Jan. 25, 2017 Hays Free Press

JANUARY 25, 2017 BOOK IT

VICTORY

Kyle installs four Little Free Libraries throughout city

Lady Rebels beat Lake Travis in revenge thriller.

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Hays Free Press ©Barton Publications, Inc.

Vol. 120 • No. 44

HaysFreePress.com

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

Yarrington development plan in final stages and it doesn’t include a truck stop

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

A potential concept plan outlining the development of a 47-acre property near Yarrington Road that could house hotels, a retail anchor store and an eight-pump gas station is now in its “final stages,” according a city of Kyle press release.

The development,

however, is contingent on approval by the Kyle City Council later this month to rezone the land from Agricultural (AG) to retail-services (RS). This would be a stricter zoning regulation than Warehouse (W), which applicant PGI Investment, LLC originally applied for.

On Feb. 7, the Kyle City Council will hold a public hearing on the rezoning the 47-acre

The proposed Yarrington development will be located on the northwest corner of IH-35 and Yarrington Road.

property from AG to W. In a statement, Kyle Mayor Todd Webster said council would consider rezoning the land to RS, which is “more restrictive in terms of the kinds of businesses that would be allowed.”

Howard Koontz, Kyle community development director, said the city ran maintained language within PGI’s

YARRINGTON, 2A

Little progress on safety of SH 21

ON HOLD

Buda slams the brakes on scheduled fluoridation STAFF REPORT

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

The saga involving the reintroduction of fluoride into the Buda public water system took an unexpected turn last week as city officials opted to hold on the matter in order to gather more public feedback.

Buda City Manager Kenneth Williams Thursday announced the scheduled fluoridation of the city’s water supply was put on hold, according to a press release.

The reasoning for the administrative decision was based on feedback received from Buda City Council members and the public.

However, the decision to hold on the fluoridation is not final and is temporarily in place “until the city council may revisit and make a more permanent decision,” according to the release.

In the interim, Buda Mayor Todd Ruge requested a public hearing to be held at the Feb. 7 city council meeting to gather more input.

According to the re-

Frustration is mounting for residents living near the Hays and Caldwell county line as safety along State Highway (SH) 21 continues to come into question.

While officials provided answers to residents’ questions during a town hall meeting at Uhland City Hall Jan. 18, some felt little progress has been made to the ensure safety on the road.

Victor Vargas, TxDOT area engineer, presented answers to a variety of PHOTO COURTESY OF AMBER TETREAULT

FLUORIDE, 4A

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELE HADDOCK

Buda residents (back row, L-R) Megan Tarpley, Amber Tetreault, Eryn McClain, Lois Trippe-Jenkins and (front row) Hailey Trippe-Jenkins pose for a photo with signs created specifically for Saturday’s Women’s March in downtown Austin.

Inset, Kyle resident Michele Haddock (right) holds her “Hands Off!” sign while posing with democratic politician Wendy Davis at Saturday’s Women’s March. An estimated crowd of over 50,000 people marched through downtown Austin for the Women’s March, which was a movement standing up for women’s rights. The event was a worldwide movement with similar marches held in Washington D.C. and cities across the world.

COMING UP

DRIFTWOOD

Group mulls purchase of historic store.

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INDEX

Seton Hays will host a day of free medical care for basic healthcare needs on Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 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 Hemphill Elementary School, Blanco Vista Elementary School, Tom Green Elementary School, Kyle Elementary School and Camino Real Elementary. No insurance necessary. Services provided on a first-come, first-served basis until 4 p.m. Last family admitted at 4 p.m.

Pay your property taxes by Jan. 31 STAFF REPORT

Burn ban reinstated Medical Mission At Home

SH 21, 2A

On Jan. 24, the Hays County Commissioners Court placed the unincorporated areas (including extra territorial jurisdictions) of the county under an immediate burn ban following a report from Fire Marshal Clint Browning.

Charcoal, wood and gas grills with lids are exempt from the ban, but burning in “burn barrels” or fire pits (including ones with screens on the top) is not allowed.

Grilling of any kind is prohibited at Hays County parks under a burn ban. Most cities already prohibit outdoor burning, but residents within city limits should check their city ordinances.

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

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

Those who may owe 2016 property taxes will have until the end of the January before penalties could be levied against them.

In a press release, Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector Luanne Caraway reminded residents that 2016 property taxes must be paid in full on or before Jan. 31 to avoid penalties and interest.

Should taxes not be paid by Jan. 31, a seven percent penalty and interest will be added to property accounts with outstanding balances starting Feb. 1.

PROPERTY TAXES, 4A

Page 2A

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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NEWS TIPS

If you think it’s news, we probably do too!

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• The deadline for display advertising and any contributed news copy in the Hays Free Press is 5 p.m. Friday the week prior to publication.

• The deadline for Letters to the Editor and classified word advertising in the Hays Free Press is noon Monday the week of publication, though we encourage readers and advertisers to observe the Friday deadline.

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We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest.

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.

NEWS

Hays Free Press • January 25, 2017

Buda readies for new police cruisers

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

news@haysfreepress.com

Buda city leaders earlier this month approved the purchase of three new Buda Police Department vehicles that were approved within the city’s fiscal year 2017 budget.

The three new vehicles will cost roughly $22,700 per vehicle, which was approved by the Buda city council as part of the budget process in 2016.

“A lot of the time the cost of the equipment that goes into the police vehicle costs the same as the vehicle, but that is not the case for these vehicles since we can reuse

equipment from the older vehicles,” Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd said, “We are only going to have to completely outfit one police car, which costs approximately $20,000.”

Kidd said that the department needed the three vehicles for a variety of reasons.

“One of the cars is a replacement due to it being totaled in an accident, one of the cars is replacing a patrol car that had well over 100,000 miles on it and the third car is going to be added to the fleet for a new officer,” Kidd said.

Kidd said that one of the vehicles would replace a cruiser that was

“One of the cars is a replacement due to it being totaled in an accident, one of the cars is replacing a patrol car that had well over 100,000 miles on it and the third car is going to be added to the fleet for a new officer.”

ing,” Kidd said.

Kidd said the approval of the three new patrol vehicles would give the department six total vehicles, with two officers sharing each patrol car.

Currently Buda has 12 full or part time police officers on the force.

He added the vehicles rotate with each shift, which lasts the course of a 12-hour period and that general fleet maintenance is performed in-house, outside of large repairs, based on officer feedback from their inspection of police vehicles before every shift.

Kidd said delivery of the new patrol cars would take 90 days.

–Bo Kidd, Buda police chief

involved in a collision on Sept. 1, 2016 on the west access of Main Street.

Kidd said officer Freddy Erdman was traveling with his lights and sirens en route to a call when a

truck that was in his blind spot crashed into him, causing the vehicle to be totaled and Erdman to be injured.

“Freddy is now on light duty, but he’s still recover-

Yarrington: Development plan – and no truck stop – in final stages Continued from pg. 1A

original request from Dec. 15 for the warehouse rezoning as staff “cannot administratively change its application midstream.”

Koontz said the public notice was also kept the same for consistency.

However, Koontz said council is allowed to make appropriate zoning changes.

He said there was a “new plan and new expectation going forward” where RS zoning would be “appropriate” and that the applicant could make it work.

That plan was crafted through a several months long regional planning effort that involved Kyle’s Economic Development, Hays County, the Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP), the city of San Marcos and PGI. The current concept plan calls for a retail an-

4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant said the progress made on the concept plan is “encouraging” and he’s confident the project will benefit “the county as a whole.”

“Bringing retail businesses to Kyle and San Marcos through this development is a sound investment in our future –John Thomaides, San Marcos Mayor financial success in Hays County,” Whisenant said chor store, restaurant pads, there could be modificain a statement. two hotels and a convetions, such as roadway Regional cooperation nience store with an eight- access and retaining heron the plan began after pump gas station, along itage oak trees, the plan the Kyle Planning and with other retail sites. is “essentially complete,” Zoning commission (P&Z) According to the release, Sellers said. denied an application the plan provides a view of “By investing in this from PGI to rezone the what types of businesses junction, what we call the 47-acre property to warewould have the “greatest gateway to both cities, we house in January 2016. chance for success at are taking steps to secure The move could have that location.” Kyle City our future and highlight allowed for a potential Manager Scott Sellers said the importance of retruck stop to be built on in a statement the concept gional cooperation,” John the property, which drew plan is the “starting point Thomaides, San Marcos criticism from residents of for recruiting businesses mayor said in a statement. the Blanco Vista subdivito that location.” While Hays County Pct. sion, which is located near

“By investing in this junction, what we call the gateway to both cities, we are taking steps to secure our future and highlight the importance of regional cooperation.”

the property. PGI in 2013 had previously attempted to rezone for a truck stop, but were ultimately denied by council.

Council didn’t discuss the zoning Feb. 2, 2016 as PGI pulled the request.

City leaders then worked with representatives from PGI, Hays County, San Marcos and the GSMP for the plan.

“We are excited about this project moving forward and we look forward to brining new businesses to Kyle,” a spokesperson for PGI said in a statement.

Webster said he is glad to see the project coming together due to cooperation among several entities.

“We look forward to doing great things for all of the entities involved, but mostly for residents of Kyle and San Marcos,” Sellers said.

SH21: Little progress seen on safety measures Continued from pg. 1A

questions submitted by residents after a previous town hall meeting.

According to TxDOT crash data, there were ten fatal accidents along SH 21 from 2012 to 2017.

The most recent fatal collision occurred Jan. 2 when a Buda man was killed in a wrong-way crash on SH 21. According to the data, there were nearly 400 accidents on the highway during the five-year time frame.

Despite the accidents, Vargas said the current level of service (LOS) for the roadway for SH 21 from the Bastrop County line to SH 80 is an A or a B, which means vehicles traveling at a free flow speed are following the posted speed limit 35 to 50 percent of the time.

In addition, Vargas said the state is looking to widen parts of SH 21 to a three-lane roadway using the “Super 2” configuration, which features alternative passing lanes

SH 21 by the numbers

FATALITIES FATAL TOTAL

CRASHES CRASHES 2012 1 2013 1 2014 2 2015 1 2016 3 2017 2 Total 10

and turn lanes, as well as adding shoulders. The state broke the project up into three phases along SH 21.

But the projects are not funded at this time, Vargas said. The projects were submitted for funding during the 2016 fiscal year, but he said the road didn’t qualify. Other funding sources are being sought for the projects. TxDOT could also work with Hays and Caldwell county officials as well. Vargas said

1 1 2 1 3 1 9

72 72 82 73 94 2 395

SH 21, however, is listed as a priority corridor for the state.

“Unfortunately, this corridor did not rank high enough,” Vargas said.

“But that doesn’t mean we should stop.”

Should funding be approved, TxDOT estimates a 24-month time period to prepare a contract for bid.

In addition, the state is also preparing for warrant studies for intersections on SH 21 at FM 2001 and FM 2720 (Old Lockhart Highway).

But when it came to potentially lowering the speed limit, Vargas said a speed study performed by a consultant proved inconclusive Residents, however, were concerned over information that was presented. Uhland Mayor Brian Geiger grew frustrated after he claimed TxDOT was providing conflicting information regarding the timeline for certain studies during the course of three town hall meetings.

Niederwald resident Melanie Puryear was worried about trucks that travel through neighborhoods that line SH 21.

Puryear also worried about the potential growth of Uhland and Niederwald and how that could affect traffic, saying she belives it could “look like South Lamar” in a decade.

But she ultimately felt after three town hall meetings with officials that it “doesn’t seem like it’s

accomplishing anything.”

“If it was a county road, they could get something done,” Dillard Puryear said. “Since it’s a state highway, it’s out of their reach as far as getting things done.”

Uhland resident Patricia Sylvester said she was upset that “little has been done” during the three meetings.

“It’s like all of our anxiety and frustrations are falling on deaf ears,” Sylvester said.

For Sylvester, an increased law enforcement presence on SH 21 is needed for the roadway.

But she felt TxDOT is trying to do “too much and that’s what’s taking too long.”

Prioritizing items is what she believes could help move the process forward.

“My dream wish is 55 (mile-per-hour) speed limit and as many red lights as we can fight and get,” Sylvester said.

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Hays Free Press • January 25, 2017

Opinion

Page 3A

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “It’s like all of our anxiety and frustrations are falling on deaf ears.”

– Patricia Sylvester, Uhland resident, on lack of safety improvements to SH 21. See story on 1A.

We walk to protect freedom Hip Czech

by Cyndy SlovakBarton

W

hat a day Saturday was!

Women, men and children across the nation and across the globe marched, joining arms with others, in support of women’s rights and the freedom to speak out.

White, black, brown.

Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist. It was a smelting pot of people.

Of course, there was the online – as always – backlash, on Facebook about women “whining.”

One of my own family members, though I devoutly disagree with her, posted a pretty mean-spirited retort that women should quit whining.

Well, whining was not the order of the day.

