Wimberley Valley News & Views - Vol. 29 Issue 7 - July 2026
POSTAL PATRON
Editor & Publisher
Cyle Elizabeth Johnson
Creative
Director Catarina Evangeline Johnson
Cover Mila Brichesi
The Wimberley Valley News & Views, a subsidiary of Valentino Publications, is mailed monthly to all street addresses serviced by the Wimberley Post Office in 78676.
Our cousins across time and geography have found certain phenomena—like breathtaking sunsets, symmetrical faces, and rhythmic music—universally beautiful. This broad consensus exists because our aesthetic preferences are deeply rooted in evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and a shared psychology that associates these patterns with survival and cognitive ease.
The concept of beauty has fascinated philosophers and scientists for centuries, raising a profound question: why do diverse people across the globe share similar reactions to certain stimuli? The answer lies in the intersection of our evolutionary history and the physical architecture of our brains.
From an evolutionary standpoint, the perception of beauty is intrinsically linked to our survival and reproductive success. Neuroscientists’ findings suggest that humans are hardwired to recognize and admire forms that signal safety, vitality, and genetic fitness. For instance, facial symmetry, and certain bodily proportions are often seen as visual markers of robust health.
People across all cultures tend to find certain phenomena—like breathtaking sunsets, symmetrical faces, and rhythmic music— universally beautiful. This broad consensus exists because our aesthetic preferences are deeply rooted in our shared evolution.
Beyond the human form, our biology also helps explain why certain landscapes and environmental elements universally evoke awe. The “savanna hypothesis” posits that our ancestors thrived in environments that provided abundant resources and vantage points for spotting predators. Consequently, we still instinctively
by Kern Deschner
Those That Wait, and Then Step Up
At Texas A&M, they have a tradition called The 12 Man. In 1922, A&M was playing a football game with Centre College, and A&M was predicted to lose. A&M was sustaining ` th
a lot of injuries and was in danger of not being able to put a full team on the field. The coach recognized a student in the stands, E. King Gill, and asked him to suit up and come to the bench to wait possibly being called into the game, even though he was not on the team. Gill stood on the sideline the entire game and was never called into play, but his willingness to step up and be ready to help the team became a legend. Now, Aggie fans stand throughout the length of football games and the entire student body is considered The 12 Man. The stadium, Kyle Field, is emblazoned with the words “Home of The 12 Man”. th th I am old enough that I knew a lot of WW2 veterans. My father, and several uncles, fought in The War, as it was known. Two of them saw actual combat action, one on a destroyer in the Pacific that took a Kamikaze hit, and another as a radar operator that got a Bronze Star in Belgium when all staff had to pick up arms and fight. The others trained and served but never saw a shot fired by the enemy.
find elements like lush vegetation, clear bodies of water, and wide-open horizons incredibly beautiful and restorative. Similarly, the crackle of a fire or the vibrant colors of ripening fruits stimulate our senses and offer biological `
by Tim Thompson
rewards because they were historically associated with warmth, safety, and nourishment.
While culture and experiences certainly shape much of our individual aesthetic tastes, the shared biological hardware of humans creates an undeniable baseline for beauty. Whether it is the visual harmony of a mountain range, the balanced proportions of an ancient building, or the rhythmic pacing of a song, beauty serves as a universal language. It is a fundamental mechanism that unites us all, connecting our physiological needs for survival to our highest capacities for joy and appreciation.
Horticulturist Tim Thompson managed the garden center at King Feed for over 25 years. They offer everything you need to have the garden of your dreams without stressing your budget. Call King Feed at 512 847 2618.
Roughly 85-90% of the millions of service members in WW2 served in support roles. An army fights on its stomach goes the old saying, meaning that you have to feed, treat, fuel, supply, and gather the intelligence needed to provide an Army their best chance of success. It took roughly ten support personnel to keep one combat soldier fighting. Those supporters served the war effort mightily, as did the factory workers, farmers, and war bond buyers. I had a distant cousin who was in the German army and was captured by the Americans in the last days of WW2. In his diary, he is astounded at the health and vigor of the American soldiers, and at the abundant supplies provided for their support. In his diary, it was seeing the mountain of supplies that made him realize the futility of continuing to fight the Allies’ juggernaut. Those, too, serve who wait to be called.
th
I think there is a little of The 12 Man in all of us. There are times when you will step up when called, maybe unsure of the outcome, but sure of your commitment to your cause. I would like to take the opportunity, as an alpaca breeder, the commend the veterinarians of our area. We are blessed with dedicated veterinarians who have, at many times, stepped up to help us and come to our rescue. I should not name them, but they know who they are, and they have my undying admiration and gratitude.
