Echo

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO SEPTEMBER 2015

IN THIS ISSUE: Developing drone technology in Hays County Tips for surviving a snake bite Wildflowers: The greatest show in Texas

A publication of the News-Dispatch and the Hays Free Press

****ECRWSSEDDM**** Local Postal Customer photo by Kim Hilsenbeck

page 1

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO

is published monthly by Barton Publications, Inc 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX Contents © 2015.

Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton Editor Kim Hilsenbeck Graphics Director David White Graphics Assistant Christine Thorpe Contributing Writers Chris Reid Kim Hilsenbeck Distribution Suzanne Hallam Marketing Tracy Mack Jim Darby Miles Hanson Suzanne Hallam Paula Pulley Office Manager Connie Brewer For advertising information, please contact our sales department at 512-268-7862.

EDITOR’S NOTE

I

t’s September and it’s still hot. But slowly the temperature will – surely – be dropping a bit.

What better time to head outdoors?

Even when the temperature is above 100 degrees, we want to be outside. That’s what we do; it’s a Texas thing.

What better way, then, to enjoy the outdoors than heading out with a drone.

Oops, though that’s not the name that Dripping Springs remotely piloted aircraft guru likes to use.

You see, he was called upon to take on a serious mission recently in our area – using his knowledge to help search for flood survivors. His video was posted online and the public helped in the search.

It was a rare situation, and brought new

appreciation to his life passion.

But if you are heading outdoors with your new “drone” to take photos of landscapes, be sure to watch out for snakes.

Yes, they are still out and about in September, and Texas has quite a few venomous varieties.

What should you do to survive a venomous snakebit? Check out our ten tips.

What’s more inside? Favorite wildflowers still in bloom and healthy foods for less than $1 per pound. Now that the temperatures will – surely – drop, start thinking healthy eating and hit the track, the trail or the gym.

See you outdoors.

Cyndy Slovak-Barton Publisher

Inside

You Do What?......................................................................4-5 Meet the men at the forefront of UAV technology in Hays County

Ssssssssss............................................................................ 6 Have we got a sssssstory for you? It’s about snakes The venomous coral snake, as seen here, looks a lot like a king snake. The most important identifying characteristic is the order of their colored stripes: red touch yellow, kill a fellow; red touch black, friend of Jack.

Wildflowers.......................................................................8-11 Get ready to sow those seeds and wait for the greatest show in Texas

Eat Cheap............................................................................. 12 50 healthy foods for less than one dollar a pound

Central Texas Events........................................................... 12

Top picks for events and festivals

Service Directory............................................................14-15 Tips for watering and harvesting your bounty page 2 u september | 2015

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YOU DO WHAT?

Using ‘drones’ in Hays County

by Kim Hilsenbeck

D

evon Humphries of Dripping Springs is a bit of a visionary.

He took his degree in geography from Texas A&M University and combined it with the computer craze in the 1990s.

The result? GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and computer mapping.

Within the past decade or so, Humphries got involved with using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Most people these days just call them drones, but that term isn’t quite correct when referring to devices that are remotely controlled.

“It’s a pet peeve of mine,” he said earlier this summer. “They are not really drones, they’re remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).”

What’s the distinction?

“A true drone is pre-programmed with GIS and can fly on its own,” he said.

Devon Humphries, left, of Flightline Geographics, and Gene Robinson of Texas Equisearch, examine an unmanned aerial vehicle they use for search, rescue and research purposes. (photo by Kim Hilsenbeck)

He monitors the devices in case something goes wrong, but they are flying based on a pre-programmed flight path.

“Everybody loves to use the word drone so I’ve kind of given up,” he said.

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He said the terms Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (or Systems) – UAV and UAS – are more appropriate.

“That’s really the proper name for what we do,” he said, “because it covers both types [unmanned and remote controlled].”

Humphries’ company, Flightline Geographics, uses video captured from his fleet of UEVs and puts it on a map.

“About eight years ago, I was working on projects for the Air Force predator drones,” he said.

“We have great video – how do I put it on the map?”

His first foray into this industry was about 2008. By 2012, he was serious and launched Flightline Geographics.

Today, he’s somewhat of a superstar in the burgeoning industry. Maybe technical expert is more accurate.

His expertise is used in all kinds of situations.

“Our work, aside from emergencies, is farms, ranches, pipelines – things that need to be mapped, either for management or development purposes.”

Think ranches, vineyards, pipelines – that is the kind of property Humphries generally captures video of and puts onto a map.

