MARCH 6, 2019 FINE ARTS
KYLE ELECTION
Fuentes Elementary seeks budget increase for fine arts programs.
Four vie for Kyle City Council, Dist. 3 seat in special election.
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Hays Free Press © Barton Publications, Inc.
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Vol. 123 • No. 49
HaysFreePress.com
Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX
County opposes controversial pipeline Voting BY MOSES LEOS III
The fight over Kinder Morgan’s proposed 430mile Permian Highway Pipeline has now reached Hays County’s courthouse. On Feb. 26, Hays County Commissioners approved by a unanimous 5-0 vote a resolution opposing the Permian Highway Pipeline, a
HCISD OKs new safety measures
On Tuesday, Hays County Commissioners approved by a unanimous 5-0 vote a resolution opposing the Permian Highway Pipeline, a $2 billion project that is expected to cut through Hays County.
$2 billion project that is expected to cut through Hays County. Passage of the resolution follows a similar action taken by Kyle city leaders and offi-
cials in mid-February. Lon Shell, Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner, said his personal concerns include environmental issues, which are
“very real,” as well as private property rights of residents, which is “extremely important to Texans and the county.” Shell said the county
takes eminent domain issues very seriously and has never had to use the tactic for any project. Kinder Morgan, a Houston-based company, is using eminent domain proceedings in order to acquire land needed to install its underground pipeline, which will extend from
PIPELINE PROJECT, 11
CHUTE-OUT 2019
BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
SAFETY MEASURES, 5
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
STAFF REPORT The days of Hays County residents having to vote at their specified precincts on Election Day could be coming to an end. On Tuesday, Hays County Commissioners approved a resolution in support of participating in a countywide polling place program, which, if approved, would allow voters to cast their ballots at any polling site in the county on Election Day. Jennifer Anderson, Hays County Elections Administrator, said county officials must submit an application to the state that includes a plan and methodology for implementing the program. Anderson said she hopes the county receives state approval prior to the November 2019 election period.
POLLING PLACES, 11 Hundreds of law enforcement officials burned rubber and hit the pavement last week for the 6th annual Capital of Texas Police Motorcycle Chute Out held at Cabela’s in Buda. The event, which drew motorcycle officers from multiple states and Canada, had riders go through a variety of challenges. A police officer rounds the bend during a run at the Feb. 27 Chute Out.
Buda bond projects still moving slowly BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Slow but steady is the progress of infrastructure projects under the 2014 Buda bond, with officials estimating completion of Propositions 3, 4 and 5 by 2020.
Approved by voters almost five years ago, the infrastructure projects include improvements to roads, drainage and parks. The Buda city council was briefed Feb. 19 on the progress of those project.
PROPOSITION 3- ROADS
Transportation (TxDOT) is scheduled for March Proposition 3 projects include improvements to 13. Crozier said pending TxDOT reviews, he Old Goforth Road, Main Street, Main Street at RM anticipated letting of the project this summer. 967 and San Antonio Meanwhile, PedernaStreet at Garison Road. Allan Crozier with HDR les Electric Cooperative Engineering said the Go- (PEC) is conducting forth Road improvement underground utility relocation for the Main Street project, which includes project, which should be dedicated left and right completed by late March turns at Tom Green Eleor early April. Frontier mentary, is still ongoing. Communications has “If you’ve been out submitted an agreethere, you’ll notice they ment in the amount of have the entire north$253,091.66 for the utility bound side of the road relocation. The approval torn up and they are of that agreement will preparing, weather come to the city council permitting, to lime treat the sub-grade…,” Crozier in the near future. The Main Street said. improvements, which inCrozier said improvecludes addressing drainments on San Antonio age issues at Ash and Street have been comMain streets, along with pleted as of November correcting an adverse 2018. grade issue on an existing However, the Main sanitary sewage line, is 90 Street at RM 967 improvement project is still percent complete on the in its design phase, which design phase. But a proposed conis 95 percent complete. nector that is slated to A 90 percent review bridge west Goforth Road meeting with HDR and the Texas Department of to Cabela’s Drive is on
FYOU
Local businesses take advantage of First Year On Us incentive.
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INDEX
Resistance film 12 millimeter thick will soon be attached to windows across a number of Hays CISD campuses, adding to an extensive list of recently installed safety measures within the district. The film, which has a price tag of $292,974, was approved Feb. 25 by the HCISD Board of Trustees. The film will be installed at 18 district campuses. To a school board that has prioritized school safety in light of national tragedies, the cost, although significant, will assist the district in an emergency. Tim Savoy, Hays CISD chief communications officer, said the technology is a strong film that will add an additional safety measure to the campuses. If the glass is tampered with, the film will buy some additional time. In the case of an emergency, precious seconds and minutes can make the difference for emergency responders called to a campus, he said. “(The film) makes it harder for anyone to break through the glass, no matter what means they have to do that,” Savoy said. “We
where you want? Maybe
sition of a Union Pacific Railroad permit. Two PEC utility poles have been relocated so far during work on improving drainage in the Oxbow subdivision, which began in August 2018. That project is slated to be done by August 2019. hold after funding was The Fire Station/Bluff not approved by the CapStreet Area drainage projital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization in ect was recently approved for a FEMA grant in early 2018. February. However, utility The geotechnical coordination is still ongoand prevent studies are complete for the Cabela’s ing with AT&T. One hundred percent Connector project, and of the plans and specs for the city is in discussion the west Goforth Street with property owners regarding the right of improvement plan is entry and acquisition of complete. right-of-way. However, the advanced Projected cost for all funding agreement road projects is around (AFA) for the project is $3.4 million, which was still delayed by TxDOT. updated in February. The advertisement for Crozier said the curbidding is scheduled for rently projected savings is September 2019. around $250,000, but that According to the upis contingent on future dated financial standing, bids. the projects will total around $1.3 million. CroPROPOSITION 4 – zier said the projects are DRAINAGE running around $390,000 Construction on drain- below the initial program age improvements along budget. Mayor George Haehn Houston Street is currenttold HDR officials he is ly at 70 percent, according to officials. Estimated still worried about the delays for the project. completion is slated for “Again, we’ve dodged late March. Crozier said there are a a bullet about as long couple of issues still linBUDA BOND PROPS, 2 gering, including acqui-
News…………………… 2 Opinion………………… 3 Sports…………………… 4 Education……………… 5 Community………… 6, 7
Service Directory……… 8 Business……………… 9 Classifieds…………… 10 Public Notices…… 10-12
Open meetings act provision struck down BY EMMA PLATOFF/ TEXAS TRIBUNE In a major blow to the state’s government transparency laws, Texas’ highest criminal court has struck down a significant provision of the Texas Open Meetings Act, calling it “unconstitutionally vague.” That law, which imposes basic requirements providing for public access to and information about governmental meetings, makes it a crime for public officials to “knowingly [conspire] to circumvent this chapter by meeting in numbers less than a quorum for the purpose of secret deliberations.” That provision aims to keep public officials from convening smaller meetings – without an official quorum present – to discuss public business outside the view of the taxpayers and the media. Craig Doyal, the Montgomery County
TEXAS TRIBUNE, 12
NEWS
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Hays Free Press
Hays Free Press • March 6, 2019
TCEQ okays Police Blotter Dripping Springs discharge permit
The following are a list of calls made to law enforcement agencies in Hays County between Feb. 25 and March 3, 2019
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. ISSN#1087-9323
BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
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HISTORY
Founded April 10, 1903, by Thomas Fletcher Harwell as The Kyle News, with offices on the corner of Burleson and Miller streets in the town’s oldest remaining building. It merged into The Hays County Citizen in 1956. The paper consolidated with The Free Press in October, 1978. During its more than 100-year history the newspaper has maintained offices at more than a dozen locations in Kyle and Buda.
After a grueling campaign with property owners and water conservation groups over its proposed permit, Dripping Springs can now expand its wastewater needs. On Wednesday, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Commissioners approved the city’s requested wastewater permit which, if needed, allows Dripping Springs to discharge up to 825,500 gallons per day (GPD) of treated effluent into a tributary of Onion Creek. However, city leaders were adamant that the city never intends to discharge and has worked to expand its treated effluent storage capacity so it wouldn’t have to do so. City officials said the city currently produces approximately 130,000 GPD, and the permit would accommodate the city’s wastewater treatment needs for the next decade. “This is a historic day for the city of Dripping Springs and our community. We have been at this for more than seven years, but it has all been worth it,” Mayor Pro Tem Bill Foulds said. “Our responsibility is to care for our citizens and protect our natural resources while planning for the growth that we know is coming. We could have stayed with traditional treatment options and avoided making tough decisions; that is not what our city is about.” Foulds said the city acknowledged obtaining the permit had been a challenge as it caused concerns among area stakeholders. Foulds cited a contested case hearing filed against the permit through the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). In July 2018, the city reached a settlement
City officials said the city currently produces approximately 130,000 GPD, and the permit would accommodate the city’s wastewater treatment needs for the next decade.
agreement with parties in the contested case that included negotiations which lowered the amount of water the city could discharge. However, the Save Our Springs Alliance (SOS) did not join the settlement and fought the city through the hearings. In November 2018, SOAH recommended approval of the permit to TCEQ with settlement agreements intact. The original application to TCEQ called for the city to discharge up to 995,000 GPD. Since the hearing, the city has actively looked for additional ways to store the treated wastewater to ensure it wouldn’t have to discharge. On July 19, 2018, the News-Dispatch reported that a new mixed-use development approved by city leaders would include a number of retention ponds that will help the city’s wastewater storage efforts. Now that the permit is approved, city leaders anticipate that design and construction phases of the plant’s expansion could take roughly two years.
Buda Bond Props: Progress ahead Continued from pg. 1
as we’re going to and I’m really worried about the continued delays,” Haehn said. “If there is anything we can do to move this along just let us know.”
PROP 5 - PARKS The parks projects are moving faster than the other propositions, according to officials. A splash pad in Green Meadows is expected to open this spring. Eighty-five percent of
the construction at Buda City Park has been completed by the city’s Public Works department. Offiicals said the Barr Company will soon take over the rest of the construction job. Estimated completion time for City Park upgrades is January 2020. Around $300,000 has been allocated to the Garlic Creek Trails project, but the city is looking at other funding sources through grants or public donations.
