Feb. 2, 2017 News-Dispatch

Crafting chocolate in Drip’

Tigers head to state competitions

Tigers claw Mats for first district win

page 5

page 4

page 3

News-Dispatch Volume XXXVII No. 17

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.

Road closure

Ranch Road 12 between Old Fitzhugh Road and Summit Drive will be partially closed through Feb. 3. The temporary closure is due to the installation of a drainage pipe across RR12.

To minimize the traffic impact, the construction work will occur during the overnight hours of 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Two-way traffic control will occur during the scheduled period of construction. Please exercise caution when driving through the area.

Scholarship opportunity

The Dripping Springs Women’s Club will award two $500 college scholarships for female students in May. Applications are due by April 10 and can be found at www. dswomensclub.com or by contacting womenofds@ gmail.com.

Free E-filing services

Free assistance with income tax preparation is available through DSISD Community Services, which is sponsoring the AARP Tax-Aide program, located at the Dripping Springs Independent School District Administration building at 510 West Mercer Street.

Volunteers are available at this site on Tuesdays February 7 through April 18 (except during spring break) from 2-7 p.m.. Tax returns will be filed electronically.

To make an appointment, leave a message at (512) 858-0954.

LAGNIAPPE, 8

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

75¢

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Treating a ‘pill society’ Just how prevalent is the opioid drug problem in America?

• Drug overdose deaths nearly tripled during 1999–2014.

In 2014, among 47,055 drug overdose deaths, 61% involved an opioid.

• During 2013–2014, deaths associated with the most commonly prescribed opioids (natural/semisynthetic opioids) continued to increase slightly; however, the rapid increase in deaths appears to be driven by heroin and synthetic opioids other than methadone.

Driftwood facility aims to cure painkiller addiction

• From 2014 to 2015, the death rate from synthetic opioids other than methadone, which includes fentanyl, increased by 72.2%, and heroin death rates increased by 20.6% Statistics gathered from a Dec. 2016 CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report COURTESY PHOTO

The former home of Oohla Bean Bed and Breakfast is now Driftwood Recovery, a rehabilitation facility focused on those with addictions to pain medications.

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

What was once a high-end bed and breakfast nestled near the Salt Lick in Driftwood has transformed into a treatment facility aimed at ending substance abuse for those with chronic pain.

While strides have been made in the last few years toward the decline of pain medication addiction, Rey Ximenez, medical director at Driftwood Recovery, said the issue is still a prevalent problem.

“It’s hard for them to differentiate whether they’re treating the pain of life or the pain that’s in their back ... It’s a mix.”

– Rey Ximenez, Medical Director at Driftwood Recovery

The facility, which opened earlier this month, is located on 85-acres of what used to be the Oohla Bean Bed and Breakfast.

Ximenez said the owners of the property were interested in selling the property to the rehabilitation center, thinking it was a “good thing too.”

The facility targets those who suffer from pain problems that sometimes can contribute to addition. While some clients hail from Central Texas, Ximenez said patients come from as far as California or the east coast.

Ultimatley, Ximenez said the

facility works to fight the stigma that addictions to prescription pain medications is a “gutter problem.” The issue affects all socioeconomic statuses and all walks of life, Ximenez said.

“There is no respect these chemicals have for socioeconomic status,” Ximenez said.

“It’s throughout. It’s so huge and mischaracterized, it’s out of control.”

According to statistics provided in a release, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention report more

DRIFTWOOD RECOVERY, 8

A celebration for County approves our namesake debris removal STAFF REPORT

company and fought under Thomas Rusk and Erastus “Deaf” Smith for Texas Because 200 candles Independence. would be too many to place In 1840, he was appointed on a cake, Hays County a Ranger captain and officials last week instead engaged in opted to battles and pass a skirmishes proclamation with Native celebrating American the tribes. bicentennial Hays and birthday of his Rangers the county’s were involved namesake. in actions at The court, Plum Creek, joined by Salado, members Enchanted of the Hays Rock, and County the “Woll Historical Invasion” of Commission, 1842, among celebrated others. He Col. John John Coffee Hays was among “Jack” Coffee the first to Hays week use the 1844 Navy Colt Jan. 28, which was Hays’ Paterson five-shot revolver, 200th birthday, according to making suggestions for a release. improvements to it that “We’re honored to be named after one of the most led to the Colt revolver becoming one of the guns famous Texas Rangers and a that helped “win the West.” pioneer in law enforcement Senator Edward Burleson on the Texas frontier,” introduced legislation that Hays County Historical on March 1, 1848, created Commission Chair Kate the county named in Hays’ Johnson said. honor from part of Travis She added the HCHC County. spent “countless hours Hays left Texas in 1849 to documenting his life,” and became the first sheriff resulting in a chapter in the of San Francisco, Calif., the Hays County history book first U.S. Surveyor General as well as the first historical for California and founded documentary produced by the City of Oakland. Hays the Commission. died on April 21, 1883. He Born in Tennessee, Hays is interred in the Mountain made his way to Texas View Cemetery in Oakland. where he joined a Ranger

BY LOGAN MCCULLOUGH

news@haysfreepress.com

A comprehensive project that aims to remove over 61,000 square yards of debris left over from the devastating Memorial Day 2015 flood received approval by Hays County Commissioners last week.

While there is no cost estimate for the project at this time, the program is on a bid per site model that pays out

per percentage of completion.

However, there is a $1.7 million grant with a 10 percent match by the county currently in place.