Rhonda and Kern Deschner are experienced alpaca ranchers raising alpacas through all kinds of Texas weather since 1997. Tierra Prometida Alpaca Ranch can be visited by calling Rhonda at 512 753 9962, or at Tierra@AlpacaUSA.com.
The Next Chapter
Last year, I wrote about the experience of my Albanian student, Koreta, in setting goals to audition for, join, and perform with the Western Balkans Youth Orchestra. Here is an update on this student’s progress on her musical journey.
Koreta has just graduated from high school and is preparing to attend a university in the United States this fall. Her last goal was to perform a final recital for her family and community. Kori planned the music program with some of her favorite pieces. She arranged the program’s flow, prepared a written program, and practiced with a piano accompaniment. She set up to record her performance and stream the video for those who could not attend the live performance in Albania. She invited numerous guests from her community and decorated the performance venue. Her family also participated in the program. Kori played a duet with each of her three younger sisters. Her family prepared the stage area and equipment. Mom created a beautiful video montage that showed Kori’s growth as a musician from her earliest performances at age 4 through the years to the present. There were even clips from the time I visited Albania and her village, and from when Kori’s family traveled to the United States to meet up with some of my studio families. My favorite video moments were the many times she played her music for family and local community members.
by Casey Harrison, LDT, CSLDS, CALT-QIT
Dyslexia Doesn’t Define Intelligence
Parents often celebrate their children’s first words, first books, and first days of school. When reading turns out to be harder than expected, it’s normal to worry about what that means for their future.
One of the biggest misconceptions
about dyslexia is that it reflects a child’s intelligence. That simply isn’t true. Dyslexia is a difference in how the brain learns to read and understand written words. People with dyslexia may have trouble recognizing words, spelling, and sounding out words, even when they have good teaching. These challenges are not about intelligence, motivation, or effort.
Individuals with dyslexia have the same range of intelligence as everyone else. They may be average, above average, gifted, creative, innovative, and curious. Dyslexia simply affects how they learn to read, spell, and write, not their ability to think, learn, solve problems, or succeed. Because reading is such a big part of school, many kids start to think that having trouble with reading means they aren’t smart. This belief can be even more harmful than dyslexia itself.
As a dyslexia therapist, I have met many students who can explain tough ideas, solve hard problems, build amazing things, or ask great questions, but still get frustrated when they have to read out loud. Their struggle is not about intelligence. It shows
As Kori turns the page on this section of her life and looks ahead to its next chapters, I now reflect on all the gifts her music education has given her: discipline, perseverance, listening, memory, concentration, performance, observation/imitation, and heart/character development. The purpose of the Suzuki philosophy is to nurture and encourage
by Paula E. Bird
the growth of citizens with good character and noble hearts. I am so joyful and thankful to witness and share the growth of another student, and to watch her prepare to take her unique place on her life’s stage. Thank you, Kori, for including me as one of your companions on your life’s journey. Bravo and congratulations on embracing this milestone.
Paula E. Bird has taught in the Wimberley area for over 20 years. Recently retired from Texas State University and the Austin Symphony, she has performed at Carnegie Hall as a founding member of the Artisan String Quartet. Joined by her business partner, musician Ian Lee, the pair serves over 100 students in the Central Texas area. Contact her at birdtull@prodigy.net or (512) 694-7687.
how much extra effort their brains need to connect spoken words to written ones. The good news is that with the right teaching, dyslexia can improve. When students get clear, step-by-step, proven reading instruction, they can become strong readers and keep building on their other strengths.
One of the best things parents can do is remember that the struggle is not the child. Instead of saying: Reading just isn’t your thing, try: Reading is hard because your brain learns in its own way. Also, make sure to celebrate your child’s strengths. If they are creative, caring, curious, or great at solving problems, those qualities matter just as much as reading progress.
When kids learn what dyslexia really is, they often feel more confident instead of doubting themselves They start to see that they are not less smart; they just learn in a different way and need teaching that fits how their brains work. A dyslexia diagnosis does not determine a child’s future. It gives a plan for helping them become strong readers and keep their confidence and love of learning. Every child should know that their intelligence, creativity, and dreams are much bigger than any diagnosis.
Understanding dyslexia is often the first step toward helping a child thrive. If you’re looking for trusted information, practical resources, or local support, The Dyslexia Classroom and Wimberley Dyslexia & Learning Center are here to help families navigate the journey with confidence. Learn more at TheDyslexiaClassroom.com and WimberleyDyslexiaCenter.com.
Casey is a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist and Certified Academic Language Therapist who founded Wimberley Dyslexia & Learning Center and The Dyslexia Classroom, where she provides dyslexia therapy, educator training, and family support.
My Farewell: Studio Continues to Grow
by Sarah Geenberg
I have handed over Wimberley Karate and Yoga Studio to my sister, Jay Geenberg. I believe she will do a great job bringing the studio forward! The purpose of the studio has always ```
been more to help people who want the help than to make money. The yoga contributes to getting people out of pain, relax, and become more aware and connected, as does the Tai Chi.
Yoga and Tai Chi also improve the quality of life, allowing people to do more. Karate has also kept people doing more –especially the senior citizens – and has also taught younger people to become more confident and willing to go out there and try hard things.
The studio has always been for the community and supported by the community. Most of what is in there has been donated, including the flooring and the paint on the walls. It has always been inspiring for me to go in there and see what happens when people add in their own way. And the classes themselves create connections and friendships. We always help each other in and out of class.
by Robert Donnelly, DDS
Jay has been teaching in the studio for nine years and has also contributed in many ways. She, as well as the other teachers, have also helped create the feel of the studio. I look forward to seeing her and the studio grow. For now, all the classes will continue the same as they have been.
This is also my last article for now. I have truly enjoyed writing over the years, and I have learned a lot from it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Wimberley and thank you, Wimberley Valley News & Views, for all you have done for me.
I already both miss everyone and look forward to being a part of things in a different way. Hugs and cheers!
Sarah Geenberg is the owner of Wimberley Karate and Yoga Studio. They have classes every day except Sundays. First class is free, so come by, anytime.
The Effects of Acid Erosion
The loss of tooth enamel due to acid erosion and acid wear is a growing epidemic. Studies have found that twenty-two percent of U.S. adults say they experience acid erosion, which can cause tooth sensitivity, transparency, discoloration and more.
Acid erosion occurs when acid in the foods and drinks you consume wears away your enamel – which is the white-looking outer covering of the tooth. Erosion exposes your teeth’s inner layers, which increases sensitivity and makes them more susceptible to cavities or decay. It also can leave your teeth looking cracked, transparent, and discolored. Acid erosion also can occur as a result of your teeth’s exposure to stomach acids due to some medical conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease and bulimia. In addition, environmental factors, including friction (bruxism) and abrasion (brushing too hard), can cause erosion. Signs and symptoms of acid erosion include sensitivity, discoloration, rounded teeth, transparency, cracks and cupping, or small dents that may appear on the chewing surface of your teeth.
You can reduce sensitivity at home by using specially formulated toothpaste or over-the-counter enamel-building products. These products are designed to reharden (remineralize) tooth enamel to make it more resistant to acid. However, there are no products
that can reverse the damage caused by erosion. At the dental office, if the enamel loss is minimal, we may apply a bonding material that will protect your tooth and improve its appearance. If the enamel loss is significant, we may recommend covering it with a crown.
If you or someone you know suffers from dental anxiety, please contact us at 512 396 5225 so we can help you take the needed steps to get a healthy mouth and smile... and get rid of dental anxiety once and for all. Come see why Dr. Donnelly was voted a Texas Super Dentist by Texas Monthly Magazine and Best Dentist in Hays County!
