Tommy Hall came to Del Rio not just to occupy a chair in the school district superintendent’s office.  He aims to set the district on a new course of curriculum, augmented by a new thrust of campus security the U.S. Border Patrol calls “Operation Detour.”

People are coming to Del Rio because of mild weather, things to do and natural resources. Named seventh in a list of 100 top retirement spots, the attraction continues in 2008:  Retirees want to call Del Rio home.

By the end of August, the county hospital will re-open a nursing station wing with solely private rooms, following two years of conversion efforts by VVRMC maintenance crews.  Within six more months, the last station will be similarly converted, bringing all patient roomS from semi-private (left) to private rooms, adding what is billed as heightened patient satisfaction and a boost in revenues.

For more than a century, the Stool family promoted, prodded and participated in the economic capitalization of Del Rio's assets, good water, abundant real estate and consumer demand, all initiated by Ukrainian Jewish immigrant, Max Stool, left.  Last week, the history of this remarkably enterprising clan was commemorated with a Texas Historical Commission marker at the family home on South Griner Street.  Nearby, a similar plaque was installed to reveal the history of the city's still-functioning irrigation district, lacing water through south Del Rio neighborhoods and beyond.

Travelers accustomed to using the Pecos River Bridge to traverse southwest Texas between Del Rio and Sanderson should expect delays for the next 18 months, according to TxDOT engineers supervising a major contract to repair the historic span. 

Laughlin Air Force Base continues to make right the wrongs of past chemical spills and work practices, which took place decades ago. The Restoration Advisory Board had a public meeting, Tuesday (Aug. 12), to update the community on efforts to clean up six remaining contaminant sites on base.

Consumers can get a break this weekend (Aug. 15-17) from paying sales tax for clothes that cost $100 or less. Shops in Del Rio are getting ready for the back-to-school rush with special hours and deals to attract people to shop at home during the sales tax holiday. The sale isn't just for kids. Shoppers can save about $8 on every $100 they spend.

The matriarch and patriarch of notable commercial pioneers in Del Rio, the Max and Anna Stool family, will be recognized with a Texas Historical Marker in front of the home they built on South Griner Street.  The Val Verde County Historical Commission invites everyone to come to the unveiling at 1 p.m., Friday. 

Simultaneously, to be re-dedicated is a historical marker acknowledging the importance of the city's famed irrigation canal system, initiated in 1871.  The marker was moved to the location adjacent to the Prude Home - now Jacques De La Mota's law offices.  The marker was formerly sited on U.S. Highway 90 West, but is now alongside the Madre Canal of the San Felipe Agricultural, Manufacturing, & Irrigation Company, only a few yards from the Stool historical marker.

Animal lovers unite!  Have a hamburger with Friends of Del Rio Animals.  The non-profit group will fix your lunch, Saturday, in front of Plaza Del Sol Mall.  All proceeds go to caring for abandoned pets.

Del Rio Port Director Mike Perez, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, advises purchasers of fuel in Mexico of limitations on volume and the necessity to prove that diesel is intended solely for the use of the vehicle carrying the tank.

Bob Michelini left hundreds of friends and thousands of loyal customers when he passed away in San Antonio, Sunday.  UPDATE: Arrangements are through Cox Funeral Home, 114 Fletcher Drive.  Visitation at Cox, Wednesday (Aug. 13), 4-9 p.m., including a Rosary at 7 p.m.  A funeral mass is scheduled at 10 a.m., Thursday (Aug.14) at Sacred Heart Church, 307 E. Losoya, Father Jim Fischler officiating.  In lieu of usual remembrances, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

See the story for an update on the future of Avanti Italian Restaurant.

Sen. Carlos Uresti visited Del Rio, Thursday (Aug. 7) pledging his attention on children's education, health, aging and access for disabled Texans.  Civic leaders exhorted Uresti to help protect Laughlin Air Force Base, and he, in turn, urged local officials to collaborate in development of a groundwater conservation district.  Uresti had stern warnings about the consequences of not having local control of groundwater.

A new group is underway to enhance riding and roping skills of Del Rio boys and girls who want to become better cowboys and cowgirls, and leaders are inviting area youth to saddle up.