As 2023, comes to a close, we are taking a look back at some of our biggest stories of the year, according to Facebook and BanderaBulletin.com data. Full stories can be found at BanderaBulletin.com. Thank you for your support, readership, feedback and advertising in 2023. See you in 2024!
NOVAK BEHIND BARS
A $1 million bond for two counts of murder was set for 28-year-old Michael Andrew Novak, who was found inside a Wharton’s Dock residence with a pair of bludgeoned, decomposing bodies. The discovery in the 8700 block of Wharton’s Dock Road was made about 6:40 p.m. Friday, July 28, when deputies responded to a call from residents reporting a foul odor coming from the house. A deputy who entered the home saw a bedroom door slowly shutting and detained a man inside the residence.
BANDERA DOC PREMIERES
“The Cowboy Capital” premiered in its hometown in July and went on to play in multiple film festivals. The film is still continuing its festival journey and is searching for a distributor. The picture highlights the cowboy culture in Bandera. Various citizens were interviewed about why they chose to be cowboys.Directed by Polish native Artur Owczarski and lensed and edited by Bandera local Dakota Wortman, the film features narration and introductions by Bandera’s Roy Dugosh.
3. PROUD GRANDMA
Jesse Parks, Executive Director of Helping Hand, shows off a photo of her grandson, Oliver Parks. Twelve-year-old Oliver is a pitcher for the El Segundo baseball team, who won the 2023 Little League World Series against Willemstad thanks to a walk off home run. The final score was 6-5, the first Little League victory for a Los Angeles County team since 1993. “I’m so proud,” said Jesse Parks. “He did fantastic.”
4. MURDER WARRANT ISSUED
On Nov. 22, a release from the Bandera County Sheriff's Office asked the public to help find Freda "Michelle" Thomas, who was charged in a warrant for the Murder of 88-year-old Robert Isaacks. Isaacks was last seen on a Ring camera video in his Flying L residence. His body was found Nov. 17 in Crockett County.
5. BOONIE’S PIZZA OPENS
The Mandry family opened their new pizza restraunt in June after saving for the venture over a four-year period. “Going from knowing nothing about the food service industry to learning it all in a month was a lot,” said Kori. “We basically had to spend 34 hours a day learning, reading, talking to people.”
6. FROM BAN TO NYC
The Bandera High School Star Steppers traveled to New York City and performed their dance number in the 97th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The group was announced as the “Spirit of America” dance stars during the parade which was broadcast around the world in English and Spanish. During their stay, the team visited the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Macy’s Department Store, the Today Show and saw two Broadway shows.
7. CHRISTMAS PARADE RETURNS
For the first time in years, Bandera pulled together to put on a Christmas parade, and it was spectacular. Most every entry was decorated with lights, blow up figures and well-costumed holiday themed characters. Head to the Bulletin’s Facebook for a full gallery from the event!
8. KLINE HEADS TO NATIONALS
Bandera eighth-grader Shada Cline qualified for the junior high national finals rodeo to held in Perry, Georgia, on June 18-24. She qualified in ribbon roping with her partner Texas Townsend of Atascosa.
