DECEMBER 28, 2016 TOP COMMUNITY
TOP SPORTS
Real life Jedis, event photos and more from 2016.
Victories, losses and more in 2016 Hays CISD sports.
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Hays Free Press ©Barton Publications, Inc.
Vol. 120 • No. 40
HaysFreePress.com
Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX • 75¢
Welcome 2017! Top news stories of 2016 Hays County residents approve bonds totaling $237 million
A pair of bond initiatives that called for a collection of county-wide road improvements as well as various improvements to the county jail were given the green light by voters this November. Proposition 1, which called for roughly $106.4 million for jail improvements and a co-located 911 facility, narrowly passed with 51 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, Proposition 2, which called for $131 million in road improvements, passed with 59 percent of the vote.
Sheriff incumbent reelected, longtime constable ousted
Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler won the right to keep his seat in 2016 after defeating challenger Rodrigo Amaya by a 13.1 percent margin in the Nov. 8 general election. Cutler, who has served as Hays County’s sheriff for the past six years, claimed a substantial lead after early voting and won with 58 percent of the vote. But as the status quo remains at the sheriff’s office, a changing of the guard will take place in Pct. 2. After a 38year tenure as the Pct. 2 constable, James Kohler was defeated Nov. 8 by Kyle Police officer Michael Torres. Kohler told the Hays Free Press in November he plans to run for the Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace seat, currently held by Beth Smith, in 2018.
Kyle election ends in runoff after stunning tie
In one of the more bizarre finishes to a city council race in Kyle history, District 1 incumbent Diane Hervol and challenger Travis Mitchell evenly split 1,020 votes right down the middle in the May 10 election. Following a mandatory recount, both parties entered into a runoff with Mitchell winning the seat in June.
Incumbent reelected, newcomer voted to Buda dais A runoff election was needed this year to decide the Buda Place 1 city council seat after three candidates, Lee Urbanovsky, John Hatch and Theo Kosub, could not generate more than 50 percent of the vote. While the runoff between Urbanovsky and Hatch featured contention between campaign supporters, Urbanovsky ultimately claimed the seat. Meanwhile, Place 2 candidate Wiley Hopkins won his reelection bid Nov. 8.
SEE MORE TOP STORIES, 2-4A
COMING UP Kyle-O-Meter Resolution Run 5K
The Kyle-O-Meter Resolution Run 5K will take place on Dec. 31, 2016 at Wallace Middle School in Kyle at 1500 W Center Street. The Kyle-O-Meter is the perfect motivation for those aiming toward a healthy lifestyle. Strollers are welcome. Dogs are allowed as long as well behaved. Packet pickup is on race day and begins at 8 a.m. See www.kylechamber.org/kyle-o-meter5k for more information.
Kyle Garden Club
TOP BIZ
Main Street, awards and more stories from 2016. – Page 1D
INDEX
The Kyle Garden Club will meet Friday, Jan. 6, at 12:30 at the Kyle Historic City Hall. The speaker will be retired Lt. Col and wildlife biologist Gil Eckrich. He will be speaking on nature and wildlife photography. The public is welcome.
Polar Bear Splash 2017
Splash in the new year with this free annual tradition at the Kyle Pool on Jan. 1. Pool gates open at 1 p.m. and the splash begins at 1:30 p.m. Rain-out makeup day will be Monday, Jan. 2 at the same time and place.
News……………… 1-4A Opinions……………… 3A Sports……………… 1-2B Education………… 3-4B Community……… 1-4C
Business…………… Service Directory…..... Classifieds…………... Public Notices………
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