January 3, 2018 Hays Free Press

JANUARY 3, 2018 SPORTS 2017

TOP COMMUNITY

See the top trending sports highlights of the past year.

See the top community stories of 2017.

– Page 1B

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Hays Free Press © BARTON PUBLICATIONS, INC.

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Vol. 121 • No. 41

HaysFreePress.com

Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX

BUDA CITY COUNCIL UPDATE

Buda Library to bulk up on books for opening PHOTO BY MIKE VASIL

Flames engulf the attic of a home located at the corner of Sledge and Center Street in Kyle Jan. 1. The home, which was estimated to have been built in the 1920’s, suffered extentsive damage in the blaze. The Hays County Fire Marshal’s office is investigating.

Historic Kyle home burns down on New Year’s Day

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Kyle residents witnessed the loss of an historic Kyle house one day after ringing in the New Year.

A fire of unknown origin blazed and burned down the house on the corner of Center and

Sledge streets on Jan. 1, 2018.

In years past, the armory for the Kyle seminary, which was erected in 1881, was located on that site. Later, the structure was home to the Hays family, to the former postmistress Miss Cornelia Wallace, the daughter of

Kyle settler H.C. Wallace, and to the Cutler family.

Kyle Fire Chief Kyle Taylor confirmed reports that there were no injuries associated with the fire.

He said the house was unoccupied at the time of the fire and was undergoing remodeling.

Taylor said the KFD got

the call for the fire at 501 West Center Street at 6:45 p.m. on Jan.1 and were on scene at 6:47 p.m. and did not leave the scene until 12:27 a.m. the next day.

The historic house, believed to be built some time in the 1920s, is con-

KYLE FIRE, 4A

BY SAMANTHA SMITH Three main agenda items dominated the Buda City Council’s first meeting of the new year – the purchase of books for the new library, an agreement to relocate utilities and a professional services agreement.

The items dealt with projects approved in the November 2014 bond election.

The new $21 million municipal building, which includes administration and the new library, is expected to be ready for move-in in mid-April.

NEW BOOKS FOR LIBRARY Buda Library Director Melinda Hodges requested the council approve the purchase of 18,0000 new books for the new library for an “opening day collection”.

The books would be purchased from Ingram Content Group at a cost of approximately $315,000.

Hodges said the Buda Library has been using Ingram as its book supplier for five years.

Council unanimously approved the purchase order.

BUDA COUNCIL UPDATE, 2A

TOP NEWS STORIES OF 2017

Local realtor gets 20 years in DWI murder trial

Kyle, Buda weather impact from Harvey

BY BRAD ROLLINS San Marcos Mercury

PHOTO BY KYLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT STAFF

An aerial photo shows an abundance of water inundating a low water crossing along Lehman Road near the FM 150 intersection in east Kyle.

BY MOSES LEOS III Downed trees and flooded streets was the extent of the impact seen around parts of Buda and Kyle as Hays County seemingly escaped the brunt of Hurricane Harvey’s wrath in August.

The storm, which came ashore in Rockport as a Category 4 hurricane led to torrential downpours throughout Central Texas.

One Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) rain gauge in Buda at Onion Creek measured

close to a foot of rain from over a three-day period. Kerry Urbanowicz, Kyle Parks and Recreation director, said city rain gauges collected close to 11 inches of rain during the same time period.

David Marino, Buda

public information officer, said damage from high winds was the extent of issues seen in the city. According to reports, wind gusts measured at times above 50 miles per hour.

HURRICANE, 4A

SEE MORE TOP NEW STORIES ON PAGE 2A

COMING UP Tree Drop Off & Recycling

at the designated time and place in city parks without express written permission is a crime.

All decorations and lights, including tinsel, must be removed. No artificial trees. No nails or screws. No tree bases. The trees will be chipped and used in parks.

The drop-off points are: GreggClarke Park, near Gregg Dr between football field and softball field #5; Steeplechase Park; Waterleaf Park; and Kohler’s Crossing, under water tower near Hays CISD PAC.

BIZ IN 2017

See the top business stories of the year.

– Page 1D

INDEX

Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) will pick up your Christmas tree curbside until Jan 13.Trees must be clear of décor and must be 4 ft. max length.

Bundle with rope or twine any cut pieces. For more information, go to www.texasdisposal.com/my-account.

The City of Kyle Parks & Recreation Department has set up “drop-off” areas at the city’s parks to drop off your natural Christmas trees through Jan. 15. Please note that dumping of anything other than Christmas trees

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

Twenty years in prison and a $10,000 fine were handed down in May in the sentencing phase of a DWI murder trial.

The sentence came down from a Hays County jury that deliberated for more than 11 hours and found Jason TARR Tarr guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree intoxica-

tion manslaughter.

During closing arguments, Tarr’s defense attorneys asked jurors to sentence him to the minimum of five years in prison, while prosecutors said at least 50 years is an appropriate punishment for causing the head-on collision that killed 60-year-old Nancy Sterling Dalton near Buda.

Hays County

DWI MURDER, 4A

Questions linger in unsolved Sledge Street murders

BY MOSES LEOS III Every day for the past two years, Indiana resident Rachael McPherson and her family have anxiously waited by their phones.

They do so with the hope that the person on the other end of the line could give them the answers they seek.

In June, it was two

Best Bets ………… 4C Business ……… 1-4D Classifieds ………... 2D Service Directory ..... 3D Public Notices … 2-4D

years since the bodies of Jimmy Wright, McPherson’s uncle, and Tina Combs were found in a home in the 800 block of Sledge Street in southwest Kyle. Since then, McPherson and others have tried to piece together exactly happened to Wright and Combs that night on Sledge

HOMICIDE, 4A

Hays Free Press • January 3, 2018

Page 2A NEWS

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HISTORY

Founded April 10, 1903,

by Thomas Fletcher Harwell as The Kyle News, with offices on the corner of Burleson and Miller streets in the town’s oldest remaining building. It merged into The Hays County Citizen in 1956. The paper consolidated with The Free Press in October, 1978. During its more than 100-year history the newspaper has maintained offices at more than a dozen locations in Kyle and Buda.

TOP NEWS STORIES OF 2017, CTD. FROM PAGE 1A Kyle unveils plans for new rec complex

BY MOSES LEOS III

Ten years worth of scuttlebutt could come to an end as Kyle city officials Aug. 15 unveiled plans for a privately-funded eastside sports and recreation park.

That complex, known as Kyle Vista Park, would encompass 46-acres along Dacy Lane near Chapa Middle School and could harbor a tennis complex, volleyball facility, a recreation center and, potentially, a skate park.

Kyle city manager Scott Sellers said the project, which went under the code name “Just Peachy,” has been on the city’s agenda “in some form or fashion” for the past year.

During the course of the year, Kyle has worked with “private recreational entities” in negotiating agreements on funding the park. Exactly how much the park could cost is unknown at this time.

However, what could come out of the negotiations is an “innovative solution to a problem the city has been wrestling with for ten years,” which was trying to fund a recreation center, Sellers said.

Kyle is proposing to offer a 25-year ground lease to entities at “very little cost to the city,” Sellers said. The city would

pay $200,000 total from its parks fund over the course of a decade.

In return, participating entities would “bring these recreation opportunities” to Kyle, which the city would have paid for out of its general fund.

Sellers said during negotiations, it became apparent the city had a “good opportunity” to leverage a ground lease situation.

The city could also offer property owners utility extension to point of distribution (POD) lines, as well as improve the internal road network for the complex.

Talk of a potential sports complex and recreation center in Kyle has been ongoing for 10 years. In 2007, Kyle acquired 46 acres of land at the corner of Bebee Road and Dacy Lane.

At the time, Kyle city leaders engaged in a $1 million architectural review, study and plan with MarmonMok, a San Antonio-based firm.

With a $20 million price tag, along with a low priority on the city’s wish list, the council at the time didn’t move forward with the plan.

After dusting off Marmon Mok’s review and plan, Sellers said the city is now moving forward with the complex, which could cost more than $30

COURTESY RENDERING

The 46-acre park near Chapa Middle School will feature a tennis complex, volleyball facility, a recreation center and possibly a skate park.

million today. Kyle is currently in the “final round” of talks with three entities, which aim to develop the sports complex.

What the complex could hold is a variety of recreational opportunities.

Sellers said the city had a “recent development” with an unnamed entity involving positive interest in a “tournament quality tennis complex.” The tennis facility may house national

tournaments “or larger.”

Another entity was interested in developing a “tournament-class” indoor and outdoor volleyball facility, which could also be used for other activities, including basketball and futsal, or indoor soccer.

A third entity is eyeing a “large recreation facility” that will be multi-purpose for a variety of activities. Other facilities could include a skate park, along with a

splash pad.

Kyle Mayor Todd Webster said that instead of waiting 20 years, the city could “bring the types of things people want.”

Travis Mitchell, Kyle city council, District 1, credited staff with finding a solution to the funding issue.

“You brought forward an impossible solution and its the truest situation of making lemonade out of lemons,” Mitchell said.

Gang activity funneling into Hays County

BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY Hays County falls into the median category of concentrated gang activity in Texas, according to the state’s 2017 Gang Assessment Report.

Gang activity has been rising exponentially in Texas and recent reports estimate there are 100,000 active gang members in the state.

However, given the dynamic nature of gang recruitment, that number could be even higher, officials report.

The Texas 2017 Gang Assessment Report is a collaborative effort by the Texas Joint Crime information Center with more than 100 local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to create a comprehensive assessment of gang activity.

“This report provides an overview of gangs operating in Texas, which gives law enforcement important information to help protect our communities from these violent organizations.” said DPS Director Steven McCraw.

Gang are categorized

Based on these factors, the most significant gangs in Texas are Tango Blast and associated Tango cliques, Latin Kings, the Texas Mexican Mafia and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). into separate tiers based on several factors including relationship with drug cartels, transnational criminal activity, the level of a gang’s criminal activity, total strength and prevalence throughout Texas.

Based on these factors, the most significant gangs in Texas are Tango Blast and associated Tango cliques, Latin Kings, the Texas Mexican Mafia and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).

These gangs are rated as “Tier One” due to their increasing presence in the state and their transnational activities with gangs outside of the U.S. The prison system and county jails offer gangs such as Tango Blast unique opportunities for recruiting new members,

who may join for protection during incarceration. Gangs may recruit in order to have a majority of the population and defend themselves from other gangs.

Gang activity tends to culminate in metropolitan areas, according to the study. However, members can also be found in surrounding rural and suburban areas.

“Like many smaller towns in Central Texas, Kyle has some affiliate gang members who live in the city limits,” said Jeff Barnett, Kyle Police chief. “We also experience some youth criminal activity. This is typically a group of teens and young adults who commit a variety of crimes including burglary and thefts.”

Barnett noted that the youth criminal activity in the area is generally not affiliated with the larger criminal gangs.

Hays County’s proximity to areas with a higher concentration of gang activity, such as Travis County, as well as its location along Interstate 35, have placed it among the median of Texas’ gang activity.

While certain gangs are significant at the state level, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are a significant threat at a regional level.

For instance, Hays is within Region 6 of the six Texas DPS regions and the largest active gangs in the region include the Bloods, Crips, Surenos, Gangster Disciples, while the most active prison gangs are Tango cliques in San Antonio (Orejon) and Austin (La Capirucha).

Gangs have also taken to social media in order to promote, recruit and even brag about crimes.

Members are also known to use the social media

platform to showcase self-produced music videos, glorifying the gang lifestyle, taunting would-be rivals and even a call for the killings of other gang members or police.

However, Texas law enforcement officials have online tools of their own to combat and monitor gang activity.

The TXGang database is one such tool that was created for officers to access information on gangs and specific gang members. The system is only available to law enforcement officers for the purpose of monitoring gang activity.

“The TXGang database is always available to our officers and is used as needed in criminal investigations.,” said Barnett. “We find it is an extremely useful tool to mitigate gang-related activity and help keep our officers safe.

Due to an increasing presence of gang activity, Hays County formed the Hays County Gang Task Force in 2012 as a proactive measure to mitigate gang activity in the area.

The task force is made up of officers from Kyle PD, Buda PD, San Marcos PD and the Hays County Sheriff’s office.

Buda Council Update: Library bulks up on books Continued from pg. 1A

RELOCATION OF UTILITIES Alpine is a 4-year-old male Catahoula/heeler mix who has just the right balance of pep and cuddle.

Alpine is very well socialized and gets along great with all people, dogs and cats! He has an infectious zest for life that will keep you laughing. Alpine has a knack for snuggling and will happily keep you warm.

Peppermint is a 1-year-old female shorthair torbie and an all around great girl. She loves to snuggle with her people and gets along well with other kitties too. Whoever takes Peppermint home will be a very lucky person. There’s no time like the present to swoop in and save this beautiful princess.

