Focus 2015

FOCUS

HAYS FREE PRESS • NEWS-DISPATCH

1

2015

on locally owned businesses

A tribute to the homegrown businesses in Hays County Published by Barton Publications, Inc. Hays Free Press • News-Dispatch

photo of Hays City Store by Moses Leos III

2 • FOCUS ON HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES

JULY 2015

FOCUS

on Locally Owned Businesses is published by Barton Publications, Inc. 113 W. Center Street Kyle, TX 78640 112 N. Main St. Buda, TX 78610 512-268-7862 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton

Distribution Suzanne Hallam

Editor Kim Hilsenbeck

Office Manager Connie Brewer

Graphics Director David White

Marketing Tracy Mack Miles Hanson

Graphics Assistant Christine Thorpe

BUDA

Photography Moses Leos

DRUG STORE

Fountain Hours: Mon-Sat, 8 am-7 pm Fountain Phone: 512-312-2172 Pharmacy Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 am-6 pm; Sat, 9 am-2 pm Pharmacy Phone: 512-312-2111 Prescription delivery available 203 Railroad St. Buda, Texas

New prescription customers who mention this ad will receive a

$10 Soda Fountain Gift Certificate

Old Fashioned Soda Fountain Treats and Full Service Pharmacy * Coffee * Ice Cream * Milkshakes * Floats * Sundaes * Banana Splits * Ice Cream * Sodas * Malts

Inside Proof Liquor & Deli ................................................................................3 Your Dollar Counts: Shop Local............................................................4 Doyle Law Firm ......................................................................................5 Buda’s Protein Weight Loss Center......................................................5 Eat Like a Locavore ...............................................................................6 Legend Healthcare ................................................................................7 Dance Unlimited ....................................................................................7 Wage and Income Trends .....................................................................8 Hearing Centers of Austin .....................................................................8 Unemployment Rate Drop ....................................................................9 Fast Growing Occupations ...................................................................9 General Nutrition Center .......................................................................9 Trends in Hays County ........................................................................10 Geo Growers ........................................................................................11 Hays City Store ....................................................................................12 Buda Drugstore and Soda Fountain ...................................................12 Tavern on Main ....................................................................................13 Build a Company Website...................................................................14 Onion Creek Kennels...........................................................................14 Texas Pie Company .............................................................................14 The Jumpy Place .................................................................................15 Riley Gardner Memorial ......................................................................16 Pinballz Kingdom ................................................................................17 Rocking Horse Academy ....................................................................18 Lone Star Kettle Corn..........................................................................19 Hays Free Press...................................................................................20 Hands on Healing ................................................................................23

Buy local H

omegrown businesses are what make a town feel like a community. They are the lifeblood of the local economy.

That’s why in this special Focus issue produced by the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch, we feature local, homegrown businesses in northern Hays County. From a pharmacy with an old time soda shop to an iconic pie restaurant and everything in between, Focus brings you in touch with business owners who planted roots right here in the heart of Hays. As you read, we hope you will learn something new

or find a business you didn’t know existed. And we encourage you to try out as many of the businesses in this issue as possible, because without our local shop owners, doctors, insurance agents and restaurants, we would be just like every other city in America.

Thanks for reading – enjoy!

Kim Hilsenbeck Editor P.S. – If you know of a hometown business you think should be included in next year’s Focus, drop us a line at news@haysfreepress.com.

HAYS FREE PRESS • NEWS-DISPATCH

Variety is the spice of life and Proof has it

Thanks to partners Debbie Mylius and Amy Knight, liquor, beer, wine, cigar, specialty grocery, and deli enthusiasts in Buda have a reason to be excited. Proof Liquor & Deli, is your new home for all that and more.

THE BEER AND LIQUOR:

Proof Liquor and Deli offers quality spirits, including rare scotches, small batch bourbons, loads of local flare like Dripping Springs, Smith’s, & Tito’s vodkas, local gins, tasty local and international craft beers, and inspired wines from all over the world with cigars to match.

THE DELI:

The deli boasts homemade scrumptious soups & sandwiches and a wide array of artisanal cheese, house sliced deli meats, fresh dips & salads. They also offer specialty groceries such as Quince for your cheese plates, scottish smoked salmon, blue cheese oversized stuffed olives, roasted marinated artichokes, pickled brussel sprouts and fresh baked sweets.

THE PEOPLE:

Mylius and Knight enjoy providing their customers with healthy dining options along with the best selection of locally made items. “We really want to get to know our customers on a personal basis and love offering up wine pairings, wrapping your gift purchases, even carrying your orders out to your vehicle,” says Knight. Proof Liquor & Deli is also about discovering new tastes, Knight adds, by helping people to “break out from old habits and try something new, be it a different grape

varietal for wine, to the most hard core IPA brew, alcoholic ginger beers, to new local whisky.”

3

Buda, Texas – EST. 2015 –

THE SERVICE:

“Unlike big box liquor stores, we are locally owned and operated,” says Knight. “We care deeply about answering your queries, so it’s not unusual for you to ask us to carry a product we don’t currently have, then we’ll find and procure it and call you to let you know it’s here for you.”

The owners also try to create an ambiance that’s atypical of most liquor stores. Mylius and Knight previously worked in record stores where there was always music playing. “We take care to constantly be playing emotive music for everyone, and certainly, you never know what you’re going to hear when you visit,” said Knight.

Mylius and Knight credit their success to the rapidly growing neighborhood and the people spreading the message about their “tasty food and beverages, peppered with dedicated customer service,” says Knight.

“Certainly our repeat clientele is a good indicator we are on the right track.”

Proof Liquor & Deli is located at 3420 FM 967, just past the corner at FM 1626. Liquor store hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Deli store hours are Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

There will be a Grand Opening party on Aug 1. with tastings and some great opening specials.

For more information, call 512-3610152 or visit www.proofliquoranddeli. com.

LIQUOR IN THE FRONT WINE IN THE REAR SUDS ON THE SIDE CHOW IN THE CENTER

3420 B FM 967 | BUDA, TX | 512.361.0152 | Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

www.proofliquoranddeli.com

4 • FOCUS ON HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES

JULY 2015

Your dollar counts

SHOP LOCAL

“I can’t make that big of a difference with just a couple of local purchases.” “It will be easier to just go to the chain store.” Have you ever thought this to yourself when deciding where to shop?

These thoughts are what small businesses in your area are up against – and it’s time to flip the script. The truth is, your money does matter, no matter how small the amount. And it can actually be easier to make a quick trip downtown for a purchase instead of walking through a big box store for the same item.

That’s because choosing locally owned stores for your shopping needs generates almost four times as much economic benefit for the surrounding region compared to shopping at a chain, according to the Institute for Local SelfReliance.

More specifically, the report states that local restaurants re-circulate 79 percent of their revenues locally, compared to 30 percent for chain eateries. This type of money being re-invested in your community should help convince you which way to shop the next time you’re conflicted.

HIRING LOCAL About half of all private sector workers are employed in small businesses, according to the Bureau of Labor. This means more local talent is retained and more money for taxes stays in the community, as well.

The next time you think your dollar doesn’t count, remember that you’re not only helping the community as a whole, but also all of those individual workers who have jobs because of your support.

From part-time help all the way up to the business owner, small businesses are counting on you.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

SOCIAL INVESTMENTS More money staying local means more funding for important organizations such as charities and fundraiser events. Small business owners are more likely to make these

types of social investments in the community, according to research

by The American Small Business Coalition.

From local art groups to youth sports teams, small business owners are

quick to offer their sponsorship and money to help support community groups. This helps create customer buy-in for business owners, as well as a reputation for genuinely caring about their communities.

HAYS FREE PRESS • NEWS-DISPATCH

5

Doyle Law Firm

Serving the community from the heart of Kyle

N

estled in the trees on the square in downtown Kyle, the Doyle Law Firm offers legal services to the Buda and Kyle communities. Lawyer Lucinda Ramage Doyle’s aim is to assist individuals with their legal needs and provide competent and affordable representation.

The Doyle Law Firm is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information call 512-757-3309 or visit lucindadoyle.com

Lucinda Ramage Doyle

Ideal protein helps dieters shed the pounds

Business partners Debby to burn fat, transform their Brewington and Kelly Reyes bodies, manage medications, have the Buda/Kyle market and maintain their weight loss cornered as the for life.” Brewingonly business in ton adds that this the area that offers program is suca high biological cessful in reversing protein weight loss and treating many protocol. Accordmedical condiing to Brewington, tions.

