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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Lometa, TX

Home Care Lometa, TX

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Lometa Regional Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Lometa, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Lometa, TX

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”

Antoinette G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”

Mark A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”

Mark A.
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“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to Always Best Care in Boerne.”

Laurie K.
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“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared for. He and his staff actually listen to what I would like done for my parents. Very thoughtful, very professional and very caring. It’s such a relief to have help in caring for my loved ones”

Kristen B.
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“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken Thomas. I certainly would recommend them for you or your loved ones excellent care.”

Shirley S.
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“Kenneth is kind, patient, experienced and knowledgeable. We are thankful to him for all his efforts and for going above and beyond.”

Chae S.
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“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas at Always Best Care Senior Services. Mr. Thomas provides an authentic and professional guiding hand when discussing available services for your precious senior family members. When it is time for a beloved senior to receive assistance, Mr. Thomas understands the importance of providing trustworthy and quality support.”

Melissa C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken leads his Always Best Care Senior Services Agency with compassion for his clients and their families. He is a local senior care expert and leader in his community. If you are need of assistance in navigating your local senior care options, then do not hesitate to give Ken a call!”

Kelly B.
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“Kenneth is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I can’t recommend him enough. You’re in good hands with Kenneth.”

Chae S.
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“I will be forever grateful for the love you showered upon us and my grandmother”

Jill &.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Lometa, TX?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Lometa, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Lometa, TX

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Lometa, TX
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Lometa, TX
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lometa Regional Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Lometa, TX
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Sammy’s Rockin’ K Kafe or visit Red Bluff Guest Ranch, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Lometa, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Lometa, TX

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Lometa, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Lometa, TX

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your TX's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Lometa, TX

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lometa, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Lometa, TX

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Lometa, TX

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Brister Care Home
  • Senior Citizens Center
  • Lampasas Assisted Living
  • Silver Creek Assisted Living Lampasas
  • Cedar Hill Healthcare Centre
  • Williams House Emergency Center
Home Care Lometa, TX

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Lometa, TX

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lometa, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Lometa, TX

Latest News in Lometa, TX

District 14-1A Division I Season Preview

May and Jonesboro ruled this district a year ago. Besides their game against each other, all three of their other district victories were by mercy rule.It’s all tall task for Evant, Lometa, and Santa Anna to try and close the gap on two of the premier six-man squads in 1A Division I. However, while Jonesboro has plenty of talent returning, May has a lot of production to replace from a year ago. Could that cause a shakeup in the district standings this season?Here’s what to watch for in District 14-1A Divisi...

May and Jonesboro ruled this district a year ago. Besides their game against each other, all three of their other district victories were by mercy rule.

It’s all tall task for Evant, Lometa, and Santa Anna to try and close the gap on two of the premier six-man squads in 1A Division I. However, while Jonesboro has plenty of talent returning, May has a lot of production to replace from a year ago. Could that cause a shakeup in the district standings this season?

Here’s what to watch for in District 14-1A Division I.

Evant Elks

Head Coach: Brandon Young (2nd Season)

Last Season: 0-10; 0-4 in district

Evant Key Players and Storylines

Head coach Brandon Young’s first season didn’t go exactly to plan as the Elks lost all ten games, including nine by mercy rule.

This season, with just three starters returning on each side of the ball, he said he’ll have a young team with minimal experience.

Look for guard Hunter White to anchor the Elks in the trenches. He’ll provide a sturdy foundation for a backfield that has senior spread back Cason Ingram, junior quarterback Tanner Manville, and running back Cameron McGilvray, all key players in Young’s eyes.

Young said Evant must focus on the little things this fall. He believes that will help his team grow a little bit each day.

Expect Evant to take the field with a “full heart, clear eyes, can’t lose” mentality as the Elks look to embrace the role of the underdog in 2023.

Jonesboro Eagles

Head Coach: Eddie Gallegos (15th season)

Last Season: 11-2; 4-0 in district (Lost in State Quarterfinal to Irion County)

Jonesboro Key Players and Storylines

Jonesboro has a lot of pieces back from a team that went undefeated in district play for the fourth year in a row. Last year’s offensive MVP Caleb Christel graduated, but the Eagles return their five other offensive starters and also have three starters returning on defense.

