec-tively.

While some area coun-ties are experiencing unem-ployment rates significantly lower than the Texas rate, Matagorda County remains above the national rate.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, in July 2020, 30 counties expe-rienced an increase in their

July’s sales tax rebate figures reflect a local economy that is, apparently, unimpeded by the limitations placed on businesses recently, in response to the coronavirus.

The 10 area cities, as in June, saw higher sales tax rebates than in the same month in 2019, and the same number of cities fared better in their year-to-date rebates than in 2019.

Sweeney led the pack in July with over twice the sales tax rebate amount received in July 2019, while Point Comfort continued its downward trajectory for the month and year-to-date. Overall, if sales tax is seen as an in-dicator, the local economy is on the upswing.

The State Comptroller’s Office collects and distributes rebates to cities, transit systems, and special taxing districts monthly.

The following are rebates to 13 area cities for July 2020 and July 2019, with percent-age change in parentheses, and Year-to-date 2020, Year-to-date 2019, with percentage change in parentheses. Bay City: $649,745, $505,852 (28.44%) $4,418,558, $3,926,936 (12.51%) East Bernard: $49,425, $46,429 (6.45%) $363,870, $336,313 (8.19%) Edna: $137,828, $103,157 (33.60%) $883,425, $747,105 (18.24%) El Campo:

$524,286, $396,833 (32.11%) $3,120,508, $2,970,540 (5.04%) Ganado: $50,058, $57,019 (-12.20%) $347,366, $411,639 (-15.61%) LaWard: $1,428, $1,675 (-14.74%) $8,733, $8,245 (5.92%) Palacios: $74,415, $65,486 (13.63%) $497,705, $476,822 (4.37%) Point Comfort: $15,436, $23,917 (-35.46%) $143,352, $202,705 (-29.28%) Port Lavaca: $354,719, $306,126 (15.87%) $2,233,149, $2,262,942 (-1.31%) Seadrift: $34,472, $18,699 (84.35%) $174,113, $140,187 (24.20%) Sweeny: $84,051, $40,609 (106.97%) $463,288, $337,615 (37.22%) West Columbia: $94,759, $76,164 (24.41%) $678,052, $587,886 (15.33%) Wharton: $240,124, $205,024 (17.12%) $1,549,382, $1,514,294 (2.31%).

To quote the infamous former President George H.W. Bush’s line during the 1992 presidential campaign, “There will be no new taxes.”

In regards to property taxes in the City of Palacios, the rate will remain the same after the Palacios City Council approved the 2020-21 proposed tax rate of 0.85351 per $100 of valuation, but don’t hold your breath on an identical bill from the City in 2021, as apprais-als are continually on the rise.

The proposed rate is the same as last year’s rate, however, citizens’ City of Palacios prop-

erty tax bills may be higher due to higher ap-praisals.

Council approved a pair of public hearings to be held on Tues. (Sept. 8) with one over the proposed tax rate at 6 p.m., followed by budget hearing at 6:30 p.m.

Refinancing optionVictor Quiroga, Jr., the Managing Direc-

tor of Special Public Finance Inc., Financial Advisory Services of San Antonio presented a refinancing opportunity on the City’s Certifi-cates of Obligation (CO) passed in 2011.

The 2011 CO’s currently hold a principal

amount of $2.23-million at 4.16% interest, with final payment due on Aug. 15, 2031.

Quiroga noted that current market condi-tions may allow for interest savings on new bonds of approximately $316,620 over the next 11 years. He noted a new interest rate of 1.34% is attainable while maintaining the same final payment date, with an annual inter-est savings of roughly $32,000 per year.

Councilwoman Donna Schulman ques-tioned Quiroga on the cost of refinancing, which he said would be between $40,000-50,000. He did note the cost associated is al-

ready reflected in the figures presented.After the presentation, Council approved al-

lowing Quiroga and consultants and the City Administration to prepare documents neces-sary to attain a lower interest rate.

Final ReadingsCouncil approved the final readings of sev-

eral ordinance amendments. Ordinance 2020-O-4: amending Chapter

2 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Palacios, Texas to add various definitions; to add activities involving animals that are a nui-

PISD Fall Substitute Training Fri. at Admin

The deadline to register to vote in the November gen-eral election is little over a month away. Voter registra-tions and address changes must be completed by Oct. 5.

Early voting in the Nov. 3 general election begins on Oct. 13 and runs thru Oct. 30.