“Our success lies Clients will in the specially forreceive private mulated bio-procoaching sessions tein utilized in which guides the this product. Our dieter through a clients experience life transforming unfounded weight journey using loss accompanied biological protein with fat burning, foods, Walden body sculpting Farms compli–Debby Brewington results. There is mentary foods no other diet that and nutritional can make the scientific claim supplements. As owners of that this protocol boasts. The Buda’s Protein Weight Loss satisfaction that the formulatCenter, Brewington and Reyes ed protein brings to the diet have successfully traveled propels Buda Protein clients this journey over the past

“All of our diabetics have been able to stop their medications or are on the road to stopping.”

Kelly Reyes and Debby Brewington, owners of Buda’s Protein Weight Loss Center

year transforming their own bodies and lives. Brewington says, “Encouraging others in their weight loss journey,” is what she and Reyes like most about helping their clients. “We love watching our dieters get

smaller and discontinue their medications, especially the diabetics. All of our diabetics have been able to stop their medications or are on the road to stopping. We find ourselves cheering our dieters along

as they become self-inspired through their own success.

Even thoughBrewington and Reyes just opened the weight loss clinic this year, they have been involved in the business community for the last 11 years. Most people know them from their tutoring business – KIS Education and Research Center. “Educating people has always been our passion,” says Brewington. “We have focused our efforts on the health of children. Now we have the opportunity to assist adults with the health struggles they face through counseling, proper nutrition and weight loss.”

Buda’s Protein Weight Loss Center is located at 1645 Main Street in Buda. For more information, call 512-295-0173 or visit www.budaweightloss. com. Their hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

6 • FOCUS ON HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES

JULY 2015

EAT LIKE A LOCAVORE

THE FARMERS MARKET One of the staple small businesses in America is the farmers market. From the California grape to the Georgia peach, produce just tastes better when it’s eaten right where it’s grown.

As demand for locally grown fruits and vegetables has increased, so too has the number of farmers markets in both rural and urban areas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the number of direct-sales markets increased 9.6 percent in 2012, with California and New York leading the charge. USDA-registered farmers markets topped 7,800 in 2012. In 1994, there were 1,744.

Catalyzing some of this growth has been the USDA’s work to make the markets accessible to people of all income levels, including by making many of them eligible to accept payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps.

POPULAR OPTIONS Fresh fruits and vegetables drive traffic to farmers markets, but other popular items include meats, artisan cheeses, homemade jellies, crafts and live entertainment. You have probably noticed the steady growth of the farmers market in your area. Many across the nation are adding vendors, taking up larger parking lots and drawing more consumers than in years past.

Some markets are so popular that there are long waiting lists for farmers to even sell their products. From your average American shopper to your top chef, farmers markets draw a wide range of visitors.

AN EDUCATION Farmers markets empower consumers to become active supporters of their communities. They also can teach you about cooking techniques and the sustainable practices being used by farmers in your area.

Many markets feature instructional seminars and hands-on presentations to educate consumers about unique varieties of produce and how to prepare them at home.

TOP MARKETS

PHOTO BY KIM HILSENBECK

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER It’s never too early to pass on the values that drive you to shop local and support your neighbors. The children in your life are impressionable. Make a good

impression by explaining the importance of shopping locally.

They may be future entrepreneurs, and it’s never too early to plant that business acumen. Teach them the basics of starting

a business, and introduce them to shop owners. Prompt them to ask questions about being a business owner and then keep discussions going even after you’ve left the store.

So where are most people shelling out cash for the quality products of a farmers market? Where else than the country’s top agricultural producing state, California?

The USDA reports that the state boasts more than 800 markets, with New York (650) and Massachusetts (300) rounding out the top three.

The mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Southeast claimed the largest percentage growth in markets, reporting 15.8, 14.4 and 13.1 percent jumps in participation, according to the USDA.

HAYS FREE PRESS • NEWS-DISPATCH

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Your newspaper.

Subscribe to the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch to keep up with all your local news, community events, business openings and more.

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25, 2015

Potable water reuse tops DS council agenda

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Birdies for Business Golf Tournament

BY PAIGE LAMBE RT

Hays Free Press

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BY LAUREL ROBERT r Reporte News-Dispatch

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See Cameron Hilton disabilities. with mental

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Wimberley’s rday Second Satu Gallery Trail ers

RT PAIGE LAMBE

BY Reporter News-Dispatch

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ce for public assistan to apply for .” our improvements also be distribDonations will4 p.m.-7 p.m. uted there, open y and 8 a.m.-12 Monday-Frida y. Donated items p.m. Saturda be taken, as there will no longerthe center and more is enough at Marcos, he said. waiting in San ns will still be Financial donatio taken, he said.

appetiz Enjoy wine, galleries on 12 and art at the Square. Art around the meet the artto ay. invites you Second Saturd t ists during Flags” contes A “Know Your will add to 4-7 and door prizes place from Takes the fun. p.m. June 13.

6 LAGNIAPPE,

RY FLOOD RECOVE n, city admin-

DEVELOP Don Ferguso the recovery COUNTIES TO while RY PLAN istrator, said take two and half LONG-TERM RECOVE has ly rm recovery will probab rley is moving at a The long-te among years, Wimbe an agreement turned into , Guadalupe and ball fast pace. ahead of the red Hays, Blanco s.

“We are way ways, compa creatCaldwell countie ork is being game in many communities The framew to to the way other 7 y responded said.

AFTER THE FLOOD, n have typicall Ferguso this,” things like energy keeping the “The key is tum going.” and momen rley transitions into As Wimbe y, centers for well. long term recover as moving assistance are r recovery center The disaste Danforth Junior at (DRC) will be a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

9 High, open ofits and non-pr tion FEMA, SBA site as a registra will use the ce center. have insuran “Whether you ely important or not, it is extremname in the your that you get n said. “Go system,” Ferguso and go back process your through the the status of to check on nel claim.” has person The DRC also with anything housfor those dealing to temporary from coping

and Northe ast Hays County , TX • 75¢

hands-free

HANDS-FREE, 2A

power

moses@haysfree press.com

With power outages an issue at the Kyle Police Department’s dispatch center on Center Street, the Kyle City Council pushed forwar d upgrades to help the facility electrical standa meet By a 7-0 vote rds. on June 2, the Kyle counci proved a $17,39 l ap3 budget amendment general fund to the city’s bill for the to foot the improvements.

The purcha furniture for se of new dispatch unitthe city’s the need to triggered equipment. improve L NEWS, 6 DS CITY COUNCI nett said theBut BarThe building need goes further, primar and wasn’t that houses the Kyle Police ily when designed to PHOTO BY MOSES Departm the dispatc support the LEOS III h center took electrical loadent and dispatch center over the space was the departm ent is currentl built in the 1950s the departmentused by y putting on the electric it. prior to al system was the move to priority. that goes throug location in its current h there,” The buildin he said on 2013. along with May In September, was built in g, which the The influx 19. the city housing a lack building the early council allocat 1950’s, of multiled to outage of power has ple circuit once in the Fiscal ed funds s, with the s. as the city’s functioned building’s circuit Barnett said budget for year 2015 and wasn’t Post Office breakmany improved and er “tripping meant power strips ergonomic too much,” to han- accord dle the electric furnitu to capacity,” were “filled ing to al stress the city’s dispatc re for of the city’s causing He said the Barnett. h power Emerg unit. buildin ency issues for the According Management g was “many facility. building. that was the to Barnett, years Earp said the hind on electric be“The joke building ect,” as many“big projal work” functions more and exceed of the city’s in the coffee is, you plug as a “mini dispatch termin ed data center. allotment on its power you have to maker, and third-generat als were inside of the” Housed occasions. several ion, and fan, otherw unplug a had safety the city’s 911 building are ise the entire issues.

According center is shuttin But with the city’s emerge servers, the one circuit to Barnett, g down,” of new termin addition breaker “melt- Earp said. radio equipmncy service als, Assisent, and the ed” before it tripped While the city tant City Manag necessary compu due to the excess inquired er James about Earp said an ters relocat of power. for dispatchers. upgrade in Other issues facility, Earp ing the “There’s a lot “daisy chainin included minimum said the of power quote was power strips g” multiple $1 together,

PHOTO BY KIM Buda Police HILSENBECK camera that Officer Luke Lysek wearing a body-w link up to in Police Chief Bo Kidd (holding phone) orn real time. Buda in the country to use sensor-will be the first departmcan ogy, which activated camera ent is currently in development technol

by Taser Axon. -

Buda police adopt high-tec h body cameras

Hays Free Press

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com during discussions Most of the city council meetthe Wimberley prefaced by were ing June 18 the flood. “before” or “after”

Serving Buda, Kyle

with counci l member George Haehn Mayor Todd dissentRuge ing. Counc Council comm said. il Kidd said.

