May 3, 2017 Hays Free Press

MAY 3, 2017 NEW CONSTABLE

TARR ON TRIAL

Newly elected official eyes community outreach, improvements.

Local realtor on trial for intoxication manslaughter/murder charges.

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Hays Free Press

© BARTON PUBLICATIONS, INC.

Vol. 121 • No. 6

HaysFreePress.com

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

Home appraisal values up 10% in Hays County STAFF REPORT More than 2,000 new homes and 49 new commercial structures has led to the rise in preliminary market value of property in the county, according to a Hays

County press release.

The preliminary market value of the average household in Hays County rose by 10 percent from 2016 to 2017.

Overall, the county’s market value went from

$21.32 billion to $23.46 billion in a year’s time.

Commercial and industrial property values rose by 10.45 percent during the course of the last calendar year, according to the release.

Meanwhile, residential

multi-family property values in the county continued to see double-digit increases, as value rose by 14.07 percent, from $2.01 billion in 2016 to $2.22 billion in 2017.

Total new improvements added more than

$637 million to the taxable value for 2017, with the average market value for homes increasing by nine percent.

Market values in Buda rose by roughly eight percent from last year, while Kyle’s market

BY MOSES LEOS III

Riding on a model RC race car from the movie Toy Story, Sunshine the dachshund, dressed as Woody, participates in the Buda Wiener Dog pet parade at City Park. Thousands made their way to Buda for the 20th annual Buda Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races held this past weekend. More photos and coverage on 1C.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Putting on the brakes

Local racetrack shuts its doors for good as Central Texas Speedway.

But Folsom and many others were shocked when CTS officials announced they were shuttering the track, raising a red flag on one of the last short-track asphalt speedways in Texas.

“It’s sad to see CTS die and go away,” Folsom said. “I would love to see it reopen, but the way it sounds, I don’t think it’s going to.”

SPEEDWAY, 6A

For the second time in the span of a year, a lawsuit has been filed against the city of Buda and at least one of its police officers accusing the use of excessive force.

According to the suit, filed Tuesday in the U.S. Western District Court of Texas Austin Division, Leonard Miguel Garcia, of Buda, accuses police officers DeMerriel Young and Kellie Metz of violating his 14th amendment rights.

The claim comes after the officers are shown on body camera footage restraining and tasing Garcia during an altercation while

BUDA POLICE, 5A

District says time to save water SUBMITTED REPORT

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Racers careen around the track at a 2016 race at Central Texas Speedway. The raceway, which has recently shut down, served Central Texas racers.

COMING UP Relay for Life

Hundreds of Buda, Kyle and San Marcos residents will take to Barton Middle School Saturday as they participate in the annual Relay for Life event, which is a major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The event, which goes from 4 p.m. to midnight., is meant to remember and honor those who have passed away from cancer, but also raise funds for cancer research. During the event, Hays CISD will honor longtime Barton Middle School nurse Susie Kana by dedicating Kana Field at 6 p.m.

MARTIAL ARTS New studio brings taekwondo to Kyle.

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INDEX

Entering the motorsports world was an easy decision for Kyle resident Sean Folsom.

While working as a photographer at what was Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle six years ago, Folsom grew tired of seeing his race car driver friends have all of the fun on the track.

As a result, Folsom invested in his own racecar and regularly competed at the venue, later known

PROPERTY VALUES, 4A

Buda PD officers sued for excessive force

All ears at Buda Wiener Dog Races

BY MOSES LEOS III

values rose close to 10 percent.

The city of San Marcos saw the highest jump in market values with an 11 percent increase from 2016.

HCISD 50th Anniversary Parade

Join Hays CISD on Saturday, May 6 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hays CISD. The parade will be from 10-11 a.m., beginning at Live Oak Academy and ending at Bob Shelton Stadium. All 23 campuses will be represented. Mark Jones will serve as emcee and Bob Shelton will be Grand Marshall. A cupcake reception will follow at the stadium.

Kyle Business Expo Get to know your local business owners at the annual Kyle Business Expo on Thursday at Texas Old Town from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

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

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

The Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) water conservation period began Monday and extends through the end of September, according to a press release.

The five month period is the time when water use is at its peak, according to district officials.

Since January 2016, groundwater levels in the district have been above drought thresholds. Recent wet weather has helped augment water supplies, but there is still a need to conserve water resources, according to the release.

Starting May 1, the BSEACD initiates a voluntary 10% reduction in groundwater pumping by its permittees.

CONSERVATION, 4A

NEWS

Page 2A

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

We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals.

Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity.

All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month.

Letters can be emailed to csb@haysfreepress. com.

HISTORY

Founded April 10, 1903,

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

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Teacher tip leads to child indecency arrest

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

A Hays County Grand Jury indicted a Kyle man who is accused of inappropriately touching a child in 2016.

Jose Isabel Marin Ruiz, 35, of Kyle, was indicted on two counts of indecency with a child based on an

incident in the Shady Oaks area of Kyle on March 1, 2016.

According to an arrest warrant, Buda Police began an investigation into the sexual assault of a child based on information from teachers at Tom Green Elementary that a specific child’s behavior had drasti-

cally changed.

Police discovered school staff had spoken with the victim, who admitted that she was being inappropriately touched when sleeping away from home. A forensic interview confirmed the victim’s claims.

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office continued the

investigation, and after an alleged positive verification from Ruiz’s sister-in-law, confirmed that he was the suspect.

Ruiz was booked into the Hays County Jail April 28 and was released on the same day on a $75,000 bond. A trial date has not yet been confirmed.

RUIZ

Grant paves way for free rides for Buda seniors

BY SAMANTHA SMITH Free transportation for Buda seniors is on the horizon after city leaders approved a project grant subrecipient agreement that paves the way for a $42,000 wheelchair accessible van.

The agreement, which was involved the city and the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, calls for Buda to receive

According to Cap Metro documentation the new ADA senior van will cost approximately $42,573 with additional funds for operating assistance at $11,124 so the City will be receiving a total grant amount of $53,697 for the project. a total grant amount of $53,697 for the project, according to Capital Metro documentation.

Roughly $42,000 will go to an American Disabilities Act (ADA) senior van, with an additional

$11,000 for operating assistance.

However, unlike many other grant programs

that require a 20 percent match from local governments, Buda won’t have to pay a dime for the money, said Chance Sparks, Buda assistant city manager. He added the city is receivig “Transporation Development Credits” from Cap Metro, which covers the 20 percent match the city had to pay.

CAP METRO PLAN, 4A

Kyle Youth Advisory Council tackles sidewalks

BY LESLY DE LEON

A problem with lack of and condition of sidewalks was reported by members of the Kyle Youth Advisory Council.

The group presented its report on the city’s sidewalks at Tuesday night’s council meeting.

The Kyle Youth Advisory Council (KAYAC), which consists of 14- to 18-year-olds, put together a report of data and recommendations for the city’s sidewalks.

“Unfortunately, we saw a very large deficit of sidewalks in the city of Kyle,” said Aidan O’Keefe, a high school senior who is the KAYAC chair.

Many respondents to a survey conducted by KAYAC said they were dissatisfied with the current condition of sidewalks, O’Keefe said.

KAYAC determined it’s important the city focus on connecting subdivisions to schools, businesses and other subdivisions, especially for younger people who can’t drive.

KAYAC’s report recommend giving a higher priority to sidewalks connecting subdivisions to schools.

“We’ve noticed a lot of hazards with this type of connectivity in particular,” O’Keefe said.

Hays CISD only provides bus service to students living within a twomile radius of the school if there is no safe route to school.

“But, if you look at the Lehman Road situation, you still see a lot of people walking to school,” O’Keefe said. “We think sidewalks addressing

Since 66.22% of respondents said they don’t work inside the Kyle city limits, the need for sidewalks connecting subdivisions to business is the second priority. this kind of connectivity would be able to substantially reduce the risk to these young pedestrians.”

Since 66.22% of respondents said they don’t work inside the Kyle city limits, the need for sidewalks connecting subdivisions to business is the second priority.

“The increasing utility that residents of Kyle would see wouldn’t be as big as the increasing utility that young pedestrians would get, in being able to walk to school and not having to worry about dangerous conditions that may be on the road,” O’Keefe said.

Another safety concern presented in the report is insufficient lighting for sidewalks. According to the survey, 38% of respondents reported poor lighting was a “big problem” for sidewalks.

“It’s a valid concern,” O’Keefe said. “This increases the likelihood of collisions between cars and pedestrians. If you want people to use these sidewalks, they need to feel safe using them at any time.”

Another issue was sidewalk inaccessibility for residents with a physical disability. According to the survey, 7.33% of respondents reported they or a family member has a physical disability.

Paying for sidewalk maintenance is also a major issue. According to

a city ordinance, homeowners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks in front of their residences.

Recently, city council considered a proposal to make this more affordable for homeowners, but has not approved the proposal.

KAYAC’s report sug-

gests city officials encourage private property owners and housing developers to maintain and expand sidewalks by offering subsidies, in the form of tax breaks or partial reimbursement.

“It’s not dissimilar much to what we were originally looking at and it was met with some

opposition,” Mayor Todd Webster said.

Councilmember David Willson said he thinks the city has accomplished a lot when it comes to sidewalks, but the students’ fresh perspective shows that the city has more to do.

“Sidewalks is something that was a passion for me because when I arrived in this town we had 2,500 people and no sidewalks at all,” Wilson said. “We’ve certainly improved from that and there are a whole lot more sidewalks.”

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “She’s very grateful for what she has. Very respectful person. Very positive family that she comes from. She just has a great moral fiber - She works hard, she humbles herself and most importantly she never stops working hard – If I had 11 Maya’s, Lehman would be state champs.”

–Nauri Garcia, Lobo soccer coach, pg. 1B

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Page 3A

U.S. needs Mexico more than a wall T

here is a dark line, that marks the delineation. Otherwise, the lone lights shining in the parking lot of the La Posada Hotel in Laredo, where the South Texas Press Convention held its annual meeting, comes from the parking lot below.

But across that line, across the Rio Grande River, lights shine, cars and buses are lined up, waiting to get into Texas.

Trucks idle, bringing products for Americans.

How did I get the only hotel room with a balcony overlooking the Rio Grande River? Who knows, but it was worth just sitting out there, watching the local economy in real time.

I remember driving through this area many years ago, maybe 20 to 30 years. We always stayed at the Holiday Inn on the river whenever we spent the night.

It also had easy access to the bridge heading into Mexico. We would always walk across and enjoy the food, the shops, the people.

Last week, I sat and watched the lights on the other side of the river. I sat on my balcony, drinking my white wine, looking into Mexico. I watched hundreds of cars travel across the bridge into Laredo, into the city that has the largest land port in the nation. Travel buses were lined up, patiently waiting their turn to bring people into the U.S. Trucks come in bringing produce, products, all kinds of items that Texans and a lot of Americans really want and need. The air brakes of the trucks echo across the river.

We need this port, we need Mexico, we need to have access. Without Laredo, without this port and importation of products, we are all poorer. And Texas will feel it the worst.

Laredo processes more than $280 billion – yes, billion – in trade taxes each year.

Texas has five customs districts, more than any other state, so building a wall around the United States is really hurting us, as Laredo is the No. 1 land port in all the U.S., and the third largest port in the country, behind New York and Los Angeles.

If a wall gets built and cuts off Texas from Mexico, what happens to our economy? If we keep everything in the U.S. – only built here, only grown here, what happens? We don’t have the parts we need to

Hip Czech

by Cyndy SlovakBarton

News and Sports Editor Moses Leos III

nterprising entrepreneurs out there might want to invest in a fleet of tractor backhoes and partial ownership of a limestone quarry, because it’s starting to look like bunker-digging time in America. The threat of nuclear war is spiking like the needle of a meat thermometer on a lava-flow.

It won’t be long before all the Marts; K, Wal, Quickie and the rest, start advertising red, white and blue specials on duct tape and plastic wrap.

Survivalist sales. Civilization closeouts. Mankind markdowns.

Various parts of the country are reacting differently. In the south, they’re hoarding grits and preserving tomatoes while California stockpiles imported cases of organic, heirloom, artisanal, gluten-free cannellini beans from the northwest district of the Tuscany region. California bunkers have hardwood floors and a view.

While President Trump is busy dropping healthy payloads of big-D democracy on various

build every thing we need, we don’t have the food capacity or the choice we want to feed everyone here. If you say “America first,” you would probably be surprised at how differently you will have to eat.

You’ll be surprised at what clothes are not on the market, at the high cost of suddenly fixing your car because parts are not available, at the high cost of purchasing a house. The list goes on and on.

Let’s face it. We need Mexico. We need the imports, the workers, and relationship.

Let’s face it. Mexico is not going away.

Those people crossing the bridge every day to make purchases here are not moving away just because a wall is built. We have to work with Mexico.

I want to come back to Laredo, which is incredibly safe; I want to walk across the bridge, as I have in years past. I want to help their economy too while enjoying their food, restaurants.

I want to sit again in the outdoor patios, listening to the rolling language that I don’t really understand.

Mostly, let’s face the truth about our relationship with Mexico.

We need them and they need us and it’s time to tell Trump, leave our economy alone down here. Listen to the Texans, listen to the people who live on the border.

You can’t fly in and stay a few hours and fix everything.

And you certainly can’t understand the situation either.

Hays Free Press Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton

Bad hair wars between nations E

We need this port, we need Mexico, we need to have access.

Without Laredo, without this port and importation of products, we are all poorer. And Texas will feel it the worst.

Raging Moderate

by Will Durst

Mideast miscreants, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has started to kick demilitarized sand in our face, sticking out his nuclear tongue and wagging thumbs in his ears.

It might not even be his own thumbs. It could be his uncle’s thumbs.

It’s 1950 all over again.

