February 2017 Hays County Echo

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO FEBRUARY 2017

Inside:

Living your life wholeheartedly Heart condition doesn’t stop Hays CISD alumnus

Also in this issue: ◆ Healthy habits, healthy heart ◆ Dying of a broken heart

FREE PUBLICATION

February is National Heart Month

◆ Heart Healing: The road to recovery POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD

◆ Valentine’s Day 2017 by the numbers

U.S. Postage Paid Barton Publications photo by Moses Leos III

EDITOR’S NOTE

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO

H

aving a little heart is taking new meaning in an American society today.

According to the Heart Foundation, heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and woman in the United States.

It affects all groups of people from a variety of races, backgrounds and walks of life. It doesn’t discriminate and it doesn’t have empathy.

For those reasons and more, February has been designated as Heart Health Month, which is meant to raise awareness for a heart healthy lifestyle.

This month, we at the Hays County Echo follow suit as we highlight heart health in Hays County.

Reporter Sam Smith talks with Seton Hays medical professionals, who offer some healthy habits to improve cardiovascular health.

We then highlight the story of Hays High

is published monthly by Barton Publications, Inc 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX Contents © February 2017.

Publisher Cyndy Slovak–Barton Editor Moses Leos III Graphics Director David White Graphics Assistant Christine Thorpe Contributing Writers Chris Reid Moses Leos III Samantha Smith Contributing Photographers Moses Leos III Distribution David White Marketing Tracy Mack Jim Darby Pamela Patino For advertising information, please contact our sales department at 512–268–7862.

7 JANUARY 25, 201

– Page 1C

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BY MOSES LEOS

III

eepress.com news@haysfr

Little progress on safety of SH 21

ON HOLD

Buda slams the brakes on scheduled fluoridation

BY MOSES LEOS

page 2 ◆ february | 2017

III

eepress.com news@haysfr

mounting Frustration is near for residents living ell Caldw the Hays and safety along county line as (SH) 21 State Highway into continues to come question. providWhile officials residents’ ed answers to g a town durin ions quest Uhland hall meeting at some felt 18, City Hall Jan. has been little progress e safety made to the ensur on the road. s, TxDOT Varga Victor presented area engineer, y of answers to a variet

STAFF REPORT

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ULT SY OF AMBER TETREA PHOTO COURTE

Megan (back row, L-R) Buda residents Tetreault, Eryn McClain, r Tarpley, Ambe ns and (front row) Hailey with Lois Trippe-Jenki pose for a phototurday’s Trippe-Jenkins ifically for Sa d spec create signs downtown Austin. ck Women’s March in nt Michele Haddo Inset, Kyle reside“Hands Off!” sign while ian Wendy (right) holds her politic ratic posing with democs Women’s March. An Davis at Saturday’ over 50,000 people wd of estimated cro h downtown Austin for the throug ovement marched hich was a m Women’s March, wmen’s rights. The event

Hays High alumnus Bobby Limon, Jr., was 17 when he was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Despite his diagnosis, Limon strives to succeed and raise awareness about HCM. Story on pg. 6.

photo by Moses Leos III

IN THIS ISSUE...

Healthy Habits, Healthy Heart ........................................ 4 Living Your Life Wholeheartedly .................................... 6 Dying of a Broken Heart? ............................................... 8 Heart Healing: The Road Back ....................................... 9 Valentine’s Day 2017 by the Numbers ........................ 10 Staff Picks for Valentine’s Day Movies ....................... 11 Make it a Green 2017 ................................................... 12 Central Texas Festivals and Events ............................. 14 Service Directory .......................................................... 15

Keep up with all the latest news in Buda, Kyle and surrounding communities by reading the

BOOK ITfour Little Free Kyle installs ghout city Libraries throu

VICTORY

beat Lake Lady Rebels ge thriller.

Travis in reven – Page 1B

almunus and Texas State student Bobby Limon, who has experienced success as he continues to live with a genetic heart condition.

Can someone die from a broken heart?

Some medical professionals say, ‘yes.’ We take a look at broken heart syndrome and the effects it has on people.

Along with heart health month, February is also, unofficially, the month of love. With Valentine’s Day approaching, we at the Hays County Echo hope to start the discussion of what are the best romantic movies of all time.

Columnist Chris Reid offers some resolutions that’ll keep gardens looking green this spring.

Whether it’s going for a frequent jog or perhaps changing up your diet, we hope this issue provides insight for our readers’ cardiovascular health.

Thanks for reading, Moses Leos III, Editor

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Healthy habits, healthy heart

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

W

hile it’s coincidence that February hosts Valentine’s Day, the event is not the only reason to sport the color red.

In 1964, President Lyndon Baines Johnson declared February American Heart Month, According to the American Heart Associations website.

From then on, the second month of the year has been dedicated to promoting good cardiovascular health.

