In this episode of the Boerne Brew, host Jeff Flinn sits down with Doug Mackle, Logistics Administrator for the Hill Country Fire Coalition of Texas, and Toby Vicknair, Lieutenant with the Boerne Fire Department, to discuss National Wildfire Awareness Month. They cover how to wildfire-proof your home, the free property risk assessment program offered by the Hill Country Fire Coalition, and what it's really like to fight massive wildfires across the country — from the Texas Panhandle to the California Palisades.

The Boerne Brew airs on Boerne Radio 103.9 FM.

Timeline:

0:00 – Introduction & recent rain in the Hill Country

0:50 – Meet the guests: Doug Mackle & Toby Vicknair

1:29 – How the Hill Country Fire Coalition was formed (2023–2024)

2:35 – Home fire safety: embers, gutters, roofs & vegetation

5:50 – Wooden fences, decks, and fire breaks

6:45 – Fence fire break story

8:23 – How to contact the Hill Country Fire Coalition

9:05 – Upcoming Firewise property work in Sisterdale (May 12–13)

9:51 – Ladder fuels and fire behavior explained

10:27 – Wildfire stats: 85–86% are man-caused

11:10 – Toby's deployment: the 18,000-acre Lavender Fire in the Panhandle

13:05 – How firefighters are deployed via TIFMAS

18:41 – What deployment looks like: strike teams, 12-hour shifts

19:47 – California deployments: Palisades & Park Fire (429,000 acres)

24:24 – Recap & wildfire safety reminders

26:05 – Free property risk assessments — how to get one

30:03 – Wildfire season is now year-round

32:39 – Closing remarks & July 4th flag run plug

📞 Hill Country Fire Coalition: 830-326-9031

📧 info@hcfcoftx.com

Original Air Date: May 9, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim Blohm joins the Boerne Brew to discuss Boerne Lemonade Day, a national youth entrepreneurship program locally run by the Boerne Chamber of Commerce. This year features 425 registered kids and ~200 stands across Boerne and Kendall County. Kids develop full business plans, attend financial literacy classes sponsored by Sonora Bank, and compete for awards — with winners donating their $250 prize to a nonprofit of their choice. The episode covers the program's history, logistics, fun stories from past events, and how to find stands via the interactive map at boernlemonadeday.org.

0:00 – Intro & guest welcome

0:24 – History of Lemonade Day (founded by Judge Kirsten Cahoon)

1:05 – Growth: from 15 kids to 425 registered this year

1:22 – Event details: Saturday May 2nd, 11am–2pm, Hill Country Mile

2:18 – National program background (out of Houston/Galveston)

2:41 – Boerne winner competed nationally & interviewed on Shark Tank

3:36 – How the program works: permits, business plans, financial literacy

4:17 – Awards: Best Tasting, Best Stand, Best Entrepreneur ($250 to a nonprofit)

5:24 – Stand count: 425 kids, ~200 stands; registration is free

7:17 – Best Tasting Lemonade competition: Thursday April 30th, 5–6pm at Boerne Sips Nutrition

8:19 – Rules: linked to a business, need owner permission; no size/age limits

9:14 – Other May 2nd events: Champion Band, Fire Dept. open house, Hill Country Music Mile

10:51 – Age inclusion: Boerne ISD Life Skills 18+ program participating

13:06 – Heartwarming story: shy student who started from home now wins Best Tasting

14:42 – New this year: People's Choice Award via Facebook voting

16:19 – Memorable products from past years (Star Wars glitter, pizza stand)

18:53 – HEB welcoming stands for the first time this year

19:09 – Finding the map: bernelemonadeday.org or boerne.org/lemonadeday

22:21 – Full circle: Lemonade Day kids are now Boerne business owners

24:01 – Closing: invite to tasting event & final call to support the kids

Original Air Date: April 25, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Kerry Barboza (sports editor, Boerne Star) interviews Amy Ruede, head girls basketball coach at Boerne High School. The wide-ranging conversation covers:

San Antonio Sports All-Star Game – Amy's experience doing color commentary with Hector Ledesma, and her evolving philosophy from "must win" to "just have fun" across her two years coaching in the game.

Shot clock & rule changes – Amy shares her support for adding a high school shot clock and a timeout-to-advance-the-ball rule, arguing both would make the game more exciting.

