Economic impact of immigrants
Inmates pair up with shelter dogs
page 5
Lady Tiger soccer shuts out Lions
page 4
News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 19
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
Residents worry about safety on U.S. 290 Roughly one wreck every 2.5 days since 2016 is the rate of vehicle incidents along U.S. Highway 290 in the Dripping Springs area, according to a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) report. The data, requested by the News-Dispatch,
Sign of the times? State rep files bill to ban billboards on scenic routes
BY EXSAR ARGUELLO A new bill filed by State Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) would bar new billboards on a number of scenic Hill Country roads. HB 1303, or the Hill Country Scenic Highway Bill, prohibits the placement of billboards along RM 1826, RM 150 and RM 967, located in the Northern and Western portion of the county. Zwiener’s initiative comes after a push to preserve dark-sky communities throughout Hays County and recent battles to eradicate billboards. “Western Hays County is growing fast, but folks visit and move here because of the beautiful scenery,” Zwiener said. “We must protect tourism, our
BILLBOARD BAN, 8
Despite major construction efforts to widen and improve the highway, Dripping Springs residents who use U.S. 290 to commute to work and school see it as a hindrance to their safety.
recorded vehicle wrecks from 2016 to the present on U.S. 290 from RM 165 in the Henly area to Fitzhugh Road near the Hays and Travis county line. A total of 430 wrecks
were logged by TxDOT officials during that timeframe. According to the report, 2017 was one of the most dangerous years on the highway. Two fatal
wrecks and 142 total crashes ranging from non-injury to serious injury happened that year. In 2018, six tractor trailer wrecks and four motorcycle related
75¢
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Rough road ahead BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
page 3
crashes happened on that section of the highway. TxDOT’s report also indicated that speed may not be the only factor for the accidents. From 2016 to 2019, TxDOT reported 34 speed-related accidents on the road. Alcohol-related wrecks
U.S. 290, 2
Samaritans save driver from car fire
Council questions Wimberley mayor’s purchase BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Exasperated sighs and furrowed brows were plentiful Feb. 7 as Wimberley city leaders sparred over reimbursement of a computer purchase made by Mayor Susan Jaggers. But what started as a discussion turned into an argumentative standoff between Jaggers, council members and city staff. At the center of debate was a desktop computer purchased by Jaggers, who wanted the city to reimburse her around $900 for it. Jaggers purchased the computer after citing that she needed a new one for city-related work. The computer was to be placed in the mayor’s office at Wimberley City Hall. Prior to discussion
PAYMENT DENIED, 2
PHOTO COURTESY OF BEE CAVE POLICE SERGEANT JOE REID
Passersby came to the aid of a Dripping Springs man who flipped his car into a ditch along Hamilton Pool Road near Bee Cave on Feb. 6. Motorists Jonathan McCabe and Tyler Lawing were able to pull the driver to safety before it burst into flames. See story on page 6.
Driftwood lawmaker seeks equality for LGBTQ workers BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Efforts to end employment discrimination against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual and Queer (LGBTQ) community is now heading to the legislative floor. Earlier this month, State Rep. Erin Zwiener’s (D-Driftwood) was appointed to the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus, marking her first effort to represent those in the LGBTQ community. The caucus will focus on its legislative priorities for the LGBTQ community, which include Zwiener’s initiative to end employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“There are no employment discrimination protections for LGBTQ Texas. Now is the time to change that in Texas. We’re here, we exist and we deserve equal employment protection.” –Erin Zwiener, State Representative, Dist. 45
According to the Texas Labor Code, LGBTQ individuals are not protected from employment discrimination, a battle that Texas lawmakers have fought over the past few sessions. “There are no employment discrimination protections for LGBTQ Texans,” Zwiener said. “Now is the time to
change that in Texas. We’re here, we exist and we deserve equal employment protection.” During the 2013 legislative session, Senate Bill 237 and House Bill 238 sought to prohibit employment discrimination against LBGTQ workers. Both bills, however, ultimately failed to see the light of day.
Despite these challenges in the legislature, a new study by PRRI Polling showed that 64 percent of Texans support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people, a finding that combats the current laws in place. The study based its conclusions after indepth interviews with nearly 3,000 Texans, with a large percentage supporting anti-discrimination laws for LGBTQ people. Additionally, all five metropolitan regions of the state, including Austin and its surrounding cities, widely support these changes.
LGBTQ EQUALITY, 8
LAGNIAPPE Night Sky Festival
Celebrate the starry Texas sky March 29-31 for the annual Texas Night Sky Festival at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. The free event, hosted by the city of Dripping Springs, Hays County Chapter Texas Master Naturalist, Texas Night Sky Festival Association and many others, features a plethora of activities, culminating in the big festival after dark on March 30. More information can be found online at texasnightskyfestival.org.
Jane Eyre, the musical, at Burdine Johnson Theater
Charlotte Bronte's great love story comes to life with music to lift your heart and set your spirit soaring. This beloved tale of secrets and the lies that secrets create, of unimaginable hope and unspoken passion, reminds us what it is to fall deeply, truly and completely in love. February 1-24, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Performed in the Burdine Johnson Indoor Studio Theatre
Concerns grow over $120K pipe boring under creek BY EXSAR ARGUELLO A letter from Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) officials to Wimberley engineering consultants indicates the city’s change of scope for its wastewater plant might not be doing enough to protect the environment. The 14-page letter comes just a month before the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is projected to make a decision on the city’s change of scope for its wastewater project, which includes a crucial $5.5 million grant to fund the facility. But the installation of a pipe under Cypress Creek might prove to be costlier than the city anticipated, per TPWD officials. According to the letter, the TPWD is recommending that the entrance and exit points for drilling be located at least 500-feet from the streambed, which is approximately 300 to 400 feet short of the distance the city originally anticipated to drill, according to its report. Originally anticipated to cost the city around $30,000, the recommendation would drive costs to around $120,000. “Due to the environmentally sensitive nature of the project area, TPWD also recommends installing secondary containment around the pipeline to
PIPE BORING, 4
Page 2
News-Dispatch
News -Dispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com
EDITOR Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com
REPORTERS Exsar Arguello Katie Burrell news@haysfreepress.com
PRODUCTION David White ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com
Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com
PHOTOGRAPHER Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES Verna Wommack 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 $42 local, $59 county, $62 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Driftwood, TX. Email paper@haysnewsdispatch. com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to NewsDispatch, 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.
Texas ranks high in economic impact of undocumented workers BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
KEY STATS:
are looking for the best talent they can find in Undocumented STEM-based career paths Immigrants’ Economic Impact on Texas residents in the Texas in mathematics, science, (1=Biggest Impact; 25=Avg.): workforce have made a engineering and comsubstantial impact on the puting. 16th Percentage of Jobs Generated by Immigranteconomic success of the “We know, objectively, Owned Businesses Out of Total Jobs state, according to data that universities in the from a new WalletHub United States are not 42nd Net Difference Between State & Local Revenues study. pumping out enough stuand Expenditures per Immigrant WalletHub, ranks Texas dents with STEM-related 12th out of the 50 states degrees, so international 33rd Median Household Income of Foreign-Born and Washington D.C. in professionals are coming Population economic impact from for those jobs,” Finkelundocumented workers. 9th Percentage of Foreign-Born STEM Workers Out of man said. “Employers Experts attribute Texare relying drastically on Total STEM Workers as’ large immigration these foreign nationals population for its global 43rd Percentage of Foreign-Born Population Aged 25 & for employment and economic might. these are the people who Older with a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher “There is no doubt are pushing the economy that immigrants have a of Central Texas.” 22nd Percentage of Fortune 500 Companies Founded by Immigrants or Their Children positive impact on our Despite economic adeconomy. The benefits vancements, controversy 25th Percentage of Jobs Created by Presence of they bring through the surrounds undocumentInternational Students Out of Total Jobs taxes they pay outweigh ed residents who are in the costs they incur for the workforce. 28th Economic Contribution of International Students school and healthcare, Although Finkelman per Capita for example,” said Jill sees this as a logical Gonzalez, an analyst at concern, he argued Wallethub. “Thus, closing as well as to property tax capita, Gonzalez said. highly educated undocrevenue. Austin-based immiborders and preventing umented residents will Texas also ranks 20th gration attorney Jason immigrant workforce drive competition for in “brain game and inno- Finkelman, whose pracfrom coming in would Texans, which can help vation,” which accounts tice focuses on employsurely have a negative keep Texans and foreign ment-based immigration nationals employed in impact on the economy.” for contributions from undocumented residents law, said these studies According to the key positions. with higher education come as no surprise. study, nearly 22 percent According to the study, and from foreign-born The growth of Hays of Texas workers are 22 percent of Fortune 500 and Travis counties have companies in Texas were undocumented, which is entrepreneurs. The Lone Star State brought investments one of the highest rates founded by immigrants ranks ninth for forfrom a plethora of Forin the country. This high or their children. Addieign-born STEM worktune 500 companies, inpercentage of the worktionally, 25 percent of cluding Amazon, Google new jobs in Texas during force contributes to sales ers, with a share of 26.3 percent and 11th for the and Apple. tax revenue and social the study’s findings were number of H1-B visas per And these employers security contributions, created by the presence
Continued from pg. 1
accounted for 31 crashes during that period. In total, ten fatal crashes have taken place on U.S. 290 from 2016 to 2019, but it didn’t specify how many total people were killed in those wrecks, according to the report. The News-Dispatch reported 19 people died in wrecks on U.S. 290 from 2014 to 2017. Despite major construction efforts to widen and improve the highway, Dripping Springs residents who use U.S. 290 to commute to work and school see it as a hin-
drance to their safety. More than 20 residents responded to a News-Dispatch Facebook post regarding their thoughts on U.S. 290; half a dozen responded via email. Many of the residents voiced major concerns about speeding on the highway. Noah Weaver, a Dripping Springs resident and mobile IT repair technician, said his job requires a lot of driving on U.S. 290, which has led him to believe the road is more dangerous than it’s ever been. “Honestly, I’m never
more nervous on the road as when I’m on [U.S.] 290 going to Dripping Springs,” Weaver said. “I don’t believe dropping the speed limit and making it a two-lane highway helped at all.” Michelle Rosen, a Dripping Springs area resident, wrote that distractions and “left-lane driving” leads to danger on the roadway. “I’m floored by the number of people who just pull out onto the highway from a side road or parking lot without hitting the gas to catch up with the speed limit,”
and action on the item, however, Jaggers refused to recuse herself from the dais. Jaggers was prompted, per Texas Local Government Code, to leave city hall to avoid a conflict of interest. The reimbursement request was ultimately denied by city leaders. During discussion on the request, Shawn Cox, Wimberley city administrator, said the city’s IT company informed staff that a computer was purchased by Jaggers and subsequently billed to the city. However, Cox informed the company he did not authorize the purchase of the computer. Wimberley City Council member Craig Fore said if Jaggers brought the item to council before a purchase was made, it could have been
Sunday Morning Sunday Worship Wednesday Meal
6:30 PM
Wed TouchPoint
A Family of Faith...
SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries
making the road more dangerous in the process. “The treatment of this section of road needs to be considered,” she said. “The current design just makes it more dangerous.” In 2017, Hays County and TxDOT officials confirmed that the entities would begin a long process to widen U.S. 290 from McGregor Lane to the Hays County and Blanco County line. However, officials acknowledged construction could begin up to six years after environmental impact studies and planning.
Continued from pg. 1
Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 5:45 PM
Rosen said. Some residents on Facebook voiced concern about the urban sprawl of the county, as commuters traveling to Austin and Dripping Springs account for a majority of highway gridlock. “Highway 290 is a U.S. highway – it should not have stoplights and thousands of driveways and little roads entering the highway directly,” Cecily Allmon said. Allmon said sections of U.S. 290 in Dripping Springs have been reduced to two lanes during construction,
Payment Denied: Wimberley council spars over reimbursement “You don’t avoid the rules just because you think you need it. Nobody on this city council can go out and buy a computer and expect to be reimbursed for it. It’s not the right way you do things.” –Craig Fore, Wimberley city council member
approved, if it was found to be prudent. Fore said Jaggers had purchased a computer “without authorization once already.” “You don’t avoid the rules just because you think you need it,” Fore said. “Nobody on this city council can go out and buy a computer and expect to be reimbursed for it. It’s not the right way you do things.” Council member Allison Davis said she has tried to allocate money
to the budget specifically for technology upgrades, which she felt has been a struggle for the past two years. “We’re spending a lot of money and we keep saying we’re extremely poor,” Davis said. “Staff works here full-time and their technology isn’t up to par.” Davis said if the item went through “proper channels,” the money could have been “better spent.”
Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.
8:45 AM
of international students. Gonzalez said Texas has the seventh highest share of foreign-born workforce in the country and ninth largest recent of immigrant-business owners at 18 percent. “At the end of the day, what has made this country strong, and what continues that trend, is relying on the best global talent,” Finkelman said. “We are a nation of immigrants and that’s just not going to change despite what (President Donald Trump’s) administration is trying to do.” Finkelman said the U.S. has historically made it difficult for undocumented workers to seek employment, which could hinder competition in the future. That competition is what Finkelman believes will drive Americans to work harder and pursue degrees that reflect the workforce of tomorrow. “As long as the U.S. economy continues to develop, it will attract immigrants from all over the world,” Gonzalez said. ”The immigration laws and policies that will be enforced will have a powerful influence on the number of people who will come here to work or start a business.”
U.S. 290: Influx of wrecks draw concern
Worship in a church of your choice 11:00 AM
Thursday, February 14, 2019
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
“We (city council) weren’t involved and there was no oversight,” Davis said. After discussion, Davis made a motion to deny the reimbursement, citing that the mayor did not follow proper channels to get the purchased approved. The motion to deny reimbursement moved ahead as the result of a locked 2-2 vote. Jaggers could not vote on the item. Cox said the city attorney confirmed that the reimbursement request failed. Upon returning to the dais, Jaggers argued that as the presiding officer of the budget, the city council approved her earlier budget, which includes allocated funds for office equipment. Jaggers said “it was an illegal vote” after learning the reimbursement request had been denied. “You’re the budget officer and that means you prepare the budget,” Fore said. “Once that budget is approved, that man right over there (Cox) becomes the new operator of the budget. Not you, him.” Jaggers argued that Chapter 102 of the Local Government Code outlines the mayor as the budget officer. However, Item B of Chapter 102 states that “if the municipality has the city manager form of government, the city manager serves at the budget officer.” In Wimberley, the city administrator holds the
administrative duties, including oversight of the city’s funds, as outlined on the city website. On Jan. 9, the Wimberley City Council approved ordinance changes that enhanced the effectiveness and efficiencies of the Office of the City Administrator. According to city ordinance, the mayor serves a ceremonial position in government and does not have similar administrative powers as the city administrator. Jaggers, however, continued to converse on the item at hand, stating that she “is the presiding officer, so you’re going to have to hear me out.” Mayor Pro Tem Gary Barchfeld and Cox said the discussion was “out of order” as a vote was already cast. The News-Dispatch has been in communication with the Texas Attorney General’s office over the proceedings of the meeting. “You can’t expect people to come down here and volunteer hours and hours and not have equipment to work with, and not reimburse them with the necessary equipment to do the minimum requirements of the job,” Jagger said. A motion by Barchfeld to end the debate was unanimously passed by the council. “Alright, we’ll bring this up (in the future), but y’all are going to reimburse me for that,” Jaggers said.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 3
Opinion
Protocols have purpose From the Sidelines by Moses Leos III
P
erhaps it’s ironic that one of history’s greatest satirists offered a stone-cold dose of conventional wisdom. “With great power comes great responsibility” was something French enlightenment writer Voltaire famously idealized long ago. But when local leaders – whether council members, mayors or commissioners – opt not to follow that nugget of wisdom, all hell breaks loose. Which leads us to Wimberley and the disaster that’s permeated its city government. Specifically, the actions of power-mad Mayor Susan Jaggers who’s seemingly hell-bent on turning local democracy into an autocracy. The narrative behind Jaggers’ election last May is seemingly ripped from our current 24-hour news cycle. A person with no real political experience runs on an opposition platform and wins. What could go wrong? Just about everything, it seems. Over the course of a year or so, Jaggers has seemingly tried to become Queen of the city. It’s become such a problem in recent weeks that her peers on the Wimberley city council dais stripped powers from the mayoral role and made it more of a ceremonial title. That hasn’t stopped Jaggers from using the mayor’s seat as a weapon at times, trying to use its weight to get her way. Cercei Lannister from Game of Thrones sends her regards. The most recent issue, Jaggers attempting to obtain taxpayer dollars for reimbursement of a $900 desktop computer she bought that wasn’t authorized by city staff to begin with, compounds and magnifies a tumultuous tenure that just isn’t getting any smoother. It’s disturbing when an elected official proclaims themselves as the “CEO” of the city, which Jaggers has (erroneously) said in the past. It’s equally more disturbing when the official doesn’t see the need to recuse themselves from discussions that involve a clear conflict of interest, which happened Thursday. It’s downright frightening when the official then oversteps her bounds and tries to take over financial responsibility of a town, even though that has never been in the job description. At this time, it’s our opinion that Susan Jaggers is ill-suited to lead the city of Wimberley, much less any other elected position, solely based on the premise of using her powers irresponsibly. Her demeanor and approach is unbecoming of an elected official and is more like a schoolyard bully trying to shake down the meek and weak-willed. Jaggers has shown time and again she is unwilling to understand the intricacies of her position and the gravity of the words and actions she says and takes. Instead, what comes out is an incredibly flawed view of how government should operate. Perhaps the tragedy is how this reflects on the citizenry at-large. The role of mayor is to represent the city’s neighbors, business leaders, friends and family. But more importantly, the mayor is supposed to be a part of a team of people, a council, who come together to decide on the wellbeing of their city. Great power means equally great responsibility, especially at the local level of government. We need officials who are adept at wielding their powers justly. That isn’t happening in the Wimberley valley. Perhaps it’s time to change that.
Donate A Boat or Car Today!
Faux meat for real T
he other day, as I was searching for Crow’s the crossword puzzle in the Sunday newsNest paper, I came across an by Clint Younts interesting article about Missouri and Nebraska regulating the term “meat” on product labels Houston for those vegan immigrants from Califorof food that tries to pass nia and New England. for a meat substitute. My reason for the ban Stuff like veggie burgis to protect red-blooded, ers, tofu dogs and other meat-like crud generated hard-working carnivorous Americans like me from a Petri dish. Um, from eating some alien excuse me a sec. I just life form in a dish of threw up a little in my mouth. I need to cleanse pasta. These faux meat products are on grocery my palate with some 90 stores’ shelves for those proof mouth wash. women who read way Nebraska is trying to too many recipes in pass a bill that defines their Good meat as House“any edible Like Play-Doh, keeping portion magazines. of any tofu can be Oh, yeah, livestock I’ve been or poulmolded into tricked by try”. Hold my loveon there, any shape ly wife pardner! to look like on more Are y’all than one cornhuskreal meat. occasion, ers saying if but I don’t you can eat Toss in some verbally some body complain. part from spices and Most of a farm y’all have animal, pour tomato heard of it’s gonna sauce over it, tofu, the be called worst thing “meat”? and shazam! created in Hey, I don’t a laboraknow what You’re eating tory since all they eat nerve up in Nesome plantgas. Like braska, but down here based product Play-Doh, tofu can in Texas, that a starving be molded we have a into any different billy goat won’t shape to definition look like of meat. We even touch. real meat. don’t conToss in sider pig’s some spices and pour feet or tripe as meat, tomato sauce over it, and although both would fit the criteria up in Omaha. shazam! You’re eating some plant-based prodWhat about calf fries? They are edible, and they uct that a starving billy goat won’t even touch. do come from livestock, There’s some stuff but I wouldn’t considcalled “Tempeh” that er mountain oysters as is real popular among meat. vegans and such folks. Now, don’t get me According to my dictiowrong. I totally support nary, it’s “an Asian food what those two states prepared by fermenting are doing, and I wish soybeans with a rhizoTexas would follow suit. pus”. I don’t know what But perhaps take it one step further, like banning sounds worse. That it is fermented or it has pus tofu, veggie burgers and mixed in it. I pray I’ll other plant-based meat never have that passing impersonators in all through my gullet. meat markets in Texas, There’s another prodexcept for a few strauct that’s made from tegically placed stores processed wheat gluten in Austin, Dallas and
WE BUY
OIL, GAS, &
MINERAL RIGHTS
Both non-producing and producing
“2-Night Free Vacation!”
800 - 700 - BOAT (2628)
w w w.boatangel.com
sponsored by boat angel outreach centers
STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN
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
that is supposed to taste like beef, pork or chicken, depending on what spices are used. It’s called “Seitan”, which I believe is the French spelling for Satan. No thank you, ma’am. I don’t need Satan entering my body. There’s also some fuss about labeling milk-like products made from soy, coconuts, almonds and other plant sources. Being lactose intolerant, I am a fan of these products. How else can I enjoy my Cap’n Crunch? The dairy industry wants “milk” taken off the label of these products, citing milk can only come from mammals. I reckon they have a point since I have never seen teats on walnuts. So what can we call the imitation milk?
Soy Solution? Coconut Cream? Almond Squeezins? Now, if the government decides to regulate what is printed on the label of fake meat products, y’all go right ahead. And while you’re at it, add a label to those packages of fermented legumes and satanic grains that reads “Serving this product to hot-blooded, meat-loving Texas men could result in marital problems.” Clint Younts is definitely a carnivore, though his lovely cattle wish that he would switch to vegetarianism. Not a chance. crowsnest78610@gmail. com
2019 PEC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ELECTION
We’re proud to be member-led Looking to actively serve your fellow PEC members? We’re accepting nominations for board directors in districts 4 and 5. Nomination materials are due Tuesday, March 26 at 5 p.m.
Learn more at pec.coop/nominations.
Be Your Own Boss Choose Your Own Routes! Looking for CDL drivers to deliver new trucks all over the country, starting in Laredo, TX. 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
Page 4
News-Dispatch
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Community Correctional offenders train shelter dogs for new homes BY MOSES LEOS III
prison walls. It also helps them learn the soft skills A sense of pride filled needed when they return the mind of Kyle Correcto society. tional Facility offender “It’s beneficial. It helps Slade Windsor as he and you learn responsibility his dog, Buck, prepared and gets you ready for socito show the fruits of their ety,” said offender Augustin labor. Lopez. Eight weeks ago, WindDori Naiver, a resident sor and his cell-mate first trainer with the program met Buck, a shy lab mix and a dog trainer for over that didn’t want to interact 40 years, said the Feb. 5 with anyone. ceremony was the second Through the PAWS of set of dogs that graduatCentral Texas Cell Dog ed through the program, program, Windsor and his which has been operating “cellie” trained Buck to for roughly five years. leave his emotional shell Cell Dogs, which lasts and prepare for life in a about eight to 10 weeks, new home. Windsor show- allows PAWS to introcased those skills by getting duce 10 shelter dogs to Buck to follow a series of 20 offenders. Dogs in the commands during a Feb. 5 program are trained by graduation ceremony the offenders, who team For offenders in the Cell up to interact and care for Dog program, getting to the dog during that time work with their four-legged frame. friends offers more than a Naiver said some of glimpse of life outside the the dogs will have forever
Pipe Boring: Costs rise Continued from pg. 1
ensure protection of the Edwards Aquifer as well as any rare or protected species that may inhabit Cypress Creek,” the letter read. City Administrator Shawn Cox said 600 feet of boring would equate to around $120,000, or $200 a linear foot. These numbers are estimates and might vary once the city receives a bid for the project. Logistics and pricing of the proposed pipe led to debate between Wimberley council members during the Feb. 7 meeting. Mayor Susan Jaggers said the recommendation from the TPWD would significantly raise the cost of the boring. “Whether it’s 200 feet or 300 feet, they (TPWD) provided a recommendation, not a requirement,” Jaggers said. “If we can’t afford a recommendation and don’t have it as a requirement, it gets down to what we can afford.” Council member Allison Davis said when the city voted to change the scope of the project, they promised to protect the environment to highest scrutiny. Davis argued that the city-owned wastewater plant, which had a discharge permit through Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), was not anticipated to discharge for “decades,” based on the city’s storage capacity for treated wastewater. “This council needs to protect the environment
to the highest possible standard and all they (TPWD) are asking for is setbacks and double piping, and the citizens have called for sensors,” Davis said. “And I said this back in August when we voted to change the scope.” Under the current plan, the boring is a single-pipe pipeline with 100- to 200foot setbacks. The letter also outlines recommendations for protecting endangered species like the GoldenCheeked Warbler, a migratory bird that calls Central Texas home throughout the year. Throughout the discussion, Jaggers insisted the boring does not cross any vegetation or environmentally sensitive land near Cypress Creek, and follows strict standards. Steve Thurber, Wimberley resident and former mayor who has opposed the change of scope plan, said he doesn’t think the city can address concerns in the 14-page letter by the time the TWDB takes up the change of scope request later this month. “The city would be remiss to not address these issues and it is obvious to me, from the letter, that the two agencies are coordinating together about these environmental issues,” Thurber said. “My feeling is that the water development board will find it difficult to issue the change of scope if the city does not satisfy these recommendations.”
PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III
Kyle Correctional offender Anthony Buford and Buster pose for the dameras during a Feb. 5 graduation ceremony. Below, Josh Lane (left) and Raymond Kite direct Remy during the ceremony.
when they work with a dog is a sign of the program’s success, Naiver said. Those traits include problem solving, empathy and teamwork. Melody Hilburn, PAWS of Central Texas executive director, said many offend–Buford, inmate paired up with celldog Buster ers have never experienced the unconditional love they get from the dogs homes once they graduate. dogs in the future. often are still puppies. in their own lives. Those Several of the dogs are ideSome of the dogs are Buford said life in the facili- experiences often come al candidates to become placed into a foster home, ty is new for many dogs, out during graduation either therapy or service while some go back to the who aren’t used to those ceremonies. shelter to find their forever sounds. “When you get locked home. Buford said the chalup for a while, you become Anthony Buford, whose lenge almost led him to hardened. You have to put dog, Buster, a two-year-old drop the program, but he up a lot of walls to put up lab mix that graduated was pushed back in by with day-to-day things,” Feb. 5, said offenders go Naiver, who taught him to Naiver said. “They have to through classes twice per fulfill his obligations and let a lot of that come down. week to work on different stick it out. The compassion and emtraining techniques. “It helps you to come pathy for others, as well as Outside of classes, ofback and center yourself teamwork.” fenders care for the animal and getting in the mindWhile there’s some and are allowed to take su- set of slowing down and sadness in seeing the dogs pervised trips in the prison doing what you have to go to new homes, Windsor yard with their dog during do,” Buford said. “You also said getting the chance specific times of the day. have to understand you to bond with their canine Buford said it is a challenge have obligations. When it buddies makes “me feel as offenders must also time gets hard and difficult, you more like I’m at home.” a dog’s outdoor time to want to quit. But you have “It’s more relaxing than correctional facility shift someone that’s depending fighting in prison,” Windchanges. on you, so you have to step sor said. “It calms everyOffenders must also up.” one down and gives you learn patience when dealSeeing changes in a sense of purpose, rather ing with their dogs, which offenders’ character traits than just being in prison.”
“It helps you to come back and center yourself and getting in the mindset of slowing down and doing what you have to do. You also have to understand you have obligations. When it gets hard and difficult, you want to quit. But you have someone that’s depending on you, so you have to step up.”
DeMasters - Daniel Insurance Agency, Inc.
Texas Crossword
Serving Hays County since 1983 “Call us for all of your insurance needs” Angiel Dahl
sponsored by...
ACROSS
1 rodeo cowboys use rosin ____ 5 this Jack was in film “4 for Texas” 6 Adolf Hitler party that took power 7 __ Lago, TX 8 TXism: “padded my belly” 9 Carrizo Springs is seat of this county 15 Denver ____, TX 16 Arlington, Irving, & Grand Prairie to Dallas & Fort Worth 19 on “The Juarez” combo at El Chico: ___ ____ taco 21 TX pitching legend Ryan 22 TXism: “he’d have to study up to be a ____ ___” (dumb) 27 military branch of Abilene’s Dyess (abbr.) 28 TX Dabney film: “____ __ Five” 29 gold coin 1st issued at Florence, Italy 30 TXism: “the _____ __ over” (finished) 32 “Texas, our Texas, __ wonderful so great” 33 Guadalupe, Davis, and Chisos 36 “Cowtown Marathon,” e.g. 37 TXism: “passion ___” (drive-in movie) 38 game requiring special card deck
Wimberley: 512-847-5549 or 512-847-9325 Dripping Springs: 512-858-4608
39 TXism: “shook hands with ________” (dead) 41 “___ the season” 42 Henderson County town: “Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World” 45 electric atoms 46 TXism: “does a fat man sweat?” 47 cell phone message 48 female sheep 49 most vacant 22
23
24
25
1
2
3
TEXAS CROSSWORD
4
5 6
by Charley & Guy Orbison
7
Copyright 2019 by Orbison Bros.
8
9
DOWN
12
19
26
27 31
35
32
36
1 retired TX pro golfer, Crenshaw 2 Chicken ___ King 3 newspaper in Burnet or Texarkana 4 actor in film “Texas Dynamo” (1950) 8 TXism: “thinking ____ doing” (idle) 9 Preston Pearson was in Super Bowl with 3 _________ _____, including the Cowboys 10 TXism: “__ have to get better to die” 11 TX writer Larry __Murtry
43
42
37 40
44
45
47
48
49
12 11-down’s “Lonesome Dove” on TV 13 TXism: “put __ __ the back burner” 14 carpet alternative 15 start of Cowboy or Texan game (2 wds.) 16 medieval “red eye” 17 black widow spider ____ ___ mate 18 TXism: “hifalutin’” 20 “those” south of the border 22 this Ford starred with TX Tommy Lee Jones in “The Fugitive” (init.)
18
28
39
46
14
21
20
34
41
13
17
30 33
11
16
15
29
52 ball38 shaped hammers 53 “siesta” 54 Dallas univ. 55 John Cornyn’s work time (abbr.)
10
50
51
P-1415
52 53 54 55
23 Houston Oiler Jeff who tragically shot himself in 1993 24 TXism: “takes a big ____ to rope him” (large man) 25 strong apple taste 26 TX town not named for Pooh 28 pleasing
See Texas Crossword solution on page 7
31 TXism: “you’re buying ____ for a dead horse” 34 TX summer life saver? (abbr.) 35 TX “Turtle Lady” Loetscher 37 TXism: “____ overcoat” (coffin) 40 “nothing” in Britian 43 rope fiber 44 car payment, e.g. 50 enter data into a computer 51 past Cowboy star RB who retired in 2005 (init.)