PUTTING UAVS INTO PRACTICE So his work during the aftermath of the Wimberley Memorial Day weekend flood was a bit of a departure for him.

He got a call from Gene Robinson of Wimberley, who Humphries met at a Texas emergency management conference several years back. Robinson operates a nonprofit search and rescue service, Texas Equisearch.

Their businesses don’t normally compete or even intersect, but after the flood, which killed at least 12 people, emergency personnel needed help finding victims.

Robinson is a volunteer with the Wimberley Fire Department and applied for an emergency permit from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the government agency that regulates aircraft, including drones.

Humphries said, “[Robinson] called me and said, ‘Hey Devon, can you come help us out?’”

They worked together to capture high-resolution video of the flood’s destruction then to plot it on a map.

“We helped him capture the video, we processed that imagery onto a map and we supplied that data to the Wimberley Volunteer

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Fire Department and the state operations center, which is following what’s going on in Austin (after the flood),” Humphries said.

This endeavor produced some never been done before results.

“It was the first time that drone captured imagery has been put up on a web-based map and anybody with a tablet and a smart phone can review it. That’s never been done outside the military,” he explained.

The list of firsts continued.

“It was rapid turnaround, cloud-based and really high resolution, compared to what you can get on, say, Google Earth – that’s old and low resolution; they snag it from government entities here and there.”

The State Operations Center put the data he and Robinson produced on its website.

“It’s semi restricted right now – there is nothing secret about it, it’s just a performance issue,” he said.

They didn’t want an overload of web users to crash the site.

Another first for Humphries was working in a city. Most of his work is in rural areas.

“Flying down the Blanco was the first time we’ve flown in a city – if you can call Wimberley a city,” he said with a smile.

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A LITTLE BACKGROUND Humphries grew up Houston and like many others, found his way to Austin. He arrived in 1977.

For a time he worked in radio as an on-air personality. His strong, deep voice was a giveaway.

But Humphries said his radio days are mostly behind him, though he still does pre-recorded promos for a radio station in College Station.

He’s been in Dripping Springs for about 17 years.

ABOUT THE FIRM As far as Flightline Geographics is concerned, the business doesn’t have a facility – yet. Right now Humphries, who has five employees (including his two sons), operates from his home.

But as they expand and have more equipment, he said they’re looking at real estate mainly around Dripping Springs.

How many UAVs does he have in his fleet?

“We have all kinds and shapes of unmanned aerial devices,” he said. “It’s cool technology.”

Some devices can fly for an hour or less, others can stay up for 10 hours. They range in weight from three to 40 pounds.

His work doesn’t just keep him in Texas.

“We get project leads all over the world,” he said. “We’re planning a project in Chile; there is a wind farm project under consideration – we will capture high resolution imagery.”

And for even more cool factor, he said the video will bring back 3D imagery so they will also get the terrain.

“It’s not just pictures,” Humphries said.

Using such technology could mean a growing market for UAVs. He said a 2012 study forecasted within three years from 2015 this kind of work would be an $8 billion industry. Within 10 years it would be an $18 billion industry.

“The only thing holding it back is the FAA permitting process,” Humphries said.

He added that more first responder agencies are requesting FAA permits for drones.

“The FAA is slow and deliberate, they’re concerned about safety,” he said.

There are also homeland security concerns.

“I even agree with making people take a test to make sure they read the rulebook,” Humphries said.

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Ten tips to survive a venomous snakebite

by Sean Kimmons

T

exas is home to four venomous snakes: copperheads, rattlesnakes, coral snakes and water moccasins or cottonmouth snakes. Though scary to come across, venomous snakes are not as deadly as people may assume.

On average, one to two people in Texas die each year from venomous snakebites. Roughly half of all venomous snakebites are “dry.” That is, the snake does not inject venom into the victim, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

In fact, more people die from lightning strikes or venomous arthropods, such as a spider or scorpion, than from snakebites. Snakes typically strike in self-defense and are not aggressive creatures unless provoked, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says.

Some non-venomous snakes in Hays County, such as Texas rat snakes, hognose snakes and water snakes, are often mistaken for their venomous counterparts and killed out of fear, a Texas Parks and Wildlife herpetologist says.

If you do get struck by a genuine venomous snake, here are 10 tips that may save your life or at least prevent severe body damage:

Western Diamondback

1. Move yourself away from the snake and assume venom has entered your body even before symptoms appear.

2. Identify the species of venomous snake with care. This could help with the medical treatment but will complicate the situation if there is more than one victim. If you cannot ID the snake, don’t pursue it.

