May 27, 2020 News-Dispatch

MAY 27, 2020 EMBLEMISHED

TOP MOMENTS

Wimberley ISD says it won’t take action against parents over misuse of emblem.

Remembering the top moment in high school sports pre-COVID-19.

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News-Dispatch © Barton Publications, Inc.

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Vol. 126 • No. 7

HaysNewsDispatch.com

Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX

District mourns loss of Hays High School senior

The Hays CISD is mourning the loss of 18-year-old Malik Marquez, died unexpectedly last night while playing basketball with friends May 21.

“This is clearly very sad news for the Hays Rebel community and for his friends and family,” Hays High School Principal David Pierce relayed in a message to parents. “Malik was a member of the Hays High School Class of 2020, and was set to graduate this year.”

Pierce said that although they are not “physically in school,” there are crisis counselors available to talk with students and staff members who need support. “The

PHOTO BY ANITA MILLER

Memorial Day Observance Cadet Girl Scout Michaela Seitz enlisted fellow scouts from four troops including 1509 on Monday morning to place small U.S. flags around the pond the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center in observance of Memorial Day. Robert Price, Michael Deaver and Rhuben Hair, members of VFW Post 12058 brought a full-size flag to the event. The men had earlier placed flags on the graves of war dead at the Kyle Cemetery.

loss of a friend or peer can trigger different emotional responses in teens,”Pierce wrote.

“Please keep Malik’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Our hearts are very heavy.”

Pierce said those seeking a counselor can school the Hays Hopeline or visit https:// www.hayscisd.net/ hopeline. “ Please If you are so inclined, stop and send a well wish, healing thoughts, prayer to this young man’s family, a Hays CISD teacher posted on Facebook.

“What should have been parties, family time and happiness is replaced with unimaginable loss.”

Kinder Morgan Pipeline ruptures SAWS water project

BY ANITA MILLER

Cole Springs project annexed

BY SAHAR CHMAIS

After months of deliberation about The Colony at Cole Springs development, city council members have annexed the project on a first but not final reading.

The overall development gave council members pause during its first phases, where they questioned bridge costs and its permit approvals, development zoning, increased traffic concerns, water and wastewater, land acquisitions and more. After the developers worked through the main issues and met the city’s standards, city council agreed to annex the

Call it a case of two pipelines coming together – though not in a way either one wanted.

Contractors building Kinder Morgan’s Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP) on May 21 punctured the Vista Ridge Pipeline, a project of the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) built to deliver water from the Carrizo Aquifer in Burleson County to thirsty Bexar County.

The puncture was described by SAWS official Steve Clouse, who was quoted in a Rivard Report story about the incident, as a “pinhole” that allowed about

The puncture was described as a “pinhole” that allowed about 60,000 gallons of water to escape.

60,000 gallons of water to escape.

It reportedly happened in a rural area about two and a half miles south of Uhland.

According to the SAWS web site, the water line

KINDER MORGAN, 11

News-Dispatch Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: anita@bartonpublicationsinc.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com

COLONY AT COLE SPRINGS, 9

Still Budaful 2.0 to provide $350,000 to local businesses

BY SAHAR CHMAIS

PATIENCE

Farm vehicle drivers experience impatient drivers.

– Page 8

INDEX

from the first and second phase, the Still Budaful 2.0 is on city of Buda will have its way to bring Buda granted its businesses businesses a second $730,000. Funding will wave of loans and be different this time; grants and, this time, Buda’s small business the regulations are more task force decided inclusive. to pull back some The new phase will regulations, allowing grant a total of $250,000 more businesses to and also opens a loan apply. Unlike the grants, opportunity totaling which are restricted to $100,000. Combining businesses within the the money allocated city limits, the loans

portion is expanded to businesses in the ETJ. Traci Anderson, director of the Buda Economic Developments Corporation, said the task force is trying to encompass a lot of businesses not included in the first round.

The program has gotten attention from

STILL BUDAFUL, 13

COVID-19 Count……… 2 Police Blotter…………… 8 School News…………… 9 Sports………………… 10

113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysnewsdispatch.com 512-268-7862 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton News Editor Anita Miller Sports Editor Moses Leos III Reporters Camelia Juarez, Sahar Chmais Columnists Bartee Haile, Pauline Tom, Clint Younts Proofreaders Jane Kirkham

Marketing Director Tracy Mack Marketing Specialist James Darby Production Manager David White Production Assistant Elizabeth Garcia Office Manager Verna Wommack Circulation/Classifieds David White, Verna Wommack Distribution Kimberlee Griffon

The News-Dispatch (USPS 011-401) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610.

Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610.

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Service Directory…… 11 Public Notices……… 12 Classifieds…………… 12

NEWS

5

25 25 20 20

Female Male

15 15 10 10 55 00

200

0-9 0-9yrs yrs

10-19 yrs 20-29 yrs 30-39 yrs 40-49 40-49yrs. yrs 50-59 50-59 yrs 60-69 60-69 70-79 >80 10-19 yrs.

20-29 yrs.

30-39 yrs. yrs. yrs.yrs 70-79 yrs.yrs > 80 yrs.yrs

300 300

Added cases Confirmed cases

180

250 250

17

Active cases

165165167 160

Total deaths

160

Total hospitalizations

200 200

140 135 125127 121 117

150 150

120

109 103

100

100 100

80

152

147

Current hospitalizations

140

50 50

60

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52 0

302

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7 01

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Mountain City Mountain City Kyle Kyle Hays Hays

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Springs Driftw ood Driftwood Buda Buda Bear Creek Bear Creek Austin*

Austin

Kyle selects firm to educate residents about bond election

BY ANITA MILLER

The Kyle City Council’s selection of a public relations firm to promote a November bond election for a new police station should signal to the community the urgency of the need.