PAWS Shelter and Humane Society

is a non-profit, no-kill shelter operated primarily on donations and adoptions.

500 FM 150 E, Kyle, TX • 512 268-1611 • pawsshelter.org

All animals are fully vaccinated, spay/neutered, microchipped and dewormed.

sponsored by

Town & CounTry VeTerinary HospiTal Committed to your pet’s health since 1978

Bill Selman, DVM • Kayley Goldsmith, DVM • Erin Jobman, DVM 6300 FM 1327 (East of I35 and Creedmoor) Austin, TX 78747 Give us a call at 512-385-0486

City Engineer John Nett and Allen Crozier with HDR Engineering updated the council on an agreement with the Goforth Special Utility District (SUD).

Crozier said the Goforth SUD board had already approved the proposed agreement between the two entities which would not increase the rate of their services or their cost for those services.

Crozier told council members that, depending on when the permitting was approved by TCEQ, the project could be breaking ground as early as March of this year.

Council members approved the agreement unanimously.

WASTEWATER PLANT OVERSIGHT The council delayed a final vote on an agreement for more oversight of the wastewater treatment plant phase 3 project.

Aaron Archer with Walker Partners, LLC presented the council with a possible $500,000 two-year professional services agreement to oversee the construction inspection services on the wastewater plant project.

Nett explained that Buda city staff approached Walker Partners about help with the project because it was a large capital improvement project (CIP).

Archer said additional oversight is needed on

large construction projects, to help ensure construction accuracy.

Council members were in favor of having an extra few pairs of eyes to oversee the project but were unsure of the proposed contract and associated $500,000 price tag.

Council members Paul Daugereau and Evan Ture supported tabling the item until the Jan. 16 council meeting, giving staff and council members time to go over the proposed professional services agreement.

Council members also requested that the water/ wastewater committee take a look at the proposed agreement, along with the City Attorney George Hyde, before the agenda item returns to the dais.

Opinion

QUOTE OF THE YEAR “Brands and destinations are earned, not given.

One that we have earned as a community until this point is the Pie Capital of Texas.”

– Scott Sellers, Kyle City Manager. Story on page 1C

Hays Free Press • January 3, 2018

Page 3A

Why my father shuns all the social media

M

y father is behind the curve on social media, but I think he is onto something.

You see, my father was born in 1933. He was a paperboy in the days when paperboys stood on city corners and shouted “Extra!”

In his home, the newspaper still is king.

He has two delivered daily. He reads every inch of both. He does the crossword puzzles in both, too - with a pencil.

(Note to people under 30: A pencil is a small, yellow stick that leaves a mark when its tip is pressed against paper.)

My father knows that people can do crossword puzzles on their computers and smartphones, but the idea is nutty to him. Only an idiot would bring electronic equipment into the bathroom.

To be sure, my father has shunned the communications marvels of modern times.

He uses my mother's smartphone - but only to avoid long-distance charges. I showed him how to use her phone to text family members, but he gave up on that fast.

(Note to people over 50: texting is when you press both thumbs against a smartphone keypad to bastardize the English language.)

I bought him a Kindle for Christmas a few years ago and created an email account for him. He gave it a try but quickly lost interest in emailing anyone.

I showed him how to search the web to locate people and businesses. He gave that a try, too, but still prefers to use the White Pages or Yellow Pages.

(Note to people under 40: The White and Yellow Pages are thick directories of people and businesses that are left at your door once a year.)

He loves to read, so I showed him how to download ebooks, but he still prefers paper-bound books.

(Note to people under 20: A paper-bound book is a compact device in which words are printed on several pieces of paper; the paper is glued to a spine.)

But one thing he will never do is use a social media website, such as Facebook, which, says The Statistics Portal, has more than 2 billion active users.

For starters, my father thinks social media is a total waste of time.

He thinks it is causing group think, as many people “friend”

Guest Column

by Tom Purcell

others who think exactly as they do and “unfriend” those who think differently.

He thinks the fake news articles are driving misinformation - a dangerous thing in a republic, whose success depends on thoughtful, well-informed voters.

And he thinks social media is increasing incivility, as people, hiding behind their keyboards, shout and yell and call others names.

According to two former Facebook executives, my father's observations are spot on.

According to Fortune, one former executive said that Facebook “was developed to be addictive.”

He said that the information-sharing platform was designed as a “social-validation feedback loop.” He said that it “exploited weaknesses in the human psyche.”

Fortune also reports that a second former executive said that Facebook “encourages 'fake, brittle popularity,' leaving users feeling empty and needing another hit, and suggested that this 'vicious circle' drives people to keep sharing posts that they think will gain other people's approval.”

Which brings us back to my father.

He may be behind the curve on social media, but he's thriving in the real world of the White Pages, printed newspapers and books with spines.

When he wants to communicate, he approaches other human beings, usually my mother, and uses his voice. Sometimes he uses facial expressions and hand gestures to emphasize a point.

As I said, I think he's on to something.

Copyright 2018 Tom Purcell. Tom Purcell, author of “Misadventures of a 1970's Childhood” and “Wicked Is the Whiskey,” a Sean McClanahan mystery novel, both available at Amazon.com, is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively

by Cagle Cartoons Inc. For info on using this column in your publication or website, contact Sales@cagle. com or call (805) 9692829. Send comments to Tom at Tom@TomPurcell.com.

Hays Free Press

Get fit one sip at a time W

ell, here it is, 2018, and I’m still on this side of the sod. I reckon if I take reasonably good care of myself, listen to my doctors and my wife, and keep one eye on the wild hog and the other eye on the nearest tree I could climb if my aim is off, I should make it to 2019 in one piece. Until then, I s’pose I should make another New Year’s resolution like I do every year. Makin’ resolutions are pretty easy for me. Keeping them past January 15 is what’s tough.

Since I’m rapidly turning into a grumpy curmudgeon, I thought I’d try to be less critical and/or more tolerant of others, except for sleazy politicians, perverted celebrities, pesky telemarketers and all those members of society who are simply dumber than a bag of rusty nails. I figured I’d break that resolution before halftime of the Rose Bowl, so I started thinking of an easier one to keep.

It’s been suggested that I try to learn something new

From the Crow’s Nest

by Clint Younts

to keep my mind active.

Well, that’s mighty fine advice if I were about 20 years younger. Y’all know that saying about teaching an old dog new tricks, right?

Well, this old hound is perfectly content sprawled out under the shade tree lapping up a cool beverage between naps. Besides, I just don’t know if there’s room in the vault for any more knowledge.

You see, the human brain is much like that storage shed in the back yard. You acquire one that’s completely empty and promptly start filling it with essential tools and supplies. Over time, the shed starts filling up with stuff you’ve collected over the years. Here I am just a rock-throw from my golden years, and my tool shed is plumb full. If I try to shove something new in there, I’ll

first have to pull something out to make room. So, if I try to learn something new, I consequently might forget something important, like my Social Security number or to put on pants when I walk to the mailbox.

It’s also been recommended that I should exercise more this coming new year. Hey, I do a lot of work here on the ranch. I might not do it every day or even every week, but dagnabbit, when I do work, it’s real exercise and very productive.

Chopping a mess of mesquite shrubs burns as many calories as running on some treadmill while watching Dr Phil in an air-conditioned gym. Not only do I burn calories, but afterwards, I can sit back and admire my hard work while replenishing those calories from my ice chest.

Lots of health nuts wear something called a Fitbit when they exercise. It’s like a wristwatch that measures your pulse and tracks your heart rate. I hear it figures how many calories you are

burning and lets you know when you can end your workout. When I exercise, I don’t need a Fitbit. I have other means of letting me know when it’s time to call it a day, like having back spasms, seeing buzzards circling overhead, or having heat-induced hallucinations of beer cans dancing a jig.

What I need is some gadget that’s worn on the wrist that counts how many sips of beer I take after a workout. I could program it to track the number of times my wrist travels up towards my face, and once I reach my goal, it starts beeping to inform me that should be my last beer. Perhaps I should invent such a gadget and call it a Sipbit. I must remember to install a mute button to stop that annoying beeping.

Clint Younts doesn’t share his beer with his cattle, but when he’s in a good mood, he might invite his cousin over for a beer. Hmmm .... crowsnest78610@gmail.com

News certain to occur in 2018 J ournalists love yearend recaps, but summarizing the odyssey that was 2017 might better be left to late-night comedians. So herewith a Precap of news certain to occur in 2018: Jan. 1 - President Trump tweets: “Let’s resolve to move forward in the New Year and make the right decisions for our wonderful nation and its beautiful people by finally bringing Crooked Hillary to justice!”

Jan. 5 - Amazon abandons the search for a city to host its second headquarters, opting instead to simply purchase Cleveland.

Jan. 7 - President Trump tweets: “Did Doug Jones really win in Alabama? Let the Electoral College decide!”

Feb. 4 - At the Super Bowl, NFL executives announce plans to prevent head trauma and dizziness among players. The league says team doctors will now issue earplugs when crowd noise exceeds 150 decibels.

Feb. 5 - On Time magazine’s list of “Men Mostly Likely to Avoid Sexual Misconduct Charges,” first place is shared by “Big Bang Theory” star Jim Parsons and the comedian Carrot Top. Feb. 22 - Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul loses two teeth fighting a customer at

Guest Column

by Peter Funt

Home Depot for “the last container of Ortho Weed B Gon.” Mar. 2 - President Trump tweets: “Just turned down an Academy Award. Schedule won’t allow me to attend March 4 ceremony in Hollywood.”

Apr. 7 - A select committee co-chaired by Senators Feinstein, Sanders and Warren backs a mandatory retirement age for elected officials. The panel recommends 105.

Apr. 14 - After “an exhaustive search,” Amazon casts Jim Parsons to replace Jeffrey Tambor in the series “Transparent.”

May 23 - White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders clarifies that President Trump’s new ban on importing trophy wives does not apply to persons already living in the U.S. June 8 -The Boy Scouts of America votes to open its ranks to youngsters whose parents are Democrats.

July 4 - President Trump wishes the nation a “Merry Christmas,” explaining via

Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com

Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton

Reporters Samantha Smith, Maria Gardner

News and Sports Editor Moses Leos III

Columnists Bartee Haile, Chris Winslow, Pauline Tom, Clint Younts

Proofreaders Jane Kirkham Marketing Director Tracy Mack Marketing Specialist James Darby

Twitter that having rescued the phrase from extinction he will now use it on all holidays.

July 10 - The New York Times expands its robust roster of email offerings with “NYT24,” the company’s first hourly newsletter.

Times reporters and columnists will analyze tweets posted by colleagues in the previous 60 minutes.

Aug. 1 - Carrot Top is named host of NBC’s “Today” show.

Aug. 27 - United Airlines says its boarding groups will now have names instead of numbers. Group 1 will be “Elite”; Group 2 “Superior”; Group 3 “Mediocre”; Group 4 “Deplorable”; Group 5 “Untouchable.”

Sep. 10 - A dozen employees at Google come forward with claims of sexual harassment by the Google Assistant.

Sep. 19 - President Trump tweets: “Television Academy just notified me I’m a unanimous choice for an Emmy. Not interested!”

Oct. 6 - In the season premiere of “Saturday Night Live,” Kellyanne Conway and Jeff Sessions, both portrayed by Kate McKinnon, plot with Julian Assange (McKinnon) to get dirt on Bernie Sanders, played previously by Larry David but

handled this season by Kate McKinnon.

Nov. 7 - Election results show Democrats regaining a majority in the House.

Nov. 8 - President Trump tweets: “Massive voter fraud

by Democrats! Let the Electoral College decide!”

Nov. 22 - President Trump pardons two turkeys, one State Department official, and three cabinet members.

Nov. 23 - Donald and Melania Trump tweet: “Warmest wishes to our African American friends and neighbors as they celebrate Black Friday.”

Dec. 5 - Refuting @realDonaldTrump, the Nobel Prize committee announces that President Trump will not be receiving an award this year.

Dec. 31 - President Trump tweets: “I invented the term Precap. In 2019 the wall will be built. Fox & Friends will win the Emmy it deserves. I will release data proving that Crooked Hillary did not win the popular vote in 2016!”

Peter Funt is a writer and speaker. His book, “Cautiously Optimistic,” is available at Amazon.com and CandidCamera.com. Columns distributed exclusively by Cagle Cartoons, Inc., newspaper syndicate.

113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Production Manager David White

Circulation/Classifieds David White, Wendie Hyer

Production Assistant Christine Thorpe

Distribution Kimberlee Griffon, Denise Larivee

Hays Free Press • January 3, 2018

Page 4A

Sledge Street: Questions linger about double homicide Continued from pg. 1A

Street in June 2015.

Even as the investigation into Wright’s and Combs’ murders continues into its second year, few answers have been given into one of the more mysterious cases in Kyle’s history.