Agency Activity
Date
Time
Street
City
HCSO
Assault
02/25/2019
18:10:40
Cedar Pass Rd
Driftwood
HCSO
Sexual Assault
02/26/2019
3:21:03
Amberwood Loop
Kyle
HCSO
SWAT/CNT
02/26/2019
0:06:23
Post Rd
San Marcos
HCSO
Suicidal Person
02/25/2019
11:15:45
RR 3237 - Wimberley Inn
BPD
Theft
02/25/2019
9:32:11
Old San Antonio Rd - Walmart Of Buda
HCSO
Theft
02/25/2019
8:15:20
Heron Dr
Buda
HCSO
Theft
02/25/2019
9:45:43
River Hills Dr
San Marcos
HCSO
Theft
02/25/2019
15:43:29
W RR 150
Driftwood
HCSO
Theft
02/25/2019
16:13:11
Dacy Ln - Chapa Middle School, Kyle
HCSO
Theft
02/25/2019
20:47:06
Redwood Rd
San Marcos
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/25/2019
7:40:55
Stillwater/RR 12
Wimberley
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/25/2019
9:29:07
W El Camino Real
Wimberley
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/25/2019
10:20:26
S Oak Forest Dr
Dripping Springs
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/26/2019
5:35:33
Nutty Brown Rd
Austin
BPD
Assault
02/26/2019
10:16:59
Cabelas Dr - Fairfield Inn, Buda
HCSO
Fraud
02/26/2019
18:50:12
Camino Real - Longhorn RV, Kyle
HCSO
Harassment
02/26/2019
19:49:50
Sad Willow Pass
BPD
Threat
02/26/2019
21:44:17
Cabelas Dr, Silverado Crossing, Buda
HCSO
Threat
02/26/2019
19:58:24
Peaceful Valley Rd Kyle
BPD
Missing Person
02/26/2019
16:49:50
Bradford St
Buda
HCSO
Suicidal Person
02/26/2019
21:47:09
Echo Blf
Austin
HCSO
Theft
02/26/2019
18:30:16
Darryl Dr
Buda
HCSO
Theft
02/26/2019
22:11:37
Cedar Holw
Wimberley
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/26/2019
11:48:44
Deer Lake Est
Wimberley
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/27/2019
0:46:20
Overpass Rd - Tuscany Park Apts, Buda
HCSO
EMS- Major Accident 02/26/2019
8:57:20
Offermann Hill Rd
Guadalupe Co
HCSO
Endanger/Abandon
02/27/2019
15:12:46
Howard Ln
Buda
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/27/2019
20:56:42
Oak Meadows
San Marcos
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/28/2019
1:55:20
Knox Dr
Buda
HCSO
Harassment
02/27/2019
14:53:01
Greenhill Ct
Kyle
HCSO
Harassment
02/27/2019
15:55:39
E Skyline Acres
Wimberley
BPD
Threat
02/28/2019
5:59:15
Old San Antonio Rd Walmart Of Buda
HCSO
Wanted Person
02/27/2019
14:59:19
Uhland Rd
BPD
Theft
02/27/2019
16:46:36
Old San Antonio Rd Buda Walmart Of Buda
HCSO
Theft
02/27/2019
14:53:05
Lone Cypress Cv Driftwood
HCSO
Theft
02/27/2019
16:04:59
Hunter Road Power Sports, San Marcos
HCSO
Theft
02/28/2019
1:49:40
Lone Cypress Cv
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 02/27/2019
15:16:18
S Fm 1626/RR 967 Buda
HCSO
Assault
02/28/2019
15:57:32
Dacy Ln - Chapa Middle School, Kyle
HCSO
Assault
02/28/2019
16:33:15
Tangerine Dr
Buda
HCSO
Death Investigation
02/28/2019
11:43:57
Maheo Way
Dripping Springs
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/01/2019
2:24:11
High Rd
Kyle
HCSO
Harassment
02/28/2019
6:13:54
Quail Run
Buda
BPD
Threat
02/28/2019
11:58:30
E Goforth St
RBFCU, Buda
HCSO
Suicidal Person
02/28/2019
12:29:44
Bell Springs Rd
Dripping Springs
HCSO
Suicidal Person
02/28/2019
19:26:39
Manchaca Springs Rd/IH 35 Fr, Buda
HCSO
Wanted Person
02/28/2019
10:51:48
Cedar Pass Rd
Driftwood
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/28/2019
11:59:59
W RR 150
Kyle
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/28/2019
21:37:55
Darden Hill Rd
Driftwood
HCSO
Assault
03/01/2019
13:41:39
Lehman Rd - Lehman High School, Kyle
HCSO
Assault
03/01/2019
14:49:25
E RR 150 - Simon Middle School, Kyle
BPD
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/02/2019
0:21:24
14 Prairie Ave
Buda
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/01/2019
11:18:37
Stonegate Ln
Dripping Springs
BPD
Harassment
03/01/2019
9:18:44
Cabelas Dr - Carrington Oaks, Buda
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 03/02/2019
5:24:35
S Fm 1626
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/01/2019
19:52:42
RR 12/Shelton Ranch Rd, Dripping Springs
BPD
Harassment
03/01/2019
9:18:44
Cabelas Dr - Carrington Oaks, Buda
BPD
Robbery
03/01/2019
18:05:43
Jack C Hays Trl - Pac N Sac Of Buda
HCSO
Death Investigation
03/02/2019
14:30:49
Palmer Ln
HCSO
Fireworks
03/03/2019
1:16:29
Founders Park Rd/RR 12, Dripping Springs
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/02/2019
18:11:02
Friendswood Ln
Austin
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/02/2019
21:51:52
Mercer St
Dripping Springs
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 03/02/2019
11:58:21
Baker Ln/Sunbright Blvd
Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/02/2019
11:56:05
Baker Ln/Sunbright Blvd
Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/02/2019
12:40:01
Elder Hill Rd/W RR 150
Driftwood
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/02/2019
13:13:27
S Old Stagecoach Rd Kyle
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/02/2019
13:30:33
W RR 150 - Double Xing East, Driftwood
HCSO
Assault
03/03/2019
20:03:18
Mathias Ln
Kyle
HCSO
Assault
03/03/2019
20:07:31
Mathias Ln
Kyle
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/03/2019
12:30:19
Mathias Ln
Kyle
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/04/2019
0:30:12
Hart Ln
Dripping Springs
HCSO
Missing Person
03/03/2019
16:57:46
Dacy Lane
Kyle
HCSO
Suicidal Person
03/03/2019
18:06:07
RR 12 - Wimberley Post Office
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/03/2019
7:01:25
Post Rd
San Marcos
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/03/2019
21:34:23
IH 35
Buda
Driftwood
San Marcos
Driftwood
Buda
Woodcreek
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Opinion
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Our focus is always to protect the students and staff. Yes, we work to protect the property of the schools, but ultimately this is about the people.” –Tim Savoy, HCISD Chief Communications Officer. Story, pg. 1
Hays Free Press • March 6, 2019
Page 3
EDITORIAL
Hope for a peaceful transition
T
here were lots of accusations flying and a lot of name-calling last week when President Donald Trump’s former attorney and fixerin-chief Michael Cohen testified before the Congress House Oversight Committee. Cohen called Trump a liar. He said Trump was deeply involved in hush payments to cover-up sexual misconduct. He said Trump lied about business interests and lied to reporters about stolen Democratic emails. Republicans on the committee asked why Cohen should be believed. But what has Cohen to gain at this point by lying? It’s very unlikely that Trump, after hearing Cohen’s gut-wrenching and painful-to-watch accusations, would pardon his former attorney. Cohen, in his own words, said he lost everything. “My loyalty to Mr. Trump has cost me everything: my family’s happiness, friendships, my law license, my company, my livelihood, my honor, my reputation and, soon, my freedom.” With all of that in mind, think about some of Cohen’s final words: “Indeed, given my experience working for Mr. Trump, I fear that if he loses the election in 2020 that there will never be a peaceful transition of power, and this is why I agreed to appear before you today.” The peaceful transition of power is something that marks the very democracy of the United States. The transition of power in the United States in 1800 shows that political parties that deeply mistrust each other can accept the outcome of an election. That’s not the case worldwide. Think of Venezuela today and we see what happens in a country where a contentious transition of power – heck, a lack of transfer – wrecks an already broken country. Nicolâs Maduro, former president who refuses to give up power, will not relinquish control to Juan Guaido. The country has been plunged into a political crisis as Guaido talks about trying to get back into the country after fleeing for his life. Will he be able to return and take control? At this point no one can say, because there was no transfer of power, much less a peaceful one. It is a political miracle, in a way, that when the U.S. House of Representatives in January changed from being held by Republicans and to Democrats being in charge, there were no bullets fired. The outcome of the election was accepted, and the transition made. That’s the American way. When Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra beat Republican Will Conley for that seat, the change came without a lot of rancor. One day one side has the power; the next the other side steps into the high seat. When we think about the upcoming Presidential election, it is scary to think about what Cohen said – that he fears what Trump will do regarding a peaceful transition of power. We don’t know if Trump will be the Republican Party nominee. We don’t know which of the plethora of Democratic candidates will be chosen. But whatever happens, we want a peaceful transition. Let’s hope that Cohen is wrong about his fears. Let’s pray that any future transition is peaceable. Because if that doesn’t happen, then the United States could easily fall into political instability, and we would no longer be a leader in the Democratic world. That’s a fear that everyone should have.
Transparency is in trouble A s it often goes in the great cha-cha slide that is governmental transparency, Texans often find themselves taking two steps back for every small step forward. Offering officials a little more leeway in dancing around already bare-bones rules meant for clarity can set an awfully dangerous precedent. Imagine the groan then from every newspaper editor and publisher across Texas Feb. 27 when the state’s highest court struck down a provision of the state’s Open Meeting Act relating to “walking quorums.” Face, meet palm. Palm, face. The trouble started when attorneys for Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyle sought to get an indictment filed against him based on “walking quorum” provision dismissed, citing it was unconstitutional. According to a Texas Tribune report, Doyle had been indicted for allegations that he and other
From the Sidelines by Moses Leos III
commissioners secretly deliberated a proposed road bond without the proper number of officials present. Prior to last week, public officials were prohibited from deliberately meeting in numbers less than a quorum – the number of officials needed for official business to take place – to discuss something that might be on an agenda. That all changed when seven of the nine Texas Supreme Court judges sided with Doyle’s attorneys. The majority opinion was the statute lacked specificity and that trying to guess what officials might have been talking about could infringe on free speech. Except isn’t the point of the rule to prevent even the slimmest possibility of such trans-
gressions from happening in the first place? Through its ruling, the state’s highest court has, in effect, stepped foot on the slippery slope that is governmental opaqueness. That’s not to say the majority of public officials are out there trying to do things below board. We’d like to think many of our local leaders try to conduct their official business when and where appropriate. But when you give someone an inch, they might just take the whole mile. By golly, does this ruling practically place local officials on the tarmac of Texas Motor Speedway? Rapidly advancing technology equally plays a role in how disconcerting this ruling could be to transparency. Discussing business outside of the public’s view between one or two officials is already just a few screen taps away. Nixing the prohibition offers them more incentive to do just that, without the possibility of repercussions.
New words to graupel I t seems like every year, new vocabulary words pop up in our everyday talk. Lots of new words and phrases are invented and used by techies and young whippersnappers. These young ‘uns have their own language, it appears, but that doesn’t bother me much since there ain’t no app on their newfangled cellphones that can translate the vernacular of old coots like me. Go ahead, kids. Type in “cattywampus” and see if your $600 phone recognizes it as a word. Speaking of cellphones, I finally entered the 21st Century and bought a so-called Smart phone after my old one died of old age When I showed my dearly departed Nokia to the gal at the AT&T store, her eyes got all big like I had carried in a dinosaur skull. She informed me that she had seen pictures of this type of phone but had never seen one in person. Anyway, I bought myself a smart phone. Not Phd smart but Jethro Bodine/9th grade education smart. Unfortunately, the phone is still smarter than its user. There were so many apps and gadgets on the phone, I spent two hours
Hays Free Press
Crow’s Nest
by Clint Younts
deleting stuff that was well beyond my intellect. One icon that pops up occasionally has the word “widgets” under it. What in tarnation is a widget? Back in my youth, if I were struggling to crawl into a tight spot while playing Hide-NSeek, my brother would say, “C’mon, widget on in there”. I have no idea what the new meaning of the word is. Remember that blizzard we had a few weeks ago? Brrr! So tell me, if you would, what the heck is a graupel? That’s what the TV meteorologists kept calling the frozen white stuff that covered our deck and prevented me from communing with nature. I had never heard of graupel before, although I recall a few TV anchormen losing their jobs for graupeling women. I’m not sure it’s spelled the same. Spellcheck on this here computer blew a fuse long ago.
Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com
Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton
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News and Sports Editor Moses Leos III
Columnists Bartee Haile, Chris Winslow, Pauline Tom, Clint Younts
Another word that is brand-spankin’ new to me is “hophead”. Just added to the 2019 Webster dictionary, it’s what some jackleg coined for a beer enthusiast. Well, if that don’t beat all! I’ve been drinking beer for pert near 45 years, and nobody has ever called me a hophead. Oh, I’ve been called other names in beer joints across America, but never a hophead. I bet whoever made up this silly term for a beer drinker has never stepped foot in Giddyups. Okay, here’s a word that for the past year has been tossed around like a dried cow patty at a 4th of July picnic. Collusion. Ever since Trump was sworn in, there hasn’t been a day where we haven’t heard “collusion’ on some network newscast. And just this past week, Colin Kaepernick settled his lawsuit with the NFL after claiming there was collusion among the team owners. Does any of y’all with naturally gray hair recall hearing the word “collusion” in your younger days? Besides hearing your toothless grandpa talkin’ about seeing a collusion between a ’65 Buick and a John Deere out on the main road.
Perhaps what’s more troubling is how the ruling adds to a deck that’s already stacked against the taxpayers seeing what their government is doing and how their tax money is being spent. The state’s laws surrounding closed door meetings is a primary starting point. Sure, there are rules in place that require jurisdictions to meet certain statutes when talking about items in executive session. That hasn’t stopped governments in the past from abusing the rules, trying to expand statutes to include things that should be in the public’s purview. It should be easier, not harder, for the public to know exactly what is happening in their local government. Until the shroud is lifted, however, it’s hard to believe officials won’t try take advantage of this remarkably foolish rule change. Seems it might be time to dust off that old magnifying glass after all.
Since I’m half ways literate, and having graduated from college with a degree in beer chuggin’ with a minor in disco dancing, I sorta understand what collusion means, but we just didn’t use the word back when stores didn’t sell ripped up jeans. If a couple of fellas were teaming up to do something wrong, they were in cahoots with each other. Walter Cronkite might’ve used the term “conspiracy”, but I don’t recall him ever saying “collusion”. Look, if y’all Millennials and Gen Z pups want to make up words, that’s fine and dandy. Heckfire, when I was a greenhorn, we concocted a mess of slang words back to get the goat of our parents. Just don’t throw a conniption when we older folks ignore what y’all are jibberin’about. We aren’t being rude. We just don’t know what in the Sam Hill you’re saying. Clint Younts may graupel with words, but when it comes to taking care of his cattle, he certainly speaks Moo. crowsnest78610@gmail.com
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Page 4
Sports
Hays Free Press • March 6, 2019
Lobo soccer rolls past Hays 3-1 BY MOSES LEOS III
District title dreams are still within reach for the Lehman Lobos boys soccer team following a 3-1 win over the rival Hays Rebels Tuesday at Shelton Stadium. With only three more games left in the regular season, Lehman head coach Rene Medina said focusing on the road ahead is imperative. This is the Lobos’ aim, to score the first boys team sport district title at the 6A level in school history. “It’s a tough game every round (in district) and there’s no time to lay off,” Medina said. “They’re a good, solid group that’s stayed level-headed and have bought into it.” Lehman (15-3-3, 10-1-2) utilized a trio of first half goals to seize momentum in the contest.
DISTRICT 25-6A BOYS SOCCER STANDINGS Lehman 10-1-2 Lake Travis 9-2-2 Westlake 8-2-3 Bowie 6-4-2 Del Valle 7-5-2 Akins 3-8-2 Anderson 3-9 Hays 2-9-2 Austin 1-9-3
Medina said executing off-the-ball movement and combining into the scoring third, attributes they had worked in practice, led to success early on. The Lobos also took advantage of spaces between Hays’ lines of defense, which led to multiple scoring chances, Medina said. Success on set pieces also paid dividends for the Lobos. Two of Lehman’s three goals came off of
corner kicks. “The guys stayed aggressive on set pieces and they take pride in that,” Medina said. Lehman’s initial strike came at the 24th minute mark of the first half when Lobo Noah Marquez and Zach Hickey teamed up to put a corner kick into the net for a 1-0 lead. Lobo Eric Guadarrama padded Lehman’s lead to 2-0 five minutes later when he blasted in a penalty kick. Hickey closed the salvo right before halftime by heading in a corner kick from point-blank range, giving Lehman a 3-0 lead. On the opposite side, lethargic play hindered Rebel efforts in the early going. Hays head coach Jason Burnett said his players looked “flat” and had no energy for most of the first half. Once they shook off the rust, Hays (3-12-2, 2-9-2) or-
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Lehman Lobo Zach Hickey (6) uses his head to redirect a corner kick toward the goal late in the first half Tuesday.
chestrated a handful of successful counter-attacks into the Lobo end, rattling off six shots in the first 40 minutes. That included a handful of “point-blank shots” that Burnett said “could have changed the game.” Burnett said the Rebels’ game plan centered on countering Lehman’s aggressive style. “They’re a possession-based team and they move the ball well, so our best bet was to catch them in transition,” Burnett said. Applying pressure paid off for Hays early in the second half as the Rebels tallied their lone goal in the first 20 minutes. However,
Lehman’s defense held firm and kept Hays scoreless the rest of the way. Preparing for the Lobos’ final three games of the regular season is Medina’s goal. Lehman could clinch a playoff berth with a win over Anderson in its home regular season finale Friday. Lehman then has back-to-back road tests against Bowie and Akins. Holding each other accountable and staying cool under pressure is what Medina said has guided the Lobos all season long. “We have a solid group of seniors and they have level heads and they remind themselves to focus
OTHER SCORES FROM TUESDAY Softball (8 innings) Lehman 5 – Del Valle 4 Baseball Hays 13 - Bowie 2 Full stories on these contests can be found online at haysfreepress. com.
on consistency,” Medina said. “It’s a motto we’ve held since last spring.” Hays hosts Westlake Friday, followed by road games against Lake Travis and Del Valle.
Late goal lifts Lehman Athletic trainers keep players soccer past Hays 1-0 healthy off and on the field BY SARAH LEOS, MS, ATC, LAT, CES
BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI
For the first time in three seasons, the Lehman Lady Lobos soccer team bested its rival from across the highway. By virtue of a clutch late second-half goal by Abby Jaramillo, mixed with strong team defense, Lehman (8-9-1, 7-7-1) defeated Hays (98-2, 6-7-2) 1-0 and kept its slim playoff hopes afloat. The Lady Lobos avenged their 1-0 loss earlier in the season to the Lady Rebels, while also notching Lehman head coach Michael Banning’s first win over Hays since helming the program two years ago. “In the first round we played really well against Hays, and then we turned around and that was just the beginning of great things,” Banning said. “We’ve built, we’ve practiced hard and we’ve went to different ideas, and my biggest thing is we changed as a team as the year went on. We’re not done peaking yet; I’m proud of these girls. Sky’s the limit for them right now which is nice.” Lehman controlled the game from the opening kickoff as the Lobos outshot Hays in the first half 11-3, 7-0 on goal. Lehman, however, was unable to capitalize on those scoring opportunities. It wasn’t until the 9:55 mark in the second half when the Lady Lobos broke through with a goal by Jaramillo. Jaramillo charged a ball that was deflected off a Lady Rebel defender; she then launched it from outside the 18-yard
PHOTO BY NATHAN LATSHA
Lehman goalkeeper Courtney Alexander saves the ball as Hays Rebel Cianne Talamo approaches Friday at Lobo Field.
box over Hays’ goalkeeper and into the left corner of the net. “I just really wanted to finish the shot and beat them,” said Jaramillo. “That was my goal, so I just did it until I finished.” Banning credited Jaramillo for returning to the team this season and fighting through adversity to become one of the Lady Lobos’ key players. Jaramillo dealt with a nagging quad injury all last season. “She’s been working hard and that was perfect for her, and perfect for this team.” Banning said. In addition to Jaramillo’s late game heroics, the Lady Lobo defense was a big piece of the winning formula as it held Hays to only five shots in the game, and just one shot on goal. Banning complimented Lehman senior Kyla Johnson, senior Alexis Vasquez, sophomore Lilyanna Torres and
sophomore goalkeeper Courtney Alexander for the shutout performance. “All four of them, plus our other two girls in front, played a tremendous game,” Banning said. “You know putting a lot of pressure on them to play that way, it’s not an easy task especially in this district. So I asked a lot of them and they were able to deliver.” The win puts Lehman in fifth place in 25-6A with only three games remaining in the regular season. Hays drops to sixth place with a 6-7-2 record (9-8-2 overall) with the loss. “Well, the next three games are just about having fun and going there and spending time with the players,” Hays head coach Mario Bellver said. “The players like playing soccer, so maybe it will be a little bit better and we shake that stress off and we just have fun and enjoy the game.”
Rebels tame Dawgs with 13-2 victory
March is National Athletic Training Month and all of us in the field hope parents, athletes and coaches make sure to take time and thank the hard work ATs put in. Not to be confused with a personal trainer, who trains and works out athletes, athletic trainers are certified healthcare professionals who practice in the field of sports medicine. All ATs are licensed, earning a bachelors, masters and even doctorate degrees. ATs work with doctors, parents, coaches and, of course, EMTs for the best course of action for the student athlete. Athletic trainers encompass the prevention, examination, treatment and rehabilitation of emergency, acute and chronic injuries and medical conditions. We are here to take care of our athletes not only physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. Athletic trainers are absolutely essential to the health and wellness of athletes worldwide. Athletes come to depend on the ATs not just as medical professionals, but as someone they can go to and trust, as well as have a long and ongoing relationship with. It’s safe to say that any sports medicine team would simply be incomplete without a dedicated AT. They are the first to arrive and last to leave, they are there before every 5 a.m. practice and after every late night game for every sport, every season. We do this year around, even on weekends and holidays. Almost every school has or should have an athletic
trainer working with its teams to keep student athletes healthy. Hays CISD has four licensed ATs at both Hays and Lehman high schools, along with a team of licensed graduate assistants as well as student ATs. You can find ATs working for professional sports teams and everything in between. ATs can be found in the military, operating at clinics, at the Olympics and even performance shows like Cirque Du Soleil. Next time you see a gruesome injury while watching your favorite sporting event, notice how everyone around wants to turn away.
Instead, think of those who run toward to help those injured athletes. They are not only there for those moments, they have already put in a full day’s work preparing for that game. Think of all the work they do behind the scenes, taping, rehabilitation and setting up the field. Today they may be taping your ankle, but tomorrow they could be saving your life. From band-aids to CPR, we are health care. March is National Athletic Training month and we at the Hays Free Press salute those who care for the thousands of athletes who participate in Hays CISD sports.