Council selected the Austin-based firm of Buie & Company on May 19. The contract is for a base amount not to exceed $75,000 to provide “community education and engagement.” The task force charged with recommending a firm also suggested adding a $10,000 contingency fee, which was also approved.

Mayor Pro Tem Rick Koch, who was a member of the task force, and council member Dex Ellison, who was not, were both optimistic about the prospects of the bond passing, even given the uncertainty still clouding the future because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“No doubt about it, there’s a level of unease and uncertainty surrounding the economic impact, but I think that’s pretty much across the board nationwide,” Koch told the Hays Free Press.

“We have to decide as a community where we are.

I think Kyle is in position to rebound quickly. We’re in a growth market. When dollars start flowing again the areas they’ll flow to most quickly are growth markets.”

Ellison noted that the journey to the bond election actually started in the summer of 2018, when he, council member

Alex Villalobos and Mayor Travis Mitchell toured the crammed quarters police now operate out of.

After that, “we had a really frank discussion about the status of our police facility,” Ellison said.

So far, the city has spent more than $200,000 on temporary fixes.

Initially, the idea was for a bond election in 2019 but they decided to put it off a year to, in Ellison’s words, “do our due diligence and get our ducks in a row.”

Also, he said voter turnout would be higher in a Presidential election year, giving the city a clearer idea of what residents want.

Koch noted that there’s no dollar figure attached to the bond election yet but that engineering has been paid for and land acquisition is underway — which makes this election different from the 2015 one approved by voters for a variety of road projects. “I think at the end of the day we’re looking at mid-$30 million, but it will be a police station they will be able to grow into for three or four decades.”

Both men said they believe voters will get behind the effort.

“I want to make sure when this thing goes to ballot voters are as informed as they possibly can be,” Ellison said.

He stressed that Buie & Company will be limited to an educational campaign because tax dollars can’t be used for an “advocational” campaign. “The next step is to sit down with them and really get our ducks in

a row,” he said, adding he expects the company to “hit the ground running.”

“The message from the people was we’ve done enough shifting of our police department around,” Koch said.

“We’ll find out come November if we got the right message … We are expecting a ‘yes’ vote. If they say ‘no’ we will go back to the drawing board (but) I don’t foresee that happening necessarily.’

Because of all the work already done, Koch said he believes dirt could be turned in about two weeks after the Nov. 3 election, and the new facility could be complete in 14 to 16 months. He said the residents of Kyle deserve to see something happen quickly.

The only roadblock he sees is if the coronavirus situation takes a big turn for the worse. “Unless the economy gets unbearably bad with the economy and job losses locally, something that’s just not sustainable. The beauty is, we have until November.”

In an update to the council prior to the vote, Police Chief Jeff Barnett said the task force had received 15 “well written” responses from firms hoping to serve as construction manager at risk to oversee construction.

“We received, reviewed and scored them and conducted interviews with the top three candidates earlier .... The next step is to negotiate a contract,” he said, something he hopes to bring for council consideration during its first meeting in June.

0

0

10 10

20 20

3030

40 40

50 50

60 60

Courts in Hays County may begin some functions June 1

BY ANITA MILLER While the coronavirus didn’t entirely stop the wheels of justice from turning in Hays County, efforts to slow the spread of the highly contagious disease have slowed their turning somewhat.

Some functions are due to reopen June 1, along with county buildings. In part to avoid an avalanche when full court functions resume, a lot of the work has been ongoing during and beyond Gov. Greg Abbott’s stay-at-home order.

“My clerks and I have not closed the office and have been here every day,” said Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Beth Smith, “so we are caught up with filings, payments and whatever else the public could do telephonically, electronically or visually.”

When her office does reopen to the public, Smith said customers will be required to wear masks and social distancing markers will be in place. “Lobby customers will be limited, so there may be a bit of a wait.”

Smith’s office, like the county’s other justices of the peace, handles evictions, truancy cases, civil cases up to $10,000, traffic and other Class C misdemeanor cases and conducts inquests.

Regarding felony offenses, District Attorney Wes Mau said

The Office of Court Administration says “all reasonable efforts” should be used to conduct proceedings remotely with the exception of jury trials and that non-essential in-person proceedings “of any size” are delayed until June 1.

Essential proceedings “should occur in person only if holding the proceedings remotely is not possible or practical.” the grand jury has for the most part continued to meet. “While a couple of the March and April sessions were canceled to avoid violating the social distancing restrictions in place at that time, the Supreme Court’s more recent orders have been permitting remote teleconferencing for grand jurors, and we have been proceeding in accordance with those provisions.”

Mau said more than 375 indictments have been issued since April 1.

While jury trials have been on hold, courts “have been conducting a limited number of Zoom hearings to resolve some cases,” Mau said. “I understand that the courts are currently preparing a plan for resumption of in-person hearings after June 1 in accordance with instructions and guidance from the Office of Court Administration (OCA).

On its website, the OCA says “all reasonable efforts” should be used to conduct proceedings remotely with the exception of jury trials and that non-essential in-person proceedings “of any size” are delayed until June 1. Essential proceedings “should occur in person only if holding the proceedings remotely is not possible or practical.” The OCA defines essential proceedings as “criminal magistration, CPS removal and adversary hearings, temporary restraining orders and injunctions, juvenile detention hearings, family violence and other protective orders and specialty court proceedings.

When essential proceedings must be held in person, no more than 10 persons will be allowed in the courtroom and participants must wear face coverings and practice social distancing.

