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🔎 Stolen Rifle Returned to Guadalupe County Owner After Nearly 40 Years🎉

A piece of stolen property has finally made its way home!

In August 1986, a Re*****on Model 700 30-06 rifle was stolen from a residence here in Guadalupe County. Thanks to the outstanding work of the North Glenn Police Department in Colorado and the dedication of the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office, that same rifle has been recovered and successfully returned to its rightful owner, Chris Bernhard.

This is more than just the return of a firearm — it's proof that justice doesn't have an expiration date. Items stolen decades ago can still find their way back when good people refuse to give up. A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this happen — from the officers who recovered it to the team here who coordinated its safe return.

We’re thrilled this chapter has finally closed after all these years. Stories like this remind us why persistence and strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies matter so much.

🚗Texas Veterans: Did you know many toll roads offer free or discounted travel if you are a Disabled Veteran?

👉Here’s where you can register or learn more:

✅ TxDOT Toll Roads (statewide) – Some roads are free automatically for DV plates. Info: https://www.txtag.org/txtagstorefront/en/programs/veteranDiscount

✅ Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Austin area) – Waivers available. Details here:https://www.mobilityauthority.com/pay-your-toll/options/exempt-vehicles/

✅ Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority – Free tolls on segments in Fort Bend County. Register here: https://www.fbctra.com/veterans/

✅ Harris County Toll Road Authority (Houston area) – DV plates may qualify for waived tolls. Learn more: www.hctra.org/FAQ/VeteranDiscountTolling)

✅ North East Texas RMA (Tyler area) – Toll 49 is free for qualifying veterans. Details: https://www.netrma.org/net-rma-policies/veterans-toll-49/

Sadly, NTTA (DFW area) does not currently waive tolls for veterans due to bond obligations.

🔗More resources: tvc.texas.gov/resources

Marine Raider Staff Sgt. Nicholas Jones was presented the Navy Cross on Thursday, Aug. 26 at Camp Lejeune. Jones, a member of the elite 2nd Marine Raider Battalion was awarded the nation’s second highest medal for battlefield heroics for his actions in a deadly fight with Islamic State group militants in Iraq in March 2020. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes)