May 17, 2017 Hays Free Press

MAY 17, 2017 FARM FRESH

STUDENTS VS STAFF

Local organic farms partner with worldwide work program.

Lobo basketball takes on Lehman staff on the court.

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Vol. 121 • No. 8

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20-year sentence in DWI murder trial

BY BRAD ROLLINS San Marcos Mercury Twenty years in prison and a $10,000 fine were handed down this week in the sentencing phase of a DWI murder trial.

The sentence came down from a Hays County jury that deliberated for more than 11 hours and found Jason Tarr guilty of first-degree murder and

Where are they now?

Update on local bills in the Texas Lege

second-degree intoxication manslaughter.

During closing arguments, Tarr’s defense attorneys asked jurors to sentence him to the minimum of five years in prison, while prosecutors said at least 50 years is an appropriate punishment for causing the head-on collision that killed 60-yearold Nancy Sterling Dalton near Buda.

Hays County District

Attorney Wes Mau told jurors to send a public statement that “here’s what you should expect if you commit this crime in Hays County because this is what Hays County juries do.”

Mau and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Stalbaum repeatedly reminded the jury of Tarr’s two previous convictions for driving while intoxicated, but suggested jurors

hand down a stiff penalty even if they do not believe Tarr will again endanger lives on the road.

During the guilt-or-innocence phase of the trial, jurors were told about the convictions.

The “price needs to be higher than anyone would be willing to pay. The cost is too high and the price also needs to be too high,” Mau said.

Defense attorneys Billy

McNabb and Scot Courtney asked jurors to recall testimony from a succession of friends and colleagues who said Tarr was a conscientious mentor and generous philanthropist while building a real estate empire that included a major Keller Williams franchise in Buda and Kyle.

They said a lighter sentence would allow Tarr to continue raising his nine-year-old son upon his

Serif or sans?

PASSED THE HOUSE

HCISD names acting head Circumstances surrounding Hays CISD Superintendent Michael McKie’s departure remain unclear, even after district leaders ac- SCHERFF cepted his resignation and named an acting superintendent during a special called meeting Friday.

At Friday’s meeting, the Hays CISD Board of Trustees voted 7-0 to approve McKie’s resignation and release agreement and named Carter Scherff, chief operations officer, as acting superin-

MCKIE, 2A

MOVING BILLS

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Those driving along Center Street this week may have seen a slightly different look about Kyle’s iconic downtown water tower. The structure, which has been in place for many years, got a fresh coat of paint added over the last few weeks. Recently, new lettering for the script “Kyle” on the side of the water tower was added as a result of an online survey conducted on the city of Kyle Facebook page.

Attention Subscribers!

Streets, sewers top Kyle budget

BY LESLY DE LEON Street maintenance, as well as sewer and stormwater drainage improvements, topped the list of priorities from Kyle residents as part of a survey disclosed during the first of seven budget workshops Saturday.

The meeting, held at Kyle City Hall, gave Kyle city officials a chance to discuss budget priorities for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, which could include the addition of 23.5 new

Check your email soon for login information for the new and improved HaysFreePress.com.

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KYLE BUDGET, 4A

HOME VALUES Residents to protest rising home appraisals.

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INDEX

See a full list online at www.HaysFreePress.com

TARR, 2A

BY LESLY DE LEON

HB 1510 – Relating to the transfer of certain functions related to emergency services districts from the Department of Agriculture to the Texas Division of Emergency Management – Sent to the Senate HB 1512 – Relating to the maximum loan amount made to persons under the owner-builder loan program – Awaiting vote in Senate committee (Sen. Watson carrying) HB 2283 – Relating to the prosecution of the offense of sexual assault – Referred to Senate committee HB 3679 – Relating to signs informing motorists of facilities providing alternative fuels and electric vehicle charging stations – Sent to the Senate HCR 70 – Designating Dripping Springs as the official Wedding Capital of Texas for a 10-year period beginning in 2017 – Referred to Senate committee

HB 2354 – Relating to the use and allocation of municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue in certain municipalities – On Local and Consent Calendar

release from prison.

“What does it mean to that fellow?” Courtney asked as he held up a photo of Tarr’s son to the jury box.

Moreover, McNabb suggested that Tarr may devote the remainder of his life to warning others of the dangers of drinking and driving.

“There’s not a case more

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

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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.

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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.

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Letters can be emailed to csb@haysfreepress.com.

HISTORY

Founded April 10, 1903,

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

It merged into The Hays County Citizen in 1956.

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

Hays Free Press • May 17, 2017

Racial profiling complaints low for Kyle, Buda police departments

BY LESLY DE LEON

While racial profiling complaints in Buda and Kyle are rare, both police departments utilize certain processes to investigate the matters thoroughly.

According to the Kyle Police Department’s 2016 racial profiling report, KPD received only one complaint of racial profiling last year. The information was disseminated as part of the department’s annual report that details the number of traffic stops that were conducted and who the department stops.

After conducting a full internal affairs investigation, the department found the allegation was unfounded.

According to the police department’s informational brochure on complaint procedures, this means the incident did not occur or named employee was not involved.

Since 2011, the Kyle

“It’s clear that our officers certainly do not engage in practices that would be deemed as racial profiling ... In most cases you can tell the officers don’t even know the identity of the occupants of the vehicle prior to making the stop.”

–Jeff Barnett, Kyle Police Chief

police department has only received one other complaint of racial profiling in 2013. However, the women who filed the complaint did not provide details and didn’t respond to follow-up contact.

Not even certain the complaint was about a Kyle police officer, the department determined the complaint was unfounded.

“It’s clear that our officers certainly do not engage in practices that would be deemed as racial profiling,” said Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett.

“In most cases you can tell the officers don’t even

know the identity of the occupants of the vehicle prior to making the stop.”

Barnett stated that in most cases officers notice the behavior of the vehicle committing a traffic infraction, not who the driver is.

In cases where officers do know the individual’s race before making a stop, Barnett said it’s typically because the officer is driving or stopped at an intersection next to the vehicle, where they can clearly see the driver.

The annual racial profiling report includes officially filed complaints, submitted in writing.

Officials provide information on how to file a complaint of an officer’s behavior on the city website and on pamphlets in the police department’s front window.

“In most all circumstances the person making the complaint, the person who feels like they’ve been victimized, must be willing to testify and be interviewed and be a witness and they’re required to submit a statement,” Barnett said.

However, Barnett said if he were to receive an anonymous letter which he believed had enough merit to the complaint, he could

order an investigation.

As all traffic stops are recorded with audio and video, Barnett said it’s hard for an officer or a resident to dispute the facts during an investigation.

Additionally, officers are taught to respond to a resident wanting to file a complaint by providing them with information and not trying to discourage them from doing so.

The Buda Police Department has filed a racial profiling report every year since its establishment in 2010. Buda police did not receive any racial profiling complaints in 2015 and 2016.

“We do have mechanisms in place to safeguard against racial profiling,” said Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd. “We have not received any racial profiling complaints over the last two years, but if we did have a complaint then we certainly have the means to investigate that thoroughly.”

McKie: Superintendent resigns Continued from pg. 1A

tendent.

The board’s decision was made after they spent nearly two hours in executive session to discuss the topic.

McKie, who announced his resignation last Tuesday, will serve as superintendent for the remainder of the school year until the district’s May 31 graduation ceremonies.

Scherff will serve as acting superintendent through June, after which officials may appoint him or someone else interim superintendent. The interim superintendent would serve for a few months while a replacement superintendent is chosen.

“Realistically, we would be looking at January before we could

“He’s going to be looking at other options and that allows us to look for other options as well ... We really appreciate his service to the district and wish him the best in whatever he chooses to do.”

–Holly Raymond, outgoing HCISD board of trustees president

bring in [a new] superintendent,” said Holly Raymond, outgoing board of trustees president.

According to the Hays CISD website, Scherff has more than 35 years of management experience and more than 30 years of involvement in Texas public education. This will be Scherff’s third

time serving as acting superintendent.

“He’s really good,” Raymond said. “He has a ton of experience so he’s a solid go-to person and he doesn’t want the superintendent’s job.”

According to a joint statement, the Board of Trustees and McKie “have entered in the

agreement believing it is in their respective best interests, and in the best interests of the district.”

However, the statement did not specify why McKie chose to resign.

“He’s going to be looking at other options, and that allows us to look for other options as well,” Raymond said. “We really appreciate his service to the district and wish him the best in whatever he chooses to do.”

During McKie’s tenure, voters in the district passed a $59 million bond in 2014 that included building four new campuses and improvements to district infrastructure and technology.

In 2017, voters approved a $250 million bond spread across two propositions which included

a new high school, two new elementary schools and various improvemenets across the district.

McKie also led implementation of a new strategic plan, an internal audit of all departments to address “current issues and needs,” as well as annual stakeholder satisfaction surveys, among other items, according to the district’s statement.

“Mr. McKie thanks the present and past board of trustees for providing him with the opportunity to serve in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District,” according to the district’s statement.

A full version of the district’s joint statement can be found online at haysfreepress.com.

Tarr: Gets 50 years Continued from pg. 1A

worthy of the minimum [sentence] than this case. … Jason’s destroyed financially. He’s never going to be able to restore his reputation and have any meaningful occupation ever again. Maybe this is his calling,” McNabb said.

Under the Texas Penal Code, the maximum sentence for first-degree felony murder is life in prison. Tarr will be eligible for parole after serving half of his sentence or 30 years, whichever is less.

The trial started May 1 with jury selection; the jury returned guilty verdicts after just over seven

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hours of deliberations May 11.

Mau said during his closing argument one of the elements of the murder charge was Tarr operated a vehicle in a way that was “in clear danger to human life” and he did that by driving in oncoming traffic on a roadway and then into Dalton.

“There is no argument, there is no potential finding you can make, that the defendant in this case didn’t commit an act dangerous to human life that led to the death of Nancy Sterling Dalton,” Mau argued.

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “It doesn’t put money in my pocket at the moment, but that appreciation doesn’t come for free.”

–Janice Bowden Hardaway on rising appraisal values. Story, pg. 1D

Hays Free Press • May 17, 2017

Page 3A

EDITORIAL

Secrets in the world of Trump

S

eems the phrase “loose lips sink ships” won’t hold much bearing in President Donald Trump’s America.

Not after Trump allegedly leaked classified information to Russian officials during a meeting held at the White House last week, according to a report from the Washington Post.

Now, it’s been noted through various reports that any President has the authority to declassify material they deem fit. Okay, that’s cool.

However, concerns must be raised when the president shares any classified information with Russia, whose government is alleged to have tampered with the November 2016 election.

Those concerns were heightened after Trump’s recent dismissal of the man who was investigating possible election tampering allegations made against Russia’s government.

The firing, an unprofessional one, was done at an incredibly suspicious time as the investigation into Russia’s alleged tampering was ramping up.

All of this took place in a week where Americans are becoming more weary of the rash, impulsive and downright frightening actions taken by this administration.

What Trump has done over the course of a week is nothing short of a worldwide embarrassment.

Where once our nation was the shining example of how government should function, it’s now become as inane as a second-rate sitcom that’s been banished to 3 a.m. cable network syndication.