9

3-May

5 1 2-May

1-May

30-Apr

27-Apr

26-Apr

25-Apr

24-Apr

23-Apr

4 1

8

5 55 5 5 1 1 1 10 12 45

29-Apr

7

28-Apr

14

22-Apr

21-Apr

20-Apr

19-Apr

18-Apr

17-Apr

16-Apr

15-Apr

13-Apr

0

12-Apr

9-Apr

0 0 02 0

12 14 14 14 14 10 10 8 8 6 4 44 44 4 4 45 1 2 1 1 1 12 1 1 0 1 1 2 10

7

5

14-Apr

16

5

8-Apr

4-Apr

02

3-Apr

1-Apr

31-Mar

30-Mar

29-Mar

0 02 0 0

2-Apr

4

3

28-Mar

7

11-Apr

Total

10-Apr

Active

7-Apr

32

10

27-Mar

26-Mar

02 02 02 25-Mar

23-Mar

7 01

22-Mar

Uhland

Uhland

6 01

21-Mar

Wimberley 5 32 11 0 Wimberley 0 0 02

13 9 11

28

42

6-Apr

24 16 18

Woodcreek

Woodcreek

24-Mar

20

38

41 43 43

5-Apr

40

20-Mar

definitely speeds up the process because we don’t have to manually enter data,” Raven said. “Our staff is working diligently either at the office or at home.”

The protest appeal process remains the same and only protested property appraisals might change.

“There has to be a law to change the way we appraise properties and, so far, that hasn’t happened,” Raven said.

Several Texas lawmakers sent a letter to Abbott asking the Texas State

Legislature “to suspend any raises, interest and penalties on Texas property taxes for the current taxable year.”

Raven said the tax bill can be different for everyone depending on applied new exemptions and tax rates, which are set by local governments.

Local governmental entity tax rates are usually set during the summer when budgets are set in time for the next fiscal year.

In a press conference addressing the letter from lawmakers, Abbott said he encourages local government officials not flip the coronavirus tab on taxpayers.

“Property owners shouldn’t be saddled with rising property taxes while dealing with a pandemic,” Abbott said. “As a result, local governments, who set property tax rates, should find ways to reduce the tax burden on Texans. Whether we’re facing times of challenge or times of prosperity – raising taxes on the people of Texas is never the answer.”

115

30 30

19-Mar

Property appraisals will stay the same as they were assessed in January 2020 even as Gov. Gregg Abbott encourages local governments not to raise property tax rates.

The average taxable value, minus any exemptions, increased 8.76 percent, according to figures released by the Hays Central Appraisal District.

Each year, the Hays County Appraisal District sends out notices to property owners, as is customary across the state. Property owners have 30 days to contest the appraisals, and this year, the deadline was May 15.

Hays County Chief Appraiser Laura Raven said despite COVID-19 they are opening appeals at the same rate as last year.

So far, more than 14,000 appeals have been filed.

Last year there were about 22,000 protest appeals, but this year she expects to exceed that number.

“More than half the appeals were sent online or through email and that

So far, more than 14,000 appeals have been open for record. Last year there were about 22,000 protest appeals, but this year she expects to exceed that number.

3

Currently hospitalized

35 35

18-Mar

BY CAMELIA JUAREZ

Active Cases

40 40

17-Mar

What happens to appraisals and taxes after COVID

Deaths

279

16-Mar

his injuries.

The three children, aged 7, 8 and 9, were taken to Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin and were said late Sunday morning to be in “critical, non-stable condition.” The two other children, aged 8 and 0, weren’t hurt. Also taken to Ascension Seton in Kyle were adults Dorothy Stinson and Eric Cooper.

Investigation is ongoing. Police said speed and a blown tire are believed to have been factors.

15-Mar

Marcos Police the SUV left the roadway and rolled Two adults are dead and multiple times before three children in critical landing on the access condition following a road. Only the driver, rollover collision along identified as Tamera Tynorthbound Interstate 35 chelle Gordley, was wearin San Marcos Saturday. ing seatbelt and, police The five adults and five said, she was the only one children traveling in the not ejected.

2002 Ford Explorer were Pronounced dead at said to be from San Antothe scene was Destiny nio and en route to a fami- Bridges, 24. Sean Thomply gathering in Austin. son, 31, husband of At approximately 8:42 Gordley, was transported p.m. near the 200 mile to Ascension Seton Hays marker, witnesses told San in Kyle but succumbed to

Confirmed cases

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STAFF REPORT

Hays County COVID-19 Statistics • as of May 21

14-Mar

Two killed in vehicle rollover in San Marcos

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 27, 2020

13-Mar

Page 2

Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “He was passing everybody in the turn lane blowing past and shooting the finger.

The cop pulled him over – it was the greatest day of my life.”

–Buzz Mayfield, owner of Mayfield Hay & Cattle on lack of driver patience when it comes to farm vehicles on the road. Story on page 8.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 27, 2020

Page 3

Ready for a mail-in ballot Hip Czech

by Cyndy Slovak-Barton

I

had a scary moment on Monday, thinking that the run-off election was Tuesday, May 26.

Don’t worry, the election has been delayed until July 14, with early voting to begin on July 6.

There are a few races that need deciding. For example, the Democratic race between former Air Force helicopter pilot MJ Hegar and state Sen. Royce West of Dallas is just one hotly contested race.

In Hays County, Democrats will be voting for the party chair between incumbent Donna Haschke and Angela Villescaz.

On the Republican side, while it is not only in Hays County, Republicans will be deciding between attorney Kent “Bud” Wymore, former Hays High graduate, and Carrie Isaac of Wimberley.

But why should a run-off scare me?

Because of COVID-19, nothing more.

