AUGUST 17, 2022 HAYS COUNTY LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FREE VACCINES
HAYS COUNTY STILL UNDER BURN BAN PAGE 12
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Vol. 128 • No. 23
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LOCAL HEALTH NEWS
Hays County confirms two cases of monkeypox STAFF REPORT
information will be released at this time to protect patient HAYS COUNTY — confidentiality. The Hays County Local Monkeypox can be Health Department transmitted through (HCLHD) has identified close physical contact two confirmed cases with someone who has of monkeypox in Hays monkeypox. The virus County. is primarily spread According to a press through contact with release, the HCLHD is infectious sores, scabs investigating the cases or bodily fluids but and working to identify can also be spread by individuals who may respiratory secretions have had direct contact during extensive with the patients. face-to-face contact. According to the According to the CDC, Centers for Disease anyone can contract Control & Prevention, monkeypox, regardless monkeypox is a rare of gender identity or disease caused by sexual orientation. infection with the According to the CDC, monkeypox virus, which monkeypox symptoms is a part of the same typically begin within family of viruses as variola virus, a virus that three weeks of exposure to the virus and can causes smallpox. consist of fever, chills, The HCLHD has swollen lymph nodes received a limited and exhaustion. supply of the JYNNEOS Individuals with vaccine and is working monkeypox can also together with the develop a rash on their Texas Department of hands, feet, chest, face State Health Services and mouth. healthcare providers The time from and other local health infection to developing departments to identify symptoms is usually high-risk contacts of seven to 14 days; confirmed or probable however, individuals monkeypox cases. may develop symptoms According to a press five to 21 days after release, “The county’s exposure. health department can Anyone with a evaluate on a case-bycase basis any individual rash that looks like monkeypox should that meets high-risk criteria and may benefit contact their healthcare provider and avoid from pre-exposure gatherings, sex or being prophylaxis (PrEP) intimate with anyone to prevent disease until they consult their occurrence.” healthcare provider. No further
Monkeypox Questions & Answers
What are the symptoms, signs and more CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
What are the signs?
The San Marcos Hays County EMS was given over $700,000 in ARP funding for two additional ambulances.
Check for lesions, rashes, sores and pimple-like bumps on your skin. These sores are signs of a Monkeypox infection and can leave scaring.
FIRST RESPONDERS
How does it Spread? Monkeypox has many different ways to spread. Primarily, it spreads through contact with infected individuals, but it can also spread through respiration and materials from the infected.
How to avoid it?
The best way to avoid getting infected is to limit contact. Avoid enclosed spaces or materials such as clothing or bed linens that have been around infected individuals.
Is it dangerous?
While Monkeypox is similar to the dangerous Smallpox Virus, Monkeypox is rarely dangerous . As of now, there have been no known fatalities related to the virus in the US.
Local EMS to get two more ambulances BY MEGAN WEHRING HAYS COUNTY – Through federal funding, the San Marcos Hays County EMS will be receiving two additional ambulances. On Aug. 9, the Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously approved to execute the Hays County American Rescue Plan Recovery Grant Agreement between Hays County and San Marcos Hays County EMS, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $796,795. “We know with the growth of the county, we are going to continue
to see more service for calls,” said Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe. “This would give San Marcos/ Hays County the ability to have an ambulance in those high-volume times and if one goes down, there’s another one available, and a faster response time. I think this is going to be a great benefit.” Judge Ruben Becerra agreed with Commissioner Ingalsbe that the community and EMS will benefit from the grant. “This is a magnificent use of federal funds,” Becerra said.
Benjamin Wilcox sentenced to 90 years for child pornography
Can it be treated? Currently, there is a vaccine that can prevent Monkeypox. However, there is a limited supply, and there are no specific treatments dedicated to Monkeypox.
STAFF REPORT
Valor Kyle now open
PHOTO BY ASHLEY KONTNIER
Headmaster David Schuler cuts the ribbon at Valor Kyle. Joining him, from left: Chief Operating Officer Jesse Bates, Director of Marketing and Communications Erin Fonner, Superintendent of Schools Stephen Gordon, and Network Athletic Director John Kersting. The Valor Kyle campus opened to students on Aug. 17, 2022. It will serve around 600 students in grades K-8 and will add a grade each year until it is a full K-12 school. The campus includes over 60,000 square feet of classrooms, a library, a gymnasium, and an athletic field. To learn more about Valor Kyle, visit valoreducation.org.
SUNFIELD ELEMENTARY OFFICIALLY OPENS – PAGE 9
HAYS COUNTY — Benjamin Wilcox, 44, was sentenced to 90 years in prison for several counts: one count of sexual performance by a child, three counts of possession of child pornography with intent to promote and 11 counts of possession of Benjamin Wilcox child pornography. The investigation of were from Texas and Wilcox began when Wilcox’s former girlfriend several were out of state. Wilcox pled not guilty reported finding a list and the case went to trial with incriminating search terminology amongst Mr. Feb. 1, 2022. Following the prosecution’s Wilcox’s belongings. presentation of its The San Marcos evidence, Wilcox changed Police Department his plea to guilty, and the initiated an investigation case was rescheduled for that eventually resulted a sentencing hearing. in officers obtaining a The trial, including the warrant and searching sentencing hearing, was several of Wilcox’s presided over by 453rd electronic devices. Judicial District Judge Wilcox was found to Sherri Tibbe. After hearing have photographs and evidence on Aug. 12, messages on his devices Tibbe sentenced Wilcox proving that he had to 60 years in prison been soliciting sex from for sexual performance multiple children on a social messaging app. See WILCOX, page 12 Several of the children
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