Perhaps the scary part is many Americans continue to hold on to Trump’s ideals and are applauding his increasingly demonstrative behaviors.

What they don’t realize is they’re adding fuel to a fire that’s rapidly consuming our democratic functions.

Sadly, it may be too late when people realize just how much of a threat Trump is to America and its allies.

Until that time, Trump may get the impression he can potentially leak information to those whom he shouldn’t without any worry of reprisal.

Should that happen, we may have to start manning the lifeboats.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR COMEY’S FIRING Trump fired Hillery’s nemesis. I didn’t even know they had kissed and made up.

Comey must be getting too close to finding a tie in with Russia. Is this a warning to the CIA? McCain didn’t even have his normal perfidy. Can the Democrats wait till the midterm elections?

This is what happens when one lets the fox guard the hen house.

Albert Busse Uhland

Leg-up for the Greatest Generation I nteresting – don’t you think? – that so many people in the Greatest Generation grew up with little money but turned out well. Named partly for heroic effort during World War II, this “Greatest Generation”, born roughly between 1915 and 1935, managed some other heroic tasks. They were your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents.

Buda and Kyle were hit especially hard by the Depression because an accompanying drought devastated cattle and crops for years. (Think of our recent drought and multiply that by 5.)

People helped each other as they could, but no one had much. One pair of shoes was standard. Go-

News and Sports Editor Moses Leos III

by Wynette Barton

ing to bed hungry wasn’t unusual. Farmers lost their land; stores went broke.

Then came Franklin Roosevelt and a Congress more interested in saving the country than fighting among themselves. They formed the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) to put men to work on community building projects.

Pay was small, but it put food on the table. Many of their structures are still in use, local school buildings and Five Mile Dam, for example.

America’s vast natural spaces.

The second teen, Ray, hadn’t finished high school when he went to work with CCC after his immigrant (and widowed) mother lost her store to bankruptcy. At 16, he learned carpentry while helping build bridges and fire towers in California, but mostly, he said, “I learned about this great country of ours.”

The third teen, Bob, was the son of a Norwegian immigrant and a trouble-maker, thrown out of three schools.

After bumming around the country looking for work, he got a job digging ditches for CCC. Not glamorous, but he could eat regularly, and the job, he later said, kept

him too busy to get into trouble.

Was the government’s investment in these three worth it? It may not have worked as well for some, but these three did okay.

Walter was Walter Matthau, Ray was Raymond Burr, and Bob was Robert Mitchum, three of Hollywood’s most successful stars.

All three served in the Armed Forces after their CCC stints, Matthau in the perilous job of Air Force gunner. It would be interesting to know what they eventually paid in income taxes and how long it took to pay back that $30 per month investment in them.

You just never can tell about kids. Or immigrants.

Texas House has chance to save open gov’t

K

eeping our Texas Public Information Act operating effectively takes effort. That’s why open government advocates have worked with public officials and businesses over the past year to fine-tune the landmark state law.

Transparency legislation resulting from these work sessions emerged out of frank discussions – and with an understanding that some compromise is necessary.

Now, state lawmakers have the opportunity to pass multiple negotiated open government measures to improve the Public Information Act and restore its strength, for the benefit of all Texans.

The Texas Senate took a stand Thursday by overwhelmingly approving House Bill 2328 and amending it to include transparency bills that had stalled in a House committee. The anchor legislation by Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-Brownsville,

Hays Free Press Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton

Tutta’s Take

A story from These United States: A Nation in the Making, by Glenda Gilmore and Thomas Sugrue points out something important about this project: Three young men, Walter, Ray and Bob, were without jobs, money, or hope for the future when they joined CCC at $30 a month and 3 meals a day. Walter, the son of Jewish immigrants, was 19 when he got a job clearing trees for a fire break in the Montana mountains. It was hard, muscle-aching work, but it was a job, and he sent money home to his family. Later he cut mountain trails and planted trees in national forests.Both jobs, he said, taught him to love the beauty of

Guest Column

By Kelley Shannon

providing quicker access to public information, was sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin.

Open government is a bipartisan issue, and Watson successfully urged fellow senators to include in the legislation other bills by Republican Reps. Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi and Giovanni Capriglione of Southlake, as well as bills Watson pushed.

It’s critical that the Texas House of Representatives join this effort to save open government by concurring with Senate amendments to the Lucio legislation.

The provisions would repair damage to the Public Information Act done by two Texas Supreme Court decisions in 2015.

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

Reporters Samantha Smith, Lesly De Leon Logan McCullough, Quixem Ramirez Columnists Bartee Haile, Chris Winslow, Pauline Tom, Clint Younts

Proofreaders Jane Kirkham Marketing Director Tracy Mack Marketing Specialist James Darby

A ruling known as the Boeing decision closes public access to many government contracts with private businesses.

In some cases, it has become impossible to see how taxpayer money is spent on items such as contracted school services or even how much total money is spent on a contract, as in the case of singer Enrique Iglesias hired by the city of McAllen to perform at a holiday event. The court ruling allows closure of those records.

The court’s ruling in the Greater Houston Partnership case closes off financial information about certain nonprofits that are funded by government and acting essentially as an arm of government.

A well-organized business contingent at the Capitol is lobbying to make sure these court decisions stand and to block the legislation to fix them, originally introduced by Watson and Capriglione. Citizens

who care about openness must speak up to their local lawmakers to counter this powerful force.

House Bill 2328 also includes measures by Hunter to give citizens improved access to government records kept in officials’ private email accounts and to dates of birth in many government records.

A regional appeals court placed dates of birth off limits, but birthdates are necessary in accurate news reporting on criminal justice matters and in the public’s vetting of candidates for elected office. Banks, background check companies and other businesses also need access to dates of birth in public records.

The updated Lucio legislation includes a requirement for governmental entities to tell a Public Information Act requestor if there are no records responsive to the request or if documents can be withheld

based on a previous attorney general ruling.

This seems like common sense, and it often happens already, but it’s not required by law so not every government does it.

This important bundle of bills serves all citizens and plugs holes in the Public Information Act, a law long known as one of the strongest of its kind in the nation that was born in the early 1970s amid a state scandal.

The Texas House of Representatives has the opportunity to uphold this modern-day tradition of openness and protect the public’s right to know.

Texans must speak out and let it be known we expect no less.

Kelley Shannon is executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, a nonprofit promoting open government laws and the First Amendment rights of free speech and press.

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

Production Manager David White

Circulation/Classifieds David White

Production Assistant Christine Thorpe

Distribution Gabe Ornelas Tanya Ornelas

Hays Free Press • May 17, 2017

Page 4A

New municipal, library, police building on schedule in Buda

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Two years after voters approved a proposition calling for a new municipal building and safety complex, Buda residents and officials are starting to see results.

Last month, construction crews began installing steel columns and beams for the safety complex, while concrete slabs have been poured for the new city hall and library, which will all be located along north Main Street, said David Marino, Buda public information officer.

“Our crew is working very hard,” Marino said.

“Crews are progressing nicely,” Marino said of the construction schedule even with delays due to inclement weather.

Marino said residents can expect to see the infrastructure and utilities start to coalesce, as well as curb and gutter installation and parking lots for the three buildings coming in the next couple of months.

“It’s one thing to see the vision on paper, but to see the footprint and how it lays out is completely different.”

to be added,” Ruge said. He estimated the construction is on schedule barring any potential weather delays over the summer.

“With the public safety building, people would have to walk back around the fences to see the progress being made but with city hall, people can see the beams being erected from Main Street and it gives the public a chance to see what they voted for is coming to fruition,” Marino said.

–Todd Ruge, Buda mayor While there were bumps Marino said the parking in the road, including moving a large heritage lot for the safety building oak, Ruge said seeing the will be constructed before development play out is a the library then city hall breath of fresh air. with the decorative con“It’s one thing to see crete will be poured last. the vision on paper, but to “We are so excited,” Marino said, “This is some- see the footprint and how it lays out is completely thing we have been plandifferent,” Ruge said. ning on for a long time.”

Now the city turns its Buda Mayor Todd Ruge focus on the remaining said he was pleased with the progress of the munic- four propositions. He said the city is going “full steam ipal site and the changes that occur on a daily basis. ahead” on all propositions, in order to avoid the pros“You drive by every day and there’s something new pect of construction costs

Kyle Budget: Streets, sewers

Kyle’s survey by the numbers

Continued from pg. 1A

positions, including 11.5 full time equivalent police officers.

The new police positions are projected to cost $717,000 of a proposed $1.28 million line item for the police department.

“Every budget over the last three or four years, has been very different in terms of not just the challenges but the opportunities we have,” Mayor Todd Webster said.

Officials considered the results of the city’s household survey, taking into account residents’ input.

According the survey, respondents believe routine street maintenance and repairs, water and sewer infrastructure improvements and storm water drainage system improvements should be top priorities for the city’s budget spending.

However, only 374 people participated in the survey.

Infrastructure improvement is “capital heavy” priorities, City Manager Scott Sellers said.

According to the survey, residents are highly satisfied with the services provided by the public library, the municipal court, sewer services and maintenance of parks.

City officials also considered the city’s rapid growth in the budget.

Sellers said officials estimate the city’s current population is nearly 41,000; by 2021, the city’s population is estimated to be approximately 45,000.

There will be no increase in fees and charges, except for Texas Disposal Systems’ solid waste services, Sellers said.

Expanding the wastewater system is the number

one funding priority, along with maintaining services, Sellers said.

There are multiple sewer projects planned, including the Southside sewer line, which includes a “massive” lift station, Sellers said.

While sewer projects are paid off through impact fees, the city must front the initial cost.

From a funding perspective, the city has to build out the wastewater system this next year, Sellers said.

Development is simultaneously occurring in the north, south, east and west side of the city, all requiring wastewater lines, Sellers said.

While developers will build wastewater lines to connect to the city’s wastewater system, the city must expand wastewater lines to reach developing areas.

Additionally, the wastewater system must be able to handle additional capacity as the city rapidly grows.

Kyle is currently planning its expansion of its wastewater treatment plant, which would increase capacity from 3 million gallons per day (MGD) to 4.5 MGD. The expansion is expected to cost $17 million, with $2 million for engineering and design.

According to city officials, four developments, including the Anthem development near Mountain City, have pledged a combined $8 million that is anticipated over the next three years to assist with the cost.

“That’s the big issue that we are facing with our wastewater system,” Sellers said.

Officials reviewed estimates of revenue and

increasing over time.

“We’ve seen other communities that have run into that, where they pass the bond, but not get to the projects until later, and then they were more expensive than they figured,” Ruge said. “We’re going full steam ahead and we want to squeeze every bit of value out of the bonds as we can.”

Marino said if work crews maintain this momentum the public safety building should be complete by November or December of this year and the library and city hall should be complete and open by April 2018.

“We (the city of Buda) are really happy and looking forward to completion,” Marino said.

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Sellers’ budget priorities include wastewater CIPs, police dash and body camera system, new full-time positions for the municipal court, engineering services, and GIS, and replacement of the city’s financial and human resources system.

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Sports HaysFreePress.com

Section B SO LONG, RED

Community icon Red Simon dies at the age of 91.