Instead, groups of people gathered, made new friends, smiled, laughed, danced, marched, walked for miles and let the new President Trump and his staff know that the freedoms women now have in the United States will not be taken away.

Women here can vote.

Check.

Women here can work or stay home. Check.

Women here have access to birth control.

Check – for now.

Women here have access to abortions.

Check, if you can afford it.

Women here run for office, are members of Congress, the Supreme Court. They own their own businesses, their own homes and control their own financial future.

These are the freedoms worth marching for, walking for.

These women also marched in solidarity with women from around the globe. All of them together brought light to the fact that women in other countries do not have the right to march. Heck, they are not allowed to drive, get an education, vote, protect themselves, choose their spouse. They can be tortured, sold as a sex slave, given HIV by spouses and then left without help or hope.

American and first world country women have freedoms that some women in other countries cannot even imagine.

No, this is not a whine.

It is a celebration. And all women are included.

Even the ones who feel they must post derogatory statements online.

Because it’s always easier to just copy and paste a mean statement than to face someone else, talk through issues, agree on some, agree to disagree on others, and become friends.

Listen to the river, Mr. President “The river has taught me to listen; you will learn from it, too.”

Herman Hesse’s line is about an actual mass of water droplets, but it certainly could apply to a stream of people – the one that flowed through the nation’s capital Saturday, and in state capitals, and in cities overseas – all connected: one river.

Listen to it.

Was it 2.5 million people gathered worldwide to peacefully make a statement the day after Inaugural Day? Hard to say. Hard to count.

Exact numbers aside, what a sight.

And what dignity: protest in the greatest American tradition – peaceful, solemn, stoic.

On decorum alone, the new president could learn much from the marchers.

Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who said 7,500 people arrived from her state of Michigan in 100 buses, saluted them, then offered words more conciliatory than may

News and Sports Editor Moses Leos III

by John Young

be permitted in Donald Trump’s DNA. Trump, she told CNN, is “a man who listens to how people feel. I think he’s a smart man, and I think he will see a movement. He will see women scared about what’s going to happen to the country.”

We can all imagine that, and that alpacas will take wing.

In an inaugural speech sounding like a TV commercial for an ambulance-chasing lawyer (“the most dreadful inaugural speech in history,” said George Will) Trump didn’t sound like a conciliator. He sounded like Alexander Haig right after Ronald Reagan got shot, announcing, “I’m in charge here.”

The remarkable thing about Trump’s speech is that he deigned to

“the people.” They think of governing as something that is contracted out, as one does with cable service.

That’s the way Dick Cheney saw it, and they liked it.

Once again, unless those fleece-bearers take flight, hopes are not high that millions of marchers will be heard.

However, here are some things, Mr. President, that you might ascertain, were you to listen to the river: Don’t yank health insurance away from tens of millions of Americans, as congressional Republicans are dying to do.

You said the other day that under your leadership, a plan would emanate that would mean “insurance for everybody.”

(Make that happen, and I guarantee some Republican lawmakers will die – though not from lack of health care.)

Don’t empower state legislatures to enact the wishes of the religious right regarding repro-

ductive rights, gay and transgendered rights and more.

(We know you’ve posed with and glad-handed a bunch of right-wing preachers, but let’s acknowledge – nudge, nudge – that when it comes to a spiritual adviser, Billy Bush is far closer to you than Billy Graham.)

Take a deep breath, then make good on what you said in the inauguration: “What truly matters is not which party controls our government.”

What matters, you said, is that the “people rule.”

Though your campaign reaped fewer votes than your opponent’s, Republicans in Congress and many of your supporters think this is about them right now.

Listen to the river, Mr. President. Make this governing thing about people.

Longtime Texas newspaperman John Young now lives in Colorado. jyoungcolumn@gmail.com

Millennials need to own homes

G

et this: The share of millennials who own a home has fallen to a 30-year low.

What’s worse, reports The Wall Street Journal, is that 32 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds are living at home with Mom. The percentage hasn’t been that high since 1940, at the tail end of the Great Depression.

And that’s not good for America.

I had my first taste of homeownership 20 years ago after buying a country house that made Herman Munster’s place look like a Trump estate. Renovating it was awful enough, but all hell really broke loose when my father and I began work on the bathroom.

The bolts that secured the commode to the floor had broken. I raced to the hardware store to buy new bolts. We spent an hour installing them. We slowly lifted the commode into place and fished the bolts

Hays Free Press Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton

YoungAt-Large

mention anyone else at all. The word “people” appears only 10 times in 1,450 words.

Trump said “we” a lot, though listeners were left to wonder who “we” are. The Trump family?

Trump Organization?

While millions marched in the streets the next day, Trump dispatched his spokesman to dispute media depictions of the crowds at his coming-out.

You can be certain that Breitbart and Russian fakesters are doctoring images as I type these words to prove otherwise, but the pictures shared by CNN and the nation’s networks did not lie.

Sad. Trump’s big day was stepped upon by a whole bunch of little people.

Oh, oh – there goes the lying media mentioning people.

Test my theory as to why Trump’s inaugural had a relatively paltry turnout: By and large, his supporters don’t think of governing as involving

Guest Column

by Tom Purcell

through the bolt holes.

But the bolts were too short!

“Son of a ... ,” said my father.

“The idiots gave us the wrong bolts!” I said.

I raced back to the hardware store. We toiled another hour and the new bolts worked. But a second problem occurred: The wax goop that seals the commode to the sewage pipe wasn’t thick enough.

“Son of a ... ,” said my father.

“The idiots gave us the wrong goop!” I said.

After several hours of this misery, my father and I completed the bathroom. I thought then that the worst of homeownership was behind me, but it

was just getting started.

One day, while weeding a planter, I was attacked by ground bees. I poured two cups of gasoline into the bee hole. I wisely moved the 2.5-gallon gasoline canister 10 feet away, then lit a match. It was then that I learned an important lesson about gasoline.

Gasoline doesn’t burn.

Gasoline fumes burn.

They burn because they are FLAMMABLE. And they are especially flammable when you create a massive carburetor in a dirt hole in your planter.

As I neared the hole, I heard a giant “WOOOOF,” the sound gasoline fumes make when they explode.

A 15-foot flame shot up the side of my freshly painted house. It took me an hour to douse all the flames and keep the neighborhood from burning down.

The point is, owning a home changed me. It transformed me from a

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Reporters Samantha Smith, Logan McCullough Anna Herod Columnists Bartee Haile, Chris Winslow, Pauline Tom, Phil Jones

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

reckless, carefree renter into a concerned neighbor and a responsible citizen.

Homeownership makes you aware of nutty government regulations that drive up electric and gas bills – it makes you engage more fully in our country’s political process, which is a good thing.

Homeownership makes you more likely to demand commonsense reforms – such as revisions to the Dodd-Frank banking law passed after the 2008 collapse, which has made it too difficult for many otherwise qualified millennials to buy homes.

The Atlantic cites two other reasons why millennials are not purchasing homes.

Some millennials rent because they desire the freedom to move from city to city and job to job as they climb the career ladder. They can afford to buy but choose not to.

A second group of millennials, however, includes minorities and people who haven’t finished or attended college or trade school. Millennials in this group struggle to find the good-paying work that can support a mortgage.

In any event, the hope is that Republican reforms will unleash economic growth and allow more millennials to pursue homeownership.

If more millennials own homes, they’ll become as miserable as I am. I can’t think of a better way to make America great again.

Tom Purcell, author of “Misadventures of a 1970’s Childhood” and “Wicked Is the Whiskey,” a Sean McClanahan mystery novel, is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc. Tom@TomPurcell.com

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

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Hays Free Press • January 25, 2017

Page 4A

Water, sports and speed

Buda to offer support for state legislature priorities

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

news@haysfreepress.com

With the 85th Texas Legislative session kicking off earlier this month, Buda city leaders are contemplating which items of legislation they plan to support or possibly introduce in the future.

Earlier this month, Buda Assistant City Manager Chance Sparks provided a list of legislative priorities for the Buda City Council to review and decide on by Feb. 7.

As a member of the Texas Municipal League (TML), Buda has an opportunity to support legislative priorities designed to benefit all Texas cities, as well as those that could be advantageous to the city.

Out of the 14 different TML legislative priorities on the agenda, Sparks identified at least two that are more Buda driven in interest.

STORING WATER FOR NOT-SO-RAINY DAYS IN BUDA Sparks said the passage of legislation to support implementation of Aquifer Storage and Recovery, (ASR) was an area that Buda was focused on due

to the city’s need for a backup water supply.

ASR is the practice of storing a measured amount of potable water within an aquifer, which creates a sort of pocket or “bubble” that can travel along the aquifer, but can be drawn by an entity during peak demand.

“We’re trying to make ASR a more affordable and viable option that can help with things like drought contingency planning and peek demand issues,” Sparks said regarding removing restrictions to ASR, “It’s scalable.”

HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX POTENTIALLY USED FOR SPORTS/EVENTS FACILITIES Sparks said legislation to potentially allow Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) to be used for improvements to Sporting and Events facilities would offer flexibility to utilize those funds to finish building out the Buda sportsplex and encourage more league sports events there.

“The sportsplex needs improvement to be a tournament quality facility,” Sparks said, “The Buda hoteliers are actually pursuing this legislative priority due to the high occupancy

OPPOSING CAPS ON APPRAISAL VALUES

rates that come with hosting large sporting events.”

Sparks said the HOT fund has limitations on what kind of expenses can be drawn from it, which forwards the need for legislation to remove certain HOT fund limitations.

“There are projects that could promote higher hotel occupancy that do not qualify for funding through the HOT fund because they may not meet the eligibility standards,” Sparks said.

Sparks said Buda could also back items that oppose the passing of certain legislation. On example would be potentially opposing legislation that puts a cap on appraisal values and revenues.

“We aren’t opposed to capping appraisal values necessarily, but we think it should be a local government decision, not a state government one, since local governments have more direct contact with the public,” Sparks said.

BRINGING BUDA DOWN TO SPEED In addition to the Buda driven legislative priorities, Sparks said Buda might be pursuing legislation in support of a statewide law setting speed limits in neighborhoods to 25 miles per hour.

“The reality of it is that the difference of 5 miles between 25 mph speed limits and 30 mph speed limits makes a huge difference in pedestrian safety,” Sparks said.

Sparks referenced National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics that were presented via city documents that showed a three-fold increase in pedestrian fatalities from 25 to 30 mph.

YES TO MUNICIPAL LOBBYING Another priority council could support is opposing legislation that restricts municipal lobbying, Sparks said.

Municipalities are often represented by organizations like TML who represent their interests at legislative hearings and try to prevent unfunded mandates being passed down from the State level, Sparks said.

It’s unknown at this time what items city council members plan to pursue.

The legislature is scheduled to adjourn in May.

JANUARY 18, 2017 TAKE STOCK

POWER

Fluoride: On hold for now

©Barton Publications, Inc.

Vol. 120 • No. 43

HaysFreePress.com

SAVE THE DATE

A public hearing will be held at the Feb. 7 city council meeting to gather citizen input on the fluoridation of the city’s water supply.

ter portion of its water supply had been continuously fluoridated since they became customers of the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority in 2002, according to the release.

The fluoridation stopped in November 2015 when the GBRA stopped fluoridating the supply

source at the San Marcos treatment plant.

The city’s decision to restart fluoridation, however, ignited a firestorm of controversy as numerous residents spoke out during public comment at the Jan. 3 and Jan. 17 city council meetings to express their concerns over the type of fluoride being used.

“At this time we are still working out what will appear on the agenda for the Feb. 7 city council meeting, but no action can be taken by council during a public hearing,” Ruge said.

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

Man killed in I-35 auto-pedestrian accident STAFF REPORT

The Kyle Police Department is investigating an auto-pedestrian accident that killed a man along southbound Interstate 35

late Thursday evening.

Jonathan Reyes, 22, of Kyle, was identified as the victim in the incident, according to a city of Kyle press release.

Thursday's accident

happened around 9:30 p.m. on southbound I-35 near the Center Street/ FM 150 exit.

An adult male, later identified as Reyes, was pronounced deceased by

Hays County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Beth Smith just before 10:15 p.m. According to Smith, the preliminary cause of death is an accident, pending the investigation. Smith

said an autopsy has been ordered. Police said no other injuries resulted from the accident.

As a result of the incident, authorities closed all lanes of southbound

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

BY LOGAN MCCULLOUGH

WATER CROSSINGS, 4A

This story is developing.

We will provide updates as they become available.

news@haysfreepress.com

news@haysfreepress.com

Hays County Commissioners recently authorized an agreement with Water and Earth Technologies for the installation of low-water crossing warning systems within the county.

In a deal that will cost the county $1.9 million, Hays County Judge Bert Cobb said in a recent commissioners court hearing that he believes the project provides a better handle on how the county can manage low-water crossings in a timely manner for the utmost public safety.