Thursday, February 14, 2019
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 5
Sports
Lady Tiger soccer shuts out Lions in dominating 4-0 win BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Lady Tigers are district champs
Dripping Springs sophomore Ally Beck (14) rifles a pass past the arms of a Lockhart Lion defender during a game played in January. By virtue of a 71-24 win over Austin Reagan Feb. 5, the Dripping Springs Lady Tiger basketball team (23-12, 13-1) secured the 2019 25-5A district title. The accomplishment marked the first time in more than a decade Dripping Springs had claimed a district championship, whether outright or shared. The win over Reagan marked the team’s 12th win in a row dating back to the Lake Travis Tournament in December. Dripping Springs Tuesday opened its playoff run with a bidistrict game against San Antonio Wagner. PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK WWW.WFOTOS.COM
Bi-District (Feb. 11-12) Area (Feb. 14-16) Reg. Quarterfinals (Feb. 18-19) Reg. Tournament (Feb. 22-23)
Reg. Semifinals
Area
from outside 18 and that’s “Our defensive what we practiced all day yesterday.” line is While the Lady Tigers spectacular. I offensive attack was on fire, Perrine credited the have a lot of defense for holding girls even on the team’s Lockhart to zero shots and keeping possession for bench that can the entire game. play in that spot almost “Our defensive line is if someone goes spectacular,” said Perrine. “I have a lot of girls down. We are even on the bench that can play in that spot if really deep.” someone goes down. We are really deep. Obviously, –Bailee Perrine, Lady Tigers head soccer coach I don’t want anyone to go down. But props to our captain Emma Jones for at the 20:12 mark, while always being really solid Irons hit hers with 6:51 left even when it’s cold. Every in the match. pass might not be perfect, “It’s really exciting but I think that no shots to coach,” Perrine said is a big testament to our about having multiple defensive line.” players with the ability Dripping Springs is on a to score. “It’s hard to five-game win streak and defend a team that has has outscored its first five multiple attacks. We’re district opponents 30-0. practicing scoring outside The Lady Tigers return the 18. It was really nice home Feb. 15 when they because we scored two host Reagan at 7:45 p.m.
Region IV, 5A Girls Basketball Bracket Reg. Quarterfinals
Dripping Springs’ Avery Davis (19) dribbles around Lockhart’s Yazmine Herrera late in the first half on a bitter cold night last Friday. Sofia Picucci, Zoe Flores, Ziva Payer and Georgia Irons scored goals for a 4-0 district win. Jane Atwood, Flores and Picucci were credited with assist.
Bi-District
The Dripping Springs Lady Tigers soccer team remained unbeaten in district play after a dominant 4-0 win over Lockhart in freezing temperatures Friday at Tiger Stadium. The Lady Tigers ( 8-63, 4-0) did everything but freeze up as they overpowered the Lady Lions for all 80 minutes and controlled possession of the ball for majority of the game. Dripping Springs was in sync from the opening kick and out shot Lockhart 33-0 for the game, including 16 shots on goal. “Well, they worked really well together, we were able to connect some,” Dripping Springs head coach Bailee Perrine said. “It’s really cold so I definitely told them like ‘every touch isn’t going to be great, but you have to shake it off and you have to support your teammates’.” Seventeen of Dripping Springs’ 33 shots came in the first half. The Lady Tigers connected on a goal at the 12:34 mark after a couple of missed opportunities early in the game. Lady Tigers sophomore Sofia Picucci scored after the ball deflected off the Lockhart goalkeeper and right back to Picucci, who had a wide open net in front of her. Lady Tiger senior Zoe Flores got things going early in the second half as she dribbled and weaved her way through the Lockhart defense and nailed a shot into the top left corner of the net at the 39:48 minute mark to put Dripping Springs up 2-0. Senior Ziva Payer and sophomore Georgia Irons extended the Lady Tigers lead to 4-0 after impressive goals that they shot from outside the box. Payer’s 20-yard shot came
Kerrville Tivy Austin LBJ
S.A. Harlan S.A. Sam Houston
S.A. Highlands S.A. Southside
Austin Crockett Boerne Champion S.A. Edison Floresville
Dripping Springs S.A. Wagner Medina Valley S.A. Brackenridge Victoria West CC Calallen
Winner to State
S.A. Veterans Memorial Lockhart Mercedes Rio Grande City Tuloso-Midway CC Carroll
Mission Veterans Memorial Donna
Mission Pioneer Brownsville Pace
CC Flour Bluff Victoria East
CC Veterans Memorial Alice
Brownsville Veterans Memorial PJSA Memorial
Tigers, Texans hit the pool at state swim meet Swim Meet Results DRIPPING SPRINGS GIRLS London Farris – 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard butterfly Lydia Evans – 500-yard freestyle, 100-yard breaststroke Girls 400-yard freestyle relay Girls 200-yard medley relay PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Dripping Springs High’s London Farris competes in the 5A girls 100-yard butterfly event at the 2018 UIL state swimming and diving championships in Austin. Farris is one of a handful of Tiger swimmers returning to the pool for state this week.
BY MOSES LEOS III More than a dozen Dripping Springs Tiger and Wimberley Texan swimmers are heading back to Austin for the 2019 UIL state swimming and diving championships at the Lee and Joe Jamail Swim Center. Dripping Springs, which claimed the Class
5A 2018 girls swimming and diving title, looks to repeat with a handful of athletes returning to the state pool. Leading the way is senior London Farris, who will swim in two individual events and a pair of relay races. Joining Farris is senior Lydia Evans, who was also a part of the 2018 state title team.
On the boys’ side, senior Steven LaFlamme and junior Danny Henry take on the state’s best. Meanwhile, Wimberley senior Thom Naccarato returns for one last shot at a medal in a pair of sprint events. In diving, Wimberley senior Evan Mayhew makes his fourth and final appearance at the state and seeks a possible podium finish.
We Support the Tigers Texas hometown friendly bank
512-858-5159
401 E. Hwy 290W. P.O. Box 1243 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
DRIPPING SPRINGS BOYS Danny Henry – 200-yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle Steven LaFlamme – 100yard butterfly, 100-yard backstroke Boys 400-yard freestyle relay
WIMBERLEY BOYS Thom Naccarato – 100yard backstroke, 100-yard freestyle Evan Mayhew – Boys 1 meter diving
Wimberley High’s Thom Naccarato explodes out of the blocks for the backstroke event during the 2018 UIL state swimming and diving meet.
Do Business Locally Is your business being seen?
We can help. Reach thousands of potential customers in the News-Dispatch sports section every week. Call (512) 268-7862 or email ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com for more information.
Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Sports
PHOTO BY PHOTO BY WAYLAND D CLARK, WFOTOS.COM)
Dripping Springs High students signing their letters of intent this week are (L-R) Bailey Sandoval, ZIva Payer, Jessica Carmichael, Lane Dominey, Parker Alford, Bobby Holt, McKayla Cothern.
Tiger athletes sign letters of intent On Feb. 6, seven Dripping Springs High seniors announced their commitments to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Soccer players Jessica Carmichael and Ziva Payer, cross country/track athlete Bobby Holt, football players Parker Alford and Lane Dominey, baseball player Bailey Sandoval, and rower McKayla Cothern. Combined with 11 DSHS seniors who announced their college commitments in November, this brings the number of Tiger student-athletes continuing their playing careers at the collegiate level to 18. Below is information on each student-athlete.
PARKER ALFORD - FOOTBALL UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS A three-year letterwinner at wide receiver, Parker Alford started for the Tigers the past two seasons. He was named to the 2018 All-District First Team after receiving second-team honors as a junior. Parker was named to the Academic All-State Team as a senior after earning a spot on the Academic All-District Team the previous two years. In his high school career, he recorded 20 touchdowns and more than 2,000 all-purpose yards while averaging 22.6 yards per catch. Parker will be continuing a family tradition as two of his uncles played for the Longhorns. He is the son of Dacia and Brent Alford. Coach: Galen Zimmerman.
JESSICA CARMICHAEL- SOCCER UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA LITTLE ROCK Jessica Carmichael is a four-year varsity letterwinner in soccer. As a fresh-
man, Jessica received all-district honorable mention, in her sophomore year she was named to the All-District Second Team, and as a junior she was voted to the All-District First Team. Jessica also has earned academic all-district honors. Jessica was one of the top three goal scorers and led the Tigers in assists as a freshman, and has continued to be ranked among team assist leaders the past two years. Jessica started running varsity track her junior year, competing in the 4x200-meter relay and the 4x100-meter relay teams. The daughter of Kimberly and Kelly Carmichael, she plans to study marketing and business administration. Coach: Bailey Perinne.