Coral Snake

3. Keep the victim as calm as possible. Venom passes through the bloodstream. The more the heart beats, the faster blood flows in the body. Keep yourself calm as well.

4. Treat for any symptoms of shock – elevate feet, loosen clothing, etc. Wash the bite area with disinfectant soap to avoid infection.

5. Remove constricting clothing and jewelry in the bite area. Prevent movement of the bitten extremity.

Splint it, if necessary.

Copperhead

6. Do not attempt to suck out the poison. This method has been proven to be ineffective and could cause infection.

7. Do not try to make cuts over the snakebite. This often leads to more tissue trauma and damage.

8. Do not drink alcoholic beverages, or take pain relievers or other medications unless instructed to do so by a physician.

Hognose Snake

9. Do not place a tourniquet on the wound, which could cut off the blood flow and lead to amputation.

10. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

(Information compiled from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Department of State Health Services and the South Texas Poison Center.)

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Welcome to The greatest show in Texas

by Christine Reid

W

ould you like the 'wow' factor, Texas style, in your landscape next spring? And would you like to grow something that will provide pollen and nectar for pollinators and be low water and low maintenance as well? If so, scoot a little closer and listen up: think wildflowers. You may wonder why anyone bothers planting for wildflowers when they seem to effortlessly bloom their hearts out each spring and summer.

Yes, Mother Nature frequently puts on quite a display along meandering country roads but if you'd like to have a wildflower meadow a little closer to home, there are some strategies to help make that happen. photos by Christine Reid

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Favorite Wildflowers

Mexican hats (Ratibida columnaris) are a robust, drought tolerant annual to perennial variety native to the midwest and has naturalized throughout North America

Big Red Sage

Perennial Blooms June to October Average water, full sun to part shade

First of all, timing is very important. Fall, with its cooler weather and potential rainfall, is the best time to spread seed.

Some people sow wildflower seeds in September, while others wait a bit longer. Horticulturist Elias Guerrero at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin likes to plant the second week of October.

Most wildflowers grown from seed need to put down roots through the fall and winter in order to bloom in the springtime. Texas bluebonnets, Guerrero said, specifically need the cold weather to spread wide and flat on the ground so that they'll be ready to push up white-tipped blue flowers beginning in March.

Some flowers can be put in the ground as transplants in the spring, such as blanketflower, mealy cup sage, purple coneflower and black-eyed

Susan, but many wildflowers should be direct-seeded as they don't transplant well.

WHERE TO PLANT WILDFLOWERS According to Guerrero, site location and soil preparation are critical when it comes to successfully planting wildflowers. Pick an area that is well-drained and gets at least eight hours of direct sun each day, he said. In order to achieve good seed-to-soil contact, remove vegetation and till up to one inch of the soil. Avoid going any deeper as that could encourage weed growth.

PICK A COLOR THEME After the soil is ready, it's time to bring out the seeds.

While planting a mix of 15 to 20 different wildflower varieties is always a good choice, Guerrero suggested that another

WILDFLOWERS, 10

Perennial Blooms March to July Grows in various soils in full sun

Standing Cypress

Black-eyed Susan

WHEN TO PLANT WILDFLOWERS

Showy Primrose

Annual and perennial Blooms June to August Thrives in most soils in full sun

Perennial Blooms June to August Requires very dry, well-drained soil

Blanketflower

Texas Bluebonnet

Drummond Phlox

Texas Paintbrush

Gayfeather (liatris)

Wine cup

Perennial Blooms May to September Grows well in full sun in welldrained areas

Annual Blooms April to June Prefers well-drained soil in full sun

Perennial Blooms August to December Requires well-drained soils in full sun

Annual Blooms March to May Requires full sun in well-drained soil

Annual, perennial, biennial Blooms April to June Adapted to well-drained areas in full sun

Perennial Blooms from February to July Prefers full sun in sandy soil

Yarrow

Mexican hat

Annual and perennial Blooms June to September Prefers full sun in well-drained soils

Perennial Blooms May to November Full sun to light shade; can handle poor soil

Purple Horsemint (bee balm)

Annual and perennial Blooms May to August Can tolerate dry conditions and prefers full sun

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page 9

WILDFLOWERS, from 9 way to enjoy wildflowers is to pick a color theme. For a blue/ purple wildflower garden, plant liatrus, bluebonnet and purple horsemint (bee balm). Or, for a yellow/red design, consider sowing blanketflower, sunflower and standing cypress seeds. You can experiment, he said, and plant different combinations of flowers all around your yard and see which ones you like best. To see how the wildflowers look in natural settings, Guerrero recommended going to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

"Bring a notepad and do your own research," he said. He's often asked about the optimal season to come to the center.

