January 31, 2018 Hays Free Press

JANUARY 31, 2018 LOBO VICTORY

WALK IT OUT

Lady Lobos earn first program sweep over Hays.

HCISD hires crossing guards to mitigate bus service loss.

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Vol. 121 • No. 45

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Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX

Kyle Police to add seven new officers

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

The Kyle Police Department plans to add seven police officers to the force this year in an effort to help keep the growing city safe.

Roughly 70 applicants filed for the seven positions when the Jan. 18 deadline arrived. Last week, 40 of those applicants hit the field for physical training and a

written exam.

Currently, there are 52 authorized officer positions at the department.

This new hiring process should bring the department up to staff.

“Public safety is a priority in our city, and we work closely with our law enforcement to ensure that we are doing everything we can to keep our citizens safe,” said Kyle City Council Member

Currently, there are 52 authorized officer positions at the department.

District 4 Alex Villalobos.

“We are obligated to ensure this service to our citizens and we have high standards for anyone wanting to join our city’s police department.”

The new positions were budgeted in the city’s 2016-2017 fiscal year bud-

get, bringing no additional cost to city taxpayers.

The Kyle Police Department falls under Texas Local Government Code that ensures all officers hired to the force are certified through the state and the respective local municipality.

For the seven officers who will earn the position, they must have certification from the state.

If they do not have this certification, they must complete the six month course work issued by the state before participating in Kyle’s training program, which takes around 20 to 22 weeks.

“In total, the program takes about 11 months to a year if officers do not

have the state mandated certification,” said Kyle Chief of Police Jeff Barnett. “If a candidate had previously worked for another city’s law enforcement and already received the state mandated certification, they would only be responsible for the training here in the city.”

NEW OFFICERS, 2A

Buda sets criteria for single-member district change

BY SAMANTHA SMITH Buda took another step towards transitioning to single-member districts Jan. 18 by setting criteria for which seats will make the change first.

But one city council member raised concerns over the use of 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data to help with drawing district lines.

Buda City Council Places 2, 4 and 6 were randomly drawn to be the seats that will first make the switch to single-member districts via a special election in November.

Paul Daugereau, Wiley Hopkins and Evan Ture currently are the incumbents for those respective seats

SINGLE-MEMBER, 4A

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAYS COUNTY PRECINCT 2’S CONSTABLES OFFICE

Deputy Constable Joel Martin and Constable Michael Torres with the confiscated marijuana seized from a Jan. 25 traffic stop on Yarrington Road.

Popped with pot

Marijuana worth thousands of dollars seized during Kyle traffic stop Over a pound of marijuana, which has a street value of roughly $5,000, was seized by Hays County Pct. 2 Constables during what was thought to be a routine Jan. 25 traffic stop.

Jesus Castillo III, 17, of Kyle, was booked into the Hays County Jail Jan. 25 on possession of marijuana under five pounds, which is a state jail felony.

Castillo was released Jan. 27 on $5,000 bond.

According to a press release, members of the

Hays County Pct. 2 Constable Office’s Criminal Interdiction Unit were on evening patrol and conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35 near Yarrington Road overpass.

While approaching the vehicle, Hays County Pct. 2 Deputy Constable

Joel Martin “immediately detected” an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Martin executed a probable cause search of the vehicle and the driver, later identified as Castillo, and found over a pound of marijuana in the vehicle.

COMING UP Kyle Garden Club

The Kyle Garden Club will meet on Friday Feb. 2, 2018 at 12:30 pm at The Historic Kyle City Hall. The program is ‘Earth Kind’ by Hays County Master Gardener, Marilyn Love. The public is invited.

Time is running out for those who wish to cast their ballot in the 2018 March primaries. The deadline for registration is Monday, Feb. 5. Residents can pick up registration forms at libraries, government offices, high schools or online. Those who wish to register can submit their forms to Elections Administrator, 712 South Stagecoach Trail Set 1045, San Marcos, TX 78666. Early voting for the March 6 Primary is Feb. 20-March 2.

Merriman Cabin Demonstration The Merriman Cabin will host a free and open house Feb. 2 and 3, 12-3 p.m. at the corner of C.M. Allen Parkway and East Hopkins Street in San Marcos. Docents will be giving a special presentation on how herbs were used in pioneer times.

VENUE PROTESTED

Controversial Dripping Springs wedding venue moves forward despite protests.

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A rehabilitation of a “high-hazard” dam in east Kyle, which has closed a portion of Goforth Road for roughly two years, is expected to be completed in April or May.

$7.9M Kyle dam rehab completion set for late spring

BY MOSES LEOS III

Voter registration deadline

INDEX

STAFF REPORT

PHOTO COURTESY OF PLUM CREEK CONSERVATION DISTRICT

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

Officials expect to complete rehabilitation of a “high-hazard” dam in east Kyle, which has closed a portion of Goforth Road for roughly two years, in April or May. The upgrade, which was budgeted for $7.95 million, is part of the Plum Creek Conservation District’s (PCCD) effort to meet state safety standards, said Johnie Halliburton, executive manager of the PCCD. PCCD’s Soil Conservation Site 6 dam, located on Goforth Road, was built in 1967 as an

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

earthen structure meant to hold Porter Creek, a tributary of Plum Creek, into a reservoir.

Overflow drainage was meant to flow around the dam and back into Porter Creek.

The dam was built where Beebe, High and Goforth roads all converge.

However, the Site 6 dam was labeled as having a “high-hazard potential” by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in 2002. The TCEQ, which oversees all dams in Texas, deter-

DAM REHAB, 2A

Page 2A

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HISTORY

Founded April 10, 1903, by Thomas Fletcher Harwell as The Kyle News, with offices on the corner of Burleson and Miller streets in the town’s oldest remaining building. It merged into The Hays County Citizen in 1956. The paper consolidated with The Free Press in October, 1978. During its more than 100-year history the newspaper has maintained offices at more than a dozen locations in Kyle and Buda.

NEWS

Hays Free Press • January 31, 2018

Potential Austin Amazon HQ could spark Hays County growth

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Amazon may find its new home in Austin, but there is still a possibility that the new headquarters could be located in Hays County.

The tech company is looking at a new city for its second headquarters and Austin has made the short list with 19 other cities across the country.

Amazon’s HQ2, regardless of its location in or around Austin, would bring around 50,000 high paying jobs to Travis County and its surrounding areas. For Hays County, that could entail not only job growth, but a whole new workforce moving into Central Texas.

In June 2017, Amazon purchased Whole Foods for more than $13 billion, an endeavor that leads the company into a larger entity that provides a growing service to its customers. Whole Foods’ headquarters is located in Austin, leaving speculation that Amazon’s eyes could be on Central Texas.

Before the shortlist was released, there were 238 cities across the nation looking to house Amazon.

The shortlist not only gives the company a better look at the economic development and financial benefits of a smaller list, but also shows the serious prospects of the finalists, including Austin and its surrounding areas.

Kyle, along with the Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP), put together information about their communities with regional partners and the Austin Chamber of Commerce in late 2017, per Amazon’s HQ2 request for proposals (RFP), said Diana Blank-Torres, director of economic development for the city of Kyle.

“The innovative corridor, of which Kyle is part, is poised for significant primary-sector job growth in the future,” Blank-Tor-

“The innovative corridor, of which Kyle is part of, is poised for significant primary-sector job growth in the future. This potential is due to our location between two major cities, a talented and young labor pool of 1.6 million within a 45-mile radius ...”

–Diana Blank-Torres, Kyle Economic Director

res said. “This potential is due to our location between two major cities, a talented and young labor pool of 1.6 million within a 45-mile radius, and the education and training institutions like Texas State University, Austin Community College, The University of Texas and Gary Job Corps.”

Amazon is no stranger to the Central Texas area.

In 2016, Amazon opened its fifth fulfillment center in Texas in San Marcos, which currently employs a workforce of over 1,000.

“Our city also boasts strong population and economic growth coupled

with an enviable and affordable quality of life,” Blank-Torres said. “This is certainly a dynamic corridor for the future and Team Kyle is looking forward to the next steps.”

Dex Ellison, District 1 Kyle City Council member, said the potential move for Amazon and surrounding areas could bring benefits and deterrents. Bringing 50,000 jobs to a community will leave cities responsible to handle infrastructure growth and housing needs.

“With this potential move, we will see an increase in property values and population in the

city,” Ellison said. “This is all hypothetical, but we need to think about infrastructure improvements to our roads and potential mass transit needs. This is such a massive move with clear economic benefits and it’s going to take a lot of great city leadership to ensure our city can sustain this growth.”

According to data complied by MWPVL Amazon has over 300 warehouses and shipping centers across the country. The company also has technology centers focused on research in robotics, video game development and artificial intelligence

across the country.

Austin, considered the new Silicon Valley, has tech companies in the city limits that employ 11 percent of the workforce.

Every year the city’s technology presence grows, giving Austin a serious opportunity to win the shortlist.

According to a report by Forbes, Texas’ estimated $19.1 billion business incentives leaves Austin as a top contender with the likes of Dell, Apple, IBM, Google and Facebook with a growing workforce in the city.

“It’s a diverse and dynamic city for new companies. We also have great educational institutions here in this area,” Ellison said. “It seems like a perfect fit with all the new tech startups and schools, but if this happens, we need serious planning from all the cities in the surrounding area on how we can make this work effectively.”

Dam Rehab: Rehab completion set for late spring Continued from pg. 1A

mined a possibility of a high loss of life and high economic damage could be caused downstream in the event of a dam failure.

In 2015, the PCCD moved forward with plans to rehabilitate the dam. Halliburton said the high hazard designation, along with need for rehabilitation, came as a result of the rapid growth near the dam.

However, Haliburton said in an emailed response the classification “does not reflect the condition or maintenance of the

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dam.”

Dams are classified based on the population below the structure, several different risk indexes and the probable maximum flood (PMF), which is the largest flood that could conceivably occur based on the most severe hydrologic and meteorological conditions.

“When it was built, it was built as a low-hazard dam,” Halliburton said.

“With all of the population growth downstream, and because it was high on the list for the state to be upgraded, it’s being

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rehabbed to meet state safety requirements.”

The PCCD began construction in 2016 of a new concrete structure that features a labyrinth weir, which will allow any potential overflow water to go over the top of the dam and allow more surface area for water to travel. The water would then be diverted back into Porter Creek.

Halliburton said labyrinth weirs are a popular method for rehabilitation due to the lack of options for viable drainage solutions.

“We don’t have many options left, as we can’t go around because of the population that’s moved in,” Halliburton said. “We can’t go around. The road below (Goforth Road) can’t hold much water.”

The PCCD will foot roughly $454,000 of the $7.95 million price tag due to a state and federal funding agreement. According to a PCCD 2015

newsletter, the federal government is covering 65 percent of the cost, while the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board will take 33 percent.

In addition, the PCCD has also received assistance from Hays County, which has closed off Goforth Road at the dam site. Halliburton said the need to close the roads was due to moving material without “worrying about traffic.”

“It was important to be done for the safety of the community,” said Halliburton. “We know it’s frustrating to a lot of folks in the area, but when this project is finished, it’s a project we can be proud of.”