A brand new serving of the old Cold War with a little kimchi on the side.

The difference being the sequel is destined be televised in color and not a single General MacArthur can be found. This time both combatants are overseen by Mad Dogs.

We should have known the Beloved Leader would flip out, having been recently supplanted atop the prestigious “World’s Wackiest Leader with the Weirdest Hair” list. An award that had been in his family for generations.

That was the Kim legacy.

Poor little chubby Korean

kid had one thing going for him, and Trump took it away.

It’s interesting to note the two have a lot more in common than worst commander-in-chief haircuts in history. They also have rabid-mammal with cut-paw temperaments. Complicated family relationships. A penchant for rearranging cabinets on a whim.

Although removal from the North Korean circle of influence does tend be a tad more permanent.

The Pentagon might be taking the whole thing more seriously if Pyongyang were to develop a delivery system more efficient than a team of musk oxen. Their missiles have a disquieting habit of blowing up on the launch pad like Pop Tarts in a malfunctioning toaster during a power surge.

But the jeopardy is legitimate enough to have spurred Vice President Mike Pence to rattle a few sabers on the south end of the DMZ, where he pronounced the US was about to abandon its “failed policy of stra-

tegic patience.” Which sounds suspiciously like “straighten up and fly right or someone’s going to bed without dinner.

Again.”

President Trump even reversed a campaign pledge to label China a currency manipulator in hopes that North Korea’s adult neighbor to the northeast will keep on eye on the local juvenile delinquent and apply the appropriate economic spanking if necessary.

With a leather belt studded with ivory.

After all, China has a vested interest in seeing that nothing happens to us, since we owe them trillions of dollars. It’s a smart dealer that keeps his best junkie from getting beaten up. It’s all so very exciting that every day without a mushroom cloud should be considered a victory. Although, some might call that a bit too exciting.

Will Durst is an award-winning, nationally acclaimed columnist, comedian and former short haul truck diver of plaster molds.

A sign that mentoring is needed

W

e were just getting ready for our daily walk to the post office, Goldie and I were at the corner of Meyer and Center Street in Kyle; it was late in the day, about 3:30 and a yellow school bus was rounding the corner.

I looked up into the window and I thought the young man sitting there waved at me, so being a good neighbor, I waved back.

We continued on our walk to the post office and it dawned on me that he wasn’t waving at me after all; he was giving me the middle finger salute!

For the rest of the walk I pondered what would lead that young man to reply to my friendliness with such hostility.

My first thought that he was no fan of the Chicago White Sox because I was wearing that baseball cap. I realized that was a little far-fetched, but then he being angry at me for

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

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Goldie Walks

by Mark Stoub

no reason was pretty farfetched as well.

Then I thought, maybe it was his comment on the state of education in the school system; I mean there’s always something wrong with how we’re trying to prepare our young people for the future; and it would seem that precious few people are asking for or taking anything he might say about how he would like to be educated seriously.

It certainly had something to do with his difficulty dealing with authority, because well, I’m older than he is, and being a teenager, it’s his job to think we’re all full of green cheese. And in a way, I’m a safe target because he didn’t know me,

he knew he would never see me again, and well, if it made him feel better, if briefly, then I’m willing to suffer those “slings and arrows.”

The easiest explanation is also the hardest as well.

The easiest explanation is that he just had a pretty rotten day; I know, spending a whole day confined at school can feel like prison, especially if you’re not doing very well. I get that too.

But here’s the hard part. He’s angry about it, and has no way to channel that anger, has no one he can trust who will really listen to what the problem is or how to fix it. Anger can make you crazy, make you do dumb things, things he might soon regret. And unless someone, a parent, a coach or a teacher, picks up on that anger and helps him redirect it, then we’re all in trouble.

One of the best ways to redirect that anger is

with an interested third party, someone who’s a safe place to take all that anger. I choose to do that by mentoring. I hope that my relationship with a young man may help him as he grows into adulthood to make better choices, to invest in his life the way I’m investing in his. That’s just one way, and all it costs me is an hour a week, which seems very small for a possible return of a life well lived. If you’d like to help affect the life of a young person contact Angie Mendez at the HaysCISD, who will fit you with a young person whose life you can help shape for a future full of hope.

Mark W Stoub is a retired Presbyterian minister, author of Blood Under the Altar and the forthcoming Fire in the Blood. mj.stoub@sbcglobal.net

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

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Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Page 4A

Kyle residents aim to resurrect Lions Club

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

For 65 years, the Kyle Lions Club, established in 1948, sought to serve and improve the lives of those who lived in the Kyle community.

But a loss of interest and a lack of leadership led to the dissolution of the club in 2013. Four years later, a group of Kyle residents aims to resurrect a piece of Kyle’s past.

Nancy Wilson, president of the Kyle Lions Club, said in an emailed response some prior members felt there was a need in the community for a Lions Club.

Kyle Fire Marshal Mark Schultz said the organization disbanded due to a loss of interest and a lack of leadership. Wilson attributed the reorganization in 2015 to “prior members” feeling like “there was a need in the area for the assistance that the Club can provide.”

Interested in being a Lion?

For more information on the future of the Kyle Lions Club or for more event information please contact either Mark Schultz at the Kyle Fire Department or President of the Kyle Lions Club Nancy Wilson at nancy@ germerinsurance.com.

As far as the reasoning behind the Kyle Lions Club resurrection, Schultz gave credit to the Buda Lions Club for setting a precedent of what an organization can do for members of the community and saw the same need for the organization in Kyle.

“We believe there was a need in the community for scholarships and community outreach,” Schultz said.

According to Wilson the new Kyle Lions Club wants to participate in almost anything to assist in making the “Kyle/Hays County a better place to live for all citizens.”

That includes providing

one scholarship to one student every year and collaborating with other Lions Clubs, including the Buda Lions.

“We assist them with working their concession stands, working the Weiner Dog Races and they are now going to assist us with our first annual Food Bank Drive at the Kyle Walmart on May 6,” Wilson said in the email.

Wilson said the new Lions Club is also currently promoting eyeglass screening. That extends to allowing residents to donate their old eyeglasses, so they can be distributed to people in need.

“We have eyeglass boxes out in several lo-

cations, and we promote the eyeglass screening and assist other clubs in the area in their endeavors,” Wilson said in the email response.

Wilson said she agreed to be the President of the Kyle chapter Lions Club based on past experience as a small business owner in Kyle between 20032014.

Wilson said she has high hopes for the New Kyle Lions Club and didn’t rule out the possibility of collaborating with the city of Kyle in the future in order to organize a large event meant to draw in crowds like the Buda Lions Club Weiner Dog Races.

Schultz said currently the members of the Kyle Lions Club are meeting twice a month at the Plum Creek Golf course on the first and third Tuesdays of the month and anyone who wishes to attend the meetings are welcome.

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Hays CAD property value appraisal averages 2016 MARKET VALUE

2017 MARKET VALUE

2016 TAXABLE VALUE

2017 TAXABLE VALUE

Hays County

$212,401

$231,509

$196,739

$216,169

Hays CISD

$179,624

$196,616

$159,112

$176,900

San Marcos CISD

$157,956

$173,040

$138,283

$153,954

Dripping Springs ISD

$345,209

$375,339

$318,794

$350,000

Wimberley ISD

$235,082

$252,842

$210,492

$228,504

City of San Marcos

$153,709

$171,683

$146,639

$164,545

City of Kyle

$170,547

$187,202

$164,873

$181,318

City of Buda

$228,444

$247,082

$216,353

$234,87

Property Values Continued from pg. 1A

The Hays Central Appraisal District has started to mail out 86,122 appraisal notices on May 1. Property owners that receive a notice of appraised value have until

May 31 to file a protest to appeal.

Last year the CAD received 11,523 protests.

It’s unknown at this time how the appraisals could affect Hays County

Conservation

Continued from pg. 1A “Through being mindful of smart water use during the hot summer months, a little effort by individual end-users, when multiplied across central Texas, can do a great amount of good,” John Dupnik, Aquifer District General Manager, said.

“Our groundwater users are traditionally very conscious of water use. Simple leak fixes and water conservation

choices can add up to make a big difference in extending our longterm water supply,” states Robin Gary, Senior Public Information and Education Coordinator.

Water conservation strategies, rainwater harvesting information, water-wise landscaping ideas, and self irrigation audit guidance is available at www.bseacd. org/education/waterconservation/.

Cap Metro Plan Continued from pg. 2A

Sparks said in order for Buda to access federal funds for the transportation project, Capital Metro had to enter into the agreement with the city.

He added Buda City Planner Meredith Johnson worked to secure the grand funds for the city’s new senior van, which is ADA accessible.

Sparks also said in addition to the new ADA accessible senior van, the grant harbored funds available for additional operating costs, which could mean extended hours of service for the senior transportation program in Buda.

According to Cap Metro documentation, the grant will help Buda “ improve the transportation services currently provided to seniors and individuals with disabilities by purchasing a new ADA accessible van.”

The new van will not

only allow for “service to be safer and more reliable,” but would allow it to be a choice for seniors to get to their destination, according to Capital Metro documentation. The service will be free for seniors who participate.

The agenda item may have appeared only in the consent agenda due in part to the fact that Buda will not have to spend a dime in order to get it.

Buda Mayor Todd Ruge expressed his approval of the grant funds for the new ADA van. He said the old senior transportation van has been in disrepair for quite a while.

“This is going to be very welcomed to the seniors in the Buda community,” Ruge said, “I think there is potential in the future to have a fleet of ADA accessible vans that will allow us to expand our senior transportation services, maybe in the next six months.”

homeowners’ tax bills, as the county, cities and school districts will use them to determine 2017 property tax rates, according to the release.

Property owners

can file a protest at the Hays Central Appraisal District office, located at 21001 N. IH 35, Kyle, Texas 78640, call (512) 268-2522 or visit www. hayscad.com.

DON’T FORGET! DEADLINE MAY 5

It’s time to congratulate your senior!

CLASS OF 2017 KEEPSAKE GRADUATION EDITION

DISTRIBUTED MAY 24 IN THE HAYS FREE PRESS FOR JACK C. HAYS, LEHMAN & LIVE OAK ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOLS 2016 edition available at www.haysfreepress.com / current issue / special editions archives

Email for prices or click on the graduation webtile at www.haysfreepress.com This special edition will include class favorites, baby photos, and much more.

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Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Page 5A

Prominent Buda realtor pleads not guilty in trial

BY RACHEL WILLIS

Courtesy of the San Marcos Daily Record

With jury selection going on 13 hours, the trial of prominent Hays County realtor Jason Tarr commenced Tuesday afternoon with him pleading not guilty to second-degree intoxication manslaughter and first-degree murder.

Tarr’s defense and the state laid out the road maps to how the trial will go.

Family of the late Nancy Sterling-Dalton, who was killed when Tarr’s pickup hit her car head-on in September 2014, sat in the stands as the prosecution read the arraignment to Tarr who stared ahead listening.

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Jennifer Stalbaum reminded jurors the state needs only prove that Tarr was intoxicated and that does not always imply the most obvious of signs.

The state began their opening remarks with the question, “What makes a DWI a murder?�

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Jennifer Stalbaum reminded jurors the state needs only prove that Tarr was intoxicated and that does not always imply the most obvious of signs. “I’m going to tell you, it’s not going to be a falling over, throwing up drunk, there is going to be intoxication,� she said. “I want you to remember those definitions.�

The defense laid out

their plans by asserting that no one contests that there was an accident that was caused by Tarr. “The evidence will show there was a horrible accident,� Tarr’s defense lawyer Billy McNabb said. “Mr. Tarr left his lane of traffic, collided with the vehicle driven by Mrs. Dalton causing her death.�

McNabb went on saying the only relevant evidence in this case is the video from Officer Joshua Albarez’s body camera. In the video, defense said, Albanez remarks that he

does not smell alcohol on Tarr.

The video also shows Tarr walking unassisted to the ambulance, which the defense said is evidence of Tarr’s sobriety. “You are going to hear from some people at the hospital about his demeanor, his language at the hospital,� McNabb said. “The only thing that is going to be relevant in this case is his demeanor and whether or not he was intoxicated at the time of the accident, at the time he is alleged of operating the vehicle. Not

two hours later.�

McNabb accused the officers investigating the scene of only suspecting intoxication after running Tarr’s criminal history and finding that he had two prior DWIs. “When the officers found out he had prior DWIs the die was cast,�

McNabb said. “The officers lost all objectivity about the investigation.

It became, at that point, what we call a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy.’�

Defense purports that the warrant was granted on the report of an officer

Buda Police

Continued from pg. 1A serving a Child Protective Services order at his home in January 2016. Garcia was not under investigation by CPS. The city was also named as a defendant in the case as the violations were “committed as a result of policies and customs� and that the municipality has “inadequate policies� regarding use of force, according to the suit.

Brittany Tate, Buda Police Department spokesperson, said they have not received a copy of the suit at this time and couldn’t provide comment. “Without receiving the suit, I can’t speak on it,�

Tate said. “We’re not sure what it entails or it’s about.

Robert Ranco, an attorney with the Carlson Law Firm that is representing Garcia, said he became aware of the incident while investigating a separate lawsuit accusing Young of excessive force.

In October 2016, Ranco filed a lawsuit on behalf of Juan and Guadalupe Martinez of Buda, who accused Young of using excessive force during a 2014 incident at the Walmart in Buda.

Ranco said he requested and received body camera footage of Garcia’s incident during the discovery phase of the Martinez trial. The outcome of the Martinez

Garcia’s lawsuit stems from a January 21, 2016 incident when oďŹƒcers arrived at his home with a representative from CPS, who had an order to remove two children from the home. case is pending.

Garcia’s lawsuit stems from a January 21, 2016 incident when officers arrived at his home with a representative from CPS, who had an order to remove two children from the home.

