Nd 022218

Lady Tiger hoops fall to Sam Houston

Tiger wrestlers grapple to state competition

page 3

Five file for DSISD board election

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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVIII No. 20

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

page 8-10

75¢

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Proposed bar near Dripping Springs High School voted down

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Bringing home the gold PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Lady Tigers celebrate taking the gold at the Class 5A girls 400-yard freestyle relay final at the Lee and Joe Jamail Swim Center in Austin. The Tigers won the silver medal in the 200-yard medley relay, which was then followed by Tiger junior London Farris, who took home silver in the 200-yard individual medley. See story on page 3.

Residents hit Austin to protest wedding venue

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Continued frustration over a controversial Driftwood wedding venue led area residents to protest in Austin Monday.

The protest, held in front of Terry Black’s BBQ, was done in opposition to the Mark Black Wedding Venue, which is proposed to be located on Crystal Hills Drive.

The protests erupted roughly 24 hours before the Dripping Springs City Council was scheduled to potentially decide on the venue’s fate.

Dripping Springs city leaders Feb. 13 opted to postpone a decision on the venue to Feb. 20 in order to obtain more information.

But in the interim, customers at the barbeque joint, which is owned by Mark’s brother, Terry, watched from their seats as residents who live along Crystal Hills Drive carried signs

down the sidewalk to display their discomfort with the proposed project.

On Jan. 23, the Dripping Springs Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the venue’s approval by a 5-1 vote. Since that time, two public hearings were held on the venue, with a third having taken place Feb. 20.

The public hearings and dialogue between residents and Mark Black was the buildup to the protest, a final showing by the concerned residents before the vote.

Jeanine Christensen, secretary of the Friendship Alliance, a nonprofit organization representing neighborhoods in northern Hays County, said neighbors had sought for a rally in front of Terry Black’s BBQ since July.

The focus for the rally was to spur discussion between the Friendship Alliance and local and

BAR VOTED DOWN, 2

PHOTOS BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

A handful of area residents marched at Terry Black’s BBQ near downtown Austin to protest development of a proposed wedding venue site in Driftwood. The owner of the proposed venue is Mark Black, Terry Black’s brother.

state officials.

“We wanted to work things out with the city, Hays County and Representative Jason Isaac,” Christensen said.

Doug Marsh, a resi-

dent in the Goldenwood West neighborhood, said he is not completely confident in the outcome of the Feb. 20 meeting, but hopes council listens to neigh-

bor concern.

“We have presented wastewater, fire and traffic concerns all of which have been

VENUE PROTESTS, 2

County restructures its hazmat team

BY KATERINA BARTON

The creation of a team responsible for tackling hazardous material (hazmat) situations in Hays, Bastrop, Blanco and Caldwell Counties was approved by Hays County Commissioners Jan. 30.

The creation of the Hays County hazmat team came during the Jan. 30 commissioners court meeting when Emergency Management Coordinator Kharley Smith brought it to commissioners’ attention that the hazmat response for Hays County had not been evaluated since 2004.

In 2004, Homeland Security provided the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), which serves 10

Several factors led Dripping Springs city leaders Feb. 13 to vote against a conditional use permit (CUP) for a proposed bar near Dripping Springs High.

With the Dripping Springs City Council’s 4-2 vote against the CUP, applicant Jon Thompson could be allowed to develop on his land for a potential business in the future without alcohol.

Thompson came to council for approval of a CUP for his proposed bar, which would have been only 0.2 miles from Dripping Springs High.

A CUP allows a city government to consider possible allowances or conditional changes to a city land development code to accommodate an applicant’s desires for that specific property.

CUPs can provide flexibility to an already existing zoning ordinance.

Thompson requested a variance to a section of city code that restricts bars to be built within 300 feet of a school.

Thompson’s property is located exactly 204 feet from Dripping Springs High.

The CUP also called for a variance to allow a paved road with 20-foot width fire lanes; city code calls for a minimum of 24-foot fire lanes.

Mayor Pro Tem Bill Foulds was one of the four council members who voted against the CUP.