COVID-19 cases in Hays County are certainly not stable. As of Saturday, the number of active cases in Hays County sits at 109. That’s up 49 cases from the previous week. Total confirmed cases?

270.

So it’s not without fear that any of us should want to stand in a long line, waiting to vote.

Even by the July date, there is still a probability the pandemic will remain and that COVID-19 will be prevalent.

So why not allow voting by mail-in ballots? That’s a big controversy and a dividing mark between most Democrats and some Republicans.

Republicans don’t want to allow any more mail-in ballots, while Democrats want to allow full mail-in balloting.

A lot of states already allow mail-in ballots. Ohio allowed all voters to cast their ballots by mail during its March 17 primary because of pandemic concerns.

Maryland went ahead and sent paper ballots to all voters.

Other states with this kind of option?

Delware, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and North Dakota, to name a few.

California was set to try a mail-in system for the November election, but National Republicans have sued, trying to stop this option.

However, when you look at national polls, they show that a majority of Americans – including 57 percent of Republicans – want the option of a mail-in ballot during this pandemic.

The Republicans suing California argue that voting by mail causes more fraud.

But that is not true. Most states already allow mail-in ballots – for the elderly, for the sick, for those living out of the country, for college students living away from home, for those serving in the military. All of those citizens already use a mail-in ballot, so why the argument against mail ballots?

Those Republicans fear that mail-in ballots tend to benefit the Democrats.

However, there isn’t really any evidence of that. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, Utah, considered a Republican state, allows mail-in ballots, as does Colorado, which swings back and forth between the two parties. In addition, many Republican secretaries of state want mail-in voting during the pandemic.

We need to be able to vote and we need to stay safe. We need to know that we will not have to stand next to someone who has COVID-19 and doesn’t even know it.

No matter how much election officials clean in-person voting machines between each voter, it is not perfect.

Nothing right now is perfect, but at very least the mail-in ballot system allows voters a chance of participating in our government, without adding to the growing number pandemic cases.

Allow ballot by mail. That’s what is needed this year.

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If you think it’s news, we probably do too!

• Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress.com • Mail: 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640

CORRECTIONS

Restrictions highlight blessings we take for granted

W

hat The Bogota Post got right about America before COVID-19 rings just as true during the pandemic – maybe even more true.

In a May 2019 article, “The List of Things Americans Take for Granted,” the newspaper examined some of the freedoms and blessings that too many Americans forget they have.

Amid the pandemic – as we all get a taste of having some of our freedoms curtailed – perhaps it should be easier to remember how good we’ve had it.

Free speech is one right we ought never take for granted.

“As we have seen recently in America, political tensions are running at an all-time high,” reported The Post. “But people are entitled to their opinion and in America, you can express this without fear of repercussions … .”

Some refer to our leaders with vulgar, crass expressions. Some make allegations about politicians that facts don’t support.

Others – a regrettably small percentage – take the high

Our two-party system has its flaws, but, said The Post, “some countries have a one-party system where you can only vote for canby Tom didates who stand for that Purcell party. Other countries don’t even (have) an illusion of road by making reasoned democracy – they have a arguments about what they dictator in charge and his think of ideas or policies. or her word is what makes Whatever Americans say the law.” publicly or post on social Comparing the U.S. media, nobody fears govto developing countries, ernment hit squads kicking The Post noted that clean down their doors in the tap water and abundant middle of the night. electricity are taken for Try that in many other granted. Both result from countries and see what the freedoms that unleash happens. massive wealth creation.

“In China, Thailand or, as Our economic horsepower has recently been seen in funds massive projects that Hong Kong, expressing your deliver power and drinking political views, even in a water across our great land. diplomatic way, can lead to Before COVID-19 did a your imprisonment or even number on our economy, worse, the death penalty,” some Americans took abunreported The Post. dant jobs for granted. Our Another right too many robust free markets enabled Americans take for granted entrepreneurs to innovate, is voting – choosing our creating jobs that enabled government’s leaders and millions to thrive. policies.

Earlier generations The integrity of the vote is were happy just to have a central to a well-functioning good-paying job. Today’s republic. It lets us settle our Americans can choose differences at the ballot box, paths that are meaningful to not on the battlefield. them. Don’t like what you’re

Guest Column

doing? Try something else – open a restaurant, start an online business, get training for the job you want.

The Post article captures well the great irony of America: The better off we become, the more we complain about how bad things are.

“Americans often take for granted these freedoms and privileges and with social media and a consumerist society it is easy to feel unhappy with what you haven’t got rather than what you have got.”

Exactly. COVID-19 is temporarily restricting some of our freedoms and blessings.

Let’s make sure they’re fully restored when that challenge has ended.

Let’s make sure we preserve them for future generations to fully experience and appreciate.

Tom Purcell, author of “Misadventures of a 1970’s Childhood,” a humorous memoir available at amazon.com, is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist.

Tom@TomPurcell.com

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NEWS

Page 4

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 27, 2020

Dispatcher co-location site to be ready by September

BY CAMELIA JUAREZ

Dispatchers have begun preparing software for the connected dispatcher system at the new Hays County co-location site.

Since its inception in 2017, Kyle Police Department (KPD) and Hays County Sheriff office officials planned to move in to the new emergency communication center

by August and no later than September.

Buda Police Department, KPD and the sheriff’s office will be able to share information sooner and be on the same

dispatcher system, which means more efficient response to 911 calls.

Lt. Mike Mallow with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office said the coronavirus pushed back software training, but dispatcher training will continue in July – a month later than expected.

By August, dispatchers will go live with the new software provided

by Tyler Technology.