Angela Kennemember “I issioned Buda just becaus think it was dy was not present. e the Bo Kidd and Police Chief ting law in Austinno tex“A day doesn’ develop an staff to put in on everyone’s that you don’t t go by prohibiting ordinance Kidd said mind.” the use of an accident hear of mobile device caused by requested the council s while someone texting his team use driving. the Austin dropping their or hands-free “Nothing ordinance phone,” as a guide, Buda broughparticular to t this up,”

Kyle Police De partment imp rove dispatch

BY MOSES LEOS center III

ood Serving Driftwood, DrippingokSprings, s past megafl rley lo1982 Wimbesince and Wimberley nn Theatre The EmilyA s present The and Garden June 5-July 4, Wizard of Oz, Saturdays at and on Fridays ed on the 8:15 p.m. Perform n outdoor le Patti S. Harriso Tickets availab Stage.

Main n.org. at www.emilyan

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Buda may of its northe follow suit and prohib rn neighbor it mobile devicethe use of driving. The s while was approv ordinance ed reading Tuesda5-1 on first y night,

News-Dispatch Follow the Yellow Brick Road to EmilyAnn

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13

Three new directo to electric coope rs elected rative.

– Page 1C

ress

Inc.

HaysFreePre ss.com

ages and chalThe advant rming mulenges of transfointo drinknicipal sewage ed a large ing water occupi ng Springs part of Drippi monthly il’s City Counc June 9. meeting on -Darling of Eva Steinle ering led Carollo Engine h a Powcouncil throug tation on erpoint presen e Reuse, Direct Potabl benefits and the explaining d in the new costs involve technology. water-saving e one of “This has becom s that option at. the supply are looking communities has been logy techno – it The or 15 years there for tens a shift in the just require -Darling mindset,” Steinle l. told counci s and Wichita Big Spring tly using Falls are curren s and Lub- a system DPR ering it as bock is consid reported. she possibility, ng Springs has HILTON PHOTO BY AMY While Drippi official plans no presented DPR contract at to pursue a

LAGNIAPPE

NEW ON PEC

Hays Free P ©Barton Publica tions,

red is the registe tion, LLC, andsible for receiving as y, April 10, ing agent respon filed cations regard Texas on Monda te, documents legal notifi ons, lawsuits, and recorded in Texas Secretary of Drippin’ Concre ng court summ group and Dripping Spring with actions involvi BECK other legal State. The compa co-owned by Albini, entity.

BY KIM HILSEN ny’s filing status the corporate as a principal resident Paul in Editor “In out News-Dispatch is listed as Albini serves ts in other has played pubStandinteres of has Good ing court and the s includ as te, the ing Not For Or corporate entitieInc., Blacklic opinion Drippin’ Concre the real Dissolution concrete plant Knight’s Shield, ng well as ty Management proposed batch Withdrawal” s Rd. in Drippi hawk Proper and seven more court. on Bell Spring the drawing and its File The apCorporation Albini’s past off Springs, is Number is corporations. liations include plication for ng to board.

0706655722. corporate affi rs Inc., Mirador to Stop Drippi the permit According comBuilde The key peobuild the plant grassroots tion, Matsonement Services, Inc. Concrete, a that sprang up ple in Expedi Manag was filed by LLC, munity group plant, the Texas ing to public tion, others. and accord Expedi the gh to oppose Jose Cace16299 Fitzhu on Environmenrecords, are Caceres CANCELED, 3 voided at B. This Commission Jose BATCH PLANT Road, Unit (TCEQ) “hasfor res and Albini. al of Expediled as a tal Quality princip company fi application post d Liability serves as a the permit Domestic Limitein the State of for failure to Expedition ” Company (LLC) public notice. n that The fight betwee

Wimberley Hosted by the of Comer Valley Chamb for Busimerce, the Birdiesment takes ness Golf Tourna at Quicksand place June 27Funds raised will .

Golf Course Visitor Wimberley benefit the the Wimberley Center and tion. A Education Founda on motorcycle Harley Davidswinner of a will go to the To participate as hole-in-one. a golfer, email a sponsor or ey.org imberl info@w

Recognition and softball for the top baseball players in the county.

– Page 1B

75¢

Thursday, June

1982

stopped in’ Concrete

No. 38

JUNE 24, 2015

TOP PLAYERS

Like us on Facebook

page 8

page 2

page 2

Volume XXXV

Kudos for outstanding ball players

s County drop agreement with Forestar

PEC members elect three s new director

BY KIM HILSEN

BECK action when kim@haysfreep ress.com to body-wornit comes automatically activat ed cameras.

Whether becaus recent officer-inv e of Buda police offi olved wear shootings or body cameracers s of TV shows because because Chief people want like COPS, is an advoca Bo Kidd better te for techvid- nology. eo – and audio – when it comes to “You see a totally police. different perspe Now, Buda might be the police [with the cameractive s],” he the nation first in to take real POLICE BODY CAMS,

4A

Serving Kyle, BudaFigand ht oversurrounding plant over as Ky communitiesissince 1903 le takes control

www.HaysFreePress.com

PHOTO BY PAIGE

LAMBERT

n center er receptio the volunte be taken at will no longer Donated items Stillwater.

(VRC) at 200

lines Redrawing the plain mapping ments in flood

DISPATCH, 4A

COMING UP

BY MOSES LEOS

III moses@haysfree press.com

that are a part plant. Aqua of the required to would be close any outstanding At a cost of accounts million, Kyle $3 they have with will soon venclaim sole owners dors. hip of its wastew In turn, the ater city treatment plant would pay Aqua a $3 years of fighting after million lump current co-per with cash settlem sum ent. mittee Aqua Operat addition, Kyle In ions. be required would As Kyle offi cials to fund work on financin two inspec tions on the g the acquisition, plant prior to ers believe city leadthe agreem closing the ent. will help the move parties must Both close no age its rapid city manlater than Octobe growth. r 1.

“We’ve been City Manag this battle for fighting Sellers said er Scott the time. I consid a long would create city it’s going to er that withing the a division wastewadom for the be freeter department, city,” with council memb three to four new jobs er Diane to Hervol said be created .

“The shackleon June 16.

The agreem taken off. Thiss will be Kyle’s four-ye ent ends will ar fi ght be key for develo over gaining in the city.” pment ownership plant rights.

Since the plant Under Kyle’s chase agreem purbuilt in 1999, was both Aqua, approv ent with Kyle and Aqua, 7-0 city councied by a AquaSource, then l vote on June 16, been co-per have the would obtain city the plant. mittees of plete owners comBut several hip inciof the plant. That dents, includi includes ng two all permits and assets

7

Dance education is the mission at Buda’s Dance Unlimited Dianne Stoffel-Duley has been teaching students to dance for more than eighteen years. “I have watched them grow up over the years and am now teaching a few second generation Dance Unlimited dancers,” said Miss Dianne.

Miss Dianne teaches many styles of dance in her 10,000-sq. ft. studio located on 1019 Main Street in Buda including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, gymnastics, acrobatics, cheer, hip-hop, pre-drill team, Classical Stretch/Essentrics, mommy/daddy & me and pointe.

Miss Dianne employs a highly qual-

ified and professional staff that shares her passion for sharing the love of dance for everyone and they also stress proper behavior, respect for self and others, performing skills, proper body conditioning and responsibility in a relaxed, non-intimidating environment.

And for those who want more rigor, the studio has competitive dance teams.

For more information, call (512) 295-3667 or visit www.danceunlimitedbuda.com.

Hours of operation are: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m./3:30-9 p.m.; Friday, 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, 9:15 a.m.-1 p.m.