“This resolution is to form more of a county wide team, a collaborative effort, amongst all of the different departments with that Hazmat truck and equipment coming back to the county for maintenance and operation.”

–Kharley Smith, Emergency Management Coordinator

counties in the Austin area, a regional grant for public safety and emergency management.

This provided funding for Hays County to buy a hazardous material response vehicle and funding for equipment on the vehicle.

Since San Marcos was the only full-time fire department in Hays County at the time, officials entered into an interlocal agreement with

the city of San Marcos to run hazardous materials response calls for the area, Smith said.

The interlocal agreement had not been reevaluated since then, but there are now multiple full-time paid fire departments, with some even having hazardous material technicians.

“It’s time we really reevaluate that system and see how we can better service the citizens of

Hays County and have more of a collaboration with the many different fire departments that we have,” Smith said.

The Office of Emergency Services has spoken with the San Marcos, Buda, Kyle and North Hays Fire departments, whick have hazardous material trained technicians, and they have agreed to provide

HAYS HAZMAT TEAM, 6

Residential concern over RR12 intersection calls for TxDOT and county intervention

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Concerned neighbors could soon look to Hays County and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to address safety issues on Ranch Road 12 at the intersections of Memory Lane and Brownson Lane.

The county road, which has had one traffic fatality in 2018, has harbored increased traffic with the addition of numerous businesses along the roadway.

Two TxDOT engineers have been on site to assess the road’s safety, but no current projects from the County or TxDOT are in the works to address

RR12 INTERSECTION, 6

Page 2

News-Dispatch

News -Dispatch

Hays County seeks grant funding for more night vision goggles

PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262

PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com

EDITOR Moses Leos III

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

moses@haysfreepress.com

An increase in Hays County SWAT activity over the past four years prompted the agency to obtain grant funding for night vision goggles.

Lt. Joe Faulkner, commander of the Hays County SWAT team, said roughly 95 percent of SWAT’s operations take place in low-light or no light conditions.

Faulkner said the night vision units are necessary for carrying out those operations.

Faulkner said in 2017, the Hays County SWAT Team was awarded a $106,000 grant from

REPORTERS Samantha Smith news@haysfreepress.com

PRODUCTION David White ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack ads@haysnewsdispatch.com

Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com

PHOTOGRAPHER 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: $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 News-Dispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610

SWAT Calls How many calls has Hays County SWAT responded to?

2013 – 15 calls 2014 – 7 calls 2015 – 9 calls 2016 – 16 calls

Homeland Security for 12 night vision goggle units.

In 2018, Hays County SWAT applied for a grant through the same agency for the 14 additional units, which cost $123,000.

Faulkner said the average number of SWAT events per year varies, but he estimated 15 to 25 events per year.

Faulkner said in 2017 there was a reported 27 SWAT related calls and attributed the increase to a bigger focus from the Criminal Investigations Division and Repeat Offender Unit.

Although Faulkner said suspects on the street are upgrading their equipment and tactics, he said the upgrade of the SWAT team’s equipment has more to do with the lessons learned from other law enforcement agencies across the country.

Faulkner said suspects are more likely to use rifles versus handguns these days, but said suspects behavior has

changed drastically over the last few decades.

The result is law enforcement officers to have to “adapt and overcome,” Faulkner said.

Faulkner said suspects today exhibit a “total disregard for humanity and the willingness to attack law enforcement officers.”

“This type of behavior was unheard of ten plus years ago, but now days, it seems you hear of a law enforcement officer being attacked everyday, somewhere in the country,” Faulkner said.

Faulkner said other areas of law enforcement, if needed, can use the

SWAT equipment, no matter what it is.

However, he said the equipment was purchased to prepare for any and all events including active shooter events.

“SWAT has had to re-evaluate how they operate to minimize injury to themselves and innocent civilians,” Faulkner said.

At this time it is unknown if the Hays County SWAT team was awarded the grant from Homeland Security for $123,000 for the 14 additional night vision goggle units for the part-time Hays County SWAT officers.