Depending on construction timelines, once the building located behind the government center in San Marcos is completed, dispatchers will move into the new building.

Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said the dispatch division will go live with the new system in August and move into the new co-Location building 30 days later.

Mallow expects the office transition to be seamless and not affect 911 responses.

“On the day of movein, the night shift will complete their shift at the old building and the day shift will begin at the new building, right at six in the morning,” Mallow said.

Kyle police expect to

be moved into the new Hays County co-location center by August and the dispatcher division has begun preparing the new dispatcher system.

Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said the dispatch division will go live with the new system in August and move into the new co-Location building 30 days later.

Survey reveals priorities of Kyle residents

BY ANITA MILLER It’s an admittedly small sample, but Kyle city leaders are taking what they can from a recent survey of residents.

Tatum Trout, a management intern with the city, briefed members of the council at its May 19 meeting.

The 549 responses represent about 4 percent of households assuming one respondent per household; or about 1 percent assuming more than one response per household.

Topics covered included how satisfied residents are with current city services, how they rank those services and what council priorities should be over the coming year.

AMONG THE FINDINGS: • Project and expenditures priority.

Respondents said their top concern (56 percent) is resurfacing streets; next (47 percent) is repairing

sidewalks. Old City Hall renovations came in at the bottom with only 11 percent of respondents.

• Public safety.

Adequate lighting was mentioned by 57 percent of respondents.

Keeping traffic low was mentioned by 51 percent. Lowest on the list of priorities was maintaining a strong relationship with the offices of Hays County Sheriff and constables.

• Infrastructure and capital improvements.

Developing additional water resources headed up the list at 52 percent. Exploring multiple modes of transportation like pedestrian and bike lanes drew 51 percent. The third most mentioned area was green and environmental infrastructure at 44 percent.

• Business growth.

Some 58 percent of respondents ranked developing quality

jobs locally first; with developing a mixture of dining and retail options second at 54 percent. Revitalization of Kyle’s downtown came in with 36 percent.

• Community development and image. Maintaining a clean and beautiful community topped the list with 60 percent of respondents. Next was education and quality schools at 54 percent.

Community pride drew only 25 percent.

• Quality of life. Most respondents (67 percent) listed an affordable lifestyle first.

Next was maintaining a family-friendly feeling at 57 percent. Providing senior housing opportunities drew 20 recent of respondents.

The survey also included some openended questions.

Regarding recreational activities or events residents would like to see, mentions were for trails, parks, cultural

events, a recreation center, skate park and an enhanced farmers market.

The top retail or dining operations residents would like to see are local “sit-down” restaurants with less fast food, diverse culinary options like Indian, Chinese and Italian, a healthy grocery store and book and activity stores.

“We don’t want to give our team too many new things to learn at once.

Once they have been trained and comfortable with the new software then we can get familiar with the new building,” Barnett said.

While they wait, dispatchers are manually filling in street addresses and other local back-end information into the Enterprise system to make it easier for dispatcher use in the future.

“This new system will allow calls to flow seamlessly for users and law enforcement. From a law enforcement perspective,

it will make sharing valuable information quicker,” Barnett said.

The same company, Tyler Technology, that created the new dispatch system is also now responsible for the Kyle PD’s ticket writers.

Barnett explained that officers’ ticket writers only have the option for one judge, Kyle Municpal Court Judge Andrew Cable.

“Our ticket writers automatically go to one judge. The software needs to be upgraded by the company to give officers other options,” Barnett said.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 27, 2020

Page 5

WISD won’t take action against parents

BY CAMELIA JUAREZ

Two hours of closed session ended with Wimberley ISD trustees saying they would not take further action against parents who posted a Wimberley Texas logo with a pride flag in the back drop.

The argument came to the board after a split community fell into two camps – those saying it was a First Amendment issue while others backed the trademark argument, saying parents had no right to use the logo in that manner.

After a unanimous vote, trustee Lori Olson, whom community members asked be removed from the board after posting a photo wearing a shirt with the rainbow Wimberley Texan logo, read a statement on behalf of the board of trustees.

“We believe the logo for WISD is a protected trademark of WISD. If our logo is used or altered in any unauthorized way, we strongly believe we have a right to defend our trademark. Our policy which is common to districts

around our state, provides that our logo be used for its strict intended purpose of representing our great district,” Olson said.

Olson continued to say that the district may not agree with unapproved uses of the logo, but the district will no longer continue to waste resources and instead use their time on the current health pandemic.

During the virtual board meeting, at least 30 people asked the district not to pursue any consequences against parents who posted the altered logo and the district has abided.

“The WISD Board of Trustees directs that no further action be taken against any individuals related to the WISD Texan rainbow flag logo being considered today.

We support our LGBTQ+ community within our district — as we do all our students — and we will continue to make additional efforts to ensure that all feel welcome, safe and supported. We have already made great strides in this area over the past

The argument came to the board after a split community fell into two camps – those saying it was a First Amendment speech issue while others backed the trademark argument, saying parents had no right to use the logo in that manner.

gument and then five minutes to provide a rebuttal or closing arguments.

Burke’s attorney Brian Kloesterboer’s argument claimed that Burke’s use of the logo was an example of criticizing and commenting on a government entity, which should be protected rather than punished under the First six months, and we will stating they were violating Amendment. proceed enthusiastically copyright laws and if they “The government rewith these efforts and pro- did not remove the altered sponded forcefully to Mr. grams,” she said. logo, a cease and desist Burke’s speech and threatThe grievance refers letter would be sent. ened legal action. There is to a Facebook post from As the community was no evidence of the district parent Brian Burke which divided over the district’s using equally forceful powstates, “I proudly stand response to the rainbow ers on other uses and alterbeside those who often feel Wimberley Texan logo, ations of the district logo. marginalized and bullied the district spent at least The district has imperfor who they are. We are $7,000 on quickly obtainmissibly retaliated against Wimberley and this is no ing trademark rights to the Mr. Burke and other place for hate. The greatlogo. parents for constitutionally est is love.” The rainbow In response, the ACLU of engaging in free speech.