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Hays Rebel pitcher Aidan Martinez punches in a fastball to a Bowie High batter Tuesday. Hays defeated Bowie 13-2.
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Hays Free Press • March 6, 2019
Page 5
Education
Fuentes seeks budget increase for fine arts BY MOSES LEOS III
year. school. “To get those people Butcher said there A $60,000 budget inwith those skills coming were 60 transfers out of crease is the amount in, they’re not going to Fuentes in the 2018-19 Fuentes Elementary volunteer,” Butcher said. school year, the first year leaders feel is needed to “We have to support them the campus focused on further the goal of becom- with some payment.” the fine arts. While district ing a fine arts focused Currently, Fuentes edu- officials projected enrollcampus. cators often welcome art- ment to be around 450 The request, given to ists, painters students this the district Feb. 18, calls and dance Various fine arts school year, for Fuentes to receive teachers to Fuentes curclubs, such as rently has $80,000 for its fine arts visit classes programs in fiscal year and instruct 645 students choir, theater 2020. Hays CISD officials students. in 2019. and the student begin crafting its budget Butcher said Success for FY 2020 in March. the school at Fuentes newspaper Regina Butcher, Fuenpromotes has also led are offered, as tes Elementary principal, field trips to to a handful said $20,000 budgeted for parades and well as campus complifine arts programs in FY fine art proments from wide activities 2019 was a “great starting ductions at the complace,” but the monies theaters and with a fine arts munity, said were spread thin in some symphonic trustee Wilmentality. areas. Officials at the concerts. lie Tenorio. school think that amount Campus “It’s a is what it “will cost to tru- officials also hope to indifferentiator for us,” ly integrate the arts into clude a theater instructor Tenorio said. “It’s someour curriculum.” in the future. thing we have to do con“We’re not asking for In addition, the school tinuously because there the Cadillac, but we’re also teams up with area are things that charter asking for you (trustees) middle and high schools schools can’t do well. This to consider it,” Butcher to show students what is an example of it.” said. fine art curriculum exThe fine arts model at Part of the $80,000 ists beyond elementary Fuentes could be someis expected to fund a school. thing the district employs World of Music class at It’s all part of an initiaat other campuses down the school, which would tive that received support the road, depending include the purchase of from trustees. on how the change imstring instruments and Hays CISD Trustee pacts students, Butcher percussion equipment. Vanessa Petrea said said. School officials will The money would also transitioning to the fine continue to track any fund a full-time music arts has, in some cases, progress made in student and percussion instrucpushed parents to avoid achievement, attendance tor, as well as community transferring their stuand motivation over the members to visit and dents to the nearby IDEA next three years, which is teach students during the Academy of Kyle charter how long Butcher said it
PHOTO BY JIM CULEN
Artist Wiley Ross works on a mural of Susie Fuentes at the school for which she is the namesake.
takes for schools to measure those components. Helping that cause is making substantial changes during the school day. Each Monday and Friday, students and educators all become “learners” during 30 minute fine arts focused classes, which can be led by visiting educators. “Students get to see teachers as learners and
HCISD choir students advance to state
see teachers making mistakes or starting at some fundamental skills,” Butcher said. “It’s good for students to see their teachers learning.” Various fine arts clubs, such as choir, theater and the student newspaper are offered, as well as campus-wide activities with a fine arts mentality. Educators have also toured fine arts centered
campuses in Austin and Round Rock ISD as part of their professional development (PD) to learn how they made the transition. Butcher said the campus will continue to take incremental steps in order to reach its goal. “We’re not adding to the teachers’ plates, we’re replacing the teachers’ plates,” Butcher said.
PHOTOS BY JIM CULLEN
In late February, members of the Hays and Lehman high choirs earned honors at the annual UIL Solo and Ensemble contest at McCallum High. Twenty students and one ensemble qualified for the UIL State Solo and Ensemble contest later this spring. Left, Lehman High students who advanced are seniors David Garcia Suarez and Daniella Lopez, juniors Ashlynn Arzola, Kayla Loupe, and Caleb Neal, sophomores Alexandra Dorantes, Mikayla Ojeda, Madi Rivas (not pictured), and Alyssa Jizelle Rodriguez (not pictured), and freshman Jayda Scarborough. The Lobo ensemble “1” included senior members David Garcia Suarez, Keven Martinez and Jayden Raymond, and sophomores Jared Brown and Logan Robison. Right, Hays High students who advanced to state are Sophie Andersen, Bodhi Chae, Hannah Cook, Taylor Cooper, Savannah Elkins, Sarah Gianotti, Lily Miller, Koryn Siddiqui, Victoria Sosa and Christina Thies.
Safety Measures: HCISD improves safety at campuses Continued from pg. 1
always want to tell our parents where our money is being spent because it’s the community’s schools. However, we still have to be careful discussing the specifics of certain safety projects.” At the Feb. 18 board workshop, Trustee Willie Tenorio commended the efforts, adding the film will protect against intruders such as a 2018 vandalism incident at Carpenter Hill Elementary. However, the conversation was cut short after Board President Meredith Keller said the specific qualities of the material should not be discussed in open session for safety reasons. The board did not speak about the item before approval at the Feb. 25 meeting, where it was approved by a 6-0 vote. Funding for the film was included in security-related items in Proposition 2 of the May 2017 bond. According to district documents, the board approved the installation of the impact-re-
sistant film at Hays and Lehman high schools in November 2018. Savoy said there are a myriad of tactics and practices – large and small – the district can implement for school safety. The district began the discussions on new safety practices about a year ago, and that included the expenditure for the film and the hiring of Philip Taylor, who is the district’s first Director of Safety and Security, As the district surpassed 20,000 students, the need to revamp safety protocols was a top priority for the district. “Our focus is always to protect the students and staff. Yes, we work to protect the property of the schools, but ultimately this is about the people.” Savoy said. “Could this have stopped the vandalism at Carpenter Hill, yes, probably. But our focus is on the safety of our students. The film buys time and it’s tough to get through.”
SAFETY FIRST
Hays CISD plans to install 12-millimeter film at 18 district campuses. Schools that will receive film in the near future are: Barton Middle School
$11,883
Blanco Vista Elementary School
$24,959
Camino Real Elementary School
$24,959
Carpenter Hill Elementary School $24,959 Chapa Middle School
$12,689
Dahlstrom Middle School
$21,037
Elm Grove Elementary School
$8,247
Fuentes Elementary School
$8,247
Hemphill Elementary School
$8,247
Kyle Elementary School
$24,899
McCormick Middle School
$17,391
Negley Elementary School $13,755 Pflüger Elementary School
$24,959
Science Hall Elementary School
$24,959
Simon Elementary School
$12,890
Tobias Elementary School
$13,655
Tom Green Elementary School
$4,481
Wallace Middle School
$10,759
Total:
$292,974
Total with 5 percent contingency: $307,623
PHOTO COURTESY BUDA ELEMENTARY
Bulldogs witness government in action
Earlier this week, students from Buda Elementary traveled to Austin to receive a resolution honoring the legacy of the historic campus, which will officially move to a new location starting August 2019. Students met and talked with State Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) and toured the Capitol.
Page 6
Community
Hays Free Press • March 6, 2019
Leaving a lasting legacy Buda alumni celebrate final year at historic campus BY MOSES LEOS III
the first Latino student to graduate at what had been From the moment he set the all-white Buda schools, foot in the Kunkel Room said it was “amazing” to at Buda Elementary Upper see the turnout at the Campus Saturday, Billy event. It also brought back Lancaster’s mind instantly memories of how small the traveled to days gone by. school system was at the Where today is a cartime. peted meeting area, back From 1951-52 to 1952in the day it was once an 53, Buda High graduated auditorium that played 26 total students; what is host to a variety of old today Buda Elementary Buda High traditions and Upper Campus housed all assemblies. It was, in fact, 12 Buda ISD grade levels. the place where Lancaster Annette Rodriguez said received his letterman’s for many alumni who jacket for exploits on the have lived in the area for football field. years, Legacy Day wasn’t Nearly six decades later, a “comeback, just a come Lancaster, a 1960 Buda over.” High graduate, proudly “We’ve seen quite a few wore that maroon jacket old friends we haven’t seen symbolizing small-town in years and years and we life in rural Texas. talk about old memories “This was a fun place and the things we won’t to be. I wouldn’t trade let anyone know about,” anything for the time I Annette Rodriguez said. had here,” Lancaster said. A tour of the historic “Growing up here was campus stirred memories great.” for Mike Brewington, who Similar memories, and attended Buda schools unmuch more, were shared til consolidation happened during Legacy Day, an right as he was about to event celebrating the enter high school. Brewhistoric Buda High and ington remembered many Elementary building in of the physical landmarks its final year of operation. and how it related to his Next year, Hays CISD plans time there. to move Buda Elementary That included running, to a new location on Old then hopping, the 99 steps San Antonio Road. leading to the old football The event drew in hunfield below the upper camdreds of alumni, including pus in full uniform during many who attended Buda his junior high football schools prior to consolida- playing days. tion in 1967. Brewington recalled the Onesimo “Tete” and controversy surrounding Annette Rodriguez, who consolidation, but felt graduated from Buda it was an issue that the High in 1952 and 1953 “old timers” in Buda and respectively, celebrated the Kyle had, as opposed to countless memories they students. made at the old campus. “It wasn’t that they Tete Rodriguez, a high hated each other, but they school football star and dang sure didn’t like each
other,” Brewington said. A key change was Buda, which back then closely mirrored Mayberry from the “Andy Griffith Show.” It was a time when Brewington and his friends regularly biked to Onion Creek to hunt frogs without worry. “If someone in Buda today saw six or eight boys with rifles across their handlebars, every law officer in the county would have been called,” Brewington said. Legacy Day also was a chance for alumni and educators who attended Buda Elementary well after consolidation to reconnect, too. Longtime Buda resident Heather Goll, a 2007 Hays High graduate, got the chance to meet with Peggy Ferguson, her 3rd grade teacher and a 25-year educator at Hays CISD schools. It was a special moment for Ferguson, who left the Buda area roughly four years ago. “I don’t get to see these people too often. That’s why today was really important to me,” Ferguson said. Ferguson, who taught at the lower campus for roughly a decade, said many alumni, especially those whose families have gone to the campus for generations, used Legacy Day as a way to show the younger generation what their grandparents or great-grandparents did in their youth. Nolan Kunkel, who served as Buda Elementary principal for more than 20 years, called Legacy Day “something like an
PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III
Top, several Buda alumni pour over yearbooks in the Kunkel Room. Middle, former Buda Elementary Lower Campus educator Peggy Ferguson (left) poses for a selfie wit former student Heather Goll. Bottom, Buda High alumnus Billy Lancaster shows off his letterman jacket.
old homecoming.” It also brought back memories of an environment that was much simpler and without the worries of issues at larger districts. As Hays CISD transitions to a new Buda Elementary campus, most
alumni welcomed the new facility, citing a need to match the area’s growth. Some have some reservations about it. All had a bittersweet feeling as Buda turned a page on a piece of its history.