The PCCD is now placing its focus on potentially rehabilitating two more of its dams in Hays County that are labeled as high hazard.

Halliburton said the dams, which are also

earthen, are located off FM 2001 between Niederwald and Buda. Halliburton said the design stage of the project has been completed, but no construction sums or funding methods have been determined at this time.

Halliburton said it will be up to engineers to determine if a labyrinth weir model is needed.

Debbie Ingalsbe, Hays County Pct. 1 commissioner, said in an emailed response it was “great to see” there is a completion date coming soon, barring any unexpected delays.

“After speaking to resident and business owners, in the area, the completion date can’t come soon enough,” Ingalsbe said. “Businesses have suffered, tremendously, during the dam rehabilitation and closure of Goforth Road, but we all realize this work is vital to the safety of all who live in the area.”

said. With the large quantity of applicants, experience will play a major role in deciding who gets the positions.

“All of these things play a big role in who we consider for the job,” Villalobos said. “We don’t want to spread ourselves too thin if we hire completely new officers.”

Barnett said council has been supportive in staffing and equipping officers with the necessary tools to keep the city of Kyle safe. With the

growth of the city and more traffic along the Interstate 35 corridor, Barnett said the police department is ready to tackle growth in a safe manner.

“We’re going to continue to get bigger as a city, and as you grow, there is more demand for services,” Villalobos said. “We are looking at the best qualified candidates for these positions – our citizens deserve the best law enforcement we can provide.”

New Officers

Continued from pg. 1A The field training program in Kyle serves as the opportunity for new officers to learn and train in the community they will be serving. The officers selected to the vacant positions in Kyle may not be out in the field until early next year, depending on previous experience.

When hiring new officers, the city looks at previous law enforcement background, as well as various training requirements, Villalobos

Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Businesses have suffered, tremendously, during the dam rehabilitation and closure of Goforth Road, but we all realize this work is vital to the safety of all who live in the area.”

–Debbie Ingalsbe, Hays County Commissioner, Pct. 1. Story on page 1A.

Hays Free Press • January 31, 2018

Page 3A

WARNING:

24-hour news causes truth decay

W

ith his famed utterance that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts, the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan had to have known, on some level, that he was offering a cliche destined to last the ages.

But the truth, like history, and so many other things these days, just ain’t what it used to be.

We live in age where “alternative facts” are so much in ascendance that it is possible, as the Economist observed, for the president of the United States to both admit – and then later deny – that his was the voice on the notorious “Access Hollywood” video boasting of grabbing women by the “p***y.”

The idiocy, of course, is by no means limited to one side of the political spectrum or the other (though it can be argued, persuasively, that the current White House, with its preponderance of falsehoods, dominates the market on post-truth).

The left suffers its own excess, not least of which is the pseudo-science peddled by such Hollywood celebs as vaccination-denier Jenny McCarthy.

Still, along come the folks at the RAND Corporation, who glumly remind us in a new report that the nation has come down with a severe case of “truth decay,”hastened, among other things, by the 24-hour news cycle and the ongoing blurring of the line between news and opinion.

“The most damaging consequences of Truth Decay include the erosion of civil discourse, political paralysis, alienation and disengagement of individuals from political and civic institutions, and uncertainty over national policy,” authors Jennifer Kavanagh and Michael D. Rich conclude, reinforcing what most of us have figured out already after years of watching the air go out of our national policy debates like so many spent balloons.

The case that Kavanagh and Rich argue echoes one made last summer in “The Death of Expertise,” a slender, but compulsively readable, tome by U.S. Naval War College professor Tom Nichols.

There, Nichols, a former staffer to the late U.S. Sen. John Heniz (R-Pa.), persuasively argued that Americans weren’t only getting dumber – but that they were increasingly proud of everything they didn’t know.

And heaven forbid if you try to talk the ignoramuses in our midst down from their know-nothing ledge. Because then you’re nothing but a dread elitist.

“The bigger problem is we’re proud of not knowing things,” Nichols wrote. “Americans have reached a point where ignorance, especially of any public policy issue, is an actual virtue.”

So, y’know, go us.

If there’s an upside, it’s that America has gone

Guest Column

by John L. Micek

through similar periods when truth has taken a beating, the RAND authors note, including the Yellow Journalism of the 1900s and the furor surrounding Vietnam and Watergate.

And, yet, the Republic has still somehow endured.

What makes things different this time, they argue, is that Americans don’t agree on the most basic of facts or scientific truths.

“This is to me really a dangerous and unusual time in history. Because Americans not only feel entitled to their opinions – and rightly so – but many of them, a growing number of them, frankly, across the political spectrum also feel entitled to cherry pick facts to support their opinion, or even commission up new ‘facts’ if necessary,” Rich, who’s the RAND CEO, observed recently. “... when everyone has their own facts, then nobody really has any facts at all.”

And if you’ve ever been stuck at the dinner table trying to parry your loud-mouthed uncle who’s seemingly pulling facts out increasingly uncomfortable places to buttress an already batty argument, then you know exactly what he’s talking about.

These trends are worsened by accidents of demographics and technology: like-minded Americans marrying each other, and, as a consequence, limiting their exposure to people who might have an alternative worldview; the echo chamber of social media; and our own natural tendency toward confirmation-bias.

The authors offer their own prescriptions to cure what ails us, including, as George Will notes in The National Review, the radical notion that schools teach critical thinking, as well as dedicating “public money to support longform and investigative journalism,” which Will pronounces a terrible idea. And I’m with him on that one.

The inability to agree on a basic set of facts goes a long way toward explaining the partisan gridlock plaguing Congress and state Legislatures. And if there’s any comfort, it’s knowing that, eventually, the pendulum will swing back to normal.

Until then, though, we’re going to have to live through an awful lot of toxic nonsense. Hopefully, we’ll survive it.

News and Sports Editor Moses Leos III

I

f I were Punxsutawney Phil, I might think twice before coming out of my burrow this year.

Groundhog Day 2018 is upon us. Every Feb. 2, Phil emerges from a stump in Punxsutawney.

If he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, spring will be just around the corner.

Millions have enjoyed this ritual for years, but in these oh-so-serious times, problems may abound.

For starters, Groundhog Day evolved from Candlemas Day, a Christian holy day commemorating the Virgin Mary’s purification. As this tradition evolved in Germany, Germans believed Candlemas Day could also predict the weather - which culminated with playfully pulling a hedgehog out of a tree stump. The tradition was brought to Punxsutawney in 1887 by German immigrants.

But how, some busy-

Guest Column

by Tom Purcell

body critics may be thinking, can any government body impose on our diverse society any celebration that has its roots in Christianity?

Aren’t the people of Punxsutawney supporting one religion over the others?

What about their insensitivity to atheists?

Other critics may complain that the event is too male-centric. The “Inner Circle,” the “local dignitaries responsible for carrying on the tradition of Groundhog Day every year,” is comprised of ONLY men. Critics may note that all weather-prediction responsibilities for the past 132 years have been assigned to a MALE groundhog. What about Punxsutawney Phyllis? Has she been too busy making Phil’s coffee?

The Inner Circle talks

of how it pampers Phil.

He lives in a heated home. He’s fed delicious treats. He receives excellent medical care. But People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says Phil is being abused - that yanking a groundhog out of a stump before bright lights and a large crowd induces incredible stress. PETA wants an animatronic groundhog to replace Phil.

All such criticism will pale in comparison to what may happen if critics learn this tidbit about Phil’s private life: Phil has a harem. To take the edge off of Phil’s lonely bachelor existence, the Inner Circle provides him with three female companions. That’s right: Punxsutawney’s finest dignitaries are trafficking in “woodchucks of the night”!

I, like millions of others, greatly enjoy Groundhog Day. I believe such traditions enrich our world and bring much-needed levity to our chaotic lives. I be-

lieve many American traditions evolved from a hodgepodge of cultural influences, and the best celebrate our common humanity - rather than pull us apart. I believe too many of us take ourselves too seriously. As we seek to correct the imperfections of our past - to embrace everyone and offend no one - we sometimes end up lost in the narrowness of our own best intentions.

It’s Groundhog Day, a lighthearted occasion that offers a respite from a long, cold, brutal winter. Aside from PETA’s protestations, I’m joking about Phil’s potential critics, but we all could use a little lightening up about now.

Which is the whole point of Groundhog Day. Tom Purcell is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc. Tom@TomPurcell.com

An award-winning political journalist, Micek is the Opinion Editor and Political Columnist for PennLive/The Patriot-News in Harrisburg, Pa. jmicek@pennlive.com

Hays Free Press Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton

Lighten up, critics, it’s Groundhog Day

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Hays Free Press • January 31, 2018

Page 4A

Single-Member: Buda sets criteria Continued from pg. 1A

and could opt to run for reelection. Their respective seats would have staggered terms of 3 years, 2 years and 1 year.

The process for the transition began when Mayor George Haehn drew one of two envelopes containing which council seats, even or odd, would be transitioning to single-member districts.

C. Robert Heath with Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP discussed the redistricting criteria, the process and the timeline with council members.

Heath said the drawing of district lines would be most likely based on the population total recorded at the 2010 census, along with more current population data for Buda.

According to U.S. Census Bureua Data, Buda’s population went from 7,295 in 2010 to an estimate of 15,023 in 2016.

The districts should not exceed 10 percent deviation in numbers of size, Heath said.

“I do want us to make sure that everyone knows we all serve the entire population of Buda no matter where someone lives.”

ments in legible writing, including a name, address, phone number and email address if available, Haehn said.

If council adopts the finalized plan in May, that

will give possible candidates for the November election time to review the new single-member district guidelines before the first day of candidate filing on July 21.

–George Haehn, Buda mayor

Council member Lee Urbanovsky was skeptical that the 2010 census could be a reliable estimate of Buda’s current population.

“I was against this from the beginning, I voted no to single-member districts,” Urbanovsky said.

“We’re going to try to make a plan as constitutionally sound as we can,” Hyde said.

Heath said the next steps for Buda in transitioning three of the council seats to single-member district seats would be to

meet with the city council again in late February or early March to develop a proposed illustrative plan.

Next, the illustrative plan will be presented to city council and the public around March 20.

The public input process would begin April 1 and continues until May 1.

Heath estimated that if everything went smoothly during the previous steps, the plan should be ready to be finalized and adopted around May 15.

Haehn was supportive of the transition process,

but wanted to send a clear message to Buda residents that no matter what voting district they eventually fall into, they have equal representation from every member of the Buda City council.

“I do want us to make sure that everyone knows we all serve the entire population of Buda no matter where someone lives,” Haehn said.

Possible guidelines for residents when submitting public input on the proposed illustrative plan include submitting com-

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11/10/17 10:13 AM

Sports HaysFreePress.com

Section B LOBO WIN

Lobo basketball beats Hays in 63-60 nailbiter.

– Page 2B

Hays Free Press

January 31, 2018 • Page 1B

Hays head football coach to retire in June

BY MOSES LEOS III

After 33 years in coaching, including five spent at Hays High, Neal LaHue announced plans to hang up his whistle.

