JULY 24, 2019 MEMORIAL
BURGLED
Veterans memorial is in the works for Kyle.
Area youth league picks up pieces after burglary.
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Hays Free Press © Barton Publications, Inc.
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Vol. 124 • No. 17
HaysFreePress.com
Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX
County OKs $600K donation to women’s center
New Kyle PD building could come with tax hike
BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
BY KATIE BURRELL
A $600,000 donation approved by Hays County Commissioners July 16 provides funding for the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC) over the next two fiscal years. The donation, approved by a 4-0 County Commissioner vote, will increase the HCWC’s operations budget to more than $3 million. County Judge Ruben Becerra was not present
Kyle’s police department could return to the November ballot as much needed upgrades are coming with a heavy price tag – and a possible tax increase. Kyle City Council is in a tight spot budgeting for a new or newly upgraded police headquarters as survey results came in Tuesday night from architectural firm Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects.
County contracts medical services for juvenile center BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Two licensed vocational nurse (LVN) positions at the Hays County Juvenile Detention Center were unable to be filled, leaving county leaders to eliminate them entirely and contract services to a private company. With the help of Wellpath, LLC, the county will work with the company to provide an LVN, registered nurse (RN) and physician to administer healthcare services to the population at the facility. The action to enter an agreement with Wellpath and eliminate the two LVN positions was unanimously approved by the Hays County Commissioners Court on July 2.
MEDICAL SERVICES, 8
GrubTubs collects food waste from restaurants in the Austin area and turns it into compost. The compost is expected to be fed to worms, which are then sold as feed to area farms.
Hubbub over GrubTubs Buda files court case after odor law violations BY MOSES LEOS III
Residents alleged children who were playing outside in the area had to change clothes as the odor clung to their clothes. Hyde said some pending home contracts were revoked due to the smell issue.
to change clothes before coming inside because Alleged violations of the odor clung to their Buda’s recently enacted clothes. Hyde said some smell ordinance by an pending home contracts area composting comwere revoked because of pany is pushing officials the smell issue. Approxto consider taking the imately 50 complaints case to court. have been made to Buda However, owners of regarding GrubTubs over George Hyde sent an GrubTubs, the business the city, that “intended to the past several months. at the center of the issue, odor ordinance violashow and manage their Hyde said he was tion notice to GrubTubs operations so it didn’t feel the city took action “taken aback” at the on May 23, with Code before fully vetting a harm” neighboring prop- “naïveté” of the owners Enforcement sending a erties. That document submitted remediation of GrubTubs and their plan, even as county and violation May 24. was submitted and is methods of attempting Hyde said the city met being reviewed by Hyde. to resolve the issue. Hyde state officials said they’ve with GrubTubs officials passed their smell test. But after the meeting, said they “seemed to during a June 12 comAccording to Buda the city received addinot have a great deal of pliance meeting and officials, the city’s code tional complaints from knowledge of how odor compliance officer filed a informed them about the nearby residents, with passes through the air.” new rules and how they case in Municipal Court Hyde saying the smell The violations were against GrubTubs, locat- could be in violation. got worse, leading to issued after the Buda ed on Old Black Colony Hyde said GrubTubs the violations issuance. City Council approved officials submitted a con- Residents alleged chilRoad in Buda’s Extraan odor nuisance tinuous quality improve- dren who were playing territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). Buda City Attorney ment report, required by outside in the area had ODOR ORDINANCE, 8
BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
nouncement. Former Democratic "I'm State Senator and Gurunning bernatorial candidate for our Wendy Davis anchildren nounced she is running and for congress. grandDavis, who gained children notoriety during her so they DAVIS 2014 run against can live Governor Greg Abbott, and love and fight for announced her canchange themselves." didacy for the DemoThe former state cratic nomination for Senator also made naDistrict-21 on Monday tional headlines during morning. She will face her 2013 filibuster on freshman U.S. Rep. an anti-abortion bill. Chip Roy, who repThe 21st House resents a large portion District was 2.5% away of Hays County. from turning blue in "I'm running for the 2018 midterm elecCongress because tion. Democratic Army people's voices are still veteran, author and being silenced," Davis business owner Joseph said in a video anKopser received 47.6%
MIGRANT STORY
Local woman joins other volunteers in McAllen to give supplies and support to migrants.
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of the vote compared to Roy's 50.2%. In Hays and Travis counties, the pendulum did swing blue in Kopser's favor. But for Davis to succeed against Roy, she will have to win more than just Hays and Travis to secure her spot in Congress. District 21 spans from Northern San Antonio to South Austin, and extends west to Fredericksburg and Kerrville. In 2018, Roy overwhelmingly secured Gillespie, Blanco Kerr, Kendall, Comal and Bandera counties, all located in the western portion of the district away from the two major cities.
KYLE POLICE DEPARTMENT, 8
Buda urges patience as Main Street fixes begin BY MOSES LEOS III
Kopser lost northern Bexar County and San Antonio by less than 2,000 votes, which could prove to be a pivotal area in the 2020 election. In Hays County, Democrats won by 8% where the margin of victory in Austin was above 50%. Davis will look to capitalize on the bigger cities in the district while remembering not to neglect the western portions which secured the election for Roy in 2018. Davis served on the Fort Worth city council before tackling the State Senate. She
In roughly a year, anticipated work should be complete on improvements to Main Street between Cabela’s Drive and Railroad Street, according to Buda officials. In the interim, officials urge patience from residents as construction, which officially began Monday, will cause headaches in the short term, but improve traffic flow once complete in late June 2020. “Once it’s completed, the people, if they have the patience, will see this is going to be a boon because it’s going to improve traffic flow going east and west,” Mayor George Haehn said. “There’s going to be some bottlenecking going on, but I don’t think it’s going to be as bad as it’s been.” Kenny Crawford, Buda Project Manager, said the Main Street improvement project has been ongoing for roughly 1,700 days, or close to five years. Much of the work was done “behind the scenes” to get to the point of construction, which includes the permitting, traffic study and environmental process. Buda’s Main Street improvements, part of Proposition 3 of the $55 million 2014 Buda bond, calls for widening the road west of Santa Cruz Catholic Church, located near Bradfield Drive, to five lanes. The city will install a traffic signal at Main Street and East Loop street, as well as improve sidewalks on the north and south side of the
DIST. 21 CHALLENGER, 2
BUDA MAIN STREET, 2
Former state senator puts hat in ring for Dist. 21 Democratic nomination
INDEX
WOMEN’S CENTER, 2
PHOTO BY PETER BLACK
News……………… 2, 12 Opinion………………… 3 Sports…………………… 4 Community………… 5-8
Business……………… 9 Service Directory…… 11 Public Notices…… 10, 12 Classifieds…………… 10
NEWS
Page 2
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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.
Buda Main Street Continued from pg. 1
nearly .714-mile project. The general cost of the project is approximately $4.189 million. Crawford said work will be done in three phases with the project slated to be complete by June 21, 2020. Each phase consists of working on different sides of the road. “When we do pavement stuff, you don’t want to flip-flop back and forth and do it piecemeal,” Crafword said. “You do the entire length (of the south side) and then do the north side, then marry it up in the middle, to make sure it’s done correctly.” During this time, traffic will be condensed to one lane, but there will be bidirectional flow going east and west simultaneously, Crawford said. Traffic control signals, signage and flagmen will be stationed to help during the construction period. Officials obtained input from businesses and residents in the affected area and are also taking measures to protect heritage trees near city hall. Liz Shelton, who lives in the Bradfield subdivision along Main Street, said she was excited about the project starting up. Shelton, who voted in favor of the 2014 bond, knew results would be long-term, but would affect the city in a positive way. The addition of the signal at Main Street and East Loop Street is beneficial as it’s going to make things safer and slow traffic down in the area, Shelton said. High traffic volume has made it challenging for Main Street residents trying to exit their neighborhoods. “Those of us who live on Main Street and work and play, it’s going to be better for everyone. We need to focus on the end result,” Shelton said. Buda resident Sam Ardekani said many neighborhoods near the construction area will see a
WHAT WILL BE DONE DURING THE PHASES OF THE BUDA MAIN STREET PROJECT
•Phase I (July 22 to Dec. 20) – Crews will work on the south side of Main Street and will install the traffic signal at Main Street and East Loop Street. •Phase II (January 2020 to mid-April 2020) – Crews will work on the north side of Main Street •Phase III (Mid-April 2020 to June 21, 2020) – Crews will finish the middle section of the road and complete any final improvements.
relief as it will reduce congestion and improve safety in that area. However, Ardekani said he’d like to see efforts to reduce congestion further west in the downtown corridor. John Montez, who lives on Cedar Street, welcomed sidewalks as they will improve pedestrian safety, while connecting residents to parkland nearby. The new signal will also lead to a needed crosswalk bridging the north and south sides of Main Street. There have been times when Montez and his son have waited more than 10 to 15 minutes to try to cross Main Street, only to seek a crossing in downtown. Julie Renfro, owner of Tavern on Main in downtown Buda, was excited about completion of the improvements, but said the process to get there was “scary.” Renfro said she liked the idea of twoway traffic during construction. However, Renfro said improvements won’t keep backups and bottlenecks from occurring, attributing those issues to growth. “We’re a big town in a small-town suit, so we have to make it fit the best we can,” Renfro said. “We can let it out a little here or there, but there’s not a whole lot of capacity.”
Dist. 21 Challenger Continued from pg. 1
also founded Deeds Not Words, an organization focused on reproductive rights, freedom from sexual harassment, economic opportunity, pay equality and affordable healthcare. As for Roy, the freshman lawmaker has previous experience in state-wide and national politics. Before his victory in 2018, Roy was the Chief of Staff for Sen. Ted Cruz (R) and Staff Director for Sen. John Cornyn (R), both of whom still hold office. Additionally, Roy was the First Assistant Attorney General under Ken Paxton and served as senior advisor to former Governor Rick Perry. Davis' video revolved around shaping the future in what she believes is a broken political system.
"Every Texan needs to know that the future belongs to all of us and we all can play a role in shaping it," Davis said.