This project originally started with the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program in July 2015, but Hays County Planner Caitlyn Hairell said “we knew we had more work to do.”

The Hays County Development Services Department

DEBRIS REMOVAL, 7

County authorizes floodplain flyover

BY LOGAN MCCULLOUGH

news@haysfreepress.com

Hays County Commissioners last week authorized a professional services agreement with Freese and Nichols to perform a flyover to study and update the counties outdated floodplain models.

Worried about the drainage on the Blanco River and on Purgatory Creek, the court authorized laser imagery to work on updating the models for properties owned by the county.

These properties include, but are not limited to, the Hays County Government Center off of Wonder World Drive and law-enforcement site off Uhland Road.

The flyover would give Freese and Nichols the ability to process the imagery to make sure what the county is constructing is constructed in the right places. This is part of the due diligence of the building program to make sure the county is not building in a flood plain, or

FLOODPLAIN FLYOVER, 7

Page 2

News-Dispatch

Opinion

NewsDispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com EDITOR Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com REPORTER Samantha Smith news@haysfreepress.com PRODUCTION David White Christine Thorpe ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack tracy@haysfreepress.com Pam Patino ads@haysnewsdispatch.com Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES David White paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4 and Christmas by Barton Publications, Inc., 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640.

Subscription price: $32 local, $45 county, $56 out of state.

Periodicals Postage paid at Driftwood, TX. Email paper@ haysnewsdispatch. com for subscriptions and address changes.

POSTMASTER: send address changes to News-Dispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610 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.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Letter to the Creator

So about all those fire ants …

D

ear Sir (or Madam, as the case may be): Perhaps you’ve heard that we have a new president down here in the U.S. of A. I recently conferred with him, and we came up with a few items in life that could use improvement. He’s busy: golf courses, hotels, casinos, and now the presidency, so I promised to pass along our recommendations. Hopefully it will not seem too forward if I point out certain flaws in your sixth day creation. Not that I’m complaining, but what were you thinking when you created human beings?

1. First, there’s stubborn resistance. Whatever

Tutta’s Take

by Wynette Barton

its purpose, less would be better. It would be hard to tell you how frustrating it is to live with people who dig in their heels and refuse to believe that I’m almost always right. Should you choose to correct this problem, please begin with certain members of Congress. You’ll find them in the D.C. area or on fact-finding trips in the Bahamas. You might also want to check out the Texas State Capitol grounds.

2. Pain is a protective

devise, right? It keeps us from using damaged body parts and damaging them even further, like trying to walk on broken ankles.

Good idea, but here’s a better one: Have the pain come first, before the injury. That way most accidents could be avoided, with the added benefit of lowering insurance rates considerably.

3. Should Number 2 be impractical for some reason, is it absolutely essential for elbows to hurt so much when striking hard objects? A couple of layers of padding in that area would help. Elbows are too boney anyway, and if you don’t mind my saying so, they are rarely attractive as presently

designed.

4. Eyes were a terrific invention, but they are often faulty, and I haven’t noticed that they improve a lot with age. Many of us need glasses, and there’s no place to keep them. Noses help, yes, but how about when glasses are removed and misplaced? I mean seriously misplaced. Permanently.

Since you did not see fit to install glasses as standard equipment, a built-in glasses case would improve the quality of life bigly, maybe in that wasted space below the chin. That would eliminate double chins, which, let’s face it, are no more attractive than elbows.

5. On another subject

entirely, it’s difficult to see the purpose of fire arts.

I was getting along fine before they got here. Not one word did they say to immigration authorities, and as far as I can tell they aren’t tired, poor, or yearning to be free. Further, I can’t see what they contribute to the economy. Perhaps you can find meaningful work for them elsewhere. Should this be impossible, I will not be disappointed if you decide to do away with them altogether.

Please feel free to contact me if you need further advice. Twitter isn’t my thing, but you can reach me by phone.

Humbly yours, Wynette Barton

It’s time for some March Madness A

s most of y’all recall, there was a big women’s march last month in both Washington D.C. and up in Austin.

Oops, I’m sorry. I did not mean to infer there were marches by heavy-set women, but that there were a mess of women attending the function.

Some of y’all might’ve wondered what my view on these marches is. The fact of the matter is that I have no problem with women marching around, hollerin’ and fussin’ about something some fella did.

For most of my life I’ve had women fussin’ at me when I did something wrong or plumb forgot to do something.

My mother was fond of marching. She used the term “march” quite frequently, as in “Boys, you march up to your room and clean up that pig sty,” and “Boys, you march right back outside and hose each other off. You aren’t bringing that mud into my clean house.” The marching order I dreaded to hear was “Clint, you march to your room and think about what you just did. We’ll discuss it further once your father gets home.”

The women’s march to our state capitol might be

Whether it’s the president of the United States or some poor numbskull sitting in a Lay-Z-Boy, sipping cold beer and watching John Wayne and Dean Martin, men are the most likely origin of any women’s march.

From the Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts

construed by some folks as some kind of protest or demonstration, but I think about 50,000 ladies just got fed up with seeing football on their TV for the past five months and had to get out of the house.

And fellas, back me up here, when women go out in public, whether it’s a restaurant, a store or the gym, they get all dolled up.

Women like to be noticed, which might be another reason so many went marching to the capitol.

Awright, guys, how familiar is this scenario? The wife comes back home from her appointment at the beauty salon as you’re

sitting in your recliner, in your underwear, drinking a beer and watching a John Wayne movie. After several minutes of silence, you hear this: “I’ve just spent two hours and a lot of money getting my hair and nails done, and you don’t even notice me.”

