Join hosts Dale Adams and Ron Hines on Ceasefire as they sit down with Michelle Van Tavern, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1 in Kendall County. Michelle shares her journey from jailer to police officer to JP, explaining the vital role of Justice Courts in the community. Learn about traffic court, small claims disputes, truancy cases, and the often-overlooked responsibilities of a JP including magistration and death inquests. Michelle discusses her passion for educating citizens about their legal rights and options, her experience being struck by a vehicle while directing traffic, and the growing needs of the JP system as Kendall County expands.

Key Topics:

What a Justice of the Peace actually does

The path from law enforcement to judiciary

Traffic court and compliance vs. punishment

Small claims mediation and eviction cases

Death inquests and magistration duties

Truancy court for local schools

Being on-call 25 days per month

The importance of educating citizens about their legal rights

Growing staffing needs as the county expands

Timeline

0:00 - Introduction to Ceasefire podcast and guest Michelle Van Tavern

0:30 - Michelle's law enforcement background: from Midland County jailer to Bernie PD patrol officer

1:28 - The appointment process to become Justice of the Peace

2:13 - Running unopposed after appointment

2:56 - Transitioning from law enforcement to the judiciary side

3:21 - What a JP does: magistration, setting bonds, and traffic court

4:29 - Philosophy of compliance vs. punishment

5:22 - Handling traffic citations and encouraging not guilty pleas when appropriate

5:55 - The importance of JP courts in keeping communities safe

6:40 - The People's Court: first line of the judicial system

7:00 - Personal experience: being struck by a vehicle while directing traffic

8:30 - The impact of the accident and lessons learned

9:51 - Commercial break

10:57 - What drew Michelle to public service and law enforcement

11:44 - Why JPs don't need law degrees: representing the people

12:55 - Being a negotiator and mediator

14:02 - Small claims court and finding middle ground

14:52 - Truancy cases for local schools

15:11 - Death inquests: an often-unknown JP responsibility

16:29 - Being on-call 25 days per month

17:23 - Passion for teaching people about the justice system

18:30 - Helping people understand their options (defensive driving, deferrals, etc.)

19:42 - The importance of informed decisions

20:25 - Being "the defender of all"

21:00 - Making connections with people, even those being arrested

21:19 - Serving as a School Resource Officer

22:15 - Future needs: more staff for growing JP courts

23:19 - Precinct 1's high volume: $30,000/month in revenue

23:56 - The need for additional clerks to serve the public properly

23:59 - Book recommendation: "Murder in Burn Texas"

24:16 - Closing remarks and podcast information

Original Air Date: January 31st at 10:30AM CST as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact:

• ceasefireboerne@gmail.com
• https://www.theboernebookshop.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561356682575

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Understanding Human Trafficking: What Parents Need to Know | Ransomed Life Interview"

Join Dale Adams and Ron Cisneros on Ceasefire as they sit down with Susan Burkholder from Ransomed Life to discuss the critical issue of child sex trafficking and exploitation in our communities. This eye-opening conversation reveals the realities of human trafficking that every parent, grandparent, and caregiver needs to understand.

Key Topics Covered:

• What human trafficking really looks like (it's not what you see in movies)
• Why most victims aren't kidnapped - they're groomed online
• The shocking truth: 50% of victims are boys
• Financial sextortion targeting affluent families
• How to have difficult but necessary conversations with your kids
• Prevention education resources available for free

About Ransomed Life:

Ransomed Life provides prevention education and survivor support services in Texas. They offer free training programs including:

Mouse Traps (grades 3-5)

Lures and Lies (middle/high school)

Growing Up in a Digital World (for parents)

Upcoming Event:

January 27th, 5:30-7:00 PM

Boerne High School Auditorium

Free community education event - no registration required

Timeline:

0:00 - Introduction & Guest Welcome

0:36 - Susan's Background: 30 Years in Healthcare

1:17 - How Susan Got Involved in Fighting Human Trafficking

3:01 - Defining Human Trafficking: Federal Law & Misconceptions

4:34 - The Myth of Stranger Danger

5:50 - Why Kidnapping Isn't the Real Threat

6:10 - The Reality: Exploitation Happens at Home & Online

7:13 - The Role of Education in Prevention

7:33 - How Kids Fall Into "Sexual Rabbit Holes"