Hays Free Press • July 24, 2019
Hays County flood warning system to be completed soon BY KATIE BURRELL
supplies aid and resources to the surrounding Hays County’s new region as well as Hays grant-funded flood warn- County. ing system is to be comThe flood warning pleted this summer and technology, according to begin improving research staff, will directly impact and emergency services citizens. Justin McInnduring one of the county’s is, assistant director of biggest threats – flooding. emergency services, said On Oct. 30 of last year, the technology is a system Hays County commisof four flood meters and sioners approved a project cameras that will monitor that would involve paying water and its rising. The refor half of the cost of four corded information will be flood warning systems available to citizens online across the county. The at haysinformed.com. other half of the project “We are able to autowas covered by a $142,000 mate alerts to citizens Texas Water Development and update in real time as Board (TWDB) grant. The roads are closing,” McInnis county matched TWDB’s said. “We couldn’t do that grant amount. before. It helps residents, The project was part of first responders and a larger, $417,477 initiaschool systems. The infortive partnered with Texas mation goes to dispatchers Department of Transpor- and they are able to lock tation (TxDOT) that cov- down roads quicker.” ered funding for HazMat The county’s technolservices and upgrades, ogy will also be reportand an emergency coming information to the mand vehicle. National Weather SerAt the time, Kharley vice, which will allow for Smith, Hays County scientific research and emergency services direc- reporting on the county’s tor, called the grants imflooding tendencies. perative, as the county’s McInnis said the emergency services team systems will also allow
emergency services to act significantly quicker to make sure residents are safe before a flood is out of control or when a road needs to be closed down. “First responders and police will be able to work more proactively,” McInnis said. “Take Lime Kiln Road. It’s a one-way. Now we can prepare to protect that area’s residents during a flood event and let them know when an event is coming sooner than later.” Before the implementation of this new system, McInnis said the county used a single stream gauge, which is a more affordable system that must be checked manually. The gauge allows the reader to determine how much a water level has risen or lowered each time they manually check it. The new system reports to the Hays County WETMap which is available on haysinformed. com and updates in realtime. Citizens can access the website for free, sign up for alerts and choose to view specific low-water crossings.
Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between July 15 and July 21, 2019. Civil Matter................................................... 9 Deliver Message........................................... 1 Information................................................... 8 Compliance Check..................................... 11 Property Lost/Found/Negl............................ 5 Alarm Business........................................... 43 Alarm Residential....................................... 39 Alarm – Panic .............................................. 1 Animal Calls................................................ 77 Loose Livestock......................................... 14 Assault.......................................................... 5 Sexual Assault.............................................. 3 Sexual Assault Child..................................... 2 Assist EMS................................................... 9 Assist Fire Dept............................................ 5 Assist Outside Agency............................... 12 Burglary Building.......................................... 1 Burglary Habitation....................................... 2 Burglary Vehicle.......................................... 19 Criminal Mischief.......................................... 5 Death Investigation....................................... 2 Illegal Dumping............................................. 1 Fireworks...................................................... 3 Disturbance Noise........................................ 9 Disturbance Physical Fight........................... 7 Disturbance Verbal..................................... 14 Child Custody............................................... 5 Violation of Order ......................................... 2 Narcotics Information................................... 2 Fraud............................................................ 6 Counterfeiting............................................... 1 Credit/Debit Abuse....................................... 1 Harassment................................................ 10
Threat........................................................... 3 Mental Health Follow Up.............................. 9 Mental Health Invest..................................... 4 Mental Health Transport............................... 2 Canine Search.............................................. 4 Drone Deployment....................................... 1 Runaway ...................................................... 1 Missing Person............................................. 4 Public Assist............................................... 22 Community Contact..................................... 5 Disabled Vehicle......................................... 16 Close Patrol.............................................. 130 Foot Patrol ................................................... 2 Parent Discipline Assist................................ 2 Flagged Down.............................................. 2 Welfare Concern......................................... 31 Suicidal Person............................................ 7 Investigation................................................. 6 Supplement................................................ 73 Suspicious Circumstances......................... 31 Suspicious Person...................................... 15 Suspicious Vehicle..................................... 27 Wanted Person........................................... 13 Identity Theft................................................ 2 Theft........................................................... 20 Recovered Stolen Vehicle............................. 2 Accident Minor........................................... 13 Accident Hit and Run................................... 6 Accident Major/Injury................................. 13 Accident Unknown....................................... 3 Abandoned/Stored Vehicle........................... 4 Traffic Control............................................... 2 Traffic Hazard............................................. 23
Opinion
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “To me, it’s a reflection of inconsistent appraisals year after year.” –Charlie Thompson, Buda home owner. Story, pg. 9
Hays Free Press • July 24, 2019
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Thanks Trump for shining the light one these women Youngat-Large by John Young
I
know what many want at this moment: to denounce him, to impeach him, to send him back to where he came from – a career of eluding debtors. Sorry, but this time I’m going to thank Donald Trump. Were it not for his unconscionable racist screed, I would not know U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley. Because of what Trump recently said about her and three other congresswomen of color, I got to meet her on the other side of our TV screen as they held a joint press conference. Pressley said Trump’s comments are but a “disruption and a distraction from the callous, chaotic and corrupt culture of this administration.” Tell it. I wouldn’t know about Pressley at all were it not for this distraction. I’m glad I do. The Massachusetts Democrat couldn’t be more eloquent and couldn’t be more devoted to her job, which is to focus on matters that matter to her constituents. Health care. Gun Violence. College debt. Income inequality. The environment. Infrastructure: You know, issues which largely have been spit upon by the Party of Trump. Again, though, we should thank Donald Trump at this very moment and for that particular rant. Because of him, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar was greeted at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport last week like she has the Vince Lombardi Trophy in her hands for Vikings fans. Thanks to our president, I now know more about Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the firecracker whose utter devotion is to Michigan’s 13th Congressional District and not to religious-right charlatans and foreign dictators. I didn’t need an introduction to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. We’ve all been hearing about her. (If you want to get woozy quickly, turn to Fox News, haul out the schnapps, and take a belt every time AOC is brought up.) Yes, she’s a communist out to destroy America. You’d think she had the entire 1,000-plus-person Russian Internet Research Agency backing her election effort. Oh, wait, that was Donald Trump. Ocasio-Cortez is a force of nature – human nature. She is as genuine as Donald Trump is phony. She works for the victims of unfettered greed in her borough in the Bronx and across America. You may disagree with her policies, but you can’t call her a shape-shifter or wonder what she stands for. Trump says he’s the most transparent president ever. Well, he’s right on that. Every gesture he makes is a transparent bid to retain the love of the angry white voters. Coal? Beautiful coal? Talk about a see-through play for misbegotten loyalties in the Rust Belt. Sir, that train has left the station. Didn’t they discuss market forces at Wharton? With its polluting properties, coal is as in-demand today as K-cars. A friend of American manufacturers? Trump talks that way while his family exploits overseas labor. A friend of the middle class? His tariffs (taxes) have wiped out the pittance that sector got from his tax cuts. (We know which sector benefited, by the way.) A foe of illegal immigration? He wasn’t so fierce while undocumented workers staffed his New Jersey properties. Judeo-Christian values? He mouths a serviceable code for the benefit of Bible Belt voters. But my goodness: With his lying, his philandering, his coarseness, his gesticulating to voices of hate – in his hands the stone tablets of Moses are rendered to pea gravel. Then you have a true American like Rep. Omar, who gained citizenship at the tender age of 17 – amazing for someone three years removed from a refugee camp. Then she had the resolve to run for Congress – and the eloquence and vision to win. It was heartening to see Minnesotans shouting to her, “We got your back.” So again, thanks to Trump for helping shine a light on four courageous women who serve in the public sector, an excellent reminder of why we must return him to the private sector. Longtime Texas newspaperman John Young now lives in Colorado. jyoungcolumn@gmail.com
Hays Free Press
Hollywood: Hooray for Mayor Pete
C
EDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Mayor Pete Buttigieg, the Democrats’ wunderkind from South Bend, Indiana, has made only a modest mark in national polls, yet he’s a boffo attraction in Iowa as well as in California, where he’s the favorite among Hollywood’s glitterati. Watching him in action at the annual Corn Feed, as they’ve named a day of political speeches here in Cedar Rapids, it’s easy to understand Buttigieg’s appeal. He’s closer to the center than many of his opponents and arguably the most articulate among the candidates, yet he rarely raises his voice and he’s not preachy. Ten candidates spoke to this gathering of just over 1,000 people and only Mayor Pete received a standing ovation. Reflecting Mr. Buttigieg’s ascent is the fact that his campaign raised nearly $25 million in the second quarter of 2019 - more than any other Democrat, including front-runner Joe Biden, who took in $21.5 million. Among California donors giving at least $200, Mr. Buttigieg collected more than the state’s junior
prospects of putting the first openly gay man in the Guest White House. If they cared to look at the Buttigieg Column campaign as they would a by Peter Funt showbiz project, they’d be impressed by what’s going on here in Iowa. Senator Kamala Harris. The 37-year-old mayor In West Hollywood Butt- plunges into the crowd igieg totals are close to the as the frenzy around him sum collected by all other grows. He’s dressed in Democrats combined. skinny jeans with a crisp Recent donors include white shirt, sleeves rolled a Kevin Bacon, Ted Danson, few turns in his trademark Barbara Streisand, Michael style. On his wrist is an J. Fox, Sharon Stone and oversized expensive-lookLarry David, among others. ing watch. His traveling And the latest to announce press secretary, Nina a fundraiser for Mayor Pete Smith, surveys the scene is Netflix Chairman and with me, explaining, “This CEO Reed Hastings. all happened so fast. The Maybe Mr. Hastings campaign wasn’t prepared envisions a screenplay that for it.” seems to write itself: Son Hollywood would love of an immigrant father the fact that the mayor’s from Malta, Harvard grad, admirers are spending Rhodes scholar, staffer at heavily on branded merMcKinsey & Company, chandise - hats, tee-shirts accomplished pianist, and other “Pete” gear. This fluent in several languages is an important indicator: including Arabic, Mayor of Those willing to wear it South Bend for eight years tend to swear by it. and veteran of the war in Of course, the RepubliAfghanistan. Plus he’s gay. can in the White House is Hollywood is home to also a star who knows how a lot of wealthy people to excite a crowd, manage with an eye for young media and market his talent. They were quick brand. Perhaps Democrats to embrace the nation’s outside of Hollywood and first black president and the Northeast will ultithey’re excited about the mately prefer a candidate
with less star power but more political experience. Then there’s the inconvenient truth that no sitting mayor has ever been elected president. Yet, there is magic in the way Mayor Pete works a crowd. When supporters bring color eight-by-tens, carefully preserved in plastic sleeves, to be autographed, they’re saying something that pollsters find difficult to measure: This guy has a future. Whether that future arrives in time for the 2020 election depends largely on how fast the crowded field of Democrats is thinned, and whether the early leaders - Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris - can withstand another year of scrutiny. In Hollywood, meanwhile, the Buttigieg campaign will eventually face the same question asked of all projects: Will it play in Peoria? A list of Peter Funt’s upcoming live appearances is available at www.CandidCamera.com. Peter Funt columns distributed exclusively by Cagle Cartoons, Inc., newspaper syndicate.