“There is so much lag time between when an identified low-water crossing is flooding, and you have people there wondering if they can cross it safely or not when obviously, they can’t,” Cobb said. “Then we have to send an officer out there to officially close it and put up the barriers that are already sitting on the side of the road.”

Water & Earth Technologies (WET) is a water resources and environmental engineering firm that provides engineering services in the areas of surface and ground water hydrology, flood warning,

I-35 for several hours. The highway was reopened around 11:40 p.m

Hospital in Buda?

Maybe

$1.9M for low water crossing updates

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF BUDA

In the next few weeks, the city will move the heritage oak tree to its new location at the southeast corner of the municipal site.

The tree was an obstacle in the building plans of the new municipal building and the Buda City Council voted to move the tree instead of cutting it down. The moving of the tree is expected to take several days.

$300K tree move delayed

Residents interested in viewing the tree being moved should park at Stagecoach Park and then walk up the sidewalk along Main Street in front of the municipal site.

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

news@haysfreepress.com

The relocation of a 260-plusyear-old heritage tree on the site of a new municipal building in Buda has been delayed due to rain.

According to a city press release, the plan to relocate the 53-inch diameter live oak tree will take approximately 2 1/2 weeks.

J.E Dunn, Buda’s general contractor for the project, will be on site to “oversee and supervise” the relocation of the heritage tree.

“The prep work (for moving the tree) consists of determining the outreach of the root system, digging around the root system, wrapping and securing the root

ball, as the contractor continues to excavate around the tree in preparation for the move,” Ray Cresswell, Buda project manager, said in the release. “The entire tree will be placed and secured on a large steel pipe framed platform to safely move the tree intact.”

The decision to relocate the tree on-site instead of repurposing the wood for furnishings inside the municipal building was made “at the recommenda-

tion of the Historic Preservation Commission.”

During the process to craft the city’s transportation plan in February 2016, many Buda residents were opposed to any transportation plan “that would have an impact on the historic trees along Main Street.”

The release also cited the city’s Unified Development Code’s standards for classifying a heri-

Buda City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the Sunfield Municipal Utility District’s consent agreement at the Jan. 17 meeting to include a rezoning agreement that would allow approximately 35 acres to accommodate a medical center.

Assistant City Manager Chance Sparks reintroduced the agenda item to council members since the item had not appeared on an agenda since 2009.

ZONING, 2A

Kyle approves manager contract

BY ANNA HEROD

news@haysfreepress.com

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Kyle City Manager Scott Sellers is here to stay.

The Kyle City Council Tuesday approved a controversial employment agreement that extends City Manager Scott Sellers’ contract by a 5-1 vote.

The agreement features a $14,591 salary increase, which brings Sellers’ annual base pay to $196,503.

Kyle Dist. 6 council member Daphne Tenorio, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said while she appreciates the work Sellers does, she believed the pay increase was too steep. Dist. 2 Council member Becky Selbera was not present at the meeting.

“I think that the city is absolutely, unquestionably better off by extending Mr. Sellers’ contract,” said Mayor Todd Webster.

Webster said despite some of the “negative attention” the contract provisions garnered on social media, he believes it is a reasonable employ-

HaysFreePress HERITAGE OAK, 4A

COMING UP

Tutus & Tennies 5K Hays County Livestock Show

Property Taxes: Pay by Jan. 31

The annual Hays County Livestock Show will be held at Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center Jan. 24-26. Visit www. hayscountylivestockshow.org for a full schedule and more info.

Get your 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. See www.athleteguild. com/running/buda-tx/2017-du-tutus-tennies-5k-and-dance-dash for more info.

SELLERS, 2A

Kyle offers incentives to RSI after tax trouble.

– Page 1D

YOU CAN PAY AT:

which holds an approximately 2.25 percent plus 30-cent fee, at www.hayscountytax.com, which also accepts Discover and American Express.

The county also provides a drive-through lane on the east side of the Government Center in San Marcos and drop boxes at our San Marcos and Dripping Springs locations.

All locations are open through the lunch hour, but prepare for a wait on Jan. 31, one of the busiest days for the office.

There are also drop boxes for tax payments at the San Marcos and Dripping Springs locations and payments can be dropped off anytime on or before Jan. 31. To receive a paper receipt, enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your payment.

San Marcos Main Tax Office and mailing address: 712 S. Stagecoach Trail 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Monday-Friday 512-393-5545 Dripping Springs: 195 Roger Hanks Parkway (Precinct 4 Office) 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Monday-Friday 512-858-5105 Kyle: 5458 FM 2770 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Monday-Friday 512-268-8024.

YOU CAN PAY WITH:

Cash, check or bank credit/debit card with the exception of Discover and American Express are all acceptable forms of payment. A 1.95 percent fee will be charged for a debit card and a 2.65 percent fee will be charged for a credit card payment.

INDEX

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

Continued from pg. 1A

Taxpayers who are not able to pay the full amount by Jan. 31 are encouraged to pay as much as possible so that they accrue as little as possible, according to the release.

Accounts that have 65-or-older, disabled person or disabled veteran exemptions paid quarterly and have made their first payment on or before Ja. 31 are not assessed penalty and interest.

Payments can be made in person at any of the office locations below.

Payments made by mail must have a post office cancellation mark of Jan. 31, 2017 or earlier to be considered on time and should be addressed to the San Marcos Office location only.

Payments can also be made with an e-check, which has a 50-cent fee, or with a credit/debit card,

– Page 1C

– Page 1B

Continued from pg. 1A

lease, fluoridation won’t take place prior to the public hearing.

“We felt that it would be disingenuous of us to fluoridate the water before the public hearing,” Ruge said in an interview on the decision to halt the scheduled fluoridation. “I received multiple emails calling for a public hearing on this issue so that’s what we are doing,” Ruge said.

In December 2016, Buda city leaders chose to resume adding fluoride to the city’s water supply.

Buda’s surface wa-

Hays Free Press Be our Valentine Youth kick off Livestock Show week with Horse Show.

Lobo, Rebel powerlifters compete at meet.

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

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

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Sports

Section B 3RD HIGH SCHOOL

Hays CISD School Board approves $122M design of third high school.

– Page 3B

@hfprebelsports @hfplobosports

January 25, 2017

Lady Rebs rout Cavaliers in revenge thriller

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

It took less than two quarters Tuesday for the Hays Rebels to serve up some old-fashioned revenge.

A 17-2 second quarter blitz provided momentum for Hays to cruise past the Lake Travis Cavaliers in a 54-31 rout at Bales Gym. While the win pushes

Hays a step closer to possibly securing a playoff berth, head coach Danny Preuss felt it also avenged two early season losses to the Cavaliers.

“I think they played with a chip on their shoulder tonight. Even when things didn’t go their way, they stuck to it and overcame some difficult moments,” Preuss said. “They did a good job.”

Strong guard play during the course of the game guided Hays’ offense.

Three Rebels finished in double figures with senior guard Choon Hee Chae scoring a game high 17 points. Junior guard Gabby Bosquez had 14 points and senior guard Jaden Williams had 11 points.

The Rebel defense, however, stole the show as the group held Lake

Travis, which had averaged 50 points per game, to only 31.

Preuss said physical play and better decision making assisted with the improved defensive effort. But paying attention to detail, along with keeping Lake Travis from driving the lane, were pivotal factors for success for the Rebels, he added.

Hays Rebel senior guard Choon Hee Chae (22) pushes against a Lake Travis Cavalier defender as she attempts to drive the baseline Tuesday at Bales Gym. PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

REBEL GIRLS HOOPS 2B

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Lehman High’s Kenny Henderson forwards a pass to a teammate during a home game played at the Lobo Den in December. Henderson was the leading scorer in the team’s close loss to the Leander Lions Thursday.

Lobos fall short in upset bid to Lions

BY LOGAN MCCULLOUGH

news@haysfreepress.com

Mental mistakes late in the fourth quarter crushed the Lehman Lobos chances at upsetting the division-leading Leander Lions Friday night at the Lobo Den. A pair of late free throws with less than four seconds left in the game allowed Leander to secure a 47-45 comeback win over Lehman.

The game began in Lehman’s favor as they played with excellent spacing, stretching Leander’s defense out and hitting multiple wide-open three-point attempts.

Seven of Lehman’s nine first quarter shot attempts came from beyond-the-arc.

Leading 13-11 going into the second quarter, Lehman continued to execute on offense in the second frame. Their passes were sharp, accurate and were performed with a certain level of confidence.

Although the mo-

LOBO BOYS HOOPS, 2B

Take it down to tennis town PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Hays Rebel sophomore Devon Flurnoy smashes a forehand shot during an exhibition match against a Lehman Lobo opponent at the Debbie Cook Tennis Center. Both the Hays and Lehman boys and girls tennis teams competed in a scrimmage in preparation for the spring season, which opens this week.

Trojans top Lehman 3-1

PHOTO BY TRACY STIRMAN

Hays High’s Caleb Barksdale rises to the air to make a play on the ball during the first half of Tuesday’s district game against the Lake Travis Cavaliers.

Cavs top Rebs 3-1

BY MOSES LEOS III

BY LOGAN MCCULLOUGH

news@haysfreepress.com

Preparing for future matches was the approach Lehman Lady Lobo head soccer coach Nauri Garcia took during Friday’s nondistrict tilt with the Anderson Lady Trojans.

Lehman, however, got a little more than what they bargained for as a physical Lady Trojan squad emerged with a 3-1 win at Lobo Field.

But for Garcia, learning from mistakes made during the match provided the necessary adjustments for district play, which begins this week.

“It stinks that we lost at home, but they gave us a good example of what we’re going to face this year in the district we’re in,” Garcia said.

“We’re adjusting to what we felt we needed to do for district matches.”

Communication issues were a prevalent problem the Lobos worked to rectify in the match.

Garcia said the team was a “little quiet,” particularly in the midfield.

Hays soccer coach Jason Burnett only needed one word to describe his team’s 3-1 loss Tuesday night to Lake Travis.

“Fortitude,” Burnett said.

The Rebels needed fortitude – and then some – to stave off the Cavaliers offense, which attempted 26 shots in the match.

Hays was short one player when Antonio Rios was ejected via red card.

When the ball dribbled past him, and only the goalkeeper stood in the way of a likely goal, Rios made a last-ditch effort to stab at the ball. He tripped the Lake Travis player instead.

Rios’ absence meant Hays was shorthanded for 65 of 80 minutes – more than three-fourths of the entire match.

“Playing down 10 men for 70 minutes,” Burnett said. “That’s not a game.

news@haysfreepress.com

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Lehman Lady Lobo Michelle Ardon jostles for positioning with an Anderson Lady Trojan player during Friday’s nondistrict game at Lobo Field.

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Sports

Page 2B

Hays Free Press • January 25, 2017

Rebel Girls Hoops Continued from pg. 1B

PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

Lady Reb Andrews signs with Concordia

Hays High School Lady Reb basketball forward Megan Andrews (center) signed an official letter of intent to play basketball for Concordia University next year. With her parents, sisters, long-time trainer, teachers and friends around her, Megan signed to play with the NCAA Division IIII Tornados. In two years with the Lady Rebs varsity team, Megan either started or was first off the bench for Coach Danny Preuss, regularly being counted on for three points and four clutch rebounds per game. At Concordia, which plays in the American Southwest Conference, Megan will join a team that competes against the likes of Howard Payne, McMurry, Sul Ross, Mary Hardin Baylor, and Hardin-Simmons.

Rebel Boys Soccer Continued from pg. 1B

You’re fighting people off.

We just fought off somebody for 70 minutes.”

Lake Travis was already dominating time of possession and shot opportunities before Rios was ejected. Playing a shorthanded squad further exacerbated their advantage.

“The whole game changed at that 15-minute mark,” Burnett said. Everything we had planned – everything. We shook up the formation and they were lost. I guess we need a way to adjust to something like that. We’ll take this as a learning experience.”

Still, Hays managed to claw through the first half

with a 0-0 tie. The Rebels held firm early in the second half, hoping to catch Lake Travis slipping.

Finding his way in the penalty box, Rocky Perez was the beneficiary of a timely deflection. The Cavaliers tried to clear the ball out of the zone, but it found its way to Perez, who fired the ball into the right corner of the net for the first goal of the game.

The Rebels lead was short-lived. Ten minutes later, Lake Travis converted the equalizer with 24 minutes left in the second half.

As the game wore on, and the disadvantage of playing with 10 players materialized, Hays was

left more susceptible on defense than usual.

With nine minutes left in the second half, Lake Travis scored the goahead goal off a deflection.

“I don’t know how the second goal went in,” Burnett said. “I have to watch that one on film.”

The Cavaliers added a third goal for good measure in the 75th minute when goalkeeper Evan Barker couldn’t handle the ball and it dribbled to a wide-open Lake Travis player.

Burnett attributed Lake Travis’ goals to the gradual wear-and-tear placed on his short-handed squad.

“Fatigue,” Burnett said.