“It boggles my mind.

They took 200 pieces of evidence and sent it to the crime lab…and in 2 years, you’ve got nothing back?

It’s weird, it’s strange,” McPherson said.

Jeff Barnett, Kyle Police Department chief, said there is “nothing else to release” as far as new information in the unsolved double homicide.

Kyle Police discovered the bodies of Wright and Combs in a home on Sledge Street following a welfare call in June 2015.

Autopsy reports ruled each death as a homicide,

Tina Combs

Jimmy Wright

with the cause of death determined to be a gunshot wound.

Barnett said most of the evidence collected at the crime scene is in the “final stages of analysis at the lab.”

Authorities have not made any arrests in the case, and it’s unknown at this time if there are any persons of interest.

Barnett said the case is still under investigation, with Kyle Police obtaining assistance from several

“There have been other murders.

Maybe not like this one, but they’ve found the guy in a day or two. And here we are, two years later, and we still don’t have answers and nothing’s back from the crime lab.”

department in order to talk with investigators.

One of the biggest struggles for Wright’s family is living far beyond Kyle’s borders, McPherson said.

“I didn’t know anyone down there except for a couple of people that I’ve met before,” McPherson said, “but other than that, You got new we don’t have anyone instruments for down there.”

Closure of other murChristmas...

–Rachael McPherson, niece of Jimmy Wright der cases has also left the Now take music families dismayed. lessons at Allegro!

“There have been other law enforcement agencies, reached the point of a cold including the Texas Rang- case. The department still murders. Maybe not like Call 312-5995 ers. The case is the only has a few more tips to fol- this one, but they’ve found unsolved murder during low up on that have come the guy in a day or two,” 119 Cimarron Park Loop, McPherson said. “And Barnett’s tenure, which in, he said.

Suite B here we are, two years latbegan in 2011.

However, frustration Buda, TX 78610 er, and we still don’t have “Not a day goes by is mounting for Wright’s where we don’t think relatives, along with those answers and nothing’s AllegroFineArts.com about (the case) or take who were close to Combs, back from the crime lab.” steps on the case,” Barnett McPherson said. said.

Some of Wright’s friends Barnett said the unhave traveled to Kyle to solved murders have not physically visit the police CITY OF BUDA

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Hurricane: The impact of Harvey on Buda, Kyle Continued from pg. 1A

One of the hardest hit areas was Stagecoach Park where two heritage oaks were blown over. No swift water rescues were made during the weekend.

“We dodged a bullet,” Marino said. “Everyone was expecting a lot of rain. We did get a lot, but not what we’ve seen in the past.”

Also breathing a sigh of relief were Kyle city officials, who only experienced tree damage and a handful of flooded streets during the storm.

Kim Hiilsenbeck, Kyle communications specialist, said the city

“We dodged a bullet. Everyone was expecting a lot of rain. We did get a lot, but not what we’ve seen in the past.”

–David Marino, Buda public information officer

prepared itself by placing barricades near low water crossings.

Hilsenbeck said the city’s public works and police department constantly checked culverts, ditches and streams for potential issues.

The city also engaged

its EOC, which worked with emergency and county officials to monitor the storm situation.

No major road problems were reported in Kyle due to the storm. The city’s drainage system also experienced few issues.

“When (roads) were

closed, they were closed the minute water ran over the road,” Hilsenbeck said.

Preparation prior to the storm was one of the lessons learned during the Memorial Day and Halloween 2015 flood events, Hilsenbeck said. The slow pace that Hurricane Harvey traveled also helped.

“We did so many things in advance of the storm to keep everyone safe in what could have been a way worse situation,” Hilsenbeck said. “We had time in advance to make sure we had everything ready to go.”

A citizen’s point of view provides valuable insight into the operations of the City’s and Council’s decision-making process. The job of Board and Commission members is crucial to the success of Buda’s representative government. The City of Buda is seeking applications from qualified individuals to serve on the various Boards and Commissions. A list of Boards and Commissions and their related duties and qualifications are available on the website at www.ci.buda.tx.us/boards. Application forms may be picked up at City Hall, 121 S. Main St., during normal business hours, Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m.

- 5:00 p.m., and on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Applications are also available on the website at www.ci.buda.tx.us/applications. Applications may be submitted via mail to the City Clerk, P. O. Box 1380, Buda, TX 78610, email to aramirez@ ci.buda.tx.us, or fax to 512-312-1889. The deadline to submit a completed application is March 26, 2018 to consider the April 2018 appointments. For additional information, contact the City Clerk at 512-312-0084.

DWI Murder: Local realtor gets 20 years Continued from pg. 1A

District Attorney Wes Mau told jurors to send a public statement that “here’s what you should expect if you commit this crime in Hays County because this is what Hays County juries do.”

Mau and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Stalbaum repeatedly reminded the jury of Tarr’s two previous convictions for driving while intoxicated, but suggested jurors hand down a stiff penalty even if they do not believe Tarr will again endanger lives on the road.

Defense attorneys Billy McNabb and Scot Courtney asked jurors to recall testimony from a succession of friends and colleagues who said Tarr

Hays County District Attorney Wes Mau told jurors to send a public statement that “here’s what you should expect if you commit this crime in Hays County because this is what Hays County juries do.” was a conscientious mentor and generous philanthropist while building a real estate empire that included a major Keller Williams franchise in Buda and Kyle.

They said a lighter sentence would allow Tarr to continue raising his nine-year-old son upon

his release from prison.

“What does it mean to that fellow?” Courtney asked as he held up a photo of Tarr’s son to the jury box.

Moreover, McNabb suggested that Tarr may devote the remainder of his life to warning others of the dangers of drinking

DEBBIE THAMES

and driving.

“There’s not a case more worthy of the minimum [sentence] than this case. … Jason’s destroyed financially. He’s never going to be able to restore his reputation and have any meaningful occupation ever again. Maybe this is his calling,” McNabb said.

Under the Texas Penal Code, the maximum sentence for first-degree felony murder is life in prison. Tarr will be eligible for parole after serving half of his sentence or 30 years, whichever is less.

The trial started May 1 with jury selection; the jury returned guilty verdicts after just over seven hours of deliberations May 11.

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Kyle Fire: Historic home burns on New Years Day Continued from pg. 1A

sidered a total loss. According to Taylor, the home was not the owners’ primary residence, so, at this time, the family is not in need of assistance.

Witnesses reported that

Center Street was closed for approximately six hours while fire crews from Buda, Kyle, San Marcos and North Hays worked to subdue the flames.

Witnesses say they saw

a flash of light in the attic before the blaze erupted but Taylor said the Hays County Fire Marshal is still investigating the source of the fire.

Taylor also said that, at

this time, they are ruling out anything suspicious as the cause for the fire.

Updates on this story will be available on our website as the investigation progresses.

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Sports HaysFreePress.com

Section B HCISD IN 2017

New district leader, end of bus service tops school news.

– Page 3B

Hays Free Press

January 3, 2018 • Page 1B

TOP SPORTS STORIES OF 2017

Kirkland takes over as Lobo athletic leader

BY MOSES LEOS III While making his way to the 2014 UIL state basketball tournament, Joshua Kirkland never forgot how “gorgeous” the Kyle and Buda area were to him.

“I told my wife, ‘If I get the opportunity to come here to work, I’ll take it,’”

Kirkland said. “It has everything you want to do.”

Three years later, Kirkland was sure to make good on that promise.

In May, Kirkland was officially hired as the third head coach and athletic coordinator at Lehman High. His hiring, fills the void left by Todd Raymond, who left to take the athletic director role at

Pflugerville ISD.Kirkland was at his El Paso home when he got the call from Hays CISD officials regarding his hiring.

While he knew his name was being brought before the board of trustees, Kirkland didn’t know what to expect.

Once he got the word he was the new coach, Kirkland didn’t waste time

in readying himself for the job.

By 7 a.m. the next morning, Kirkland informed his previous team at El Paso Parkland High of his decision to leave. By 10:30 a.m. that day, Kirkland had turned in his gear to Parkland, picked up his wife and children

Joshua Kirkland flashes the Lobo sign to students at a meetand-greet in 2017. (photo by Moses Leos III)

KIRKLAND, 2B

Bittersweet victory for Lady Rebs over Vipers

BY MOSES LEOS III

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Former Lehman High girls head soccer coach Nauri Garcia (right), stands next to former assistant and current head girls soccer coach Michael Banning during the program’s 2015 alumni soccer match at Lobo Field. Banning was annouced as Garcia’s replacement in June 2017 after Garcia stepped down in May.

Lobo head girls soccer coach steps down

BY MOSES LEOS III For the first time in program history, the Lehman High girls soccer team had to search for a new head coach.

Longtime Lobo head girls soccer coach Nauri Garcia announced his resignation as the team’s leader. Garcia confirmed to the Hays Free Press he would remain as a PE instructor at Hemphill Elementary.

Garcia had served as the Lehman girls soccer head coach since the school first opened its doors in 2004.

Garcia made the announcement of his resignation on his Facebook page, saying the position of head soccer coach was a “dream come true.”

“I have met and worked with some amazing people that will remain in my heart,” Garcia said.

During his tenure, the Lady Lobos soccer team won 123 games and reached the playoffs seven times. The program also notched two bidistrict playoff championships, and had 13 athletes sign to continue their playing careers in college.

Last season, the Lady Lobos struggled to a 2-12-3 mark.

Garcia said on his Facebook page he loved the lessons “the sport of soccer continues to teach me.”

“If you are lucky enough to continue to play a sport, embrace

“If you are lucky enough to continue to play a sport, embrace it ... Doors that close will always lead to something new.”

Tears welled in the eyes of Hays Rebel head softball coach Lisa Cone when she realized just how emotionally significant Tuesday’s 13-0 run-rule win over the Vandegrift Vipers was for her team.

Hays’ 13-run bombardment of Vandegrift capped off a regular season that culminated with the 25-6A crown. It also helped the Rebels shake off their only district loss to Vista Ridge which was suffered late last week.

Perhaps more symbolic, Hays’ run total Tuesday corresponded to the number worn by Brynn Aylor, who was tragically killed in a car accident roughly a month ago.

It was a bittersweet moment for Cone, who understood the range of emotions her team has experienced.

“I know we had a little extra angel out there. I know that’s what the girls are thinking. We got some help tonight,” Cone said.

“The kids have worked hard this year and played through things that you couldn’t quite imagine.”

Hays’ win was anchored by a dominant performance from pitch-

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Huddled in a circle near the scoreboard, members of the Hays Lady Rebel softball team have a post game discussion after defeating the Vandegrift Vipers 13-0 in five innings. The result was bittersweet as the 13 runs scored corresponded with the jersey number of teammate Brynn Aylor, who was killed in a car accident the month before.

“I know we had a little extra angel out there. I know that’s what the girls are thinking. We got some help tonight.”

–Lisa Cone, Hays softball coach

er Maxine Valdez, who recorded a career-high 15 strikeouts in a two-hit, five inning performance.

LOBO SOCCER, 2B

REBEL SOFTBALL, 2B

Rebel senior overcomes injury to return to the gridiron

–Nauri Garcia, former Lady Lobo soccer coach

it,” Garcia said. “Doors that close will always lead to something new.”

Parents, colleagues, both current and former, and soccer athletes took to Garica’s Facebook post to show their appreciation.

James Halatin, Lehman High head girls basketball coach, wrote Lehman is “losing a great one.”

Michael Banning, Lehman High assistant football and girls soccer coach, thanked Garcia for being a “great friend and mentor.”

“I will miss you more than you know,” Banning wrote.

Kathryn LeghPage, Lehman’s head volleyball coach, wished Garcia “all the luck in the world.”

“You have done many great things at Lehman and have inspired so many young athletes,” LeghPage wrote.

After allowing a leadoff base hit, Valdez settled in and struck out the next nine Viper batters in a

row.

But Valdez ran into trouble in the top of the fourth inning when the Vipers drew a pair of walks and a base hit to load the bases with one out.

Even when the pressure was on, Valdez kept cool and calmly recorded two strikeouts to retire

BY MOSES LEOS III

L

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Hays High senior Marcos Barrera simulates his stance on the offensive line, which he hoped to use during the 2017 football season. After suffering a severe leg injury in his freshman year, which nearly had him lose the limb, Barrera who cleared to participate in practices.

ike many times before in practice, Hays High football player Marcos Barrera knew his role when “Fright” was called in an October 2014 game at Anderson High.

As an offensive lineman, Barerra’s job was to block down and help set up a lane for his running back.

What seemed like an exercise in the routine turned into a nightmare scenario.

“I was blocking down and then I remember hearing a snap in my leg,” Barrera said. “I then couldn’t get off the

ground.”

But what was thought to be just a broken leg turned into three years of turmoil for Barrera, who has endured more than 20 surgeries, and even a threat of potential amputation.