Dr. Peter Monteleone, a Seton Heart Institute Cardiologist, described how important good heart health is to a person’s overall well being and that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S. “There are so many small measures that can be taken to improve cardiac health that we don’t spend enough time doing,” Monteleone said.

Monteleone recommended measures such as minor diet changes such as reducing intake of red meat and increasing the intake of fish.

Monteleone also recommends avoiding negative habits like smoking, replacing fatty snacks with healthy ones and increasing daily exercise to improve cardiovascular health.

“Reducing stress is also very important for good heart health,” Monteleone said.

Monteleone said promoting good habits for cardiovascular health provides a positive example to kids who need guidance early to prepare them for the health-related decisions they will be making in adulthood.

“Try to make young kids stay active,” Monteleone said, “Make it a habit when they are young to build good dietary choices like decreasing the amounts of sugary drinks, like juice and sodas and increasing water intake.”

Limiting children’s fast food intake is one habit to promote, he said.

Making kids play outside, while also exposing children to healthy foods in “new and interesting ways” are two key points.

Monteleone said utilizing “small food hacks” to introduce healthy foods without strong opposition may be able to help with introducing new foods. One example could be steaming cauliflower,

page 4 ◆ february | 2017

then grinding it up in a food processor before adding it to cheese sauce for mac and cheese.

Whatever changes are made to improve daily cardiac health, Monteleone recommends that residents lean on each other for support, as the camaraderie may help build up a routine of healthy habits.

“There are direct benefits to exercising and diet lifestyle changes when done together as a team,” Monteleone said.

But February is not just about cultivating heart-healthy habits. It’s also about learning what to do when a cardiac episode occurs and how to get healthier once on the other side.

“There are differences between acute cardiac events and full-blown heart attacks, so knowing the signs and symptoms is important,” Monteleone said.

Monteleone said the signs of a heart attack include new or intense chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness and other bodily discomfort.

According to the American Heart Associations website, symptoms can include “pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.”

Monteleone said if a resident were to experience any of these symptoms, or witness anyone experiencing these symptoms, that they should call 911 immediately for assistance.

Monteleone also said that if the patient suffering from symptoms of a heart attack does not have a major bleeding disorder, that it is best to give them a 325 milligram (mg) aspirin in order to thin the blood and make it easier for the heart to pump it through the body.

Monteleone said if a resident is experiencing even a mild heart-related episode, he/she should not drive a vehicle.

“If you feel like you are experiencing symptoms related to a heart attack, do not drive,” Monteleone said.

Other less severe cardiac episodes should also be looked into Monteleone said, “situations of exertion could prompt slight symptoms and may not warrant a trip to the Emergency Room but definitely do call for a doctor’s appointment.”

Get GO RED

Taking these points of advice could lead to better heart health GET YOUR NUMBERS: Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.

OWN YOUR LIFESTYLE: Stop smoking, lose weight, be physically active and eat healthy.

RAISE YOUR VOICE: Advocate for more women-related research and education.

EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY: Make healthy food choices for you and your family. Teach your kids the importance of staying active.

DONATE: Show your support with a donation of time or money.

In the United States…

• • • • •

Fewer Americans have been dying of heart disease and stroke since the 1980s thanks to progress in medical therapies for patients with a history of heart disease and stroke and from lifestyle changes that are curbing the risk.

In every year since 1900 except 1918, CVD accounted for more deaths than any other major cause of death in the United States. Stroke still ranks fifth.

An estimated 85.6 million people in the U.S. are living with cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and chest pain.

Among U.S. adults, 32.6 percent—about 80 million—have high blood pressure.

Despite an overall 28.8 percent drop in cardiovascular disease death rates from 2003 to 2013, the high blood pressure death rate increased 8.2 percent over that same time.

Source of info: newsroom.heart.org/events/american-heart-month-events-and-info

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Living your life wholeheartedly Heart condition doesn’t stop Hays CISD alumni

By Moses Leos III

of it. He also didn’t think it was serious, either. ports were once a way of “Playing football and life for Hays High alumni basketball, you may miss a meal Bobby Limon, Jr. here or there, or you may not From his football playing hydrate yourself, or not have days as a child, to hitting the some extra Gatorade, you can hardwood in high school, sometimes get lightheaded,” Limon put his heart and soul Bobby said. “I didn’t think into his athletic pursuits. anything of it.

But what seemed like a Bobby, who didn’t play in minor fainting spell during a the game after the incident, 2011 summer basketball game followed up by going to his turned into a doctor for a serious issue. check-up soon Limon, after. who was 17 at He realized the time, was something was diagnosed with wrong when hypertrophic his doctor cardiomyopathy referred him to a (HCM), a genetic cardiologist who condition that “didn’t sugarcoat causes the walls anything.” of the heart to Bobby thicken. discovered he Even as Limon had suffered discovered his a mild heart Robert Limon athletic career attack, which was over, the was caused by desire to not only succeed but HCM. It took 15 seconds for the also to raise awareness of his cardiologist to inform Bobby, condition was ever present. who had been in athletics since he was five years old, that he could no longer play sports.

