December 6, 2017 Hays Free Press

DECEMBER 6, 2017 HAYS CLASSIC

DREAM WEDDING

Local hospice resident marries longtime beau.

Lobos show improvement at annual hoops showdown.

– Page 1C

– Page 1B

Hays Free Press © BARTON PUBLICATIONS, INC.

75¢

Vol. 121 • No. 37

HaysFreePress.com

Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX

First San Marcos police officer killed in line of duty

BY MOSES LEOS III A “hero” who always provided for his family, even if it meant working on his day off, was how San Marcos Police Chief Chase Stapp tearfully described the qualities of officer Kenneth Copeland Monday.

Stapp, along with the San Marcos and Hays County communities,

Kenneth Copeland, a veteran of the force and a longtime law enforcement officer, was fatally wounded while he was serving a warrant in the El Camino Real community in south San Marcos off Highway 123.

Stapp said Copeland was supposed to have been off Monday, but chose to pick up a shift to help the department. Copeland is

all mourned the loss of Copeland, 58, who tragically became the first San Marcos Police officer to be killed in the line of duty.

survived by his wife and four children. On Tuesday, multiple media reports identified the suspect in the shooting as Stewart

Thomas Mettz, 51, of San Marcos. However, records show Mettz has not been booked into the Hays County Jail at this time.

“He worked even on his day off to provide for his kids, and because he knew we were shorthanded,” Stapp said.

Copeland, a veteran of the force and a longtime

FALLEN OFFICER, 4A

San Marcos Police Officer Kenneth Copeland leaves behind a wife and four children.

Kyle adds to CAMPO projects

Kyle-ites turn out for Kyle lights

$35 million in initiatives proposed

BY MOSES LEOS III

PHOTO BY RAFAEL MARQUEZ

Hundreds of Kyle neighbors turned out Nov. 29 for the 18th annual Kyle tree lighting ceremony in City Square Park. Visitors enjoyed several performances from the Hays CISD choirs and Santa greeted the youngsters and listened to their Christmas wishes. See more holiday photos, page 1C

Development doldrums?

Uncertainty surrounds Driskell tract plan After talks that the city could potentially be sued over the denial of a development on Opal Lane, Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell met with Planning and Zoning commissioners to set his expectations on the commission’s role in developments.

During a Nov. 28 Kyle Planning and Zoning Commission workshop, Mitchell said that, due to the nature of negotiations with developers on agreements, P&Z is the second stop in the approval for a preliminary plan and receiving a yes vote was essential from the commission.

This conversation was brought up due to a vote that did not go as planned by the mayor and city staff at the commission’s Nov. 14 meeting.

Commissioners initially voted 4-2 to disapprove of the Driskell Subdivision preliminary plan.

The item in the consent section of the agenda was for 540 single family lots, as well as one multi-family and one commercial lot located south of Opal Lane and north of Roland Lane.

Commissioners Pete Oppel, Travis Robinson, Timothy Kay and Jo Fenety voted no during

COMING UP

Buda Trail of Lights

Trail of Lights is a free holiday event held at Historic Stagecoach Park where visitors walk a lighted trail, sip hot chocolate, and meet Santa while taking in the spectacle of the season. The trail will be open from 6-10 p.m. nightly Dec. 8-9 and Dec. 14-17.

Senior Citizen Night (RSVP only) will be held Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m. RSVP to Senior Night by calling 512-295-7170.

BUDAFEST

Annual holiday festival sees increase in vendors.

– Page 1D

INDEX

BY MARIA GARDNER

the first vote for approval of the preliminary plan.

Robinson said in a Dec. 4 phone interview that he voted no because the preliminary plan had zero parkland and did not follow the language in the development agreement which stated

Book release party

The public is invited to celebrate the release of local author Mark Stoub’s new book on Dec. 9 from 1-3:30 p.m., at the Kyle Public Library. Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, a program introducing the new book and lots of mysteries to solve.

A columnist for the Hays Free Press, Stoub is launching a new thriller titled, “The Fifth Trumpet: Fire in the Blood.”

News …………… 1-4A Opinion …………… 3A Sports …………… 1-2B Education ……… 3-4B Community …… 1-4C

DRISKILL TRACT, 2A

Starlight Symphony Orchestra Celebrate the holidays with the Starlight Symphony Orchestra’s performance of its holiday series “Innovative Traditions.” The orchestra will have three performances this season: Dec. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. at the Hays PAC and Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. at the Wimberley First Baptist Church. Come out and support your local musicians this holiday season.

Best Bets ………… 4C Business ……… 1-4D Classifieds ………... 2D Service Directory ..... 3D Public Notices … 2-4D

With the prospect of federal funding on the table, Kyle city leaders Tuesday opted to place several road projects into the mix.

Roughly $35 million in proposed transportation initiatives, including Lehman Road, Burleson Street and a proposed relocation of the Center Street railsiding, will be included in the city’s application for the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (CAMPO) 2019-2022 funding list. The Kyle City Council approved by a 7-0 vote to place the items on the application.

Scott Sellers, Kyle city

CAMPO, 2A

Water district protests discharge permit

BY MARIA GARDNER After pleas and concerns from residents, the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) board of directors unanimously voted Monday to formally protest Dripping Springs’ permit application that could discharge treated wastewater into Onion Creek.

The move comes as a reversal from the groundwater district’s Nov. 13 decision to not file a protest.

The HTGCD will file a contested case hearing

PERMIT PROTEST, 2A

Page 2A

Hays Free Press The Hays Free Press (USPS 361-430) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610.

ISSN#1087-9323

NEWS TIPS

If you think it’s news, we probably do too!

• Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress. com • Mail: 113 W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640

CORRECTIONS

Any erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputation of any person, firm or corporation which may appear in the pages of the Hays Free Press will be corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher.

DEADLINES

• The deadline for display advertising and any contributed news copy in the Hays Free Press is 5 p.m. Friday the week prior to publication.

• The deadline for Letters to the Editor and classified word advertising in the Hays Free Press is noon Monday the week of publication, though we encourage readers and advertisers to observe the Friday deadline.

LETTERS GUIDELINES

We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest.

We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals.

Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity.

All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@ haysfreepress.com.

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.

NEWS

Hays Free Press • December 6, 2017

Kyle focuses on wastewater plant expansion as capacity limit nears

BY MOSES LEOS III

As work continues on fixing a major component at Kyle’s aging wastewater treatment plant, city leaders are now focusing on the next steps to expand and retrofit the 17-plus year old facility.

But, as with many issues in Kyle, trying to meet the rapid pace of a fast growing city is a challenge city leaders are needing to face.

They hope to do so with a proposed expansion of the city’s current wastewater treatment plant, which currently takes in roughly 3.0 million gallons per day (MGD).

Kim Hilsenbeck, Kyle communications specialist, said the city’s expansion, which was originally budgeted for roughly $19 million, would expand the facility to take in roughly 4.5 MGD. Hilsenbeck said the expansion process began two years ago when the city took over ownership

HAYS FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

Last week, Kyle’s wastewater plant suffered a component failure that crew members were able to repair in time to avoid treated effluent running into Plum Creek.

of the plant from AquaTexas. Prior to 2015, Kyle contracted AquaTexas to maintain and operate the facility.

Upon taking over the plant, Hilsenbeck said the city made plans to expand the plant as the WWTP had reached 75 percent capacity. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which

oversees wastewater treatment plant facilities, requires engineering on plant expansions begin when a plant reaches 75 percent capacity.

Hilsenbeck said the city is working with Burgess and Niple, an Austin area contractor, on crafting engineering plans for plant expansion. As of September, Burgess and

Niple have completed 50 percent of the design for the plant expansion, which Hilsenbeck said is a “nine-month or year-long process.”

Once the plans are complete, the city could let the request for proposals (RFP) bid in January or February 2018. Once a bid is received and approved, construction could begin on the expansion, which could take up to a year to complete.

The Hays Free Press reported that construction could begin in May 2018 and could be competed

by December 2019.

“What’s exciting about the expansion is they’re looking at new technology,” HIlsenbeck said, to include using ultraviolet light to disinfect water during the treatment process.

She said the UV process would “eliminate or drastically reduce” the amount of chlorine used in the city’s current system. Another component of the plant expansion is

a new building that could be paid for by a matching grant.

However, getting to that point is still roughly two years or so away.

Additionally, talk of a proposed regional wastewater treatment plant is also on the horizon.

Hilsenbeck said the city is continuing to maintain the plant, even as it starts to show its age. Hilsenbeck said when the facility was built 17 years ago, she believes it was constructed with technology that was already outdated and couldn’t support the influx of growth.

She said the city has made “great strides” in working with the plant, which she said has been improved and is now in “better condition than when we took it over.”

“It’s like dealing with an old car. It will get you where you need to go. It won’t break down on the highway often,” Hilsenbeck said. “The better you take care of something, the better it will last.”

Driskell Tract: Uncertainty surrounds Kyle development plan Continued from pg. 1A

that the developer would make the best effort to develop parkland.

Instead of dedicating parkland, the developer paid a fee as an alternative to creating a park in the development, he said.

“That’s not your best effort to develop parklands,” Robinson said.

After this vote, Commissioner Leslie Denise Blok said that it was her understanding that “if we deny anything, then they (developers) are going to be open to sue the city because they have a developer’s agreement.”

Howard Koontz, Kyle community development director, agreed with Blok’s

“If the city obligates themselves with the developer in a procedural manner that they can’t fulfill, that’s not my problem ...

My role as planning and zoning commissioner is to make sure that development happens in accordance to current code.”

– Travis Robinson, Kyle P&Z ommissioner

conclusion and said, “that’s not incorrect.”

Another vote was called and the preliminary plans were approved by

a 5-2 vote. Chairman Dex Ellision, Blok, Kay, Fenety, and Commissioner, Seat 6, Rick Koch voted to approve the plan.

“If the city obligates themselves with the developer in a procedural manner that they can’t fulfill, that’s not my problem,” Robinson said. “My role as planning and zoning commissioner is to make sure that development happens in accordance to current code.”

He said he understands the perspective of a developer who may find more profit in developing housing than reserving land for parks.

But in the long term, Robinson said having parkland increases the value in a neighborhood and creates a stronger community feel.

For children in single family and multi-family units, having open spaces and parks for them to play in is very beneficial, Oppel said at the Nov. 28 meeting.

“I’m all about quality of life and it’s what I’m going to be fighting for,” Oppel said.

There will be more development agreements the commission will interact with in the future, Fenety said in a Dec. 4 phone interview.

“We (the commission) want development agreements to be negotiated more carefully with thought on quality of life,” Fenety said.

ing the district’s Nov. 13 decision.

Roughly 25 people attended Monday’s board meeting at Dripping Springs City Hall and addressed concerns over the potential negative impacts of discharging effluent into Onion Creek.

Initially, Rogers said her reservation to filing a protest stemmed from the district’s limited resources and its ability to move forward through the process of a contested hearing.

However, Rogers said that without filing a contested hearing, the district would have no legal standing to speak against

the city’s permit discharge application Skipton referred to city of Austin and Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) pledge to provide legal funds to the district in its efforts to protest the city’s discharge permit application.

Rogers said there is a possibility for the board to work with those two entities to protest the permit application.

Rogers added it would be similar to the collaboration in protesting a discharge permit for the Belterra subdivision a few years ago.

Permit Protest: TCEQ permit is protested Continued from pg. 1A

with Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which oversees issuance of wastewater permits.

If TCEQ gives full approval of the discharge permit application, Dripping Springs will be allowed to release up to 995,000 gallons of treated effluent per day into Onion Creek, according to documents obtained from the city.

Earlier this month, the city of Dripping Springs entered into an agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to prioritize reusing the treated effluent via irrigation

over land such as parks and street medians, in order to avoid discharge.

Linda Kaye Rogers, HTGCD board president, said the board has been shut out of talks with Dripping Springs. Rogers hopes that protesting could give the board a seat at the table in negotiations.

What the board’s position would be in negotiations has not been determined, Rogers said, and depends in part on the results of an upcoming dye trace test.

The test will be launched in early in December and will help to determine where water

flows from Onion Creek.

However, the board varied on what could be acceptable negotiating terms, if it were to enter negotiations with the city.

“If we can get this water treated at a higher standard than it is today, then we’ve done a great job,” Jimmy Skipton, HTGCD board vice president, said.

Doc Jones, District 5 board member, said he didn’t “think we should put (waste) water in the creek, period.”

Rogers said a significant factor in reversing course was the outpouring of telephone calls and emails from residents follow-

CAMPO: Kyle adds Lehman, Burleson to list Continued from pg. 1A

Pattycakes is a female, 2-year-old Boxer mix.

She loves to play and goof around but, more than anything, she loves to snuggle. Pattycakes walks well on the leash and knows some basic commands. She will tolerate other dogs but prefers to live as the only pet.

Destani is a female, 1-year-old Shorthair Dilute Calico. She loves to play with any kind of toy and also loves to be brushed and pampered.

She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body, but we make no promises that your leg won’t fall asleep once she settles in for a nap.

PAWS Shelter and Humane Society

is a non-profit, no-kill shelter operated primarily on donations and adoptions.

500 FM 150 E, Kyle, TX • 512 268-1611 • pawsshelter.org

All animals are fully vaccinated, spay/neutered, microchipped and dewormed.

sponsored by

Town & CounTry VeTerinary HospiTal Committed to your pet’s health since 1978

Bill Selman, DVM • Kayley Goldsmith, DVM • Erin Jobman, DVM 6300 FM 1327 (East of I35 and Creedmoor) Austin, TX 78747 Give us a call at 512-385-0486

manager, said CAMPO has approached Kyle and area cities for “shovel-ready” projects it could add to its list as a result of an “influx” of federal dollars. Shovel-ready projects, such as Lehman Road and Burleson Street, are those where the engineering plans are “on the shelf” and ready to start, Sellers said.

Putting the roads on the CAMPO list would delay start of the projects by approximately five months.

Sellers said applying for federal dollars includes a variety of processes and different layers of scrutiny, regulations and studies, which Kyle would have to pay for.

