Jan. 11, 2017 Hays Free Press

JANUARY 11, 2017 SCOTT’S LEGACY

3-PT THRILLER

Kyle water fountain flows again after decades of unuse.

Late 3-pointer lifts Hays Rebels past Lobos.

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Hays Free Press ©Barton Publications, Inc.

Vol. 120 • No. 42

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Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX • 75¢

Kyle mother charged in ‘horrific’ homicide

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

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

horrific cases in Hays County history.”

Krystle Concepcion Villanueva, 24, was charged with capital murder in the death of her daughter, Giovanna Larae Hernandez, whose death was ruled as homicide by stabbing, according to a Hays County press release.

Villanueva was magistrated

by Hays County Justice of the Peace Pct. 1-1 Joanne Prado.

Villanueva was also charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after she stabbed her father-in-law, Eustorigo Arellano-Uresti, 58. Villanuenva is being held in the

Hays County Jail on $800,000 bond for the capital murder charge and $300,000 for the aggravated assault.

At a press conference, Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler said the HCSO received a 911 call at 12:51 p.m.

Thursday for an aggravated assault call in the 200 block

Hear us!

of Willow Terrace in the Green Pastures subdivision.

When authorities arrived, they discovered Uresti, who had suffered stab wounds across his forehead, on his back and left shoulder, according to a Hays County

CHILD DEATH, 2A

VILLANUEVA

What’s next for $265M school bond?

Trustees to review recommendations

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA SMITH

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

Silent protest

Fluoride debate rages on in Buda news@haysfreepress.com

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

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

Buda’s decision to reintroduce fluoride in the water system spoke during public comment.

Jennifer Allen said the individuals speaking to council members during public comment were “the voice of the community.”

Allen said she is “very much against” fluoridation of the city’s surface water supply and claimed the grade of fluoride is not the same as what the dentists use, but a by-product of fertilizer called hydrofluorosilicic acid (HFA).

“Please postpone fluoridation of the water until the Fluoride Free side has had an opportunity to be heard and the community informed,” she said.

Buda resident Michelle Reed, who recently moved to Buda with her husband just over a year ago, echoed Allen’s concerns over adding a chemical to drinking water that she said the EPA wouldn’t allow in the environment.

“That is ridiculous,” Reed said.

Buda resident Corey

Moss and her son suffer from a condition that makes it harder for her blood to detoxify heavy metals that could be exacerbated by the presence of HFA in the surface water supply.

“I urge you to postpone implementation of fluoridation,” Moss said, “I hope you hear us.”

Buda resident Eddy Toledo referenced a 1983 letter from Rebecca Hummer at the EPA calling HFA a

FLUORIDE DEBATE, 4A

COMING UP

Run for the Love of It

Purgatory Trail Run

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

Tutus & Tennies 5K

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

ROUNDTABLE

Buda Chamber, hoteliers discuss growth.

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INDEX

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

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

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

The decision to bring a possible bond initiative to area voters this May now rests in the hands of the Hays CISD board of trustees.

On Monday, the board voted unanimously to accept the Hays CISD Growth Impact Committee’s recommendation for a possible May bond.

With the vote, the board gains control over the bond process, which ultimately will lead the board to decide on whether or not to

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

Monday’s meeting was one of the first opportunities for the board to see the GIC’s recommended $265 million proposal, which, if approved by the board, would go on the ballot as a single proposition.

Ida Musgrove, chairperson of the GIC, said the group had a consensus on several items, including a new $122 million high school, two

SCHOOL BOND, 4A

City council takes second look at leader’s contract

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

Kyle city leaders are planning to introduce a renegotiated contract later this month for City Manager Scott Sellers several weeks after a previous proposed deal ignited a firestorm of controversy.

Kyle Mayor Todd Webster said the new deal, which will be an agenda item at the Jan. 17 city council meeting, is a “very simple” contract structured from city manager contracts in neighboring cities.

“Given the reaction of the other contract, we decided to try and take the path that the community would be most accepting of,” Webster said.

Sellers’ proposed contract, which is in draft form and will be an agenda item at the Jan. 17 city council meeting, calls for a three-year deal

Business …………

Service Directory .....

Classifieds ………...

Public Notices ……

1D 3D 2D 2D

that runs until Dec. 31, 2019. During that time, Sellers would receive an annual base salary of $196,503.20, which would raise his current salary by approximately $15,000.

Webster said the figure was based off of a market analysis of city manager salaries in the area.

Sellers would also receive an annual salary adjustment that is the “same percentage increase budgeted” for non-sworn employees or sworn employees, depending on which amount is greater, according to the draft contract. The draft contract also calls for Sellers to be paid no less than the base salary except by mutual agreement of parties.

Webster said the city manager position had been previously excluded from cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for salaries. Sellers’ current

NEW CONTRACT, 4A

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Hays Free Press The Hays Free Press (ISSN 1087-9323) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610.

Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610.

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• Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress. com • Mail: 113 W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640

NEWS

Kyle woman arrested for assault charge

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

A Kyle woman was arrested earlier this month after she was suspected of accidentally hitting her boyfriend with her vehicle near his residence.

Aleeya Mone Eskridge, 20, of Kyle, was booked into the Hays County Jail Jan. 1 on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, which is a first degree felony.

Eskridge was released Jan. 2 on $30,000 bond.

According to a Hays County probable cause affidavit, authorities were called to the 200 block of Lake Washington Drive in Kyle for an auto pedestrian accident at 4:14 a.m.

Dec. 28.

When authorities ar-

rived, they discovered Dionte Taylor, 20, who said he was struck by a car while crossing the street to his residence.

The deputy on scene observed ESKRIDGE abrasions to Taylor’s right temple, which was bleeding, a cut to the top of his hand and other injuries. In addition, Taylor said his right leg and pelvis were also hurt.

When officers asked Taylor what happened, he said a small black passenger car struck him while crossing Lake Washington Drive, heading east.

Taylor said the car struck

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DEADLINES

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We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@ haysfreepress.com.

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.

Hays Free Press • January 11, 2017

On Dec. 30, a Kyle Police officer contacted Taylor by phone for a follow up interview, which the officer told Taylor was for the alleged hit-and-run incident. Taylor said he didn’t want to pursue charges against Eskridge, his girlfriend.

him on the south side of the intersection of Lake Washington Drive and Mansfield Lake Trail and didn’t stop.

On Dec. 30, a Kyle Police officer contacted Taylor by phone for a follow up interview, which the officer told Taylor was for the alleged hit-andrun incident. Taylor said he didn’t want to pursue charges against Eskridge,

his girlfriend.

Taylor said he was arguing with Eskridge in her black 2013 Ford Focus outside his residence prior to the alleged incident.

Taylor said he exited her car and Eskridge drove north on Lake Washington Drive.

According to the affidavit, Taylor said Eskridge allegedly performed a u-turn in the intersection

of Lake Washington Drive and Mansfield Trail, with Eskridge accidentally striking him with her car. Taylor said Eskridge allegedly helped him to his house. He then asked Eskridge to leave the scene.

The officer later contacted Eskridge, who said she did strike Taylor with her car.

Eskridge concurred with the events as presented by Taylor in the affidavit.

Eskridge said she didn’t see Taylor in the intersection and didn’t know she allegedly struck him until she was two houses south of his house.

She then told authorities she didn’t realize she struck Taylor because she allegedly swerved to avoid hitting him with her car.

Child Death: Kyle mother charged Continued from pg. 1A

probable cause affidavit provided by Hays County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Beth Smith. An approximately ten-inch knife with a black handle was found in in his back left pocket, according to the affidavit.

Uresti informed officers that Hernandez was inside with Villanueva. Based on information from Arellano-Uresti, officials called SWAT, who arrived at the residence around 2 p.m., Cutler said.

When SWAT arrived, they entered the residence and took the woman into custody. According to the affidavit, Villanueva was nude and reportedly had the shower running as officers entered the home.

SWAT team members also found Hernandez’ body in the home, Cutler said.

An autopsy was performed on Hernandez’ body Friday, determining that she had died from multiple stab wounds.

Cutler said Hernandez’ body had been “mutilated.”

“I’ve been in this line of work for over 43 years,” Cutler said. “This is one of the worst cases I’ve ever seen or been a part of. It’s one of the most horrific cases in the history of Hays County. It’s very sad.”

While the investigation is ongoing, Cutler said the HCSO has interviewed both Uresti and Villanueva.

Uresti said that at 11 a.m. Thursday, he walked into the kitchen to prepare lunch when he allegedly saw Villanueva retrieve an knife and return to a back bedroom, according to the affidavit. He then could hear the victim crying.

Uresti said Villanueva then walked back into the kitchen and began stabbing him in the back, according to the affidavit.

When he turned toward her, she stabbed him in

“I’ve been in this line of work for over 43 years ...

This is one of the worst cases I’ve ever seen or been a part of.

It’s one of the most horrific cases in the history of Hays County.

It’s very sad.”

–Gary Cutler, Hays County Sheriff

the forehead before he attempted to take possession of the knife. Uresti bit Villanueva on the hand and he was able to take the knife away, according to the affidavit.

He then exited the home and went to a neighbor’s house, where he called authorities.

Uresti said he, the victim and Villanueva were the only people in the home. Cutler said that Villanueva had recently moved into the residence roughly a week ago.

Uresti alleged Villanueva used drugs including marijuana, according to the affidavit.

It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a factor in the crime, Cutler said.

A toxicology report is expected back within four to six weeks, according to a press release.

But according to the affidavit, a relative of Villanueva told authorities she had been admitted to a treatment facility in Buda in late 2015 for substance abuse, includ-

ing marijuana, crack and meth. While in treatment, Villanueva was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia and ADHD. A witness alleged that when Uresti exited the home, they observed Villanueva standing between his and Uresti’s home with a gun and that Villanueva appeared to try to use the weapon.

Hays County District Attorney Wes Mau said more charges could be pending based on findings from the investigation.

“It’s a little early now to decide whether or not those are the charges presented to the grand jury,” Mau said. “They eventually have the final say on the charges filed.”

Mau added the DA’s office has made no recommendation on punishment until all charges are filed.

Sheriff Gary Cutler

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Hays Free Press • January 11, 2017

Page 3A

Opinion Hays Free Press

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“It’s one of the most horrific cases in the history of Hays County. It’s very sad.”

– Gary Cutler, Hays County Sheriff

January 11, 2017

Page 3A

Bankers, brokers, ISIS and drones

I

n my last article, I identified what I consider to be Barack Obama’s three greatest achievements as President of the United States. In this article, I will spell out what I view as his three worst failures. You can of course make your own list, and if I had space in this column, the list would be longer.

His first and biggest failure is that he did not prosecute the rich thieves who created the subprime mortgage meltdown of 2008. As many of you will recall, investment bankers and brokers had bundled mortgages together and sold them as securities, touting them as being as safe as cash, even when they knew perfectly well they were not. These mortgageback securities were such a hot commodity that an incentive was created to write more and more mortgages, which meant extending credit to riskier and riskier borrowers, on riskier and riskier terms, including interest rates which were below the prime rate. When borrowers started to default, the mortgage backed securities lost value, and the whole house of cards came tumbling down. All of this, and still more malfeasance – all of it well documented by now – created the “Great Recession” of 2009. It was criminal activity, pure and simple, and the evidence was abundant.

The Obama administration chose to go after the banks themselves, but left the individual bankers free from prosecution.

The evidence was so great that the banks settled out of court, paying the largest fines in U.S. history – but typically no more than one or two days’ worth of revenue for the company – but admitting no wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department, citing a vague fear of “unintended consequences,” took no action against the individual thieves whose actions had cost millions of Americans their jobs, their homes, their retirement savings, their dreams, and it’s fair to say in some cases, their lives.