Running backs Jacob Cisneros (560 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns) and Layden Nichols (497 rushing yards) are poised to step into the gap left by Christel in the backfield, while tight end Demarcus Acoff (543 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns) should continue to be Jonesboro’s biggest threat in the passing game.

The Eagles gave up just over 25 points per game on defense a year ago and will have leading tackler Garret Young (95 tackles) back at cornerback to anchor the unit. Meanwhile, at defensive end, Acoff will look to continue to make himself at home in opposing backfields after racking up 31 tackles for loss a year ago.

Jonesboro’s season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion a year ago as a missed extra point proved to be the difference in their 44-43 defeat to Irion County in the state quarterfinals.

However, for a team that has lost just four district games since Gallegos took over in 2009, the Eagles are prepared to bounce back with another strong year in 2023.

“Expectations are always high here, our kids realize that,” Gallegos said. “They know they have an opportunity to play deep into the playoffs, but we also know there is a lot of work in between now and then.”

Lometa Hornets

Head Coach: D.T. Torres (10th Season)

Last Season: 4-6; 2-2 in district

Lometa Key Players and Storylines

Lometa made the playoffs in both 2020 and 2021, but realignment did the Hornets no favor. The matchups against two of the top six-man programs in 1A Division I proved too much for the Hornets a year ago. They were 45’d by both May and Jonesboro.

However, this season, the Hornets do have some key underclassmen returning from last year’s squad.

Tin Juarez has graduated, but junior spreadback Jordan Livesay appears to be the next in line to take the keys to the Lometa offense. He was a second team all-district selection last year and threw for 224 yards and six touchdowns in Lometa’s season finale against Santa Anna. Junior tight end Colten Whitehead should help provide protection up front.

On the other side of the ball, Lometa has two promising players up front in linemen Lukas Smialus, a junior, and Stone Carr-Jones, a sophomore. Livesay will be Lometa’s last line of defense from his safety position.

Only three of Lometa’s all-district players from last season graduated. With plenty of young, key talent returning this year, it will be interesting to see whether last year’s experience will help them hang closer with the district’s top two teams this season.

May Tigers

Head Coach: Craig Steele (20th season)

Last Season: 8-2; 3-1 in district (Lost in bi-district to Irion County)

May Key Players and Storylines

Last year was the first time in six years that May failed to win its district title, Although realignment had a big role in that with fellow powerhouse Jonesboro joining the Tigers as a district bunkmate.

This season, May will have to contend with plenty of turnover if it wants to make its 11th straight playoff appearance. The Tigers have just three total starters coming back, one on offense and two on defense.

Braden Steele (482 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns; 865 passing yards and 11 touchdowns) should be the center piece for the Tigers this year. He earned first team all-district at both his spreadback and safety position last season.

Landon Cheatham is a player the Tigers are looking to take on a bigger role this season from his running back position (129 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 2022). He’s also a big threat on special teams after returning two kicks for touchdowns last season.

Meanwhile, alongside Steele on defense, junior Ben Harrell (72 tackles) should be another big player for the Tigers as he earned first team all-district as well last season.

The proven talent in May might be a little light heading into this season/ But with the Tigers have had under Craig Steele during his 20 years, expect the wheels to be turning at full speed by the time district play rolls around in October.

“Our younger kids are going to have to really step [up] because our expectations don’t change from year to year,” Steele said. “Expectations will be to make a run in the playoffs, and I think we’re capable of it if we can stay healthy and the younger kids develop like we expect.”

Santa Anna Mountaineers

Head Coach: Jose Luna (2nd Season)

Last Season: 4-6; 1-3 in district

Santa Anna Key Players and Storylines

Jose Luna will be leading a young Santa Anna team in 2023 as the Mountaineers return just three starters on each side of the ball.

Wide receiver Jacob Jimenez is Santa Anna’s most notable returnee. He was a first team all-district nomination after catching 27 passes for 635 yards and 15 touchdowns.

He’ll be a welcome presence for a Mountaineer offense that must replace its starting quarterback and running back from last season.

Defensively, the Mountaineers will boast sophomore linebacker Brandon Walker (44 tackles). He was one of just two freshmen to earn a District 14-1A Division I accolade in 2022.

A year ago, perennial contenders Jonesboro and May 45’d the Mountaineers in district play. However, Santa Anna was able to hang within a couple scores of a Lometa team that had been on the rise.