He always answers, "Every day is the best time of year to visit," as there's always a different show on display.

Guerrero mentioned that one wildflower, big red sage (Salvia penstemonoides), is especially attractive in a garden setting. Once thought to be extinct, these tall sage plants with purplish red flowers are striking when planted en masse.

“Hummingbirds love them,” Guerrero said. The bluebon-

net is another wildflower that makes a big statement when planted in a group. They’re fussy about drainage though, so plant them in a sunny spot on a slope for best results.

Bluebonnet seeds also have a hard seed coat, so unless they’ve been scarified (seed coat nicked) some seeds may not germinate the first season.

Yarrow has been called by many names like nosebleed plant, sanguinary and soldier’s woundwort because of its ability to slow blood flow when applied to wounds.

SOWING THE SEED The amount of seed needed for a wildflower garden depends on what the homeowner wants to achieve. For maximum color, one estimate allows 1/4 pound of wildflower seed per 500 square feet. For more precise calculations, check the recommended seeding rate for the specific wildflower variety.

When sowing the small seeds, it's helpful to add masonry sand in order to distribute the mix more evenly. A good ratio calls for four parts sand to one part seed. Using either a hand-carried mechanical seeder or the 'feed the chickens' method, broadcast half the seeds north to south and the other half east to west. Walk or roll something over the seeded area to lightly push the seeds into the ground.

Burying seeds deeply is a common mistake when trying to grow wildflowers. The seeds need light as well as adequate moisture in order to germinate.

WATERING Watering the seeds the first six weeks will help get them started, Guerrero said. But, he noted, while wildflowers need some moisture to properly germinate, they are, on the whole, drought tolerant. Guerrero pointed out that many wildflowers don't have the water requirements of other flowers and, with increasing water restrictions, that's go-

ing to become more and more important.

After the wildflower seedlings are established, water only if the plants are stressed. When spring rolls around, soak in all the beauty that only a wildflower meadow can offer and don't forget to say, “Wow!” Allow the seed pods on the wildflowers to mature before mowing, so that the plants can reseed. Then, next spring, the greatest show in Texas will start again.

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In 1901, the National Society of Colonial Dames of America won a battle with Texas lawmakers to name the Texas Bluebonnet the state flower.

The society selected the bluebonnet because its hardiness and resilience exemplified the spirit of Texas.

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50 healthy foods

that cost less than $1 per pound

by Jeff Yeager

“It costs more to eat healthy.”

How many times have you heard someone say that? Maybe you’ve even said it yourself.

Frankly, I think that statement is flummadiddle. I’m not denying that some healthy foods – many varieties of fish, for example – are expensive. But my contention is that many of the foods that are the healthiest for us also happen to cost the least, particularly on a per-pound basis.

In fact, when I go grocery shopping, I try to mostly fill my cart with nutritious, delicious foods costing – so my mantra goes – “Under a dollar a pound, year-round.”

A look at the U.S. Department of Agriculture food plate shows we should be eating more whole grains, legumes (beans), fresh fruits and vegetables, followed by moderate amounts of poultry, eggs, milk, pasta and rice, and foods we should eat sparingly are red meat, fatty dairy products, sweets and processed foods.

Many of the things we should be eating the most – whole grains,

fruits, vegetables, legumes and poultry – cost the least amount per pound. The things that are bad for our health, at least in large quantities, cost the most per-pound (red meat, fatty dairy products and fine cheeses).

If you plan your menus around the best-of-the-best weekly store specials, you can enjoy a healthy, tasty diet relying primarily on foods that cost about a dollar a pound or less.

Don’t believe me?

Here are 50 healthy foods I’ve seen at grocery stores in my area (suburban Washington, D.C.) that have been priced at $1 a pound or less. Yes, some of these have been special sales, but most can almost always be had for less than a buck a pound.

The majority of these foods are ideal for slow-cooker recipes.

Bon appétit! Or should I say, “Bon appe-cheap”?

Jeff Yeager is the author of “The Ultimate Cheapskate’s Road Map to True Riches” and “The Cheapskate Next Door.” He is a contributor to AARP, which granted Hays County Echo permission to republish this article.

page 12 u september | 2015

CHEAP & NUTRITIOUS • APPLES – One a day keeps the cheapskate away.