“That’s all it was. Fatigue and personnel in places that personnel hasn’t played before.”

Next time around, Burnett said his team will be ready for Lake Travis, which begins district play with a 1-0 record. That opportunity for Hays will come Feb. 17 on the road.

“Those first 15 minutes, we were fine,” Burnett said. “When we get things together, I’m not worried about Lake Travis next time we see them.”

In the meantime, the Rebels will still be searching for its first district victory of the season when they travel to Westlake Friday night.

in those positions I felt they were strongest at.”

Garcia said he “mixed up” the lineup in the second half. However, the Lady Lobos were unable to generate rhythm.

The Lady Trojans, on the other hand, burst out of the gate quickly with a goal by Anderson roughly four minutes in.

The Lady Trojans’ physical style of play was a factor Lehman struggled to compete with. Anderson tallied a third goal at the xxx minute mark, securing the game “It was more physical than I anticipated. I didn’t expect to have a physical game at this point before district,” Garcia said. “But we have to learn from it.”

Working to fix the defense is necessary for Garcia, who said the Lady

Lobos have shown solid play at times.

While other teams are finding weaknesses, Garcia said those issues are “fixable”.

Avoiding breakaway opportunities for opposing teams could be a critical component for the defense.

“We want them to shoot from the outside.

They have to hit a perfect shot to beat us there,” Garcia said. “Our goalkeepers are capable.”

Despite some issues to fix, Erwin was confident in the team’s ability.

“I feel great. This team here (Anderson), we kept up with them 100 percent.

This team was like what we’re going up against Westlake and Lake Travis.

We held our own defensively.”

“We can score points. We have the players to score points.

We needed to shut them down defensively and that’s what we did,” Preuss said.

But Hays found itself trailing 12-10 to Lake Travis after the first quarter. Lake Travis’ Aspen Howie and Nikki Paxton each scored four points in the first frame.

Enter the Rebel defense, which snuffed the life out of Lake Travis’ offense.

Hays ramped up the intensity and limited Lake Travis’ offense to two points in the second quarter. Preuss said the team was able to shut down Howie and Jordan Ott, who were the Cavaliers’ two largest scoring threats.

Meanwhile, Bosquez and Williams combined for nine of the 17 points Hays scored in the period.

Other factors included adept play from Jada Finister and Meagan Andrews in the post.

“That run pretty

much knocked them out of the game,” Preuss said. “Defensively, we had a better showing tonight.”

The Rebel onslaught continued into the third quarter as Hays outscored Lake Travis 21-7. Williams, who led the team with seven points in the third quarter, had a “big night,” Preuss said.

It stemmed from her ability to do the “little things.”

“She has stepped up and has done the little things. She’s been that way for four years solid,” Preuss said.

Tuesday’s win evened Hays’ district mark at 4-4 with four games remaining. The Rebels control their own fate, as a road win over Westlake could clinch a playoff berth.

Looking ahead to the postseason, however, isn’t something Preuss is doing just yet.

“Friday is a big game, I told them,” Preuss said. “If we get two wins this week, we’re in. So the job is half done.”

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Lobo Girls Soccer Continued from pg. 1B

The issues led to problems moving the ball up field and combining to create a cohesive attack.

“It’s something we talked about,” Garcia said.

“Last year, we graduated nine seniors. We’re trying to find our niche and our chemistry.”

Senior goalkeeper Maya Erwin said the Lady Lobos needed to work on pressing, along with covering and recovering better on the defensive end.

Lehman’s struggles centered on sophomore forward Jami Anderson, who finished with a hat trick in the game.

It took Anderson less than five minutes into the match to record her first goal, which came via a breakaway from the defense. Anderson’s score

gave the Lady Trojans a 1-0 lead.

The Lady Lobos responded back roughly 15 minutes later off of a free kick.

Lehman’s Neftali Mercado secured the ball inside of the 18-yard box and drove it into the net for the opening score.

Garcia said the team began to play well at certain points. Helping the Lady Lobos was effective communication that fostered several scoring chances.

Garcia tried during the game to implement strategies that could work during district play, along with playing to the team’s strengths.

“During the goal, the girls started communicating,” Garcia said. “Those girls were the top players

Lobo Boys Hoops Continued from pg. 1B

mentum seemed to be completely in Lehman’s favor, the Lions were methodical with their offense. Whenever Lehman seemingly went on a run, the Lions figured out a way to answer.

Leander exemplified this style of play in the last minute of the first half. Lehman junior guard Kenny Henderson, who was the team’s leading scorer on the night with 17 points, hit his third three-pointer to extend the lead to 23-16.

Back-to-back Leander three pointers, however, followed his bucket. One of which was a turnaround, buzzer-beating, bank-shot from Lions senior center Chase Cotton that slashed the lead down to 23-22 at halftime.

Although the Lions managed to take their first lead in the beginning of the third quarter, Lehman’s confidence did not waiver. They answered with their own 5-0 run, working the ball

with the precision and confidence that they had all game.

Holding a 38-32 lead and the potential to upset their divisions current leader in their fingertips, Lehman head coach Mike Whitten preached the importance of ball-security in the final quarter to his team.

“I just told them, ‘run the clock out’ and if you don’t have a layup or a free-throw, don’t shoot it,” said Whitten.

But the Lobos, however, didn’t take their coaches advice.

Henderson, the hero for making three’s earlier in the game, shot another three-point attempt despite his coaches wishes.

This decision caused a chain reaction that led to four straight points for the Lions.

Although their lead was dwindling, the Lobos hustle never stopped.

“I don’t fault their effort at all,” said Whitten.

“They play hard, they really do. I’m really proud

of them for that.”

Trailing 43-41, Henderson forced a steal and went coast-to-coast for the layup to tie the game at 43 with 33 seconds left in the game.

After both teams scored, the game remained tied at 45-45 with just over 10 seconds to play.

Lions’ senior guard Kobe Thompson took the ball to the rack and was subsequently fouled with 3.9 seconds remaining.

Thompson’s first attempt rattled off the back of the rim and seemed to hold in place above the cylinder before bouncing off the front of the rim and in to give the Lions a one-point advantage.

After he missed the second attempt, Cotton, proved himself clutch yet again, by securing the offensive rebound and drew a foul.

Like Thompson, Cotton made the first attempt and missed the second.

Although they were

only down by two, the Lobos had no timeouts and were unable to advance the ball past half-court in the 2.5 seconds left in the contest.

Leander held on and completed their comeback.

“Anywhere in our district on the road is tough,” said Leander head coach Clint Bradley. “They’ve been there before, they’re battle tested, and I told them they’re not gonna give this to you you’re gonna have to take it from them and they stepped up.”

After suffering another loss in a closely matched division game, Whitten says he hopes his team learns from their mistakes for the second round of district play.

“We just got to make better decisions down the stretch,” said Whitten.

“We’re basically starting over again - we’re going back around through district so hopefully we’ll get some of these done and get some wins.”

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Education

BOOK IT

Kyle installs four Little Free Libraries in city parks.

– Page 1C

Hays Free Press • January 25, 2017

Page 3B

Annual coat drive benefits local families

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

news@haysfreepress.com

A

s Texas thermometers fluctuate like a roller coaster, some families in need find themselves and their children unprepared for the bitter cold of the winter season.

For some, keeping up with a growing child’s need for a new coat may be something that is a challenge.

Early next month, Hays CISD will host its third annual Coats for Kids distribution drive, which will help provide needy families the chance to obtain winter coats for their children.

According to an email interview with Angie Mendez, Hays CISD director of community relations, the district had previously partnered with the annual Austin Junior League coat drive for a distribution event.

HAYS CISD COATS FOR KIDS DISTRIBUTION EVENT

Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kimbro Building, Kyle Elementary School 500 W. Blanco St., Kyle, TX 78640 However, due to transportation issues for some local families, district officials opted to host a local, yet smaller, coat drive for students for the

last two years.

According to Mendez, the Hays CISD Coats for Kids drive will be on Saturday Feb. 4 at the Kimbro building at Kyle

Elementary School.

“Any family who is in need of a coat can show up and select a coat,” Mendez said, “No ID is required.”

Mendez said various student organizations assist with collecting coats, along with campus coat donation drops across the district.

Hays CISD has a sponsor who donates dry cleaning services to clean the donated coats before distribution, according to Mendez.

“We have a sponsor who provides the dry cleaning and local community organizations help on distribution day,” Mendez said.

According to Mendez, the event isn’t as large as it was two years ago, but the results are worth the effort put into it.

“Last year we collected over 300 coats and all were distributed,” Mendez said, “If we can keep 300 students warm, it’s all worth it!”

Hays CISD board approves design for proposed $122M new high school

BY ANNA HEROD

news@haysfreepress.com

The journey toward a new Hays CISD high school moved forward after the Hays CISD board of trustees approved new design documents for a potential third campus.

On Monday, the board voted 7-0 to approve the new documents upon the recommendation of Superintendent Michael McKie. Trustees approved the schematic layout of the proposed new high school last September. The newly approved documents were the product of further meetings between administration, architects and staff about various finishes and furniture for the potential school.

Dist. 4 Trustee Merideth Keller was initially hesitant to approve the documents without input from the public. She feared it may appear to her constituents that the board was making decisions without first hearing their opinions, and that it may affect the upcoming May 2017 bond election.

“I don’t want it to seem like we don’t care what people have to say,” Keller said. “I just want to be cognizant that these buildings that we’re talking about belong to our community.”

However, McKie and other district representatives assured Keller that the design documents consist only of finishing touches inside the proposed school that are up to district standards for education.

Carter Scherff, Hays CISD chief operations officer, said approving the design documents simply allows the architects and engineers to proceed with the project so they can stay on track to finish by July 2019, in time for the

COURTESY RENDERINGS

The approved design for the proposed $122M third high school includes expanded career and techology areas and an outdoor classroom.

Carter Scherff, Hays CISD chief operations officer, said approving the design documents simply allows the architects and engineers to proceed with the project so they can stay on track to finish by July 2019, in time for the school year. school year.

Scherff said if any of the board’s constituents come forward with feedback about the design documents, the project’s team could still change the documents accordingly in the future.

“If, in a community forum, some issue arises, some desire to change something, I think we would be more than happy to go ahead – I mean that’s what forums are for are to inform the process, inform the project, to make the necessary changes or whatever it is,”

said Tom Oehler, a representative with Stantec, a company involved with the project.

Oehler added the district “benchmarked this facility against Hays High.”

He said they wanted to ensure there’s “equality across the district of not just finishes and care, but in terms of spaces and the opportunities we can provide to students.”

After learning changes can be made to the documents if needed, Keller said she was comfortable voting in support of

the documents to avoid delaying the projected completion date of the proposed high school.

“The first portion of your comments – that’s was what I was looking for,” she said. “I don’t understand that my thought of wanting to wait until after the public forums creates a problem on the back end, but you came to the table and said, ‘yeah, I know you represent the community and need to listen to them, we can all work together on that.’”

Oehler explained that it’s important to approve these documents before the May 2017 bond is voted on, if the district wants to meet its target completion date and have time to move furniture and equipment into the school in time for fall 2019.

“This is an outstanding learning center,” he said.

“We want to accommodate you and we want it to be right.”

EDUCATION

Page 4B

Hays Free Press • January 25, 2017

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE SANDERS

Members of the Hays CISD One Act Play all-star cast, which include Jared Brown, Faith Relander, Coral Rolon, Jared Wood, Ashley Badger, Melynn Cunningham, Jax Swanson, James OchoaKing, Buddy Epps, Alyssa Martinez, Teddy Goldman and Tristan Goldman, stand on stage at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center.

Hays CISD middle schoolers claim big honors at annual One Act play festival STAFF REPORT

Theater students from all six Hays CISD middle school programs came together for the annual day-long HCISD One Act Play Festival, which was held at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center this month.

Chapa Middle School’s Charlie Bruno and Barton Middle School’s Alena Hernandez were named Best Actor and Actress. In addition, the all-star cast and crew, along with the honorable mention all-

star cast were named.

According to the district, the Chapa Middle School theater program’s performance of “Check Please” claimed sweepstakes honors, while McCormick’s”Gossip” and Wallace’s “Rest in Peace” drew theatricality honors. The Dahlstrom, Simon and Barton theater groups each drew ensemble honors.

All six middle school theater directors were honored for their dedication and leadership during the event.

