The Kerrville Fire Department identified the woman who died in an April 9 fire in the 500 block of Water Street as Jackie Luckenbach. The department provided greater context about the fire.
Firefighters found Luckenbach's body in a bedroom, where fire investigators said the fire originated. The fire department said they do not believe the fire was intentionally set.
Luckenbach's Facebook page says she's the wife of Kimberly Scott Keating, the man who was murdered at the home in 2016. Luckenbach was active on social media until at least 2018, noting that she had disabilities that prevented her from going out and playing music. She described herself as a musician and an artist. Her social media account also shows her thanking those who donated money for Keating's headstone.
Police and fire frequently visited the home at 516 Water St. over the last eight years. Police records show 66 visits, including a 2016 murder. In the days leading up to the fatal fire, police and fire were dispatched to the home twice. On April 8, Kerr County Animal Services took four dogs from the residence. A family fostering the dogs has adopted them.
Fire officials said they are continuing their investigation into the fire.
"KPD has responded to 516 W. Water multiple times over the years for minor disturbances, typically verbal altercations, most of which did not result in reports being taken," Kerrville Police Department public information officer Sgt. Jonathan Lamb said in an email.
On Jan. 23, 2016, police responded to a report of an accidental fall at home. Lamb said the female homeowner and a guest, Justin Ray Hoy, stated that Kimberly Scott Keating, who was 56 at the time, had fallen and injured himself.
However, police said evidence at the scene was not consistent with an accidental fall. Eventually, officers discovered Keating was assaulted by another houseguest, Joseph Stoy Crowe III, who left the scene before officers arrived. Police later found Crowe and arrested him. Keating died two days later in a San Antonio hospital.
Lamb said the female homeowner implicated Hoy in Keating's beating. Both Hoy and Crowe were charged with murder by the 198th District Attorney's Office. In December 2016, Hoy pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. In November 2017, Crowe pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to 15 years.
UGRA general manager set to retire
Longtime Upper Guadalupe River Authority General Manager Ray Buck announced Friday that he would retire from the agency on Sept. 30. Buck has served the authority for 17 years.
Buck announced his retirement at the UGRA March Governing Board meeting to allow the board to begin a transition process for his replacement.
"Most of my career has revolved around water resources," Buck said. "My experience provided me with a good understanding and appreciation for the many issues surrounding the management of both surface water and groundwater. I've found that working to achieve inclusive solutions is essential to success."
"Ray Buck's leadership has helped define UGRA," said Diane McMahon, president of the UGRA board. "His many contributions have resulted in the credible, and highly respected organization he leaves behind. We will greatly miss him but wish him the happiest of retirements."
Buck graduated from Tivy High School in 1975. In 1980 he earned a B.S. degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Texas A&M University, where he also earned a master's degree.
"I'm proud of the many programs we've implemented to protect our river, but I'm most proud of our team at UGRA," Buck said. They not only work hard, but they also have a passion for our mission and our community. Together, working with our board, we've elevated the conversation in our community to include water conservation and water quality protection as a community goal,"
James Avery honored with Convention and Visitors Bureau Award
James Avery's widow, Estelle, and his son, Chris, accept the honor bestowed on the jeweler and artist for his contributions to Kerrville. |
The Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau honored the James Avery Artisan Jewelry with its highest honor on Friday — the Sudie Burditt Wall of Honor. The award, named for the longtime and former president and CEO of the CVB, honors those who worked to foster tourism in the region — and James Avery might be one of its most significant.
The company's headquarters are in Kerrville, where craftsman James Avery started the business out of his garage in the 1950s. The company's distinctive designs have drawn thousands of customers to the Hill Country through the years.
James Avery's widow, Estelle, and his son, Chris, were on hand to receive the honors and make remarks during a lunchtime ceremony at the CVB offices. Past honorees include former CVB President and CEO Charlie McIlvain, the Kerrville Folk Festival's Rod Kennedy, longtime CVB board member John Grimes, Charlies Schreiner III, the Cailloux Foundation, the summer camps of Kerr County and the visitor center's volunteers.
Kerrville's Dickey's restaurant donates $5,000
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When Shannon Freeman found out that the Dickey's Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Texas-based barbecue chain, would give her $5,000 to donate to the service of her choice — she knew exactly where to go.
"The Kerrville Police Department does so much for us," said Freeman, who owns Dickey's Kerrville franchise with her family.
On Friday, the Freemans hosted a ceremony to present the $5,000 to the department with a special earmark — the KPD's new canine unit. Thanks to efforts from the Freemans, along with countless others, the Kerrville Police Department raised nearly $100,000 for the dog.
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