Hays Free Press April 24, 2019

APRIL 24, 2019 CANDIDATE 411

ANOTHER ROUND

See city of Kyle and Hays CISD candidates’ answers to the issues.

Proposed roundabout in Kyle surpasses $1,000,000 estimate.

– Page 5 & 14

– Page 2

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Vol. 124 • No. 4

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Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX

Jumping from the EDC ship

Board releases employees from contracts due to ‘hostile environment’

BY CYNDY SLOVAK-BARTON

Three of four employees of the Buda Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will be gone by May, and it’s through no fault of their own.

The Buda EDC Board of Directors released Ann

The situation with the EDC comes after several years of back-biting and fighting between city staff, the Buda council and the EDC.

Miller, EDC Executive Director, from her contract. In addition, Adriana Nunez-McDermott, retail

and marketing coordinator, and Kim Collins, Planner II economic development specialist,

The board of trustees passed a resolution April 15 stating that through “no fault of Ms. Miller, BEDC staff, or the Board, a hostile work environment exists regarding Ms. Miller and are leaving the EDC. potentially other members Collins’ last day was April of the BEDC staff.”

22, and the other two will be leaving effective May 3.

BUDA EDC CONFLICT, 13

Educators voice concerns with HCISD turnover, board members

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

BY MOSES LEOS III

TURNOVER CONCERNS, 8

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Trying to prove a point, Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell (center) held up a pair of forms Monday which he said were all the documents Kinder Morgan had to file for approval to build the Permian Highway Pipeline. Officials who joined in a lawsuit against Kinder Morgan and the Texas Railroad Commission seek more oversight on the pipeline routing process.

Kyle unites with Hays County in lawsuit against Kinder Morgan

BY MOSES LEOS III

The fight against Kinder Morgan’s Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP) is now heading into the court system. On Monday, a multi-party lawsuit was filed in Travis County District Court on behalf of several plaintiffs, including the city of Kyle and Hays County, against Kinder Morgan and the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC) in an effort to create more oversight on the pipeline routing process. The suit also seeks to temporarily halt condemnation activity for Kinder Morgan’s Permian

“Texas is supposed to be a property rights state. That form and the process Kinder Morgan has been allowed to follow is in direct contradiction. It’s ridiculous a forprofit company should be granted the awesome right of eminent domain without a public hearing or environmental study.”

–Travis Mitchell, Kyle mayor

Highway Pipeline (PHP) until the state establishes more oversight.

David Braun, an attorney representing the Texas Real Estate Advocacy Defense

COMING UP Wimberley Business Expo April 25 Wimberley’s Annual Business Expo will be 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Community Center. Meet local entrepreneurs and business owners and learn the services they provide. Attend seminars and workshops. Free admissions to exhibitor hall. Prize drawings, free samples, food trucks and demonstrations available.

Buda Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races In the Game of Wieners, you win and get the squeaky toy. That’s the motto for a plethora of competitors and their bipedal companions who will take to Buck’s Backyard on FM 1626 in Buda for the annual Buda Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races, held April

SUSTAINING

Buda teen to host sustainability event May 5.

– Page 9

INDEX

Accusations of micromanagement leading to a high turnover of Hays CISD employees has been levied against a pair of incumbent school board trustees running for reelection.

However, Hays CISD Board President Merideth Keller and Vice President Esperanza Orosco, the two trustees at the center of the allegations, said they refute the claims and that they’re based on a “false narrative.”

The issue stems from emails from Taking Back Hays, a group that cites Keller and Orosco allegedly overstepping their roles as trustees.

Laurie Cromwell, a current Austin resident and former Hays CISD trustee, said she began digging into the issue when she heard at recent school board conferences that Hays CISD “has not been regarded as a place where you want to work” and that’s it’s gotten worse over the years.

Cromwell said the group, consisting of

HCISD finds $13M payroll error

(TREAD) Coalition, a local nonprofit paying for the litigation, said the current process taken by entities such as Kinder Morgan to route pipelines is “not balanced,

27-28. Race and event times, as well as ticket information, can be found online at budalions.com.

Creedmoor Car Show and May Fest Creedmoor Car Show and May Fest will be held Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Creedmoor Community Center, 12511 FM 1625.

There will be classic, antique cars, tractors, trucks, and motorcycles

News……………… 2, 14 Opinion………………… 3 Sports…………………… 4 Education……………… 5 Community………… 6-8

unilateral and needs to be improved.”

Braun said the point of the suit is to ask the TRC, which oversees the oil and gas industries in Texas, to establish rules and supervision requirements so landowners and communities are part of the routing process.

The PHP is a proposed $2 billion 430mile, 42-inch underground pipeline that will transport natural gas from far west Texas to the Houston area.

Officials with Kinder Morgan estimate getting the pipeline operational

PIPELINE LAWSUIT, 10

along with a silent auction, food, craft booths, cake spin, and music. Proceeds from the sales will benefit the community center and the surrounding park and playground area. The festival is hosted by Creedmoor Community Center Friends Association www. creedmoorcommunitycfa. org. Free admission and free parking!

The discovery of a $13 million payroll “miscalculation” led Hays CISD leaders Monday to table the reimbursement of nearly $100,000 in workers compensation premiums.

The miscalculation, which some district leaders said occurred under a past administration, was caught when Texas Mutual Insurance Company conducted an audit of the district’s payroll in late 2018.

Discussion about the error occurred at the April 15 meeting, a week before President Merideth Keller removed the item from the consent agenda at the April 22 meeting.

Texas Mutual provides workers compensation insurance for Hays CISD. The district’s contract with Texas Mutual allows yearly payroll audits.

Through the audit, district officials found the estimated and actual payroll for Fiscal Year 2017-18 was $13 million off, leading to a workers compensation premium shortage of roughly $61,295. Officials estimated payroll would also be off for FY 2018-19, resulting in an additional deficit of $37,969 in workers comp premiums. In total, the audit calculated the district was $99,264 short in workers compensation premiums.

Linda Hall, Hays CISD director of Human Resources, said an audit of Hays CISD financial statements had not been done for more than a decade under the district’s previous contract, which might have added to the miscalculation.

Hall said construction of new schools and pay raises throughout the district in recent years might not have been calculated in previous payroll estimates, which might have led to the errors.

Future payroll projections will be calculated collaboratively by the Human Resource and Finance Departments, according to the HCISD agenda packet.

Some board members April 15 were stunned about the miscalculation. At the forefront of that concern was Trustee Will

$13M MISCALCULATION, 5

Business……………9-10 Service Directory…… 11 Public Notices……… 12 Classifieds…………… 13

NEWS

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

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Letters can be emailed to csb@haysfreepress.com.

HISTORY

Founded April 10, 1903,

by Thomas Fletcher Harwell as The Kyle News, with offices on the corner of Burleson and Miller streets in the town’s oldest remaining building.

It merged into The Hays County Citizen in 1956.

The paper consolidated with The Free Press in October, 1978. During its more than 100-year history the newspaper has maintained offices at more than a dozen locations in Kyle and Buda.

Hays Free Press • April 24, 2019

Kyle roundabout surpasses $1M estimate

BY KATIE BURRELL

High costs associated with a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Spring Branch Drive and Burleson Street fueled resident worries about the project, which could now carry a $1 million price tag.

The latest chapter of the saga came April 16 as citizens took to public comment to express their concerns with the proposal.

The concept of the roundabout was introduced by city council member Rick Koch, who originally presented the idea April 2 as a solution to increased traffic at the intersection. The estimated price tag for the project at the time was $500,000.

City leaders envisioned

“There were comments asking what is wrong with a three-way stop and there’s nothing, except that it is going to do what is says and make you stop. We’re looking for traffic flow.”

–Rick Koch, Kyle City Council member

placing the item as a discussion point during Fiscal Year 2020-21 talks.

However, residents balked at the high cost of the project during public comment. Several city leaders felt the pinch of the price tag as well.

Those worries were exacerbated after city staff reviewed the original plan and presented an updated $1 million estimate for the traffic control project.

Leon Barba, Kyle City Engineer, said construc-

tion and labor costs for the roundabout would be more than $800,000. Adding in land acquisition, which would be required as the city would have to have residents agree to sell part of their property, the price for the project would hover near the $1 million mark.

“Although this was a creative way of trying to affect traffic control, we need to be able to scale in,” said Council Member Alex Villalobos. “I think

this is not the appropriate time to discuss that type of development … it’s not the right time for the city to take this on.”

Other, less costly options are up for discussion as well.

Addition of a traffic signal is estimated to cost more than $100,000, said city council member Daphne Tenorio, who confirmed with Barba that over time, the total cost would increase for mandatory maintenance.

Every 20 to 25 years, the traffic signal would need routine maintenance.

Costs for installation of a three-way stop at the intersection has not been given to city leaders at this time. Kyle city staff said April 16 they were not prepared to discuss their findings at that time, but will conduct additional research for city leaders.

However, residents and city officials alike felt something must be done at the intersection to control future traffic congestion and safety issues.

“There were comments asking what is wrong with a three-way stop and there’s nothing, except that it is going to do what is says and make you stop,” Koch said. “We’re looking for traffic flow.”

Buda aquifer storage bill moves forward in legislature

BY MOSES LEOS III While Buda officials eye the possible passage of an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) bill, heartburn remains over legislation that could cap the city’s ability to increase its property tax rate.

On April 18, Texas Solutions Group (TSG), an Austin-based firm lobbying on Buda’s behalf during the 86th Legislative session, updated the Buda City Council on progress of several key pieces of legislation.

One of those is House Bill 1044, authored by State Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood), which if approved would allow Buda to inject groundwater into the Edwards Aquifer for future use.

The bill, which Buda officials have championed in recent years, was approved out of the House Natural Resources Committee April 12 and has been placed on the calendar to be possibly voted on by the House.

Randy Lee, a representative with TSG, said HB

House Bill 1044, authored by State Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood), which if approved would allow Buda to inject groundwater into the Edwards Aquifer for future use.

1044 is moving briskly, as is companion Senate Bill 483 authored by State Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels). Lee estimated the senate version of the ASR bill could be voted out of its committee “post haste.”

“Unless a B-52 lands on the process, your bill is going to be passed,” Lee said.

However, TSG representatives, along with Buda city leaders, expressed concern with House and Senate Bill 2, which could require cities to hold a rollback election if property tax rates rise by more than 3.5% from the previous year. Under current rules, rollback elections are triggered when a city’s property tax rate rises by more than 8% in a year’s time.

Lee said the legislature is

Flood mitigation funding amendment on its way to voters STAFF REPORT

money for drainage, flood mitigation and flood A proposed control projects, according constitutional amendment to a press release. Texas that could provide state voters will decided on the funding meant to prevent FIF when the amendment catastrophic flooding will is placed on the November head to the voters this 2019 ballot.

November.

HJR 4 was part of a The measure, known larger disaster response as House Joint Resolution package that included (HJR) 4, would create a House Bills 5, 6 and 13.

Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) that could allocate FLOOD MITIGATION, 10

the city and prevent it from being impacted by the bill.

“This legislative session is a rerun of the last term,” said Buda Mayor Pro Tem Wiley Hopkins. “We need to continue to ask (for amendments). The worst thing that happens is they say, ‘no,’ or they don’t respond.”

in “a bit of a standoff” with crafting amendments to the two bills, which have HB2 that could “carve out” several key differences.

Those include the house version that “decouples” property tax and school NOTICE TO PATIENTS OF finance reform, while the SOUTHWEST DERMATOLOGY: senate version brings them It is with mixed emotions that we announce Dr. together.

Pena-Robichaux will no longer be practicing at Many cities, including Southwest Dermatology in Buda, TX, located at 211B Kyle and Buda, worry N FM 1626, 1A. Her last day seeing patients will be the proposed tax cap May 17th, 2019. could negatively impact Dr. Pena has been recruited to be the new Chief of fast-growth regions. Lee Dermatology for the Central Texas Veterans Health said legislators recently Care System. In addition, she will also be part-time removed language that faculty at UT Dell Medical School where she has prevented cities that colbeen asked to start a Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinic lect less than $15 million in set to start in July or August 2019. Although we are property tax revenue, such disappointed to see Dr. Pena go, we are excited for as Buda and Kyle, from her new transition. adhering to the proposed Upon Dr. Pena’s last day, our excellent dermatolorule changes. gists Dr. Brenda Watkins and Dr. Michael Graves will Zwiener said in a statebegin to see patients at our Buda location. Our goal ment HB 2 won’t lower is to continue to put our patients first and provide the property taxes for residents best dermatologic care we can. and could “punish” cities For more information, questions, or concerns, please in trying to keep taxes low. feel free to contact our office at (737) 717-3244.

Lee advocated for Buda officials to contemplate

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS NOTICE OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 In accordance with the requirements of the City Charter, Article VIII, Section 8.13, the City of Kyle completed an audit of all accounts and funds of the City by an independent certified public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

The independent auditor’s report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 was presented by the auditor to City Council at their regularly scheduled meeting held on April 16, 2019 at Kyle City Hall.

Highlights of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and the Independent Auditor’s Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 include the following: • The independent auditors conducted their audit of the City's financial statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America.