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1. Cut back roses and shape your shrub roses. Those tall bushes can be trimmed to 1 ½ to 2 feet in height with open centers. Use a sharp pair of pruners and a good pair of leather gloves. Climbing roses should be left un-pruned until after their spring bloom. March is also a good time to add roses to the landscape. 2. Care for fruit trees. There is still plenty of time to spray wintering insects with dormant oil. Pruning to open up the centers will help to reduce disease problems with better air flow. Added sunlight will help to ripen and color the fruit. A few ideas of additions to your orchard: peaches, pears, plums, nectarines, figs, cherries, apples, pomegranates, and persimmons. 3. Tend vegetable garden. The first half of the month is the right time to plant potatoes, asparagus crowns, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, mustard and collard greens, carrots, radishes, Swiss chard, and lettuce. 4. Care for lawn. Early March is a great time to cut the lawn close and aerate if the soil has become compacted. A quarter to half inch top dressing of manure-based compost like Dillo Dirt or Happy Frog Soil Conditioner will go a long way to revitalize turf grass with nutrients, microbes, and beneficial bacteria. If the soil below
“For someone that worked here as long as I did, you have a lot of memories, but you hate to see it happen,” Kunkel said. “You’d like to think this old school will always be here and part of it will be.”
the turf grass is poor, aeration and Dillo Dirt will work wonders. As a top dressing, Dillo Dirt mixed with a little sand can help to level off the low places. For the second half of the month, with the last average frost date is behind us, we can shift to warm season gardening. Some gardening activities to concentrate on: 5. Fertilize turf grass. This will begin to grow as the ground warms up. An organic lawn fertilizer with a 3 -1- 2 ratio can be applied to the lawn at the rate of 10 to 15 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Be sure to water the lawn fertilizer in thoroughly after applying. 6. Insect control. With new growth from all our trees, flowers, and shrubs… come the insects. Aphids will show up on just about everything. A safe, organic spray, like All Seasons Oil will keep them at bay without harming the environment or poisoning ourselves. Our oak trees will be shedding their leaves and putting on new growth any week. With this change come the oak leaf rollers and forest tent caterpillars. Sprays with organic B.T.
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Black history program at Kyle Library
On Feb. 28, Kyle Cultural Awarness, a nonprofit founded by Laura McMahon, partnered with the Kyle Public Library for the inaugural Black History Month program. The program included Nelson Linder from Austin NAACP, as well as several Hays CISD school board trustees. Linder and Kyle Mayor Pro-Tem Dex Ellison spoke on migration of African-Americans and how to encourage residents to learn about their histories.
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Hays Free Press • March 6, 2019
OBITUARIES ECKOLS Edith Thelma Christal Eckols, beloved Mother, mother-inlaw, grandmother, greatgrandmother, sister-inlaw and friend, went into the presence of the Lord and reunited with the love of her life, Clarence, on Feb. 25, 2019, at the age of 96, in Austin, Texas. She was a life-long resident of Driftwood and a member of the Driftwood Methodist Church. Eckols was born to Mack and Agnes Christal on Sept. 12, 1922, in Cen-
tral Texas in the Christian Wilhelm house near FM 967. She lived in the Bear Creek area until she started attending school in Buda and lived with her relatives in Driftwood. It was in Driftwood that she met Clarence. They were married on Dec. 4, 1942 in Laredo when Clarence was stationed at Fort McIntosh. The only time she left the Central Texas area was in 1942 when she followed her husband to New York, by herself, when he was being sent off to World War II. She always remembered her father taking her to the train station in Austin. When the train left, her father chased after the train crying because his 20-year-old daughter was going so far away. When
Clarence returned from the war, they moved into their home in Driftwood. She lived in that home the rest of her life. While the work was hard and the money was short, the home was always full of love and happiness. Eckols made everyone feel special. Those who knew her all have special memories of her. It was a life well-lived, and there is no doubt she heard, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” as she entered God’s presence. Eckols was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Eckols; her parents, Mack and Agnes Christal, her sister, Fannie Mae Klingemann, and grandson, Dane Eckols. She is survived by her sons Shelby Eckols and
wife Nica, and Tom Eckols and wife Frances, grandchildren Colby Eckols (wife Allison), Nelson Eckols (wife Belinda), Byron Eckols (wife Isaac), Rebekah Aldridge (husband Ryan), granddaughter-in-law Rachael Eckols (wife of Dane Eckols), great-grandchildren Grace Eckols, Mary Frances Eckols, Gabriela Eckols, Hollis Eckols, Addie Eckols, Mae Eckols, Hudson Eckols and Tommy and Annie Aldridge, a sister-in-law Lois Puryear, and many nieces, nephews and friends. The pallbearers will be Colby Eckols, Nelson Eckols, Byron Eckols, Jonathan Janek, Shaylon Eckols and Bobby Janek. Condolences may be sent to: www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.
Page 7
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Your Hometown McDonald’s
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15359 IH-35, Ste. B P.O. Box 1364, Buda, TX 78610 512-312-2383 Locally owned and operated by Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
CHURCH OF CHRIST
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770
Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle
BAPTIST First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626
Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda
CONFESSION Saturdays: 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday evening: 5:30 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. (Spanish), 11 a.m. (English) 5 p.m. (English)
First Baptist Church
A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161 Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m. Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m. Nursery Provided www.firstbaptistbuda.com • fbcbuda@austin.rr.com
EPISCOPAL 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
The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda
Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda
Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca
Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda
Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.
The Well Buda
Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle
CATHOLIC
METHODIST
Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda
Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda
Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle
Journey United Methodist 4301 Benner Rd, Kyle, Tx
New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd.
Friendly, Courteous Service
Sudoku Solution
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor
New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda
Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca
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
Wednesday Evening (Chapel)-6:30 p.m. *On 5th Sundays we conduct one service at 10 a.m. with special music.
Rev. Lisa Straus Office 295-6981 • www.BudaUMC.org
FREE DELIVERY 1ST 20 GAL. FREE
Call 1-866-691-2369
CHRISTIAN
*Informal Worship (Worship Center)-11 a.m.
Privately owned From local springs
PENTECOSTAL
Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle
Sunday School (all ages)-10:00 a.m.
Spring Water!
Vertical Chapel 5700 Dacy Lane (McCormick M.S.), Buda
Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle
*Traditional Worship (Worship Center)-9 a.m.
Pure Texas
New Covenant Community Church 1019 Main Street, Buda (in Dance Unlimited)
Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle
Elm Street & San Marcos
FM 2770, Buda, Texas 295-4801
Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda
Good Shepherd Ministries 401 FM 967, Buda
Buda United Methodist Church
CENTEX MATERIALS LLC
Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle
A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle
St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland
1100 Main Street • Buda, Texas 78610 Office: 512-312-2520 • Fax: 512-295-2034 • santacruzcc.org Rev. David Leibham, Pastor • Rev. Amado Ramos, Assoc. Pastor
Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda
TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP
Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda
St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle
Santa Cruz Catholic Church
P.O. Box 1787 Batavia, New York 14021
Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda
2325 FM 967 • 312-0701
Texas Crossword, from page 11
We are offering, free of charge, an easy-to-read Bible. It’s the GOOD NEWS BIBLE in today’s English. The volumes we distribute contain the Old & New Testaments, maps, and helpful features to assist the reader. If you would like to recieve a copy, simply write to us at the address below. This is a free offer. There will be no follow-up correspondence. We do not ask for money.
Come worship with us
Rosebrock
Texas Crossword Solution
FREE BIBLE
Gift Of The Word
.com
Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle
Veterinary Clinic
tables and enjoying your own beautiful landscape. Happy gardening everyone!
PRESBYTERIAN
Hays Hills
Sudoku Puzzle, from page 11
Baptist Church 9:30 a.m. Classic Service 10:45 a.m. Contemporary service
9:00am 10:00am 6:00pm 7:00pm
Wednesday
Adult (including an 8:30 a.m. early bird class), teen, children’s classes * Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school
COME WORSHIP WITH US! Sunday
www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626
Bible Class Worship Worship Bible Class
Southeast Baptist Church pastorseanmichaud@gmail.com • 512-658-4122 5020 Turnersville Road, Creedmoor, Texas SUNDAY Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Worship: 11:00 a.m. WEDNESDAY Pray & Devotion: 7:00 p.m.
N in N. Maet Stre
FM
13
27
162 5
Buda, Texas • 15300 S. IH-35 • 312-1615
BUDA
will thrive in our climate with minimal care and minimal water. Some to look for are ox-eye daisy, black-foot daisy, skullcap, rudbeckia and gloriosa daisies. There will be tons of salvia and lantana varieties to choose from. 10. Have fun! Above all, get outside and enjoy yourself. Nothing can be more rewarding than eating homegrown vege-
Tex
as
Tu
rne
rsv
ille
Rd
.
45
FM
dianthus, lobelia, phlox, geranium, gerbera daisy, petunias, marigolds, zinnias, and nasturtiums. 9. Perennial care. Keep an eye out for those returning perennials; don’t mistake them for weeds and pull them up. Better to surround them with fresh compost and a little mulch. This spring will bring a world of new perennials to plant. Many will be natives that
IH-35
should be an effective and safe way to control these damaging insects. Look for products with names like Thuricide and Dipel to do the trick. 7. Planting vegetables. The vegetable garden for the latter half of the month will see an explosion of activity. It’s finally time to plant tomatoes, peppers, snap beans, limas, corn, cantaloupes, cucumbers, eggplant, and squash. 8. Flower garden. The winter flower garden should be in full force. Those snapdragons you planted back in October should be starting their second (and best) bloom. Flowering cabbage and kale should be at their peak. New annuals to set out are alyssum,
Toll
Page 8
Hays Free Press • March 6, 2019
Service Directory Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning
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Free furnace special Call for details
www.ae4cool.com • 512-312-9535
AMM Collision Center
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Austin
Professional Office Home and RV Service in north Hays Co. Consulting Setup Training Backups Upgrades
Drippings Springs
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Buda Automotive Full Service Car & Truck Repair
Air Conditioning • Heating • Electrical
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Call
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Major Credit Cards Accepted
TECL 24139
Financial Planning Financial Planning
Monclova Construction, LLC
3/4 mi. north of Dairy Queen
3 Great Locations! Kyle
APC
Automotive
Construction
Computer Help
Automotive
Air Conditioning
Computer Systems Software Development Networking Technical Systems Maintenance
Component Selection Digital Photos System & Process Docs Website Maintenance CD/DVD Duplication
Want help selecting the best value? Office systems not maintained? Did your kids or employees leave your computer useless?
mike@haystech.com
Handyman
Glass Service
• • • • • • •
Foundations Driveways Parking Lots Retaining Walls Excavation Welding Fabrication
Zachary Barton Zachary Barton
512-686-7589 512-686-7589 107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Investment Planning Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Investment Planning
austin@monclovaconstruction.com
512-366-2554
Handyman
For all the latest news in Hays County, go to
Reliable Handy Man Painting, Remodel & Home Repair, Flooring & Tile, Carpentry, Decks & Fences, Pressure Washing, Gutters, Cleaning & Repair, RV Repair
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Newspaper
For all the latest news in Hays County, go to
.com Subscribe to the Hays Free Press for only $42 a year. Call 512-268-7862, email paper@haysfreepress.com or visit us on our website, www.haysfreepress.com.
Lawn Care
Newspaper Build up your business by advertising in the Hays Free Press Service Directory Only $30 a week to run in the Hays Free Press Service Directory.
Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010
Call Jesse Reyna at 512-788-2180 or email apa6207@sbcglobal.net
Pool Service
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G&S
Serving S. Austin, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle and Buda since 1994.
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MC • Visa
Curtis Dorsett 512-402-4704
“No Job Too Small or Too Big”
Painting
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BUSINESS LAW/ WILLS/TRUSTS/ PROBATE/FAMILY LAW/DIVORCE/ CUSTODY/ CONSUMER LAW/ DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES ACT/ PROPERTY LAW/ LANDLORD-TENANT LAW/PERSONAL INJURY/DWI/ CRIMINAL DEFENSE/ DEBT/DEFENSE/ GENERAL CIVIL LITIGATION
Attorneys and Counselors At Law
130 Hall Professional Center, Kyle, TX 78640
512-268-6425
Interior Exterior Painting Rot-wood Replacement Sheet Rock Repairs Wallpaper Removal Wall Texture Pressure Wash References Available Esure www.699painting.com
Area Roofing
Over 10 years of experience Keith Miller, owner
Company
One Time & Weekly Cleanings Drain & Cleans Pressure Washing Full Service Repairs HIGH TIDE Pool Replastering POOL SERVICE FREE ESTIMATES HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE@YAHOO.COM HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE.COM
512-699-0441
Roofing
Pool Service
Pool and Spa Service
312-0710 Serving Hays County since 1990
Call 512-268-7862, email paper@haysfreepress.com or visit us on our website, www.haysfreepress.com.
Home Repair/Remodeling
WHO DOES YOUR LANDSCAPING/LAWN?
(13 week minimum)
Plumbing
Ray Brown 325.248.5027 Ray@DebRayHomes.com DebRayHomes.com
Subscribe to the Hays Free Press for only $42 a year.
Honey-Do List Drywall Repair Clean Dryer Vent Leaking Toilet Repairs for Sale of Home H Insured H H H H H
Legal Services
• Flower Beds • Fencing • Sprinkler Systems • Patios • Mowing, Edging and Cleanup • Tree Trimming and Removal • Rock Gardens • Garden Boxes • Build Sheds
Call Tracy at (512) 268-7862 or email ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com
.com
Since 1991
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• All types of roofing • Seamless rain gutters • Attic and wall blown insulation
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512-965-3465
OWNER
(512) 312-5050 Member of the BBB
Septic Services
Septic Services
SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, INC.
ALL AMERICAN WASTEWATER SOLUTIONS, LLC
(512)
312-0002
Septic Problems... LET US HELP! Septic Repair & Installation Specialist
SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, INC. Serving the Hays Metro area, including Travis, Blanco, Bastrop, Williamson & surrounding counties.
Shoe Repair
Newspaper For all the latest news in Hays County, go to .com
Subscribe to the Hays Free Press for only $42 a year. Call 512-268-7862, email paper@haysfreepress.com or visit us on our website, www.haysfreepress.com.
Commercial & Residential
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AustinShoeHospital.com locations in 1010Locations in Central Central Texas Texas including: including:
1911 Ben White and Manchaca Rd • 512-440-8788 Rockand Ave.Nutty Round Rock Rd - 512-244-9124 12119316 WRound Hwy 290 Brown • 512-827-3398 306WSouth Park 6781 HwyBell 290Cedar in Oak Hill- •512-219-8387 512-288-6386
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Tank Lid Replacements & Tank Refurbishing
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Septic Inspections & Consulting
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Hydrojetting & Pump Replacements
Tree Service
Lees Trees
38 years experience in the hill country Firewood • Pruning • Removal • Chipping Planting • Cedar Posts • Bulk Mulch
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Hays Free Press • March 6, 2019
Page 9
Business
Kyle approves first-year incentive business applications BY KATIE BURRELL After no interest was generated in the inaugural year of Kyle’s First Year on Us (FYOU) plan, a trio of new businesses want to take advantage of the city’s tax rebate program. FYOU offers rebates on businesses’ first year ad valorem taxes – up to $10,000 – to encourage development and construction of businesses both small and large. Three applicants applied for rebates this year and were unanimously approved by the council. “This program came from a strong desire to treat our small business community more equitably,” said Mayor Travis Mitchell. “We, as a city, are constantly trying to lure major commercial
Kyle’s First Year On Us (FYOU) offers rebates on businesses’ first year ad-valorem taxes to encourage development and construction of businesses both small and large up to $10,000. businesses to come… we roll out the red carpet for those folks … that said, the small business community has an equal impact.” For the first time, three applicants applied citing their interest in Kyle for application to the incentive program. City leaders hope to see more small businesses take interest in the program in the future. “We got better at marketing the program,” Mitchell said. “We’ve
PHOTO BY KATIE BURRELL
been trying to gain interest because we believe it will level the playing field for small businesses.” Brad Hullum, owner of Hullum Properties, received a $10,000 incentive, while Heather Bunting received a $5,000 incentive. Craig Barron, owner of Shaggy Dog, received a $5,000 incentive. Hullum Properties currently owns GTL Electric Solutions in San Marcos and Joe Brown Construction LLC in Buda. Hullum
Craig Barron, owner of Shaggy Dog in Buda, has one of three businesses that have applied for and received the FYOU rebate incentive.
Properties is building its third location, Logic Mechanical, and is hiring 13 to 15 local staff members. “We give back as much as possible and definitely want to invest in the future of this community,” said Hullum, who intends to build in the 300 block of Ayers Rd, and hopes to open by the end of the year. Bunting is a veterinarian of 10 years who plans
Texas ranks seventh in highest property taxpayers BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
It’s a reality many Hays County residents already know too well – Texans are some of the highest paying property tax payers in the nation. A recent study conducted by WalletHub ranked Texas as the 7th highest in the nation when it came to the amount of property taxes paid by its residents. According to the study, Texans pay around $2,775 in property taxes per year, which is based on the median home value of $151,000. Jill Gonzalez, analyst at WalletHub, said states that don’t have a dedicated income tax, such as Texas, must increase property taxes to fund necessary things such as salaries for government employees, public schools and infrastructure. Although Texas' property taxes are high, the median home value in Texas is lower than the national average of $193,500. But, in Hays County, as prices of homes continue to increase, so does the amount of property taxes. Compared to states like Alabama and West Virginia, where citizens play around $550 in property taxes annually, Texans are paying more than their neighboring states. Worries about rising property tax bills, however, is driving state legislators to find a way to fix the issue, much to the consternation of local leaders.
PROPERTY TAX REFORM HEADS TO THE STATE Mayors didn’t shy away Feb. 25 from voicing dissent about a pair of con-
According to the study, Texans pay around $2,775 in property taxes per year, which is based on the median home value of $151,000. troversial bills that could cap how much their cities can increase property tax rates. The controversial set of bills, Senate Bill and House Bill 2, would require cities, counties and school districts to hold an election if they seek to raise ad valorem rates more than 2.5 percent from the previous year. The proposal would not affect taxing units that do not collect more than $15 million in revenue, but that isn’t stopping smaller municipalities from weighing in on the discussion. Buda Mayor George Haehn criticized the bill during a Ways and Means Committee hearing, saying it doesn’t alleviate rising property values nor does it allow cities to act with local control. Haehn worried tax caps could give complete control to the state and not the cities. State Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock), chairperson of the committee, asked Haehn if he was against rollback rates. Burrows argued the cap would keep property tax rates from going through the roof.
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Haehn said he was not against roll back taxes in its entirety but said the proposed cap was “not prudent.” Haehn said the 2.5 percent cap would prevent a city from raising funds needed immediately because there would not be enough time to go before voters for the increase. This need for immediate funds could include local natural disasters or emergencies. “I don’t like the concept of the state coming in and taking local control and giving it to you,” Haehn said. “What you’re trying to do is take local control away from those who are elected to make the tough decisions at the point in time where I have to make them.” Current state law allows residents to petition for an election if cities seek to raise property tax rates that generates an eight percent revenue increase from the previous year. But Haehn said those city leaders who have made it to that eight percent threshold are irresponsible and probably were voted out of office. For now, rising property taxes is still at the forefront of concerns for most Texans and Americans. According to the National Tax Lien Association, more than $14 billion in property taxes go unpaid each year. “Depending on the state you live in, these taxes can be either a small inconvenience or a major burden,” Gonzalez said. “And this affects everyone, as both owners and renters pay property taxes, directly or indirectly.”
Hank is a 3-year-old, neutered male, Pointer Mix. He is ultra sweet and not a big fan of the shelter. Even though he’s caught off guard by his new living situation, he puts his fear behind him when meeting new people. When playing outside, his true personality shines. He knows basic commands and walks pretty well on leash.
CALL TODAY: 806.620.1422
LOBO MINERALS, LLC PO Box 1800 • Lubbock, TX 79408-1800
LoboMineralsLLC@gmail.com
McCree is a 4 1/2-year-old, neutered male, brown and black tabby. She is a low-energy cat looking for a low-energy human! This wonderful man is one of our most gentle and well-behaved cats. McCree does well with most like minded cats and tolerates dogs at a distance.
PAWS Shelter of Central Texas
500 FM 150 E, Kyle, TX • 512 268-1611 • pawsshelter.org
All animals are fully vaccinated, spay/neutered, microchipped and dewormed.
sponsored by
Town & CounTry VeTerinary HospiTal Committed to your pet’s health since 1978
Bill Selman, DVM • Kayley Goldsmith, DVM • Ben Fox, DVM 6300 FM 1327 (East of I35 and Creedmoor) Austin, TX 78747 Give us a call at 512-385-0486
Dream More. Pay Less. Get a Home Equity Loan From a Lender You Trust.
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two years. “I moved here from Austin with some reservation… but I love this area and the idea just came to me (to start a business) and the reception has been great,” said Barron. Barron said he began his first store by hiring three seniors from Hays High and plans to do the same when he opens his new Kyle location.
is a non-profit, no-kill shelter operated primarily on donations and adoptions.
Both non-producing and producing
including Non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI) Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation.
to own her own practice in Kyle and work with local high school students in vet tech programs. Bunting plans to open her practice this summer. Barron, who opened the first Shaggy Dog location along FM 967 in 2017, aims to open a second location in Kyle. Barron’s flagship store has been open a year and a half, while Barron has been a local resident for
STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN
Consolidate Debt Improve Your Home Pay for College Membership eligibility required. Loans subject to credit approval. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. The specific rate will depend on your credit rating and term. Home Equity Loans are available only on property in Texas. As a safeguard, a 12-day cooling off period is required by Texas law before Home Equity Loans may be closed. There is also a three-day right of rescission after closing before the funds may be disbursed. Minimum loan amount is $4,000. Borrower will be responsible for certain closing costs, if required, such as title, insurance, appraisal fee and survey costs. Actual APR may vary and is based on individual credit worthiness. NMLS# 583215
Be Your Own Boss Choose Your Own Routes! Looking for CDL drivers to deliver new trucks all over the country, starting in Laredo, TX. Experience preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in last 10 years, clean MVR.