MOVING FORWARD
It is interesting when and where first influences happen for an artist. Martha Gibson remembers when she was eight or nine years old. An aunt would sometimes visit from New York. She was a commercial illustrator. From the moment Martha watched her drawing, she wanted art to be in her life.
Martha’s family moved around the country due to her father’s job. When they settled in Dallas, she felt a home connection to Texas. She taught art in Grapevine-Colleyville for 30 years. Visits to her sister in Wimberley made Martha aware of this special
to a canvas and be painted over. She would also produce works of assemblage, displays of various found objects.
Martha was self-taught in cold wax and oil paint techniques. Cold wax is thick. It hardens oil paint when both are mixed together. The paint becomes thicker and dries faster and must be applied with a palette knife or rubber edged squeegee.
Fabric art has long been an interest. Her art ranges from complex wall hangings to merging assemblage with fiber art. Many of her works can be found at Art On 12 Gallery.
One important attribute is Martha’s involvement with the Wimberley Valley Art League. She became a chairperson for the Gallery Operations Committee 13 years ago. This important position coordinates the collection and display of art for the Wimberley Art Gallery at the Community Center. She has also worked with the annual Arts Fest.
Martha Gibson’s art development has evolved throughout her life. From admiring a creative relative to influencing and shaping young artists in the classroom, she has continued to learn and move forward with her art as it has flowed in different directions. Most importantly, she has given back her services to the Wimberley art community.
by Tom Wiley
by AJ Harwood
If you’re thinking about selling your home, don’t do it alone. Although some sellers may initially try to sell their home themselves, they soon realize they need an experienced professional on their side to help them through the process.
other hiccups often occur. A real estate professional can tap into their experiences to handle potential problems such as issues with a home inspection or problems with a title and mitigate impact.
6) Offer tips to improve your home’s value and make it more attractive to buyers. Sellers typically update their homes before they list. While some simply paint each room a neutral color and do a thorough cleaning, others may do a kitchen or bathroom remodel to boost their home’s value and/or help it sell faster in a competitive market.
7) Tap into a network of agents. Marketing your home to other agents is another way to help us find a qualified buyer.
8) Tap into a network of service professionals. There is an average of 26 services involved in a real estate transaction in the 30 days before and after it has closed.
Whether you have questions about today’s real estate market or simply want a clearer understanding of current trends, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve as a trusted resource by providing thoughtful market insight, timely updates, and professional guidance tailored to your specific real estate goals.
This information is designed to provide a
Eight Reasons You Need a access to real this what you professional homes that more deal the the transaction is and Allison “AJ” Harwood, JD, MBA, GRI, is a broker associate with Compass and Founder & Principal of the Hill Country Ranch Luxury Group. With decades of real estate experience and advanced legal and business credentials, AJ provides sophisticated representation for buyers and sellers. AJ’s background in law and business, combined with deep market knowledge, allows him to guide clients through complex transactions with confidence and clarity. Call today and begin a strategic conversation, 512 848 6612.
Don’t Pack These! Often-Forgotten
Essentials You’ll Need on Moving Day
It’s moving day! Make sure you don't pack these essential items in your boxes.
by Alice Lebkuecher
Toiletries/Medications: Pack a suitcase like you’re going out of town for two days. Don’t forget to toss any medications or supplements in your overnight bag. Include `
a generous supply of toilet paper and hand soap.
Important Documents: Make sure you keep at least one form of identification on you during the move.
Small Valuables: Best to keep anything of importance/value out of moving boxes and off the truck. Money, jewelry, or small family heirlooms can mysteriously disappear.
Basic Cleaning Supplies: The house you move into should (hopefully) be cleaned before you arrive. But movers will be traipsing in and out of your house all day, and that will inevitably create a bit of a mess.
Shower Curtain: If the showers in your new home aren’t enclosed with glass doors, make sure to keep a shower curtain with hooks handy for those first couple of nights. Keep towels out of the moving boxes, too.
Comforting Items for Children: That means favorite stuffed animals and blankets or pillows your kids are particularly attached to.
Utility Knife: If you’re going to dive into unpacking right away, you’ll want a utility knife out; a couple of them, because you’ll set them down and get distracted.