Legend Healthcare ing. g to help with at For those wantin they can register the recovery, reception center er the volunte Stillwater, open 8 will (VRC) at 200 daily. The VRC a.m.-5 p.m. turned into an eventually be online center. capture the to “We are trying Feguson said. will be volunteer hours,” hours er “Those volunte when it comes used as a match

RT PAIGE LAMBE

BY Reporter News-Dispatch

CY MANAGEMENT

over the d Massive flooding has change past few weeks Blanco River pe, the landsca Officials are and its creeks. if the maps ing now discuss areas these flood identifying . need to be revised upe-BlanBill West, Guadal ity (GBRA) co River Authorer, said the general manag already in the county was g a study process of creatin in the southabout the riverscounty. ern half of the

AGENCY

EMERGEN ce stanY OF FEDERAL and insuran MAP COURTES ne building redraw the helps determi is in the works to study map, which The current last revised in 2005. A dards, was Hays County. of map for all

MAPPING, 7 FLOODPLAIN

First Responder Breakfast

AMVETS Post 115 will host its inaugural First Respon der Breakfast. Membe will serve police, rs fire and emerge ncy services personnmedical el from 6:30 a.m.- 9 at 401 Rebel a.m. June 27 Rd. in Kyle.

Buda Movies in the Park

Buda continu movie series es its June American Tail”with “An City Park on at Buda Movies beginJune 26. at dusk.

KYLE!

State of the good things City says for Kyle.

– Page 1D

INDEX

develop Flood spurs

Family Nigh t at Kyle Pool

June 26 from -10:30 p.m. 8:30 the Kyle Pooljoin us at second Familyfor the summer. Come Night this have a great time and socializ with other families in e the commu nity. Small pool floats and allowed. Admisspool toys same as regular ion is the hours.

News ……… …

Opinions ……… 1, 2, 4A Best Bets ………… 4C …… 3A Business Sports ……… ……… 1, 4D …… 1-2B Service Directo Education ……… 3-4B ry …2-3D Classifieds Community ………… ……… 1C 2D Public Notice s … 2 & 4D

KYLE WASTEW ATER, 2A

It feels like home

F

inding a home away from home for yourself or a loved one is a big decision.

Legend Healthcare, opened in 2011, delivers the highest level of patient care in a warm environment that feels like home. Located conveniently in the Plum Creek community, Legend Healthcare offers safety, comfort and high quality long term care as well as short term rehabilitative care. The physical therapy program utilizes state of the art equipment such as suspended body weight mobility trainer and vibration therapy. In August, observation suites will be added as an intensive care unit within the nursing facility for patients who require a higher

level of medical attention and daily physician oversight. Legend Healthcare also offers a “transitional care unit” including physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. The core values in which Legend Healthcare operates are: patient first, respect, integrity and stewardship.

The staff at Legend Oaks make all of their decisions based around the needs of patients. They take pride in the dedication and care that each resident receives.The bonds formed between staff and residents are truly irreplaceable.

Legend Healthcare is located at 1604 Fairway, Kyle, Texas 78640.

For more information, visit www. legendhc.com or call (512) 268-1003.

Legend Oaks healthcare

Come meet their friendly staff of healthcare professionals

8 • FOCUS ON HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES

JULY 2015

WAGE & INCOME TRENDS Information courtesy of RuralCapitalHighlight.com

Salaries in the rural capital area (RCA) are below U.S. levels in all industries except trade, transportation, & utilities, manufacturing and other services.

The average salary in the RCA is 87% of the U.S. average and from 2003-2013 grew 32%, the same as the U.S. growth rate.

Salaries in seven sectors grew faster than the national rate during this period: • Manufacturing – 101% growth • Other services – 64% • Professional and business services – 50% • Health services – 42% • Leisure and hospitality – 40% • Government – 37% • Construction – 37% No salaries declined from 20032013 in either the United States or the rural capital area. A significant portion of regional salary declines

occurred between 2000 and 2003 during the tech bubble crunch.

From 2003 to 2010, average salary growth has roughly matched U.S. growth until slight salary drops in 2009 and 2013 of 1.1% and 1.0% respectively.

Per capita income in the rural capital area has remained below the U.S. average for the past 10 years, reaching 88% of U.S. per capita income in 2012. As with salary levels, per capita income saw regional declines in 2001 and 2002, but otherwise roughly matched U.S. growth trends between 2001 and 2011, including a decline of 3% in 2009.

Median household income in the rural capital area remained above U.S. levels during the past decade, reaching 121% of U.S. median household income in 2012. Regional median household income levels

were not as greatly affected by the tech crunch in the early 2000s as per capita income and have also grown at a similar rate to the U.S. as a whole. Rural capital area median household income declined by 2.3% in 2009, less than the U.S. median household income drop of 3.5%.

The rural capital area has much lower poverty levels than the U.S. as a whole, particularly for those aged under 18. Between 2001 and 2011, poverty levels increased in the RCA for all ages, rising from 9% in poverty in 2002 to 11% in poverty in 2012, less than the U.S. level of 16% in 2012. The regional percentage of children in poverty barely increased during this same period, rising from 12% of children in poverty in 2002 to 15% in poverty in 2012, compared to 23% of children in poverty in the U.S.

Have you heard?

H

earing Centers of Austin, Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic, LLC in Kyle is one locally owned business that’s making a difference in its patients’ quality of life.

Hearing Centers opened in Kyle in 2010. They offer comprehensive ear, nose and throat medical care and surgical services. In addition, they are a full-service hearing aid provider offering patients a wide variety of options, including the latest in digital technology. Hearing Centers also offers same-day appointments in most cases.

According to the Hearing Centers website, otolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/jee) is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT

Hearing Centers of Austin will make sure you do

“Our mission is to provide our patients with compassionate and timely care, utilizing the most current treatment options and technolgies available today.”

treatment options and technolgies available today,” said office manager Ronda Kuenzi. “Creating long-term, patient-centered relationships and word-of-mouth advertising by –Ronda Kuenzi, office manager providing compassionate care is what has made our business successful.” physicians. improve their communication skills, The staff at Hearing Centers promises In addition to the ENTs, Hearing including people in the music business. “I to work closely with the patients to Centers is proud to have the only have enjoyed being in involved with local discover where they are having the full-time audiologist in Kyle, Dr. musicians in Austin and surrounding most difficulty communicating. Then, Amber Bass, Au.D., CCC-A, providing areas, offering the most comfortable they will collaborate with patients to vestibular balance testing. Her areas and effective custom hearing protection determine the best solution to increase of expertise are in general audiology, available.” their ability to hear and understand. pediatric audiology, electrophysiology, The Hearing Center employs two If that solution includes hearing aids, vestibular testing and hearing aids. She ENT physicians, Dr. Mark Dammert then Hearing Centers is committed to received her Doctorate of Audiology and Dr. Thomas Nowlin, who both offer recommending the best technology from the University of Florida in 2008. in-office balloon sinuplasty, ear tube that works with a patient’s level of She is certified by the American Speech placement, allergy shots, lymph node hearing loss, compliments a patient’s Language Hearing Association, a fellow evaluation and more. lifestyle and fits within a patient’s of the American Academy of Audiology, Customer safisfaction is important budget. and is licensed with the state of Texas. to everyone who works at the Hearing Hearing Centers is located at 1180 Dr. Bass said she finds great Centers. “Our mission is to provide Seton Parkway Suite 420 Kyle, TX satisfaction in assisting her patients with our patients with compassionate and 78640, in the medical office building hearing devices that allow them to vastly timely care, utilizing the most current #1, directly behind Seton Hospital.

HAYS FREE PRESS • NEWS-DISPATCH

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES DROP Anyone in small business knows the difficulty of finding qualified employees during a hiring boom.

Locally, service industry businesses in air conditioning, plumbing and appliance repairs struggle to keep up with hiring needs even as business grows.

In the early 2000s, unemployment in the rural capital area (RCA) matched national unemployment rates, but since 2007 and through the recession, unemployment in the RCA has remained significantly lower than the U.S. Regional unemployment peaked in 2010 at 7.3%, well below U.S. unemployment of 9.6% in the same year.

In addition to the existing educated workforce, the rural capital area has a rising number of residents in the workforce pipeline

9

Fast Growing Occupations

through the community college system. Enrollment in the Austin Community College system grew consistently through 2012 to reach a peak graduation level of 2,600 students. Student graduation levels fell 5% in 2013.

During the same period, enrollment at the University of Texas at Austin dropped from 57,000 in 2003 to 53,000 in 2009. Enrollment levels have rebounded to 56,000 students.

Graduation levels at the University of Texas are at an all-time high. In 2013, UT graduated 14,400 student, about 2000 more than graduated ten years earlier. As one of the nation’s top public schools producing thousands of graduates a year, the University of Texas remains a significant source of educated workers for Austin and the rural capital area.