Wimberley Texan logo was Texas claimed that under When someone voices placed with the caption. the First Amendment, criticism or comments Months after the post, parents have the right to against the government or Wimberley ISD sent sever- alter logos, even tradeengages in speech that the al emails asking Burke and marked logos, for political government doesn’t like, other parents to remove purposes. the government cannot any post of an altered To address the grievtake any action and that’s Wimberley Texan logo, ance, legal representation what they have done here,” which featured a rainbow for parent Brian Burke and Kloesterboer said. pride flag in the backlegal representation for WISD legal represendrop. A second wave of the district each had 15 tative Mike Smith argued emails was sent to parents minutes to make their arthat the issue is not about

the First Amendment, but rather a trademark issue because it violated guidelines provided by the district and under trademark laws.

“This all could have been avoided if someone had come to the school district and asked us ‘Can we use the logo in this way?’ and if we had said no then we would work together to come up with a reasonable alternative, some way for you to express your view,” Smith said.

Kloesterboer rebutted by saying that if community members want to criticize, comment or praise a government entity they don’t have to ask permission.

Then Smith continued to argue that using a logo for expression is protected, but altering a logo is not protected by the First Amendment, rather it’s protected by trademark and common law.

The full special board meeting can be found on Youtube. The complete statement from the district can be found on the Wimberley ISD website.

Census field operations set to resume The U.S. Census Bureau, in coordination with federal, state and local health officials, will begin a phased restart of some 2020 Census field operations next week in Central Texas.

Counties that may see census-takers include Hays, Caldwell, Blanco and Guadalupe.

All returning staff will receive safety training to observe social distancing protocols in the COVID-19 environment. They will also use government-provided personal protective equipment (PPE) for their safety and the safety of the public. The

Census Bureau has ordered face masks, gloves and hand sanitizer for all field staff, including those who work in the field offices.

As part of the phased restart of operations, the Census Bureau will resume dropping off 2020 Census invitation packets at front doors of households in areas where the majority of households do not receive mail at their home. This operation is also known as Update Leave. About 5 percent of households are counted in the Update Leave operation, where census workers will confirm or

As part of the phased restart of operations, the Census Bureau will resume dropping off 2020 Census invitation packets at front doors of households in areas where the majority of households do not receive mail at their home.

update a household’s physical location and then leave a census questionnaire packet.

The Census Bureau began delivering census materials to these households on March 15; however, this operation was suspended on March 18 because of the COVID-19

Hays County wants your opinion on SH 21 Local residents can now take part in a virtual Town Hall regarding long-range planning along the State Highway 21 corridor, which connects portions of eastern Hays County with Caldwell County. The roadway is also a major thoroughfare between San Marcos and Bastrop.

The virtual town hall runs through May 31.

Hays County, in cooperation with Caldwell County, is gathering public input about improvements and right-of-way preservation along SH 21 from State Highway 80 to State Highway 130. The state highway, also known as Camino Real because it follows roughly along the old Spanish “Kings Road,” connects some of the fastest growing communities in all of Texas, and now SH 21 – on the eastern border of Hays County – is being studied to make it easier and safer to travel.

This long-term corridor preservation study – funded by bond money approved by Hays County voters in 2016 – aims to gather feedback on highway improvements that are necessary due to the rapid growth the region has already seen, and the anticipated growth the county expects will continue.

The study will focus on one of the critical sections of the road, an approximately 17-mile stretch of the highway between its intersection with SH 80 in San Marcos and the Hays County line near U.S. 183 at the Travis County line, close to the village of Niederwald. Hays County is cooperating with the Texas Department of Transpor-

The virtual town hall can be found online at: sh21corridor.com.

For those without internet access, information on the study and possible roadway improvements can be obtained by texting the word INFO (in all caps) to 833-541-0677.

tation (TxDOT) and other local governments on the project.

The virtual town hall consists of welcome videos

by Hays County Commissioners Mark Jones, Pct. 2, and Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1, along with exhibits, maps and an opportunity for the public to provide input.

“The rapid growth in our region and the expected growth along the SH 21 necessitates us to work with our partners in Caldwell County to make roadway safety improvements,” Jones said. “We also want to protect the character and historic elements of the area.”

Jones tells viewers in the welcome video that State Highway 21 has been used for centuries and he wants to hear from residents, business owners and other stakeholders about how to move forward while honoring its importance in the region’s history.

The virtual town hall website offers those who wish to submit feedback an opportunity to be heard.

Ingalsbe said the process was designed to be easy to use and not time consuming.

“Just a few minutes can help us determine the future of SH 21 and your community,” she said. “We want to hear from every-

one who has an interest in the roadway improvements.”

The virtual town hall can be found online at: sh21corridor.com.

For those without internet access, information on the study and possible roadway improvements can be obtained by texting the word INFO (in all caps) to 833-541-0677.

pandemic. The Update Leave operation does not require interaction between households and a Census Bureau employee and follows the most current federal health and safety guidelines. Area Census Office (ACO) staff will begin returning to the office as

necessary to support the Update Leave operation, as well.

