February 23, 2022 Hays Free Press

FEBRUARY 23, 2022 BROADBAND

LOBO POWER

Hays County looks to expand broadband access.

Lehman has 19 first place finishers at invitational powerlifting meet.

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Vol. 127 • No. 48

Serving Hays County, TX

More accessibility options to be added to Uber Kyle program

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON KYLE — There will soon be another disability-accessible transportation option for residents in and around the Kyle area through the Uber Kyle $3.14 program.

During the Kyle City Council meeting on Feb. 15, council members received an update on the program regarding the expansion and improvement of WAV (wheelchair accessible vehicle) services.

The Uber Kyle program started in October 2020 and is a partnership between the city and the rideshare platform Uber to provide reliable, low-cost transportation for Kyle residents and visitors.

Riders are issued one monthly voucher on the city’s mobile app that is valid for 10 one-way trips that can be used to take a trip anywhere that begins and ends within Kyle city limits. The program subsidizes rides up to $10 after riders pay the initial $3.14. Riders are then responsible for any costs over the $13.14 total.

Kyle Assistant City Manager Jerry Hendrix said that while the program has become a model for other communities to follow, they still have some room to improve.

One of those improvements is looking at how to improve accessibility to WAV services. Hendrix said that while there is currently a wheelchair accessibility option available on the app, it’s “not where they want it to be.”

During the meeting, Parth Parikh of Maruti Transit Group gave a presentation over MT Connect, Maruti’s service that is being proposed for the Kyle program to utilize.

MT Connect is an on-demand, non-emergency transportation service in partnership with Uber that operates over 50 WAVs in San Antonio and Corpus Christi, as well as Orlando, Florida.

MT Connect is looking

MT Connect is an ondemand, nonemergency transportation service in partnership with Uber that operates over 50 wheel accessible vehicles (WAVs) in San Antonio and Corpus Christi, as well as Orlando, Florida.

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON Speakers at the Dialogue For Peace were, left to right: Kyle Councilman Dex Ellison, Sheila Henderson, Anthony Davis, Genest Harding and Vanessa Westbrook. On the screen: Pastor Jonafa Banbury and Naissa Bayo.

to provide the $3.14 program with reliable WAV services between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., hours which Hendrix said can be adjusted based on demand.

MT Connect’s vehicles are all 100% ADA accessible and are equipped with plenty of technology for safety purposes, including interior cameras, tailgate and collision sensors and COVID-19 safety measures. They also have a low accident ratio, as drivers receive approximately 80 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on behind the wheel training.

Normally, MT Connect’s load fee is $12 per trip plus $2.50 per mile, but Kyle riders will pay in accordance to the $3.14 program’s rules. Hendrix said that the cost structure of using MT Connect’s services will be very close to what regular $3.14 riders experience.

Bookings will be available to be made in-app or through a call center. Additionally, the service allows for riders to schedule a booking time up to two weeks in advance.

Prathi said that because of Kyle’s proximity

ACCESSIBLE UBERS, 10

Dialogue for Peace

Kyle celebrates Black History Month with dialogue series

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON Honest conversations that start in your own community help facilitate necessary social change — which is what Kyle’s Dialogue for Peace and Progress series aims to do for the city and its residents.

The fifth edition of the Peace and Progress series was held at Kyle City Hall on Feb. 18 in celebration of Black History Month.

Spearheaded by Kyle councilman Dex Ellison, who serves as the panel’s moderator, the series provides an opportunity for community members and leaders to connect with each other through conversations about social issues that are “seldom talked about publicly.”

The in-person panel consisted of Genest Harding, Vanessa Westbrook, Sheila Henderson and Anthony Davis. Pastor Jonafa Banbury and Lehman High School student Naissa Bayo joined virtually.

As with every dialogue series, panelists had “I choose to speak” and “I choose to listen” paddles to indicate whether they would like to discuss the topic at hand or listen to

As with every dialogue series, panelists had “I choose to speak” and “I choose to listen” paddles to indicate whether they would like to discuss the topic at hand or listen to other’s responses. Audience participation both in-person and virtually was also encouraged through an interactive app, giving them the ability to reflect on the topics alongside the panelists. other’s responses. Audielist’s conversations as ence participation both they reflected on how the in-person COVID-19 and virtually pandemic “To this day, was also has affected encouraged people’s some of my through an mental and peers don’t interactive physical app, giving well being, recognize the them the compoundimportance of ability to ed by the reflect on fact that Black people in the topics this is a this country, or alongside “taboo subthe panelject” within it doesn’t seem ists. the African that big of a deal American The Black History commubecause they Month nity. just don’t know.” theme Banbury for 2022 said that –Naissa Bayo, Lehman is Black spirituality High School student Health and and faith Wellness. are conMental health was at nected to mental health, the forefront of the panand while they are areas

where the African community has practiced for generations and excelled in, there is still room for improvement — especially in making sure people have proper access to resources, something that Harding said she, as a healthcare worker, has seen reluctance from the community in seeking out.

The panel also spoke heavily about the importance of Black History Month, the controversy surrounding critical race theory and how communities can and should do better in adequately recognizing the contributions African Americans have made in the country.

“To this day, some of my peers don’t recognize the importance of Black people in this country, or it doesn’t seem that big of a deal because they just don’t know,” Bayo said.

“Make it part of the actual curriculum. It will stick in some way and become part of their conscience.”

Westbrook shared that she often goes around to various schools and programs focusing on Black history and will dress up as Bessie Coleman, the first

DIALOGUE FOR PEACE, 10

Buda library to receive grant for mental health program The grant will provide a mental health layperson who will be a community member trained by a licensed mental health professional to provide assistance to program users in the form of classes, oneon-one sessions, referrals and other services as deemed necessary.

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON A grant for the Buda Public Library is looking to implement a program that will improve the library’s ability to better assist the community with their mental health needs.

During its Feb. 15 meeting, Buda City Council unanimously approved to authorize the city manager to execute an agreement with the St. David’s Foundation for the Libraries for Health program and grant.

The information was presented by library director Melinda Hodges.

The foundation created

OBITUARIES – Page 6

the program in order to better meet the mental health needs of Texas across its five-county ser-

vice area, including Hays.

Through the program, Buda will be provided funding, evidence-based training and be part of the program’s cohort of member libraries to be better prepared to improve access to mental health resources and provide support to residents that need assistance.

Additionally, the grant will provide a mental health layperson who will be a community member trained by a licensed mental health professional

The Hays Free Press Barton Publications, Inc. The Hays Free Press (USPS 361-430) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610.

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to provide assistance to program users in the form of classes, one-on-one sessions, referrals and other services as deemed necessary.

The foundation is offering a $75,000 grant dispersed over fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024 to support the efforts.

According to the agenda item report created by the library for council, the library has already estab-

MENTAL HEALTH, 10

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 23, 2022

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County commissioners and Judge Ruben Becerra listened to a presentation by Connected Nation at last Tuesday’s meeting about improving broadband connectivity. George Washington looked on in the front row of the court. See more about Washington’s visit, page 5.

Hays County looks to expand broadband access

BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS COUNTY — Hays County is following suit with other counties and cities across the U.S. in improving broadband connectivity.

On Feb. 15, the Hays County Commissioners Court listened to a presentation from Connected Nation, Inc. regarding broadband mapping. St. David’s Foundation has entered into a contract with Connected Nation to conduct a connected community engagement to provide targeted data collection and analysis of broadband and technology access.

There are two different types of broadband. Fixed or terrestrial is designed for permanent stationary use at a home, business or institution that includes cable, fiber and fixed wireless.

Mobile is wireless internet services designed for continuous use on a portable device.

“What we do want to recognize now is satellite services,” said Pam Waggoner, Broadband Solutions manager. “Satellite used to not be so recognized because of latency issues and reliability in itself. But it’s getting better and it is going to be a solution for

St. David’s Foundation has entered into a contract with Connected Nation to conduct a connected community engagement to provide targeted data collection and analysis of broadband and technology access.

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companies for your service.

Providers can lay all of the infrastructure you want, but if nobody is adopting that, then that’s a waste of money.”

Learning from the pandemic, having accessible internet access has improved the quality of life and become a necessity for many, especially students and healthcare workers.

The community engagement program needs to be diversified, Waggoner explained.

“We don’t just need people who have the internet who live around Texas State University to fill out this survey,” Waggoner said, “because it’s easy for them [since] they are comfortable with the internet. We have to reach out into our most rural areas that may not have internet, and it’s not lost on me that we are asking people who probably don’t have internet to fill out an online survey. We will provide paper surveys both in English and Spanish that can be passed out or mailed in local utility bills [or] put out in schools.”

The engagement will kick off on March 7. To learn more about Connected Nation, please visit https:// connectednation.org/

certain areas, especially in rural Texas where we are not going to be able to get fiber or cable.”

Waggoner added that they are going to be looking at three core components: access, adoption and use.

“It really doesn’t matter if we adopt, or if we have use, if we don’t actually have the infrastructure on the ground,” Waggoner explained. “On the same importance is adoption.

Adoption is the actual subscriptions to your internet

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Opinion

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 23, 2022

Snickers and roses Crow’s Nest

by Clint Younts

W

ell, did all y’all have a nice, romantic Valentine’s Day? If you did, I’m betting you’re still single and got a sweetheart.

Or perhaps you are in the first decade of marriage, because somewhere down the line, in many homes, Valentine’s Day has become just another holiday for Hallmark to sell overpriced cards. I recall, just barely, celebrating Valentine’s Day back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, but once the price of a card became more than my hourly wage and a dozen roses was worth more than a tank of gas, I figured it was getting too costly to be romantic.

I could say something corny like “Every day is Valentine’s Day in my house”, but the truth is, at my ripe age, each day is more like April Fool’s Day. Every morning I wake up and discover nature has played another joke on my decrepit body. I’ve toyed with the idea of making a game called Body Ache Bingo. Every morning, you look to see if your new aching joint is on your card, and the first one to Bingo gets a bottle of Metamucil.

I’m not sure when we stopped celebrating Valentine’s Day. I used to buy my sweetie a box of chocolate, knowing she was on a diet and would only eat one piece. Then I would get to have the rest of the candy for myself. I used to buy her a bottle of wine, but after a glass or two, we’re both snoozing in front of the TV, missing the second half of Hill Street Blues. If you’re wondering if I ever bought her any jewelry, I did once. Gave it to her right after saying “I do”. Yep, I’m a real romantic fella.

I’m betting many of you men out there are on the same raft I’m paddling. You think about buying something for your wife for Valentine’s Day, even though for years, she has been telling you not to get her anything. Then, when you come home with a 6-pack of beer and a package of beef jerky and plop yourself in your recliner to watch the Olympics, you notice it’s gotten real quiet in the house.

So, if your wife tells you one thing but you don’t do as she asks, you’re in trouble. And if she tells you something not to do something, but you do it anyway, you get in even more trouble. You bring home a box of expensive chocolate, and she throws the heart-shaped box at you, yelling “You know swimsuit season is just two months away!” So, the next year, you thoughtfully bring home a bag of celery and carrots and end up sleeping in the hay barn for two nights. Go figure!

Since the local florist still doesn’t sell anything less than a tank of gas, I thought I’d get her some flowers from another source. Since when did they start locking the front gate at the cemetery? There was a time when a man could get a slightly brown bouquet of roses without ripping his britches scaling a fence.

I recall buying a necklace from a discount jewelry store once during a rather warm February.

I tossed the necklace on the dash of my truck while I went to rehydrate at a local establishment. How was I to know those weren’t real pearls? I guess I should’ve known Dollar Tree doesn’t sell real pearl necklaces. Never could scrape that glob off my dash.

So, if you’re wondering how my Valentine’s Day went, well, it was just fine and dandy. I sat and watched the Olympics while eating some candy left over from Halloween and sipping a fine box wine while my wife shopped for jewelry on Amazon. I dozed off during the bobsledding event, and I woke up on Tuesday with a peculiar ache in my right hip.

Bingo!

Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Publisher David White

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Columnists Bartee Haile, Clint Younts Photographers Wayland Clark, Albert Sanchez Proofreaders Jane Kirkham

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CORRECTIONS

“To this day, some of my peers don’t recognize the importance of Black people in this country, or it doesn’t seem that big of a deal because they just don’t know.”

–Naissa Bayo, Lehman High School student. Story on page 1.

Page 3

Four-day workweek? I wish.

Guest Column

by Tom Purcell

Three-day weekends sound good to me.

According to Business Insider, a movement is afoot for companies to offer employees four-day work weeks — 10 hours a day over four days, rather than eight hours over five days — so they may enjoy three-day weekends.

More employers say that a four-day work week will help them retain and attract employees who, during COVID, reported “working longer, taking fewer breaks, and signing on at all hours of the day and night.”

COVID exposed millions of new work-from-home employees to the experience that the growing class of self-employed gig workers have been living for some time.

The era of going to an office, putting in your eight hours, then leaving your work worries behind ended for millions of workers long ago.

Computers, email and virtual meetings allowed office workers to ditch their traditional jobs working for one employer to provide on-demand services — such as copywriting or software engineering — to multiple clients located anywhere in the world.

These devices also result in working longer hours, taking fewer breaks and signing in at all hours day and night — but individuals are free to choose how many hours they want to work and

how many breaks they want to take.

To be sure, the line between one’s work life and one’s personal or leisure life have been forever blurred.

So it is interesting to revisit how the 40-hour work week became the working standard in the first place.

As industrialization transformed America, millions worked long hours on assembly lines and often in very unpleasant and unsafe circumstances.

According to PBS, when the U.S. government began tracking workers’ hours in 1890, the average workweek for full-time manufacturing employees was an exhausting 100 hours — prompting the growth of the labor movement.

By the early 1900s some private companies, such as Ford, had begun to adopt the 40-hour standard, but it wasn’t until 1938 that the federal government got

involved.

Congress passed the Fair Labor Standards Act, which limited the workweek to 44 hours in specific industries.

In 1940 Congress amended the Act, limiting the workweek to 40 hours.

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which covered about a fifth of the country’s workforce, also established a minimum wage (25 cents an hour), overtime pay and put an end to oppressive child labor.

Though government policy was helpful in a highly industrialized era when millions worked in awful and unsafe conditions, should the government butt into the digital workplace debate in 2022?

According to U.S. Today, one U.S. congressman proposed a bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act and mandate a 32-hour work week as the new standard — employers will have to

pay overtime for any hours beyond 32.

As the world of work gets ever more individualistic and creative — as organizations that need services are able, thanks to technological innovation, to engage a variety of different talents and skills to address their needs — is another one-size-fits-all federal mandate really a solution?

Or will it be the source of multiple unintended problems?

This self-employed gig worker is of the latter opinion.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to my work life of long hours, infrequent breaks and signing in at all hours of the night — a work life I have happily and freely chosen.

Tom Purcell is an author and humor columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Email him at Tom@TomPurcell.com.

How we cater to couch commandos Adam Lanza just wanted a sporting chance.

He had only so much time to kill once he entered Sandy Hook Elementary. His schedule had been pinched by having just shot his mother dead.

What’s a tormented individual to do?

Remington Arms had the answer: the Bushmaster XM15-E2S .223 caliber AR-15 style killing machine.

Twenty-six dead, including 20 first-graders, in a fleet matter of minutes.

For good measure he’d also brought along a 12-gauge shotgun, a Glock 10mm handgun and a Sig Sauer 9 mm handgun.

So much killing to do, so little time, before police arrived and he turned a barrel on himself.

He needn’t have weighted himself down. As the National Rifle Association will assert approvingly, to get it all done, all he needed was that AR-15-style piece, smartly accompanied by 10 30-round magazines.

All of this spells good commerce – the American way, the sporting way, the couch commando way.

“Couch commando” wasn’t in my vocabulary until reading reports of the $73

Young at Heart

by John Young

million settlement in the suit by parents and living victims of the Sandy Hook massacre, having sued the maker of the murder weapon.

In a sly end-run around Republican laws to exempt gun manufacturers from liability, the suit focused on the merchandising of the weapons in question, how the pitch for the weapon wasn’t about self-protection (ahem) or even sport (ahem). It was about titillation.

As the plaintiffs demonstrated, it was an appeal to “troubled men,” embodied in the Remington slogan, “Consider your man card reissued.”

In recent years we have spent a lot of time dissecting the thoughts of killers for whom a gun in hand completed those thoughts.

George Zimmerman. Kyle Rittenhouse. The father-son team that killed Ahmaud Arbery.

These more celebrated cases aside, we now have a growing trove of incidents

involving right-wing head cases for whom rage percolates, with arms amassed for just the right time.

The Anti-Defamation League calls it the growing problem of “troubled perpetrators.”

ADL attributes at least 333 deaths in the U.S. over the last decade to right-wing extremists.

Ah, that he-man license.

When investigators studied the online activities of James McLeod, a Colorado man who killed five before police took him down, they found he resided in something called the “manosphere,” described as a “toxic masculinity subculture” based on “revenge fantasies.”

Then there is Matthew Coleman, a New Mexico QAnon adherent who killed his two children because he was convinced his wife had passed on “serpent DNA” to them.

Let’s face it. Only a fine line separates that kind of lunacy from that espoused by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green and her gun-toting cohort in Congress, Lauren Boebert, both of whom resisted restrictions against packing heat on the House floor.

Not only are our gun laws tailored to the whims of the

certifiably deadly, in the Age of Trump, the Republican Party has become so dominated by the extreme right that clearly dangerous individuals like these are on our payroll.

Aside from having a gunthemed restaurant where waitresses worked with pistols strapped to their sides, Boebert’s only claim to fame before a Republican-dominated district elected her was that she confronted Beto O’Rourke at a campaign rally over his vow to get AKs and AR-15s out of the gun stream.

Beto’s cause is righteous.

Convenience for couch commandos isn’t the intent of the Second Amendment.

By the way, Remington has taken the Donald Trump route to rehabilitation and to further filthy lucre. It twice filed bankruptcy before reorganizing and announcing plans for a new Georgia factory.

It doesn’t make the Bushmaster anymore, but trust in Remington to always have titillating options when a troubled man comes to call.

Longtime newspaperman John Young lives in Colorado. Email: jyoungcolumn@ gmail.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Office Manager Arlene Monroe Circulation/Classifieds Arlene Monroe, Charles Rhea

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

IN OBJECTION TO THE FM 967 DEVELOPMENT I live in Creekside Park in Buda, very close to the development you want to build that would make FM 967 even more overloaded and dangerous than it already

Any erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputation of any person, firm or corporation which may appear in the pages of the Hays Free Press will be corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher.

DEADLINES

is. I understand the need for housing in the Austin area but starting out by building on 967 in Buda is a very bad idea.

I have gone to the P&Z meetings and City Council meetings and I know that you know how the citizens of Buda

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

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

feel. I was appalled when you stood up there after all of our objections and stated that it will be built and it will cause “some discomfort.” What a thing to tell an entire town!

There have already been at least 4 newspaper articles

LETTERS GUIDELINES

about how bad your development will be for our little town and I think we can reach out to other media sources to explain what you are doing and your attitude about it.

Sincerely Sandy Twidwell

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

Page 4

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 23, 2022

Hays County names new rent assistance program manager

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON Following a $2.4 million loss of rental assistance funds, the future of Hays County’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program is looking up after a new manager was named to run the program.

During the Feb. 15 commissioners court meeting, the court awarded a contract to Ardurra Group Inc., a multidisciplinary services solutions firm with nine offices in Texas, including Austin. Ardurra was one of four firms that submitted bids to the county.

Former ERA program manager Wesley Matthews, who had been manager since the program’s official inception in July 2021, resigned in January.

The county initially received $6.9 million in funds from the U.S. Treasury Department’s ERA1 program in January 2021 that were to be paid to landlords,

utility service providers and hotels to aid qualified residents who have been impacted by COVID-19 relative to rental and utility payments. $772,291 was recaptured by the Treasury in September and $1.7 million was recaptured in February due to the county not meeting targeted milestones.

The program has been clouded with scrutiny, with Matthews saying the program’s setbacks were largely due to a lack of staffing despite his requests, while Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra criticized how Matthews’ “narrow approach” to the program isolated a single facet of individuals instead of reaching as many citizens in need as possible.

Residents have also been vocal about increasing the program’s efficiency so additional funds are not recaptured, but Hays County Grants Administration Executive Director Tammy

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Crumley said during the Feb. 15 meeting that the program’s overall efficiency had increased dramatically since January, having implemented “needed changes” to ensure a better workflow process.

Now, with Ardurra as the new manager, they are looking to “hit the ground running” soon to start providing even more assistance.

“It’s wonderful that we’re at this point, ready to negotiate a contract,” Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe said. “We got these proposals very quickly and had to review them quickly to meet this deadline, but it’s important … that we’re on top of this. There’s a lot of eyes on this. I think this firm is going to do a wonderful job; they have a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

The county is next expected to negotiate the contract’s terms.

RE-ELECT STATE REPRESENTATIVE

ERIN ZWIENER Progressive Champion Mom 3x Jeopardy! Champion

Since she flipped this seat in 2018, Erin has been showing up for our community.

From working to protect our environment to strengthening our classrooms; from helping us get through COVID-19 to standing up to Republicans in Austin who attack teachers, women, students and our local communities; to delivering water after the winter storm, Erin has been here for our community.

STATE NEWS

Early voting ends Friday

Blustery winds and freeze-dried vegetation are increasing the number of wildfires reported west of Interstate 35 and into South Texas, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

“Wildfire activity has increased across the state and is driven by underlying drought and above-normal grass production from last year’s growing season,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service fire chief. “We have increased the number of personnel, equipment and aircraft in state to assist with response as we’re concerned about large areas of the state.”

Since Feb. 14, local and state firefighters have responded to 91 wildfires that burned 7,312 acres.

Nine out of 10 wildfires in the state are caused by humans, according to TFS, which has fully staffed task forces and fire-suppression equipment staged in Victoria, Kingsville, Childress, Amarillo, Lubbock, San Angelo, Burkburnett, Fredericksburg, Smithville, McGregor, San Angelo and Mineral Wells.

MORE THAN $112 MILLION IN CANCER PREVENTION GRANTS The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas announced 74 new cancer research and prevention grants totaling more than $112 million.

“The grants awarded today illustrate the broad spectrum of CPRIT’s impact in the fight against cancer,” said Wayne Roberts, CPRIT’s chief executive officer. “From recruitment awards bringing topflight researchers to Texas, continued investment in cancer prevention and

FOR Y’ALL TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE HD 45: HAYS COUNTY

The University of Texas at San Antonio and Baylor University have earned the national research ranking of Carnegie Tier One, joining nine other Texas universities that have been recognized for academic excellence at doctoral universities with “very high research activity.”

In addition, Prairie View A&M University, Sam Houston State University, Tarleton State University and The University of Texas at Tyler have earned Tier Two research rankings for “high research activity.”

“The Lone Star State is tru-

COVID-19 CASES STILL DROPPING, BUT DEATHS UP The number of new cases of COVID-19 cases in the past week again dropped dramatically to 65,521, down 40% from the previous weeks and 85% from the record high set the week of Jan. 17.

However, the number of new deaths in Texas increased to 1,588, according to the Coronavirus Resource Center at Johns Hopkins University.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 5,681 COVID-19 hospital-

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ly brimming with promise,” Gov. Greg Abbot said. “The Capital 22 Texas universities now ranked among the best in Highlights the nation as Carnegie Tier

by Gary Borders One and Tier Two research universities are a reflection of the breadth and depth of screening programs across academic excellence at our the state and supporting institutions of higher educacancer-fighting innovation in tion as they open the doors early-stage companies, Texas to opportunity for all Texas just took another major step students.” forward in becoming a naThe Carnegie Classificational leader in conquering tion of Institutions of Higher cancer.”

Education was developed The projects approved in- in 1970. It is based on an clude 65 academic research institution’s annual research grant awards, seven preven- expenditures and other tion awards, and two prodfactors. uct development research awards, which were grantNUMBER OF IMPRISONED ed to 16 institutions and TEXANS STAYS STEADY companies across the state.

After a drop last year when The awards are designed some inmates were released to expand access to clinical due to COVID-19 concerns, trials, incubate innovative the state’s prison population cancer research, support the has stayed steady, according state’s emerging biotechto the Texas Department nology industry, provide of Criminal Justice. As of needed cancer screenings January, 118,733 adults were for underserved Texans and in Texas prisons, up about recruit outstanding cancer 1,000 from a year ago. researchers to Texas, accordThe state’s total operating ing to the news release. capacity is 129,681 beds,

EZW22016 © 2022 SPB

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Texas Secretary of State John. B. Scott’s office provides a website that allows voters to see who is on the ballots in all races at votetexas.gov. Texas law allows registered voters to participate in either party primary, but not both. In addition, a voter in the Republican primary cannot participate in any runoffs in Democratic races, and vice-versa. However, in the November general election, voters are free to choose candidates from both parties.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 23, 2022

Page 5

PHOTO BY DAVID WHITE KASZ members announced at a meeting last week that they are more than halfway to reaching their goal in their first step in acquiring a senior activity center. Left to right are: Le Duran, KASZ Strategic Planning Chair; Dawn Conley, KASZ Program & Entertainment Coordinator; Kathy Carpenter, KASZ Treasurer; Larry Simone, KASZ President; Betty Conley, KASZ Vice President; and Ellen Ermis is KASZ Communication Chair.

The mercury is rising for KASZ Kyle area seniors more than halfway through fundraising goal for first step in getting new senior activity center

BY DAVID WHITE

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAYS COUNTY

It’s George, by George!

Remembering the accomplishments of our first president

Look who made it to Hays County Commissioners Court Tuesday. It's not the real George Washington. But representatives with the William Hightower Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution were on hand to encourage all residents to recognize the epochal contributions of George Washington to our nation by celebrating his birth.

The Court adopted a proclamation recognizing February 21, 2022, as President George Washington Day.

Capital Highlights Continued from pg. 1

izations in the state, down 30% from the previous week.

Since the pandemic began, there have been 6.575 million confirmed COVID-19 cases in Texas with 83,648 deaths reported, according to the Coronavirus Resource Center. Meanwhile, the number of Texans who are fully vaccinated has slowly trickled upward to 17.16

million, with 6.18 million receiving a booster dose.

Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@ texaspress.com.

The Kyle Area Senior Zone (KASZ) is proud to announce they are more than halfway to reaching their fundraising goal to complete their first step in getting a new senior activity center.

Last year, the KASZ group approached the City Council to help its efforts, and the city of Kyle has donated the land for the activity center and agreed to match $200,000 out of the city’s 2022 budget, contingent on the fact that Hays County and the organization each raise another $200,000. The combined $600,000 would be used for construction ready building plans. At that time, Jerry Hendrix, Assistant City Manager for Kyle, says once the construction plans are complete, the organization will rely on its fundraising campaign – the Capital Campaign Fund – and applications for grants to raise money for the construction. Hendrix says if all goes well, the city could potentially break ground in 2022.

KASZ will have a rummage sale and a BBQ fundraiser March 5 at the Krug Center for its Capital Campaign Fund for the senior center.

to have activities there, such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and other groups, to bring the younger community together with the older community.

The center will be located

by Linebarger Lake, behind Tobias Elementary School.

The proposed center will be on city owned land off of Creekside Trail.

KASZ has raised more than $120,000 toward their goal of $200,000. The organization has a series of fundraisers set to complete their goal. The group had an Elvis impersonator give a concert at the Krug Center where it usually meets. KASZ will also have a rummage sale and a BBQ fundraiser March 5 at the Krug Center.

The proposed activity center is a 35,000 squarefoot building, with several rooms for different activities to be held at the same time. Westbrook adds that KASZ will welcome other community organizations

The Texas Crossword and Sudoku Puzzle sponsored by

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See solutions on page 6

Page 6

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 23, 2022

OBITUARIES BUSSE

(Katie), Tyler Busse, Lauren Jefferis, Sam Jefferis, Will Jefferis, Jackson Izard, and Drake Izard and two great-granddaughters Aurora and Vivian Izard.