The result was a bad taste in everybody’s mouth from coast to coast, that the system was and is truly rigged in favor of those with the most money. This created a pervasive mood of disenchantment and anti-government sentiment that lasted the entire 8 years of Obama’s tenure.

Then when the 2016

God and Country

by Phil Jones

election turned out to be a referendum on the system itself, the American people voted for change, even if it meant electing a reckless, amoral egotist like Donald Trump.

Obama’s second big failure was that he took his eye off the ball in Iraq, leading to the formation of ISIS. George W. Bush deserves most of the blame for ISIS, since the invasion of Iraq was his idea, but when Bush left office, he had successfully bribed the Sunni insurgents into participating in the newly-formed Iraqi government.

Nouri al Maliki, Bush’s hand-picked head of the fledgling Iraqi government, had no political experience whatsoever, and needed advice on a daily basis.

Bush was providing that advice, for better or worse. When Obama took office, he washed his hands of Iraq and left Maliki to fend for himself. Left to his own devices, Maliki ruled Iraq the way Bush had ruled the Coalition Provisional Authority, to wit, he chose ideological purity over experience and qualifications.

In Maliki’s case, this meant forcing Sunnis out of all key posts in the government and the military, and replacing them with Shia. The former Sunni insurgents soon realized they had no stake in the Iraqi government, and bolted to form their own government – ISIS. Third on my list of Obama’s failures as president was his use of a drone to kill an American citizen without due process.

The process was simply that this man’s name was whispered in Obama’s ear by the CIA. No right to face his accusers or hear or dispute the evidence against him, even though he was an American citizen. This set a very dangerous precedent, conceivably opening the way for future presidents to assassinate their political opponents on grounds of “ national security.”

Some of the Crow’s predictions for 2017 From the Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts

next four years? To paraphrase Charles Dickens, it may be the best of times, or the worst of times. Who knows? Well, allow me to gaze into my crystal mug and glance into the future.

Shortly after his inauguration, Commander-in-Chief Trump sends the Delta Force into Rockefeller Center to seize control of the Saturday Night Live studio and capture Alec Baldwin.

In late January, we witness the Trumps moving into the White House.

In February, Barbara Walters interviews the Obamas in their new home in Quebec.

A month into his presidency, Trump becomes annoyed with his advisers and aides. He

fires his entire cabinet and replaces them with Amazon’s Alexa for all decision making.

In early March, 2017, VP Mike Pence prevents global war by hiding Trump’s phone and closing his Twitter account.

Okay, enough prognosticating about politics, let me refresh my looking glass, and I will look around some more. Hmm? In the NFL, I see Colin Kaepernick on his knees again, but this time he is begging for a job. In September, he starts as quarterback for the Moscow Hackers in the newly formed Russian Football League.

We all recall the fuss about transgender bathrooms last year, right?

I foresee other groups protesting about their rights to use the public facilities of their choice, so in April, Congress passes legislation allowing rednecks to pee on trees of their choosing.

Legalized marijuana spread through some

states like a West Texas grass fire in 2016. I predict tragedy at a Colorado ski resort this winter when so many doobies are lit around the resort’s hot tub one night that it causes the snow caps to melt, flooding the town below.

We lost some talented musicians this past year.

David Bowie, Glenn Frye, Prince and others. As I gaze into my glass portal, I see more and more music lovers logging onto Spotify and Pandora to listen to music of the 70s and 80s because 2017’s pop music still sucks.

Y’all remember back in 2016 when there was that Pokémon Go craze, and a little later in the year, all the clown sightings? According to my crystal mug, there will be a new fad this summer where yuppies go around town, armed with smart phones and cream pies, in search of creepy clowns.

And my last prediction for 2017: Once again, this jaunty journalist is passed over for a Pulitzer Prize. Who’d a-thunk it?

Whether he shares his spirit or his elixir, you can always know that Clint Younts is sitting out on his back deck – this time watching frosty deer. crowsnest78610@gmail.com

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Phil Jones is a local columnist who makes his living teaching math to kids with “learning disabilities”, especially dyslexia and ADHD. He writes original songs through the nonprofit Sunrise Ministries.

DO WE NEED A DO-OVER? I am wondering if the Free Press ever found those Russian votes. If one manipulates a ball game one doesn’t win no matter the score. So wouldn’t a manipulated election be unfair and not legal? Perhaps that

djones2032@austin. rr.com

Hays Free Press

Shortly after his inauguration, Commander-in-Chief Trump sends the Delta Force into Rockefeller Center to seize control of the Saturday Night Live studio and capture Alec Baldwin.

W

ell, 2017 finally arrived, and I’m still on this side of the dirt. I made it all through 2016 without any trips to the ER or in front of a judge. I still see my column in newsprint, and nasty letters to the editor are rare. I can’t brag about achieving my New Year’s resolution for 2016 ’cause, frankly, I don’t remember what it was. So, I might’ve accomplished it, or I might’ve blown it by January 2. Who knows? As for my resolution for this year, I might have a real shot at getting ’er done.

In previous New Year’s columns, I might’ve rambled on about newsworthy stories of the past year, or sometimes, I made predictions of the months to come.

Sometimes I hit the nail on its head while other predictions left you as confused as Bruce Jenner at a Sadie Hawkins dance. Well this year, with my resolution being an attempt at multi-tasking, I am going to combine the two and see what happens. So, let’s see what you might’ve already forgotten about 2016 and what’s in store for us in 2017.

The biggest story of 2016 has got to be Donald Trump getting elected president. Who’d a-thunk it? So, what’s in store for all of us in the

is why the solipsistic Donald Trump refuses to believe Russia did the hacking.

If Donald Trump keeps flirting with Taiwan and Putin, China is going to wish they would have voted for Hillary if they haven’t already. Corpora-

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

Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton

Reporters Samantha Smith, Logan McCullough

News and Sports Editor Moses Leos III

Columnists Bartee Haile, Chris Winslow, Pauline Tom, Phil Jones

Proofreaders Jane Kirkham Marketing Director Tracy Mack Marketing Specialists James Darby, Pam Patino

tions are harder to hack than governments. Their secrets hold their bottom line. China seems to be able to get in and get out of corporation’s files and then erase the tracks of their visit. Russia can’t do that yet or can they?

No one wants to

believe we had a fouled up election. We have no rectification in place to handle that. So we deny a foul up took place?

Maybe we better get one.

Or maybe just do the election over?

Albert Busse Uhland

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

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Circulation/Classifieds David White

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Distribution Gabe Ornelas Tanya Ornelas

Hays Free Press • January 11, 2017

Page 4A

School Bond: Now in trustees’ hands Continued from pg. 1A

$33 million elementary schools and a new transportation facility. Some items led to debate, including discussion on a new baseball/softball complex at Hays High.

The GIC recommended the board attempt to include the complex in the bond in order to avoid potential Title IX violations due to lack of on-campus softball field at Hays High.

She said the recommendation “strikes a balance” between meeting the needs for students to “compete in a global economy” and the amount the district could ask for a bond.

Board trustees raised questions on the recommendation, which ranged from cost of facilities, to the need for a new administration building, to a $900,000-plus upgrade to three campus libraries.

Carter Scherff, Hays CISD chief operations officer, said the district estimated the cost of construction at $250 per square foot for the new schools.

Trustee Esperanza Orosco asked about the importance of a new Central Services Center, which would house the district’s network facility. The CSC, a 100,000 square-foot, three-story facility estimated at $22 million, would be located on an acre-anda-half property near the Performing Arts Center.

Dianne Borreson, Hays CISD Chief Technology Officer, said an outside firm evaluated the district’s Central Network Operations Center in 2008, which found it was “at capacity.”

She added that at capacity, the district doesn’t have the “proper mechanical, proper electrical infrastructure.”

She said it shifted the discussion from building not just an administration building to where “the core of central services” can be located.

“I don’t want you to think of it as if we don’t build the admin, technology is going to stop. That’s

ANY THOUGHTS?

Want to offer your thoughts on the bond discussion?

Here is a list of when the public can speak on the bond at forums or during public comment.

Jan. 17 at 5:30 p.m.

Board agenda workshop meeting Lehman High Cafeteria 1700 Lehman Road, Kyle TX 78640 Jan. 21 at 10:30 a.m.

Bond public forum at Buda Elementary School Upper Campus (Kunkel Room) 300 San Marcos, Buda, TX 78610 Jan. 23 at 5:30 p.m.

Board business meeting with bond public comment Lehman High Cafeteria 1700 Lehman Road, Kyle TX 78640 Jan. 24 at 6:00 p.m. – Bond public forum Kyle Elementary School (Kimbro Bldg.)

500 West Blanco Street, Kyle, TX 78640 Jan. 26 at 6:00 p.m. – Bond public forum Hemphill Elementary School 3995 East FM 150, Kyle, TX 78640 Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Special called board meeting for bond Location TBD

not the case,” Borreson said. “We’re setting ourselves up to be vulnerable to disasters and that would be devastating impact on our central services, technology we serve out there.”

Orosco said she was “nervous” about the cost of the library upgrades. Kimbroly Pool, Chief Academic Officer, said the improvements would expand the Wallace and Barton middle and Kyle Elementary school libraries to add furniture, technology, and areas for a mobile maker space.

But when asked about the return on investmen in students by mobile maker space technology, district officials said there is no data locally as the technology is “too new in our district.”

Several residents who spoke during public comment, however, expressed concern over the GIC’s proposal.

One speaker asked the district to prioritize

spending when it came to the bond.

“Are we going to invest in buildings, or are we going to invest in students and helping improve their performance and helping support the teachers who help support the students,” the speaker said.

One speaker echoed board trustee Willie Tenorio’s call for background information on how the district arrived at the square foot cost estimate for campuses.

One woman said the public didn’t have a “seat at the table” until after a formal recommendation was made.

“I feel it’s unfair … to ask the committee draw the line on spending without the benefit of a public hearing,” the speaker said.

Should the board choose, items within a possible bond could be finalized by Feb. 6.

The legal date to call an election is Feb. 17.

New Contract: Kyle takes another look Continued from pg. 1A

contract calls for a five percent annual performance based salary increase.

He added the city opted to maintain with COLA adjustments rather than make them automatic or performance based.

Any possible adjustments would be made “pursuant to lawful council resolutions” and with considerations to market compensations for city managers “in similar cities in the vicinity” of Kyle.

If the contract is approved, Sellers would receive the same benefits full-time employees in Kyle have. The city would agree to pay the health premiums for Sellers and his family pursuant to the city’s group healthcare plan for full-time employees. Sellers would receive the benefits should he continue employment in Kyle through March 2025.

The city would also pay up to 21 percent of Sellers’ base salary as a contribution to the Texas Municipal Retirement Sytem.

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Continued from pg. 1A

the city has worked with the Texas Fluoridation Program, a branch of the Department of State Health Services, to design and install a fluoridation system in Buda. They did so after GBRA stopped fluoridating the water from a supply source in San Marcos as a result of the “Fluoride Free San Marcos” movement, Lillibridge referenced a report from an agenda item that was tabled Dec. 20, which said the city intends to fluoridate all surface water sources to not exceed the limit of 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/l).

Lillibridge said the fluoride levels in Buda’s surface water differ at a couple of points. Where the fluoride levels are higher, technicians will not add as much fluoride. He added the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has

set a Maximum Containment Level for fluoride in drinking water at 4 mg/l, with a secondary level at 2 mg/l.

Lillibridge said samples at locations such as the Bonita Vista Pump Station contain naturally occurring fluoride levels ranging from 1.8 to 2.5mg/l.

“No treatment or removal is required for fluoride levels above the SCL, but annual notification is required,” according to city documents.