The deadline to apply for a ballot by mail is Oct. 23.To be eligible to vote early by mail in Texas, you

must: be 65 years or older; be disabled; be out of the county on election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance; or be confined in jail, but otherwise eligible.

Voter registration deadline less than a month away

The mask wearing appears to be working in Matagorda County after officials report-ed a seven week low of 38 new cases last week.

Matagorda County Emer-gency Operations (MCEO) officials saw the county CO-VID-19 caseload grow from 875 to 913, of which 304 are active. The recovered cases remained the same at 561, as did the number of fatalities at 38.

“We’re still heading in the right direction with a 4-week downward trend in new cases - the leading indicator - and a 2-week downward trend in active cases - the lagging in-dicator.”

“With a 10 to 14-day re-covery period on average, we expect to see a reduction inactive cases as soon as this week as long as we continue

■ Hurricane Laura Relief Drive at CofC

The Palacios Cham-ber of Commerce, lo-cated at 420 Main St., will serve as a drop off location for food drive for items to be donated to those affected by Hurricane Laura, in conjunction with Serve Outdoors Matagorda. Donations may be made from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., and 1 - 3:45 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Items in need: canned food, dried food, dia-pers, baby formula, bottle water, and clean-ing supplies. For more information contact the Chamber at 972-2615.

■ Live music makes return to Outrigger’s Outdoor Stage Sunday The Gruene Hall pop-ular show band, The Georges will be rock-ing at the Outrigger’s Outdoor Stage, located at the corner of Com-merce and 6th St. at 7:30 p.m. on Sun. (Sept. 6) Onsite food will be available at 6 p.m. from Cesar’s Smoking BBQ. Reseravations are $30. For more info call 361-920-6513.

Hurricane Laura’s lone impact: High tideIn the time of COVID-19, the watch on the Gulf of Mexico of the past several week’s seemed like months but

in the end, the Palacios area was spared the wrath of both Hurricane Marco and the Hurricane Laura last week. After Marco fizzeled out on the Louisiana coast, Hurricane Laaura strengthened into a Category 4 monster as it

churned in the warm waters of the western Gulf before an abrupt northward turn - as forecasters predicted - and made landfall along the Texas-Louisiana border. The lone impact the on Palacios was a high tide that covered East Bayshore Dr. and the parking lot of Danny’s Seafood House. (Beacon Photo by Ryan West)

DEADLINE 4:30 P.M. FRIDAYPage 2 - Palacios Beacon - Wed., September 2, 2020

JOBS (Continued From Page 1)

Deadline 4:30 p.m.Friday for all photos and

articles to be submitted for consideration

to be published in the

Palacios Beacon

Wreaths Across America makes national call to stand out & wave flags in rememberance of 9/11

Louise dog deaths under investigationLOUISE: Suspicious dog deaths have been reported

in Louise in recent weeks, and although what killed the animals has not yet been confirmed, law enforcement be-lieve they were intentionally poisoned. In mid July, the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office began its investigation after receiving a report directly from a pet owner whose animal died. “Somebody called us and said, ‘my animal has passed, and the vet has said it’s a possible poisoning,” Wharton County Sheriff Shannon Srubar said. Investiga-tors have a few leads on who could be killing the animals, but no official suspects. A majority of the reports that have come to WCSO have involved the animals eating chicken found outside before getting sick. Investigators think poison was put in the chicken, and the meat was left for the animals like bait. - El Campo Leader-News

PALACIOS BEACON

Area Briefs

The Palacios Beacon...where YOU get the local news, sports and more

Breakfast & Lunch

Michael & Nancy Dotson Owner/Operators 361-484-5885 • 458 Main St.

• Delicious Burgers• Sandwiches

• Homemade Sweets• Hand-dipped

Bluebell Ice Cream• Specialty Coffee

Drinks

Thank You Palacios! C e l e b rat i n g o u r 2 n d A n n ive rsa ry !

RON

PISD TruSTeePOS. 5

The following have paid to have their names listed as candidates for the Palacios ISD Board of Trustees. The cost for the Candi-date Listing is $30. The cost for the candidate listing plus a one time candidate announcement article is $50. The deadline for inclusion in the Candidate Listing or to submit a candidate announcement article is 5 p.m. Friday.