Ranco said his client and his wife were fostering their two grandchildren while CPS conducted an investigation against the children’s parents.

Ranco said his client was not under investigation and didn’t do anything wrong. “They (the children) were not being removed because Garcia or his wife did anything wrong,�

Ranco said. “CPS thought because of the discord between the two parents, a temporary spot for the kids would be less traumatic.�

Garcia granted the officers access to the home and he proceeded to sit on his couch, the suit said.

While Young and others were speaking about the order, Garcia stood up and began to walk forward, but not moving toward either

of the officers, the suit claims. Young told Garcia to sit down, with Garcia stopping his movement.

Garcia, according to the suit, asked for the officer to leave or present a search warrant. Young “refused to provide an order or warrant� and asked Garcia to sit down several times.

Garcia turned and started walking back toward the couch when “without notice,� Young pushed him down to the couch, almost on top of a child, the suit claims.

Young pinned Garcia down, who according to the suit was “not kicking or punching anyone.�

Metz then moved toward Garcia with her taser drawn and instructed Garcia to stop resisting. According to the suit, Garcia was not resisting.

He “continued to be static� while pinned down when he was then tased. “Due to the actions of Officers Metz and Young, (Garcia) suffered severe injuries and damages,� the suit alleges.

Ranco said he sees simi-

lar incidents “far too often� and that he said officers and departments are “reluctant to admit they make mistakes.�

He also said the city has issues when it comes to its policy regarding the use of force. He said in neither the Garcia nor Martinez case was Young threatened, and that officers are “supposed to have a discussion unless there’s an imminent threat� and de-escalate a situation. “When there is no accountability and no reprimand or suspension, officers are bound to repeat themselves,� Ranco said. “

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that was already convinced of Tarr’s intoxication and that the blood test was invalid because of human error within the Department of Public Safety (DPS) lab it was tested in. “The blood was ultimately analyzed by a DPS lab, the same entity that employs the officers that have formed a suspicion and are investigating and arresting Jason for intoxication manslaughter.�

McNabb said. “That’s the same lab as the police lab that did the blood analysis and I submit to you what the evidence will show,in the rush to convict Jason of this offense, the lab got the blood out of order.�

Trial is expected to last three weeks.

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Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Page 6A

LONG ORTHODONTICS would like to WELCOME you Back to School!

CENTRAL TEXAS SPEEDWAY PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Speedway

3310 B FM 967, Ste #A110 3310 B FM 967, STE #A110 Buda, Texas 78610 Buda, Texas 78610 Near the corner of FM 1626 and 967 Near the corner of FM 1626 and 967

Continued from pg. 1A CTS demise began when Tim Self, the previous leaseholder, and his company, AM Racing, chose not to renew for 2017, said Rick Coleman, who owns the property CTS is located on.

Coleman said Self came to him and gave up his lease 15 months before it expired.

Once Self chose to not renew, Coleman said he didn’t seek another suitor, as he feared the liability a racetrack presented.

“I didn’t care to have it.

I didn’t want the liability of something happening to someone on the track and I was liable for them,” Coleman said.

“CTS had insurance for that, but I didn’t want that problem.”

Coleman added that he would have allowed Self to run the track “for as long as he wanted to,” but Self was “tired of it” and was “moving on.”

Coleman began the demolition process earlier this year, removing bulidings, including the press box, which was damaged during a March storm.

Rodney Rodriguez, a generational racecar driver who was an announcer and competitor at CTS, said the decision to close the track left him “crushed,” as there are few asphalt short tracks left in the state.

Kyle resident and former racecar driver Christine Molis said the closure “hurts” as there

“There’s a lot from Kyle, Buda, the Manchaca area and Austin ...

This is their home track.

Now with it being gone, they have a car in the garage doing nothing.”

– Christine Molis, Kyle resident and former racecar driver

are many local drivers who competed at CTS. “There’s a lot from Kyle, Buda, the Manchaca area and Austin,” Molis said.

“This is their home track.

Now with it being gone, they have a car in the garage doing nothing.”

With CTS gone, drivers now must go elsewhere.

Folsom said the nearest tracks in the area, located in Pleasanton and Paige, are dirt tracks. Molis said dirt tracks are gaining popularity due to affordability.

The nearest asphalt short-tracks that operate consistently are located in Louisiana, Alabama and Florida.

For many weekend-warrior racecar drivers, the prospect of traveling out-of-state to find an asphalt track isn’t feasible. Folsom estimated costs ranging from $600 and up for a driver when they add in travel expenses, pit passes, gasoline and tires for the hauling vehicle and racecar.

The loss of the speedway created an impact on Kyle as well. Julie Snyder, Kyle Chamber of Commerce CEO, said the speedway drew tourism due to the racing, as well as go-karts that were offered at the circult. In addition, the land was also used as a music venue, with the Kyle Fair and Music Festival held at the location.

In 2016, CTS claimed the Kyle Chamber’s “Business of the Year” award.

“Anytime we lose a business, it’s a loss for us.

Not only services they provide, but the financials we receive,” Snyder said.

“From a visitor’s side, it’s tough to lose an activity such as that, which was family oriented.”

For Rodriguez, the chance to race on a unique, last-of-its kind venue was worthwhile.

“Because the asphalt group is so limited, it felt like a very distinct group of racers out there,” Rodrigiez said. “There’s a lot of tracks, but there’s few of us that could do that.”

For Folsom, the unique track is something that he

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“It was a great track,” Folsom said. “I loved racing there and I met a lot of great friends and people.”

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– Page 3B

Hays Free Press

May 3, 2017 • Page 1B

Rebels rise to sweep Madison in first round

BY MOSES LEOS III Rising to the occasion last week helped the Hays Rebel softball team power its way into the second round of the playoffs.

An aggressive approach at the plate, mixed with strong pitching, allowed Hays to eliminate the San Antonio Madison Mavericks 10-5 and 13-3 in a two-game sweep.

With the wins, Hays advances to play San Antonio Brennan in a best-of-3 area round playoff series. Game 1 is scheduled for Friday at 7

p.m., while Game 2 is set for Saturday at noon. If necessary, Game 3 will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. All games will be played at Judson High.

Big plays in the clutch, both on offense and defense, carried the Rebels in its bidistrict round series.

They began Game 1 with a seven run outburst in the first inning where 12 Rebels went to the plate.

Leading the way was Brianna Rodriguez, who went 4 for 5 in Game 1 with two RBIs. Rodriguez

finished the series going 7 for 10 at the plate.

Lisa Cone, Hays High head softball coach, said the team can “count on anyone to get a rally going.”

“Once they get started, they feel those emotions about getting on the ball, and that helps us in the dugout,” Cone said.

“They get behind each other when they get a rally going.”

But Hays’ offense went cold for the next four innings. Madison took the opportunity to strike back.

The Mavs tallied two runs in the second inning, followed by scoring three runs in the fourth frame. Madison loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth frame. Madison’s move came as Hays was without Rodriguez and starting pitcher Maxine Valdez, who dealt with illnesses midway through the game.

But Cone stressed to her team to relax during the Maverick comeback.

“I said, ‘We need to relax and play our game

REBEL SOFTBALL, 2B

PHOTO BY BECKY TENNEY

Members of the Hays Rebel softball team gather for a pre game huddle prior to the first game in their best-of-3 series with the San Antonio Madison Mavericks.

Sticky note dreams Lobo goalkeeper earns all-state athlete title

BY LOGAN MCCULLOUGH New Year’s resolutions are renowned for their short time span and limited results.

However, for people who are willing to dedicate themselves, these hopes and dreams can turn into realities.

Lehman High senior Maya Erwin is one of these people.

In the winter before her freshman season, Erwin was named the starting

goalkeeper for Lehman High’s varsity girls soccer team. She then decided it would be cool if she set a New Year’s resolution for her new endeavor.

It was at that point she stuck a sticky note to her bedroom mirror that read, “Be the best goalkeeper in the state of Texas.”

That dream came true last week when Erwin was named as a second team selection to the

ALL-STATE, 2B

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

While soccer wasn’t her first sport of choice, Lehman High senior Maya Erwin quickly grew a fondness for the beautiful game. After a stellar four year career between the pipes as a goalkeeper, Erwin was named as a second-team All-State selection.

Rebs eye progress as spring football continues

BY MOSES LEOS III

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Hays High senior track and field athlete Camille Dickson (right) lunges forward toward the finish line as a Brownsville Hanna runner and Lehman High senior Bria Arrant (left) follow during the girls 100 meter dash finals at Alamo Stadium in San Antonio.

Rebs, Lobos fly at Region

School and personal records were broken last week as a handful of Lehman and Hays athletes completed their track and field seasons at the Region IV, 6A meet held at historic Alamo Stadium. Lehman High shot-putters Ty Roaches and Seauanna Watson each broke school records during the meet. Roaches set the record with a toss of 49-feet, 2-inches. Watson, who finished third in the shot-put, set the school record with a throw of 39-feet, 10-inches. Lobo runner Bria Arrant set school records in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. Hays High senior Camille Dickson collected a third place finish in the girls 100 meter dash and a fourth place finish in the 400 meter dash. Rebel freshman Reagan Casey finished third in the girls jump.

GIRLS

Hays Camille Dickson (100m dash finals) – 12.47 Camille Dickson (200m dash finals) – 25.17 Hays 4x200m relay (finals) – 1:42.65 Alyssa Blanks (Discus finals) – 94’7” Reagan Casey (High jump finals) – 5’3” Lauren Sikoski (Pole vault finals) – 10’6” Lehman Bria Arrant (100m dash finals) – 12.81 Bria Arrant (200m dash finals) – 26.25 Seauanna Watson (Discus finals) – 92’2” Seauanna Watson (Shotput finals) – 39’10”

BOYS

Hays Hays 4x200m relay team (prelims) – 1:31.03 Hays 4x400m relay team (prelims) – 3:28.04 Dillon Baker – 21’2” Lehman Tracy Malrey (800m finals) – 2:00.57 Ty Roaches (Shotput finals) – 49’2”

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Lehman High junior thrower Seauanna Watson unfurls a throw during her first of three attempts in the Region IV, 6A shot-put finals.

After a two-year hiatus, the familiar sounds of spring football echoed in the bleachers of Shelton Stadium at Hays High last week.

But as players work to acclimatize themselves to practice five days in, Hays head coach Neal LaHue and his staff began to focus on the fundamentals for a program that is projected to return 14 total starters next season.

“I like spring football.

It’s one of those things where I feel like we benefit,” LaHue said. “We don’t set the depth chart, but we at least start it and have a good idea.”

LaHue, who enters his fifth season at Hays, brought spring football back in order to limit how much competition his team has prior to the grind of the regular season.

By going through summer drills for the past two seasons, Hays has had roughly three weeks of practices and two scrimmages to work with. But with drawing a week 11 bye the last two seasons, Hays played 12 straight games, including scrimmages.

Going through spring ball, LaHue said the Rebels lose a scrimmage, but gain 11 more practices they wouldn’t have dur-

“The first three days, they’re excited, it’s spring. But then they say, ‘what are we working for. You have to remind them we’re trying to get better as a team and better at our techniques and fundamentals.”

–Neal LaHue, Hays head football coach

ing the summer.

“The other thing is we still have too many unanswered questions going into the scrimmages and we didn’t answer them well enough,” LaHue said. “We’ll try to do that now in a controlled setting.”

For coaches, LaHue said the staff needed to act like a “new staff coming in,” which meant changing approaches when it came to weightlifting, speed and agility training. LaHue said the staff is also opening up competition on the field and they’re not going to follow the “status quo.”

“We’re not going to say, ‘oh my gosh, we have a tough district.’ To heck with that,” LaHue said.

He added the staff went and studied strength, speed and flexibility training and got ideas.

The idea has been to gear the students toward spring ball, which they

hope will be followed with the Rebels’ power camp in the offseason.

“We have to come in to camp in shape because we’ve got seven less practices than we did last year. But we gained 18 practices in the spring, so we’re still ahead of the game,” LaHue said.

On the field, improving techniques and fundamentals is the goal, even though players aren’t working for a game, but a “beneficial outcome in the end,” LaHue said.

On offense, LaHue has been pleased with the play of Cade Powell, Thailand Mayberry, Dallin Roberts and Martin Shoemaker.

All four quarterbacks playing during the spring, including Gentry Brawith and Tyler Conley, who saw action during the 2016 campaign, have

REBEL FOOTBALL, 2B

Sports

Page 2B

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Rebs’ Irby signs Letter of Intent with TLU

Hays High School Rebel Baseball standout Cole Irby, a three-year varsity starter for the Rebs as catcher, signed his collegiate Letter of Intent to play ball for Texas Lutheran University. Flanked by his mom, Allison Irby, and his dad, Bill Irby, Cole inked his letter to the applause of his friends, teammates, and family. Coach James Howard explained Cole’s contribution to the team: 2016 2nd-Team AllDistrict with a .320 batting average.

On the cusp of the Rebs’ entry into the 2017 playoffs, he’s sporting a .391 average, with 27 hits and 15 RBIs. Howard said, “As good as Cole’s stats are, he has an even bigger impact as a defensive catcher ... with a strong arm and he calls a great game behind the plate. He is like having another coach on the field and his baseball IQ is through the roof.”

PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

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Rebel Football: Spring is in the air Continued from pg. 1B

played well so far, LaHue said. Having Brawith and Conley gain varsity experience will help early on.

“We still have to work on fundmentals, but I feel those those two seniors have much to gain,” LaHue said.

Pat Guerrero and Nate Tate showed progress so far during spring, while

on defense, Jason Eddleman, Sam Guzman and Dom Johnson are a handful of players on the front seven who have made an impact. In the secondary, LaHue said he’s been impressed with the corner play of Blaze Thomas and Hector Fuentes.