Former players in college – Updates on Avery Aaron (Louisiana Tech), Chloe Donnell (South Alabama, entering transfer portal after elbow surgery), and Abby Smith (Flagler, FL).

Daughters Jamie & Jenna – Jamie set a three-point record at Trinity, now doing video work for the A&M football team. Jenna played in the All-Star game last year.

2024-25 season recap – Boerne finished second in district behind Wagner, lost to Cedar Park in the first round of playoffs two years running (once on a half-court buzzer beater, once in a free-throw drought).

Freshman standout – District newcomer of the year Sutherland is a cornerstone of the program's future.

New district – Moving to a district with Boerne Champion, Alamo Heights, John Jay, Harlandale, and others — seen as a step down in difficulty, giving the program more opportunities to develop depth.

Fredericksburg rivalry – Reflects on the intense 4A rivalry with Coach Groa, who is retiring after her daughter Ryland finished playing.

Champion's new coach – A fourth coach at Boerne Champion is expected to be announced at the next school board meeting.

17-year tenure – Amy has been at Boerne High since fall 2009, taking it year by year as long as she loves it.

Tennis – As assistant tennis coach, she's excited about seniors Aiden and his brother Gavin heading to regionals with state medal potential.

Closing thoughts – She enters a "basketball depression" in the offseason, but got into the WNBA last year thanks to Caitlin Clark's impact on the league.

Timeline

Time Topic

0:00 Intro – Kerry introduces himself, and guest Amy Ruede

0:36 San Antonio Sports All-Star Game – color commentary experience

3:03 Coaching philosophy shift: Year 1 (win-focused) vs. Year 2 (fun-focused)

4:58 Shot clock discussion – support for high school adoption

6:54 Timeout-to-advance-ball rule idea

8:31 Former players – Avery Aaron, Chloe Donnell, Abby Smith college updates

10:40 Daughters Jamie & Jenna – All-Star history, Jamie at A&M football

12:30 2024-25 season recap – tough district, playoff losses to Cedar Park

14:12 Cedar Park loss analysis – free throw drought, youth as a factor

14:25 Freshman Sutherland – District Newcomer of the Year, future cornerstone

14:42 New district preview – Boerne Champion, Alamo Heights, John Jay, etc.

17:03 Fredericksburg rivalry with Coach Groa; her upcoming retirement

20:08 Boerne Champion getting a new (4th) coach

20:57 Amy's 17-year tenure at Boerne High; record vs. Champion

21:30 Shout-out to Amy's mom (and late father) as biggest fans

23:03 Tennis update – Aiden & Gavin heading to regionals, state medal hopes

24:12 How much longer coaching? Year by year, as long as she loves it

25:16 Basketball offseason "depression," excitement about WNBA/Caitlin Clark

25:53 Wrap-up and sign-off

Original Air Date: Apri; 18, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Flinn, Managing Editor of the Boerne Star, sits down at the Boerne Brew with Rob O'Connell and Will Smith to discuss the National Day of Prayer events coming to Boerne, Texas on Thursday, May 7th. Now in its fourth year, the Boerne National Day of Prayer has grown from a small gathering at the gazebo to a full-day celebration featuring a Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, a noon prayer at Main Plaza, and an all-new youth-led evening event called "Light Up the Square." The conversation covers the history of prayer in America, the importance of faith in community, and why everyone in Boerne should be there.

Timeline:

0:00 – Introduction & welcome to the Boerne Brew

0:33 – Meet the guests: Rob O'Connell & Will Smith

0:44 – History of the Boerne National Day of Prayer (4 years)

1:20 – Will Smith on his personal faith journey and why prayer matters

2:53 – How the National Day of Prayer task force works & the national prayer

3:29 – Presidential & gubernatorial proclamations; Mayor Frank Ritchie's role

4:34 – Mayor's Prayer Breakfast details: location, tickets, speakers

5:07 – Full lineup at the breakfast: worship, prayer for nation, state & youth

5:26 – "Light Up the Square" — the new youth-led evening event

9:00 – How to welcome people into a spirit of prayer (Will Smith)

