Locals join Women’s March
Firefighter Day a hit in Drip’
Tigers fall to Seguin in close call
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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVII No. 16
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
75¢
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Local teen assaults mother, nabbed in Illinois BY MOSES LEOS III
news@haysfreepress.com
A Dripping Springs teen who had been on the run after assaulting his mother last week was finally caught by authorities in Illinois after leading them on a brief car chase, according to a Hays County Sheriff’s Office press release. But authorities are unsure when they can extradite William Michael Bryars, 17, of Dripping Springs, back to Texas to face his crimes. Bryars, according to the release, is accused of attacking his mother, who was identified as Kathy Ann Bryars, 53, Jan. 18 at their home in Dripping Springs. According to the release, Bryars allegedly beat his mother with a hammer, then stabbed her with a screwdriver. A motive for the crime is unknown at this time.
Bryars then allegedly fled the scene with his mother’s 2012 black 2-door Nissan Altima. The incident, which garnered state-wide attention, turned into a manhunt as authorities across the state BRYARS searched for Bryars, who, according to authorities, was headed to Missouri. On Jan. 18, Hays County Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Terry Kyle issued warrants against Bryars for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, which is a first-degree felony and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, which is a state jail felony. On Friday, officers
ASSAULT, 3
PHOTO BY JOHN BADMAN/THE TELEGRAPH
Emergency officials with the Alton, Ill. Fire Department surround a black Nissan Altima that was driven by William Michael Bryars, 17, of Dripping Springs, who led police on a short chase before crashing into a light pole last week. Bryars is accused of attacking his mother with a hammer and a screwdriver before he stole her 2012 Altima, which he was driving at the time of his accident.
Pay your property taxes by Jan. 31
City to annex 35 acres
STAFF REPORT
Dripping Springs city leaders last week moved forward with the voluntary annexation of a 35-acre tract along U.S. Highway 290. On Jan. 17, the Dripping Springs City Council approved annexation of the Blue Blazes Development, which could potentially hold commercial pad sites and possibly a hotel. Michelle Fischer, Dripping Springs city administrator, said the voluntary annexation was part of a development agreement the city entered with developers of the property, which is owned by James A. Smith of Dripping Springs.
Those who may owe 2016 property taxes will have until the end of the January before penalties could be levied against them. In a press release, Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector Luanne Caraway reminded residents that 2016 property taxes must be paid in full on or before Jan. 31 to avoid penalties and interest. Should taxes not be paid by Jan. 31, a seven percent penalty and interest will be added to property accounts with outstanding balances starting Feb. 1. Taxpayers who are not able to pay the full amount by January 31 are encouraged to pay as much as possible so that they accrue as little as possible, according to the release. Accounts of those 65 or older, disabled person or disabled veteran exemptions paid quarterly and have
PROPERTY TAXES, 3
BY MOSES LEOS III
news@haysfreepress.com
PHOTO BY BILL PEARY
The Driftwood Historical Conservation Society is negotiating with Driftwood Store owner Dan Winters to buy the building located in downtown Driftwood in order to preserve it. Above, a couple takes pre-wedding photos at the iconic building.
Is new life possible for historic Driftwood store? BY MOSES LEOS III
news@haysfreepress.com
Having grown up in Driftwood during her childhood, Lisa Elliott remembers how the Driftwood General Store and Post Office was essentially the “hub of everything.” The building functioned as the closest place for area residents to purchase feed
for their livestock, send a letter, or catch up on the local gossip. “Everyone knew everyone in town on a first-name basis,” Elliott said. “It was so friendly and wonderful growing up there.” While the store no longer operates, one group is planning to possibly purchase the structure in an effort to preserve its heritage.
The Driftwood Historical Conservation Society (DHCS) earlier this month kick-started plans to possibly purchase the store. Casey Cutler, DHCS director, said the society hopes to preserve the facility for generations to come. “It’s a living heritage. That’s what’s so fascinating about
DRIFTWOOD STORE, 2
DSISD names new schools STAFF REPORT Dripping Springs ISD’s two newest campuses officially have a name to go with them. On Monday, the Dripping Springs board of trustees selected Sycamore Springs as the names of the district’s new elementary and middle school campuses. Both campuses are under construction on Sawyer Ranch Road. The decision on the names of the schools followed a recommendation from the new schools naming committee that included representation from students, staff, community members and parents, according to a release. In December, the committee submitted three recommendations that included Sycamore Springs, Kerbey Springs and Sawyer Springs.
On Monday, the DSISD board of trustees selected Sycamore Springs as the names of the district’s new elementary and middle school campuses. According to the release, Sycamore Springs is a natural spring located south of Highway 290 near the central part of Dripping Springs. “Historical references state that property near Sycamore Springs was conveyed to the public school trustees in the late 1800s to be used for education of neighborhood children,” according to the release. The two schools, which are part of the district’s $92 million bond initiative that was approved by voters in 2014, have a combined total
of roughly $50 million dollars. The new elementary school, which will serve pre-K through 5th grade, will be built to serve 850 students. The new middle school will be built to an initial capacity of 850 students with the ability to add classrooms as the district grows, according to the DSISD bond website. With the naming of the two new schools, all DSISD campuses have been named after existing springs in the district.
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ANNEXATION, 2
LAGNIAPPE Burn ban on
On Jan. 24, the Hays County Commissioners Court placed the unincorporated areas (including extra territorial jurisdictions) of the county under an immediate burn ban following a report from Fire Marshal Clint Browning. Charcoal, wood and gas grills with lids are exempt from the ban, but burning in “burn barrels” or fire pits (including ones with screens on the top) is not allowed. Grilling of any kind is prohibited at Hays County parks under a burn ban. Most cities already prohibit outdoor burning, but residents within city limits should check their city ordinances.
CAMPO open houses
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization will hold a series of open houses across the Austin area to gather public input on the organization’s Regional Active Transportation Plan, with
LAGNIAPPE, 2