Phone/Laptop Chargers: Don't put these in a moving box. No one wants that oh no moment when your phone/laptop is dead and you have no idea where you put the charger.
Paper plates/Cutlery: There are only so many nights you can eat pizza while hovering over the box, or Chinese food straight from the containers. Have disposable plates, cups, cutlery, and paper towels on hand from the get-go.
Pet Necessities: Don't pack your pet’s food and water bowls.
Corkscrew: Trust me, at the end of moving day, you’ll want this handy.
This article was
Alice Gumbert Lebkuecher is a sales agent with Keller Williams Realty, Partners in Real Estate, in Wimberley. She works with both buyers and sellers in Wimberley and surrounding areas. To contact her, call her cell at 713 253 1311 or by email at AliceinWimberley@gmail.com.
Elevating Homeownership Across Texas
by Chanel Rivest
Owning a home in Texas comes with incredible rewards, but it also comes with responsibility. From scorching summer temperatures that push air conditioning systems to their limits to the unexpected repairs that seem to happen at the worst
possible time, protecting your home is more important than ever.
Elevate Homescriptions is changing the way Texans think about home protection. More than a traditional home warranty, Elevate combines comprehensive repair coverage with customizable home maintenance services, giving homeowners a practical, flexible solution that fits their lifestyle.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all plan, Elevate allows homeowners to choose the coverage and services that matter most. Whether it’s protecting major home systems and appliances or bundling services like lawn care, pest control, or home cleaning, Elevate helps simplify homeownership while saving valuable time and money.
For busy Texas families, convenience matters. When something goes wrong, homeowners can quickly request service instead of spending hours searching for contractors or worrying about unexpected repair costs. The goal is simple: provide reliable protection while making home maintenance easier and less stressful.
As communities across Texas continue to grow, homeowners are looking for companies they can trust to help protect one of their biggest investments. Elevate Homescriptions was built with that mission in mind—offering dependable coverage, flexible options, and exceptional customer care that puts homeowners first. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, upgrading to your forever home, or simply looking for greater peace of mind, Elevate Homescriptions offers a modern approach to protecting what matters most. With innovative coverage and personalized service, Texas homeowners can spend less time worrying about repairs and more time enjoying the place they call home.
Chanel is a Texas-based home protection specialist with Elevate Homescriptions. She is committed to educating homeowners and delivering exceptional customer service to families across Texas. To learn more, contact Chanel at 512 210 1710 or email her at Chanel@ElevateHomescriptions.com. ElevateHomescriptions.com
Shrub Pruning in Summer: Breaking the Rules
Recommendations for pruning flowering shrubs always suggest doing this work in the dormant season, often from late winter into early spring. But what if the weather or other priorities discourage outside work at those times? It often means that shrubs are not pruned until after most have flowered. Well, don’t be discouraged; shrubs can be pruned during the warm summer months. It won’t kill the plants. Pruning in the summer is best done as soon as possible after flowering, to favor as many of next year’s flower buds as possible. The later into the summer pruning is done, the more gentle it should be in order to preserve as many flower buds as possible and to limit the probability of winter injury on new growth that might not be adequately hardened off. But the worst that can usually happen is that flowers are lost for a growing season. Winter injury often depends as much on species susceptibility to cold as it does the timing of pruning, and winter injury does not often kill entire, established plants. The same principles apply to sheared hedge shrubs. Shearing is usually undesirable for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that late-season shearing tends to encourage tender new growth that will not have time to harden off. The winter injury that might result is rarely fatal to the entire plant, however.
In summary, if your shrubs really need the pruning, it might be better to do it in summer than not at all, and accept the small risks that entails.
by Joe Harris
Joe grew up in Charlotte, Michigan, as a second-generation arborist. He attended Texas State, joining Bartlett while he was there. Joe worked 5 years as an arborist climber and crew leader, transitioning to Arborist Representative. He and his family love spending time on the San Marcos river. Visit Bartlett.com or call 512 392 1089 to schedule an appointment.