In a letter to Hays High Principal David Pierce, LaHue, who is the current Hays High head football coach and athletic coordinator, intends to retire from public education and coaching when his current contract ends on June 30.

“This has been a very tough decision and one that I have thought about for some time now and I feel very comfortable in this decision,”

“He (LaHue) has built a solid program, insisted on excellence and been a positive member of the Hays High School community since his arrival.”

After a five-year coaching stint at Hays, Rebel Head Football Coach Neal LaHue addresses players during a 2017 practice.

–David Pierce, Hays High principal

LaHue said in his letter to Pierce. “I feel very blessed to have been a coach for the last 33 years and am looking forward to new challenges that lie ahead.

LaHue said the motivation for announcing his retirement came after “opportunities presented

themselves” outside of coaching in public schools.

That decision came after a lot of prayer, soulsearching and discussion with his family, LaHue said.

“I feel like it’s a great

HAYS COACH RETIRES, 2B

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

New leadership to guide Lehman softball in 2018

BY LISETTE LOPEZ

PHOTO BY BECKY TENNEY

Lehman Lady Lobos Bridgette Ramirez (1), Sarah O’Neal (12) and Maggie Castillo all set up to defend as Hays Rebel senior Gabby Bosquez assesses the court.

Lehman earns first program sweep over Hays

BY LISETTE LOPEZ

A furious second half rally propelled the Lehman Lady Lobos to a program-defining 41-27 win over the rival Hays Lady Rebels at the Lobo Den. Tuesday’s win over Hays was the first for the Lehman varsity program since the 2011-2012 season. It also marked the team’s first district win of the 2018 season.

For the first time ever, the Lehman girls basketball program, which includes its freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams, swept the Lady Rebels.

The Lobos were off to an unorganized start in the first quarter as they were forced to play at the Rebels’ tempo.

The big threat to the Lobos’ defense was Rebel senior Gabby Bosquez.

Lobo head coach James

Halatin said they focused the game around her.

Halatin said the team executed different defensive schemes, including a “little triangle on one,” that limited Bosquez’ play.

“The first time we played them over there we kind of stayed in our zone, and Gabby kind of hit us up,” Halatin said.

“I think it frustrated her because she wasn’t able to be as free as she normally is.”

The Lobos, however, were unable to hold Bosquez in the first half, and were not able to get any points on the board in the second quarter. The Rebels took control at the end of the second quarter, 21-13, and were looking to gain some momentum heading into the third.

From the moment the whistle blew to start the second half, the Lobos were a completely dif-

ferent team. The Lobos outscored Hays 13-4 in the third frame to take a 26-25 lead into the fourth quarter. Providing support for the rally was a smothering defense.

Halatin said his team knew what needed to be done to win the game.

“The defensive end picked it up, and that led to us getting out into space,” Halatin said.

“That’s how we need to play, we just need to play a little more organized.

We got out of ourselves in the first half. They tried to speed us up and we kind of bought into that, but we are better when we execute and kind of grind – that’s our style.”

With the crowd going wild and the momentum on their side, the Lobos earned 15 points in the fourth quarter alone to take the win.

Lobo freshman Kayla Presley had seven points

in the fourth quarter and had multiple assists to get her team the win.

Presley said she was proud of her team, and she and the Lobos owe the win all to Halatin.

“We did great, we executed on defense and on offense with all of us hustling it was just a total team effort it was amazing,” Presley said.

Defensively, the Lobos won this game which helped them execute a little bit better on offense.

Halatin said this win not only means something now, but for future teams to come.

“It’s big, and these girls deserve it,” Halatin said.

“We had some seniors who have been through the frustrations of losing against Hays, and now our young group is going to see this and build on this, I hope. But this is huge for this group in this moment in time.”

With the softball season rapidly approaching, the Lehman Lobos aim to improve with the help of a new coach.

Jesse Bustamante, who was hired to helm the Lobo softball program over the summer, hopes to drive success for the Lobos, with the possibility of earning a playoff berth.

Bustamante was hired from El Paso Parkland High, where he led the Matadors to the Class 5A playoffs during his one season with the team in 2017.

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–Jesse Bustamante, new Lehman softball coach

Experience to lead Rebel softball in 2018

BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI With seven starters returning for the 2018 season, the Hays Lady Rebel softball team is setting high goals as they aim to make a run to the state tournament.

“We talked a lot last year about being district champs,” said Hays Head Coach Lisa Cone. “We talked about playoffs and wanting to go to the state tournament, but we really focused on being district champions last year, and I kind of think we were a little bit too focused with

FROM THIS... Our Reputation Is No Accident AMM COLLISION CENTER

“There is a lot of excitement just because it’s a new year, it’s a new start, it’s a new coach and everyone is excited to make some progress in our season.”

that.”

After being eliminated

by San Antonio Brennan in the 2017 playoffs, Cone wanted her team to understand that there is more to the season than being district champs.

She said the hope is that they hit their stride once the playoff season approaches.

“We really want to work on knocking away once we get to that playoff season, and we want to get on a roll and stay on a roll,” Cone said.

REBEL SOFTBALL, 2B

...TO THIS.

Sports

Page 2B

Hays Free Press • January 31, 2018

Three-pointers, wild steals, free throws in the clutch

Lobos beat Hays 63-60 in dramatic win

BY REED GRAFF

Critical shooting from the free throw line in the clutch helped the Lehman Lobos (11-19) grab a dramatic 63-60 win over the Hays Rebels (11-19) Tuesday at Bales Gym. Lehman took control of the game right out of the gate, as senior Kenny Henderson drilled a three to start the game.

The real star of the first quarter, however, was Lehman sophomore Zack Harris who scored 12 points in the first frame.

He finished the quarter with a buzzer-beating three-pointer that gave Lehman a 24-16 lead.

Hays began to build momentum going into the second quarter. Senior Dre Green started the second quarter hot, making his first three shots and putting up 7 points

“My guys grew up. They executed, they finished, they believed in each other, and they played together.

Everything else took care of itself.”

–Steven Pinchback, Lehman Basketball Coach

early in the quarter; Green scored 19 points in the game.

Lehman junior Cameron Jones was not to be outdone and scored 8 points in the second quarter to help the Lobos hold a 35-26 lead at intermission.

Rebel senior Sergio Vega did his best to jumpstart the offense right out the gate by scoring 5 points on Hays’ first two possessions.

Lehman’s Jones kept firing, scoring nine points early in the quarter as

well. Despite his effort, the Rebels went on a 12-6 run to end the third quarter, and the two teams went into the final quarter tied at 46-46.

The fourth quarter was full of drama.

Lehman built a small lead, but the Hays Rebels refused to back down, and kept knocking down clutch shot after clutch shot to keep the game close.

Following five straight Lobo points to get their lead up to 58-52, Hays sophomore Carlos Rocha

made a clutch threepointer from the right wing. Rocha followed that up with a big steal, and Vega used that turnover to make a layup and draw a foul, trimming the Lobo lead to 58-57.

But the Rebels were unable to get any closer as the Lobos focused in and made five of their last six free throws. Henderson led the Lobos with 19 points on the night.

Lehman head coach Steven Pinchback was very upbeat and enthusiastic about his team’s road victory.

“My guys grew up. They executed, they finished, they believed in each other, and they played together. Everything else took care of itself,” Pinchback said.

Scoring a win over rival Hays was also a critical moment.

“We owed them. They came to our house and took one. I told my boys we can’t let anything distract us from our goals, and they showed me they can handle that tonight,”

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Continued from pg. 1B

Other scores from Tuesday BOYS SOCCER

• Lehman 3, Hays 1

GIRLS SOCCER

• Hays 0, Lehman 0 Stories from Tuesday’s soccer action can be found online at haysfreepress.com

The Lady Rebels will rely on the huge junior class and a few seniors to lead them to the playoffs in 2018.

Seniors Illyanna Cisneros, Abbie Blackwell and Sienna Ramirez have the responsibility of keeping the team together and focused throughout a tough schedule. Cisneros will move from playing last season’s shortstop position to starting at third base for 2018, while Blackwell will be competing for the starting catcher position.

“She (Cisneros) has great leadership skills and qualities,” Cone said.

“The girls really do follow her lead.”

The junior class, led by starting pitcher Maxine Valdez, will have a big impact on how this season goes for the Lady Rebels. Hays also returns junior Brianna Rodriguez at first base, and Madi Butler, Amaya Guerreo and Kaylin Davis in the outfield; all four players started on

Pinchback said.

The Lobos will return to action Friday when they play host to Lake Travis. Hays Rebels will be on the road against Leander High School Friday night.

the diamond last year.

Cone said the team’s biggest strengths are having fun and keeping the energy up on the field. Both of those elements will be key for the Lady Rebels having a successful season.

“They love to have fun, and the more fun they are having in the dugout and on the field the better they are going to play,” said Cone. “We know we have to stay loose, kind of like the (Houston) Astros, you know how they would say ‘you got to hit loose’. You know, just let it fly.

“That’s really kinda how our team is. I know that as long as we are loud and cheering each other on and helping each other out that is going to help us.”

Hays will also rely on team speed during the season as well. Davis, Guerreo, Julie Blumhagen and Alexis Cooks, who Cone said are the fastest players on the team, could create more basestealing opportunities

than in past seasons.

“We do have a lot of speed, which is something that we haven’t had a whole lot of,” Cone said. “We had some speed last year but we even have more speed this year.”

When it comes to motivation, Cone used Houston Astros outfielder George Springer as a teaching point during the offseason. Cone referenced Springer’s ability to overcome an error in Game 5 of the World Series, and then hit a home run in his next at bat.

“As long as you make up for your mistakes later on, you can negate those errors or little mistakes,” said Cone.

“So, we talked about how he (Springer) did that and his whole team got behind him. Thats kind of how you have to pick each other up.”

Hays opens the 2018 season on the road at New Braunfels Canyon High on Feb. 13.

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New Lehman Coach: Softball has new leader Continued from pg. 1B

Bustamante said there is so much growth in the area, and he hopes to start the new season off right.

“Last year the softball team didn’t have a very good season, but I looked at the roster and had a lot of returning players coming back,” Bustamante said. “I figured it would be a good opportunity to try and turn this program around.”

Bustamante’s ultimate goal is to make it to the playoffs, while also finding success in a competitive 256A district. Lehman will contend against

in-district rival Hays, along with Lake Travis, Westlake, Vandegrift and Vista Ridge, which are also perennial powers.

Bustamante hopes to bring lots of energy and instill some work ethic in his girls. Once the team does that, they can compete and win some games, he said.

With a solid group of returners, and some freshmen playing varsity ball, the team is excited to get the new season underway.

“There is a lot of excitement just because it’s a new year, it’s a new start, it’s a new coach and everyone is excited to

make some progress in our season,” Bustamante said.

Focusing on the fundamentals and game-like situations is what the Lobos have been working on this preseason. Bustamante believes in working on things that are going to happen in the games to better prepare his team in the new season.

Bustamante wants his team to focus on one game at a time, and right now the focus is on preseason.

“I really want them to focus on our preseason schedule along with the tournaments and stuff

like that, and then once we start district to focus on each opponent one game at a time as well,” Bustamante said.

With a new coach and the new coaching style that comes along with Bustamante, the Lobos look forward to the new season with a different mindset.

“For this season, we are going to play hard and compete in every game,” Bustamante said.

“You are going to see a lot of energy in the dugout with people running in and out, but mainly good body language, a lot of energy and a competitive mindset this season.”

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Coach Retires: LaHue leaves in June Continued from pg. 1B

time to do it, and that’s what I’m doing,” LaHue said.

LaHue said he announced his retirement in advance, so as to give Hays CISD time to search for the next Hays High football coach and athletic coordinator.

Pierce said in a letter to Hays High parents the position will be posted and a search will begin in the coming weeks. If a new head coach were not hired by June 30, Danny Preuss, Hays High assistant athletic coordinator, would assume Interim Athletic Coordinator duties.

“He (LaHue) has built a solid program, insisted on excellence and been a positive member of the Hays High School community since his arrival.

We wish Mr. LaHue and his family all the best as he begins the next chapter in his life,” Pierce said in his statement.

LaHue was hired by Hays CISD in 2013 and has led the Rebel football program to a 25-28 overall record. During his tenure, LaHue led Hays to a 27-4A district championship in 2013 and has twice taken the program to the playoffs.

While as athletic coor-

dinator, LaHue oversaw the Hays High softball team’s state championship in 2013, as well as the Rebel boys basketball team’s trip to the regional finals in 2014.

LaHue began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Texas A&I University, now Texas A&M Kingsville, where he also played college football.

From there, LaHue continued his career as an assistant coach at Ingleside, Corpus Christi Calallen and then Westlake. While at Westlake, LaHue served as quarterbacks coach and oversaw

Drew Brees, who led the Chaps to the 1996 Class 5A state championship.

LaHue served as head football coach at Kerrville Tivy from 1997 to 2001; he then was offensive coordinator at Texas A&M Kingsville from 2002 to 2005.

Prior to his hire at Hays, LaHue served as the head coach at San Antonio Roosevelt from 2006 to 2012.

“Having coached for 33 years, it’s the journey that keeps you in this business,” LaHue said.

“You’re trying to mold and develop kids. That’s the thing I’ll take away.”

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KYLE FIRE

Growth pushes fire dept. to buy $800K truck.

– Page 1C

Hays Free Press • January 31, 2018

Page 3B

HCISD explores District of Innovation designation

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Hays CISD officials are currently exploring a designation that could potentially give the district more flexibility when it comes to certain state mandates.

While discussion on becoming a District of Innovation (DOI) is in its infancy, Hays CISD aims to become the second Hays County district to earn that title.

“We are in the very early stages of this, but we have moved from it being just an idea to actually looking at what it will take to become a district of innovation,” Tim Savoy, Hays CISD public information officer said.

Since the passage of HB 1842 in 2015, which allowed for the creation

The District of Innovation (DOI) designation allows districts to modify state requirements at a local level by allowing them exemption from certain sections of the Texas Education Code (TEC), such as educator certification, the first and last day of school, class size and more.

of the DOI designation, many districts have reorganized in hopes of increasing learning with flexibility to fulfill state standards.

Dripping Springs Independent School District (DSISD) became a District of Innovation in the 20162017.

Hays CISD took a closer look at what it would take to become a DOI earlier this month with the hiring of its new Superintendent Eric Wright, who had helped his previous school district, Freder-

icksburg ISD, achieve the designation.

According to the Texas Education Agency website, districts are eligible to become DOI “if certain performance requirements are met and the district follows certain procedures for adoption.”

The District of Innovation (DOI) designation allows districts to modify state requirements at a local level by allowing them exemption from certain sections of the Texas Education Code (TEC), such as educator

certification, the first and last day of school, class size and more.

According to the TEA website, districts that receive the designation are only able to claim the exemptions allowed by state law. Exemptions do not cover district governance, curriculum, state assessment and accountability and other requirements.

And although the TEA does not have the authority to approve or reject district-made plans, “the Agency retains the authority to engage in

investigative, intervention and enforcement activities if the district is not in compliance with legal requirements.”

Dale Whitaker, Dripping Springs ISD executive director of communications, said the process begins with a resolution by the school board of trustees to become a DOI. From there, a public hearing before an Innovation Plan Committee can be created to draft a formal Innovation Plan.

“It took several months to go through those

steps,” Whitaker said.

Whitaker referred to the DSISD Innovation Plan for the 2016-17 school year identifying the exemptions the district may enforce.

Some of the changes included starting school earlier in August, changing the 90 percent attendance rule and amending requirements for teacher certifications.

Whitaker said DSISD has already implemented a teacher appraisal system internally and that the beginning of the semester is scheduled to start on August 21, 2018 instead of the traditional fourth Monday in August..

DSISD Superintendant Bruce Gearing said the designation “did not

DISTRICT OF INNOVATION, 4B

Hays CISD executive leader retires at the end of the year STAFF REPORT

PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Lobo freshman Hayden Lugo guides his swine through the ringer at the 2018 livestock show.

Lugo’s swine takes the prize

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

was the official sign that a decision was made.

Lehman High freshThe crowd erupted with man Hayden Lugo is no cheer as Coal was chosen stranger to the comas the winner. petitive world of raising “It’s been a long time swine. coming and I’m so happy Lugo, who has been we won,” Lugo said. “I competing since he knew from the moment I was in the third grade, chose him that he was a raises Duroc, a red haired champion.” swine that has won him Coal, a dark-haired the Hays County Youth pig, was the crossbreed Livestock Show Market champion earlier in the Swine championship in morning, advancing him 2016 and to a spot in 2017. This grand Judge Willie the year, Lugo championopted to against Kirkpatrick ship compete other with a crosscompetitors walked up breed swine. across four Lugo’s to Coal and different hard work swine divislapped the sions. paid off Jan. 25 when he The pig on his claimed the grand Livestock back; it was championShow’s Marship had a ket Swine variety of the offi cial championpigs from ship for a different sign that third straight breeds, a decision year. color and His crossThe was made. sizes. breed swine, diversity Coal, was made the The crowd exactly what competition judge Willie even more erupted Kirkpatrick stringent was lookfor Lugo with cheer ing for. Coal and Coal. as Coal was is a stocky, The muscular road to the the winner. champion241-pound pig that ship was a swept the competition. patient one. Lugo spent Lugo and Coal confievery afternoon feeding, dently walked the stage walking and cleaning as more than a hundred Coal’s pen for months spectators carefully before it hit the competiobserved the pigs. Kirktion stage. patrick was close to the Part of the process is ground, judging the pigs’ keeping the pig healthy, every move. fed and active, Lugo said.

Kirkpatrick walked The process is meticuup to Coal and slapped lous and time consumthe pig on his back; it ing.

“We decided not to compete in previous competitions earlier in the year,” said Lexi Lugo, Hayden’s mother. “There is always a possibility these animals can get sick when they’re exposed to other pigs, and we didn’t want to take that chance.”

Lugo and Coal look to continue their winning streak in San Antonio when they compete at the San Antonio Livestock Show on Feb. 17.

Every pig judge is different, and some judges will look at how wide or muscular the animal is, Lugo said. Coal is a stout pig and judge Kirkpatrick called him “the beast”

out on the competition floor.

“He has the whole package,” Lugo said.

“He’s a perfect, square, muscular pig. We did everything right from walking, feeding, brushing and cleaning him.

The process is long, but the wait was worth it.”

When Lugo started raising Coal, he was eight weeks old and around 40 pounds. At a competition weight of 241, Coal gained around 200 pounds since September.

“I’m so proud of my son and all the work he has done this year,” Lexi Lugo said. “The work isn’t done. Next, we have San Antonio.”

doubled to nearly 20,000.

Among Scherff’s chief A longtime Hays CISD duties was managing executive leader whose growth, both in terms of career spans 30-plus staffing enough teachyears announced his ers and coordinating retirement earlier this bond and construction month. efforts to make Carter Scherff, sure students had who is the disenough space. trict’s deputy suBetween 2003 perintendent and and 2018, Scherff chief operations oversaw the officer (COO), construction of announced his 12 Hays CISD retirement at the campuses, the Jan. 19 board of purchase of new SCHERFF trustees meeting. land for future Scherff, who schools sites, the according to a press reexpansion of the bus lease is one of the longest fleet to transport more serving executive leaders than 12,000 students. in the district, served The district also Hays CISD for roughly 15 experienced numerous years. Scherff officially technological improveretired Jan. 31. ments, repairs and “This has been the renovations at all cambest 15 years of my life. I puses, the expansion of love this district. This dis- some campuses, and the trict has been centered construction of support on children and doing facilities during Scherff’s the right things for kids. It tenure. was that way when I got Under his leadership here and will be that way and responsible fiscal when I leave. It is a privistewardship, Hays CISD lege to have worked here voters approved $529 for that many years,” said million in bond meaScherff. “I have strongly sures between 2004 and enjoyed all of the support 2017. the board and the super“It is evident how intendents who I have important Carter Scherff worked for have given has been to the success me and the trust that the of this district, even to public has put in us to do someone like me who is the right thing.” new in the community,” Scherff joined the said Superintendent Dr. Hays CISD team in Eric Wright. “Hays CISD February 2003, as the inhas a healthy fund balterim director of finance. ance, a bond debt and Within months, he was repayment structure that tapped to be the interim is fiscally solid, facilities assistant superintendent that are amazingly well for business and operamaintained, land in the tions. Before the end of portfolio that can accomthe year, the district hired modate our near-future him to serve permanent- needs, and positive ly in that senior role. In relationships with our 2009, Scherff was named city and county partners. deputy superintendent.

We owe this, and much He added the title of more, to Mr. Scherff.” chief operations officer Prior to joining Hays in 2016, according to the CISD, Scherff was the release. assistant superinten“Carter’s tenure as a dent for administrative senior member of the ex- services for Wichita Falls ecutive leadership team ISD, associate superspans almost a third intendent for business of the district’s entire and support services for 50 year history, includWaco ISD, and director of ing the time in which internal audit for Austin we have experienced a ISD. He also performed tremendous increase in external audits for seven the number of students Texas school districts anwe serve,” School Board nually as audit manager President Merideth for a regional CPA firm in Keller said. “Carter will central Texas. be missed by many who Scherff holds a bachare grateful for his comelor’s and a master’s mitment to and passion degree in business adfor our students and our ministration, both from community.”

Midwestern State UniWhen Scherff joined versity in Wichita Falls, the district, it had 9,005 Texas. He is also a Certistudents. fied Public Accountant During his time with (CPA), a Certified Fraud the district, the student Examiner, and a Certified population more than Internal Auditor.

Education

Page 4B

HCISD students check out Careers on Wheels

BE THE CHANGE GET FIT l MAKE FRIENDS l VOLUNTEER SPEND MORE FAMILY TIME l GIVE BACK

Hays CISD 8thgraders were introduced to a variety of careers in the county as the district hosted its annual Career on Wheels Day at the Performing Arts Center. Sponsored by the HCISD Career and Tech Education Department, the event annually brings career professionals together from all over the community for the purpose of informing 8th-graders of the kinds of real-world careers that await them. Roughly 50 vendors attended the event, including the Kyle Police Department, the city of Kyle Public Works, the Kyle Fire Department and many more.

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District of Innovation Continued from pg. 3B

necessarily lead to sweeping changes” in the district but allows them more flexibility in areas like teacher appraisals, teacher certifications and start of school dates.

“The result of the strategic plan will be students who are inspired and equipped to be lifelong learners and positive contributors to the world,” Gearing said.

Savoy said Hays CISD has been interested in the concept of becoming a DOI since its inception.

The district plans to possibly take more formal steps toward becoming a

Hays Free Press • January 31, 2018

DOI late this semester or in the fall.

Savoy said it’s still very early in the process that would include collaboration with parents, teachers and the community to come up with an Innovation Plan that fits the learning goals for Hays CISD students.

Savoy said there has been interest in starting school earlier than the fourth Monday of August and improving academic performance. Savoy said it could offer a chance to balance the semesters more evenly.

“The challenges of

developing the plan (Innovation Plan) would be making sure everyone understands what it mean to be a district of innovation and being able to focus efforts on solving the problems we want to address,” Savoy said.

Savoy said parents and residents can expect to be able to share their opinions about what they think should be included in the innovation plan during public hearings.

Residents and stakeholders will have a chance to view the final plan on the districts website before it is adopted.

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Section C

Community

PROTESTS

Driftwood wedding venue raises ire with residents.

– Page 1D

Hays Free Press

HaysFreePress.com

January 31, 2018 • Page 1C

Ten garden activities to do in February Ask Chris

by Chris Winslow

F PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Students who live within two miles of Lehman and Hays high, Wallace and Barton middle mchools and Fuentes Elementary and don’t have a safe passage to school will have new crossing guards added as a safety measure.

Walk it out

Hays CISD hires crossing guards to mitigate bus service loss

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Seven new crossing guards have been hired

by Hays CISD to assist students from five campuses who no longer receive bus services and must walk to school.

Those hires, who were added in November, come as a result of the district adhering to a section of the Texas Education Code on Transportation Allotment, which determines funding for transportation in Texas public schools.

If a student lives within two miles of a campus, but the route is considered hazardous to a student’s safety, the state will provide funded transportation for those students. If a student lives within two miles of a campus, but the route is not considered hazardous, funding is not included in the transportation allotment.

Per state law, a hazardous condition exists where no walkway is provided and children must walk along, or cross, a

freeway or expressway, an underpass, an overpass or a bridge, an uncontrolled major traffic artery, an industrial or commercial area, or another comparable condition.

Students affected by the change are those who live within two miles of Lehman and Hays high schools, Wallace and Barton middle schools and Fuentes Elementary.

The district has added the new crossing guards as a safety measure for students.

“Since these new

areas are not considered hazardous anymore, we don’t have state funding to get these kids to schools,” said Tim Savoy, public information officer for HCISD. “This funding would have to come from within the district’s budget but that money would have to come from another program or out of the classroom.”

Fuentes Elementary, one of the five campuses affected by the new rule, has new sidewalks along Philomena Road, deeming, by the state

law, to be safe passage for students to walk to school. Routes typically in newer neighborhoods will have hazardous status in the beginning of their development.

“We need to inform our parents that just because you have hazardous status, doesn’t mean it will stay forever – it is not a guaranteed service,” Savoy said.

“It doesn’t mean it isn’t frustrating and upsetting to parents. We get that.

CROSSING GUARD, 4C

Growth prompts Kyle Fire Dept. to buy $800,000 ladder truck

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Increased growth has prompted the Kyle Fire Department to purchase its first ladder truck for $800,000, which Fire Chief Kyle Taylor said would be a “helpful resource” for the growing community.

The new ladder truck is being paid for with a seven-year note using ad valorem taxes to cover the expense.

Taylor said the brand new ladder truck is still in Wisconsin; KFD staff plans on traveling to Wisconsin Feb. 11 to complete the final inspection. Taylor said he expects the ladder truck to arrive in Kyle around March 1.

Taylor said the reason behind the purchase of the new truck was attributed mainly to rapid growth, which he “doesn’t see it slowing down anytime soon.” According to new population estimates, Kyle has more than 43,000 people.

Taylor said there are more apartments and multi-level structures in Kyle, which makes the need for a ladder truck apparent. However, Taylor said the new truck would also be helpful in swift water rescues and as a pumper truck.

“We have a history

PHOTO BY SIDDONS MARTIN

Kyle’s new ladder truck is still in Wisconsin. Kyle Fire Department staff will travel there Feb. 11 to complete the final inspection.

The truck is being paid for with a seven-year note using ad valorem taxes.

of seeing small fires in multi-story buildings, but you never know when something is going to happen,” Taylor said.

Taylor said the new ladder truck would replace one of the department’s existing pumper trucks and would reside

at the downtown fire station.

Taylor said there wouldn’t be a need for additional personnel to man the new ladder truck. Taylor said the department doesn’t anticipate purchasing a second ladder truck for

some time.

“On the east side of town we don’t have a lot of hydrants and the ladder truck doesn’t hold a lot of water so right now we only need the one ladder truck,” Taylor said.

Kyle joins the Buda

Fire Department in adding a ladder truck to its fleet. Emergency Service District No. 8, or Buda Fire, rolled out its $500,000 ladder truck in 2017.

San Marcos Fire Department has three ladder trucks in its fleet.

ebruary is one of the most exciting gardening months of the year.

The days are getting longer, and the last average freeze and frost dates are approaching. Also the days are cooler and it’s more comfortable to work outside.

Clean up the landscape. Cut back perennials and apply a mulch-compost blend. Add green sand and sulfur to plants soil to be a little more on the acidic side.

Check leaves for signs of iron deficiency.

Light green leaves with darker veins indicate a lack of iron.

Green sand and sulfur will help to cure this deficiency.

Plant fruit trees.

Peaches, pears, persimmons, plums, apricots, pomegranates, and apples do well in this area. For those with limited space, or with an appetite for novelty, try a ‘four-in-one’ grafted apple or pear. They have four different varieties grafted on the same tree. For those without a yard, you might try a dwarf peach. They’re easy to grow in a pot or whisky barrel.

Plant vegetables in kitchen garden. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, pod peas (sugar snaps), Swiss chard, carrots, lettuce, and asparagus crowns.

Also onions, such as the white Texas Supersweet called Contessa.

Plant winter hardy herbs. Thyme, oregano, Italian and curled parsley, rosemary, winter and summer savory, garden sage, and chives. Herbs like to have at least a half a day’s sun in a welldrained location.

Plant flowers in the garden. Calendula, pansies, stock, cyclamen, violas, dianthus, bluebonnets, nasturtium, flowering cabbage and kale, and larkspur. For a great show, plant snapdragons now for April and May color.

Plant a rose.

Besides some good old standbys like the peace rose, Mr. Lincoln, climbing Don Juan, and Blasé, there are some interesting newcomers to look for, such as the Knock Out series, Home Run and Belinda’s Dream.

But let’s not forget our charming antique roses as well. Antiques are disease resistant, hardy, and can shower our landscapes with very beautiful, showy flowers.

Prune your roses. A mid-month activity. A word of caution: make sure you know what kind of rose you have

ASK CHRIS, 2C

COMMUNITY

Page 2C

Hays Free Press • January 31, 2018

OBITUARIES DAVID Eileen Anna David, nee Schultze, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2018, in Buda, Texas.

She was born to Elsie Fischer Schultze and Eugene Schultze, Sr. on February 2, 1926, in New Braunfels Texas. She was the second of four children. She was raised in San Antonio and made her home there until after her husband’s death in 2001. She moved to New Braunfels shortly after and then to Buda to be close to her daughter and her family. The final six months she was well taken care of by the loving staff at Sodalis Memory Care in Buda.

Eileen met her loving husband of 52 years, Brian David, at the Turner Bowling Club in San Antonio of which they were lifelong members. They married on December 23, 1949, at Alamo Heights Fire Department.

The Fire Department was very important to Eileen and Brian. She enjoyed serving on the Woman’s Axillary Club working charity and fundraising events for the fire department. Eileen was a woman of faith. She was a devoted member of Christ Lutheran Church in Alamo Heights. She served obediently on the Alter Guild and enjoyed making hand-sewn quilts with the quilters of Christ Lutheran.

She proudly worked as a supervisor of accounting for the U.S. Army-Air Force Exchange Service at Fort Sam Houston Army Base for 36 years.

Besides her faith, her family was her lifeline.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, greatgrandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She adored her family!

Eileen loved to have fun and had such a quick wit.

She loved to laugh and had no problem laughing at herself. She was truly the “life of the party”. She loved to cook and was great at it. No one left the house hungry! She also enjoyed her white wine!

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Brian, sisters: Corinne Judmaier and Marjorie Schultze and her beloved niece Janice Sue Judmaier and nephew David Schultze. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Dede and Casey Pinckard, grandchildren: Brianna, Brooks, and Brayden Pinckard and great-grandson Weston Pinckard and her older brother Gene Schultze. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends that were very dear to her heart.

Eileen’s service wasJanuary 26 at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle, Texas.

Pallbearers are grandson Brooks Pinckard, nephews: Leslie Schultze, Wayne Schultze, Gary Schultze, Dan Proctor and Kyle Hodges, special friends David Dahse, Maggie Salas and Trenton White.

Memorials can be made out to Christ Lutheran Church in Alamo Heights or the charity of your choice. Please visit www.

Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Eileen’s family on her online memorial site. Funeral assistance provided

by Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle

FAJKUS Early Monday morning, January 29, 2018, Al Fajkus age 90, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family and entered the presence of the Lord.

Born in Flatonia, Texas on July 23, 1927, to Louis and Julia (Nickel) Fajkus.

He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in France and Germany as a Staff Sergeant. There he used his

command of four languages to interpret for Polish Guards and top brass as well as serve as a guard for German prisoners of war.

On December 29, 1965 Al married Lanell Griffin in San Marcos, Texas. Together they raised their children through life’s abundant challenges. Al was an avid hunter and fisherman. If Al wasn’t hunting, you would find him working. He was the job superintendent for Pfeuffer Construction, retiring at 65. He soon became restless at home so purchased his own maintainer and began his own business. He built flood control dams all around the state. He also built pads for most of the Sac-N-Pac stores as well as built terraces for many farmers in the area. He continued to work until he was 87. He loved being outside and would rather spend every minute outdoors than in a house.

Al will be remembered as the most honest, caring and truly loving person anybody ever met. He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Lanell Fajkus, his daughter Connie Cox and her husband John; his son Chuck Fajkus and his wife Shirley (Shuler) as well as eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his step-son Gary Douglas, his parents, four brothers and two sisters. Al was proud of his family and cherished his friendships.

Join us in celebrating Al’s remarkable life on Thursday, February 1, 2018, beginning with a visitation from 9-10 a.m., immediately followed with services at 10 a.m. at Harrell Funeral Home 1715 Kirby, Kyle, Texas. Cremation will follow.

