THCRR Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

19-Mile Crossing wins trash trophy over other river recreation crossing areas

admin — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:42:35 +0000

February 11th, 2026

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Texas Hill Country River Region Executive Director Kristi Gerdes presented the organization’s quarterly report Monday, February 9th and stated that 19-Mile Crossing located on Highway 55 continues to accumulate lots of trash. Gerdes stated the garbage includes old furniture and other household trash.

See Link to Video Here.

Gerdes stated the organization and the county are looking into placing additional dumpsters to address the trash situation.

The THCRR is a Uvalde County Hotel Occupancy Tax collector and the organization uses the tax monies it collects to promote the Texas Hill Country and also funds River Cleanup efforts for the Frio River and the Nueces River.

In a previous news report on 19-Mile Crossing, it was learned from THCRR officials that studies have indicated local county residents are the ones most likely to visit 19-Mile Crossing rather than out of town visitors.

THCRR reports 4X amount of money spent on cleaning up 19-Mile Crossing than the Frio River

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Living Classrooms: Wild Texas Brings Outdoor Learning to Uvalde County

admin — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:33:54 +0000

Press release from Texas Hill Country River Region

11-17-25

Uvalde County, TX — Homeschool students and families from across Texas explored the great outdoors through Living Classrooms: Wild Texas, a weeklong, hands-on learning adventure in the Texas Hill Country River Region. Created and organized by Visit Uvalde County and local lodging partners, this unique program combined nature, local expertise, and immersive experiences into one unforgettable educational adventure.

Set amid the rivers and hills of Uvalde County, Living Classrooms: Wild Texas transformed the outdoors into an interactive classroom. Activities and lessons were led by local partners, including Garner State Park, Hill Country Adventures, Concan Nursery, Deer Valley Apiary, and Art Workshops hosted by Infrathin Artist Residency, and programming by the Nueces River Authority — allowing students to learn directly from experts and locals of the Texas Hill Country.

“Our goal is to make learning come alive beyond the classroom,” said Kristi Gerdes, Executive Director of the Texas Hill Country River Region and Visit Uvalde County. “Through hands-on exploration and real-world experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of preserving it.” Homeschoolers from across Texas were invited to stay in the Hill Country, make new friends, and learn through these unique experiences.

Throughout the week, families participated in guided hikes, river studies, native plant lessons, and wildlife education, blending academic enrichment with outdoor discovery. Exclusive opportunities included the Big Tree Experience, where students visited private ranches to see award-winning oaks, cypress, and hackberry trees. Evening programs added even more fun with Garner line dancing classes, storytelling by Lee Haile, and movies under the stars. A special thanks to Camp Riverview, Frio Country Resort, and Riverbend on the Frio for hosting evening activities.

This was the first year for Living Classrooms: Wild Texas, and organizers were thrilled by the enthusiasm and participation from homeschool families across the state. Visit Uvalde County plans to continue this event in the spring, bringing together learning, tourism, and family fun while expanding educational opportunities in the region. “Our goal is to spark curiosity, inspire discovery, and create a one-of-a-kind learning experience that families might not encounter during a typical getaway,” said Gerdes. “This was hands-on learning at its best—I watched kids run, jump, climb trees, and ask endless questions about everything from plants and bugs to bird nests and bees, discovering the Texas Hill Country in ways they’ll never forget.”

Registration for future Living Classrooms events will open in advance of each session. Families can stay updated on upcoming dates, schedules, and activities by visiting VisitUvaldeCounty.com or following @VisitUvaldeCounty on Facebook and Instagram @visituvaldecountytx.com

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VIDEO: Uvalde County resident criticizes THCRR over not reporting by-law changes

admin — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 23:02:27 +0000

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

06-10-25

Uvalde County resident Helen Burgin spoke at Monday’s Uvalde County Commissioners Court claiming the Texas Hill Country River Region (the THCRR) had not followed a number of state laws including not notifying the IRS when the non-profit organization changed its bylaws.

The THCRR is contracted by the County to administer the HOT Taxes the County receives.

Burgin also stated the 4% THCRR collected from the county’s lodge owners can only be used for advertising purposes and not to fund event expenses. According to Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell, the State of Texas levies a 6% tax collected by lodge owners and the County receives 4% which totals 10% tax on lodging patrons. Burgin also stated the County can approve 1% of the county’s portion of the tax to be returned to the various lodges in consideration for collecting the HOT Tax for the County.

THCRR Executive Director Hailey Conrad and THCRR Board President Jaime Holmes spoke following Burgin’s presentation,

Conrad addressed the Bylaws and mentioned last year when the bylaws were changed they notified everyone by email and consulted with the THCRR attorney, Conrad went on to say that the HOT Tax is not a burden on lodge owners and if the County;s HOT Tax revenue was cut, the river clean-up efforts and many other things would grind to a halt.

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THCRR Executive Director Hailey Conrad submits intent to resign effective June 30th, 2025

admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:35:07 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

03-04-25

Texas Hill Country River Region Executive Director Hailey Conrad submitted her resignation letter Tuesday, June 3rd to the THCRR Board of Directors, lodging partners and business owners. According to the letter, Conrad’s resignation becomes effective on June 30th, 2025.