Additionally, all projects vying for federal funds are scored based on their importance and

need by CAMPO. The process takes several rounds and can take several months.

If any roads on the application are selected for federal funding, Kyle would have to pay a 20 percent match. Perwez Moheet, Kyle Finance Director, said Kyle’s share for the projects is $3.3 million, if those projects are selected.

Adding the two road bond projects would have a financial impact on the city.

Moheet said the city could have three options on how to deal with the remaining bond amounts, if the roads are selected. Moheett recommended an option that could allow the city to reprioritize bond funds to other capital projects.

However, doing so would require the city to call a referendum as

the scope of work on the bonds would have changed, Moheet said.

Daphne Tenorio, Kyle City Council member District 6, was concerned that placing the road bond projects on the application could further delay construction. She also hesitated to vote on an item without more input from residents.

Leon Barba, Kyle city engineer, said the city has the Lehman project ready to let now, while Burleson could be let in March.

It wouldn’t be until April or May when the city expects to hear how its projects on the CAMPO application are scored.

“For me, it comes back to long term planning, which says go for it,” Mayor Travis Mitchell said. “But there’s also something to be said on sticking to schedule.”

Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I tell them and I believe that really, really high-level shooting is not a competition, it’s a meditation.”

– Lt. Col. Donald Wimp, Ret. United States Marine Corps, Hays High rifle team instructor.

See story on page 3B.

Hays Free Press • December 6, 2017

No Means No

A

n avalanche of revelations concerning public figures engaging in various sexual assaults has tumbled down upon our heads, and the airwaves are consumed with accusations, recriminations, equivocations and ethical gyrations, not to mention the threat of career annihilations. And it couldn’t happen to a more deserving aggregation of guys.

Since early October, after numerous women came forward to accuse Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of sexually abusive behavior, huge numbers of high-profile males have faced similar charges and either been fired, allowed to resign, lost committee leadership positions, had proj-

P

Page 3A

Raging Moderate

by Will Durst

ects canceled, entered rehab, become incapable of speech or are favorites to win the vacant U.S. Senate seat in Alabama.

We’re not just talking politicians, but judges and talk show hosts and actors and comedians and producers and professors and presidents and professional athletes and coaches and chefs and reporters and editors and publishers and venture capitalists and rental clowns. We haven’t even scratched the clergy, which many of them

would most assuredly enjoy.

Men Behaving Badly is a tale as old as dogs chasing cats, a concept even more apropos when you consider that most men are horndogs to begin with. It’s a miracle women have survived considering the position of vulnerability various quirks of nature foisted upon them: childbirth, being 10 percent smaller than male counterparts and a shorter fertility period. Offset by living longer and a tendency to mature more quickly and some might argue owning a monopoly on that particular aspect.

Every single woman you’ve ever met, including your sister, mother, grandmother and

great-grandmother, (if you met her) has been the unwelcome recipient of inappropriate touching and crude groping and hugs that go on much too long and clumsy pawing and cheek kisses that inexplicably involve wetness and all sorts of leers and ogles and catcalls and having to constantly worry that the provocative or unprovocative clothing they are wearing might provoke the unwarranted attention of some deranged carbon unit with y- chromosome poisoning who thinks he is god’s gift to women. Which admittedly is many of us. Okay. Most.

All? And that categorically has to include grabbing someone by the pri-

vate parts and the fact we have a leader who bragged about that sort of activity is as helpful as wiring a park bench to a chandelier. That’s not locker room banter, that’s an oafish toad gloating about his clueless entitlement and disregard for decency.

It is way way past the point that we men get hip to the simple fact that no means “no”. It doesn’t mean, “yes, please.” It doesn’t mean, “maybe.” It doesn’t mean, “It’s getting hot in here, so take off all my clothes.”

And it certainly doesn’t mean “You big lug, you’re so cute when you’re angry and thank god you know what I want more than I do and I love it when your face turns that blotchy

tomato color.” Because, trust us, nobody likes that blotchy tomato color.

Not only does no mean “no”, it also means “don’t.” Don’t threaten, don’t harass, don’t stand close enough to smell your aftershave and don’t make sly innuendoes, which usually aren’t very sly or innuendoish. This is the second decade of the 20th Century. Time to lose the Middle Ages werewolf attitude and start walking and acting upright. Make your greatgrandmother proud.

Will Durst is an award-winning, nationally acclaimed columnist, comic and former sod farmer in New Berlin, Wisconsin.

Deposing the Lyin’ King

resident Donald Trump’s rally in Missouri was a set-piece of distortion about taxes and the economy” that “compounded his growing legacy of false tales on Twitter . . .”

Those weren’t the opening lines from some loser liberal commentator. They were from the Associated Press.

The editors at AP at some point realized that their job wasn’t just to report what newsmakers say but also whether what they say is false.

In the speech in question, AP reported, Trump said a whole bunch of things that weren’t true: like the fact that he wouldn’t benefit from the moist and scaly tax monster slithering through

Young At-Large by John Young

Congress.

“This is going to cost me a fortune, this thing, believe me,” he told the crowd.

Oh, yeah. In fact, Trump could benefit by more than $1 billion, according to an NBC News analysis.

The alternative minimum tax, abolished in this bill, is the only reason Trump paid anything at all in the only year we know anything about if or what he paid in taxes. Then there’s the break he and his heirs would get from

Hays Free Press Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton News and Sports Editor Moses Leos III

an end to the estate tax.

Yes, the Republican tax plan borrows a trillion against America’s future to give billionaires and multinational corporations big tax breaks. At the same time, one-third of Americans would see no benefit whatsoever or even pay more. What a deal.

As satirist Andy Borowitz wrote, “Jubilant Trump voters celebrated the prospect of a gigantic tax cut that will benefit everyone but them.”

Yes, with the tax bill, the Lyin’ King finally has a triumph to announce from Pride Rock. Hear him roar.

Unfortunately for him, some lies are catching up with His Majesty.

Consider one trivial

falsehood told by Mike Flynn to the FBI, one which neatly dovetails with lies Trump repeatedly has told Americans about canoodling with Russians.

Team Trump is doing its best to diminish the fact that the man Trump hired to be his go-to man on national security is a felon.

We will hear now that the Logan Act, which prohibits civilians (then-citizens Trump, Flynn, Kushner, Sessions) from conducting foreign policy, is no biggie. Never been prosecuted. Mountain out of molehill.

That may be true, but that’s not the real crime being investigated here, aside from the crime of obstructing the investiga-

Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com

Reporters Samantha Smith, Timothy Stuckey Maria Gardner Columnists Bartee Haile, Chris Winslow, Pauline Tom, Clint Younts

Proofreaders Jane Kirkham Marketing Director Tracy Mack Marketing Specialist James Darby

tion into the real crime.

The real crime is Russia’s providing assistance to the Trump campaign through in-kind services, like stealing information from the opposing party and sharing it with the Trump campaign, seeding social media with fake news and ads, and attempting to cripple or otherwise compromise state elections operations.

When Richard Nixon was impeached, lies were the reason – the cover-up.

But the crime was far more than one iddy, biddy burglary.

The Nixon campaign had sponsored a massive program of dirty tricks aimed at undermining his political opponents.

What Robert Mueller is investigating is whether

Team Trump contracted out – yes, outsourced – the dirty tricks business to foreign friends.

We found out years after his departure that Nixon had violated the Logan Act by seeking, before he became president, to slow down peace negotiations in Vietnam so he could take credit for any breakthrough.

Richard Nixon said, “I am not a crook.” Donald Trump said, “Russia is a ruse.”

He may yet enjoy his tax cut, but the lies are catching up to the king of falsehoods.

Longtime former Texas newspaperman John Young lives in Colorado. jyoungcolumn@gmail.com

113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Production Manager David White

Circulation/Classifieds David White, Wendie Hyer

Production Assistant Christine Thorpe

Distribution Kimberlee Griffon, Denise Larivee

Hays Free Press • December 6, 2017

Page 4A

Kyle considers increased use of traffic impact studies as congestion worsens

BY MARIA GARDNER

“With the growth, existing schools are going to be at capacity relatively quickly ... the construction of new schools can be expected every couple of years.”

tation (TxDOT) to lower speed limits on FM 2770 in The time it takes waiting preparation for the expectto make a turn as students ed increase in traffic due to walk across the street, or the reduction of bus routes. congestion on two-lane The conversation on roads during rush hour traffic near schools quickly were scenarios on the steered to a larger discusminds of Kyle Planning and sion about the impact new Zoning Commissioners housing and business deNov. 28. velopments have on traffic.

–William Atkinson, Kyle city planner Such discussions took Atkinson said there is place during a workshop not a city code that rewhich centered on traffic in be viable for the area very trigger a study, Oppel said. quires or mandates a traffic Kyle and the impact it has soon. impact study for new conHays CISD is expected on the city.

“With the growth, struction projects However, to eliminate a handful of P&Z Commissioner existing schools are going he said the need for one is bus routes beginning in Pete Oppel introduced the to be at capacity relatively January 2018, which will re- growing. idea of conducting traffic quickly ... and construcHow the city enforces sult in an increase in traffic impact studies when a new tion of new schools can be around certain schools due developers to conduct school or an extension on expected every couple of traffic impact studies and to more parents dropping an existing school is conyears,” Atkinson said. under what guidelines will students off at school, he structed.

Beyond the use of a have to be looked into, said.

William A. Atkinson, City traffic impact study when In regards to safety, the Planner said the use of a a school is being built, new city is working with Texas traffic impact study would circumstances may also Department of Transpor-

Atkinson said.

To gain insight on what is the best approach for the city to take, Atkinson said he plans to meet with city officials across the region to learn about how they manage traffic.

“As we keep approving subdivisions . . . and more projects in the pipeline, we know it’s (traffic) going to happen,” Atkinson said.

In a Dec. 4 phone interview, Leon Barba, Kyle city engineer, said the city plans for traffic as part of the transportation master plan, which is evaluated every five years.

He said the city is exploring the idea of traffic impact studies for projects.

Howard Koontz, Kyle community development director, said an issue with requiring developers to conduct traffic impact studies is they may hire engineers that prepare reports in favor of the developer.

Oppel said working on a traffic impact analysis concept or policy for the city is the ideal role for the committee because, its job is “to project and prepare for future circumstances.”

“I want (us) to set policies that are going to be applicable in the next 20 to 30 years,” Oppel said.

Commissioners agreed to further discuss the topic on Dec.12.

Fallen Officer

Continued from pg. 1A law enforcement officer, was fatally wounded while he was serving a warrant in the El Camino Real community in south San Marcos off Highway 123.

Stapp said Copeland and several other San Marcos Police officers were serving a warrant to a man wanted for a “violent crime.”

Shortly after arriving at the residence, the suspect, who still has not been identified, began to fire a weapon at officers in an “ambush” style. Copeland was stuck several times and was quickly extricated from the scene by fellow officers.

Copeland was immediately rushed to Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos in a police car.

Stapp said officers tried to save Copeland’s life while he was being transported to the hospital.

Copeland, however, was pronounced dead at 3:50 p.m. by Hays County Justice of the Peace JoAnn Prado. Copeland was wearing his protective vest, but Stapp said it “did not save him.” Stapp added he didn’t believe the bullets penetrated his protective vest.

After Copeland was transported from the scene, San Marcos Police officers set up a perimeter around the suspect’s home. Providing assistance was the Hays County SWAT team and the Hays County Crisis Negotiation Team, who helped to force the suspect to surrender peacefully.

Officers took the suspect into custody and discovered he had a gunshot wound. Stapp said it is unknown if the suspect’s wound was self-inflicted or if he was shot by officers on the scene. The suspect’s condition is unknown at this time.

Stapp said San Marcos Police has mobilized its

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA SMITH

A motorcade of local law enforcement turned out in force to escort the body of San Marcos Police Officer Kenneth Copeland’s from the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office to Thomason Funeral Home in San Marcos.

“Citizens must show their support for all of the men and women in our public safety divisions. This is their daily reality and it rips your heart out.”

– John Thomaides, San Marcos mayor

stress management team to help fellow officers.

Local and state leaders soon began offering support and condolences to the San Marcos Police family.

On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott authorized lowering the Texas flags in San Marcos to halfstaff to honor Copeland.

In a statement, Abbott said the state grieves for Copeland’s family, and “we vow swift justice for the killer.”

“The men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect and to serve our communities, and we will never forget their sacrifices,” Abbott said in a statement. “Cecila and I extend our heartfelt

condolences to the officer’s family and to the entire San Marcos Police Department.”

State Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) said in a statement he was “deeply saddened by the reckless murder that took the life of one of our courageous police officers.”

“It is imperative that we unite as communities and as Texans against such egregious acts of violence against the brave men and women who serve and protect us daily. My family and I are praying for peace and comfort for the family of this fallen hero,” Isaac said.

San Marcos Mayor John Thomaides said the city is mourning together and that the message to citizens is for people to come together now “more than ever.”

“Citizens must show their support for all of the men and women in our public safety divisions.

This is their daily reality and it rips your heart out,” Thomaides said.

Bert Lumbreras, San Marcos city manager, also advocated for residents to support law enforcement and Copeland’s family. He said the city will continue to celebrate his life.

“I assure you, the city of San Marcos will band together to support the family and be there for his legacy and continue to celebrate his life,” Lumbreras said.

www.AustinENT.com Comprehensive ENT Care for All Ages

Hearing Aid Services & Sales

Ear & Hearing

Hearing Aid Services

Hearing & Balance Evaluation Chronic Ear Infections Dizziness & Vertigo Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears) Ruptured Ear Drum

Thyroid & Parathyroid

Ultrasound & Needle Biopsy Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery

Allergy

Comprehensive Allergy Testing Allergy Shots & Drops

KYLE

Children’s ENT

Ear Tube Placement Tonsil & Adenoid Surgery Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery

Nose & Sinus

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery In-office Balloon Sinuplasty

Diagnostic Hearing Tests

Comprehensive Hearing Exams Immittance Testing OAE, VNG and VRA Testing Brian Schwab, M.D.