Due to delays in the fluoridation system activation, the fluoridation of the water that was supposed to resume as of December 2016 has not been implemented yet.

As for the future of fluoride in Buda’s surface water supply, Lillibridge said the City would implement the new system within the next few weeks.

and have cumulative lease revenue of $487,000 after a 30-year period. Sellers would have also received a five percent annual increase over the eight year term.

Residents, however, held reservations about the contract and spoke out against it on social media and during a special called meeting Dec. 16. Sellers ultimately declined the deal, which forced the city to enter into negotiations.

“What came through clear was that most people didn’t have a problem with Scott, but they had a problem with the contract and the way it was approached,” Webter said.

Webster was unsure, however, what the public’s reaction to the new contract would be when it comes up Jan. 17.

“The facts of it are thare’s nothing creative in this contract,” Webster said. “It’s a standard threeyear agreement based on what other cities are doing.”

BUILD MORE THAN MUSCLE

Fluoride Debate: Raging on in Buda “long-term waste product that is highly corrosive and pollutes the air and water.”

Buda resident Amanda Bodine claimed that she “isn’t anti-fluoride,” but that she expected council members to “take the pulse of their constituents” to determine if they are informed about the HFA they would be ingesting.

Brian Lillibridge, Buda Water Specialist, said that the City signed and passed a resolution in July 2015 supporting the continued fluoridation of the city’s water supply.

Sixty percent of Buda’s water is surface water from the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority. The remaining 40 percent is ground water from the Edwards Aquifer that has varying levels of “naturally occurring fluoride,” Lillibridge said.

Since November 2015,

Kyle would also bear the “full cost of any fidelity or other bonds” required of Sellers under any law or ordinance.

Sellers would receive a $100 per month mobile phone allowance, along with a tablet and a laptop.

The renegotiated contract came as a result of massive public scrutiny that followed the city’s previous proposal to Sellers.

In December, the city proposed an eight-year deal with a provision for a $29,000 reduction in Sellers’ base salary. Those funds were meant to go toward a $550,000 home in the Cypress Forest subdivision, which would have been purchased by the city.

Monies to purchase the home, a 4,100 square-foot residence, would have come from the city’s general fund reserves.

According to city estimates, the home, which would have been a city-owned asset, would appreciate by $227,000

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Sports

Section B REPORT CARDS

District contests new school assessment ratings.

– Page 3B

@hfprebelsports @hfplobosports

January 11, 2017

Late 3 lifts Rebs past Lobos in thriller

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

When presented with an opportunity for a game-changing shot Friday, Hays High freshman Luke Watson made the most of it.

A three-pointer sunk with roughly nine sec-

onds left in the game proved to be the go-ahead score for the Rebels’ 38-36 win over the Lehman Lobos in a thrilling district game at Bales Gym. “I wasn’t feeling my shot the whole game, but I knew my teammates needed me at the last second, so I decided to shoot it,” Watson said. “I

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Lady Lobos open season with victories

Lehman High’s Destiny Eberle controls the ball during a 14-6A district game played at Lobo Field on Mar. 4, 2016. Eberle was one of several players who tallied a goal over the weekend for the Lady Lobos, which opened the season with a 2-1-1 mark at the McAllen High Showcase Tournament in south Texas. Lehman opened tournament play with a 4-0 win over Mission Sharyland, followed by a scoreless draw against Corpus Christi Mission Veterans Memorial. The Lady Lobos maintained momentum with a 6-1 victory over Del Rio, where the team scored five goals in the second half. But Lehman couldn’t score a goal in its 1-0 loss to host McAllen High.

put it up there and hoped it went in. It just happened to.”

Hays and Lehman squared off in a tight district battle that went back and forth the entire way.

Hays took a 16-11 lead after a quarter of play before Lehman rallied to cut the Rebels’ lead to 24-22 at intermission.

Lehman head coach Michael Whitten said the Lobos utilized zone plays that helped them slow the pace of play down.

The use of zone defense also helped contain the Rebels’ offense, primarily guard Charles Bohannon, who scored only four points.

The Lobos received

assistance from Kameron Edwards, who finished with a team high 11 points.

But missed shots, along with mental errors, proved problematic for the Lobos.

“It was a slow paced game, and we had good one-on-one, but what was different from this

game to the last game was our shots weren’t falling,” Whitten said.

On the opposite side, the Rebels benefited from a team effort that helped them stay a step ahead of the Lobos. Hays’ Matthew Rindahl tallied seven of his team high 11 points in

HOOPS, 2B

Lobos take fifth at Rebel Cup PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Lehman Lobo sophomore forward Santos Hernandez Zurita (11) quite literally uses his head when it came to making a play in the Lobos’ consolation final match against the Cedar Creek Eagles at Shelton Stadium Jan. 7.

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

Two wins and two ties over a three-day period not only gave the Lehman Lobos an unblemished start to its 2017 campaign, but fifth place honors at the annual Rebel Cup. While the Lobos feature a young roster, head coach Brad Baker said the team is quickly building confidence.

Lehman returns four players from last year’s team including senior forward Ezekiel Gallegos and senior center midfielder Daniel Palacios.

“Both guys control the middle of the field and make things happen,” Baker said.

Senior Penniel Rodas and sophomore Alex Mantilla also return for

“We dropped some key players in certain spots that gave us some different looks ... Our fitness wore out a little bit. Play dropped a little, but it was the best we looked all season.”

– Brad Baker, Lobo soccer coach

the Lobos.

The Lobos will also look to a roster filled with youth. Aiding the team is sophomore forward Santos Hernandez, who has scored four goals on the season so far.

With several players injured at the start of the season, including senior Victor Ponte, Baker said the Lobo coaching staff will have a challenge finding the best starting 11.

“Our bench is going to be pretty solid,” Baker said.

Baker was pleased with his team’s outing at the Rebel Cup, which had the Lobos go 2-0-2.

Lehman began the tournament with a 3-3 draw with former district foe Akins, followed by a scoreless tie with Elgin, which finished in second place overall.

The Lobos rolled to a

5-0 win over Lampasas, which qualified Lehman to play Cedar Creek in the consolation final contest Saturday.

A pair of early goals scored in the first half allowed Lehman to cruise past Cedar Creek 2-0.

While the team was “banged up” leading into the consolation final, Baker said the team played its best game of the tournament despite only suiting out 12 players.

“We dropped some key players in certain spots that gave us some different looks,” Baker said.

“Our fitness wore out a little bit. Play dropped a little, but it was the best we looked all season.”

The Lobos now prepare for a difficult early season

LOBO SOCCER, 2B

Youth guides Rebel soccer in 2017

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Hays Rebel senior guard Breajee McMillian (32) readies to drive into the paint during the team’s district contest against the Lehman Lobos at the Lobo Den Jan. 6.

Lady Rebs roll past Lehman 48-20

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

A slow start didn’t keep the Hays Rebels from overpowering the Lehman Lobos to claim a 48-20 win Friday.

The way both teams began the game, which featured a strange back

and forth pattern, provided a slight surprise at the Lobo Den. Hays and Lehman trudged through the opening eight minutes as the Lobo offense controlled the tempo with a methodical halfcourt attack. Leading

LADY REBS, 2B

A win over the Lanier Vikings Jan. 5 highlighted a 1-1-1 start to the season for the host Hays Rebels boys soccer team at the annual Rebel Cup at Shelton Stadium last week.

For head coach Jason Burnett, the weekend not only shepherded the program’s first win at the tournament in two years, but continued progress for a team looking to improve.

“We got a win under our belt and a tie under our belt. I’m proud of the way we’re coming together. The emotions we’re playing with is good. It’s positive,” Burnett said.

“The fact they’re getting upset about tying, that’s very encouraging.”

Burnett said Hays’ roster is a younger group that also features some

age. Javier Rodriguez is one of the seniors who return from last year’s squad and who Burnett said has provided a positive influence for younger players.

However, several of the seniors on the roster are getting their first taste of varsity level soccer.

“Others are junior varsity juniors that have been through the system and they’re now here,” Burnett said. “They’re humbled and happy to be here and excited to be here.”

Some of the younger players who could make an impact include sophomore Joe Banuelos, who Burnett said has been a “good” utility player and that he can put him anywhere on the field.

Defenseman Rodolfo Leyva leads the junior class along with goalkeeper Evan Barker.

REBEL SOCCER, 2B

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Hays Rebel senior Carlos Rodriguez (left) leaps past a sliding challenge from a Corpus Christi Calallen player during a Jan. 6 Hays Rebel Cup match at Shelton Stadium.

Sports

Page 2B

Hays Free Press • January 11, 2017

Lehman powerlifters earn honors at invitiational

COURTESY PHOTO

Lehman High powerlifter Brian Prickett readies for an attempt in the squat lift during the Navarro Invitational last week. Prickett finished with a squat of 480 pounds.The 2017 powerlifting season officially lifted off last week as the Hays Rebels and Lehman Lobos powerlifting teams participated in the Navarro Invitational at Geronimo-Navarro High. The Lehman girls team highlighted the weekend with a second place overall performance, finishing one point behind first place Seguin. Leading the way was Alexis Ysla, Mia Dolan, Evelyn Ramirez and Rubylee Perez, who claimed first place honors in their weight classes. The Lehman boys team finished in third place and were helped by Joseph Lopez and Abel Longoria, who claimed first place in their respective weight classes. Meanwhile, the Hays girls powerlifting team was anchored by Memory Seale, who claimed first place in her class. Cassidy McMahon finished third in her class. Both Hays and Lehman will compete at the Rebel Powerlifting meet Saturday at Joe Graham Gym.

Lady Rebs: Roll past Lehman 48-20 Continued from pg. 1B

the way for Lehman were guards Meagan Zuniga and Crystal Montoya.

But Lehman was unable to generate points, allowing Hays to capitalize when given an opportunity.

Four points from Rebel guard Gabby Bosquez helped Hays take a 10-0 lead after a quarter of play.

Bosquez finished with a

game-high 16 points.

The Rebel offense found consistency in the early part of the second frame.

Rebel head coach Danny Preuss said the team moved the ball around and obtained “good looks.”

Three pointers from Choon Hee Chae and Camille Brown guided Hays to a 19-0 lead with 3:58 left before halftime.

Lehman roared right back with a vengeance by closing the final three-plus minutes with an 11-0 run, which cut the Rebels’ lead to 19-11 at the half. Zuniga tallied all of her team-high five points during the three minute stretch, while Montoya scored three points.

“I talked to the girls about killer instinct before the game started. I

thought we did a good job of that through the first 19 points,” Preuss said.

“But as we do at times, we relaxed. (Lehman) stepped up, too. They stepped up and made some shots.

They didn’t quit.”

Hays forged ahead and stayed a step ahead of Lehman by taking a 28-18 lead with roughly three minutes left in the third

frame.

The Rebels’ defense shut the Lobo offense down in the final minutes. Hays outscored Lehman 20-2 in the final 11-plus minutes of the game.

Bosquez tallied 12 points in the second half, while Chae scored nine points.

“In the second half, we were more like a team,”

Preuss said. “It allowed us to increase our lead and get a lot of girls in the game.”

Hays closes the first round of district play by traveling to Vista Ridge Friday, then hosts Vandegrift Jan. 17.

Lehman hosts Westlake Friday at the Lobo Den before traveling to Leander on Jan. 20.

Lobo Soccer: Lehman takes 5th at Rebel Cup Continued from pg. 1B

schedule prior to starting district play. Lehman will play Bowie, McCallen and Del Valle, which claimed the Rebel Cup title, all within the next few weeks.

Baker said he plans to figure out “who is playing where” and finding a solid rotation, as the Lobos have players who can play “in different spots.”

Allowing his young team to take on tougher competition is also a factor.

“We’ve got some real tough games to get these kids to understand what a real varsity match looks like” Baker said.

Lehman then tackles the district schedule, which includes 14-6A champion Lake Travis, Westlake, Vandegrift and Hays.

Should the Lobos defeat the “top group” of teams in the new 25-6A, he belives the Lobos could potentially claim a playoff spot and perhaps

“We dropped some key players in certain spots that gave us some different looks ... Our fitness wore out a little bit. Play dropped a little, but it was the best we looked all season.”

– Brad Baker, head coach

steal third place.

“That would be huge for this team,” he said.

“They haven’t seen the playoffs in this huge district in a while.”

Hoops: Late 3 lifts Hays in thriller Continued from pg. 1B

the first half of play.

While the Lobo offense controlled the tempo with its half court attack, Hays head coach Matthew Sandoval said it allowed the Rebels to run their offense. Bohannon lauded the team’s patience on offense and defense.

“I liked our patience tonight. We executed our offense and our game was executing,” Bohannon said. “It’s not my style. I like to play up-and-down.

But we executed with our 2-3 defense and we slowed them down.”

The Lobos rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Hays 10-5 to take a slim 32-29 advantage in the fourth quarter.

Both teams traded blows in the final frame, but the Lobos emerged with a 36-35 lead with 18 seconds left.

A Lehman miscue on an inbounds play under the Rebels’ basket gave Hays a chance to run a potential game-changing play.

Bohannon said Lehman’s defense trapped him in the corner, leaving him unable to execute the original play, which was for him to drive the baseline.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Lehman Lobo guard Kimon Horne (left) clutches the basketball with both arms as Hays Rebel forward Matthew Rindahl attempts to wrestle possession in the fourth quarter of their Jan. 6 district game at Bales Gym.

He then saw Watson open and made “the right basketball play.” For Bohannon, the move was

based on his confidence in Watson’s play making ability.

“He’s hit a few shots in

the game and he’s one of our best shooters on the team,” Bohannon said. “I was thinking, ‘swing it out to him and let him do the rest of the work.’”

Sandoval credited the teamwork on the play. For Watson, the shot wasn’t the first time he’s hit in the clutch.

“I’ve dreamed of doing that since I was a little kid,” Watson said. “Playing with the big boys and hitting the big shots.”

Despite the loss, Whitten said the game was a good learning experience for the Lobos. He said if they were presented with the same opportunity again, they would handle it differently.

“I think it’s a good learning opportunity,” Whitten said. “If we’re in those situations again, we won’t make those same mistakes.”

Sandoval said the win, which was the team’s first in district play, was the next step in the team’s progression.

“The first one is the hardest,” Sandoval said.

“They’ve got to understand that and they know that. I was proud of our team. We found a way to win.”

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Rebel Soccer: Youth guides soccer in 2017 Continued from pg. 1B

Freshman Gerardo Rodriguez, brother of Javier, has scored goals in two of the Rebels’ first three games this season.

Burnett said the siblings are “loving” the dynamic of playing on the same pitch. He added it’s also the first time he has coached a pair of siblings at the same time on the same team.

“You can tell they

like being on the field together and they read each other well,” Burnett said. “You’ve always got that brotherly love.

It’s good they can get on each other, but it’s productive.”

Hays began putting the pieces together Jan. 5 when they defeated Lanier 2-1 to open the Rebel Cup. The Rebels followed with a 1-1 draw

with Corpus Christi Calallen, followed by a 1-0 loss to Anderson.

“So far, I’m pleased with everyone’s performance,” Burnett said.

Several new district opponents dot the Rebels’ schedule in 2017. Hays also tackles Lehman, Westlake and Lake Travis, which they took on as members of

14-6A last season.

While Burnett said he didn’t have knowledge of Vista Ridge, Vandegrift and Leander, he understood there’s a “lot of good soccer up north.”

“We figure every game is going to be like a playoff game. That’s the way we’re going into it,” Burnett said. “We’ll hope for the best. Work hard, play hard.”

Browse & buy photos online

Just follow the Photos link at www.HaysFreePress.com

Education

HEALTHCARE

Free healthcare resource event coming this month.

– Page 1C

Hays Free Press • January 11, 2017

Page 3B

Board VP won’t seek reelection

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

After a six-year tenure on the dais, a groundbreaking Hays CISD board trustee is opting to forego a third term as she purses a career in education.

In a letter to constituents, Hays CISD at-large board trustee Sandra Bryant, who is the first, and currently only, African-American elected to serve as a trustee, announced her plan to not run for reelection this May. Bryant, who was elected to the board in 2011 and currently serves as board vice president, said she decided to “pass the mantle” and pursue another calling in life after much “prayer and deliberation.”

“I will be focusing my full attention on earning my master’s degree in counseling,” Bryant said in her letter.

PHOTO BY JULIANA RIECSS

Rebel band members take All-State honors

A pair of Hays Rebel band members claimed All-State Band honors earlier this month. Percussionist Ryan Peed and B-flat clarinetist Chris Robles (center, l-r) were named to the All-State Band as a result of their performances at the Area E band auditions at the University of Texas at Austin Jan. 7. Both will participate in a clinic in San Antonio Feb. 9-10, which is then followed by a Feb. 11 concert. Band directors are Chris Gordon (left) and Tony Leflet.

Bryant believes that seven goals she had in mind when she first ran for the at-large seat have been accomplished.

Those goals included continuing to build relationships with the community, stand for smaller classroom BRYANT sizes, increase pay for teachers and staff and increase safety in schools.

Other goals were promoting accountability, heighten transparency and improve communication.

She also said foregoing reelection won’t “hamper my involvement in the community.”

“I love our school

BRYANT, 4B

HCISD gives ratings system an ‘F’ Official calls for resolution against new assessment system

BY MOSES LEOS III

ing system been in place last school year.”

While McKie said there is room for improvement Hays CISD is planning in the rankings, he said to join a growing list of the new system is “defiTexas school districts cient in capturing all of opposing the state’s new the positive things hapA-F accountability ratings, pening in our classrooms which were made public and in schools across the last week. state.”

In a “In fact, letter sent this new rat“In fact, this to parents, ing system Hays CISD is damaging new rating superinbecause tendent it creates system is Mike a false damaging McKie imprescalled sion about because it the Texas students, Education ignores creates a false Agency’s the unique (TEA) letimpression strengths ter grades of each about for Hays school, and CISD unfairly restudents, “disapduces each pointing.” student’s ignores Additionworth to the unique ally, McKie the school’s proposed assigned strengths of the HCISD grade,” board of McKie said each school, trustees in his letter. and unfairly pass a He added resolution the current reduces each method to to join 150 school calculate student’s districts scores relies statewide worth to “heavily on that are the highthe school’s calling stakes test” for repeal adminisassigned of the tered by the system. state. grade,” AcMcKie – Mike McKie, Hays cording to said meaCISD superintendent the TEA’s sures should preview be more ratings, than one set of standardwhich were released Jan. ized tests that comprise 6, Hays CISD received two 55 percent or more of the “C” and two “D” ratings overall letter grade for a across four “domains” that campus or district. measure accountability “Our local grading based on student achieve- policies do not allow one ment, progress, as well test to be the majority of as closing performance a grade,” McKie said in gaps and post secondary his letter. “State policies readiness. should not either.”

The new ratings won’t McKie also believes take effect until the 2018 the standards for the school year, according to letter grades were set by McKie’s letter. The reason- comparing scores for ing for the release was to campuses and districts “show what schools would have achieved had the ratREPORT CARD, 4B news@haysfreepress.com

Hays CISD’s 2016-17 Report Card

% Economically Domain I Domain II Domain III Domain IV Disadvantaged Score Letter Score Letter Score Letter Score Letter

HAYS CISD

49.5

41

C

37

C

-6.1 D

72

Blanco Vista Elementary

67

39

D

39

D

-8.9

D

93.7 C

D

Buda Elementary

35.3

43

C

47

B

-5.4

D

93.9 C

Camino Real Elementary

86.7

32

F

38

D

-5.8

D

92.3 D

Carpenter Hill Elementary 11.5

56

B

40

D

-2.1

C

97.3 B

Elm Grove Elementary

12.3

51

B

39

D

-6.0

D

96.3 B

Hemphill Elementary

93.3

24

F

26

F

-13.1 F

90.3 D

Kyle Elementary

45.6

35

D

40

D

-16.3 F

95

C

Negley Elementary

19.4

49

C

48

B

-13.2 F

96

B

Pfluger Elementary

45.4

46

C

40

D

-6.3

D

92.7 D

Science Hall Elementary

75

34

D

39

D

-9.1

D

95.2 C

Fuentes Elementary

52.1

36

D

44

C

-8.6

D

93.5 C

Tobias Elementary

47.6

35

D

37

D

-12.1 F

95.8 C

Tom Green Elementary

62.9

33

F

39

D

-11.4 F

91.7 D

Barton Middle

45.8

45

C

39

C

-3.1

D

97.1 B

Chapa Middle

60.9

37

C

36

C

-5.4

D

91.4 D

Simon Middle

88.3

32

D

36

C

.7

C

89.1 F

Dahlstrom Middle

17.6

56

B

43

B

-12.3 F

97.4 B

Wallace Middle

54.6

34

D

30

F

-8.5

D

95

C

Hays High

34.6

47

C

21

D

-6.4

D

85

C

Lehman High

55.8

36

D

18

F

-7.6

D

73

F

Live Oak Academy

44.6

33

B

17

D

-2.3

C

64

B

What are the new assessments checking?

DOMAIN I – STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Domain I measures STAAR assessment results combined across all grades and subjects. One point is awarded for each percentage of assessment results that are at or above the following: Level II Satisfactory Standard, Postsecondary Readiness Standard and Level III Advanced Standard.

DOMAIN II – STUDENT PROGRESS

Domain II measures progress at the STAAR satisfactory and postsecondary readiness standards on ELA/reading and mathematics assessments. One point is awarded for each percentage of assessment results that meet or exceed progress measure expectations and one point for each percentage of assessment results that exceed progress measure expectations. Performance is calculated for ten student groups: All students, Pacific Islander, African American, White, American Indian, two or more races, Asian, students served by special education, Hispanic and English language learners.The performance of all ten groups is combined to determine the Domain II score.

DOMAIN III – CLOSING PERFORMANCE GAPS

Domain III measures academic performance differentials among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The score is based on the relationship of a district or campus’s Domain I score and the percentage

of its students who are economically disadvantaged. Using statewide data from the 2015–2016 school year, TEA determines a predicted Domain I score (using assessment results of only the economically disadvantaged subgroup), based on district or campus type and the percentage of students who are economically disadvantaged. For the purposes of calculating the Domain III score, this specialized Domain I score is referred to as the Domain IDIII score. The difference between a district or campus’s Domain IDIII. score and the predicted Domain IDIII score is the district or campus’s Domain III score. TEA provides a formula for districts and campuses to use to calculate their predicted Domain III score.

DOMAIN IV – POSTSECONDARY READINESS

Domain IV measures whether students are on track for success in postsecondary life, whether in college, a career, or the military. The indicators used to measure postsecondary readiness vary by campus type. Scores for elementary schools are based on the chronic absenteeism rate calculated by student group. Scores for middle schools are based on the chronic absenteeism rate and the annual grade 7 and 8 dropout rate, if available. If a dropout rate is not available, the Domain IV score will be based solely on the chronic absenteeism rate.

High Schools, K–12 Campuses, and Districts Domain IV scores for high schools, K–12 campuses, and districts are based on graduation/dropout rates, graduation plan rates, and college and career readiness indicators.