8:42 - Why Minors Can't Consent

9:20 - The Importance of Uncomfortable Conversations

10:18 - About Ransomed Life Organization

11:06 - Prevention Programs: Mouse Traps, Lures & Lies

11:46 - Training for Parents, Schools & Medical Professionals

12:31 - Working with Survivors: Counseling & Mentoring

13:37 - Website Resources & Free On-Demand Presentations

14:45 - Homework Assignment Idea for Schools

15:43 - Upcoming January 27th Event Details

16:30 - Event Format: Presentation & Panel Discussion

17:17 - Why Grandparents Should Attend Too

18:00 - Grandson Story: "I Could Give Your Presentation"

19:33 - Grandparents' Unique Role in These Conversations

20:40 - SHOCKING STAT: 50% of Victims Are Boys

21:30 - Boys Face More Heinous Crimes

22:10 - Financial Sextortion Targeting Affluent Families

23:10 - The Tragic Story of Walker Montgomery

24:30 - Why His Father Wishes He'd Known Sooner

25:45 - Book Recommendation: The Black Count

26:30 - How to Request a Speaker

26:41 - Final Event Reminder & Closing

Website: ransomedlifetexas.org

Free on-demand presentations available

Original Air Date: January 16th at 10:30AM CST as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact:

• ceasefireboerne@gmail.com
• https://www.theboernebookshop.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561356682575

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a Ceasefire podcast episode featuring Mandy Majors, founder of Next Talk, an organization dedicated to keeping kids safe in the digital world.

www.nexttalk.org

The conversation covers:

Main Topics:

The founding story of Next Talk (started 10+ years ago after Majors' child asked an inappropriate question)

How to create open communication with children about digital dangers

The evolution from church-based groups to a nonprofit reaching schools nationwide

Practical strategies for parents dealing with pornography, AI chatbots, social media exposure, and online grooming

The importance of relationship-building over rule-enforcement

Biblical foundations (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) for family communication

Resources available through Next Talk including podcasts, prevention education events, and free guides

Key Message: Parents can't delay conversations about digital dangers even if they delay giving kids devices. Building a culture of open, non-shaming communication is essential for keeping kids safe online.

Timeline

[0:00 - 0:28] Introduction to Ceasefire podcast and hosts

[0:28 - 0:46] Introduction of guest Mandy Majors and Next Talk

[0:46 - 1:08] Origin story: How Next Talk began with a shocking question from Majors' child

[1:08 - 2:30] Early development: From church volunteer to nonprofit founder (2016)

[2:30 - 4:32] Growth story: Radio show beginnings with Baron Wiley, reaching Focus on the Family

[4:32 - 6:30] Next Talk's program structure: Problem, solution, practical implementation

[6:30 - 8:18] The biblical solution: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and building open communication

[8:18 - 9:52] How Next Talk works in public schools vs. churches

[9:52 - 11:34] The importance of family being the safest place for communication

[11:34 - 12:14] Commercial break

[12:14 - 13:30] Resources available: Podcast, website help desk, free downloadable guides

[13:30 - 14:28] Addressing parental fears about difficult conversations

[14:28 - 16:00] The danger of AI porn bots and why answering questions prevents kids from seeking answers online

[16:00 - 18:30] Texas age verification laws for pornography sites and their limitations

[18:30 - 19:27] How parental reactions shape children's responses

[19:27 - 20:18] The concept of "earning" digital access in steps

[20:18 - 22:48] Story: Daughter's Instagram exposure and "Old Mandy vs. New Mandy" response

[22:48 - 24:04] Avoiding "crazy parent mode" and educating rather than just restricting

[24:04 - 25:51] Advice for grandparents: The "no secrets" family policy and grooming prevention

[25:51 - 26:43] Closing: Book mentions and wrap-up

Original Air Date: January 10th at 10:30AM CST as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact:

• ceasefireboerne@gmail.com
• https://www.theboernebookshop.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561356682575

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.