Nd 032918

Drip’ to transition to Home Rule

Tackling workshops for coaches

page 2

Tiger soccer secures playoff spot

page 4

page 3

News-Dispatch Volume XXXVIII No. 25

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

75¢ Thursday, March 29, 2018

Wimberley students walk out, protest gun violence

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Law enforcement and school district officials surround a group of Wimberley High students who participated in a march against gun violence March 23.

Kick starting a conversation on gun violence, as opposed to gun control, was the message from Wimberley High students who walked out of campus for a short period Friday.

Their goal was to create communication that goes beyond party lines to bring some kind of closure for students and teachers killed in the Parkland, Florida school shooting on Feb. 14.

The event was held

“This was not a politically motivated event. It was to mourn and start a conversation to find answers.”

–Ben Thomas, Wimberley freshman who wrote a speech for the walkout

a day before millions marched in Austin, Washington D.C. and other major cities across the country advocating for gun violence awareness.

A moment of silence was held and balloons

were released into the gloomy sky for those who lost their lives in a school shooting nearly five weeks ago. Regardless of the time, students across the nation are

WIMBERLEY PROTEST, 4A

Dripping Springs Chamber CEO to resign in May STAFF REPORT After seven years at the helm of Dripping Springs’ Chamber of Commerce, CEO and President Sherrie Parks is planning to step down PARKS in May, according to a press release.

Parks, who will complete her second stint as President of the Dripping Springs Chamber, plans to join as a partner with P2 Programs, a barcoding and tracking software company. Parks had served as the Chamber president from 2002 to 2004, and then was named president and CEO in 2011.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed helping build a strong, vibrant business community in Dripping Springs” Parks said.

Parks said her proudest achievement has been the launch and successful continuation of the Leadership Dripping Springs

CHAMBER CEO TO RESIGN, 2

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

(Above) Family, friends and supporters of Maria Garcia, a Wimberley woman who has been detained in an Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) facility, hold up signs calling for her release. (Inset) Francisco, a relative of Wimberley resident Maria Garcia, holds a sign in support for her release from ICE custody.

Neighbors plea for release of Wimberley resident from ICE detention

BY MOSES LEOS III For the second time in a month, a Wimberley area family is fundraising to help get a relative out of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement custody (ICE).

While there is still a ways to go for supporters of Maria Garcia, who has been detained at the South Texas Detention Center since Feb. 26, they ultimate-

Democratic run-off candidates debate in standing-room crowd

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Texans looking to change the tide of a historically red state and county held high hopes as they listened to Democratic Primary candidates talk the issues in a debate prior to a key May 22 runoff.

The standing-room only event, hosted by the Hays County Tejano Democrats and the Kyle/Buda-Area Democrats at Kyle City Hall, featured Erin Zwiener and Rebecca Bell-Metereau, who are in a runoff for the Democratic nomination for State Representative, District 45.

Also taking part in the debate was Chris Perry and Julie Oliver, who are running for U.S. House District 25. A debate was to occur between Joseph Kopser and Mary Street Wilson, who are

ly hope to get the mother of two children and 10-year Wimberley resident out on bond.

However, Mike Sullivan, a longtime Wimberley resident who attended a fundraiser in support of Garcia Monday, said what transpired from a family altercation might have gone too far.

“I’m not happy with how the

ICE DETENTION,

LAGNIAPPE Have a Hoppy Easter break

Hays County offices will be closed Friday, March 30, for Good Friday. The City of San Marcos Municipal Court, which is located in the County’s Government Center, will also be closed. Offices will reopen at their regular times on Monday, April 2. Also closed will be Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Kyle and Dripping Springs ISD offices for the Easter weekend holiday.

All will reopen on April 2.

PHOTO BY EXSAR ANGUELLO

Congressional District 25 candidates Chris Perri (left) and Julie Oliver sit in a preparation area prior to their debate at the Hays County Tejano Democrats candidate debate at Kyle City Hall.

running for U.S. House, District 21. However, Wilson was involved in a car accident en route to the event and could not attend.