“But, Hon, this is ‘Rio Lobo’, and I haven’t seen it in 7 or 8 months.”

“At least you could’ve looked at me and take notice!”

And then that faulty filter that lies between a man’s brain and his mouth allows this to slip out: “If you had been carrying a 12-pack of beer in your arms, then I would’ve noticed you.”

Now, here is where there will be a woman’s march, followed by a man’s march right out to the yard to gather a bunch of clothes and your pillow.

I believe over these past few decades I might’ve done some marching out to the tractor shed to seek asylum and to think about what I just did.

So, you ask me why I think all these women felt like they had to go marching and vent their frustrations at stupid stuff some man, any man has said or done. Whether it’s the president of the United States or some poor

numbskull sitting in a LaZ-Boy, sipping cold beer and watching John Wayne and Dean Martin, men are the most likely origin of any women’s march.

What’s that, you ask?

What is the catalyst for a men’s march? Well, I pondered over this query for some time and did a little research and discovered this alternative fact: The major cause of a men’s march is a big sale at Twin Liquors. What else would get 50,000 men out of their recliners during the NFL playoffs?

God Bless Clint Younts’ wife. What more can you say? While he holes up in the Crow’s Nest at Mountain City, she probably ponders anything but his comments. crowsnest78610@gmail.com

Thursday, February 2, 2017

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Page 3

‘My Fair Lady’ hits DSHS

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB WILSON PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Chocolatiers Bob and Tracey Wilson make their confections from organic cocoa from South America. It’s a personal requirement that they use free-trade suppliers with ethical business practices.

Crafting chocolate in Dripping Texas Springs Crossword

BY MOSES LEOS III

the beans, Wilson and his wife began making investments in their business, which is currently uring a mission located in their home, trip to Nicaragua now dubbed the “choctwo and a half olate factory.” Having years ago, Dripping never worked with chocoSprings resident Bob late before, the Wilsons Wilson and his family saw purchased books on the the extensive poverty that art of chocolate-making, gripped the country. along with conducting Returning to America, research on the internet. the Wilsons were deterBob said that he and his mined to do something wife are “foodies,” so they about it that went beyond were interested in this just giving to charity, or subject. opening a coffee shop.

They also purchased By becoming chocoequipment to help with latiers, Wilson and his their endeavor and began wife, Tracey, focused on making chocolate a year importing ago. fair-trade, They “It’s going ethnically quickly sourced realized how to be cacao, or labor-intencocoa, beans, expensive. sive chocowhich assists late making It does farmers could be. in Central take a few first“The American severnations. al batches things, but For were awful,” Wilson, who our primary Wilson said. owns the “The conconcern Dripping sistency was Springs We rewas that it’s bad.

Chocolate alized there’s Company, a lot of steps ethnically the path to making sourced toward not chocolate.” only his busiThe pro...

No one ness, but also cess starts its success is by taking is being something the beans mistreated and roastthat’s been unexpected. ing them and they Wilson before they began by go through are getting researching a cracking details on fair traded.” machine. importing Once there, cacao beans the beans are –Bob Wilson, cofor their winnowed, owner of Dripping budding which Springs Chocolate business separates venture. the husk of What he found, howthe bean from the nibs, ever, was the “dark side” which is the inside of the of the industry, where bean. child and slave labor are After winnowing, the common, and where beans are then ground to farmers often are taken the consistency of coffee advantage of. grounds, which is a proWilson discovered sevcess that can take 24 to 40 eral suppliers that ensure hours to complete. farmers are treated fairly From there, the beans and are paid fair-market then go through the price for their goods. tempering process, which While it meant a higher Bob said was one of the price to obtain the beans, more difficult steps to the ability to acquire it making chocolate. The through free-trade was process extracts cocoa fat imperative. At this time, and ensures a smooth, the Wilsons currently buy glossy look.

200 pounds of beans at a “By the name alone, time. A secondary asset (chocolate) is very temwas that all of their beans peramental,” Wilson said. are also organic, which is But finding the right what they also wanted. way to temper the choco“It’s going to be expenlate was a “months” long sive. It does take a few process. During that time, things, but our primary the two went through 40 concern was that it’s ethvariations before settling nically sourced,” Wilson on a way that was consissaid. “No one is being tent and worked with the mistreated and they are volume needed. getting fair traded.”

Once they found DRIPPING CHOCOLATE, 8

sponsored by...

News-Dispatch Editor

Above, phoneticist Henry Higgins (L-R), played by Connor Bailey; Eliza Doolittle, played by Trinity Adams; and Colonel Pickering, played by Rob Thomas celebrate after Eliza speaks her vowel sounds impeccably as she becomes a lady in the musical “My Fair Lady” presented by the Dripping Springs High School Fine Arts. Left, poor flower girl Eliza Doolittle, played by Trinity Adams, examines a coin tossed in her flower basket by phoneticist Henry Higgins.

DeMasters - Daniel Insurance Agency, Inc. Serving Hays County since 1983 “Call us for all of your insurance needs” Angiel Dahl

Wimberley: 512-847-5549 or 512-847-9325 Dripping Springs: 512-858-4608

D

See Solution, pg. 7

Worship in a church of your choice

Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.

Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM

Sunday Morning

11:00 AM

Sunday Worship

5:45 PM

Wednesday Meal

6:30 PM

Wed TouchPoint

A Family of Faith...

SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries

www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org

(512) 894-0480

4000 E. HWY 290

St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Mass Schedule

Rev. Charlie

Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.

corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs

Garza, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m.

Located at the Sunday: 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m.

512-858-5667

www.stmartindp.org

Page 4

News-Dispatch

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Sports

Tigers beat Tigers claw Matadors for Champion season’s first district win in comeback

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

BY LOGAN MCCULLOUGH

news@haysfreepress.com

The Dripping Springs Lady Tigers extended their win streak to three games after a strong second half paved the way to a 5442 comeback victory against Boerne-Champion on parent night Friday in Tiger Gym. The game, however, did not start according to plan, said Lady Tigers head coach Laura Joiner.

“Both teams knew it was a big game with only a one point difference in the districts fourth place spot,” said Joiner. “We were tentative, hesitant – we were playing not to lose, whereas they came as the aggressor, the team trying to win.”

Although Dripping Springs consistently found holes in the Chargers 2-3 zone, poor shooting plagued them in the first half.

In addition to their poor shooting, the Lady Tigers struggled on defense as they allowed Boerne to hit four three-pointers, which contributed to more than half of their 23 first half points.

“I just thought we were being tentative,” said Joiner. “We were so focused on stopping their leading scorer, sometimes we forget they have other players that can contribute to their team and they did a great job stepping up.”

One silver lining in the first half for the Tigers was their passing. Joiner said she has preached the importance of ball movement all season long and the Tigers listened Friday night, assisting on their first five field goals helping keep the game close.

Down 23-20 at halftime, Joiner told her team to up their intensity, along with not playing to lose and to start playing to win.

Dripping Springs followed its coach’s instructions in the second half.

A renewed intensity translated into 18 third quarter points for the Tigers, which also limited Boerne Champion to seven points.

Dripping Springs’ defense also created offense. It was most evident midway through the third quarter as the Tigers forced three turnovers in a row.

The turnovers ignited the Tigers offense, leading to back-to-back three-point plays from Tigers’ senior point

“We were tentative, hesitant - we were playing not to lose, whereas they came as the aggressor, the team trying to win.”

– Laura Joiner, Lady Tiger head coach

guard Kaylen Morrison and freshman forward Sarah Nading.

“The mentality was different, the effort was different, the desire was different,” Joiner said.

“I told them defense is about effort, desire and heart and it’s not something that requires talent and I just really felt our girls really responded, changing from, let’s not lose to let’s go take this.”

Not only did Tiger senior point guard Kaylen Morrison led the team with a career-high 25 points, she also led the team with three assists.

Morrison forwarded credit to her coaches and teammates.

“I just made some shots, and our coach gave us a nice pep talk at halftime,” Morrison said. “She told us we have to go out and take this, we have to get after it, we’re in fourth place right now so we need to wake up and win this so we can make playoffs.”

Up 38-30 going into the fourth and final quarter, the Tigers seemed poised to eat as much clock as possible.

Although they started only 1 for 5 from the field in the fourth quarter, Dripping Springs’ patient offensive approach frustrated the Chargers into fouling. Ten of Dripping Springs’ 16 fourth quarter points came from the free-throw line.

The Chargers continued to score, but the deficit proved too much and Dripping Springs held on and completed the comeback.

Despite struggling from the field, Danielle Northrup found alternative ways to contribute to the win by cleaning the glass with a game-high 12 rebounds and securing three steals.

The Lady Tigers improved to 19-9 and are back in action Tuesday January 31 as they host the Medina Valley Panthers.

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While it wasn’t always perfect soccer Friday, the Dripping Springs Tigers did enough to secure their first district win of the season.

Two goals scored, one in each half during the final three minutes, was enough for Dripping Springs to shut out the Seguin Matadors 2-0.

While head coach Brian Ormonde lauded the win, struggles in taking advantage of scoring chances is something he believes the team must improve on.

“The boys are playing well, but our finishing ... we’ve got to finish chances,” Ormonde said. “When you play a tough opponent, you may not get so many chances. We had several chances and we didn’t finish them.”

Dripping Springs held control of possession for the majority of the first half, controlling the pace of play in the Matador side of the field.

Ormonde said the Tigers focused on committing numbers forward and working to win the ball. Leading the charge were Jose Galindo and Spencer Helflin, whose play led to a myriad of scoring opportunities in the early part of the first half.

“In that formation, we used high pressure and tried to win the ball, tried to win in their half and keep it in their half,” Ormonde said. “We were attack oriented and we kept going at them.”

But Dripping Springs’ relentless attack didn’t generate tallies on the scoreboard.

Contributing to the Tigers’ struggles was the Matador defense, which kept the Tigers from finding the back of the net.

Dripping Springs also became its own worst enemy at times.

“I’m proud of the way the boys played and they did everything right. There was nothing wrong with the way we played,” Ormonde said.

“We’ve got to finish those chances.”

Dripping Springs finally broke through with roughly two minutes left in the first half. Tiger senior Kyle Anderson headed in a goal at point-blank range to take a 1-0 lead.

The Tigers continued to control the pace in the second half, while also limiting Seguin’s ability to counter.

An effective midfield, along with a strong defense, held the Matadors scoreless in the final 40 minutes.

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III

Dripping Springs Tiger senior forward Spencer Heflin (left) steals possession of the ball from a Seguin Matador defender during the first half of Friday’s district game in Dripping Springs. Below: Dripping Springs High’s Humberto Gonzales (right) battles with a Seguin Matador defender for the ball near the sideline Friday in Dripping Springs.