LAWS[Pol. Adv. pd for by Tammy Hill, Treasurer,

222 Welch. Ave, 77465]

CANDIDATELISTINGS

On September 11th, Wreaths Across America wants to honor the “Free-port Flag Ladies” and those affected by 9/11, by unit-ing in national flag waving

On Friday, Septem-ber 11th, 2020, Wreaths Across America calls for every American to stand outside and wave a flag for one minute at 8:46AM and then again at 9:03 AM.

At 8:46 a.m., On Tues-day, September 11th, 2001, five hijackers took con-trol of American Airlines Flight 11 and flew it into the heart of New York City and the northern facade of the World Trade Center's North Tower (1 WTC).

At 9:03 a.m., five other hijackers crashed United Airlines Flight 175 into the southern facade of the South Tower (2 WTC).

Following the events of 9/11, three patriotic women (Elaine Greene, Joann Miller and Carmen Foote) were moved to find an old American flag they had stored at home and stand on a hill in Freeport, Maine, waving that flag to honor victims. These women became nationally known as “The Freeport Flag Ladies,” and proudly hoisted the Stars and Stripes every Tuesday morning for the following 18 years.

After they retired on September 11, 2019, (their last 9/11 remembrance) the following Tuesday, September 17, 2019, Wreaths Across America took the helm and continued the weekly flag waving tradition along US Route 1 in Jonesboro, Maine, on land donated

by the organization’s founder Morrill Worcester leading to the new Acadia National Cemetery.

Since that time Mr. Worcester has added a mile stretch of American flags (105 in total) on both sides of the road that lead to the entrance of Acadia Na-tional Cemetery which will open to the public for the first time on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020. Mr. Worcester also do-nated the land for this new National Cemetery to be built in his hometown.

“Each Tuesday, we are joined by doz-ens of members of the local community and curious people stopping to be part of something meaningful,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America, and wife of Morrill Worcester. “Especially over the last six months, this flag waving has taken on new meaning for us all and given a spark of hope and patriotism during this difficult time in our country.”

Participants are encouraged to take video and pictures of their participation

in the national flag waving and share them with Wreaths Across America, their family and their friends to help R E M E M B E R , HONOR and TEACH the gen-eration born af-

ter 9/11, how hard times can strengthen us as a na-tion. Please use the hashtag #FlagsAcrosstheCountry and #AmericaStrong when posting on social media and tag the Wreaths Across America Official Facebook page.

“My husband and the community’s commitment to the mission and con-tinuation of this important weekly tradition has taken on the additional meaning of American unity during this uncertain time,” added Karen. “I hope Americans will see this as an opportu-nity to not only honor those

directly affected by 9/11, but also to fol-low in the footsteps of “The Freeport Flag Ladies.”

Wreaths Across America is the non-profit organization best known for plac-ing veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of our nation’s fallen at Arlington Na-tional Cemetery. However, the orga-nization, in total, places more than 2 million sponsored wreaths at over 2200 participating locations nationwide and offers other programs throughout the calendar year. These programs remem-ber the events of 9/11 in their own way such as The Mobile Education Exhibit which will be visiting Kentucky in Sep-tember and will join in the national flag waving effort. Radio host Michael W. Hale of Wreaths Across America Radio will hold on-air tributes, and the on-line store will be selling #AmericaStrong signs made by the brother of “Lone Sur-vivor” Marcus Lutrell (who gave a spe-cial family message during the Wreaths Across America Virtual Concert now streaming on Showcase NOW).

You can sponsor a wreath for $15 at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/. Each sponsorship goes toward a fresh balsam veteran’s wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an Ameri-can hero as we endeavor to honor all veterans laid to rest on Saturday, De-cember 19, 2020, as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.

unemployment rates over the month, while 208 counties experienced a decrease and 16 experienced no change. Starr County had the highest unemployment rate in Texas in July at 17.6 percent.

U.S., Texas, Matagorda and surrounding counties’ not seasonally adjusted unem-ployment rates for July 2020 are shown below, with June 2020 and percentage point

change in parentheses. U.S. 10.5 percent (11.2) (-0.7%) Texas: 8.2 percent (8.9) (-0.7%) Brazoria: 9.1 percent (9.3) (-0.2%) Calhoun: 6.2 percent (6.2) (0.0%) Colo-rado: 6.1 percent (6.1) (0.0%) Fort Bend: 8.4 percent (8.8) (-0.4%) Jackson: 6.6 percent (6.2) (0.4%) Matagorda: 11.3 percent (11.2) (0.1%) Whar-ton: 7.4 percent (7.4) (0.0%).

on our current trend. We’ve also greatly reduced our number of active cases per 1,000 persons compared to surrounding counties.”