Throat, Head & Neck

Sleep Apnea Hoarseness/Vocal Cord Dysfunction

TWO LOCATIONS IN YOUR AREA

1180 Seton Parkway Suite 420 Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-5282

Hearing Aid Sales, Programming Fittings, Cleanings & Repairs Earmolds & Custom Ear Plugs Hearing Protection

Mark Dammert, M.D.

Michael Yium, M.D.

LOCKHART

1005 W. San Antonio #A Lockhart, TX 78644 (512) 444-7944

Amber Bass, Au.D.

Sports HaysFreePress.com

Section B ON TARGET

Rebel rifle team takes aim at national title.

– Page 3B

Hays Free Press

December 6, 2017 • Page 1B

Lobos show improvement at Hays CISD Classic

BY LISETTE LOPEZ

buying in to becoming a better team.

A 3-2 mark over a “These girls are three-day period was changing their percephow the Lehman Lobos tion of Lehman as far finished the 2017 Hays as basketball goes, and CISD Classic, which was they’re working hard to held Nov. 29-Dec.2. do it,” Halatin said. “They The Lobos competed practice every day and against Round Rock, Cewe never have any issues. dar Creek, LBJ They are all Austin, Thornbought in and dale and Poth the only way in the tournathat you’re ment. going to turn The Lobos now Head coach the program look toward the James Halaaround is if team’s 7 p.m., tin said his everybody is Dec. 8 contest team played bought in.” against Akins. well against With playthe different ing in a tourplaying styles nament, the throughout the tournateam establishes more ment. chemistry before heading “The good thing about into the regular season. tournaments is that The Lobos are 7-8 so you’re going to see a far, and have different bunch of different teams areas to improve on as with different styles,” the season progresses.

Halatin said. “We just “We could probably do wanted as a younger a better job at ball control team to be able to adapt and moving the ball,” to the different styles of Halatin said. “Sometimes the different teams that our offense gets a little they were going to show stagnant. We saw some us.” zones, we saw some While the Lobos lost to man and we have the Round Rock (42-29) and tendency to hold the ball Poth (49-31), Halatin felt and read instead of being it was a step up from last confident and know what year. In 2016, Lehman we know we can do.” went 1-4 in the Hays Moving the ball more CISD Classic.

LOBO HOOPS, 2B Halatin said his team is

NEXT UP

Lehman Lobo senior guard Maggie Castillo (left, 5) dribbles past a Cedar Creek player near center court as time was expiring in the first half of a Hays CISD Classic pool play game at the Lobo Den. (photo by Moses Leos III )

NASCAR dreams keep Dripping Springs resident on the right track

BY MOSES LEOS III

D

ripping Springs resident Bayley Currey knew from an early age that a life in motorsports was his calling.

After stepping into his first go-kart at the age of seven, Currey never forgot the thrills he experienced when he lived life in the fast lane.

Fast forward 14 years and Currey has taken a huge step in potentially turning what was once a hobby into a possible career.

Over the past month, Currey, 21, has competed in three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events, which included a 10th place finish at Phoenix International Speedway on Nov. 10.

For Currey, the ability to compete in a series that has been known as a stepping stone for many of today’s NASCAR Cup superstars was a special experience.

“It feels special. It’s more of an opportunity to move forward in the Cup Series than I ever had,” Currey said. “It was cool to race against Truck Series veterans who I watched on TV when I was little.”

Currey’s racing origins hearken to the Hill Country Cart Club in New Braunfels. At the time, Currey went with a coach he practiced with at the former Thunderhill Speedway in Kyle.

The coach allowed Currey to use his son’s go-kart. From there, Currey said he was hooked, to the point to where his dad, Mark Currey, purchased a go-kart for him.

Currey said a desire to be like his father, who himself was a longtime racecar driver, is one of his primary reasons to become involved in motorsports.

Currey said he remembered watching his

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Hays Rebel freshman Lily Guevara (left) tussles with a Killeen Shoemaker defender for possession of the ball at the Hays CISD Classic tournament.

Hays draws even at HCISD Classic

BY MOSES LEOS III

COURTESY PHOTO

Above: Bayley Currey waits for a race in Martinsville, TX. Below: Currey with his first go-kart.

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

father race at Thunderhill in limited late model events.

“I wanted to be like my dad,” Bayley said.

“Driving as fast as you can is fun for me.”

Eventually, Currey moved into the world of Bandoleros, or glorified go-karts, which are run on dirt and asphalt tracks. Often, Currey traveled with his family across the country to

compete in racing events at different venues.

Currey said he recalled being on the road for two months straight where he competed at various racing events.

“It was a good time, one of the best times I ever had at the races,” Currey said.

But racing in the Bandoleros meant also learning how to race on short oval tracks. Currey

was accustomed to road courses when he raced go-karts.

As a result, Currey said it was a big challenge to learn the finer skills of short track racing, which was up close and personal and featured lots of contact.

“The first time I did that, it was a crazy experience,” Currey said.

Racing at Thunderhill, which then was renamed Central Texas Speedway, helped Currey understand more about cars.

As his own crew chief, Currey had to learn the limits of each vehicle he raced.

Over the years, Currey went from driving Bandoleros to late model vehicles, which are similar to NASCAR rides. The experience took him across Texas, to the southeast and even as far north as

CURREY, 2B

the board, with key contributions coming A 2-2 mark over the from freshmen Sydney course of three days was Collins, Lily Guevara how the Hays Rebels and senior Chloe Aguclosed the Hays CISD irre. Hays relied on the classic tournament it play of senior Gabby co-hosted Bosquez, last weekbut also end. obtained Danny points Preuss, from Hays opens district Hays girls bench play 7 p.m. Friday head basplayers when they host ketball includVandegrift at Bales coach, said ing senior Gym. the tourFaith Dunament ran. helped give One of his young roster key the primary struggles minutes on the court as during the tournament, they rapidly approach however, was trying to the start of district play. work on defense, which “Getting my team Preuss said the Rebels a lot of minutes now must improve upon. and giving them a little Improving on the ofmore confidence on fensive side is also a fothe court will hopefully cus for the Rebels. Over bode well in the future,” the past few weeks, Preuss said.

Hays has had more Hays opened with shooting workouts dura loss to Killeen Shoeing practices, Preuss maker, which was then said. followed with a narrow “I don’t cut anyone 56-50 loss to Schertz off,” Preuss said. “If they Clemens. The Rebels re- are shooting poorly bounded with key wins from the outside, I tell over Elgin and Austin them to take it to the Reagan. hole, get to the free Preuss said his roster throw line and gain was consistent across some confidence.”

NEXT UP

Sports

Page 2B

Hays Free Press • December 6, 2017

Lady Tigers finish sixth in Hays Classic

BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI

The Dripping Springs Lady Tigers finished 3-2 in the Hays CISD Classic this past weekend, earning sixth place out of the 28 teams competing in the non-district girls basketball tournament.

The Lady Tigers were led by All-Tournament selection Danielle Northrup, in addition to a veteran team that is comprised of seniors.

“Sixth place, I’ll take it,” said Dripping Springs head basketball coach David Norris after their final game of the tournament. “This is a really good tournament. This is probably one of the best for girls in this whole area, if not one of the top.

Had some really good teams, some competitive top teams. So I’ll take sixth place. Yeah do we want (to play) better, yes we could have. The team (Lovejoy) that barely beat us by a couple of points is playing in the championship, so I’ll take that.”

Northrup consistently played at a high level for Dripping Springs as she averaged 11 points and five rebounds over the five game span of tournament play. The senior power forward recorded double-digit points in four out of the five games.

That included 12 points, seven rebounds and three steals against Cedar Creek, and 13 points, eight rebounds in a close win over Round Rock. Northrup’s dominate play in the paint led to her receiving an AllTournament selection.

“It feels pretty good,” Northrup said about her all-tournament selection and the sixth place finish.

“I’m used to playing in tiny high school tournaments, our classic has like fifteen teams. So it feels pretty good.”

During day one of tournament play the Lady Tigers dominated Cedar Creek 67-22, placing them in the highly competitive Gold Bracket for the remaining four games of the tournament. Dripping Springs’ opening game of the Gold Bracket was a 36-31 nail-biting victory over

DEBBIE THAMES AGENT

Debbie Thames Insurance Debbie Thames Insurance Agency Agency

AUTO • HOME LIFE •• HEALTH BOAT • HEALTH AUTO • HOME • LIFE ••BOAT 251FMN.1626 FM #2C 1626 #2C TX • Buda, 251 N. • Buda, 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 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Your Business & Referrals Are Appreciated Your Business & Referrals Are Appreciated

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Dripping Springs Tiger senior Cassie Louthan (right) is struck by a Round Rock Dragon defender while attacking the basket during a pool play game in the Hays CISD Classic tournament played at Bales Gym.

“I feel like the first couple of games we were together, we played like the team we normally have been ... We’ve took some tough losses, so I was just hoping we would gain confidence back throughout the tournament play.”

– Danielle Northrup, Lady Tiger basketball player

NEXT UP

Dripping Springs next game will be on the road at Hendrickson High School 7 p.m., Friday.

Round Rock, setting them up for a tough day two matchup against Lucas Lovejoy.

“I feel like the first couple of games we were together, we played like the team we normally have been,” said Northrup.

“We’ve took some tough losses, so I was just hoping we would gain confidence back throughout the tournament play.

But overall I think we did pretty good, but we can always improve.”

Dripping Springs fought hard through adversity early on versus Lovejoy, but ultimately there wasn’t enough time

left for them to complete the comeback in the 4743 loss Friday. The Lady Tigers regrouped after the loss and won easily against Victoria East, 5228, later that day.

“I liked the fight in us when we played yesterday against Lovejoy,” Norris said. “You know coming back, being able to come back in a game like that where we just didn’t play well the first half, just sloppy sloppy sloppy. And kept fighting until the end where we had a shot at winning.

One basket here or there and we win the game.”

The final game of Dripping Springs tournament play was a disappointing 63-29 loss against a talented Boswell team.

Norris said the Tigers were missing two guards in the Boswell contest.

One guard was on a college trip, while the other was taking her SAT.

“We just didn’t have the ball handlers to handle their pressure. I’ve known their coach, is a good friend of mine for a long time, I’m glad that’s the kind of pressure we need,” Norris said. “We need to see when people decide they are going to come out and press us, how do we handle it.”

Alongside Northrup, other key contributors for the Lady Tigers included senior point guard Cassie Louthan, senior guard Annie Hudson, and junior shooting guard Julia Graham.

Graham averaged nine points and 3.4 steals per game, with her best performance coming against Cedar Creek where she had 18 points and seven steals.

Louthan averaged 5.2 points, 2.8 assists and just under 1 block per game. Hudson earned minutes off of the bench versus Lovejoy and was then rewarded with a starting spot against Victoria East. Hudson posted 11 points in both of those games, where she was able to hit from three-point range multiple times.

“I think we got what we needed out of this tournament,” Norris said.

“Yeah we wanted an extra win or two, but I think what’s more valuable is just to play.”

11726 Manchaca Rd., Austin, TX 78748 (On the corner of Frate Barker Rd.)

512-280-1192

Visit: www.itsaboutthyme.com Email Chris Winslow at: iathyme@yahoo.com

WE BUY

Both non-producing and producing

including Non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI) Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation.

CALL TODAY: 806.620.1422

LOBO MINERALS, LLC PO Box 1800 • Lubbock, TX 79408-1800

LoboMineralsLLC@gmail.com

Earn more with Quality!

30 YEARS OF SERVICE Looking for CDL A or B drivers to deliver new trucks all over the US and Canada.

Experience preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in last 10 years, clean MVR.

Apply Online at www.qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023

For all the latest Hays CISD news and sports, visit www.

Currey: Dreams on the right track

OIL, GAS, &

MINERAL RIGHTS

HaysFreePress.com

Continued from pg. 1B

New York. Currey said he often made up classes while he was on the road racing.

“It’s something not too many people to get experience,” Currey said. “I’m thankful I did.”

Currey said racing late models would have been his ultimate spotting point in racing. However, a surprise request soon reignited his interest in turning racing into a career.

A friend approached Currey in October about an opportunity to race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck series. It was an offer he couldn’t refuse.

On Oct. 28 Currey found himself in a stock

“It feels special. It’s more of an opportunity to move forward in the Cup Series than I ever had ...

It was cool to race against Truck Series veterans who I watched on TV when I was little.”

– Bayley Currey, Dripping Springs resident and racecar driver

truck racing at Martinsville Speedway in Tennessee. The experience was the first time he had raced in a truck.

While the vehicle was a little heavier than any car he had raced in before, Currey said little else differed from what he had done on the track. He ul-

timately finished 25th in the race.

One week later, Currey got the chance to race again, this time with a different team.

He burned the rubber at Phoenix and came away with 10th place.

Now with track experiences under his belt,

Currey now mulls what the future holds for him.

While not much is “nailed down right now,” Currey said he envisions racing in the top three NASCAR series, whether full- or part-time, next season.

He also plans to transfer from Texas State to the University of North Carolina in Charlotte to keep pursuing his racing career, he said.

Currey’s friends, however, understand his love of the road and they continue to follow his progress.

“They think it’s pretty wild. They’ve come out to a few of my races and they see it all,” Currey said. “It’s old news for them.”

EDUCATION Become Dietary Manager in eight months in online program offered by Tennessee College of Applied Technology Elizabethton. Details at www. tcatelizabethton.edu, or email lisa.blackburn@ tcatelizabethton.edu.

AUCTION Cattleman Bull & Female Sale, Noon, Jan. 20, 2018, El Campo Livestock Auction, El Campo, TX – www. cattlemansale.com, Adrian Knight 903-452-7591 or Kelly Conley 903-857-2594.

SAWMILLS Sawmills from only $4,397.00 – Make & Save Money with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension.

In stock ready to ship! Free info/DVD: www. norwoodsawmills.com. 1-800-578-1363, Ext.300N.

RECEIVING PAYMENTS Receiving payments from real estate you sold?

Get cash now! Call Steve: 1-888-870-2243. www.

SteveCashesNotes.com.