MCKAYLA COTHERN - ROWING UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS McKayla Cothern forged her own path to her commitment with the Longhorn rowing team. After becoming interested in rowing, she joined CrossFit Onion Creek, where she learned the mechanics of the sport. She took the initiative to contact UT’s rowing coaches to find out what specific times and distances were necessary to be considered for the team. After 18 month of training, she met those goals and earned an offer from the University of Texas. Recently she placed first in her age division in the “Row’d Royalty 2019 Online Rowing Competition.” McKayla has been a member of the DSHS Color Guard for four years, serving as a lieutenant last year and captain this year. The daughter of Kathryn and Steven Cothern, McKayla plans to major in English at UT. Coach: John Biber.
LANE DOMINEY - FOOTBALL DORDT UNIVERSITY (IOWA) A three-sport athlete at DSHS, Lane Dominey has participated in basketball and track as well as football. In football, he was a three-year starter at cornerback and as a punt returner; the past two years he has been the Tigers’ kick returner as well. He has received all-district honors twice at cornerback and also this past fall as a punt returner. Dominey holds the school record for most kickoff return yards in a game (161 yds.) and is the only player in Tiger history to play in the state quarterfinals in both football and basketball in the same year (2016-17). As a three-year varsity basketball player, Lane earned academic all-district honors as a junior. He also qualified for area in track as a sophomore (Long Jump). The son of Elise and Victor Dominey, he plans to major in Mechanical Engineering. Coach: Galen Zimmerman.
BOBBY HOLT - CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY Bobby Holt is a four-year varsity letterwinner in both cross country and track. As a junior, Bobby finished sixth at the UIL State Cross Country Meet and fourth at the UIL State Track Meet in the 1600 Meters. This past fall, Bobby finished sixth at the UIL State Cross Country Championships. He is the school record-holder in the 5K with a time of 15:06. As a senior, he was a member of the All-State Cross Country Team and the 25-5A All-District Academic Team. He is the son of Michele and Brian Holt and plans on major-
ing in business. Coach: Marisa Tuzzi (cross), Ben Reid (track).
ZIVA PAYER - SOCCER UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS LITTLE ROCK Ziva Payer is a four-year varsity letterman in soccer. As a freshman and sophomore, she started every game and was among the team’s top three players in both goals and assists. As a freshman, Ziva received all-district honorable mention, then as a sophomore she was named to the All-District First Team. In her junior year, she was voted team MVP and was named to the All-District Second Team. During her junior year, she began running track, running in the 4x100 and 4x200 varsity relay teams, and also joined the Tiger powerlifting team. The daughter of Todd and Lotus Payer, Ziva plans on majoring in pre-med. Coach: Bailee Perinne.
BAILEY SANDOVAL - BASEBALL MCMURRY UNIVERSITY (ABILENE) One of the team’s hardest workers and leaders by example, Bailey’s positions include all three outfield spots. In addition to being a member of the DSHS baseball team for four years, he also has played football for the Tigers throughout his high school career. Bailey played baseball for several travel teams before joining the Lonestar Baseball Club as a sophomore. The son of Reyna and Frankie Sandoval, he plans to major in Criminal Justice at McMurry University with the career goal of becoming a game warden. Coach: Chris Payne.
Dripping Springs man saved from car fire BY MOSES LEOS III
HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS RETURN TO HEALTH AND INDEPENDENCE DEER CREEK OF WIMBERLEY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR OVER
30 YEARS. OFFERING SCENIC VIEWS OF THE HILL
COUNTRY AND OF OUR SERENE ENCLOSED COURTYARD.
• HOSPICE/PALLIATIVE CARE • INPATIENT SHORT TERM REHABILITATION • IV/PICC LINE MANAGEMENT • LONG TERM CARE • LYMPHEDEMA • NEURO REHABILITATION • OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY • ORTHOPEDIC REHABILITATION • OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION • PHYSICAL THERAPY • RESPITE • SPEECH THERAPY • STATE-OF-THE-ART MODALITIES • TRACHEOSTOMIES • VITAL STIM - DIATHERMY • WOUND CARE
DEER CREEK OF WIMBERLEY
555 R ANCH ROAD 3237 • WIMBERLEY, TX FACILITY (512) 847-5540 • FAX (512) 847-0419
Every time Travis County area resident Jonathan McCabe passes by a fellow motorist in distress, habit guides him to pull over and help out in any way he can. That was the action McCabe took when he saw a vehicle that had rolled over in a ditch along Hamilton Pool Road near the Bee Cave area Feb. 6. What began as a check on an accident victim, however, rapidly turned into a life-or-death situation. Through the quick wits of McCabe and fellow motorist Tyler Lawing, a Dripping Springs area man was able to escape his wrecked vehicle just before it burst into flames. McCabe, who said saving the man was “100 percent a team effort,” believed he was just doing what he always has done – helping others. “I don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t do the same thing I did,” McCabe said. “It was no different for me from the day before.” The ordeal began around 1:28 a.m. Feb. 6. According to Bee Cave Police, a vehicle driven by an unidentified Dripping Springs man was traveling
along Hamilton Pool Road in Travis County when, for unknown reasons, the car drifted off the road and rolled over into a ditch. McCable, who was driving home from work, noticed a vehicle that was tipped over on its side in the ditch with no lights on. He quickly pulled over and ran over to the vehicle to check on the driver, who was already talking with 911 dispatchers, McCabe said. It was at that point McCabe realized the victim was struggling to free himself from the seat; the driver was unable to get his seatbelt undone. Soon, Lawing arrived on scene and offered his assistance. Lawing used a pocketknife to cut the man free from his seatbelt, so he could better move about the vehicle. Right around that time, however, one of the car’s tires began to flame. “We saw the car was catching on fire, so we all started to act a little quicker,” McCabe said. At first, the group thought about having the man use a tire iron within his reach to break through a front window. As the fire began to grow, McCabe said he needed to “change the situation.”
He soon jumped into his four-wheel drive truck and backed it up to nudge the man’s car right-sideup. Lawing joined in and together they used their vehicles to push the car back onto its wheels. Both McCabe and Lawing went to the car, where the man quickly climbed out of a back window that had broken during the crash. The duo helped guide the man away from the vehicle. Seconds later, flames overtook the car. The timing of getting the man out of the car “couldn’t have worked out any better,” McCabe said. “It was like something you see in the movies,” McCabe said. Since then, McCabe and Lawing have been lauded as heroes. McCabe recently talked with the victim, who was not hurt after the accident. Many friends, family, and even a few strangers on Facebook, extolled their efforts to save the man. It was all something McCabe felt was just part of the human condition – to help others in a time of need. “It was 100 percent a team effort. I couldn’t have done it without him (Tyler) and he couldn’t have done it without me.”
Classifieds Thursday, February 14, 2019
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 7
20 words for $8!
Place your classified ad by calling 512-268-7862 or send an email to paper@haysnewsdispatch.com. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover
DEADLINE: NOON MONDAY FOR THURSDAY’S PAPER
Public Notices ADVERTISEMENT TO BIDDERS
Like us on Facebook
NewsDispatch Providing you with your most important local news for Dripping Springs, Wimberley and surrounding communities
20 words for $8!
Place your classified ad by calling 512-268-7862 or send an email to paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover DEADLINE: NOON MONDAY FOR THURSDAY’S PAPER
Sealed Bids for the construction of the DRIFTWOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT DRIFTWOOD PHASE 1 SECTION 1 RETROFIT will be received from Bidders at the offices of Murfee Engineering Company, Inc., 1101 Capital of Texas Highway South, Building D, Austin, Texas 78746 until 2:00 PM on March 1st, 2019, then publicly opened and read aloud. The work generally consists of the necessary site improvements to install wastewater and rainwater collection force mains, Natural Gas Lines, and associated appurtenances within Driftwood Phase 1 Section 1. These improvements include the installation of force mains next to and within existing pavement by means of trenching and boring, and all required piping, valves, and appurtenances. This project is located west of Thurman Roberts Way Driftwood Texas 78619. Bid documents for this project may be obtained at the offices of the Engineer, Murfee Engineering, 1101 Capital of Texas Highway South, Building D, Austin, Texas 78746. A non-refundable fee of $75.00 will be charged for each set of bid documents. Bid documents may be viewed at the office of Murfee Engineering at no cost.