• BANANAS – Potassium for pennies.

• LENTILS – Perhaps the perfect food, healthy, cheap, and versatile for soups, salads, sandwich spreads.

• BARLEY – A tasty alternative to rice and potatoes.

• MANGOES – High in fiber and vitamins A, B6, and C.

• BEANS – Canned or dried, there are kidney, pinto, navy, black, red, and many more.

• MILK – Yep, on a per-pound basis, milk still costs well under $1 a pound.

• BOK CHOY – Steam and serve with a little soy sauce.

• OATMEAL – The good old-fashioned slow-cooking kind, which takes five minutes.

• BROCCOLI – Yes, a store special.

Usually closer to $2 per pound.

• ONIONS – Try baking them whole in a cream sauce.

• BULGUR WHEAT – Try it in pilaf or in a tabouleh salad.

• PASTA – Store special @ .89 a pound – I nearly bought them out!

• CABBAGE – Green, red, and napa.

• PORK – Inexpensive cuts frequently go on sale for 99 cents per pound or less.

• CARROTS – Raw or steamed; rich in carotenes, healthy antioxidants.

• CELERY – Stir-fry it for a change.

• CHICKEN – Whole or various parts, on sale.

• CHICKPEAS – AKA “garbanzo beans.”

• CORNMEAL – Polenta is all the rage these days, but I loved it 40 years ago when Mom called it “cornmeal mush.”

• CUCUMBERS – Try peeling, seeding, and steaming with a little butter & salt.

• DAIKON RADISH – My new favorite raw veggie.

• EGGS – Don’t overdo them, but eggs provide high-quality protein and still cost about $1 per pound.

• GREEN BEANS – Frozen, but fresh are sometimes on sale for under $1 a pound.

• POTATOES – White, red, and sweet.

• PUMPKIN – Yes, you can eat the same ones you buy as holiday decorations.

• RICE – White for under $1 a pound.

Brown, a little more expensive, but better for you.

• RUTABAGAS – Hated them as a kid; can’t get enough of them now.

• SPINACH – Frozen - but Popeye doesn’t care.

• SPLIT PEAS – Add a ham bone and make the ultimate comfort soup.

• SQUASH – Acorn, spaghetti, and zucchini—among other kinds.

• SWEET CORN – Canned or fresh on the cob.

• TOMATOES (CANNED) – Canned are often better than fresh for cooking.

• GREENS – Kale, mustard, and collard greens are rich in vitamins and a good source of fiber.

• TURKEY – A popular bargain-priced loss-leader around the holidays. In fact, buy an extra bird and freeze it for later.

• GRAPES – Store special at 99 cents a pound.

• TURNIPS – Make me think of my grandparents, who always grew them.

• GRAPEFRUIT – Bake with a little brown sugar on top for a healthy dessert.

• YOGURT – 8-ounce containers were on sale, two for $1.

Central Texas Festivals & Events September 3 First Thursday - Downtown Buda, Dripping Springs (Mercer Street)

From 5-9 p.m. businesses stay open for shopping, dining, music and fun. Support your local businesses and enjoy an evening out. First Thursday focuses on providing downtown visitors the chance to stroll through the unique local shops, while enjoying food from downtown restaurants.

September 5 Wimberley Market Days

Stroll along a shaded path to more than 475 booths filled with a wide variety of arts, crafts, antiques, gift items, clothing and more. Also enjoy barbecue and treats with live music under the pavilion. Lions Field, 601 F.M. 2325. www. shopmarketdays.com 512-8472201

September 7 Randy’s Classic Cruise Wimberley

Cypress Creek Cafe hosts Randy’s Classic Cruise on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 5 - 8 p.m. For more information about Randy’s Classic Cruise In contact Travis Wheeler at travis_r_wheeler@ yahoo.com

September 12 Concerts for a Cause

Down South Railhouse in Kyle will host this season’s Concerts for a Cause. September’s concert musician will be announced later and benefit Kids Outdoor Zone. Concerts for a Cause is a way to raise awareness of and raise money for some of the local-to-Hays County charities that work to make this “simply charming” county an even better place to live. Visit kyleconcerts.com for more information.

September 12 Dripping With Taste Wine & Food Festival, Dripping Springs

Noon-6 p.m. This annual event showcases an array of Texas fine wines, ales, food, fine art, entertainment, and live music.