Matagorda County is 5th out of seven area counties in estimated case counts per 1,000 persons with 24.63. Jackson County is the high-est with 31.51 cases per 1,000, followed by Wharton (28.56), Calhoun (24.64), and Brazoria (24.77).

“This is very encourag-

ing and bodes well for both the physical and economic health of our community,” Fox added.

In local reports from Pa-lacios Community Medical Center (PCMC), a total of 11 tests were administered with two new positives.

Thus far at PCMC, there have been 42 positive test results in Palacios residents and 15 in non-Palacios resi-dents out of 203 total tests administered.

CASES (Continued From Page 1)

Palacios Beacon - Wed., September 2, 2020 - Page 3DEADLINE 4:30 P.M. FRIDAY

SuBSCrIBe TO THe BeACON

$30 A YeAr IN-COuNTY$40 A YeAr OuT-OF-COuNTY

•The Palacios Beacon • Serving the City by the Sea since 1907

ARRESTSJared Jesse Constancio, 17, 514 Welch

Ave, was arrested in the 900 block of 6th St. at 10:17 p.m. on Aug. 24. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Henry Rojas, 41, 316 E. Tres Palacios Ave, was arrested in the 400 block of E. Elizabeth Ave at 2:36 a.m. on Aug. 25. Warrant Service Capias.

Nhung Van Nguyen, 51, 900 Rorem Ave, was arrested in the 400 block of 10th St. at 12:57 a.m. on Aug. 26. Pos-session of a Controlled Substance.

Richard Anthony Lara, 41, Port Lava-ca, was arrested in the 300 block of Hen-derson Ave at 10:39 p.m. on Aug. 26. Public Intoxication.

INCIDENTSWelfare Concern: Officer was dis-

patched to the 1100 block of Henderson Ave at 2:40 p.m. on Aug. 22 in reference to possible child abuse.

Assault (Bodily Injury): Officer was dispatched to 45 Seashell Blvd at 2:57 a.m. on Aug. 23 in reference to an Assault

in progress.Welfare Check: Officer was dispatched

to the 200 block of E. Elizabeth Ave at 4:10 p.m. on Aug. 22 to do a Welfare Check.

Animal at Large/Information Report: Officers were dispatched to the 600 block of 6th St. at 8:49 p.m. on Aug. 25 in refer-ence to an Animal at Large.

Individuals listed have been arrested and/or charged with an offense. Inclusion in this report does not imply that the person is guilty of any crime. The following are offense and arrest reports submitted by the Palacios Police Dept. to the Palacios Beacon as of noon Friday.

• Palacios Police Reports •

From the Police ChiefBy Police Chief David Miles

Latest scam brought to my at-tention. Seeking donations to furnish Personal Protec-tive Equipment for the teachers. Check before you donate. Remember, if you didn’t enter, you didn’t win.

CITY (Continued From Page 1)

2700 7th St. Bay City, TX

77414

(979) 245-2990

LArrY

CITY COuNCILPLACe 1

The following have paid to have their names listed as candidates for Palacios City Council in the Nov. 3 General Election. The cost for the Candidate Listing is $30. The cost for the candidate listing plus a one time candidate announcement article is $50. The deadline for inclusion in the Candidate Listing or to submit a candidate announcement article is 5 p.m. Friday.

GLeNN[Pol. Adv. pd for by Larry Glenn, Treasurer,

201 Beecher. Ave, 77465]

CANDIDATELISTINGS

Matagorda County Navigation District No. 1

215 5th St. Palacios

361-972-5900

www.texascoastalproperties.net"Strong Churches Make Strong Communities"

EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY HUD

CERTIFIED

Coastal Properties

TEXAS Dan & Charlotte Tucker Family

This Labor Day we celebrate and appreciate all of our essential workers enabling our life to run as “normal”

as possible during COVID and hurricane season! T h a n k Yo u !

Matagorda County Navigation District #1

The Palacios BeaconReddy

Air Conditioning & Heating

Minh T. Thach, Owner(361) 935-9798

City Manager’s Monthly ReportsHURICANE HARVEY

• Harvey CDBG-DR: Engineer is working on preliminary design work; The grant award is in the amount of $1.4 million for drainage and street improvements in the Foley Subdivi-sion utilizing Harvey CDBG-DR funds.