11:22 – America's covenant with God: history from 1607 to George Washington

13:01 – Event recap & call to action

13:15 – The Bible as a living tool; faith through tragedy and blessing

16:35 – First Chronicles 16:24 — the national prayer theme

20:37 – The Bible's place in history; generational memory & 9/11

21:22 – Final event rundown & encouragement to attend

22:35 – Rob & Will reflect on planning and prayer leading up to the event

23:14 – How a small team of 5–6 organizes a citywide event

24:05 – Ticket info, closing remarks & God bless

🙏 Event Details – Thursday, May 7th:

8:00–9:00 AM – Mayor's Prayer Breakfast @ Loscas Guitars Restaurant (911 Main St) — $15 tickets at BerniePrays.org

Noon–1:00 PM – National Day of Prayer @ Main Plaza Gazebo (FREE)

7:00–8:00 PM – Light Up the Square (Youth-Led) @ Main Plaza Gazebo (FREE)

🌐 Boerneprays.org

Original Air Date: April 11, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Christ, author of How Boerne Made History and Played on Their Field of Dreams, discusses the book and the Boerne Little League team's historic 2024 run to the Little League World Series national championship game.

Timeline

0:00 — Intro & Welcome

Host Kerry Barboza introduces the show and guest Tim Christ.

0:41 — About the Book

The book covers more than the 2024 season — youth athletic development, Boerne's baseball history, and Texas Little League lore.

2:24 — Why Write It?

Tim explains the book as both a historical record and a "how-to" for parents and coaches wanting to build a championship-level team.

4:15 — Where to Buy It

Available at Dale's Bookstore in Boerne, on Amazon (Kindle & hardcover), and at local events. Priced at $19.99, with net proceeds going back to Boerne youth sports.

5:03 — When Did the Idea Come?

Tim shares how the book concept formed 6–9 months after the season ended, and how *Moneyball* inspired the angle he took.

9:29 — The 17-Game Win Streak

Recapping the team's dominant run — their only two losses were the national and international championship games.

9:46 — Meet the Team

Full roster shout-out: Julian Hurst, Ben Berkhart, Doc Montford, Cole Newsom, Caden Guffey, Gage Stubing, Greg Collins, Jet Matthews, Cooper Hastings, Aiden Munoz, Dylan Burke, and Caleb Christ.

10:42 — The Coaching Staff

Coaches Justin Newsom, Jonathan Collins, and Bur Munoz; plus Little League President Chris Carey.

11:47 — Where Are They Now?

Most players are now 14 and heading into high school — split between Boerne High and Boerne Champion.

14:20 — The Book Publishing World

Tim discusses the realities of book sales and shares a glowing review from the Internet Baseball Writers Association.

15:51 — Key to the Team's Success

Not raw talent — developed talent, elite baseball IQ, selflessness, and 12 complete players rather than relying on one or two stars.

18:43 — The Rock Star Moment

Kids signing autographs, ESPN interviews with Julie Foudy, MLB players on the bus, watch parties across Texas and beyond.

19:49 — Best Memories

Tim reflects on the watch parties, regional fame, and Caleb's standout ESPN interview moment.

21:42 — Caleb's Experience

As the youngest (age 11), Caleb played with no pressure and thrived — still rewatching YouTube videos of the games.

22:39 — Researching the Book

Game Changer app provided play-by-play data; the book offers two reading paths — a highlights reel or full play-by-play appendix.

24:33 — Upcoming Book Signings

Planned signings at DBA (early May), Dale's Bookstore, and Little League events.

25:24 — Closing & Final Memories

Tim's fondest personal memory: taking Caleb to Niagara Falls on a day off — he slept the entire way there and back.

26:19 — Outro

Original Air Date: April 4, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a local radio segment from the Boerne Brew on Boerne Radio (103.9 FM), hosted by Jeff Flinn (Managing Editor of the Boerne Star). He interviews Rusty Busby (Kendall County Alamo Letter Society) and Sandy Johnston (Kendall County Historical Commission) about an effort to place bronze plaques of Colonel William Barrett Travis's famous "Victory or Death" letter in all 254 Texas counties.