– Page 3B

Hays Free Press

May 17, 2017 • Page 1B

Rebel softball pieced together success in 2017 Members of the Hays Rebel softball team celebrate after an emotional 13-0 win over the Vandegrift Vipers during a district game in April. The result was bittersweet as the 13 runs scored corresponded with the jersey of teammate Brynn Aylor, who was killed in a car accident in March.

BY MOSES LEOS III

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Much like putting together a complex puzzle, Hays High head softball coach Lisa Cone sought the best way to fit a young Rebel program on the diamond in 2017.

While it took a little bit to get there, the end result was the program’s first district championship since 2014 and a third straight playoff appearance in four years.

Amid a season filled with so much emotion,

Cone lauded her team’s ability to persevere and stand tall.

“I can’t say enough about them. They’re a great group of kids and they’re a very close group,” Cone said. “They get along great and it’s a fun place to be, at practice and at games.”

Cone said the team’s pre-district tournaments helped mold the program on the field. Helping were seniors Maria and Lulu Arroyo, who provided leadership during the course of the season.

Students vs. Staff

Maria Arroyo, who last year played in the outfield, was moved into the infield

by Cone, who felt the team needed “leadership in the field a little.”

While the move took some getting used to, Arroyo flourished on the diamond. She was backed by teammates in the outfield, along with Lulu, her sister.

Cone said the Arroyos could be counted on to “come through in any pressure situation.” She cited

REBEL SOFTBALL, 2B

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Hays High pitcher Jacob Trujillo unfurls a pitch thrown during the team’s series with the Vandegrift Vipers earlier this season.

Rebels eye continued progress next season

BY MOSES LEOS III

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Members of the Lehman High administration, as well as numerous teachers and coaches donned their PF Flyers Friday in the school’s annual Staff vs. Students co-ed basketball game played at the Lobo Den. According to Lehman High staff members, the contest has been held between students and staff for more than seven years.

Two of the many educators who played in the game were Lehman High Principal Denisha Presley and Athletic Coordinator Joshua Kirksley. While the students won the game, perhaps the larger victory was no injuries were suffered by either side. See more photos online at HaysFreePress.com.

Even as the Hays Rebels had their backs against the wall at times this season, head coach James Howard challenged his team to respond.

Doing so helped the Hays Rebels reach the postseason for the second straight year under Howard.

While several key cogs will graduate this summer, Howard is optimistic about next year.

Howard said the program this season had the staff work with players new to the varsity experience. However, Howard said it was “no excuse” for a team expected to reach the postseason every year.

While the Rebels’ goal of a deep playoff run didn’t come to fruition, Howard said his players gained vital experience during the process.

“I felt the guys grew up really quick,” Howard said.

“The [pre-district tournament season] went well for us.”

Playing in a challenging 25-6A district provided Hays a chance to grow during the course of a season.

Howard said the staff asked many of this year’s 14 seniors to step up and “fill in some big shoes” this season.

“I’m proud of the guys and their work ethic and determination,” Howard said. “Their attitude was great the entire season.”

A pinnacle moment of the season came when the Rebels scored a series sweep of the Vandegrift Vipers in the program’s final three games of the regular season. Those three wins solidified a playoff berth for the Rebels, which had been in and out of playoff contention during the course of the season.

“The thing I was proud of was they could have easily folded under the

REBEL BASEBALL, 2B

Sports

Page 2B

Hays Free Press • May 17, 2017

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Lehman High juniors and seniors squared off in the annual Powder Puff Football Game at Lobo Field. This year’s hard-fought, but fun, game saw the juniors dominate with an 18-0 win.

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Rebel Dickson signs with Penn State

PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

Do you know somebody who could use their own newspaper?

Surrounded by her family and friends, Hays High sprinter Camille Dickson signed her collegiate Letter of Intent to run for the University of Pennsylvania earlier this month. Dickson was a four-year performer on the track and, early on, Cross Country. Three of her four seasons, she was a regional qualifier in the sprints, missing only one year due to injury. Pictured celebrating the signing are (LR) dad John Dickson, Camille, sister Catherine Dickson, and mom Robin Dickson.

Rebel Softball Continued from pg. 1B

Lulu Arroyo’s ability to call time and settle the team down in the circle during key moments in the game.

Cone said the two knew how to handle almost any situation.

“I think for the most part, they’re quiet, but on the field, they get pumped up,” Cone said. “I think they know when to help the younger kids a little.”

Finding a way to bring out a high level of play from her team was one factor of success for Hays.

Cone said she felt the team could play at a high level from what she saw at practice. She also believed it could be challenging for district opponents to keep up “if we played our game.”

Cone realized the possibility when her team

notched several comefrom-behind wins early in the season.

Helping was the arm of sophomore Max Valdez, who Cone said is coachable and is willing to listen. She said Valdez communicated well with catcher Abbie Blackwell.

“It helped build our confidence as well,” Cone said. “Winning those games made the girls realize they could do this.”

Playing for fallen teammate Brynn Aylor, who passed away in a car crash in March, was the largest motivating factor for the Rebels in 2017. It was a challenging experience for Cone, who like her students, never had experienced the loss of a member of a team.

“I don’t think I understood how hard it would be or understood how hard it was on the girls when we played,” Cone said. “I tried to love them and be strong for them, because they were very strong and they helped each other out.”

Cone said playing in Aylor’s memory guided Hays to a 12-0 start in district play this year.

“It meant a lot to them and it had a lot to do with their success as well,” Cone said.

Readying for next season will be Hays’ focus as the school year closes.

Cone said one aspect the Rebels will look to improve upon is “not being afraid to get dirty” in critical junctures.

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Continued from pg. 1B

stress they were under,” Howard said. “But they didn’t. They got the job done and I was proud of that.”

Focusing on who is projected to return next season is the next step for Howard and the coaching staff.

Returning players in-

Buy One, Give One

“We’re young and that’s something I feel comes with playing time,” Cone said. “The more you play and the older you are, the more you realize how important it is to steal a hit away from someone when your team needs it the most.”

Working on small ball is also a plan to focus on for next year, which was at times a struggle for the Rebels.

“Those are things in situations if we’re not hitting the pitcher well, we can move runners around,” Cone said.

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clude Nick Shimkus, who was a “great defensive player and is real range-y,” Howard said.

The Rebels are also slated to return Andrew and Darren Cisneros, who both had arm issues during the course of the season.

In the infield, Jackson

Massey, who had several key base hits during the season, is expected to return at first base, while Drew Cooper could “eat up a lot of innings” on the mound.

“We have a great group of sophomores that will be juniors next year,” Howard said.

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Education

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Local farms look to worldwide program for help.

– Page 1C

Hays Free Press • May 17, 2017

Page 3B

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAYS CISD

Seniors celebrate with future grads

In a mixture of smiles, cheers, high fives, fist bumps and even a few tears from former teachers, about 150 members of the Hays High School Class of 2017 visited elementary school students Monday during a “senior walk” event. The seniors were met with signs created by the students.

From the farm to the trustee table

Hays CISD remembers a district pioneer Editor’s note – Over the past week, the Hays CISD community has mourned the loss of Delvin John “Red” Simon, who passed away at the age of 91 at his home. Simon, who was the owner of Red Simon Ford in San Marcos for many years, is remembered as an integral cog in creating what today is Hays CISD. Below is a piece written

by Jim Cullen in 2009 that is mounted at the school that was named for him – Simon Middle School.

Red became a salesman for Jack Hughes, his dealership’s new owner in 1950, and after 15 years in the position, he bought a percentage of the dealership. In 1967, Simon and A.W. Gregg.

Sr. teamed to buy out Hughes. In 1974, Simon bought full control of his auto dealership, setting his professional course for the next 35 years.

Finding a calling in education

BY JIM CULLEN

W

hen Delvin John “Red” Simon was born to his parents, Hugo and Paula Simon, on September 24, 1925, there was no way the Hemphill farming couple could predict that their sixth and last child would one day make the mark he eventually did on his hometown.

His record of service to public schools in this area, though, speaks for itself.

A 17-year member of first the Kyle Independent School District, then the Hays Consolidated Independent School District, Red Simon led both boards, including time as Hays CISD’s first board president.

As three towns’ school districts merged in 1967, two of them (Kyle and Buda) longtime bitter rivals, it was a time of local political uncertainty.

Lesser men with smaller agendas might not have enjoyed the success that this newly-formed district did. But Simon and his board had only the common interest of local students in mind and more than 40 years later, their successes are evident.

From the pasture to the highway

As did most families on the prairie east of Kyle, the Hugo Simon family grew cotton and corn and managed cattle, sheep, goats, and hogs.

Red admitted in later life that he expected to do some farming, “but there would have to be something else.”

PHOTO BY DAVID WHITE

Above, Red Simon shows a picture of his late wife Louise at his home in a November 2016 interview at his home in Kyle. Inset is a photo of Simon as school board president.

The family farm, located just a half mile north of today’s Simon Middle School, gave every indication of one day claiming a a lion’s share of Red’s attention. But fate had other other plans for this native son.

Always willing to chuckle while telling a story on himself, he reminisces of the day when he tried to play hooky. Starting school in 1931 – his five older brothers and sisters had all attended the justclosed Hemphill School – Simon had to wait for the Kyle school bus out at a corner of today’s FM 150.

“One day,” he recalls, as if it was yesterday, “I decided I wasn’t going to catch that bus.”

Hiding in a rise of land as the bus arrived, he waited until it went on without him, then strolled

back to the family farm.

As he walked in, his father asked him what was going on and Red told him “I missed the bus.” Hugo Simon quickly made note of the fact that the bus driver would not have stopped and blown the horn as many times as it did if Red had been trying to catch it and a hackberry switch soon helped him make the point.

“If my father could be here to see this today, he would not believe it,” Red said in scanning the justcompleted D. J. Simon Middle School campus.

As with all of us, Red’s life had many eventful twists and turns, including his mother’s death – and the family’s move to a ranch west of Kyle when Simon was only 11.

He got his lifelong nickname from a Kyle High School Vocational Ag

teacher A. R. “Archie” Hatcher. The popular teacher took his students on many field trips and he’d always stop along the way and let the students get ice cream and sodas.

“The rest of you, get what you want,” he said one day at such a stop, calling attention to auburn-haired Delvin,“but Little Red here, he’s going to have red soda and strawberry ice cream…don’t let him have anything else.”

“And every student called me ‘Red’ from then on,” Simon said.

Red graduated from Kyle High School in 1942, saw brief stateside military service during World War II, and entered the auto business in 1946, serving as a parts helper in the San Marcos Ford dealership

of Tom Sumners. His first assignment was sweeping out the department.

Two years later, on January 31, 1948, at midnight, Red and Louise Dupree were married by Brother John McKay of the Kyle United Methodist Church. They made their home in Kyle and they had two sons, Delvin Russell and John Reagan.

First appointed to the Kyle ISD board to fill an unexpired vacancy in 1955, Red’s commitment to the district was quickly embraced by voters, beginning a regular pattern of re-election. The eventual consolidation of Kyle with Buda and Wimberley found Simon serving as Kyle’s board president.