“My initial reaction was, ‘oh crap, my life was over,” Bobby said. “I never had plans to play (Division I) basketball, but it Of all the basketball games former Hays CISD board trustee was fun for me. Growing up around that lifestyle, it was my Robert Limon, Sr. can recall life.” being a part of, the events surrounding a June 2011 contest is forever ingrained in his mind.

On that day, Robert, who was helping coach a summer league team he helped organize, Over the course of the next watched as his son, Bobby, fell year, Bobby tried to find the over and passed out for a few next step in his life. seconds while reaching for The news impacted not Gatorade on the bench. only him, but also his entire Bobby Limon said many family, Robert Limon said. of his friends thought he was Transitioning away from sports, joking and didn’t think much

S

A life-changing diagnosis

Finding normalcy amid chaos

page 6 u february | 2017

“My initial reaction was, ‘oh crap, my life was over ... I never had plans to play (Division I) basketball, but it was fun for me. Growing up around that lifestyle, it was my life.”

–Bobby Limon on learning he couldn’t play sports after a mild heart attack at age 15

however, proved to a challenge.

“If it had happened in the 8th or 9th grade, maybe it wouldn’t have been that hard,” Bobby said. “Because it happened in the middle of my high school career, it was more challenging.”

Bobby, however, quickly gathered support from his many friends, who pushed him to look past sports.

The Hays High coaching staff assisted Bobby’s quest for normalcy, as then head coach Dean McMullen named him a team manager for his junior and senior years. The title helped Bobby cope with not being able to play basketball, Robert said.

A desire to stay busy soon crossed into Bobby’s mind. During the final two years of high school, he participated in the Hays High Student Council.

Meanwhile, Robert Limon sought for a way to turn what was a bad situation into an enlightening experience.

With the help of Hays CISD, Robert helped organize the Hays Heart Classic Basketball Tournament, which partnered with Championship Hearts, an Austin-area organization that raises money to help screen athletes for heart-related illnesses, including HCM. For roughly two years, Robert organized the event, which was played at Hays CISD campuses. While he was unable to participate in the event, Bobby said the creation of the tournament helped promote the need for athletes in the area to be screened.

HCM, according to the American Heart Association, is the second most common form of heart muscle disease and is responsible for approximately 35 to 40 percent of cardiomyopathy in children.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine website, HCM is the “leading cause of sudden death in young athletes.”

“We wanted to raise awareness.

We didn’t want to have that happen to anyone in our area. Our kids, our athletes,” Bobby said.

Looking to the future

Attending college for Bobby was a way to take advantage of a “clean slate” and a fresh start.

During his time at Texas State, Bobby joined a fraternity and different clubs. He plans to graduate in December with a degree in Marketing and is now looking for internships.

All the while, Bobby continues to see his cardiologist for a yearly Electrocardiogram (EKG) and sonogram to monitor his condition, Robert said.

But Bobby and Robert understand the need for young people and athletes to be screened for HCM. Both were close friends with former Hays High alumni Will Trevillion, who passed away due to an enlarged heart in 2015.

Bobby hopes to potentially work with Championship Hearts, which is something he did during his high school years. He hopes to one day make screening more accessible, and affordable, for young athletes.

“Coming toward the end of my college career, I have more time to get back into that,” Bobby said. “It’s important to me. I’m still living with it now.”

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Dying of a broken heart?

Stress-related symptoms could affect heart health

By Samantha Smith

Monteleone added that stress cardiomyopathy is also often called ith Valentine’s Day right around earthquake syndrome, since in Japan the corner, many couples will doctors saw it often after an earthquake. celebrate their love for one “It presents much like a heart attack, another February 14. but with specific testing, we can find Others, however, may be nursing a out that there are no blocked arteries broken heart. causing a “heart attack” but the But medical professionals warn diving symptoms are really caused by stress into a tub of ice cream cardiomyopathy,” may not be the worst Monteleone said. reaction. A broken He also said heart, in fact, could that even though “There’s been actually kill a person. the condition is Dr. Peter widespread, there is a lot of different Monteleone, a Seton nothing that is well Heart Institute known to prevent names for the cardiologist, said there the condition, but are a lot of different that people who have condition known names for “broken underlying heart as broken heart heart syndrome”. problems are more “There’s been a lot likely to experience syndrome, of different names stress cardiomyopathy. for the condition “When someone most commonly known as broken presents with this heart syndrome, most condition we first rule called stress commonly called stress out a traditional heart cardiomyopathy, an attack by performing cardiomyopathy, emergent acute change tests like cardiac an emergent in cardiac function catheterization or as a result of a stress cardiac angiogram acute change in hormone response,” to rule out arterial Monteleone said. blockages,” Monteleone cardiac function Monteleone said said. that stress hormone Monteleone said as a result of a responses can arise that if the patients from many different arteries look normal, stress hormone triggers, but more the patient is put on commonly are a result medications typically response.” from the stress of used to treat congestive –Dr. Peter Monteleone, bad news regarding heart failure. Those cardiologist at Seton Heart loved ones or the medications include Institute surge of adrenaline beta-blockers and ace and emotions after a inhibitors, which are traumatic event. given over a couple of “Stress cardiomyopathy is usually a months in order to remodel the heart sudden condition that can be caused by muscle. terrible things happening to loved ones, “We often see a complete response trauma from car accidents and other to normal heart pump function within dramatic situations,” Monteleone said. weeks to months,” Monteleone said.