START THE

KYLE

5132 Kyle Centre Dr #105 Kyle, TX 78640 512.268.0404 Vitamins/Herbs Sports Nutrition Performance & Vitality Heart Health Joint Health Digestion Cleanser/Detox Super Foods Sleep Aids

EVERYDAY LOW PRICES ON THE HOTTEST PRODUCTS

NEW YOU

TODAY! FREE SAMPLES

10 • FOCUS ON HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES

JULY 2015

TRENDS IN HAYS COUNTY Age Group

Age Distribution, New Population, All Races in Hays County, 2012 0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+

Average Salary by Industry, 2014

Housing Permits (Units), Single Family in Hays County, 2000-2013

Hays County vs. U.S.

All Industries

3K

Natural Resources and Mining

2.4K

Construction

1.8K

Manufacturing

1.2K

Trade, Transportation and Utilities

600

Information

0

Financial Activities

Leisure and Hospitality Other Services Government $0

$20K

$40K

$60K

$80K

$100K

4.8K Hays County

United States

Your local source for nutritional products

Owner Jenna Cadena at the 2010 ribbon cutting for the GNC store in Kyle.

2004

2006

2008

Hays County

Health Services & Private Education

2.4K

2002

Year

Professional and Business Services

0

2000

General Nutrition Centers, more familiarly known as GNC, is the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional products including vitamin, mineral, herbal and other specialty supplements and sports nutrition, diet and energy products.

The firm began as a little health food store called Lackzoom in Pittsburg, PA in 1935.

Today, GNC has more than 4,800 retail locations throughout the United States, including one at the Kyle Center shopping plaza, which opened in 2010.

Owner Jenna Cadena believes and lives by the company

mission – “Your health is our business.”

She and the staff at GNC know honesty is the best policy.

They get to know their customers and learn what’s important to them to help them achieve their personal health goals.

For a no-pressure environment, knowledgeable advice and a large selection of health and wellness supplements, visit your Kyle GNC. The Kyle GNC is located at 5132 Kyle Center Dr., next to Target. For more information, call 512-268-0404. Business hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

2010

2012

HAYS FREE PRESS • NEWS-DISPATCH

LONE STAR DELIGHTS WILL BE OPEN IN JULY AT OUR NEW STORE FRONT ON

108 S FRONT ST. IN KYLE

ALSO AVAILABLE AT LOCAL STORES!

Your source for Lone Star Kettle Corn and All Natural Fruit Ices

11

• Special Events • Fundraisers • Corporate Parties • Wholesale • Online Orders • Gifts

Call (817) 905-8327 Facebook.com/LoneStarKettleCorn www.LoneStarKettleCorn.com

Geo Growers offers great soil, great service

George Altgelt, owner of Geo Growers, LLC, has been helping customers find solutions associated with poor soil fertility in Austin and surrounding areas for more than twenty years.

Geo Growers sells organic fertilizers and minerals for gardens and landscapes. The staff offers education for gardening and landscapes and provides onsite consultations. Geo Growers is also your local source for non-toxic pest management and soil testing.

The garden soil and other soil blends can be delivered in small or large dump trucks with same day delivery in most cases. Geo Growers also sells five kinds of sand and four kinds of gravel.

According to Altgelt, the company’s mission is “to revitalize garden and landscape soils with proper fertilizers and the all-important soil microbes.” In addition, Geo Growers supplies full spectrum fertilizers to farmers, orchardists, wine grape growers, and

wedding venue operators.

Geo Growers is located on 12002 Highway 290 West in Austin and is open seven days a week. Their spring and summer hours are Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday , 10 a.m. -6 p.m. Their fall and winter hours are MondaySaturday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Be sure to visit their website at www.geo-growers.net and for more information, call 512-8922722.

George Altgelt, owner

12 • FOCUS ON HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES

JULY 2015

Hands On Healing Spa and Wellness Boutique

A hands on approach to helping you restore balance to your life.

Hands On Healing is focused on health, wellness and beauty.

Each and every session is catered to the individual client.

Enjoy the healing touch from our amazing team of therapists.

BOOK ONLINE • OFTEN SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS PURCHASE GIFT CARDS ONLINE MASSAGE • FACIALS • WAXING • HYPNOCOACHING • ACUPUNCTURE

800 Goforth Shopping Center • 211 Elmhurst, Ste. B • Kyle, TX 78640

512-796-6399

www.handsonhealing.biz

Full service pharmacy & soda fountain in Buda

L

ocally owned and operated Buda Drug Store and Soda Fountain, located in downtown Buda, offers a full service pharmacy, including immunizations, prescription compounding and local delivery. The store accepts most major insurance including CVS Caremark, Medicaid and Medicare Part D. Owner Tammy Gray, RPh, provides needed services to community residents to optimize healthy living. She said her business also serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors.

Next door to her pharmacy Gray has the Buda Soda Fountain, a popular destination for both locals and tourists, which features a 1950s soda fountain used to serve ice cream treats. The fountain’s menu includes coffee drinks, scones, muffins, pie, cake, quiche, sandwiches, soup, soda and ice cream.

The Buda Drug Store and Soda Fountain is “a warm environment where people feel welcome,” Gray said.

Throughout the pharmacy and soda fountain, customers can find gifts and classic over-the-counter products. Buda Drug Store is also like the local pharmacy museum with hundreds of vintage pharmacy items collected by the owner and donated by residents over the years.

Developing personal relationships with her patients is what Gray likes most about her job.

“They are more like family than customers,” she said, and “We don’t see the chains as competition because we believe our customers value our service ... They aren’t just a number and we know them by name.”

Buda Drug Store and Soda Fountain is located at 203 Railroad Street. The drug store is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The Soda Fountain is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Both are closed on Sunday. Their respective websites are www.budadrugstore.com and www.budasodafountain.com.

Hays City Store owners fill need for Texas fare Hays City Store started out over 30 years ago as a Hill Country gas station and corner store. Sometime in the early 90s, a café was added and Hays City Store became a place for neighbors to meet over a cup of coffee while grabbing a bite to eat. Things got grim for the store in 2013 when the store was sold and the gas tanks and pumps were taken away. Fast forward to March 2015 – a propitious chain of events mixed with hard work, fate and good luck – and good ol’ Hays City Store re-opened. Not as a gas station or corner store, but this time as a full service restaurant and bar featuring scratch made Texas comfort food, hand crafted cocktails and local beers, spirits and wine.

Owners Tamra and Travis Tindol found a way to buy the property and transformed the store into a comfortable, classy, but unpretentious Hill Country gem of a restau-

rant. Hays City Store has quickly become known for offering fresh house ground burgers and hand cut fries as well as skillet fried chicken fried steaks. The steak salad and tortilla soup are fan favorites as well.

You can’t do any better than the shrimp and grits and buttermilk pancakes served during weekend brunch. The old rock fence still surrounds the 2 1/2 acres of Oak shaded beer garden which is now home to outdoor dining, locally made Adirondack seating, fire pits, live music, and games for the young and old.

Hays City Store is located at the intersection of FM 150 and FM 3237 between Kyle and Wimberley and is a short drive from San Marcos, Dripping Springs, Buda and South Austin. Open seven days a week. Check out www.hayscitystoretx.com or visit the Hays City Store Facebook page to learn about daily specials.

HAYS FREE PRESS • NEWS-DISPATCH

13

Buda boasts premiere bar & grill and music venue

In June of 2012, Tavern on Main owner Julie Renfro opened up in the largest building in Buda’s historical downtown district. The tavern offers beer, wine and cocktails as well as a full lunch and dinner menu in a casual, laid-back setting with plenty of seating both indoors and outside in the beer garden. Wi-fi is always available and well-behaved dogs are welcome in the garden on weekends.

The tavern has an ever-expanding selection of beer as well as a rotation of eight beers on tap. The bar is stocked with all the classic liquors as well as a variety of liquors produced in Central Texas. Be sure to try the appetizers that include their signature curry mussels, fruit and cheese plates and occasional chef specials as well as late-night favorites queso & chips, wings, potstickers and quesadillas.

They offer great salads and a full array of sandwiches including their house-

made porchetta, pulled pork, burgers, Reubens and many others all served on fresh baked bread from the nearby New World Bakery. The jalapeño cheddar burger is a huge seller.