With tough district opposition looming, Luna hopes his team will use its six-game preseason slate to its advantage this fall.

“We will be looking to replace a lot of key pieces from last year,” Luna said. “We will be young in certain spots but are hoping to gain experience and be ready to compete in district play.”

CLICK HERE to listen to the Texas HS Football Podcast, with Taylor Arenz

Friday night roundup: Ethridge leads Richland Springs to 3-0 start

Braxton Ethridge had a hand in six touchdowns to lead Richland Springs to a 68-22 win over Lometa on Friday.Richland Springs, ranked No. 2 in Class 1A Division II, improved to 3-0 with all three wins on the road. Lometa fell to 1-2.Ethridge was 8-of-12 passing for 167 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. He also had 11 carries for 126 yards and two TDs.Keston Lusty added five carries for 45 yards and two scores.Ethridge's 20-yard TD pass to Jayden Sutherland with 5:59 left in the fourth ...

Braxton Ethridge had a hand in six touchdowns to lead Richland Springs to a 68-22 win over Lometa on Friday.

Richland Springs, ranked No. 2 in Class 1A Division II, improved to 3-0 with all three wins on the road. Lometa fell to 1-2.

Ethridge was 8-of-12 passing for 167 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. He also had 11 carries for 126 yards and two TDs.

Keston Lusty added five carries for 45 yards and two scores.

Ethridge's 20-yard TD pass to Jayden Sutherland with 5:59 left in the fourth quarter ended the game early due to the 45-point mercy rule.

Richland Springs will have an open date next week before playing Coolidge in Jonesboro on Sept. 23.

San Angelo TLCA 36, Winters 34

The TLCA Eagles edged Winters at home Friday to improve their record to 2-1.

It's the first time TLCA has won multiple games in a season since 2017. The Eagles entered this year on a 26-game losing streak.

Despite a 7-6 loss last week to Odessa Compass Academy, TLCA's offense is averaging 28 points per game. The Eagles also lit up the scoreboard in a 42-36 win over Ozona in Week 1.

TLCA will visit Ingram Moore next week, while Winters will host Miles.

Reagan County 16, Crane 6

The Reagan County Owls picked up their first win of the season Friday at home against Crane.

Reagan County managed only 143 yards of total offense, compared to 268 yards for Crane, but the Owls made the game's biggest plays.

Angel Martinez returned a fumble 44 yards for a TD to give the Owls a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.

A.J. Avalos kicked a 38-yard field goal to give Reagan County a 10-6 lead at halftime.

Jarrett Brown threw a 27-yard TD pass to Martinez midway through the third quarter, and Reagan County's defense pitched a second-half shutout.

The Owls' defense forced four turnovers, but Reagan County's offense turned the ball over three times as well.

Brown was an impressive 17-of-22 passing, but it only covered 102 yards and he was intercepted twice.

Reagan County will visit Iraan next week.

Christoval 27, Colorado City 7

The Cougars got their second road win of 2022, beating the Wolves in a 2A nondistrict game.

Christoval’s ground game powered the Cougars to the win as Ketcher Joiner rushed for 152 yards and a TD and Manuel Riojas rushed for 134 yards and two TDs. Offensive lineman Sevastian Salinas was credited with eight pancake blocks to lead the way.

Cayden Carpenter threw a TD pass and also was the Cougars’ top receiver with six catches for 53 yards.

Brock Ratliff had two tackles for loss while Tristen Alvarado had eight solo tackles and a TFL to lead the Christoval defensive effort.

The Cougars (2-1) will try to get their first home win of the season but it will be a tough test when they host Mason on Friday. It will be the first meeting with the Punchers since 2012.

Sonora 24, Eldorado 7

The Broncos held Eldorado to just 153 total yards and got back in the win column on their home field.

Jaime Buitron passed for 132 yards and two TDs and rushed for 125 yards and a TD as Sonora improved to 2-1. Hunter O’Banon added 52 yards and a TD on the ground. Edgar DeLuna caught two passes for 100 yards, both going for TDs.

Jose Contreras had a pick-six to open the scoring for the game as Eldorado led 7-0 to end the first quarter.

Sonora travels to Alpine on Friday while Eldorado (1-2) looks for its first win since opening week with a home game Friday against undefeated San Saba.

Garden City 61, Midland Trinity 0

The Bearkats, ranked No. 4 in 1A DI, dominated Trinity in a nondistrict game in Garden City.