After an aggressive physical therapy regiment, Barrera, who was once told he may never play football again, aimed in his senior season to complete an arduous climb back to the playing field.

THE INJURY The injury itself was a quick action. Marcos

BARRERA, 2B

Sports

Page 2B

Hays Free Press • January 3, 2018

Rebel freshman jumps to new heights

BY MOSES LEOS III

Perhaps one could forgive Hays Rebel freshman high jumper Reagan Casey for feeling a little anxious prior to competing at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin earlier this spring.

It was only two years ago that Casey began her track and field career as a high jumper at Dahlstrom Middle School.

This year, Casey was one of only two freshmen to compete in the high school girls high jump at the 90th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays.

For Casey, the experience of going up against some of the nation’s best high school jumpers was a moment to savor.

“It’s awesome,” Casey said. “Being one of the only freshman out here is a big deal for me.”

Casey’s path toward her inaugural Texas Relays appearance began in middle school.

As a 7th grader in her first track and field meet, Casey cleared 4-feet, 10-inches in the high jump. Casey recalled how current teammate Lexi McFadden, who was a freshman at the time and

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

With the Austin skyline in the background, Hays Rebel freshman Reagan Casey attempts to clear the bar set at 5-feet, 4-inches in the High School Girls high jump competition at the 90th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays.

was helping at the event, was impressed by Casey’s performance.

“She was blown away,” Casey said. “She told me to keep working on it and I could end up doing well (in the sport).”

The pattern of strong first impressions continued when Casey entered

high school.

Kevin Bussinger, Hays girls high jump coach, said he didn’t know what to expect from Casey until she began to consistently work out with the track team.

It didn’t take long for Casey to show her competitive nature.

During the team’s first track meet at Canyon Lake, Casey debuted by winning the event with a clearance of 5-feet, 6-inches.

The height was only two inches shy of the Hays girls high jump alltime record.

“I’ve been doing this

for 20 years and I’ve never had a girl jump (5-feet, 6-inches),” Bussinger said. “For her to do that as a freshman, it’s amazing.”

The jump helped usher an invite to the Texas Relays.

Competing on the big stage was a new moment

for Casey, who said she was admittedly anxious prior to competing.

The venue, mixed with some of the athletes she was competing against, brought a slight sense of nervousness.

Casey’s experience at the Texas Relays finished with a jump that cleared 5-feet, 2-inches.

“I’m with all of these 17-year-olds and everyone was older than me,” Casey said.

But for Casey, who eyes competing in the high jump in college, taking part in the Texas Relays was a strong opportunity to see the sport at its best.

Bussinger said Casey is a “great competitor” and is learning to adjust to improve her skills.

She’s also acquiring the chance to compete under pressure and is “getting comfortable with everything.”

“High jump is one of those crazy sports where if you’re a half stride ahead, you can’t jump. If you’re a halfstride behind, you can’t jump. Everything has to be perfect,” Bussinger, said. “It’s just a matter of consistency and getting there.”

Barrera: Rebel senior overcomes injury to return to gridiron Continued from pg. 1B

was engaged with a defender on the game’s first play when another football player inadvertently fell on his right leg, which was planted in the turf.

Pain from the injury didn’t hit Marcos until five seconds afterward.

He then looked down and saw why other players were calling for coaches and athletic trainers.

“My leg was almost in half. It was dangling,” Marcos said. “I started to freak out.”

A call to EMS was made and roughly 40 minutes later, Marcos was shuttled to Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin.

Once at the hospital, Marcos endured a four-hour surgery to

repair his broken leg. A second surgery was later conducted to combat compartment syndrome, a condition where severe trauma causes high pressure to build in a limb, cutting off blood circulation and possibly leading to amputation.

As of October 2016, Marcos had undergone more than 20 surgeries to repair his leg. The toll of those procedures hit Marcos harder than any football player could.

“After so many, it takes a toll on your body. You feel depressed by the medicine you take,” Marcos said. “It’s not feeling like rock bottom, but you feel depressed and you don’t want to do anything.”

IMPACT OFF THE FIELD As a result of his injury, Marcos was wheelchair bound for the first six months of his injury. He also missed the majority of his freshman year at Hays.

Teachers such as Laurie Callis helped by going to Marcos’ home and helping him with homework and other school related matters.

Maggie said she took Family Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA) from her job to tend to Marcos, taking him to and from appointments.

It didn’t take long, however, for Marcos’ situation to improve. By summer 2015, Marcos was given the go-ahead to start the physical rehabilitation process.

It was grueling work involving a team of physical trainers, as well as members of the Hays High athletic training staff. Supporting Marcos was Neal LaHue, Rebel athletic coordinator and head football coach, as well as his teammates.

Sarah Ashworth, Hays High assistant athletic trainer who helped Marcos’ recovery, said PT involved calf raises and the use of ankle bands. There was also work to strengthen the hip muscles.

“He was not able to do things until he was cleared,” Ashworth said.

“Then it was like two years worth (of PT) in six months.”

One primary constant was Barrera’s drive to get back on the field with his

teammates, with whom he’s played since little league.

Proving the doctors who said he may never play sports again wrong gave him ample motivation.

For Marcos, the toughest obstacle to overcome was the mental wall.

“The biggest thing was the mental aspect, to keep on pushing myself to not give up and not let the injury keep me away from the game,” Marcos said.

All of the hard work finally paid off in March when Marcos was cleared to play.

Maggie could see how the news brightened her son, who is normally a

stoic person. He began to push the limits of his therapy, as well as running and jogging.

Like many parents, Maggie had mixed feelings when her son was told he could play again.

Even with her apprehension, Maggie understands the determination her son brings, fueled by his desire to play.

“There’s no slow for Marcos,” Maggie said.

Marcos now eyes the chance to try to hit the field with his teammates.

“The big thing was to prove my doctors wrong, who said football wouldn’t be a thing in my future,” he said. “I told myself it doesn’t matter how long it took, as long as I get there.”

Kirkland said he’s often seen “running around practice,” and at times, will “jump in the drill” with students.

Kirkland proved that point when he raced a student while pushing prowler sleds on Lobo Field at a 2017 practice “I told him, if you beat me, you’re good. They

looked at me like I had lost my mind,” Kirkland said. “They seemed to enjoy it. It’s one of those deals where I won’t ask them to do something I can’t do.”

He said he’s looking at who’s currently working at Lehman and looking at what’s needed.

Strategy on the field

could center on the run game, which Kirkland found success at while at Parkland. Focusing on what the Lobos can do, and not on anyone else in the district, is the key.

“We’re going to focus on what we do and use getting better and not focusing on who we’re going to see,” he said.

BACK ON THE GRIDIRON

Kirkland: Takes over as Lobo athletic leader Continued from pg. 1B

in their car and traveled the 10-hour trip to Kyle.

“I was ready,” Kirkland said in a May 2017 interview. “It’s May 8, so we’re behind and I had to get here and get rolling.”

From the moment he met his new football team and athletics program staff, Kirkland stressed his focus on building char-

acter in athletes. He said the Lobo football team was attentive and excited about what Kirkland was bringing.

That mentality was forged during his time as an assistant at Daingerfield High in far northeast Texas before going to El Paso.

“You focus on the inside of the child and if

you get those things right, the outside takes care of itself,” Kirkland said. “You try to intrinsically make kids into better people.

You try to use athletics to make better men and women.”

A high-energy, “energetic and very positive” approach is what Kirkland also brings to the table.

WE BUY

Reb Softball: Bittersweet victory for Lady Rebels Continued from pg. 1B

the side.

Cone said Valdez worked to try and throw different pitches.

“If something isn’t working, going back to what’s working helps,” Cone said.

Valdez said having support from her defense also played a role in getting out of the game.

Use of her screwball and riseball helped keep Viper

bats in check.

“I just gave myself a boost of confidence that I could still do it and my team was there too,” Valdez said. “It helped a lot.”

While Valdez dominated in the circle, Hays’ offense found success with patience.

Hays capitalized on struggles suffered by Vandegrift pitcher Sydney Wunsch, who battled

command issues during her four inning outing.

The Rebels plated three runs in the second inning via an RBI single from Abbie Blackwell and a two-RBI base hit from Kayln Davis. Hays added three more runs in the third frame before breaking the game open with seven runs in the fourth inning.

Hays sent ten batters

to the plate and recorded three hits while drawing five walks.

“It was good to learn that we can’t take anything for granted,” Cone said.

Valdez said the win meant a lot to the team as they continue to play for Aylor.

“We’ll keep playing for her and give it all we’ve got,” Valdez said.

Continued from pg. 1B

Josh Young and Andi Green, both former athletic trainers at Lehman High, lauded Garcia’s passion for coaching and the mark he left on the program.

“It was a pleasure working with you for 10 of those years and I feel like it’s an end of an era,” Young said.

Joshua Kirkland, Lehman High athletic coordinator, said he has talked with Denisha

Presley, Lehman High principal, and Betsy Russel, director of student programs, regarding the process to fill Garcia’s spot.

It’s unknown if the position will be filled on an interim or permanent basis at this time, Kirkland said.

“We hate to see (Garcia) go. He’s been very successful in the program and what he’s done to get it started,”

Kirkland said. “We hope the next person can keep it going forward.”

Brent Holcomb, Hays High head girls soccer coach, who faced Garcia numerous times over the years, said he has the “deepest respect” for Garcia both personally and as a friend and colleague.

“As one of the most successful coaches in Lehman history, he has led his team to the

playoffs almost every year,” Holcomb said. “He is an outstanding leader who values the growth and development of his players, not only as athletes, but as young adults as well.”

Following Garcia’s departure, only Orlando de La Fuente, Lehman High head tennis coach, remains as a head coach who was originally hired when Lehman High first opened.

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Education

BEST OF 2017 Parks, traditions and memorials from 2017.

– Page 1C

Hays Free Press • January 3, 2018

Page 3B

TOP EDUCATION STORIES OF 2017 McKie resigns, new superintendent approved

BY MOSES LEOS III Hays CISD began the search for its next leader after Superintendent Michael McKie informed his executive staff in May that he intended to resign at the end of the 2017 school year.

In May, Hays CISD

posted an agenda item stating the Hays CISD board of trustees would take the resignation up in executive session, along with discussing potential candidates for acting or interim superintendent.

McKie was hired as Hays CISD superinten-

dent on May 23, 2013 and started serving the district five days afterward. McKie’s contract was set to run through June 30, 2019.

According to a joint statement, the Board of Trustees and McKie “have entered in the agreement believing it is

in their respective best interests, and in the best interests of the district.”

However, the statement did not specify why McKie chose to resign.

“He’s going to be looking at other options, and that allows us to look for other options as well,” Raymond said. “We really

appreciate his service to the district and wish him the best in whatever he chooses to do.”

During McKie’s tenure, voters in the district passed a $59 million bond in 2014 that included building four new campuses and improvements to district

infrastructure and technology. In 2017, voters approved a $250 million bond spread across two propositions which included a new high school, two new elementary schools and various improvements across the district.

McKie also led imple-

PHOTO FROM TEXAS LIBRARY ARCHIVES

Governor Mark White addressing a joint session of the 70th Texas Legislature on Jan. 14, 1987.

COURTESY RENDERING

An aerial view of the proposed swimming complex shows the natatorium design. Hays CISD agreed to partner with the YMCA to bring a natatorium to students.

Back in the water

HCISD approves $5M aquatic complex

BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY

A $5 million dollar natatorium was approved

by Hays CISD trustees during their Aug 31 meeting as a response to the continued growth and popularity of Hays’ school swimming programs.

The decision, made on a 4-2 vote with one abstention, allows the district to move forward on an agreement with YMCA of Austin for joint use of a natatorium in Camp Cypress, which is located along Old San Antonio Road in Buda.

Board president Merideth

“We are in a shortfall, we cannot compensate our employees adequately enough ... We need to prioritize what we value.”

–Esperanza Orosco, Hays CISD board trustee

Keller abstained from voting.

Hays CISD trustees’ decision also overrode an earlier 3-3 vote in June, which caused the agreement to initially fail.

Trustee Vice President Teresa Tobias, who voted against the measure, disagreed with the timing

of approving a costly item while the district faces a $3.4 million deficit.

“It’s a challenging time for this district,” Tobias said. “I don’t think anyone on this board made their decision lightly, regardless of their decision.”

Esperanza Orosco, who also voted against

the decision, shared her concerns that the district should focus on more academic efforts.

“We are in a shortfall, we cannot compensate our employees adequately enough,” Orosco said.

“We need to prioritize what we value.”

Several parents, teachers, coaches and even students took the opportunity to explain the importance of the school district’s swim program during the public discussion segment of the meeting.