“We try to get the ball and keep the ball on the ground.

We’re not a bit team, but we’re a skillful team, so we try to use that to our advantage ...

We do that well and we’ve been playing well.”

– Brian Ormonde, Tiger head coach

“We try to get the ball and keep the ball on the ground. We’re not a bit team, but we’re a skillful team, so we try to use that to our advantage,”

Ormonde said. “We do that well and we’ve been playing well.”

Dripping Springs’ offense put the game away when senior Pedro

Casanova scored a goal with 2:48 left in the contest.

While there was room for improvement, Ormonde said the Tigers harbor cohesion as they begin the brunt of district play.

“It’s a good year.

They’re playing really well, so we’re going to keep that, whether win, lose or draw,” Ormonde said. “They’re having fun, so that’s a good thing.”

Texas hometown friendly bank

512-858-5159

401 E. Hwy 290W. P.O. Box 1243 Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Thursday, February 2, 2017

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Page 5

Education

Walnut Springs facilitator finalist for award STAFF REPORT A Walnut Springs Elementary educator is one of three finalists for a statewide award based on her work as Facilitator of Learning and Innovation at the campus.

Along with being named as a finalist for the High Impact Teacher of the Year award presented by the Texas Computer Education As-

sociation (TCEA), Marisa Vickery has also been selected to present a session at the 2017 South by Southwest (SXSW) education festival in VICKERY March.

Vickery is up for an award that’s presented

to a teacher who exhibits exemplary use of technology and recognizes and uses a wide variety of technology tools to enhance the learning of all students. The award will be announced on Feb. 7 at the TCEA Educator Awards reception. Vickery also will be presenting at the upcoming 2017 TCEA conference, marking the third time she has served

as a conference presenter to educators.

Vickery has been selected as a mentor for SxSWedu and will be presenting a session at the 2017 SxSWedu about the Drone Education program she began last year at Walnut Springs.

In addition , she will be presenting at the 2017 ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) conference in San Antonio.

Vickery, who has been an educator for 18 years, has taught at Walnut Springs Elementary for eight years.

She is in her fourth year as Facilitator of Leaning and Innovation at WSE, which is a role that includes serving as a resource for teachers to assist with instructional strategies, overseeing the school’s library functions, and leading campus technology initiatives.

Previously, Vickery taught kindergarten and first grade at the school.

Before coming to DSISD she spent five years in Austin ISD. She also taught Computer Design at the middle school level in San Diego.

A native of San Diego, CA, Vickery earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and did graduate work at Texas State University.

Tiger debate advance to State UIL meet SUBMITTED REPORT

The Dripping Springs High School UIL C-X Debate team claimed first and second place at the District 26- 5A UIL Tournament on Jan. 24.

The team of Christopher Gearing and Riley Wheaton took first place and went undefeated at the tournament. Gearing was honored with the distinction of “Top Speaker” based on his successful performance.

The team of Katy Reeves and Christian Pundt, which took second place, were undefeated until the final round. Both teams were the top seeds in the bracket coming out of preliminary rounds.

In CX, or policy, Debate, students debate with a partner on

one topic for the whole school year. The topic this year is “Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its economic and/or diplomatic engagement with the People’s Republic of China. “ Both DSHS teams will advance to the UIL State CX Debate Tournament at the University of Texas in March.

STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR STATE HOSA COMPETITION Several Dripping Springs High School students recently competed among 1,300 students at the Central Texas Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) event in San Antonio and five students qualified for state

COURTESY PHOTO

Team members include (left to right) Riley Wheaton, Christopher Gearing, Katy Reeves and Christian Pundt.

competition.

DSHS state qualifiers

were Emily Argento-Bird and Liliana Reyes, who

placed second in Forensic Medicine, along with Lisa

Deya, who was third in Clinical Nursing.

Elaina Erickson and Avery Herron finished third in Health Education.

Mariam Ahmed (Clinical Specialty) and Sydney Campbell (Physical Therapy) both placed fifth and are alternates to state competition.

Also placing in their categories were Katherine Montgomery, who was sixth in Extemporaneous Heal Poster and Julia Lopez, who finished 12th in Medical Photography.

HOSA is an international organization in which secondary and post secondary students compete in medical and health related knowledge and skills events.

The state event will be held March 31-April 2 in Corpus Christi.

DSISD recognizes employees who go ‘Above and Beyond’ SUBMITTED REPORT During the school year, Dripping Springs ISD employees who go “Above and Beyond” are recognized at monthly board meetings. The Above and Beyond Award honors those who have put forth a special effort or completed an exceptional act that clearly exceeds that individual’s job responsibilities, either at a specific time or on an ongoing basis.

January recipients were: Rachel Amrine (Rooster Springs Elementary), Deputy Sirenna Cumberland (Dripping Springs Middle School), Jill Jacobs (Dripping Springs Elementary), Cheryl Lundberg (Walnut Springs Elementary), and Jessica Stamp (Dripping Springs High School).

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Deputy Sirenna Cumberland is presented an Above and Beyond award by trustee Dr. Mary Jane Hetrick. Deputy Cumberland is the School Resource Officer at Dripping Springs Middle School and Dripping Springs High School.

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News-Dispatch

Industrious Tigers advance to State DECA competition SUBMITTED REPORT Out of 22 Dripping Springs High School students who competed at the regional DECA competition, 13 earned the right to advance to the state event. The regional competition was held Jan. 21 at Copperas Cove High School.