• The auditors issued a "clean" or an unqualified report on the financial statements of the City of Kyle for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. This the highest level or the best type of independent auditor’s report that can be issued on the financial statements of a governmental entity including city governments in the United States of America.

• The independent auditor’s report did not identify any audit findings or deficiencies regarding the City’s financial transactions, financial controls, or in the City’s accounting and financial reporting systems.

• Based on the independent auditor’s examination and audit of the City’s financial records, the auditor’s report states that ”the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, the business- type activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the City as of September 30, 2018, and the respective changes in financial position and, where applicable, cash flows thereof for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.”

• The City's Statement of Net Position for all accounts and funds for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 reported a net financial position totaling $204.8 million.

• The City’s overall net financial position of $204.8 million as of September 30, 2018 is an increase of $41.0 million or 25.0 percent as compared to the prior fiscal year.

• The ending fund balance for the City's General Fund at September 30, 2018 totaled $19.4 million (GAAP basis). This is an increase of $5.6 million from the prior fiscal year.

• Revenue and transfers-in for the General Fund for fiscal year ending September 30, 2018 from all sources totaled $28.8 million (GAAP basis).

• Expenditures and transfers-out for the General Fund for fiscal year ending September 30, 2018 totaled $23.2 million for public safety, public works, parks and recreation, permits and inspections, land planning and zoning, code enforcement, animal control, public library, municipal court, economic development, and general government functions (GAAP basis).

A complete copy of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and the Independent Auditor’s Report for fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 are available on the City's website, at Kyle City Hall and the Kyle Public Library.

Date Issued: Issued By:

April 17, 2019 Perwez A. Moheet, CPA Director of Finance City of Kyle, Texas

Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “It is counter-productive for the EDC and the city to be butting heads all the time.”

–José Montoya, Buda EDC president. Story on page 1.

Hays Free Press • April 24, 2019

Page 3

Well, I never Crow’s Nest

by Clint Younts

T

here’s been a boatload of hype over the new season of Game of Thrones, some show on HBO, I think. Even though we get free HBO, I don’t watch much on those channels. Mostly just a mess of stupid movies and, according to millions of fans, one of the best shows ever made. Well, folks, I must confess to all y’all here and now that I have never watched Game of Thrones. Not a single episode. Okay, once while I was surfing through the channels looking for something to watch that didn’t involve home renovation or spoiled cantankerous housewives, I checked out Game of Thrones for a little bit to see what the fuss was all about. To be honest, I just wasn’t impressed. Granted, I did tune in somewhere in the middle of an episode and had no idea what was going on. Kinda like watching a foreign film without your reading glasses.

Lots of folks have encouraged me to watch it. They say I can “stream it”. I’m sorry but I don’t know what streaming is. My urologist once asked me about my stream, but I don’t know how to get my TV to do it.

Maybe I can go to Blockbuster and rent the complete series on video tape.

I don’t watch a whole lot of TV, except from early September to Super Bowl Sunday. During football season, I have to run a mister in my den to keep my television from overheating, but the rest of the year, I watch a few shows here and there. There are only a few programs that can keep me from dozing off in my recliner. I bet the only show that I can watch without nodding off is Wheel of Fortune, and after a margarita or two with my dinner, that’s even a little iffy.

Hey, while I’m here disclosing to y’all about my TV viewing habits, why don’t I confess about other things I’ve never done. Some of y’all probably think I’m some sort of high falutin, big shot news reporter who travels the world searching for a big story. Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but I’m a simple man with a simple mind.

I have never visited New York City.

Never wanted to and reckon I never will.

There’s nothing there I wanna see. Lots of tall buildings and a mess of rude people cluttered on the sidewalks like ants on a busted melon. I can go to Austin to see that.

I have never ridden in a subway or had a colonoscopy. I’m not sure I’d enjoy either of these subterranean excursions.

I have never left a half-empty mug of beer on my table.

To my best recollection, I have never seen the Pacific Ocean. I once had a long layover in the LA airport, but that was my only time in California, and I was so happy to board my flight to Nevada. I suppose there are a few friendly folks living in LA, but they sure don’t work in the airport.

I have never seen Bigfoot or an alien spaceship.

I have never had the desire to skydive.

I’m not real fond of flying in an airplane, and I’m darn-tootin’ not gonna pay good money to jump out of one. Maybe if a wing falls off at 30,000 feet, I’ll strap on a parachute and jump out of a plane, but I’ll leave skydiving to y’all with more guts and less brains.

I have never seen such a sorry bunch of elected officials running our country as we have right now.

I have seen both Willie and Waylon in concert, but I have never seen Justin Bieber or Lady Gaga live on stage.

I have never rooted for the New England Patriots or Washington Redskins.

And lastly, I have never won a Pulitzer Prize for writing this column. crowsnest78610@gmail.com

While Clint Younts has not won a Pulitzer Prize, he has been recognized by the South Texas Press Association over the years for his humor. Hmmm ... they probably didn’t understand it.

Hays Free Press

Curling into his Fox News cocoon W as it Moe? Or Larry or Curly?

I had to roll the tape in my head to determine which Stooge our president portrayed as he climbed his figurative hook and ladder to advise Paris on how to save Notre Dame Cathedral from destruction.

That he offered himself at all brought to mind a scene from the 1963 comedy classic, “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,” where the Three Stooges face a fiery calamity with blank stares.

Cathedral aflame?

Trump took time out of his governing day to advise the French to use “flying water tankers.”

Bad idea, said those who knew what they were talking about. A big water drop would cause the church’s walls to collapse and also ruin anything still reclaimable.

Such is the privilege of the know-it-all in-chief.

Rest assured, Trump’s water-dump strategy was portrayed as a stroke of genius that day on Fox News.

The rest of the world cringes when he tweets, but he thrives on a kindred audience of people with opinions, backed up by nothing. Skillfully, he channels every grunt and

Youngat-Large

by John Young

gripe of the arm-chair set.

As does Fox News.

After the release of Robert Mueller’s findings, I saw a man-on-the-street interview in which one individual, clearly versed by all things Fox, called the investigation “a joke.” Sadly, the interviewer didn’t ask, “Could you tell me why?”

Even if the probe hasn’t (yet) produced an indictment of this president, it resulted in 34 others, with several convictions: a scandal of Himalayan proportions.

As Washington Post media critic Paul Farhi pointed out, the Mueller report “largely validated news reports that Trump disparaged.” Translation: That “fake news” was mostly on the nose.

As Mitt Romney is our witness – “sickened at the extent and pervasiveness of the dishonesty and misdirection” – the fakery is all on the other foot, whether it came from the slippery tongue of Sarah Sanders or just about anyone else who ever presented Trump’s

case to the people – Fox News especially.

There was Sanders – the day after the Mueller report blistered her for lying about the pretext for firing James Comey – getting an aloe sponge bath from Sean Hannity. Yes, Sarah.

Take your time to explain away nearly two years of steady and dedicated prevarication.

It would be an interesting exercise for Hannity, Tucker Carlson and Co. to ponder what the Fox News spiel would be if even one page of Mueller’s 400-plus pages, even one of the 10 instances of possible obstruction identified by Mueller, applied to malfeasance alleged against Barack Obama.

Don’t forget the crimes attested to by Trump’s fixer, Michael Cohen: insurance fraud, bank fraud and tax fraud among them. What if Hillary Clinton’s former attorney had alleged the same?

Don’t ask “Fox and Friends.” Here, however, is what Ryan Goodman, who teaches law at New York University, told NPR about what Mueller found: “Any American but for the president would be indicted for these actions.”

“A big joke,” says Mr. Fox News Viewer. Hmm.

That’s interesting. So, it was a big joke that, as Mueller writes, “without a doubt” Russia engaged in a massive attack on our elections system to ensure Trump’s election, far exceeding hacked emails and Wikileaks (which at various points Trump said he loved; now he knows nothing about it – no-thing).

That attack included attempts to compromise state elections systems.

That attack included attempts to broker an end to sanctions on Russia from Team Trump before Trump actually gained office.

What do you say, Mr. Fox News Viewer? It’s all a joke?

Sadly, the only joke is the man who remains our president until we can remove him.

So, back on that imaginary red fire truck, siren wailing, which of the Stooges is he? Of course he’s the one in the bangs, the one barking the orders.

He’s the one holding the high-pressure nozzle, with Curly (Sean Hannity) and Larry (Tucker Carlson) holding the hose.

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR TAKE HAYS BACK We have an opportunity to “Take Hays Back” during this election cycle for Hays CISD school board. Even if you do not have kids that attend school, the success of the school district and the governance provided by the school board affect you.

If you own property, own a business, pay property taxes to Hays CISD or rely on the workforce of tomorrow, you are affected by the actions

of the school board and the overall success of the district. The current school board members running for re-election have stepped out of their lane and involved in the operations and day-today activities of the district.

This creates dysfunction.

School board members have many opportunities for training to govern for the betterment of student achievement. Unfortunately, best practices are not being followed at Hays

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

Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton

Reporters Exsar Arguello and Katie Burrell

News and Sports Editor Moses Leos III

Columnists Bartee Haile, Chris Winslow, Pauline Tom, Clint Younts

CISD by some school board members.

Because of this dysfunction, we have had 65 administrators leave the district for other school districts – including 13 principals since the current President was elected in June 2015. This huge turnover impacts our students – our children. We are also seeing an alarming number of students transferring to neighboring districts.

That is why 10 former

school board members and 2 former superintendents, whom worked directly with the incumbents, are supporting and endorsing Mark Summers and Frank Juárez, Jr. And, the list continues to grow.

Let’s take a stand and make a change for Hays CISD and vote for Mark Summers and Frank Juárez, Jr. on May 4, 2019. #TakeBackHays Laurie Cromwell, former Hays CISD trustee

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

Proofreaders Jane Kirkham Marketing Director Tracy Mack Marketing Specialists James Darby and Teresa R. Starr

Production Manager David White Office Manager Verna Wommack Circulation/Classifieds David White, Verna Wommack

Distribution Kimberlee Griffon

Page 4

Sports

Hays Free Press • April 24, 2019

Rebs drop past Chaps in extra innings

BY MOSES LEOS III

“It was an amazing team effort to come back,” LillHope sprung eternal jedahl said. “Everyone was Friday when Hays Rebel on-board and everyone is Zane Lilljedahl nervously doing their job and they watched a shallow fly ball want to be a part of the to left field drop between game and win it like that.” a pair of Westlake ChapLilljedahl’s game-winarrals. ning RBI capped off an By the time he had sped effort where Hays rallied down to first base, Lillfrom a one-run deficit jedahl’s teammates had in each of the three extra already exploded out of innings. the dugout to celebrate Rebel head coach his walk-off RBI single that James Howard lauded carried Hays to a wild 7-6, the team’s perseverance 10-inning come-from-beand persistence, which is hind victory over Westlake. something his staff tries While it wasn’t the to instill in them. “Clutch” first time he’d been an relief pitching, along with late-inning hero, Lilljedahl stringing together timely cherished the ability to not base hits also played a key only be a part of the Rebels’ role in the victory. inaugural victory at its “They persevered today new on-campus stadium, and they showed great but also inch the program spirit,” Howard said. “We closer to a playoff berth. tell them to be mentally

tough when facing adversity and they showed that.”

Hays’ Seth Stephenson credited constant adjustments at the plate, especially against a variety of Chaparral pitchers, as a way Rebel batters kept pace with Westlake and orchestrated their comebacks.

“It was just never giving up and keep fighting and chipping away and good things will happen,” Stephenson said.

Hays (23-6, 9-5) grabbed an early 3-2 lead after four frames, highlighted by RBI singles from Lilljedahl and Garrison Vaughn.

Westlake fought back for a run in the fifth frame to tie game at 3-3 and eventually force extra innings.

The Chaps surged ahead by scoring a run in the

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Hays Rebel catcher Jack Otto (right) races down the third base line to tag a hapless Westlake Chaparral baserunner caught in a rundown Friday.

eighth inning to take a 4-3 advantage.

Hays’ initial comeback bid took place in the bottom half of the frame when they loaded the bases for Stephenson, who drove in a run on a fielder’s choice to tie the contest at 4-4.

After conceding a run in the top of the ninth, Hays responded in-kind in the bottom half of the frame via an RBI single from Uli Tovar, retying the game at 5-5.

Undeterred, Westlake responded right back in the top of the tenth with a run on a bloop RBI single

Hays softball takes down Del Valle 4-1 on emotional senior night

that allowed the Chaps to recapture the lead at 6-5 and all the momentum.

Hays, however, didn’t blink and drew even in the bottom of the tenth on an RBI single from Vaughn, which scored Stephenson to knot the contest at 6-6.

With two outs and runners at first and second base, Lilljedahl got just enough contact to place the ball in an area between shortstop and left field.

“I was super nervous. I was hoping it was going to drop down,” Lilljedahl said.

Armed with the victory, Hays takes hold of sole

possession of third place in 25-6A and further solidified a possible playoff berth.

The Rebels close the regular season against Del Valle Friday at home at 7 p.m.