AQUATIC COMPLEX, 4B

Bus service to stop for some students

BY MARIA GARDNER Bus service will be ending in January 2018 for students living within two miles of several Hays CISD campuses after the district updated its hazardous routes list.

The update, which was approved at a Aug. 31 board of trustee meeting, affects an estimated 1,470 students who live within two miles of Fuentes Elementary, Barton and Wallace middle school and all of the district’s high schools.

Tim Savoy, Hays CISD public information officer, said those students wouldn’t be eligible for bus service because new sidewalks are planned for FM 2770, FM 150 and Rebel Road, and Goforth Road.

The installation of sidewalks was completed by the end of the fall semester. Those routes are no longer deemed as “hazardous” under the Texas Education Code (TEC), Savoy said.

PHOTO BY MARIA GARDNER

Several groups of Hays CISD students walk along FM 2770.

Concerns were raised by several trustees over students walking along the heavily trafficked highway.

Under the TEC, districts can receive up to 10 percent of additional funding for bus service for students who live within two miles of a campus on routes categorized as hazardous.

“Anything under two miles, we do not get reimbursed from the state.

Our board policy says that we will not oper-

ate any routes that we do not get state money from,” said Carter Scherff, Hays CISD chief operations officer, at an Aug. 21 board meeting.

Scherff said with the elimination of some bus routes, the district would have less than 10 percent of funding allocated to hazardous routes, which puts them

in compliance with the state.

However, a handful of parents voiced concerns at the Aug. 31 board meeting about students walking to school without supervision.

Students who use FM 2770 near Kohler’s Crossing as their route will have to be trained on the safest place to cross, Scherff said.

Scherff said he would request school resource officers (SROs) be posted in the morning near Kohler’s Crossing to ensure students’ safety.

Some board trustees expressed concerns about the shortage in crossing guards and whether a change in pay could help to attract people to the position.

Vanessa Petrea, Hays CISD at-large trustee, said parents need to get involved in filling gaps usually filled by crossing guards.

“It’s going to take the whole community kind of getting together to make it work,” Petrea said.

State mourns education crusader known for ‘No Pass No Play’ rule

BY MOSES LEOS III A gregarious personality with a passion for education is how many remembered former Texas Governor Mark White, who passed away at age 77 in August 2017.

White, a graduate from the Baylor University School of Law, served as Texas’ attorney general and secretary of state before he was elected governor in 1983. His tenure lasted for one

term and went from 1983 to 1987.

During his tenure in the Governor’s Mansion, White, a Democrat, crusaded for education, based primarily on his mother, who was a first-grade teacher, according to his reports.

Some of White’s policies included limiting class sizes, increasing teacher pay, and requiring competency testing for teachers.

MARK WHITE, 4B

New Kyle charter school to open for 2018 school year

BY MOSES LEOS III

council, the city now needs to complete a In June, Larkin traffic impact analysis Tackett, vice presiin the area. dent of comOn Nov. 30, munity for IDEA Public IDEA public Schools anschools, unnounced Ester veiled plans to Polanco and the Kyle City Jorge Chipres Council for as the founding a proposed principals at $20 million, the IDEA Kyle 110,000 square campus. foot charter Officials with POLANCO school facility.

IDEA plan to Construcstart with 450 tion moved students in forward after grades kinderKyle Planning garten, 1st, 2nd and Zoning and 6th grades commissioners and would approved two add 240 more conditional students every use permits for year afterward. the facility at “We unCHIPRES the intersecderstand any tion of Goforth school or masRoad near Bluestem sive project would Road. After being IDEA CHARTER, 4B approved by the city

Education

Page 4B

Hays Free Press • January 3, 2018

IDEA Charter: 2018 opening Continued from pg. 3B

generate more traffic in the area,” Atkinson said.

“We want to study and have the best way to get cars in and out of there in the most efficient manner possible.”

Tackett said ground up development of new IDEA campuses takes place 90 percent of the time for the south Texas based charter school system. Only the Austin location, which opened in a vacant building that once housed a bowling alley, is the exception.

He added the campus would be a cutting edge facility with “all of the latest learning technology” and access to soccer fields and play area.

“Our students need to be well-rounded individuals,” Tackett said.

Timothy Kay, Kyle P&Z chair person, said IDEA’s proposal is a good project and that he was excited about it.

Pete Oppel, P&Z seat

1, said he advocated for charter schools based on what they produce and it could “go a long way to raising the educational standards in the area.”

“Anything that provides an educational product, I think the community should support,” Oppel said. “The kids are our future and we should give them every educational opportunity that we can.

Charter schools offer another opportunity for our schools.”

While Oppel said there have been bad charter schools, he cited IDEA’s rankings, which he believed set a high standard.

“We are really looking forward to being a great neighbor. We know we COURTESY RENDERING have to earn that,” Tackett said. “We are here to partner, to listen and to make sure the school is The first phase of the IDEA campus will encompass a 74,189 square-foot, two story facility. The second phase, which IDEA would have to return with separate CUPs to P&Z at a later date, would call for a roughly 25,000 square foot facility. The campus would an asset to the commuinitially house grades 2,3,4 and 6. Eventually, the school would house 1,400 total students from kindergarten through high school. nity.”

IDEA Campus

Mark White: State mourns education crusader

It’s not too late!

Continued from pg. 3B

What is he most known for is instituting the first “No Pass, No Play” rule in Texas, a rule that remains in existence today.

The rule, which was part of White’s 1984 education reform bill, stirred controversy across the football-crazy Lone Star State.

Under No Pass, No Play, students at Texas public schools were required to pass all of their classes in order to be eligible for extracurricular activities and athletics.

Kyle resident Calvin Kirkham, a longtime coach at several schools, including Odessa Permian High, said White was “severely criticized” by many when No Pass, No Play was instituted.

However, he believes White was later the recipient of praise based on the success of his rule.

Kirkham, who had retired from coaching when White took office, said he had always emphasized academics over athletics even before No Pass, No Play.

He also understood that some coaches felt the rule was “a little unfair” as it was punitive, and created instability when it came to depth charts.

“It made you tow the line. There were coaches I knew where they thought football was the only thing in the world,” Kirkham said. “You needed to do both … it didn’t mean you have to be the best student, but you do

“(No Pass No Play) made you tow the line. There were coaches I knew where they thought football was the only thing in the world ...

You needed to do both … it didn’t mean you have to be the best student, but you do have to do what teachers required of you.”

–Calvin Kirkham, former football coach

have to do what teachers required of you.”

Tim Savoy, Hays CISD public information officer, said White’s No Pass, No Play policy is one of the visible changes to Texas’ school system people still see.

It’s also part of his legacy that will continue

to endure. Savoy said Hays CISD is an advocate for No Pass, No Play in all activities, which ranges from team sports and all UIL compeitions, which complement the academic experience.

Savoy added No Pass, No Play made sure academics were up-tostandard for those in extracurricular activities.

“The No Pass, No Play rule made it crystal clear that, first and foremost, students have to have a solid grasp of their academic content before they could participate in extracurriculars,” Savoy said.

Outside of the political realm, White was known as a kind person and a “wonderful big brother,” said Jane Kirkham, who during her studies at Baylor was a roommate to White’s sister, Betty.

Jane Kirkham said White was close to his sister, and that he and his family were “very gracious.”

She also said White was “very proud of Texas” and was a friend of public education.

“He was gracious and very friendly, accepting and inclusive,” Jane Kirkham said. “He also had a sense of humor.”

White frequently visited the scenic Hill Country vistas of western Hays County with his family.White was remembered by a handful of public officials on social media, including former President Bill Clinton.

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Superintendent: McKie resigns

Hays Free Press

Continued from pg. 3B

mentation of a new strategic plan, an internal audit of all departments to address “current issues and needs,” as well as annual stakeholder satisfaction surveys, among other items, according to the district’s statement.

“Mr. McKie thanks the present and past board of trustees for providing

him with the opportunity to serve in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District,” according to the district’s statement.

At the meeting, trustees voted 7-0 to approve McKie’s resignation and release agreement and named Carter Scherff, chief operations officer,

as acting superintendent.

In July, board trustees voted to hire Dr. Ann Dixon as Hays CISD’s interim superintendent during a special called board meeting.

In December, trustees approved former Fredericksburg ISD superintendent Eric Wright as the official superintendent.

Name___________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________ Zip______________________Home Phone No.__________________________ Email ____________________________________________________________ o Check Enclosed o Charge credit card

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Aquatic Complex: HCISD approves funds Continued from pg. 3B

Hays County Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Scott Cary cited his own time as a troubled youth and how the YMCA helped change his life for the better.

“The more kids we reach through the YMCA, the less come into my courtroom,” Cary said.

Swimming coach Kaytlyn Stewart spoke on the importance of the program and how it instills confidence and leadership in the students who participate.

“I’m overwhelmingly excited,” Stewart said, after the vote was made.

“I’m very excited to tell

Signature________________________________________________________

“The more kids we reach through the YMCA, the less come into my courtroom.”

– Scott Cary, Hays County Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace

the kids.”

The discussion on a natatorium came as

Hays CISD’s high school swimming programs are gaining popularity.

Currently, the Hays and Lehman high swim teams share four lanes at the Hays Communities YMCA in Buda.

However, with 20 to 30 kids in each program, coaches and students were concerned swimmers would be “swimming over each other” during practices.

The now accepted natatorium would provide ten lanes in the morning and evening to allow ample time and space for the swim teams.

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113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 • (512) 268-7862 • www.HaysFreePress.com

Section C

Community

TOP BIZ NEWS

Major closings, openings and developments in 2017.

– Page 1D

Hays Free Press

HaysFreePress.com

January 3, 2018 • Page 1C

TOP COMMUNITY STORIES OF 2017 The Pie Capital of Texas?

COURTESY RENDERING

Buda’s new $360,000 water playground will be the first on the east side of the city. The park, to be called Green Meadows Park, along with new trails near Garlic Creek, is expected to be complete and operational in fiscal year 2017-18.

Buda approves first east side park

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

In April 2017, Buda city leaders earmarked $360,000 in monies from Proposition 5 of the 2014 bond for creation of a proposed splash pad in Green Meadows Park on the

east side of Buda. The park is expected to be finished by summer of 2018.

“It will be a different type of water feature than the one at City Park,” Buda Parks & Rec director Drew Wells said. “It will be more

commercial looking with tipping buckets and the interactive water jets.”

“I think it’s something the community really needs and has been waiting for,” city council member Eileen Altmiller said.

“Especially on the east side,” Buda Mayor Todd Ruge added.

“They’re really, truly lacking in amenities.”

The city may partner with the Green Meadows Homeowners Association to handle maintenance of the

splash pad, Wells said.

Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Lane said he hoped that a possible partnership could set a precedent for other parks built in other subdivisions.

Full story released April 12, 2017

Community mourns Hays High student

BY MOSES LEOS III From Dripping Springs to Leander and across Central Texas, in March of this year, the motto of “Play for Brynn” became a call of solidarity.

Wheth- AYLOR er that meant using eye black to scribble the number 13 on faces, arms or ball caps, many used the motto as a way to help the Hays High softball team mourn the loss of one of its own.

Brynn Aylor, 16, of Buda, a Hays High junior varsity softball player, was killed March 22 in a two-vehicle accident along FM 2770 roughly a mile south of Buda.

Many across the Hays

CISD community immediately felt the impact of Aylor’s death.

Tim Savoy, Hays CISD public information officer, sent a letter to Hays High parents March 22 regarding Aylor’s passing.

In addition, the district sent crisis counselors to Hays High to talk with students.

On Friday, March 24, the Hays High softball team took the field in its first game following the accident, which resulted in a 6-0 win over the Vandegrift Vipers.

All team members did their part to honor the memory of their fallen teammate.

“A lot of us were close to Brynn and we felt we needed to do that as a team,” Hays High softball player Illyana Cisneros said. “It really brought us closer together.”

The full story was printed on March 29.

BY MOSES LEOS III

W

hether it was your first or fifth time stepping into Helen’s Casa Alde in downtown Buda, Helen Alcala made it her mission to get to know you.

“She met so many people and has talked to so many people over the course of 37 years, but she could remember someone at the drop of a hat,” Remy Alcala, Helen’s granddaughter said.

“When people move out of town, they let us know they come back to this place,” Alcala said.

“You didn’t come here for

“You didn’t come here for just the tacos. You came here for (Helen).”

–Remy Alcala

just the tacos. You came here for (Helen).”

Helen Alcala, born in 1923, didn’t open the Casa Alde until 1980 when she was 57 years old. Prior to that time, Helen, who grew up in the Buda area, raised three children and fulfilled a career within Hays CISD. Following her retirement from Hays CISD, Helen worked at the

BY LESLEY DELEON In April of this past year, Kyle city manager, said Kyle will become, by trademark, the “Pie Capital of Texas.”

That could be the case after the city submitted an application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to trademark the title.