Preston Dehlinger had six carries for 151 yards and two TDs as the Kats led 54-0 by the end of the first quarter.

Garden City held Trinity to -26 total yards, owing to a -55 rushing deficit.

Logan Seidenberger passed for 75 yards and two TDs while Mason Walker caught a TD pass and scored on an interception return.

Garden City (3-0) travels to May Friday. The Tigers (3-0) are ranked No. 3 in the state and are coming off an 81-58 shootout win over previously undefeated Knox City.

Irion County 57, Roby 0

The No. 9-ranked Hornets got their first halftime win of the season, blanking the Lions in a home game.

Trevin Coffell threw for 72 yards and three TDs and had a 75-yard interception return for a TD to lead the Hornets.

Jordan Harrison, Colton Lawdermilk, Wyatt Morris and Parker Posey each had TD runs for the Hornets while Bo Morrow, Fred Mayberry and Tyler Henderson each caught a TD pass.

Irion County (3-0) hosts Highland on Friday.

Robert Lee 48, Baird 36

The Robert Lee Steers are off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2018 after defeating Baird at home Friday.

Robert Lee led 40-14 at halftime and 48-20 in the fourth quarter before Baird had two touchdowns and a safety in the final 4:09.

Brayden Sherwood rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries, and he returned an interception for a TD.

Denver O'Dell added 115 rushing yards and two TDs on 15 carries for the Steers.

Jose Heredia had 13 tackles and Logan Clifton had 12 tackles to lead Robert Lee's defensive effort. Ryan Mendoza forced a fumble and had a fumble return for a TD.

Robert Lee will travel to Blackwell next week.

San Marcos Baptist Academy 68, Menard 57

Menard's Joel Guerrero rushed for 405 yards and six touchdowns on 35 carries in a shootout loss Thursday at home.

Guerrero also had 19 tackles to lead the Yellowjackets' defense. Wyatt Terrell had 18 tackles and returned a fumble for a TD.

Menard (1-2) will visit Bronte next week.

Other scores

Miles 56, Water Valley 0

Vernon 23, San Angelo Lake View 12

Abilene Cooper 41, San Angelo Central 38 (OT)

Wall 3, Jim Ned 0

Coleman 56, Brady 24

Bangs 53, Grape Creek 6

Mason 42, Ozona 7

Bronte 35, Veribest 12

Stamford 32, Ballinger 14

D'Hanis 21, Junction 6

Rochelle 51, Paint Rock 6

Sterling City 83, Abilene TLCA 19

Westbrook 59, Rankin 58

Blanket 50, Eden 0

Paint Creek 40, Lohn 29

‘Community is fed up’: Lometa residents still uneasy about state of water system

LOMETA, Texas (KWTX) - Frustrated and concerned is how a lot of residents in one Central Texas community continue to feel about their water.People around Lometa have been dealing with discolored water since the beginning of the month. It is something residents say they have dealt with on-and-off for years, but this time it seems worse.The water company Corix, has spent the last few weeks trying to mend the issue. The hope is the situation w...

LOMETA, Texas (KWTX) - Frustrated and concerned is how a lot of residents in one Central Texas community continue to feel about their water.

People around Lometa have been dealing with discolored water since the beginning of the month. It is something residents say they have dealt with on-and-off for years, but this time it seems worse.

The water company Corix, has spent the last few weeks trying to mend the issue. The hope is the situation will be fixed soon.

But, even then, many of Lometa’s residents say they do not trust that the water they are provided is drinkable.

“We need three things to live: we need oxygen, water and food; in that order,” said Bret Cali, an area resident. “If we can’t have clean drinking water in America, what’s the point?”

After receiving numerous complaints about the color of the water at the beginning of the month, Corix President Darrin Barker said, the company found its treatment process was not working as it should.

“After a certain amount of time, especially when you have these very high temperature periods that we’ve seen in the recent six weeks or so, that water will start reacting in the pipe and create a little bit of color,” said Barker.

On top of that, when Corix issued a precautionary boil-water notice a few weeks ago, it did not go out to everybody, which something the company admitted in a letter to its customers.

Now, the company has nearly completed its multi-week process to try and mend the situation as best as it can.

“We are asking for patience,” said Barker. “We do understand that this has been an inconvenience for our customers.”

