JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE BANDERA NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AND THE BANDERA KRONKOSKY PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Bandera Natural History Museum along with the Bandera Kronkosky Public Library are pleased to announce new directors.
The Museum welcomes Mauri Guillén Fagan, previously at the Bandera Library, as the new Executive Director of Operations.
Ms. Fagan comes to the Museum with both a professional and academic background in museums and colonial Mexican art. Mauri Fagan has worked as the Library Director for the Bandera Kronkosky Public Library since January 2020.
The Library will now be led by Mr. Paul Phelan who comes to the Library with an extensive background in managing libraries in rural communities.
As a lifelong Texan and biker, Paul has been eager for an opportunity to spend more time in Bandera. He brings years of experience leading libraries in small, rural communities such as Bandera. Most recently he has led libraries in Kyle and Corsicana, Texas as well as taught science for San Antonio ISD.
Both the museum and library are gems of this community and we feel strongly that both will flourish under the new leadership. We also look forward to serving to enrich and educate the people of Bandera County and beyond through future collaboration.
The boards of the museum and the library invite you to visit and meet the new directors.
The Bandera Natural History Museum is located at 267 Old San Antonio Road and the Bandera Kronkosky Public Library is located at 515 Main St., across the street from the courthouse.
I have come to the conclusion that the elderly victims within our community would benefit the most if both law enforcement officers and the community as a whole work together to ensure their safety.
My assertion is based on two key factors.
Firstly, there has been a distressing increase in the number of elderly victims in Bandera County. This alarming trend necessitates immediate action to protect this vulnerable segment of our society. Secondly, it is worth noting that the majority of elderly individuals welcome and appreciate any assistance provided to them.
In my personal endeavors, I have attempted to intervene and aid two women who were suffering from addiction and had fallen victim to trafficking. Regrettably, they vehemently rejected any form of assistance. While I acknowledge that this is not always the case, as some individuals do actively seek help, their efforts to escape their dire circumstances are often thwarted when their captors are released early or granted bail, allowing them to continue their criminal activities involving trafficking and drug distribution.
Who should shoulder the blame for this predicament? Is it the justice system? Some misguided individuals even attempt to place the blame on the victims themselves. It is disheartening to witness the lack of cohesion within law enforcement departments, as they struggle to effectively carry out their duties, while the perpetrators seemingly hold all the power.
It is imperative that we adopt a bold and resolute stance in addressing these issues. The safety and well-being of our elderly citizens should be a top priority, and it is incumbent upon us to demand accountability from our law enforcement agencies. By doing so, we can ensure that justice is served and the power dynamics are shifted in favor of the victims.
Mary Yatti-Halfmann Lakehills, Texas