Greenwashing the White House
I
n a recent speech by the president, the former golf resort magnate claimed his administration had done more for the environment than any other presidency, ever. Yes, he did. He said that. Out loud. He trotted out some facts and figures and studies to support his wacky assertions and managed to convey a deep condescending concern with a fairly straight face. Well, a fairly orange face. A very organic color for a Florida fruit. Donald Trump called himself an environmentalist. And reporters reported it. And viewers saw it. And listeners heard it. And absolutely nobody stood up and said, "No, no, no, no, no. You are not an environmentalist. If you are anything, it is the exact opposite of an environmentalist. This is crazy talk and cannot be allowed to continue or the fabric of reality will be forever torn and tentacled monsters will descend from holes in the sky." You know what this means, of course: that we have officially passed
clean air statistics based on scores compiled before Raging he was elected. He pulled us out of the Paris Accords, Moderate stripped scientific climate by Will Durst data off government websites, rolled back over 80 Obama- era environmental through the looking glass. regulations and called cliTrump the Environmenmate change nothing but a talist. It's delusion spiced Chinese hoax. with confusion caused by His first director of the contusion. This man must EPA was an oil lobbyist be stopped before he hurts and the new guy was a coal himself and/or us. Somelobbyist. You can't make one get one of those white stuff up like this. It's the canvas jackets with the Environmental Protection way too long sleeves that Agency, not the Environtie off and buckle up in the mental Plunder Agency. back and put it on him. And you know that if Soon. Please. his good buddies in the The 45th POTUS has un- fossil fuel industry asked, doubtedly been the single he would gladly open up worst thing to happen to drilling anywhere: in the this planet's climate since Arctic, in Central Park and that asteroid killed all the on his daughter's foredinosaurs 65 million years head. Well, Tiffany anyway. ago. This is the guy who Donald Trump promoting said wind turbines cause the environment is like cancer and wildfires can be an avalanche petitioning prevented by sweeping un- for trees. Like the Demon der trees. He is to Mother Barber of Fleet Street Nature what alligators are advertising with customer to nests of baby ducks. testimonials. Like William He bragged about gains Barr talking about justice. in air and water quality Adolph Hitler endorsing a made by regulations he Holocaust museum. has subsequently gutted And why has the man and claimed credit for who declared bankruptcy
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six times undertaken this sudden 180-degree, vertebrae- snapping turn with the attempted greenwashing of the White House? Very simple, it's all about the red versus the blue and winning the next election. With more than a little green for money involved. His base doesn't matter, they wouldn't care if he outlawed shade. But someone on Team Trump must have informed the president that kids and independents consider the environment a major issue and his regressive policies and ludicrous denials and stubborn refutation of science may have electoral consequences come next November. Oh my god. Imagine that. Actual consequences. Nah, you're right. Never happen. Will Durst is an award-winning, nationally acclaimed columnist, comic and former sod farmer in New Berlin, Wisconsin. For a calendar of personal appearances, including his new one-man show, "Durst Case Scenario," please visit willdurst.com.
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Page 4
Sports
Hays Free Press • July 24, 2019
Lobo head boys hoops coach leaves Area youth league picks for San Marcos up pieces after burglary BY MOSES LEOS III
Waves of frustration coursed through Victor Jackson July 7 when he realized the North Hays Optimist (NHO) youth football and cheerleading teams had once again been victimized. On July 7, more than $600 worth of concession stand equipment was stolen in an apparent break-in at the NHO athletic complex on Goforth Road. The incident comes nearly two years after $9,000 worth of industrial lawn mowers were taken in a different break-in at the complex, said Jackson, president of the NHO board of directors. While Jackson and the board hope for justice, moving on is now the goal as they try to replace what has been taken from them. With less than two weeks to go before the start of practices, NHO hopes to overcome this latest bit of adversity, a trait they try to instill in the youth they serve. “You can’t quit. Mentally, we’ll get back at it and work hard and do whatever we can do to PHOTO BY MELANIE MOLIEN get it back,” Jackson said. “It won’t deter us from Shattered glass and a kicked-in door was the damage caused starting our program. Kids by those who broke into the concession stand area of the depend on us, so we can’t North Hays Optimist (NHO) complex along Goforth Road in sit and wallow in our frus- Kyle. NHO officials are now moving on and hoping to replace the $600 in items stolen from them. trations.” The latest incident occurred during the overnight hours of July 7, Jackson said. Those responsiNHO will host a car wash fundraiser Aug. 28 at Discount ble for the crime kicked in Tires in Kyle. You can also contact North Hays Optimist at a door at the complex and nhogatorsfootball@gmail.com. took items needed for the 1996, includes a Pop War- board, the most recent NHO concession stand, ner football which operincident has blindsided team and a ates during them. Over the past two cheerleading years, NHO has fundsummer “You can’t In adpractices and raised and received three quit. Mentally, team. dition, fields games in the new mowers to keep up fall. It wasn’t with field maintenance. we’ll get back at the NHO complex are until July 12 Additionally, the inat it and work rented out NHO officials cident occurred despite by area prodiscovered NHO taking several steps hard and do grams. those responto ensure safety and secuwhatever we Jackson sible had cut rity at the complex. said NHO ofa hole in their It was a punch in the can do to ficials report- gut for a program that fence to gain get it back. It ed the theft access. struggles to compete fiMoney colnancially with its competiwon’t deter us to the Hays County Sher- tion. Many of the kids who lected from from starting iff’s Office, the NHO conparticipate in NHO come cession stand our program. which has ju- from economically disadrisdiction in offsets costs vantaged situations. Kids depend that area. No for football NHO regularly takes suspects have on teams out of Westlake, referees and on us, so we been identifield painting Lakeway and southwest can’t sit and fied and no and stripAustin, which have a highing, as well er socio-economic status wallow in our items have been found as funding and are able to afford all frustrations.” or returned. scholarships equipment needed for Jackson said for children their teams. HCSO has aswho other–Victor Jackson, While NHO tries to President of the NHO sisted in the wise might avoid raising prices, it still board of directors case and has not be able to has to cover the cost of been helpful participate. equipment for both their in the process. NHO, a nonprofit orBut for Jackson and the ganization that began in OPTIMIST BURGLARY, 6
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BY MOSES LEOS III After leading Lehman High’s boys basketball team to a historic 16-win campaign in 2019, head coach Steven Pinchback will take his talents south next season. On July 12, Pinchback announced he had been hired to helm the San Marcos High boys basketball program. Pinchback takes over for Thomas Acker, a former Lehman High head boys basketball coach, who went 24-44 in two years at San Marcos. During his time at Lehman, Pinchback amassed a 27-38 overall mark, 9-19 in district play. Last season, Pinchback led the Lobos to a 16-16 record, setting the mark for the most wins in program history. The Lobos also posted the program’s highest finish in the district standings since reaching the playoffs in 2011 and the best district record in program history. Lehman missed the 2019 postseason by one game. In a statement, Pinchback thanked Lehman High administrators, student athletes and the community for their support. “They have been nothing less than top notch to me and my family,” Pinchback said. “I am truly grateful for the time I spent here.” Pinchback enters San Marcos High with 14 years of coaching
PHOTO BY NATHAN LATSHA
Lehman High head boys basketball coach Steven Pinchback (right) chats with Lobo senior Keevan Penson during a break in their Jan. 25, 2019 game against Hays.
experience, including a stop as head coach at DeSoto High, according to San Marcos CISD officials. During his time at Desoto, Pinchback was an assistant coach with state 6A championship winning teams. Hays CISD officials have not set a timeline for hiring a new head boys basketball coach. Whoever is hired will become the program’s third head coach in five seasons.
OTHER HAYS CISD COACHING NEWS While one Lehman High coach departs, Hays CISD has tabbed the next person to fill the role as the school’s next girls soccer head coach and cross country leader. Daryl Faulks, a member of the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches (TASCO) and coach with Lockhart ISD last season, was hired in early July to
take over the Lobo girls soccer program. Faulks takes over for Michael Banning, a longtime Lobo girls soccer assistant coach and head coach for two years. Banning was hired to lead the Johnson High girls soccer program. During Banning’s two years as head coach, Lehman High went 1322-3 overall. In 2018, the Lobos finished with a 10-10-1 mark and a 9-8-1 record in district play, narrowly missing the playoffs by two contests. It marked the most wins for a Lobo girls soccer team since 2015. In addition, Hays CISD hired Faulks to lead Lehman’s boys and girls cross country teams. Lobo cross country in 2018 had been led by James Halatin, who later was hired as a coach at San Marcos High. “I’m super excited to get started,” Faulks said.
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Hays Free Press • July 24, 2019
Page 5
Community
Veterans Memorial in the works for Kyle BY KATIE BURRELL
by former city council member and U.S. Military Kyle elected leaders veteran David Wilson. are in the initial stages of Additional initial support planning for a veterans came from former city memorial to be built in council members Damon Plum Creek. Fogley and Shane Arabie, On July 2, who are also a group of veterans. Kyle’s miliCity tary veterans leaders are relayed their now forming thoughts on a planning Anyone interested the memocommittee in serving on the rial’s design to get the committee can and timeline. project off reach out to the city at 512.262.1010 or The memorithe ground contact a city council al is currently and into conmember. Contact designed on struction. information for city the lake in Wilson leaders can be found Plum Creek said he felt online at cityofkyle. near the Hays Kyle’s veteran com/council. CISD Perpopulation forming Arts was deservCenter (PAC). ing of a memoria, similar The initial idea of to those in local cities building a memorial including San Marcos and began in 2017 when it Austin which each have was brought forward memorials.
Planning Committee
“It’s something the veterans deserve, and it would benefit the whole community,” Wilson said. When the project was introduced, the council voted to devote $10,000 of the year’s budget toward the memorial. The council has not then determined a design nor a location. Last year, according to City Manager Scott Sellers, Plum Creek developers, including Momark Development, drafted a professional plan for the city that sets the memorial’s scene with an Amer-
ican flag, a four-sided obelisk and walking paths around the lake. “We really did like the Plum Creek location and are trying to get a deal on a flag pole and get a deal on metal work,” Sellers said. “It wasn’t going to be super professional, so we held off, put together mock ups and ran them past Plum Creek.” Sellers said the twoyear delay in progress was due to a lack of funding, but also complications with the site, which he said he believes are starting to clear up.