Monteleone also gave a more clinical The shocker related to stress name for the condition that originated cardiomyopathy is that the condition in Japan. can possible lead to death.

“Tako tsubo is a Japanese term used “People can actually die of a broken to describe the condition where the base heart, the sudden onset of the condition of the heart contracts normally and the can cause a cardiac arrest or severe apex of the heart does not beat regularly, dysfunction of the heart and they which resembles a pot that was used to can die without proper assistance,” catch octopi in Japan,” Monteleone said. Monteleone said.

W

page 8 u february | 2017

Heart healing

BY MOSES LEOS III

W

hen patients make their way to Kirk Perry, many have undergone serious, and in some cases, life saving heart-related surgery.

Perry, who is the exercise coordinator in cardiac rehabilitation at Seton, helps to get those who have experienced surgery back on their feet.

Sometimes, however, physical rehab isn’t enough. That’s why Perry also helps coordinate the Very Important Hearts support group, which allows patients to gather education on prevention, treatment and reversing heart disease.

Perry said the group meets once a month at various Seton hospitals, including Seton Medical Center Hays in Kyle.

Patients who attend the group

are those who have gone through complex procedures, such as heart-bypass surgery, or have conditions such as congestive heart failure, or have suffered a heart attack.

The reasoning for the group is building camaraderie among heart surgery patients. Some patients are prone to wondering why “it happened to them.”

Those who have gone through heart surgery are in the hospital on average for up to a week.

Perry said he schedules patients to conduct rehabilitation procedures within two weeks of their discharge.

The support group attempts to help patients during that time avoid feeling alone, while also providing necessary information.

“They relate with each oth-

er,” Perry said. “Some of the guys, they will lift up their shirts and show each other their scars. It’s that camaraderie.”

Perry said most of the patients are those who are 60 to

the road back

70 years old. The age range, however, does vary.

“I’ve seen a patient as young as 22 who suffered a heart attack,” Perry said. “I also have a guy in his 90s who’s on a treadmill. We have a broad age

group.”

An average of eight people attend the group sessions, which is open to the public and patients in the hospital. Patients who attend the sessions come from Kyle, Buda, San Marcos and Lockhart.

Perry schedules speakers that range from former patients who have overcome a heart ailment to medical professionals, who could offer insight and advice on heart health. Perry said doctors and medical professionals draw a larger volume.

For Perry, helping guide patients to better health is the goal.

“We encourage them to come to the support group,” Perry said. “Primarily, we are the ones that are with them for their journey in rehab for three months.”

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Valentine’s Day 2017 To celebrate or not to celebrate

45.2%

of adults do not plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year

53%

of women say they would break up with their significant other if they got nothing for Valentine’s Day

50%

of singles are proud of their relationship status

24%

of singles buy themselves a present for Valentine’s Day

90.8%

percent that plan to buy a gift for their significant other

1 in 5

people will buy Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets

Who plans on celebrating

$19.7 Billion

Total Valentine’s Day spending projected for 2017

$4.5 Billion

64.3%

35-44

58%

45-54

55%

55-64

49.6%

65+

44.7%

INCOME <$50K

47.1%

$50K+

61.7%

Average amount that Valentine’s Day revelers will spend in 2017

$87.25

Men

53.1%

Women

56.3%

page 10 ◆ february | 2017

of women are 59.5% more likely to shop at discount stores than men

$286

Average amount to be spent by the 18% of Americans planning a Valentine’s weekend getaway

250 Million

$1.99 Billion

$4.45 Billion

Amount that will be spent by the 36.4% buying flowers

Amount to be spent by the 19.9% buying jewelry

Looking for love

14 Million

marriage proposals will be made on Valentine’s Day this year

399

Number of dating services nationwide

1.9 Million

GENDER

59.5%

Average amount to be spent by the 38.3% of couples planning a Valentine’s evening out.

