Schertz Launches New Website

City of Schertz

Schertz Launches New Website
Wed Aug 13 2008

The City of Schertz unveiled its new website Tuesday after nearly a year of development and testing. According to project coordinators, the website contains many of the features that the causal internet surfer utilizes along with many enhanced features that proficient internet users have come to expect.

New or enhanced features now available for the general public include:

1. RSS Feeds and subscriptions to city news and notices

2. Enhanced city calendar

3. Direct access to many official city documents, forms, and fees (some going back over a decade)

4. Updated purchasing and bidding announcments and forms

5. More information for visitors and potential residents

6. Expanded information for businesses looking to relocate or setup shop in Schertz

7. Online Customer Support with Schertz WebQA (Question & Answer)

Amanda Davenport with the city's Community & Media Relations office explained that new features and information will be coming on weekly. "We are in the process of tweeking the site and determining what the public desires." Davenport went on to say that the city departments are adding new information daily that should make it one of the most informative government site in the region.

To learn more about the site, visit the city on the web at www.schertz.com

Schertz To Celebrate Schertz Fest

Are
you ready for the Anniversary Celebration of the half century? Schertz Fest (formerly the ALS Party in the Park) runs September 25 - 27, 2008. Three days of a carnival, performances, dancers, food, vendors, and more. Then, get ready for three nights of live music with Rock (9/25), Tejano (9/26), and Country (9/27). BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE

Learn more at www.schertzfest.com.

Brought to you by the Schertz Parks & Recreation Foundation

Schertz to Celebrate Grackle’s at the Hop with Sonny Melendrez

A WOP BOP A LOO BOP A WOP BAM BOO…Get on your dancing shoes because the City of Schertz is planning the mother of all dances. Join the Schertz 50th Anniversary Committee, the Northeast Herald Newspaper, and the Schertz Parks and Recreation Foundation as they take the town on a stroll down memory lane! Featuring Sonny Melendrez and the the rockin’ sounds of Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88s, dancing competitions, prizes, food, a cash bar, and the first ever Grackle Coronation, the event is open to everyone but tickets are limited!

What’s a Grackle? Well, according to Wikipedia, a Grackle is a gregarious, passerine bird native to North and South America …Whatever that means! But, to Schertz residents—especially those who shop around IH-35 and FM 3009—a Grackle is a pesky little bird that loves to leave surprises on everybody’s automobiles!

Well, that isn’t going to stop us from celebrating everything Grackle! The top fundraiser for the Parks Foundation will be crowned King Grackle! The coronation of the Grackle Court will be held in conjunction with The Hop!

This year’s nominees for King Grackle include: Mayor Hal Baldwin, Council Members David Scagliola, Jim Fowler, Tony Wilenchik, Michael Carpenter, and John Trayhan, Schertz City Manager Don Taylor and “Grumpy” of Grumpy’s Restaurant fame in Garden Ridge. If you would like to place a vote for King Grackle, visit the voting location at Schertz City Hall (1400 Schertz Pkwy) or at Grumpy’s (18817 FM-2252, #A, San Antonio, TX 78266). Votes are $1.00 a piece with all proceeds benefiting Schertz Parks. Remember: VOTE EARLY and VOTE OFTEN! GrackleFest T-shirts are available for sale at City Hall.

Tickets to the Hop and Grackle Coronation are $12.50 (presale) and $15.00 at the door. You can purchase tickets at Schertz City Hall (1400 Schertz Pkwy) or at the Northeast Herald (Prime Time) Offices (17400 Judson Road, San Antonio, TX 78247).

ALL proceeds from the event will benefit the Schertz Parks and Recreation Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3, whose mission is to preserve Schertz’ livability by raising private funds to enhance and expand our community's parks, trails and recreation programs and to provide access and opportunity for all.

So, come on out and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Schertz; the 50th Anniversary of the Northeast Herald, and the future of Schertz parks and recreational activities.