Democratic Gubernatorial candidate An-

drew White also spoke at the event.

Zwiener and Bell-Metereau often agreed with the Democratic platform, but differed on how to bring that change.

Either candidates, if elected to the seat, would be a freshman lawmaker, a key component of the debate’s focus.

CANDIDATES FORUM, 6

Maker Faire

On April 7, Sycamore Springs Elementary will cater toward creativity when the campus hosts a Maker Faire. The free event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is a festival of inventions, creativity and resourcefulness that’s the “greatest show and tell on earth.”

Page 2

News-Dispatch

Opinion

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Jim Darby

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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.

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

POSTMASTER: send address changes to News-Dispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610 LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification.

Letter writers are limited to one letter per month.

Letters can be emailed to csb@haysfreepress.com.

Now, what was I saying?

I

was glad to hear Easter falls on April 1 this year because I’m not apt to forget what day to hide eggs for the grandkids this time. It’s kinda sad when the kids show up with their Easter baskets, and they have to hear from Gramps that there aren’t any eggs because a coyote ate the Easter Bunny. So I had them search the yard for weeds and whoever filled their basket first got a big, shiny quarter.

Naw, I didn’t really do that because I have a wife who can remember every birthday, holiday and other important dates. I don’t know about all men, but I have problems remembering stuff like this. Oh, I can remember dates in history like July 4, 1776 and December 7, 1941, and I even recall there was some war back in 1812, or was it 1813? I can’t remember.

I don’t forget our

From the Crow’s Nest

by Clint Younts

wedding anniversary because it’s also the first day of summer.

Now if I were to forget what day is the vernal equinox, you’ll find me sleeping in the barn until June 23. Just in case, I programmed the calendar in my cellphone to remind me the day before. I just hope I can remember where I left my phone before summer arrives.

I can’t remember my own grandchildren’s birthdays. I do recall that I have three of ‘em, but don’t ask me when they were born or even how old they are. One is somewhere between six and ten years old, and his sister is a year or two younger, but I just don’t

recall the specifics. I do know they still believe in the Easter Bunny. Oh, crap! When is Easter this year? Oh, that’s right. April 1. Phwew!

We nearly had another coyote disaster.

You know, ever since I had surgery a few years back, my memory has been terrible. I blame it on the anesthesia, but it could’ve been from all the 12-ounce pre-op medication that I took for 30 years prior to my surgery. I can remember the names of characters in Saturday morning cartoons from the ‘60s like Dick Dastardly and Muttley, but I can’t for the life of me remember the name of the cops in that show I watch every Wednesday night.

Who else finds himself walking into a room in your house and forgetting why you’re there? Happens way too often to me. Luckily, I always remember

why I walked into our bathroom. There’s nothing like a full bladder or an intestinal spasm to jog your failing memory.

As bad as my memory is, there are a few things I never forget. Like you never want to take a walk in the woods in springtime without pulling on boots and strapping on your gun belt. It’s amazing how seeing a 6-foot rattler just inches away from your foot can forever carve a notch in your memory.

I remember that I should never wear stripes with plaids. If I had known this back in 1976, I probably would’ve had a date to the senior prom instead of sitting home alone watching Starsky & Hutch.

I remember to always check the status of the roll of toilet paper before getting down to business

in a public restroom.

I remember that Wednesday is trash day. I seldom forget this fact because on Tuesday afternoons, I hear, “Before you sit down and drink a beer, take the garbage to the dumpster.”

I remember it is impolite to pass gas in a crowded elevator.

Sometimes I forget that I’m in a crowded elevator.

There was something else I was going to tell y’all that I always remember, but, dang it, I plumb forgot what it was. Oh, by the way, when is Easter this year?

We love getting to read Clint Younts’ goings-on at the ranch. Some times we forget to pay him. He gets paid in beer. Now, where did we put that? Oh, yes.

It WAS in the newspaper office refrigerator. crowsnest78610@gmail.com

Wimberley Protest: Students walk out, protest gun violence Continued from pg. 1

still mourning the loss of the students in Parkland and look to one another for answers.

The Wimberley High School walkout, which was a polarizing and controversial act of protest from within the halls of the school, featured roughly 100 students who attempted to start a non-partisan conversation about finding a solution to gun violence in schools.

“We all can agree that there is an underlying problem here, but we don’t know how to reach the solution,” said Ben Thomas, a Wimberley High School freshman

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who wrote a speech for the walkout. “This was not a politically motivated event. It was to mourn and start a conversation to find answers.”

When writing his speech, which was recited by freshman Jessica Davis, Thomas said his intent was to promote a discussion in the community and raise questions about safety in schools – something he feels is lacking across the nation.

However, the protest did not come without its concern from parents.

On Facebook, parents and students discredited

the walkout, stating it was an attempt to push a liberal agenda.

At the walkout, some students wore “Make American Great Again” and t-shirts in support of President Donald Trump as a symbol of protest.

Davis said there were members of the community that were against the walkout. Living in a community that is predominantly conservative, Davis said she knew of students who were in support of the walkout, but did not participate because they had friends who were not in support.

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“A lot of the boys were very hesitant to go just because of what people would think,” Davis said.

“When you grow up only knowing one perspective, it’s hard to get away from that.”

Since the Parkland shooting, Davis said Wimberley High School has tried to revamp security. At least four officers are always present at the school and students have been expelled because of threats made to other students.

Thomas said his frustration stemmed from the misinterpretation of the walkout from parents and students alike, but he is happy with the overall turnout and messages conveyed.

“This (protest) was a necessary event and it was peacefully executed,” said Ruben Bacerra, Democratic candidate for County Judge. “We’re tired of the NRA controlling the message on all fronts and its time for a change. I came here to

support these students.”

Although the protest was approved by Wimberley ISD, Superintendent Dwain York did not allow the press on school property.

The News-Dispatch reached out to the school district for clarification on the situation, but no comment was received as of press time.

“I think it was a politically motivated move,” Becerra said. “It’s an unfortunate stance by the district and I don’t agree with it.”

Despite a community of parents and students torn with the walkout, Davis said she is surprised by the number of students who participated in the walkout.

“Everything went smoothly and a lot better than I anticipated,” Davis said. “The students who were counter-protesting were even respectful and I am very proud of our community and the support we had.”

Chamber CEO to Resign Continued from pg. 1

See solution, page 5

program.

The program allows area residents to engage, explore and network with businesses and help facilitate business growth in the city.

“One of my main goals has been to help those who want to serve our community be able to learn the intimate details about Dripping Springs, discover where their talents can help and then get connected to serve in the Dripping Springs area,” Parks said. “I am proud to say that we are now in the third year of the Leadership Dripping Springs program and several of our graduates are already serving in important leadership roles and are running for local elected offices.”

During Parks’ tenure, the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce has more than doubled in member investors with the current membership number at 628, trademarked and had Dripping Springs recognized by the Texas Legislature in 2015 and again in 2017 as the Wedding Capital of Texas®, implemented the monthly First Thursday Dripping Springs shop local events and successfully launched the

Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau as a new 501c3 organization to focus on building tourism in Dripping Springs.

“The Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce is very appreciative of Sherrie’s work and leadership over the past 6 plus years and we wish her the best in her future endeavors,” said Chamber Board Chair Kim Fernea of Corridor Title.

Parks said working for the chamber has been “a labor of love.”

“The end goal has always been to help make connections and set businesses up to be as successful as they can be.

God has truly blessed me with being able to know the amazing people who make up our business community,” Parks said.

“I love my community and plan to continue to serve in a volunteer capacity wherever I can best lend my talents.”