After conducting surveys and focus groups with residents and speaking with the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce, city officials decided Kyle was most well known for its pie.

“When it came down to it, we realized our destination is people coming off the I-35 to enjoy our downtown, specifically to get a slice of pie [at the Texas Pie Company],” Sellers said The Texas Pie Company is owned by Julie Albertson

PIE CAPITAL, 4C

Mum’s the word

PHOTO BY CAROL DAVIS

The Lady Rebel Softball team, as well as other athletes in and around the district, chose to remember Hays student and softball player Brynn Aylor, who was killed in a car accident on FM 2770, by adopting the motto “Play for Brynn.”

Texas School for the Deaf. At the same time, Helen made money on the side by selling breakfast tacos at the local cement plant in town.

With the financial and emotional assistance of Ezekiel DeLeon, her brother-in-law, Helen opened the Casa Alde, which at the time was not only the first Mexican restaurant in Buda, but also was the only restaurant on Main Street.

Over the course of 37 years, Helen’s Casa Alde has served multiple generations of Buda area residents. Remy, a Hays High graduate, saw many of her friends go to Casa Alde while she was growing up. Many of them are now bringing their children to the restaurant.

HELEN ALCALA, 4C

Moms get crafty with annual tradition

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

L

PHOTO FROM 1968 REBEL YEARBOOK

ayers upon layers of ribbon, a few bells and maybe even a whistle or two are common when it comes to the world of creating the perfect homecoming mum.

Yes, the sights and sounds of elaborate mums and garters donned by students was visible across Hays CISD as Hays and Lehman high schools held their annual homecoming festivities earlier this year.

But for many area moms, the annual coming-of-age tradition involves collecting materials to create a oneof-a-kind creation their child can wear proudly on homecoming day.

“I think the tradition of mums and garters for homecoming is important because it is a unique, optional tradition that can be a fun celebration of school and community spirit,” Hays County resident Sally

Helen Alcala as a cafeteria worker at Hays High School in 1968. Alcala went on to open Helen’s Casa Alde, a longtime downtown Buda fixture.

HOMECOMING, 4C

Remembering Helen Alcala After the death of Buda business icon Helen Alcala, the following abbreviated story was one of our top trenders of the year.

Kyle seeks official title

COMMUNITY

Page 2C

Hays Free Press • January 3, 2018

Welcome 2018 with Mountain City neighbors

H

appy New Year!

January 1st brought Amy “MountainCityFun” Hilton her 40th birthday.

January 2nd, RonTom turned 71.

Happy Birthday, Amy and Ron. January 1st brought the surprise and wonder of miniature ice sculptures across Mountain City.

Christine Greve posted on Facebook photos of her ice flowers and a link to the Wildflower Center’s information on Frostweed.

Christine lives cattycornered across the street from us. Most of our neighbors know her through the annual Christmas gathering we host for our Nearest Neighbors at the end of Live Oak Drive.

Some have wondered how we make a party happen. On Facebook, I shared our simple plan: An Easy-to-Do Christmas Gathering for Nearest Neighbors (same plan, year after year). It’s working well close to Christmas, after calendars clear.

1. Hand deliver a sheet of paper with details: date, time, “bring appetizer or dessert.” No need to spend money on a stamp.

2. Set out an appetizer

Mt. City Montage

by Pauline Tom

and cookies (for first arrivers) and beverages 3. Optional: name tags.

Paper and safety pins work fine.

4. Optional: create an annual tradition, such as “guess quantity of candy pieces in a container”.

5. ENJOY For over 20 years, most every year we’ve held a Christmas gathering. Oh, what a blessing for us and our neighbors.

In 2017, as we held hands around our pool table with Ron Tom asking God’s blessing on our gathering and His blessings on our neighbors, my heart almost burst with joy. Oh, how blessed we are with neighbors at the End of Live Oak Drive.

For 2018, as in years past, I’m grateful for readers and appreciate tidbits. Send tidbits to ptom5678@gmail.com (subject: tidbit) or leave a message at 512-268-5678.

Thanks! Love to you, Pauline

PHOTO BY RAPHAEL MARQUEZ

Kyle-ites splash into the new year A handful of children take a giant step off the side of the Kyle Pool as they take the plunge in the 14th annual Polar Bear Splash. Freezing temperatures didn’t deter several brave souls from taking the annual Jan. 1 dip in the Kyle Pool, which is an annual tradition put on by the Kyle Parks and Recreations Department.

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Santa Cruz Catholic Church,

Parish Activity Center

OBITUARY BAKER Kenneth Baker, 88, of Driftwood, Texas passed peacefully at his home in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 30, 2017.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, January 5 at Harrell Funeral Home Chapel, 1715 Kirby, Kyle, Texas 78640 with Pastor Jim Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Driftwood Cemetery in Driftwood. There will also be a visitation time from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Thursday, January 4. Those wishing to sign his guestbook may do so at http://www. harrellfuneralhomes. com/obituaries/KennethBaker-19/.

To many he was known as Kenneth or Ken, but to his immediate family, he was Pawsie. Pawsie was born January 16, 1929 in Navasota, Texas to Claud Leon and Hazel Ann (Warren) Baker. He was the 3rd son of 4 and the last one to pass. Upon an early high school graduation and turning down a full ride scholarship to Texas A&M, Pawsie went on to live out many life adventures and become a jack of all trades…and master of several. He drove trucks for his father’s trucking company, as well as Brown and Root, and even owned his own delivery trucking company.

At one point, he learned to fly and was a pilot of his own private aircraft. He loved racing drag boats in the 60s and 70s and even held the speed record for a time and was sponsored

by Pennzoil. It was during this time that he worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and met and married Barbara (Reid Boyce). He “retired” from Southwestern Bell in 1981 after 35 years of service so he could find enough time to not only design but also teach himself how to and then build a home for his family in Driftwood, Texas, where he lived until his final hours. In his retirement, he not only taught himself how to build their home, but also how to operate a backhoe. He and his son Greg founded Driftwood Construction Company in 1984, and they worked together

for many years installing septic systems and building various construction projects. Throughout all these years, one of Pawsie’s biggest loves was gardening, tending to his orchard, and making things grow.

He had a green thumb and knew the answer to anything you would ask him.

He lived life to the fullest measure and had a story to share for practically every step of the way.

Pawsie is survived by his wife Barbara (Mawsie) of 45 years, his son Greg Boyce and wife Tina of Driftwood, TX, his daughter Kim (Boyce) Heideman and husband Dennis of Lockhart, TX; grandchildren Becca (Heideman) Schultz and husband David, Kassi (Heideman) Guzman and husband Steven, Garrett Boyce and fiancée Jordan Reynolds, Hanna Heideman, and Maddy Heideman.

He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Chloe, Cheyenne, Benjamin, Carli, and Jackson Schultz, AND Jacob and Preston Guzman. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. Pall bearers are Greg Boyce, Dennis Heideman, Garrett Boyce, David Schultz, Steven Guzman, Tracy Baker, Dale Campbell, and Gene Lermuseaux, Jr. Honorary pall bearers are Bruce Lermuseaux and Kurt Lermuseaux. We all love you and will miss you dearly, Pawsie!

1100 Main Street, Buda, TX 78610 Texas Bingo License No. 17424803181

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See Solution on 3C

TYLER Doyle Arthur Tyler died December 29 at his home in La Grange, TX at the age of 83.

Doyle attended Kyle High School and as a young man worked in the family business – Tyler’s Garage.

With his brother, he formed a band which played in many Central Texas locations.

He is survived by his son Kennan Tyler, daughter Tyanna Tyler, brother and sister-in-law Windell and Audrey Tyler, brother Joe Tyler, sister Marilyn Tyler, and sister-in-law Patty Tyler.

Predeceased by his wife Nancie, they will be interred at the Kyle Cemetery. There will be a celebration of Doyle’s life at noon on January 6 at Madelyn Manor, 1014 S. Old Stagecoach Road in Kyle.

Sudoku

See Solution on 3C

Hays Free Press • January 3, 2018

COMMUNITY

Page 3C

West Texas ranchers defy future governor

– Charles Goodnight, Texas rancher

trespassers subject to eviction at gunpoint.

Attorney General John Templeton demanded that the Panhandle prosecutor seek indictments against the big ranchers for “illegal enclosure,” private fencing of public pasture. Caught in the middle and fearing the worst, the district attorney reluctantly obeyed.

To his amazement, the grand jury cheer-

Buda, Texas • 15300 S. IH-35 • 312-1615

Debbie Thames, Agent 251 N. FM 1626, Bldg. 2, Ste. C, Buda, Texas 78610 312-1917 BUDA

DRUG STORE

203 Railroad Street Downtown Buda Pharmacy 312-2111 Fountain 312-2172

Your Hometown McDonald’s

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

EPISCOPAL

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda

Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle

BAPTIST First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South

Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

2325 FM 967 • 312-0701

NEWS • LETTERS • OBITS CALENDAR • PHOTO GALLERY CLASSIFIEDS • SUBSCRIBE

Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle

The Well Buda

Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda

METHODIST

Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle

Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda

Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald

CATHOLIC Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland

Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

CHRISTIAN

Journey United Methodist 310 San Antonio Dr., Buda

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

(Millennium Drive is an entrance road)

Services Sun. 11:00 a.m.

Wed. 7:30 p.m.

Call or Text 512.393.4460

Visit

afountain.org for more info.

nuel Baptist Church a m Im

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

Buda United Methodist Church Elm Street & San Marcos

*Traditional Worship (Worship Center)-9 a.m.

Sunday School (all ages)-10:00 a.m. *Informal Worship (Chapel)-11 a.m.

Wednesday Evening (Chapel)-6:30 p.m. *On 5th Sundays we conduct one service at 10 a.m. with special music.

Rev. Nancy Day Office 295-6981, Parsonage 512-393-9772 www.BudaUMC.org

Santa Cruz Catholic Church

SUNDAY: Bible Study for all ages, 9:45 a.m.

Worship Service, 10:55 a.m.

1100 Main Street • Buda, Texas 78610 Office: 512-312-2520 • Fax: 512-295-2034 • santacruzcc.org Rev. David Leibham, Pastor • Rev. Amado Ramos, Assoc. Pastor

WEDNESDAY: Bible Study, 7 p.m.

CONFESSION Saturdays: 4 p.m.-5 p.m.

Pastor Rodney Coleman 4000 East FM 150 (4 miles east of Kyle) (512) 268-5471

God with us

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle

Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770

Pastor Rusty Fletcher and family

Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

Good Shepherd Ministries FM 967, Buda

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Located 1 block off FM 2001 at 302 Millennium Dr., Kyle, Texas

Texas Crossword, from page 2C

MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday evening: 5:30 p.m.

Sunday 8:30 a.m. (Spanish), 11 a.m. (English) 5 p.m. (English)

OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

FM 2770, Buda, Texas 295-4801

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda

Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle

A non-denominational church with live contemporary Christian music and life giving teaching!

Texas Crossword Solution

CENTEX MATERIALS LLC

Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle

Vertical Chapel 801 FM 1626 (Elm Grove Elem.), Buda

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda

Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.

Log onto www.HaysFreePress.com

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 2C

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

LUTHERAN

Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle

Veterinary Clinic

Sudoku Solution

TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP

New Covenant Community Church 1019 Main Street, Buda (in Dance Unlimited)

Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626

Rosebrock

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle

First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

15359 IH-35, Ste. B P.O. Box 1364, Buda, TX 78610 512-312-2383 Locally owned and operated

by Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson

Still time to order your copy of “Unforgettable Texans” is Bartee’s fourth and latest book. Mail a check today for $28.80 to “Bartee Haile,” P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77389 or order on-line at barteehaile.com.

Come worship with us

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle

McDonald’s of Buda

offered few occasions for celebration, and the Panhandle cowpunchers made the most of it in honor of His Honor.

Pure Texas Spring Water!

Privately owned From local springs

FREE DELIVERY 1ST 20 GAL. FREE Friendly, Courteous Service

Call 1-866-691-2369

PENTECOSTAL Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd. PRESBYTERIAN St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666

Hays Hills

 

 

Baptist Church

Sunday

9:30 a.m. Classic Service 10:45 a.m. Contemporary service

9:00am 10:00am 6:00pm 7:00pm

Wednesday 

Adult (including an 8:30 a.m. early bird class), teen, children’s classes * Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626

First Baptist Church

A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161 Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m.

AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m.

Nursery Provided www.firstbaptistbuda.com • fbcbuda@austin.rr.com



Bible Class Worship Worship Bible Class

  





Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd • Creedmoor, TX 512-243-2837

Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m.

Worship: 11:00 a.m.

WEdnESday Pray & Devotion: 6:30 p.m.

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“I put in my life to make this a free country and haven’t paid a cent for it.

If this Board can legislate me, I’ll leave your damned state!”

jurist removed from the bench.

The future governor persuaded a special committee to refer the matter to the House of Representatives, but the required two-thirds vote could not be mustered.

Overlooking this inconvenient technicality, a simple majority arbitrarily impeached Willis and sent him onto the Senate for trial.

Hogg was at his bombastic best in his scathing denunciation of the judge as the corrupt lackey of the rich ranchers.

However, the ambitious attorney general did not have the evidence to back up his rhetoric, leaving the senators with no choice but to clear Willis of all charges.

To welcome home the vindicated judge, his cowboy constituents wildly whooped it up.

Thirty riders stopped the stage on the outskirts of Mobeetie, presented Willis with a jug of his favorite beverage and escorted him into town at breakneck speed.

A hundred cheering citizens waving homemade signs and a band with more enthusiasm than talent were waiting for their hero, who had put the Austin politicians in their place. The hard life on the High Plains

162

by Bartee Haile

his term without going another round with the rough-and-tumble ranchers.

In a dramatic attempt to force the Land Board to honor the original four-cent lease, Goodnight and the owners of the T Anchor Ranch traveled to Austin. Loading a wheelbarrow with more than $100,000, they pushed the fortune up Congress Avenue to the office of the flustered state treasurer. Although he refused to accept the cold cash, the ranchers made their point and gave even their sharpest critics a good laugh.

On the heels of this publicity stunt, Goodnight confronted the Land Board in person. “I was on the frontier carrying a gun when I should have been in school,” he growled. “I put in my life to make this a free country and haven’t paid a cent for it. If this Board can legislate me, I’ll leave your damned state!”

“Where will you go?”

Gov. John Ireland asked.

“Russia,” retorted Goodnight. “It’s the next meanest place I know.”

In January 1887, the incoming attorney general resumed his predecessor’s crusade. Setting his sights on Judge Willis, Jim Hogg initiated formal proceedings to have the

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Texas History

fully complied. Following the lead of Charles Goodnight, the biggest rancher of them all, the cowmen returned a total of 76 indictments against themselves and practically every beef producer in the region. The attorney general’s bluff was officially called.

Rare was the prospective juror in the sparsely settled Panhandle whose livelihood did not depend in one way or another on the cattle industry. The dozen that sat in judgment of the accused were either working cowboys or their employers, and, as expected, the short trial ended in a verdict of “not guilty.”

But the attorney general would not throw in the towel and immediately went after Goodnight as the ringleader of the resistance. Templeton obtained a temporary injunction in May 1886 that for all practical purposes put Goodnight out of business.

The injunction was soon overturned by a judge named Willis, the same magistrate who had presided over the controversial acquittal.

Adding insult to injury, he awarded cash damages to Goodnight. Badly beaten at his own game, the humiliated attorney general was content to complete

IH-35

P

anhandle cattlemen called the attorney general’s bluff on Jan. 9, 1886 by indicting themselves on charges of “illegal fencing” on public land. Fifty-two ranchers, including the majority of the grand jurors, defiantly thumbed their noses at state authorities.

By the 1880s, most people in the eastern half of Texas believed beef barons in the distant Panhandle were exploiting the public domain for their own private gain.

Pressure mounted on the legislature to curtail the custom of letting the cowmen graze their herds for free on government land.

A bill was passed in 1883 that mandated competitive leasing of the public range at a minimum rate of four cents an acre. To enforce the new law, a State Land Board was created made up of the governor, attorney general, comptroller, treasurer and commissioner of the General Land Office.

But the ranchers flatly refused to bid against each other for grazing and water rights or to offer more than the minimum. The Land Board retaliated by doubling the price to eight cents an acre and branded the obstinate pioneers as

Toll

Rd

.

C o m e wo r s h i p w i t h u s Join our church directory by emailing paper@haysfreepress.com.

COMMUNITY

Page 4C

Hays Free Press • January 3, 2018

Homecoming

Continued from pg. 1C

PHOTOS BY MARIA GARDNER

Left: Priscilla Harrell cuts ribbon for a mum she is making. She makes mums for moms, grandmas and school board members, she says. This year, the trend with mums was the more bling, the better, Harrell said.Right: Junior cheerleader Mikaela Baker (left), admires junior cheer manager Sharon Monroe’s mum.

“What I have discovered is that mums are no different than prom dresses, in that there is one to fit everyone’s style and budget, and what is considered ‘over-the-top’ varies according to the individual.”

–Sally Beggs, owner of Mums by Mom

nie, who is a senior, had her mum made by her aunt, Rachel Prieto.

Ever since Stephanie’s freshman year, Rachel has created a mum for her niece, Sedillo said.

“She (Prieto) made my daughter’s mum her freshman year to the present with every year making them bigger and bigger. This is her senior year, so her mum is all

white and silver, which is a tradition for Lehman,” Sedillo said.

Xylina Morin said she has been making mums for her daughter and her friends for the last 10 to

12 years. She uses it as a fundraising tool to help finance her daughter’s travel plans to London.

“I’m glad I’m able to do something I love and make someone’s homecoming a great memory for years to come,” Morin said.

“What I have discovered is that mums are no different than prom dresses, in that there is one to fit everyone’s style and budget, and what is considered ‘over-the-top’

Pie Capital

Helen Alcala

and Spencer Thomas.

“It’s nice feedback for almost 18 years of being here developing our company,” Thomas said.

“We’re kind of flattered and we feel good about all that.”

City officials do not intend to support just one company, but to support an industry and a current destination, Sellers said.

“Brands and destinations are earned, not given,” Sellers said.

“One that we have earned as a community until this point is the Pie Capital of Texas. Talk to people in other cities, that might be debatable, but we here in Kyle, we’re very fond of our pie.”

The designation means the city will utilize the trademark, hosting events and having “Pie Capital of Texas” signage.

City staff will plan events, like Pie in the Sky, a hot air balloon festival held on Labor Day weekend, with a pie-

Remy said ing her death. many cusFor Remy, tomers now continuing approach her her grandand are sharmother’s mising their fond sion of getting memories of to know her her grandcustomers is mother. Some her goal.

HELEN ALCALA of the memo“It’s not just ries hearken my loss, it’s back to days before she not just my family’s loss, had been born. Hunit’s all of our loss,” Remy dreds have also placed said. their memories of Helen on the busienss’ Full story printed June Facebook page follow14, 2017

Continued from pg. 1C

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Full story printed in the April 12, 2017 Hays Free Press

ENTERTAINMENT

3200 Kyle Crossing (512) 523 9012 Experience it in

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$5 Tuesday Frenzy

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(512) 805 8005 EVO-ENTERTAINMENT.COM Films. Lanes. Games.

512-302-5555 www.atfcu.org

City research shows that Kyle is most famous for its pies, so the city applied for a trademark as the Pie Capital of Texas in April. Here, Texas Pie Company co-owner Julie Albertson shows off one of her signature pies.

for the trademark, Vargas said they haven’t heard back from the USPTO yet. She said it could take several months for the city to be contacted.

Maria Gardner contributed to this story.

For all showtimes and listings, please check our website or call showline!

Continued from pg. 1C

eating contest to boot.

“We will continue to look for additional destinations as we continue to grow,” Sellers said. “This is the one that we see as our current brand and we hope to capitalize on that.”

While the city applied

varies according to the individual,” Beggs said.

THE

Beggs said.

The tradition started with a real chrysanthemum flower decorated with a few basic ribbons to show school spirit during homecoming. Similar traditions can be found in Oklahoma and in New Mexico.

For Texans, the booming business of mums offers the ability for a mum-making mom to turn into a “Momtrepreneur” overnight.

“This tradition is backed by a large number of artisans and business owners who contribute to their local economy and community spirit,” Beggs, owner of Mums by Mom, said.

Beggs said she started making mums for her oldest daughter, as well as exchange students living with her, so they could have the full Texas experience. Soon a business was born.

For some parents, crafting a mum that grows in opulence over time is the goal.

Cindy Sedillo, a parent of a Lehman High student, said her daughter Stepha-

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Section D

Business

HaysFreePress.com

Hays Free Press

January 3, 2018 • Page 1D

TOP BUSINESS STORIES OF 2017

Pollo Tropical closes all Texas locations

BY MOSES LEOS III Less than a year after opening in Kyle and San Marcos, the parent company that owns the Pollo Tropical brand shuttered the two locations in April 2017.

The move came after the Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. earlier announced the closure of 28 other restaurants in

Austin, north Texas and Nashville, Tenn.

FRGI, which is the parent company of Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana, had originally announced plans to revamp the Pollo Tropical brand and reopen in September 2017.

However, after Hurricane Harvey damaged much of the Texas coast, Fiesta announced in September

that it would be pulling out of the Texas market altogether. According to a statement, “The decision to close these restaurants was due to ongoing uncertainty in South Texas, including the effects of Hurricane Harvey and limited awareness of the Pollo Tropical brand.”

According to a release, preliminary first quarter

2017 sales results, which ended April 2, showed a 6.7 drop in restaurant sales at Pollo Tropical and a 4.5 percent drop at Taco Cabana.

Industrywide headwinds, prevalent in Florida and Texas, along with the impact of sales cannibalization, continued to negatively impact performance, the release said.

Kyle’s Pollo Tropical, which opened in 2015, was one of 30 locations that closed in April.

By the end of September, all Texas locations were shut down. (photo by Moses Leos III)

European grocer eyes Kyle store

Putting on the brakes

BY LESLY DE LEON

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Racers careen around the track at a 2016 race at Central Texas Speedway. The raceway, which shut down in May 2017, was one of the few tracks that served Central Texas racers.

Local racetrack shuts its doors

BY MOSES LEOS III

Entering the motorsports world was an easy decision for Kyle resident Sean Folsom.

While working as a photographer at what was Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle six years ago, Folsom grew tired of seeing his race car driver friends have all of the fun on the track. He began to regularly compete at the venue, later known as Central Texas Speedway (CTS).

But Folsom and many others were shocked when CTS officials announced they were shuttering the track, raising a red flag on one of the last short-track asphalt speedways in

“There’s a lot from Kyle, Buda, the Manchaca area and Austin ... This is their home track. Now with it being gone, they have a car in the garage doing nothing.”

– Christine Molis, Kyle resident and former racecar driver

Texas.

“It’s sad to see CTS die and go away,” Folsom said. “I would love to see it reopen, but the way it sounds, I don’t think it’s going to.”

CTS’s demise began when Tim Self, the previous leaseholder, and his company, AM Racing, chose not to renew for 2017, said Rick Coleman, who owns the property

CTS was located on.

Coleman said Self came to him and gave up his lease 15 months before it expired.

Once Self chose to not renew, Coleman said he didn’t seek another suitor, as he feared the liability a racetrack presented.

“I didn’t care to have it.

I didn’t want the liability of something happening to someone on the track

and I was liable for them,” Coleman said.

“CTS had insurance for that, but I didn’t want that problem.”

Coleman added that he would have allowed Self to run the track “for as long as he wanted to,” but Self was “tired of it” and was “moving on.”

Kyle resident and former racecar driver Christine Molis said the closure “hurts” as there are many local drivers who competed at CTS. “There’s a lot from Kyle, Buda, the Manchaca area and Austin,” Molis said.

“This is their home track.

Now with it being gone, they have a car in the garage doing nothing.”

SPEEDWAY, 4D

Baylor Scott and White opens in Kyle

Rumors continue of possible Buda hospital

BY MOSES LEOS III Rapid growth along the I-35 corridor was a primary factor for a major medical employer to announce the arrival of a new clinic in Kyle earlier this year.

Baylor Scott & White Heath, which operates a system of 48 hospitals and has more than 44,000 employees, began construction in April on a 7,285 square-foot primary care clinic near the Plum Creek golf course.

The facility was the first Baylor Scott & White clinic to open in Hays County.

“Making our debut in Hays County is a great milestone for Baylor Scott & White,” said Colleen Sundquist,

NEW CLINIC, 4D

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

A new Baylor Scott and White primary care clinic held its official grand opening in November in Kyle. The facility was the first BS&W facility to be located in Hays County and is the farthest south in the medical company’s network. The not-for-profit healthcare system also recently opened Austin-area clinics in Travis County, which serves the Dripping Springs area.

In June, a Kyle location of a Germanbased grocery chain was unanimously approved by Kyle planning and zoning commissioners. However, a development timeline remains unclear.

Sheldon-Tanglewood, Ltd. requested the rezoning of 4.5 acres, located at the northwest corner of Marketplace Avenue and S. FM 1626 near the Kyle H-E-B, from multi-family residential to retail services.

According to the zoning change application, SheldonTanglewood, Ltd., the owner of the property, is represented by Dunaway Associates.

According to a let-

ter from Dan Caballero, project manager, Dunaway Associates is representing Lidl, a German-based international discount supermarket chain.