Indoor pavilion and festival grounds in Dripping Springs at Dripping Springs Ranch Park (29401 RR 12). Call 512-8584740 for information

September 12 Second Saturday Guided Hikes at Blue Hole - Wimberley

Blue Hole Regional Park’s guided hikes are offered free to the public every second Saturday of the month, 9-10 a.m. Included in the hike is interesting information about the history of the park and its sustainable development concepts, information on the Cypress Creek watershed, and fun facts about native plants and animals.

September 12 Kyle Market Days

This month Kyle Market Days will have a “Fiesta Time” theme and partner with the Lehman Lobo Band Booster Club. Enjoy local vendors, arts & crafts, farm to market items, live music and more! Takes place from 9 a.m.

- 1 p.m. at Historic City Square Park.

September 12 Second Saturday gallery trail Wimberley

More than a dozen galleries offer wine, snacks and art displays from 4-7 p.m. at this monthly gallery trail. See local artwork and spend the day in beautiful Wimberley.

September 12 Groovskool Jazz - Wimberley

Head to the Wimberley High School auditorium (100 Carney Ln.) for a concert to benefit the new Groovskool Jazz Program on Sept. 12, 2015 at 7 p.m.

100% of ticket sales will go to benefit Groovskool. Promoting interest in music and the arts in schools, this unique series of publicly supported clinics and concerts is designed to inspire the many intrinsic benefits of music education for thousands of high school students, which translate into a higher level of allaround personal excellence.

September 12 Sweet September Sorghum Stonewall

Join the Sauer-Beckmann Living History farm to see how this valuable sweetener was grown and processed in the early 1900s. This is a free annual family event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Stonewall at LBJ State Park & Historic Site (199 Park Rd. 52).

September 18 Come and Taste It - Gruene

Meet Texas’ best winemakers the third Thursday of each month. Enjoy complimentary wine and beer tastings, and learn directly from the craftsman.

Live music and food samples complement the wines on Gruene Historic District’s Grapevine patio. Also live entertainment nightly at Texas’ Oldest Dancehall. 830-606-0093. www.GrapevineinGruene.com.

September 19 Dick’s Classic Garage Car Show San Marcos Bring your classic car to compete for prizes or just bring your friends and family to enjoy a good time. Live music and food keep the party going.

Dick’s Classic Car Garage, 120 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos. www.dicksclassicgarage.com 512-878-2406

September 19-20 Saxet Gun Show Dripping Springs

The Saxet Gun Show will be held at Dripping Springs Ranch Park (29339 RR 12). Show hours are Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

September 19-20 Annual Seed Stomp Fredericksburg

Children and their families are invited to come out to Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site in Stonewall to help scatter wildflower seeds from 1:303:30 p.m. With some help from Mother Nature, the following spring they can return and see all the beautiful wildflowers in bloom throughout the park. They will also learn about the former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, and her passion for nature and the great outdoors. There will also be crafts for the children.

Native seed mixtures will be provided by the State Park. 830644-2252.

September 21 Randy’s Classic Cruise Wimberley

September 23-27 Comal County Fair and Rodeo

Head to the Comal County Fairgrounds in New Braunfels for the annual county fair. The event includes a downtown parade, live music, carnival rides, a PRCA rodeo and more.

Visit comalcountyfair.org for more information.

September 25-26 Fajita Fiesta Cook-off - Buda

A family-friendly event with free admission, parking and concerts at Buda City Park.

Food booths, vendors, games, jalapeno eating contest, talent show, mariachi groups, arts and crafts. Something for all ages.

Fiesta goers will experience the blending of foods, music and cultures. Rediscover Texas through sights, sounds and taste buds. The tantalizing aroma of sizzling fajitas will fill the air of Buda, attracting people from the Rio Grande to the Mason Dixon Line. In Texas, grilling is not just a weekend pass time but a competitive sport. At Fajita Fiesta grill masters and backyard cookers will compete for top dollar cash payouts, trophies, bragging rights, and to find out on that given day who is the best of the best. Call 512-295-9999 for more information.

September 26 Pioneer Days - Dripping Springs

This one-day event features more than 40 pioneer craft demonstrations such as butter churning, blacksmithing and quilting. The event will be held at the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead in Dripping Springs.

Mark your calendar

Cypress Creek Cafe hosts Randy’s Classic Cruise on the 1st and 3rd Mondays each month from 5-8 p.m. For more information about Randy’s Classic Cruise In contact Travis Wheeler at travis_r_ wheeler@ yahoo. com

Have your festival or event promoted in the Hays County Echo as well as the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch newspapers.