The tavern is also an up-and-coming music venue hosting local musicians as well as some of Austin’s much-loved favorites.

Renfro credits location, quality and service as the foundation of her success.

“I am fortunate to have a great building and location. We strive constantly to keep a clean, well-maintained facility, a simple menu with high-quality ingredients, and an attentive and entertaining staff,” said Renfro, and she adds that the tavern can also be booked for parties.

The Tavern on Main is located at 116 N. Main Street. Their hours are TuesdayFriday, 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.1 a.m.; and Sunday and Monday, 4-10 p.m. For more information, call 512-2950121 or visit www.budatavern.com.

On behalf of our entire staff please accept my condolences on the passing of your loved one.

When you are ready, I would be honored to assist you in creating a monument that honors your loved one.

Email or call to schedule your appointment.

Brenda Keller Independent Representative

512-644-1769 bkeller@rileygardnermemorial.com

Serving Texas and Oklahoma

Legend Oaks healthcare

Specializing in patient-centered residential, skilled nursing and rehabilitative care

1640 Fairway, Kyle, TX | 512-268-1003 | www.legendhc.com

14 • FOCUS ON HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES

JULY 2015

BUILD A COMPANY WEBSITE For many in the business community, having your own website seems almost elementary. It provides your customers an online resource to learn more about you and can be a great tool for making more money.

So why do only 45 percent of small businesses have one?

That statistic comes from a 2013 survey of more than 3,000 small businesses conducted by Google and research company Ipsos.

IT’S EASIER THAN EVER If you’re intimidated by building your own website, don’t be. It’s easier than ever.

Think about the time you spend every morning coming in to work, starting the coffee and chatting with your employees.

In that timeframe – say 20 minutes – you could build and launch your own website. There are many online platforms that make it easy and free to create your own online presence.

You don’t need to be a coding genius to figure it out. Search for a “free website builder” and watch the options come to you.

These platforms come with ready-made templates that you can fully customize with photos of your business and text that fits your business strategies.

your expertise when it comes time to make a purchase.

If you’re not collecting money through e-commerce on your site, you’re missing out on the chance to capitalize through online sales.

There are affordable e-commerce platforms that will basically build your online store for you – yet another benefit of today’s technology helping the small business owner.

Live chat immediately gives your website the feel of a bigger operation. Again, there are free WEBSITE TOOLS and inexpensive services online that make the process of adding Adding a blog to your live chat to your site a breeze. website is a great way to build You can designate yourself or credibility with your audience. an employee to be at the ready Use the space to give tips and for incoming questions from thoughts on your industry, not sales pitches and coupons. Your customers or even set up boilreaders will appreciate the free erplate responses to frequently information and will remember asked questions.

Onion Creek Kennels Happy Tails In, Happy Tails Out since 1989 Onion Creek Kennels has strived to be an example of excellence in pet care and does so by organizing a wide array of high-quality services. They offer overnight pet care, doggie daycare, full service dog and cat grooming, local pick up and delivery services, as well as domestic and international pet relocation services.

Clients can choose personalized TLC activities for their pets to make sure they get the right level of exercise, social interaction and loving during their stay.

TLC activities include extra play fetch, cuddle time, late night exercise, off-site walks, swimming, and group play.

General Manager Jaime Bragg says Onion Creek’s number one priority is the quality of their services and staff.

The business’ success comes from loyal customers and the consistent excellence of both their services and employees. Her dedicated staff goes above and beyond for the well-being of each pet in their care. All employees have received extensive hands-on training

©Natasha Triplett

and certifications, focusing on pet care safety procedures.

“The hard work of pet care is absolutely worth it,” says Bragg. “Working closely with pets to make them feel comfortable and safe is my favorite part of the job, and the look on the pet owner’s face when they pick up their happy pet is a close second.” She says that at Onion Creek Kennels, “We expect happy tails coming in and happy tails going out.”

Onion Creek Kennels is located at 904 Canyon Wren Drive, Buda, Texas 78610. They can be reached at 512-312-0595, and they encourage visits Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. -7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. For more information visit www.OnionCreekKennels.com.

There’s always time for pie

Husband and wife team Spencer special events and occasions for up to Thomas and Julie Albertson, owners of 750 guests.

Texas Pie Company, have been in the The large pie slice on the front roof pie business a long time. They is an invitation for locals and started making pies together out-of-town guests to stop in professionaly in 1989, but in for a tasty homemade treat.

2000 opened their own storeAs the sign says, “Life’s Short. front in Kyle where they added Eat more Pie.” sandwiches, salads, casseroles Texas Pie Company is loand more to their repertoire cated at 202 West Center, Kyle, with daily hot lunch specials.

Texas, 78640. Their phone Julie Albertson Thomas and Albertson have number is (512) 268-5885. dedicated a lot of detail to their busiHours are Monday through Friday, 10:30 ness in the last 30 years. They always a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to use the best produce available locally 4 p.m. They are closed on Sunday. with high quality whole ingredients.

For more information, visit www.

The Texas Pie Company also caters thetexaspiecompany.com.

HAYS FREE PRESS • NEWS-DISPATCH

15

Everybody needs a little jump sometime

F

or more than five years, The Jumpy Place owners Byron and Cathy Severance have offered the Kyle community a family-friendly venue that kids love and so do parents.

It was awarded best party place in Kyle in 2014.

This 7,500 square foot facility is an indoor inflatable play place for kids ages 1-10 to jump on huge inflatable bounce houses with chutes, slides and obstacle courses, and a toddler room for the younger ones with plenty of stuff to climb on.

While the kids are at play, parents can enjoy a little down time in the adult area where they have comfortable seating, magazines, big screen TV and complimentary wi-fi. “We are parents too,” said Cathy Severance, “so we understand the need for a clean, fun place for your kiddos where you can see them from almost anywhere in our facility.”

Severance said what she likes most about her job is giving moms, dads

and caregivers a break. “When I see a mom on the couch reading a magazine or a dad enjoying a hot cup of coffee while watching the game or hearing a grandparent thank ME for giving them a much needed break, it’s like a huge pat on the back. And we get to do this every day!”

The Jumpy Place is ideal for kids parties too. Families can bring their own food and drinks and there are also inexpensive snacks for purchase. Another plus is the option to come and go throughout the day, all for one price.

The Severances credit their success to keeping their operation simple so they can deliver on what they promise, which is “cleanliness, great service and happy kids and parents!” They have opened two more Jumpy Place locations since then: one on Loop 337 in New Braunfels that opened in 2011, and one on Huebner Road in San Antonio that opened in April of this year.

Before the Severances bought the Jumpy Place in 2009, Cathy was a stay

at home mom for their two children, while her husband worked a demanding job as a marketing VP for a local gourmet food store, traveling 20 days a month. But things changed when they bought the Jumpy Place. Running a kid-oriented family business has given the couple a chance to destress and reconnect, they say.

“It’s like throwing a party every day,” Byron Severance said. “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had in a job.”

The Jumpy Place in Kyle is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m.; and closed on Sunday.

Private parties and field trips can be scheduled before and after hours and on Tuesdays when they are closed.

For more information, call the Jumpy Place at (512) 262-1600 or visit them online at www.thejumpyplacetx.com.

They also have an app on the App Store and Google Play. Just search for The Jumpy Place.

16 • FOCUS ON HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES

JULY 2015

Life is Short, Eat More Pie! Open for lunch

M-F 10:30–6:30 • Sat 10:30– 4:00 • Closed Sun Call 512-268-5885

202 W. Center Kyle, Texas

Pies, Sandwiches, Salads, Casseroles and Catering

Hearing Centers 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 • ‘Dry and Store’ Kits • Immittance Testing • Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations

• Recasing • Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) • Otoacoustic Emission Testing (OAE) • Video Nystagmography (VNG) Amber Bass, Au.D, CCC-A

Making monumental images that last forever Brenda Keller, independent sales rep for Riley Gardener Memorial, has been in the monument business for five years, providing monuments, monument lettering and preplanning.

What Brenda enjoys especially about her job is helping families create lasting memorials for those that have passed. “Each of my families are artists and I love being able to help them to bring their vision to the monument for their loved ones. It is so heart warming when my families see the beauty of what they have imaged,” Brenda said.

Kyle

1180 Seton Parkway Suite 420 Kyle, TX 78660

512.268.5282

Lockhart

1005 W. San Antonio Suite A Lockhart, TX 78644

512.444.7944

Thank you to the families that have allowed me to help them at one of the most difficult times.