“We feel good now.

We’ve got guys who have

seen the varsity field,” LaHue said. “We’ve got a good nucleus of guys coming back.”

But also ensuring the players don’t burn out before the end of spring practices is also a priority for LaHue. A shift to three practices per week, with one day of weight training and

film study, is how LaHue hopes to curb that issue.

“The first three days, they’re excited, it’s spring.

But then they say, ‘what are we working for?,’” LaHue said. “You have to remind them we’re trying to get better as a team and better at our techniques and fundamentals.”

Rebel Softball: Takes down Madison, advances Hays carried momentum into Game 2 with the Rebels getting off to a quick 3-0 start in the third inning.

After Madison countered with a run in the bottom half of the third inning, the Rebels gained separation via a three-run fourth inning.

From there, Valdez put a stopper on the Madison offense, limiting Madison to only two runs and two hits the rest of the way.

Cone attributed Valdez’s success to overcoming first-round nerves.

Valdez’s ability to adjust to Madison batters also played a factor in her success.

“If it’s a certain pitch, we’ll leave it and we’ll work on it later. Sometimes it’s not thinking about it for a while and letting the muscle memory take over,” Cone said. “I think having this behind us will help us along.”

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Continued from pg. 1B

and don’t get panicked and don’t get stressed,’” Cone said. “I knew they were going to rise to the occasion, so it calmed us down.”

Valdez, who reentered the game, forced a double play to end the Maverick threat.

Hays returned the favor in the sixth inning by scoring three runs to cement the win, highlighted by a two-run RBI double from Illyana Cisneros.

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Hays now prepares for Brennan, which finished second in 28-6A, amid a week where STAAR testing will take precedence.

For Cone, having many of her younger players get their first taste of playoff softball was beneficial.

“All of this is going to help us in the next series,” Cone said. “I feel confident we’ll play as ourselves from the get-go and not have as many issues.”

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All-State: Setting a New Year’s resolution led the way Continued from pg. 1B

Texas Association of Soccer Coaches (TASCA) 6A soccer All-State team, becoming the first Lobo girls soccer player to receive the honor.

For Erwin, her success was forged early on when she was introduced to the beautiful game.

Growing up, basketball was Erwin’s sport of choice. In fact, it wasn’t until her dad, Warren Erwin, who is a huge soccer fan, encouraged her to try the new sport. From there, Erwin fell in love with soccer.

In her first few years, Erwin said she basically played every position, except goalkeeper.

Then, in her eighthgrade season, Erwin was volunteered by her coach to play goalkeeper after the starter was injured.

Erwin never changed positions after that.

A person that also fell in love with Erwin at her new position was Nauri Garcia, Lehman head girls soccer coach.

Garcia saw Erwin playing as an eighth grader and said he immediately noticed her natural catlike reflexes.

“I knew I found my starter for the next four years,” Garcia said.

It was Erwin’s work ethic that made an impression with Garcia.

He said she was a “dream come true” kind of athlete who strived to improve.

“I meet outstanding athletes all the time,” Garcia said. “What separates Maya is that no matter how good she’s playing, or how much she’s being recognized for her accomplishments, she still wants more and will continue to work for not just her own goals, but to better the team every day.”

Erwin’s relentless hard work did not go unnoticed.

In her freshman season, Erwin won newcomer of the year for the 4A district Lehman competed in.

During her sophomore

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

“Even when we had a down season, as a goal keeper you can’t stop saving goals ... You can’t stop putting in the work because you have 10 other people that are depending on you, as well as you on them.”

–Maya Erwin, Lobo goalkeeper

year, when Lehman jumped to 6A, Erwin also made the leap from newcomer of the year to goalkeeper of the year.

What made the goalkeeper award so unique was that coaches in 14-6A created the award for Erwin, based on her play on the field.

Even after back-toback years of improvement, Erwin had selfdoubt on whether or not she would ever be able to achieve her New Years’ goal.

“After my sophomore year I thought to myself, ‘Ah it’s not gonna happen, there are so many good goalkeepers in Texas’,” said Erwin.

Nevertheless, Erwin continued working hard, and in her junior campaign, helped the Lobos to a third place finish and a playoff berth, which garnered 14-6A most valuable player honors.

Even still, Erwin was

not satisfied with simply being the best player in her district. She wanted to achieve her goal as being the best goalkeeper in Texas.

A change in district and working with a younger team didn’t stop Erwin from generating 25-6A MVP honors this season.

“I didn’t even think I would win MVP this year,” said Erwin.

“Throughout the season my drive was for my teammates. Just having fun with them for those last couple games.”

As a result of her play this season, Erwin accomplished her goal by being named second team All-State.

“That’s quite an honor,” Erwin said. “It was an amazing feeling. I set a goal for myself, worked hard and I was actually able to achieve it. That’s one of the best feelings of my high school career.”

Garcia said that what

makes Erwin so special is her “attitude of gratitude.”

“She’s very grateful for what she has,” said Garcia. “Very respectful person. Very positive family that she comes from.

She just has a great moral fiber. She works hard, she humbles herself and most importantly she never stops working hard. If I had 11 Mayas, Lehman would be state champs.”

While generating accolades looks “good on a resume,” Erwin said her priority has always been her teammates.

“Even when we had a down season, as a goal keeper you can’t stop saving goals,” Erwin said.

“You can’t stop putting in the work because you have 10 other people that are depending on you, as well as you on them.”

Erwin’s hard work doesn’t stop when the scoreboard hits zero.

Erwin garnered academic all-district honors all four years in high school. She was also recognized to the academic all-state team this season.

Garcia names three senior captains every year. Erwin was a rare exception because she was a captain for both her junior and senior seasons.

“You want a goalkeeper like Maya to be a captain for you,” said Garcia. “She’s in the back, she sees everything. She’s gonna tell you what you need to know on the field, but she’s also the type of person to tell you what you need to do to be better off the field as well.”

But self-doubts about competing at the next level led Erwin to get off to a late start in the recruiting process.

Her parents inspired her to take on a new challenge, and once again Erwin responded.

Erwin will attend Austin College in Sherman to continue her soccer career and join the prestigious pre-medical program at Austin.

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Education PUG LIFE

GOODBYE, PETE

First Hispanic CAD director dies.

– Page 2C

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Page 3B

Hays CISD students create new life for fostered dog

BY SAMANTHA SMITH A love for pugs and an equal love for her school led Barton Middle School teacher Alisha Homann, along with others, to give an injured pup a specialized wheelchair and a new lease on life.

Homann said the pursuit began in November 2016 when her mother, Debbie Homann, fostered Polly through the Pug Rescue of Austin. Polly had been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, which caused limitations in her hind legs.

Homann said Polly can walk on her own but increasingly needs assistance and can’t run.

Debbie and Alisha Homann, who have been volunteers with Pug Rescue of Austin for two years, said there was no hesitation on their part when agreeing to foster Polly, even with her disability.

“We don’t get a lot of history when we agree to foster a dog, but we want-

“She got right in there.

Once she knew she could take off, she took off.”

–Alisha Homann, Barton Middle School teacher PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALISHA HOMANN

ed to give her the love and attention she deserves,” Homann said.

Inspired by the special needs Polly has, Alisha Homann turned to students at Barton Middle School’s “Genius Hour” to find a way to help Polly

walk on her own. Genius Hour is where students have a chance to solve problems by trial and error, Homann said.

After consulting with Chris Glenn, Barton’s

POLLY ON THE GO, 4B

District green lights rise in school lunch prices

BY MOSES LEOS III

A ten-cent increase in the price of school lunch is on the horizon for Hays CISD students as district leaders attempt to keep pace with federal mandates regulating the cost.

The move, which was approved by the board of trustees April 27, would add to the cost of school lunch for students who pay full price for their meals.

Michael Thibodaux, Hays CISD director of child nutrition, said the

Lunch and Breakfast price increases since 2013 ELEMENTARY

2012-13 Breakfast Lunch

Paid Red. $1.25 $2.10

.30 .40

2013-14 Breakfast Lunch

1.25 2.20

.30 .40

2014-15 Breakfast Lunch

1.25 2.30

.30 .40

2015-16 Breakfast Lunch

1.25 2.40

.30 .40

2016-17 Breakfast Lunch

1.25 2.50

.30 .40

2017-18 Breakfast Lunch

1.25 2.60

.30 .40

SECONDARY Paid Red.

2012-13 Breakfast Lunch

$1.35 $2.30

.30 .40

2013-14 Breakfast Lunch

1.35 2.40

.30 .40

2014-15 Breakfast Lunch

1.35 2.50

.30 .40

2015-16 Breakfast Lunch

1.35 2.60

.30 .40

2016-17 Breakfast Lunch

1.35 2.70

.30 .40

2017-18 Breakfast Lunch

1.35 2.80

.30 .40

increase would not affect students who are on the free or reduced lunch program.

The increase is the federal minimum school districts can raise lunch prices under the section 2015 of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act (HHKA) of 2010.

That section, called the Equity in School Lunch Pricing, requires participant districts in the lunch program to increase meal prices if the price charged for the meal is less than the difference between

The increase is the federal minimum school districts can raise lunch prices under the section 2015 of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act (HHKA) of 2010. reimbursement rates for free and paid meals, according to district documents.

Based on the formula used by the federal government, Hays CISD would need to increase

lunch prices by 36 cents to make up the gap between what students pay in full price and free lunch reimbursement.

Thibodaux said the government allows districts to incremen-

tally raise the price by ten cents. Hays CISD has raised the price for those who pay lunch in full by ten cents for the past two years.

“They understand to jump the price by 36 cents would be too much of an economic burden,” Thibodaux said.

When it comes to the price of lunch, Hays CISD attempts to stay competitive with neighboring school districts with similar socioeconomic demographics.

While the district has

“robust participation” in its lunch program, roughly 50 percent of the district is considered economically disadvantaged.

Those students often qualify for the free and reduced lunch program offered by the government.

Hemphill Elementary, located in east Kyle, has the highest number of students on the free or reduced lunch program.

Students who are economically disadvantaged participate at a “higher

LUNCH PRICE INCREASE, 4B

Student Fall Enrollment by Campus by Economic Disadvantage HAYS HIGH SCHOOL

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

1,762 722 166 2,650 33.51%

BUDA ELEMENTARY

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

337 182 41 560 39.82%

JJAEP

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

1 0 1 2 50.00%

ELM GROVE ELEMENTARY

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

713 72 19 804 11.32%

LIVE OAK ACADEMY

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

105 83 11 199 47.24%

FUENTES ELEMENTARY

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

291 282 75 648 55.09%

LEHMAN HIGH SCHOOL

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

1,045 1,135 231 2,411 56.66%

HEMPHILL ELEMENTARY

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

85 681 85 851 90.01%

BARTON MIDDLE SCHOOL

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

497 124 38 659 24.58%

TOBIAS ELEMENTARY

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

371 292 58 721 48.54%

DAHLSTROM MIDDLE SCHOOL

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

757 99 14 870 12.99%

NEGLEY ELEMENTARY

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

633 112 49 794 20.28%

WALLACE MIDDLE SCHOOL

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

365 335 90 790 53.80%

SCIENCE HALL ELEMENTARY

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

206 488 81 775 73.42%

CHAPA MIDDLE SCHOOL

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

302 405 88 795 62.01%

BLANCO VISTA ELEMENTARY

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

294 411 87 792 62.88%

SIMON MIDDLE SCHOOL

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

149 465 86 700 78.71%

CAMINO REAL ELEMENTARY

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

107 584 93 784 86.35%

MCCORMICK MIDDLE SCHOOL

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

205 373 80 658 68.84%

CARPENTER HILL 00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged ELEMENTARY 01 - Eligible for free meals

02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

604 68 27 699 13.59%

KYLE ELEMENTARY

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

369 270 47 686 46.21%

PFLUGER ELEMENTARY

365 237 90 692 47.25%

TOM GREEN ELEMENTARY

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

303 350 83 736 58.83%

TOTAL DISTRICT ENROLLMENT

00 - Not identified as economically disadvantaged 01 - Eligible for free meals 02 - Eligible for reduced-price meals Total Enrollment Total Percent Eco Dis

19,276

Education

Page 4B

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Polly on the Go Continued from pg. 3B

Gateway to Technology (GTT) teacher, Homann and Glenn identified two seventh graders who were up to the challenge of building wheels for Polly.

“He said, ‘Let’s do it, let’s roll with it,’” Alisha Homann said when she approached Glenn with the project.

Glenn enlisted the creative talents of Barton student Ella Davis to help him build a mobile wheelchair for Polly that could help her lead a more normal dog life.

The group also had the assistance of student Chris Janacek, who helped until he left the school district in February.

Polly has had a couple of fittings with Davis and Glenn, who took measurements and made adjustments to the wheelchair apparatus.

Alisha Homann said Polly showed no fear when she was first introduced to the chair almost six weeks ago.

“She got right in there,” Alisha Homann said, “Once she knew she could take off, she took off.”

Alisha Homan described Polly as “feeling free” when strapped in her chair, even walking an impressive 35 feet dur-

PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

Lobo artists score big in Hill Country art survey

The Lehman High School Art department scored big in the 2017 Hill Country Art Survey, eleven of its members having been selected for the on-line exhibition, with four Lobos grabbing places in the competition. In Photography, Mackensi Guerrero had two entries chosen for exhibit, one of those claiming 2nd Place; Daniel Ramirez had three entries chosen, one of those claiming 3rd.