But for residents like Cali, owner of the Bend General Store, patience is a lot to ask.

“I own a business and I’m having to use bottled water for everything and I have a restaurant,” said Cali.

Even though Corix has told customers the water is safe to drink and a lot of the discoloration has gone away, people, like Joyce and Jerry Nelson, still choose to go with bottled water.

“I have to keep bottled water in my bathroom to brush my teeth, because I’m not putting that dirty sewer-smelling water in my mouth,” said Joyce Nelson.

Her husband echoed the same sentiment, while also airing out his frustration. On top of that, the couple is not sure what options they have since they feel the company is not addressing their complaints appropriately.

“We don’t know what to do,” said Jerry Nelson. “We know the whole community is fed up”

And they are fed up, because they say they have been dealing with water issues for years.

“Our water, for three years, has either smelled like sewage. Or over-chlorinated, stronger than bleach,” said Joyce Nelson.

Corix official said the company has been trying to adjust its system. But because it has 300 miles of pipe serving a rural area, that is hard to do.

On top of that, its water has been in-and-out of compliance with environmental standards set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for years.

Barker said that is because of the age of the water treatment facility.

“The plant is having a difficult time meeting that level. We’re actually in the process of building a new water treatment plant,” said Barker. “So we have an agreement with (the TCEQ) that says we’re building the plant to implement the new treatment process.”

Right now, the plan is to have the new treatment plan online by spring of next year. As for the current situation, Corix has another week of testing before things can go back to normal.

But that will still take time, and time takes patience, which is something these folks do not have a lot of anymore.

“And I would like to invite anybody from Corix, especially the folks that sent out that letter, to come out to the Bend General Store and have a refreshing glass of their water,” said Cali. “And they can read that note about how clean that water is.”

Copyright 2022 KWTX. All rights reserved.

Record haul of snakes at Diamondback Jubilee in Lometa

LOMETA — On a recent Saturday morning, rattlesnake hunters from across Central Texas gathered to compare and contrast their quarry. These intrepid men and women brought in a ton of snakes — 2,178 pounds to be exact. Total head count was 1,603. The granddaddy, stretched tight as a clothesline from fangs to bottom rattler, measured 5 feet, 4 inches long.This get-together has been celebrated 44 consecutive years, and is proudly labeled the Diamondback Jubilee. The local Lions Club runs the event with help from volunteers. Sna...

LOMETA — On a recent Saturday morning, rattlesnake hunters from across Central Texas gathered to compare and contrast their quarry. These intrepid men and women brought in a ton of snakes — 2,178 pounds to be exact. Total head count was 1,603. The granddaddy, stretched tight as a clothesline from fangs to bottom rattler, measured 5 feet, 4 inches long.

This get-together has been celebrated 44 consecutive years, and is proudly labeled the Diamondback Jubilee. The local Lions Club runs the event with help from volunteers. Snake coordinator William Kelley said the Jubilee is Lometa’s opportunity to shake, rattle and roll, and raise money for worthy causes.

“It’s our largest fundraiser and economic booster. It brings our community together,” Kelley said. “It started as a one-day festival. Now it’s two days. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger.”

Three-time champion Howard Ellett caught the most critters — 457 snakes weighing 631 pounds. He won a sparkling, silver belt buckle, big and bold enough to be the envy of any rodeo cowboy.

So how do you catch a rattlesnake?

“With this,” said 27-year snake hunting veteran Modina “Mo” Kunze, holding up an aluminum stick with a trigger handle on one end and sturdy claw for pinching and holding snakes at the other.

Kunze owns the Branding Iron Cafe in Lometa. Despite the available bounty of snake meat, she won’t be serving any rattlesnake dishes at her joint. She said health department red tape has put the kibosh on serving rattlesnake.

For several hours at the Jubilee, pickup trucks with mud grips and dual exhaust backed up to the unloading area before the snake pit. Folks wearing camouflage caps and sunglasses and steel toe boots with heavy stitching dragged solid wooden crates out of their trucks and dropped them on a platform scale.

Larry W. Fox, a snake buyer, wrote a $4,000 check to grand champion Ellett. The going rate this year is $6.50 per pound, down significantly from last year when snakes were worth about 12 bucks per pound.

Fox hauls the snakes to Oklahoma for processing and he doesn’t tell anybody on the road about his venomous cargo.

