May 31, 2017 Hays Free Press

Page 1

MAY 31, 2017 MONARCH WATER

LOBO NO MORE

Chapa students win annual writing contest.

Lady Lobo soccer coach steps down.

– Page 1C

– Page 1B

Hays Free Press

© Barton Publications, Inc.

Vol. 121 • No. 10

HaysFreePress.com

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

PEC CEO resigns, members dismayed BY MOSES LEOS III

The Pedernales Electric Cooperative will soon be searching for a new leader after the board of directors accepted the resignation of CEO John Hewa last week. The move, on a 5-0 vote with directors Amy Akers and Kathryn Skanlon absent, comes roughly a week after Hewa levied allegations of intimidation that he said was directed

at PEC employees and executives who publicly opposed racially insensitive comments made by a board director. In a joint statement with the PEC board of directors, Hewa, who began serving as CEO in July 2013, chose to move back to his home state of Virginia with his family and “pursue new career opportunities.” Hewa said in the statement he was proud of PEC’s accomplishments over the four

“You have opted for James Oakley over John Hewa. That’s a very poor bargain in this member’s estimation.” –John Watson, co-op member

years he served as CEO. Tracy Golden, PEC’s current chief financial officer, will take over CEO duties until an interim

CEO is selected. “PEC is a remarkable organization with exceptionally talented employees. I wish the best for

PEC in meeting its current challenges and the fast growth ahead for the Texas Hill Country,” Hewa said. “I have previously shared my concerns and hopes for PEC with the board of directors, and I’m confident that Board President Emily Pataki and the board will address each matter appropriately.” “We wish John Hewa and his family the very best in his bright future and thank him for his service to the cooperative,”

Never forget

Pataki said. However, the statement did not address what “concerns and hopes” Hewa shared with the board or how he hoped the board would address them. Additionally, the statement also did not address any of the allegation claims made by Hewa during a May 16 board meeting. Hewa alleged PEC executives and employees

PEC CEO RESIGNS, 4A

Two new courts for Hays County BY LESLY DE LEON

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

An unidentified motorcyclist with an American flag on the back of his vehicle salutes as he rides past Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony held at the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) post 12058 in downtown Kyle. More photos from Memorial Day ceremonies can be found on 1C and online at HaysFreePress.com.

Kyle plans $1.2M for road fixes in 2018 With Kyle experiencing a population boom, many roadways are reflecting the wear and tear associated with the rapid growth. Some citizens, however, are starting to question the city’s mainte-

nance plan for roads not included in the 2013 bond projects. Kyle public information officer Kim Hilsenbeck said in an emailed interview that an estimated $1.2 million has been budgeted in the city’s 2017-2018 capital improvements projects

(CIP) fund, which could go toward repairing additional Kyle roadways. “We have $1.2 million in the 2017-2018 CIP, though funding has not yet been allocated for this project. If the project is funded, work could take place in 2018,” Hilsenbeck said.

Hilsenbeck said Kyle engineering and public works departments have done “micro-surfacing” for several years on various roadways, including Kyle Parkway and Downing Way, which were microsufraced last year. “Micro-surfacing is

COMING UP Commemorative Air Force Fly-in

a preventative maintenance process that provides a thin layer/ sealant of sorts upon the existing roadway surface, which helps sustain and prolong the life expectancy of a roadway,” Hilsenbeck said.

KYLE ROAD FIXES, 4A

Movies at Lake Kyle

On June 9, join the City of Kyle Parks and Recreation Department for a viewing of 2016’s “Sing!”, featuring Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane and more. Bring your blankets, folding chairs and movie snacks to enjoy a relaxing evening by the water. The movie will begin after sunset at the amphitheater at Lake Kyle.

Buda Fun Fish

On June 3, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. head out to the Commemorative Air Force Exhibit, 1841 Airport Drive in San Marcos for this annual event. The fly-over will occur at 1 p.m. See more details, page 4C

Are you ready for Buda Fun Fish 2017? Bring the kids out to Bradfield Village Park on Saturday, June 10 for a little fishing from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fishing equipment and bait will be provided. Did we mention it’s free admission? There will also be free snacks and beverages along with prizes and raffle tickets. Kids 16 and under do not require a fishing license. For more information, contact Buda Parks and Recreation at 512-295-7170. For volunteer opportunities email vincentlecca@yahoo.com.

BAWK BAWK

Backyard chickens bill dies in state lege. – Page 1D

INDEX

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

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

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

The Texas Legislature this month approved the creation of two new courts for Hays County to deal with the backlog of cases experienced due to growth. However, the new district court and county court-at-law can’t be established until 2018, said Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley. Conley said county officials will work with the court system, including district court and county court-at-law judges and District Attorney Wes Mau, to begin the process of establishing the new courts. “We will work with our justice system, probably starting in this budget year, to develop a strategy on how to bring those courts sometime during the 2018 process,” Conley said. The new courts were first introduced as House Bill (HB 2737), which was authored by State Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs). The bill called for the creation of the 453rd judicial district to be located in Hays County. While the bill was introduced and read for the first time on March 28, it was referred to the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee, where it remained motionless. With time winding down in the regular session, language within HB 2737 was later added to the omnibus for Senate Bill 1329, authored by State Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Austin), which dealt with various legal matters. SB 1329 passed the House with a 144-0 vote with two not present, and passed the Senate as well. The new courts will be located in the Hays County Government

TWO NEW COURTS, 4A


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
May 31, 2017 Hays Free Press by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch - Issuu