All-star Cast CHAPA

SIMON

WALLACE

Alyssa Martinez

Ayana Ernest

BARTON

Jared Brown

Teddy Goldman

Faith Relander

Tristan Goldman

Coral Rolon

DAHLSTROM Jared Wood

All-star Crew

MCCORMICK

CHAPA

DAHLSTROM

SIMON Xavier Banbury

BARTON Evelyn Schneider

Melynn Cunningham

Megan Morris

WALLACE

Riley Rutter

Honorable Mention Allstar Cast

Mackenzie Stratton

Kylee Nemetz

Ashley Badger

Jax Swanson

DAHLSTROM

James Ochoa-King

MCCORMICK

Buddy Epps

CHAPA

Madison Kane Ryan Quigley

MCCORMICK

Sean Bookout Nevaeh Dodson Samiah Ybarra Bella Bazan

WALLACE

Rory Cleghorn

SIMON

Jacob Lopez Carson Ponder

BARTON

Jordan Warren Samuel Mawson

Medical Services Directory PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

Nine Rebels honored in scholastic art contest Nine Hays High art students received honors in this year’s Scholastic art competition. Gabriella Segovia’s sculpture entry, “Enchanting Chaos,” received a Gold Key award, which qualifies her to compete at the national contest. Ryan Peed and Erica Wilson earned Silver Key recognition for their drawing entries – Peed for his “Why?” and “Marimba” entries, and Wilson for her “Musical Reflections” entry. Six additional Reb artists drew honorable mention. Desiree Campbell and Lissette Rangel were recognized for their photography entries,“Date Night” and “Dead rose”. The remaining four recognized Reb artists, all in the Drawing category, included Annika Dove (“Diversity”), Megan Gilliam (“Winter Wonderland”), Summer Lewis (“Texas Girl”), and Aaron Williams (“Eyes on the Road”). Not pictured is Lissette Rangel.

SERVING HAYS AND SOUTHERN TRAVIS COUNTIES 6,500 distributed March 22 & 23 to subscribers of the Hays Free Press, News-Dispatch and participating medical offices.

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PHOTOS BY JIM CULLEN

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Section C

Community

PANDA-MONIUM Buda rejects sign height variance request, again.

– Page 1D

Hays Free Press

HaysFreePress.com

January 25, 2017 • Page 1C

Infamous fugitive flees to Brazil

It’s almost time for tomatoes It’s About Thyme

by Chris Winslow

This Week in Texas History

T

his fourth week in January puts us very close to tomato season. Success with this popular and sometimes difficult crop begins with a little planning.

First, one needs to find a location with full sun exposure and great drainage. Next comes soil preparation.

Adding copious amounts of compost is your best bet. I happen to like Happy Frogs soil conditioner because it comes loaded with beneficial bacteria, mycorrhizae, bat guano, earthworm castings and humic acid.

All of these ingredients come to life when watering in with horticultural molasses.

Getting an early start is very important because warm weather normally sets upon us by around May 15. Temperatures are important for fruit set.

Once the mid-May day time temps hit the midnineties and at nighttime the mid-seventies, large fruited tomato varieties flowers fall off without setting fruit.

Sam Lemming of Buda, one of the most successful backyard tomato farmers I have known, always plants his tomato seedlings out in early February so that his crop has a chance to beat the heat.

Choosing the right tomato variety is important also. Determinate hybrids work best in our central Texas climate. Determinate tomatoes grow and set their fruit faster than their in-determinates.

Determinate tomatoes also take up less space in the garden.

Some of my most favorite determinates: BHN 602, BHN 444, Celebrity, Bobcat, Valley Cat, Tigress, Tycoon, and Phoenix. There are tons to choose from. Make your backyard a trial garden and figure out which variety is best for you!

Sam’s favorite for years was Celebrity. This has been America’s most popular backyard tomato since its introduction in the mid-eighties.

Heirloom tomatoes have also become very popular. Being indeterminate ‘vining type,’ they are going to set only their early flowers before the heat spoils fruit set.

Expect smaller crops, but maybe more flavor and an appealing texture.

The most popular and successful variety for us has been Cherokee Purple. Some others to look for are Brandywine, Black Krim, Mr. Stripey, Old German, and Homestead.

It’s always good to add a few cherry tomatoes into the mix. These small fruited varieties set well in the heat making them an insurance policy if all else fails. Sungold, Red Cherry Large, Juliet, Red and Yellow Pear, Matt’s Wild Cherry, and the Grape Tomatoes are all good choices.

Roma and San Marzano are two mid-size tomatoes that set well.

Another strategy is to plant a variety that sets fruit fast. Most tomatoes need 70 days plus to ripen. The fastest tomato

IT’S ABOUT THYME, 2C

by Bartee Haile

T

or several days in early January prior to Inauguration Day, Kyle resident Jim Nelson sat on a bench near the intersection of Center and Main streets and waited.

Through cold and warm weather and everything in between, Nelson sat on the bench with a sign in hand that featured various slogans.

Through it all, Nelson, who is the Hays County Democratic Party Pct. 221 chairman, hoped to generate a response, positive or otherwise, for his views and concerns on the incoming Trump administration.

“It’s because I’m a 78 yearold man and I have a deep investment in this country,” Nelson said. “What else am I going to do other than this?”

The inspiration for the silent protest came from Gabby Moore, who is a real estate agent in San Marcos and is one of the “more important people in the Hays County Democratic Party,” Nelson said.

From there, Nelson gathered the assistance of his wife, Rose-

he news out of Brazil on Jan. 30, 1977 was that a 19-year fugitive from Lone Star justice, had been arrested for financial misdeeds in his extradition-proof sanctuary.

Long before the savings and loans scandal of the 1980s, there was BenJack Cage, scam artist supreme. The six-foot four-inch former football player could size up a sucker across a crowded room, or as one of his many victims observed, “He can take your pulse at 20 paces.”

Six decades ago, any Texan with $25,000 and a gift for gab could get into the insurance racket. Taken in by BenJack’s stirring promise to erect “a living memorial to the working people of Texas,” gullible labor leaders helped him launch his own company in 1952.

The AFL-CIO went so far as to encourage locals and members to invest in ICT Insurance. The unions complied by purchasing more than half of the $15 million in stock that flooded the market.

BenJack was soon going great guns and by 1955 had opened 1CT offices in 22 states and Alaska. The 50,000 policies already in force were, he boasted, merely a drop in the bottomless bucket.

The sky did indeed seem to be the limit until that judgment day in September 1955 when the Texas Board of Insurance Commissioners finally cracked down on fly-bynight policy peddlers.

ICT headed the list of 51 suspicious operations that came under scrutiny.

Panic-stricken labor officials tried to beat the regulators to the punch in early 1956 by forcing BenJack to resign and seizing control of ICT. To their horror they discovered that the enterprise was an insolvent shell more than a million dollars in the hole.

According to the company books, BenJack had generously compensated himself with $8 million in commissions and an unlimited expense account that he milked for every possible penny. The records did not show, however, what had happened to a missing $600,000 in ITC funds.

Union sleuths also learned that BenJack had squandered thousands on several bizarre inventions.

People in those simpler times were not in the market for a fly repellant for cattle, a mugger alarm or a home pregnancy test.

As ICT slid into bankrupt oblivion, BenJack became the high-profile target of belated investigations by the attorney general, state legislators, various grand juries and the Internal Revenue Service. Testifying before a House committee in September 1957, he clammed up and refused to shed any incriminating light on the ICT collapse.

When the star witness revealed only his name and

NELSON, 2C

TEXAS HISTORY, 2C

Julia Molis, 5, admires an interactive Dora the Explorer book she chose from the Gregg-Clarke Park Little Free Library Jan. 23. The Kyle Public Library, in partnership with the Kyle Parks and Recreation Department, have created and will maintain four Little Free Libraries on public property through out the city.

PHOTOS BY ANNA HEROD

Kyle adds four Little Free Libraries to city parks

BY ANNA HEROD

news@haysfreepress.com

T

he dream of extending the Kyle Public Library beyond its physical structure on Scott Street is now a reality.

Earlier this month, four Little Free Libraries were installed and open across Kyle.

More than 50,000 Little Free Libraries exist across the word in 70 countries from Iceland to Pakistan, according to Ayne Ray, librarian at the Kyle Public Library.

Now, Kyle residents can “take a book, leave a book” at their own LFLs in Steeplechase Park, Gregg-Clarke Park, Lake Kyle and the Historic Kyle Depot.

Although they typically exist as small, front-yard book exchanges owned and operated by private citizens, the Kyle Public Library teamed up with the Parks and Recreation Department to create and maintain four Little Free Libraries as a new city program. Rand said the library has sought ways to reach

LIBRARIES, 3C

Where are the Little Free Libraries?

The city of Kyle installed four Little Free Libraries in city parks.

Libraries can be found at Lake Kyle, Gregg-Clarke Park, Steeplechase Park and the Historic Kyle Depot

Kyle-ite stumps against Trump

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

F

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Kyle resident Jim Nelson holds a protest sign in response to the incoming Donald Trump administration prior to Inauguration Day this month. Nelson, who is the Hays County Democratic party Pct. 221 chairperson, has chosen to hold his silent protests near the corner of Center and Main Street.

COMMUNITY

Page 2C

Hays Free Press • January 25, 2017

OBITUARY WILLIAMS Our beloved Johnie Williams Jr., age 73, resident of Kyle, Texas was called to our Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 22, 2017 after suffering an intense battle with cancer. Mr. Williams was a US Army Veteran who served with honor from 1963 until 1970. He received combat accommodations for bravery and valor while in Vietnam, Korea and Germany. He was awarded one purple heart and one silver star and four bronze stars for his efforts as well as a National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his mother Lula Bell Douglas of Ebro, Florida; and his

father Johnie Williams Sr. of San Angelo, Texas. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 43 years, Vicky Williams of Kyle, Texas, their sons: Frazier Williams and Joshua Williams of Kyle, Texas, and their daughter: Selena Williams and grandchildren Devin and Alanna of Austin, Texas. Mr. Williams is survived by his brother Otis Williams and his wife Adrienne of Panama City, Florida: sister Ellen Hines and her husband Jack of Panama City, Florida; and brother Jonas Douglas of Panama City, Florida; and sister-in-law Rebecca Rushing of Marble Falls, Texas.

Mr. Williams was born and lived in the small community of Ebro, Florida until he joined the US Army and served his country honorably.

After being discharged from the Army he lived and Colorado Springs, Colorado and San Angelo, Texas before moving

to Austin, Texas. While living in Austin he met his wife Vicky Williams, and started and operated two successful businesses: a restaurant named “Coney Island” and a landscape and hauling business. He was called the yard doctor during the Austin building boom of the 1980s. He moved to Kyle, Texas in 1982 to work and raise his family. He was employed and taught the students to become civil engineers while working as a Lab Technician for the University of Texas Civil Engineering Department from 1988 until 2009. After he retired from UTA he started another trucking and hauling business worked the surrounding area from Austin and the surrounding area to San Antonio. He worked every day until he could not work any longer due to his illness.

Johnie Williams Jr. was known and loved by his

family as well as neighbors, friends, and fellow workers and acquaintances. He loved life and adhered to his values to maintain honesty, integrity and compassion for each person regardless of the circumstances. His conviction to his principles not only gave him strength but it uplifted and helped all who knew and loved him. As he would say: “Be a good citizen”.

Johnie Williams Jr. loved life and God. He enjoyed and treasured listening to music, the being outside, animals, conversing with people, entrepreneurship, and hard work and most of all taking care of his family.

Visitation and viewing will be on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the Legends Funeral Home in San Marcos, Texas.

Funeral Services will be held at the Center Union Missionary Church in Buda, Texas on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m.

felt more like a punchdrunk has-been. Grilled first by a Dallas grand jury, he went to Austin for questioning by two legislative committees and the IRS. Waiting in the wings were the Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Post Office and yet another grand jury.

The worst was yet to come. BenJack calmly accepted an embezzlement conviction in the obvious belief that he would receive the usual slap on the wrist reserved for white-collar criminals.

But the judge burst his bubble with a stiff tenyear sentence.

BenJack posted bail and immediately fled the country. How he managed to catch local, state and federal lawmen napping for a second time remains a scandalous mystery.

Welcomed once again with open arms by the Brazilians, the wealthy exile enjoyed his life

of luxury south of the border. He even succeeded in increasing the size of his tidy fortune with shrewd investments and the occasional crime, which never resulted in jail time.

Always the consummate performer, BenJack posed as the pitiful victim in a 1962 magazine interview. “You know, a man may have five different reasons for doing something, but if one of those reasons is money, people will forget the other four and say he did everything just for money.” Pausing

for dramatic effect, he added, “That’s one of the saddest things I learned in all these troubles.”

With a faraway look in his eye, the swindler drawled, “I would give my life to get this curse off my name. Someday I’ll go back to Texas and prove that I am not guilty.”

That, of course, never happened.

Texas History

Continued from pg. 1C address, the committee chairman fumed, “This stinks to high heaven!”

Deciding to dodge the avalanche of subpoenas, BenJack suddenly dropped out of sight. His destination was Brazil, a haven for well-heeled fugitives. Assuming he had flown the coop forever, chagrined authorities bemoaned the fact that they would never have the pleasure of putting the swindler behind bars.

But to everybody’s amazement, BenJack came back the next year to face the music.

Although politicians, prosecutors and the press predicted the tune would not be to his liking, the dethroned insurance king confidently forecast his complete exoneration.