We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation. 1-806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, Lubbock, TX 79408-1800.

TRUCK DRIVERS Driver - CDL A Training. $250 - $500 Incentive Bonus. No Out of Pocket Tuition Cost! Get Your CDL in 22 Days. 6 Day Refresher Courses Available.

Minimum 21 Years. 855-755-5545. EOE. www. kllmdrivingacademy.com.

Quality Drive-Away Inc., Looking for CDL A or B drivers to deliver new trucks all over the US and Canada. Experience Preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in the last 10 years, clean MVR. Apply Online at www. qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE Mesothelioma may occur 30 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos. Industrial and construction workers and their families may have been exposed from the 1940s through the 1970s. Call 1-800-460-0606 for professional insight or visit www.asbestoslaw.com.

Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 251 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 1-800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.

40th Annual

Lobo Hoops: Showing improvement

Cattleman Bull & Female Sale

Continued from pg. 1B

on offense is something to work on for the Lobos, but the Lobos also showed progress on defense as well.

In the two games against Cedar Creek and LBJ, the team beat both opponents by a 20-point margin.

With such a close team, Halatin said the Lobos motivate themselves to get better every day.

Halatin said at practices and during pregame, his team is excited to be around each other.

“They just enjoy being around each other and they really want to be better,” Halatin said.

“They don’t want to just go through the motions.

OIL AND GAS RIGHTS

TexSCAN Week of December 3, 2017

12 Noon

They don’t want to do that, they want to be better, they want to improve on where Lehman basketball has been over the course.”

The Lobos now look toward the team’s Dec. 8 contest against Akins at 7 p.m.

“These first couple of days this week we’re going to work on us,” Halatin said. “Not so much execution as a team, but the player as far as making sure your feet are set up on a shot, making sure you can move without the ball. Just a lot of drills for the individual to really help us on our team concept later on in the week.”

January 20, 2018

El Campo Livestock Auction El Campo, Texas For information:

www.cattlemansale.com

Adrian Knight Tx Lic #11102 903-452-7591

Kelly Conley Tx Lic #9558 903-857-2594

Mesothelioma PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Lehman High senior Zakya Jarden fights for the ball near the baseline during a pool play game against the Cedar Creek Eagles at the Hays CISD Classic.

may occur 30 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos. Many workers were exposed from the 1940s through the 1970s. Industrial and construction workers, along with their families (second hand exposure) are among those at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer or gastro cancer (throat, stomach, colon).

Call us for professional insight.

EXPERIENCE

COUNTS Lawyers with more than 100 years combined expertise.

Ryan A. Krebs, M.D., J.D. Doctor-Lawyer in Full-time Law Practice

Richard A. Dodd, L.C. Timothy R. Cappolino, P.C.

Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

NO FEE FOR FIRST VISIT

OffICes In HOustOn/COnrOe, teMple and austIn, prInCIpal OffICe In CaMerOn

1-800-460-0606 www.Asbestos Law.com

Education

DREAM WEDDING Local hospice care resident marries longtime beau.

– Page 1C

Hays Free Press • December 6, 2017

Page 3B

Charter school tabs first leaders for Kyle campus STAFF REPORT The first charter school to open in Kyle now has chosen its leaders.

On Nov. 30, IDEA Public Schools, a south Texas-based charter school system, announced Ester Polanco and Jorge Chipres as the Founding Principals at the IDEA Kyle campus.

The duo will take the reins of a $20 million, 110,000 square-foot campus located at the intersection of Goforth Road near Bluestem.

Earlier this year, the Kyle City Council approved a pair of conditional use permits (CUPs) for the first of two phases for the campus, which is expected to ultimately house more than

1,400 students.

Officials with IDEA plan to start with 450 students in grades kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 6th grade and would POLANCO add 240 more students every year afterward.

According to an IDEA press release, the CHIPRES leaders for the Kyle campus were selected through the sys-

tem’s Principal in Residence program, which is designed to “prepare high-quality educators to effectively lead a new or existing IDEA school.”

Polanco and Chipres will now enter IDEA’s Rhodes Fellowship, which is a semester-long program that’s the final step in prepararion for the principal role, according to the release.

Polanco, who currently works at the IDEA Bluff Springs Academy, began her career with IDEA in 2012 in the Rio Grande Valley as an elementary math teacher.

Chipres, who is originally from Mexico, worked previously at Alief ISD in the Houston area and then as a fifthgrade teacher at IDEA’s Weslaco Academy.

The Kyle campus of IDEA Public Schools will be located at the intersection of Bluestem Street and Goforth Road. The campus is expected to open for the 2018-19 school year.

On target

Hays CISD eyes better STAAR scores, parent communications as 2018 goals

BY KATE BARTON

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Hays High rifle team member Chloe Patterson takes aim during a team practice last week.

Hays High JROTC rifle team takes aim at national title

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

“I tell them and I believe that really, really highlevel shooting is not a competition, it’s a meditation.”

F

or the second year in a row, high marks in proficiency led the Hays High Rifle Team to secure the Governor’s Cup. The team will now advance to the National Air Rifle Championship in Ohio in 2018.

For Lt. Col. Donald Wimp, Ret. United States Marine Corps, instructor for the rifle team, the secret to success is dedication to the sport of precision shooting and the Zen-like atmosphere it inspires.

“It takes a lot of discipline,” Wimp said.

Since 1995, Hays High School has fielded a United States Marine Corps (USMC) JROTC rifle team. When Wimp arrived at Hays five years ago, the program started to steadily place in shooting competitions.

Wimp said the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) sanctions the sport.

The CMP oversees shooting events in the Junior Olympics JROTC competitions.

Wimp said there are two different styles of shooting sanctioned by the CMP. One style is Precision, which requires a leather suit, specific gloves and a specific rifle. The

– Lt. Col. Donald Wimp, Ret. United States Marine Corps, rifle team instructor

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Members of the Hays High rifle team take aim while kneeling at last week’s practice.

second is the Sporter class, where shooters only have to wear basic protective gear, street clothes and have a rifle.

Wimp said his shooters all participate in the Sporter competitions. They only have to worry about the rifle and gloves, which Wimp said cost about $500 and are provided by the JROTC. Wimp said a Precision setup can cost upwards of $7,000.

Cadets on the Hays

High rifle team must dedicate at least three days a week to practice.

Wimp said he prefers that his shooters practice seven times during the week.

Wimp said for a shooter to be able to hit a target no bigger than the head of a pin 10 meters away, they need constant practice, as well as a 90 percent meditation strategy.

“I tell them and I believe that really, really high-level shooting is

not a competition, it’s a meditation,” Wimp said.

Wimp said when his cadets enter the air rifle range they immediately begin the mental preparation for the task at hand; there is no chatter while they set up their gear.

“Their pre-shot routine is their meditation,” Wimp said.

“When you execute a shot, you want to be as relaxed as possible, but prior to that 90 percent of it is mental and the fundamentals only count for 10 percent.”

Wimp said currently there are about 2,500 to 2,800 JROTC air rifle teams across the country in all branches

RIFLE TEAM, 4B

The Hays CISD Board of Trustees approved its annual district performance objectives and student performance goals Nov. 27.

The goals for 2018 include ensuring that all campuses meet standards set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), pursuing innovative programs, strengthening communication between students, parents and teachers, among other goals.

“The overall goal for the district is to be at a point where we’re either meeting or exceeding the standards that are set by TEA,” Hays CISD public information officer Tim Savoy said.

STAAR performance goals for 2018 were another issue discussed in the meeting.

The goals for the district have been steadily increasing for the past three years. In 2016, the performance level for reading was 70 percent and the goal for 2018 is 72 percent. For math, the performance level was also 70 percent in 2016 and the goal is 75 percent for 2018.

Earlier this year, Hays CISD leaders expressed anxiety over a dip in STAAR performance scores in writing in the district. In 2016, the writing percentage score for all grades in the district that met “approaches grade level or above” was 62 percent and in 2017 it was only 55 percent.

Other academic improvements to the district were announced in August with specific focus on Science Hall and Hemphill elementary schools. The two schools were listed as “improvement required” in the TEA’s 2017 accountability report.

Savoy says these schools will be receiving extra attention with specialized plans that are being implemented along with the district’s general goals.

Savoy added that in general, goals are important so the district

Hays CISD objectives for 2018 GOAL 1

The District will ensure that all campuses meet or exceed standards as set by TEA through continuous evaluation and alignment of current and existing programs as necessary.

GOAL 2

Pursue innovative programs and practices to maintain a competitive learning environment.

GOAL 3

Promote a professional environment where employees are valued as partners.

GOAL 4

Strengthen communication and collaboration between students, parents, staff and community.

GOAL 5

Continue to develop and implement a capital improvement plan that serves the district’s demographics and growth.

GOAL 6

Allocate district resources to maintain long term financial stability.

has something to work toward.

“It sets the standard for all the work that will go into setting up lessons and working with teachers and professional development and all the things that go on behind the scenes that will eventually translate into the classroom,” Savoy said.

“It’s a constant exercise in trying to improve how we deliver instruction.”

Education

Page 4B

Hays Free Press • December 6, 2017

Hays CISD at the Mexican Consulate Recently, Alejandro Góngora, Hays CISD Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, and some Hays CISD students and families attended the inaugural job fair at the Mexican Consulate.

The Consul General of Mexico, Carlos González Gutiérrez, took time to take a picture with two Hays CISD families, which included one student from Simon Middle School and two from Hays High School. More than 15 universities were present, as well as other organizations, providing information on FAFSA, TASFA, scholarships, affordable housing, higher education and other pertinent topics.

PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

Celebrating Lobos on the college path PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEJANDRO GONGORA.

Last week, the Lehman High College and Career Center hosted a recognition gathering for more than 40 Lobos who’ve already applied, and have been accepted, to colleges and universities. Lobo Principal Denisha Presley (right), Academic Dean Joshua Kaiser, and College and Career Center Counselor Melanie Danford, as well as other members of the Lobo faculty and staff, were all on hand to honor the seniors.

Rifle Team: Aims at national title Continued from pg. 3B

of the military that shoot in the Sporter division.

Last year, the Hays High rifle team placed 21st.

Wimp hopes that they will break the top 10 this year.

Wimp said his rifle team cadets posted the highest scores in Texas at the Governor’s Cup last year and this year which will hopefully lead them to nationals again this next year in Ohio in 2018.

Not only does the notoriety for being the best come with benefits, but Wimp said he also sees how being involved in the sport can enhance the lives of the shooters in other areas of life as well.

“It (shooting) allows them and forces them to be in the moment despite all the distractions of today’s world like phones and texting and social media,” Wimp said.

“The ability to focus and compartmentalize all the things that are going

“If they go to competition with all the loud cheering and all the distraction and they still post a solid score then they can go into anything else knowing they can handle it because they have faced pressure before,” – Lt. Col. Donald Wimp, Ret. United States Marine Corps, rifle team instructor

on at home or with their grades or their friends and excel at the highest level is almost like yoga or meditation, the pressure is so high for these kids and they block it all by slowing their breathing and their heart rate and performing.”

Wimp said after the shooters excel at a competition, where the pressure is really high,

they can often deal with other situations better than they would have before.

“If they go to competition with all the loud cheering and all the distraction and they still post a solid score then they can go into anything else knowing they can handle it because they have faced pressure before,” Wimp said.

512-302-5555 www.atfcu.org

300+ Free ATMs | Free Checking 24 Austin Metro Locations

Jose G., Healthcare

Careers with impact

START HERE. START NOW austincc.edu

Give the gift that keeps on giving.

Loans to Fit Your Needs

NOVEMBER 15, 2017 VETS CONNECT

FIRST WIN

Rebel basketball wins season opener against KIPP Academy.

Veterans find strength through support network.

– Page 1C

75¢

Hays Free Press HaysFreePress.com

Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX

$27.8M approved for Buda water projects

BY MOSES LEOS III Expansion of Buda’s

wastewater treatment plant, along with a proposed Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project, were part of $27.8 million in certificate of obligation (CO) bonds approved by city leaders

earlier this month.

Approval of the bond sale was made to Hilltop Securities Inc., through a competitive bid process, according to a press release.

The bonds were sold to Hilltop Securities with an average interest rate of 2.93 percent.

The low rates will save Buda approximately $2.5 million over the life of the 25-year bond.

Hilltop Securities was one of nine banks competing for the city’s CO bonds. Buda was able to secure a low interest rate in large part to an AA bond rating through

Standard & Poor’s Rating Agency.

An AA bond rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s means the city has a very strong capacity to meet its financial commitments, according to a city press release.

“This is validation of the city’s efforts in

planning and financial prudence,” the release said.

Ultimately, the lower interest rate means taxpayers will pay less in rates over the life of the bonds, according to the release.

The bonds will be paid from utility funds, which

County looks for new options in jail contract

BY KATERINA BARTON

BY MOSES LEOS III

A final decision on the Guaranteed Maximum Price of Hays County’s jail expansion may not be made until after the New Year.

On Nov. 7, Hays County Commissioners considered withdrawing the contract with Turner Construction Company (TCC) for its Public Safety Bond Program Phase II. By doing so, it could allow TCC to present a new GMP proposal at a later date.

Commissioners have not approved or rejected the existing contract and

Interest in an already crowded race for the open 21st Congressional District seat continues to grow after a former San Marcos city official and a current Hays County based state representative announced their candidacy last week.

On Friday, State Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) announced he will run as a Republican candidate for the 21st Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Lamar Smith.

One day later, former San Marcos mayor Susan Narvaiz announced she will also run on the Republican ticket for the TX-21 seat, which services an eight county area including parts of Hays County.

Their decisions come roughly a week after Smith, a 16term Republican congressman, announced he was not going to run for reelection when his term ends in 2018. Isaac and Narvaiz now join a race that’s already had six Democrats and one Republican file to run.

Isaac said in a letter to constituents that during his four terms in the Texas Legislature, he’s had the “honor and privilege” of participating in helping make Texas “the freest state in the nation.” Isaac said it was time to take those values and experience to Washington.

“A new administration promises new home for constraining the growth of federal government, but it can’t be done without principled conservative leadership in Congress,” Isaac said in his letter.