Apply Online at www.qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023
Classifieds
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• Place your classified ad by calling 512-268-7862 • Email paper@haysfreepress.com We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover DEADLINE: NOON MONDAY FOR WEDNESDAY’S PAPER
Hays Free Press
Hays Free Press • March 6, 2019
Employment
Public Notices
DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $10 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules. Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net. Call (512)432-1678 for further information.
YOU BRING THE APPETITE
WE’LL BRING THE JOB SCHNEIDER HIRING PARTY Houston Community College 555 Community College Drive • Houston
Subs, hot dogs, chips and drinks
A chance to win Astros tickets
Schneider driving opportunities
All current CDL holders eligible to enter!*
Learn about and apply for trucking jobs in your area
Mid to Senior Level Diesel Technician Openings in Austin, TX. Walk Interviews/On the Spot Hiring. North Austin: 8201 Tuscany Way Austin, TX 78724. South Austin: 8800 S. Congress Ave Austin, TX 78745. Sign On Bonus! Competitive weekly pay, full benefits package, 401k matching, Pension Plan, paid training and discounts incentives! 3+ years of experience required. Many opportunities for advancement! Call Penske Truck Leasing Today and ask for Rain: 855-902-0670
Home For Rent 2018 30-FOOT TRAVEL TRAILER FOR RENT
Office For Rent
FOOD, PRIZES, GREAT JOBS AND MORE
Free lunch
MID TO SENIOR LEVEL DIESEL TECHNICIAN OPENINGS IN AUSTIN, TX
Brand new. Single person or retired couple. No smokers. $750/month $375/deposit. All bills paid. John, 512-3618864 or Toby 512-552-6106
MARCH 8 AND 9 • 10 AM - 5 PM
Job offers Potential for on-the-spot job offers
Want more info? Contact: Joe at 713-882-1081 RSVP: schneiderjobs.com/events *No purchase necessary to enter or win. Contest and prizes subject to official rules available at the event.
RECENTLY REDUCED PRICING FOR SMALL OFFICE RENTAL
360 s.f. front office with attached storage or second office. High Speed internet and utilities included. Free Access to Conference Room. Kyle Pkwy Self Storage & Mini Offices, 5141 Cromwell Drive, Kyle, Texas 78640. 512-262-7234.
IMMEDIATE OPENING
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Come join our growing company! Visit our website for other open positions. Competitive benefits and pay. Paid leave and holidays. To apply, visit TexasDisposal.com/careers For inquiries, please call (512) 421-7624
TexSCAN Week of March 3, 2019
OIL AND GAS RIGHTS
We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an HUNTING HIDEAWAY, 269 Acres, South Texas offer evaluation. 806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ Brush, tanks, pens, well. $3,495/acre, South of San gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, Antonio 30 minutes. Call Carolyn Sparks, Broker Lubbock, TX 79408-1800. 210-827-9510.
ACREAGE
CHARITY Donate a boat or car today to Boat Angel. 2-Night Free Vacation. Sponsored by Boat Angel Outreach Centers to stop crimes against children. 800-700-BOAT, www.boatangel.com.
EMPLOYMENT Schneider Hiring Party – March 8 & 9, 10 a.m. 5 p.m., Houston Community College, 555 Community College Dr., Houston. Learn about Schneider driving opportunities; food and prizes. RSVP: schneiderjobs. com/events. Contact: Joe at 713-882-1081.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE TYPE-2 DIABETICS - Gangrene of the genitals has been associated with the use of SGLT2 Inhibitors, like Invokana, Farxiga, Jardiance. Call 1-800-800-9815 you may be entitled to compensation!
Page 10
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CITATION BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF TEXAS, COUNTY OF HAYS
To all persons interested in the Guardianship of Kye W. Stephens, an Incapacitated Person, Cause No. 19-0005-G, in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas. The alleged heir(s) at law in the above-numbered and entitled estate filed APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT OF PERMANENT GUARDIAN OF THE PERSON AND ESTATE in this estate on the 22nd day of February, 2019, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of Kye W. Stephens, 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: David Glickler 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 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 25th day of February, 2019. Elaine H. Cardenas County Clerk, Hays County, Texas 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2008 San Marcos, Texas 78666 By Darren Jones, Deputy
REQUEST FOR BIDS
Plum Creek Conservation District is accepting bids for ground application of fertilizer and herbicide to approximately 482 acres on 24 flood control structures. Approximately 237 acres to be applied around the 1st of April and 245 acres to be applied around the 1st of May. For more information, call 512-398-2383. Respond on or before noon on March 19th, 2019. Send bids to PO Box 328, Lockhart, TX 78644. PCCD reserves the right to evaluate bids and to reject all bids.
NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS, COUNTY OF HAYS
Cause: 17-2042 By virtue of an Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 22nd District Court of HAYS County, Texas, January 14, 2019, in cause numbered 17-2042, styled Indian Paint Brush Homes Owners Association, Inc. versus Aundi C. Bennet on a judgment rendered against Aundi C. Bennet; I did on February 13, 2019, at 3:00 p.m., levy upon as the property of Aundi C. Bennet the following described real property: LOT 24, BLOCK A, INDIAN PAINTBRUSH SUBDIVISION PHASE ONE, A SUBDIVISION IN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT OF RECORD IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 369, PLAT RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 365 INDIAN PAINTBRUSH DRIVE, KYLE, TEXAS 78640 (PROPERTY). On APRIL 2, 2019, being the first Tuesday of the month, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Hays County, at the South Door, 712 Stagecoach Trail of the Courthouse of the said County, in the City of San Marcos, Texas, I will sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of Aundi C. Bennet in and to the real property described above. Dated at Kyle, Hays County, Texas, February 13, 2019. Michael Torres Constable, Pct. 2 Hays County, Texas 5458 FM 2770 Kyle, Texas 78640 by Robert L. Eller, Deputy Notice to Bidders: You are buying whatever interest, if any, the Debtor has in the property. Purchase of the Debtor’s interest in the property may not extinguish any liens or security interests held by other persons.
There are no warranties, express or implied, regarding the property being sold, including but not limited to warranties of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Notice to Judgment Debtor: If there is any property, real or personal, you want to point out for levy in lieu of the above described property, you must contact this office immediately.
NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS, COUNTY OF HAYS
Cause: 15-0245 By virtue of an Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 207th District Court of HAYS County, Texas, February 4, 2019, in cause numbered 15-0245, styled Hometown Kyle Homeowners Association, Inc. versus Kevin Halfmann and Krista Leigh Halfmann on a judgment rendered against Kevin Halfmann and Krista Leigh Halfmann; I did on February 13, 2019, at 3:00 p.m., levy upon as the property of Kevin Halfmann and Krista Leigh Halfmann the following described real property: LOT2, BLOCK D, HOMETOWN KYLES SUBDIVISION, PHASE 1, A SUBDIVISION IN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 11, PAGES 247250, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS. On APRIL 2, 2019, being the first Tuesday of the month, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Hays County, at the South Door, 712 Stagecoach Trail of the Courthouse of the said County, in the City of San Marcos, Texas, I will sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of Kevin Halfmann and Krista Leigh Halfmann in and to the real property described above. Dated at Kyle, Hays County, Texas, February 13, 2019. Michael Torres Constable, Pct. 2 Hays County, Texas 5458 FM 2770 Kyle, Texas 78640 by Robert L. Eller, Deputy Notice to Bidders: You are buying whatever interest, if any, the Debtor has in the property. Purchase of the Debtor's interest in the property may not extinguish any liens or security interests held by other persons. There are no warranties, express or implied, regarding the property being sold, including but not limited to warranties of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Notice to Judgment Debtor: If there is any property, real or personal, you want to point out for levy in lieu of the above described property, you must contact this office immediately.
CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS REQUEST FOR BIDS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR KYLE CROSSING ROAD RECONSTRUCTION “K 18-19.1”
Sealed bids addressed to the City of Kyle will be received for Kyle Crossing Road Reconstruction until 2:00 pm on April 10, 2019 at City of Kyle Public Works Department, 520 E. RR 150, Kyle, TX. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 2:00 pm on April 10,2019 at City of Kyle Public Works Department. Bids are invited for several items and quantities of work
as follows: 1. Approximately 0.663 miles of road reconstruction between Kohler’s Crossing and Vista Ridge. 2. Approximately 0.663 miles of linear feet of triaxial geogrid. 3. Metal beam guard fence. 4. Striping. Bids must be submitted on the Unit Price Bid Form provided and must be accompanied by a bid security in a penal sum approximately equal to and not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid. The security shall be in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check, or bid bond furnished by a reliable surety company having authority under the laws of Texas to write surety bonds in the amount required, with such security made payable without recourse to the City of Kyle. The envelope containing the bid shall indicate clearly on the front that the bid is for Kyle Crossing Road Reconstruction between Kohler’s Crossing to Vista Ridge “K 18-19.1”. The final Notice of Award of Contract shall be given to the successful bidder by the City of Kyle within sixty (60) days following the opening of bids and no bidder may withdraw his bid within sixty (60) days after opening thereof. The successful Bidder must furnish a performance bond and payment bond on the forms provided, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount, from a surety company holding a permit from the State of Texas to act as surety. State statutes including wage and hour provisions and contract regulations must be adhered to as they relate to this project. Contractors will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Copies of the Plans, Specifications and Bid Documents will be on file by March 13, 2019 and may be examined at the following locations: • Public Works Building, 520 E. RR 150, Kyle, Texas 78640 • Builders Exchange, 4047 Naco Perrin, San Antonio, Texas 78217 • City of Kyle website Electronic copy (Flash Drive) will be available upon request at no cost. Bidders should carefully examine the plans, specifications and other documents, visit the site of work, and fully inform themselves as to all conditions and matters which can in any way affect the work or the cost thereof. Should a bidder find discrepancies in, or omissions from, the plans, specifications or other documents, or should be in doubt as to their meaning, bidder should notify the City Engineer and obtain clarification prior to submitting any bid, but no later than April 05, 2019. Additional information, addenda and answer to any such clarification and or questions will be posted on City Website. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held on March 28, 2019 at 2:00 am at the offices of the City of Kyle Public Works Department, 520 E. RR 150, Kyle TX. The right is reserved, as the interest of the City of Kyle may require, to reject all bids and to waive any informalities in bids received. Leon Barba, P.E. City Engineer City of Kyle 03/06/2019
PUBLIC NOTICES, 12
PUBLIC HEARING Notice is given that a Public Hearing by the Board of Directors of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (District) will be held at the District office located at 1124 Regal Row, Austin, Texas, during its Regular Meeting on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 6:15 p.m. for the following purpose: The Public Hearing concerns proposed revisions to the District Rules and Bylaws related generally to: Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) rules relating to definitions, permit process and applications, permit amendments, permit conditions and requirements, pilot test permit, well construction standards, as well as, maximum withdrawals for management zone and Saline Edwards DFC. Following the hearing, the Board may possibly take action to approve some or all of these changes. A copy of the proposed rules is available for viewing and copying at the District office or from the District website at www.bseacd.org. Publication of this notice begins a public 20- day comment period for which comments will be accepted by the District until close of business on March 21, 2019. For more information, please contact the District office at (512) 282-8441.