Bids must be accompanied by a bid bond with Power of Attorney attached or cashier’s check of five percent (5%) of the total amount bid (sum of all bid items) made payable to the DRIFTWOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT. A Bid which, in the opinion of OWNER’s staff, deviates from the Contract Documents, and which has not been clarified through a written Addendum prior to Bid submittal deadline, shall be considered an exception to the Contract Documents and grounds for the Bid to be rejected. Bidders should read and understand all terms and conditions contained in the Contract Documents. Contract Time is of the essence and all Work shall be substantially completed within 180 calendar days after the Notice to Proceed. Liquidated damages are $150 per calendar day. OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Bids and to waive any informalities and irregularities in Bids received. A MANDATORY PREBID CONFERENCE for this project will be held at 10:00 am on February 21st, 2019 at the offices of Murfee Engineering Company, 1101 Capital of Texas Highway South, Building D, Austin, Texas 78746. The Statement of Bidder’s Qualifications will be submitted to the Engineer at the pre-bid conference.
Texas State-Wide Advertising Network NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO FILE PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR DRIFTWOOD GOLF AND RANCH CLUB An application for the Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club Preliminary Plat is being filed with Hays County. The Preliminary plat is a replat of Driftwood 967 Phase One and proposes 124 single family lots, 4 commercial lots, 7 open space lots and 14 private street lots on 490.61 acres. The subdivision is located just east of the corner of RM 1826 and FM 967 and will be accessed from FM 967. Construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2019. Water and wastewater service will be provided by the City of Dripping Springs. North Hays County Fire Rescue will provide EMS services. Pedernales Electric Cooperative Inc. will provide electric service. Frontier Communications will provide telephone service. A copy of the location map and preliminary plat are available for review at Murfee Engineering Company, Inc., 1101 Capital of TX Hwy. S., Bldg. D, Austin, TX 78746.
TYPE-2 DIABETES WARNING
FOURNIER’S GANGRENE
ATTENTION!
This is an important warning for Type 2 Diabetics taking Invokana, Farxiga and Jardiance. Gangrene of the genitals has been associated with the use of SGLT2 Inhibitors.
CALL 24/7
1-800-800-9815
You may be entitled to compensation! Pulaski Law Firm, with principal office in Houston, Texas is responsible for the content of this ad.
Special Replacement Spring
FemaLe SaLe
40 Registered Grey Brahman Heifers & Cows (2-4 yrs.) Bred to Registered Brahman Bulls 25 Grey Brahman Heifers Pairs - Bred - Angus 25 Grey Brahman Heifers Open - 750# 60 F-1 Tiger Stripe Heifers Pairs - Angus Sat., 50 F-1 Tiger Stripe Heifers Bred - Angus Feb. 23 60 F-1 Tiger Stripe Heifers Open - 700#-800# Noon 60 Black Brangus Heifers Pairs - Angus 60 Black Brangus Heifers Bred - Angus 25 F-1 Charbray Cows (2-3 yrs.) Pairs - Charolais 25 F-1 Brangus Cows (3-4 yrs.) Pairs - Charolais 35 Crossbred Cows (3-4 yrs.) Pairs - Bred - Charolais 15 Brahman Cross Heifers Pairs - Bred - Angus 20 Crossbred Heifers Bred - Angus
Hallettsville Livestock Commission Co. SALE Hallettsville, TX
EVERY TUESDAY
Mike Heller: 361-293-4949, David Heller: 979-743-0436 Mark Hagan: 361-293-8116, Kim Hagan: 361-293-4720
Service Directory Construction
Automotive
Dirt
Monclova Construction, LLC
Central Garage, LLC Complete Auto Repair
(512) 894-4114 or (512) 858-4252 1 120 Hwy 290 W Mon-Fri, 8-5:30 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Danny Hubbard
• • • • • • •
Foundations Driveways Parking Lots Retaining Walls Excavation Welding Fabrication
Loam • Topsoil • Sand • Gravel • Roadbase • Asphalt Millings • Granite • Compost Mix
Tractor Work Available
Specializing in Country Driveways
austin@monclovaconstruction.com
512-366-2554
Rick-Rob Trucking 512- 858-7952 www.rick-rob.com
robinnds@aol.com
Handyman
Handyman
Glass Service
Dirt Cheap
Reliable Handy Man Commercial & Residential
• Contract Glazing • Storefronts • Insulated Glass
• Furniture Tops • Tempered Glass • Mirrors
Framed & Frameless Tub & Shower Enclosures
512 312 2767
5360 Industrial Way Dr., Buda, TX Stefnie at shallmark@dynamicglass.com
Lawn Care
WHO DOES YOUR LANDSCAPING/LAWN? Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010
Taking care of your yard so you can play!
LANDSCAPING AND LAWN SERVICE
• Flower Beds • Fencing • Sprinkler Systems • Patios • Mowing, Edging and Cleanup • Tree Trimming and Removal • Rock Gardens • Garden Boxes • Build Sheds
Call Jesse Reyna at 512-788-2180 or email apa6207@sbcglobal.net
Painting
699 Painting and More
Interior Exterior Painting Rot-wood Replacement Sheet Rock Repairs Wallpaper Removal Wall Texture Pressure Wash References Available Esure www.699painting.com
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
512-965-3465
Get your honey-do list done right.
ReliableHandymanTX.com 20+ Years of Experience • Insured
512-618-0482 • DHALL45@Yahoo.com
Zachary Barton Zachary Barton
512-686-7589 512-686-7589 107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Planning Planning Financial Investment Planning• Insurance
Investment Planning
Landscaping
DANIEL
STONE & LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES -We DeliverGRASS: St. Augustine, Buffalo, Bermuda, Tifway CHOPPED ROCK DRYSTACK MULCH
PATIO ROCK GRAVEL SAND
12015 Hwy 290 W Cedar Valley, Austin
M-F 8-5 Sat. 9-3
FLAGSTONE RIVER ROCK LOAM
512-288-8488
Texas Crossword Solution
Build up your business by advertising in the News-Dispatch Service Directory Only $30 a week to run in the News-Dispatch.
512-699-0441
Call Tracy at (512) 268-7862 or email ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com to join. (13 week minimum)
Tree Service
Shoe Repair
Pool Service
FREE ESTIMATES HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE@YAHOO.COM HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE.COM
Ray Brown 325.248.5027 Ray@DebRayHomes.com DebRayHomes.com
Honey-Do List Drywall Repair Clean Dryer Vent Leaking Toilet Repairs for Sale of Home H Insured H H H H H
Painting, Remodel & Home Repair, Flooring & Tile, Carpentry, Decks & Fences, Pressure Washing, Gutters, Cleaning & Repair, RV Repair
Financial Planning Financial Planning
• Boot Experts • Purse Repair • Belt Repair • Luggage Repair • Shoe Care Products
AustinShoeHospital.com locations in in Central Central Texas 1010Locations Texasincluding: including:
Highway 290 & Nutty Brown Road • 512-827-3398 316 Round 290 RockWest Ave. inRound Rock• 512-288-6386 - 512-244-9124 Highway Oak Hill Bee CaveBell in Lakeway • 512-263-4630 306 South Cedar Park - 512-219-8387
8211 Burnet Rd. Austin - 512-453-1961
Lees Trees
38 years experience in the hill country Firewood • Pruning • Removal • Chipping Planting • Cedar Posts • Bulk Mulch
Free Assessments & Estimates • Insured MARCUS LEES (512) 858-4018 leestreestexas@gmail.com
See puzzle, page 4
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
Page 8
News-Dispatch
LGBTQ Equality: Bill seeks workplace equality
Texas State-Wide Advertising Network
Continued from pg. 1
The study also said that these conclusions are bipartisan and cross-religious among Texans. For Suzanne Bryant, an adaption attorney for LGBTQ Texans, work needs to be done to change these laws. “Someone could get legally married in Texas, go on their honeymoon, put a picture of them together on their desk, and be fired the next day because they are gay and do not have legal status,” Bryant said. “The protections we have seen for people is going on at a city-wide level, not the state.” Bryant cited a list of cities that have protections
for sexual orientation and gender identity. The latest is Carrollton a city north of Dallas, which adopted these protections in February 2019 for its city employees and contractors. No cities in Hays County have adopted such protective measures. Bryant said religious-based adoption agencies, as private entities, can prohibit samesex couples from adopting children, a dilemma that has taken hold of rural Texas communities as a lack of adoption agencies could hinder a couple from becoming parents. Adoption allows
couples who cannot reproduce to partake in parenthood, but discrimination can make that difficult for same-sex couples. Bryant said the battle goes beyond just employment discrimination and can be seen in other areas of Texas life. “The American Bar Association just recently stated that what is happening in Texas is state-sanctioned discrimination,” Bryant said. “In the United States, there is a balance the courts are trying to have in regards to people with sincerely-held religious beliefs and the prohibition against discrimination.”