In her letter Conrad wrote:
“Dear Lodging Partners & Local Business Owners,

I’m writing to inform you that I have officially submitted my resignation as Executive Director of the Texas Hill Country River Region, effective June 30, 2025.

This was not an easy decision, as serving in this role has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career. Working alongside all of you, who care so deeply about the success of your businesses and the Uvalde County community, has been an incredible privilege. Together, we’ve accomplished so much in promoting our region and strengthening the tourism industry we all rely on.

While I will be stepping away from this position, I remain committed to supporting the organization, maintaining continuity, and helping set up the next Executive Director for success.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be organizing files, systems, and resources to make this transition as seamless as possible for everyone involved.

Thank you for your continued support, collaboration, and trust. This organization will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’ll remain its biggest advocate.

Warm regards,

Hailey Conrad”

On Tuesday, June 6th, The Texas Hill Country River Region called an emergency board meeting on Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 9 AM with one agenda item: Discussion of Personnel

About the Texas Hill County River Region:

“The Texas Hill Country River Region (THCRR) was founded in 1998 with the mission of promoting Uvalde County as an overnight year-round tourism destination and to increase off-season occupancy in the regions’ accommodations.

The organization is funded by a hotel occupancy tax through a contract with Uvalde County.

THCRR is governed by a seven member Board of Directors consisting of the County’s lodging owners and business owners. Directors are elected to serve a 2-year term.” – from the organization’s website.

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VIDEO: Drought conditions expected to cause a 20% decrease in 2025 River Region tourism if weather trends persist

admin — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:51:10 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

03-25-25

Uvalde County Commissioners Court met on Monday, March 25th, 2025:

Diana Olvedo-Karau questions commissioners on details of its county animal control budget.

Texas Hill Country River Region Executive Director Hailey Conrad projects 20% reduction in area tourism if drought conditions persist. She went on to say that if the drought conditions persist, the HOT Tax entity also known as Visit Uvalde County plans on focusing its marketing efforts in promoting off-season events and activities.

Court approves adoption of Capt family-initiated Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone plan following suit with the City of Uvalde.

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VIDEO News Report: Commissioners Court weighs-in on Texas Legislative Session topics: Edwards Aquifer, School Vouchers, Rural EMS funding

admin — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 01:05:09 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
Wednesday, February 26th, 2025

The post VIDEO News Report: Commissioners Court weighs-in on Texas Legislative Session topics: Edwards Aquifer, School Vouchers, Rural EMS funding appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Uvalde County Visitor’s Center to host FREE photography/video workshop on Wednesday, October 23rd: Intro and Advanced Classes offered

admin — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 18:08:00 +0000

by Michael Robinson |Uvalde Hesperian

Top image by Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Press release from the Uvalde County Visitor’s Center

10-18-24

Exciting News! Join us for a FREE day of learning about Photography on October 23, 2024, at the Uvalde County Visitor Center in Concan, TX! Whether you’re new to taking pictures and videos or looking to take your skills to the next level, we’ve got you covered with both a Basic and Advanced Photography and Video class.

Introduction Class from 10:3o AM to Noon with a break from 12PM to 1 PM.

Lunch will be provided.

An Advanced Photography and Video Class will be offered from 1PM to 3PM.

The classes will be held at the Uvalde County Visitor’s Center, 21563 Hwy 127, Concan, Texas 78838

Registration is required. To register, email hailey@visituvaldecounty.com

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THCRR reports 4X amount of money spent on cleaning up 19-Mile Crossing than the Frio River

admin — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 02:16:19 +0000

Hailey Hart Conrad speaks at Monday’s June 10th Commissioner’s Court Meeting

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Top Photo: The Uvalde Hesperian visited the 19-mile crossing Monday afternoon May 20th and observed a colorful beach ball left on the water’s edge.

Hailey Hart Conrad, the new Texas Hill Country River Region Executive Director presented its quarterly report and a river clean:up update to the Uvalde County Commissioners Court earlier this week on Monday, June 10th.

In her report. Conrad told commissioners that the THCRR is spending four times as much money to clean up the trash and debris left at 19 mile crossing on Highway 55 at that Nueces River Public access point than is spent mitigating the trash from the Frio River.

Conrad told the Hesperian: “Our contractor spends a great amount of time at this crossing, which takes time away from other crossings. There are also costs associated with the yellow bags, grabbers, banners, car signs, etc. These costs are spent no matter what, but the problem is that the crew’s time is focused on this crossing much more than others.”

Jamie Holmes, a board member of the THCRR, submitted the following information to the Uvalde Hesperian:

“25% of all Uvalde County Hotel Occupancy Tax collections are spent specifically on river clean up along the Frio, Sabinal and Nueces rivers. It makes sense that we would take a special effort to preserve what makes our county so special. In the first five months of this year, we have spent almost $94k on clean up bags, volunteer and contract labor, and trash disposal. The initial effort was to make sure that our rivers remain clean after hosting tens of thousands of tourists throughout the season. Now we are faced with spending the majority of these funds on one specific crossing on the Nueces.