Kalei Engleman, Josh Flores, and Mary Fifer also had Photograph entries chosen for exhibit. In Digital Manipulation, Myra Torres and Kelsey Rolls won 2nd and 3rd, respectively, with additional entries from Clarisa Sanchez, Marisa Tambur, Stephanie Macias, and Nina Bonilla chosen for exhibit. Almost 400 entries competed, with fewer than a hundred (the Lobos’ 14 among them) chosen for exhibit. Sponsored by Schreiner University’s Visual Arts department, the online exhibit can be enjoyed at http://schreinerdesign.org/hill-country-art-survey-16/

When in the specialized chair, Polly wears booties on her paws for added traction. She’s stabilized by a metal frame anchored by wheels on both sides, along with a harness that has the capability of supporting her back end entirely, should she lose the use of her back legs.

ing her first fitting.

“She was so excited, her face lit up because she was so happy to be able to walk without assistance,” she said.

Homann said her mother loves Polly very much, but has not yet decided to make the full commitment of adopting Polly.

Polly does have special needs that include management needs and incontinence issues.

Homann said that no matter if Polly has found her forever home, she will be loved and adored by

everyone involved with her story.

Homann said even her sixth-graders have become invested in Polly’s progress, seeing videos of Polly during fittings in the chair.

“We are so excited about the wheelchair for Polly,” Alisha Homann said, “Polly is very excited too.”

For more information on Pug Rescue of Austin or for information on how to volunteer, adopt or foster a pug, contact Pug Rescue of Austin at www. austinpugrescue.com.

PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

HHS threesome Alabamabound for NSDA Nationals

Hays High School Speech team members (l-r, left photo) Ryan Coffey, Chance Walker, and Peyton Gouzien advanced to the National Speech and Debate Association’s (NSDA) National Tournament.Walker will compete in Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking, while Gouzien and Coffey will represent their home NSDA District on the World Schools Debate team. The Gina Lozanocoached speakers will be in Birmingham, Alabama, June 18-24 for this year’s NSDA Nationals.

Walker, along with Jude McLaren (right photo) also qualified for the Chicago-hosted Tournament of Champions. This selective speech tournament showcases the top 100 extemporaneous speakers in the nation and is set for May 5-8.

HAYS CAMPUS PHASE 2 GROUNDBREAKING CELEBRATION

Lunch Price Increase Continued from pg. 1B

percentage overall” versus those who pay full price, based on their economic situations, Thibodeaux said.

“It’s not so much we don’t have participation.

It’s very high. The challenge is more making sure they take advantage of it.

We want them to have two meals a day,” Thibodeaux said.

But the district also tries to stay cognizant of price for lunches and how it affects students who pay full price.

Hays CISD also tries to help students who pay full-price for their meals who may not be able to front the cost. The district allows students a $10 grace in order to obtain lunch, but still be able to

pay an outstanding account balance back.

Tim Savoy, Hays CISD public information officer, said the district has $10,000 to $20,000 in unpaid lunch balances district wide.

If a student is unable to pay for lunch, they are given a “modified meal” which consists of a sandwich, a hot vegetable and unlimited use of the salad bar. Thibodeaux said the meal equates to the required caloric intake required for students.

“There is never any type of lunch shaming. We understand there are financial difficulties can come up, no matter where you are in terms of financial situation,” Savoy said.

Thibodeaux said the

district tries to find solutions for sutdents who may need help with a meal.

“The programs we have in place for students who may come in the negative, we have a good safety net for them,” Thibodeaux said.

JOIN US!

Tuesday, May 9, 10-11:30 a.m. austincc.edu/hays

SOMETHING EXCITING IS STARTING HERE. Hill Country Conservancy is a community nonprofit dedicated to helping private landowners and other stakeholders preserve the water, wildlife, and unique character of the Texas Hill Country.

(512) 328-2481 EXT. 203

HILLCOUNTRYCONSERVANCY.ORG

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR Now Offering 4th & 5th Grades Lower School instruction is returning to SMA in the fall with the addition of grades 4 and 5.

After-school care also is also available. Call us to learn more about the Academy Lower School.

A World Class Education in San Marcos SMA is an accredited coeducational Christian college prep school. Our Middle School (grades 6-8) and Upper School (grades 9-12) divisions provide the following: Small class sizes with individual attention Honors/AP and dual-credit college courses  Technology enriched instruction  Athletic, fine arts & leadership programs  Accommodations for mild to moderate learning differences  

San Marcos Academy

2801 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, TX 78666 512-753-8000 smabears.org

Bus Transportatio n Available From Kyle/Buda Area

Section C

Community

TAEKWONDO

Couple brings ‘the way of foot and fist’ to Kyle.

– Page 1D

Hays Free Press

HaysFreePress.com

May 3, 2017 • Page 1C

20 years strong

Wiener race success grows from short scamper to national event PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III

For some dogs, flying high is the way to go, especially for this pooch that blistered toward the finish line during one of the 21 or so preliminary heats Saturday at Buda City Park. Below, Houston resident Allie Bassine (right) reacts to her boyfriend Patrick Butler proposing on one knee in front of hundreds of revelers following a preliminary heat in the Buda Wiener Dog races. As an added bonus, Bassine’s dog, Peanut, placed well enough in the prelims to advance to the quarterfinals. See more photos online at HaysFreePress.com.

BY MOSES LEOS III

W

ith a signature Texan drawl that would make any cowboy jealous, Buda Lions Club member Mike Huckaby provided commentary in a scissor lift in Buda City Park as competitors breezed by.

A standing room only crowd roared with delight as a group of four-legged athletes with names such as Jimmy Dean, Peanut and KissMe scampered their way to the finish line.

Garden activities for May It’s About Thyme

by Chris Winslow

P

lant flowers: This is a perfect time for flowering annuals and perennials. Begonias, zinnias, marigolds, moss-roses, purslanes, and vinca are all good choices. Perennials might include lantanas, salvias, and verbenas.

2. Vegetable garden care: Water deeply to encourage a deep, drought tolerant root system. Still time to add a few warm season crops: sweet and hot peppers, green beans, okra, eggplant, and black-eyed peas. Fertilize tomatoes.

3. Mulch: Place around all plants to conserve water and keep the temperature around the plant roots comfortable.

Mixing some compost with the mulch will help replace nutrients as the plants grow.

4. Care of roses: Deadhead spring flowering roses to encourage a new flush of flowers. Apply fertilizer to produce new flowers. Watch for powdery mildew, black spot and western flower thrip. Treat with organic sprays: Neem oil and wettable-sulphur.

5 .Move houseplants outside: Put them out for

IT’S ABOUT THYME, 2C

For the last 20 years, Buda residents have come to know, and downright expect, the annual Buda Lions Club Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races.

An event that combines the pageantry of the Kentucky Derby and the excitement of NASCAR with dachshunds, animals known for their short stature.

For something that brings in tens of thousands to Buda every year, how it all got started was an exercise in patience.

DIGGING FOR A SPOTLIGHT Not much can keep longtime Mountain City resident Diane Krejci from attending Buda’s wiener dog races.

Not even a broken fibula and tibia suffered during a home improvement accident, which occurred prior to the 2017 event last weekend.

It’s that kind of determination that allowed Krejci to persuade Buda Lions 20 years ago that holding the wiener dog races was a good idea.

Back in October 1996,

Kreicji, who at the time owned an art shop in downtown Buda, remembered receiving a call from her daughter, Susie, who lived in Savannah, GA, who explained in detail about a peculiar event being held there “She called me and said, ‘Mom, Scarlett was in these wiener dog races and they’re the cutest thing we’ve ever seen.

You need to have it in Buda,” Krejci said.

Several months later,

WIENER DOG RACES, 4C

New constable sets eyes on community outreach

BY LESLY DELEON

I

n his first four months of office, Precinct 2 Constable Michael Torres has focused on improving the constable’s office and community outreach.

“The first four months have been really challenging for us,” Torres said. “We’re trying to update our office, bring it back into the 21st century.”

Torres said the office is upgrading its technology and installing laptops in constable vehicles.

Not long after taking office, Torres implemented a uniform for deputies for the first time in 40 years.

“Having a police presence in the community has been really well,” Torres said.

“People have been really receptive to us and they enjoy seeing us out there.”

Instead of having the standard patch on the uniform, in February Torres collaborated with Lehman High School to have students design possible patches.

Torres then posted the designs in a public Facebook poll to let the community pick the uniform’s patch, and he announced the winner a week later.

Dressed in their uniforms with the new

PHOTO BY LESLY DELEON

Newly elected Constable Michael Torres has worked with Lobo design students to revamp the official patch.

patches, Torres and constable deputies met with the Lehman students who designed the patches on Friday.

Torres presented Lauren Reeves, graphic and floral design teacher, and Lori Smith, criminal justice teacher,

with a plaque. He also presented the student whose design won the public poll with a plaque.

Torres hosted a similar poll with three designs by Hays High School students for the deputies’ vehicles and

announced the winner in early April.

“As of right now, the graphic is at a design shop and they’re working out the details, measurement for the vehicle and the cost,” Torres said.

There’s no set time frame for when the project will be complete but Torres said he hopes it’s within a month.

As part of the constable’s community outreach, Torres and deputies will be attending Hays CISD’s 50th anniversary parade Saturday.

“With the end of the school year coming up, we’re going have to sit down during the summer and try to be creative and see what we can come up with for next year to keep the students involved,” Torres said. “That’s going to be one of my priorities.”

Torres said he is thankful to those who voted for him and had confidence in his leadership.

Torres said he plans to run for re-election when his current term expires in 2020.

“That’s why I’m here, that way the community can see how much I am involved with them, hopefully they’ll want to keep me in office,” Torres said. “I’ll be here as long as the community wants me.”

PHOTO BY PAULINE TOM

Tip: Use Neem oil or Spinosad if sucking insects like aphids, spider mites, whitefly, scale, and mealy bug are a problem.

Watch out for critters this spring Mt. City Montage

by Pauline Tom

S

top. Step back, and move away slowly and quietly.” Ron’s hushed and deliberate voice caused me to think, “Big rattlesnake.”

Fact of the matter, a camouflaged tiny fawn lay motionless in some tall grasses of our side yard, a few yards from where we had been weed-pulling around a decaying fallen tree.

The first time we saw such a sight, over 20 years ago, we planned a rescue for an “abandoned fawn”. I phoned a wildlife rehabilitator whose name we found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

That rehabilitator informed me that mother deer leave their fawn hid-

MONTAGE, 5C

COMMUNITY

Page 2C

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

OBITUARIES ARREDONDO Ernestina Castillo Arredondo passed away peacefully at her home in Lockhart, TX surrounded by her loving family on April 28, 2017.

She was born on November 11, 1929 in Kyle, Texas. She attended Kyle grade school in Goforth, Texas for five years but soon left to help out on the family farm. Along with her four sisters, she picked and chopped cotton, tended to the chickens, turkeys and cows. She was even known to drive the farm tractor on occasion. She always said living on the farm made going through the depression just a little easier stating that though they lacked many things, they always had food on the table.

She met Blas Torres Arredondo through St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Uhland, Texas, where they both attended. She sang in the church choir. Blas directed and played the violin in the choir. They were married in the little church on November 18, 1950. They lived outside of Lockhart and had four children. Eventually they moved into Lockhart and started attending St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Soon afterwards, she began working at the Lockhart high school cafeteria, where she stayed for fifteen years, and became well known for her good home cooking. She made many friends with students, faculty and co-workers while working at the school. Two of her

biggest joys were having a house full of family and friends to feed, and having her well known garage sales on Saturday mornings.

Ernestina is preceded in death by her little boy (Blas Jr.), husband (Blas) and parents (Valdo Castillo & Cruz Deleon). She is survived by her three children: Lupe Herrera and husband Ruben; Maryann Kilgore and husband Richard; Tony Arredondo and wife Norma; six grandchildren – Mary Ann Perez and husband Marvin, Steve Avalos and wife Cathy, Veronica Herrera, Jenna and Cassie Arredondo and Mac Kilgore; five great grandchildren (Briana Avalos, Cole & Cooper Williams, Noah & Elias Perez); four sisters and two brothers.

ISLAS Pedro (Pete) T. Islas, age 74, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, April 26, 2017.

He was born on June 29, 1942 in Lockhart, Texas to Lorenzo and Paula (Tanguma) Islas.

He married Josie Gonzales on April 23, 1967.

They just celebrated their 50th Anniversary. Pete is survived by his wife Josie Islas; his daughters Gina Islas Mendoza of San Marcos, Lisa Islas Walls and her husband Rod of San Marcos; 2 grandchildren Deseree Mendoza and Analisa Walls; 4 great grandchildren, Liliana, Alyana, Damien and Eden Martinez. He is also survived by his sister Ce-

celia Trejo and husband Pantaleon of Mesquite; brothers Joe Islas of Lockhart, Fermin Islas and wife Mary of Lockhart; and many nieces and nephews. Pete is preceded in death by his parents Lorenzo and Paula Islas and sister Genoveva Islas.

Pete graduated in the top quarter of his class from Lockhart High School in 1961. He married Josie in 1967 and they moved to Austin where he worked as a cashier at Rylanders Grocery Store and later at a gas company. In 1971, Pete and Josie moved to San Marcos and he started working for Urban Renewal where he gained his experience in real estate. He attended Southwest Texas State University for a brief period of time and completed 70 hours of coursework. He worked as an appraiser for Hays County for many years. In between, he and two other friends created their own business - Backus, Islas, Cassidy (BIC) and they completed all the appraisals for Hays County. He later became the first Hispanic Chief Appraiser for Hays County. He retired from Hays County Central Appraisal District and went to work for Caldwell County Appraisal District again as the first Hispanic Chief Appraiser for Caldwell County. Throughout all these years, he went to school and he received his real estate and brokers licenses.

Pete was very active in his community. He was a charter member of LULAC Council 654 in 1975 and continued to be a member for the next 42 years. He helped lead the first five Cinco de Mayo celebrations to

a big success. He was also elected as the second District Director of LULAC Council 654.