“It’s taken a few years because this is all being done on private property,” Sellers said.” They have had to work it into their development schedule. There are title issues with the property and figuring out where along the lake. That plan is going to be expensive; they’re hoping to use proceeds from development to match the city’s funding.” Wilson and other veterans gave their input on the design at the meeting, which will be considered by the city and possibly added to the final design.
The veterans said they hope to see lighting added that would be used in the evenings; others said they hope to see close parking including handicap spots while other residents offered to fundraise and donate their services to the project. “Basically, everything is left to do on this project,” said Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell. “The important thing is that we need community members to volunteer to be on the committee. Community support is what’s going get this project done.”
Saloon shooting changed young Texan’s life B y July 26, 1881, the desperate young Texas cowboy had put a hundred miles between History him and a blood-splattered by Bartee Haile barroom in Bryan. Three days of hard riding in the broiling summer heat must have seemed like an their drinking standing up eternity to Reuben Stillwell. with their backs to the taBut with the Brazos County ble, where the town doctor sheriff and the Porbreathing ter brothers “Instantly, the down his sat. The trio neck, the had started Porters leaped 21-year-old an arguto their feet, cowpoke ment over dared not a bet at the and out of the stop. racetrack, corner of his Never in and now his worst they tried to eye Stillwell nightmare a fight saw them going pick could by taunting he have the boys at for their guns. imagined the bar. Instinctively, he Saturday Stillwell would be could tell and Reed went the fateful the for their own and from day that look on changed his four shots roared Reed’s face life forever. that his out.” After taking companion in the horse had had races with his best budabout all he could take. “Let dy Lucien Reed, the two it go, Lucien,” he advised adjourned to their favorite draining the last drop from watering hole to get out of the glass. the sun and to quench their But the tipsy physithirst. cian would not leave well Stillwell and Reed did enough alone and without
a word of warning sprang at Reed like an arthritic tiger. The doctor landed face-first on the younger man’s fist and collapsed unconscious to the floor. An article in the fall 1998 issue of Old West magazine described what happened next: “Instantly, the Porters leaped to their feet, and out of the corner of his eye Stillwell saw them going for their guns. Instinctively, he and Reed went for their own and four shots roared out.” Even through the thick gun smoke, two dead bodies were plainly visible. Jim Porter had taken a bullet through the brain, and brother Cicero had caught one in the heart. Reuben Stillwell panicked. Maybe a jury would see things his way – a clear case of self-defense – and maybe not. He was not going to hang around to find out. Stillwell kept the threatening throng at bay, as he retreated toward the door. He urged his accomplice to join him, but Reed turned down the invitation. “I got no place to go,” he said with a shrug and wished his friend well.
Stillwell was long gone by the time the sheriff arrived on the scene. He locked up Lucien Reed, organized a posse and rode off in pursuit of the double-murder suspect. Stillwell had no way of knowing that the law was never hot on his heels. After three weeks on the run, he risked showing his face in Waxahachie, a jumping-off place for northbound cattle drives. He heard a beef baron from the Pacific Northwest was hiring hands to drive a herd of longhorns all the way to the Idaho Territory. The fugitive figured that was far enough and signed on as “Tom Hall.” The cattle caravan provided safe passage out of Texas, just as Stillwell had hoped. Instead of wandering aimlessly and attracting attention, he stayed in Idaho. The cold climate was a tough adjustment, but practically everyone was a stranger in the sparsely settled territory and work was easy to come by. Stillwell’s lonely existence ended in February 1886, when he married Anna Nelson. Only after they tied the knot did he tell her his
terrible secret. Anna took the truth in stride but insisted he marry her a second time under his real name. That may have been what put D.D. Dawson on the Texan’s trail. The new sheriff of Brazos County showed up in Silver City, Idaho in September 1887 with an arrest warrant. After he convinced his counterpart that well-liked “Tom Hall” and killer Reuben Stillwell were one and the same, the two sheriffs and a deputy rode out to the couple’s ranch. Stillwell did not go along quietly. No shots were fired, but Reuben and a loyal friend put up a heck of a fight before they were finally subdued at gunpoint. Fearing an attempt to free the popular prisoner, Dawson left for Texas that very day. Once back in Bryan, the sheriff had to worry about a different kind of mob. Some folks wanted to spare the county the trouble and expense of a trial, but armed guards at the jail and the appearance of Stillwell’s aged mother silenced the lynch talk. Encouraged by her mother-in-law to show sup-
port for Reuben, Anna Hall/ Stillwell made the long trip to Texas. Weakened by the difficult journey, she soon took sick and died. Since there was no doubt as to Stillwell’s guilt, his March 1888 acquittal must have been a show of public sympathy for his private tragedy. Jurors could not find it in their hearts to send the grief-stricken widower to prison. The story of Reuben Stillwell does not have a happy ending. He returned to his Idaho ranch after the trial but was wiped out by the worst winter on record. After tending bar in mining towns for more than 25 years, “Tom Hall,” as he continued to call himself, wound up a guard at the Idaho state penitentiary. He never remarried and died alone in 1934 at the age of 76.
San Marcos,” Shell said. “I’ve been out there to see some of the services
they provide and it’s truly something special to have…”
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Women’s Center: $600,000 two-year donation received Continued from pg. 1
at the meeting and did not vote. The city of San Marcos is expected to fund $400,000 to the HCWC in the near future. Formed in 1978, the HCWC has served and supported victims of domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. A 15% increase in cases in 2019 compared to the previous year led the organization to seek crucial funding agreements to facilitate the growing need of its services. The funding will help build additional housing units and classrooms for victims and their families which will help provide a safe place for those individuals. HCWC Executive Director Marla Johnson said single mothers have a harder time finding affordable housing in the county. Subsequently, these victims often return to the violent environments they fled. “So, during this formative time for these young children, they’re growing up in a violent home,” Johnson said. “We’re hoping
The funding will help build additional housing units and classrooms for victims and their families which will help provide a safe place for those individuals. to give them another alternative.” Johnson said the project meets a desperate need and focuses on families with young children. The HCWC has partnered with Community Action, Home Aid, a branch of the Austin Home Owners Association to reduce costs of the project and other local agencies. The HCWC plans to construct one four bedroom, 12 threebedroom and two onebedroom apartments for the project, Johnson said. With these additional housing units, it can reduce the chances of women and children returning to violent homes. All members of the court praised the efforts of the HCWC. Hays County Pct. 1
Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe commended the HCWC staff for the work they do to keep families safe. “It’s unfortunate we have to have these services, but it’s a reality, so we really appreciate all you guys do,” Ingalsbe said. Commissioners are hopeful that the funding agreement motivates other local government entities to follow suit. Lon Shell, Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner, said it was the county’s duty to help fund the efforts of the organization to keep the communities of Hays and Caldwell counties safe. Shell said the funding agreement will span through 2021, guaranteeing funding for two fiscal year cycles. “I think it’s a very
exciting project for Hays County, Caldwell County and the city of
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Page 6
Community
Hays Free Press • July 24, 2019
MIGRANT STORY • PART 2
Angry Tias at the border
“We were appalled by what we saw and just shocked that our country would treat people this way. We were angry at the sense of injustice.”
Editor’s note: Below is the second part of a two-part series written by Kate McCarty, a longtime Hays County resident who recently traveled to the border to give supplies to migrants donated by Hays County Democrats. The second part focuses on advocacy groups assisting migrants at the border.
BY KATE MCCARTY Angry Tias and Abuelas started on June 3, 2018 when a few friends in Harlingen spotted 40 or more people camped out on the bridge over the Rio Grande River in Reynosa. The people were from Mexico and the “triangle” countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, along with a few from Cuba and even Eritrea. The women took snacks and water and umbrellas to the group. “We drove to the bridge in McAllen and pulled our carts and coolers,” said Joyce Hamilton, one of eight founders of Angry Tias and Abuelas. “It was just this large group of people, and we pulled everything across. Some were sleeping on pieces of cardboard. Most said they had been there five days. One was carrying a 9-month-old baby.” Before the Tias arrived, people from Mexico had been providing food and water, though not enough.
–Joyce Hamilton, one of eight founders of Angry Tias and Abuelas.
“We were appalled by what we saw and just shocked that our country would treat people this way,” Hamilton said. “We were angry at the sense of injustice.” The scene at the border pushed the Tias and Abuelas group to start raising money to provide the snacks and water for those on the bridges. The group consisted of eight people ranging in age from early 30s to mid-70s Then they saw people being dropped off at the bus stations upon release from the detention center, so the second operation began. In early June 2019, the group received the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, and donations have increased to the point that they often can send travelers on with a little spare cash. “But with 1,000 people coming through sometimes in a day, the money doesn’t go too far,” Hamilton said. While the crisis is hours
away from Hays County, those along the Rio Grande Valley, who have shouldered the load without much outside help, need all the support they can get to assist migrants along the border. They can use more donations, more volunteers who speak fluent Spanish and more attorneys willing to take on pro bono cases. While the Tias and volunteers are hard at work at the bus stations in Harlingen, Brownsville and McAllen, three other groups are assisting as well. Loaves and Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley is an organization that has been helping the homeless and abused women with shelter and food for many years, according to Administrator Bill Reagan. Last month, for example, the facility served 16,000 meals, 4,000 more than usual, just one sign of the stepping up of services due to the influx of migrants in need just now.
PHOTO BY KATE MCCARTY A line of migrants prepare to board buses in McAllen for what, for many, will be the first leg of a long journey. Inset, Angry Tia member Susan Law provides information to migrants at the terminal before they begin their trip.