Getting fit with firefighters On Saturday, the city of Dripping Springs held its second annual Firefighter Fitness Day at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. The event was held in coordination with the North Hays County FIre Rescue. Those who attended the event completed workouts similar to those conducted by firefighters and first responders. North Hays County Fire Rescue Firefighter Chris Vargas uses a firehose to pull Dripping Springs resident Mateo Padron for a fun ride. Inset, Brooke Ellsworth uses a sledgehammer to complete a workout at the event.

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.

PHOTO BY KATERINA BARTON

Venue Protests: Locals protest wedding venue

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studied and analyzed by professions,” Marsh said.

“If a person just goes out to the road, they can see that it is not built to accommodate all of the residents and the hundreds of people for a wedding venue.”

Black, who watched from his restaurant’s outside dining deck, said he wasn’t surprised with the protest.

Regardless of the neighbors’ display, Black said he is still confident city council will approve the permits for the wedding venue.

“It’s unfortunate that they continue with the false claims that we haven’t engaged in conversation even though we met last Tuesday,” Black said. “We’ve done everything by the book. The engineering has been cleared.”

On Feb. 13, the Dripping Springs City Council voted to delay a decision on the venue.

That was followed by heated comments from community members against the development

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

“We have presented wastewater, fire and traffic concerns all of which have been studied and analyzed by professionals. If a person just goes out to the road, they can see that it is not built to accommodate all of the residents and the hundreds of people for a wedding venue.”

–Doug Marsh, a resident in the Goldenwood West neighborhood

of the venue.

If the city council approves the project, Black said development will begin in the near future.

During the meeting, Carlos Torres-Verdin, president of the Friendship Alliance, spoke on behalf of the concerned citizens.

Although no new scientific developments were presented Feb. 13, Torres-Verdin and other community members addressed concerns that ranged from fire safety to

an increase in traffic on the road leading to the venue.

Other concerns extended to the potential for noise issues and wastewater treatment, Torres-Verdin said.

“Unless something comes out of left field, I’m confident we got it right,” Black said Feb. 13.

“We had our presentation at P&Z and (the neighbors) had theirs. All of the engineering has been cleared and approved by the county.”

PPE Bar Voted Down: Not near DSHS NIA G A L , ne at tO o

i To ing Kn afrom d pp Continued pg. 1 Re Dri s the ring y Sp rar

Lib there were Foulds said ? too many r tfactors to llaintoanaccount take when

o c [LY w to issue the NO ` e deciding s LÄ +H Y h P n e - ULZZ t s s towthe bar. Ä[ ne nfor der usiCUP n “It ow was a difficult b rd T uerley fodecision to make and the O H imb tions concept of the business was fantastic,” Foulds W mo said. “It just wasn’t in the pro right location.”

In addition to being in close proximity with Dripping Springs High, the location of the proposed bar was within 350 feet of the Dripping Springs Community Library and half a mile from the Dripping Springs Christian

Academy.

Even before the council meeting, Foulds said he questioned the proposal for a bar.

However, Thompson’s proposed bar would have not been the only business to serve alcohol in close proximity of the schools.

The Barber Shop is located roughly a mile from Dripping Springs High and two miles from Dripping Springs Elementary School.

Mazama Coffee Co. is another business that serves wine and beer located within

close proximity to the Dripping Springs Independent School District (DSISD) administration building, city hall and the library.

“I asked our superintendent and he explained that the school district does not have jurisdiction in this matter,” said Dale Whitaker, executive director of communications for the DSISD. “We deferred this decision to the city.”

Thompson did not respond for a comment by the publication of the article.

Thursday, February 22, 2018

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Page 3

Sports

Stay Golden Lady Tigers basketball ‘We not me’ attitude drives Tigers to state swim championship

BY MOSES LEOS III Dripping Springs High senior Keeley Vardeman knew she had some work to do when she plunged into the anchor leg of Saturday’s Class 5A girls 400yard freestyle relay final.

Vardeman realized she had to make up ground against Humble Kingwood’s Hannah Mosier, who dove into the pool with a one second lead and a chance to win the Class 5A title for her team.

As Vardeman hit the water, the only thought she had was a golden one.