AGE 25-34

$146.84

Collective amount expected to be spent by the 38.3% of couples planning a night out

The National Retail Federation asked people whether they were planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The graph shows the rate at which people said “yes” based on age income and gender.

58.6%

by the numbers

A love affair with spending

roses are produced for Valentine’s Day

18-24

Data based on CardHub analysis as well as information from the National Retail Federation, OpenTable. com, American Express and news reports.

Facebook users changed their relationship status within a week of Valentine’s Day 2016

5%

of marriages and committed relationships begin online

20%

Increase in new Match.com profiles the week after Valentine’s Day 2016

STAFF PICKS

: Movies for Valentine’s

Many couples, and singles, will choose to avoid the masses that will be dining out on Valentine’s Day and stay home to watch a movie instead. The Hays County Echo staff brainstormed on what they thought were some of the most classic movies to watch on Valentine’s Day and here are some choices our staff made in the following categories:

27 Dresses (2008)

CLASSIC MOVIES

Tender story of the enduring power of love even during the ravages of alzheimer’s.

by publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton and proofreader Jane Kirkham

SCI-FI

After serving as a bridesmaid 27 times, a young woman wrestles with the idea of standing by her sister’s side as her sibling marries the man she’s secretly in love with.

The Notebook (2004)

Breakfast at Tiffanys (1961)

A young New York socialite becomes interested in a young man who has moved into her apartment building.

Domestic and professional tensions mount when a husband and wife work as opposing lawyers in a case involving a woman who shot her husband.

MUSICAL ROMANCE

(2004) Henry Roth is a man afraid of commitment up until he meets the beautiful Lucy. They hit it off and Henry think he’s finally found the girl of his dreams, until he discovers she has short-term memory loss and forgets him the very next day.

Grease

(1978) Good girl Sandy and greaser Danny fell in love over the summer. When they unexpectedly discover they’re now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance?

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Princess Bride

(1987) While home sick in bed, a young boy’s grandfather reads him a story called The Princess Bride.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980) After the rebels have been brutally overpowered by the Empire on their newly established base, Luke Skywalker takes advanced Jedi training with Master Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader as part of his plan to capture Luke.

Edward Scissorhands

(1990) A gentle man, with scissors for hands, is brought into a new community after living in isolation.

Movie descriptions from IMDB.com

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Say Anything

(1989) A noble underachiever and a beautiful valedictorian fall in love the summer before she goes off to college.

A poet falls for a beautiful courtesan whom a jealous duke covets.

An impromptu fashion shoot at a book store brings about a new fashion model discovery in the shop clerk.

by reporter Anna Herod

50 First Dates

Moulin Rouge (2001) Funny Face (1957)

MOVIES FOR MILLENIALS

In the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.

by production manager David White

Based on the play “Cyrano de Bergerac”, large nosed C.D. Bales falls for the beautiful Roxanne while she falls for his personality but another man’s looks.

by graphic designer Christine Thorpe

Adam’s Rib (1949)

Wall-E (2008)

80S MOVIES

Roxanne (1987)

Casa Blanca (1942)

In Casablanca, Morocco in December 1941, a cynical American expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications.

by editor Moses Leos III

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Make it a green 2017 Gardening resolutions to start your year right

BY CHRISTINE REID

R

esolve to: Get a soil test done! A good test will reveal the texture and ph of the soil, list the nutrients that plants can actually pull from the ground and make appropriate recommendations from there. Don’t pour money into fertilizer and other amendments that may not be needed or could even make things worse. A highly regarded source for testing is Texas Plant and Soil Lab (texasplantandsoillab.com). Other testing facilities include Logan Labs (loganlabs.com) and Control Laboratories (compostlab.com).

Start and maintain a compost pile. Sure, it’s easy to buy bags of this excellent soil amendment, but making your own will not only save you money, it can give organic gardeners peace of mind knowing what went into the compost. The most basic of recycling activities, composting turns coffee grounds, garden trimmings and kitchen scraps, among other things, into a moisture-retaining soil amendment, vibrant with microbial activity and rich with nutrients and minerals. Go to rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/ how-compost or similar sites for instructions. Having a compost pile can be quite simple, regardless of the many books and websites out there that try to make it seem difficult.

Prepare the garden bed before planting. Longtime gardeners know that a successful vegetable patch starts with the soil, so work some compost, organic fertilizer or other appropriate amendments into the ground right now, to get it ready for spring planting. This gardening activity really pays dividends later in higher yields of vegetables and flowers.

Plant things that thrive in Central Texas.That may seem obvious, however, people often long to surround themselves with the plants and trees they grew up with, no matter what part of the country they hail from.Yes, fresh blueberries are wonderful and we’d all love to have a

page 12 ◆ february | 2017

Attract beneficial insects and other pollinators by planting native and adapted plants.

photos by Christine Reid Pollinator-friendly plants, shrubs and vines will beautify your yard and bring in birds, butterflies and other helpers that will appreciate the seeds, nectar and shelter.