Howard said the moment was necessary in “getting over the hump” and winning a tight ball game. Earlier this season, Hays had lost a 10-inning road affair to Westlake.

“We worked for it as a team for sure,” Lilljedahl said. “It was a great time for us and it’s going to help us down the road.”

HAVING VISION PROBLEMS? IT COULD BE CATARACTS

BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI Emotions ran high Friday as the Hays Rebel softball team not only secured a share of the 25-6A crown with a 4-1 senior night win over the Del Valle Cardinals, but also honored late teammate Brynn Aylor.

“You know we opened up our new field, and I think it was our second home district game and we’ve been undefeated at home ever since,” Hays head coach Lisa Cone said. “It’s just a great way to end the regular season play, and it was a very special night to get to have Brynn’s family come out and get to celebrate senior night with us. It was special for the girls as well.”

In addition to honoring the eight seniors on the roster, Cone and the team invited Aylor’s family onto the field during the pregame ceremony with the other seniors and their families.

Aylor, who passed away in a wreck along FM 2770 near Buda in 2017, would have been a senior this season.

“It was awesome,” senior

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Members of the Hays High softball team pose for a photo with the 25-6A district title trophy at the Noack Sports Complex in Austin. Hays defeated Austin Monday to secure the top overall seed in the district and head coach Lisa Cone’s 300th win.

Maxine Valdez said about senior night. “I mean, I feel like we play for her (Aylor) every night, but tonight the most because it’s senior night and she should be out here with us.”

Once the game began, Valdez remained calm and collected in the circle as she only allowed two hits, one run and one walk, while also striking out 13 Cardinal batters in a complete game performance.

“She was really effective,” Cone said. “I feel like she really had great command on her rise and her screwball tonight. Even the dropball was working, I didn’t call that pitch as much but it kept them off balance enough.”

Rebel bats were spotty early on as they only had six hits as a team for the game. However, one of their biggest hits came in the bottom of the fourth

inning when senior Amaya Guerrero launched a double deep to left field that scored two runs.

“I knew she was pitching me inside the first at bat, so my second at bat I was like okay she’s going to pitch it be ready,” Guerrero said.

“At first when I hit it I was like ‘dang its a pop up’, but everyone was like ‘keep going back, keep going back’

REBEL SOFTBALL, 5

Bowie baseball ends Lobo playoff hopes

BY REED GRAFF

Amid a late-inning Lehman Lobo rally Tuesday, the Bowie Bulldogs quite literally pulled a trick from under their gloves.

Successful use of the hidden ball trick on a fake pickoff attempt allowed Bowie to record the final out in a stunning 5-3 win over Lehman, bringing the Lobos' playoff hopes to a heartbreaking end.

The Lobos finish the regular season 12-17 and will finish in fifth place in the District 25-6A baseball standings.

Senior starting pitcher Shane Miles had his hands full with the Bulldogs early on.

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Bowie got on the board first when a fielding error from the Lobos allowed a run to come across. The Bulldogs added another run on a groundout to take early 2-0 lead through the first inning.

Lobo defensive struggles persisted in the second inning. Two more Bowie runs crossed the plate via a pair of Lehman throwing errors.

Meanwhile, the Lobo offense struggled to get anything going, allowing Bowie to take control of the game.

The Bulldogs added another run in the fifth as fielding miscues piled up for the Lobos.

In the sixth frame, Lehman showed signs of life on offense. Austin Gonza-

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les scored on a single from Lucas Abbott and Lehman crawled back into contention, cutting the Bowie lead to 5-1. Lehman's offense sprung back to life in the bottom of the seventh inning.

With a runner on second base, JJ Castro laced a deep double to centerfield that got over a Bulldog's head, allowing Albert Martinez to come around and score.

John Murillo followed that up with a diving slide into first to secure the infield single, sending Castro home.

The Lobos trailed 5-3 with a runner on second and Emory Saucedo as the potential game tying run at the plate.

The Bulldogs had other plans, however, pulling off

a fake pick off, hidden ball trick to end the game.

Miles went 6,1 innings pitched and recorded nine strikeouts and five runs allowed, none of them earned. The Lobos scored three runs on six hits. Head Coach Tony Robinson felt his team showed integrity despite the tough loss.

“I’m just proud. Proud of the kids, the fight,” Robinson said. “They came in and fought all the way down to the very end.”

The Lobos will have to replace some valuable pieces next season as the seniors leaving the team have left some big shoes to fill, according to Robinson.

“They’re amazing,” Robinson said. “I love them all.”

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Page 5

Education

Get to know your school board candidates Below are responses to questionnaires we sent to candidates running in the May 4 Hays CISD Place 4 and Place 5 School Board races. In the Place 4 race, incumbent Merideth Keller faces off against challenger Mark Summers, while Place 5 incumbent Esperanza Orosco takes on challenger Frank Juarez, Jr. Juarez did not submit responses prior to press time.

MEREDITH KELLER

ESPERANZA OROSCO

What is the most pressing issue the district faces and how do you plan to address it?

We must improve student achievement at all levels. We have a new administration team in place and they are working to implement good educational systems. As with any big KELLER change, we must be purposeful in blending our new plans with the many great strategies our staff already uses to educate our students.

Now, more than ever, we need to be inclusive with our students, staff, parents, and community in our decision-making processes. As Trustee, I address these issues by maintaining my record of supporting the plans to include all stakeholders, especially classroom teachers, in the decision-making process.

Where do you believe Hays CISD is in terms of overall equity for its students?

Hays CISD strives to create opportunities for all learners. Sometimes, that means we have to spend more money or provide added resources at our higher needs campuses. We also partner with a variety of entities that provide much needed support to our students that struggle with educational barriers or might have basic need insecurities. We funnel resources to the areas that need it the most and we have an excellent team that will spend all hours working with campuses or departments finding ways to address the unique and often diverse needs of their students.

What are your thoughts on Hays CISD becoming a district of innovation?

When the idea of becoming a District of Innovation was first discussed in 2017, I had reservations.

There are certain designations that a district can choose that are not in the best interest of students and staff, like the ability to waive the 22:1 student to teacher ratio. However, I have confidence in our new superintendent and supported his plan which allows for a flexible calendar and for the ability to hire Career and Tech professionals, only if a certified teacher is not available. Our new superintendent did not consider adding the 22:1 ratio waiver to our designation.

What is one issue not talked about that should be?

Our district has started having amazing conversations with all stakeholders. Our new superintendent and a majority of the board members attend events with parents, teachers, taxpayers and students in a way that has not been done before in a routine manner. Dr. Wright holds regular Coffee and Conversations and Tax Payer Tuesdays at different campuses and invites all stakeholders to attend. I have attended so many of these events and have witnessed the positive impact of impromptu conversations that result in better outcomes for our community. These events are publicized and all are welcome. We are stronger together!

What is your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt flavor?

Blue Bell Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough….thanks for making me think about it! Now I have to go the store!

MARK SUMMERS

What is the most pressing issue the district faces and how do you plan to address it?

Recently, our educational programs have not proven as successful as I believe they can potentially be. Our new Superintendent and leadership team are working with our talented OROSCO and experienced staff to strengthen existing programs. Student achievement is paramount. Building on what we have done well will make programs like Gifted & Talented, Bilingual, Dual Credit, and AP even more effective. This will allow us to provide a premier education and offer enrichment opportunities to students. In collaboration with our Board & Superintendent, we can work to close achievement and opportunity gaps and continue removing barriers for all students.

Where do you believe Hays CISD is in terms of overall equity for its students?

“Fairness does not mean everyone get the same.

Fairness means everyone gets what they need.” This is evident in our funding for extra support, smaller class sizes, more administrative help and next year’s full day PreK for our Low Socio-Economic campuses that may benefit from a greater level of care and support. People who watch our goal setting, our budget decisions and our discussions know the truth about our commitment to making sure ALL students have the tools to achieve their goals and that might mean investing more in our Low Socio-Economic schools.

What are your thoughts on Hays CISD becoming a district of innovation?

Initially, I was not sold on becoming a District of Innovation. Other Districts have had issues with buy-in and I wanted to make sure we addressed them. Our process solicited input from teachers, parents and community members. Unlike other Districts, we focused on 1. Starting school earlier to allow semesters to be closer and having an equal amount of days; and 2. Granting waivers, if we are unable to find certified teachers in a specific Career and Technical Education area. Dr. Wright came to Hays with experience implementing this model and answered questions from the public and the committee.

What is one issue not talked about that should be?

There are amazing things happening in our District! From starting a District-wide phonics program, our 100% Hays Campaign where every student is involved in some type of school activity, and how we connect each student to at least one adult at school they can trust with issues or questions, we have spent the last year reviewing what we have done right and what we can improve upon. Listening to students, parents, business and community partners is a priority! This District is vastly different than it was even a short while ago and you, our community, have made it better.

What is your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt flavor?

My go to is not ice cream or frozen yogurt, instead, I prefer the amazing popsicles or paletas from La Ola Pop Shop. Reggae is my favorite pop!

What is the most pressing issue the district faces and how do you plan to address it?

The large number of talented, highly qualified and highly trained teachers, administrators, and staff that are leaving the district. I have had many conversations with concerned SUMMERS citizens that Hays CISD is becoming a second-rate district. This is something that has not happened overnight, but rather of the past several years and needs to be corrected.

My plan to address it is to engage all level of Hays CISD employees and listen to their concerns and address them in a cost-effective manner. I don’t have all the answers, but I know the personnel on the frontlines of teaching our kids have ideas worth listening to, and I plan to listen to them and make well-informed, data-driven, consensus creating decisions for our kids education without breaking the backs of our hard-working tax paying property owners.

Where do you believe Hays CISD is in terms of overall equity for its students?

I believe it is average. I see an east-west divide in regards to socio-economic status of our population and I want to look for ways to reverse it. It is not realistic to suggest that we can have a “perfect” system with complete ethnic and wealth percentages across the entire district, but I believe there is plenty of room for improvement.

What are your thoughts on Hays CISD becoming a district of innovation?

I am all for it, but I don’t see it in action. Less than 3% of the bond Proposition 2 passed in 2017 was earmarked for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Frankly, that is embarrassing. With my 30+ year experience in multiple industries as a mechanical analysis/design engineer, 15+ year career as an educator at the technical college, community college, and university level teaching STEM subject matter, and my current role as a graduate student working on a second master’s degree in engineering, I believe am uniquely qualified to address these STEM funding concerns.

What is one issue not talked about that should be?

Population growth plateau. The district has been one of the fastest growing in the state, and we have increasing property tax appraisals and property tax bills to show for it. As this growth has sustained itself over the past few years, the district has enjoyed increased funding for multiple projects, some of which I believe are duplicate facilities. However, when the population growth rates start slowing, I am concerned we have over-shot on some spending and will eventually have to “pay the piper”. It happened in 2007/2008 and it will happen again. I also understand that the general fund of Hays CISD has been depleted over the past few years, which has me worried as well. Trust me, I won’t be talking about this topic moving forward.

What is your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt flavor?

Jeez, I am not much of an ice cream guy. Since I have lived in Buda for over twenty-five years, I guess the politically correct answer would be whatever “Buda Drug Store & Soda Fountain” or “Chocolate Drop” are serving today!

$13M Miscalculation: District discovers payroll discrepancy Continued from pg. 1

McManus, who said he was “blown away” by the numbers.

“I wasn’t here at the time on the board, but that doesn’t just happen,” McManus said. “And I’m really concerned there was intentionality with that … that’s no small miss. That’s a signifi-

cant sum of money that seemed to be unaccounted for.”

District officials are planning to enact procedures to monitor the accuracy of payroll projections throughout the year in order to avoid future deficits and additional premium expenses, ac-

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cording to documents.

The district’s FY 2020 payroll is estimated to be around $138 million, or 82 percent of its operating budget. Most districts in Texas pay around 80 to 85 percent of its total budget in payroll.

“We’ve raised salaries in the last few years to stay

competitive with the districts in the Austin area,” said Tim Savoy, Hays CISD chief communications officer. “Last year, we increased the starting pay for bus drivers because we were short around 50 drivers. All of these things could have factored to the miscalculation.”

Rebel Softball Continued from pg. 4

and when she dropped it I was just excited. It was a good feeling.”

Hays senior Brianna Rodriguez swatted an RBI double to the left centerfield gap in the bottom of the sixth inning to score a pair of runs and give the Rebels some breathing room.

“We’ve been practicing all week on hitting the ball, I knew it was coming and we faced her last time,” Rodriguez said. “I was just ready.”

The postseason is now on the horizon for Hays.

On Monday, Hays topped Austin High 2-0 in a contest to determine the top seed in 25-6A. With the win, Cone also secured her 300th career victory.

Hays takes on San Antonio East Central in the bi-district round of the playoffs. Game one of the three game series will be played at San Antonio East Central High at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Game two, and an if-nec-

FINAL 25-6A SOFTBALL STANDINGS Austin 15-1* Hays 15-1* Lehman 10-6* Bowie 10-6* Del Valle 9-7 Akins 5-11 Lake Travis 5-11 Westlake 2-14 Anderson 1-14 *Teams in playoffs

essary third game, will be played as a double header at the new Rebel softball field at Hays High Friday at 7 p.m.