The Chamber’s Board of Directors will form a search committee to fill the position. The search for a permanent replacement will begin immediately. Interested candidates can review the job description at http://drippingspringstx. org/live-work/.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Page 3

Sports

Dripping Springs secures playoff spot in season finale REED GRAFF

Two first half goals were enough for the Dripping Springs Tiger boys soccer team to dispatch the rival Marble Falls Mustangs 2-1 Friday, as well as secure a playoff berth.

The game was the last regular season game for both squads, with playoff spots on the line.

The Mustangs struck fast, scoring the game’s first goal before most fans had even settled into their seats.

Following a decent approach from the Dripping Springs forwards, the Mustangs launched a counterattack that stunned the Tigers, and gave the visitors a 1-0 advantage only 30 seconds into the game.

The Tigers were able to get a corner, the first of seven they had on the night, but nothing came of it. The Mustangs immediately launched a counter-attack, which

Coming up

The Tigers open postseason play against McCallum High on Thursday, April 29. The game will kickoff at 8 p.m. at House Park in Austin.

seemed to be their game-plan going into the game.

It took a fantastic save from Tigers senior goal-keeper Jaxson Thornton to keep the score at 1-0. Dripping Springs responded right back. The Tigers quickly got the ball up the field, and sophomore Max Gonzales found the back of the net to even up the game at 1-1.The goal was his 18th of the season.

The Tigers stayed on the offensive for most of the first half. Of their total seven shots taken, four of them came in the first half.

The Tigers scored again when a Tiger free kick deflected off the goalie and was then

punched in by Junior Kenneth Gossett for his third goal of the season.

The score remained 2-1 for the rest of the half and the Tigers entered the second half in a good spot. However, the rival Mustangs were not backing down.

For the majority of the second half, the trailing Mustangs were on the offensive. Marble Falls got off six shots in the first 20 minutes of the half.

A herculean effort from the Thornton kept Dripping Springs in the game. Thornton finished with eight total saves.

Dripping Springs head coach Josh Hill expected no less of his senior keeper.

“He is one of those goalkeepers that will come up big. Once a game, it seems he makes a big save, and tonight he made several,” Hill said.

Anchored by Thornton’s play and a solid defensive effort by the whole team, the Tigers

PHOTO BY ALBERT SANCHEZ

Dripping Springs Tiger Alexander Gonzales-Flores (14) heads the ball toward the net during Friday’s district finale against the Marble Falls Mustangs. held off the Mustangs in the second half.

Hill felt his team played well.

“Ultimately, we just wanted to win the game,

and that is what we were able to do. We played good defense tonight,” Hill said.

Coach Hill must now get his team ready for

post-season play, and he knows they will be ready.

“We will go back to practice Monday, and I feel like we have a good shot,” Hill said.

Tiger powerlifter claims state championship STAFF REPORT Dripping Springs High School had four qualifiers competing at the State Powerlifting Championships and Matthew Hemphill won the state title in his weight class.

As a team the Tigers finished in 9th place overall.

Hemphill is the State Champion for the 181-pound weight class with a total of 1,580 pounds. He squatted 625 pounds, benched 385 pounds, and deadlifted 570 pounds. He also won Lifter of the Meet for the heavy platforms, which means he was the best pound-for-pound lifter from the 181, 198, 220,

242, 275, and the super heavy weights in the state of Texas.

Sophomore Ivan Venegas got seventh place in the 123-pound class with a total of 1,060 pounds. He squatted 425 pounds, benched 230 pounds, and deadlifted 405 pounds.

Sophomore Juan Rios got sixth place in the 148-pound class with a total of 1,245 pounds.

He squatted 500 pounds, benched 265 pounds, and deadlifted 480 pounds.

The event was held at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene. It is hosted by the Texas High School Powerlifting Association.