Inside the group’s spacious facility in Harlingen, the cots are stacked up and waiting for the next influx that was expected in mid-July. Supplies are ready to house and feed them as needed, and donations have made it possible to prepare for the next group. Loaves and Fishes insists that no one needing a bed will be turned away, Reagan said. In just two months alone, Customs and Border Protection released some 1,500 migrants into the Harlingen community, he noted. Loaves and Fishes also had been sending pan dulces (sweet bread), milk and Spanish coloring books along to the bus station to help with the migrants as they awaited their buses, Reagan said. Hamilton and I also vis-
ited La Posada Providencia in San Benito, sponsored by Sisters of the Divine Providence, an emergency shelter for men, women and families. Most clients arrive destitute and seek legal asylum or other legal recourse to begin new lives in this country. Since 1989, La Posada has provided resettlement assistance to thousands of people from almost 100 countries. On the day we visited, we were greeted by a young woman and her baby who had immigrated from Cameroon via Mexico. She now has a work permit to help at the facility. Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley have been providing assistance to the needy and to migrants for many years from cramped quarters near the McAllen
bus station. When the more recent influx began, they were overwhelmed. They moved to an abandoned nursing home in a neighborhood but lost that space after neighbors complained. Just recently the group was able to move into a spacious location diagonally across from the McAllen bus depot. The morning I was there, a volunteer named Claudia and other staff met busloads of detainees being dropped off from detention with cheers and “bienvenidos.” The most striking thing about this was the smiles on the family members’ faces as they were made to feel welcome and as they stepped forward to receive a sack lunch, other supplies and assistance on their roads to asylum.
Buda mother’s start-up is changing foster care statistics BY KATIE BURRELL
Foster children change homes an average of four to six times every two years, and oftentimes move with nothing but a trash bag of clothes and hope for care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A Buda nonprofit CEO and mother, Susan Ramirez, started Austin Angels with the hope of changing local lives. Now, Austin Angels is a national organization serving 21 chapters around the country while still calling Hays County home. Ramirez’s organization serves 25 Hays County foster families, through the Austin chapter, not including the 230 foster children she helps in Austin. “Our mission is to get kids to experience care differently,” Ramirez said. “We weren’t going to change anyone’s life trajectory with just a gift basket. Now, our focus is to find at least one healthy adult to walk alongside a child in care and mentor them. We want every single child and every single family to have support.” Austin Angels matches volunteers, whether they be an individual or a group,
with a foster family in an effort to provide support to both the child and the foster family. Ramirez said children move foster homes so frequently because 60% of foster families are often overwhelmed and decide to stop fostering within two years. The lack of support and a steady home can be seen in the foster care statistics Ramirez is fighting. Kinship House is an Oregon-based support system for foster children and provides data about foster children after they have aged-out of care. One in five U.S. foster children who reach the age of 18 and have aged out of their state’s care end up homeless within a year, and less than 3% of them will earn a college degree. More than 30% are arrested some time during their life, all according to Kinship House’s research. Ramirez said she believes that Austin Angel’s mentorship model allows children to stay in their foster homes longer and eventually become adopted, forming a more solid foundation for their growth later in life. The volunteers practice a concept called intentional
Susan Ramirez
giving, which allows foster children and families to effectively communicate their needs, which can be met by the volunteers through their work and money raised. “Does a family need groceries that month, back-to-school supplies or haircuts?” Ramirez said. “Intentionally giving them what they really need al-
Optimist Burglary Continued from pg. 4
cheerleading and football programs, as well as utility fees for water and electricity at the complex. Whenever a break-in happens and things are stolen, Jackson said it “cripples us” as it’s an additional, unexpected financial burden. “It’s frustrating and disappointing because you’re stealing from children,” Jackson said. “Any time you volunteer time, you put in the hours and hard work for the kids in the community. When some-
one steals from that, it’s heartbreaking at times.” Through it all, NHO plans to overcome the bump in the road. Jackson said parents, who are key cogs in the organization through their volunteer work, have been supportive in recent weeks. NHO hopes to emphasize to Hays County officials to help add more street lamps in the area in order to make it brighter and possibly deter crime. Organization officials hope to receive help from
the public, too. NHO will hold a charity car wash Aug. 28. Jackson said the organization will appeal to donors who have supported the nonprofit in the past. “We can’t stop because something bad happens,” Jackson said. “There are too many kids and parents that depend on this program to work, so they (children) can have a safe and fun environment where they learn not only to be a better athlete, but a better person.”
lows them to succeed.” Additionally, the volunteers work on the concept of relationship building, which Ramirez said helps the foster child and his or her foster family feel they have regular outside guidance and support. Volunteers commit to serve one year with a family and visit them once a month at a minimum. Austin Angels also helps volunteers provide mentorship to foster children by helping with homework regularly, helping to develop cooking skills, driving skills and working with children on deciding their plans after they graduate high school. Mentorship is also available to those who are no longer in foster care
because they aged-out. Ramirez developed this program over time, after she founded Austin Angels in 2010. Before then, she worked as a real estate agent and sold a home to a social worker who invited her to conference where Ramirez said she found her calling. “I’m a person of great faith and sometimes I believe God calls us to do big things and our trajectory changes,” Ramirez said. “I believe God intended me to do this work. I had never met a foster family, been in foster care or known much before that conference. It changed everything.” At first, Ramirez did not even have her program registered as a nonprofit, until a local lawyer wanted to donate money and offered to help her form a
501c3. Austin Angels before becoming a nonprofit was just Ramirez and a group of her friends purchasing and donating needed supplies to area kids. “I started in 2010 with the idea that I was just going to be a contributing part of society as a volunteer and never thought I’d become a nonprofit,” Ramirez said. “One day, we reached out to everyone on our donation list, including an attorney, who offered a donation but wanted a tax receipt.” Ramirez’s focus is now to continue Austin Angels’ financial stability. The organization has an annual goal of raising $1.3 million and will be hosting a fundraising gala Oct. 26. Those interested in volunteering or donating can participate online at NationalAngels. org.
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Hays Free Press • July 24, 2019
Page 7
OBITUARIES CAMPOS
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Maria Esquivel Campos, 94, of Austin, Texas, was called to her heavenly home on July 17, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. ‘Wela’, as she was called by her family, was born in San Antonio to Irene and Aristeo Esquivel on April 20, 1925. She was a supportive and nurturing wife, mother and grandmother. Campos was a devout Catholic, with unwavering faith in God, and a phenomenal prayer warrior. Campos is survived by her children, Armando Medina (Elida), Mary Hernandez (Juan), Adelita C. Acosta (San Juan), Reynaldo Campos, Rosalinda C. Hernandez (Arturo), Irene Campos (Luis); grandchildren, Maria Magdalena, Juan Raul, Cristina, Lupita, Rosita, Frank Jr, Mark, Steven, Roxanne, David, Anthony, Adelina, Maria Isabel, Annabelle, Rey Jr, Josh, Ally, Arturo Jr, Francisco, Leo, Jose, Adelita, Angelica, and Luisito; 36 greatgrandchildren; and three great-greatgrandchildren. Campos is preceded in death by her husband, Leopoldo; sons, Leopoldo Jr, and Frank; great-grandchild, Carina; 9 siblings, and her parents. A funeral mass was held at San Jose Catholic Church in Austin on Saturday, July 20. Burial followed at Assumption Cemetery in Austin. Please visit www. Harrellfuneralhomes. com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Campos’ family on her
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Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle
First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626 Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.
Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda EPISCOPAL St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca LUTHERAN Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca Resurrection Church, CLBA 401 FM 967, Buda St. John Lutheran Church 9865 Camino Real, Uhland The Well Buda
CATHOLIC
CHRISTIAN
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
AUTO • HOME LIFE •• HEALTH BOAT • HEALTH AUTO • HOME • LIFE ••BOAT 251FMN.1626 FM #2C 1626• Buda, #2C TX • Buda, 251 N. 78610 TX 78610 Office: (512) (512) 312-1917 • Fax: 312-0688 Office: 312-1917 • Fax: 312-0688 Email: dvthames@austin.rr.com Email: dvthames@austin.rr.com Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
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St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland
Santa Cruz Catholic Church
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Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770
BAPTIST
METHODIST Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle Journey United Methodist 4301 Benner Rd, Kyle, Tx St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor
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The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda
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Vertical Chapel 5700 Dacy Lane (McCormick M.S.), Buda A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle
Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda
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Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald PENTECOSTAL Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd. PRESBYTERIAN St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca
Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle
Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170
First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666
*Traditional Worship (Worship Center)-9 a.m. Sunday School (all ages)-10:00 a.m.
*Informal Worship (Worship Center)-11 a.m. Wednesday Evening (Chapel)-6:30 p.m.
Rev. Lisa Straus Office 295-6981 • www.BudaUMC.org
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Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca
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Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle
New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda
Buda United Methodist Church
July 6 with interment services following at Haynie Chapel Cemetery in Garfield, TX. Please visit www. Harrellfuneralhomes. com to share a fond memory, photograph. In lieu of flowers, donations to American Cancer Society or Hospice Austin would be appreciated.
DEBBIE THAMES
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle
Texas Crossword, from page 8
Trey Ragsdale and wife Jenny; grandchildren, Aaron Adams, Anthony McGinnis, Kerbye Ragsdale, Ashley Grisham, Trevor Ragsdale, and three great-grandchildren; and her brothers, Max Foradori, Arnold Foradory, Drue Foradory, and Henry Foradory. Funeral services were
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Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda
CONFESSION Saturdays: 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
RAGSDALE
Helen Adele Foradory Ragsdale was born Carmon Ervin went to September be with the Lord on July 2, 1931, 12, 2019, to John in Austin, D. and TX. Ervin Maxine was 80 Foradory, years old. the fifth He was of eleven MICHAUD born on children. April 27, Paula Green Michaud She 1939, in was born in Buda, Texas, married the love of her Corning, September life, Willis C. Ragsdale, AR. Ervin married Betty 12, 1950, Jr. on July 22, 1950, in Hoaglund on Aug. 23, to Wyatt Austin. 1956, in Corning. They and Ada She will be have five children. Green. remembered as an Ervin was a longtime Michaud outstanding and loving resident of Rockford, graduated mother, a devoted IL. He was employed at from wife, and the truest of Browning-Ferris for 16 Buda High friends. She cherished years, and he worked School time spent with her as a truck driver at and Southwest Texas grandchildren and Liebovich for 19 years. University. great-grandchildren as Ervin enjoyed fishing She worked at the much as they loved time and taking the boat General Land Office with her. She was proud out on Lake Pierce. He of the State of Texas and supportive of all enjoyed working on for seven years before their endeavors. She had cars and helping others working as a paralegal many fond memories of repair their cars, too. secretary at her brother’s living on the farm with Ervin loved spending law office in San Marcos. her brothers and sisters time with his children She was the owner of a and she loved them all and grandchildren. Ervin bail bond company in unreservedly. Ragsdale & Betty enjoyed traveling San Marcos. could light up the room all over the United Michaud was preceded with her infectious laugh States. in death by her husband, and had many great He was preceded in Pete “Mitchell” Michaud, laughs with her bunco death by his parents, her mother and father, and bowling friends. Bessie Irene Hefner and her sister, Marilyn Day, Ragsdale gave Fred Ervin of Corning, and her brother, John everything of herself AR., including his Wyatt Green. and was always there siblings, Freddie M. She is survived by her to listen to everyone’s Ervin, Mervil Ervin and brother and sister-in-law problems, be supportive, Barbara Jackson. Ray and Patty Green, her and give her advice. She Ervin is survived by his niece and her husband was a nurturing soul wife, Betty Ervin, their Sandi and Homer Patino, who accepted everyone children, Beverly, Danny and her nephew and his as is and who believed & Billy (the twins), wife Steven and Heather she held the family Norman and Bonnie, Green. Michaud is also together. As long as she including their spouses survived by a number was here, you could and grandchildren and of cousins and many count on her thinking great-grandchildren. friends and neighbors. or worrying about you. Survivors include his Michaud will be She was famously known sisters Mazie Raney, remembered for her for her beautiful flowers, Alice Williams, Louise beautiful smile, sweet her enormous homeBarksdale of Corning, disposition and her cooked breakfasts, and AR, and Nadine Eaglin love for her family and her love of angels. We of Poplar Bluff, MO., his friends. know she is one of them brothers Floyd, Olen, Memorial now. and Gary of Paragould, contributions may She is survived by AR, Glen and James be made to the Buda husband, Willis, and of Corning, AR, and Baptist Church or Health children, Celeste Kenneth of Pocahontas, Alliance for Austin Grisham and husband AR, including their Musicians (HAAM). Will, Dorothy McGinnis,
Buda, Texas • 15300 S. IH-35 • 312-1615
BUDA
families. Services will be for the immediate family only. The final resting place will be at Scandinavian Cemetery, Rockford, IL. Please visit www. Harrellfuneralhomes. com to share a fond memory, photograph.