Following last season’s bitter area round exit at the hands of New Braunfels Canyon in the playoffs last season, Cone said her program hopes to make a deeper run in 2019.

“I can’t wait, I’m excited,” Valdez said. “I wanted to go long this year, senior year, let’s go all out.”

Board President Merideth Keller said the miscalculation was a mistake from a previous administration, and no members of that administration are currently employed by the district.

Keller pushed for current staff “who do not make $13 million mis-

takes” to investigate the matter further to ensure the mistake does not happen in the future.

“The lessons we’ve learned is the importance of auditing, taking contracts back out to bid periodically, which we do for a number of our contracts,” Savoy said.

Page 6

Community

COURTESY PHOTO Barton Middle School principal Teri Eubanks has been credited with creating “a culture of kindness and academic success.

Barton Middle School principal appreciated for commitment to students

BY KATIE BURRELL

and help them through it, we don’t just punish them After coaching sports and send them back and for years, Barton Middle I think it’s better for them School principal Teri and parents see that, too.”

Eubank chose to foster a Eubank began her positive learning environ- teaching career with the ment for the children in goal to coach sports, her community. specifically basketball.

Eubank is principal to Leading a whole campus more than 700 middle had never crossed her schoolers who look up mind, but after years of to her as a leader and as coaching and teaching someone they can trust. it was clear that Eubank Parents and teachers came to coach, but stayed know Eubank as a forfor the kids. giving and understand“Principal Eubank has ing leader who looks at also created a culture of conflict as an opportunity kindness and academic for growth. success. This is apparent “As soon as I got here I by the school’s high atsat the staff and teachers tendance rating, not only down and told them I from the students, but wanted to teach the kids, from her staff,” said Libby but I also want to help Gimpel. “To me, it speaks them grow,” Eubank said. volumes when teachers, “If they do something staff, and students WANT wrong I want to see why to be on campus. I cannot

say enough good things about Principal Eubank; she has made our middle school experience such a seamless and positive one.

Eubank is known for prioritizing safety for her school which includes getting to know all the children and families. It is not uncommon to see Eubank at a sports game, in a classroom or at a pep rally where she is hanging out and getting to know her students each week.

“I always have the most fun at games and pep rallies like the kids,” Eubank said. “I don’t know that it’s anything special, I just know that every day they’re relying on me and I want to be there for them and I think parents and their students appreciate that.”

Creating an environment that will not tolerate violence and abuse

BY LAURA DE LA PAZ, LPC-1 An act of kindness from a stranger can have long lasting effects on a person. It could be helping with car issues on the side of the road or being there for someone in a time of crisis. In the last few years alone, sexual assault has been a crisis that has increased across the nation. The #MeToo movement has inspired victims and survivors to speak out and share their stories. This has resulted in more individuals learning that one of their loved ones has been affected by sexual violence at some point in their lives and they in turn want to take action and get involved in the movement. When a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or child abuse goes to a hospital in Hays or Caldwell counties, the HCWC sends an Advocate to be with them. The Advocate can be a staff member, intern, or a community member. This is our Hospital Emergency Advocacy Response Team (HEARTeam).

HCWC Advocates have responded to 32 hospital calls since October 1, 2018, which is a 45% increase from last year. Volunteers who go through the necessary training to become Advocates are able to respond to the hospital and be a support system to a recent victim of assault. Anyone with a heart for victims can be an advocate. With the increase in hospital calls, HCWC is encouraging compassionate members of the community to volunteer their time to our HEARTeam.

Once a victim arrives

A HEARTeam Advocate is there to provide emotional support for the victim and any supportive family members or friends who are with them, and to give them information about HCWC’s services. Advocates have responded to 32 hospital calls since October 1, 2018, which is a 45% increase from last year. at the Emergency Room a nurse calls HCWC, and we dispatch an Advocate.

A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) meets with the victim to explain the process of the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE). The purpose of a SAFE is to collect potential evidence that could be on the victim’s body. Law Enforcement is called if the victim chooses to make a report.

Advocates empower clients to make their own decisions while offering their knowledge of the SAFE procedure.

A HEARTeam Advocate is there to provide emotional support for the victim and any supportive family members or friends who are with them, and to give them information about HCWC’s services.

Responding to someone who has gone through a traumatic experience so recently can seem overwhelming; however, there is training that is required to help community members learn the best ways to offer support. All Advocates must complete our Certified Sexual Assault Advocate training, which is free, consists of 30 training hours in a classroom setting and 8 hours shadowing an experienced

staff member. Advocates learn skills to better empower volunteers to provide such an important service, while also developing relationships with other like-minded community members all working together to make a difference in their community.

Being a victim of abuse can feel confusing, isolating, and scary, among many other things. There is no telling how someone is going to respond after being victimized and it’s important to know that there is not a right or wrong way for someone to act. We at HCWC want victims to know that there is support for them during one of their most vulnerable moments. We are not there to make decisions for them or tell them what to do. We remind them that this was not their fault and that they did not choose for this to happen to them. Every call we respond to is different, however we approach them all the same. The victim is not to blame, and we are an empathetic resource for them.

In our world today, it’s difficult to avoid conversations about

HEART ADVOCATES, 8

Hays Free Press • April 24, 2019

Easter egg action in Plum Creek

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III The young and the young-at-heart packed into McNaughton Park in Plum Creek Saturday for the annual Easter egg hunt, hosted by the Plum Creek Homeowners Association. Following the pulse-pounding 100 seconds of Easter egg action, revelers also took in fun, games and some live music.

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Hays Free Press • April 24, 2019

Page 7

OBITUARIES BARRON

HAFFELDER

Emily Chapman Barron, 77, of Driftwood, Texas was born on June 30, 1941 and passed away on April 18, 2019.

Barron was an only child, born to George and Mildred Chapman and grew up in Washington, D.C. She attended Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, VA and received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.

Emily married Charles “Chuck” Barron on the night he returned from the Vietnam War. After working for the Selective Service for more than 11 years in Richmond, VA and Austin, Barron became a full-time homemaker and mom to their two children, Chris and Kelly. She enjoyed raising her children and pets, cooking – so much that she was a finalist in the Pillsbury Bake Off in 1983. As a devoted Christian, she enjoyed her Sunday School class and Bible Study Fellowships, along with serving in the children’s ministry. Barron was a lover of animals, both wild and tame, and enjoyed spending time outdoors gardening.

Barron is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Chuck.

She is survived by her children, Chris and Kelly and fiance’ Buster.

She is also survived by her step-children, Jon and Sherill, as well as 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to: www. harrellfuneralhomes.com.

few, and she always kept people laughing. She was Lisa Haffelder of Austin, never too busy to make Texas passed away in someone feel great about the early themselves or to be there morning for family and friends in hours of their time of need. She April 7, lived her life everyday as 2019, at a true Christian does by the age of showing love and com53. In the passion for all people, no blink of matter who they were. She an eye the regularly volunteered with sweetest Meals on Wheels for the and kindest Texas Senate Chapter and person that family and hosted haircuts and lunch friends have ever known for the residents of Safe was called by our HeavPlace. Haffelder was a very enly Father to her eternal resting place. Her beloved talented artist and was happiest when painting, four-legged companions Honee and Will met her at drawing or doing anything the Rainbow Bridge where that sparked her creative mind. Her love of the fine they all crossed together arts started at an early into their eternal reward.

Her passing was unexpect- age at the Annette Duvall ed and has left family and Dance Studio, where she learned ballet, tap dancing friends deeply saddened and tumbling. and in disbelief.

Haffelder is survived by Lisa Haffelder was born her parents Donn (Donon Nov. 23, 1965 to Donn nie) and Detta Gibson (Donnie) and Detta GibHaffelder; her brother son Haffelder of Austin.

David Haffelder and She attended school in fiancé Amy Rae Hilton; Austin, until moving with nephews Austin Donher family to Manchaca alson, Dylan Haffelder, where she attended Jack Drew Hilton and CamerC. Hays High School, on Hilton; great-nephew graduating in 1984. Lisa Marshall Donalson; and attended cosmetology friend and former sisterschool and upon graduation, began a very success- in-law Brandi. She is also survived by her aunts, ful career as a hairdresser uncles and cousins whom at A Cut Above the Rest Hair Salon in Austin. Haf- she loved dearly. Haffelder is survived by her loving felder’s amazing talents soulmate, best friend, and and finesse made her a boyfriend Josh Ramos of premier hair dresser of Bastrop. Haffelder was the time. Haffelder went the happiest she has ever on to work at the Texas been in her life while side Apartment Association, by side with Josh. The two the Bullock Texas State shared an unconditional History Museum, Texas love that many only dream Capitol Visitors Center and the Texas Senate. She about. The huge void she has left behind can only received an Associate be filled with precious Degree of Arts in graphic design at Austin Commu- memories of the laughter, friendship, and love we all nity College.

Haffelder will always be experienced with her.

Haffelder is preceded in known for her contagious death by her grandparents smile and good will to all.

Bunny and Odessa GibHer quick wit and humor were matched only by son, Tommie and Eliza-

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Schiller was born to the late Dr. Nelson Lorenz Schiller and Elenora Emilie Louise Fuchs Schiller, in Brenham on Feb. 27, 1940. His love of music and his strong Christian faith led him to serve as a member of the Bell Choir at St. Paul Lutheran Church and was a member of the Austin Symphonic Band. He was an avid outdoorsman and hunter and devoted San Antonio Spurs fan who could always be found in his beloved Spurs cap and Texas Longhorn gear.

He graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor Degree in Microbiology and a Masters in Science/Pharmacy and served as a Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant. He participated in extensive published Cancer Research during his time at the University.

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Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

Schiller was preceded in death by his loving parents and identical twin brother Nathan Wayne Schiller.

Viewing for family and friends will be held at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle on Sunday, April 28, from 1-4 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at Harrell Funeral Home on Monday, April 29 at 2:30 p.m. officiated by his lifelong friend and Pastor Bobby Leggett.

Pallbearers will be Steve Bell, Troy Miller, Demetrius Davis, Garland Shelton, John Simms, Ray Mack and Peter Yong In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Austin’s Christopher House at www.hospiceaustin.org/ get-involved-2/donate/ Please visit www.

Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Schiller’s family on his On-line memorial site.

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

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda

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.

CHRISTIAN

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

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Vertical Chapel 5700 Dacy Lane (McCormick M.S.), Buda

Resurrection Church, CLBA 401 FM 967, Buda

Buda United Methodist Church

Pure Texas

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

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

Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.

FM 2770, Buda, Texas 295-4801

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

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

Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

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

Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda

Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda

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The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle

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

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

Santa Cruz Catholic Church

SCHILLER

County Board of Realtors and President of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church Austin Congregation.

Schiller was blessed with a loving and devoted family. He married his best friend and love of his life Hazel Mae Clark, on Oct. 19, 2002 in Bulverde.

Schiller was a loving father to two children and three grandchildren.

His son Steve Bell and daughter Cindy Gonzalez, and grandchildren Jennifer Siller, Chris Gonzalez and Rebekah Gonzalez, as well as four great grandchildren Christian Siller, Sophia Siller, Sebastian Siller and Cayleana Siller, Schiller is survived by his wife, Hazel Schiller; his son Steve; his daughter Cindy; his grandchildren Rebekah, Chris and Jennifer; his sister Joyce Elaine Kudick; his nephew Troy Miller; his niece Elaine Ball, and many other loving family members.

Come worship with us

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

Texas Crossword, from page 7

beth Haffelder, and Frank and Dixie Hemphill.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and prayers. If you wish to honor Lisa’s love of animals, you may consider making a charitable contribution in her name to the Austin Humane Society.

PRESBYTERIAN

Hays Hills

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 7

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

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Bible Class Worship Worship Bible Class

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

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.

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ResurrectionBuda.org • 401 FM 967, Buda Contemporary Sunday worship at 10:45 a.m.

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Page 8

Hays Free Press • April 24, 2019

Yuccas: The ‘Ghosts in the Graveyard’ Y uccas are these amazing new world plants with a vast natural range.

They grow all the way from Baja, California in the west, to Florida in the east, Canada in the north, and Guatemala in the South.

These beauties have strong, evergreen sword or strap-like leaves, and they produce dramatic spikes of glorious white flowers once a year.

Another more evoc-

Ask Chris

by Chris Winslow

ative name for them is ‘ghosts in the graveyard.’

This comes for the high number of yuccas growing wild in forgotten graveyards, where their large white flower clusters appear as ‘ghosts’ in the moonlight.

Yuccas are drought tolerant to the extreme.

Their heat and cold tolerance is also great.

They only require a full to partial sun location and a well-drained soil.

April and May are good months to plant them.

Some of my favorites: Big Bend or beaked yucca (Yucca rostrata).

Also called sapphire skies, this beauty has a rosette of sword-like leaves of a bluish to silver color. Older spec-

imens will form trunks and add a dramatic accent to any landscape.

These are my all-time favorites.

Adam’s Bright Edge (Yucca filamentosa) is a clumping, dwarf yucca with narrow variegated foliage with yellow edged foliage. Its mature height is 2 feet with a white flower stalk to 5 feet.