The 19 Mile Crossing on Hwy 55 accounts for almost 85% of the total trash collected on all three Uvalde County rivers as of the end of May. This is 1,335 lbs of trash, including human feces and drug paraphernalia. Looking at the data collected through Placer.AI (Location Intelligence & Foot Traffic Data Software – Placer.ai), there have been 4,600 visitors to 19 Mile crossing this year through May, and 3,900 were residents of zip code 78801 (Uvalde). We have a local issue to tackle.

Littering is wrong regardless of who does it or in what amount, but certainly, spending over three times the amount of time and resources on one river crossing vs. the entirety of our other river clean-up efforts is nothing to ignore. To know that it is happening at the hands of people who should be the biggest stewards of our Uvalde County rivers is heartbreaking.

In the past, we have been asked to place dumpsters at this crossing and were immediately faced with dumpsters filled with household trash. It isn’t financially feasible to go this route either; it’s still illegal dumping.

We have been told by law enforcement that ticketing for litter is difficult. You must actually see the person leave their trash behind. I realize that we are not in a position to park officers at a river crossing for hours. However, I can’t help but think that a law enforcement presence at this crossing (and all crossings, for that matter) during periods of heavy occupancy would deter littering as well as other illegal activity. We will be reaching out to Sherriff Nolasco to get his help to develop a plan to address this.”

The Texas Hill Country River Region or THCRR operates the Uvslde County Visitor’s Center located in Concan and it is one of two county entities reponsible for the Counties Hotel Occupancy Tax referred to as the HOT Tax that is collected by hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rental companies and lodges and others collect from their guests within the County. This tax money is used to fund river clean-up efforts, and for marketing and promotional events in the county.

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Spring Breakers arrive in Concan for outdoor fun, live music and more

admin — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:30:10 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Top photo by Robinson

Traffic on River Road (CR 248) has noticably increased over the past few days in Concan for a big spring break weekend. Tubers have been spotted obn the Frio River near the Kenneth Arthur Crossing Thursday afternoon. House Pasture has kicked off its three day Frio River Music Fest 2024 Thursday night with Pat Green taking the stage.

Tickets for this weekend concerts at House Pasture can be purchased online.

Frio Valley Ranch Golf Course has seen an influx of golfers this weekend as well.

With the increase in spring tourism in the nearby Texas Hill County, there seems to be more Uvalde County Sheriff’s Patrols in the area as well.

Garner State Park held its first dance of the Season a few days ago to kick off the Spring Break weekend.

For those who want explore the outdoors and what nature has to offer, Garner State Park has a list of advertures.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/brettandthedamreport facebook page

Credit: https://www.facebook.com/brettandthedamreport

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Texas Hill County River Region to give report this morning at U.C. Commissioner’s Court

admin — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 12:37:59 +0000

by Michael Robinson| Uvalde Hesperian

The Uvalde County Commissioners Court will be meeting this morning, Monday, October 23rd at 10AM on the third floor of the Commissioner’s Courtroom to consider and discuss a slate of agenda items.

Among the items on this mornings court agenda include at this morning’s Uvalde County Erica Sagebeil, Executive Director of the Texas Hill Country River
Region who will be giving a presentation/ update concerning activities and plans the organization has.

The proceedings are open to the public and can be viewed on Youtube at @uvaldecountyjudge9535

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THCRR Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

19-Mile Crossing wins trash trophy over other river recreation crossing areas

THCRR reports 4X amount of money spent on cleaning up 19-Mile Crossing than the Frio River

Living Classrooms: Wild Texas Brings Outdoor Learning to Uvalde County

VIDEO: Uvalde County resident criticizes THCRR over not reporting by-law changes

7.Consider and act upon request of Helen Burgin to waive/eliminate Uvalde County Hotel/Motel Tax

THCRR Executive Director Hailey Conrad submits intent to resign effective June 30th, 2025

The Texas Hill Country River Region calls an emergency board meeting on Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 9 AM

VIDEO: Drought conditions expected to cause a 20% decrease in 2025 River Region tourism if weather trends persist

VIDEO News Report: Commissioners Court weighs-in on Texas Legislative Session topics: Edwards Aquifer, School Vouchers, Rural EMS funding

Uvalde County Visitor’s Center to host FREE photography/video workshop on Wednesday, October 23rd: Intro and Advanced Classes offered

THCRR reports 4X amount of money spent on cleaning up 19-Mile Crossing than the Frio River

Data indicates Local Uvalde County residents are the primary source of litter and trash left at 19-Mile Crossing Nueces River access point

Spring Breakers arrive in Concan for outdoor fun, live music and more

Texas Hill County River Region to give report this morning at U.C. Commissioner’s Court

Uvalde County Commissioners Court Agenda for Monday, October 23rd, 2023

Uvalde County River Contractor Recap of Summer 2023

UValde County Stellar Fest Report

2024 Uvalde County Holiday Schedule