PHOTO BY WAYLAND CLARK, WWW.WFOTOS.COM

(Left) Nico Ramirez lays down a sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the fifth inning on March 20 in a 9-0 shut out against visiting Boerne Champion. The Tigers scored 4 runs in the inning. Grant Gaspard pitched a complete game and got the win. (Right) Grant Gaspard pitched a complete game 9-0 shut out while striking out eight and giving up three hits on March 20 against visiting Boerne Champion. JD Dunlap and Pete D’Alesssandro led the team with two hits each. Gaspard, Zach Young and Justin Taylor each had a hit.

Road trip a success for Tiger lacrosse SUBMITTED REPORT

The Dripping Springs High boys lacrosse team traveled to Houston over the weekend to play Memorial High School and Kingwood High School in two competitive, non-district games.

The Tigers went 3-0 Saturday with all three squads coming out victorious. The Division 1 Varsity Tigers beat the Mustangs 12-4. Leading the offensive charge was Connor Jamail with five goals and one assist. Also

contributing was Ryan Thomas with three goals and an assist, Gabe Reno, Cristian Reno, and Brayden Glass each with a goal and an assist, Charles Hunt with a goal, and Alex Schlab and Pierce Walker with an assist each. Defender Jakob Joy was key in shutting down the Memorial offensive with five positive turnovers and three defensive stick checks. The face-off duo of Alex Schlab and Logan Heinchon won a combined 14 of 18 possessions at the center circle. Addi-

tionally, the Tiger JV team won by a score of 9-4, while the Division 2 team beat the Mustangs 10-2.

Sunday the Tigers faced the Humble Kingwood Mustangs. Winning with a score of 13-6, the varsity Tigers played a physical game against their opponent. Cristian Reno led the offense with four goals and an assist. Also posting points for the Tigers were Gabe Reno and Ryan Thomas with two goals and an assist each, Connor Jamail with one goal and two assists,

Pierce Walker, Charlie Pouland, and Brayden Glass with a goal each, and Ryan Watterson and Joseph Guzaldo each with assists. Defensively, Goalie Connor Mogen had 13 saves in the pipes, and Jakob Joy had four positive turnovers with four defensive stick checks. Prior to the varsity game, the junior varsity team lost to Kingwood JV 6-13.

The Tigers are back in action, at home, this Thursday, March 29th as they face district foe Bowie High School.

Worship in a church of your choice Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.

St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church

Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM

PHOTO BY WAYLAND CLARK

Heavy hitters beat Panthers

Danielle Northrup had a 3-1 count when she hit this home run in the bottom of the first inning against visiting Medina Valley.

Ryann Campbell, who has five home runs on the season, had just hit a home run before Northrup’s blast over the right-center field wall. The Lady Tigers won 14-1.

Sunday Morning

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Page 4

News-Dispatch

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Education

DSISD to hold meetings for May bond package SUBMITTED REPORT

Dripping Springs ISD will hold two community meetings to share factual information about the bond referendum that will be on the May 5 ballot.

Meetings will be held Tuesday, April 3, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the Administration Building and Tuesday, April 17 in the Rooster Springs Elementary Caf-

eteria. At both meetings, a video presentation summarizing the bond package will be shared, and Superintendent Bruce Gearing will be available for a question-and-answer session.

The proposed $132 million bond referendum includes funding for expansion of Dripping Springs High School to capacity for 2,500 students, construction of a new elementary school

Meetings will be held Tuesday, April 3, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the Administration Building and Tuesday, April 17 in the Rooster Springs Elementary Cafeteria.

No. 5, construction of a new Walnut Springs Elementary adjacent to Dripping Springs Middle School, conversion of the current WSE campus

into space for the district administration and daycare facility, miscellaneous projects at Dripping Springs Middle School, Dripping Springs

Elementary and Rooster Springs Elementary, turf and track improvements at Dripping Springs High School and Dripping Springs Middle School, improvements and expansion of the District Transportation facility, district-wide technology infrastructure improvements and maintenance upgrades, and land acquisition.