DECA’s industry-validated competitive events are held in the areas of marketing, business management and administration, finance, and hospitality and tourism. The process involves students in both a written component such as an exam or report and an interactive component with an industry professional serving

as a judge. For instance, one DSHS team wrote a 30-page paper as part of their requirements, and others prepared 15- to 20page business plans. All students participated in 20-45 minute role plays/ presentations with judges, and most events required a 90-minute exam.

The state competition is Feb. 23-25 in San Antonio.

STATE QUALIFIERS AND THEIR EVENTS ARE: Nikhil Clayton Start-Up Business Plan Madeline Fuchs Sports and Entertainment Promotion Plan Jessica Gallardo Marketing Management Team Decision Making

Holt Holcomb Principles of Business Management Madalyn Jarvis Professional Selling John Leavitt International Business Plan Zach Lengner International Business Plan Lily Sethre-Brink Marketing Mangement Team Decision Making Varun Verma Business Finance Faith Walker Sports and Entertainment Promotion Plan Riley Whitcomb Professional Selling Brayson White Automotive Services Marketing Kevin Weirzbowski Sports and Entertainment Promotion Plan

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Mail check and form to 113 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640 to begin receiving the number one newspaper serving Dripping Springs, Wimberley and surrounding communities.

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Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, February 2, 2017

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Classifieds-Service Public Notices

RFP 15-005(3) ATHLETIC UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT MULTIPLE AWARD

Dripping Springs Independent School District is requesting proposals for Athletic Uniforms & Equipment under RFP # 15-005-3 Athletic Uniforms & Equipment-Multiple Award. Proposals will

be received in the Business Office of the Dripping Springs Independent School District, 510 West Mercer Street P.O. Box 479, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Proposals shall be addressed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist.

Any questions pertaining to the proposal specifications should be directed to Michelle

Lyons, Purchasing Specialist – CTSBS , michelle.lyons@ dsisd.txed.net . Proposals will be submitted and must be received by 2:00 P.M. (CST) on March 6, 2017.

accept or reject any or all bids, to waive any formalities and irregularities in the bids received, and to accept the offer(s) most advantageous to the District.

The proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud upon submission. Dripping Springs Independent School District reserves the right to

RFP 15-004-3 CLOTHING APPAREL -MULTIPLE AWARD

Statewide Classifieds

Dripping Springs Independent School District is requesting proposals for Clothing Apparel under RFP

# 15-004-3 Clothing Apparel-Multiple Award. Proposals will be received in the Business Office of the Dripping Springs Independent School District, 510 West Mercer Street P.O. Box 479, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620.

Proposals shall be addressed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist. Any questions pertaining to the proposal specifications should be directed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist - CTSBS, michelle. lyons@dsisdtxed.net . Pro-

TABC Notice TexSCAN Week of January 29, 2017 .

ADVERTISING AGRICULTURE We broker Agriculture! Land YOUR STATEWIDE ADVERTISEMENT agricultural consultants, over will be sent to all participating newspapers 100 years of experience, for publication during the week you specify. petroleum and minerals, wildlife Ads can be purchase for statewide and ranch management, land distribution or by region. Call brokerage and auctions, now, 1-512-477-6755.

Ag Brokers, 1- 806-679-2645, www.texaspress.com/advertising. www.agbrokersltd.com.

ACRES FOR SALE LOCAL EVENT 21.23 acres north of San Angelo. The Wall That Heals.Vietnam Level with nice mesquite tree cover. Veterans Memorial Replica & Deer, hogs, turkey, quail, dove.

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ADOPTION Adopt: Creative, musical, nurturing teacher wishes to adopt a baby into her loving & secure home. Expenses Paid. Call Lillan 1-888-861-8427 .or www.liliadopts.com.

The proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud upon submission. Dripping Springs Independent School District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to waive any formalities and irregularities in the bids received, and to accept the offer(s) most advantageous to the District.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

Notice is hereby given that an application has been filed with Hays County Development Services Department to subdivide 6.86 acres located at 301 Caliche Road, in the Thomas Crainshaw Survey, Wimberley, Texas 78676, to be known as Home Camp. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150.

Tracking number: SUB-739.

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a BG Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit and BP Brewpub Permit by MC3 Brewing LLC dba Acopon Brewing, to be located at 211 Mercer, Dripping Springs, Hays County, Texas. Officers of said corporation are John C McIntosh III (manager) and Dave Niemeyer (manager).

CDL DRIVERS WANTED

posals will be submitted and received by 2:00 P.M. (CST) on March 6, 2017.

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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

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Know when to market your home

D

ear Terese, What is the busiest month for sales activity?

Chrissy Dear Chrissy, Ali Anari, with Tierra Grande, the Journal of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, recently published an article about the seasonal pattern of sales in Texas. In Texas, sales activity tends to accelerate beginning in March and peaks in summer. It may help the likelihood of selling your home if you put it on the market before the area’s peak month.

For buyers, more homes are available to choose from in the early spring and summer. In 2015, January was the lowest number of sales, and June had the highest.

Dear Terese

by Terese Peabody

The factors that are most influential in Texas home sales are school calendars, holiday, weather, and jobs in the education industry.

Putting your home on the market before the peak season may be beneficial, but check with a local area expert on the current availability of similar homes.

Dear Terese, I’ve seen prices escalate in my area, and I’m thinking about selling my home. How long do you expect this rise in home prices to last?