Color Guard (Yucca filamentosa) is a dwarf yucca with each leaf centered with yel-

low-gold foliage. Color guard will stay under 2 feet in height and will spread to 3 feet in width.

It produces a dramatic 5-foot tall white flower spike.

Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) has evergreen, grassy-like foliage to 2 feet with coral-red flower spikes to 6 feet.

Red yucca is not in the yucca genus but is closely related (agave).

This plant is commonly planted in central Texas

as a low to no-water use evergreen perennial. Hummingbirds love their flowers.

These are just a few of the yucca family that are suitable for the Hays County and Austin area.

With thoughtful placement, yuccas can make our landscapes more beautiful and will be sure to last through any droughts that come our way in future years.

Happy gardening everyone!

Turnover Concerns: Fight is on for Hays CISD trustee seats Continued from pg. 1

“I know both incumbents and they’re nice people.

They might be well-intentioned but they don’t understand the true role of the school board collectively.”

and that they’re disgruntled former trustees.

Orosco said the district is moving forward and is improving. She cited increases in graduation rates and student acheive–Laurie Cromwell, former Hays CISD trustee ment scores. Keller said the board is focused on to a trustee if they would tion provided to Cromwell don’t understand the true “putting students first,” which she said hasn’t haplike, per policy.

by Hays CISD via open role of the school board pened in some time, and “Our job is to ask records request, close to collectively,” Cromwell that academics matter. questions and make sure 1,400 students live within said.

“In order to focus on we’re looking out for the Hays CISD boundaries but Orosco said changes in best interest for students,” attend a campus in anoth- the district occurred prior student achievement as Orosco said. er district, per Fall Public to her election to the dais a trustee, you have to be involved and dedicated to Keller, who has seen Education Information but added most of them the letter and heard of Management System (PE- either moved to a different the students in the district and you should have a the group, said the claims IMS) as of October 2018. job outside of the district were a negative campaign More than 500 of those or had retired. Orosco said strong history on the part of the process,” Keller ad. Keller thought it was students are enrolled in such turnover is normal said. “interesting to read that IDEA Public School, a with an administration Cromwell said the I am a nice woman who Kyle-area charter campus. change. community deserves a doesn’t know her place.”

Those issues have led to “With any big change “I’m not responding to numerous former trustin a big organization, you strong school system and negative ad campaigns ees to speak out, most of might find that’s the case,” that trustees shouldn’t be involved in the minutiae. and falsehoods and peowhich has been “unsolicit- Keller said. She added “It’s incumbent on the ple I’ve never spoken to ed,” Cromwell said. those numbers “strikes community to be aware and the like,” Keller said.

“I know both incumme as reasonable.” and become engaged and bents and they’re nice Orosco said the claims try to make that a reality,” people.

They might be in the letter are from those TURNOVER CONCERNS Cromwell said. well-intentioned but they who have “sour grapes” Cromwell and several trustees also alleged micromanagement issues have led to a high amount of turnover within the district.

According to information submitted by Hays CISD to Cromwell, 13 district assistant principals and 13 principals have resigned or left their positions since June 15, 2015. Roughly 33 total employees who worked in administration, curriculum and instruction, Human Resources or special education left or resigned during that time period.

The district’s information did not list the reason for the departures.

Issues with governance and oversight has led to a decline in student achievement, and as a result, an increase in student transfers out of the district, Cromwell said.

According to informa-

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sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse in the media and with loved ones. At times, these topics can be seen as controversial. However, being kind to a stranger in a time of need is rarely viewed as controversial; being a HEARTeam Advocate is one way to make a difference. The most important thing is you are able to be there in their time of need.

If enough people take

ENTERTAINMENT

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11 former trustees and two former superintendents, alleges Keller and Orosco have regularly circumvented the superintendent and have dealt directly with staff, including employees, when it comes to business related and day-to-day items.

Cromwell believed it’s more common for a superintendent to hire a team and work with them based on “best practices” set by the school board, as opposed to trustees directly speaking with staff on matters such as financial oversight. Cromwell felt the latter example erodes the authority of the superintendent. However, no specific incidents of micromanagement were cited within the letter or

by Cromwell. Several former trustees in the letter cited micromanagement concerns, but also didn’t list specific incidents.

“If you’re talking to his (superintendent) team, it’s not his team and he’s not the coach,” Cromwell said.

Orosco said she and other trustees have the ability to speak with the superintendent and the cabinet of executive leadership. Keller said those rules are part of the board’s operation procedure, which is voted on by trustees every year.

Orosco said communication doesn’t go beyond the cabinet level. She added trustees can submit questions to the person in charge of a department if they seek more information.

While trustees can talk to anyone socially, Orosco said “it’s not our job” to communicate directly to employees and that the micromanagement claims were “ridiculous.” However, she said employees have the right to reach out

Hays Free Press • April 24, 2019

Business

Buda teen to host sustainability festival

BY KATIE BURRELL

Walking away from public school in the fourth grade might seem like an impediment for most children.

For Kelleah Meuth, that decision opened up a world of opportunity.

Ever since turning to a homeschooled life, Meuth, now a 14-yearold Buda resident, has experienced success in the field of ecological sustainability and science. So much so that on May 5 Meuth will host a five-booth mini-festival at Buda Market Days in the downtown sector.

“We’re going to do a bunch of kids’ crafts and teach people about gardening, and hopefully get people interested in growing their own food and health,” Meuth said.

Meuth’s project began with her membership in 4-H, and her participation in 4-H’s Global Leadership Opportunities Beyond Education (GLOBE) summit. Interest in 4-H and GLOBE started when she began homeschooling with her parents, Sinead Whiteside and Michael Meuth, who specialize in education and nutrition, respectively. “(GLOBE) teaches youth about poverty, sustainability and cultures worldwide,” Meuth said.

“My assignment was to do a community service project, and this is my project. In the summer I’ll get to go to Costa Rica and get to learn about

PHOTO BY KATIE BURRELL

Fourteen-year-old Buda resident Kelleah Meuth will host a fivebooth mini-festival at Buda Market Days on May 5, sparked by her involvement in environmental stewardship programs such as 4-H’s Global Leadership Opportunities Beyond Education.

other cultures.”

Using her extra free time after lessons at home, Meuth and her mother reached out to H-E-B and Home Depot to obtain donations for the festival.

A $50 donation from H-E-B allowed Meuth to purchase 100 plants she’ll be giving away at the market. She is currently hoping to get plant pots from Home Depot donated to her cause as well.

To get to her audience, Meuth decided to set up shop at Buda Market Days. She was able to do so when Buda resident Nancy Pier saw Meuth present her service project at the Buda Library.

“Nancy Pier has been

my mentor through this whole thing,” Meuth said.

“It’s been hard getting permission to do all of this, but she’s helped me, and my mom has kept me organized.”

Meuth also has nearly a handful of volunteers helping her set up and run her booths and activities including her parents, her cousin and local friends.

Pier said she was impressed with Meuth’s work, research and concept. Meuth wants to educate her peers about proper recycling, gardening for sustainability and healthy eating.

“It’s so impressive to

SUSTAINABILITY, 13

Page 9

A group of concerned citizens have joined together to endorse Mark Summers and Frank Juárez, Jr. for Hays CISD School Board The list is continuing to grow as former school board members and superintendents speak out about the micromanaging of the two school board incumbents seeking re-election, Merideth Keller and Esperanza Orosco.

Currently the list consists of: Sandra Tenorio, former School Board Member; Dr. Tim Brace, former School Board Member; Melissa Enriquez, former School Board Member; Robert Limon, former School Board Member; Dr. David Wiley, former School Board Member; Holly Raymond, former School Board Member; Laurie Cromwell, former School Board Member; Joe Munoz, former School Board Member; Rosalio Tobias, former School Board Member; Dr. Wally Rudzinski, former School Board Member; Mike McKie, former Superintendent 2013-2017; and Dr. Jeremy Lyon, former Superintendent 2009-2013.

“Both are very nice women, but they have crossed the line of governance into day to day management,” stated Laurie Cromwell, former Hays CISD School Board Member. “This has caused extreme turnover including the loss of two highly regarded superintendents. In fact, the district has seen four (4) superintendents in five years, which is extreme.”

“I was hired to be superintendent and produce outcomes for the betterment of the school district. The school board members running for re-election caused a great deal of consternation within the district impeding the staff from doing its job,” stated Mike McKie, Superintendent.

“The students and families of Hays CISD deserve a board that understands and practices proper board governance. Interference and micromanagement by board members result in good educators leaving and inconsistent student achievement outcomes. The fine educators of Hays CISD deserve a board that strictly follows their own policy and governance rules,” stated Jeremy Lyon, former Hays CISD Superintendent.

The role of the school board is to govern through setting policies, oversight of finances and hiring the superintendent. Superintendents are the CEO of the district, run the day-to-day operations and focus on the management of the district. Each has very defined roles and responsibilities. When school board members interfere or take on the responsibilities of the superintendent, it creates dysfunction. Superintendents are trained to run school districts, not school board members. This dysfunction creates high employee turnover.

An open records request filed with the district revealed that this is exactly what is happening with Hays CISD. Since Ms. Keller was elected President of the School Board in June 2015,

the district has had 65 administrators leave our district. This includes two superintendents, four assistant superintendents, 21 directors and coordinators directly related to instruction, the chief academic officer, the chief human resources director, the chief operations officer, the chief financial officer, three executive directors, the special education coordinator, the assistant director for transportation, three athletic coordinators, 13 assistant principals, and 13 principals.

Employee turnover directly impacts instruction that directly impacts the students of Hays CISD. Qualified and sought after administrators look for strong leadership and sustainable work environments. Unfortunately, Hays CISD cannot offer that educational climate with this track record.

“It’s time for a change in school board leadership. Hays CISD has been losing too many talented administrators over the past few years and this impacts the quality of education for our children. It’s time for a fresh set of voices on the school board,” stated David Wiley, former Hays CISD School Board Member.

“It has become evident that Esperanza Orosco and Merideth Keller have been micromanaging the day to day operations of the school district. It is clear that they are not following policy, which ultimately hurts our children’s education and district climate for employees.

Their behavior and actions does not embody a true public servant nor a Hays CISD School Board Trustee,” stated Rosalio Tobias, former School Board Member.

“There is no room for a board member to not stay in their lane. It is very clear what a board member’s duties are, and they are not that of a superintendent!” stated Joe Munoz, former School Board Member.

“School board members are supposed to set policy but delegate implementation to the administration. When school board members micromanage (no matter how well-intentioned) and the district experiences a wholesale departure of able administrators, this leads to a vacuum and dysfunction. There is therefore a need for new leadership and therefore I support Mark Summers and Frank Juarez Jr.,” stated Wally Rudzinski, former School Board Member.

“When you see this many former school board members and superintendents, who worked directly with the incumbents of the school board that are now endorsing candidates for the school board, you know there is a really big problem”, stated Holly Raymond, former Hays CISD School Board Member.

“It is time to take back Hays CISD,” Ms. Raymond stated. Early voting begins April 2230. Election day is May 4, 2019.

Political ad paid for by a member of #takebackhays

Kinder Morgan in Hays County Kinder Morgan currently operates 13.6 miles of the Kinder Morgan Texas Pipeline (KMTP) and the Kinder Morgan Tejas Pipeline through Hays County. These pipeline systems have operated safely in the area for several decades.

As part of the Permian Highway Pipeline Project, Kinder Morgan is proposing to build 31.5 miles of new natural gas pipeline in Hays County.

This new pipeline will be fully buried underground and the land above it will be restored after it has been installed. Once it has been completed, the new pipeline will generate approximately $1.6 Million annually in additional tax revenue in the county.

This photo shows an existing pipeline right-of-way in Hays County.

To learn more, go to www.PHPproject.com

Page 10

Flood Mitigation

Police Blotter

Continued from pg. 2

According to the release, the FIF would have an initial $3.26 billion deposit from the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

State Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood), who supported HJR 4’s passage through the Texas House, said in a statement Hays and Blanco counties must invest in “smarter safer ways to manage and mitigate natural disasters” such as flood events.

“By creating this fund, we are planning ahead and equipping our state with the resources necessary to handle the volume of flooding we’ve seen in recent years,” Zwiener said.

Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) lauded the efforts to pass the legislation, while also

thanking Zwiener for helping to pass the amendment.

“This legislation applies the lessons learned from Hurricane Harvey to improve response and recovery statewide, while also providing support to those affected,” Bonnen said. “Texas has undergone enormous challenges in recent months since Hurricane Harvey devastated the Gulf Coast.

Meanwhile, a handful of bills authored by Zwiener aimed at curbing sexual misconduct advanced to committee last week.

House Bill 2672, which increases the window of reporting a sexual assault claim from 180 days to two years, as well as House Bill 2678, which requires the Texas Department of

Public Safety to maintain sexual assault statistics, were introduced to the House Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee.

In addition, HB 2279, which extends sexual harrassment protections to employees of businesses large and small, was passed out of the House International Relations and Economic Development Committee.

Zwiener said in a statement the bills would progress the enforcement of sexual assault by providing data to atuhroirites.