WHAT: The Hop & Grackle Coronation

WHEN: Saturday, May 31, 2008, 8:00 pm – 12:00 am

WHERE: Schertz Civic Center (1400 Schertz Pkwy)

Ashley Mayle, Miss Fiesta

Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje
Express-News Staff Writer

Ashley Mayle says being elected Miss Fiesta is "a dream come true," even if the 7-inch-high crown gets a bit heavy at times. "I just love the idea of being a role model for young girls, because in our society there's a real need for role models that help them stay strong in their lives."

The 19-year-old Incarnate Word High School graduate now attends Trinity University, where she has a double major in business administration and political science. The daughter of Joanna and Robert Mayle of Schertz, she carries a full load at Trinity and also serves as the program head of Meadowlands, Trinity's children's shelter in Boerne.

Voted Miss Schertz her senior year of high school, Mayle is a confirmed overachiever; she belongs to a social sorority and also is the vice president of the pre-law fraternity at Trinity.

She brings this same dedication to her role as Miss Fiesta.

"I'm really like the ambassador for San Antonio and Fiesta," says Mayle, who has already traveled to Macon, Ga., to promote San Antonio at that city's Cherry Blossom Festival. In July she will go to Minnesota in her role as queen.

"The crown and sash are beautiful, but they're really just an extra bonus," says the sociable Mayle. "The heart of this is all about giving back to the community."

Mayle brings a long history of community involvement to the job of queen. In high school she volunteered at Seton Home for unwed mothers and also at the Battered Women's Shelter, where she worked with children. Family is very important to Mayle, who has a 17-year-old sister with Down syndrome.

"She's the biggest blessing in my life, an inspiration to me every day," she says.

Celebrate Arbor Day the Schertz Way!

On April 25, 2008, the Schertz 50th Anniversary Committee will be planting trees at the parks and recreational facilities behind the municipal complex (1400 Schertz Pkwy). If you would like to sponsor a memorial or recognition tree, contact the Schertz Parks and Recreational Department at 210-619-1600. A copy of the tree donation form is available at www.schertz.com

Lacks Distribution Center Opens in Schertz

Lacks Stores, Inc., the City of Schertz, and Comal County cut the ribbon April 17, at the new 308,000 square-foot distribution center off Schwab Road at IH-35 South. The new facility represents the completion of the first phase of a two phase agreement that will culminate with a 50,000 square-foot retail center to also be located in Schertz sometime in the next two years.

According to Schertz officials, the agreement with Lacks Inc. includes the retail giant creating as many as 277 jobs by 2009 with an annual payroll of $5 million. The $14.5 million distribution center includes 308,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space with 80,000 sq. ft. of mezzanine. Also on site is an 18,000 square foot, 3-bay truck shop and a fueling station.

Lacks President Melvin Lack explained that the Schertz distribution facility will allow Lacks to expand their current operations by 100,000 sq. ft. and consolidate their distribution operations into one facility to serve the entire State of Texas. Lacks currently operates two 100,000 sq. ft. facilities in San Antonio and Victoria.

As part the opening ceremonies, Melvin Lack introduced attendees to the shear size of the new facility. “This center includes 106 rows of storage and 250 rows of racks that, if laid out side-by-side, would span a distance of 37 miles.”

Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin expressed his appreciation of the Lack’s family for choosing the City of Schertz as the hub of their Texas operations. “This is a great opportunity for us,” said Baldwin, “And, I hope this will be the beginning of great things for Lacks.”

Attendees at the ceremony included Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin, council members David Scagliola, Tony Wilenchik, and John Trayhan. Schertz City Manager Don Taylor and Assistant City Managers John Bierschwale and David Harris were also part of a contingent of city staff.
Schertz Economic Development Director George Antuna was recognized by Melvin Lacks for his hands on approach throughout the project. “George was like a second project manager,” said Lacks, who went on to thank him for always being available to help work through challenges associated with constructing a facility of that size.

Lacks Stores, Inc., a Texas corporation founded in 1938 by David B. Lack, is one of the largest, independently-owned retail furniture chains in the United States. Lacks is a chain of 39 retail stores in 29 cities selling a complete line of furnishings for the home, including furniture, bedding, major appliances, and home electronics.

View more photos of the Lacks Distribution Center ribbon cutting ceremony at: http://picasaweb.google.com/SchertzCMR/04172008LacksGrandOpening.