EDUCATION

Page 4B

Hays Free Press • January 11, 2017

Rebels win big at speech tourney STAFF REPORT

Hays High School’s Speech and Debate team completed a strong outing at the Winston Churchhill Classic at Churchill High in San Antonio.

Leading performance in the Texas Forensics Association Tournament and Tournament of Champions Qualifying meet was Chance Walker, who reached the finals, then won first place in Foreign Extempranous Speaking.

Walker’s Foreign Extemporaneous win also earned him his second bid to compete for national title at the TOC this May in Chicago, Ill. The TOC is the most selective speech and debate competition in the nation.

LONG ORTHODONTICS would like to WELCOME you Back to School!

COURTESY PHOTO

Hays High speech and debate team members (back l-r) Emma Morgan, Sarah Moore, Peyton Gouzien, Patrick Fox, AJ Garcia, Jordan Clements; (front, l-r) Brough Cosgrove, Luke Jackson, Jude McClaren, Chance Walker pose for a photo after the Winston Churchill Classic in San Antonio.

Walker and teammate Jordan Clements made the semifinals in the Student Congress,

while Emma Morgan and Jude McClaren made the semifinals in Extemporaneous

Speaking. AJ Garcia and Sarah Moore made the semifinals in Cross Examination (CX) debate.

Report Card: Hays gives TEA an ‘F’

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Destination  Education Renovation

Continued from pg. 3B

across the state, which is a “departure from the current system that compares schools with similar demographics.”

Other issues McKie addressed were campuses with higher percentages of economically disadvantaged students receiving lower grades in the district, which was expected.

Hays CISD’s possible resolution was developed

by Texas Association of School Administrators and has been approved by more than 100 school districts. The district also plans to implement tenants “set forth in Creating a New Vision for Public Education,” which was developed by TASA in 2008.

“Our goal with this work

3310 B FM 967, Ste #A110 3310 B FM 967, STE #A110 Buda, Texas 78610 Buda, Texas 78610 Near the corner of FM 1626 and 967 Near the corner of FM 1626 and 967

“We embrace communitybased accountability that allows districts the creativity to develop curriculum and programs that, while meeting general state standards, are important locally.”

–Mike McKie, HCISD Superinbtendent

is to transform education in a manner that is meaningful and that creates a high quality education system that prepares students for college and careers,” McKie said. “We embrace communitybased accountability that allows districts the creativity to develop curriculum

and programs that, while meeting general state standards, are important locally.”

Should the board pass the resolution, Hays CISD would join Dripping Springs ISD, which passed a similar resolution opposing the rating system in 2016.

Bryant

Continued from pg. 3B district, our cities, and the county and will always remain active,” Bryant said. “I am committed to this community and will continue to serve on commiteees and boards.”

Bryant also added that she cares about every child and that they were “more than students to me.”

She also said that it was important to be a voice for staff and teachers and that “they knew someone was listening.”

“I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything,” she said. “It has contributed to my growth into the person who I am today and has allowed me to meet and represent thousands of people from all over the district.”

LETTER FROM BRYANT TO HAYS CISD PARENTS

For more than a decade, I have proudly served the community in various capacities, including nearly six years as an At-Large Trustee on the Hays Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.

It has contributed to my growth into the person who I am today and has allowed me to meet and represent thousands of people from all over the district. However, after much prayer and deliberation, I have decided not to seek re-election.

It is time for me to pass the mantle and to pursue another calling in life. I will be focusing my full attention on earning my master’s degree in counseling.

When I first ran for the Board, I set out with seven goals in mind. They were to: represent all by visiting every school in the district twice a year or more (to continue to build relationships with the community), stand strong for smaller classroom sizes, increase pay for teachers and staff, increase safety in our schools, promote accountability, heighten greater transparency, and champion better communication. I can now proudly say that these goals have all been accomplished.

My choosing not to run for re-election will not hamper my involvement in

as low as

HAYS FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

Bryant at her swearing in ceremony in 2014.

“I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything ... “It has contributed to my growth into the person who I am today and has allowed me to meet and represent thousands of people from all over the district.”

–Sandra Bryant, HCISD trustee my community. I love our school district, our cities, and the county and will always remain active. I am committed to this community and will continue to serve on committees and boards. I will also continue to mentor and be a voice for the people.

The name of my Facebook will change but I will keep communities informed on what’s happening in the district.

I must thank my husband, Ray Bryant, who has been a devoted partner on this journey. I couldn’t have done this without his support!

To our three children, Essence (Hays High School graduate), Darius, and Jaque (Lehman High School graduates) – thank you for sharing me with everyone else! I also want to express a deep appreciation to my constituents for their vote of confidence. To my pastor and his wife, thank you for always lifting me (us) up in your prayers.

In closing, there are a few more things I would like the community to know about me. I care about every child. They were more than students to me.

It was important for me to be a voice for the staff and teachers and that they knew someone was listening.

Lastly, even when you didn’t see me up front fighting for you, please know that I was always in the background

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Section C

Community

ROUNDTABLE

Buda Chamber, hoteliers meet to discuss growth.

– Page 1D

Hays Free Press

HaysFreePress.com

January 11, 2017 • Page 1C

The best thing for every gardener

Mr. Scott’s Legacy In 1940, J.D. Scott was hired away from a water company in Dripping Springs to run the waterworks for the city of Kyle. “He was not only the water person, he more or less was Kyle’s only employee” at that time, said Wynette “Tutta” Barton, a long-time Kyle resident. Scott was key in developing a good portion of the downtown area, turning what used to be farmland in to what is known as the Scott subdivision along Scott Street. But another legacy Scott left behind was the water fountain that stands before the Old Kyle City Hall.

“He took it on his own accord, and probably his own expense, to build that round pool in front of city hall,” said Barton. When Mr. Scott became too old to care for fountain and retired from the city, the fountain no longer flowed, but was usually filled with a flower bed or the Kyle Christmas tree during the holidays. But the Kyle City Council recently approved resurrecting the fountain and bringing it back as a water feature to enhance the City Square Park. Last week, during freezing temperatures, icicles formed on the fountain creating a spectacular sculpture. (Browse and buy photos at bartonpublications. smugmug.com.)

Thanks to the helpers of 2016

Ask Amanda

by Amanda Moon

F

or years now, the first thing my husband and I do when we move to a new location is put up a greenhouse. Actually, for the last two homes one of the main criteria when house-hunting was where a greenhouse could be placed. For me this structure is not a luxury, but a necessity for many reasons from getting a jump on spring veggies to housing my collection of cacti that need protection from our occasional rain events.

Greenhouses don’t have to be fancy. You can frame out a small one using cedar (what I have now), buy a kit or just borrow a pipe bender and create your own hoops PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

GREENHOUSES, 2C

Free healthcare event to help local families

Governor pushes martial law

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

This Week in Texas History

news@haysfreepress.com

Mt. City Montage

L

by Pauline Tom

L

et’s finish out 2016 by spotlighting some special volunteers whose efforts made a memory for about 60 who enjoyed Tour deLights, the party in mid-December for Mountain City’s children and grandchildren.

Cody Taylor filled Loving Mountain City’s Santa suit. Brian Porterfield and The Pucketts tended to the full set of “tour” details - obtaining hay, decorating trailers, driving through the lights.

Yummies were baked

by Karen Davis, Deanna Solis, Janet Holt Patterson, Verlenne Monroe, Ramona Brown, Frederieke Risner-Duijsens and Crystal Dixon.

Ron Tom lent a helping hand.

All this was coordinated by the project’s “lead,” Patricia Porterfield, who oversees Loving Mountain City alongside Penny Moulder.

I take “lead” on Christmas decor.

Penny sent word, “Patricia and Pauline did such a FABULOUS job leading their respective projects.

THANK YOU to both so very much for their help and the help of those that they recruited (husbands, neighbors, relatives, etc).

Events like these don’t happen unless our community gets together and makes it happen.

It seems every year it is a handful of people that we can count on and we are soooo lucky (LMC) to have them both.”

MONTAGE, 4C

ater this month, Seton Medical Center Hays in Kyle will be ground zero for an area-wide, one day event that offers free medical care for children and adults of all ages.

Seton Hays will host the annual Medical Mission at Home event, which will be held Jan. 28, said Dr. Fausto Meza, an internist and vice president of medical affairs at Seton Hays.

The event is free and open to all Hays County residents of all ages. Additionally, no health insurance is required.

Meza said the “basic medical care for children and adults” will be available on a “first-come first-served basis” until the end of the event.

This year’s event will mark the third Medical Mission at Home, with the most recent held in Hutto in June 2016.

At that event, health care providers across all departments donated their time to the members of the community who may not have regular access to quality healthcare.

According to Seton’s website, the event is a medical mission.

“By joining with area community partners and businesses to host a local medical mission, Seton hopes to meet people where they are for a day of health and healing,” according to the Seton website.

Although the event only lasts one day, Meza said that Seton encourages all Hays County residents who need basic medical services to attend. The event will also shuttle patrons from two elementary schools to the event.

The event will feature doctors and services from across the medical spectrum.

Those include prescription services, vision screening for children, dental care, behavioral health, spiritual care, foot care and lab

by Bartee Haile

O

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SETON HAYS

Volunteers and eventgoers look at options at the 2016 Medical Mission at Home in Hutto. The 2017 event will be held at Seton Hays Jan. 28.

services.

The event is “about more than one day of care,” since the hospital doctors and staff stand by with local resources for people to use to find follow up care for any medical issues they may have, Meza said.

While he added there is only so much they can do in one day, he hopes the additional resources help connect people who are struggling with health insurance to get access to the proper healthcare.

“Connecting them (people) to the healthcare system is

MEDICAL MISSION, 2C

MEDICAL MISSION AT HOME Free medical care for basic healthcare needs Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1st floor of Seton Medical Center Hays, 6001 Kyle Parkway, Kyle TX 78640 Shuttle buses will run once every hour from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. from these campuses: Hemphill Elementary School 3 995 East FM 150, K yle, TX 78640 Camino Real Elementary School 1 70 Las Brisas Blvd., K yle, TX 78640

n Jan. 13, 1903, the day he began his third term in the Texas House of Representatives, Pat Neff was elected Speaker making him at age 31 the youngest in the history of the Lone Star legislature.

Two years later, the rising star caught everybody by surprise with the announcement that he would not seek another term. The burned-out politician went home to Waco and back to his original calling, the practice of law.

In a matter of months, Neff’s many admirers practically drafted him for McLennan County attorney. At first, he wanted no part of it but in time warmed to the idea. Over the next six years, he tried 422 cases and won convictions in all but 16 for an impressive 96 percent success rate. Putting his Prohibitionist principles into practice, he was the first prosecutor in the state of Texas to send a bootlegger to prison.

After more than a decade of self-imposed political exile, Neff suddenly decided in 1919 to run for governor. If the incumbent had loved politics as much as his newspaper business, the challenger would not have stood a snowball’s chance. But William P. Hobby bowed out, and Joseph Weldon Bailey, the former U.S. Senator who seven years earlier had resigned in disgrace over a corruption scandal, took his place as the odds-on favorite.

Neff started his uphill campaign with little sup-

HISTORY, 3C

COMMUNITY

Page 2C

Hays Free Press • January 11, 2017

OBITUARY HERNANDEZ Giovanna Larea Hernandez; lovingly called “Gio”, was always singing, dancing, watching silly YouTube videos (she was so tech savvy from an early age!), playing with ShopKins, watching movies on Netflix with grandpa while he made her breakfast, and fighting over the remote with her grandma. She enjoyed hosting tea parties with a set her grandparents gifted her and playing with her cousins. Gio loved to spend time doing anything with her daddy, especially hugging.

Gio was born in Austin, Texas on August 30, 2011.