“Something just clicked,” Vardeman said.

“I got on the block, I knew what I had to do and I

wasn’t going to lose it. I wasn’t going to lose it for my team or myself.”

By adhering to the Tigers’ “We Not Me” philosophy, Vardeman rallied in the final 50-yards to win the 400-yard freestyle relay, which secured the program’s first UIL team swimming championship.

Andrea McCarthy, Dripping Springs head swim coach, said the effort was the culmination of hard work from a group that supported one another all season long.

“This has been a wonderful, wonderful team,” McCarthy said. “Our slogan was ‘We Not Me’; to

SWIM CHAMPS, 6

Tiger baseball to lean on experience in new season

BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI The Dripping Springs Tiger baseball team will return to the diamond in 2018 with the hopes to play for the state championship under a very experienced roster.

Returning eight out of nine starters from 2017, the Tigers have a loaded squad of upperclassmen who have played a lot of meaningful games and are on a mission to compete for championships.

“This year we return a lot of kids,” said Tigers Head Coach Chris Payne.

“Obviously a district championship is something that we are hoping for, but we are really just focused on taking it one day at a time. The ultimate goal for this team is the state championship.”

After making a deep run in the 2017 playoffs, where Dripping Springs was swept in the regional semifinals, Payne sees his team’s experience from the playoffs as a strength that could carry the team throughout the 2018 season.

“I think experience is on our side for sure,” Payne said. “I’ve had five of these seniors that have played with me since they started as sophomores. So I think being in that category is very rare to have that many kids with a lot of playoff experience.”

The Tigers will lean on senior pitcher Grant Gaspard as the ace of the pitching staff, in addition to hitting leadoff in the batting order. Gaspard will additionally play shortstop and in the outfield whenever he isn’t pitching on the mound.

“Grant is a candidate for leadoff position right now,” Payne mentioned.

“He sees lots of pitches, that’s what you want out of your leadoff hitter.”

Outside of Gaspard, Payne said seniors Johnny Hoyle, Reed Beverly, juniors Chris Tyree and Nick Gullo could also be pitchers who he believes will contribute in the rotation for 2018.

Six-foot, six-inch senior pitcher AG Yowell

was also brought up by Payne for his development over the off-season, as well as being a potential surprise player for their pitching staff.

Senior catcher Justin Taylor, whom Payne described as a player who is taking on a leadership role on the team, will complete the battery.

“I have a senior catcher, Justin Taylor, who is our vocal leader,” said Payne. “Our leader by action. He is a complete player.”

Dripping Springs is deep at the catcher position for 2018 as junior catcher Nico Ramirez was recognized by Payne as one of the better performers during the two scrimmages against New Braunfels and Boerne.

“He (Ramirez) is a catcher as well, so I’m not sure what his role will look like defensively.

But offensively right now he is a true bright spot for us and I’m hoping that he can continue to contribute,” Payne said.

While the batting lineup is still a fluid situation, Payne has his eye on senior third baseman Peter D’Alessandro to man the three-hole spot in the order. Payne said D’Alessandro has a “lot of pop” in his bat and can hit to the opposite field.

Hoyle, Beverly, and senior Brittain Howeth will start in the outfield to begin the season.

Payne said juniors Aiden Seligman, Parker Alford and Nathan Koch could also contribute in the outfield.

With the weight of trying to make the playoffs and compete for a state championship, Payne wanted his team to remember to have fun playing the game.

“Well, number one, I want them to continue to have fun,” Payne said.

“I don’t want them to put any more pressure on themselves than the game already does. So really just rally around each other and continue to get better every single game, not take any steps back or regression.”

season ends in heartbreaker

BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI

A successful desperation heave at the buzzer from Sam Houston Lady Cane power forward Ashawntae Brown brought the Dripping Springs Lady Tigers’ basketball season to a heartbreaking close Friday in San Marcos.

Brown’s shot, which banked off the backboard and into the bucket as time expired, gave Sam Houston a 4644 victory that eliminated the Tigers from the playoffs.