He said with a Texas-size grin, “I feel like a champion that has come off the canvas.”

After two months of nearly nonstop interrogation, BenJack must have

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It’s About Thyme Continued from pg. 1C

out there? Early Girl - 52 days. If you get a late start, she might be the best choice.

The weather looks great. Get out in the garden, breathe in some fresh air. soak in some sunshine and listen to the birds sing. Spring is just around the corner.

Happy gardening everyone!

If you have a question for 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

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See Solution on 3C

Nelson

Continued from pg. 1C mary, who helped him with the idea of crafting signs expressing his political ideology.

The signs harbor several slogans the two crafted on their own. Signs featured slogans that expressed his displeasure with the president-elect, who was sworn into office Friday.

While it took three to four minutes to write a slogan on the sign, Nelson said the challenge was trying to craft a sign that was impactful.

Several slogans failed, as they were not immediately obvious to passersby, who only have a few seconds to read them.

But Nelson said some signs garnered waves, thumbs-up or even an occasional honk of the horn.

The only real feedback he received was from one young woman who disagreed with his viewpoints.

“I have not observed any negative reaction from someone in a vehicle passing by,” Nelson said. “But I may not have noticed.”

Nelson’s concern is

“What I hope is that many more people will do this sort of thing, right down to where people live.”

– Jim Nelson, Kyle resident

that Trump, in his own opinion, is “not a normal human being” and “has no principles.”

He also claimed the recently elected President did not represent the majority of Americans.

“No one can predict what’s going to happen because the man is unpredictable,” Nelson said.

But he hopes his example could inspire others to conduct other small “grassroots” movements for those to speak out.

“What I hope is that many more people will do this sort of thing, right down to where people live,” Nelson said.

See Solution on 3C

COMMUNITY

Page 3C

Libraries

Continued from pg. 1C

PHOTO BY ANNA HEROD

Kyle is now home to four new Little Free Libraries, such as this one in Gregg-Clarke Park.

that’s kind of the idea behind it,” she said. “And even if you can’t do it right away, people know ‘hey this is a place I can take reading material.’ We just want to share books and encourage people to read.”

Ray said the second phase of the city’s Little Free Library plan is underway, although it isn’t necessarily city-led.

A local Eagle Scout plans to find local business owners to agree to have and maintain Little Free Libraries in their establishments. Locations for the second phase have not yet been finalized, Ray said.

“Together we’re really tackling it from all sides,” she said. “Little Free Libraries are a great way to spread books and a love for reading all around the city.”

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

Your Hometown McDonald’s

McDonald’s of Buda

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

by Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson

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

Kyle City Manager Scott Sellers said he has seen the impact of LFLs as city manager in other places in the past, and is excited that Kyle has joined the initiative. He said in his experience, citizens have taken well to the structures and are respectful of the books in them.

“The Little Free Library program is a great way to get books into the hands of our citizens,” Sellers said. “I have personally experienced the positive benefits of the Little Free Libraries and seen their positive impact on neighborhoods.”

EPISCOPAL

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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 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

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

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

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

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

CATHOLIC

TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP

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

Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

Log onto www.HaysFreePress.com

Texas Crossword, from page 2C

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Rosebrock

Veterinary Clinic

Texas Crossword Solution

Ayne Ray, librarian at Kyle Public Library

Come worship with us ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

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

Sudoku Puzzle, 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

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

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

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.

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locations for the LFL’s as they aimed to maximize usage and meet citizens where they naturally are on a day-to-day basis.

“We were also very conscious about putting two over on the east side, because due to the location of the library, a lot of people because of transportation reasons and economic factors … just can’t physically come to the library,” she said.

Although the concept behind LFLs is for people to leave behind a book of their own when they take one for themselves, it’s okay for people to use it even if they can’t immediately donate a book, Ray said.

“You don’t have to leave a book to take a book, but

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

BUDA

“We were also very conscious about putting two over on the east side, because due to the location of the library, a lot of people because of transportation reasons and economic factors … just can’t physically come to the library.”

IH-35

out to people and “meet people where they are, not just expect them to come to us.”

“I’ve always been kind of fascinated by the idea of communities gathering around books and the way that most Little Free Libraries run is by individuals in a community, and I wanted to take that one step further and create a larger community within the city of Kyle,” Ray said.

The physical libraries were funded by a grant from the Texas State Libraries and Archive Commission. Members of the Parks and Recreation Department built the structures and will maintain their physical wellbeing while the Kyle Public Library is charged with ensuring they maintain a quality selection of books.

While the libraries maintain the “take a book, leave a book” concept, Rand said the library realizes the libraries “need to be stocked” initially.

The library plans to stock them with donated books from its collection.

“For example, we have a lot of paperbacks that were donated, a lot of duplicates that were donated, some we give to our thrift store and some we give away to our tour prizes when we have events at the library and then others will make their way to our Little Free Libraries,” Rand said.

Ray said the city was strategic in its decisions on the

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Hays Free Press • January 25, 2017

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Page 4C

COMMUNITY

Hays Free Press • January 25, 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

Creative Coloring for Adults

Experience it in

EVX

Join the Kyle Public Library on the first Wednesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for Creative Coloring for Adults.

Colored pencils, markers, and coloring pages are provided free of charge. Coloring isn't just for kids anymore; the trend of intricate and beautifully detailed designs intended for adult use makes the joy of coloring books available to a broader audience. Coloring is also good for your mental and physical health, as studies show it can help reduce anxiety and stress, create focus, and bring about more mindfulness. And with everyone from researchers at Johns Hopkins University to the editors of Yoga Journal suggesting coloring as an alternative to meditation, this fun, free activity is the perfect way to unwind and regenerate.

ENHANCED VIEWING EXPERIENCE

THE

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

SPOT

1180 Thorpe Lane (512) 210 8600 Cinema Eatery & Social Haus

$5 Tuesday Frenzy

1250 WONDER WORLD DR.

(512) 805 8005 PHOTO BY PAIGE LAMBERT

Tutus & Tennies 5K

EVO-ENTERTAINMENT.COM Films. Lanes. Games.

We did it! We’re in love!

Get your 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. See www. athleteguild.com/running/budatx/2017-du-tutus-tennies-5k-anddance-dash for more information.

Denise Chandel Eldred and Jeannie Samantha Hector are happy to announce their engagement which took place on the 16th day of October 2016, on the beautiful grounds of the Capitol Building in Austin, Texas. A Fall 2017 wedding is planned at Zilker Park Botanical Gardens, in Austin, Texas.

We are extremely elated!

League of Women Voters fundraiser

Come sample a selection of quality Texas wines and some soon-to-be local beers at the 29th annual League of Women Voters of Hays County Wine and Beer Tasting on Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Quail Creek Country Club in San Marcos from 6 to 8 p.m. Funds raised support the LWV of Hays County’s projects, such as debates, voters guides, and the online information source Vote 411. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased from a League member, at the door on the night of the event or online by visiting lwvhaysco.com.

A Night in the Magic Kingdom

The Jack C. Hays High School choir presents two evenings of Disney classics on Feb. 3 and 4, 2017 at the Burdine Johnson Theater at Hays High School. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Get tickets at hhstx.booktix.com/dept/choir.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Run for the Love of It

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

Eddie Durham Jazz Celebration

On Feb. 3 and 4, celebrate Texas jazz legend and San Marcos native Eddie Durham with a program of live jazz performances that pay tribute to the renowned guitarist at Texas State University. Visit www.txstate.edu/jazzstudies/ hillcountryfestival for more information and a full schedule.

512-504-9988 Hours: Mon-Sat, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

121 HALL PROFESSIONAL CTR, SUITE E KYLE, TX 78640

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Medical Mission At Home

Seton Hays will host a day of free medical care for basic healthcare needs on Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 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 Hemphill Elementary School, Blanco Vista Elementary School, Tom Green Elementary School, Kyle Elementary School and Camino Real Elementary. No insurance necessary.

Services provided on a first-come, first-served basis until 4 p.m. Last family admitted at 4 p.m.

Input needed for hazard mitigation plan

Hays County and the City of Buda are looking for your input. The county is conducting a survey about your perceptions and opinions regarding natural hazards (tornadoes, wildfires, floods) in Hays County.

The results of the survey will help Hays County identify and prioritize actions to reduce the risks and losses associated with these hazards. The survey will also help with local natural hazard mitigation planning in

Hays County. Want to participate? Check out the Buda city website at ci.buda.tx.us for more information.

Burn ban reinstated

On Jan. 24, the Hays County Commissioners Court placed the unincorporated areas (including extra territorial jurisdictions) of the county under an immediate burn ban following a report from Fire Marshal Clint Browning. Charcoal, wood and gas grills with lids are exempt from the ban, but burning in “burn barrels” or fire pits (including ones with screens on the top) is not allowed. Grilling of any kind is prohibited at Hays County parks under a burn ban. Most cities already prohibit outdoor burning, but residents within city limits should check their city ordinances.

CAMPO regional plan open houses

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization will hold a series of open houses across the Austin area to gather public input on the organization’s Regional Active Transportation Plan, with two of the meetings being held in Hays County. The open houses will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. A meeting will be held Thursday in the LBJ Student Center,

Texas State University, 109 Student Center Drive, San Marcos, and another on Feb. 1 at the Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12. The plan to be presented will develop a blueprint for a safe and easy-to-use active transportation network of trails, sidewalks, bike lanes and streets for the six-county region. For more information visit campotexas.org.

Friends of the Buda Public Library meeting

Friends of the Buda Public Library are holding their annual meeting on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. at the library. Members and anyone interested in learning more about upcoming plans for the new library are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served. Come out and show support for your local library.

Fly your flag for Mirabeau B. Lamar Day

All Texans are invited to join the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in flying your Texas flag on Mirabeau B. Lamar Day, Thursday, January 26, at your home or business to honor Lamar as the “Father of Texas Education” for endowing public lands to public education.

BUILD MORE THAN MUSCLE JOIN THROUGH D JAN. 31 AN SAVE $48!

WHEN YOU JOIN THE HAYS COMMUNITIES Y, you’re committing to more than simply becoming healthier. You are supporting the values and programs that strengthen your community.

At the Y, children learn what they can achieve, families spend quality time together, and we all build relationships that deepen our sense of belonging.

For More than a workout. For a better us.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Come See Our New Expanded Facility • Gymnasium • Exercise Studios • Child Watch

Hays Communities YMCA

465 Buda Sportsplex Dr. near FM 967 & 1626 (512) 523-0099 l AustinYMCA.org

Section D

Business HaysFreePress.com

Hays Free Press

January 25, 2017 • Page 1D

Panda Express passes up Buda due to sign restrictions

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Jamie Green, a representative with Panda Express Restaurant Group, stipulated that in order to make the property developable, the restaurant needed the 35-foot sign.

news@haysfreepress.com

For the second time in a month, Buda city leaders opposed a restaurant group’s bid for a variance to construct a sign beyond what’s allowed in city ordinance.

The Buda City Council unanimously denied a second appeal by the Panda Express Restaurant Group Jan. 17 for a variance from the city’s maximum allowed sign height of 12-feet.

Panda’s appeal followed the Buda Planning and Zoning’s (P&Z) denial of the variance, which sought to build a 35-foot sign.

According to Chance Sparks, Buda assistant city manager, members of P&Z met Jan. 10 and denied the variance request 4-3.

Jamie Green, a representative with Panda Express Restaurant Group, requested the appeal to P&Z’s latest decision to deny the variance based on the close vote. However, council members were informed Jan. 3 that P&Z would not take a third review of the appeal.

“This is a town we want to be in,” Green said, “We think it’s going to add jobs and services to the city that the people want here.”

Green stipulated that in order to make the property developable, the restaurant needed the 35-foot sign.

Council member Eileen Altmiller asked Green where the company was in negotiations with neighboring

businesses in the area to include a Panda Express sign on their existing signage structures.

Green said Cracker Barrel denied their request due to the competition between the two restaurants. Walmart, however, agreed to sell Panda Express a portion of their existing sign on which to advertise, but Green implied that it would not be ideal.

Council member George Haehn said he was torn on the variance appeal as he hoped to try and balance the need for further development in Buda’s gateway corridor within Buda’s regulations on development.

“The more development the better.” Haehn said, “But I don’t think we should supersede P&Z’s decision.”

Buda Mayor Todd

PANDA EXPRESS PASS, 4D

PHOTO BY BILL PEARY

The Driftwood Historical Conservation Society is negotiating with Driftwood Store owner Dan Winters to buy the building located in downtown Driftwood in order to preserve it. Above, a couple takes pre-wedding photos at the iconic building.

Store for sale?

Driftwood society mulls purchasing historic store

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

news@haysfreepress.com

Having grown up in Driftwood during her childhood, Lisa Elliott remembers how the Driftwood General Store and Post Office was essentially the “hub of everything.”

The building functioned as the closest place for area residents to purchase feed for their livestock, send a letter, or catch up on the local gossip.