Pete was very active in his church. He was on the Finance Committee for 15 years, the Fiesta Committee for 13 years, counted Sunday collections for over 10 years, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for 15 years, and he led the rosary at the 7:30 a.m. mass at St. John’s Catholic Church for several years.

Pete also helped teach English as a Second Language classes at St. John’s Church for the past 2 years. He was the chairperson for the Building Committee to help build the New Activity Center (Claretian Hall) and was instrumental as the chairperson to acquire pledges so the Activity Center could be built.

Pete was on the St. John’s Federal Credit Union Board of Directors for 29 years. He also served on other committees when his daughters were growing up and going to school. He enjoyed serving his community.

After retirement Pete started working part-time as a realtor for Harrison Partners Realty, LLP. He was able to spend more time with his two brothers Joe and Fermin who live in Lockhart. Pete was a devoted Christian and had faith in our Father.

He enjoyed going to church and going to adoration. Pete was an avid reader, he enjoyed watching TV, local politics, and spending time with friends. He was campaign manager for his daughter and enjoyed the time the family came together. He enjoyed spending time with his wife. They were active in their grand-

children’s and greatgrandchildren’s lives. He enjoyed weekend dinners with the family.

His family received visitors at Thomason Funeral Home in San Marcos on Sunday, April 30, 2017. Visitation was continued at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in San Marcos, with recitation of the holy Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial took place at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Monday, May 1, 2017. Interment followed at the San Marcos City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging donations in Pete’s name to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, San Marcos, Texas 78666.

IVANIS On Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the age of 70, Matthew Thomas Ivanis, a retired semiconductor engineer and devoted husband of 47 years, passed away in the loving arms of his dedicated wife, Christine.

Born in Ciscero, Illinois to Matthew Jacob and Olga (Sokowicz) Ivanis, he was their only child.

Matthew (Matt) and his parents relocated to Tucson AZ where he grew up from the age of 5. The Tucson desert was his backyard playground as a child. He was a four-time high school letterman in Tucson, AZ in football and track. He attended the University of Arizona and the University of Texas in Dallas where he met and later married Christine Ree Smith on

Texas Crossword and Sudoku sponsored by

HAYS FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

Basil is an easy and useful herb to grow in the summer heat.

It’s About Thyme

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All this new spring growth is attractive to every kind of critter imaginable.

Be nice to the environment (and to yourself) and only use organic sprays. area, keep those feeders full.

10. Grow basil: The top herb for the summer months is basil. With the nights getting warmer, this wonderful herb should finally have the temperatures it needs to take off. Happy gardening everyone!

If you have a question for Chris, send it via email to iathyme@yahoo. com.

Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 www. itsaboutthyme.com

Sudoku

See Solution on 3C

Continued from pg. 1C

a spring breather. Move them slowly towards their new light exposure.

Too much sun too fast will burn the leaves. This is also a good time for transplanting.

6. Insect control: All this new spring growth is attractive to every kind of critter imaginable. Be nice to the environment (and to yourself) and only use organic sprays.

If you have larvae (caterpillars) eating holes in your plants and trees, look for products that have B.T. as the main ingredient. If sucking insects like aphids, spider mites, whitefly, scale, and mealy bug are the problem, use Neem oil or Spinosad.

7. Maintain irrigation: If you own an automatic sprinkler system, it would save water and money to have it tuned up. Set the controller for deep, infrequent watering to encourage a deep, drought-resistant root system. Install rain sensor.

8. Fertilize lawn: Use an organic blend with a 3-1-2 ratio. Ten pounds per 1,000 square feet of turf area should be adequate.

9. Feed the birds: With lots of new birds in the

June 14, 1969.

Matthew enjoyed his work in the semi-conductor industry. He was dedicated to the companies he worked for and was a mentor to many QA and R&D technicians. He was a patient mentor to those that worked for and with him through the years. He loved to share his many stories and humorous experiences about the beginnings of the industry and meeting and working with some of those people who helped shape it in the earlier days.

Matthew began working in the semiconductor industry in 1968 in Dallas with Texas Instruments where he remained for ten years.

He then moved his family to Salt Lake City, UT where he worked for 13 years before returning to Texas. His career encompassed work at Texas Instruments, National Semi-Conductor, Micron, Sematech and Tokyo Electron. He retired from the industry in 2001.

Getting bored after a few years he returned to the work, joining Walmart in South Austin and Buda, again in electronics.

Many of his Walmart customers had no idea of the talent behind his smiling face, but always asked for him the next time they needed something in electronics.

In addition, Matthew’s life was richly blessed by those who loved him, including his wife Christine Ree Smith Ivanis, his daughter Deborah Jean Ivanis-Fulkerson of Boise, ID and her husband Phil Gerhardson.

Please send your loving memories, a fond photograph, or condolence to Matthew’s family at www.

Harrellfuneralhomes.com.

See Solution on 3C

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

COMMUNITY

Page 3C

Sudoku Solution

LaPaso’s latest creation is off to the races

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 2C PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIM LAPASO

Texas Crossword Solution Kyle artist Jim LaPaso was recently commissioned to make a sculpture for the Scioto Downs Harness Track in Columbus Ohio. The sculpture is a 6-ft. 6-in. tall and 6-ft. 6-in. wide horse made from 1,152 soup ladle handles. The handles are cut from the many ladle cups he uses to propel his kinetic sculptures. LaPaso said this was a fun project as it is something he doesn’t normally do, and he adds “I am the biggest buyer of soup ladles in the world.”

Texas Crossword, from page 2C

Come worship with us

BUDA

DRUG STORE

203 Railroad Street Downtown Buda Pharmacy 312-2111 Fountain 312-2172

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

McDonald’s of Buda

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

by Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle

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

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

Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

Your Hometown McDonald’s

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

Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626 Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca LUTHERAN Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda

Rosebrock

Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda

Good Shepherd Ministries FM 967, Buda

Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

2325 FM 967 • 312-0701

Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.

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

Veterinary Clinic

CATHOLIC

Log onto www.HaysFreePress.com NEWS • LETTERS • OBITS CALENDAR • PHOTO GALLERY CLASSIFIEDS • SUBSCRIBE

Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle

Located 1 block off FM 2001 at 302 Millennium Dr., Kyle, Texas (Millennium Drive is an entrance road) Pastor Rusty Fletcher and family

Services Sun. 11:00 a.m.

Wed. 7:30 p.m.

Call or Text 512.393.4460

Visit

afountain.org for more info.

nuel Baptist Church a m Im SUNDAY: Bible Study for all ages, 9:45 a.m.

Worship Service, 10:55 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Bible Study, 7 p.m.

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

God with us

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

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

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

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

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd.

Elm Street & San Marcos

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

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

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

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

Santa Cruz Catholic Church

1100 Main Street • Buda, Texas 78610 Office: 512-312-2520 • Fax: 512-295-2034 • santacruzcc.org Rev. Kirby D. Garner, Pastor • Fr. José Luis Comparán, Assoc. Pastor OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Call 1-866-691-2369

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

Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle

MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday evening: 5:30 p.m.

Sunday 8:30 a.m. (Spanish), 11 a.m. (English) 5 p.m. (English)

Friendly, Courteous Service

Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle

Journey United Methodist 310 San Antonio Dr., Buda

CONFESSION Saturdays: 4 p.m.-5 p.m.

FREE DELIVERY 1ST 20 GAL. FREE

METHODIST

Buda United Methodist Church

Privately owned From local springs

A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle

Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

Pure Texas Spring Water!

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

CHRISTIAN

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

FM 2770, Buda, Texas 295-4801

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

The Well Buda

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

CENTEX MATERIALS LLC

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

Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

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

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

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

PENTECOSTAL

PRESBYTERIAN St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666

Hays Hills

 

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

Baptist Church

Sunday

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

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

Wednesday 

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

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626



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

First Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

Come worship with us Join our church directory by emailing paper@haysfreepress.com.



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

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

Bible Class Worship Worship Bible Class

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 2315 FM 967 Buda, Texas 78610 Pastor J.D. Elshoff jelshoff@earthlink.net 512-638-6312

Thursday Evening Bible Study, 6 p.m., and Open Communion on the first Sunday of every month, 6 p.m.

Make THIS your church home!

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

Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m.

Worship: 11:00 a.m.

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

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COMMUNITY

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Pray for Peace All Catholics (And everyone else) are invited to come and pray for peace from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 13th at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 801 N. Burleson St., Kyle, TX 78640 in the parish hall.

If your mother ever told you to stop fighting, then you will understand why Jesus’ mother encourages our prayers for peace.

Pamphlets and rosaries will be available for all.

Grand Opening Enrollment Event The first 30 students get a FREE month of training AND receive 35% off tuition (512) 975-9520 risingphoenixtkd.com 402 South Old Highway 81, Kyle TX

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III

Dachsunds race to the finish at last weekend’s annual festival.

Wiener Dog Races: From short scamper to national event Continued from pg. 1C

during Budafest that same year, Krejci overheard a friend of her daughter talk to a vendor about the demise of a spring event held by the Buda Library.

Talk was also starting to build regarding a country fair, which could be held by the Buda Lions Club on the greenbelt. The fair would include a cook-off as well.

It was at that point Krejci pitched to the Buda Lions the idea of including the wiener dog races in the country fair. They initially didn’t take her seriously and laughed at her suggestion.

After some persuading, and telling Lions she would organize the event, Krejci was given the green light for the PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III races if she found a Above, a member of the Brewer’s Korean Martial Arts Institute demonstrates his skill by breaksuitable location. Lions ing a board at the Wiener Dog Races.

Below, owners of one dachshund planned to get a firstdidn’t allow her to use the snout view of a preliminary race at the Buda Wiener Dog races by strapping a camera to their racer. greenbelt.

Instead, she held the But the true breakout races in a field at Buda moment came in 2008 City Park. when representatives She soon realized just with CBS Sunday Mornhow lucrative the idea ing heard about the could be. event and came “All the people who out to complete a were on the greenbelt segment on it. and the vendors, they The wanted to come down to segment the park and they wanted ran in an to be at the Wiener Dog episode Races,” Krejci said. “The the week Lions Club had a party following the after the event and they races. That next year, had to eat their words.” the races drew 650 dogs Following the success from across the nation, of year one, Kreicji began which was an increase of a crusade to further pro400 participants from the mote the event the next year previous. year.

“I’m really proud of it,” She got the help of Kreicji said.

Truck City Ford, which who are now in college, Pauline Tom, a Moundonated $1,000 for the A TAIL OF SUCCESS regularly travel back to tain City resident who event. Krejci, who at that As with many things, the area for the races. has attended the races point needed $200 to the wiener dog races But for Koski, the event for the past 18 years, underwrite the event, have seen some changes also is a chance to learn said no matter how the turned to friend Corrine over the about the importance event was structured, it’s Taylor, years. always something to look of the Lions Club and its who “All the people One fundraisers to curb childforward to. worked example is hood eyesight issues.

She recalled how her at Roy H. who were on the use of “Whether or not late dog, BoD, got excited Williams the starting Jimmy Dean wins or not, when they made the Marketthe greenbelt gate for the it’s not important. Well, drive into downtown ing, to dogs, which Buda to the races. and the it’s kind of important. But inquire came after being part of the mission “He knew when racing about his vendors, they organizof the Lions Club is really time was going on,” Tom interest ers used cool,” Koski said. said. “He was barkin the wanted to a starter’s Today, the event coning when he went into Wiener tinues to resonate in the come down to pistol in the Buda.”

Dog first year. community. Thouands Spreading the word of races. the park and As one pour into Buda from the event was something “She would across the nation and many in the community called they wanted expect, that even worldwide. did on a regular basis, the next method It also lends itself to Tom said. day and to be at the wasn’t very moments such as mar“Once you do it, you said Roy Wiener Dog successtell your friends about it,” riage proposals, which would ful. A fence took place Saturday Tom said. underRaces ... The keeping the when Houstonite PatAustin resident and ride the rick Butler popped the television anchor Rudy cost and Lions Club had competitors within the question to fiancée Allie Koski, who has attended give a racing lanes the event for the past a party after Bassine. $500 was also Allie, whose family has four years, came to know champithe event and thought of the races based on stories owned dachshunds for onship the years, learned about the about the event. prize and they had to eat down line. event and pushed Butler When he rescued his buy the Other dachshund, Jimmy Dean, to go. Butler said he betheir words.” troadditions gan the planning process four years ago, Koski phies,” – Diane Kreijci, wiener included with organizers for the and his family knew the Krejci dog race advocate the institumoment. races couldn’t be passed said. tion of a fee “I always wanted to up. Amy Koski, Rudy’s From to attend come here and I figured wife, said the event has there, the event grew in the races, which stirred become a hobby for their it would be a good time popularity, both locally up some controversy. to do it,” Bassine said. family. Their children, and regionally.

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Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

COMMUNITY

Page 5C

Publisher urges Texans never to surrender

I

n the May 9, 1865 edition of his newspaper the Houston Telegram, publisher Edward Hopkins Cushing encouraged his readers to keep on fighting and never to knuckle under to the Yankees.

Throughout Lone Star history, the most zealous residents have often been those who were Texan by choice rather than birth. A prime example was Vermont-born and Dartmouth-educated Cushing, who became a naturalized citizen of Texas in 1850 at the age of 21.

The educated New Englander came to teach but soon gravitated toward journalism.

Seeking a forum for his strong opinions, in 1856 he bought the controlling interest in the Houston Telegram, the most influential paper on the mainland.

In a provocative series of maiden editorials, Cushing condemned King Cotton as a tyrant and urged his subjects to break the chains of one-crop oppression.

“We send our cotton to Manchester and Lowell, our sugar to New York refineries, our hides to down-east tanneries and our children to Yankee colleges,” he complained in a detailed indictment of the South’s secondclass status.