Please visit www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Al’s family on his online memorial site.

Funeral assistance provided by Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle.

daughters and one greatgrand-daughter. Of David, she has two grandchildren.

Of Susan, she has three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Of Gary, she has four grandchildren. Norma had four brothers: Red, Harold, William, and David. All served in the military. She had one sister, Mary. The only surviving sibling is William.

Of Norma’s siblings, there are numerous nephews, nieces, and descendants.

Norma lost no opportunity to bring her family together for cards, dominoes, and going to movies.

She loved her family and will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to thank Norma’s kind neighbors, who helped her keep house in Kyle, Texas. Norma’s ashes will be interred

with Ewen’s, in Pendleton, Oregon. Services will be at Warren Baptist Church, Warren, Oregon in May.

MCCLANE To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die… Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 Floyd Rex McLane, 80, of Kyle, was born in San Antonio, TX on August 12, 1937 to Frank G McLane and Florine (Dye) McLane.

He died on January 22, 2018 following exacerbation of his long-term health problems.

Survivors include his

wife, Carolyn, daughter Kimberly McLane Oliver (Larry), children from his blended families Rachel Stone, Alan (Jeff) Stone (Carol), Brett Stone (Katy), and Vickie Buelow. He leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, as well as a sister Elizabeth (Mack) Kirk (David), nephew Robert Kirk and special aunt Nelwyn Dye Crowder.

Rex loved to travel, play golf, swim, dance, and listen to smooth music while sipping scotch or a good brandy. He tinkered in his garage and spent time watching people go about their everyday lives, especially children at play. He enjoyed a good movie and dining out afterward with a variety of cuisine choices, but he also loved to cook

for others, sometimes presenting dishes he called “gobblygoop” that never were turned down. He was lucky at roulette, happy for even a small return from the lottery, and enjoyed solving Sudoku puzzles.

The Dallas Cowboys and the UT Longhorns kept him frustrated but hopeful through the years. He relished long drives on country roads to view scenes from a simpler time, absorb the warmth of the sun & watch the changing cloud formations. Always an avid beachcomber in search of simple treasures, he left footprints in the sands of beaches around the world.

Godspeed, Rex. Enjoy your new adventure!

No services are planned at the time of this notice.

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GARNER Norma Lee Garner, born September 27, 1927, in Stella, Nebraska, passed away at 90 years of age on January 15, 2018 at Seton Medical Center. Norma and her siblings grew up during the depression. They moved to Pendleton, Oregon in August 1940. During High School, she worked at Pendleton Woolen Mill.

She married Ewen in 1946.

They were together sixty-six years, when Ewen passed away in 2013. They were stationed with the Air Force in many places, including Japan, Okinawa, Canada, and most of Western U.S. In mid 1970s, Norma was a cub scout den mother, twice. In mid 1980s, she was with Eagles Ladies Auxiliary in Lewiston, Idaho., with a competitive marching group. They traveled to competitions throughout the Northwest.

As an officer, she helped recruit new members.

By late 1980s, Ewen retired, so they bought a fifth-wheel trailer and traveled throughout the country. A patriot, Norma appreciated her blessings and was especially interested in our history. Several times, she lit cannons during army post reenactments. Norma, Ewen, and daughter Sue met President Carter in Georgia. They were inspired by Pikes Peak, the Royal Gorge, and the Grand Canyon. Norma participated with bowling leagues, the VFW, camping, shooting skeet, fishing, and playing lawn darts at her home in Clarkston, Washington.

Norma and Ewen had one daughter, Susan, and four sons, Stephen, Ronald, David and Gary, all of whom served in the military. Stephen passed away in 1986. Of Stephen, she has two grandsons and two great-grandchildren. Of Ronald, she has two grand-

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Hays Free Press • January 31, 2018

COMMUNITY

Page 3C

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ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

EPISCOPAL

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda

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

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

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

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

Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

2325 FM 967 • 312-0701

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

Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle

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

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

The Well Buda

Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda

METHODIST

Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle

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

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

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

Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

CHRISTIAN

Journey United Methodist 310 San Antonio Dr., Buda

Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770 Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

(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.

nuel Baptist Church a m Im FIRST SUNDAYS: Contemporary Worship at 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Bible Study for all ages, 9:45 a.m. Worship Service, 10:55 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Bible Study, 7 p.m.

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

God with us

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

Good Shepherd Ministries FM 967, Buda

CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

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

Buda United Methodist Church Elm Street & San Marcos

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

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

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

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

Santa Cruz Catholic Church

1100 Main Street • Buda, Texas 78610 Office: 512-312-2520 • Fax: 512-295-2034 • santacruzcc.org Rev. David Leibham, Pastor • Rev. Amado Ramos, Assoc. Pastor CONFESSION Saturdays: 4 p.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)

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

FM 2770, Buda, Texas 295-4801

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda

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

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

Texas Crossword, from page 2C

CENTEX MATERIALS LLC

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

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

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda

Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.

Log onto www.HaysFreePress.com

Texas Crossword Solution

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

LUTHERAN

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

Veterinary Clinic

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 2C

TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP

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

Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626

Rosebrock

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

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

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

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

by Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson

Sudoku Solution

Come worship with us

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle

McDonald’s of Buda

cloth as his superior, he kept his head. Cook escaped the ambush unscathed and reported back to Hughes, who led the subsequent attack.

“We ran our horses almost to the top of the mountain,” he wrote in his official account of the skirmish, “when the fight was so hot that we dismounted. We drove them off the mountaintop to the side where two of them were killed.”

In the historic 1900 reorganization of the Rangers, the famous Frontier Battalion was replaced by four companies of 20 troopers each.

The quartet of legendary captains put in charge of the new units featured, of course, the highly regarded Hughes.

Forced into retirement 15 years later by a gubernatorial purge, the frugal Ranger did not have to worry where his next meal was coming from.

Pure Texas Spring Water!

Privately owned From local springs

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

Call 1-866-691-2369

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

Hays Hills

 

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

Baptist Church

Sunday

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

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

Wednesday 

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

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626

First Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

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



Bible Class Worship Worship Bible Class

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



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

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

Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m.

Worship: 11:00 a.m.

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

FM

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

an expert tracker leading the way, the posse started their mountain manhunt.

“Nerve without judgment is dangerous and has no place in the Ranger service” was Hughes’ motto. More than a slogan used to weed out reckless applicants, the saying was literally the words he lived by.

Miles from their lofty objective, Hughes instructed his men to remove their badges and to disguise themselves as ordinary cowboys to avoid detection. Accompanied by real ranch hands, Cook rode ahead for a closer look.

The Ranger and his civilian companions wandered into a canyon and the waiting rifles of two bandit sentries. The cowpunchers instantly lost interest in playing lawman and fled the scene leaving Cook to his fate.

Cut from the same

Until John Reynolds Hughes, depressed and in failing health, took his own life in 1947 at the age of 92, he was the greatly admired real-life symbol of that rugged breed who tamed the Lone Star frontier.

Need a speaker with a Texas twist? There’s none better than Bartee Haile! Contact him at barteehaile.com for more information.

162

for, but eventually agreed to enlist. He pinned on the ringed star, unpretentious symbol of the Lone Star guardians, on Aug. 10, 1887.

Assigned to Company D of the Frontier Battalion, Private Hughes primarily patrolled the lawless no-man’s-land along the border with Mexico. He relished the exciting challenge of the life-or-death existence and decided to make the Rangers his career.

In September 1888, not long after his promotion to captain, Hughes received a tip about an imminent train robbery.

According to the source, a gang of notorious outlaws was plotting the crime at their stronghold high in the Davis Mountains.

Always ready to move at a moment’s notice, Hughes and two subordinates -- Thalis T. Cook and R.E. Bryant -- boarded a train at El Paso with three horses and a pack mule. The next morning in Alpine, they met up with the Presidio County deputy sheriff and a group of volunteers. With

From his earliest days as an underpaid private, Hughes had regularly invested a large chunk of his modest income. As a result, he was able to say with obvious satisfaction, “Jim Ferguson turned me out to starve, but I didn’t starve.”

The fact that Hughes’ 27 years of continuous service was the longest in the history of the Texas Rangers testified to the rapid turnover in the khaki ranks. Many perished in the line of duty, while others opted for less hazardous employment.

Hughes’ twilight years were active and exceptionally prosperous.

When not tending to his business holdings, such as the controlling interest in an Austin bank, the well-to-do bachelor did as he pleased taking frequent automobile trips and prospecting for fun and occasional profit.

The old Ranger also became quite the celebrity, especially after he inspired the Zane Grey western novel The Lone Star Ranger, a couple of biographies and a prominent part in W.W. Sterling’s Trails and Trials of a Texas Ranger. He also received the first Certificate of Valor, a national commendation for bravery awarded annually to peace officers.

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by Bartee Haile

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

BUDA

During Capt. John Hughes’ six years among the Choctaw, Osage and Comanche, he suffered a wound that partially paralyzed his right arm. He compensated for the disability by learning how to shoot with his left hand.

Texas History

IH-35

fter almost three decades of frontier crime fighting, Capt. John Reynolds Hughes retired from the Texas Rangers on Jan. 31, 1915.

As a headstrong youth of 14, Hughes ran away from his Kansas home in 1869 and finished growing up in the Indian Territory. During his six years among the Choctaw, Osage and Comanche, he suffered a wound that partially paralyzed his right arm. He compensated for the disability by learning how to shoot with his left hand.

Hughes herded cattle on the Chisholm Trail until he saved enough for the down payment on a small spread outside Austin. In the summer of 1885, he took off after a gang of rustlers that had been stealing horses from ranches in the area, including his own. Catching up with the crooks in New Mexico, he singlehandedly slew several of the surprised thieves and handed the survivors over to the nearest sheriff.

When word of the daring deed reached Texas Ranger headquarters, a recruiter was sent to sign up the remarkable rancher. At first Hughes declined the invitation countless Texans would have given their eye teeth

Toll

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

BEST BETS

Page 4C

COMMUNITY

Hays Free Press • January 31, 2018

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

Kyle Garden Club

The Kyle Garden Club will meet on Friday Feb. 2, 2018 at 12:30 pm at The Historic Kyle City Hall.

The program is ‘Earth Kind’ by Hays County Master Gardener, Marilyn Love. The public is invited.

ENTERTAINMENT

3200 Kyle Crossing (512) 523 9012

Hays County Master Gardeners

Experience it in

EVX

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

The Merriman Cabin will host a free and open house Feb. 2 and 3, 12-3 p.m. at the corner of C.M. Allen Parkway and East Hopkins Street in San Marcos. Docents will be giving a special presentation on how herbs were used in pioneer times.

THE

Master Gardener Marilyn Love will present an overview of the Hays County Master Gardeners Association at the Kyle Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11:30 a.m.

She is making this presentation in advance of the upcoming spring HCMG class which starts on Friday, Feb. 23. Anyone interested in learning more about Master Gardener training is cordially invited Marilyn’s upcoming talk.