Following the preplanned resignations of all the all but seven now-HCISD trustees, he was unanimously elected to lead the new district’s board. He served as the Hays CISD board president until 1972, when he chose not to run for re-election.

“I have a huge amount of respect for Red. He’s not a chestpounder or an egotist, but he does have a lot of pride, said Ralph Pfluger, current Hays CISD board trustee who, along with Simon, made up the first district board.

Looking back on his 1967 vote for the new board’s president, Pfluger said “ We knew he was just a fine, fine person. He’d done so much, had such a sense of duty to the schools—and such a sense of humor…

We all respected him as a successful businessman.

He was well-suited for the job.”

Forty-two years later Hays CISD has grown into a booming, forward-

RED SIMON, 4B

Education

Page 4B

Hays Free Press • May 17, 2017

PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

Rebs’ Swenson named FFA Lonestar District Reporter

PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

Lobo netters score academic All-State Mastering an athletic sport is a hard enough task, but mastering a sport while mastering multiple academic demands is worthy of recognition. Such is the case for four Lehman High School’s athlete-scholars, from left: Landry Rohde, Bri Salas, Dani Pena, and Robert Egal. These Lobo tennis team members have been announced as Academic All-State honorees by the Texas Tennis Coaches Association. LHS Tennis Coach Orlando De La Fuente broke the news this week.

Rebels welcome new NHS members The Hays High National Honor Society (NHS) rolled out its 2017 2018 new inductees recently. A packed house at the Hays Performing Arts Center was on hand to watch the new 102 honor students reciting the National Honor Society pledge and confirming hand shakes. The new officers were sworn in and administered the oath of their upcoming office duties. Right to left are new President Kendal Richards, Secretary Amanda Mae Ashley, Treasurer Neely Kirkland, and Historian Millie Rodriguez.

Hays High School sophomore Raven Swenson has been charged with the task of reporting all the news of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Lonestar District. Hays HS Agricultural Science teacher (and FFA Sponsor) Katy Henry made the announcement about the office, which will bring Swenson into contact with FFA groups all over Central Texas.

Red Simon

Continued from pg. 3B looking school district that hasn’t forgotten its past. Michelle Chae opens Simon Middle School as principal with obvious awareness of the campus namesake’s place in local public education.

“It is truly an honor to carry on the legacy of dedication to all

students that Mr. Simon started and fought for during his leadership.

The Simon name is synonymous with success, which is a tradition we are proud to continue,” Chae says – with the conviction shared by all of those in this new learning community.

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Section C

Community Hays Free Press

HaysFreePress.com

HOME VALUES Residents protest tax appraisal values.

– Page 1D May 17, 2017 • Page 1C

Spring cleaning time in Mt. City Mt. City Montage

by Pauline Tom

I

PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITNEY BRANDON

Area students on a farm tour enjoy the Hill Country view after seeing the workings of the Blue Butterfly organic farm in Dripping Springs. In addition to field trips, the farm partners with the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms to find workers.

Can I get a WWOOF?

Program offers chance to work on local farms

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

A

program meant to give people a chance to participate in organic farming is starting to gain traction in not only the United States, but in Hays County as well.

The World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a program meant to provide people living in the cities an opportunity to participate in the organic farming movement.

The program was originally established in the United Kingdom as Working Weekends on Organic Farms According to the WWOOF website, “Visitors or ‘WWOOFers,’” spend about a half day helping out on a host farm, learn about the organic movement and sustainable agriculture, and receive room and board during their visit. No money is exchanged between hosts and WWOOFers.

The Blue Butterfly Farm, located in Dripping Springs, is just one of the four local host farms in Hays County that hosts volunteers through WWOOF and offers “free, hands-on, educational” farm tours for visitors, with options to donate funds back to the farm.

Whitney Brandon, owner and farmer of Blue Butterfly Farm, said in an emailed response the farm is family owned and operated. Blue Butterfly uses organic farming methods for growing all produce and other farm goods even raising their animals using organic methods.

Brandon said visitors can learn about organic farming, as well as enjoy playtime with the pigs, collect eggs from the chickens and take a tour through the greenhouse and gardens. Visitors can also harvest their own organically grown, farm fresh produce.

In keeping with that mission statement Brandon said farmtours and production from the farm are free of charge, with instead an option to donate funds back to the farm in appreciation for its bounty.

“We do not charge admission for farm tours, but rather rely on the generous donations of visitors to help keep the animals fed and the gardens growing,” Brandon said.

f it’s spring, it must be time for spring cleaning.

Recently young Levi Jamail power washed the city signage at the City’s entrance and City Hall.

What a transformation.

Thanks, Levi!

Now’s a good time to clean closets and cupboards and yards because we’re just weeks away from two annual events that provide a calendar deadline for procrastinators.

The 1st Saturday in June is Garage Sale Day for Mountain City. There’s no form or fees. Just set up your own sale or go together with neighbors.

On NextDoor.com and Craigslist, ads can be placed for FREE.

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by Amanda Moon

PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITNEY BRANDON

Above, students check out the farm’s chicken coop on a tour. WWOOF workers assist in all areas of Blue Butterfly Farm, including the Magic Greenhouse’s six-foot-tall dinosaur kale plant shown below.

“Through WWOOF, we are connected with people from all over the world and all walks of life, and each one adds a new layer of beauty to the wings of Blue Butterfly Farm.”

– Whitney Brandon, owner and farmer of Blue Butterfly Farm

Visitors also have the option to purchase bags of produce, with proceeds going back to local organic farms.

“We are passionate about sharing the blessings of the farm with everyone so all visitors will receive a bag of farm goodies regardless of whether or not they make a donation,” Brandon said.

Brandon said typically

WWOOF members pay for a one-year membership that gives them access to the host farm directory, where they can go and volunteer on a host farm in exchange for room and board.

“We have had WWOOFers volunteer/stay anywhere from one day (we have several day volunteers from the Austin area) to a few weeks,

to several months,” Brandon said.

Brandon said currently the Blue Butterfly Farm is not certified organic with the USDA due to financial barriers to certification. They hope to be certified in the future.

“We firmly believe nature is the best farmer so we always employ organic and sustainable farming methods, and use certified organic (USDA, OMRI, etc) products to raise our plants and animals,” Brandon said.

Brandon added membership in the WWOOF program has allowed her family to “share the blessings of their farm with everyone.”

“Through WWOOF, we are connected with people from all over the world and all walks of life, and each one adds a new layer of beauty to the wings of Blue Butterfly Farm,” Brandon said.

Brandon said the future of organic farming in Hays County looks bright especially with the help of the WWOOF program.

“I encourage other local farmers to get involved with WWOOF because it has been an amazing experience for us (Blue Butterfly Farm). Not only does hosting WWOOF volunteers help with the farm work, but each experience enriches the lives of all the people involved,” Brandon said

P

lants from the salvia genus (known also as sages) have become very popular in the last few years due to their extreme heat and drought tolerance.

Although there are other plants commonly referred to as sage (i.e.

Russian and Jerusalem sage), the salvia genus contains the true sages.

The most well-known is probably Salvia greggii (aka autumn sage).

Culinary garden sage is also a salvia that’s just as hardy as its ornamental counterparts.

Alongside these more common salvias, there are several you may never have heard of that look beautiful in the landscape, and will give you a little bit of variety in your yard.

1. Hot Lips (Salvia microphylla) is similar in growth habit to autumn sage, but due to its slightly larger leaves it will tolerate anything from full sun to light shade and still thrive. The flowers are an unusual combination of red and white.

Sometimes they are all red or white but will also bloom in a mix of red and white on the same flower.

Because of its red flowers, this plant is popular with hummingbirds. Hot lips will grow to a height and width of about 3’. It survived the last three years without missing a beat

ASK AMANDA, 2C

COMMUNITY

Page 2C

Hays Free Press • May 17, 2017

Warrior priest saves Texas for Spanish crown S panish authorities banished Father Juan Manuel Zambrano from provincial Texas on May 22, 1814, but the combative priest stood his ground and forced his earthly adversaries to rescind the order.

Gov. Manuel de Salcedo succeeded in sending Zambrano into exile in 1807. After three long years of isolation in the Mexican interior, the penitent priest was permitted to return to his native San Antonio over the strong objections of the governor.

Zambrano’s homecoming coincided with the most serious challenge to Spanish rule since Cortes’ conquest in 1521. Three centuries of pent-up hostility erupted into armed insurrection inspired by another political priest, Miguel Hidalgo y Castillo.

The revolt rolled over the Rio Grande and into Texas, where Salcedo was outmaneuvered by a retired army captain. Supported by the common soldiers, Juan Bautista de las Casas took power and the governor prisoner on Jan. 22, 1811.

Casas at first claimed that his coup was necessary to better battle the Hidalgo hordes. But the two-faced tyrant soon showed his true colors by jailing Europeans and confiscating their property.

While his two brothers stayed in San Antonio to keep tabs on the uprising, Zambrano hid out at the family ranch. Told the time had come to save the day, the fugitive slipped back into town in late February.

Zambrano secretly huddled with four trusted friends, all well-to-do

Texas History

by Bartee Haile

By the summer of 1815, Zambrano considered himself immune to the laws of man and God. But a lowly lieutenant came within a whisker of cutting him down to size. pillars of local society.

He told them to recruit a small cadre of like-minded comrades and to meet him the next night at the military barracks.

The counter-coup was bloodless child’s play.

The sentries gave up without a fight as did the officers, who sheepishly surrendered in their pajamas. Concerned only with winding up on the winning side, the fickle troops repledged their allegiance to the crown and mother country.

Once the city was secured, the five-man junta dragged the deposed dictator out of bed. Capt. Casas begged his captors to spare him the indignity of parading half-naked through the streets, a reasonable

request they readily granted.

When several minutes passed with no sign of the prisoner, Zambrano suspected subterfuge. Breaking down the bedroom door, he caught Casas in the act of burning a pile of incriminating papers.

The priest put out the fire and placed the devious despot under constant guard pending his transfer to the interior for trial.

Casas was convicted of treason and executed according to custom. He was made to kneel and to kiss the death decree before being shot in the back. His severed head was shipped to San Antonio as gruesome proof of his fate.

Father Zambrano presided over a caretaker government until the last pockets of Hidalgo resistance were crushed.

He then astonished his old enemy Salcedo by dissolving the junta and graciously relinquishing the reins of power.

Zambrano’s reward for rescuing Texas was a commission as a lieutenant colonel. Reveling in his new role, the friar fought a holy war against the outlaw gangs terrorizing the eastern edge of the province.

The bandits pulled back beyond the Sabine River and laid a trap for Zambrano. When he rode into their fool-proof ambush, 25 riflemen opened fire and all 25 missed. His miraculous escape convinced even the most skeptical cutthroat that the reckless priest had an angel on his shoulder.

But peace brought out the worst in Zambrano, whose wild and wicked ways produced a public outcry for his permanent

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expulsion from Texas.

The governor issued the order but could find no one with nerve enough to carry it out.

By the summer of 1815, Zambrano considered himself immune to the laws of man and God. But a lowly lieutenant came within a whisker of cutting him down to size.

During a quarrel over a gambling debt, Zambrano challenged the young officer to a duel. His quick acceptance should have alerted the cantankerous clergyman to the danger, but he was more surprised than alarmed that his bluff had finally been called.