“They played and fought to the last second and I am very proud of them,” Dripping Springs head coach David Norris said. “I have a senior group that led these girls.

They left it all on the floor. You know one loose ball that they came up with and threw it up and scored.”

Dripping Springs jumped out to an early 11-9 lead by the end of the first quarter with terrific defensive play and energy, but the tables were turned in the second quarter when Sam Houston brought the defense right back at them. Sam Houston and Dripping Springs were tied at halftime at 19-19.

A lack of offensive efficiency was one area that hindered the Lady Tigers in the first half.

“First half we weren’t knocking shots down,” said Norris. “So I told them, ‘You’ve got to do other things.’ Our offense stalled a little bit. But, we came out second half and I talked to them about relaxing and pushing through the floor, and knocking them down and we got some shots.”

The Lady Tigers absorbed Norris’ halftime

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Dripping Springs High senior Shelbye Hartman (42) and junior Kennedy Donovan (2) stand in disbelief as members of the Sam Houston Lady Canes celebrate a buzzer-beating bucket that eliminated the Lady Tigers from the playoffs.

adjustments and came out firing in the third quarter, ultimately taking a 33-29 lead into the fourth frame.

Senior point guard Annie Hudson and junior guard Julia Graham provided the offensive spark Dripping Springs needed with multiple three-pointers. Both players were also influential in getting steals on the defensive end, setting up fast break opportunities for themselves and teammates. Hudson led the team with 15 points, three steals and two assists, while Graham contributed 11 points, four steals and two rebounds for the game.

“I just knew I had to do it for the girls, just when they needed a spark you’ve got to give it to them,” Hudson said.

“Even if you’re hurting and even if you’re tired, you have to perform for your team. You have to pull through for them.”

Sam Houston and Dripping Springs went basket for basket in the fourth quarter, resulting

in multiple lead changes up until the final plays of the game.

Tied at 44-44 with 12 seconds left on the clock, Dripping Springs called a timeout to set up a play for the final shot of the game. A pressure defense from the Hurricanes caused a steal off the inbounds and deflection off the Lady Tigers and out of bounds, giving Sam Houston the ball for the last shot opportunity.

“I was hoping that we had the ball down here on this end to take the last shot and we just couldn’t hold onto it to get the last shot off, so that kind of hurt us.”

Norris said.

Sam Houston took advantage of its opportunities down the stretch.

With one second left in the game, Brown collected a deflected pass and lofted the eventual game winning bucket.

For seniors Danielle Northrup, Shelbye Hartman and Cassie Louthan, heartbreak came quick once they realized their season was over and

they wouldn’t be able to play with the teammates they’ve bonded with for most of their high school career.

“More than half of us have been together since middle school, so it’s kind of rough finally losing them,” Northrup said. “But they are apart of my family forever and it just stinks finally losing them.”

Northrup finished the game with seven points and 10 rebounds, while Hartman added six points, four rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Louthan led the team in assists for the game with five total.

“This group of girls has been through so much that I would give anything for another moment,” said Hartman. “I mean we’ve worked hard, early morning practices.

Weights non-stop. Running and everything, all the work we’ve put in for so long. It’s been an honor and its been amazing.

Coach Norris was a good fit for us and so we just got so lucky.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Members of the Dripping Springs Tiger wrestling team and coaching staff pose with trophies and medals won at the UIL Regional meet last week. Four Tiger wrestlers will head to the UIL state wrestling meet in Cypress, Texas this weekend.

Tiger wrestlers grapple to State STAFF REPORT

The Dripping Springs High wrestling team won the regional tournament and four athletes qualified for the state meet, which will be held Feb. 23-24 in Cypress, TX. The Tigers’ team score of 153.5 bested second-place Cedar

Park High School by 15.5 points.

The four state qualifiers were Chase Warden (138 pounds), Ryland Kinard (170 pounds), Clayton Jetton (182 pounds), and Nick Hammond (145 pounds).

Warden placed first and was voted the co-Most Outstanding Wrestler in

the tournament. Kinard also won his weight class by winning his finals match in overtime.

Jetton and Hammond got third in their respective classes to punch their tickets to the state tournament.