Isaac, a Dripping Springs native who was first voted to the Texas

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

Buda residents Gary Hibner (background) and John MacLaren, both veter veterans of the U.S. Navy, salute the colors as the Star Spangled Banner was sung during Buda’s Veterans Day ceremony at Bradfield Park. Inset, Utah Hamilton, a 94-year-old World War II and Korean War veteran, poses for a photo during Wallace Middle School’s Veterans Day cer ceremony. From Buda, Kyle and all across Hays County, residents stopped on Friday and Saturday to honor and salute all veterans who served in the armed forces.

Internal weaknesses found in county offices

BY KATERINA BARTON

No Closing Costs2 as low as

Weaknesses in financial records within the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and two Justice of the Peace precincts are pushing county officials to make necessary changes.

Discovery of weaknesses came after an

Place 2 offices.

In the JP’s offices, the auditor’s identified “internal control weaknesses” during a regularly scheduled review of county assets and issued recommendations to strengthen

COUNTY AUDIT RESULTS, 2A

COMING UP Holiday Remembrance Program

Among some of the weaknesses in the sheriff’s office was a deficiency in documenting in-car video assets.

Santa's Arrival in Kyle

Since 1999, Kyle has invited Santa to take part in the Tree Lighting event in downtown. On Nov. 29, join the city at City Square Park for the official Kyle kick off to the holidays. See Santa, listen to local school choirs, and enjoy a family-friendly holiday time. The event will be held from 4:30 - 9 p.m.

Buy a subscription to the Hays Free Press and get a gift subscription of equal length for FREE through Dec. 31.

That’s TWO ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTIONS for only $42!

Mail the forms below to 113 W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640 or call 512-268-7862 to subscribe today.

Hays Free Press Budafest

The holidays often are a difficult time for grieving families. That’s why Harrell Funeral Home is hosting a holiday remembrance program for the families and community members they served throughout the year.

The program will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle and will feature Pastor Pat Kelly, music, a remembrance candle lighting and a remembrance tree. For more information about the event, contact Harrell Funeral Home at (512) 268-8200 or info@ Harrellfuneralhomes.com.

NEW CLINIC

Baylor, Scott & White breaks ground for new clinic in Kyle.

– Page 1D

INDEX

New, Used And Refinance as low as

Home Equity Loans

CO BONDS, 2A

More hats tossed into the ring for TX-21

JAIL EXPANSION, 2A

Auto Loans

are funded through user fees and capital impact fees.

All of the bonds issued revolved around projects that are directly tied to managing growth.

One of the major projects involves a $20.3

Keep your family and friends informed all year long.

It’s a rejuvenated Budafest this year from Nov. 30-Dec. 3. This annual Christmas celebration will celebrate its 38th year with an expanded schedule of events. On Thursday and Friday, enjoy a carnival from 4-10 p.m. at Buda City Park. On Saturday and Sunday, festivities include carnival rides, an artisan workshop, a snow slide, pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and more. At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, celebrate the season with a holiday parade with a downtown lighting ceremony. At noon on Sunday, give your pooch a chance to shine in the “Reindog” parade through downtown Buda.

News …………… 1-4A Opinion …………… 3A Sports …………… 1-2B Education ……… 3-4B Community …… 1-4C

TX-21, 4A

Best Bets ………… 4C Business ……… 1-4D Classifieds ………... 2D Service Directory ..... 3D Public Notices … 2-4D

Name __________________________________________________________

APR1

APR1

Address ________________________________________________________ Zip _____________________Home Phone No. _________________________

Up to 60 Months

5 Years Fixed

Jumbo Share Certificate

1.41% 1.56% 24 Months 18 Months Annual Percentage Yield

3

Annual Percentage Rate. Actual rate may vary depending on credit qualifications. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Auto loan rate advertised is our lowest rate for the purchase of a new or used vehicle, or the refinance of an existing loan from another lender. 2Austin Telco pays all standard closing costs for new Home Equity/HELOC loans below $100,000. These costs include: title search, flood determination, credit report, and county filing fees. Refinances of existing Austin Telco Home Equity/HELCO loans are subject to a $300 refinance fee. If necessary, additional fees for member requested appraisal, survey, and/or title company closing costs will be the responsibility of the borrower.

Estimated costs will be disclosed upon receipt of application. Loans of $100,000 and above may require an appraisal, title policy, and title company closing costs at the member’s expense. Hazard insurance is required. Rates and terms on loans above $200,000 may vary. All loans are subject to standard credit approval. 3A minimum deposit of $95,000 is required. Dividends are compounded and paid quarterly. Funds must remain on deposit for the term of the certificate or penalties will apply as follows: terms of 12 months or less - 90 days dividends; terms over 12 months - 180 days dividends. Rates subject to change without notice. Federally insured by NCUA. Austin Telco NMLS #422857

Email __________________________________________________________ ❏ Check Enclosed ❏ Charge credit card

Credit Card #____________________________________________________ Exp. Date _____ /_____ 3# Security Code_____Amount $ ______________ Signature _______________________________________________________

Hays & Travis 3 Years ____$115.00 2 Years ____$77.00 1 Year ____$42.00 Over 65? Take 10% off!

Out of County ____$161.00 ____$107.80 ____$58.80

Out of State ____$170.50 ____$111.60 ____$62.00

Mail check and form to the address below to begin receiving the number one newspaper serving Kyle, Buda and local communities.

Please send a gift subscription of equal length to:

1

Name __________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________ Zip _____________________Home Phone No. _________________________ Email __________________________________________________________

113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 • (512) 268-7862 • www.HaysFreePress.com

Section C

Community HaysFreePress.com

BUDAFEST

Reinvigorated festival sees vendor increase.

– Page 1D

Hays Free Press

December 6, 2017 • Page 1C

Decorate with live plants for the holiday Ask Amanda

by Amanda Moon

C

Dream a Little Dream

PHOTO BY KAY WILSON

Esperanza Sanchez and Robert Carreon married on Nov. 9, 2017. The couple decided to make their relationship, which began in the 1970s, official when Sanchez found out she had a terminal kidney disease. The wedding was made possible by the CTMC hospice team and a program called “Dream a Little Dream.” See story on page 3C.

Buda, Kyle ring in the season with holiday events

hristmas and other winter holidays bring out the desire to fill our homes with greenery and decorative flowers. With a little extra care and forethought, many of these wonderful plants can continue to thrive long after December becomes just a distant memory.

Choosing a living Christmas tree is a great place to start. You can have it indoors for the holiday season, and then enjoy it for the rest of the year as a beautiful addition to your landscape.

The trick is to choose the right type of tree that can survive indoors for three weeks or so, and then thrive in our soil and climate.

Some options to consider are Leyland Cypress and Arizona Cypress. If you live in the Elgin-Bastrop area then the Afghan Pine is a good choice.

It will grow west of that area, but will not grow quite as strong because of our alkaline soil.

Hollies and asparagus fern are two other

HOLIDAY PLANTS, 4C

Colonizer takes slum refugees to hell on earth Texas History PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III

Thousands packed Main Street in Buda as the city held its inaugural Brilliant Lights Parade that wound through the streets of downtown Saturday night. The parade was part of the city’s 38 annual Budafest celebration, which was hosted by the city of Buda. The Brilliant Lights Parade allowed residents to deck their vehicles and floats with an array of holiday lights, and was capped off by an appearance by Santa himself. Other events included a Reindog parade held in downtown on Sunday morning. See more photos online at HaysFreePress.com.

PHOTOS BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY

The season of holiday celebrations officially kicked off Nov. 30 when the city of Kyle held its annual tree lighting ceremony at Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park. The event featured various Hays CISD school choirs performing many holiday carols and tunes, while revelers also took part in various crafting events. Children who attended the event also had the chance to meet Santa and tell him what they hope to get on Christmas Day.

by Bartee Haile

F

ive dozen Europeans from the slums of New York City set foot in Texas on Dec. 12, 1833 on their way to a promised paradise on the Rio Grande.

John Charles Beales was an English expatriate, who moved to Mexico in 1804. A physician by profession, he was a late entrant in the race for Texas real estate. By the time he filed his application, the choice sites had long since been handed out.

No empressario in his right mind would have accepted the eight million acres awarded to the ignorant amateur in 1833. But Beales and his partner, another doctor named James Grant, were oblivious to the dangers between the Nueces and Rio Grande rivers.

Dr. Beales went back east to recruit industrious Europeans for the dubious endeavor and enlisted several families of English, Spanish and German refugees eager to swap the squalor of Manhattan for Texas’ wide-open spaces. Fiftynine men, women and children set sail with their messiah on Nov. 11, 1833.

TEXAS HISTORY, 2C

COMMUNITY

Page 2C

Hays Free Press • December 6, 2017

OBITUARIES ARMBRUSTER

BIGHAM

Betty Sue Evans Armbruster died on Nov. 24, 2017 at Legend Oaks Rehabilitation Center in Kyle. She was a long time resident of Buda, where she and her husband Henry lived and raised their family, and was a highly respected teacher in the Hays Independent School District.

Betty Sue moved to Kyle as a young child, graduated from Kyle High School in 1950, and shortly afterward married Henry Crews Armbruster.

She is survived by Henry, two daughters, Debbie Holt and Lynn Simon, sons-in-law Alan Holt and Russel Simon, her grandchildren, and a brother, Sydney Edward (Buster) Evans of Waco.

CMSgt (Retired) Kenneth M. Bigham, 85, of Buda, TX passed away after a brief illness on Nov. 15, 2017. Ken was born July 19, 1932 at his parents’ home in Sparta, Illinois to A.C. and Bessie (Montieth) Bigham. He graduated from Trico High School in Campbell Hill, IL in 1949.

Ken served his country honorably in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at many bases, to include the Philippines, Greenland, Florida, and Texas and also served in Vietnam.

Texas History

Continued from pg. 1C After a month at sea, they dropped anchor in Aransas Bay. Because the disorganized doctor had not arranged transportation for the next leg of the trip, his followers spent three wretched weeks on the windswept beach with only flimsy tents for shelter.

The party eventually proceeded inland by way of Goliad and San Antonio. To commemorate their crossing of the Nueces, these words were carved on a tree trunk: “The first colonists of the village of Dolores passed here on the 28th of February 1834.”

Sixteen days later, the column of 15 carts and wagons reached the site the founder had named for his wife. Not far from the Rio Grande and 30 miles downriver from modern Eagle Pass, Dolores truly was in the middle of nowhere.

Dr. Beales in his slick sales pitch had omitted any mention of the hot climate, poor soil and constant threat of attack from hostile Indians.

The pioneers hired Mexican mercenaries for protection against the red raiders, but nothing prevented their crops from turning to dust in the parched fields.

The cursed colony steadily shrank in size as bitter disappointment replaced boundless optimism. Scarcely a month went by without more defections as frightened families abandoned the hellish hamlet for the safety of the Mexican interior.

Late word of Santa Anna’s invasion of Texas was the cue for the overdue departure of the Dolores die-hards. Last to leave were eight unattached men, the Horns and their two small sons and the Harrises with a three-month-old baby.

On March 10, 1836, four days after the fall of the Alamo, they began the 200-mile trek to the coastal colony of San Patricio.

East of the Nueces and almost in sight of their destination, the evacuees were surprised by a Comanche war party.

The warriors swiftly slaughtered nine of the 11 adult males and took the survivors captive.

Before breaking camp the next day, the Indians disposed of those considered excess baggage.

The Harris infant was casually killed in front of the horrified mother, and an arrow-andlance volley put a pair of wounded men out of their misery.

The band of 400 Comanches resumed their raid with the two widows and the Horn brothers in tow. Riding past the scene of a skirmish between the rebels and government cavalry, one of the women recognized the remains of Beales’ partner Dr. Grant.

Sometime that summer, Mrs. Horn was permanently separated

Scarcely a month went by without more defections as frightened families abandoned the hellish hamlet for the safety of the Mexican interior. from her boys. Except for fleeting glimpses on the trail, the heartbroken mother never saw them again.

Mexican traders bought the freedom of Mrs. Harris in June 1837, but the capricious Comanches rejected their equally generous offer for her companion. “Now left a lonely exile in the bonds of savage slavery,” wrote Mrs. Horn, “haunted by night and by day with the image of my murdered husband and tortured continually by an undying solicitude for my dear little ones, my life was little else than unmitigated misery.”

Three months later in New Mexico, a wealthy American asked the Comanches if their white captive was for sale.

Told that she was, he approached the forlorn figure.

“You are the woman I have heard of,” the welldressed merchant said.

“I suppose you would be happy to get away from these people.”

Mrs. Horn stammered she would be eternally grateful for her liberty.

Without another word, the stranger turned on his heel and walked away leaving the pitiful prisoner to ponder his intentions.

For three nerveracking days, Mrs. Horn waited in vain for her would-be rescuer to return. She had all but given up hope, when a second businessman paid a chief’s ransom for her freedom.

Her health ruined by the 18-month ordeal, Mrs. Horn died soon after her dramatic deliverance. Her sons presumably lived out their lives as white Comanches.

As for Dr. John Charles Beales, he was conveniently absent from Texas when his ill-fated colony collapsed. He never returned and reportedly practiced medicine in New York until his death in the 1870’s.

Last chance for Christmas Special! Save $5.00 shipping charge on the purchase of “Unforgettable Texans,” Bartee’s new book, by mailing a check today for $23.80 to “Bartee Haile,” P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77389.

Ken was awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, and the National Defense Service Medals. Ken retired from the U.S. military after 27 years of service. He also worked for 15 years at Texas Instruments.

Kenneth loved his family, Texas Longhorn Football, grilling barb-que, and traveling in his RV. He also had a long-time love of golf and even mastered a hole-inone at the Bergstrom AFB Golf Course. He attended Buda UMC and the J.O.Y. Sunday School Class.

Early in his career stationed at Finland Air Force Station in Minnesota, Ken met the

love of his life Janice Gustafson and married on March 14, 1953.