His sly opponent was an expert swordsman, who proceeded to carve Zambrano like a side of beef. Bleeding profusely from a dozen wounds, he was saved from certain death by soldiers who stopped the illegal com-

Hot lips salvia plants are very popular with hummingbirds.

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Continued from pg. 1C color when many plants have finished their bloom cycles for the year.

4. May Night (Salvia nemerosa) is a beautiful early season bloomer.

It is a shorter sage with spikes of dark purple or pink flowers from early spring until the heat of summer. Although it can get a little rangy in the extreme heat, it bounces right back with little assistance.

5. Salvia discolor (Andean sage) is a tender perennial with gray leaves, white stems and almost black flowers. It has a semi-trailing habit and looks beautiful in a container or flowerbed in morning sun. In the full sun it gets too woody, so a bright porch or protected location is best. The flowers appear consistently from late spring until frost, or beyond if kept from freezing temperatures.

Happy gardening everyone!

If you have a question for Amanda or Chris, send it via email to iathyme@ yahoo.com. Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme:11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 www.itsaboutthyme.com

Sudoku

See Solution on 3C

Ask Amanda

— even in a neighborhood where no outside watering was allowed last summer.

2. Salvia namiensis is another trooper. (No common name for this; I call it oak-leaf sage.) This low evergreen sub-shrub is a very unusual sage.

The leaves are lobed like an oak leaf, and it has a more prostrate growing habit, reaching only 18”- 2’ tall, but can grow to a width of 5’. The pale purple flowers attract butterflies and bloom most of the growing season. This is another salvia that survived the last three years without any assistance at all, making it through last summer in full sun on a corner of a yard without irrigation… and it still looks great.

3. Forsythia sage (Salvia madrensis), named for its lemon yellow flower spikes, is another top performer. It loves the shade and grows quite tall, so it makes for a beautiful backdrop to other shade loving plants (like majestic sage). Another survivor from the last few years of extreme Texas weather, this salvia typically blooms later in the season and into the winter time, giving extra

Bartee’s three books and ten “Best of This Week in Texas History” column collections are available for purchase at barteehaile.com.

Sundays at 2 p.m.

Great Fun Great Food $100 Minimum Game Prize $500 Progressive Jackpot

Texas Crossword and Sudoku sponsored by

PHOTO BY AMANDA MOON

bat.

The painful encounter did not cause Father Zambrano to reform, though in the future he was more selective of the fights he picked. Nevertheless, he evidently repeated the same mistake and on that final occasion paid the ultimate price.

While the details of his demise have not survived, his passing rated this comment by the San Antonio postmaster in a letter to his wife. “Don’t be afraid of the beating Father Zambrano threatened you with. I’ve heard he died recently in an exemplary way.

May God keep him in his heavenly kingdom!”

See Solution on 3C

Hays Free Press • May 17, 2017

COMMUNITY

Page 3C

Montage: It’s spring cleaning time in Mountain City

Sudoku Solution

Continued from pg. 1C

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 2C

PHOTO BY PAULINE TOM

Good citizen Levi Jamail powerwashed the city signage at the city’s entrance and City Hall as a gesture of goodwill.

DRUG STORE

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

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda 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

EPISCOPAL

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

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

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

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

Friendly, Courteous Service

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.

*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

WEDNESDAY: Bible Study, 7 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

FREE DELIVERY 1ST 20 GAL. FREE

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

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

Elm Street & San Marcos

Privately owned From local springs

A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle

Journey United Methodist 310 San Antonio Dr., Buda

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

God with us

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

Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle

Buda United Methodist Church

Pure Texas Spring Water!

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

METHODIST

SUNDAY: Bible Study for all ages, 9:45 a.m.

Worship Service, 10:55 a.m.

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

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

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

CHRISTIAN

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

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

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

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

TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

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

A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE

Texas Crossword, from page 2C

Come worship with us ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

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

We know not what is opening our 5-gallon tub of sunflower seeds in our garage each night. It eats just a few seeds and does not make a mess. The rodent trap Ron set has been tripped. In fact, Ron forgot about the trap and it slammed shut on his hand.

Did you forget to send a tidbit? Here’s a reminder.

Send to ptom5678@gmail. com (Subject: Tidbit) or 512 268 5678. Thanks! Love to you, Pauline

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.

FM

N

13

27

162 5

presentation, a participant talked about a device called a “cat bib” that attaches to a cat’s collar and prevents 80 percent of cats from catching birds. A friend who lost a baby bluebird to a cat attack told me about a cat collar cover called “BirdsBeSafe” that claims 89 percent success in preventing bird attacks.

Audubon magazine says, “If you think wearing a collar is uncomfortable, try wearing an attacking cat.”

Tex

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N. Lp

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FM

gets wet, it’s still accepted. It makes no difference whether or not plastic water bottles are crushed. Recycling service costs nothing extra.

A couple months ago, RonTom and I frequently saw an Ash-throated Flycatcher pair in our front yard. For weeks now, we’ve seen only one Ash-throated Flycatcher. Did one of the two get killed by a cat?

It’s not unusual for us to find evidence of a cat-killed bird. At a recent bluebird

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

BUDA

Texas Crossword Solution

IH-35

Garage Sale Day is followed by Dumpster Days on the 2nd Saturday in June and the Sunday that’s connected to that Saturday. This year, that’s June 10th and 11th.

No paint or hazardous materials accepted.

But, hey, Hays County accepts Hazardous Materials (drain cleaners, degreasers, solvents, rodent poisons, motor oil, brake fluid, batteries, paints, and more) each and every Tuesday and Friday from noon until 3:30pm at the Traffic Yard at 630 E. Hopkins in San Marcos, across from the large HEB. It’s drive-through service. They ask that you stay in your vehicle. Proof that you live in Hays County is required. Dumpster Days June 10th and 11th - Dumpsters will be provided for city residences to get rid of items that are too large for residential trash service. No paint or other hazardous materials will be accepted.

During those same times at the same place, the “Reuse Facility” is open. The County’s website says, “Before you purchase paint or household chemicals, check out our reuse facility to see if we have what you’re looking for.” All items are FREE. Weekly recycling service is provided through our household garbage pickup service.

It’s easy. All recyclables can be mixed together. Empty cans and bottles do not need to be rinsed. If paper

Toll

BEST BETS

Page 4C

COMMUNITY

Hays Free Press • May 17, 2017

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

ENTERTAINMENT

3200 Kyle Crossing (512) 523 9012 Experience it in

EVX

ENHANCED VIEWING EXPERIENCE

THE

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

SPOT

1180 Thorpe Lane (512) 210 8600 Cinema Eatery & Social Haus

$5 Tuesday Frenzy PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Wimberley Memorial Day Rodeo

1250 WONDER WORLD DR.

(512) 805 8005

It’s a weekend of fun for the whole family at the Wimberley VFW Arena, 401 Jacobs Well Road for this Open Pro Lester Meier Rodeo. This event includes great food and vendors and benefits the local 4H Wimberley Club. The event will be held Saturday & Sunday night from 7:30-10 p.m.

See www.wimberleyrodeo.org for more information.

EVO-ENTERTAINMENT.COM Films. Lanes. Games.

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

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.

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.

Commemorative Air Force Fly-in

On June 3, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. head out to the Commemorative Air Force Exhibit, 1841 Airport Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, for this annual event. The fly-over will occur at 1 p.m. The Central Texas Wing will have its vintage aircraft on static display, as well as offering History flights in these historic planes at various prices. You can select from the B-25 Mitchell Bomber, C-45, U-3A, or the AT-6 Advanced Trainer. The Tri City Flyers, a radio controlled model airplane club from San Antonio, will be displaying numerous models in the hangar. This is a fun event for the entire family and there is no admission charge. Cars from all over Texas.

General aviation, experimental, homebuilt, classic, vintage, and war bird aircraft are expected.

Local Produce • Eggs • Longhorn Beef Pork • Chicken • Baked Goods Honey • Soaps • Canned Goods Gluten Free Options • Artisans • Live Music Growers, Farmers and Vendors reserve your spot today!

Check the website for details.

WWW.

BUDAFARMERSMARKET .COM

Do you know somebody who could use their own newspaper?

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Spanish Oak Estates Lockhart, Texas

Buy One, Give One

Buy one subscription to the Hays Free Press at regular price and give one gift subscription to a friend or family member for free.

Keep with with your community by subscribing to the Hays Free Press.

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Zip___________________________ Home Phone No.____________________________________________ Email ___________________________________________________________________________________ haysfreepress.com or mil in the form below

to 113 W. Center Street, kyle TX 78640 to start receiving your weekly local newspaper.

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Spanish Oaks Estates is a private and restricted enclave of only 35 lots, ranging from four to twenty acres each. These beautiful lots are southwest of Lockhart, just minutes from Toll Road 130 and are covered with beautiful Spanish Oaks, Elms, and Live Oak trees. The rolling hills offer beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and native wildlife habitat.

Whether you make Spanish Oaks Estates your full time residence or your weekend getaway, we invite you to come take a tour.

Address_________________________________________________________________________________ Zip___________________________ Home Phone No.____________________________________________ Email ___________________________________________________________________________________

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Mail check and form to the address to the right to begin receiving the number one newspaper serving Buda, Kyle and surrounding communities.

113 W. Center St., Kyle TX 78640

Lots ranging from 4 to 20 acres Owner Financing Available

Zack McDonald | 512-968-8923 | zackcm1@gmail.com |

Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in downtown Buda across from Garcia’s restaurant Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m. at Gray Gardens, 767 Main Street

www.spanishoaksestates.com

Hays & Travis Counties Out of County Out of State 3 Years ____$80 ____$100 ____$155 2 Years ____$52 ____$68 ____$108 1 Year ____$32 ____$45 ____$56 Over 65? Take 10% off!

Or Call 512-268-7862

Section D

Business Hays Free Press

HaysFreePress.com

May 17, 2017 • Page 1D

Kyle tapped for wastewater pilot program

BY LESLY DE LEON

A Colorado-based company has chosen Kyle as a location to conduct a pilot wastewater treatment program that could save the city money in the future.

BioDAF Water Technologies, based out of Golden, CO, will set up a pilot wastewater treatment program in Kyle. The move came after the Kyle City Council approved an agreement with BioDAF at the May 2 city council meeting.

Kyle is participating in the agreement to provide BioDAF the opportunity to test its technology at no risk to the city, said

Jason Biemer, treatment operations division manager.

“It’s a matter of we have wastewater and they can set up and do their thing without interfering with us,” Biemer said.

“That approach to technology in water and wastewater is the reason that we have as much technology as we do.”

The research program is an opportunity to see novel technology at use, and potentially consider if the technology could be used in the future, Biemer said.

“Seeing this technology work may give us some insight into our next expansion and being able to bring some of

WHAT’S THE IMPACT?

Kyle is planning to possibly increase capacity of its wastewater treatment plant from 3.0 million gallons per day (MGD) to 4.5 MGD. The project is estimated to have a $17 million price tag for construction and is expected to go online in 2019.

that technology in future iterations of our waste water plant expansion,” Biemer said.