Pre-Plumbing Requires Pre-Planning
by Randy Lawrence
When building or remodeling a home, there are plenty of details to keep track of. One item that is often overlooked is preparing your home for the installation of water treatment equipment. This preplumbing is referred to as a softener loop.
As a side note to our wonderful local builders, if you don’t already include a softener loop in every home you build, you should consider doing this. Even if you don’t install a softener, the individual purchasing the home may want one, and completing it during construction will make a huge difference in the ease of system installation and overall cost.
The purpose for a loop is to separate the inside water from that used outside for irrigation, so that only the water entering the house is treated. In most cases, a loop will be located in a garage, closet, or mechanical room. There will be a water line exiting the wall, then turning 180 degrees before re-entering the wall. This will provide the inlet and outlet lines for the softener or filter. There should also be a drain which will handle the water discharged during a regeneration cycle. If there is a concern about this water entering the septic tank, a french drain – or gravel pit – could be an alternative. If your water treatment equipment is to be installed in a well enclosure, the house should be fed by two lines. One for treated water and the other for untreated irrigation water. A 110 volt electrical outlet should be placed near the loop in order to power the water treatment equipment. A standard GFCI outlet ``
will suffice, but a four-way outlet will ensure that you have additional plug space for heat lamps, or for additional equipment. It is also a good idea to have this outlet on a dedicated circuit.
Planning ahead for a water treatment system can save you a great deal of money and frustration when you do decide to treat your incoming water. A licensed water treatment specialist can work with your builder to make certain that all of these components come together smoothly.
Randy is the owner of ProQuality Water Systems, a full service water treatment company. He is one of only six Class III Certified Water Treatment Specialists in Hays County (LIC# WT0002693). With over 25 years of experience he has serviced Wimberley and surrounding areas for over two decades.
Estate Planning Tools to Know
Wills and trusts are two of the most popular estate planning tools. Both allow you to spell out how you would like your property to be distributed, but they also go far beyond that.
A will gives you the opportunity to nominate your executor and guardians for your minor children. If you fail to make such designations through your will, the decisions will probably be left to the courts. Keep in mind that property distributed through your will is subject to probate, often a time-consuming and costly process.
Trusts are legal entities which let you customize the distribution of your estate with added advantages of property management and probate avoidance. While trusts offer numerous advantages, they incur up-front costs and ongoing administrative fees. You should consider the counsel of an experienced estate planning professional and your legal and tax advisors before implementing such strategies. Note: While not everyone with a will needs a trust, all those with trusts should have a will.
Incapacity poses almost as much of a threat to your financial well-being as death. Fortunately, there are tools that can help. A durable power of attorney is a legal agreement that designates who will make your legal and financial decisions if you become incapacitated. Durable powers remain valid if you become incapacitated. A health-care proxy is a document used to designate someone to make health-care decisions for you if you’re incapacitated. The person you designate can generally
make decisions regarding facilities, treatments, surgery and a variety of other health-care issues. The living will, also known as a health-care directive, spells out the kinds of life-sustaining treatment you will permit in the event of incapacitation. You may use a living will in conjunction with a health-care proxy.
Note: Laws governing the recognition
and treatment of living wills may vary from state to state. Keep all your important financial and legal information in a central file for your executor. Be sure to include:
Letters of instruction
Medical records
Bank/brokerage statements
Income and gift tax returns
Insurance policies
Titles and deeds
Will and trust documents
Scott G. Hackett, CFP® is the president of the Hackett Financial Group LLC (HFG), a fee-only registered investment advisor. Visit HackettFinancialGroup.com or reach out at 512 847 0630. Email Scott at Scott@HackettFinancialGroup.com.
Children’s Inheritance When There Is No Will
If you die without a Will, your children will inherit a portion of your Estate.
by Carrie Campbell, J.D.
The percentage of your Estate will depend on whether you are married at the time of your death, the number of children you have, and whether your ````.
spouse is also the parent of your children. The Texas Estates Code defines who is considered your legal child for inheritance purposes. Specifically:
Any child born to your wife during your marriage is legally assumed to be your child regardless of DNA.
Any child legally adopted by you at any age will take as an equal with your biological children, if any.
Any child that was conceived prior to your death but born after your death will receive an equal share with your other children.