Sincerely, Brenda Keller

Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic

Enjoy the Sounds of Life Again

Two locations to serve you

Another thing Brenda likes about her job is flexibility which allows her to be available for families at their convenience.

Riley Gardner has been making monuments since 1957 and services Texas and Oklahoma.

Brenda encourages those in need of creating a lasting memory with a monument to call her at 512-644-1769 or email bkeller@ rileygardnermemorial.com.

Pediatric and adult care

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

Ear, Nose and Throat Services Ear & Hearing

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

Thyroid and Parathyroid

Children’s ENT

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

• Ultrasound and Needle Biopsy • Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

Nose & Sinus

Allergy

Throat, Head & Neck

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

• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery • In-office Balloon Sinuplasty

• Sleep Apnea • Tonsil/Adenoid Surgery • Hoarseness

Visit us online at www.AustinENT.com

Michael Yium, MD

Thomas Nowlin, MD

Mark Dammert, MD

HAYS FREE PRESS • NEWS-DISPATCH

17

It’s all just fun and games

In September, Pinballz Kingdom owners Darren and Mikki Spohn – the same couple that brought Pinballz Arcade to Austin – will celebrate their one-year anniversary in Buda.

Pinballz Kingdom features over 100 arcade games – pinball machines, video games, and redemption games – and an outdoor tactical laser tag arena. They also have a full restaurant with indoor bar, an outdoor biergarten, and a covered outdoor stage and bar area where they host live music every weekend. The Spohns say plans are underway for several future attractions, including mini bowling, go karts and more. Pinballz is also designed to host consumer and corporate events of more than 1000 people who can rent out one area or the entire Kingdom.

The Spohns have ensured loyal, repeat customers by offering cost-effective pricing along with the experience of an unrivaled mix of legacy old school and new school games. “Watching our first time customers walk in and exclaim about how they love finding an old school arcade along with all the new arcade

Food - Drinks - Live Music trappings that their kids can enjoy too,” is what Darren Spohn says he likes most about his job.

Pinballz Kingdom is located at 15201 IH35 in Buda, where the old 221 Truck Stop used to be, and ruling the Kingdom on a day-to-day basis are General Manager Manny Paredes and Operations Manager Robert Clem. Summer hours are Sunday-Friday, 10 a.m.-midnight; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 a.m. For more information, call 512-523-4080 or visit www. pinballzkingdom.com

Tuesday-Friday 11am - 12am

Saturday 11am - 1am

Sunday-Monday 4-10pm

Live Music every Friday and Saturday in the Beer Garden. Happy Hour Food and Drink every Tuesday Saturday 3-7 pm. First Thursday Music and Happy Hour.

512-295-0121 116 N. Main Street in Buda

Our mission at Geo Growers is supporting health and well-being for everyone.

This includes the non-toxic approach to landscaping and gardening with special emphasis on water conservation.

–George Altgelt, owner

YOUR NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR: 4 Custom Soil Blends 4 Compost & Mulches 4 Sand, Gravel & Foundation Materials 4 Thunderhead Potting Soil 4 Consultation

STORE: 512.288.4405 Mon-Sat, 8am-6pm Sunday, 10am-6pm

SOIL YARD: 512.892.2722 Mon-Sat, 7:30am-6pm Sunday, 10am-6pm

LOCATED AT: 12002-B, Hwy 290 West Austin, Texas 78737 www.GeoGrowers.net

12002-B, Hwy 290 W • Austin, Texas 78737

www.GeoGrowers.net

We have a variety of garden plants, too!

18 • FOCUS ON HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES

JULY 2015

• ARCADE • FOOD • FULL BAR • LASER TAG • MUSIC • PARTIES • and MORE

Get $5

FREE Game Play with a $20 Game Card Purchase. *Expires 10/15/15. No Cash Value.

Not valid with any other discounts or offers.

Limit 1 coupon per family, per visit.

15201 IH35 Buda, TX 78610 (512) 523-4080 www.pinballzkingdom.com

Educating tomorrow’s leaders at Rocking Horse Academy

A

ccording to Rocking Horse Academy owner Jane Terrell, the mission of her preschool/ child development center in Plum Creek is “to educate tomorrow’s leaders today.”

The academy, which has been serving the area since 2002, is a family owned business and is an accredited school recognized by the Texas Education Association.

The lead teachers generally have years of experience, certifications or college degrees. “Our facility is state of the art,” said Terrell, “and classrooms are large with the best playground in the area.”

Aside from the facilities, Terrell boasts that the notion of family is always present. “We communicate effectively with families,” she says.

The school has family functions like holiday feasts, date night one Saturday night a month and CPR/ first aid classes monthly and it’s a

Buda’s Protein Weight Loss Center Sensible dieting and a smarter eating education to help you maintain a stable weight

Call Now 512-295-0173 Ask us about your initial weight loss assessment. Our medically developed diet protocol can be tailored to just about any individual, regardless of your weight loss goals.

A weight loss solution for life changing results

welcoming environment for everyone. “No matter if it’s Mom and Dad, a foster family, a family with two dads or moms, or grandparents rearing their grandchildren, a single mom or dad, or a family with several moms and dads, all are welcome here. “We have many races and religions registered here,” she says.

“We are a very diverse community, all of who have one goal – to provide loving care for the children.”

Terrell and the academy, under the direction of Rebecca Eichen, are involved in the Kyle community and Kyle Chamber of Commerce. They donate, sponsor and support local athletic teams and offer an annual $1,000 college scholarship to a high school graduate who spent at least four years at the school.

To learn more about the Rocking Horse Academy, visit www. rockinghorseacademy.com or call 512-405-3700.

Short term weight loss is a good starting point but balanced weight management after dieting should be your ultimate goal.

There are 3 critical things to understand about weight loss that will help you maintain a stable weight after dieting: 1. One of the greatest hazards of dieting is losing muscle mass along with fat.

2. Muscle is required to burn calories. Therefore, when you decrease your muscle mass via dieting, you will have less muscle to burn calories after you return to your regular eating patterns. In other words, you will regain your lost weight. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, dieters regain almost all of their lost weight within 5 years after dieting.

3. If you start dieting again you will lose yet more muscle, further inhibiting your ability to burn calories.

And thus the hopeless cycle of yo-yo dieting is set... unless you’ve chosen Buda’s Protein Weight Loss Method.

HAYS FREE PRESS • NEWS-DISPATCH

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Rocking Horse Academy Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Accredited by SACS, CASI and TEA • 6 weeks through Pre-K

We offer: • Qualified Teachers • Spanish • Computer Lab/ Library • Indoor Gym • Low Student/ Teacher Ratio • After School Program • School Holiday Care

• Transportation provided from Kyle and Blanco Vista • Before School Drop Off for Negley Elem.

• Field Trips • Summer Camps • Tutoring

www.RockingHorseAcademy.com 6022 McNaughton • Kyle, TX 78640 • (512) 405-3700

Family side business is hot and poppin’ Lone Star Kettle Corn is a family owned business in Kyle, offering fresh popped kettle corn (salty and sweet) and all natural fruit shaved ices since 2007.

Owner Mary Halenza started Lone Star Kettle Corn as a small side business for her family to earn extra income.

After a year or so of playing with various ingredients and brands, she found the magic crowd-pleasing formula. Within a couple of years of making an addictive product (nicknamed Kettle Krack by many of their fans), the Halenza family was stocking the shelves of local grocery stores and boutiques.

Now a full time job for Mary, the demand has grown to stock more retail locations and her calendar stays full with festivals, carnivals and working with Sam’s Club. Most of the events have a fundraising component that 20-25 percent of the sales goes back to help charities/non-profits, including the sales at Sam’s Club with the 25 percent donation helping groups such as Children’s Miracle Network and Dell Children’s Hospital. Halenza says she loves “having

a full time job making an awesome product that also helps give back.”

Lone Star Kettle Corn has no preservatives, is gluten free, and a GMO free variation is available using safflower oil. Their standard kettle corn uses mushroom popcorn, corn oil (safflower for those wanting GMO free), sugar, vanilla, and salt. Having this all natural ingredient list makes this a great snack with only approximately 170 calories per three cups.

They also offer gourmet fruit ice which is a great natural snack with fruits that are pureed and whipped in ice. So one basically has a treat that is frozen fruit with a small amount of sugar to stabilize the product into a sorbet like consistency.