Email christine@haysfreepress.com page 13

Hays County Echo Service Directory AIR CONDITIONING A&E Air Conditioning & Heating $500 off complete system Free furnace special. Call for details.

512-312-9535 www.ae4cool.com

AIM A/C and Heating Service

Kyle Automotive Serving Kyle and Hays County for nearly 20 years! Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

107 N. Main Street, Kyle, TX 78640 512-268-1173 www.KyleAutomotive.com

BARNS

Free estimates for replacements.

Service, sales, installs, duct cleaning.

Locally owned and operated.

Licensed, bonded, insured and registered 512-312-9080 www.AIM4AC.com

Timber-N-Steel Custom Pole Barns

APC Service, LLC

CLEANING SERVICES

Electrical, A/C, heating Commercial and residential.

Free service call with repair.

512-295-4023 www.APCServicePros.com tricoconst@austin.rr.com

Barton Creek A/C Company LLC Full service air conditioning company serving Kyle and surrounding areas. bartoncreekac.com 512-214-1300

NEMEC Heating and Air Proudly serving Central Texas Residential, commercial and after hours available. chris@nemecheatingandair.com 512-312-9081 512-789-5132

AUTOMOTIVE AMM Collision Center

Custom pole barns, horse barns, sheds, machinery storage, garages RV & Boat Storage, carports, patio covers, decks. High quality, low cost.

512-968-7327

Happy Home Exceptional Cleaning

Serving Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, Manchaca, South Austin, Lockhart and more. www.HappyHomeExceptional Cleaning.com, 512-468-4219

COMPUTER SERVICE A Computer Werks Business, residential or commercial Adware, spyware, malware, installations. Service, software, hardware and custom builds.

512-694-1746 www.acomputerwerks.com

Hays Technical Services Want help selecting the best value?

Office systems not maintained?

Did your kids or employees leave your computer useless? mike@haystech.com

CONCRETE WORK

Three great locations!

Kyle: 21681 IH-35, 262-1013 Austin: 11740 Manchaca Rd., 292-1060 Dripping Springs: 3990 Hwy 290, 512-894-3888

XEVEX Concrete Services

Buda Automotive

ELECTRICAL SERVICE

You know us... by our reputation!

Full service car & truck repair 601 S. Loop 4 in Buda 512-295-2832

page 14 u september | 2015

Free estimates! Bonded & insured.

Foundations, driveways, patios, repairs, staining, removal, Bobcat services.

512-312-4214 www.xevexllc.com

Keen Electrical Service Commercial, industrial, residential.

Licensed/insured, TECL #26308. J..

Craig Keen, owner/master electrician. keenzone7@att.net.

512-653-1125

GLASS SERVICE

PET SITTING

Berry Glass Company

Carver’s Critter Sitter

Commercial and Residential Contract glazing, storefronts, insulated glass, furniture tops, tempered glass and mirrors. Framed & frameless tub & shower enclosure.

5360 Industrial Way Dr., Buda, TX 78610 512-312-2767

HOME REPAIR The Handyman Can No job too small - all your home improvement needs. Painting, pressure washing, fencing, electrical, flooring, landscaping, roofing, decks, tile and more.

Call Jon at 512-496-1243.

Steel Horse Constructors Serving Hays County and surrounding areas. Painting, remodels, carpentry, trim work, special design and more.

Free estimate. References available.

Call Jim ‘Blu’ Cooke at 512-7812911 or steelhorseconstructors@ gmail.com.

In-home pet sitting for small and large critters. Experience with many, will work with any. Insured, will also do house sitting. Call Suzanne at 512773-5592, www.ccsittertx.com

PLUMBING Prince Plumbing Company Residential repair, remodeling, water heaters, sewer maintenance, slab & gas leak repair. 20 years experience, family owned and operated.

512-312-0710

POOL SERVICE G&S Pool and Spa Service Serving South Austin, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle and Buda since 1994.

512-326-4695 www.gspoolspa.com

LEGAL SERVICES John A. Hall Attorney and Counselors At Law Business law, wills, trust, probate, family law, divorce, custody, consumer law, deceptive trade, property law, landlord-tenant law, personal, injury, DWI, criminal defense, debt defense, general civil litigation 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX. 512-268-6425

REAL ESTATE Christy DeWolfe – Keller Williams Real Estate Committed to providing world class service while helping you achieve your real estate goals.

ChristyDeWolfe.com, 512-284-4126

PAINTING

REMODELING

Alex’s Painting

Tri-County Construction

Residential & commercial painting, texturing, sheet rock repair, wallpaper removal, popcorn texture removal, wood replacement, power washing.