A celebration of life will be planned for later in the spring. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Foster Angels of Central Texas (fosterangelsctx.org) or an animal rescue of your choice.

High School tennis team for many years. It was her Albert F. dedication to the students Busse, Jr. and the community, that was born the tennis complex at Hays to Albert High School was renamed and Elvira the Debbie Cook Tennis (Beutnagle) Center shortly after her Busse in 1936 retirement in 2015. in Kingsbury, Debbie was a long-time Texas. He was trilingual: member at Martindale German in the home, United Methodist Church English in school, and where she served as a Spanish as an adult. He trustee, member of the was a life-long student of decorating committee and, cultures, religions, human a very active volunteer COOK rights, and many other with Little Green Church Deborah interests. He excelled in Soup Kitchen. She loved sports at Kyle High School; Lynn Cook of the Martindale CommuMartindale, All-State in Football and nity in every aspect from Basketball and went to Na- Texas died Christmas Parades to on February tionals in FFA. He attended Fourth of July - she was 18th, 2022.

Texas Lutheran College always there.

She was 62 and Southwest Texas State Her commitment to years old.

University leaving a few family, friends, her stuShe was born February credits shy of a Bachelor’s dents, church, and comdegree. He was proud that 21st, 1959, in San Antonio, munity were deep in her Texas, to Richard Carl Cook all of his children graduatheart and soul, and she and Joan Lanning Cook. ed from college. will be missed by many.

Debbie is survived Some of Albert’s Services will be at Felby her brother Richard accomplishments in life lowship Church of Plum Carl Cook Jr and his wife included being Honorably Creek located at 160 Grace discharged from the Army Deidre. She has three niecStreet, Kyle, TX on Thurses, Kennedy Cook, Taylor & reserves in 1964, being Mark Cook-Crutchley, Jor- day, February 24th. the first single male foster Visitation and Fellowparent in the state of Texas, dan & Boomer Miller and ship at 1pm followed by a being a public servant, and their daughter Emory Joan Celebration of Life Service who was the light of her the Busse Dairy which was at 2pm. Graveside Service life. She is also survived the last operating dairy in will follow at Memory by her stepfather Wayne Hays County. The dairy Lawn Memorial Park in Smith and her Uncle Robwas changed to ranching ert (Bob) Cook and cousins Martindale. when he was elected as In lieu of flowers, the Roy Cook, Steve Cook and Justice of the Peace for family asks that donations Sam Cook Hays County Precinct 2 in be made in memory of She was preceded in 1994. He served one term death by both parents Joan Debbie to the Wounded as JP, several terms as an Warrior Project (www.

Smith and Richard Cook Alderman for the City of woundedwarriorproject.

As a military “brat”, Uhland, and as Mayor of org) Debbie lived in many Uhland. places growing up. Her Albert was a father, HUCKABY family settled at Universal step-father, foster-father, On grandfather, great-grandfa- City Texas at Randolph Air Force Base. Debbie gradu- Thursday, ther and foreign exchange ated from Randolph High February student host. Being a School in 1977. She went 17, 2022, the father-figure was perhaps on to attend and graduate world lost an his greatest joy in life. He from Southwest Texas State incredible enjoyed sharing the farm (SWT) in San Marcos with man. James with family and other BS in Physical Education in Michael visitors by showing them around the dairy operation 1981 and later received her “Mike” Huckaby was born MS degree in Education. on January 25, 1947, in including all of his farm While at SWT, Debbie was Tampa, Florida to Otha animals. He would often the #1 Player for the tennis B. and Mildred Huckaby. saddle up a horse and/or James spent his entire life donkey or hitch up a buggy team.

Debbie gave over 30 giving to others. He led by so others could also have example and did so much the joy of riding/driving his years of service to the students and athletes at Hays for the Buda and Hays graceful animals.

High School. During her County communities. He He was preceded in was known for his contadeath by his parents and his tenure she was a guiding light to so many students gious laugh, vibrant smile, sister Jerilyn O’Neill. He is as a U.S. history educator. and outgoing personality. survived by his sister Betty In addition to her role as a He was always the life of Jo Kellar (Herb), his three the party. children Craig (Lisa) Busse, mentor in the classroom, After high school, James Michelle (Don) Jefferis and Debbie’s guidance extended to the tennis courts, enlisted in the US Army Dana (Ross) Izard, seven grandchildren Sean Izard where she led the Hays where he proudly served

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

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

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The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

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Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W. CATHOLIC Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda

Texas Crossword, from page 5

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca LUTHERAN Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca Resurrection Church, CLBA 401 FM 967, Buda St. John Lutheran Church 9865 Camino Real, Uhland The Well Buda Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda

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

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

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

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

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Bettie Ruby Lee Mathews Williams, 82, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2022.

She was Born October 14, 1939 in Austin, Texas, to the late Robert L. and Ruby Turner Mathews.

Bettie was a very loving and caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was so proud of her family, especially her grandchildren. She always told her family how much she loved them, and wished she could see them everyday. She was so proud to be a great grandmother, she often bragged about them to anyone she talked to. She loved to dance, and her favorite flower is the Yellow Rose.

She will be missed so much!

Bettie was preceded in death by both parents, and sisters, Lella Dean, and Flora James. Survivors include her Daughter June, son in law William George, Jr., grandson, William, and his wife Ashleigh, and granddaughter, April. Son Mark, and granddaughter Sheralyn Fowler. Daughter Melody, and son in law Shawn Moore, granddaughter Haley and husband Austin Lawson, grandsons, Zachary and Nathan Moore, two great grandchildren, and one on the way in April. She also leaves behind several nieces, cousins, and nephews.

Bettie’s memorial service will be held Thursday February 24, 2022 at Hays Hills Baptist Church, 1401 N FM 1626 in Buda, Texas.

Flowers may be sent to the church to Bldg. A.

Hays Free Press

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

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

WILLIAMS

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

St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle

Baptist Church

Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Buda Lions Club in James’ name at the following link: https://budalions.com/ Checks can be made payable to: Buda Lions Club, PO Box 1034, Buda, Texas 78610.

Arrangements by Harrell Funeral Home

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Founding Members of the Buda Lions Club, where he served the Buda and Kyle communities and dedicated thousands of hours of his time to community service. It was important to James “Mike” to invest in our youth, and he was very involved with the Buda Vo-Ag and Hays County Livestock Show where he served as President on the Stock Show Board for several years. He felt hard work and dedication was a requirement and instilled these values in his own children with the help of these organizations.

But perhaps his greatest community honor was serving as the announcer of the annual Buda Wiener Dog Races for the past 24 years.

Throughout the years, he also endured “bumps in the road” as he called them, dealing with everything from a kidney transplant to a quadruple bypass and many, many other “bumps.” He always remained positive, upbeat and pushed through these challenges like any real champ would. He is our hero, and we will miss him more than anything in the world. He was the best husband, Daddy, Pops, father in-law, brother in-law, uncle, and friend.

James is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dan; his mother and father in-law Boots and Doris Quick; brother in-law, Monty Quick; and nephew, Keith Cooper.

He is survived by children Heath Huckaby (Melly), Clay Huckaby (Angie), and Mandy Thomas (Chad). Although he loved his children dearly, being called “Pops” by his 3 grandchildren, Emery, Huck and Lilly was his biggest accomplishment.

James is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dianne (Sis) and Darrell Cooper, and nieces Danni Cooper and Clee Upchurch.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at 1pm on Friday, March 4th at Buda City Park & Amphitheater.

James will be laid to rest with military honors in a private family burial at

Come worship with us

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 5

and protected our freedom while working toward becoming a Sergeant in the 101st Airborne. He later served in Vietnam, where he was decorated with two purple hearts and numerous other awards. Upon completing his military service and throughout his life, he remained extremely patriotic and supported all branches of the military.

He married the love of his life Pamela Marie Quick on May 2, 1970 in Austin, Texas and moved to Buda, Texas in 1972 where they became lifelong residents.

His unconditional love for Pam was evident as they accomplished many goals together and were by each other’s sides every step of the way. Every January 25th was a great family occasion because he and Pam shared the same birthday. He always joked that he should have married her on that day.

They raised three children together and his greatest achievement was supporting them in their endeavors. He rarely missed an event and was by their sides each step of the way, even in their adult years.

He enjoyed many activities with his family, including traveling, hunting, fishing, racing cars, rodeo, sporting events, raising cattle, and especially Vegas.

He was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 286.

He owned and operated H-Industrial Construction Services and was a fair, honest, and giving individual who cared deeply about his employees for over 30 years. While operating H-Industrial, he was a member and past President of the Mechanical Contractors Association.

Throughout his life, he belonged to many civic organizations, where he developed lifelong friendships that he held dear to his heart. He was a lifelong member and past President of the Capitol Rod and Gun Club. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Buda Volunteer Fire Department in the 1980’s. He later served as a commissioner on Hays County ESD #8.

He was one of the

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 23, 2022

TEXAS HISTORY: Saddle tramps botch bank robbery Two saddle tramps watched from the shadows of the Wichita Falls station on Feb. 25, 1896 as the Rangers boarded the one o’clock train for Fort Worth.

With the state lawmen gone at last, the City National Bank was ripe for the taking.

Elmer “Kid” Lewis and Foster “Bill” Crawford earned their keep punching cattle before deciding crime had to pay better. But banditry demanded nerve and imagination, qualities each lacked, and they wound up worse off than when riding the range.

A big score was what the down-and-out desperadoes needed, and banks offered the most bucks for the bang.

The City National in Wichita Falls came to mind, and they set out for the thriving town of 2,000 just south of the Red River.

Texas History

by Bartee Haile

With a few drinks in them, Lewis and Crawford could not resist tipping their felonious hand in a series of unsigned notes.

Alarmed by the anonymous threats, the bank president wired the governor for help, and Charles Culberson answered his plea with five Texas Rangers under the command of Bill McDonald.

The larger-than-life captain had not built his legendary reputation baby-sitting banks, but orders were orders especially coming from the governor.

After standing watch for ten uneventful days, he told the

Times Record News Archives City National Bank employees W.L. Robertson, L.P. Webb, Mr. Wheeler, P.P. Langford and O.E. Cannon work behind the bank counter in 1896, just a short time after a deadly bank robbery and public lynching in Wichita Falls.

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jumpy banker that the danger had passed and caught the next train for Cow Town.

The partners in crime had waited long enough.

They parked their ponies at the St. James Hotel, walked down the alley to the City National and burst through two different doors with guns drawn.

P.P. Langford was so immersed in his exacting work that he did not hear Crawford shout, “Up! Up!” When the busy bookkeeper failed to raise his hands, the robber creased his skull with a six-shooter.

The weapon accidentally discharged on impact sending a slug into the ceiling and causing confusion in the bank. Cashier Frank Dorsey bet his life on the distraction by reaching for the revolver in his desk drawer. He lost the risky wager.

Both bandits fired, and a bullet struck Dorsey in the shoulder lodging in his neck. He slumped to the polished floor and bled to death in a matter of seconds.

A far more fortunate victim survived a point-

blank blast with nothing worse than a badly bruised chest. The potentially lethal round glanced off a metal hypodermic case in his coat pocket.

The bookkeeper regained his senses and started crawling for the closest exit, but Lewis stopped the slow-motion flight by shooting Langford in the hip.

Meanwhile, Crawford tapped the teller’s till for $410.60 and tried without success to open the vault.

Knowing the gunfire was certain to attract a crowd, he gave his sidekick the high sign and they sprinted for their horses.

On the way out of town, one of the mounts was shot out from under its rider.

Luckily he landed on his feet, joined his accomplice on the second horse and the bank robbers made their getaway.

The fugitives stole a fruit peddler’s mare at gunpoint and galloped across the Red River bridge in plain sight of their pursuers. Somehow they managed to give the posse the slip in the dense underbrush, and a deadly

game of hide-and-seek ensued.

News of the bank job was waiting for Capt. McDonald at Bellvue, where he hustled his men onto a northbound flier. The Rangers arrived in time to take part in the late afternoon capture of the outlaws.

An ugly mob was on hand to greet the prisoners at the Wichita Falls jail.

The murder of the popular cashier had transformed law-abiding citizens into vengeful vigilantes, who wanted to string up his killers right then and there.

An all-night vigil by the Rangers kept the sullen crowd at bay, but McDonald suddenly pulled out the following day leaving Lewis and Crawford at the mercy of the mob. He could have taken them to another county for their own protection, a common practice which also gave agitated communities the opportunity to calm down, yet for some unknown reason he failed to do so.

The lynch mob regrouped soon after dark and broke down the jailhouse door. Lewis and

Crawford were dragged kicking and screaming from their cell to the street corner in front of the City National Bank.

They were bound hand and foot and forced to stand on boxes. Two ropes dangled from a telephone pole with nooses on one end and eager executioners on the other. When the spectators ran out of curses, the bumbling bank robbers were hoisted high into the air and left to slowly strangle.

But that is not the end of the story. As late as 1993, nearly a century after Kid Lewis and Bill Crawford were buried together in the same grave, flowers regularly appeared on their plot.

An unidentified woman questioned at the cemetery five decades ago would say only that her mother was the mysterious mourner until her death in 1953.

Read all about the early years of the oil frenzy in “Texas Boomtowns: A History of Blood and Oil” Order your copy for $24.00 by mailing a check to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.

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Page 7

10locations locations in in Central 10 Central Texas Texas,including: including: 1911 Manchaca • 512-440-8788 3932Ben RR White 620 S.and in Bee Caves Rd • 512-263-4630 316 Round Rock Ave. Round Rock 512-244-9124 12119 W Hwy 290 and Nutty Brown Rd • 512-827-3398 1911 W. Ben White Blvd. in Austin • 512-440-8788 306WSouth Park 6781 HwyBell 290 in Hill- •512-219-8387 512-288-6386 3300 Bee Caves Rd.Cedar in Oak Westlake • 512-329-8104

SEPTIC PUMPING • CLEANING 8211 Burnet Rd. Austin - 512-453-1961 REPAIRS • COMMERCIAL SEPTIC PUMPING • CLEANING & RESIDENTIAL REPAIRS • COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, INC. Serving the Hays Metro area, including Travis, Blanco, SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, INC.

SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, INC.

MARCUS LEES (512) 858-4018 leestreestexas@gmail.com

Page 8

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 23, 2022

Classifieds EMPLOYMENT

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $12 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules.

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

Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

FOR SALE

Cemetery Plot For Sale

In Live Oak Cemetery, Manchaca.

Close to road. Asking $2,600. For information, Rick 512-585-5308.

PUBLIC NOTICES CITATION BY PUBLICATION To all persons interested in the Estate of Nolan Lee Speir, Deceased, Cause No. 22-0060P, in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas.

The alleged heir(s) at law in the above-numbered and entitled estate filed an APPLICATION FOR DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP in this estate on the 10th day of February, 2022, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of Nolan Lee Speir, Deceased, and their respective shares and interests in such estate.

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

All persons interested in this case are cited to appear before this Honorable Court by filing a written contest or answer to this Application should they desire to do so. To ensure its consideration, you or your attorney must file any objection, intervention, or response in writing with the County Clerk of Hays County, Texas on or before the above-noted date and time.

Applicant's Attorney: Joseph Charles Gagen P.O. Box 162834 A stin, TX 78716 512-327-4383 Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at the office of the Hays County Clerk in San Marcos, Texas on this the 22nd day of February, 2022.

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

BY Darren Jones, Deputy

CITATION BY PUBLICATION

LAND FOR SALE

To all persons interested in the Estate of Randy Lamar Bailey, Deceased, Cause No. 22-0049P, in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas.

The alleged heir(s) at law in the above-numbered and entitled estate filed an APPLICATION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP AND FOR LETTERS OF INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 401.003 OF THE TEXAS ESTATES CODE in this estate on the 2nd day of February 2022, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of Randy Lamar Bailey, Deceased, and their respective shares and interests in such estate.

The Court may act on this Application at any call of the docket on or after 10:00 a.m., on the first Monday next after the expiration of ten (10) days, exclusive of

TEXAS STATEWIDE ADVERTISING NETWORK

the day of Publication, from the date this citation is published, at the Hays County Government Center in San Marcos, Texas.

All persons interested in this case are cited to appear before this Honorable Court by filing a written contest or answer to this Application should they desire to do so. To ensure its consideration, you or your attorney must file any objection, intervention, or response in writing with the County Clerk of Hays County, Texas on or before the above-noted date and time.

Applicant’s Attorney: Reagan Burrus PLLC 401 Main Plaza Suite 200 New Braunfels, Texas 78130 (830) 358-7486 Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at the office of the Hays County Clerk in San Marcos, Texas on this the 18th day of February 2022.

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

BY Alfredo Sanchez, Deputy

IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES #12-RFP-GNRL-2022 IDEA Public Schools and affiliated entities (IDEA) is accepting proposals from firms that are qualified and experienced in Medical Administrative Services in accordance with instructions, specifications, terms, and conditions contained in this solicitation. A copy of the solicitation can be found on the IDEA website or through Tyler Munis Self Service Sealed proposals may be submitted physically to IDEA Public Schools Headquarters, Attn: Mia Harris, 2115 W Pike Blvd, Weslaco, TX 78596 or electronically via the Tyler Munis Self Service website, on or before 3:00 PM CST on Monday, March 21, 2022. Proposals received after this time will not be accepted and returned unopened.

For questions related to this solicitation, contact Mia Harris at 210-400-3933.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice to all persons having claims against the Estate of Hector Gonzales Duran, Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration upon the Estate of Hector Gonzales Duran, Deceased, were issued to Henrietta Duran Melgar on January 24, 2022, in Cause No. 21-0374-P, in the County Court Number Two of Hays County, Texas, which matter is still pending. All persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time prescribed by law to: Henrietta Duran Melgar, 612 Ralph Ablanedo Drive, Austin, Texas 78748.

INVITATION FOR BIDS IFB # 22-021 CABELA’S CONNECTOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT Sealed bids will be received by the Purchasing Manager of the City of Buda for the above referenced solicitation. The City is seeking to enter a contract with a qualified contractor for furnishing all labor, materials and equipment for the project.

The project includes pavement widening and reconstruction; intersection improvements; curbs and gutters; sidewalks; shared use path; pedestrian ramps; earthwork and grading; storm sewers; utility adjustments; traffic control equipment; signing and pavement markings; erosion and sediment controls; and site restoration.

The solicitation package with plans and specifications are available electronically at www. bidnet.com.

A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at Buda City Hall, 405 E. Loop Street, Buda, Texas 78610 at 2 PM, March 10, 2022 in the Multipurpose Room 1034.

Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a lump sum and unit price basis, with additive alternate bid items (if any) as indicated in the Bid Form.

Bids shall be delivered to City of Buda City Hall, Attn: Purchasing Bid Box, 405 E. Loop St., Bldg. 100, Buda, Texas 78610. Write “SEALED BID” with the Bid Number, Bid Name, and Due Date on the outside of the shipping package. Bids will be accepted until 2 PM, March 30, 2022. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.

All bids shall be accompanied a bid bond in the in the amount of 5% of the bidder’s maximum bid price.

Questions may be directed to the City of Buda Purchasing Office via email at purchasing@

ci.buda.tx.us Charles Oberrender, CPPB Purchasing Manager City of Buda

NOTICE TO BIDDERS REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS RSQ# 22-030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN AND CORRIDOR STUDY MASTER PLAN FOR FM 1626/967 Sealed statements will be received by the Purchasing Manager of the City of Buda for the above referenced solicitation.

The City of Buda intends to select a qualified consulting firm or organization to conduct a significant update/completion of three (3) City Projects. The city looks to update two existing plans: • Buda 2030 Comprehensive Plan, last updated in 2011 • Downtown Master Plan, last updated in 2015 And to conduct a new project for a land use and utility extension analysis to serve as a: • Corridor Study/Master Plan FM 1626/967 corridor and intersection.

The solicitation package may be obtained online at www. publicpurchase.com or at www. bidnetdirect.com Statements shall be delivered in a sealed envelope to City of Buda, City Hall Purchasing Bid Box, 405 E. Loop St., Bldg.

100, Buda, Texas 78610. Write “SEALED STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS” with the RSQ Number, Name, and Due Date on the outside of the shipping package.

Statements will be accepted until 2:00 p.m., March 16, 2022.

Questions may be directed to the City of Buda Purchasing Office via email at purchasing@ ci.buda.tx.us

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 14.952 acres of property located at along Oak Grove Road, Buda, TX 78610.

Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-1850-NP

CITATION BY PUBLICATION IT APPEARING TO THE COURT that from the verified matters set forth in the Complaint for Divorce filed in this cause that service by publication pursuant to T.C.A. 21-2-203 is appropriate, it is therefore: ORDERED that publication be made for four (4) consecutive weeks as required by law in the Hays Free Press, 113 W. Center Street, Kyle, TX, notifying the Respondent that she is required to answer and make defense to the Complaint filed in the office of the Fourth Circuit Court for Knox County, Tennessee, located at 400 Main Ave., City-County Building Room M-15, Knoxville, Tennessee, within thirty (30) days after the fourth weekly publication fothis Order and that, upon her failure to do so, the Complaint will be taken as admitted by her and the case set for hearing witout her presence.

ENTERED this 20thday of December, 2021 JUDGE: Greg McMillan APPROVED BY: MichaelC. Inman, BPR #022858 Attorney for Plaintiff 9111 Cross Park Drive Building E, Suite 290 Knoxville, TN 37923(865) 470-4770

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of Kenneth Gus Baca, Deceased, were issued on January 21, 2022, in Cause No. 21-0488-P, pending in the County Court of Hays County, Texas, to: The residence of the Independent Executor is: Rebecca Alpert Massee, 52 Fin Del Sendero, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506; the attorney’s address is: c/o: Griffith “Hunter” Thomas II Attorney-At-Law 12912 Hill Country Blvd, Suite F-233 Austin, Texas 78738 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 the 16th day of February, 2022.

Thomas Law Firm, PLLC 12912 Hill Country Blvd, Suite F-233 Austin, Texas 78738 By: Griffith “Hunter” Thomas II Attorney for the Executor of the Estate State Bar No.: 24099403

CITATION BY PUBLICATION To all persons interested in the Estate of Amelia Johanna Sielbeck, Deceased, Cause No. 21-0429-P, in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas.

The alleged heir(s) at law in the above-numbered and entitled estate filed An APPLICATION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP, FOR INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION AND LETTERS OF INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 401.003 OF THE TEXAS ESTATES CODE in this estate on the 14th day of October 2021, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and, only heirs of Amelia Johanna Sielbeck, Deceased, and their respective shares and interests in such estate.

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

All persons interested in this case are cited to appear before this Honorable Court by filing a written contest or answer to this Application should they desire to do so. To ensure its consideration, you or your attorney must file any objection, intervention, or response in writing with the County Clerk of Hays County, Texas on or before the above-noted date and time.

Applicant's Attorney: THE BOLING LAW FIRM, PLLC 1301 S. Old Stagecoach Road Kyle, Texas 78640 (877) 629-5353 Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at the office of the Hays County Clerk in San Marcos, Texas on this the 17th day of February 2022.

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

REQUEST FOR BIDS Plum Creek Conservation District is accepting bids for ground application of fertilizer and herbicide to approximately 552 acres on 22 flood control structures.

Approximately 283 acres to be applied around the 1st.of April and 269 acres to be applied around the 1st. of May. Bid information can be found at https://pccd.org/ job-bids For more information, call 512398-2383. Respond on or before noon on March 15th,2022. Send bids to PO Box 328, Lockhart, TX 78644. PCCD reserves the right to evaluate bids and to reject all bids.

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE 2022 ROAD BOND PROJECTS “K 2022-01” The City of Kyle (City) will accept sealed qualification statements for the 2022 Road Bond Projects Engineering Services until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022.

Qualification specifications may be secured from the City’s website at: https://www.cityofkyle. com/rfps.

Qualifications submissions will be received until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at the office of Leon Barba, P.E., City Engineer, City of Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center St., Kyle, Texas 78640. Qualifications shall be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked: 2022 Road Bond Projects Engineering Services Kyle, Texas “K 2022-01” A virtual non-mandatory pre-submission conference will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022. A link to access the conference is available in the RFQ on the City’s website at the web address above.

No fax submissions will be accepted. No late submissions will be accepted. All submissions received after the deadline will be returned unopened.

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS Leon Barba, P.E. City Engineer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Hays CISD is Requesting Proposals for RFP #26-112104AB School Nutrition Programs Food Service Management Company.

Proposals will be accepted until 03-21-2022 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Specifications are available in the HCISD Purchasing Office (512-268-2141 ext. 46003) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Proposal responses must be returned to the HCISD Purchasing 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.

Hays Free Press • February 23, 2022

Page 9

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES CITATION BY PUBLICATION To all persons interested in the Estate of Elizabeth Brooke Zeilinger, Deceased, Cause No. 22-0046-P, in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas.

The alleged heir(s) at law in the above-numbered and entitled estate filed an APPLICATION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP AND AN APPLICATION FOR LETTERS OF INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION in this estate on the 1st day of February, 2022, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of Elizabeth Brooke Zeilinger, Deceased, and their respective shares and interests in such estate.

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

All persons interested in this case are cited to appear before this Honorable Court by filing a written contest or answer to this Application should they desire to do so. To ensure its consideration, you or your attorney must file any objection, intervention, or response in writing with the County Clerk of Hays County, Texas on or before the above-noted date and time.

Applicant’s Attorney: Gregory J. Wright 1100 Judson Road, Suite 722 Longview, TX 75601 903-203-9700 Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at the office of the Hays County Clerk in San Marcos, Texas on this the 15th day of February, 2022.

IN THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT OF MORGAN COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. SM-21-346 YOU WILL TAKE NOTICE THAT on the 17th day of November 2021, Jimmy Brinkley filed a Complaint seeking a money judgment against Bambi L. Brown. Notice is hereby given that you have fourteen (14) from the date of the last date of publication to answer the complaint or risk that a Default Judgment may be entered against you.

Jimmy Brinkley, Plaintiff, Bambi L. Brown, Defendant February 9, 2022

CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: Unknown Heirs of V. Patino, John Cisneros, Luciano Cisneros, and Antonio Barrera, AND TO ALL UNKNOWN OWNERS, HEIRS, OR CLAIMANTS IN THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN, Defendants(s) GREETINGS: YOU HAVE BEEN SUED. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days after you were served this citation, the same being 28TH DAY OF MARCH, 2022 a default judgment may be taken against you. In addition to filing a written answer with the clerk, you may be required to make initial disclosures to the other parties of this suit. These disclosures generally must be made no later than 30 days after you file your answer with the clerk. Find out more at

TexasLawHelp.org.

YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to appear and answer before the 428th District Court, Hays County, Texas, at San Marcos then and there to answer the SUIT TO QUIET TITLE filed in said Court on the 19TH DAY OF MAY, 2021. and said suit being numbered 21-1238 on the docket of said Court, wherein Philemon Mendez is the Plaintiff and Unknown Heirs of John Cisneros; Unknown Heirs of V. Patino; Unknown Heirs of Luciano Cisneros; Unknown Heirs of Antonio Barrera is the Defendant.

The nature of said suit is as follows: THE PLAINTIFF REQUEST THAT THE DEFENDANT'S BE CITED TO APPEAR AND ANSWER JUDGMENT FOR TITLE TO AND POSSESSION OF REAL PROPERTY, KNOWN AS 22604 S. IH-35 KYLE, TEXAS, 78640, LOCATED IN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, BEING ALL LOTS 1 THROUGH 4 AND THE 1/2 LOT OF 5.

All as more fully appears of record on file in this office, and which reference is here made for all intents and purposes.

ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL of said Court at office, on this the 10TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2022.

REQUESTED BY: David H. Morris Morris & Wise 1921 Corporate Drive Suite 102 San Marcos TX 78666 512-396-7525 BEVERLY CRUMLEY Hays County District Clerk 712 Stagecoach Trail, Ste. 2211 San Marcos, Texas 78666

By Charlotte Ladd, Deputy

INVITATION FOR BIDS IFB # 22-026 REHABILITATION OF DOWNTOWN GROUND STORAGE TANK Sealed bids will be received by the Purchasing Manager of the City of Buda for the above referenced solicitation. The City is seeking to enter a contract with a qualified contractor for furnishing all labor, materials and equipment for the work required for the rehabilitation of the rehabilitation of the ground storage tank as listed in the Specifications for City of Buda – Downtown Ground Storage Tank prepared by Dunham Engineering. The work consists of rehabilitating a 130,000-gallon ground storage tank located at 121 Main Street, Buda, Texas 78610 (see Map(s) in Drawings section).

The solicitation package with plans and specifications are available electronically at QuestCDN at www.questcdn.com.

This project will be federally funded whole or in part.

Therefore, this solicitation and resulting contract will be subject to the requirements of 2 CFR 200 and other applicable federal regulations.

A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at Buda City Hall, 405 E. Loop Street, Buda, Texas 78610 at 2 PM February 24, 2022 in Classroom 1005. Attendees please RSVP to Dalton Warren, E.I.T. by email Dalton.Warren@hmttank.com Bids shall be delivered to City of Buda City Hall, Attn: Purchasing Bid Box, 405 E. Loop St., Bldg. 100, Buda, Texas 78610.

Write “SEALED BID” with the Bid Number, Name, and Due Date on the outside of the shipping package. Bids will be accepted until 2:00 p.m., March 11, 2022.

The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.

All bids shall be accompanied a bid bond in the in the amount of 5% of the total bid amount.

Questions may be directed to the City of Buda Purchasing Office via email at purchasing@ ci.buda.tx.us.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP #22-029 LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING AND ADVOCACY SERVICES Sealed proposals will be received by the Purchasing Manager of the City of Buda for the above referenced solicitation.

The City of Buda is seeking to enter a contract with a qualified firm to provide the following services: • Develop a Legislative Agenda • Monitor Interim Legislative Work • Monitor Legislation During Session • Reporting • Advocacy Complete specifications are in the solicitation package which may be obtained online at BidNet www.bidnetdirect.com.

Proposals are to be delivered in a sealed envelope to City of Buda, City Hall Purchasing Bid Box, 405 E. Loop St., Bldg.

100, Buda, Texas 78610. Write “SEALED PROPOSALS” with the RFP Number, Name, and Due Date on the outside of the shipping package.

Proposals will be accepted until 2:00 p.m., March 3, 2022.

Questions may be directed to the City of Buda Purchasing Office via email at purchasing@ ci.buda.tx.us

CITY OF HAYS, TEXAS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ANNUAL INDEPENDENT MUNICIPAL AUDIT SERVICES I.

The City of Hays, Texas, requests proposals from qualified firms of certified public accountants to audit its financial statements for a term of up to three (3) years beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021. This contract may be renewed for up to four (4) one (1) year renewal options upon mutual agreement of the parties to be evidenced in writing prior to the expiration date of the current term. These audits are to be performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the standards set forth for financial audits in the U.S. General Accounting Office’s (GAO) Government Auditing Standards, the provisions of the Federal Single Audit Act of 1996 and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-133, Audits of State, Local Governments, and Nonprofits, and the Rules of the State of Texas, as amended from time to time.

To be considered, six (6) copies of the proposal must be received by the City of Hays, 520 Country Lane, Buda, Texas 78610 by 1:00 p.m. on or before March 24, 2022. Responses shall be submitted in sealed envelopes and clearly identified as “PROPOSAL FOR ANNUAL INDEPENDENT MUNICIPAL AUDIT SERVICES” on the outside of the envelope. The City of Hays reserves the right to reject any or all proposals submitted.

During the evaluation process, additional information or clarifications from proposers may be required.

RFP Timetable: Issue date of RFP February 23, 2022 Proposal due date March 24, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

Proposed City Council award date April 11, 2022 Proposed contract start date May 2, 2022 II.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD, PUBLIC HEARING AND MEETING REGARDING REVISING DIRECTOR PRECINCTS

AVISO DE PERIODO DE COMENTARIO PÚBLICO Y AUDIENCIA Y REUNIÓN PÚBLICAS SOBRE LA MODIFICACIÓN DE LOS RECINTOS DE DIRECTORES

The Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (District) Board of Directors (Directors) will revise its Director Precincts in accordance with State and Federal law.

The District is considering new boundaries for its Director precincts and is soliciting public comment.

COMMENTS MUST BE IN WRITING AND MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 5:00 pm ON March 3, 2022. A public hearing will be held, the comments will be considered, and the revised Director precincts may be adopted at the March 10, 2022 Board of Directors meeting. The notice for the Board meeting will be posted no later than 72 hours before the meeting.

The preliminary plan for the director precincts is available at www. bseacd.org.

The Directors have adopted Guidelines for public participation.

The Guidelines, among other things, require that comments be submitted in writing and that you provide your name and contact information.

The Guidelines may be found at www.bseacd.org. Any plans that are proposed must conform to the redistricting Criteria adopted by the Directors. The Criteria are found at www.bseacd.org.

You may also call Tim Loftus at 512282-8441 if you have any questions.

La Junta de Directores (Directores) del Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (el Distrito) modificará los recintos de sus directores de acuerdo con las leyes estatales y federales.

El Distrito está considerando límites nuevos para los recintos de sus directores y solicita comentarios del público.

LOS COMENTARIOS DEBEN SER POR ESCRITO Y DEBEN SER PRESENTADOS PARA LAS 5:00 P.M. EL 3 DE MARZO DE 2022. Se celebrará una audiencia pública, se considerarán los comentarios, y las modificaciones de los recintos de directores pueden ser adoptadas en la reunión de la Junta de Directores el 10 de marzo de 2022. El aviso de la reunión de la Junta será publicado por lo menos 72 horas antes de la reunión.

El plan preliminar de los recintos de directores está disponible en www.bseacd. org.

Los Directores han adoptado lineamientos para la participación del público. Los lineamientos requieren, entre otras cosas, que los comentarios se presenten por escrito y que los que comentan indiquen su nombre y su información de contacto. Los lineamientos se pueden encontrar en www.bseacd.org.

Todo plan propuesto debe cumplir con los criterios de redistribución adoptados por los Directores. Los criterios se encuentran en www.bseacd.org.

Además, puede llamar a Tim Loftus at 512-282-8441 si tiene alguna pregunta.

NATURE OF SERVICES REQUIRED A.

Scope of Work to be Performed

The City of Hays desires the auditor to express an opinion on the fair presentation of its basic financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the financial reporting requirement of Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 34, “Basic Financial Statements – and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for State and Local Governments.”

The auditor is required to audit the combined and individual fund financial statements and supporting schedules. The auditor is not required to audit the statistical section of the report.

The auditor shall also be responsible for performing certain limited procedures involving required Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the required supplementary information required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) as mandated by generally accepted auditing standards.

B.

Reports to be Issued

1. A report on the fair presentation of the basic financial statements as a whole, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. 2. A report on the internal control structure based on the auditor’s understanding of the control structure and assessment of control risk.

3. A report on compliance with laws and regulations.

4. A “management letter” required by the Government Auditing Standards.

Use of the audited financial statements, opinions or any of the above named reports will not result in additional compensation unless their use requires additional certification or services on the part of the firm. The auditor shall submit a signed audit report on the fair presentation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America no later than August 30, 2022 for the previous fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, along with the required reports on internal control structure and compliance with laws and regulations.

C.

Working Paper Retention and Access to Working Papers

All working papers and reports must be retained, at the auditor’s expense, for a minimum of three years, unless the firm is notified in writing by the City of Hays of the need to extend the retention period. The auditor will be required to make working papers available, upon request by the City Council, City Administrator or City Secretary or her/ his designee. In addition, the firm shall respond to the reasonable inquiries of successor auditors and allow successor auditors to review working papers relating to matters of continuing accounting significance.

GRANT SERVICES PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Kyle is soliciting service providers for one or more Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas Water Development Board and/or other sources, including Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, and/ or Flood Mitigation Assistance.

Accordingly, the City seeks to contract with a qualified service provider for pre-award, plan writing services and post-award management of HMA project(s).

Please submit 1 electronic copy of your proposal of services and a statement of qualifications to jrearp@cityofkyle.com with subject SOQ_HMA_(Firm name).

Proposals must be received by the City no later than 5 pm on Friday, March 4, 2022 to be considered. The City reserves the right to negotiate with any and all proposers, as per the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act and the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards. Minority Business Enterprises, Small Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are encouraged to submit proposals. The City of Kyle is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer.

Servicios de traducción están disponibles por peticion.

INTRODUCTION

III.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY A.

Background Information

The City of Hays has a population of approximately 233 living within an area of approximately 2 square miles. The City Council is comprised of a Mayor and five Council Members. The City Administrator is appointed by the City Council and serves as the Chief Executive Officer. In addition to public safety, streets, and administrative functions, the City operates a Public Water System. The Public Water System includes approximately 300 connections within and outside the City Limits.

B.

Contact Person

The auditor’s principal contact with the City of Hays will be Connie Gibbens, City Secretary or a designee, who will coordinate the assistance to be provided by the City to the auditor.

C.

Fund Structure

The City of Hays uses the following fund types and account groups in its financial reporting: Fund Type/Account Group Sub-fund Type General Fund The number of sub-funds may be increased or decreased depending upon the City’s requirements.

D.

Financial Summary

The total net assets of the City were $1,600,312 as of September 30, 2021, and total revenues and other financing sources were $337,300 for the year ended September 30, 2021.

E.

Basis of Accounting

All Governmental and Agency funds are accounted for using the modified accrual basis of accounting. All Proprietary funds are accounted for using the accrual basis of accounting.

F.

Federal and State Financial Assistance

During the Fiscal Year 2020 – 2021, the City of Hays does not expect to receive funds from the Federal or State Governments: G.

Computer System The City basic financial application software is provided by QuickBooks.

IV.

INDEMNIFICATION

If there are any claims for damages attributable to the negligence, errors or omissions of the Contractor, their agents or employees while providing the services called for herein, it is understood and agreed the Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless the City from any and all losses, costs, liability, damages and expenses arising out of such claims or litigation asserted as a result hereof. However, the Contractor shall not be responsible for acts or omissions of the City, its agents or employees, or of third parties, which result in bodily injury to persons or property. Provided, however, if the contract between the City and the Contractor is deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a construction contract for purposes of Section 725.06, Texas Statutes, any obligation of the Contractor to defend, indemnify or hold harmless the City, shall be limited to an obligation to indemnify or hold harmless the City, its officers and employees from liability damages, losses, and costs, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys fees, to the extent caused by the negligence, recklessness or intentionally wrongful conduct of the contractor and persons employed or utilized by the Contractor in the performance of the contract.

V.

SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

The City and the Contractor each binds itself and its partners, successors, executors, administrators and assigns to the other party of this Contract and to the partners, successors, executors, administrators and assigns of such other party, in respect to all covenants of this Contract. Except as above, neither the City nor the Contractor shall assign, sublet, convey or transfer its interest in this Contract without the written consent of the other.

Nothing herein shall be construed as creating any personal liability on the part of any officer or agent of the City, which may be a party hereto, nor shall it be construed as giving any rights or benefits hereunder to anyone other than the City and the Contractor.

VI.

REMEDIES

This contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas. Venue for any litigation involving this contract shall be the Circuit Court in and for Hays County, Texas. No remedy herein conferred upon any party is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy, and each and every such remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given hereunder now or hereafter existing at law or at equity or by statute or otherwise. No single or partial exercise by any party or any right, power, or remedy hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof.

VII.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR RELATIONSHIP

The Contractor is, and shall be, in the performance of all work services and activities under this contract, an independent contractor, and not an employee, agent or servant of the City. All persons engaged in any of the work or services preformed pursuant to this contract shall at all times, and in all places, be subject to the Contractor’s sole direction, supervision, and control. The Contractor shall exercise control over the means and manner in which it and its employees perform the work, and in all respects the Contractor’s relationship and the relationship of its employees to the City shall be that of an independent contractor and not as employees or agents of the City.

For additional information, contact Connie Gibbens, City Secretary, at 512-295-4792 or via email at cityofhays@cityofhays.org.

Connie Gibbens, City Secretary

Page 10

NEWS

Hays Free Press • February 23, 2022

Mental Health Continued from pg. 1

PHOTO BY ALBERT SANCHEZ

Lobo places in UIL 5A state wrestling tournament

Lobo Jr. Tim Cousineau (20-6) (left) competed in the UIL 5A State Wrestling Championship in Cypress, Texas, last weekend. Cousineau competed in the 145 lb. weight class and finished in 6th place. Above, Cousineau congratulates eventual winner, Caleb Juarez from Caprock HS from Amarillo, Texas. Caleb Juarez finished in 5th place.

lished a need for a program like this in the community, and that research done by staff for previous projects has shown that the area’s greatest health needs are related to mental health and access to care.

St. David’s Foundation has also recognized that libraries are already trusted community hubs that assist patrons with information needs, and that this program is a “natural extension” of the work that Buda’s library has done for many years.

“This grant was awarded based on the library's capacity, willingness and enthusiasm to assist our patrons with fulfilling their mental health needs,” the report said.

Hodges also said that she is looking to speak with other mental health officers in the community to see what kind of non-emergency police services could be offered through the library.

Lehman has 19 first place finishers at invitational powerlifting meet On Feb. 12, more than 200 powerlifters from schools across Central Texas converged on Lehman High to flex their muscle in the 2022 Lehman Lobo Invitational Powerlifting tournament.

It was the hosts that ruled the day as the Lehman Lobos men’s and women’s powerlifting teams both secured first place finishes in the team category. The Lobo women’s team finished the day by scoring 70 points to

take home the invitational title, while the men’s team scored 59 points. Hays High and Johnson High powerlifting teams also excelled Saturday, with the Hawk men’s team finishing in second place and the Jaguars taking third.

In the women’s competition, the Jaguars finished in second place. Individually, 19 Hays CISD students earned first place honors with 16 of those going to Lobo lifters.

Women Kendall Gutierrez – Lehman Alyssa Martinez – Lehman Jasmine Jaimes – Lehman Kaitlin Diers – Lehman Laisha Perez – Lehman Isabelle Vasquez-Villareal – Hays Arianna Prill – Lehman Crystal Martinez – Lehman Ashley Grande – Johnson Olivia Valdez – Lehman

Men Armando Reta – Lehman Brayden Bromonsky – Lehman Christian Jeanes – Lehman Miguel Guerra – Lehman Diego Macedo – Lehman Caleb Esparza – Lehman Nicholas Luna – Lehman Jalen Miller – Lehman Dylan Clifton – Hays

Johnson High School had their first swimmer attend state this year. Carissa Ward came in to the 2022 UIL (5A) Swimming and Diving State Championships seeded 16th; moved up to 14th after the preliminaries and finished 13th in the state in the 100 meter backstroke.

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Continued from pg. 1

recognize the contributions of African Americans, Banbury said that recognition from institutions of learning is a “resounding no.”

This has especially been seen in discussions across the U.S. aiming to ban critical race theory, a theory that Banbury said has been taken out of context and has “no real relationship to what it actually is.”

“This omission [of history] is intentional to create one narrow perspective,” Banbury said. “It is embarrassing. It’s also painful.

It paints quite a different narrative of the America we know, but we know the stories. The reason why there are disparities and injustices is a direct connection to the history and the things that have happened.

If we hide what occurred, we get to explain those disparities and injustices and just say, “it’s those people’s fault that they experience

Jaguars send one to state swim

HAYS CISD INDIVIDUAL FIRST PLACE FINISHERS

Dialogue For Peace African American woman to hold a pilot license, but students once thought she was Amelia Earhart.

“That tells a story right there,” Henderson said in response. “We’re not sufficiently educating children about the entire picture. We need to raise the nation’s consciousness about that,” adding that this doesn’t just happen with historical African American figures, but modern day ones, too.

“Most people don’t even know an African American woman, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, was significant in the development of the Moderna vaccine,” Henderson said. “There are other significant contributions that have been made [by African Americans] over the last 10 to 20 years that kids don’t even know about at all.”

While family, friends and local communities may sufficiently celebrate and

“We do have a need [for the program],” Hodges told the council. “We see people who have these needs and we don’t always know where to send them. That is one of the hopes of this grant — that we’re better trained to know what’s in our community, so if we can’t help directly we can refer to someone who can.”

Council member Terry Cummings, who works at Ascension Seton Hays Hospital, said that in her position she gives resources to community members for how to access all different levels of mental health assistance, and would be “very happy” to share her resources with the library going forward.

The library will next design a project work plan over the next few months in collaboration with mental health professionals and other member libraries on how to best use these resources and grant funding for the community.

poverty, health issues or unemployment.””

Through the hour and a half long discussion, the panelists and audience were able to share their experiences with each other and find common ground.

“Culture shifts take a long, long time,” Davis said.

“It is a long battle. But it does come up with results.

It’s always happened in American history. Eventually, we all manage to slowly but surely understand where the other side is coming from. We’ve been able to come back together.

But we need to have an understanding of those cultures [first].”

Along with Black History Month, the series is held in conjunction with Juneteenth (June 19) and Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 through Oct. 15).

The next series will be held in June 2022.

The event was live

streamed and is available to rewatch on the City of Kyle YouTube channel and Facebook page.

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Accessible Ubers Continued from pg. 1

to resources available in San Antonio, he is confident in a four to six week turnaround time for implementing the service in Kyle.

The cost of the service’s technology integration is a one-time fee of $35,000 which will be used to “put Kyle on the platform” and ensure the city is able to utilize all of the necessary resources.

Maruti will next bring the MT Connect contract to council to approve; no vote was taken for this item during the meeting but council members were favorable towards the service.

Current accessibility options for the $3.14 program through the Uber app include iOS VoiceOver, Android TalkBack, wireless Braille display compatibility, assistive technology

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like visible and vibrating alerts and other in-app features that can facilitate non-verbal communication between the rider and driver.

With the UberWAV booking option, riders can also access vehicles that are wheelchair accessible for the same price.

Additionally, all drivers should be able to assist riders with disabilities, including helping to store wheelchairs and walkers and accommodate service animals.

The program has seen other initiatives on top of accessibility services, including two monthly rides to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and a monthly round trip ride to the VA clinic in Austin.

For more information

on the program, including how to sign up, visit www. cityofkyle.com/communications/uber-kyle-314.

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