Examples of pollinatorfriendly plants would be the allium (above) and daylilies (right).

colorful Japanese Maple in our yard, but welcome to reality. It gets really hot here and we have too dry or too wet, heavy, alkaline soil (at least, most of us, most of the time). Avoid installing plants and trees that don’t do well in those kinds of conditions. You’ll save yourself time, money and heartache if you do some research first. You can find plant information at growgreen.org.

Attract beneficial insects and other pollinators by planting native and adapted plants. Pollinator-friendly plants, shrubs and vines will beautify your yard and bring in birds, butterflies and other helpers that will appreciate the seeds, nectar and shelter. Don’t use pesticides as they usually kill more helpful insects than pests; a healthy, organic garden will contain natural predators such as ladybugs, assassin bugs, wheel bugs and green lacewings, among others. Get some tips on designing a pollinator garden at wildflower.org.

Install trees, shrubs and woody vines before spring. Planting in the ground now will enable plants and trees to get a headstart on root production before the heat arrives. It’s usually more pleasant to work outdoors this time of year, too.

Go to texastreeplanting.tamu.edu for more information.

Prune at the appropriate time of year (usually late winter) and only when needed. Don’t commit ‘crape murder,’ which is where the top part of crape myrtles are hacked off. It looks awful and weakens the tree. To keep from mindlessly pruning everything in sight this month, take a day to look at the landscape without any sharp tools in your hand and decide what, if anything, actually needs to be trimmed. A few reasons to prune include improving fruit or flower production, shaping to keep branches in proportion and removing dead branches. With roses, cut back most own-root varieties by about a third, opening up the branches to let the sunlight in and cutting off crossing or dead canes. For roses that

bloom just once in the spring, such as Lady Banks, trim, if needed, after they’re done flowering to avoid cutting off buds. Remember to prune live oaks and red oaks only at the coldest time of the year in order to thwart the insects that spread oak wilt disease and then apply tree paint to the wound immediately.

Spend more time in the garden. Many studies suggest that mingling with plants and critters helps lower your blood pressure and relieves stress. It’s also a great place to hang out with the kids or grandkids. As ‘author unknown’ once wrote, “Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes!”

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SCOTT’S LEGACY

Late 3-pointer lifts Hays Rebels past Lobos.

Kyle water fountain flows after decades of unuse. again

– Page 1B

Hays Free Press – Page 1C

©Barton Publications,

Vol. 120 • No. 42

Kyle mother charged in

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

A Kyle woman has been charged in connection with the death of her five-yearold daughter in a crime law enforcement officials have deemed as one of the “most

Inc.

Serving Buda, Kyle and

CHILD DEATH, 2A

Hear us!

|

VILLANUEVA

What’s next for $265M school bond?

BY MOSES LEOS

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA

SMITH Anti-fluoride protesters used signs that said “Hear silent protest at the Jan. Us!” as part of a 3 Buda City Council meeting.

The fluoride debate in Buda raged on as members of an anti-fluoride group flocked to the Jan. 3 city council meeting to demonstrate in a silent protest on the issue.

Protesters with the Flouride Free movement demonstrated by holding up orange signs with the words “Hear Us!” printed on them, which were shown when those against

call a bond election in III news@haysfreepress.com February. The board did not, however, finalize the bond or items to go within a potential initiative.

Monday’s meeting was one of the first opportunities for the board to see the GIC’s recommended $265 million proposal, On Monday, the board which, if approved by the voted unanimously to board, would go on the accept the Hays CISD ballot as a single propoGrowth Impact Commitsition. tee’s recommendation for Ida Musgrove, chaira possible May bond. person of the GIC, said With the vote, the the group had a conboard gains control sensus on several items, over the bond process, including a new $122 which ultimately will million high school, two lead the board to decide on whether or not to SCHOOL BOND, 4A The decision to bring a possible bond initiative to area voters this May now rests in the hands of the Hays CISD board of trustees.

Silent protest

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

113 W. Center Street, Kyle TX 78640

TX • 75¢

Trustees to review recommendations

news@haysfreepress.com

|

Northeast Hays County,

‘horrific’ homicide

horrific cases in Hays County Villanueva was magistrated history.”