Billboard Ban: Bill seeks to keep routes scenic Continued from pg. 2
property values and our beautiful views.” The bill, which was filed in early February, was supported by the Friendship Alliance, Hill Country Alliance and Rim Rock Subdivision, three groups that represent some of the neighboring communities around RM 1826. Jeanine Christensen, secretary for the Friendship Alliance, started a petition to designate the three roads as “scenic highways,” which has received around 1,500 signatures as of press time. “I’d like to frame it as a way to preserve the best things the Hill Country roads have to offer,” Christensen said. “There are so many things we love about Central Texas and I’m worried they are all going to go away. We are growing so fast and there is such little regulatory infrastructure in the unincorporated areas of the county.” For Christensen and her fellow neighbors, the bill could potentially
Proposed HB 1303, or the Hill Country Scenic Highway Bill, prohibits the placement of billboards along RM 1826, RM 150 and RM 967, located on the Northern and Western portion of the county. close some wounds from a previous battle against billboards in the area. In 2017, the News-Dispatch reported the controversy surrounding a pair of billboards erected near the Driftwood area. The signs, which were placed on FM 1826 in November 2017, are more than 40 feet tall with space for four 300-square foot advertisements. The location of the signs is in an unincorpo-
rated area of the county and outside of the Dripping Springs extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), giving the city no authority to enforce its sign ordinance, which does not allow billboards. At a public hearing on Dec.13, 2017, residents raised objections to the billboard, citing lighting and beautification concerns. Since the billboards were erected, Western Hays County residents have fought hard against developments in rural areas of the county. Christensen said if cities cannot regulate areas located outside of its ETJ, local representatives can work to make their concerns a reality. “Being able to see the stars at night is something not everyone gets to witness and that means a lot to people out here,” Christensen said. “We get what we want, but future residents get a chance to get a taste of what exactly makes the Hill Country so special.”
Thursday, February 14, 2019
TexSCAN Week of February 10, 2019
OIL AND GAS RIGHTS
We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non-Participating Royalty ACREAGE Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an 28.32 acres, northwest of Rocksprings. Well, offer evaluation. 806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ solar pump. Oak and cedar cover. Native game, gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, free ranging exotics, feral hogs, turkey. $4200 Lubbock, TX 79408-1800. down, $690/mo. (9.9%, 20 years.) 800-876-9720, SAWMILLS www.ranchenterprisesltd.com. Sawmills from only $4,397.00 – Make & Save Money with your own bandmill – Cut lumber AUCTION any dimension. In stock, ready to ship! Free info/ Special Replacement Spring Female Sale, Sat. Feb. DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 800-567-0404, 23, noon. Hallettsville Livestock Commission Co., Ext.300N. Hallettsville, TX. Registered Grey Brahman Heifers HUNTING & Cows, Grey Brahman Heifers, F-1 Tiger Stripe Heifers, Black Brangus Heifers, and more. 361-293- GOT LAND? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a FREE info packet & Quote. 1-8664949, 361-293-8116. 309-1507. www.BaseCampLeasing.com. Premier Equine Auctions Spring Fling Horse LEGAL ASSISTANCE Sale April 5th & 6th, Lufkin, Texas. Consignment deadline is March 1st. PremierEquineAuctions.com, TYPE-2 DIABETICS – Gangrene of the genitals has Mike Pedersen & Steve Friskup owners. Phone been associated with the use of SGLT2 Inhibitors, like Invokana, Farxiga, Jardiance. Call Pulaski 800-800337-494-1333. 9815 – you may be entitled to compensation!
CAREER TRAINING
Airline Mechanic Training – Get FAA certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 800-475-4102.
CHARITY
Roundup®, a common weed and grass killer, may be linked to the development of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in farm workers and employees in garden centers, nurseries, and landscapers. Call 800-460-0606 for professional insight or visit www.RespectForYou. com/NHL.
TRUCK DRIVERS
Donate a boat or car today to Boat Angel. 2-Night Free Vacation. Sponsored by Boat Angel Outreach Centers Be Your Own Boss! Get Paid to See the Country! Quality Drive-Away is looking for CDL Drivers to stop crimes against children. 800-700-BOAT, to Deliver Trucks! www.qualitydriveaway.com, www.boatangel.com. 574-642-2023.
EVENTS
WANTED
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Feb. 7-24. For FREON R12 WANTED: Certified buyer will PAY entertainment lineup and tickets, go to sarodeo.com. CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 312-2919169; www.refrigerantfinders.com. 210-225-5851.
Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 283 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 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.
A tribute to our sister
Nelva Joyce Sumner Roberson February 15, 1944 – November 15, 2018
Joyce, age about 11 or 12. Right before our father’s passing
Left to Right, Joyce, Paula, Vicki, Bruce & Kay. October 2008
Left to Right, Vicki, Joyce, Bruce, Paula, & Kay. Christmas 1993
Left to Right, Kay, Bruce, Vicki, Paula & Joyce. July 2017, Wimberley Valley Winery
Nelva Joyce Sumner. She was our Big Sister. Our protector, our caregiver, our mentor, our compass, our fixer and the reason our family stayed together after our father died when she was barely thirteen with four siblings under the age of seven. Who would have ever known that this diminutive blond, blue eyed beauty could be a force to be reckoned with? She could literally stop you in your tracks with her seasoned look, without ever having to raise her voice. She dealt with the bullies on our block, police officers dispatched to follow up on negligence charges and any other tight spot we may have found ourselves in. Even now, it’s not difficult to remember her as she would square her shoulders, plant her feet and look you dead in the eye and ask “What seems to be the problem here”? She was totally fearless and very protective of all of us. She spent her adolescent years making sure that we were taken care of while our mother worked nights to provide for the family, essentially forgoing the normal activities of a teenager. Joyce was our caregiver until she left home to marry in 1962. Over the years, she continually reassured us that she understood what needed to be done, and not one second of one day did she ever regret what she had to do.
Each of us knows in our hearts that if our big sister had not been the nucleus of our family, we would not be together today and have the family bond that we share. But for her, we would most likely have been picked up by child care services and separated over time. We all owe an enormous debt of gratitude to her for her sacrifice. When we lost Joyce on that tragic night in November last year, we all lost a part of ourselves. As we remember her on her birthday on February 15, our hearts are still broken and we still deeply mourn her loss. While she was petite and soft spoken, she left a void in our lives that seems impossible to fill. But, we must go on without her. One step at a time. Constantly reminding ourselves of all the beauty and grace she left here on this earth during her lifetime. We will especially miss her talent for remembering stories and details about our growing up years and times together. She had the tenacity of which could not easily be bested, the heart of an angel, the patience of Job and an endearing love of her entire family. So to you Big Sister, We wish you a Happy Birthday! May your grace and love continue to envelope each of us as we go about our busy days here on earth. You are
forever in our hearts and we are eternally grateful for the sacrifices you made to ensure our family stayed together. Without your love and steadfast determination, our childhood memories would have been quite different and the bond as brother and sisters would not exist. May the future Sumner generations always know that because of you we share a unique togetherness as a family. We love you and miss you every day. Love, Paula, Vicki, Bruce and Kay
Joyce age 15, junior high school