Sudoku Puzzle, from page 8
First Baptist Church
Hays Hills
A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161
Baptist Church
Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m. Classic Service 10:45 a.m. Contemporary service
Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m.
Adult (including an 8:30 a.m. early bird class), teen, children’s classes * Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school
Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m.
www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626
Nursery Provided www.firstbaptistbuda.com • fbcbuda@austin.rr.com
Page 8
Hays Free Press • July 24, 2019
Kyle Police Department Continued from pg. 1
“Each of these projects, including the police department, are imperative to the city. But the bill for those two projects are coming up in 2020 and soon after. Water for the city and its residents comes before anything. The council will be determining how they can take care of it all, if they can.”
tion. According to Sellers, the cost of the project might be more feasible in two to three more years as the city’s bond capacity could increase with time. In the meantime, staff has resurrected a draft –Scott Sellers, Kyle City Manager for plans to put Kyle City Hall in Plum Creek and is waiting on direction from sions. jobs and better roads,” the Alliance Regional council to consider a plan “I’m not willing, any Mitchell said. “They also Water Authority (ARWA) for placing Kyle City Hall longer, to keep our say they want better to provide services to the in Uptown. Moving Kyle employees working in public safety. I’m trying city, according to City City Hall is included in subpar buildings,” Tenoto find a way to help solve Manager Scott Sellers. some of the plans with rio said. the police department’s “Each of these projects, KPD occupying current The vote to remove needs (but) putting a including the police decity hall and its current those two options passed $20-million-dollar bond partment, are imperative building if city hall was 5 to 2 with Mitchell and and a corresponding tax to the city,” Sellers said. built elsewhere. council member Rick increase and credit rating “But the bill for those two The council asked the Koch as the dissenting effect has significant opprojects are coming up city’s lawyer for pervotes. portunity cost for other in 2020 and soon after. mission to hold further Mitchell said he departments.” Water for the city and its discussion in a private exsupports upgrading the The police department residents comes before ecutive session, but likely department’s facilities, has been an issue on anything. The council will will not receive it due to but is looking for an the dias for several years be determining how they the public nature of the option that would not and has been moved to can take care of it all, if issue. The council will trigger a tax increase nor and from various vacant they can.” continue the discussion more bond debt. Mitchell buildings. This time, the Sellers said the council at the Aug. 5 meeting. said the two lower-cost department’s needs are might consider pushing options were the only being put up against oth- the police department two options that would er similarly priced projupgrade to avoid the tax prevent a tax hike. ects including a $20 milincrease, which would “People are asking lion wastewater project have to be voted on by for lower taxes, better and another project with residents in a bond elec-
Continued from pg. 1
county because I can’t get these positions filled.” Littlejohn said the agreement could potentially alleviate expenses to the county by having a nurse and doctor available to assist during emergencies. Wellpath will provide 16-hours of nursing a day and three hours a week for a doctor to the facility. It’s unknown as of press time how much
Odor Ordinance Continued from pg. 1
ordinance May 7. The law prohibits offensive odors within city limits and 5,000-feet beyond it, as well as further defining what is an offensive odor. City council made those changes after several residents complained about odors from GrubTubs and its impact on their livelihoods. GrubTubs is a composting business that receives food waste from Austin restaurants and then sells the grubs that eat the waste as feed to farms. If convicted of the violations, owners of GrubTubs could be subject to fines of up to $500 per day it is not resolved. The rule passage was not targeted toward any business or resident, but the activity, Hyde said. He added the city isn’t trying to run GrubHubs out of town and that the city wants the business to operate within the law and comply with state and local rules. However, Hyde could not provide statistics on the total number of complaints filed to the city under the new smell ordinance and who they were made against. The Hays Free Press placed an open records request with Buda officials for that information, but has not heard back as of press time. “Any organization that interferes with personal rights with neighbors in the course of the way they operate needs to reflect on their conduct,” Hyde said. But Peter Black, owner of GrubTubs, said he was “surprised” by the city taking the case to court. Black was told by city officials court action was a possibility, but alleges the city didn’t offer feedback on the company’s
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Medical Services Hays County Juvenile Detention Center Administrator Brett Littlejohn said the facility has never had an LVN, RN and physician as part of the program. “It’s something we’ve never really had much of, and the reason I am asking of this is that we’re not able to fill the positions in the nursing staff,” Littlejohn said. “It’s a risk and liability to the
ENTERTAINMENT
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On July 15, two representatives from Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects presented several designs to suit the needs of the police department, which currently needs at least 10,000 more square feet to meet spacing needs for this year. Kyle’s current department sits in an 8,000 square foot building, which does not satisfy the department’s needs for general storage, evidence and dispatch. The designs presented ranged from two $4 million plans to add storage room to $18 million and $20 million plans that meet the department’s current and future needs for at least the coming decade. Council members voted to remove the $4 million plans after a motion from council member Daphne Tenorio. Tenorio, despite push back from Mayor Travis Mitchell, successfully removed the two items from the array of choices the council will be able to consider in future discus-
remediation measures before moving forward. Black said GrubTubs officials met with the city June 12 and were told they had 30 days to file a remediation plan; he alleged the city scaled that back to 14 days. GrubTubs officials submitted a document June 26 outlining a handful of measures attempting to fix the smell problem. Included were changing the structure of some of their work aerating their piles to promote waste decomposition. Black said the cost of enacting the plan was in the “six figures.” An exact cost is unknown at this time. While the business received complaints from neighbors, Black said the company has reached out to the neighbors as much as possible and told them about the remediation measures. On July 3, Hays County officials told Black there were no violations when they last inspected GrubTubs. TCEQ officials inspected the property in mid-July and also didn’t report violations. For Black and other GrubTubs employees, there’s been “a little frustration” with the process. They’re now planning to talk with city council members, who they haven’t reached out to yet. What happens next is a “$20,000 question,” ranging from more remediation to potentially moving the farm. “We understand there are concerns with neighbors,” Black said. “But at the same time, we want to be a good neighbor. That’s why we talked with the city.”
the agreement will cost the county. According to the company’s website, Wellpath provides medical and mental care to jails, prisons inpatient and residential treatment facilities. “It’s not that we’re eliminating the services of the nurses, but we’re providing those services through a nurse, physician and LVN,” said Hays County Precinct 1
Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe. County Judge Ruben Becerra said the county is not eroding any components of the facility, but re-tooling the medical component to provide better services. “...it seems like a very good move forward so we can fill a long-standing void that’s just been hard for the county to staff…,” Becerra said.
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Hays Free Press • July 24, 2019
Page 9
Business
Rising valuations Hays County Appraisal District sees record number of protests BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
This year, the Hays County Appraisal District received 21,620 protests compared to 18,199 in 2018. In 2014, the number of protests hit 9,635, less than half of the protests this year.
