AUGUST 2, 2017 FORCE FOUND
SKATE SISTERS
Jakku Temple Saber Guild shares passion for Star Wars with kids.
Hays County coasts into Roller Derby league.
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Hays Free Press
© Barton Publications, Inc.
Vol. 121 • No. 19
HaysFreePress.com
Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX • 75¢
County judge steps down due to illness BY MOSES LEOS III
Too fast, too furious
PHOTO BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY
A gaping hole in the side of an office in the 3600 block of Kyle Crossing is what’s left after a 2008 Ford Mustang slammed into the building in a hit-andrun. Authorities continue to investigate the accident, which was one of 47 total traffic-related incidents that took place in Kyle from July 24-29. By comparison, authorities in Kyle responded to 21 traffic-related incidents during the week previous.
Police urge caution after string of car accidents BY MOSES LEOS III A total of 47 traffic incidents, including a fatality collision on Interstate 35, took place on Kyle-area roads from July 24 to July 29, causing Kyle Police to urge caution on the roadway. One of the more
severe accidents took place in the overnight hours July 29 when one person was killed in a collision involving an 18-wheeler on I-35. Jennifer Ortiz, 30, of Austin, was identified as the victim in the fatality wreck, which occurred after midnight on the
northbound side of I-35 near the 213-mile marker. Jeff Barnett, Kyle Police Department chief, said a black Kia Soul, operated by Ortiz, was traveling on I-35 when it collided with a retention wall. The vehicle spun and came to a stop in
the middle of I-35. Barnett said an 18-wheeler, operated by Wayne Tijerina, 29, of Compton, collided into the Soul. It’s believed the driver was unable to see the Soul in the roadway as the car’s lights were rendered inoperable in the collision, Barnett
said. Hays County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Beth Smith pronounced Ortiz dead at the scene. Barnett said alcohol is not believed to be a factor. However, a toxicology report will
CAR ACCIDENTS, 2A
A recent leukemia diagnosis has forced Hays County’s top elected official to temporarily step off of the dais in order to begin treatment. Hays COBB County Judge Bert Cobb announced at the end of Tuesday’s Commissioner’s Court meeting he had been “diagnosed with a lethal disease,” later identified as Leukemia, and that he would begin treatment as soon as next week. It’s unknown at this time how advanced Cobb’s leukemia diagnosis is. On the dais, an emotional Cobb thanked Hays County residents for their cards and letters of concern and their extension of prayers. “I’m a fighter. This is a very aggressive disease, and I will treat it aggressively,” Cobb said. “I will be out for a while, but my
Proposed bill may partially restore funds to children’s therapy services More
JUDGE COBB, 2A
Legislation making its way to the Texas House could partially restore funding cut from speech, occupational and physical therapy services for disabled children. House Bill 25, authored by Sarah Davis (R-Houston), would appropriate $79 million in federal and state funds to the commission for Medicaid acute therapy
House Bill 25, authored by Sarah Davis (R-Houston), would appropriate $79 million in federal and state funds to the commission for Medicaid acute therapy services in 2018.
services in 2018. The bill, which has four co-authors, would appropriate $84.1 million in 2019. The bill, which was voted out of committee, has received bipartisan
support, according to a statement from State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin). HB 25 now moves on to the Texas House. Rodriguez added
HB 25 demanded “the legislature’s immediate attention” after severe budget cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates for acute therapy for children were made during
COMING UP
Great Kyle Bake-Off at Kyle Library Bready or not, here comes the Great Kyle Bake-Off hosted by the Kyle Public Library. Set your timer for 12 p.m. on Aug. 12. Quit loafing around and register at the front desk or online for your chance to be named Kyle Public Library’s Bake-Off Champion. The champion will be selected by a public taste test.
TRAINING
Local business focuses on wellness. – Page 1D
the 2015 Legislative session. Those cuts, which went into effect in December, eliminated $350 million in state and federal funding to Medicaid children’s therapy services. As a result, several providers have left the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program due to the lack of funding, accord-
HB 25, 2A
Kyle Market Days
On the second Saturday of every month, come out to City Square Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for local vendors, arts & crafts, farm to market items, live music and more. The city will be partnering with Hope and Love 4 Kids & Seton Medical Center Hays for Aug. 12’s “Back to School” Market Days event.
Market in the Park
On Aug. 5, come out to downtown Buda for Market in the Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. What better way to spend a Saturday than to explore the outdoor Market in the Park along Buda’s historical downtown greenbelt? Market vendors include local chamber members, farmers, artisans, antique dealers and musicians.
INDEX
BY MOSES LEOS III
News……………… 1-4A Opinions……………… 3A Sports……………… 1-2B Education………… 3-4B Community……… 1-4C
Best Bets…………… 4C Business………… 1-4D Classifieds…………... 2D Service Directory…..... 3D Public Notices…… 2-4D
seats open on Buda coucil BY SAMANTHA SMITH Experience continues its imminent departure from the Buda City Council dais as a longtime city leader announced he wouldn’t seek reelection this November. Earlier this week, Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Lane,a 17-year veteran of public service to Buda, announced he would not seek reelection for his Place 6 seat, which comes up for grabs this November. Lane’s announcement comes roughly two weeks after Buda Mayor Todd Ruge announced he wouldn’t run for Mayor again. In a letter to Buda residents, Lane said it was “time to open a new
BUDA COUNCIL, 2A