Jeff

Dear Jeff, Local home prices have recently been driven by population and economic growth. Lower price point sales have been constrained by tightening of the home supply and demand for construction contractors. Although higher land and labor costs have seen a decline in affordability in the state, there is growth in sales of homes priced $300,000 to $399,000.

Austin & surrounding areas are in the top market for housing investments in 2016. The good news is the low interest rates. The market changes every 30 days, so if you’re ready to sell, have a current market analysis prepared by a local real estate expert.

Dear Terese, My home was under contract, and the buyer

missed the closing. Does the sales contract terminate if they did not sign closing documents by the date in the contract?

Junior Dear Junior, I would recommend you contact legal counsel to determine how to proceed.

Page 7

Carter & Associates 3707 E. Hwy. 290 West Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Commercial for Lease Hidden Hills Plaza • 4 Executive Suites Lease one or all 4 • $350-$500/mo/office Hwy 290 Frontage Contact: Steve, Owner/Agent 512-914-2288

Texas Crossword Solution,

Tip of the day “There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” –Aristotle

from pg. 3

Terese Peabody, Broker Associate, Stanberry & Associates, GRI, CRS, ABR, SRES, CNE, GREEN, CLHMS 400 Hwy 290 W, B-101, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 terese@stanberry.com, www.tpeabody.com 512894-3488 office, 512-6997711 cell

Debris Removal: 61,000 square yards remain Continued from pg. 1

then partnered with the National Resources Conservation Services to begin a new debris removal program, the Emergency Watershed Protection program, which started Dec. 1, 2016.

Initial estimates of 61,000 square yards of flood debris remained after the initial PPDR program. Actual amount removed is subject to change and the full amount will not be known until project completion.

There are 103 sites originally approved for debris removal. Sixteen of these sites have been completed and six more are currently underway.

There are two crews working in conjunction with one another. One consists of a six-man crew referred to as the “hand crew,” whose job it is to pick up the debris that the larger machine is unable to reach.

A second crew, or “operating crew,” consists of eight people in charge of operating the heavy

“I flew over the affected area with the mayor of Austin and it was obvious to all of us the potential more devastating things that could happen if these debris piles were to flood again ... They could take out houses, bridges and people.”

–Bert Cobb, Hays County commissioner

machinery.

Understanding the complexity of the project, Hays County Commissioner Will Conley discussed the intricacies associated with the new program.

“Each different service has a different management, setup and design,” said Conley. “We wanted to come to court to notify the public about how this is going, what the intentions are and how we’re going about operations and what our plans are in conclusion.”

As of Jan. 24, 16 percent of sites have been completed. These sites have accounted for over 23,000 cubic yards of debris, which is 39% of the total estimated debris.

As far as vegetation on these sites, only storm damaged trees and brush directly uprooted by the flood will be removed.

Existing healthy trees will remain in place at all costs, unless they directly interfere with further access to work areas.

When the healthy or damaged vegetation must

be removed, the tree or shrub is to be cut off at ground level, leaving its root system completely intact. Then, each site will be prepped and reseeded with species native to Hays County.

In court, Cobb reiterated the project’s importance, telling a story highlighting the potential dangers the debris could cause to the county.

“I flew over the affected area with the mayor of Austin and it was obvious to all of us the potential more devastating things that could happen if these debris piles were to flood again,” said Cobb. “They could take out houses, bridges and people.”

Cobb explained the need of the project.

“We know we will have another flood, it’s part of living in Texas,” said Cobb. “But we don’t want to cause more damage because of our lack of action.”

The expected date of completion is May 15 and is subject to change.

Floodplains: County authorizes study flyover Continued from pg. 1

flood-prone area.

James “Clint” Garza, Hays County Development Services Director, said the flyover will make sure that the flood plain that’s represented is as “accurate as humanly possible.

“If you look at the data that was used for the FEMA models from 2008, there has been some development around the sites, the Blanco Vista development for exam-

ple, that is considerably different than it was in 2008,” Garza said.

Pct.4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant seconded Garza’s sentiment, and said that this action gives the county a most recent ability to establish what would be a flood prone area, at an elevation that provides the ability to build at a safe level above that.

“I don’t expect that we’ll find something

that is much different from FEMA’s model, but if we do, we’ll be able to address it now,” said Garza. “But this flight will update everything for us and I think we’ll have the best information we could possibly get.”

Hays County Judge Bert Cobb also commented on the project’s importance to the county.

“We’re spending a lot of the public’s money to

build these buildings to serve our county so it’s very important that we know exactly where we’re building them,” said Cobb.

If updates to the models need to be made, and requests for amendments to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) map of the area need to be made, secondary measures will be discussed and authorized at a later date.

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Page 8

News-Dispatch

Thursday, February 2, 2017

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH HAYS COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

A barn fire on Spring Valley Drive is currently under investigation by the Hays County Fire Marshall’s office.

North Hays County Fire Rescue quickly puts out barn fire

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

It took only ten minutes for fire crews to extinguish a barn fire that occurred along Spring Valley Drive in north Dripping Springs Monday.

According to Scott Collard, North Hays County Fire Rescue chief, no residents, emergency personnel or animals were injured in the incident.

Collard said the NHCFR along with San Marcos Hays County EMS were dispatched to the 2300

block of Spring Valley Drive around 1:30 p.m. Monday for a reported barn fire.

When first responders arrived, they discovered a pole barn type structure was ablaze.

Fourteen firefighters responded to the fire, which was brought under control within ten minutes.