Within the year, hostile reactions to his heresy caused Cushing to change his tune. However, while he agreed to sing along with the pro-cotton chorus, the maverick editor penned his own lyrics.

misery and disgrace of menial labor.

Cushing knew full well his aggressive strategy put the rival regions on a

by Bartee collision course certain Haile to climax in an armed apocalypse. NevertheArguing “more cotton less, he always showed can be grown in Texas genuine respect for Texas’ per acre than anywhere,” foremost Unionist and Cushing advocated a ten- even backed Sam Housfold increase in producton for the presidency in tion. He 1860. claimed In conthat attrast to his In contrast to tainment publishof this his publishing ing peers, ambiCushing peers, Cushing tious goal grasped would from the grasped from enable beginning the Lone the beginning the real Star State of the real nature nature to corner the bitter the world sectional of the bitter market. battle, More which he sectional cotton correctly battle, which meant, of defined as course, a war for he correctly more southern slaves, an independefined as unpleasdence. He ant fact of a war for also uneconomic derstood southern life that that Dixie Cushing was in independence. not only for a long accepted protracted but carried to its logical struggle against a stronconclusion. Since the ger opponent with vastly slow pace of human superior resources. reproduction could not Cushing criticized satisfy the demand for as wishful thinking the labor, the planters had no widely held belief that choice but to reopen the sympathetic European African slave trade. powers would intervene Going against his militarily on the side of northern grain, Cushing the South. “Our people had no moral qualms should not place any reliabout the South’s “peance upon foreign help,” culiar institution.” He he wrote in 1862. “We openly insisted that should continue to act as destiny decreed bondage if we had to fight the war for the black and that his out alone.” toil spared the white the The hard-headed edi-

Texas History

Continued from pg. 1C

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As the tide irresistibly turned against the South, Cushing stood by the embattled regime in Richmond under attack from the respective states as well as the advancing northern army.

Despite the plummeting popularity of Jefferson Davis, he doggedly defended the Confederate president and his conduct of the war.

No sunshine southern patriot, Cushing cursed those Texans who proposed negotiating a separate peace, a move that might have prevented the nightmare of post-war occupation.

“It has been whispered that it is the duty of the state government, in the last resort, to take care of its destiny,” he wrote in February 1865. “No

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

KissMe had a grand ol’ time at the annual Buda Wiener Dog Races.

particularly important for butterflies.

A volunteer sunflower plant near our garage has not encountered insecticides. On Monday, several beautiful beneficial redorange native ladybugs (genus Cycloneda, either “Red Lady” or “Orange Lady”) sat on the top side of green leaves that underneath teemed with aphid life.

Laura Craig and James Polk saw mention of Painted Buntings. Laura saw her first Painted Bunting the previous week. James and Dianne saw their first “in all its colorful glory” on Thursday, April 26th. We saw our first on Tuesday.

Patricia Porterfield on Maple saw a female on Saturday. They’re baaaack,

all over Mountain City.

A Rose-breasted Grosbeak has visited The Porterfield’s feeder. What a beauty!

KissMe had a great day at the Buda Wiener Dog Races. After his leisurely run in the first heat (where he stopped to greet the blond at the finish line), he enjoyed attention in the grandstands and on the festival grounds. A preschooler, frightened of dogs, unfroze with KissMe’s warmth. Child magnet that KissMe is, he got lots of strokes.

Tidbits stroke me the right way. Please provide.

Email ptom5678@gmail. com (subject: Tidbit) or leave a message at 512268-5678. Thanks!

Love, PTom

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more fatal, suicidal suggestion could come from any quarter.”

Three months later, in a desperate attempt to breathe new life into the Confederate corpse, Cushing issued his frantic appeal for kamikaze resistance. Texans should take to the hills and wage a guerrilla war. But four years of slaughter and sacrifice had taken the fight out of them and their fellow southerners.

The time had come to hightail it for Mexico or submit to Yankee rule.

Lots ranging from 4 to 20 acres Owner Financing Available

Montage: Watch out for critters den while they graze. She told me, “Stay away.”

Just last week, two individuals contacted me regarding a “rescued” baby bird. Both had placed a baby bird that could not fly in a cage and made efforts to provide food. No! No!! A thousand times “no.”

When you see a baby bird hopping on the ground, leave the bird unless it’s in peril. Some species of birds fledge (leave the nest for the first time) before they can fly.

The parents of these babies tend to them.

If the baby bird must be moved as a safety precaution, move it to bushes close by. You may not see the parents; but, it’s likely the parents see you and will know where you placed their baby.

Also consider that, sometimes, a bird parent tosses a nestling from the nest. Interfering with a fledgling on the ground is interfering with nature.

Last week I mentioned some native plants in local nurseries have been treated with insecticides while at the grower’s facility. A manager at The Great Outdoors Nursery told me he’s teaching customers that aphids on a plant show the plant is safe as a food source for wildlife, which is

tor also refused to take at face value the rosy reports from Confederate officials on the progress of the war. He created at his own expense an efficient pony express which supplied The Telegram with eyewitness accounts of distant battles.

At the same time, Cushing condemned as “blabbermouths” those that thoughtlessly divulged information detrimental to the cause.

To avoid committing the same sin, he scrupulously censored his coverage of the conflict.

A severe shortage of paper forced Cushing to improvise in order to keep the presses rolling. Late in the war, The Telegram was printed on everything from used handbills to wallpaper.

239 Newspapers, 617,408 Circulation

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To Order: Call this Newspaper direct, or call Texas Press Service at 1-800-749-4793 Today!

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 1-800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop

Extend your advertising reach with TexSCAN, your Statewide Classified Ad Network.

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Page 6C

COMMUNITY

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

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

Going for Baroque

The Jack C. Hays High choirs will present a spring concert with a performance of “Gloria”

by Antonio Vivaldi. The performance will be May 4, 7 p.m. at the Manchaca United Methodist Church. It is free to the public but donations are accepted.

Creedmoor May Fest

Farmgrass Fest

Come out for a weekend of pickin’, grinnin’ and farmfresh tunes at the annual Farmgrass Fest May 12-13 at Simmons Family Farm in Niederwald. This annual festival celebrates farming in the Hill Country with a weekend of live music and family-friendly fun. The event supports a local 501(c)(3) that supports farmers suffering from medical emergencies.

Squeezebox Music Fest

Kick off your summer with an afternoon of family-friendly fun on May 13 with the “Squeeze Me On the Square” Squeezebox Music Fest at Kyle Market Days. In addition to local vendors, live music will feature The Fabulous Polkasonics, Czech Melody Masters, Gulf Coast Playboys and the Conjunto Cats. The event will last from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Movies at Lake Kyle

Kick off Kyle’s 2017 Movies in the Park series with “Star Wars - Rogue One” (PG-13) on May 19 beginning after sunset at Lake Kyle. Bring your blankets, folding chairs and movie snacks to enjoy a relaxing evening by the water.

Front Porch Days

Spend some time celebrating Kyle at the annual Front Porch Days at Plum Creek’s Fergus Park on May 20 and 21.

The festivities kick off Saturday with races and a morning garden tour.

Sunday’s events include carnival activities, shopping, fishing, and more.

Activities both days include inflatable games, Jigglebug Express, petting zoo, pie baking contest, pony rides, washer tournament, live music and more. See www. frontporchdays.com for a schedule and more information.

Starlight Symphony Orchestra

Celebrate color at this free performance by the Starlight Symphony Orchestra featuring “My many Colored Days” by Dr. Seuss.

Performances will be May 20 at Hays Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. and May 21 at the First Baptist Church of Wimberley at 4 p.m.

See www.starlightsymphony.org for more information.

Starlight Symphony Orchestra is a regional community orchestra whose performances are always free.

ENTERTAINMENT

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This annual car show and May fest will be held Saturday, May 6 at the Creedmoor Community Center, 12511 FM 1625 in Creedmoor from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features vintage cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles along with craft and food booths and a silent auction. Admission and parking are free.

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S T E A M

Section D

Business

HaysFreePress.com

Hays Free Press

From Korea

May 3, 2017 • Page 1D

with love

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Rising Phoenix Martial Arts studio co-owner and instructor Michael Olds leads a class at his new Kyle studio.

Martial arts masters bring taekwondo to Kyle studio

BY MOSES LEOS III

T

aekwondo is life for Kyle residents Michael Olds and Seonok Maeng.

In fact, it was through the martial art that Olds and Maeng initially met.

Through the tie that binds them, both Olds and Maeng sought Kyle as the center point for their business, Rising Phoenix Martial Arts studio, which allows them to expand knowledge of an art that’s the lifeblood of the South Korean nation.

Olds, who hails from Wisconsin, always aspired to make a career out of the combative arts. He started boxing when he was five years old, driven by stories of his grandfather and great-grandfather, who were boxers before him.

“I kind of grew up with these warrior stories,” Olds said. “I wanted to do something with those stories.”

About 15 years ago Olds got into taekwondo, which is a “kicking art,” he said. During that time, Olds went into Mixed

Martial Arts, learning hakido, muay thai and judo.

But his passion soon turned to taekwondo, and he found success at various tournaments in this sport. After he graduated from the Univeristy of Wisconsin at Madison, Olds sought the chance to go to South Korea, the birthplace of taekwondo.

Via an initiation by a master who watched him at a regional tournament, Olds got the chance to train at one of the premier taekwondo universities in South Korea.

There, Olds met Maeng, who at the time had been drafted to go to college for taekwondo and participated in a professional league team in Jeongu City.

Neither knew the other’s language well.

And over the course of a year, Maeng helped Olds with his Korean, while he helped Maeng with her English.

Olds also learned just how seriously South Koreans take taekwondo, where roughly one million residents are certified black belts. Olds esti-

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Students of all ages, including Cynthia Torres (left) and Elliot Germany, join in a taekwondo class in Kyle. Taekwondo, meaning “the way of the foot and fist,” incorporates many different martial art skill sets.

mated roughly 200,000 Americans hold a black belt in the U.S. “Taekwondo is the national sport in South Korea. There, you can train on an elementary school team and on a high school team,” Olds said. “Every

man (in South Korea) will have some exposure to taekwondo.”

During his year, Olds learned Korean and sharpened his skills in the art. After he and Meong were married, the two returned to America with

“Taekwondo is the national sport in South Korea. There, you can train on an elementary school team and on a high school team ...

Every man (in South Korea) will have some exposure to taekwondo.”

–Michael Olds, co-owner of Rising Phoenix Martial Arts

dreams of setting up a taekwondo studio, or dojang. It was a prospect Olds knew well, as he had operated a studio in Wisconsin.

Olds’ brother, who lives in the Austin area, encouraged him to go to

the Kyle area, based on its growth.

“He said it’d be the perfect spot to start a school,” Olds said.

In October, Olds and Meong opened Rising Phoenix, and enrollment numbers have been rising swiftly since then, with nearly 300 students at this time.

Interest in taekwondo, which is an Olympic sport, has risen over the past 15 to 20 years.

Currently there are 70 million worldwide who practice taekwondo in more than 280 countries, Olds said.

Balancing offensive and defensive techniques, along with a mentality on moral training, is the focus for Olds and other martial arts masters who teach taekwondo.

“It’s not learning how to be the toughest person you know and using those skills to intimidate people,” Olds said. “You not only learn the techniques to the best of your ability, but also try to embrace the warrior ethos and philosophies that are integral to martial arts training.”

Urban mining company coming to Hays County SUBMITTED REPORT The Greater San Marcos Partnership and the City of San Marcos announced earlier this month the Urban Mining Company has selected San Marcos as the location of its new, state-of-theart rare earth magnet manufacturing facility and headquarters.

The 100,000 square foot facility will be constructed on ten acres and adds more than 100 advanced manufacturing and technology jobs to San Marcos and Hays County over the terms of the agreements.

Rare earth magnets are critical components used in high-tech industrial, automotive, clean energy, and military-defense applications. Urban Mining Company is the only producer of its kind in the U.S. “The general availability of rare earth magnets is a huge concern. The United States is 100 percent de-

pendent on other countries for both materials like neodymium (Nd) and dysprosium (Dy), as well as the finished products manufactured using them.

Resource independence is critical for our country’s future,” said Urban Mining Company cofounder and CEO Scott Dunn.

Urban Mining Company’s headquarters and manufacturing facility will be fully operational in 2018.

“We welcome Urban Mining Company as San Marcos’ newest corporate citizen and employer,” said city of San Marcos Mayor John Thomaides.

“These are the quality jobs that lead to career advancement for our residents, allowing them to work for a great company with an important mission in this fine city that we all love. I look forward to growing our relationship with Urban Mining Company.”

The project came di-

“These are the quality jobs that lead to career advancement for our residents, allowing them to work for a great company with an important mission in this fine city that we all love.”

–John Thomaides, mayor of San Marcos

rectly to GSMP staff from the company’s site selection consultant in late August 2016. GSMP assisted the company’s selection process through site tours, research, and the incentive process. Key factors to the success of the project were the central location, workforce availability, the presence of Texas State University’s Material Science, Engineering, and Commercialization program, and available land to construct the facility.

Greater San Marcos Partnership President Adriana Cruz said Urban Mining Company’s an-

nual wages are above the area’s averages, which are $38,000 and $29,000 for Hays County and the city of San Marcos respectively.

“We greatly appreciate Urban Mining Company considering and ultimately selecting San Marcos for its one of a kind, worldclass facility,” said Precinct 1 Hays County Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe. “Continued announcements like Urban Mining Company, Best Buy, and Amazon will raise our profile for the jobs and investment that we’ve all known would fit

well in the region.”

City of San Marcos and Hays County officials voted in favor of entering into performance-based Chapter 380/381 Agreements with Urban Mining Company that include a ten-year personal property tax rebate at 75 percent and a ten-year real property tax rebate at 25 percent.