In addition, three Tiger wrestlers placed fifth at the regional meet and

are state alternates.

Those alternates are Brodie Dyer (113 pounds), Ben Owens (132 pounds), and Adam Flores (120 pounds).

Ryon Cameron was sixth (126 pounds).

The state wrestling tournament will be held at the Berry Center in Cypress.

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

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(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 22, 2018

Education

Five file for May DSISD board election STAFF REPORT

A crowded field of five people, including a trio of incumbents, have thrown their hats into the ring for three Dripping Springs ISD board of trustee seats up for grabs this May.

Current board president Carrie Fontana Kroll and board trustees Mary Jane Hetrick and Shannon O ‘Connor joined candidates Sharon Armke and James Meeks in filing for election prior to the Feb. 16 deadline.

Kroll, who was first elected to the Dripping Springs ISD dais in 2012, is seeking her third term in office, while Hetrick and O’Connor both are looking for their second reelection bids.

Aspiring to a seat on the board are Armke,

who is a 17-year Dripping Springs resident and is a retired public school teacher, according to her election filing, and Meeks who has lived in the Dripping Springs area for 16 years and in Texas for 43 years, according

to his filing. Meeks is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor and technician.

According to a DSISD press release, the top three candidates with the highest vote totals on May 5 will be elected.

Early voting for the May 5 election will be held April 23 to May 1, with early voting locations located at the DSISD administration building and Rooster Springs Elmentary.

Election day is May 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tiger band members earn All-State honors STAFF REPORT

COURTESY PHOTO

Members of the Dripping Springs High Tiger band who earned all-state honors are (back row, l-r) Michael Rolon, senior baritone sax; Joseph Picardat, senior string bass; Johnny Dollard, sophomore trumpet; Jessica Heintz, sophomore clarinet, (front row, l-r) Brianna Sutter, senior flute; Catherine Manning, junior flute; Drew Wilson, freshman alto sax.

DSISD seeks volunteers for senior portfolio evaluation STAFF REPORT Dripping Springs ISD officials are looking for volunteers to assist with assessing and evaluating portfolios for high school seniors.

Each spring, graduating seniors at Dripping Springs High make a portfolio presentation for assessment before a panel consisting of educators, community members, parents, and professionals.

This portfolio process and assessment assists in the development and measurement of standards that DSISD feels critical to our graduates’ success in post-secondary education and in the workplace.

The senior portfolios allow personalized options for the student presentations and a more structured feedback process for the panel.

The Dripping Springs

Texas Crossword sponsored by...

Seven members of the DSHS Tiger Band earned spots on the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) 5A All-State Band for 201718. All-state honors are determined by the results at Area auditions, where individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument.

Only the top 3 percent of musicians who initially audition become AllState musicians.

DSHS All-State Band students are: freshman Drew Wilson (alto sax), junior Catherine Manning (flute), sophomore Jessica Heintz (clarinet), senior Brianna Sutter (flute), senior Michael Rolon (baritone sax), sophomore Johnny

Dollard (trumpet), and senior Joseph Picardat (string bass). Dollard and Sutter auditioned in the 6A division; the other four were recognized in Class 5A. This is the second consecutive year Rolan and Sawin have earned all-state recognition.

For Dollard, it is his third year to receive this honor.

All-state musical groups performed for music educators, family members, and the public at the 2018 TMEA Convention, held in San Antonio’s Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Feb. 17, 2018. Prior to their performances, students participated in two days of clinics and rehearsals with some of the best high school musicians in the state.

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senior class will have more than 430 students presenting portfolios, with the district needing volunteers.

Volunteers with all types and levels of expertise are being sought to sit on portfolio panels and help in the evaluation process – either as a parent or community member, as a professional, or both.

The presentations are scheduled for April 17May 4.

Morning sessions are 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and afternoon sessions are 12:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

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Employment

Page 5

Public Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

Administrative Assistant Position

An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide Rutherford West Section Five consisting of 148.3017 acres of property located at and along Nature View Loop, Dripping Springs, TX 78666. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512)393-2150. Tracking Number: SUB-956.