They were blessed with 4 children. Ken will be dearly missed by those closest to him.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents A.C. Bigham, Bessie (Montieth) Bigham, brothers Hansel and Donald, son Scott W. Bigham, grandson Jacob Austin Dickens and many other loved ones.

Survivors include his wife; Janice Bigham of Buda, TX, children; Larry Bigham and wife Elaine of Belton, TX; Tammy Bush and husband Jimmy of Chappell Hill, TX; and Bobbi Julien and husband Thad of Fishers, IN. His legacy will live on through his

Bingo

9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

As a family, we’d like to extend a special thank you to the many years of care provided by Dr. John Dieck and his nurse Debbie.

A visitation was held Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017.

A funeral service wase held, Monday, Nov. 20, 2017 at the Buda United Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Philpot and Rev. Nancy Day officiating. A reception was held in Ken’s honor immediately following the funeral service at Buda United Methodist Church.

Interment at CookWalden Forest Oaks Memorial Park in Austin followed the reception.

Please visit and leave

a condolence to the Bigham family at www. harrellfuneralhomes. com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Buda United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 1196, Buda, Texas 78610.

CORDER Judy Dees Corder died on Nov. 29, 2017 at her home in state of Washington. Judy grew up in the home of her parents, Sid and Adele Dees, on Center Street in Kyle and graduated from Kyle High School. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Dees King, and her brother, Bill Dees.

Further information is not available at this time.

Sundays at 2 p.m.

Great Fun Great Food $100 Minimum Game Prize $500 Progressive Jackpot

Santa Cruz Catholic Church,

Parish Activity Center

1100 Main Street, Buda, TX 78610 Texas Bingo License No. 17424803181

Texas Crossword and Sudoku sponsored by

Texas Lehigh Cement Co., LP

Sudoku

See Solution on 3C

See Solution on 3C

Hays Free Press • December 6, 2017

COMMUNITY

Page 3C

Dream a little dream

Sudoku Solution

Hays County woman marries love amid health concerns

Debbie Thames, Agent

251 N. FM 1626, Bldg. 2, Ste. C, Buda, Texas 78610 312-1917

BUDA

DRUG STORE

203 Railroad Street Downtown Buda Pharmacy 312-2111 Fountain 312-2172

Your Hometown McDonald’s

McDonald’s of Buda

Texas Crossword Solution

Texas Crossword, from page 2C

PHOTO BY KAY WILSON

Wedding party members surround bride and groom Esperanza Sanchez and Robert Carreon at the couple’s wedding on Nov. 9.

CTMC enlisted the help of several San Marcos businesses whch pitched in their services.

Duran said all costs associated with the impromptu wedding were covered by community

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

EPISCOPAL

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda

Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle

BAPTIST First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South

Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle

2325 FM 967 • 312-0701

NEWS • LETTERS • OBITS CALENDAR • PHOTO GALLERY CLASSIFIEDS • SUBSCRIBE

Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle

Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle

The Well Buda

Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda

METHODIST

Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle

Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda

Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald

St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland

Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

CHRISTIAN

Journey United Methodist 310 San Antonio Dr., Buda

CHURCH OF CHRIST Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770 Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

Located 1 block off FM 2001 at 302 Millennium Dr., Kyle, Texas (Millennium Drive is an entrance road) Pastor Rusty Fletcher and family

Services Sun. 11:00 a.m.

Wed. 7:30 p.m.

Call or Text 512.393.4460

Visit

afountain.org for more info.

nuel Baptist Church a m Im

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

Buda United Methodist Church Elm Street & San Marcos

*Traditional Worship (Worship Center)-9 a.m.

Sunday School (all ages)-10:00 a.m. *Informal Worship (Chapel)-11 a.m.

Wednesday Evening (Chapel)-6:30 p.m. *On 5th Sundays we conduct one service at 10 a.m. with special music.

Rev. Nancy Day Office 295-6981, Parsonage 512-393-9772 www.BudaUMC.org

Santa Cruz Catholic Church

SUNDAY: Bible Study for all ages, 9:45 a.m.

Worship Service, 10:55 a.m.

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

WEDNESDAY: Bible Study, 7 p.m.

CONFESSION Saturdays: 4 p.m.-5 p.m.

Pastor Rodney Coleman 4000 East FM 150 (4 miles east of Kyle) (512) 268-5471

God with us

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

Good Shepherd Ministries FM 967, Buda

CATHOLIC

MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday evening: 5:30 p.m.

Sunday 8:30 a.m. (Spanish), 11 a.m. (English) 5 p.m. (English)

OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

FM 2770, Buda, Texas 295-4801

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda

Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda

CENTEX MATERIALS LLC

Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle

Vertical Chapel 801 FM 1626 (Elm Grove Elem.), Buda

Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle

A non-denominational church with live contemporary Christian music and life giving teaching!

Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

LUTHERAN

Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.

Log onto www.HaysFreePress.com

Browse & buy local photos online at www.haysfreepress. com. Just follow the Photos link.

TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP

New Covenant Community Church 1019 Main Street, Buda (in Dance Unlimited)

Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle

Veterinary Clinic

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle

First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle

Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626

Rosebrock

wearing identical burgundy blouses with sleeves of lace as she wed the love of her life.

The wedding ceremony was officiated by CTMC Hospice Care chaplain Denise Grant.

Come worship with us

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

15359 IH-35, Ste. B P.O. Box 1364, Buda, TX 78610 512-312-2383 Locally owned and operated

by Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson

donations to the CTMC Dream a Dream program.

The bride’s hair and makeup were done by Hospice aides Margarita Rodriguez and Roxanne Montalvo.

The bride had her six sisters as her bridesmaids

Pure Texas Spring Water!

Privately owned From local springs

FREE DELIVERY 1ST 20 GAL. FREE Friendly, Courteous Service

Call 1-866-691-2369

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 First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666

Hays Hills

 

 

Baptist Church

Sunday

9:30 a.m. Classic Service 10:45 a.m. Contemporary service

9:00am 10:00am 6:00pm 7:00pm

Wednesday 

Adult (including an 8:30 a.m. early bird class), teen, children’s classes * Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626

First Baptist Church

A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161 Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m.

AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m.

Nursery Provided www.firstbaptistbuda.com • fbcbuda@austin.rr.com



Bible Class Worship Worship Bible Class

  





Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd • Creedmoor, TX 512-243-2837

Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m.

Worship: 11:00 a.m.

WEdnESday Pray & Devotion: 6:30 p.m.

FM

N

13

27

5

Buda, Texas • 15300 S. IH-35 • 312-1615

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 2C

162

Wearing a dress of burgundy and white to match her beautiful bouquet of deep red roses and bright white orchids, Esperanza Sanchez looked the part of a blushing bride as she tied the knot with Robert Carreon Nov. 9.

For Sanchez and Carreon, the day proved it’s never too late to marry the one you love, no matter the circumstances.

Their wedding day was even more special for Sanchez as marrying Carreon was her wish, even as her health began to decline.

Having an official wedding ceremony with her longtime partner, whom she met in a San Antonio restaurant in the 1970s, was her dream.

Sanchez has been a patient at Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) Hospice Center since October when she was diagnosed with a terminal kidney disease.

With the help of CTMC’s “Dream a Dream” program, she had her chance to be a bride.

Kale Romberger, a marketing coordinator at CTMC, said in a press release the young couple quickly fell in love and

Tex

as

.4

N. Lp

Tu

rne

rsv

ille

45

FM

started a family together that has grown to include 20 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

Carreon spoke about his love for Sanchez in the press release.

“My favorite things about her are her personality, her cooking, everything,” Carreon said.

Amber, the couple’s daughter said she always “loved Valentines Day” as Carreon would surprise them all with gifts, “every year, never failed.”

According to Jackie Duran, with the CTMC Hospice Center, the wedding was conceived and executed in only a week after a conversation with Sanchez and Carreon. It led to fulfilling a dream for the Hospice team at CTMC. Duran said the couple were engaging in some light banter during a home visit when Sanchez joked that she should have married Carreon “a long time ago.” The conversation led Duran to approach the family about the idea of a dream wedding for the pair.

Duran said after an email was sent to the CTMC Hospice Board members, ideas came flooding in on how to pull off their dream wedding.

IH-35

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Toll

Rd

.

C o m e wo r s h i p w i t h u s Join our church directory by emailing paper@haysfreepress.com.

BEST BETS

COMMUNITY

Page 4C

Sights and Sounds of Christmas

Come out to San Marcos for the second weekend of the local favorite Dec. 6-9. This annual event features carnival rides, arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, local school performances and more. Festivities continue nightly from 5-11 p.m. at San Marcos Plaza Park.

Buda Trail of Lights

Trail of Lights is a free holiday event held at Historic Stagecoach Park where visitors walk a lighted trail, sip hot chocolate, and meet Santa. The trail will be open from 6-10 p.m. nightly Dec. 8-9 and Dec. 14-17. Senior Citizen Night (RSVP only) will be held Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m.

RSVP to Senior Night by calling 512-295-7170.

Hays Free Press • December 6, 2017

Classes, meetings and local events can be found on the calendar at haysfreepress. com. Email event submissions to christine@haysfreepress.com.

Book release party at KPL

Starlight Symphony Orchestra

The public is invited to celebrate the release of local author Mark Stoub’s new book on Dec. 9 from 1-3:30 p.m., at the Kyle Public Library. Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, a program introducing the new book and lots of mysteries to solve. A columnist for the Hays Free Press, Stoub, is launching a new thriller titled, “The Fifth Trumpet: Fire in the Blood.”

EmilyAnn Trail of Lights

Head to Wimberley to celebrate the 20th annual festival at EmilyAnnTheatre and Gardens every night through Dec. 28. Enjoy more than 100 lighted exhibits from 6-9 p.m.

Sundays-Thursdays and 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Roast a marshmallow at the Yule Log, listen to live music and meet Santa.

Celebrate the holidays with the Starlight Symphony Orchestra’s performance of its holiday series “Innovative Traditions.” The orchestra will have three performances this season: Dec. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. at the Hays PAC and Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. at the Wimberley First Baptist Church.

Cast your ballot for Mountain City lights

Jesus is the “light of the world”.

I wonder what in the world it would be like to sit down to put Montage together and have leftover material because several tidbits came in during the week.

Please send tidbits to ptom5678@gmail.com (subject: Tidbit) or leave a message at 512 268 5678. Thanks!

Love to you, Pauline

Mt. City Montage

by Pauline Tom

the bovine “Betsie The Bull.” The red and white beauty knocks the spotlights from the bale by the road after munching on the loose hay on the ground. Only in Mountain City.

Betsie The Bull dropped a calling card one morning. RonTom offered to shovel the manure. With just a bit of thought, I asked him to leave it as a reminder that Jesus was born in a dirty, smelly stable. Jesus left the splendor of heaven.

Amazing love.

The Christmas story will come alive nearby at Fellowship Church’s annual “Night in Bethlehem” presentation, Friday through Sunday, 6

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAULINE TOM

Live cattle decided to join in on this Mountain City nativity scene display.

– 8:30 p.m., in the parking lot. It’s absolutely free.

If you visit, please come see me in at the Hospitality Tent where about 3,000 hot chocolates and homemade cookies will be handed out.

Roland and Mary Garza pulled their Christmas light-decorated

trailer through Mountain City for some on the DecorScouts team on Monday evening. The decorated trailer won an award in Buda’s nighttime parade last weekend, filled with drama students.

It will be used for Loving Mountain City’s hayride on Friday eve-

ning, Dec. 15, as kiddos go past Mountain City’s award winning houses during the Santa Party.

Some wonder what in the world Christmas lights have to do with the celebration of Jesus’ birth. I was reminded that Martin Luther added lights to Christmas trees to signify that

ENTERTAINMENT

3200 Kyle Crossing (512) 523 9012 Experience it in

EVX

Holiday Plants: Decorate with live plants Continued from pg. 1C

A native of Mexico, poinsettias have been an important part of the Christmas tradition in that country for nearly 500 years.

for 36 Months with approved credit

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

WOODSCYCLECOUNTRY.COM

830-606-9828 • 1933 N IH 35, New Braunfels, TX 78130 IH-35 Southbound Frontage Road, Exit 191, Canyon Lake

Cinema Eatery & Social Haus

$5 Tuesday Frenzy

If you have a question for Chris or Amanda, send it via email to iathyme@ yahoo.com. Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme: 11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 www.itsaboutthyme.com

1250 WONDER WORLD DR.

(512) 805 8005 EVO-ENTERTAINMENT.COM Films. Lanes. Games.

in your neighborhood

967

171

Kohlers Crossing

1626

1626

35

ARC Buda NOW OPEN

ARC Kyle Plum Creek

512-295-1608

512-295-1333

3420 FM 967, Ste B-100 Buda, TX 78610

4100 Everett St, Ste 400 Kyle, TX 78640

ARCconnectedcare.com

$500 REBATE! Mule Pro-FXT™ Ranch Edition • 812cc 3-Cylinder Engine • Built For Torque & Pulling Power • Class-Exclusive 3 To 6 Person Trans Cab™ • 4000lb. Warn Winch • Kawasaki Strong 3-Year Limited Warranty

Happy gardening everyone!

Everett

3.95% APR

tion and water only when dry. Buds should start to form again early the next December. A little organic fertilizer will help it to bloom even stronger.

With just a little care, your plants purchased during the holiday season can become a source of beauty into the new year.

Wiley Way

an important part of the Christmas tradition in that country for nearly 500 years. Brought into the United States in the mid-19th century, we have enjoyed their colorful bracts in our homes each December now for generations. Poinsettias are typically grown for the holidays and then discarded in January after the season is over.

If you want to keep your poinsettia growing, water only enough to keep the leaves from wilting. Too much water (especially when covered in non-draining metallic florist sleeves) is the biggest detriment to keeping your poinsettia looking its best throughout December and into the new year.

After all danger of frost has passed, gradually move the pot out to a shady location on a porch and repot into a bigger container. When handling poinsettias wear gloves if you are sensitive to the milky sap produced by the Euphorbia family. The sap can be an irritant to some and can irritate a pet’s mouth if eaten.