At the Jubilee, Fox was selling rattlesnake belts, hat bands, wallets, checkbooks, suspenders and money clips.

There is a recent cloud of controversy hanging over the snake-hunting culture. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department may outlaw a common way of catching rattlers. It’s called gassing.

Hunters take a hand-held pump sprayer and shoot gas fumes down a likely snake hole. The snakes come pouring out, dazed, and are easy prey.

“I liken this to fishing with dynamite,” TPWD director of wildlife diversity John Davis told the New York Times. Twenty-nine states, including New Mexico and Oklahoma, already ban the practice.

MAP: Which school districts have increased teacher pay the most for the 2022-23 school year?

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Amid rising inflation and teacher shortages, school boards all across Central Texas are trying to do what they can to keep their employees in their districts.Lack of compensation was one of the key areas highlighted by teachers as a reason for quitting, according to a survey by the ...

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Amid rising inflation and teacher shortages, school boards all across Central Texas are trying to do what they can to keep their employees in their districts.

Lack of compensation was one of the key areas highlighted by teachers as a reason for quitting, according to a survey by the Association of Texas Professional Educators last month.

As one Austin ISD teacher said in the survey, teachers “can’t afford to live in areas close to where we work unless we have two-three extra jobs or take on extra duties.” A reading specialist in Leander ISD commented, “I think teachers’ pay does not match the amount of physical, mental and emotional work we do every day.”

KXAN has compiled teacher salary information for almost 60 school districts across Central Texas. The vast majority of school boards have voted to increase pay for the 2022-23 school year.

For consistency, KXAN looked at starting salaries for teachers with no experience.

Of the districts that have released new pay scales for the 2022-23 school year, Manor ISD is offering the highest starting salary, $54,590. All teachers in the district will receive a 6% increase.

“Last year, Manor ISD invested millions of dollars in a new compensation plan that provided our staff with pay that was more competitive with other Central Texas school districts,” Superintendent Dr. Andre Spencer said in a statement when the budget was proposed. “This year’s budget will build on that foundation and help us protect our investment in our staff by keeping that plan competitive.”

Del Valle ISD will have the second-highest starting salary, $54,000. The district will also give all staff a $1,000 stipend upon completion of professional development for the year, effectively raising the starting salary to $55,000. The district describes itself as a “destination district for exceptional educators.”

“The salary increase proposed by Superintendent Dr. Annette Tielle and adopted by the Board of Trustees demonstrates our commitment to recruiting and retaining the very best teachers for our students,” Executive Director of Communications Christopher Weddle told KXAN in a statement. “We are also proud that this significant salary increase is part of a balanced and fiscally responsible budget which ensures our salaries are sustainable in the future.”

Dripping Springs ISD, Leander ISD and Pflugerville ISD round out the top five, each with starting salaries of $53,400 or higher. Incidentally, Pflugerville ISD had the highest salary in the region in the 2021-22 school year, $51,900.

Three districts in the KXAN viewing area use state minimum salaries, as determined by the Texas Education Agency. Lometa ISD, Mason ISD and Richland Springs ISD will all start salaries at $33,660 for the 2022-23 school year.

When it comes to increasing starting salaries, most districts in the region approved increases between 2.5% and 6%.

Gause ISD, a small Cameron County district with fewer than 200 students, approved a 19.5% jump in starting salary, from $37,660 in the 2021-22 school year to $45,000 in 2022-23.

Three other districts increased starting pay by more than 10%: Blanco ISD (13.6%), Bartlett ISD (12.4%) and Thorndale ISD (10.3%).

In the Austin metro area, Liberty Hill ISD increased starting pay the most, from $48,550 to $52,850, an 8.9% increase. The district is also offering a $4,500 step increase for all teachers. LHISD currently serves about 7,000 students, but is projecting up to 24,000 students by the end of the decade thanks to explosive growth in the city.

Besides the three districts that use state minimum salaries, three others opted not to increase starting salaries this year: Harper ISD, Johnson City ISD and Schulenburg ISD.

Harper ISD Superintendent Bonnie Stewart told KXAN the district got ahead of the curve by increasing salaries by 3% for the 2021-22 school year. Meanwhile, Johnson City ISD is not increasing starting salaries, but all returning teachers will receive a 3% of midpoint increase.

Some districts have not yet approved pay scales for the 2022-23 school year. KXAN will update this story as those decisions are made.

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