ADMINISTRATION• Closed out IKE CDBG-DR grant project

for improvements to the WWTP; project is in the one-year warranty period .

• Contractor is 100% complete in making repairs at the Airport utilizing grant from Tx-DOT Aviation Department to repair Runway 13-31 and taxiway markings. Construction completion inspection is scheduled for August 26th.

• Construction is 100% complete with the base bid work; 80% complete on the additional work with remaining funds from CDBG grant funds or the Waterline Replacement Project.

PUBLIC WORKS• Work Orders Completed: 8 water leaks, 3

sewer stoppage calls, 14 animal calls, and 65miscellaneous work orders, 90 completed

work orders; cleaned ditches, resetting cul-verts and cleaning out existing culverts; re-paired potholes.

• Mowed RR Park and other city properties, water plants, and 14 lift stations.

AIRPORT• Working with PEDC on Airport Projects

for new hanger and Fixed Base OperatorPOLICE

• Calls for Service 470• Citations 35 Warnings 36 issued, and 16

arrests• Cases Assigned 19 Cases Closed 28• Traffic accidents 0• Reports written 43• Police Department was awarded the Tech-

nology Grant for one new police vehicle and upgrade all in-car videos and body cameras. Final approval and execution of grant is on hold.

BUILDING PERMITS & CODE ENFORCEMENT

• Permits- New construction 7, Remodel 3, Electrical 5, Plumbing 3, Mechanical 2, Gas 0, Roof 2, Leveling 0, Demo 1, Driveway 1, Misc. permits 2, Plan Reviews 8, Consulta-tions, and Inspections 49.

• Code Enforcement- Contacts 5, Letters 4, door hangers 5 and 1 demolition; working on code violations.

MUNCIPAL COURT• Citations 42 Juvenile Citations 0 Total Ci-

tations 42• Fines Collected $7,250.00

THE OUTRIGGER OUTDOOR STAGE6 thS t ree t & Commerce

https://www.facebook.com/outriggereventcenter/events Reservations $30, 361-920-6513

T H E GE O R GE SSunday, Sept.6

@ 7:30 p.m.

Presents Gruene Hall’s popular show band

Food available onsite at 6 p.m. Ceasar’s Smoking BBQ

Sponsored By: The Trull Foundation

This Labor Day we honor the hard work you contribute to our society and wish you a day to

relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

sance; add restrictions on fe-ral cats; to add procedures for the adoption of impounded dogs and cats; to regulate the

keeping large animals; to regulate bee keeping.

Ordinance 2020-O-10: adding Section A2.04.007 of Appendix “A” and Chapter 2 “Impoundment”, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Palacios, Texas to add the charges for adoption of im-pounded animals.

Ordinance 2020-O-9: amending Chapter 1, Section 1.05.003, of the Code of Ordi-nances of the City of Palacios, Texas to apply processing fees to payments made to the City of Palacios and to add the amount of the fee to Ap-pendix A of the Code of Ordi-

nances of the City of Palacios.2020-O-11: adding Section

A1.05.003 to Appendix “A” Chapter 1 “General Provi-sions”, of the Code of

Ordinances ofthe City of Palacios, Texas to add the amount of Credit/Debit Card Processing fees as provided in Section A1.05.003 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Palacios.

Election ServicesCouncil approved the con-

tract with the Matagorda County Elections Officers for the 2020 General Election. City

Secretary Clissa Mills not-

ed the county would waive the regular fees as the election is in conjunction with the No-vember 3 General Election.

Approved ItemsCouncil approved the re-

moval of Cathryn Gafford and Steven McGovern as autho-rized signors for First Finan-cial Bank and added Beverly Longoria and Michael Dotson as authorized users.

Next meetingThe next regular meeting

of the Palacios City Council will be held on Tues. (Sept. 8) beginning at 7 p.m., and preceded by the tax rate and budget public hearings.

DEADLINE 4:30 P.M. FRIDAYPage 4 - Palacios Beacon - Wed., September 2, 2020

Are you looking to read more

of this week’s edition of the

Palacios Beacon???Pick one up at the Beacon office, located at 310 Fifth St., at one of

Palacios area’s retail establishments, or purchase a yearly subscription,

just $30 in Matagorda Co. and $40 everywhere else.

Subscribe on-line, in person or by dropping a payment in the mail to

P.O. Box 817Palacios,TX

www.paypal.me/palaciosbeacon