Firefighters remained on scene to extinguish smoldering items for about another hour after that.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Hays County Fire Marshal’s office.

PHOTOS BY DAVE WILSON

Annual expo hits Dripping Springs

Standing next to her show steer, Dripping Springs High senior Grace Baxter, who is a member of the Dripping Springs Future Farmers of America (FFA) and a duchess in the queen’s court, poses for a photo during the 2017 Hays County Livestock Show and Expo. Hundreds of Hays County youth showcased their best livestock, home skills and much more at the show and expo, which was held at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park in Dripping Springs last week. Members of the Dripping Springs and Wimberley FFA participated at the event, along with students from the Hays, Lehman and San Marcos FFA. Also participating were members of the Dripping Springs, Wimberley, San Marcos, Buda and Kyle 4-H clubs. .

Pledge to round up your bills for local nonprofits.

Together, our change can change lives!

Dripping Chocolate: Crafting the sweets

Pedernales Electric Cooperative pec.coop/PowerofChange

Continued from pg. 3

“Fortunately, if you screw up a batch of chocolate, and it doesn’t temper well, if you don’t have add-ins … you can re-melt it and you don’t have to throw it away,” Wilson said.

Wilson said the company’s mainstay is creating chocolate bars. Wilson said they are playing with the idea of expanding to other confectionary items.

The company tempers a “handful” of four-inch diameter pucks that are 65, 75 and 85 percent cocoa. Each puck contains 36 chocolate bars.

The company began selling its product at the Dripping Springs’ Farmers’ Market and at artisan crafts markets. They have also paried with Texas Hills Vineyard for a chocolate and wine tasting event.

Popularity of the business continues to increase wherever they go, especially when they tell people of the process to make chocolate.

“It’s interesting how many afterwards came up and had more questions,” Wilson said. “Once they hear how much goes into it, they’re intrigued.”

Wilson now eyes expansion in the near future

with the move to a new facility along Sportsplex Drive. Once they obtain the ability to sell their product wholesale, the sky could be the limit.

“Two and a half years ago, I didn’t know what to expect,” Wilson said. “I’m thrilled with where it’s at and excited to see where it goes once we can wholesale and can get it out there more.”

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Driftwood Recovery: Painkiller addiction Continued from pg. 1

than 52,000 people die annually from opioid overdoses. Ximenez said the number is higher than those who die in homicides and gun-related incidences.

Ximenez said many who suffer from such addictions have chronic pain. He said patients get “wrapped up into dependency because they have chronic pain” and try to self-treat.

The want to self-treat can begin with prescription pain medication, but then could lead to illegal drugs such as heroin, Ximenez said. An estimated 20 to 30 percent of the public are dependent, or are addicted, to drugs in order to treat chronic pain, he said.

“It’s hard for them to differentiate whether they’re treating the pain of life or the pain that’s in their back,” he said. “It’s a mix.”

For Ximenez, attempting to educate patients about their overall health is how Driftwood Recovery attempts to help

patients recovery.

He said they emphasize exercise, diet and also focus on “self-esteem and promoting behaviors.”

One aspect is the construction of a ropes course on the property, which helps develop self-esteem and respect.

The facility also works to emphasize teamwork, which is important in the world of addicition, Ximenez said.

“We tell a lot of patients that your healthcare is a participation sport,” Ximenez said. “We try to get them involved in their own care and especially in their own diet and exercise and mental health, and try to complete the picture of a holistic approach.”

Along with using western medicine, helping patients with behavioral modification therapy is an important part of the treatment in order to educate patients about the root of their pain problems. According to the release, relapse rates

among pain killer addicts can reach as high as 85 percent.

“Recovery starts with a courageous mindset,” James Flowers, Driftwood Recovery founder, said in a statement. “We encourage clients to look inside themselves and discover the roots of their pain and problems.”

But Ximenez believes a higher awareness for mental health is needed in the country.

He said there’s a stigma that people “need to be schitzophrenic before you need mental health.”

Ximenez said it’s imperative they pay attention to such problems, as it’s an important part of the treatment process.

But he still believes the U.S. is a “pill society” and that people think their problems can be solved with medication.

“Medications can make you better,” Ximenez said. “What we try to do is to get people to make themselves better. You don’t need to turn to chemicals in pill form.”

Lagniappe

Continued from pg. 1

Women’s Club meeting

The Dripping Springs Women’s Club hosts its monthly meeting Feb. 15 at the Terrace Club at 11:30 am. Terry Sovey, Lakeway resident, presents “Secrets of the First Ladies. “ Along with her presentation, Sovey will display her awardwinning collection of first lady dolls in their gowns.

She entertains audiences with interesting facts and stories about first ladies and their collections.

Reservations necessary: womenofds@gmail.com

Senior Expo

What does +55 look like today? Come out to the Senior Expo at the Wimberley Community Center Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and find out. The event will feature area businesses and nonprofits dedicated to senior needs, shopping opportunities, travel, art, and more. Workshop sessions in the Senior Lounge, and Cypress and Blanco rooms will cover Medicare and health, internet safety and technology, and easy healthy cooking. Entertainment includes an antique car show and some great food including Lion’s Club

chicken fajitas. Make plans to attend now.

Community Coffee

A Dripping Springs ISD Community Coffee will be held Friday, Feb. 10, from 7:45-9 a.m. in Room C102 at Dripping Springs Middle School. DSISD Community Coffees, which are held twice a year, are come-and-go events where parents and community members can visit informally with district and campus administrators as well as Board members.

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