Her life ended tragically on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at her home in Kyle, Texas. Gio was only five years old. She is survived by her father, Refugio Hernandez, her brother, Brandon, grandparents Nancy and Eustorgio Arellano of Kyle, aunts and uncles: Carolyn Hernandez of Fort Lee, VA, John Sizemore of Kyle, Alma and Luis Sanchez of San Marcos, Roland and Ashley Guajardo of Austin, Victor and Amy Ramirez of Houston, cousins: John, Isaiah, Luis, Jade, Alex, Victor, Ryan, Titus, Jazmine, PR Jr., Sariah, and Elijiah, and many others who loved her.

Friends and family are invited to Harrell Funeral Home 1715

Kirby, in Kyle, Texas on Monday, January 9, 2016 from 4 to 9 pm for a time of visitation. Rosary services and eulogies will take place at 7 p.m.

Monday evening at Harrell Funeral Home.

Please join Gio’s family to celebrate mass at 10:00 a.m. with Father on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street in Buda. Interment will follow at San Juan Cemetery in Reedville, Texas.

As an expression of sympathy, Gio’s family would appreciate memorial donations be made in Gio’s name to an organization that supports child survivors of violent crimes, or the organization of your choice.

Gio’s family would

like to extend their deepest gratitude to the outstanding law enforcement and victims services professionals of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, the Kyle Police Department, the San Marcos Police Department and American Red Cross, and the generosity and love expressed by Will B. Houston, the entire team at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, Herman Fabela and the VFW Post 12058, Candlewood Suites of San Marcos and Embassy Suites of San Marcos.

Please visit www.

Harrellfuneralhomes. com to share a fond memory, photograph, expression of sympathy or condolence with Gio’s family on her online memorial site.

Medical Mission Continued from pg. 1C

important,” Meza said.

Meza also referenced a May 2016 Seton Hays Medical Health assessment that pinpointed three particular health needs in Hays County.

According to the assessment, diabetes, mental health and resources for Alzheimer’s and Dementia were identified as the top three health concerns for Hays County residents.

Meza said he couldn’t speak to the future of holding similar medical events offering free services to the community more often than once a year.

“This is what we are here for,” Meza said.

Greenhouses!

11726 Manchaca Rd. Austin, TX 78748

(On the corner of Frate Barker Rd.)

512-280-1192 PHOTO COURTESY OF SETON HAYS

A volunteer at the 2015 Medical Mission at Home in Hutto checks vitals of an event goer.

Greenhouse: It’s easy!

Continued from pg. 1C

from metal pipe. I have even made inexpensive cold frames out of PVC, bent over a frame and covered in plastic for winter, shade cloth for summer.

The internet is full of plans for greenhouses from the very basic to the most elaborate. An unused shed can even be converted by replacing the metal roof with fiberglass.

One reason that every gardener should have a greenhouse is that you are able to save money by growing your own plant starts. Controlling your environment allows you to turn a few dollars worth of seeds into a beautiful vegetable garden or bed of flowering annuals.

Many seeds need light to germinate and even those that don’t can stretch immediately if they don’t have enough light right out of the shoot. Too much sun, on the other hand, can burn the tender seedlings, especially in the summer time. A greenhouse with a shade cloth allows you the perfect environment for seedlings to grow strong and healthy.

Cuttings of pass-along plants are also easier to start as many need a good humid environment for their leaves to stay plump until they begin to set roots. A mist system can even be set up that makes rooting cuttings even easier.

Getting a jump on spring and fall veggies is another great reason to own a greenhouse. In a greenhouse you can protect your tender vegetable starts from too much heat in the summer (using a shade cloth and fan) and from freezing temps in the winter using a heater and the solar heat from having the greenhouse closed up during the day. Many seeds will not germinate if it is too cold and so keeping them toasty warm in January means early tomato transplants out by late-

Visit: www.itsaboutthyme.com Email Chris Winslow at: iathyme@yahoo.com

One reason that every gardener should have a greenhouse is that you are able to save money by growing your own plant starts.

February (with protection of course) and a longer, healthier tomato growing season.

I also use my greenhouse as an excuse to collect more orchids, cacti and other winter tender plants than I probably don’t need. Many orchids need a certain amount of humidity to thrive as well as a little shade. My cacti don’t mind the extra humidity and also need a little shade, but they can’t tolerate the heavy rain storms that we can get here.

So for both, the greenhouse is the perfect place to showcase them. In winter I also stuff my greenhouse with my citrus trees for cold protection but with sun still available. It keeps them just warm enough that I haven’t lost one yet- even when we dropped down into the low teens a few years ago.

Lastly, my greenhouse is my ‘man cave.’ It is some place that I can go and just be. It is quiet and peaceful and I am surrounded by beauty.

To me, that is the most important reason that every backyard gardener should own one. Happy gardening everyone!

If you have a question for Amanda Moon or Chris Winslow, send it via email to iathyme@yahoo. com. Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 www.itsaboutthyme.com

Texas Crossword and Sudoku sponsored by

Texas Lehigh Cement Co., LP

Sudoku

See Solution on 3C

See Solution on 3C

Hays Free Press • January 11, 2017

COMMUNITY

Page 3C

History

Sudoku Solution

Continued from pg. 1C round of the 1920 Democratic primary. But in the head-tohead runoff, Neff beat Bailey by 80,000 votes and effectively ended Bailey’s once illustrious public career.

The voters, who swept Neff into office, knew what they were getting with him – a man of faith with a strict moral code and zero tolerance for drinking, gambling and prostitution in brazen defiance of the laws of the state and nation. For them it was not a question of if the new chief executive would crack down on an infamous Central Texas boomtown but when.

Neff dragged his heels for nearly a year before finally declaring martial law in Mexia and sending in the National Guard. His belief that the weekend warriors with the assistance of the Texas Rangers and federal agents could complete the clean-up in a couple of weeks proved to be overly optimistic. The armed occupation lasted for a record 47 days until the governor pulled out the Guardsmen and declared the boomtown a safe place for law-abiding citizens to live.

Three months later, a nationwide railroad strike brought a call for another dose of martial law this time in Denison. The Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway, better known as the Katy, insisted the governor dispatch the Guard to the North Texas town in order to keep the trains rolling. Neff, in the clos-

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAINS NEWS SERVICE

Pat Morris Neff was the 28th Governor of Texas from 1921 to 1925 and ninth President of Baylor University from 1932 to 1947.

ing days of his reelection bid, balked at taking the politically unpopular step before the voters went to the polls.

Returning to Austin to celebrate his Election Day victory on July 22, 1921, the governor ignored reporters’ questions about the powder keg in Denison. But President Wilson’s secretary of war was not so easily put off. Acting on the cabinet officer’s instructions, an army colonel was waiting for Neff at the capitol with a blunt message to mobilize the National Guard or else.

The “else” was a threat to send a thousand troops stationed at San Antonio to the

DRUG STORE

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

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda BAPTIST First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

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Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626 Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda

EPISCOPAL

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

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

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

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

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

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

LUTHERAN Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda Good Shepherd Ministries FM 967, Buda Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

2325 FM 967 • 312-0701

Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.

St. John Lutheran, LCMS 20 N. Camino Real (State Hwy. 21), Uhland

Log onto www.HaysFreePress.com

St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland

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

CHRISTIAN

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle

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

Located 1 block off FM 2001 at 302 Millennium Dr., Kyle, Texas (Millennium Drive is an entrance road) Pastor Rusty Fletcher and family

Services Sun. 11:00 a.m.

Wed. 7:30 p.m.

Call or Text 512.393.4460

Visit

afountain.org for more info.

uel Baptist Church n a m Im 4000 East FM 150 (4 miles east of Kyle) (512) 268-5471

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

Worship Service, 10:55 a.m.

Pastors: (English and Spanish) Rodney Coleman and WEDNESDAY: Bible Study, 2 p.m.

Men’s Bible Study, 7 p.m.

Family Discipleship, 7:15 p.m.

(Spanish)

God with us

Silverio Hernandez

Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle Journey United Methodist 310 San Antonio Dr., Buda

FREE DELIVERY 1ST 20 GAL. FREE

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

Friendly, Courteous Service

Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald PENTECOSTAL Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd.

St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666

PRESBYTERIAN

Hays Hills

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

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

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

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

Come worship with us Join our church directory by emailing paper@haysfreepress.com.

 

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

Baptist Church

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! Sunday

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

Santa Cruz John Catholic Church St. Lutheran Church

1100 Main Street • Buda, Texas 78610 Office: 512-312-2520 • Fax: 512-295-2034 • santacruzcc.org Rev. Kirby D. Garner, Pastor • Fr. José Luis Comparán, Assoc. Pastor

Call 1-866-691-2369

Word of Life Christian Faith Center 400 Old Post Road, Kyle

Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

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

Privately owned From local springs

A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle

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

*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.

Pure Texas Spring Water!

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

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor

Elm Street & San Marcos

FM 2770, Buda, Texas 295-4801

Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle

METHODIST

Buda United Methodist Church

CENTEX MATERIALS LLC

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE

The Well Buda

Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle

Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

CATHOLIC

TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Rosebrock

Veterinary Clinic

Texas Crossword, from page 2C

www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626

of Uhland , LCMS Highway 21, Uhland

Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:15 a.m.

Church Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:30 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. David Goeke 210-635-8584 • www.stjohnlcmsuhland.org 20 N. Camino Real (State Hwy. 21) • Uhland, Texas 78640

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

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



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

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 2315 FM 967 Buda, Texas 78610 Pastor J.D. Elshoff jelshoff@earthlink.net 512-638-6312

Thursday Evening Bible Study, 6 p.m., and Open Communion on the first Sunday of every month, 6 p.m.

Make THIS your church home!

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.

FM

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BUDA

Bartee welcomes your comments and questions at barteehaile@gmail.com or P.O. Box 152, Friendswood, TX 77549 and invites you to visit his web site at barteehaile.com.

Come worship with us ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

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

Texas Crossword Solution

strike site if the Texas governor refused to comply. The colonel informed Gov. Neff that he had one hour to issue the martial law decree and call up the Guard.

Washington had him over a barrel, and Pat Neff knew it.

But the exasperated governor took comfort in the fact that he would not have to face the voters’ wrath for subjecting a second Texas town to military rule.

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

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 2C

IH-35

port, even less money and no organization whatsoever.

He crisscrossed the Lone Star State in his own personal automobile giving as many as seven speeches a day in 152 of the 254 counties. In 37 counties, where no gubernatorial candidate had ever shown his face, people presumed he had taken a wrong turn.

Neff broke the long-standing Texas tradition of not mixing politics and religion by campaigning as a proud and unapologetic “hardshell” Baptist. Preachers responded with strong Sunday morning endorsements that caused entire congregations to embrace the underdog.

On the flip side of the coin, Neff’s strait-laced morality and personal peculiarities produced a river of ridicule and the charge that he was “not man enough” to govern Texas. Typical of these attacks was this editorial in the Quanah Observer: “Neff has never shot a gun.

He has never baited a fishhook. He has never touched tobacco in any form. He does not know one card from another and he cannot play any kind of social game. Pattie wore lace on his nighties and was never known to be away from home after sundown.”

In his prime, Joe Bailey would have mopped the floor with Pat Neff. The few true believers, who turned out for the old warhorse, cast enough ballots to give him a 2,500-vote lead in the opening

Toll

BEST BETS

Page 4C

COMMUNITY

Hays Free Press • January 11, 2017

Classes, meetings and local events can be found on the calendar at haysfreepress.com. Email event submissions to christine@haysfreepress.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

3200 Kyle Crossing (512) 523 9012

Purgatory Trail Run

Experience it in

EVX

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

ENHANCED VIEWING EXPERIENCE

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

$5

Tutus & Tennies 5K

Tuesdays Any Movie.

All Day.

Excludes special events & advanced showings. EVX & 3-D upcharges still apply

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

Run for the Love of It

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

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

New Year. Same Price.

2016 Refillable Tubs and Cups.

Only $7.50 each!

Be sure to visit our website!

EVO-ENTERTAINMENT.COM Films. Lanes. Games.

Influx of Southwestern flavor at Katherine Anne Porter center STAFF REPORT Long-time Texas writer Mike Cox, of Wimberley, has donated his collection of books on Southwestern literature and writing to the Katherine Anne Porter Literary Center in Kyle.

An elected member of the Texas Institute of Letters, Cox is the award-winning author of 30 non-fiction books, including a two-volume history of the Texas Rangers published in 2008. His latest book, “Legend and Lore of the Texas Capitol,” is scheduled for release early next year.

In a statement, Cox said he saw the movie “Ship of Fools” as a teenager when it first came out. The movie was based on the book published by Porter in 1962. It wasn’t until his freshman English class at Angelo State University when he discovered Porter, who lived with her grandmother in Kyle from 1892 to 1902, was a Texas writer.

“... I helped support the publishing industry over the years by buying a lot of writing how-to’s myself. They were a lot of help to me as my free-lance writing career progressed, and I hope they will prove useful for the writer-in-residence program at the Porter center.”

–Mike Cox, author

“Even though she didn’t spend all her life in Texas, she stands as one of the state’s bestregarded novelists.”

The book collection dealing with Texas writings, which will be housed in Porter’s restored childhood home, was built for reference purposes during the 30-plus years Cox wrote a Texas book review column for the Austin AmericanStatesman. Some of the how-to books on the craft of writing are from the library of Cox’s grandfather, L.A. Wilke,

an early 20th century Texas newspaperman and later an outdoor writer.

“Both my parents were also writers, so I inherited their writingrelated books as well,” Cox said. “And I helped support the publishing industry over the years by buying a lot of writing how-to’s myself. They were a lot of help to me as my free-lance writing career progressed, and I hope they will prove useful for the writer-inresidence program at the Porter center.”

Cox sold his first

magazine story when he was in the eighth grade and saw his first book published in 1970. Forty years later, in 2010, he received the A.C. Greene lifetime achievement award for his writing.

The Witliff Collections at Texas State University has most of Cox’s writing-related papers.

After spending the first 20 years of his career as a newspaper writer, in 1985, Cox joined the director’s staff at the Texas Department of Public Safety, where for 15 years he was the state law enforcement agency’s news media voice.

Later, he worked for the Texas Press Association and the Texas Department of Transportation before joining Texas Parks and Wildlife in 2010. He retired in 2015.

The Porter house at 508 Center Street in Kyle, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is open for individual and school tours by appointment.

The public is welcome to join Lehman High’s HOSA on Jan. 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.for this blood drive. Anyone 17 years (needs parent permission) or older who weighs 115 pounds or more can donate With every pint of blood three lives are saved. Please come and lend a helping arm. Contact Yvette.

Sutten@hayscisd.net to register.

Women’s Health Fair

On Friday, Jan. 13 from 7 -10 p.m., come out to 124 Alpha in Kyle for a women’s health extravaganza. After the craze of the holidays, put yourself back at the center of your life, and be around like-minded women who want

Bingo

Sundays at 2 p.m.

Great Fun Great Food $100 Minimum Game Prize $500 Progressive Jackpot

Santa Cruz Catholic Church,

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

to have a wonderful year. Discussion topics such as breast health, bras, nutrition, ketones, essential oils, and so much more.

Free admission. More information can be found on Facebook at www.facebook. com/events/9730 75662796672.

Writing contest entries wanted

Mark your calendar!

Jan. 14, 2017 is the deadline to enter the Texas Night Sky Festival Writing Contest. The festival, to be held March 18 in Dripping Springs, is part of an international program to preserve and protect the night skies by reducing artificial illumination. For more information on poetry

and essay guidelines and rules, go to www.

TexasNightSkyFestival. org and select Writing Contest.

communities in Hays County, serve two-year terms and may serve for multiple terms.

Call for Historical auditions group seeks Do you think you can act? Wimberley Players new members will hold auditions for Applications for positions on the Hays County Historical Commission are being accepted through Jan. 15 in the office of the Hays County judge.

Among the activities of the commission are the placement of official Texas Historical Markers, conducting research on the history of the county, and sharing that history through publications, educational programs, documentary and oral history presentations, and activities such as historical tours.

Commission Members, who represent all the

“By the Water” by Sharyn Rothstein on Monday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. at Wimberley Playhouse and Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal School.

Actors may bring a monologue if they have one prepared, otherwise they will be asked to read from the script. Callbacks will be held Saturday, Jan. 28 from 12-4 p.m. at the Wimberley Playhouse. Please schedule a reserved audition time slot by emailing auditions@ wimberleyplayers.org and bring a headshot and resume.

Montage: Thanks for 2016 helpers Continued from pg. 1C

Now, taking Mountain City FUN one step at a time, it’s time for a yetto-be recruited Easter Egg Hunt Coordinator to get to hoppin’. Willing? It’s a ton of work.

And, the reward is simply seeing the fun as

Hours: Mon-Sat, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

121 HALL PROFESSIONAL CTR, SUITE E KYLE, TX 78640

Parish Activity Center

COMMUNITY BRIEFS HOSA Blood Drive

512-504-9988

memories are made.

Contact Penny through lovingmountaincity@gmail.com.

Speaking of rabbits ...

What made you laugh aloud during the holiday season? We cracked up at our gift from

my brother. Adorable kissing rabbits garden statuary.

They’re the exact same as the kissing rabbits received from my immediate family in recent years – three other times.

Let’s start the new year, please, with the production of tidbits.

Email PTom 5678@ gmail.com or leave a message at 512-2685678. Thanks.

Happy New Year.

Love, Pauline.

Browse & buy local photos online.

HaysFreePress.com

www.

Just follow the photos link.

Section D

Business HaysFreePress.com

Hays Free Press

January 11, 2017 • Page 1D

Texas’ Biennial Review Comptroller releases two-year spending estimate for Legislature STAFF REPORT

PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Above, a group of construction workers busily place the finishing touches on a new hotel that’s being built in Buda. Lysa Gonzales, Buda director of tourism, said there are currently 12 hotels that are planning to come to Buda soon. Below, Buda Director of Tourism Lysa Gonzales, Police Chief Bo Kidd and Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Managing Director J.R. Gonzales (back row, l-r) lead an inaugural industry roundtable with area hoteliers at the Comfort Suites Hotel in Buda Tuesday.

Rising to the challenge

Area hoteliers and Buda chamber meet in inaugural roundtable

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

news@haysfreepress.com

The Buda Area Chamber of Commerce started the New Year off by hosting an inaugural industry round table meeting of all Buda and Kyle area hoteliers Jan. 9.

BACC Managing Director J.R. Gonzales gathered together the group of hotel managers and owners to discuss areas of interest or concern. The hope was to address the issues in order to make their businesses more successful.

Joining the hoteliers were city staff members along with Buda Police Department chief Bo Kidd.

“The goal of the Chamber in 2017 is to reach out to businesses to see what we can do for them so for lack of a better term this is the first industry round table in pursuit of that goal,” Lysa Gonzales, Buda director of tourism, said.

Lysa Gonzales said there are currently 12 hotels that are planning to come to Buda soon. She said Buda’s Economic Development department is also funding a convention center study, which will assess the city’s need for a convention center. The study is projected to be finished in three months.

The hoteliers agreed that Buda lacks some features that other cities have in order to attract visitors, such as an amphitheater or a convention center, where large amounts of people would need lodging accommodations.

Kidd addressed hoteliers’

“We have a total of 12 officers handling around 1,000 calls a month. So when we recognize patterns, we deploy additional resources, but until then, we are short on manpower.”

–Bo Kidd, Buda Police chief

concerns over the recent rash of vehicle burglaries in hotel parking lots.

“As a community grows the crime grows with it,” J.R. Gonzales said.

Rahj Patel, owner of the Holiday Inn Express, asked Kidd about the decline of regular police patrols at hotels, which was seen as a deterrent for crime.

Kidd said the lack of

manpower meant a deeper strain on security measures like regular patrols through all hotel parking lots.

“We have a total of 12 officers handling around 1,000 calls a month. So when we recognize patterns, we deploy additional resources, but until then, we are short on manpower,” Kidd said.

Kidd also asked hoteliers to have good quality security

cameras in order to prevent crime at their properties.

“We do the best we can with what we have,” Kidd said, “At the same time some of the things you can do yourselves is have a good security system. Have a video camera, proper lighting, maybe a maintenance man or security guard in the lobby.”

Kidd also mentioned that vehicle burglaries were prevalent at one Buda hotel, which he attributed to the facility only having one working camera. Kidd also cited an uptick in vehicle burglaries around the holidays in Buda.

“Bad guys are going to be looking for soft, easy targets,” Gonzales said, “Some responsibility may lie with the hotels themselves in either better cameras, communication among staff and other hotels and law enforcement.”

The round table discussion also identified three areas for the Chamber and the city to work on in the future.

Signage, along with proper lawn grooming near hotels were discussed. In addition, hoteliers opted to possibly create a committee to advise council on the maximum number of hotels allowed in Buda at any given time.

It was unanimously decided that the Chamber would host a monthly industry round table, in order to foster more communication among local hoteliers, the city and the chamber.

“We’re here to help in any way”, J.R. Gonzales said.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar released the state’s Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE) earlier this week which showed the state is projected to have approximately $104.9 billion in revenue available for generalpurpose spending during the 2018-2019 biennium.

According to a press release on the comptrollers website, this represents a 2.7 percent decrease from the amounts available for the 2016-17 biennium.

The decline is not due to a projected drop in total revenue collections from the 2016-17 biennium to the 2018-19 biennium, according to the release.

Hegar is projecting overall revenue growth from the current biennium to the next.

A significantly lower beginning balance of $1.5 billion, however, offsets such growth, per the release.

In addition, a 2015 voter-approved constitutional provision dedicates up to $5 billion in biennial sales tax revenue to the State Highway Fund (SHF) starting in the 2018-19 biennium to address important transportation infrastructure needs.

“Ongoing weakness in activity related to oil and natural gas has been a drag on state economic growth and led to lagging revenue collections in 2016,” Hegar said. “Still, the diversity of the Texas economy has allowed for slow but continued economic expansion and steady growth in employment, which we expect to continue over the coming biennium.

Texas stands in contrast to other states with large energy industries, many of which have suffered declines in employment and economic output.”

Sales tax collections make up the state’s single largest source of General RevenueRelated (GR-R) revenues.

Ultimately, there is $104.9 billion available to the Legislature for generalpurpose spending in the next biennium.

Following a strong 5.9 percent increase in real gross state product in the 2015 fiscal year, the Texas economy is estimated to have grown by only 0.2 percent in FY 2016.

In 2017, the Texas economy is projected to grow by 2.5 percent.

That growth rate should increase slightly to 3.0 percent in fiscal 2018 and 3.1 percent in fiscal 2019.

Employment growth is expected to be 1.9 percent in fiscal 2018 and 1.7 percent in fiscal 2019, while the state’s unemployment rate is expected to remain relatively unchanged at 4.5 percent in both fiscal 2018 and 2019.

BIENNIAL REVIEW, 4D

Classifieds

20 words for $8!

• Place your classified ad by calling 512-268-7862 • Email paper@haysfreepress.com • Place online at www.HaysFreePress.com.

