JUNE 1, 2016 SURVIVOR
A CUT ABOVE
Life continues for Buda man who survived near-fatal wreck
Lehman alumnus cuts hair for the stars
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Hays Free Press ©Barton Publications, Inc.
Vol. 120 • No. 10
HaysFreePress.com
Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX • 75¢
Body found in stock tank near Kyle BY MOSES LEOS III
news@haysfreepress.com
The Hays County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the discovery of a badly decomposed body that was found floating in a stock tank near Kyle Thursday evening. On Tuesday, the body was identified as Omar
Alejandro Hernandez-Castro, 33, of Kyle, according to a Hays County press release and Hays County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Judge Beth Smith. Castro was identified via dental records. His spouse was notified of his death on Sunday. Smith said Castro had been missing for six weeks.
According to a Hays County press release, the body was found at approximately HERNANDEZ8 p.m. CASTRO Thursday after Hays County deputies responded to
the 1500 block of Cotton Gin Road for a possible deceased person call. According to the release, residents in the area reported to authorities a strong odor coming from a stock tank, where they believed they saw a person floating in the water. When deputies arrived, they found the badly decomposed remains
of a man in the stock tank. The cause of death remains unknown at this time. Hays County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Jeri Skrocki said the investigation, as with all death investigation cases, is being “treated as a homicide until it is proven otherwise.” “We will have to have the final autopsy completed to get detailed
answers,” Skrocki said in an emailed response. Anyone with information regarding the identity of the person or the circumstances of his death should contact detective Lenny Martinez or the Criminal Investigations Division at 512- 393-7814 or 512393-7896.
BODY FOUND, 2A
Friends, family mourn death of Lehman student
Washed away
STAFF REPORT
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
The Lehman High community is mourning the loss of a student who died early Sunday morning. Lehman High principal Michelle Chae informed parents in a letter of the passing of Kaleb Rivera, a junior at the school. Hays County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Judge Beth Smith pronounced Rivera dead at his home in the Champions Crossing apartments in San Marcos at 1:15 a.m. Sunday.
A Texas Department of Transportation official glances at damage inflicted on a portion of a bridge along Highway 21 near FM 2001 in Niederwald that was affected by floodwaters on May 26. Due to heavy rains and flooding on Thursday, the bridge was compromised and was subsequently closed, according to Hays County. TxDOT spokesperson Kelli Reyna said Friday a timeline for repair and cost of the bridge hasn’t been determined at this time. Traffic can detour via State Highway 80, SH 142 and the SH 130/U.S. 183 frontage roads, according to Hays County.
Information on how Rivera died is pending an investigation, Smith said. The San Marcos Police Department is investigating the death. Smith has ordered an autopsy to be conducted. In her letter, Chae said the Lehman High counseling team was on hand Tuesday to support students. The school will also call additional support teams from Hays CISD as needed. “Students will be
LEHMAN DEATH, 4A
Hays Co. appoints County works with property owners new Fire Marshal on FM 150 realignment location news@haysfreepress.com
The Hays County Commissioners Court May 17 approved an item that allows authorities to coordinate with property owners affect-
ed by the FM 150 West realignment study. Commissioners approved the FM 150 West Alignment Study Schematic Approach Scope by a unanimous vote. The idea for the approach scope came after the county in 2015
identified its preferred alternative for the FM 150 West Realignment project. County officials selected Corridor C for the project, which would focus the realignment from Arroyo Ranch Road heading east to IH-35 at Yarrington Road.
Hays County and TxDOT have partnered with the Federal Highway Administration to consider the realignment of a five-mile stretch of existing FM 150 to enhance safety
FM 150 REALIGNMENT, 4A
Gear up for early voting EARLY VOTING LOCATION AND TIMES Kyle City Hall (100 W. Center Street) June 2, June 3 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. June 6 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. June 7 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
ELECTION DAY (JUNE 11) POLLING PLACES
All locations are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. District 2: Kyle City Hall (100 W. Center Street) District 4: Wallace Middle School (1500 W. Center Street) District 6: Chapa Middle School (3311 Dacy Lane)
Kyle voters will hit the polls once again as they will settle the tie between District 1 incumbent Diane Hervol and candidate Travis Mitchell. The two finished in a 510-510 tie after the May 7 election. Early voting is currently underway with election day taking place June 11.
FOOD TRUCKS Changes to food truck ordinances in Kyle? – Page 1D
INDEX
BY SAMANTHA SMITH
News……………… 1-4A Opinions……………… 3A Sports……………… 1-2B Education………… 3-4B Community……… 1-4C
SUBMITTED REPORT
as a firefighter, peace officer, paramedic and The Hays County city fire marshal. He has Commissioners Court multiple certifications appointed a new Fire and has taught classes at Marshal during its May 24 many state and federal meeting, which agencies. also saw the “It’s a coup county restrucfor Hays County ture its emergento have somecy management one with Clint’s office. knowledge and The Commisexperience alsioners Court ready on board,” named Clint Smith said. “I Browning, who echo the words has served as of the court that BROWNING Assistant Fire we are very glad Marshal in Hays someone of his County for four years, Fire caliber is available for us.” Marshal on May 24. The Fire Marshal, a Browning succeeds certified peace officer, Mark Chambers, who is responsible for inretired from the position vestigating all fires and this year. explosions in the uninBrowning will report to corporated areas of Hays Kharley Smith, Director County and determining of the newly organized if arson is a suspected Office of Emergency Serfactor. If arson is suspectvices, which includes the ed, the fire marshal works Fire Marshal’s Office and with other law enforcethe Office of Emergency ment agencies to find and Management. arrest any perpetrators. In The reorganization fires caused by accident, is expected to help the the fire marshal takes county better coordinate action to inform property related planning and owners and manufacturresponse resources. ers to help prevent similar Prior to joining Hays accidents in the future. County, Browning served NEW FIRE MARSHAL, 4A with the city of Lockhart
Best Bets…………… 4C Business…………… 1D Service Directory……2-3D Classifieds………… 2-4D Public Notices……… 2-4D