Finally, Christmas cactus and amaryllis are two of my favorite holiday plants. They’re easy to grow and will reward you with years of blooms with little care.

Amaryllis is a true bulb that typically blooms in the late spring. I buy a new one every year and plant them into large mixed tubs to create a beautiful spring display.

My favorite varieties?

Apple Blossom and Papilio. Many amaryllis can be planted in the ground here and will overwinter and multiply in all but the coldest years.

Christmas cactus is a succulent that will bloom the next Christmas with just a little care. Be careful not to leave the plant in the foil sleeve it comes in. Too much water will kill it quick! In January pot it up into a clay pot with a good draining soil.

Grow in an eastward / northward facing loca-

GO COUNTRY • SAVE BIG! Finance your new Kawasaki at

SPOT

1180 Thorpe Lane (512) 210 8600

Buda Sportsplex Dr

outdoor plants that look pretty when decorated for winter and are then planted in the landscape.

Just make sure you give them even water while still in the containers, and remove any decorative sleeves that prevent water from draining (or punch holes in the bottom).

If you’re looking for a permanent indoor or porch tree, then the Norfolk Island pine can be a nice addition that you can decorate for Christmas and then use as a centerpiece of your indoor greenery for the next year.

Rosemary Christmas trees are always available this time of year and many people buy them for centerpieces in their home. However there is a problem with this: rosemary absolutely has to be in the sun and will crash if kept inside for more than a few days (at most).

But in a sunny spot on the porch it will thrive and then you can plant it as a full sun, evergreen anchor piece in your landscape after Christmas.

Greenery on your porch can also add to your outdoor decorations and looks beautiful when it’s decked out in lights and ribbons.

A native of Mexico, poinsettias have been

ENHANCED VIEWING EXPERIENCE

For all showtimes and listings, please check our website or call showline!

THE

M

ountain City residents with an email address are invited to complete the 2017 Christmas Light and Display Recognition Ballot at https://tinyurl. com/lmc2017decor this weekend. The voting will take place Friday at dark through 10 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10.

Visitors to our house commented on how nice the city looked with many Christmas lights and displays in place before the end of November. Yes! It’s a citywide effort.

Donna Helm, who lives way up on Pecan, saw the funny sight our neighbors have seen recently when she took her grands on the golf cart to see lights and displays. A steer from a neighboring ranch keeps breaking through the fence to eat the hay from our nativity scene.

We end up with a partially live scene.

Christine Greve named

Mule Pro-FXT™ Ranch Edition

KAWASAKI CARES: Always wear protective gear appropriate for the vehicle. Never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Protect the environment.

Obey the laws and regulations that control the use of your vehicle. Read Owner’s Manual and all on-product warnings. ©2017 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose ARC: 1. Same-Day & After Hours Care 2. Doctors for the Whole Family 3. 24/7 Scheduling & Phone Nurses

4. On-site Lab & Radiology 5. Online Patient Portal And more!

After Hours & Radiology at ARC Kyle Plum Creek only.

Section D

Business

HaysFreePress.com

Hays Free Press

December 6, 2017 • Page 1D

HEALTH

Consider these year-end tax-smart financial moves

CARE DEAD

LINE

DEC. 15

Those interested in enrolling in health insurance through the Affordable Care Act have until Dec. 15 to apply online or through a local insurance broker.

After much discussion and debate on whether to reform or eliminate the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Congressional leaders chose to leave the measure in place.

However, those who are interested in signing up for the ACA will see changes that have been enacted this year.

One of the primary changes is on the enrollment period, which has gone from 12 weeks to six weeks with an upcoming deadline of Dec. 15.

For many local health insurance brokers, the shorter

“When you only have sick people in the pool and healthy people stay out, I’m really worried it will cause a death spiral.”

– Ron Nemetz, owner of Nemetz Insurance in Buda

enrollment period has made things just a little bit hectic.

Ron Nemetz, owner of Nemetz Insurance in Buda, said he’s kept busy with the reduced window, but is still is focused on having quality conversations with clients in order to find them the best plan for their specific needs.

Through the exchange on healthcare.gov, the site will prompt questions about a person’s age, their zip code and whether they smoke or not.

Nemetz said he asks for a bit more information in order to find the best options.

If a person has a set of doctors they prefer to use and

types of medications they are taking, those are important to consider when choosing a health insurance coverage.

Nemetz said he is very familiar with the specializations that hospital systems and networks offer, knowledge that he can refer to when finding a right plan for a client.

When working with any broker, he said, it’s important that customers ask for qualifying health insurance plans.

Indemnity insurance, Preferred Provider Organization

HEALTH INSURANCE, 4D

New leadership draws crowds to Budafest

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Budafest was back with a literal bang last weekend as thousands poured onto Main Street for the 38th annual rendition of the festival.

While a handful of changes were made prior to the event, city officials, along with countless residents, felt the event was a boon to the city.

Last year, the city of Buda took over management of Budafest following issues after the event was cancelled due to weather.

Buda Tourism Director Lysa Gonzalez said Nov. 21 the event would happen “rain or shine.”

She said the city also had an official contingency plan just in case.

According to city documents, roughly 71 craft vendors signed up to participate, which included 51 first time participants.

The event also drew an estimated 11 new food vendors.

First-time Budafest vendor Jennifer Simons said she decided to participate this year because she and her mother had an excess of custom scrapbooks and Christmas cards.

Simons said another factor was that booth rent was “pretty economical” as opposed to other events.

One of the returning booths was organized and run by the Girl Scouts of Buda and Kyle.

Girl Scout Anna Dickerson and her mother said they have

been working the Girl Scout booth at Budafest for 6 years. She said the booth itself has had a place at the holiday event most likely since the event first began with the exception of last year.

Craft vendor Debbie Pesek also returned to Budafest this year selling vinyl printed creations after moving back to the Buda area and participating in the event in the 1990s.

“I’ve always gone to good events and this one is pretty good so far,” Pesek said.

Gonzalez said the city “worked really hard” on presenting Budafest to the public, primarily the efforts of the Parks and Recreations Department.

contributed by Jon Albright, CFP®

W

Shorter ACA enrollment period brings busy season for local health insurance brokers

BY MARIA GARDNER

Financial Focus

ith the holiday season upon us, you may be getting pretty busy. But once the holidays are over, you’ll enter into a new season – tax season.

The filing deadline for the 2017 tax year is April 17, 2018, but until that date – and especially before the end of the calendar year – you may want to explore some tax-smart financial moves.

Here are a few to consider:

BOOST YOUR 401(K) CONTRIBUTIONS If you’re like most people, you probably don’t usually contribute the maximum amount to your 401(k), which, in 2017, is $18,000, or $24,000 if you’re 50 or older. Unless you have a Roth 401(k), your contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, so the more you put in, the lower your taxable income. Ask your employer if you can increase your 401(k) contributions in 2017. Also, if you receive a bonus before the year ends, you may be able to put that toward your 401(k) too, thus deferring the taxes you’d have to pay on this extra income.

ADD TO YOUR IRA

PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Above, one of the Budafest vendors shows her wares at her laser etching booth at Budafest this past weekend. Below, another craft vendor demonstrates the art of whittling wood.

First-time Budafest craft vendor Jennifer Reed-Allen said she and two fellow residents, Erica Rodriguez and Brittany Taylor, went in on a booth together this year.

“They said it would happen rain or shine and I believe in the City of Buda, that they’ll get it done,” Reed-Allen said.

You have until the April 17 deadline to contribute to your IRA for the 2017 tax year, but the more you can put in now, the less you’ll have to come up with at the filing deadline.

Contributions to a tradi-

FINANCIAL FOCUS, 4D

Texas Lehigh Cement Company Earns its 1st EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Certification for Superior Energy Efficiency; Outperforms similar U.S. Plants on measure of energy efficiency Texas Lehigh Cement Company in Buda, Texas, has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ENERGY STAR certification, which signifies that the industrial plant performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA. “Texas Lehigh Cement Company is pleased to accept EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts,” said Tony Thompson, President. “Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship while also lowering our energy costs.”

Earning the 2017 ENERGY STAR certification highlights Texas Lehigh Cement Company’s status within the top 25 percent of cement plants in the nation with regard to energy performance. Texas Lehigh Cement Company improved its energy performance by managing energy strategically across the entire organization and by making cost-effective improvements to its plant.

“Improving the energy efficiency of our nation’s industrial facilities is critical to protecting our environment, “said Jean Lupinacci, Chief of the ENERGY

STAR Commercial & Industrial Branch.

“From the plant floor to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their facilities more efficient and earning EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification.”

ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, marketbased partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency.

Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the EPA. Over the past twenty years, American families and businesses have saved a total of nearly $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.7 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions with help from ENERGY STAR. For more information about ENERGY STAR Certification for Industrial Facilities: energystar.gov/plants For more information about Texas Lehigh Cement Company: www.texaslehigh.com

Classifieds

20 words for $8!

• Place your classified ad by calling 512-268-7862 • Email paper@haysfreepress.com We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover DEADLINE: NOON MONDAY FOR WEDNESDAY’S PAPER

Hays Free Press

Page 2D

Hays Free Press • December 6, 2017

Employment DRIVERS CDL-A: COMPANY!

**Local Work ~ Home Daily** Benefits! Minimum 1yr exp.

Pneumatic Tanker. Owner Ops Welcome! Sabra: 844648-1860

FIREWORKS STAND MANAGER NEEDED

Make up to $2,500 in ONLY 13 days managing a firework stand. NO INVESTMENT REQUIRED! Dec 26 - Jan 1, mrwfireworks.com to submit app or 210.622.3788 m-f

Public Notice

OPERATORS NEEDED FOR FIREWORKS STAND

Operate a Fireworks Stand in your area. Dec 20 - Jan 1. Must be at least 21 yrs old and have travel trailer or camper available. Great for Teachers, Bus Drivers, College Students, Seasonal Workers or Fund Raising for Youth & Religious groups.

For more information call 512-303-4438 or email info to: buyamericanfireworks. com. For more information to see if you qualify, visit americanfireworks.com

LBJ Medical Center 206 Haley Rd Johnson City, TX 78636 830-868-4093

Family Owned, NO Medicare, 60 Bed Facility, Good Staff to Resident Ratio

NEEDS A:

CNA 6am-2pm, Friday- Monday CNA 2-8pm, Friday- Monday

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $10 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules.

Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net.

Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

CNA 10-6

Cook, evenings

RN, Saturdays, 8 hrs, shift negotiable.

Starting your first career?

OR Looking for something new?

Count on me.

Temporary Positions IN AUSTIN! Be U.S. Citizens including Naturalized Citizens • Meet minimum experience and/or education requirements For more information and to apply online to go: https://jobs.irs.gov/careers “location” box.

Commercial For Rent

Estate Sale

GREEN OFFICE FOR RENT High Traffic area – Mt. City Station on Jack C. Hays Trail, one mile north of Hays High.

Solar powered office, common restrooms.

All utilities included. 1,375 sq. ft. $1,550.

Call Cyndy 512-268-7862 or 512-753-2700.

ESTATE SALE BUDA

Howard Miller Grandfather Clock- Presidential Selection, dark wood. 7 foot Henredon Sofa - red / multicolored. Asian Desk - black and gold with ornate detail, chair included. Call for an appointment to view 512523-8547

Federal Housing Law We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law. It is illegal to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin: in the sale or rental of housing or residential lots; in advertising the sale or rental of housing; in the financing of housing; in the provision of real estate brokerage services; in the appraisal of housing; Blockbusting is also illegal. Anyone who feels he or she has been discriminated against, may file a complant of housing discrimination: 1-800-669-9777 (toll free) or 1-800-927-9275 (TDD).

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, construction manager-at-risk, for: Jack C. Hays Music Hall, is requesting competitive proposals from subcontractors and suppliers. subcontractor and supplier proposals will be received via fax to (512) 326-4339 or (512) 326-3990 fax or via email to bidaus@bartlettcocke. com no later than 2:00 p.m. on 1/9/2018. Any proposals received after this time will not be accepted.

Electronic copies of the proposal documents may be obtained from Bartlett Cocke or viewed at local and online planrooms. Contact Stefan Doerr via email sdoerr@ bartlettcocke.com or phone (512) 326-4223 to make arrangements.

Small, woman owned, disadvantaged, HUB, HUBZone, 8(a), minority, and all similar firms are encouraged to submit proposals on this project.

Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is an equal opportunity (EEO) employer.

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS INVITATION TO BID CITY ATTORNEY SERVICES OR ETHICS COMMISSION COUNSEL

Emailed bids, addressed to James R. Earp, will be received by the office of the Assistant City Manager at jrearp@cityofkyle.com until 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 27, 2017.

Specifications will be emailed to all interested vendors and are also available from the office of the Assistant City Manager, Kyle, Texas by email request to jrearp@cityofkyle.com.

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids and to accept only those proposals which are in the best interest of the City of Kyle.

PUBLIC NOTICE

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on December 5th, 2017 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: Family Tree Replat of Lot 2

NOTICE OF SALE

Notice is hereby given pursuant of Chapter 59 Texas Property Code, (Chapter 576 Acts Of the 68th Legislature Regular Session 1983).

StorQuest Self Storage will sell at public sale by competitive bidding to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The personal property of: -Allison Hinchey -Brett Martin -Ruben Alvarez Property to be sold: misc. household goods, furniture, tools, clothes, boxes, toys and personal content.

Auction Company: www.

StorageTreasures.com. The sale will commence at 10 AM on or after December 21, 2017, at the property where said property has been stored and which is located at StorQuest Self Storage 5500 FM 2770 Kyle, TX 78640.

Goods must be paid in cash and removed at time of sale.

Sale is subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Hays CISD is requesting Bids for Bid #18-111701VL Hays High School & Dahlstrom Middle School Roofing. Bids will be accepted until 01-09-18 at 2:00 p.m. local time. A Pre-bid meeting will be held on 12-14-2017 @ 10:00 a.m., Central Admin Building Annex A, 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640. Specifications are available in the HCISD Purchasing Office (512-2682141 ext. 45092) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Bid responses must be returned to the HCISD Purchasing Office, Valerie Littrell, 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640, by the date and time indicated above.