• We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover • DEADLINE: NOON MONDAY FOR WEDNESDAY’S PAPER

Hays Free Press

Page 2D

Employment

Office For Rent ONE-ROOM OFFICE FOR RENT

Caregivers Needed Now! Flexible Hours Good Pay Come join a great team!

Call Kyla at Right at Home 512-582-1218

Kindred Hospice in San Marcos is actively growing and now seeking qualified staff to join its team!

Hiring for multiple positions!

• Full Time Registered Nurses • Full Time CNAs • Full Time Medical Social Worker

Downtown Kyle. $600/ month includes all utilities and internet. Call Cyndy at 512.268.7862.

Home For Rent LUXURY TOWNHOMES AVAILABLE NOW

High-end features including granite kitchen countertop and tile wood-look flooring.

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, gameroom, two-car front entry garage. Covered patio.

Fenced backyard. Villas at Creekside. Starting at $1,695/month. 112 Lakeview Court, Kyle, TX. Texas Management & Leasing, 972-379-7368. Apply online today. www.texaspm.com

Call us today at 877-44-HOSPICE 877-44-HOSPICE Visit us at kindredathome.com/careers Email dillan.latta@gentiva.com dillan.latta@gentiva.com

1.Gentiva.Ad.JS6K80.indd 1

11/3/16 12:02 PM

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.

HOUSE FOR LEASE

Approximately 2000 s.ft., nice, 3/2 plus office room w/ small fenced-in yard. Walk to Kyle park/pool in downtown. $1100/month. Dep. $800, app fee $30. 512-848-6866, leave message.

Garage Sale

THE AUSTIN SAVANNAH NOW HIRING RANCH WORKER

INDOOR BAZAAR & OUTDOOR GARAGE SALE

Onion Creek Senior Center, 420 Bartons Crossing, Buda Saturday, March 4th, Space available, Cost $25 Contact: 512-295-3413 (leave message) or email info@ocscbuda.org

The position consists of maintaining the ranch property in good, working condition and working with exotic animals.Requires high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of three (3) years of experience working with exotic animals and valid driver’s license.

SEE YOUR AD HERE!

Offering Competitive Pay and Benefits

Only $8 for 20 words.

To apply visit www.texasdisposal.com/careers

Call (512) 268-7862 to start advertising today.

Statewide Classifieds

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WANTED TO BUY OR TRADE Freon R12 WANTED: Certified buyer will pickup and pay CASH for cylinders of R12 freon. Call Now! 1 312-219-9169.

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MISC FOR SALE

ACREAGE FOR needing WANTED 10 Homes ROOFS, SIDING/WINDOWS Government set aside * Up to $25,000 per household for improvements. No money down Payments $59/Mo. For details. 1-866-668-8681*wac Run Your Ad In TexSCAN! Statewide Ad ....................$550 239 Newspapers, 617,408 Circulation

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To Order: Call this Newspaper direct, or call Texas Press Service at 1-800-749-4793 Today!

NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, We cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 1-800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop

Hays Free Press • January 11, 2017

Public Notices CITY OF BUDA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

A citizen’s point of view provides valuable insight to the operations of the city and council’s decisionmaking process. The job of boards and commissions members is crucial to the success of Buda’s representative government.

The City of Buda is seeking volunteers and accepting completed application forms from citizens interested in serving on the various Board and Commissions.

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; download and mail the application to City Secretary, P. O. Box 1380, Buda, TX 78610. The deadline to submit a completed applications is March 3, 2017. For additional information, contact the City Secretary at (512) 312-0084.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Jose Arturo Benavides, also known as Arturo Jose Benavides, Deceased, were issued on January 4, 2017, in Cause No. 16-0375-P, pending in the County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, to: Sylvia Solis Benavides.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Sylvia Solis Benavides 704 Crystal Cove San Marcos, TX 78666 DATED the 4TH day of January, 2017.

THE BOLING LAW FIRM, PLLC Plum Creek Square 140 Kirkham Circle, Kyle, TX 78640 Tel: (877) 629-5353 Fax: (877) 629-3130 Anna Martinez Boling – SBN: 00791188 E-mail: annaboling@ bolinglawfirm.com Ana Marilín “Mari” Garza – SBN: 24084385 E-mail: marigarza@ bolinglawfirm.com Attorneys for Sylvia Solis Benavides

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Olga Jean Collier, Deceased were issued on the 15th day of December, 2016, in Cause No. 16-0368P, pending in the County Court of Hays County, Texas, to Wayne Lewis, as Independent Executor.

All persons having claims against the Estate which is currently being administered are required to present same within the time and in the manner prescribed by law to Craig F. Young, Attorney at Law, 108 E. San Antonio, San Marcos, Texas 78666

CITY OF KYLE ORDINANCES

The City Council of the City of Kyle will consider adopting the following ordinances on second reading on January 17, 2017 at Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center Street, at 7:00 p.m.: An Ordinance adopting the land use assumptions, capital improvements plan, and establishing an updated water impact fee totaling $3,535 per living unit equivalent (LUE) and an updated wastewater impact fee totaling $2,826 per LUE, amending Ordinance No. 298-2, and establishing an effective date.

An Ordinance Amending the City of Kyle Code of Ordinances, Chapter 53, Zoning: specifically, Article I, Section 53-5 (Definitions); and Article II, Division 1, Section 53-33 (General Requirements and Limitations); and Article II, Divisions 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as creating a new division and re-numbering existing divisions; and prior Ordinance 824 (Providing standards for determining a front wall for the purposes of establishing garage setback).

R. Todd Webster Mayor

CITATION BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF TEXAS, COUNTY OF HAYS

To all persons interested in the Estate of Katherine Antonia Steinman , Deceased, Cause No. 160379-P, in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas.

The alleged heir(s) at law in the above-numbered and entitled estate filed an APPLICATION FOR INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION AND LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 401.003 OF THE TEXAS ESTATES CODE in this estate on the 28th day of November , 201 6, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of Katherine Antonia Steinman, Deceased, and their respective shares and interests in such estate.

The Court may act on this Application at any call of the docket on or after 10:00 a.m., on the first Monday next after the expiration of ten (10) days, exclusive of the day of Publication , from the date this citation is published, at the Hays County Government Center in San Marcos, Texas .

All persons interested in this case are cited to appear before this Honorable Court by filing a written contest or a nswer to this Application should they desire to do so.

To ensure its consideration, you or your attorney must file any objection, intervention, or response in writing with the County Clerk of Hays County, Texas on or before the above­ noted date and time.

Applicant's Attorney: James R. Wilson 1800 Guadalupe Austin, TX 78701 (512) 474-4444 Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at the office of the Hays County Clerk in San Marcos, Texas on this the 3rd day of January, 2017.

Liz Q. Gonzalez

County Clerk, Hays County, Texas 712 S. Stagecoach Trail Suite 2008 San Marcos, Texas 78666

By Alfredo Sanchez, Deputy

ABANDONED BOAT

Abandoned Boat at 201 Comanche Camp Kyle, TX. Picked up on: 5-30-2016.

Master Craft Ski Boat. Need owner to contact Quantum Towing, 512-295-8697.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Kyle Pkwy Self Storage 5141 Cromwell Dr. Kyle, TX 78640 Will hold a Public Auction of property being sold for CASH to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The sale will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 12:15 p.m. The contents of the space of Marisa Sutton contains: couch, dressers, boxes and other misc. items.

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF NIEDERWALD

On January 23, 2017, at 7:10 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the City of Niederwald, Texas, located at 8807 Niederwald Strasse Road, Niederwald, Texas, the City Council will hold public hearings giving all interested persons the right to appear and be heard on the proposed annexation by the City of Niederwald, Texas of 14.75 acres, as petitioned by the property owner, Mary Camp Egan, said property being located at 500 Schubert, located approximately 350 feet south from the edge of the right of way of Schubert Lane.

If you have any questions regarding this annexation, contact Niederwald City Hall at 512-398-6338.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Chapter 59 Texas Property Code. River Road Self Storage 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: January 21, 2016 Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: River Road Self Storage, 880 River Road, San Marcos, TX 78666 Unit #108 – Clothes, bassinet, four boxes, building material Unit #112 – Two aquariums, table and chairs, jewelry box, wire rack, clothes, two toasters Unit #128 – Dishes, books, clothes, pots and pans Unit #156 – Bed, chair, dishes, pots, tools Unit #258 – Side by side refrigerator/freezer, stereo speakers, two ac units, many boxes two big TVs, microwave, furniture dolly, dryer Unit #286 – Washing machine, TV, air hockey, telescope Unit #298 – Couch, loveseat, bed, dresser, portable key board, bicycles Unit #310 – Clothes Unit #373 – Small Rrefrigerator Unit #389 – 24 ft. extension ladder, paint, paint sprayer, saw horse, two 8 ft. step ladders, scaffolding

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Hays Free Press • January 11, 2017

Page 3D

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Component Selection Digital Photos System & Process Docs Website Maintenance CD/DVD Duplication

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rince

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Ron Johnson OWNER

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BUSINESS LAW/ WILLS/TRUSTS/ PROBATE/FAMILY LAW/DIVORCE/ CUSTODY/ CONSUMER LAW/ DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES ACT/ PROPERTY LAW/ LANDLORD-TENANT LAW/PERSONAL INJURY/DWI/ CRIMINAL DEFENSE/ DEBT/DEFENSE/ GENERAL CIVIL LITIGATION

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Over 10 years of experience Keith Miller, owner One Time & Weekly Cleanings Drain & Cleans Pressure Washing Full Service Repairs HIGH TIDE Pool Replastering POOL SERVICE FREE ESTIMATES HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE@YAHOO.COM HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE.COM

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Tree Service

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Hays Free Press

Page 4D

Biennial Review Continued from pg. 1D

AMONG OTHER LARGE TAX REVENUE SOURCES: • Motor vehicle-related taxes, including sales, rental and manufactured housing taxes, are expected to reach $9.87 billion, up 6.7 percent from 2016-17.

• Oil production tax collections are projected to generate $4.7 billion in the 2018-19 biennium, a 32.3 percent increase from $3.6 billion generated in the current biennium.

• Natural gas tax collections in the 2018-2019 biennium are expected to be $1.7 billion, 27 percent more than the $1.3 billion collected in 2016-17.

• The state’s franchise tax revenue for all funds is estimated to be $7.8 billion for 2018-19, a 2.4 percent increase.

• The state’s Rainy Day Fund balance currently stands at approximately $10.2 billion. Absent any additional appropriations that might be made by the Legislature, the balance is expected to be $11.9 billion at the end of the 2018-19 biennium.

• State revenue from all sources and for all purposes is expected to

reach $224.8 billion for the 2018-19 biennium, including approximately $74.9 billion in federal receipts, along with other income and revenues dedicated for specific purposes and therefore unavailable for general-purpose spending.

HOW DID THE COMPTROLLER REACH THE $104.9 BILLION? The BRE projects GR-R revenues from sales taxes to be nearly $62.0 billion in the next biennium.

Subtracting about $4.7 billion dedicated to the SHF as a result of the passage of Proposition 7 leaves nearly $57.3 billion.

Added to this are other GR-R revenues of $49.2 billion and a beginning balance of approximately $1.5 billion, bringing the subtotal to $108.0 billion.

From this subtotal, $3.1 billion will be set aside for transfers to the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) and the SHF, leaving $104.9 billion available to the Legislature for the next two years.

New In the Heart of Kyle AT THE CORNER OF THE CITY SQUARE

Hays Free Press • January 11, 2017

1.10

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NEW YEAR OFFER Thru 1.31.17 Get a much higher rate of return on your money when you open a 1.10% APY 13-month certificate of deposit. This outstanding offer is only available through January 31, 2017 and applies to new money only. Minimum amount to open account is $10,000.00. Take advantage of this great rate before this offer expires.

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