Hays Free Press • March 6, 2019
Page 11
New bill could require assessment for future pipeline construction BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
“These are projects by private corporations with the power of eminent domain by the state. I am concerned about the complete lack of oversight by the state. If these companies have the power of the state, there must be more oversight.”
then be submitted in writing to the Texas Questions over the Railroad Commission for process of companies approval. building infrastructure "This is one step that on privately-owned land is very important that is leading a local lawmakcomes before a host of er to propose possible other bills in regard to changes at the state level. pipelines," Zwiener said. Earlier this week, "These decisions should State Rep. Erin Zwiener not be made in the seclu(D-Driftwood) authored sion of a corporate board –Erin Zwiener, State Representative, Dist. 45 House Bill (HB) 2277, room. Building large which could require an infrastructure will always environmental assessbe a challenge for the majority of the Hill Coun- approval from the TRC. ment prior to the conwell-being of the entire try, including through Zwiener said she struction of natural gas state, but those decisions Hays County. questions the ability of pipelines. need to be made in the In Texas, energy-ina private corporation to The proposed legislight of day." frastructure companies adequately undergo an lation could be the first For Kyle residents, are allowed the power environmental study at of a handful of bills that Zwiener said Kinder of eminent domain with its own discretion. would increase public Morgan's pipeline poses common carrier sta"It's a fox guarding the a public safety risk. oversight on the contus. To be considered hen house," Zwiener said. Hundreds of houses on struction of pipelines a common carrier, the "(Kinder Morgan) has no the east side of Interstate throughout the state. company would have financial incentive to do a 35 are in the evacuation "These are projects by thorough environmental zone. private corporations with to contract with other the power of eminent do- entities to transport natu- assessment. And if they This would require city have conducted one, has and county services to be main by the state," Zwie- ral gas. Common carrier any member of the public prepared in the case of an ner said. "I am concerned ensures the pipeline will transport a resource for seen those documents?" about the complete lack explosion, an investment the common good of the The bill states an of oversight by the state. in time and resources. public. analysis must be comIf these companies have There may be a bill Energy companies are pleted to identify potenthe power of the state, in the near future that there must be more over- currently required to sub- tial harms or impacts to would establish a public mit a T-4 form to the Tex- endangered and threatsight." process for the routing of ened species, air and Zwiener’s bill is directly as Railroad Commission pipelines, Zwiener said. stating the pipeline is a water quality, aquifers, linked to Kinder MorIn addition to the encommon carrier. Howand historic, cultural and vironment, the economic gan’s proposed Permian archaeological sites. Highway Pipeline, which ever, the process does impacts to the county are not involve oversight or That analysis would is slated to cut through a still unseen.
"There is no way you can put a pipeline between San Antonio and Austin without negatively affecting the value of future development,"
she said. "I understand Kinder Morgan will pay property taxes for the easements, but in no way will this equal the potential value of that land.
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Pipeline Project: Hays County says no Continued from pg. 1
far west Texas to the Houston area. Eminent domain is the process where governmental and private entities force the sale of private land for public use. A lack of outreach on the part of Kinder Morgan officials, especially with public officials and government entities, was also one of Shell’s largest issues. Shell said he has spoken with Kinder Morgan officials “several times” and has tried to get them to attend a commissioners court meeting to address public questions. While Kinder Morgan has hosted open houses regarding its pipeline, Shell said more could be done. He cited the county’s recent outreach efforts on FM 150, which could encompass more than 15 years of public participation before it is completed. Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe said protecting homeowners on the east side of Interstate 35 impacted by the project is just as important as preserving natural resources. Four Kyle area subdivisions could be in close proximity to the pipeline. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said he is against the pipeline in its current route. However, Becerra didn’t think closing the door on Kinder Morgan was
prudent. Becerra said the county shouldn’t invest in possible litigation, but “explore other avenues.” Possible options include Kinder Morgan funding an independent hydrology and economic impact study with local commission and environmental group oversight. Becerra said there is a “lot of money being left out of the conversation” if the county moves through “as things are.” Shell, however, said he is not at a negotiating stage with Kinder Morgan at this point. “We have the opportunity to negotiate a process with a volume of product moving through these lines that can benefit us if we take that route,” Becerra said. “I’m against the pipeline. I don’t want to mince words. But I am here to help negotiate for the best interests of Hays County within the confines of the law.” During public comment, residents and landowners maintained their stance against Kinder Morgan, citing the environmental and economic impacts the proposed project could bring. Resident John Price said the pipeline is not “in the public’s interest,” and worried about the impact the pipeline could have on the Edwards Aquifer. Larry Becker, a Wim-
berley area landowner who said he could be impacted by the proposed line, worried about plans for the pipeline to go under the Blanco River twice on its current route. Price said the pipeline would introduce the county to an industry “I don’t believe we want to
see.” “This scares me and I hope it scares you, because once it’s in, the aquifer in essence, dies,” Price said. “We have the ability to do whatever we can to stop it. This is a travesty in the first place, the company trying to ruin the lives of millions.
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Continued from pg. 1
interest of all voters and strengthens democracy by increasing citizen participation in the electoral process.” Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said he looks forward to improvements the county “is undertaking to increase voter participating and election integrity.” Anderson said county officials will hold two public meetings on the proposal, expected to be set for late March. They will also form a committee made up of political party representatives and political subdivision planners to determine polling locations. Anderson said while different types of elections call for different numbers of polling locations, she does not expect a major change in the number of polling locations for each of those elections.
Financial Advisor
203 Railroad St Ste 1B Buda, TX 78610 512-312-2332
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Polling Places: More in future? Currently, voters must cast their ballots at their designated precincts on Election Day. Residents who vote during early voting currently can cast a ballot at any open polling site. “Allowing Election Day voters to do the same (as in early voting) would avoid issues caused when voters show up at the wrong precinct,” according to the release. Anderson said all governmental entities in the county were in favor of the program and planned to bring up their own resolutions soon. For Hays County to be approved for the program, all jurisdictions must be in favor of it, according to a release. Hays County Democratic Chair Donna Haschke said Feb. 26 the proposal is “a true example of bipartisan cooperation that supports the
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Page 12
Hays Free Press • March 6, 2019
Four vie for open District 3 Kyle City Council seat BY MOSES LEOS III
Four people have thrown their hats into the ring for a Kyle City Council seat that could be up for grabs again in November. Robert Rizo, Michelle Carey, Cody DeSalvo and Stuart Kirkwood all filed to run for the District 3 seat prior to Monday’s official deadline for the May 4 special election. The four are vying for
Kyle Special Election Early voting for the Kyle May 4 special election runs from April 22-30.
the seat vacated by former city council member Shane Arabie, who submitted his formal letter of resignation late last month. On Feb. 23, Kyle city leaders called a
special election to fill the final four-plus months of Arabie’s term, which was set to expire in November. Rizo, a longtime Kyle area resident and a property management supervisor, is making his second attempt at a seat on the dais. Rizo was defeated by Rick Koch for the District 5 seat in November 2018. Carey, an office manager who has lived in Kyle for the past 12 years, is
making her first run for a city council seat. In 2017, Carey unsuccessfully ran for the Hays CISD Board of Trustees District 1 seat. Joining them are a pair of political newcomers who are entering the fold. DeSalvo, a consultant who has lived in Kyle for roughly 19 months, tossed his hat into the ring, along with Kirkwood, a consultant who has lived in the city for about 27 years.
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judge, was indicted under that statute for allegedly conducting “secret deliberations” – without a quorum of the commissioners court present – about a November 2015 county road bond. Doyal filed to have the charges dismissed, claiming the statute was unconstitutional. The case eventually made it to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, which handed him a victory Wednesday. Two judges on the nine-member, all-Republican court dissented. “We do not doubt the legislature’s power to prevent government officials from using clever tactics to circumvent the purpose and effect of the Texas Open Meetings Act,” Presiding Judge Sharon Keller wrote for the majority. “But the statute before us wholly lacks any specificity, and any narrowing construction we could impose would be just a guess, an imposition of our own judicial views. This we decline to do.” Attorneys for Doyal argued months ago that the case should not be interpreted as a broad “takedown of the entire Texas Open Meetings Act.” “This case is not about discussions of public matters in a quorum,” they wrote in a July 2018 brief. “This case is not about shutting out the public and the press from the political process.” But open-government advocates warned that the ruling, while specific to one slice of the open meetings act, undermines its aims. “I’m disappointed in the
“I’m disappointed in the ruling. Some people will use it as a chance to try to get around the spirit of the law. But the vast majority of people want to follow the law and want the public to understand government and participate in government. The vast majority of public officials know they can’t go around in secret and deliberate.” –Kelley Shannon, executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas
ruling,” said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. “Some people will use it as a chance to try to get around the spirit of the law. But the vast majority of people want to follow the law and want the public to understand government and participate in government. The vast majority of public officials know they can’t go around in secret and deliberate.” Joe Larsen, an open-government lawyer who had defended the law in the case, said the decision “removes a powerful disincentive” put in place to keep public officials from hiding public business. Larsen said he will likely ask the high court to reconsider the case, given its high stakes. “This provision is important because it basically addresses what are essentially closed meetings where the members of the governmental body meet in numbers less than a quorum but are acting as a
Public Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION
Pursuant to chapter 59; Texas property code; Cornerstone Storage 281 N FM 1626 Buda, TX, 78610 will hold a public auction of property being sold to satisfy a landlord lien. The sale will end on or around 10:00 am on March 21, 2019 via storagetreasures.com. Property will be sold to the highest bidder for cash. A $50.00 clean up deposit will be required. Unit must be cleaned out 48 hours from end of sale. Sale is subject to adjournment. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale. A general description of unit contents is but not limited to misc. Sergio Juarez, Matthew Butler, Kristina Butler, Matthew Butler.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Hays CISD is Requesting Proposals for RFP #22011906JO Middle School Reading Intervention Materials. Proposals will be accepted until 03-1119 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Specifications are available in the HCISD Purchasing Office (512- 268-2141 ext. 46035) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Bid responses must be returned to the HCISD Purchasing Office, Jennifer Ornelas, 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.
quorum,” Larsen explained. “It undermines the strength of the Open Meetings Act.” Judge Kevin Yeary, who wrote a dissenting opinion, seemed to agree about the provision’s importance. “To provide a true disincentive, the stigma of a criminal penalty is necessary,” Yeary wrote. “Yet another perfectly good statute falls today,” he lamented. Open-government advocates – who are already hoping this session will be an opportunity to close gaps in the state’s transparency laws – said the Legislature should take up the issue. “I’m still reviewing the opinion, but I think the Legislature needs to BEE CAVE address this issue this session. This is a matter of high importance,” saidDRIPPING state SPRINGS Sen. Kirk Watson, an Austin Democrat who has been a leader on open-government issues. “Members of the public need to be able to trust that decisions are being made in the open, not behind closed doors.”
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Hays CISD is Requesting Proposals for CQR #08021902VL Print Shop Copiers. Proposals will be accepted until 03-29-19 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Specifications are available in the HCISD Purchasing Office (512-268-2141 ext. 45092) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Bid responses must be returned to the HCISD Purchasing Office, Valerie Littrell, 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 CISD is Requesting Proposals for RFP #22011905VL Elementary Math Intervention Materials. Proposals will be accepted until 03-12-19 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Specifications are available in the HCISD Purchasing Office (512- 2682141 ext. 45092) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Bid responses must be returned to the HCISD Purchasing Office, Valerie Littrell, 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.
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