Merriman Cabin Demonstration

ENHANCED VIEWING EXPERIENCE

SPOT

1180 Thorpe Lane (512) 210 8600

Hill Country Jazz Festival

Cinema Eatery & Social Haus

$5 Tuesday Frenzy

From big bands and combos to individual instrumentalists, the Hill Country Jazz Festival will feature some of the best performers west of the Mississippi River Feb. 9 and 10 at the Performing Arts Center at Texas State University, 601 University Dr. in San Marcos. A very special portion of the festival will be a celebration of Eddie Durham.

Durham, a Texas jazz legend and San Marcos native, was a renowned guitarist who pioneered the use of electric guitar in jazz music.

1250 WONDER WORLD DR.

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

Ask Chris

Continued from pg. 1C gluten. This is an effective organic pre- emergent that will not poison waterways and aquifers.

If you spread it over the lawn, it will control those spring and summer weeds before they have a chance to germinate. You can safely use it in the garden or in flowerbeds.

Maintain garden tools.

Repair and maintain garden tools. Change the oil on the lawnmower, and have the blades sharpened.

Garden plan. Put something down in a book, a diary, or even on a scrap of paper that

you tape to the wall. This will help you plan your weekend activities and get your plants in the ground at the correct time of the year.

Wouldn’t you know it?

February is the shortest month with so much to do! Happy gardening everyone!

If you have a question for Chris Winslow, send it to him via email: iathyme@yahoo.com. Please put ‘Ask Chris Winslow’ in the subject line.) Or mail your question to: Ask Chris Winslow. It’s About Thyme: 11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748

School buses and crossing guards are funded by the school district and not the city.

According to the district’s transportation webpage, each year the Hays CISD Board of Trustees determines which routes in Hays CISD qualify as hazardous using the criteria in state law.

“A lot of people will move into a home and they’ll have bus service and that’s what’s expected,” Savoy said. “In reality, if that neighborhood is within two miles of the school that student is temporary from the start until sidewalks or safe walkways are put in to alleviate that hazardous status.”

Barba said funding for

sidewalks and walkways can an issue, but he hopes a sidewalk master plan will be in the works in the city’s future. Barba said the Kyle City Council could look to “find a way to connect schools and bring better walkability for students.”

“Once you depart from state funding there are so many areas within two miles where residents would want locally funded transportation for students,” Savoy said. “It would break the bank on the district and it would cut deeply in the education services we would provide. It would defeat the purpose of having educational programs if funding went straight to getting kids to and from school.”

171

Kohlers Crossing

Continued from pg. 1C

With how the state law is written, it doesn’t leave the district that much choice.”

Developers in neighborhoods are responsible for building sidewalks, and typically the developer will hire a contractor for that service, said Leon Barba, Kyle city engineer. If the city sees that no sidewalks are being built, the city will urge the developer to build them.

As the city expands so will its responsibility for growth in infrastructure, Savoy said. Development for these projects takes time. While the district is not responsible for construction of sidewalks, if the city constructs new sidewalks, it can change the hazardous status.

Everett

967 Wiley Way

Crossing Guards

in your neighborhood Buda Sportsplex Dr

before you begin to cut them back. Most shrub roses bloom on new wood, so a pruning will help to force new growth and blooms. Climbing roses bloom on old wood, so this means a pruning back of climbers will remove all the flowers before they have a chance to bloom. Please give me a call if you have any questions about this.

I have some weighty rose books that have most of the answers.

Control lawn weeds.

Spread a pre-emergent weed killer over the yard and water it in.

We recommend corn

1626

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Comprehensive Allergy Testing Allergy Shots & Drops

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Ear Tube Placement Tonsil & Adenoid Surgery Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery

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Endoscopic Sinus Surgery In-office Balloon Sinuplasty

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TWO LOCATIONS IN YOUR AREA

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Section D

Business

HaysFreePress.com

Hays Free Press

January 31, 2018 • Page 1D

Time for tax refunds What’s your plan for 2018?

Financial Focus

contributed by Jon Albright, CFP®

Y PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

A handfull of people crowd into Dripping Springs City Hall with protest signs in opposition to a proposed wedding venue in Driftwood.

Controversial Dripping Springs wedding venue moves forward

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

A 5-1 recommendation to approve a controversial Driftwood wedding venue was handed down by the Dripping Springs Planning and Zoning Commission Jan. 23, but not without protest.

More than 100 people packed into Dripping Springs City Hall for a public hearing on the site development permit, with many voicing opposition to the Mark Black Wedding venue, located on a 64 acre plot of land that can hold a capacity of 600 people in a residential area.

Commissioner Erich Oswald cast the lone dissenting vote on the proposed project. The Dripping Springs City Council will determine the fate of the permit on Feb. 13.

Mark and Michael Black, who applied for the permit, attended the meeting, along with representatives from the project’s architecture and development groups.

The site of the Mark Black Wedding Venue is located in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), which made the process more difficult.

Black said Tuesday because the permit was approved as-is, his team didn’t anticipate making any architectural changes to the venue.

On Jan. 23, the NewsDispatch reported Black as having a few clients already lined up for the venue, and none of them having a guest list that would be beyond 200 people. The 600-person guest list is a maximum number of potential people, and most weddings do not reach that capacity, Black said.

Black said he and State Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) are planning to talk with county officials for ways of alleviating some of the community’s concern, the News-Dispatch reported.

The site of the Mark Black Wedding Venue is located in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction

(ETJ), which made the process more difficult.

One of the main concerns from the surrounding communities was the lack of infrastructure in and out of the venue area. The venue will be located on West Concord Circle, which connects to Crystal Hill Drive, and has one main road in and out.

Since Crystal Hills Drive is in the ETJ, P&Z has no power over the potential renovations or expansion of the road.

Any decisions on roads would have to come from county officials.

Despite community concern about the road and potential hazards, North Hays County Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Scott Collard reviewed and approved the plans and standards for the site.

Carlos Torres-Verdin,

president of the Friendship Alliance, a nonprofit homeowners association representing the affected neighborhoods around the venue’s site, outlined potential risks involved with the development in a presentation to P&Z. One issue extended to the number of vehicles on Crystal Hill Drive.

In the case of an emergency evacuation, it could take more than an hour for venue attendees to evacuate the property, according to presentation slides.

Cristian Granucci, a current Los Angeles, California, Fire Captain who resides in Driftwood, cited the potential fire hazards on Crystal Hill, which he said is surrounded by a dense fuel bed of cedar and other flammable vegetation.

“I know we’re in the ETJ, but someone has to

throw us a bone here,” Granucci said. “Fireworks, sky lanterns and cigarettes are all pose inherent risks to the safety of our community.”

The News-Dispatch reported Black added two, 40,000-gallon water tanks that will be available for emergency services for not only the venue, but also the surrounding area.

Oswald noted the amount of deliberation and controversy from the community was substantial enough to cast a dissenting vote.

Commissioner Michael Lavengco said the committee needs to make the community aware that there are certain restrictions P&Z has in respect to the ETJ. “I am disappointed with the committee’s decision tonight,” TorresVerdin said. “When you have as much scientific data and analysis as we did, it’s extremely difficult to come to terms with the decision. This isn’t over. We still have council and we will continue to push on.”

Yes to success?

Kyle attempts to improve communication with boards, commissions

BY SAMANTHA SMITH An effort to “get everyone on the same page” was the basis of a four-hour Jan. 23 joint meeting between the Kyle City Council and the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission.

Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell said one of the reasons behind the meeting was to discuss with newly appointed or elected officials the roles of their positions and “establish a good working relationship.”

Discussion extended to duties and responsibilities of the P&Z, a lesson in the variety of development agreements and a discussion of

So what are Kyle’s core values?

K – Knowledge Y – Yes attitude L – Leading edge E – Employee accountability the core values of Kyle, which was expressed as the acronym K.Y.L.E. Sellers focused on knowledge, which centers on city staff or elected officials knowing their jobs well.

“We want to make sure that everyone is aptly prepared to do the job at hand,” Sellers said, asking people to

master their craft and to seek out the appropriate training.

Sellers said applying a “yes attitude” is also a focus as well. Sellers said having a “yes attitude” doesn’t mean “we say yes to everything. It means we try to find a way to say yes.”

“There is most always a way to say yes and

when there isn’t, at least we can say we tried, and that’s the yes attitude,” Sellers said at the Jan. 23 meeting.

In a later interview, Mitchell said oftentimes developers feel locked out by the requirements of cities to develop. The “Yes Attitude” will help P&Z and council work with developers to get to a plan they can say yes to.

“I’m not looking for a reason to say no. I’m looking for a way to say yes,” Mitchell said.

Innovation, brainstorming and thinking outside of the box are what Sellers described as the “Leading Edge” for the city.

Sellers said for Kyle to be on the leading edge, they need to encourage developers to develop needed spaces in the city like office space or other developments.

Employee accountability is also something on which Sellers plans to focus.

“No one is outside the realm of accountability,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said the joint meeting is the first step in the process of open communication with other city boards and commissions in the coming year.

“My goal is to make sure that communication is happening,” Mitchell said.

ou may not get much of a thrill from filing your taxes, but the process becomes much more enjoyable if you're expecting a refund. So, if one is headed your way, what should you do with the money?

The answer depends somewhat on the size of the refund. For the 2017 tax year, the average refund was about $2,760 – not a fortune, but big enough to make an impact in your life.

Suppose, for example, that you invested this amount in a taxdeferred vehicle, such as a traditional IRA, and then did not add another penny to it for 30 years.

At the end of that time, assuming a hypothetical 7 percent annual rate of return, you’d have slightly more than $21,000 – not enough, by itself, to allow you to move to a Caribbean island, but still a nice addition to your retirement income. (You will need to pay taxes on your withdrawals eventually, unless the money was invested in a Roth IRA, in which case withdrawals are taxfree, provided you meet certain conditions.)

Of course, you don’t have to wait 30 years before you see any benefits from your tax refund. If you did decide to put a $2,760 tax refund toward your IRA for 2018, you’d already have reached just over half the allowable contribution limit of $5,500. (If you’re 50 or older, the limit is $6,500.)

By getting such a strong head start on funding your IRA for the year, you’ll give your money more time to grow. Also, if you’re going to “max out” on your IRA, your large initial payment will enable you to put in smaller monthly amounts than you might need to contribute otherwise.

While using your refund to help fund your IRA is a good move, it’s not the only one you can make. Here are a few other possibilities:

PAY DOWN SOME DEBT. At some time or another, most of us probably feel we’re carrying too much debt. If you can use your tax refund to help reduce your monthly debt payments, you’ll improve your cash flow and possibly have more money available to invest for the future.

BUILD AN EMERGENCY FUND. If you needed a new

FINANCIAL FOCUS, 4D

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

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AUCTION Public Online Auctions of seized cars on behalf of U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Treasury, and U.S. Marshals Service. No deposits! No fees! www. appleauctioneeringco.com.

Wichita Falls Real Estate Auction — Online: Feb. 1. Well-located industrial building, ideal for redevelopment, 1110 Burkburnett Rd., Wichita Falls, TX. 32,400± sq. ft. structure on 2.65± acres.