The positive economic impact of the deal is an expected $900,411 to the City of San Marcos, $619,770 to Hays County, and $1.3 million to the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District by the expiration of the 10year agreement.

“It’s clear that San Marcos is at the heart of the emerging Innovation Corridor,” said Cruz. “Urban Mining Company’s location in San Marcos provides further evidence that this area is a center of 21st Century innovation.

Texas State University’s programs, coupled with

the region’s affordability, proximity to Austin and San Antonio, and extraordinary quality of life have poised us for a boom in next generation advanced manufacturing and clean technology development.”

Urban Mining Company is the latest employer to expand their footprint in the Greater San Marcos region. Since its formation in October 2010, The Greater San Marcos Partnership has announced 33 corporate relocations or expansions, which include over 2,800 jobs and nearly $350 million in capital investment.

“San Marcos and Hays County offered the skilled workforce and infrastructure we need to support a fast-growing operation like ours,” said Dunn. “We are bringing advanced manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. We are looking forward to a productive relationship with the city, county, and Texas State University as we ramp up.”

Classifieds

20 words for $8!

• 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

Page 2D

Employment

Public Notices

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

DRIVERS: CLASS A & B WANTED!

Certified Nurses Aide 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

Cook - part time

CITY OF BUDA PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NEEDS A:

Certified Nurses Aide 2 p.m.-8 p.m.

Free Certified Nurses Aide Classes in May

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

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

Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

HAMSTER WHEEL

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Wanted

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.

CALL TODAY: 806.620.1422

LOBO MINERALS, LLC PO Box 1800 • Lubbock, TX 79408-1800

LoboMineralsLLC@gmail.com

BUDA / KYLE FERAL CATS Feral Cat assistance. Call 512-903-6112.

Misc. For Sale FOR SALE HOWARD MILLER CURIO CABNETS

Solid oak, sliding front doors, excellent condition. Must see to appreciate. 512-831-9214

Garage Sales FIRST SATURDAY FURNITURE SALE

1st Saturday in Downtown Buda. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Old Main Street Station, downtown at signal light.

PLUM CREEK COMMUNITYWIDE GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 13th From Dawn Until Dusk.

MOVING SALE

Furniture, clothes, Everything in the house must go.

Saturday, 7 a.m.-? Come in and look around. 12701 Shady Acres Dr, Buda in Cimarron Park.

The City of Buda Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 and the City of Buda City Council will hold a public hearing beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 in the Council Chambers at Buda City Hall, 121 Main St., Buda, Texas, 78610, to receive written and oral comments in regard to a re-plat being Lot 4B, Block A, out of the Frank Y Smith Subdivision, approximately 1.499 acres.

For more information regarding this matter, please contact the City of Buda Planning Department at (512) 312-0084.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

GET OUT TA THE

Cat Rescue

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Kyle Parkway Self-Storage, 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 31, 2017 at 11:15 AM. The contents in the space of Cynthia (Cindy) A. Hunter contains: household furniture.

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

Local work.

Home daily!

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877-725-8241

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Home For Sale

Pursuant to Chapter 59 of the TX Property Code, A&D Storage, located at 3280 Hwy 150 East, Kyle, TX 78640 will hold a public auction to satisfy a self storage lien. Sale will be held May 19, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the storage facility. Property will be sold by the unit to the highest bidder for cash.

Seller and auctioneer reserve the right to remove property from sale. Property includes contents of spaces for the following tenants: Robert Davila - Household items and clothing, Fred Williams Household items and tools, Brian Everhart - Household items, tools, and archery equipment, Eddie Hernandez - Household items and lawn care equipment, David Pickering - Household items and baby items, Wesley McFerrin - Toys and construction materials, Kayla Maldonado - Restaurant booths, Breana Chapa - Household and baby items. Auctioneer S. Fullenwider #17099 aceauctioncompany.com

INVITATION TO BID

Separate sealed bids addressed to the City of Kyle, ATTENTION: CITY ENGINEER, will be received until 10:00 A.M. on May 19, 2017 at City of Kyle Public Works Building located at 520 E. RR 150 in Kyle, Texas, 78640 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud, for furnishing all labor, material, tools and equipment and performing all work required for the 2017 MISCELLANEOUS STREETS MICRO SURFACING AND

Room Wanted

must be adhered to as they relate to this project.

Contractors will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws Copies of the Specifications and Bid Documents will be on file

by May 3, 2017 and may be examined at the following locations: City Hall, 100 West Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640 Public Works Building, 520 E. RR 150, Kyle, Texas 78640 Builders Exchange, 4047 Naco Perrin, San Antonio, Texas 78217 Bid Documents may be obtained at the Public Works Building located at the address above upon payment of Twenty-five dollars ($25.00). No refunds will be made.

Bidders should carefully examine the plans, specifications and other documents, visit the site of work, and fully inform themselves as to all conditions and matters which can in any way affect the work or the cost thereof.

Should a bidder find discrepancies in, or omissions from, the plans, specifications or other documents, or should be in doubt as to their meaning, bidder should notify the City Engineer and obtain clarification p1ior to submitting any bid, but no later than May 12, 2017. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held on May 11, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of the City of Kyle Public Works Department, 520 E. RR 150, Kyle TX. The right is reserved, as the interest of the City of Kyle may require, to reject all bids and to waive any info1malities in bids received.

Leon Barba, PE, City Engineer City of Kyle

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, Construction Manager-at-Risk, for the: Hays CISD - Hays Elementary School #14, is requesting Competitive Proposals from subcontractors and suppliers. Subcontractor and Supplier Proposals will be received via FAX to (512) 326-4339 or (512) 326-3990 Fax or email to bidaus@ bartlettcocke.com no later than 2:00 PM on: May 11, 2017. Any proposals received after this time will not be accepted.

Proposal Documents may be obtained from Bartlett Cocke or view at local and online planrooms. Contact Stefan Doerr at stefandoerr@ bartlettcocke.com or call either (512) 326-4223 to make arrangements.

Small, Woman Owned, Disadvantaged, HUB, HUBZone, 8(a), Minority, and all similar firms are encouraged to submit proposals on this project. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is an equal opportunity (EEO) employer.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given pursuant of Chapter 59 Texas Property Code, (Chapter 576 Acts Of the 68th Legislature Regular Session 1983). Storquest Self Storage will sell at public sale by competitive bidding to satisfy a landlord’s lien on May 12, 2017 at 10 a.m. at 5500 FM 2770, Kyle TX 78640 The personal property of: 1. Unit 219 Denise Jimenez; 2. Unit 587 Kim Butler; 3.

Unit 342 Rosa Salas; 4 .Unit 238 Candace Everhart; 5.

Unit 671 Kim Butler; 6. Unit 332 Ruben Alvarez.

PUBLIC NOTICES, 4D

Notices - City of Kyle

Policy of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability The City of Kyle does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or employment in, its federally assisted programs or activities. The City Manager has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) regulations implementing Section 504 (24 CFR Part 8).

Citizen Participation & Grievance Procedures Notice The City of Kyle has adopted complaint and grievance procedures regarding its Texas Community Development Block Grant Programs (TxCDBG). Citizens may obtain a copy of these written procedures at Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center Street between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Citizens may also request the procedures be mailed to them by calling Scott Sellers, City Manager, at (512)2621010. These procedures outline the steps for a citizen to follow if s/he wishes to file a complaint or grievance about TxCDBG activities.

A person who has a complaint or grievance about any services or activities with respect to the TxCDBG project, may during regular business hours submit such complaint or grievance, in writing to the City Manager, City Hall, 100 W. Center Street, or may call (512)262-1010. The City of Kyle will make every effort to respond fully to such complaints within fifteen (15) working days where practicable.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of Kyle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Fair Housing Public Service Announcement - It's the Law To promote fair housing practices, the City of Kyle encourages potential homeowners and renters to be aware of their rights under the National Fair Housing Law. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin in the sale or rental of units in the housing market.

For more information on fair housing or to report possible fair housing discrimination, call the Texas Workforce Commission at (888) 452-4778 or (512) 463-2642 TTY: 512-371-7473.

Office For Rent

STONEWOOD COMMONS

1-year old 3BR/2BA courtyard home for sale in Stonewood Commons, Buda.

512-751-1754 x5526

REPAIR PROJECT including approximately 83,624 square yards of micro surfacing and striping. This project also includes 4” mill and asphalt pavement of approximately 6,066 (SY) square yards on Spring Branch Drive between Burleson Street and Hunter Drive.

Bids must be submitted on the Bid Form provided, and must be accompanied by a bid security in a penal sum approximately equal to and not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid. The security shall be in the form of a certified check or cashier's check, or bid bond furnished by a reliable surety company having authority under the laws of Texas to write surety bonds in the amount required, with such security made payable without recourse to the City of Kyle. The envelope containing the bid shall indicate clearly on the front that the bid is for the 2017 MISCELLANEOUS STREETS MICROSURFACING AND REPAIR PROJECT. The final Notice of Award of Contract shall be given to the successful bidder by the City of Kyle within thirty (30) days following the opening of bids and no bidder may withdraw his bid within thirty (30) days after opening thereof. Performance period of construction may be used as a criterion for selection and award of bid. The successful Bidder must furnish a performance bond and payment bond on the forms provided, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount from a surety company holding a permit from the State of Texas to act as surety.

State statutes including wage and hour provisions and contract regulations

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

ROOM WANTED

Looking for a room to rent in South Austin or Buda / Kyle area. Need to move in ASAP. Single female, middle aged roommate 210-441-9772

Estate Sale ESTATE SALE

Antiques, furniture, appliances and much more! 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. May 6th and 7th. 101 S. San Marcos St. Buda (across from 1st Baptist church)

On Jack C. Hays Trail at Mountain City Station, one mile north of Hays High School.

All utilities included. $850/month. 550 square feet, plus use of joint kitchen. Call Cyndy: 512-753-2700.

FEDERAL HOUSING LAW

We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law. It is illegal to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin: in the sale or rental of housing or residential lots; in advertising the sale or rental of housing; in the financing of housing; in the provision of real estate brokerage services; in the appraisal of housing; Blockbusting is also illegal. Anyone who feels he or she has been discriminated against, may file a complant of housing discrimination: 1-800-669-9777 (toll free) or 1-800-927-9275 (TDD).

Hays Free Press

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Page 3D

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BUSINESS LAW/ WILLS/TRUSTS/ PROBATE/FAMILY LAW/DIVORCE/ CUSTODY/ CONSUMER LAW/ DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES ACT/ PROPERTY LAW/ LANDLORD-TENANT LAW/PERSONAL INJURY/DWI/ CRIMINAL DEFENSE/ DEBT/DEFENSE/ GENERAL CIVIL LITIGATION

• Flooring • Painting • Remodels • Carpentry Serving Hays County and surrounding areas • Trim Work • Special Design • Free Estimate • Doors & Windows • References Available • Handyman Service Jim ‘Blu’ Cooke, 512-781-2911 • Decks & Railings steelhorseconstructors@gmail.com • Soffitt & Facia • Hardi Siding • Honey-dos

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3 Great Locations!

Kyle

512-410-7739

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• All types of roofing • Seamless rain gutters • Attic and wall blown insulation

• Free eStimateS • Insurance Claims Welcome

512-282-6224 • 512-280-0085 fax bob.jones@tri-countyconst.com

Ron Johnson OWNER

(512) 312-5050 Member of the BBB

Septic Services

Septic Services

ALL AMERICAN WASTEWATER SOLUTIONS, LLC

SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, INC.

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Tree Service QUALITY BOOT & SHOE REPAIR AS WELL AS PURSE AND LUGGAGE REPAIR

AustinShoeHospital.com

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

Lees Trees 30+ years in the Hill Country

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Schedule ball moss treatment for March

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

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Hays Free Press â&#x20AC;˘ May 3, 2017

Page 4D

Public Notices, from page 2D PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Appointment of Bettie Giesen Green, as Independent Executor of the Estate of Lenora Davis Giesen, Deceased, pending in the County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, Cause No. 17-0103-P. TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ABOVE ESTATE, WHEREAS, on the 25th day of April, 2017, in the County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, the undersigned duly qualified

as the Independent Executor of the Estate of Lenora Davis Giesen, Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that Original Letters Testamentary on this Estate were granted and this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present the same to the undersigned within the time prescribed by law. Any person indebted to said estate is hereby notified to pay same to the undersigned.

Bettie Giesen Green Independent Executor of

the Estate of Lenora Davis Giesen, Deceased Address: c/o Law Offices of Langley & Banack, Inc., Attorneys Attn: Arthur H. Bayern, Esq. 745 E. Mulberry, Suite 900 San Antonio, Texas 78212 Dated at Kyle, Texas

CITY OF BUDA ANNEXATION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The City of Buda City Council will hold a public

hearing beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 and Tuesday, May 16, 2017 in the City Council Chambers at Buda City Hall, 121 Main St., Buda, Texas 78610 to receive written and oral comments in regard to annexation of approximately 29.383+/- acres of land located on Hillside Terrace approximately 400 feet east of its intersection with Green Meadows Lane and adjacent to the Green Meadows Subdivision.

At said time and place all such persons shall have

the right to appear and be heard. Of all said matters and things, all persons interested in the subject matter herein mentioned shall take notice.

For more information regarding the above matters, please contact the City of Buda Planning Department at (512) 312-5745.

KYLE CEMETERY PUBLIC NOTICE

A thorough cleanup of the Kyle Cemetery is scheduled for May 6, 2017.

All items not in compliance with the rules and regulations will be removed from the grave sites. Items will be kept for two weeks for the families to pick up.

It is suggested that if you have such items on or around your grave sites that you remove them before the scheduled cleanup.

The rules and regulations can be found on the website www.kylecemetery. org.

Kyle Cemetery Board of Directors