Approval of the bond is not expected to re-

sult in a change to the current tax rate, which is $1.52 ($1.17-Maintenance & Operations/$0.35 Interest & Sinking) per $100 of certified property value.

Actual property tax bills are a product of the tax rate and the appraised property value.

Dr. Gearing also is presenting to various school-related and civic organizations at scheduled meetings.

UIL to implement tackling certification for football coaches SUBMITTED REPORT The University Interscholastic League (UIL) and the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) have worked collaboratively to take an unprecedented step forward to make football a safer sport.

In October 2017, the UIL Legislative Council passed a rule requiring every Texas high school and junior high school football coach to become certified in teaching tackling as a part of the official UIL Coaches Certification Program beginning with the 2018-19 school year.

With this new measure, UIL has made Texas the first in the country to implement a mandatory statewide tackling certification program for all football coaches.

In a joint effort between UIL and THSCA to raise standards and improve safety, Atavus Sports was selected as the exclusive provider to oversee and administer the certification process statewide.

Atavus Sports is a Seattle-based organization focused on tackling techniques and tackle data analytics. The primary objective of this collaboration is to enhance Texas High School football by providing best practices in tackling training for all football coaches and keeping athletes who play the game safer.

“The UIL Legislative Council was overwhelmingly in favor of supporting this measure,” said Dr. Charles Breithaupt, Executive Director of the University Interscholas-

certification. The second option, available beginning April 1, 2019, is an online platform, which allows coaches to achieve certification at their own pace but consists of a similar educational presentation and final assessment.

“Being from Texas and a former football coach in the state, this means a lot to me,” said Rex Norris, Headof Football for Atavus Sports. “A dominant tackle is a safer tackle, and we are excited to get to work helping coaches teach tackling techniques that will benefit their players and improve their team’s performance.”

Atavus has spent the past five years educating coaches and players of all skill levels, working with elite college football programs across the country such as Michigan State University, Rutgers University, The University of Washington, Ohio State University, The University of Nebraska and more. At the high school level in Texas, Atavus has worked with a number of schools, including Sulphur Springs, Waxahachie and Brownwood High.

“We know that Texas is widely regarded as the pinnacle of high school football,” said Karen Bryant, CEO of Atavus Sports. “We’re thrilled they have decided to take action and lead the way in recognizing that tackling is an important part of the game. We certainly hope that other states follow Texas’s lead and implement similar certification processes in their organizations.”

PHOTO BY WAYLAND CLARK, WWW. WFOTOS.COM

Dripping Springs wide receiver Johnny Hoyle escapes from a Hays Rebel defender during a 2017 game at Shelton Stadium.

Coaches in 2019 will be required to take workshops on tackling safety.

“The UIL Legislative Council was overwhelmingly in favor of supporting this measure. We view the addition of a mandatory tackling certification for football coaches as a positive educational extension that will ultimately improve the game and the welfare of our students.”

–Dr. Charles Breithaupt, Executive Director of the University Interscholastic League

tic League. “We view the addition of a mandatory tackling certification for football coaches as a positive educational extension that will ultimately improve the game and the welfare of our students.”

Preventing injuries is paramount for all coaches

and players, and we felt that as an organization it was our duty to seek out the best possible solutions to keeping our players safe.”

The certification process for coaches begins in July 2018 and will be available in two formats

“The game is changing, and we have to be willing to change with it,” said D.W. Rutledge, Executive Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association. “By implementing a mandatory tackling certification, we’re continuing our legacy in

Texas as leaders in high school football and taking necessary steps to move the game forward.”

The first option is an on-site training offered

by THSCA, consisting of a presentation followed by a live assessment that must be passed to receive

Sycamore Springs ES/MS honored with Rain Catcher Award SUBMITTED REPORT

PHOTO BY GRACE VASICEK

4-H completes service project

Dripping Springs 4-H Club completed its latest service project March 3. Club members helped with landscaping at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park where, under the direction of local master gardeners, they weeded and planted beds, and helped improve drainage in the landscaped areas around the event center.

Women

IN BUSINESS Shine a spotlight on your business with the News-Dispatch Women in Business directory.

Contact Leon at 512-827-7961 for more information.

The Sycamore Springs Elementary/Sycamore Springs Middle School rainwater collection system has been chosen as one of five recipients of the Texas Water Development Board’s Rain Catcher Award. The TWDB Rain Catcher Award is a rainwater harvesting competition and recognition program established to promote technology, educate the public, and

make the move.™

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to recognize excellence in the application of rainwater harvesting systems in Texas.

The rainwater collection system has been in operation since the two schools opened in August 2017. The schools employ three separate rainwater harvesting systems: two of the systems are used to supply water for toilet flushing and the third system is used to supply irrigation water. Each toilet flushing system has

the potential to harvest approximately 200,000 gallons of rainwater during an average year of rainfall for Dripping Springs. The system that supplies water for the irrigation system can harvest approximately 160,000 gallons of rainwater during an average year of rainfall.

The Sycamore Springs campus was designed

by Huckabee Architects and built by Lee Lewis Construction.

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Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Dripping Springs slow on transition to home rule

BY KATERINA BARTON

Transitioning from general law to home rule is still on the horizon for Dripping Springs, but the city has not yet begun any actions.

Dripping Springs is currently a general law city, which means the city’s powers are limited

by Texas statutes. A city with home rule has the the full power of self-governance, as long as it is not contrary to federal or state law. Home rule cities abide by a charter that is created for the municipality.

“When you are in home rule, you have a little bit more authority over aspects of growth, annexation becomes a little eas-

ier, but not a whole lot, and it would help with transportation tremendously,” Mayor Pro Tem Bill Foulds said.

As of a 2016 U.S. Census estimate, the population of Dripping Springs is 3,140. A population of 5,000 is required for a city to transition to home rule.

City Administrator Michelle Fischer says that the city reports all building permits to the Census Bureau in order for them to make an estimate on the population and the city is waiting to get the next estimate to see if the transition is possible.

But Foulds says the city does not initiate the process, the citizens do.

“To go to home rule

Dripping Springs is currently a general law city, which means the city’s powers are limited by Texas statutes. A city with home rule has the the full power of selfgovernance, as long as it is not contrary to federal or state law.

the city is not the driving force behind that, the citizens have to request that in an election,” he said.

Within the city’s adopted 2016 comprehensive plan, one of the goals outlines a 15 month and three action timeline for the steps to be taken before becoming home rule.

Once the city ap-

proaches the home rule population threshold, the goals state that city staff and the city attorney should, “(First) determine key issues, challenges, and opportunities that will arise from becoming home rule, (second) establish process and anticipated timeline for transition, (third) develop

ICE Detention: Neighbors plea for release of resident Continued from pg. 1

Hays County Sheriff’s Office releases these folks to ICE. I think it’s unfortunate,” Sullivan said.

“It’s supposedly the law, but there are other counties and cities where this protocol isn’t followed like it is here.”

According to Garcia’s family members, troubles began Feb. 11 when Garcia confronted her sister, whom she learned had an affair with her husband. At some point during the confrontation, Garcia allegedly struck her sister.

However, the full extent of the alleged assault is unknown.

Amelia Gayosso, a Wimberley resident for 20 years and a friend of Garcia, said Garcia “collaborated with everyone” and gave her side of the story. However, both Garcia and Gayosso felt it was “awkward” to go before a judge on Feb. 24.

Gayosso said when Garcia complied and went before the judge

outreach and education program for residents to inform them of implications of home rule.”

Some of Dripping Springs’ surrounding communities have also transitioned from general law to home rule as they have grown. Buda became a home rule city in 2007 and the City of Bee Cave became home rule in 2013. The cities of Rollingwood and Sunset Valley are both still general law cities. Driftwood remains an unincorporated community outside of Dripping Springs.