“With this legislation, we can begin to understand and address why victims of sexual assault are less likely to receive justice,” Zwiener said.

Pipeline Lawsuit: Kyle, county join litigation Continued from pg. 1

by late 2020.

The challenge is one of the first of its kind, said Clark Richards, with Richards Rodriguez and Skeith, the law firm that authored the litigation.

Buda, Wimberley and Hays CISD leaders have joined Kyle and Hays County in passing resolutions opposing the PHP. Resolutions against the project have also come from the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, as well as the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District.

Richards said the Texas Constitution grants eminent domain power to private entities, but it also requires standards, which have not been set, in how they exercise that power.

Renea Hicks, who is also representing plaintiffs in the suit, said he thinks Kinder Morgan is trying to establish a corridor for pipelines through the Hill Country.

“We think the courts will require the Railroad Commission to adopt standards that create transparency and openness,” Richards said.

Walt Smith, Hays County Pct. 4 Commissioner, said parties in the suit seek the TRC to create a process that allows residents and jurisdictions to be part of the routing process.

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said county officials have tried to conduct a two-way dialogue with Kinder Morgan in recent months, but Kinder Morgan representatives have “shut it down.” Becerra said it’s “unfortunate” the lawsuit is the route that’s being taken to open up discussion.

“I think the lawsuit we contemplated is our attempt to have them (Kinder Morgan) answer to someone in Hays County,” Smith said.

Kyle Mayor Travis

Hays Free Press • April 24, 2019

“This is about property rights, specifically of our citizens and residents in Texas. I think Texas can do better that what we’re doing right now with these projects. It’s not anything personal, but I think we can do better.”

–Lon Shell, County Commissioner, Pct. 3

Mitchell, who said Kinder Morgan has “kicked over an ant pile,” felt the lawsuit is an example of people “all over the political spectrum coming together in unison.”

Part of the frustration extended to discovering “months ago” that the city had no real voice regarding the PHP and its routing, Mitchell said.

Another factor was finding out only two forms were needed to be filed with the TRC for Kinder Morgan to build its pipeline and that it was going to use public highway, road or public utility easement.

“Texas is supposed to be a property rights state.

These forms and the process Kinder Morgan has been allowed to follow is in direct contradiction,” Mitchell said. “It’s ridiculous a for-profit company should be granted the awesome right of eminent domain without a public hearing or environmental study.”

In a statement, Kinder Morgan officials said the lawsuit is “NIMBY (Not in My Backyard)’ism” and not about a “constitutional eminent domain process that’s worked well for decades.” Officials said the PHP has exceeded requirements from the TRC. Additionally, Kinder Morgan officials said through court proceedings, landowners are “compensated a fair value for easements on their property.”

“This lawsuit takes aim at not just the Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP)

project, but all infrastructure projects, threatening the very thing that has made the Texas economy the envy of the nation,” said Kinder Morgan officials. Kinder Morgan has met with more than 100 elected officials about the project and held five public meetings, as well as having met with individual land owners, according to the statement. The company has also made “more than 150 route changes to accommodate landowners” in response to what they’ve learned through land surveys.“This (eminent domain) is a time honored process that is used on a limited basis when good-faith negotiations aren’t enough,” said Kinder Morgan officials in a statement. “Otherwise, one selfish landowner could stand in the way of a project that would benefit millions of Texans throughout the state.”

Hays County resident Lana Nance, who is also a plaintiff in the suit, said she is hopeful the litigation is successful and that it forces someone at the state level to listen.

TREAD officials said they expect there will be more lawsuits filed against the PHP by other communities in the near future. In recent weeks, Gillespie County Commissioners and the city of Fredericksburg have passed resolutions opposing the project.“I don’t believe these people (Kinder Morgan) are going to stop. They’re not going to stop,” Nance said.

The following are a list of calls made to law enforcement agencies in Hays County between April 15 and April 21, 2019.

Agency Activity HCSO Assault - Aggravated HCSO Assault - Aggravated HCSO Assault HCSO Burglary - Habitation HCSO Burglary - Vehicle BPD Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Suicidal Person HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft BPD Accident - Major/Injury BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Sexual Assault - Child BPD Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Harassment HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Burglary - Habitation HCSO Death Investigation HCSO Marijuana HCSO Public Intoxication HCSO Harassment HCSO Harassment HCSO Harassment HCSO Indecency w Child BPD Missing Person BPD Missing Person HCSO Robbery HCSO Suicidal Person HCSO Vehicle Theft HCSO Vehicle Theft HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Burglary - Habitation HCSO Burglary - Habitation HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Death Investigation HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Missing Person BPD Suicidal Person HCSO Theft HCSO Theft BPD Accident - Major/Injury BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Assault HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Reckless Damage HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Vehicle Theft BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Deadly Conduct HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Death Investigation HCSO Death Investigation HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Suicidal Person HCSO Suicidal Person HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Recovered Stolen Vehicle HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury

Date 04/15/2019 04/16/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/18/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/20/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/21/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/22/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019

Time 12:33:51 0:08:22 9:27:37 14:28:54 7:48:15 18:56:08 12:18:36 7:08:42 9:56:35 16:46:39 13:22:45 13:34:04 18:42:08 14:10:37 7:06:26 6:29:50 20:48:47 21:20:17 22:08:27 9:22:58 12:28:09 13:50:28 14:19:50 8:24:28 0:15:17 7:49:36 20:59:28 13:45:20 16:07:15 11:39:29 17:14:52 22:18:11 19:21:03 16:12:37 18:20:01 18:15:53 2:03:10 6:02:25 20:52:47 7:27:40 15:07:06 15:23:17 12:30:59 19:36:33 14:48:45 15:11:07 5:58:06 9:15:48 7:36:04 16:01:21 5:31:24 4:22:31 20:11:56 8:23:03 10:03:21 14:06:56 14:07:22 23:35:13 2:54:54 21:38:13 10:08:12 15:35:05 15:58:10 9:28:32 13:26:18 19:30:42 7:08:05 1:19:38 17:34:24 12:54:46 17:08:40 13:03:48 21:23:53 20:48:44 1:49:27 19:23:49 19:31:51 8:11:42 20:56:15 13:43:26 10:57:30 18:51:49 19:12:41 23:16:02

Location Lehman Rd, Kyle, Lehman High School Mercedes Ln, Kyle Lehman Rd, Kyle, Lehman High School Miss Donna Ln, Dripping Springs Railyard Dr, Kyle Cabelas Dr, Buda, Carrington Oaks Green Acres Dr, Wimberley Skyview Ter, Kyle Heritage Oaks Dr, Austin Green Acres Dr,Wimberley E Goforth St/FM 2001, Buda Exit 220 NB, Buda 3801 W RR 150, Kyle Sadler Dr, San Marcos Hill Country MHDD Stone Rim Loop, Buda Shale Cir, Buda Green Acres Dr, Wimberley Golden Cv, Kyle Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley RR 3237, Wimberley Ranch House Rd, Wimberley Dacy Ln Kyle, Chapa Middle School Ranch House Rd, Wimberley S FM 1626/RR 967 Buda 12085 RR 967 Buda Maeves Way, Austin RR 12, Wimberley, HEB Lehman Rd, Kyle, Lehman High School RR 12, San Marcos, Sac N Pac 109 Whispering Wind Way, Austin Galloway Ln, Austin Robert S Light Blvd, Trails At Buda Ranch Apts Lone Spur Ln, Driftwood Rosemary Holw, Buda Ghost Crk/Coldwater Holw, Buda Windy Hill Rd, Kyle, Poco Loco Supermarket RR 32, San Marcos Robert S Light Blvd, Trails At Buda Ranch Apts Quarter Ave, Buda Mariah Dr, Kyle San Marcos Yarrington Road Materials Wallace St/RR 12, Dripping Springs RR 12 Wimberley, Woodcreek Apartments Rolling Meadows Ln, Kyle Bell Springs Rd, Austin High Rd, Kyle, Deso Hair Salon Stag Horn Pass, Kyle Darden Hill Rd, Driftwood Myers Creek Rd, Dripping Springs San Marcos Regency MHP Palomino Rd/Goforth Rd, Kyle Day Dr, San Marcos Heep Run, Buda Par View Dr, Woodcreek Summit Dr, Kyle Exit 217 SB, Buda Exit 219 SB, Buda Leisurewoods Dr/N FM 1626, Buda Pebble Creek Ln/Spanish Trails Blvd, Buda Stone View Trl, Austin Cresthill Cswy, Kyle Stag Horn Pass, Kyle Goforth Rd, Kyle San Marcos Garnet And Gold Social Society Hidden Hills Dr, Dripping Springs Samuel Dr, Buda Stag Horn Pass, Kyle Exit 221 SB, Buda 201 W Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs Satterwhite Rd, Buda, Docs Drive In FM 2001, Buda Lame Hoss Ln, Driftwood Signal Hill Rd, Austin Siebert Dr, Kyle Santa Fe Run, Kyle San Marcos, Real Life Faith Center Mt Olive School Rd/Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley Summit Dr, Kyle Lone Man Mountain Rd, Wimberley Davis Ranch Rd/N Old Bastrop Hwy, San Marcos RR 32/RR 12, San Marcos Hillside Ter/FM 2001, Buda Hillside Dr/Dacy Ln, Buda Exit 210 SB, Kyle

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TWO LOCATIONS IN YOUR AREA

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Hays Free Press • April 24, 2019

Page 11

Service Directory Air Conditioning

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Hays Free Press

Page 12

Hays Free Press • April 24, 2019

Public Notices CITY OF NIEDERWALD

On May 13, 2019, at 7:05 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the City of Niederwald, Texas, located at 8807 Niederwald Strasse Road, Niederwald, Texas, the City Council will hold a public hearing giving all interested persons the right to appear and be heard on the proposed annexation by the City of Niederwald, Texas, of approximately 22.74 acres, as petitioned by the property owners, said property being located at and near 12250 Camino Real.

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

CITY OF NIEDERWALD

On May 6, 2019, at 7:15 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the City of Niederwald, Texas, located at 8807 Niederwald Strasse Road, Niederwald, Texas, the City Council will hold a public hearing giving all interested persons the right to appear and be heard on updates to the City of Niederwald Master Plan. Refreshments will be served.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Kyle Parkway SelfStorage, located at 5141 Cromwell Dr. Kyle, TX 78640 will hold a Public Auction of Property being sold for CASH to satisfy a landlord’s lien.

The sale will be held on May 16, 2019 at 12:30PM. The contents in the space of Juan S. Garcia contains roofing tools & materials, extension ladder and metal shelves.

NOTICE OF ANNEXATION

The city of Creedmoor has proposed to annex 10 acres for Craig Harris at 0 Old Lockhart Rd., Creedmoor, TX, 78610, ABS 24 Del Valle S ACR 10.0000 (1-D-1) Travis CAD Property ID: 508687.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE INTENTION TO ISSUE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT REVENUE BONDS (6 CREEKS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Kyle, Texas, will convene at the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640 at 7:00 p.m. on May

7, 2019, and, during such meeting, the City Council will conduct a hearing on whether to issue special assessment revenue bonds to provide public improvements in connection with the 6 Creeks Public Improvement District Improvement Area #1 Project in an approximate amount not to exceed $7,495,000.

The City is authorized to issue special assessment revenue bonds without an election pursuant to Section 372.024, Texas Local Government Code, as amended. No provision is made for a petition or an election in connection with such special assessment revenue bonds. The special assessment revenue bonds, if issued, will be payable from the special assessments on the property in Improvement Area #1 of the 6 Creeks Public Improvement District.

Travis Mitchell Mayor, City of Kyle, Texas

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Rose Marie Watkins, Deceased, were issued on April 17, 2019, in Cause No. 19-0104-P pending in the County Court of Hays County, Texas, to Wenda Lynn Kelly, as Independent Executor.

All persons having claims against either of these Estates which are currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Gabriel G. Gallas Attorney at Law 7800 N. MoPac, Suite 200 Austin, TX 78759 DATED the 17th day of April, 2019. /s/ Gabriel G. Gallas Gabriel G. Gallas State Bar No.: 24069750 Attorney for Independent Executor

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Patricia J. Stephens, Deceased, were issued on February 12, 2019, in Cause No. 19-0044-P, pending in the County Court at Law #3 of Hays County, Texas, to: Teri J. Stephens.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

Public Notice Notice of Public Hearing

c/o David Glickler Attorney at Law 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 DATED the 19th day of February, 2019 David Glickler Attorney for Teri J. Stephens State Bar No.: 00787549 John A. Hall & Associates, P.C. 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 Telephone: (512) 268-6425 Facsimile: (512) 268-5404 E-mail: glick@ johnhalllawfirm.com

RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING OFFICES, MEETING PLACES AND REGULAR MEETING TIMES

STATE OF TEXAS, COUNTY OF HAYS REUNION RANCH WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF REUNION RANCH WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT THAT: 1. The following is hereby designated as a regular office for conducting the business of the District and maintaining the records of the District: Willatt & Flickinger, PLLC 12912 Hill Country Boulevard, Ste. F-232 Austin, Texas 78738 2. The following are hereby designated as places for conducting the meetings of the Board of Directors, they are declared to be public places, and the public is invited to attend any meeting of the Board: • Willatt & Flickinger, PLLC 12912 Hill Country Boulevard, Ste. F-232 Austin, Texas 78738 • Taylor Morrison 11200 Lakeline Boulevard, Suite 150A Austin, Texas 78717 • Murfee Engineering Company, Inc. 1101 Capital of Texas Highway South, Building D, Suite 110 Austin, Texas 78746 3. The Board will hold a regular monthly meeting at 2:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month, the meeting to be held at 12912 Hill Country Boulevard, Ste. F-232, Austin, Texas 78738, or such other place as may be designated by the President.