Sunset Canyon Baptist Church is looking for an additional team member for our staff. This administrative assistant position is 2 days a week, 15-20 hours.

This person is required to route incoming calls, disseminate mail and correspondence, prepare and print weekly bulletins and other print media, organize and maintain the calendar, maintain the website, and various other duties as needed.

Mac proficiency, social media experience and graphic design are a plus. Please send your resume to peggy@ sunsetcanyonchurch. org

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION DOCKET NO.47464

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO AMEND A CERTIFICATE OF CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY (CCN) TO PROVIDE WATER UTILITY SERVICE IN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation (WSC) has filed an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas to amend its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for CCN No. 10315 for the provision of retail water utility service in Hays County.

The requested area is located approximately 3 miles west of downtown Dripping Springs, TX, and is generally bounded on the north by US Hwy 290; on the east by Roger Hanks Pkwy; on the south

by Creek Rd; and on the west

by Blue Creek Dr. The requested area includes approximately 127 total acres and 0 current customers.

The requested area overlaps the boundaries of Lower Colorado River Authority and Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority. If Lower Colorado River Authority and Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority do not request a public hearing, the Commission shall determine that Lower Colorado River Authority and Guadalupe-Blanco River

Authority are consenting to the Dripping Springs WSC's request to provide retail water utility service within the requested area: A copy of the map showing the requested area is available at: 101 Hays Street. Suite 406, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620: Telephone (512) 8587897 Persons who wish to intervene in the proceeding or comment upon action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or call the Public Utility Commission at (512) 936- 7120 or (888) 782-8477.

Hearing- and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136. The deadline for intervention in the proceeding is (30 days from the mailing or publication of notice, whichever occurs later, unless otherwise provided by the presiding officer). You must send a letter requesting intervention to the commission which is received by that date.

If a valid public hearing is requested, the Commission will forward the application to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) for a hearing. If no settlement is reached and an evidentiary hearing is held, SOAH will submit a recommendation to the Commission for a final decision. An evidentiary hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court.

A landowner with a tract of land at least 25 acres or more, that is partially or wholly located within the requested area, may file a written request with the Commission to be excluded from the requested area ("opt out") within (30) days from the date that notice was provided by the Utility. All opt out requests must include a large scale

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Si desea informaci6n en español, puede llamar al 1-888-782-8477.

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Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, February 22, 2018

RR12 Intersection: Residents want intervention

WE BUY

Continued from pg. 1

the issue.

Semi-trucks and trailers are often seen pulling into Brownson Lane towards the businesses that operate down the road.

The Memory Lane Event Center, a wedding venue located on Memory Lane, sees a high amount of traffic during receptions.

“When you’re going over the hill, you can’t see the bottom since its curved,” said Casey Dingle, resident on Brownson Lane. “Our intersection is hard to see and if someone slams on their brakes to turn, you won’t see them from on top of the hill.”

Dingle said business patrons and visitors who are not familiar with the area have a hard time finding the entrances, which can create a dangerous situation for cars pulling in and out of the two roads.

The conversation escalated when Dingle received a notice from the city of Dripping Springs of a proposed 19,500 square foot bar and entertain-

“We just want to see some changes. It’s a dangerous road and with the continued traffic the conversation needs to continue.”

–Deborah Williams, a resident on Brownson Lane

ment center that was to go in the area.

However, the owner of the property has since stated that he does not plan on developing a bar, but storage facilities for his other businesses.

The Dripping Springs Independent School District has a bus route that drops students to and from school on Brownson Lane.

The school bus used to pull into the neighborhood, but the district has deemed the intersection to be safe. Currently, students are dropped off outside of the neighborhood on RR12.

“The district told us that you can see the bus from the hill, so it’s

considered safe,” said Deborah Williams, a resident on Brownson Lane.

“The Bus Barn manager has not returned our call and parents are not letting their kids take the bus anymore with such high concern with the traffic on the road.”

Dale Whitaker, Dripping Springs ISD executive director of communications, said the district chose the RR12 pickup and drop off location as it is the only option for students who live along Brownson Lane.