season. Property valuations are used by school Rising property values districts, cities, counties, and a record number emergency service districts of protests are causing and more to set their tax heartburn for residents, rates to support their budhighlighting a statewide gets. discussion on the property Every other year, the appraisal system. Texas Comptroller’s Office For Buda resident Charwill audit the district’s lie Thompson, his land valprocesses. uation where his home is Appraisal districts assign built skyrocketed 65% and value to large properties at a protest before the Hays a time, meaning a neighCentral Appraisal District borhood could be evalumeans his slightly reduced ated together. Raven said valuation will only save this is why it is important him some $40 this year for protestors to outline over what was proposed. their specific objections to “I understand that the the district. taxing districts are obliSome real estate and gated to get the appraisal financial experts have at market value because criticized the appraisal the highest growth periods districts, calling it an unthat’s what the state rein its history. quires,” Thompson said. der-staffed and under-re“The number of protests sourced system. One “But a 65% increase just has gotten high, so we doesn’t seem reasonable of these is Rahul Patel, ask people to specifically which to me shows some managing partner of Patel outline their concerns and Gaines, a Texas-based law flaws in the system.” highlight the issues we Thompson said if his firm that specializes in can’t see that would affect property value increased property taxes. market value,” Raven said. by some 30% he would Texans pay some of the “We did have a record understand based on highest property taxes number of protests, but we in the country and, with the market value of the have record properties and no state income tax, citneighboring homes in his people living here.” subdivision. Living on a ies, counties and school This year, the district fixed income as a retired districts do not have an received 21,620 protests resident, rising appraisals incentive to reduce tax could have a negative eco- compared to 18,199 in rates because they need 2018. In 2014, the number revenues. nomic impact on people, of protests hit 9,635, less he said. Patel argues it’s a flawed than half of the protests “This isn’t downtown system that pushes the this year. Austin, it’s Hays County,” cost of living and doing Although the district Thompson said. “To me, business in the state highit’s a reflection of inconsis- did have a record number er, leaving few alternatives of protests, the percent tent appraisals year after for property owners. increase was less than the year.” In 2018, more than The work of the apprais- previous two years. 100,000 property owners The district also has al district is a strenuous in Bexar County protested tight deadlines to make, as their evaluations after the task, especially when a limited staff is responsible issued by the state, which district raised values an says 95% of a county’s apfor evaluating the properaverage of 9%. praisals must be completties of the entire county. In Harris County, each ed and not under protest HCAD Chief Appraiser appraiser had to place a by July 20. This gives all Laura Raven said her staff value on about 5,500 partaxing jurisdictions within cels of land each year. is working hard to assess the county time to set their a record number of propIn a Houston Chronicle erties in the county during tax rate during budget opinion piece, Patel said
the districts are severely understaffed. “That is an impossible volume of work,” he said. “Establishing a realistic ratio of properties per appraiser would be a useful step towards increased appraisal accuracy.” Subsequently, Patel said an inaccurate appraisal is a direct result of the workload of an appraiser. If protested, a property owner could reduce the appraised value, pay the taxes or sue the district. “Essentially, you fund the appraisal district’s budget through your taxes and pay it again to prove it when they overvalue your property,” he said. “Seems like a stacked deck, doesn’t it?” But those changes would need to be managed by the state, not the individual district. Until then, districts across the state must work with the resources they have. Raven said each year the district is trying to find the best ways for property owners and staff to get as much information processed to help property owners through the protest process. “I welcome all comments, critiques and suggestions from property owners regarding their experiences with the district,” Raven said. “That
input is important to me and can drive change.” For Thompson, his protest did not swing in his favor, making him sympathetic to other people in his situation. “Show me my evalu-
ation from last year and tell me it went up 65% because I still don’t have an answer for that,” he said. “I’m disappointed and I think this sheds light on some inconsistencies with accuracy.”
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Kyle investigates more into Fourth of July firework botch BY KATIE BURRELL
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like a breach of contract,” the show to be changed. Koch said. “I mean, I’m Only Urbanowics and Kyle’s Independence just playing investigative Stanley were authorized Day festivities ended with reporter here, trying to to make changes to the a bang, literally, after the find out.” show, but Stanley said vendor’s fireworks show The contract states the there might have been went awry. Now, Kyle city show would perform for miscommunication about leaders are deciding how 30 minutes with no music the contract to his staff. to proceed. accompaniment, but, acOn the day of the show, On July 15, Kyle City cording to Kerry Urbano- Mayor Travis Mitchell and Council members met wicz, director of parks, Koch were invited by Pyro during a regularly schedrecreation and facilities, Shows of Texas to visit the uled council meeting to music was sent to the city fireworks area. Mitchell publicly discuss their con- that was only 16 minutes and Koch said that, at that cerns with Chad Stanley, and was said to be for the point, they discovered the the general manager of show. Urbanowicz passed issue with the length of Pyro Shows of Texas, and the information on to the show being changed. the city’s parks departother staff members. They said that likely ment. Urbanowicz was asked would not have discovKyle’s July 4, Indepenif he had requested that ered the discrepancy later dence Day Fireworks the show be shortened. given the show’s exploShow experienced an He said he did not and explosion approximatethat no one had asked for FIREWORKS FIASCO, 11 ly 10 minutes into the scheduled 30-minute performance. The fireworks were supposed to explode in the air, but this year, the show happened on the ground. The next day, videos surfaced of residents running from the incident and holding up objects that had flown toward them. Kyle’s fire department was at the scene and reported no injuries, according to a report provided to the Hays Free Press the next day. At the meeting, Councilmember Rick Koch reported more issues that he said need to be 3310 B FM 967, Ste #A110 addressed. According Buda, Texas 78610 to Koch, the show was Near the corner of FM 1626 and 967 shortened the day of the event to include the same number of fireworks but 512-523-8680 in half the time. longortho.com “At this point, regardless of the mishap, it looks
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Public Notices CITATION BY PUBLICATION
To all persons interested in the Estate of Troy Robert Long, Deceased, Cause No. 19-0233-P, in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas. The alleged heir(s) at law in the above-numbered and entitled estate filed an APPLICATION FOR DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIPS AND FOR ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION in this estate on the 10th day of July, 2019, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of Troy Robert Long, Deceased, and their respective shares and interests in such estate. The Court may act on this Application at any call of the docket on or after I0:00 A.M., on the first Monday next after the expiration of ten (10) days, exclusive of the day of Pub!ication, from the date this citation is published, at
the Hays County Government Center in San Marcos, Texas. All persons interested in this case are cited to appear before this Honorable Court by filing a written contest or answer to this Application should they desire to do so. To ensure its consideration, you or your attorney must file any objection, intervention, or response in writing with the County Clerk of Hays County, Texas on or before the above noted date and time. Applicant's Attorney: Bethann Eccles 506 West 16th Street Austin, Texas 78701 512-617-1974 Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at the office of the Hays County Clerk in San Marcos, Texas on this the 18th day of July, 2019.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
City of Kyle Comprehen-
sive Plan Amendment Notice is hereby Given to all interested persons, that: The City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Kyle, Texas, will hold public hearings in the City Council Chambers at 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas, for the purpose of receiving testimony, comments, and written evidence from the public regarding an amendment to add Single Family Residential-3 ‘R-1-3’ to the Original Town District as a conditional use in the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Kyle. The public hearing schedule is as follows: Two public hearings will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 and Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at 6:30 P.M. A public hearing will be held by the Kyle City Council on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 7:00 P.M.
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LEGAL ASSISTANCE 18-Wheeler Wrecks – It’s easy to blame the driver when a big rig is involved in a wreck, but the truth is usually much more complex. When trucking company management cuts corners in training, equipment and maintenance, the rest of us pay the price. If you or someone you love has been killed or injured in a truck wreck, call 800-460-0606 for professional insight or visit www.YourCarWreck.com. Need help with your retirement plan? If you have questions about your pension, 401(k) or profit sharing plan, call the South Central Pension Rights Project at 800-443-2528 to get free legal advice. Funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging, SCPRP staff provides free legal assistance to anyone with a question about their retirement plan. 800-443-2528.
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Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 273 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
To All Interested Parties: The City of Buda is seeking Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from qualified respondents to complete a Roadway Pavement Assessment and Management Plan. Please submit five (5) copies of the SOQ, along with one (1) electric submittal on a CD or flash drive, signed in ink in a sealed envelope to: City of Buda Attention: Purchasing Manager RE: RFQ 19-013 ROADWAY PAVEMENT ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN 405 E. Loop Street, Bldg. 100 Buda, Texas 78610 The deadline for submission of proposals is 2:00 pm, Friday, August 9, 2019. The City of Buda reserves the right to negotiate with any and all persons or firms submitting proposals, per the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act and the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards. The City of Buda is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to attain goals for Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u), as amended. Please visit www.ci.buda. tx.us/137/Purchasing for additional information. Public Notices
Hays Free Press • July 24, 2019
Public Notice Notice of Public Hearing
Public Notices NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: 45092) between the hours Late Bids will be returned The HCISD of The 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., City of Kyle shall unopened. hold a public hearing Board of Trustees reserves Monday through Thursday. on a request by John Kimbro (Z-19-0043) the right to reject any to Bid responses must be all bids and waive returned the HCISDzoning and/or assignto original to approximately 24 all formalities in the bid Purchasing Office, Valerie acres of land from Agriculture ‘AG’ to process. Littrell, 21003 IH 35, Kyle, Multi-Family Residential-3 ‘R-3-3’ for TX 78640, by the date PUBLIC NOTICES, and time indicated above.at 3700 and property located 3800 Dacy12
Request For Proposals Hays CISD is Requesting Proposals for RFP #18071901VL Fencing Installation Services. Proposals will be accepted until 08-05-19 at 2:00 p.m. local time. A Pre-bid conference will be held on 7-17-2019 @ 10:00 a.m. at the Hays CISD Central Administration Building, 21003 IH 35, Kyle, Texas. Specifications are available in the HCISD Purchasing Office (512-268-2141 ext.
Lane, in Hays County, Texas.
Public Notice Notice Public Hearing Planning andofZoning Commission
The may recommend, and tothe City Council may Notice is hereby Given all interested persons, that: consider, assigning The City of Kyle shall hold aany publiczoning hearing ondistrict a which is John equivalent or more restrictive. request by Kimbro (Z-19-0043) to assign original
zoning to approximately 24 acres of land from Agriculture ‘AG’ to Multi-Family Residential-3 ‘R-3-3’ for A public hearing will the property located at 3700 and 3800be Dacyheld Lane, by in Hays Planning County, Texas.and Zoning Commission on
Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at 6:30 The Planning and Zoning Commission mayP.M. recom-
mend, and the City Council may consider, assigning anypublic zoning district which is equivalent more A hearing will be heldorby therestricKyle tive.
City Council on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at A public hearing will be held by the Planning and 7:00 P.M. Zoning Commission on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
Kyle City Hallwill Council Chambers A public hearing be held by the Kyle City Council 100 W Center St., on Tuesday, August 20,Kyle, 2019 atTexas 7:00 P.M. Kyle City Hall Council Chambers
100 W Center St.,Kimbro Kyle, Texas Owner: John Agent: Jason Arechiga Owner: John Kimbro Agent: Jason Arechiga (210) 487-7878 (210) 487-7878
Publication Date: July July 24, 2019 Publication Date: 24, 2019 Z-19-0043 Z-19-0043
!