4. A true copy of this

Resolution shall be filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the District.

ADOPTED this 16th day of April, 2019. /s/ Nathan Neese, President, Board of Directors Reunion Ranch WCID ATTEST: /s/ Thomas J. Rogers, Jr., Secretary, Board of Directors Reunion Ranch WCID

RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING OFFICES, MEETING PLACES AND REGULAR MEETING TIMES

STATE OF TEXAS, COUNTY OF HAYS SOUTH BUDA WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SOUTH BUDA WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 THAT: 1. The following is hereby designated as a regular office for conducting the business of the District and maintaining the records of the District: Willatt & Flickinger, PLLC 12912 Hill Country Boulevard, Ste. F-232 Austin, Texas 78738 2. The following are hereby designated as places for conducting the meetings of the Board of Directors, they are declared to be public places, and the public is invited to attend any meeting of the Board: • Gray Engineering, Inc. 8 834 North Capital of Texas Highway, Suite 140 Austin, Texas 78759 • AWR Services, Inc. 500 Capital of Texas Hwy. North Building 1, Suite 125 Austin, Texas 78746 • Willatt & Flickinger, PLLC 12912 Hill Country Boulevard, Ste. F-232 Austin, Texas 78738 3. The Board will hold a regular monthly meeting at 12:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, the meeting to be held at 8834 North Capital of Texas Highway, Suite 140, Austin, Texas 78759, or such other place as may be designated by the President.

4. A true copy of this Resolution shall be filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Public Notice Notice of Public Hearing

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT:

The City of Kyle shall hold a public hearing on a request by Genevieve Vaughn (Z-19-0040) to rezone approximately 1.02 acres of land from Agriculture ‘AG’ / Single Family Residential ‘R-1’ to Single Family Residential-3 ‘R-1-3’ for property located at 701 Scott Street, in Hays County, Texas.

The City of Kyle shall hold a public hearing on a request by Hector Villalpando and Patricia Marquez (Z-19-0039) to rezone approximately 0.1417 acres of land from Heavy Industrial ‘HI’ to Neighborhood Commercial ‘NC’ for property located at 405 S. Old Highway 81, in Hays County, Texas.

The Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend, and the City Council may consider, assigning any zoning district which is equivalent or more restrictive.

The Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend, and the City Council may consider, assigning any zoning district which is equivalent or more restrictive.

A public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.

A public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.

A public hearing will be held by the Kyle City Council on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 7:00 P.M.

A public hearing will be held by the Kyle City Council on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 7:00 P.M.

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

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

Owner: Genevieve Vaughn Agent: Daniel Oliphant (512) 656-9662 Anna Estrada (512) 280-1608

Owner: Hector Villalpando and Patricia Marquez (512) 848-7109

Publication Date: April 24, 2019 Z-19-0040

Publication Date: April 24, 2019 Z-19-0039

and shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the District.

ADOPTED this 9th day of April, 2019.

By: Marvin B. Morgan, President ATTEST: By: Dante Angelini, Secretary

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Please be advised that Equify Financial, LLC will conduct a Public Sale of the following Equipment at 2:00 PM (CST) on April 29th, 2019 at 2500 Farm to Market 1626 Buda, TX 78610 2010 Bobcat S160 1994 Caterpillar 350L 1999 Caterpillar 963 2007 Caterpillar 320CL 2008 Caterpillar 420EST 2008 Caterpillar 420EST 2009 Caterpillar 320DL 2010 Caterpillar 725 2010 Caterpillar 320DL 2011 Caterpillar 930H 2011 Caterpillar 930H 2011 Caterpillar 938H 2011 Caterpillar 320DL 2012 Caterpillar 289C2 2012 Caterpillar 420F 2012 Caterpillar D6T XL 2013 Caterpillar 416F 2014 Caterpillar 938K

2014 Caterpillar 416F 2015 Caterpillar CW34 2012 Chevrolet 3500HD 2017 Fontaine 40 ton 2006 FordF650 2009 FordF650 2010 FordF750 2011 FordF750 2013 FordF750 2015 FordF350XL 2010 Ford McElroy F750 2004 Freightliner FL70 2011 Hitachi 2010 Ingersoll Rand 2006 John Deere 644J 2006 John Deere 772D 2015 Kenworth T800 2003 Komatsu PC200LC-7 2014 Komatsu PC210LC-1 2012 Lay-Mor SM300 2009 Peterbilt 367 2007-Trail KingTK110HDG 2012 -Volvo EC380DL 2009 Wacker RD12 2011-Waldon 6HC The Equipment will be sold on an “as-is”, “where-is” basis to the highest bidder for cash, and Equify Financial LLC reserves the right to bid. Further information or to inspect the personal property prior to the sale, contact Michael Davied at (817) 4906816.

PUBLIC NOTICES, 13

NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION VILLAGE OF SAN LEANNA The Village of San Leanna will hold a General Election on Saturday, May 4, 2019 to elect a Mayor and two (2) Alderpersons. The polling place for all voters currently registered in San Leanna will be at the San Leanna Community Center located at 11906 Sleepy Hollow Lane.

Voting will take place May 4, 2019 during the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Early voting will be available at the San Leanna Community Center located at 11906 Sleepy Hollow Lane during the following hours: April 22-24, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m April 25-26, 2019 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

April 29-30, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Early Voting Clerk available by phone (512-2803898), email (village@sanleannatx.com), or mail (PO BOX 1107, Manchaca, TX 78652) to answer any questions.

Public Notice Notice of Public Hearing NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: The City of Kyle shall hold a public hearing on a request by Robert and Karen Schlortt (Z-19-0037) to assign original zoning to approximately 9.94 acres of land from Agriculture ‘AG’ to Residential Condominium District ‘R-1-C’, approximately 109.47 acres of land to Single Family Residential 3 District ‘R-1-3’, approximately 3.26 acres of land to Neighborhood Commercial ‘NC’ and approximately 4.80 acres of land to Community Commercial ‘CC’ for property located approximately a 1/2 mile east of Lehman High School at the intersection of Bunton Creek Road and Goforth Road, in Hays County, Texas.

The Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend, and the City Council may consider, assigning any zoning district which is equivalent or more restrictive.

A public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 6:30 P.M. A public hearing will be held by the Kyle City Council on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. Kyle City Hall Council Chambers 100 W Center St., Kyle, Texas Owner: Robert and Karen Schlortt Agent: Aaron Neumann, BGE, Inc. (210) 581-3600 Publication Date: April 24, 2019 Z-19-0037

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 • April 24, 2019

Employment

Estate Sale

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS

HIGH END ESTATE SALE AT POLO CLUB

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

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

Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

151 SECRETARIAT AUSTIN FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 27 AND 28TH, 10-5PM.

HUGE HOME PACKED WITH INCREDIBLE SELECTION OF ITEMS. PRICED TO SALE. FOR INFO AND PICS CLASSICESTATESALES. NET

Page 13

Public Notices, cont. from pg. 12 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

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

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

Morningstar Storage wishes to avail themselves of the Texas Provision of chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code.

This sale is listed below.

Date: 05/13/2019 Time: 10:15 AM Location: Morningstar Storage 1001 W Goforth Road , Buda Tx 78610 Units : # 2124 Amanda Cox – Hair

Dryer, Bags, Pictures, Mirror , Stool #1106 – Amanda Cox – File Cabinet, Chairs , House hold décor, Piano, hide a bed, dresser, Holiday Décor, Boxes # B201 – Christine Waltman- Bikes, boxes, Speakers, 4 Auto wheels, Tool box, luggages, Power washer

Texas Statewide Advertising Network

512-550-1433

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TexSCAN Week of April 21, 2019 ACREAGE 33.62 acres, Coke County near Robert Lee. Rural water meter, end of road privacy. Mesquite and cedar cover. Whitetail, hogs, turkey, quail, dove. $3,000/ acre, fixed rate 30-yr. owner financing w/5% down.

800-876-9720, www.ranchenterprisesltd.com.

FOR SALE: 30,000-head, working feedlot on 564 +/- acres in Beaver County, OK. For more information, contact Big Iron Realty at 402-649-3705.

ARROWHEADS Indian Arrowheads Wanted, Point types: Clovis, Firstview, Eden, Midland, Yuma, Cody, all nice Alibates Points. Must be authentic, unbroken. Top $$ paid X3.

Call 979-218-3351 or text photos.

AUCTION Cal/Cam Parish Public Auction, Fri. & Sat., April 26 & 27 at 9 a.m. Location: Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, La. Cars, trucks, trailers, farm machinery, construction & industrial equip., RVs, ATVs & miscellaneous items. Online bidding available, www.

TheBestAuctions.net. Phone 337-494-1333. Pedersen & Pedersen Auctions; Mike Pedersen, auctioneer, La. License #622.

EVENTS Buda Lions Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races, April 27-28, Buck’s Backyard, FM 1626, Buda, TX. For more info, visit www.budalions.com.

Gonzales Inquirer 2nd Annual Come & Taste It Craft Beer & Wine Festival, Fri., April 26, 6-10 p.m.; Sat., April 27, 1 p.m.-11 p.m. Live Music featuring five bands on the square. For more information call 830-672-2861 or email terry.fitzwater@gonzalesinquirer.com.

Competitive benefits and pay. Paid leave and holidays.

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

Lamesa – Chicken Fried Steak Festival, April 26-28.

Hot Air Balloon Rally, 100+ booths, Balloon Glow/ Fire Fest, 5K Run, Team Roping, Chicken Fried Steak Cook off, Classic Car Show, Disk Golf Tourney, Chicken-Fried Steak Dinner (Tickets: 806-872-2181) and more. Info: www.ci.lamesa.tx.us, 806-872-4345 or 806-777-1171.

Garage Sale

ONION CREEK COMMUNITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE

Saturday, April 27, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m..

Rain or shine. Follow signs

Seguin – Earth Day Trade Day, Sat. April 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 80+ Vendors, green info booths, entertainment, music, food, kid’s activities, demonstrations and more!

Downtown Seguin, Central Park, 201 S. Austin Street.

Visitseguin.com, 830-401-5000.

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.

CAREER TRAINING Airlines Are Hiring – Get FAA-Approved Hands-On Aviation Training. Financial aid for qualified students - career placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 877-207-0345.

HUNTING GOT LAND? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a FREE info packet & Quote. 1-866309-1507. www.BaseCampLeasing.com.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE Roundup®, a common weed and grass killer, may be linked to the development of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in farm workers and employees in garden centers, nurseries, and landscapers. Call 800-460-0606 for professional insight or visit www.RespectForYou. com/NHL.

LOG HOMES Log Homes – 4 Log Home kits selling for balance owed, free delivery. Model #101 Carolina, bal. $17,000; Model #203 Georgia, bal. $19,950; Model #305 Biloxi, bal. $14,500; Model #403 Augusta, bal. $16,500. View plans at www.loghomedream.com.

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

MISC. FOR SALE Barn Boards & Beams from Wisconsin. Large inventory – Buy Directly & Save Money! $2 to $4 Bd.Ft. Call or text Dave 608-632-2955. Delivery Available.

TRUCK DRIVERS Be Your Own Boss! Get Paid to See the Country!

Quality Drive-Away is looking for CDL Drivers to Deliver Trucks! www.qualitydriveaway.com, 574-642-2023.

Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 273 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.

Buda EDC Conflict: Board releases employees because of ‘hostility’

Sustainability

The board voted to give Miller and other staff members severance pay and to release them from their contracts.

The resolution said the board released Miller and her staff at “no-fault” because the EDC board could not provide a non-hostile working environment.

In a statement from the city of Buda, David Marino, Buda Public Information Officer, wrote, “The City of Buda was surprised to hear of the termination of Executive Director Ann Miller and two of her staff members by Buda EDC President Jose Montoya. The City previously raised concerns to the Buda EDC Board regarding Ms. Miller’s workplace behavior but never sought her dismissal. No concerns were raised by the City of Buda regarding the behavior or performance of the other two terminated employees.”

The situation with the EDC comes after several years of back-biting and fighting among city staff, the Buda council and the EDC. Miller was accused through the city attorney by staff as being aggressive, rude, defensive and offensive.

The city attorney on Jan. 11, 2019 sent a letter to EDC President Jose Montoya asking the board to deal

see that work from someone her age,” Pier said. “I hope the community comes and learns from her and sees her hard work.”

Meuth’s work ethic extends far beyond her current project.