The research program will take anywhere from 45 to possibly up to 90 days, depending on how BioDAF’s data acquisition goes, Biemer said.

BioDAF will pump some wastewater out of the city’s treatment plant, which will then go into a small clarification system, before it’s pumped back into the

treatment plant. BioDAF would compare the wastewater before and after its treatment.

BioDAF’s process attaches micro air bubbles to material in the wastewater, dragging the material to the surface to form a froth of sludge that is mechanically removed.

Kyle’s wastewater treatment plant processes wastewater by settling materials at the bottom, Biemer said.

Fighting the system

Residents to protest rising appraisal values

“The process itself is almost opposite of the way we do it,” Biemer said.

The technology has potential, if approved by TCEQ, to reduce cost for wastewater treatment plants when building a new plant or expanding a plant.

By reducing the square footage needed for a wastewater treatment plant, the technology could reduce construction cost.

BioDAF will gather data during the research to submit to TCEQ for approval of its technology, but the vetting process could take one or two years.

Everybody gains

NET PAYMENT

CURRENT THISNET PERIOD TAX PAYMENT RATE THIS PERIOD

Buda

1.50%

Shock and awe were the first two reactions Buda resident Joshua Sosa had when he received his 2017 home appraisal notice in the mail this month.

Sosa, who has been living in his home in the Huntington Estates subdivision since 2014, saw his appraisal rise by $26,000 from last year’s value.

“How in the hell do they appraise my home and add $26,000 when I haven’t done anything to it or declared anything or added equity?” Sosa asked. “I was very surprised and caught off guard.”

Now Sosa, along with many others across Hays County, are preparing to protest their home appraisals to Hays County.

David Valle, chief appraiser at the Hays Central Appraisal District (CAD), said in a emailed response that 1,187 protests have so far been filed as of May 15. In 2016, the CAD received 11,523 protests.

The last day to file a protest is May 31.

Valle said the CAD expects the number of protests to increase this year.

If the “positive trends in real estate and the overall economy continue,” the county could see a continued rise in the number of protests.

Growth is the primary reason for appraisal values rising in Hays County. Earlier this month, the Hays CAD said in a press release the average market value for homes increased by nine percent countywide.

Hays County remains one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, with cities such as Kyle experiencing rapidly rising appraisal value rates.

On May 1, the Hays CAD sent appraisal notices to residents.

Bill Loeb, a real estate agent in the Dripping Springs area who helps people protest their tax appraisals, said the county has been “very aggressive” on raising the appraisals in recent years.

That was due in part to some of the “phenomenal real estate value appreciation.” But he claimed many people who have seen moderate appraisal increases in the past are now seeing the maximum 10 percent increase per year in market values.

“After two or three years, people are getting taxed out of their houses,” Loeb said.

While everyone is equally getting hit with rising appraisal values, Loeb said those who have the least amount of success in fighting appraisal values are in larger neighborhoods, such as Belterra off Hwy 290 toward Austin.

For Sosa, the increase in valuation is seen as “painful” as it could affect families on fixed incomes and affect the elderly.

While he understand how, over time, a house would increase in value, seeing appraisals rise rap-

Kyle

1.50%

How are home values appraised?

3.39%

$826,794.19

$695,239.76

5.09%

$2,979,439.75 8.15%

32.18%

$5,730.46

15.09%

8.10%

$14,333.07

14.09%

$1,382.84

According to a brochure given to Hays County residents, at least once every three years, each parcel of property in Hays County is visited and reviewed by an appraiser in accordance with Texas Law. During the visit, the appraiser reviews property characteristics and records any changes from the last review cycle. An example is addition or removal of a shed or a barn.

The appraiser also looks at improvements to the exterior of the property as well.

However, appraisers never ask to inspect a home from the inside.

Typically, an appraiser validates size and types of improvements and notes any additions, as well as construction quality and condition of improvements, as well as site characteristics.

The appraisal district determines the market value of a property using three methods, if applicable: • Sales approach – how much properties have sold for and how much they’re selling for in today’s market.

• Cost approach – How much it would cost today to build an identical strucuture on the property • Income approach – Determines value through analysis of income and expenses to determine the market value. This is the preferred method when appraising an income producing property.

In addition, a property’s market value can change as a result of the economy, as well as changes to the property.

A sluggish economy, slow growth and no demand or buyers can lead to decreased property values.

Conversely, rapid growth could cause a rapid increase in property values.

Info: Bill Loeb can be contacted at bill@baymoonproperties.com.

Growth is the primary reason for appraisal values rising in Hays County. Earlier this month, the Hays CAD said in a press release the average market value for homes increased by nine percent countywide. idly places some homeowners “not in a good situation.”

Reactions were mixed from residents who spoke via Facebook about whether or not they were going to protest their home appraisal.

Ed Cooke said via Facebook he is fighting his appraisal as he claimed his taxable value is $30,000 more than the market value.

Karen O’Grady said her neighbor might not be able to afford his home if property appraisals continue to rise. She is contemplating protesting as her taxes have increased $2,000 over three years and she now pays more in escrow

than in principal and interest.

“Taxing people out of their homes is NOT good for our community,” O’Grady wrote.

Lisa Zambrano wrote there “was not enough improvements to warrant” a $50,000 increase over five years for her home, $20,000 of that taking place in 2016.

Janice Bowden Hardaway wrote on Facebook she wasn’t going to file for protest, however, as houses in her neighborhood are selling for more than $100,000 over the purchase price of her home, which she bought three years ago.

“Which means our value has gone up,” Hardaway wrote on Facebook. “It doesn’t put money in my pocket at the moment, but that appreciation doesn’t come for free.”

Valle said whenever protests come in, the CAD receives and processes them and the appeal is opened and scheduled for a hearing. On average it takes 30 to 45 days for the CAD to handle each protest, depending on the complexity of the issue.

According to Valle, the average reduction from protests is $25,879.

“We request that they please attempt to discuss their problem with a staff appraiser before their scheduled date to avoid a formal hearing with the [Appraisal Review Board],” Valle said in an emailed response.

$3,455.44

San Marcos 1.50%

Uhland

1.50%

4.25%

$2,411,594.58 -7.32%

$11,745,012.09 -4.89%

$14,322.99

8.95%

$76,472.23

13.26%

-2.22%

$375,114.20

1.45%

3.08%

$19,246.06

10.87%

Wimberley 1.00%

% CHANGE FROM 2017 TO 2017

$193,573.61

Niederwald

1.00%

2017 PAYMENTS TO DATE

$2,480,438.58 5.17%

Mountain City

1.00%

% CHANGE MAY 2016 TO MAY 2017

-4.00%

Dripping Springs

1.25%

BY MOSES LEOS III

$546,606.03

scientific knowledge and understanding of what this technology does and doesn’t do from the process, Biemer said.

“If it looks awesome and it looks like something we’re interested in, then in five or ten years when we come out for another plant expansion, we have in-house knowledge of a technology that is not conventional,” Biemer said.

As the current wastewater treatment plant expansion is partially designed, and BioDAF’s technology has not been approved

by TCEQ, city officials could not consider using the technology in the immediate future.

$87,957.95

Woodcreek 1.00%

$4,401.93

Hays County 0.50%

$1,545,353.71 -1.25%

$7,222,268.48 0.32%

Small cities see bigger sales tax revenues in May Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced last week he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $787.8 million in local sales tax allocations for May, 2.6 percent more than in May 2016. These allocations are based on sales made in March by businesses that report tax monthly, and sales made in January, February and March by quarterly filers.

The best place to start a career is ...

STAFF REPORT

College graduations continue throughout the state, and those graduates are desperately looking for work.

Lucky for local graduates is that Austin is the third best place in the country when it comes to starting a career.

WalletHub, an online statistical company, recently ranked the 150 largest cities across the U.S., loooking at relative market strength and overall livability. The cities were examined based on 23 key metrics that range from the availability of entry-level jobs to monthly average starting salary to workforce diversity.

Austin came in third with a total score of 62.21. It was ranked 6th in both professional opportunities and quality of life. Salt Lake City caputures the number

one overall ranking, with first in both professional opportunities and quality of life.

Other Texas cities within the top 100 include Irving 9th, Grand Prairie 21st, Dallas 26th, San Antonio 27th, Fort Worth 30th, Plano 31st, Amarillo 33rd, Corpus Christi 38th, Houston 42nd, El Paso 50th, Arlington 53rd, Laredo 55th, Lubbock 56th, Garland 71st, and Brownsville 86th.

Other interesting Texas facts: • Houston ranked 3rd and Austin 4th in the Highest Monthly Average Starting Salaries (adjusted for cost of living).

• Lubbock ranked 147 for the Slowest Job Growth (adjusted for population growth).

• Plano is first with Most Affordable Housing.

SEE CHART, PAGE 4D

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 COLLEGE PREP INSTRUCTOR POSITION AVAILABLE WITH COMMUNITY ACTION INC. OF CENTRAL TEXAS

Visit www.communityaction. com for more information.

Applications required and available online and at 101 Uhland Rd., Ste. 107 in San Marcos. EOE. Drug Free Work Environment.

TODDLER TEACHER ONE POSITION AVAILABLE WITH COMMUNITY ACTION INC. OF CENTRAL TEXAS Visit www.communityaction. com for more information.

Applications required and available online and at 101 Uhland Rd., Ste. 107 in San Marcos. EOE. Drug Free Work Environment.

DRIVERS: CLASS A & B WANTED!

Local work. Home daily!

Great opportunity! Terrific pay! Great driving record.

877-725-8241

Hays Free Press • May 17, 2017

Biz Opportunity

STEEL FABRICATOR IN KYLE

looking for fitters and welders to produce beams, columns, stairs and rails, shipping and receiving forklift driver and painter/helpers. Apply at Construction Metal Products, 23971 I.H. 35, Kyle TX.

LBJ Medical Center 206 Haley Rd Johnson City, TX 78636 830-868-4093 Family Owned, NO Medicare, 60 Bed Facility, Good Staff to Resident Ratio NEEDS A:

Cook, 2-7 p.m.

CNA, 6 a.m.-2 p.m., full time CNA 2-8 p.m., part time CERTIFIED NURSES AIDE CERTIFICATION CLASSES 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Starting June 19th 3 weeks

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.

NO INVESTMENT NECESSARY

Operate a Fireworks Stand in your area. June 24 - July 4. Must be 21 yrs old or older and have travel trailer or camper available. Great for teachers, bus drivers, college students, seasonal workers or fund raising for youth & religious groups.

More information please call 512-303-4438 or email info@ buyamericanfireworks.com. visit http://bigthunderfireworks.com/operatestand. php

Room Wanted 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

Office For Rent

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

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.

NOW HIRING

Residential Drivers and Route Helpers

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration for the Estate of Travis Scott Schiller, Deceased, were issued on May 15, 2017, under Docket No. 170075-P, pending in the County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, to Melissa Vazquez.

Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the estate, addressed as follows: Representative, Estate of Travis Scott Schiller, Deceased c/o John H. Gilliam John H. Gilliam Law Office 302 W. Martin Luther King Drive San Marcos, Texas 78666 All persons having claims against this estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

DATED 05/16/17.