Suggested opening bid: $150,000. 855-755-2300, HilcoRealEstate.com.

Prifogle Farm Auction, 10 a.m., Sat. Feb. 10. 903 FM3024, Swinney Switch, TX (Mathis). View Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sat. morning. 7 Tractors, Dually Tilt Trlr, JD GrainDrill, Spray Rig, Water Trailer, New Screen Doors, 31’Avion RV, 97 F250 HD & more. 10% B.P., John Sisk Auctioneers, Inc., #7425. 361-456-7771, www.siskauction.com.

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FINANCIAL SERVICES Reverse Mortgages: Draw cash from your home & eliminate mortgage payments. FHA insured. In-home service. 28 page catalog. 888-660-3033. All Island Mortgage. www.allislandmortgage.com, NMLS #3740.

EMPLOYMENT Tucker Energy Services hiring in McAlester, OK, for Frac Operators, Mechanics, Engineers and Coiled Tubing, Cased Hole Positions. No calls please!

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Hays Free Press • January 31, 2018

Attention home owners needing ROOFS, SIDING or WINDOWS. To be featured in our before/after 2018 brochure. SAVE HUNDREDS. No money down. Payments *$89/Mo. Senior/Military discounts. *Call for details. 866-668-8681.

EVENTS Saddle up for 18 days of family-friendly fun at the action-packed San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, February 8-25. Visit sarodeo.com for the entertainment lineup and schedule of events.

OIL AND GAS RIGHTS We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation. 806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, Lubbock, TX 79408-1800.

TRUCK DRIVERS Quality Drive-Away Inc., Looking for CDL A or B drivers to deliver new trucks all over the US and Canada. Experience Preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in the last 10 years, Clean MVR. Apply Online at www. qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023.

RECEIVING PAYMENTS Receiving payments from real estate you sold?

Get cash now! Call Steve: 888-870-2243. www.

SteveCashesNotes.com.

SAWMILLS Sawmills from only $4,397.00 – Make & Save Money with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension.

In stock ready to ship! Free info/DVD: www. norwoodsawmills.com. 800-567-0404, Ext.300N.

WANTED Guitar Wanted. Local musician will pay up to $12,500 for pre-1975 Gibson, Fender, Martin and Gretsch guitars. Fender amplifiers also. Call toll free 800-995-1217.

FREON R12 WANTED: Certified Buyer will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 312-2919169; www.refrigerantfinders.com.

Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 251 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.

NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF DAVID FRANCIS SOLLOHUB, DECEASED Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Independent Administration for the Estate of David Francis Sollohub, Deceased, were issued on January 17, 2018, in Cause No. 17-0285-P, pending in the County Court At Law No. 4 of Hays County, Texas, to Amy Renee Ifland.

Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the estate, addressed as follows: Amy Renee Ifland, Independent Administrator Estate of David Francis Sollohub, Deceased c/o Pamela Hailey-Petty, Attorney for Independent Administrator Hailey-Petty Law Firm, PLLC 13785 Research Blvd Suite #125 Austin, Texas 78750 All persons having claims against this estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

DATED Jan. 31, 2018.

Hailey-Petty Law Firm, PLLC Pamela Hailey-Petty, Attorney

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS To All Interested Parties: The City of Buda is currently accepting Request for Proposals, RFP 018-003 for Janitorial Service. The project involves maintaining cleanliness at the new City Hall and Public Safety Buildings. The City of Buda does not anticipate issuing project Change Orders. Prospective bidders must read the Instructions to Bidders, Contract Documents, and Detailed Specifications to be considered for award.

RFP related information and required submission packets can be found at the City of Buda website www. ci.buda.tx.us/137/purchasing Please submit three (4) copies of the proposal [one (1) CD or flash drive and three (3) hard copies, signed in ink in a sealed envelope to: City of Buda Attention: Purchasing Manager RE: RFP 18-003 Janitoral Services 121 Main Street Buda, Texas 78610 The deadline for submission of proposals is 12:00 pm, Friday February 16, 2018.

The City of Buda reserves the right to negotiate with any and all persons or firms submitting proposals, per the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act and the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards.

The City of Buda is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to attain goals for Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u), as amended.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 530.84 acres of property located on the north side of the Yarrington Road and SH-21 intersection. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150.

Tracking number: SUB-870

BUY&SELL STUFF LOCALLY in the

Hays Free Press CLASSIFIEDS

Only $8 for 20 words or less.

Call 512-268-7862

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Hays CISD is Requesting Proposals for RFQ #25011801VL Annual Financial Audit. Proposals will be accepted until 04-17-18 at 2:00 p.m. local time.

Specifications are available in the HCISD Purchasing Office (512-268-2141 ext.

45092) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Proposal responses must be returned to the HCISD Pur-

chasing Office, 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640, by the date and time indicated above.

Late Bids will be returned unopened. The HCISD Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and waive all formalities in the bid process.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 93.61 acres of property located at SH 21, Mustang Ridge, TX 78666. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: SUB-962.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Chapter 59 Texas Property Code. They will conduct a Public Sale to the highest bidder for cash on their premises. This sale is being listed below.

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

Morningstar Storage wishes to avail themselves of the Texas Provision of chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code by conducting a public sale.

Date: 02/12/2018 Time: 10:15 AM Location: Morningstar Storage, 1001 W. Goforth Rd., Buda, TX 78610 Units: Unit 2047 – Lori Ebner – Loveseat Couch, Small Wooden Chest, Board Games Unit 2093 – Sheila Mae Burbage – Mattress, Hope Chest, Furniture, Boxes, Misc. Household Unit 3005 – Danny Ramirez – Luggage, Clothes, China Cabinet, Boxes, Misc.

Household Unit A101 – Blanca Paez – Double Bubble Gum Machine, 2 Pianos, Box & Basket

SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (NÚMERO DEL CASO): RIC 1709542 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): James Broderick Rogers aka James B. Rogers a/k/a James Rogers, Rebecca Pauline, County of Riverside, and All Other Persons or Entities, Known or Unknown, Claiming Any Legal or equitable Right, Title, or Interest in and to Rinehart Acres, and Does 1 through 50, inclusive.

YOU ARE BEING SUED

BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ

DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): Cox Real Estate Holding Company, LLC NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff.

A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away.

If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso

en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas.

Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): Superior Court - County of Riverside, 4050 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Sally Anne Cox SBN 224367, 1526 Brookhollow Drive, Suite 83, Santa Ana, CA 92705 DATE (Fecha): May 26, 2017 by E. Olivas, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served as an individual defendant.

1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1/18 CNS-3084832# HAYS FREE PRESS

The City of Kyle is looking for qualified individuals to serve on the Train Depot Advisory Board. The complete position description is below. Applications can be submitted at https://cokvolunteer.applicantpool.com/jobs/.

Train Depot Advisory Board Position Description: The Kyle Railroad Depot and Heritage Center is an important part of the city's history, heritage and culture. The Train Depot Board, with help from donors like the Burdine Johnson Foundation, the Charles Nash family, the Hays County Historical Commission, the City of Kyle, and others, recently completed a restoration project that spanned over five years and cost approximately one million dollars. The City of Kyle is cooperating with Hays County and the Hays County Historical Commission in the operation of the facility. The result is a magnificent preservation of Kyle's past that visitors can experience firsthand and in real time.

The members of the City of Kyle's Train Depot Board of Directors are charged with advising the Kyle City Council and City staff on the maintenance needs and condition of the depot building. Members of the Board should have some knowledge of the history of Kyle and an interest in historic preservation, as well as a keen interest in preserving this special piece of Kyle's history for generations to come. Members are strongly encouraged to be active and volunteer at events held at the Kyle Railroad Depot and Heritage Center.

Listed below are the additional requirements for serving on the Kyle Train Depot Board. Please read through these carefully and, if you are interested in serving on this very important board, click on the link provided to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Train Depot Board: The Train Depot Board consists of seven members serving without pay who are appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council. Members of the board are required to be residents of either Kyle or reside within the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the city.

The term of office is is two years or until a successor is appointed. Members are eligible for reappointment at any time following the termination of their two-year term. The Board meets at least once each month at the Kyle Railroad Depot and Heritage Center.

The Train Depot Board provides advisory oversight for the Kyle Depot building and surrounding grounds. They make recommendations to the City Council on any rules, policies or procedures related to the operations and programs of the Depot and surrounding grounds. In addition, the Board acts as a public forum for citizens to address any concerns regarding the Depot. Members of the board also perform any other duties assigned to them by the City Council.

Hays Free Press

Hays Free Press • January 31, 2018

Page 3D

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Legal Services

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1

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Septic Services

Septic Services

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WORLD’S LARGEST SHOE REPAIR COMPANY 10 locations in Central Texas including: 1911 Ben White and Manchaca Rd • 512-440-8788 12119 W Hwy 290 and Nutty Brown Rd • 512-827-3398 6781 W Hwy 290 in Oak Hill • 512-288-6386

Lees Trees 30+ years in the Hill Country

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SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, INC. Serving the Hays Metro area, including Travis, Blanco, Bastrop, Williamson & surrounding counties.

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Window Treatments Beautiful Blinds, Shades, Draperies & Shutters Custom window treatments at affordable prices!

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Build up your business by advertising in the Hays Free Press Service Directory

Only $25 a week to run in the Hays Free Press and Hays County Echo. Call Tracy at (512) 268-7862 or email tracy@ haysfreepress.com to join today.

(13 week minimum)

Hays Free Press • January 31, 2018

Page 4D

Financial Focus

Continued from pg. 1D furnace or major car repair, or faced any other large, unexpected expense, how would you pay for it? If you did not have the cash readily available, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments. To help avoid this problem, you could create an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, lowrisk account. Your tax refund could help build your emergency fund.

LOOK FOR OTHER INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES. If you have some gaps in your portfolio, or some opportunities to improve your overall diversification, you might want to use your tax refund to add some new investments. The more diversified your portfolio, the stronger your defense against market volatility that might primarily affect one particular asset class. (However, diversification, by itself, can’t protect against all losses or guarantee profits.)

Clearly, a tax refund gives you a chance to improve your overall financial picture. So take your time, evaluate your options and use the money wisely.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

2018

MED CAL DIRECTORY

SERVING HAYS AND SOUTHERN TRAVIS COUNTIES

A guide to physicians and healthcare providers serving Hays County and surrounding areas Let residents of our communities know about your services, your physicians or your clinic.

6,000 distributed March 14 & 15 to subscribers of the Hays Free Press, News-Dispatch and participating medical offices.

Advertising reservation deadline is Friday, February 16th, 2018.

Advertisements range in price and size: • Ad space starting at $350 for 1/4 page • Physician Listings with name, address and photo for only $90.

www.HaysFreePress.com

The directory will be printed on a high-quality glossy paper stock in a full color magazine-style format.

Call 512-268-7862 to reserve your space. www.HaysFreePress.com

|

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

brought to you by Barton Publications

GRAND OPENING

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111 Gold Canyon Drive Kyle, Texas 78640 Schedule a visit by calling 512.504.7697 or online at www.robertscommunities.com/communities/lakeside-crossing

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