The associate director for Decennial Programs leads the operational team making the decision to restart select operations within an ACO, driven by the assessment of career Census Bureau operational leadership; a thorough review of the operating status of a state, locality or tribal area; the key data that support that operating status as identified by federal, state and local guidance; and the ability of Census Bureau staff to safely resume operations, including the

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procurement of PPE. Households that receive the 2020 Census invitation packets are strongly encouraged to respond promptly to the 2020 Census using the census ID included in the questionnaire packet.

People can respond online, by phone or by completing and returning the paper form by mail.

Responding with the census ID or by completing and returning the paper questionnaire helps ensure the best count of their community.

For more information, please visit the 2020 Census COVID-19 operational adjustments page.

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Page 6

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 27, 2020

Abernathy brothers rode their way to fame Texas History

by Bartee Haile

followed by his father in a Maxwell.

The next year promoters paid the boys to stage a mock race to the nation’s capital astride the living symbols of the two political parties – a donkey and an elephant.

The same hucksters then offered Louie and Temple the stupendous sum of $10,000 if they could complete a transcontinental crossing on horseback in 60 days.

With a rousing sendoff from thousands of cheering New Yorkers, the lads left Coney Island on Aug. 1, 1911. Required by the conditions of the challenge to sleep under the stars, the hardy little heroes braved the elements around the clock.

For two boys with a combined age of 18, the

cross-country trek was a feat of epic proportions.

Their 3,500-mile trip ended on Oct. 2, 1911, when they arrived no worse for wear in San Francisco. Sadly their odyssey had taken 62 days, and the pint-sized adventurers missed out on the five-figure prize.

Louie and Temple Abernathy returned to Oklahoma and the carefree life of boys their own age. As adults they settled in Texas, where both led surprisingly normal and uneventful lives. The brothers stayed close to home having seen all the sights before they were even in their teens.

Bartee welcomes your comments and questions at barteehaile@gmail. com or P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.

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hometown of Guthrie, Oklahoma to Santa Fe, New Mexico and back again.

Afraid to carry money, the boys took along a checkbook in case of emergencies. But few people accepted payment for goods and services rendered, and those that did kept the uncashed checks as souvenirs.

In the spring of 1910, Abernathy made plans to welcome his old pal Teddy Roosevelt back from an African safari when his ship docked at New York. The boys wanted to be on hand too to greet the former president and with their father’s blessing set out on a nine-state journey.

Making memories that would last them a lifetime, the popular brothers attracted large crowds and local dignitaries at every stop along the way.

They met Wilbur Wright only months before the pioneer aviator’s tragic death from typhoid fever, and a hotel proprietor in West Virginia dragged them out of bed in the middle of the night to see Halley’s Comet.

When Roosevelt returned in June 1910 from his big-game hunt, the three Abernathy’s accompanied him on a ticker-tape parade through mid-town Manhattan. For the trip back to Oklahoma, Jack Abernathy bought two automobiles and the family went home in style. Louie drove a brand-new Brush

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resident William Howard Taft, all 335 pounds of him, personally welcomed the Abernathy brothers to Washington D.C. on May 27, 1910 and gave the famous travelers a guided tour of the White House.

At only ten and six years of age, Louie and Temple Abernathy already were bigtime celebrities with thousands of unchaperoned miles under their tiny belts. In less than two years, the youngsters had made the lonely round trip to New Mexico from their home in Oklahoma and rode to New York City all on horseback.

The brothers came by their precocious spunk naturally. Having made his own way in the adult world at the tender age of seven, Jack Abernathy saw nothing unusual in his sons’ daring deeds.

A veteran cowhand before he could shave, the Bosque County native migrated to the Texas Panhandle where he became an expert broncobuster while barely in his teens.

The elder Abernathy discovered by accident the trick that earned him frontier fame. Attacked by a huge wolf, he thrust his hand into the animal’s mouth, grabbed its lower jaw and held on for dear life. To his amazement, the hold quickly subdued the powerful creature.

Practice made perfect, and Abernathy was soon known far and wide as a world-class wolf wrestler. He performed the spectacular stunt on countless occasions and sold the captured wolves to zoos and carnivals.

To placate his worried new wife, Abernathy tried a tamer line of work. He was peddling pianos in Fort Worth when their first child Louie came along in 1899, but by the time Temple was born five years later he was toting a badge in the rowdy region north of the Red River.

Cattleman Burke Burnett hosted a wolf hunt for President Teddy Roosevelt in 1904. The star attraction was, of course, lawman Abernathy, who manhandled several wolves for the amusement of the guest of honor. The exhibition so impressed the outdoorsman that Roosevelt upon his return to Washington appointed Abernathy U.S. Marshal for the Oklahoma Territory.

With their mother dead and their father always away on law-and-order business, Louie and Temple learned how to take care of themselves.

They were only nine and five, when their dad gave them permission for their first solo ride from their

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 27, 2020

Page 7

State of Texas enters second phase of reopening plan Gov. Greg Abbott on May 18 allowed restaurants to increase occupancy to 50% and relaxed his earlier executive orders that limited certain other public activities over the last two months to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Reopenings, Abbott said, must adhere to restricted occupancy levels and minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Notably, public schools have the option to provide in-person summer school so long as they follow social distancing practices and health protocols laid out by the state health department. Classes may begin as soon as June 1.

“I ask all Texans to continue heeding the guidance of our state and federal medical experts and do their part to protect public health. If we all unite in our resolve, we will overcome this chal-

Health Services showed that some 52,268 people in Texas had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 1,440 deaths resulting from the virus pandemic had been confirmed.

Capitol Highlights

by Ed Sterling

lenge,” Abbott said.

The full list of guidelines, openings and relevant dates is available at gov.texas.gov/opentexas.