Hays County Jail on $800,000 Krystle Concepcion Villan- by Hays County Justice of the bond for of Willow Terrace in the the capital murder Peace Pct. 1-1 Joanne Prado. ueva, 24, was charged Green Pastures subdivision. charge and $300,000 for with Villanueva was also the capital murder in the death When authorities arrived, aggravated assault. charged with aggravatof her daughter, Giovanna they discovered Uresti, At a press conference, who ed assault with a deadly Larae Hernandez, whose had suffered stab wounds Hays County Sheriff Gary weapon after she stabbed death was ruled as homicide across his forehead, on Cutler said the HCSO reher father-in-law, Eustorigo by stabbing, according his back and left ceived a 911 call at 12:51 to Arellano-Uresti, 58. Villanp.m. according to a shoulder, Hays County press release.a Thursday for an aggravated Hays County uenva is being held in the assault call in the 200 block

Fluoride debate rages on in Buda

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Don’t commit ‘crape murder,’ which is where the top part of crape myrtles are hacked off.

It looks awful and weakens the tree.

Buda’s decision to rein“Please postpone fluotroduce fluoride in the Moss and her son suffer water system spoke during ridation of the water until from a condition that the Fluoride Free side has public comment. makes it harder for her had an opportunity to Jennifer Allen said the be blood to detoxify heavy heard and the community individuals speaking to metals that could be exacinformed,” she said. council members during erbated by the presence Buda resident Michelle of public comment were HFA in the surface water “the Reed, who recently voice of the community.” moved supply. to Buda with her husAllen said she is “very “I urge you to postpone band just over a year ago, much against” fluoridaimplementation of fluoriechoed Allen’s concerns tion of the city’s surface dation,” Moss said, “I hope over adding a chemical water supply and claimed you hear us.” to drinking water the grade of fluoride is Buda resident Eddy Tonot she said the EPA that the same as what the denwouldn’t ledo referenced a 1983 allow in letthe environment. tists use, but a by-product ter from Rebecca Hummer “That is ridiculous,” of fertilizer called hydroat the EPA calling HFA Reed said. a fluorosilicic acid (HFA).

Buda resident Corey

City council takes second look at

leader’s contract www.HaysFreePress.com

BY MOSES LEOS III

that runs until Dec. 31, news@haysfreepress.com 2019. During that time, Sellers would receive an annual base salary of Kyle city leaders are $196,503.20, which would planning to introduce raise his current salary a renegotiated contract by approximately $15,000. later this month for City Webster said the figure Manager Scott Sellers was based off of a market several weeks after a analysis of city manager previous proposed deal salaries in the area. ignited a firestorm of Sellers would also controversy. receive an annual Kyle Mayor Todd salary adjustment that Webster said the new is the “same percentage deal, which will be an increase budgeted” for agenda item at the Jan. 17 non-sworn city council meeting, is employees or sworn employees, a “very simple” contract depending on which structured from city amount is greater, acmanager contracts in cording to the draft conneighboring cities. tract. The draft contract “Given the reaction of the other contract, we de- also calls for Sellers to be paid no less than the base cided to try and take the salary except by mutual path that the community agreement of parties. would be most accepting Webster said the city of,” Webster said. manager position had Sellers’ proposed been previously excludcontract, which is in ed from cost-of-living draft form and will be an adjustments (COLA) for agenda item at the Jan. salaries. Sellers’ current 17 city council meeting, calls for a three-year deal NEW CONTRACT,

Subscriptions: paper@haysfreepress.com | Advertising: tracy@haysfreepress.com | News tips: news@haysfreepress.com COMING UP FLUORIDE DEBATE, 4A

Purgatory Trail Run

On Jan. 15, come out for the beautiful Purgatory the annual San Marcos trail race in Creek Natural Area. This sanctioned event. The is a USATF 10-mile course leads runners Edwards Aquifer recharge through the tions of trail. The 5K coursezone with some difficult technical secis rigorous with a medium rating and is a good introduction technical to trail running. hikers are encouraged to participate. RegistrationWalkers and starts at 9 a.m.

Tutus & Tennies 5K

ROUNDTABLE

Buda Chamber, hoteliers discuss growth.

– Page 1D

INDEX

Get your craziest tutus ready for this year's Tutus 5K on Jan. 28. Come and Tennies out and walk, jog, or run the Dance Dash in the a 5K and join in parking lot after. Early packet pick up and walk up registration on Friday, Jan. 27, 4-7 available at Dance Unlimited in Buda p.m. Start and finish is ited, 1019 Main Street, at Dance UnlimBuda, com/running/buda-tx/2017 78610. See www.athleteguild. dash for more information. -du-tutus-tennies-5k-and-dance-

Run for the Love of It

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by working up a sweat with the Connection Church’s chip-timed 5k Fun Run/Walk on Feb. 11. Start and finish is at The Connection Church. The 5K starts at 8 a.m., with the Kids’ Dash immediately following. See www.athleteguild. com/running/buda-tx/2017-runfor-the-love-of-it for more info.

News …………… 1-4A Opinions ……………

3A Sports …………… 1-2B Education ……… 3-4B Community …… 1-4C

4A

Business …………

1D Service Directory .....

3D Classifieds ………...