Clean and neat professionals, fully insured, on time & dependable. Family owned & operated. Satisfaction guaranteed, excellent references.

512-470-3953

Chuck’s Painting and Remodeling Interior/exterior painting and repairs.

References and reasonable rates.

512-944-2910

Let us make your dreams a reality!

Specializing in custom remodeling and insurance repairs since 1984.

Fully insured. 512-282-6224

Wild West Remodeling No job too small or too big!

Kitchen/bath remodels, painting, tile, siding, decks, trim, door & window replacements, drywall repair, electrical and plumbing.

Curtis Dorsett, 512-402-4704

ROOFING

SEPTIC SERVICES

Area Roofing Company

All American Wastewater Solutions, LLC

Serving Hays County Residential & Commercial Free estimates. Insurance claims welcome.

Ron Johnson, owner 512-312-5050

Krueger Roofing Company Serving Central Texas for over 35 years. References available upon request. 512-658-7177

TREE SERVICE Cowboy’s Tree Trimming & Removal Tree trimming, tree removal, haul off. 20 years experience, free estimates and 10% discount for senior citizens.

Call Rod at 512-234-2027

Your communities.

Your newspapers.

See it all online 24/7

Septic problems... Let us help!

Locally serving our community since 1982. Septic repair and installation specialist, septic tank pumping and servicing, aerobic system servicing and more. Commercial and residential. www.allsepticcheck.com, 512-282-3889.

Local News • High School Sports Photos • Community Events

@haysfreepress

Sellman Enterprises, Inc. Septic plumbing, cleaning, repairs Commercial & Residential Serving the Hays Metro area, including Travis, Blanco, Bastrop, Williamson & surrounding counties.

512-312-0002 www.SellmanSepticServices.com

TREE SERVICES Gil’s Tree Service Residential and commercial.

Professional tree pruning, cabling, cavity filling, landscaping, ball moss removal, construction, repair.

Member of National Arbonist Association, International Society of Arboriculture. Call for a free estimate. 512-221-6716

HaysNewsDispatch.com

To advertise your business in the Hays County Echo Service Directory, please call Suzanne at 512-268-7862 or email paper@ haysfreepress.com

Sudoku solution, from pg. 7

This upgrade event is Monday through Friday with a free luncheon and raffle for a $500 gift card. Free demonstrations.

of Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic, LLC

Hearing Aid & Audiological Services • Programming • Fittings • Cleaning & Repairs • Tubing Changes • Earmolds • Custom Ear Plugs • Hearing Protection • Assistive Listening Devices • Recasing • ‘Dry and Store’ Kits • Immittance Testing • Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations

• Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) • Otoacoustic Emission Testing (OAE) • Video Nystagmography (VNG)

Ear & Hearing

512.268.5282

Thyroid and Parathyroid

1180 Seton Parkway Suite 420 Kyle, TX 78660

Location

1005 W. San Antonio Suite A Lockhart, TX 78644

512.444.7944

KYLE (512) 268-5282 1180 Seton Parkway, Suite 420, Kyle, TX 78640

Ear, Nose and Throat Services

Location

Lockhart Amber Bass, Au.D, CCC-A

Pediatric and adult care

• Chronic Ear Infectons • Ruptured Ear Drum • Hearing and Balance Evaluation • Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears) • Dizziness & Vertigo

Kyle

$500 off a set of hearing aids

Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic

Enjoy the Sounds of Life Again

Two locations to serve you

@news_dispatch

www.

Free Digital Hearing Aid Technology Upgrade Event Sept. 14-18

Hearing Centers

•

• Ultrasound and Needle Biopsy • Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

Allergy

• Testing for Pollen, Mold, Dust & Pet Allergens • Allergy Shots/Drops

Children’s ENT

• Ear Tube Placement • Tonsil & Adenoid Surgery • Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery • Allergy Testing • Sublingual Therapy

Michael Yium, MD

Nose & Sinus

• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery • In-office Balloon Sinuplasty

Thomas Nowlin, MD

Throat, Head & Neck

• Sleep Apnea • Tonsil/Adenoid Surgery • Hoarseness Mark Dammert, MD

Visit us online at www.AustinENT.com page 15

41

%

more breast cancer detected

and up to 40% fewer call backs*

with

breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography)

Request an appointment at ausrad.com or call 512.453.6100

page 16 u september | 2015

Elizabeth Moorehead, MD ARA radiologist