Roughly 30,000 residents live outside of the city in Dripping Springs’ extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), however, general law cities cannot

force annexation into the city.

Property can only be annexed by request of the owner, which means the city probably will not get the extra population they need from the ETJ. “We’re always happy to have people be brought in, but they have to request it,” Fischer said.

There are a few subdivisions within the city limits currently under development, and once those houses are built and have people living in them, the city might have the population it needs, but that process still might take a few years.

“I think we’re probably 3 to 5 years out, that’s just a guess, there’s no way to tell. It could happen.”

Candidates Forum Continued from pg. 1

she discovered there was a warrant for her arrest.

Garcia was informed she should turn herself in.

Garcia was booked into the Hays County Jail Feb. 24 for assault family violence, which is a Class A misdemeanor.

Alma, a relative of Garcia’s who asked not to use her last name, said the family was told on Feb. 24 they could pay a fine and Garcia would be released.

“When we went to pay the fine, the person in charge said, ‘Oh, no.

She’s not going to get out because of ICE and it’s in their hands,” Alma said. “No one told us. She couldn’t give us a call or anything or allow us to talk to her anymore.”

Since then, Alma, Gayosso, Sullivan and many others began fighting to get Garcia out of custody.

For Sullivan, the case was the second he and members of Wimberley Indivisible, a Democratic advocacy group, have

taken up. In January, Victor Avedano-Ramirez, a Wimberley resident and an undocumented person, was arrested for two outstanding misdemeanor warrants; Avedano was later placed into an ICE detention facility before he was released on bond.

Sullivan said Wimberley Indivisible is reaching out to Rep. Roger Williams (R-Austin) and Will Hurd (R-San Antonio) to get assistance getting Garcia out of custody.

They’ve also asked for help from Rep. Beto O’Rourke as well.

Wimberley Indivisible and Garcia’s family and friends have also organized petitions for her release. That includes gathering more than 100 signatures from supporters so far.

Longtime Wimberley resident Mary Gilroy said she and others are trying to humanize those who might be in Garcia’s situation.

“These are people who have lived here for 10 to 20 years. This is their home. There is no other home for them to go to,” Gilroy said.

Alma, who is a child of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, said what happened to Garcia increases her level of concern. It also bolsters her desire to oppose anti-immigration legislation.

“I cannot imagine that she would do something like that, but that’s nothing compared to what other people do.

Not saying other people need to be there (in ICE detention) or anything,” Alma said. “But it was just anger. I think she realized she didn’t have to do that.”

Hays County Sheriff’s office spokesperson said the office followed its own protocol in such cases. However, ICE determines if a detainer should be issued.

Bell-Metereau said her approach to policy would be to have patience and persistence, seeking out experts to help educate and learn about the issues.

An author of four books and university professor for three decades, Bell-Metereau said she is educated but will focus on learning.

“I will be someone who will know how to seek out expert help when it is needed,” Bell-Metereau.

“I’m not going to pretend like I know everything going in.”

Zweiner, Democratic candidate for Texas House of Representatives District 45, said she will look to find bi-partisan support from her colleagues across the aisle, putting aside her personal feelings.

“I’m good at learning the rules,” Zweiner said.

“I see myself as someone who will excel in picking battles. There is a bit of a game to it.”

Healthcare was another big point of discussion and both candidates agreed that universal healthcare for citizens is both economically and ethically feasible.

Bell-Metereau said Medicaid expansion is essential, citing the need to provide healthcare coverage for people regardless of their economic status to ensure a better quality of life for all.

“Our citizens are one hospital bill away from bankruptcy,” Zweiner said. “We need universal healthcare for all of our citizens.”

When asked how each candidate differs from their opponent, Zweiner said, unlike her opponent, she believes in young people.

“We need to empower people,” Zweiner said.

“We can’t approach the younger generation as we have all the answers and expect them to come to us. We need to ask what’s important to you.”

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