2D Public Notices ……

2D

FM 2770 & Kohler’s Crossing • 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640 in Plum Creek

512-268-8200 H www.HarrellFuneralHomes.com

page 13

Central Texas Festivals and Events Feb. 2-3

Ada Limón Reading and Book Signings Author Ada Limón will be holding readings and book signings on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 3:30 p.m. at the Witliff Collections and Friday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Katherine Anne Porter Literary Center. Limón is the author of four books of poetry, including Bright Dead Things, which was named a finalist for the 2015 National Book Award in Poetry and one of the Top Ten Poetry Books of the Year by The New York Times. Her other books include Lucky Wreck, This Big Fake World, and Sharks in the Rivers.

Feb. 3-4

Eddie Durham Jazz Festival On Feb. 3 and 4, celebrate Texas jazz legend and

San Marcos native Eddie Durham with a program of live jazz performances that pay tribute to the renowned Texas guitarist at Texas State University. Visit www. txstate.edu/jazzstudies/ hillcountryfestival for more information and a full schedule.

Texas Lehigh Sudoku Solution, from page 3

Feb. 18-19

All I Really Need to Know I Learned From the Symphony Starlight Symphony Orchestra invites you to its February concerts celebrating the wonder of music. The first concert will be held Feb. 18, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the Hays Performing Arts Center, 979 Kohler’s Krossing, Kyle TX. A second performance will be held Feb. 19, 2017 at 4 p.m. at Wimberley First Baptist Church, 15951 Winters Mill Parkway, Wimberley, TX. See more information at www.starlightsymphony.org.

Browse & buy photos from local events at

HaysFreePress.com

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page 14 ◆ february | 2017

Just follow the Photos link.

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Electrical, A/C, heating Commercial and residential.

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NEMEC Heating and Air

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Residential, commercial and after hours available. chris@nemecheatingandair.com 512–312–9081 512–789–5132

AUTOMOTIVE AMM Collision Center

Three great locations!

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

Buda Automotive

You know us... by our reputation!

Full service car & truck repair.

601 S. Loop 4 in Buda 512–295–2832

Central Garage, LLC

Complete Auto Repair, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

20 Hwy. 290 West, Dripping Springs 512-894-4114 or 512-858-4252

COMPUTER SERVICE 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

DIRT Rick-Rob Trucking

Loam, topsoil, sand, gravel, roadbase, asphalt millings, granite, compost mix. Tractor work available.

Specializing in country driveways.

512-858-7952. robinnds@aol.com, www.rick-rob.com

GLASS SERVICE Berry Glass Company

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

LANDSCAPING/LAWN CARE Daniel Stone & Landscaping Supplies

We deliver. Grass: St. Augustine, Buffalo, Bermuda, Tifway. Chopped rock, patio rock, flagstone, drystack, gravel, river rock, mulch, sand and loam. 12015 Hwy 290 W, Cedar Valley, Austin. 512-288-8488.

LEGAL SERVICES

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

High Tide Pool Service Over 10 years cleaning and maintaining pools. Drain & cleans pressure washing, full service repairs, replastering. Free estimates, call Keith Miller at (512) 965-3465.

REMODELING Tri–County Construction Let us make your dreams a reality!

Specializing in custom remodeling and insurance repairs since 1984.

Fully insured. 512–282–6224

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

LOCKSMITH AALCO Locksmiths

Auto, home, business. Established 1985, License B11969.

512-443-3444, lockmedic.com

PAINTING The Handyman Can

Residential & commercial painting, texturing, sheetrock 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

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 Area Roofing Company

Serving Hays County. Residential & Commercial. Free estimates.

Insurance claims welcome. Ron Johnson, owner. 512–312–5050

SEPTIC SERVICES All American Wastewater Solutions, LLC

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.

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 Lees Trees

Firewood, pruning, tree removal, chipping, planting, cedar posts, bulk mulch. Free assessments & estimates. Affordable oak wilt treatment. Schedule ball moss treatment for March. Call Marcus Lees at (512) 858-4018, leestrees@vownet.net

Woody’s Tree and Stone Landscape Installations Stone patios, outdoor kitchens, trellises, arbors, drainage solutions, retaining walls, metal edging, gardens, tree service and much more.

Call 512-751-5449, or email woodyslawn@gmail.com www.ILoveWoodys.com

WINDOW TREATMENTS Made in the Shade

Custom window treatments at affordable prices. Graber, Hunter Douglas, Norman and more. Blinds, shades, draperies and shutters.

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Call 512-847-8970, www. madeintheshadeofwimberley.com

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page 15

GUN STORE NOW OPEN

FSC FALLING SKIES CORP

www.fallingskiescorp.com

page 16 ◆ february | 2017

SILENCERS SPECIALTY FIREARMS AMMO • SBRs Hours of Operation Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

512-621-4015

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

2390 FM 2001, Buda, TX 78610