To inherit, a child must survive you by 120 hours. Children born out of wedlock inherit if you acknowledge you are their parent in writing, adopt the child, marry their mother, paternity was established during your lifetime, or the child petitions the court for a share with DNA proof of paternity.
Any child you put up for adoption who was adopted by another family will still inherit from you (although you do not inherit from them).
Foster children or stepchildren are not usually included.
A grandchild will not typically inherit in the absence of a Will unless their parent (your son or daughter) predeceased you, then they receive their parent’s share.
It is extremely rare that the State takes any of your property. If you have no spouse, children, or grandchildren, then it is necessary to look for more remote relatives. The state will only take your Estate if you have no surviving spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, or cousins. The process of identifying these individuals is costly and time consuming. To avoid the default provisions of the Texas Estates Code, you must properly execute a Will. You should consult with an attorney experienced with estate planning.
Carrie Campbell has lived and practiced law in Wimberley since 1997. She is the managing partner of Mounger & Campbell law firm. Carrie is an active member of the Rotary Club of Wimberley and former president of the Wimberley Village Library Foundation. She proudly has three wonderful daughters and two lively grandsons. To contact Carrie, call 512 847 1308 or CarrieC1970@gmail.com.
Litigation: Bigger & Badder
Do we Texans love our pickup trucks?! Do I really love my new Dodge Ram 2500 diesel truck? You bet I do! Is it more likely to kill a pedestrian or bicyclist than my nice little black step-side Chevy truck from several decades back? Are new vehicles both bigger and badder? Unfortunately, the data says yes
Two things brought this fact home to me recently. First, I discovered that even though I have driven three-quarter ton pickups for many years, my new truck, which is noticeably larger, makes it more difficult for me to gauge how close I am to objects in front or to the side of me. Secondly, I began to see reports, including a detailed New York Times article, The Deadly Rise of Giant Trucks and S.U.V.s, by Michael H. Keller, Eli Murray, Danielle Ivory and Irineo Cabreros dated June 21, 2026, that explain why these larger vehicles are more deadly in crashes involving pedestrians.
I recommend that article, or just a Google search for fuller explanations, but simply stated, the blind spots are greater and the increased heights of the front hoods result in a pedestrian struck by a vehicle being rammed to the pavement because the hood height is above the average pedestrian’s center of gravity (which is about belly button high). While serious injury is likely when a smaller vehicle throws a pedestrian up onto the hood,
death is more likely when the body is thrown to the pavement and the vehicle
by Roland Brown
runs over the victim. A case in point is one I am currently handling in which a smaller vehicle threw my client onto the hood. While the injuries sustained were significant, had my client been thrown to the ground and run over, the client might well have been killed.
Many of my readers know that I am an avid road cyclist. I have been literally run off of the road in the past by the then smaller vehicles, and I know of at least one person who was killed when struck by the extended mirror of a passing vehicle while we were both participating in a ride. These new bigger vehicles make those events even more likely. Whether you are driving one of these ever-larger passenger vehicles or are riding a bike or walking along a roadway, please keep in mind that lives can change in an instant if we aren’t constantly aware of our responsibilities to each other on our roads and highways.
Attorney Roland Brown handles exclusively personal injury claims. Roland, who offices in Wimberley, has been voted HAYS COUNTY’S BEST PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY for 2020, 2021, and 2023 in annual polls of Hays County attorneys. For more information call 512 847 2500.
waterfront property on Lone Man Creek. Dog trot style log and stone 4/2. Alice Lebkuecher
2400 Flite Acres MLS 9208184 $799,000 Rare opportunity. 2/2 with large garage on the Blanco River! Jim Donaldson
home perched to capture beautiful views. River park access. Alice Lebkuecher 16933 RR 12
A rare opportunity to own one of Wimberley’s premier riverfront estates. Set on 5.28± acres with approximately 484 feet of pristine Blanco River frontage, this exceptional Hill Country Modern residence offers luxury, privacy, and recreation beneath towering pecan and cypress trees. Enjoy inviting swimming holes, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding just minutes from Wimberley Square. An extraordinary legacy property where nature and refined living meet. $4,497,000.