“Everyone knew everyone in town on a first-name basis,” Elliott said. “It was so friendly and wonderful growing up there.”

While the store no longer operates, one group is planning to possibly purchase the structure in an effort to preserve its heritage.

The Driftwood His-

“It’s just like Camp Ben McCullough. These are time capsules. Members of the community will come back to this place for decades.”

–Casey Cutler, Driftwood Historical Conservation Society Director

torical Conservation Society (DHCS) earlier this month kick-started plans to possibly purchase the store.

Casey Cutler, DHCS director, said the society hopes to preserve the facility for generations to come.

“It’s a living heritage. That’s what’s so fascinating about it.

The community has a sense of it being there,” Cutler said. “We hope to preserve it and keep it a living heritage.”

Cutler said the idea

for purchasing the store was first brought up about six months ago.

At that time, the DCHS discovered Dan Winters, a local photographer who owns the property the store current is on, was in the process of selling the store.

Since then, the DCHS, with the help of Jon Jones, who is Winter’s neighbor and is part of the society, began informal talks on negotiating a price “that everyone feels is reasonable,” Cutler said.

He said Winters has joined Jones at meetings, where they all realize the focal point is to “preserve it for generations.” He said discussion “naturally evolved,” as Winters talked about the possibility of selling the store as he doesn’t live in it.

“If we can, to do that would be a very important landmark for this area,” Cutler said.

How the society could pay for such a purchase, however, is something they need to work out, Cutler said.

Currently, the DHSC is in the process of obtaining its non-profit designation.

Discussing what they could do with the storefront is also a topic of conversation as well.

Cutler said the society is talking with Winters

DRIFTWOOD STORE, 4D

Public Notices

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice of Public Hearing

a part of its business of exercising its groundwater powers, the Board of the As a part of its business of exercising its groundwater powers, the Board of the As a partAs of its business of exercising its groundwater powers, the Board of the Plum Creek Conservation District will Plum Creek Conservation District will conduct a hearing concerning an amended for a Transportation permit, which is describedpermit, as follows: Conductapplication a hearing concerning an amended application for a Transportation which is described as follows: application for two Water Well Production permit, which is described as follows: Conduct a hearing concerning an amended application for two water well production permits, which is described as follows: As aPlum part of Creek its business of exercising itsDistrict groundwater the Board of the Plum Creek Conservation District will Conservation willpowers, conduct a hearing concerning an amended

Name of Applicant Mailing Address Date Amended Application Filed

Location of Wells

Purpose Amount of Water

Rate of Production

Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency 1040 Highway 123 San Marcos, TX 78666

Name of Applicant Mailing Address Date Application Filed

1040 Highway 123 San Marcos, TX 78666

September 12, 2016

September 12, 2016 HCPUA Well #1 (PC 6713600.001) Latitude: 29.806098° Longitude: -97.388850° HCPUA Well #2 (PC 6714700.001) Latitude: 29.789488° Longitude: -97.35794°

Public Water Supply

Location of Wells

Purpose

Public Water Supply

Amount of Water

4,700 acre feet of water per year

Rate of Production

HCPUA Well #1 (PC 6713600.001) = 1,040 gallons per minute HCPUA Well #2 (PC 6714700.001) = 1,872 gallons per minute

4,700 acre feet of water per year

HCPUA Well #1 ( PC 6713600.001) = 1,040 gallons per minute HCPUA Well #2 ( PC 6714700.001) = 1,872 gallons per minute

The amended application is applying for a water well production permit, requesting a total of 4,700 acre feet of water per year for public water supply purposes to HCPUA member entities and customers.

st This hearing will be held the during Board’s regular meeting, at 1:00 meeting, p.m. on February 21p.m. , 2017, The hearing willduring be held the Board’s regular at 1:00

on February 21st, 2017, located 1101 W. Antonio, located at 1101 W. SanatAntonio St., San Lockhart, TX. Lockhart, TX.

HCPUA Well #1 (PC 6713600.001) Latitude: 29.806098° Longitude: -97.388850° HCPUA Well #2 (PC 6714700.001) Latitude: 29.789488° Longitude: -97.35794°

Summary

Summary

Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency

The transportation facilities will consist of four primary components: well field collection pipelines, a water treatment plant, treated water pipelines, and treated water pump stations.

The water produced from the wells within the District will be collected into an estimated 36-inch diameter pipeline which will transport the water to the treatment plant. The treatment plant will be located either within Caldwell or Gonzales County. The water will be transported from the treatment plant via an estimated 36-inch diameter pipeline. Two booster pump stations will be required along the pipeline to deliver the water to the HCPUA member entities and customers. The Agency commenced construction of the transportation system on October 29, 2015. Pipeline excavation began for the portion of the project that will deliver water to the City of Buda. Maps are available at www.ppcd.org

st , 2017, TheThe hearing will bewill heldbe during Board’sthe regular meeting, at 1:00 p.m. on February hearing heldthe during Board’s regular meeting, at 1:00 21 p.m.

on February 21st, 2017, located 1101 W. San Antonio, Lockhart, TX. located at 1101 W. SanatAntonio, Lockhart, TX.

See Classifieds and more Public Notices on 2D

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

Hays Free Press • January 25, 2017

Employment NURSERY WORKER

First Baptist Church – Buda is seeking a paid nursery worker.

Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Approximately 7 hours a week. Background check is part of employment.

Please email resumes to fbcbuda@austin.rr.com

LBJ Medical Center 206 Haley Rd Johnson City, TX 78636 830-868-4093

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS

Family Owned, NO Medicare, 60 Bed Facility, Good Staff/Resident Ratio

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.

NEEDS

Certified Nurses Aide

2-10 p.m. full time ______

LVN

Homes For Rent HELP WANTED IN BUSY BARBER SHOP IN BUDA

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 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

10 a.m.-6 p.m. part-time

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

1.Gentiva.Ad.JS6K80.indd 1

CDL DRIVERS, HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, PARTS CLERK, MECHANICS, AND MORE.

Busy barber shop in downtown Buda is looking for an experienced barber.

Hours Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.

Please contact Toni Owens, 512-921-0250.

Garage Sales 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

11/3/16 12:02 PM

Pets ADORABLE LAP DOG

Japanese Chin. 5 years old. Needs loving home, someone to walk with. $100.

Good with children. Call 512787-4455.

APPLY NOW!

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

HOUSE FOR LEASE

Approximately 2000 sq.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.

Commercial For Rent

ONE-ROOM OFFICE FOR RENT Downtown Kyle. $600/month includes all utilities and internet. Call Cyndy at 512.268.7862.

CLUTTERED HOME? Start 2017 with a clean slate.

Place your ad in the Hays Free Press classfieds and turn your trash into treasure. Only $8 for 20 words. Call (512) 268-7862 or email paper@haysfreepress.com to place your ad today.

Come join our growing company!

Visit our website for other open positions.

Competitive benefits and pay. Paid leave and holidays.

To apply, visit TexasDisposal.com/careers For inquiries, please call (512) 421-7624

TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

Public Notice NOTICE OF APPLICANT SPONSORED PUBLIC MEETING

An applicant sponsored public meeting is to be held at the Hays County Government Office (2171 Yarrington Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666) on Thursday, February 2nd at 6 p.m. to discuss the concept plan for Phase One of the Anthem Subdivision. Phase One is ~96 acres located along FM 150, Mountain City, TX 78610. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150.

Tracking number: SUB-687.

CITY OF KYLE ORDINANCES

The City Council of the City of Kyle will consider adopting the following ordinances on second reading on February 7, 2017 at Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center Street, at 7:00 p.m.: An Ordinance to assign original zoning to approximately 4.01 acres of land from Agriculture 'AG' to Warehouse District 'W' for property located at 1381 Goforth Road.

An Ordinance Granting Michael J. Blevins, d/b/a On Tyme Taxi & Courier Service, a Franchise to Provide Taxi Services within the Boundaries of the City of Kyle, Texas.

R. Todd Webster Mayor

NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE A BILL IN THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE TO CONVERT THE HAYS CALDWELL PUBLIC UTILITY AGENCY TO THE ALLIANCE REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY

Pursuant to Article 16, Section 59 of the Texas Constitution and Texas Government Code Chapter 313, this gives notice that the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency intends to file a bill in the Texas Legislature relating to the conversion of the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency to the Alliance Regional Water Authority.

The Alliance Regional Water Authority would include as sponsors the cities of Buda, Kyle and San Marcos and the Canyon Regional Water Authority, the same

entities that formed the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency. The Alliance Regional Water Authority would be a conservation and reclamation district formed to accomplish the purposes of Article 16, Section 59 of the Texas Constitution. The Alliance Regional Water Authority would consist of the same territory as the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency, which includes areas served by the sponsors in Hays, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Bexar and Comal counties.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Of property to satisfy a landlord’s lien.

Sale to be held online at Storagetreasures.com by competitive bid.

Anytime Storage, LLC 880 Windy Hill Rd. Kyle, TX 78640 Will be ending on or after February 3, 2017 at 11 a.m.

Cleanup deposit is required. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale.

The property contents of all storage unit(s) sold at this sale are purchased “as is” “where is” for CASH/ CREDIT. Unit items sold for cash to the highest bidder. All Units have some miscellaneous household items,electronics, boxes, and furniture.

Property includes the contents of spaces of the following tenant(s).

RAMON MEDRANO – appliances, sporting goods PARIS GOETZ – baby stuff, toys, clothing JAMES ERWIN- clothing, sporting goods

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 NOTICE OF PUBLIC picked up at City Hall, 121 HEARING S. Main St., during normal On February 13, 2017, business hours, Monday Public Notice at 7:20 p.m. in the City through Thursday 8:00 Council Chambers of the Notice of Public Hearing a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and on City of Niederwald, Texas, Fridays from 8:00 a.m.

NOTICE IS HEREBYlocated GIVEN TONiederwald ALL at 8807 – 4:00 p.m. Applications INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: Strasse Road, Niederwald, are also available on the Texas, the City Council will website at www.ci.buda. hold public hearings giving tx.us; download and City of Kyle a publicpersons hearing all interested the mail The the application to shall hold right to appear and City on Secretary, P. O.by BoxLife’s Journey Hospice be a request and heard on proposed zoning 1380, Buda, TX 78610.

Palliative Care, LLC. (Sarah Files – Z-17changes from SF-2 to MH The deadline to submit 002) application to assign original zoning2.55to of approximately acres a completed and Agricultural MH of is March 3, 2017. For 35.5 acres approximately of land tofrom approximately 14.75 acres additional information, Agriculture ‘AG’at to Unit by thePlanned City of Niederwald, contact the City Secretary Texas, as petitioned 512 Development 312-0084.

‘PUD’ for property locatedbyatthe

602 Creekside Trail, in Hays County, Texas.

Public Notice

property owner, Mary Camp hold a public hearing to Egan, said property being consider: Public Notice located at 500 Schubert Replat of Lot 8, Vista Lane.

Ridge Estates.

Notice of Public Hearing If you have any questions NOTICE IS HEREBYPUBLIC GIVEN TO ALL regarding this annexation, NOTICE contact Niederwald City INTERESTED PERSONS,ByTHAT: order of the Hays Hall at 512-398-6338.

County Commissioners Court,a notice hereby The NOTICE City of Kyle shall hold publicishearing PUBLIC given that on Tuesday, a request

by Thomas Survivors Byon order of the Hays January 31st at 9 Trust a.m. in the County Commissioners Hays–County Courthouse, (Steven Thomas, Trustee Z-17-001) to Court, notice is hereby 111 E. San Antonio assign original zoning to approximately 6.96 given that on Tuesday, Street, the Hays County acres31stofat land ‘AG’ January 9 a.m. from in the Agriculture Commissioners Courtto will HaysRetail CountyService Courthouse, a public to Districthold ‘RS’ of hearing property 111 E. San Antonio consider: located on the west side of Dacy Lane at Street, the Hays County Replat of Lot 8, Hays City Fountain Grove in Hays County, Commissioners Court willDrive,Estates.

Texas.

Public Notice

The Planning andofZoning Commission may Notice Public Hearing NOTICE IS HEREBY TO may recommend and the CityGIVEN Council ALL INTERESTED THAT: consider assigning any PERSONS, zoning district which The City of Kyle shall hold a public hearing on a is equivalent or more restrictive.

The Planning andofZoning Commission may Notice Public Hearing NOTICE IS HEREBY TO may recommend and the CityGIVEN Council ALL assigning INTERESTED THAT: consider any PERSONS, zoning district which The City of Kyle shall hold arestrictive. public hearing on a request is equivalent or more

The Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend and City Council consider assigning anyKyle zonA the public hearingmay will be held by the ing district which is equivalent or more restrictive.

The Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend and thehearing City Council any A public willmay be consider held byassigning the Kyle zoning district which is equivalent or more restrictive.

request by Life’s Journey Hospice and Palliative Care, LLC. (Sarah Files – Z-17-002) to assign original zoning public hearing befrom held by the toA approximately 35.5 acreswill of land Agriculture ‘AG’ to Plannedand Unit Development ‘PUD’ for property Planning Zoning Commission on located at 602February Creekside14, Trail, in Hays County, Texas.

Tuesday, 2017 at 6:30 P.M.

City Council on Tuesday, February 21,

A2017, public hearing be held by the Planning and Zoning at 7:00will P.M. Commission on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 6:30 P.M. A public hearing will be held by the Kyle City Council Kyle City Hall Council Chambers on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 7:00 P.M.

100 W Center St., Kyle, Texas

Kyle City Hall Council Chambers 100 W Center St., Kyle, Texas

Owner: Life’s Journey Hospice and

Owner: Life’s Journey Hospice and Palliative Sarah Files Palliative Care,Care, LLC, LLC, Sarah Files Agent: Mark Zupan, Garza EMC, Agent: Mark Zupan, Garza EMC, LLC LLC (512) 298-3284 (512) 298-3284 Publication Date: January 25, 2017 Publication Date: January 25, 2017 Z-17-002

Z-17-002

by Thomas Survivors Trust (Steven Thomas, Trustee – Z-17-001) to assign original zoning to approximately 6.96 A of public hearing will‘AG’beto Retail held Service by the acres land from Agriculture Planning Zoning on District ‘RS’ of and property located onCommission the west side of Dacy Lane at Fountain Grove Drive, in Hays County, Texas.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 6:30 P.M.

City Council on Tuesday, February 21,

A2017, public at hearing be held by the Planning and Zoning 7:00 will P.M. Commission on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 6:30 P.M. AKyle publicCity hearing be held Chambers by the Kyle City Council Hallwill Council on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 7:00 P.M.

100 W Center St., Kyle, Texas

Kyle City Hall Council Chambers 100 W Center St., Kyle, Texas

Owner: Thomas Survivors Trust

Owner: Thomas Survivors Trust Steven Thomas, Trustee Steven Thomas, Trustee Agent: Mike Seery Agent: Mike Seery (512) 280-5160 (512) 280-5160 Publication Date: January 25, 2017 Publication Date: January 25, 2017 Z-17-001

Z-17-001

Hays Free Press

Hays Free Press • January 25, 2017

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Page 4D

Hays County Sales Tax Update NET PAYMENT CURRENT THISNET PERIOD TAX RATE

PAYMENT THIS PERIOD

% CHANGE JAN. 2016 TO JAN. 2017

Hays Free Press • January 25, 2017

Destination  Education Renovation

2017 % CHANGE PAYMENTS FROM TO DATE 2016 TO 2017

Buda 1.50%

$480,597.55

+10.95%

$480,597.55

+10.95%

$161,089.88

+8.37%

$161,089.88

+8.37%

$536,291.12

+12.22%

$536,291.12

+12.22%

+39.17%

$2,830.68

+39.17%

Dripping Springs 1.25%

Kyle 1.50%

Niederwald 1.00%

$2,830.68

San Marcos 1.50%

$2,338,103.85 +1.47%

$2,338,103.85 +1.47%

$13,839.46

+16.48%

$13,839.46

+16.48%

$68,249.57

+4.98%

$68,249.57

+4.98%

-1.97%

$3,591.38

-1.97%

$1,402,738.90

+2.13%

Uhland 1.50%

as low as

Wimberley 1.00%

Woodcreek 1.00%

$3,591.38

Hays County $1,402,738.90 +2.13%

Buda Branch | 5045 E. Goforth St. (Exit 220 — Across highway from Cabela’s) Kyle Branch | 20613 IH-35 North (Near Walmart)

Panda Express Pass: City says ‘No’ to sign Continued from pg. 1D

Ruge and Altmiller previously agreed Jan. 3 that Panda Express may be suffering from a “self-inflicted wound” by not doing due diligence regarding Buda’s sign ordinance before looking into development in the city.

“To me this is caused by you, not by us, and for a variance request to be approved, you need to prove that it wasn’t a self-inflicted wound,” Ruge said.

Green said he “respectfully disagreed,” citing that in the process of the company’s due diligence,

they discovered the city’s sign ordinance, which led them to P&Z for the variance request.

“Sometimes exceptions can be made,” Green said.

Green pled with council members to approve the 35-foot sign variance based on the desire of Buda residents to have a Panda Express Restaurant locally, instead of traveling to Kyle or South Park Meadows.

Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Lane said if Panda Express were interested in local traffic, that Buda residents would not

need a 35-foot sign to know that the restaurant was on Old San Antonio Street. Lane asked Green if the restaurant would be successful based on the “if you build it, they will come” ideaology.

“It will cost $1.7 million to build the building and we are not willing to risk spending the money to build it without the sign variance to guarantee customer volume,” Green said.

Council member Wiley Hopkins motioned to deny the variance request, which was seconded by Ruge.

One idea Elliott had was to turn the walls of the building into a tribute to many of the older residents in the area.

She believes the store could be revitalized as a general store once again.

“Not necesarilly a liquor store or a beer stop, but a kind of place where you can get some of the essientials needed by the community to save a trip.”

For Cutler, the Drift-

wood store is “everyone’s history.” He said many Driftwood residents have taken photos of themselves in front of it.

The priority is to ensure the store keeps standing for years to come.

“It’s just like Camp Ben McCullough. These are time capsules,” Cutler said. “Members of the community will come back to this place for decades.”

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Driftwood Store Continued from pg. 1D

about his wishes for the property.

Should the DHCS purchase the store, one use could be to utlize it as a community center, Cutler said.

Another could be a community coffee house, which would allow residents to “catch up with what’s going on with the locals,” he said.

“We’ve been dreaming of what we can do with it,” Cutler said.

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Hays Free Press

Hays County emergency officials moved one step to the possibilitycloser calling an electionof for the creation of a ninth Emergency Service District.

While boundaries for the potential ESD are still being finalized, San Marcos Hays County EMS Chief David Smith said nearly all entities have supported ESD 9’s creation.

ESD 9 is being created to service residents do not live within who an existing ESD in Hays County.

STAFF REPORT

11

Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays Coun ty, TX • 75¢

suspect sought

in Buda

dispatched to an address in the 200 block The Hays County demanded money of Oak Sheriff’s Office Forest Drive him while holding from neighbor of the to search for continues a “burglary in Buda for pistol to his head. a who called 911 incident, possibly black, a in progress” who kicked in suspect call at 10:15 a.m. the crime. The to report The suspect stole dark colored pants and shoes. The of a residence the door property, including When deputies alarm companyvictim’s suspect was also in the also armed cash Oak Forest subdivision arrived, a homeowner and a wallet, notified authorities with a semi-autom along with of atic May 28 and robbed told authorities the victim’s cell the break-in. handgun. a homeowner at unknown man an The suspect fledphone.

The suspect Anyone with gunpoint. in an handgun had with a According to unknown direction described as is information regarding kicked a black from Hays County a in his front door. the residence male, approximat this case should press and The ely six call the release, deputies suspect confronted vehicle descriptionno feet tall with Hays County a were Sheriff’s the homeowner readily available. was build and shortmedium Office at 512-393-789 and 6 He was wearing hair.

The victim notified and speak with the a and black jacket,a red Criminal Investigatio dark, ns Division.

Home values up 10%

One of the major hurdles that remains for ESD 9 is setting service boundaries for neighborhoods Hugo Road and west of STAFF REPORT Ranch Road 12 in Wimberley.

Smith said those Appraised values areas have been historically are on the rise once served by Wimberley in Hays County again Fire and Rescue (ESD property ownersas feel the In late May, the7). ramifications of rapid County CommissioHays growth. ner’s Court closed Hays County’s its overall hearing on the public preliminary market PHOTO BY MOSES creation of ESD 9, but LEOS III value in 2016 delayed increased the vote to call by 12.79 percent election. The an 2015, according from reason to a press was to finalize

BY SAMANTHA release from ESD SMITH the service boundaries news@haysfr County Central Hays eepress.com Appraisal Wimberley area. in the According to Hays County HOME APPRAISALS a , 2A TxDOT public A rising population August xx to callhas until informaan in Central Texas tion officer Kelli election for November has led to Reyna, a rising issue 8.

TxDOT has developed 7 FATALITIES from traffic ac Over the past of traffic accidents on a 10-year plan far in 2016 months, Smith several cidents in Kyl Interstate that e so 35. costs an estimated officials from said the $4.3 billion. The According to new ESD 9 and 2,558 TOTAL CRASHES latest available the Reyna said, will plan, 7 have met to ESD redraw in Hays County May 2015, crashreports, dress congestionadboundaries in last year statisthat area. tics from the enhance safety and “That took us Texas Deon I-35. a partment of TransporShe said it includes couple of months,” 1.4 FATALITIES A tation (TxDOT), 40 planned projects over MONTH in Kyle on average Smith said. He were 17 fatalitiesthere along the I-35 ESD 9 is waitingadded corridor, traffic accidents from if funding is identified. the finalization for County last year in Hays That number One boundary mapsof of the proposed and a down to roughlybreaks total of 2,558 projects on the “There’s just legal descriptionand crashes.

Mobils before fatalities a month.1.4 motorists usingmore ity35 plan, created No clear informataking the measure If in such a trend tion, however, roadway (I-35), that August 2013, to the Commissio back were involves is known ner’s continue, there to about how many length of heavy and the widening the Court. could freeway traffic be a these fatalities of hours footprint by adding But Smith said occurred by total of 17 fatalities until have extended an on I-35. additional lane the end of the boundaries are the almost 7 year on I-35. said Barnett. p.m.,” direction of I-35,in each Kyle Police Depart“hardline” and not called

BY MOSES LEOS ment Chief Jeff Barnett attributes Future Transportat This surge in entities “just that all III try to send the increase of said there have Barnett news@haysfr tion growth has popula- Corridors (FTCs). ion the closes ambulances eepress.com traffic related ” seven fatalities been to the already added The cost breakdown to help emergency congestresulting influx accidents to an from traffic accidents ed roadway, prompting of adding an in population FTC to a A record 18 days growth, as well on I-35 near Kyle city and state section of I-35 of ESD 9, 4A officials in each rainfall in May so far more lax drivingas a in 2016. to up the ante city is separated on mento some delays has led into intality. creased safety three phases. in Kyle’s measures quest to complete on I-35. jority of its Gofortha maRoad I-35, 4A reconstruction project.

While City Engineer Leon Barba said the project is still on schedule, the city is fighting to ensure the project is Learn a little completed prior more about the history of Kyle gust and the startto Auyour backyar by exploring d! 21 Geocac 2016 school year. of the hes will be live as of 9 a.m. on The reason is June 11. Trackable to avoid Geocoins wi construction ll be awarded t interfering o the first 250 with traffic in to complete the front passport. Use Fuentes Elementaryof #ExploreKyle to The city of Buda next adventures, just share your fall, Barba said. its fishing tour will host Enjoy family-friendly descriptive (the don’t be too that finishing He added nament at construcBradfield Park movies under find). Geocac fun is in the tion on Goforth Pond on the stars hing is a realSaturday, June June 10 with a is directly world, outdoor treasure Come out to Historic tied to the timeframes hunting game 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. 11 from Aladdin at Bu showing of using GPS-en City Square P da City Park. abled devices for the Bunton ark in equipment & baitFishing Bring your lawn Participants .

Kyle Creek for the 2016 and navigate to a Lehman Road blankets and chairs, be provided. Kids will specific set o season of Ma projects. snacks for f GPS coordinates rket The city plans comfort. Admission & under do not 16 and then atte Days on June to start mpt to find th 11. is construction free. Movies b a fishing licen require e geocache (co This month’s theme se. Free egin at 9 on Bunton ntainer) hidde p.m. For more snacks & beverages.

Creek in September, at that location. n is “Summertime information Download .” please call Bu Free admission. the Geocaching app to yo Enjoy local vendors, while the city da Parks & For more plans Recreation at information, contact ur smartphone, arts & crafts, farm the Lehman Road to let (512) 295tablet or GPS 7170 or visit w project the Buda Park

device. Print to market item in March 2017. ww.ci.buda. s and your s, live KACC tx.us/parkeve Passport Recreation Department or stop by the music and more. nts.

Goforth Road The Chamber offi The at 512-295-7170 project is for a copy. You ce event is held f . scheduled for rom 9 log your cacheswill need this to a.m. - 1 p.m. (you will also

by March 2017.completion your findings log digitally).

s?

I-35 safety a grow

ing concern in Kyle Name__________________________________________________________ Interstate 35 stats

Road Address________________________________________________________ projects

Zip_________

delayed

by rain Home Phone No.___________________________________

Email __________________________________________________________ COMING Buda Movie in the Park Aladdin

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Credit Card # __________________________________________________ Three TV shows filming in Kyle. begin

– Page 1D

INDEX

TexSCAN Week of January 22, 2017

New district could help

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