Late Bids will be returned unopened. The HCISD Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and waive all formalities in the bid process.

PUBLIC NOTICE

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on December 5th, 2017 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: Pioneer Ranch, Replat of Lot 9-B

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Of property to satisfy a landlord’s lien.

Sale to be held online at storagetreasures.com by competitive bid.

Anytime Storage, LLC 880 Windy Hill Rd. Kyle, TX 78640 Will be ending on or after December 22, 2017 at 11 a.m.

Cleanup deposit is required. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale.

The property contents of all storage unit(s) sold at this sale are purchased “as is” “where is” for CASH/ CREDIT. Unit items sold for cash to the highest bidder.

All Units have some miscellaneous household items, boxes Property includes the contents of spaces of the following tenant(s).

LUPE MALLEN - kids stuff, furniture, sporting goods MARIA SALAZAR - work light PHILLIP BEASLEY furniture, Art , mini fridge, sporting goods

NOTICE

Will the owner of the following please contact A and E Towing, 100 Rodriguez Lane, Buda TX, 512-295-4688 VSF#0649319 - 1986 Unknown Make 18' Boat Trailer, white in color.

Charges due as of 11/15/17 equal $386.60 and is accrueing charges of $20 per day. https://www.tdlr. texas.gov

BS/EACD Public Hearing Notice is given that a Public Hearing by the Board of Directors of the Barton Springs/ Edwards Aquifer Conservation District will be held at the District office located at 1124 Regal Row, Austin, Texas, during its Regular Meeting on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 6:15 p.m. for the following purpose: Trinity Episcopal School, (3901 Bee Caves Road, Austin, Texas 78746) filed a Production Permit application on July 10, 2017 with the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District to withdraw up to 4,200,000 gallons of water annually from a new Middle Trinity well that was drilled in June 2017. The well will be used to irrigate the property including the sports fields. The requested pumpage volume is commensurate with an estimate of reasonable demand for the intended use and upon approval, would be required to comply with drought curtailments and provisions for a Historic Middle Trinity Production Permit. The well is located in Travis County at 3901 Bee Caves Road (30.279142°, -97.809654°).

Give the gift that keeps on giving.

Hays Free Press Name___________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________ Zip______________________Home Phone No.__________________________ Email ____________________________________________________________

For Rent

Keep your family and friends informed all year long.

Buy a subscription to the Hays Free Press and get a gift subscription of equal length for FREE through Dec. 31.

o Check Enclosed o Charge credit card

Credit Card #____________________________________________________ Exp. Date _____ /_____ 3# Security Code_____Amount $_______________ Signature________________________________________________________

Hays & Travis Out of County

3 Years ____$115.00 2 Years ____$77.00 1 Year ____$42.00 Over 65? Take 10% off!

____$161.00 ____$107.80 ____$58.80

Out of State ____$170.50 ____$111.60 ____$62.00

Mail check and form to the address below to begin receiving the number one newspaper serving Kyle, Buda and local communities.

Please send a gift subscription of equal length to: Name___________________________________________________________

That’s TWO ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTIONS for only $42!

Address_________________________________________________________

Mail the forms at right to 113 W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640 or call 512268-7862 to subscribe today.

Email ____________________________________________________________

Zip______________________Home Phone No.__________________________

113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 • (512) 268-7862 • www.HaysFreePress.com

Hays Free Press

Hays Free Press • December 6, 2017

Page 3D

Service Directory Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning

Service, LLC

$500 off complete system

Licensed and Insured

www.ae4cool.com • 512-312-9535

Now Open in Kyle

AMM Collision Center

3/4 mi. north of Dairy Queen

www.APCServicePros.com

Automotive

Call

512-295-2832 You know us... by our reputation!

Drippings Springs

Major Credit Cards Accepted

894-3888

512 312 2767

5360 Industrial Way Dr., Buda, TX berryg4129@aol.com

Plumbing

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

P

rince

Plumbing Company

• Residential Repair Specialist • Remodeling & Water Heaters • Sewer Cleaning & Replacements • Slab & Gas Leak Repair

#M14369

• BBB Member • 20 yrs. Experience • Family Owned • Family Operated

312-0710

Serving Hays County since 1990 MC • Visa

TRI-COUNTY CONSTRUCTION Specializing in custom remodeling and insurance repairs since 1984.

Fully insured.

DE WOLFE GROUP

Let us make your dreams a reality!

Taking Care of Your Pack from Start to Finish

Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010

512-282-6224 • 512-280-0085 fax bob.jones@tri-countyconst.com

Taking care of your yard so you can play!

LANDSCAPING AND OUTDOOR CONSTRUCTION

Flower Beds • Fencing • Sprinkler Systems • Patios Gravel Driveways & Trails • Rock Gardens Garden Boxes • Build Sheds

Curtis Dorsett

Call Jesse Reyna at 512-788-2180 or email apa6207@sbcglobal.net

512-402-4704

Pool Service

Pool Service

Remodeling

Residential & Commercial

Repairs, Gates, Post Replacement, Fully Insured.

Mowing $45 for standard yard (mow, edge, cleanup) Free Estimates • Veteran Owned 830-556-7445

Component Selection Digital Photos System & Process Docs Website Maintenance CD/DVD Duplication

Lawn Care WHO DOES YOUR LANDSCAPING?

“No Job Too Small or Too Big”

Real Estate

512-284-4126 christydewolfe.com

Computer Systems Software Development Networking Technical Systems Maintenance

Want help selecting the best value?

Office systems not maintained?

Did your kids or employees leave your computer useless?

ALL PHASES OF REMODELING O Painting O Tile O Siding O Decks O Patio Covers O Trim O Door & Window Replacement O Drywall Repair O Custom Cabinets O Electrical & Plumbing

Framed & Frameless Tub & Shower Enclosures

Christy DeWolfe

Consulting Setup Training Backups Upgrades

Remodeling

• Furniture Tops • Tempered Glass • Mirrors

Legal Services

WOOD FENCES BUILT RIGHT

Professional Office Home and RV Service in north Hays Co.

Wild West

Commercial & Residential

512-268-6425

HTC Fence & More

mike@haystech.com

Berry Glass Company

130 Hall Professional Center, Kyle, TX 78640

Fences & More

Home Repair/Remodeling

Glass Service

Attorneys and Counselors At Law

Email: Chris@nemecheatingandair.com O. 512-312-9081 • C. 512-789-5132 Buda, Texas 78610 • TACLA 34861C

TECL 24139 TEML 3473 TACLB 015741E

Full Service Car & Truck Repair

21681 IH-35 11740 Manchaca Rd. 3990 Hwy 290

• Contract Glazing • Storefronts • Insulated Glass

Residential • Commercial • After Hours Available

Computer Help

601 S. Loop 4 • Buda

262-1013 292-1060

CHRIS NEMEC

“Proudly Serving Central Texas”

Buda Automotive

3 Great Locations!

Austin

HEATING & AIR

SERVICE - REPAIR - INSTALLATION

Free furnace special Call for details

Automotive

NEMEC

512-410-7739

ELECTRICAL • A/C • HEATING

15%

off any repair

Kyle

Air Conditioning

The only call you need to make TICL #629

G&S

Serving S. Austin, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle and Buda since 1994.

Over 10 years of experience Keith Miller, owner One Time & Weekly Cleanings Drain & Cleans Pressure Washing Full Service Repairs HIGH TIDE Pool Replastering POOL SERVICE

Pool and Spa Service 512-326-4695

FREE ESTIMATES HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE@YAHOO.COM HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE.COM

www.gspoolspa.com

Roofing

Roofing Area Roofing

Wrangler roofing

Serving HayS County Residential & Commercial

Company

• All types of roofing • Seamless rain gutters • Attic and wall blown insulation

Since 1991

512-351-5402

Absolutely No Money Down!

See Website for Special Offers Claims Specialist on Staff Experience H Honesty H Integrity

• Free eStimateS •

O

Insurance Claims Welcome

(512) 312-5050

Ron Johnson OWNER

512-965-3465

www.WranglerGutterProtection.com WranglerRoofing@aol.com

Member of the BBB

Septic Services

Septic Services

ALL AMERICAN WASTEWATER SOLUTIONS, LLC

SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, INC.

Locally serving our community since 1982.

(512)

312-0002

Septic Problems... LET US HELP!

www.ALLSEPTICCHECK.com

Septic Tank Pumping & Servicing

Tank Lid Replacements & Tank Refurbishing

Aerobic System Servicing

Septic Inspections & Consulting

Aerobic Licensed Maintenance Provider

Fully Licensed & Insured For Your Protection

Hydrojetting & Pump Replacements

Shoe Repair

(512)

Septic Repair & Installation Specialist

SEPTIC PUMPING • CLEANING REPAIRS • COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

282-3889

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

Tree Service QUALITY BOOT & SHOE REPAIR AS WELL AS PURSE AND LUGGAGE REPAIR

AustinShoeHospital.com

WORLD’S LARGEST SHOE REPAIR COMPANY 10 locations in Central Texas including: 1911 Ben White and Manchaca Rd • 512-440-8788 12119 W Hwy 290 and Nutty Brown Rd • 512-827-3398 6781 W Hwy 290 in Oak Hill • 512-288-6386

Lees Trees 30+ years in the Hill Country

Firewood • Pruning • Removal • Chipping Planting • Cedar Posts • Bulk Mulch Free Assessments & Estimates • Insured

Marcus Lees Affordable Oak Wilt Treatment (512) 858-4018

by TTH Inc. TDA #270421 leestrees@vownet.net (512) 921-4661

Schedule ball moss treatment for March

SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, INC. Serving the Hays Metro area, including Travis, Blanco, Bastrop, Williamson & surrounding counties.

www.SellmanSepticServices.com

Commercial & Residential

Window Treatments Beautiful Blinds, Shades, Draperies & Shutters Custom window treatments at affordable prices!

Graber, Hunter Douglas, Norman & more.

Low prices with lifetime guarantees and fast professional installation.

Call 512-847-8970

for free consultation & price quote.

www.MadeinTheShadeofwimberley.com

Build up your business by advertising in the Hays Free Press Service Directory

Only $25 a week to run in the Hays Free Press and Hays County Echo. Call Tracy at (512) 268-7862 or email tracy@ haysfreepress.com to join today.

(13 week minimum)

Hays Free Press • December 6, 2017

Page 4D

Health Insurance Continued from pg. 1D

(PPO) for individuals and short term plans are not considered qualifying health insurance plans, he said.

Included in the unqualifying list are plans that are not underwritten, and do not cover wellness, out-of-pocket-maximums, maternity and do not allow people with preexisting conditions to join.

PPOs, which allow an individual to go to any doctor, only qualifies for group insurance if

companies offer the plan to their employees, Nemetz said.

He said depending on an individual’s circumstance, a PPO, even if it does not qualify, may be the best route.

A person may find that even with a tax penalty for not having qualified insurance,, the gains in savings by purchasing a PPO may outweigh the penalty, Nemetz said.

A person may have to pay a tax penalty if

they “can afford health insurance but choose not to purchase it,” according to healthcare.gov.

This penalty, part of the individual mandate, that requires all Americans obtain health insurance, is eliminated in the Senate and House tax bill which is in the process of being reconciled to one bill, according to reuters.com.

Nemetz said his concern is if the individual mandate is removed, healthy people

would stop buying health insurance, causing premiums to go up.

In turn, it could make insurance less affordable for those who need it.

“When you only have sick people in the pool and healthy people stay out, I’m really worried it will cause a death spiral,” Nemetz said.

He’s plugged the numbers and understands there are people who have benefited more than

others from the law.

For example, last year he received a call from a woman in her late 50s, making $17,000 a year, who did not qualify for Medicaid, and he signed her up for $28 a month health insurance plan with $250 deductible.

After three months of purchasing health insurance, he said, the woman spent months in the hospital due to a brain tumor. What could have drowned this person in

debt due to medical bills years ago, with health insurance she only paid $900 in total on $600,000 in medical bills, he said.

The impact of possibly eliminating the individual mandate in the health insurance system continues to be debated.

But in the meantime, Nemetz has his schedule pretty packed with appointments with people looking for the best healthcare plan available.

BE GENEROUS

use the loss to offset capital gains taxes on investments you’ve sold that have appreciated.

If the loss from the sale was greater than your combined long- and short-term capital gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 against other income, including your salary and interest payments. And if your losses exceed your capital gains by more than $3,000, you can carry the remaining losses forward to future tax years.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial

Advisor. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You

should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Financial Focus Continued from pg. 1D

tional IRA are generally deductible, but the deductibility is phased out if your income rises above certain levels. For 2017, you can put up to $5,500 into your IRA, or $6,500 if you’re 50 or older. (Roth IRA contributions are never deductible.)

It’s certainly the season for giving, and when you make charitable gifts, you can give and receive. By sending cash to a qualified charity, you may get a tax deduction, but if you look beyond your checkbook, you might gain even bigger benefits. Specifically, if you donate appreciated securities you’ve held for more than one year to charity, you may be able to deduct the value of the securities, based on their worth when you make the gift.

CONTRIBUTE TO A 529 PLAN When you contribute to a 529 college savings plan, your earnings can grow tax-free, provided the money is used for qualified higher education expenses. (However, 529 plan distributions not used for these qualified expenses may be subject to income tax and a 10 percent IRS penalty.)

Furthermore, your 529 plan contributions may be deductible from your state taxes.

OFFSET YOUR GAINS If you own some investments that have lost value and may no longer be essential parts of your portfolio, you could sell them and

Following these suggestions may help improve your tax situation for the year. So, give them some thought and consult with your tax professional to understand what actions are appropriate for you.

BUY&SELL STUFF LOCALLY in the

Hays Free Press CLASSIFIEDS

Only $8 for 20 words or less.

Call 512-268-7862

Compare Our CD Rates Bank-issued, FDIC-insured





% APY*

Minimum deposit 





% APY*

Minimum deposit 





% APY*

Minimum deposit 

       

Call or visit your local financial advisor today.

  FDI-1867G-A



  

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC