New Berlin News

Offer condolences 1926-2012 Eli 'Papa' Strey, 85, of La Vernia, Texas, passed away Sunday, Feb.

The latest in a string of arsons that have damaged homes and vehicles in Guadalupe County - a grass fire that has consumed ranchland and injured six firefighters since it was set Sunday - was still burning Tuesday but was under control, officials said.

He was found about 5 p.m. Sunday at the family's home 23 miles east of San Antonio near the town of New Berlin.

Firefighters from all over the county were called to battle a grass fire along the interstate on Thursday.

The county is moving closer to considering putting a burn ban into effect. Guadalupe County Fire Marshal Kelly Kistner said the dry October following on a record-wet September is creating an optimal environment for the spread of wild fires, and the county's volunteer departments are answering more and more fire calls.