Rezoning the property to retail services for grocery store and retail use is more compatible with the proposed zoning than multi-family residential, Caballero stated in the letter.

In fall 2016, a Lidl spokesperson confirmed to The Dallas Morning News that the company was beginning to scout for sites in Texas.

Lidl spent more than $10 million on land purchases in North Texas and reportedly was scouting locations in the Dallas and Houston areas.

Developments spread to east Hays County

BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY As a result of the population boom in Kyle, Buda and San Marcos, traditionally small farming towns in east Hays County could start to feel growing pains, too.

Towns such as Uhland, whose recent growth began in 2013 with the Cotton Gin Estates housing development, can expect its population to double or triple within the next five to ten years, according the city’s official website.

“It’s definitely accelerated,” said Richard Crandal, Niederwald city planner. “People move out here to avoid the city and the high prices that come with it.”

Crandal, a Mustang Ridge resident, has lived in the area for 23 years and observed how the rising populations of bigger cities have trickled into smaller towns like Niederwald and

“There’re folks that have lived out here 20 or 30 years to escape the city, but it’s still chasing us down.”

– Richard Crandal, Niederwald city planner

Uhland.

While pleased with these developments as a city planner, Crandal shared his concerns that some residents may not be happy with the changes.

“There’re folks that have lived out here 20 or 30 years to escape the city, but it’s still chasing us down,” Crandal said.

Niederwald’s city

EAST SIDE, 4D

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Page 2D

Employment

Public Notices

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $10 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules.

Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net.

Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

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30 YEARS OF SERVICE Looking for CDL A or B drivers to deliver new trucks all over the US and Canada.

Experience preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in last 10 years, clean MVR.

Apply Online at www.qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023

Apartment For Rent EFFICIENCY APARTMENT FOR RENT $900

Unfurnished apartment in Buda, approximately 900 sq. ft.

Comes with washer,dryer, microwave, and fridge. Water, direct tv and garbage pick up included. Renter pays electricity and internet service. Access to pool and pavilion.

Willing to negotiate part of the rent in exchange for pool maintenance and yard work. If interested, call Dan at 512644-5556.

BUY&SELL STUFF LOCALLY in the

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Notice

Mesothelioma may occur 30 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos. Many workers were exposed from the 1940s through the 1970s. Industrial and construction workers, along with their families (second hand exposure) are among those at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer or gastro cancer (throat, stomach, colon).

Call us for professional insight.

Hays Free Press • January 3, 2018

NOTIFICATION FOR FLOOD HAZARD REVISIONS

City of Kyle, in accordance with National Flood Insurance Program Regulation 65.7(b)(1), hereby gives notice of the City’s intent to revise the flood hazard information generally located between Spring Branch Drive and Marketplace Avenue.

Specifically, the flood hazard information shall be revised along Spring Branch Creek from a point approximately 650 feet downstream of Spring Branch Drive to the Union Pacific Railroad Crossing.

As a result of the revision, the floodway shall be reestablished, the 1% annual chance water-surface elevations shall decrease, and the 1% annual chance floodplain shall widen and contract within a portion of the area of revision.

Maps and detailed analysis of the revision can be reviewed at the City of Kyle Building Department at 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640. Interested persons may call Mario Perez, Building Official at (512) 262-3918 for additional information from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.

MUSTANG RIDGE, TX – HAYS COUNTY

Creedmoor MaHa WSC – Seeking Qualifications for Engineering Services.

Please contact General Manager George Patterson with questions or additional information related to this RFQ at gpatterson@ creedmoormahawsc.com or 512 361-8124.

Specifics can be viewed at http://www. creedmoormahawsc. com/documents/141/ RFQ_CMWSC_Engineering_ Services_2.pdf Please e-mail gpatterson@ creedmoormahawsc.com for pdf form of the Conflict of Interest Questionnaire.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

An application has been filed with Hays County to subdivide 85.19 acres of property located at along FM 1626 Road, Manchaca, TX 78632. There will be a public meeting about the application on Monday, January 8, at 7:00 p.m., at the Hays County Government Office, Development Services Conference Room, 2171 Yarrington Road, San Marcos, TX 78666. More information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services at (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: SUB-827.

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Morningstar Storage wishes to avail themselves of the Texas Provision of chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code. This sale is listed below. They will conduct a Public Sale to the highest bidder for cash on their premises. This sale is being listed below.

The company reserves the right to reject any bid and withdraw any from the sale at any time.

Date: 01/15/2018 Time: 10:15 AM Location: Morningstar Storage, 1001 W. Goforth Rd., Buda, TX 78610 Units: Unit 1073 – Sam Harper – Stand Up Mirror & Luggage Bags Unit 1104 – Melissa MimsBell – Clothes, Boxes, Bags, Misc. Household Unit 2039 – Jonathan King – Pool Table, Boxes, Misc.

Household Unit 3137 – Sheila Mae Burbage – X-mas Décor, Plastic Totes, Boxes, Bags, Misc. Household Unit B220 – Mark Peevey – Plastic Totes, Fishing Gear, Boxes, Misc. Tools & Equipment

CITY OF BUDA ANNEXATION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The City of Buda City Council will hold a public hearing beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 and Tuesday, January 16, 2018 in the City Council Chambers at Buda City Hall, 121 Main St., Buda, Texas 78610 to receive written and oral comments in regard to

annexation of approximately 5.97+/- acres of land located at the northeast corner of the intersection of F.M. 967 and Canyon Wren.

At said time and place

all such persons shall have the right to appear and be heard. Of all said matters and things, all persons interested in the subject matter herein mentioned

shall take notice.

For more information regarding the above matters, please contact the City of Buda Planning Department at (512) 312-5745.

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN WATER QUALITY PERMIT PROPOSED PERMIT NO. WQ0015594001 APPLICATION. Sawyer-Cleveland Partnership, Ltd., 7 Herald Oak Court, Spring, Texas 77381, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for proposed Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0015594001 (EPA I.D. No. TX0137863) to authorize the discharge of treated wastewater at a volume not to exceed a daily average flow of 92,000 gallons per day.

The domestic wastewater treatment facility will be located approximately 720 feet southwest of the intersection of U.S. Highway 290 and Sawyer Ranch Road in Hays County, Texas 78737. The discharge route will be from the plant site via pipe to a man-made ditch on the south side of Highway 290; thence via culvert to a man-made ditch on the north side of Highway 290; thence to a detention pond; thence to an unnamed tributary; thence to Long Branch; thence to a series of impoundments on Long Branch; thence to Long Branch; thence to Barton Creek. TCEQ received this application on July 21, 2017. The permit application is available for viewing and copying at the Dripping Springs Community Library, 501 Sportsplex Drive, Dripping Springs, Texas. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility's general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to application. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=30.1958&lng=97.9997&zoom=13&type=r ADDITIONAL NOTICE. TCEQ’s Executive Director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. After technical review of the application is complete, the Executive Director may prepare a draft permit and will issue a preliminary decision on the application. Notice of the Application and Preliminary Decision will be published and mailed to those who are on the county-wide mailing list and to those who are on the mailing list for this application. That notice will contain the deadline for submitting public comments.

PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting on this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ will hold a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing.

OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments, and the Executive Director’s decision on the application, will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision and for requesting a contested case hearing.

A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court.

TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name, address, phone number; applicant's name and proposed permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the proposed facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period and, the statement "[I/we] request a contested case hearing." If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify by name and physical address an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are relevant to the group’s purpose.

Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting.

The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn.

If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material water quality concerns submitted during the comment period.

MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/ or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. For details about the status of the application, visit the Commissioners’ Integrated Database at www.tceq.texas.gov/ goto/cid. Search the database using the permit number for this application, which is provided at the top of this notice.

AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. All public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at www.tceq.texas.gov/about/ comments.html, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 787113087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1-800-6874040 or visit their website at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/pep. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040.

Further information may also be obtained from Sawyer-Cleveland Partnership, Ltd. at the address stated above or by calling Mr. Richard Rolland at 713-681-1100.

Issuance Date: December 15, 2017

Hays Free Press

Hays Free Press • January 3, 2018

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New Clinic: Baylor Scott and White opens Continued from pg. 1D

Vice President of Clinic Operations at BS&W. “The clinic will allow us to serve more Central Texans, offering the community a new primary care clinic close to home.

Sundquist said current demand from patients seeking medical services was also a reason to move to Hays County.

“We constantly see patients looking for care closer to home,” Sunquist said. “It’s our focus to provide care in a convenient location.”

BS&W’s new clinic competes with several in-place area medical

When describing improvements on FM 2001 from I-35 to Highway 21, Jones said the plan is to “start on both ends of I-35 and at 21, so we should be well ahead of Scott and White when they get ready to come.” facilties, which include Austin Regional Clinic in Plum Creek and medical clinics at Seton Medical Center Hays.

Rob Watson, MD, Chief Medical Officer at BS&W’s Austin/Round Rock region, said the company’s “integrated model of care” is unique.

Sundquist said one

example is physicians sharing a single medical record for each patient, which would save patients time and avoid having to retrieve them.

At a May 16 Hays County Commissioners Court meeting, Pct. 2 Commissioner Mark Jones may have inadvertently let slip that

Baylor Scott and White may fill a 35-acre area in the Sunfield Municipal Utility District that was rezoned for hospital use earlier this year.

The snafu took place when Jones and Victor Vargas, TxDOT area engineer, were updating council on various road projects in northeastern

Hays County.

When describing improvements on FM 2001 from I-35 to Highway 21, Jones said the plan is to “start on both ends of I-35 and at 21, so we should be well ahead of Scott and White when they get ready to come.”

Jones added that he had met with representatives and “they are good with our schedule.”

In January, the Buda city council approved to rezone 35-acres in the Sunfield MUD for a possible medical center.

City officials did not say which medical company planned to make a move

for Buda.

Rumors have circulated online, however, regarding a possible move by Baylor Scott and White to bring a medical center to Buda.

Baylor Scott and White has not made any public announcement of medical facilities in Buda.

“Often times, we hear rumors,” Buda Mayor Todd Ruge said. “Until a business or company puts forward a site plan to (the planning and zoning commission), it’s all speculation.”

Jones did not provide further comment to what was said May 16.

resident of Niederwald, believes historical sites that once dotted the area, including a historic cotton gin, have been whittled down over the last few years.

“This is farewell to a small town,” said Hams.

She voiced her concerns that the landmarks and history of the town are being torn down and forgotten for residential development and eco-

nomic gain.

Hams is afraid that trying to accelerate growth in Niederwald is stripping the town of its identity and its legacy.

“It’s such a rapidly growing community that the old part of Niederwald is gone,” Hams said.

Despite the growing concern, the course for growth in the surrounding areas remains a constant.

In Kyle, Howard Koontz, community development director, said the city works to keep an eye on what’s happening in the eastern part of the county.

“To some extent we pay attention to it, we’re aware of it but we don’t plan for it,” said Howard Koontz, Kyle director of planning, ”We remain cognizant of the situation.”

East Side: Developments spread in Hays Continued from pg. 1D

council has recently approved five subdivisions with the largest adding 141 homes to the area; the smallest is only adding 12. More than 370 homes have sprung up in Niederwald in the last year.

In 2014, Walton Development, a Canadianbased land investment group, amassed land in the eastern part of Hays County and the western

part of Caldwell County for a slew of proposed developments.

One of those is Caldwell Valley, a proposed 3,600-plus acre mixed-use master planned development just outside of Uhland and Lockhart. According to a Caldwell Valley brochure on the city of Uhland’s website, the development could have neighborhood retail, of-

fice space, single-family residential units, as well as sites for schools and parks.

Camino Real, also a proposed Walton development, is a 1,700-plus acre development near Niederwald.

However, locals fear the history and identity of smaller towns may be in jeopardy.

In Niederwald, Michelle Hams, a 20-year

Speedway: Shuts its doors

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Continued from pg. 1D

used as a music venue for various festivals.

In 2016, CTS claimed the Kyle Chamber’s “Business of the Year” award.

“Anytime we lose a business, it’s a loss for us. Not only services they provide, but the financials we receive,” Snyder said. “From a visitor’s side, it’s tough to lose an activity such as that, which was family oriented.”

For Folsom, the unique track is something that he will miss.

“It was a great track,” Folsom said. “I loved racing there and I met a lot of great friends and people.”

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FDI-1867G-A

With CTS gone, drivers now must go elsewhere.

Folsom said the nearest tracks in the area, located in Pleasanton and Paige, are dirt tracks.

Molis said dirt tracks are gaining popularity due to affordability.

The nearest asphalt short-tracks that operate consistently are located in Louisiana, Alabama and Florida.

The loss of the speedway created an impact on Kyle as well. Julie Snyder, Kyle Chamber of Commerce CEO, said the speedway drew tourism due to the racing, as well as go-karts that were offered at the circult. The land was also

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