0:00 Intro & Travis letter reading — Jeff introduces himself and the guests; references the Alamo Letter Society

0:38 Origin story — Rusty explains how the Alamo Letter Society was born from a 13-year-old girl's question at the Alamo

1:27 Mission & scope — The goal: a bronze plaque in each of Texas's 254 counties; Kendall County was the 39th to join, now 51 counties participating

2:12 Timeline & dates — Feb 24th kickoff (date Travis wrote the letter), dedication ceremony set for April 21st (San Jacinto Day)

2:59 Sandy's involvement — How the Historical Commission got involved and the 501(c)(3) structure through the Kendall County Historic Jail

4:01 Fundraising update — Over $4,000 raised plus $4,500 from Judge Shane Steil for the plaque casting; still need a couple thousand more

4:40 How to donate — Checks to "Friends of the Kendall County Historic Jail," mail to 127 Busby Road, Boerne; call (830) 285-5397

5:03 Ceremony details — Plaque placed between old jail and old courthouse; cannon shot at high noon, color presentation, invocation, Texas anthem

6:07 Special guests & program — School children involved; Taylor Millard from the Alamo Letter Society; reading by Errol Flannery, 4th great-grandson of Davy Crockett

6:57 $190 raffle — Donate $190+ (190th anniversary) to enter a raffle for a framed Travis letter replica

7:41 Recap segment begins — Jeff recaps the Alamo Letter Society story and the Travis letter's significance

9:42 Sandy's personal involvement — Wrote a personal $190 check, connected the 501(c)(3) through the jail museum

11:01 More fundraising details — Breakdown of how much has been raised, what's still needed, and the limestone foundation contract

13:59 Fundraising specifics & Judge Steil's donation — $4,500 for the plaque + $4,400 additional; need ~$2,000 more

15:04 Ceremony preview — Cannon at noon, period costumes, Errol Flannery (Crockett's descendant) reading the letter

16:06 Historical Commission perspective — Sandy on what this means for preserving Kendall County history

17:07 Idea to invite Sloane McNutt — The 13-year-old whose question started it all

17:57 Community involvement — St. Helen's Episcopal School walking kids to the event

18:13 Final recap — Jeff summarizes the whole project one more time

20:08 Final donation call-to-action — $190 raffle details repeated, contact info repeated

22:16 Sign-off — Thanks to guests and listeners

Key Details

Event: Alamo Letter Society plaque dedication

Date: April 21st (San Jacinto Day), high noon

Location: Between old jail and old courthouse, Boerne, TX

Fundraising goal: ~$2,000 still needed

Donate: Checks to "Friends of the Kendall County Historic Jail" → 127 Busby Road, Boerne, TX or call (830) 285-5397

Special: $190+ donation enters you in a raffle for a framed Travis letter replica

Original Air Date: March 28, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Kerry Barboza interviews Joel Murphy (head coach) and Landon Murphy (assistant coach/former Boerne High soccer state champion) about the Geneva School of Boerne boys soccer team's historic first-ever appearance in the state tournament.

Timeline

0:00 – Intro & show welcome

0:16 – Guest introductions: Joel & Landon Murphy

0:39 – First year as head coach; embracing a new style of play

1:13 – Joel explains "American soccer" vs. possession-based soccer

2:42 – Early morning training in August; teaching first touch & passing

3:26 – Players' initial reaction to the new system

4:16 – Why America struggles on the world soccer stage

5:44 – Landon's background: Boerne High state championships, state tournament MVP

6:03 – How Landon's state championship experience inspired the Geneva team

7:31 – Landon's playing journey: Hardin-Simmons to England

8:06 – Living & playing in Chester, England; student visa & U21 Premier League

9:24 – Breaking his leg three times; why he came back to Boerne

10:31 – Funny stories about being American in England

11:26 – When the new system started clicking on the field

12:19 – District dominance: 8-0 record, 45-0 goal differential

14:48 – Playoff mindset and the road to state

16:10 – Best game of the year: regional final win

16:49 – State tournament: facing British International School of Houston (eventual champions)

17:53 – Lessons learned at state; setting the standard for next year

19:08 – The state final conditions; losing 3-1 but fighting to the end

19:57 – Other coaches' reactions to Geneva's success

20:40 – Landon's leadership impact on the team

21:57 – Joel's coaching philosophy: character, Christian leadership, culture

24:22 – Landon on potentially becoming a head coach someday

25:16 – Building a winning culture through leadership

25:51 – Expectations for next season

26:45 – Outro & thanks

Original Air Date: March 21, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.