Alliance Regional Water Authority County of Hays NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Alliance Regional Water Authority (the “OWNER”) is requesting sealed written Bids for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, and incidentals, and for performing all Work required for the Phase 1A Pipeline Segment B (IFB No.: 2019-001). The Project generally consists of the installation of approximately 18,000 linear feet of 24-inch water line. The installation includes an 80-foot bore of an active driveway, a 210-foot bore of an active TxDOT farm to market road, a 400-foot bore down a slope, a 180-foot bore under Onion Creek a 180-foot bore across an active county road and an 80-foot bore under a live oak tree. The project includes the installation of gate valves, combination air valves, drain valves and other miscellaneous fittings. Sealed Bids will be received at the City of Kyle – Public Works Building, 520 RM 150, Kyle, TX 78640. ALL BIDS (INCLUDING HUB PARTICIPATION PLANS) ARE DUE BY 2:00 P.M., Central Time, on Thursday, August 22, 2019. BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AND READ ALOUD IN THE OFFICE IDENTIFIED ABOVE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS at 2:00 P.M., Central Time, on Thursday, August 22, 2019. Bid Documents may be obtained without charge from www.CivcastUSA.com. Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download Bid Documents. At the time a Bidder registers on this website, the Bidder must provide a working e-mail address, so the Bidder will receive any addenda or clarification issued by the OWNER. ANY Bids (INCLUDING HUB PARTICIPATION Plan) not received BY the date and time set forth above will NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CONSIDERATION. The time stamp clock in the office for receipt of Bids will be the time of record and will be verified with www.time.gov, the official U.S. time. The contract is contingent upon release of funds from the Texas Water Development Board. All procurements by the OWNER are subject to the OWNER’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program. The Program provides HUBs full opportunity to participate in all of the OWNER’s contracts. Goals for HUB participation are stated for each solicitation. Information on achieving the goals or documenting good faith efforts to achieve the goals are contained in the Bid Documents and other Contract Documents. When a HUB participation goal applies, each Bidder is required to complete and return a HUB Participation Plan with its Bid. If a HUB Participation Plan is not submitted with a Bid, the Bid will not be accepted for consideration. Each Bid must be accompanied by a Bid Bond, in the form attached to the Bid Form, in an amount of not less than five percent of the total Bid, as specified in Form 00100, Instructions to Bidders. Performance and payment bonds when required shall be executed on forms furnished by the OWNER. Each bond shall be issued in an amount of 100% of the Contract Amount by a solvent corporate surety company authorized to do business in the State of Texas, and shall meet any other requirements established by law or by the OWNER. Minimum insurance requirements are specified in Form 00810, Supplemental General Conditions. Prevailing wage rates have been established and are specified in Form 00830, Wage Rates and Payroll Reporting. The OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Bids and to waive any minor informality (one that does not affect the competitiveness of the Bid) in any Bid or in the solicitation process. A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. (Central time) at City of Kyle – Public Works Building, 520 RM 150, Kyle, TX 78640. Attendance is mandatory unless otherwise stated. To ensure understanding of the OWNER’s bidding and contracting requirements, each Bidder must attend any mandatory Pre-Bid Conference, and all Bidders are encouraged to attend any non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference. If the Pre-Bid Conference is mandatory, each Bidder must arrive and sign-in before the scheduled start time of the conference; otherwise the Bidder will not be allowed to submit a Bid for the Project. The persons listed below may be contacted for information regarding the Invitation for Bid. If a Bidder contacts any other officer or employee of the OWNER during the period beginning on the date this Invitation for Bids is issued and ending on the date of contract award or rejection of all bids by the OWNER’s Board of Directors, any Bid submitted by the Bidder is subject to rejection by the OWNER. Authorized Contact Persons: PROJECT ENGINEER: Travis Michel, PE; (512) 338-2745; TMMichel@lan-inc.com OWNER’s Executive Director: Graham Moore, PE; (512) 294-3214; gmoore@alliancewater.org
Service Directory Hays Free Press • July 24, 2019
Page 11
Air Conditioning
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Painting, Remodel & Home Repair, Flooring & Tile, Carpentry, Decks & Fences, Pressure Washing, Gutters, Cleaning & Repair, RV Repair
BUSINESS LAW/ WILLS/TRUSTS/ PROBATE/FAMILY LAW/DIVORCE/ CUSTODY/ CONSUMER LAW/ DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES ACT/ PROPERTY LAW/ LANDLORD-TENANT LAW/PERSONAL INJURY/DWI/ CRIMINAL DEFENSE/ DEBT/DEFENSE/ GENERAL CIVIL LITIGATION
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Wild West Remodeling O Painting O Tile O Siding O Decks O Trim O Door & Window Replacement O Drywall Repair O Custom Cabinets O Patio Covers O Electrical & Plumbing
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Fireworks Fiasco Continued from pg. 9
sion, halting the night’s festivities. According to Stanley and council member Daphne Tenorio, it was not allowable for civilians, including council mem-
bers, to be near the fireworks. There is currently no report that the council members touched or influenced the equipment. “It was a simple mistake and it was all on us,”
Stanley said. “We could have lengthened the show to 30 minutes right before the show happened had we known.” Stanley said the presence of council members
was not an issue for the fireworks and did not have any influence regarding the malfunction. According to Stanley, the malfunction was an issue with the equipment; he
was not able to provide more information as to how or why the explosion occurred. Now the council is deciding how to proceed. Stanley has offered to
redo the show for the original length for free but, according to staff, the council is considering requesting a refund for the $30,000 spent on the show.
Page 12
New leadership heads Hays County Food Bank SUBMITTED REPORT
about the organizaA new leader will be tion and taking the reins of the the comHays County Food Bank, munities according to the board we serve, of directors, as Eleanor and she Owen-Oshan has been will be a chosen to fill the posistrong astion of Executive Direc- set as we OWEN-OSHAN tor, effective July 1, 2019 work to Owen-Oshan has advance Board priorities worked at HCFB since and create a well-nourSeptember 2017. Prior ished community,” said to this promotion, she Jamie Lee Case, HCFB served as Programs DiPresident. “It’s been a rector and Development joy to see her grow her and Events Coordinator career over the years, with the food bank. and we are thrilled to She has over 20 years of have her lead this orgaleadership experience in nization.” the private sector. Currently, her com“Eleanor possesses munity involvement a deep understanding includes serving on the of and commitment to San Marcos Human our mission. She brings Services Advisory Board, a wealth of knowledge The Village Board of
Directors, and CASA Centex as a Court Appointed Special Advocate representative for Central Texas. Owen-Oshan is a long-time resident of San Marcos and has watched her city and county grow. The growing population, cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and increased cost of living have all led to an even greater need for food assistance, but Owen-Oshan says she is ready to take on the challenge with her team. Owen-Oshan will succeed Denise Blok, who accepted the Chief Operations Officer position with Central Texas Food Bank in February.
Subscribe by August 2nd and receive Hays County Women in Leadership, celebrating women who keep local commerce alive.
HaysFreePress
In 2018, Hays County Food Bank and its 20+ partner agencies distributed more than 900,000 pounds of food to food insecure households. On average, 750 - 900 households were provided food assistance each week. These residents were senior citizens, children, and many others facing economic challenges. “Food insecurity” refers to the availability of food and one’s access to it. Hays County Food Bank is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the public to perform its mission. For more information, visit haysfoodbank.org.
Hays Free Press • July 24, 2019
Public Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Kyle Parkway SelfStorage, located at 5141 Cromwell Dr. Kyle, TX 78640 will hold a Public Auction of Property being sold for CASH to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The sale will be held on August 15, 2019 at 12:30PM. The contents in the space of Laura Vasquez contains boxes, purse and shoes. The contents in the space of Jefferson T. Melder contains extension ladder, boxes, totes, art wall, dishes and cooler. The contents in the space of Jonathan R. Cronin contains boom box, boxes, furniture, dolly, misc. household items, outdoor furniture and dishes. The contents in the space of Brandi L. Wright contains boxes, totes, kitchen items, Christmas tree and furniture.
PUBLIC NOTICE By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider: ESTABLISHING NO DUMPING ZONES ON WILLIAMSON ROAD FROM THE INTERSECTION WITH FM 2001 TO SATTERWHITE ROAD, AND ALSO ON SATTERWHITE ROAD FROM THE INTERSECTION
Hays Free Press subscribers will receive Hays County Women in Leadership included in the August 7th edition of the newspaper as well as thorough news coverage of northern Hays County every week for only $42 a year.
WITH WILLIAMSON ROAD TO JUST BEYOND THE 90 DEGREE CURVE.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PETITION FOR INCLUSION OF LAND The Hays County Emergency Services District No. 9 (“District”) Board of Commissioners has received a Petition for Inclusion of Land in the District from individuals within portions of Hays County not within the District. The Petition requests the District to annex certain areas within Hays County. These areas include the city limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction of the Cities of Mountain City, Mustang Ridge, Creedmoor and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the Cities of Uhland, Austin, and Dripping Springs to the extent those areas are within Hays County and not within the boundaries of the District, Hays County Emergency Services District No. 2 or North Hays County Emergency Services District No. 1. A public hearing on the petition will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. at San Marcos Hays County EMS, 2061 Clovis R. Barker Road, San Marcos, Texas 78666. All interested individuals are invited to attend the public hearing and provide comments or express support for or against the proposed annexation.
TABC NOTICE
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit for a restaurant doing business as El Roble Mexican Restaurant, located at 721 North Old Hwy 81, Kyle, Hays County, Texas 78640. Business owner, Martha Cruz.
Call 512-268-7862 to subscribe, or email paper@haysfreepress.com
Community Project Update
Open Letter to the City of Kyle:
Let me explain why Kinder Morgan has filed a lawsuit challenging an ordinance enacted by the City of Kyle. We remain committed to working with the City and Hays County, but the City’s enactment of this ordinance left us with no choice but to take action. The ordinance is the City’s most recent attempt to hinder construction and impermissibly interfere with the Permian Highway Pipeline project (PHP). Not only is it unconstitutional, but it is also preempted by existing federal and Texas laws and regulations that have effectively governed pipeline projects, like PHP, for decades. Pipelines are heavily regulated by both state and federal agencies that are dedicated to ensuring the safety of people, wildlife, property and the environment. In addition, Kinder Morgan has filed a complaint with the Texas Railroad Commission to appeal the unsupported and excessive fees the City of Kyle has attempted to levy on the project through the same ordinance. While municipalities have the authority to impose certain fees in discrete circumstances under Texas law, those fees must be both reasonably calculated and tied to the actual costs incurred by the City administering valid municipal regulations. The fees the City of Kyle is attempting to collect are neither. We are confident the Railroad Commission will find them to be unsupported and, thus, invalid. Again, we remain committed to working with the City to address their concerns. This project is vital to the state of Texas in order to alleviate the flaring of natural gas in the Permian Basin and move the energy needed to heat and cool homes, schools and public buildings in Texas – while providing substantial local and state revenues. While the ordinance is an attempt to influence us to reroute PHP, we believe this route is a good one that minimizes the potential impacts to the environment and landowners. We are dedicated to serving energy consumers and our customers with this project, and will continue to engage all stakeholders as we work to complete it. Sincerely, Allen Fore Vice President of Public Affairs Kinder Morgan
www.phpproject.com
php_project@kindermorgan.com
833-626-0339