The Halenza’s will be opening a new store front in Kyle at 108 S. Front Street in July and they invite everyone to come sample their products.

To book Lone Star Kettle Corn at your next event, contact Mary Halenza at info@lonestarkettlecorn.com or call (817) 905-8327.

The Halenza family sponsored and ran the Dance Unlimited Tutus & Tennies in January. The racers received a favor size bag of kettle corn.

Hays Free Press 20 • FOCUS ON HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES

JULY 2015

Serving Buda, Kyle and surrounding communities since 1903

B

arton Publications, which prints the Hays Free Press, the News-Dispatch and the Hays County Echo, is probably the oldest continuously family-run – and home grown – business in northern Hays County.

It is strong to this day, expanding coverage, adding new products and branching out in many ways.

But how did this business come to be established here ... and what makes it grow?

schools, city councils and more.

Barton Publications “family” of products includes its monthly feature magazine, the Hays County Echo, the News-Dispatch as well as various chamber of commerce publications, including visitors guides and maps, and special editions aimed at schools, sports, young families, business and much more.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

THE HISTORY The Hays Free Press started as the Kyle News in 1903 and is now celebrating its 112th birthday.

Originally founded by Thomas Fletcher Harwell, the Kyle News was a family venture. It covered events from throughout the county, but was based in north Hays County. Harwell’s son, Turner, took over the business and worked at the Kyle News until it was purchased by Bob Barton and Moe Johnson in 1954. Turner continued to help on the newspaper until his death 40 years later.

Barton and Johnson ran the Kyle News while they were both in college at Southwest Texas Teachers College. Their friends and spouses took up the call, with Wynette Barton, Bob’s spouse, then a junior in college, serving as news editor.

Pete Guttery, 21, was a sophomore in college at the time and studying journalism. The business manager was 19, the sports editor 17, the printer’s devil 16 and the Linotype operator a mere 13. The average age of the staff? 19.

Johnson decided to get out of the business in a few years to pursue his career in teaching and later in school administration. He traded his share of the business for a box of cigars.

Johnson moved forward with his education career and later became the superintendent of Hays CISD – during its consolidation and into the expansion before he retired in 1984. He lived in Kyle until his death in 2013 and would occasionally stop by the paper to see how it was going.

Bob Barton also passed away in 2013, having handed over the reins of the business to his daughter-in-law, Cyndy Slovak-Barton, a few years earlier.

But his influence continues to this day.

Barton believed in change.

He moved the newspaper several times, combined it with other newspapers over the years, and tried new products.

The Hays Free Press, founded as the Kyle News, has carried the names and/or combined with other newspapers – Hays

Bob Barton, Jr., former publisher

County Citizen, Austin Sun, Onion Creek Free Press, River City Sun, Hays County Free Press, The Chautauquan and more.

The character of the newspaper was formed by Bob Barton – always a maverick when it came to newspapers. He advocated for sometimes unpopular beliefs, including voting rights for minorities, desegregation of

schools and more.

Because of the newspaper’s insistence on correctness, the Hays Free Press excels as a strong community newspaper.

The office walls of it headquarters in downtown Kyle are lined with plaques awarded to it by the Texas Press Association, the National Newspaper Association, the Inland Press Association, South Texas Press Association and more. The Hays Free Press is now the largest circulation weekly newspaper in Hays County and one of the few remaining independent voices in the county.

In 2014, Barton Publications purchased the News-Dispatch, a paper serving western Hays County. Previously owned by Dale and Joyce Roberson, The News-Dispatch is the essence of a community newspaper, covering local news, sports,

The Hays Free Press always seems to be “on the move.”

When the Harwell family established it in 1903, its offices were located facing the railroad tracks in Kyle, along Front Street.

Since then, it has moved – to San Marcos (near Cheatham Street Warehouse), to Manchaca, to Buda (in the buildings now housing Raby’s Roots and then in Frasier Harris’ current pottery shop), to Mountain City (where Hill Country Driving School and Arrowhead Bicycles is currently located on FM 2770), to downtown Kyle again.

The newest location also happens to be Kyle’s first privately built two-story building in downtown Kyle in more than 100 years.

Constructed to look like the old building it replaced – Teddlie’s Pharmacy, the Barton Word building at the corner of Center and Main streets includes not only the office of the Hays Free Press, but also the law office for Lucinda Doyle and four apartments above which overlook the historic Kyle City Square Park.

WHY IS BARTON PUBLICATIONS GROWING? Maybe it’s about its products, which are hyper-local.

When alarms go off at

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schools, local residents turn to the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch websites to find out what happened.

When a team goes to the state playoffs, those not able to attend following the newspaper’s twitter feed, @haysfreepress.

When someone needs information about doctors, they pick up the medical guide, which lists local physicians along with their offices and facilities.

When voters want to know about bonds or candidates or what city hall is up to, they pick up the weekly newspaper, which has stands and point-ofsale kiosks all over Buda and Kyle, or Dripping Springs and Wimberley for the News-Dispatch.

Public notices are run in both newspapers by so many institutions – Hays CISD, the cities of Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs and Wimberley, Hays County, Uhland, Mountain City, Niederwald, Creedmoor, and attorneys galore – because they know the newspapers reach the people they need – those that are informed and involved.

CONTACT US If you want to talk – about marketing, about stories, about photography, about video – call us at (512) 268-7862.

The origins of the Hays Free Press was the Kyle News, founded by Thomas Fletcher Harwell (middle, looking at newspaper). His son, Turner (third child from the right), took over the newspaper and ran it until he sold the paper in the 1950s.

22 • FOCUS ON HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES

JULY 2015

In order for locals to shop local ... you have to advertise local!

Advertise in the Hays Free Press, News-Dispatch, and Hays County Echo to get the eyes of Hays County on your business.

Call 512-268-7862 to start advertising today.

www.HaysNewsDispatch .com

HaysFreePress.com

www.

HAYS FREE PRESS • NEWS-DISPATCH

• Overnight Pet Care • Pickup & Delivery • Doggie Day-care • Grooming Happy tails in, Happy tails out since 1989 904 Canyon Wren Drive

FM 1626

904 Canyon Wren Drive Buda, Texas 78640 512-312-0595 Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

7

FM

96

www.OnionCreekKennels.com

Restore your life’s balance with pampering by Hands On Healing

H

ands On Healing was relocated to Kyle in the spring of 2010, and focuses on wellness and beauty, inside and out.

Here you can find Image Skin Care products, Aura Cacia Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Ann Webb Skin Care, Rachel’s Plan Bee, and FarmHouse Fresh body products. They specialize in massages, acupuncture, facials, waxing, spa treatments, and Hypno-Coaching.

The team at Hands On Healing takes a hands on approach to helping all their clients restore balance to their lives.

“Every customer and client is special to us. We focus on individual needs while making clients feel relaxed and at ease in our professional yet tranquil office,” says owner Leslie Richardson.

The best part of her job? The people,

DOYLE LAW FIRM Everyone needs a will.

WILLS • PROBATE • ESTATE LAW REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS ORGANIZATION FIRST CONSULTATION FREE! LUCINDA RAMAGE DOYLE • ATTORNEY AT LAW 512-757-3309 • doyle.lucinda@yahoo.com • 107 S. Main, Kyle • (Barton/Word Bldg.)

23

the staff and the clients. She says, “Each client impacts my life in such a positive way, and there is nothing like the feeling of knowing my business has impacted their lives through weight loss, relaxation, relief from chronic pain, restored confidence, and all the other ways we get to play a role in our clients’ lives.”

This people-oriented business maintains a very intimate setting.

Each member of the staff puts their whole heart into their work and caters sessions to each of their clients. Hands On Healing’s mission is to provide healing, relaxing sessions every time. This business has been steadily growing through word-of-mouth and referrals, in addition to its very loyal customers.

Visit Leslie and her team at 211 Elmhurst Ste B Kyle, TX 78640, or call 512-796-6399.

24 • FOCUS ON HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES

JULY 2015

WINNER Best Party Place in Kyle, 2014

WINNER Best Children’s Party Venue in New Braunfels, 2015

Serving your community for over 5 years!

Parties * Monthly memberships * Come and go The Jumpy Place Find us on the app store or Google play

Ages 10 and under

Free Coffee & Wifi

www.TheJumpyPlaceTx.com

KYLE

NEW BRAUNFELS

SAN ANTONIO

241 Weldon Johnston Way

1145 N. Loop 337, Ste 200

15614 Huebner Road, #106