“We don’t send buses down that road because there is no safe turnaround for a full-size bus,” Whitaker said Williams said she

plans on writing a petition to the city and Ray Whisenant, Hays County Pct. 4 commissioner,about the community’s concern with the county road.

The News-Dispatch reached out to TxDOT for a comment on the story, but the department did not respond as of press time. No pending plans from the county or TxDOT are in the works for a possible renovation on RR12.

However, Dingle said he has spoken to multiple engineers on site at the intersection who have acknowledged the safety concerns with the county road.

According to the neighbors, flashing lights or the addition of a turning lane would continue the flow of traffic and notify drivers of the upcoming intersection.

“We just want to see some changes,” Williams said. “It’s a dangerous road and with the continued traffic the conversation needs to continue.”

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Continued from pg. 3

complete that with a state championship is awesome.”

Dripping Springs earned its title by fending off Kingwood Park in a tightly contested Class 5A championship race.

The Tigers catapulted themselves into a 107-90 lead over Kingwood Park early in the competition by virtue of a series of successful swims.

Dripping Springs won the silver medal in the 200-yard medley relay, which was then followed

by Tiger junior London Farris, who took home silver in the 200-yard individual medley.

Kingwood Park, however, battled back and eventually cut the Tigers’ lead to 159-152 heading into the 400-yard freestyle, which was the last event of the day.

Despite the tight battle, the Tigers tried to keep each other upbeat as much as possible. Farris said the Tigers tried to stay loose through the competition; they did it by sing-

ing and dancing before and after each race.

“We tried to get each other going again,” Farris said. “If we felt like we didn’t do great, we are there for each other.”

Nerves, however, did catch up with the Tigers, who understood the gravity of the situation. Vardeman said she was on the verge of being physically sick before the final race.

McCarthy said she was a “nervous wreck” while crunching the numbers to see where the Tigers could finish.

A primary driver was a chance to win a gold medal, something Vardeman and fellow senior Katie Tuohy had never accomplished.

“Emotion played into it more than the physical aspect,” Vardeman said.

“What got me through the last 25 yards coming home was the drive to have that gold medal, to win it for the team.”

But McCarthy, who is in her second stint as the Tiger swim coach, knew she

had a special team heading into the season.

McCarthy recalled when she returned to coaching in 2017 and got the program to buy into her vision and plan.

McCarthy had previously served as the Tiger head coach from 2007 to 2013.

Having enough swimmers to field three strong relay teams, which are needed to contend for a state title, also played a vital role, McCarthy said.

Dripping Springs’ relay teams claimed a bronze, silver and gold medal at state Saturday.

“I moved them around before district and sure enough, it worked out,” McCarthy said. “All three (relay teams) medaled.

That’s what helped us win state.

Having a winning mindset also played a critical role for the Tigers, Vardeman said.

Vardeman recalled a conversation with McCarthy last summer when she believed the team had what it took to possibly

Hays Hazmat Team: County restructures Continued from pg. 1

personnel to serve on a designated hazmat team.

“This resolution is to form more of a county-wide team, a collaborative effort, amongst all of the different departments with that hazmat truck and equipment coming back to the county for maintenance and operation,” Smith said. “The restructuring of that team and how we respond to calls was necessary given the amount of personnel we have in the county and

the population that we serve.”

The team will respond to chemical spills and other hazardous material issues, especially considering the large transportation of goods along I-35 and the railways that run through the county.

The team is anticipated to follow the structure of Hays County SWAT and the Hays County Negotiations teams.

With those teams, different departments are

responsible for their own personnel, but members respond to calls as the Hays Countyhazmat team.

Commissioners also approved creation of a Special Operations Coordinator (SOC), who would be in charge of monitoring and coordinating the hazmat team.

The SOC postion has yet to be assigned, but would be a 40 hour work week job and would be effective March 1.

win a championship.

“We work together as one, and being together, it creates a powerful atmosphere and makes us work harder, especially with our teammates on the side,” Farris said.

Keep up with all the latest sports coverage by visiting

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

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