JULY 26, 2017 27-YEAR LEGACY
PIE IN THE SKY
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
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Hays Hills’ Sweet hands over reins to new pastor.
Hot air balloon at Wallace previews inaugural festival.
Buda awards $25,500 in grants to nonprofits.
Hays Free Press
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Vol. 121 • No. 18
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Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX • 75¢
Controlled burn blazes out of control PHOTO BY CHRIS WILKINSON, AUSTIN FIRE DEPT. PHOTOGRAPHER
A prescribed burn near the 6000 block of FM 967, which was supposed to cover a 550-acre area, got out of hand and burned an extra 200-300 acres last Wednesday. See page 2 for more details.
No re-election bid Mitchell to run for Kyle mayor for Buda mayor As the deadline for election filing for the November 2017 election draws near, current Buda Mayor Todd Ruge sent a farewell letter to Buda residents as he decided not to seek re-election. Ruge gave an exclusive press release to the Hays Free Press on Friday stating that he believes “it’s time to pursue different opportunities and new adventures.” Ruge also said that he
believes in term limits for elected officials and thinks change is a good thing for RUGE the city and the residents of Buda. In the letter, Ruge expressed gratitude for his supporters and opponents alike, as well as fellow city council mem-
bers, city staff and his wife Elizabeth. “It’s not easy being the spouse of an elected official and I couldn’t have done this without her,” he wrote. “I would like to thank the many citizens who encouraged me through the years. I’d also like to thank my critics because you opened my eyes to different points of view and made me a better leader,” Ruge said. “I would like to thank all
RUGE, 2
BY MOSES LEOS III
Perhaps the worst kept secret in Kyle was revealed in front of a standing room only crowd Tuesday as District 1 council member Travis Mitchell threw his hat into the ring for the upcoming November mayoral race. Mitchell, who won the District 1 seat in June 2016, aims to take the seat held by Mayor Todd Webster, who earlier this month announced he
COMING UP KPL Endof-Summer Party
On July 29, celebrate the end of summer with the Kyle Public Library at the Star Wars End-ofSummer Party featuring the Saber Guild - Jakku Temple. The Saber Guild is a not-for-profit group that shares its passion for Star Wars by performing Jedi demonstrations at Central Texas events. The event begins at 1 p.m.
OP-ED
Was that a Founding Father leaving the outhouse? – Page 1D
INDEX
BY SAMANTHA SMITH
would not seek re-election. Mitchell also becomes one of the first to file for MITCHELL a trio of Kyle city council seats up for grabs this November. As of press time, no other person has filed for the mayoral, District 2 or District 4 Kyle City
Council seats. Mitchell, who submitted his election filing Tuesday afternoon, said his decision to run for mayor was made for several reasons. One was to maintain a level of experience on the dais, citing the imminent departures of several longtime city council members. Earlier this month, District 4 council member David Wilson and District
MITCHELL, 2
Dive-in Movie
Get your feet wet at the July 28 showing of “Moana” at Kyle’s city pool. The pool will close and pool staff will begin handing out admission tickets at 7 p.m. The pool gates will reopen at 8 p.m. and only admit those 230 people with admission tickets. All regular pool rules apply to all attending. The pool will close 30 minutes after conclusion of the movie.
News ……………… 1-2 Opinions ……………… 3 Sports ………………… 4 Education …………… 5 Community ……… 6-8
Buda Market in the Park
On Aug. 5, come out to downtown Buda for Market in the Park along Buda’s historical downtown greenbelt from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Market vendors include local chamber members, farmers, artisans, antique dealers and musicians.
Business …………… 9 Classifieds ……………10 Public Notices …10 & 12 Service Directory ……11