When she was 10, Meuth began selling muffins and sourdough bread she had made from scratch at the market. Meuth plans to offer those recipes to residents who come to the festival next month.

Following the Buda Market, Meuth plans to travel to Costa Rica and continue her homeschooling and membership in 4-H. Meuth eventually plans to attend college where she would like to study aquaponics. Before then, Meuth envisions teaching her fellow residents the joys of gardening.

“I really hope to impact people and motivate them to start gardening and eating healthy through one plant and having fun,” Meuth said.

Continued from pg. 1

with the city’s concerns.

In city attorney George Hyde’s letter, he said Miller “displayed erratic behavior while working with City employees and in public, including ‘demands, actions, intrusions and outbursts,’ that she is ‘unhinged’ and exhibits anger and more.

An investigation into the situation and the accusations were completed

by Sheila Gladstone with Lloyd Gosselink, Attorneys at Law, and a report was sent in March to Monte Akers, attorney for the EDC regarding the situation.

Gladstone’s memorandum reports that all accusations and allegations regarding Miller’s workplace behavior were unsubstantiated and false.

“Rather, the investigation found that Miller is a toprate economic developer who has good relations with City employees, and who has not behaved in a manner described in the Hyde letter,” Gladstone wrote.

Montoya, the EDC president, said late Tuesday, “I hated to do that (pass the resolution allowing Miller out of her contract), but the situation cannot continue.

“It is counter-productive for the EDC and the city to be butting heads all the time.”

Montoya said that he be-

lieved Miller to be a strong personality and a good employee.

“We value her and still value her,” he said. “Ann has done a fantastic job.”

After a pause, Montoya added, “Now ... she is a little bit straight-forward, she cuts to the chase, and she doesn’t mince words. Someone who might not like a strong female could take it all the wrong way.”

John Hatch, a member of the EDC board, said he enjoyed filling an unexpired term on the board.

“The EDC Staff, an all-woman team, led by Executive Director Ann Miller, was a pleasure to work with. Ms. Miller’s team took us from a reserve balance in 2013 of less than $800,000 to more than $4 million dollars today, while at the same time shrinking our debt from $3.3 million dollars to slightly more than $1.2 million.”

Hatch said that Miller was nationally recognized by the Development Counselors International as one of its “40 under 40” award winners.

She is a hard worker and has brought in many businesses to Buda, Hatch said, adding that he was disappointed about the accusations against her.

“The EDC Board voted

to release the full and unredacted version of the Investigative report – warts and all. I encourage each member of the Council and all citizens of Buda to read both reports in their entirety, so that answers to questions regarding the real reasons behind these claims against Ms. Miller and the EDC can be found,” he said.

Miller, Collins and Nunez-McDermott are all employees of the EDC and are hired by the EDC. The EDC board is appointed by the city council. A continuing battle over the EDC bylaws and its membership – how many Buda council members could be on the EDC board, if the board MUST have council members, and how many Buda residents can be on the board – are all under review at this time.

Marino told the Hays Free Press in a statement, “When the Buda EDC does not respond to concerns of the governing board, there must be action taken as when any board appointed by the Buda City Council refuses to deal in good faith and respond to the City Council’s direction.”

Members of the city council and the mayor have pointed out that they did not require the EDC to

release Miller from her contract, rather they wanted the EDC board to “rein her in.”

In Hyde’s letter in January, he said, “I have been charged by the Buda City Council to both inform you and to seek your assistance in mitigating the situation.”

Montoya said that the situation is unfortunate. “I’ve always had this town in my heart and I want to make sure it grows properly.”

Buda Mayor George Haehn said that the decision to release Miller was made by the board and Miller herself.

“I wish her the best as she moves forward in her career,” he said.

It is expected that changes to the Buda EDC board will come soon, with some of the current members not being reappointed by the Buda City Council.

“The City of Buda is disappointed in the actions of President Montoya and the Buda Economic Development Board and is seeking ways to make this a viable board of the City of Buda again,” Marino wrote in a statement, saying that the city “is concerned by the Buda EDC’s unsubstantiated statements and allegations regarding the City’s oversight responsibility of the Buda EDC.”

Continued from pg. 9

Page 14

Hays Free Press • April 24, 2019

Get to know your Kyle City Council candidates Below are responses submitted by candidates running to fit the unexpired term of the Kyle City Council District 3 At-Large seat up for grabs May 4. Candidates are Robert Rizo, Cody DeSalvo, Stuart Kirkwood and Michelle Carey. Rizo did not submit responses prior to press time.

MICHELLE R. CAREY

CODY DESALVO

Has Kyle managed its growth effectively? What would you do differently?

I think Kyle has done a pretty job managing its’ growth, but we need to slow down.

I know we can achieve great balance between attracting new businesses while serving the citizens of Kyle. We have done an excellent job increasing our commercial footprint which helps create revenue, but we do need solid infrastructure complete to ease the burden on our water use, high traffic areas and dense occupancy areas of the city. One different approach I suggest is hosting Town Hall events before our next Comprehensive Plan is finalized to gather citizen input.

Has Kyle managed its growth effectively? What would you do differently?

When a city grows as quickly as Kyle it’s very difficult to manage its growth. I do think there are areas of improvement for growth management.

The current approach for the city is to wait for development then build out infrastructure. There are good reasons for this but I think in some areas an upfront investment in transportation, water, and park infrastructure is really important to managing growth in our high growth areas. In addition, our comprehensive plan must be a document that sets forth the long term vision for growth in Kyle.

What is your vision for downtown Kyle and how What is your vision for would you make that downtown Kyle and how happen? would you make that If elected I would push happen? to include a Downtown I think preserving the Master Plan into the historical look and feel of Comprehensive Plan Kyle is the most importand establish a Downant vision for downtown. town Commission that I think we can slowly add includes residents and to the existing business- business to help guide es in the areas near I-35 the development of but we cannot lose that downtown. When I visit park and original lay out the downtown in cities of our town square. The similar to Kyle you see many historical buildquite a bit of local restauings in that area of Kyle rants, shops, and comare part of who we are mercial activity. In Kyle, as a city and that cannot our downtown is residenbe lost as the city grows. tial. People live there and It is possible to grow but have lived there for a long not lose sight of our deep time. The city’s approach roots here in central TX. has been to develop Uptown, the area at Kohlers What do you feel is the Crossing and Kyle Parkproper amount Kyle way areas. Developing up City Council members there results in less push should be paid and why? back but it does a disI did not know a service to our downtown stipend of any kind residents. They need was offered to Council new roads, maintenance, Members when I put and amenities too, and my name on the ballot under the current model, and it was not part of they’re only going to my motivation to run get that if development for office. I do think that comes downtown. from a logical perspective the principle of “you What do you feel is the get what you pay for” proper amount Kyle is true and that is why City Council members I agree there should be should be paid and why? some compensation I believe in looking at City Council members. industry standards to I strongly oppose health help guide these kinds of insurance to be offered decisions. What are our to the City Council neighbors in Buda, San members. I do think an Marcos, New Braunfels, average of $300 a week is and Bastrop doing? What acceptable provided that do cities of similar size the Council Member can and demographics do prove 18-25 hours were across the state? If you’re spent weekly working on getting into elected behalf of the city. public service for the money you’re doing it for What is one issue that’s the wrong reasons, first not being talked about and foremost. The job is that should be? service and that job takes I think 2 issues were a lot of time out of peonot being talked about. ples lives, including their The first one is the work hours so I think we disconnect between a should approach this portion of Kyle citizens question rationally and and the local governscientifically to see what’s ment, however that was best long term for our recently brought to the city government. Buda forefront during the pays about $100 for every recent Council meetings. meeting, San Marcos I look forward to inpays $1450 each month. creased discussions that Kyle sits in the middle will arise from our new of both of those as far as Comprehensive Plan. growth so our approach Secondly, I think there is should do the same. a group of Kyle citizens that we are missing the What is one issue that’s potential of and that is of not being talked about our young people, older that should be? teens: 17-23. I would love Affordable housing to see some programs and cost of living. The that advocate for this cost of living in Kyle has group to connect with changed a lot since when one another and their I first moved here 15 city. Some of the school years ago. When we talk programs can create about affordable housa bridge from that age ing, we must decide what group to the elderly and the city’s approach is gothrough those relationing to be. Tax incentives ship and connections we are one way to attract can find answers to what low-cost housing to a the future of Kyle will city. Another is to permit look like in 20-30 years. more multifamily housing units in attractive What was the last movie economic areas. Balancor film you saw in theing the housing stock aters? with both single family Aquaman was the last and multi-family is the movie I saw, we are huge only reasonable way that Super Hero movie fans! doesn’t spend taxpayer

ARC IS THE PARTNER I NEEDED ...

SHAWNTELL’S PHONE CALL GOT ME BACK ON TRACK.

dollars to encourage affordable housing to come online in Kyle.

What was the last movie or film you saw in theaters?

Shazam! It was a great funny movie that captured the joy of reading comic books. I recommend it to anyone who just wants a good time at the movies.

STUART KIRKWOOD Has Kyle managed its growth effectively? What would you do differently?

Given the accelerated rate of growth, there have been times of effective management as well as opportunities missed.

Managing effectively involves making the right decisions at the right time and for the right reason.

The only expectation of the council is to make decisions based on facts and in the best interest of entire city. Personal feelings should only be used as a guideline. If elected I will collaborate with citizens, city staff, and council members to ensure I can make the most effective and informed decisions.

What is your vision for downtown Kyle and how would you make that happen?

I would like to see the downtown area be bustling with up-scale restaurants, shops and boutiques. With the recent disagreement in the zoning changes in the downtown area, it is evident there needs to be collaborative meetings with Kyle citizens and downtown businesses to understand what the vision for downtown should be in the next 5-10 years. Currently the downtown area has room for improvement. I would like to see the Chamber of Commerce champion this project and help us create a vision for downtown that works for all.

What do you feel is the proper amount Kyle City Council members should be paid and why?

I have researched this topic and have found various results. Some cities do not pay the council or mayor for their civic duty, while others pay more than the proposed package. While on the council in 1998 we were not paid until after the city charter was enacted, setting the $100 a month stipend. I believe $500 a month for council members and $800 for the mayor is an appropriate first step.

While relatively a small amount, it will provide a little more compensation for their time.

What is one issue that’s not being talked about that should be?

The one issue not being talked about today is the lack of staffing in the Kyle Police Department.

The national average is 2 officers per 1000, with Kyle being just over 1 per 1000. I believe being at 1.5 per thousand puts Kyle in a position to maintain the safety of our citizens. Given our low staffing numbers today, I believe KPD is doing a very good job. If elected, I will work with council to improve the ratio and join them in their prior commitment to address the police department’s facility needs.

What was the last movie or film you saw in theaters?

Pepper Mint / Bohemian Rhapsody

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GAME OF WIENERS

At Buck’s Backyard

April 27 & 28, 8 am to 6 pm 22nd Annual Buda Lions

Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday, April 27, 2019

$5 General Admission

8:00

Registration for Wiener Dog Races Best Costume Parade Registration and Judging

9:00

Best Costume Parade begins DJ Jimmy Z Starts Olympic Hills Gymnastics

9:15

Opening Ceremonies – Presentation of Colors Best Costume Parade Awards

10:00

Wiener Dog Races Begin Pratt’s Karate Buda Bee Sign-up (K-5th Grade)

11:00

Buda Bike Shop – Bike Program Turn-In Beans

11:30

Mixed Breed Dachshund Races Begin

12:00

Buda Bee – K–5th Grade Spelling Contest Starts Turn-In Chicken

12:30

How Fast is Your Dog???

1:30

“The Merles” Band

2:00

Wiener Dog Races Begin Turn-In Ribs

3:00

Mixed Breed Dachshund Races Begin

3:15

Mr. Will Band

4:00

Turn-In Brisket

Open to all dogs Sat & Sun 12:30

5:30

Cook-Off Awards

OTHER HAPPENINGS DURING THE WEEKEND: BBQ Cook-Off (Saturday), Arts & Craft Booths, Food, Kid Games including Bouncy Houses, Petting Zoo and Fish Pond, Live Music, and the Buda Bee.

8:30

Registration for Wiener Dog Races

9:00

DJ Jimmy Z Servant Heart - The Journey UMC

10:00

Wiener Dog Races Begin

10:30

Elvis on Stage

11:30

Mixed Breed Dachshund Races Begin

12:30

How Fast is your Dog???

1:30

Mixed Breed Dachshund Finals & Awards

3:00

Wiener Dog Quarter Finals, Semifinals and Finals and Wiener Dog Winner Trophy Presentation

Kids 12 years & under get in FREE

Free parking and shuttle from Cabela’s to Buck’s Backyard Saturday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Limited free parking at Buck’s

DOG EVENTS Best Costume Parade – 9:00 a.m.

Wiener Dog Races – Saturday, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. & Finals 3 p.m.

Mixed Breed Races – Saturday, 11:30 a.m. & 3 p.m.; and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. & Finals 1:30 p.m.

How Fast is Your Dog???

Complete details at

www.budalions.com

Event Sponsored by The Buda Lions Club

Sunday April 28, 2019