John H. Gilliam By: /s/ John H. Gilliam Attorney for Applicant

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code hereby gives notice of public sale under said act to wit: This sale will be held on May 31, 2017 at 11:45 AM. Safe-n-Sound Self Storage is located at 1602 Goforth Road, Kyle, Texas 78640. The property in the storage unit(s) listed under tenant’s name is being sold to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The property contents of all storage unit(s) sold at this sale are purchased “as is” “where is” for CASH/ CREDIT. Safe-n-Sound Self Storage reserves the

right to refuse any bid or to cancel any public sale advertised. Announcement made the day of the sale takes precedence over any printed materials.

Auctioneer: Chad Larson # 17344 Jordan Keeton 10x15 Full of misc. household items.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Michael Felix Williams a/k/a Mike Williams, Deceased, were issued on December 12, 2017, in Cause No. 160377-P, pending in the County Court at Law of HAYS County, Texas, to: Janice Paulette Williams.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Owen T. Kinney Attorney at Law P.O. Box 92258 Austin, TX 78709 DATED the 17th day of January, 2017. /s/ Owen T. Kinney Owen T. Kinney Attorney for Janice Paulette Williams State Bar No.: 11487300

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ii. iii. iv.

vii. viii.

Proposed Apportionment of Cost between the City and the District.

Approval and creation of the District will not obligate the City to provide any funds to finance the proposed public improvements. All of the costs of the proposed public improvements will be paid by the assessments of the property within the District and from other sources of funds available to the Petitioner.

Acquisition, construction, and improvement of streets, other roadways, and right-of-way; Acquisition, construction, and improvement of water, wastewater, and drainage facilities; Landscaping; Establishment of parks and open space; Acquisition, construction, and improvement of off-street parking facilities; Other projects similar to those listed in (i) – (v) above; Other improvement projects not listed in (i) – (vi) above but authorized by the PID Act; and Payment of costs associated with developing and financing the public improvements listed in (i) – (vii) above, including costs of establishing, administering, and operating the District.

Estimated Cost of the Proposed Improvements to be Funded by the District. $100,000,000.

Mac Mini

PUBLIC NOTICES, 4D

TABC NOTICE

General Nature of the Proposed Improvements.

The general nature of the proposed public improvements (the “Authorized Improvements”) is:

vi.

2.5 Ghz Intel Core i5 4 GB Memory OS 10.8.5 $350

Hays CISD is Requesting Competitive Sealed Proposals for Proposal RFP#250517WC for Workers’ Compensation coverage.

Proposals will be accepted until 5-19-17 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Specifications are available in the HCISD Office of Employee Services (512-268-8975 ext. 46013) between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Proposal responses must be returned to the HCISD Office of Employee Services, 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640, by the date and time indicated above. Late proposals will be returned unopened.

The HCISD Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and/ or all bids and waive all formalities in the bid process.

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit and a Food and Beverage Certificate by Big Rob’s Burgers LLC, dba Big Rob’s Burgers, to be located at 130 Kirkham Circle, Suite A, Kyle, Hays County, Texas 78640. Officers of said corporation are Robert Garza, Sr., member; and Robert Garza, Jr., manager.

Time and Place of the Hearing.

The public hearing will start at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at the Kyle City Council, 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640.

v.

Mac Mini

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Pursuant to Local Government Code Section 372.009(c) and (d) (the “PID Act”), the Kyle City Council provides this notice that it will hold a public hearing to accept public comments and discuss the petition (the “Petition”) filed by Blanco River Ranch Properties, L.P., a Texas limited partnership, (the “Petitioner”) requesting that the City of Kyle (“the “City”) create a public improvement district called the Blanco River Ranch Public Improvement District (the “District” or “PID”) to include property owned by the Petitioner.

i.

2.5 Ghz Intel Core i5 4GB Memory OS 10.8.5 $350

P.O. Box 92258 Austin, TX 78709 Telephone: (512) 3200095 Facsimile: (512) 3200157 E-mail: lifeplan@ kinneygroup.org

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING Metes and Bounds description (Exhibit A) is available for review in the City Secretary’s office at W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640 THE CREATION100OF BLANCO RIVER RANCH PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

APPLY NOW!

Competitive benefits and pay. Paid leave and holidays.

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

Public Notices

Mac Mini

2.3 Ghz Intel Core i5 2 GB Memory OS 10.7.5 $250

Call Cyndy at 512-753-2700 or email CSB@haysfreepress.com

Proposed District Boundaries.

The proposed boundaries of the District include approximately 859 acres located generally south of RM 150 on the north end of the Land, west of N. Old Stagecoach Road, and north of the Cypress Road, and more specifically described on Exhibit “A”.

Proposed Method of Assessment.

An assessment methodology will be prepared that will address: (1) how the costs of the public improvements financed with the assessments are assessed against the property in the District, (2) the assessments to be collected each year, and (3) reduction of the assessments for costs savings

(pursuant to the annual review of the service plan for the District).

Additionally, a report will be prepared showing the special benefits accruing to property in the District and how the costs of the public improvements are assessed to property on the basis of the special benefits. The result will be that equal shares of the costs will be imposed on property similarly benefited. The assessment methodology will result in each parcel paying its fair share of the costs of the public improvements provided with the assessments based on the special benefits received by the property from the public improvements and property equally situated paying equal shares of the costs of the public improvements.

Proposed Apportionment of Cost between the City and the District.

Approval and creation of the District will not obligate the City to provide any funds to finance the proposed public improvements. All of the costs of the proposed public improvements will be paid by the assessments of the property within the District and from other sources of funds available to the Petitioner.

Metes and Bounds description (Exhibit A) is available for review in the City Secretary’s office at 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640

Hays Free Press

Hays Free Press • May 17, 2017

Page 3D

Service Directory Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning

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AMM Collision Center

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Austin

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O Painting O Tile O Siding O Decks O Patio Covers O Trim O Door & Window Replacement O Drywall Repair O Custom Cabinets O Electrical & Plumbing

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“No Job Too Small or Too Big”

JOIN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY! Only $25 a week to run in the Hays Free Press and Hays County Echo.

Call Tracy at (512) 268-7862 or email tracy@haysfreepress.com to join today.

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Locksmith

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• Residential Repair Specialist • Remodeling & Water Heaters • Sewer Cleaning & Replacements • Slab & Gas Leak Repair

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• BBB Member • 20 yrs. Experience • Family Owned • Family Operated

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Fully insured.

DE WOLFE GROUP

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P B

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Computer Help

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Serving Austin and surrounding area since 1995

Professional Bookkeeping & Tax Service • Accounting and Bookkeeping Services • Payroll Services 100 Precision Dr. #301 • QuickBooks Consulting Buda, Texas 78610 • Federal Tax Return Preparation 512-717-3115

Professional Office Home and RV Service in north Hays Co. Consulting Setup Training Backups Upgrades

Computer Systems Software Development Networking Technical Systems Maintenance

Component Selection Digital Photos System & Process Docs Website Maintenance CD/DVD Duplication

Want help selecting the best value?

Office systems not maintained?

Did your kids or employees leave your computer useless?

mike@haystech.com

Home Repair

Glass Service

• 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

Berry Glass Company

Lawn & Landscaping

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Commercial & Residential • Contract Glazing • Storefronts • Insulated Glass

512 312 2767

5360 Industrial Way Dr., Buda, TX berryg4129@aol.com

LAWN SERVICE Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010

Takin g ca of A re LL NEED LAWN S so you can play .

Mowing • trimming • edging debris removal • flower bed maintenance Call Jesse Reyna at 512-788-2180 or email apa6207@sbcglobal.net

The only call you need to make TICL #629

Attorneys and Counselors At Law

130 Hall Professional Center, Kyle, TX 78640

512-268-6425

Serving S. Austin, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle and Buda since 1994.

Over 10 years of experience Keith Miller, owner One Time & Weekly Cleanings Drain & Cleans Pressure Washing Full Service Repairs HIGH TIDE Pool Replastering POOL SERVICE

Pool and Spa Service 512-326-4695

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ofing Comp d Best Ro any Vote ays County in 20 16 in H

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Email: Chris@nemecheatingandair.com O. 512-312-9081 • C. 512-789-5132 Buda, Texas 78610 • TACLA 34861C

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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

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

Lees Trees 30+ years in the Hill Country

Firewood • Pruning • Removal • Chipping Planting • Cedar Posts • Bulk Mulch Free Assessments & Estimates • Insured

Marcus Lees Affordable Oak Wilt Treatment (512) 858-4018

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Hays Free Press • May 17, 2017

Page 4D

in the following categories

Highest Monthly Average Starting Salaries (Adjusted for Cost of Living) 1. Durham, NC 2. Tacoma, WA 3. Houston, TX 4. Austin, TX 5. Dallas, TX

Lowest Monthly Average Starting Salaries (Adjusted for Cost of Living) T-148. Anaheim, CA T-148. Santa Ana, CA T-148. Irvine, CA 149. New York, NY 150. Honolulu, HI

Most Entry-Level Jobs (per 100,000 Working-Age Population) T-1.Orlando, FL T-1.Salt Lake City, UT 3. Cincinnati, OH 4. Atlanta, GA 5. Tampa, FL

Fewest Entry-Level Jobs (per 100,000 Working-Age Population) 146. Moreno Valley, CA 147. Hialeah, FL 148. Santa Clara, CA 149. North Las Vegas, NV 150. New York, NY

Fastest Job Growth (Adjusted for Population Growth) 1. Riverside, CA 2. Grand Rapids, MI 3. Tallahassee, FL 4. Moreno Valley, CA 5. Miami, FL

Slowest Job Growth (Adjusted for Population Growth) 146. Augusta, GA 147. Lubbock, TX 148. Shreveport, LA 149. Port St. Lucia, FL 150. Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Most Affordable Housing 1. Plano, TX 2. Fort Wayne, IN 3. Des Moines, IA 4. Overland Park, KS 5. Buffalo, NY

Least Affordable Housing 146. Honolulu, HI 147. Los Angeles, CA 148. New York, NY 149. Glendale, CA 150. San Francisco, CA

Highest Percentage of Population Aged 25 to 34 1. Boston, MA 2. Washington, DC T-3.San Francisco, CA T-3.Jersey City, NJ 5. Seattle, WA

Lowest Percentage of Population Aged 25 to 34 146. Henderson, NV 147. Peoria, AZ 148. Hialeah, FL 149. Port St. Lucia, FL 150. Cape Coral, FL

FROM STORY ON PAGE 1D

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1

CITATION BY PUBLICATION

TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF BRIAN M ORTIZ, DECEASED AND TO ALL UNKNOWN OWNERS, HEIRS, OR CLAIMANTS IN THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN, Defendants(s) GREETINGS: YOU HAVE BEEN SUED. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of forty two days after you were served this citation, the same being 19TH DAY OF JUNE, 2017 a default judgment may be taken against you.

YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to appear and answer before the 22nd District Court, Hays County, Texas, at San Marcos then and there to answer the PLAINTIFF'S ORIGINAL PETITION SEEKING A JUDICIAL JUDGMENT FOR FORECLOSURE filed in said Court on 3RD DAY OF JANUARY, 2017, and said suit being numbered 170004 on the docket of said Court, wherein PINGORA LOAN SERVICING, LLC is the Plaintiff and BRAEDEN ORTIZ C/O NEXT OF FRIEND, PRISCILLA TENORIO, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF BRIAN M ORTIZ, AND 170 CHICKADEE COVE, KYLE, TX 78640, IN REM is the Defendant.

The nature of said suit

TexSCAN Week of May 14, 2017

is as follows: PLAINTIFF REQUESTS THAT UPON FINAL HEARING THE COURT THAT MORTGAGEE HAS A RIGHT TO PROCEED WITH FORECLOSURE OF ITS INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY LOT 66, BLOCK E, MEADOWS AT KYLE, PHASE ONE, A SUBDIVISION IN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 17, PAGES 99-101,0F THE PLAT RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS THAT FINAL JUDGMENT INCLUDE AN ORDER PERMITTING FORECLOSURE UNDER THE DEED AND TEXAS PROPERTY CODE 51.002 AND FOR SUCH OTHER AND FURTHER RELIEF TO WHICH MORTGAGEE MAY SHOW ITSELF TO BE JUSTLY ENTITLED, EITHER AT LAW OR IN EQUITY. All as more fully appears of record on file in this office, and which reference is here made for all intents and purposes.

ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL of said Court at office, on this the 2nd day of May, 2017.

REQUESTED BY: Jonathan Williams Marinosci Law Group PC 14643 Dallas Pkwy Suite 750 Dallas TX 75254 972-331-2304 Beverly Crumley Hays County District Clerk 712 Stagecoach Trail, Ste. 2211 San Marcos, Texas 78666

By Charlotte Ladd, Deputy

NOTICE TO SUBDIVIDE

Notice is hereby given that an application has been filed with Hays County Services Department to subdivide 3.65 acres located at Williamson Drive in, Niederwald, Texas, 78640, to be known as Ranchitos of Niederwald. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150.

Tracking Number: SUB789”

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Hays CISD is Requesting Competitive Sealed Proposals for CSP#18051701VL Air Purification System for LHS and HHS. Proposals will be accepted until 5-26-17 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Specifications are available in the HCISD Purchasing Office (512268-2141 ext. 46035) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.,

Monday through Thursday.

Proposal responses must be returned to the HCISD Purchasing Office, 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640, by the date and time indicated above. Late proposals will be returned unopened. The HCISD Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and waive all formalities in the bid process.

NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF GLORIA V. GONZALES

On May 10, 2017, Letters of Independent Administration for the Estate were issued to Corina Marie Gonzales by the County Court at Law No. One of Hays County, Texas, in Cause Number 17-0050-P pending upon the Probate Docket of said Court.

All persons having claims against the Estate, which is currently being administered, should present those claims within the time prescribed by law to: Jessica M. Warren Attorney for Corina Marie Gonzales, Independent Administrator of the Estate of Gloria V. Gonzales The Law Offices of Warren & Lewis 1100 West Avenue Austin, Texas 78701

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of JOHN WILLIAM MUMFORD, deceased, were issued on May 2, 2017 under Docket number 17-0061-P, pending in the County Court of Hays County, Texas to MARILYN ANN SCHIEBERLE MUMFORD. Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the Estate addressed as follows: Marilyn Ann Schieberle Mumford Independent Executor Estate of John William Mumford C/O Andrew Gary 108 E. San Antonio St. San Marcos, Texas 78666 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

Dated this 10th. day of May, 2017 Andrew Gary, Bar #7721000 P.O. Box 727 San Marcos, Texas 78667 512-396-2541 andrewgary@grandecom. net Attorney for Marilyn Ann Schieberle Mumford

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EMPLOYMENT

West Texas, Trans Pecos area, near Lake Amistad, 40-65 acres. Mesquite, cedar, brush cover. Whitetail, javelina, blue quail, turkey, dove. 30 year owner financing, 5% down. 1-866-286-0199,www.ranchenterprisesltd.com.

Earn $500 A Day: Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance wants insurance agents. Leads, no cold calling. Commission paid daily. Agency training. Life License required. Call 1-888-713-6020.

Hunting, Fishing retirement property 139.8 acres 2 bedroom, office/den 2 bath 1881 sq. ft. Fenced yard, pastures fenced and cross fenced. 45 acres of planted mature pines. 3 ponds, 2 with fish. 2 barns, RV storage, well water. Call now for more information 1-903-692-3385.

Levelland High 50’s Grads. Fun - Casual - Visiting. Levelland, Texas. July 7th & July 8th. www. goldenfiftiesplus.com.

AVIATION INSTITUTE

Airline Mechanic Training - Get FAA certification.

Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 1-800-475-4102.

DRIVER - CDL A TRAINING $500- $1000 Incentive Bonus. No Out Of Pocket Tuition Cost!. Get your CDL in 22 days. 6 day refresher courses available.

Minimum 21 years. 1-855-755-5545.EOE. www.

Financial Advisor

New, Used, and Refinance

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Lloyd Max Goldwire, Deceased, were issued on February 22, 2017, in Cause No. 17-0031-P, pending in the County Court at Law of HAYS County, Texas, to: Teresa Lynn Duffin.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Owen T. Kinney Attorney at Law P.O. Box 92258 Austin, TX 78709 DATED the 15th day of March, 2017. /s/ Owen T. Kinney Owen T. Kinney Attorney for Teresa Lynn Duffin State Bar No.: 11487300 P.O. Box 92258 Austin, TX 78709 Telephone: (512) 3200095 Facsimile: (512) 3200157 E-mail: lifeplan@ kinneygroup.org

DRIVERS/CDL TRAINING

Joshua B. Lowy

Auto Loans

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

EVENTS/FESTIVALS

FARM EQUIPMENT

Our sportsmen will pay top dollar to hunt your land. Call for a Free Base Camp Leasing info packet & Quote. 1-866-309-1507. www.BaseCampLeasing.com.

LEGAL INSIGHT If you had a Stryker Rejuvenate or Stryker ABG II hip implant removed and replaced before Dec. 19, 2016, you should contact us today. Call us today for professional insight. 1-800-460-0606 or www. defectivedrugslaw.com.

REAL ESTATE

Receiving payments from real estate you sold?

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What’s going on in Hays County?

See all your local news online 24/7 at www.HaysFreePress.com City Council | High School Sports Community Events | Photos Business Developments | Classifieds And more!

Subscribe for only $32 a year.

Call 512-268-7862 for more information.

MAY 17, 2017 FARM FRESH

STUDENTS VS STAFF

Local organic farms partner with worldwide work program.

Lobo basketball takes on Lehman staff on the court.

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– Page 1B

Hays Free Press

© Barton PuBlications, inc.

Vol. 121 • No. 8 8

HaysFreePress.com

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

20-year sentence in DWI murder trial

BY BRAD ROLLINS San Marcos Mercury Twenty years in prison and a $10,000 fine were handed down this week in the sentencing phase of a DWI murder trial.

The sentence came down from a Hays County jury that deliberated for more than 11 houses and found Jason Tarr guilty of first-degree murder and

Where are they now?

Update on local bills in the Texas Lege

second-degree intoxication manslaughter.

During closing arguments, Tarr’s defense attorneys asked jurors to sentence him to the minimum of five years in prison, while prosecutors said at least 50 years is an appropriate punishment for causing the head-on collision that killed 60-yearold Nancy Sterling Dalton near Buda.

Hays County District

Attorney Wes Mau told jurors to send a public statement that “here’s what you should expect if you commit this crime in Hays County because this is what Hays County juries do.”

Mau and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Stalbaum repeatedly reminded the jury of Tarr’s two previous convictions for driving while intoxicated, but suggested jurors

hand down a stiff penalty even if they do not believe Tarr will again endanger lives on the road.

During the guilt-or-innocence phase of the trial, jurors were told about the convictions.

The “price needs to be higher than anyone would be willing to pay. The cost is too high and the price also needs to be too high,” Mau said.

Defense attorneys Billy

McNabb and Scot Courtney asked jurors to recall testimony from a succession of friends and colleagues who said Tarr was a conscientious mentor and generous philanthropist while building a real estate empire that included a major Keller Williams franchise in Buda and Kyle.

They said a lighter sentence will allow Tarr to continue raising his nine-year-old son upon his

Serif or sans?

PASSED THE HOUSE

See a full list online at www.HaysFreePress.com

TARR, 2A

HCISD names acting head Circumstances surrounding Hays CISD Superintendent Michael McKie’s departure remain unclear, even after district leaders ac- SCHERFF cepted his resignation and named an acting superintendent during a special called meeting Friday.

At Friday’s meeting, the Hays CISD Board of Trustees voted 7-0 to approve McKie’s resignation and release agreement and named Carter Scherff, chief operations officer, as acting superin-

MCKIE, 2A

MOVING BILLS

HB 2354 – Relating to the use and allocation of municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue in certain municipalities – On Local and Consent Calendar

release from prison.

“What does it mean to that fellow?” Courtney asked as he held up a photo of Tarr’s son to the jury box.

Moreover, McNabb suggested that Tarr may devote the remainder of his life to warning others of the dangers of drinking and driving.

“There’s not a case more

BY LESLY DE LEON

HB 1510 – Relating to the transfer of certain functions related to emergency services districts from the Department of Agriculture to the Texas Division of Emergency Management – Sent to the Senate HB 1512 – Relating to the maximum loan amount made to persons under the owner-builder loan program – Awaiting vote in Senate committee (Sen. Watson carrying) HB 2283 – Relating to the prosecution of the offense of sexual assault – Referred to Senate committee HB 3679 – Relating to signs informing motorists of facilities providing alternative fuels and electric vehicle charging stations – Sent to the Senate HCR 70 – Designating Dripping Springs as the official Wedding Capital of Texas for a 10-year period beginning in 2017 – Referred to Senate committee

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Those driving along Center Street this week may have seen a slightly different look about Kyle’s iconic downtown water tower. The structure, which has been in place for many years, got a fresh coat of paint added over the last few weeks. Recently, new lettering for the script “Kyle” on the side of the water tower was added as a result of an online survey conducted on the city of Kyle Facebook page.

COMING UP PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Movies at Lake Kyle

Kick off Kyle’s 2017 Movies in the Park series with “Star Wars - Rogue One” (PG13) 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.

HOME VALUES Residents to protest rising home appraisals.

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INDEX

Best City vs. Worst City

Public Notices, continued from pg. 2D

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

Kyle Kids Fest

Kyle Kids Fest is a hands-on, creative festival where children can play as parents learn more about community organizations. This celebration of the imagination takes place at Bob Shelton Stadium 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 20.

Activities include fun with costume characters, baby play groups, inflatable rides, educational demonstrations and more. Learn more at www.kylekidsfest. com.

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

Streets, sewers top Kyle budget

BY LESLY DE LEON Street maintenance, as well as sewer and stormwater drainage improvements, topped the list of priorities from Kyle residents as part of a survey disclosed during the first of seven budget workshops Saturday.

The meeting, held at Kyle City Hall, gave Kyle city officials a chance to discuss budget priorities for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, which could include the addition of 23.5 new

KYLE BUDGET, 4A