Certain counties where there are surges in COVID-19 cases will have their beginning date of Phase II delayed until May 29. Those Amarillo-area counties where a spike in cases has been confirmed include El Paso, Randall, Potter, Moore and Deaf Smith. Governor’s Surge Response Teams are at work in those Panhandle counties to increase testing, maintain hospital capacity and ensure that COVID-19 is contained and mitigated.

Cumulative figures posted on May 21 by the Texas Department of State

Budget cuts ordered

Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen on May 20 sent a letter to state agencies and institutions of higher education directing each of them to submit a plan identifying savings to reduce general revenue-related appropriations by 5% for the 2020-2021 two-year budget cycle.

The three highest-ranking state officials urge agencies and institutions of higher education to pursue cost-saving strategies that will not affect the state’s response to COVID-19, such as forgoing capital ex-

penditures that can be deferred, avoidable travel expenditures and administrative expenses that are not mission critical, and keeping unfilled any open positions that are not essential to Texas’ COVID-19 response.

According to the letter, certain agencies and activities are exempted from the directive “given the importance of the state’s response to COVID-19 and the continuity of critical government functions.”

TSTA: It’s too early

The Texas State Teachers Association, in a May 20 news release, said June 1 is too early to reopen school buildings for summer school classes and demanded that the state and local school districts agree to enforce a detailed list of safety requirements for school campuses be-

fore reopening buildings to students and school employees.

“With the COVID‐19 pandemic continuing to rage across Texas, the health and safety of students, educators and our communities need to remain our first priority,” said TSTA President Noel Candelaria. “The pandemic has struck in the vast majority of Texas’ 254 counties and more than 1,200 new cases were reported yesterday.

Fourteen people died of COVID‐19 in Dallas County alone, a daily high for Dallas.”

Candelaria said TSTA is demanding adequate supplies of protective gear for everyone in every school workplace, steps that must be taken to enforce social distancing and sanitation practices and strong enforcement. “Half‐ hearted enforcement will endanger students and educators, and our members will not stand for it

on their campuses,” said Candelaria.

Child care funding is cut

The Texas Workforce Commission on May 19 announced the phase-out of a $200 million emergency program to subsidize child care for Texas’ essential workers.

Subsidies were put in place to assist both essential workers and child care centers during limited enrollment. With Texas reopening, essential workers who are already on the subsidized plan will continue to receive child care for the threemonth period they were initially approved for under the program.

Effective June 1, the Texas Workforce Commission will reinstate the requirement for parents receiving financial assistance to pay for a portion of their costs.

Hays County hits 12.8 percent unemployment mark

BY ANITA MILLER

That’s a jump from 3.9 percent in March and 2.3 Hays County and the percent in April 2019 for state of Texas as a whole the county. For the state, shared the dubious disthe March unemploytinction of a 12.8 percent ment rate was 5.1 perunemployment rate for cent and April 2019 was April. The Austin-Round 2.9 percent. Kyle had an Rock Metropolitan Statis- unemployment rate of 3.8 tical Area fared a bit better percent in March of this at 12.2 percent; however year and 2.3 percent in the jobless rate for the city April 2019. of Kyle hit 13.3 last month.

In adjusted figures,

that means that 1,656,638 Texans, including 14,102 Hays County residents and 3,139 who call Kyle home are out of a job.

Unemployment claims, however, have leveled off. After a high of 2,475 claims filed the week ending April 4, that figure fell to 1,928 the week ending April 11, 1,613 the week ending April 18, 1,127

the week ending April 25, 1,207 the week ending May 2 and 887 the week ending May 9.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission the top five most affected occupations in Hays County are full-service restaurants, family clothing stores, limited-service restaurants, offices of physicians (except mental

health) and hotels/motels.

The TWC says Hays comes in at 23 on the

list of the top 25 counties heavily affected by unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Surprise retirement parade

PHOTO BY CYNDY SLOVAK-BARTON

Sylvia Coffey, left, stands with her son Grant in front of her home in Mountain City as more than 50 cars stream past in a surprise retirement parade. Coffey has worked at Buda Elementary School for more than 15 years. She said she’s excited about her retirement but she’ll still be helping out at sporting events at Hays High School.

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BAPTIST First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626

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Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.

St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland CHRISTIAN

Santa Cruz Catholic Church

1100 Main Street • Buda, Texas 78610 Office: 512-312-2520 • Fax: 512-295-2034 • santacruzcc.org Rev. David Leibham, Pastor • Fr. Rito Davila, Parochial Vicar CONFESSION Saturdays: 4 p.m.-5 p.m.

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Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda EPISCOPAL St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca LUTHERAN Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca Resurrection Church, CLBA 401 FM 967, Buda St. John Lutheran Church 9865 Camino Real, Uhland The Well Buda

CATHOLIC Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda

Texas Crossword, from page 6

512-268-8200 HarrellFuneralHomes.com

METHODIST Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle Journey United Methodist 4301 Benner Rd, Kyle, Tx St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor

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The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

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Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

Providing you with your most important local news for Kyle, Buda and surrounding communities

Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

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Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald PENTECOSTAL Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd. PRESBYTERIAN

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca

Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666

Buda United Methodist Church Elm Street & San Marcos

*Traditional Worship (Worship Center)-9 a.m.

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Page 8

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 27, 2020

Be patient of farm equipment going down highways

BY ANITA MILLER

There’s little room on the highways for them, but they have to be there – particularly at this time of year.

The presence of farm equipment puttering down Central Texas roadways is a familiar sight to longtime residents but, one hay and cattle producer notes, the tractors, combines and hay balers are increasingly drawing the ire of fellow motorists, some of whom have unfortunately taken action.

“We’ve always had issues going down the road with these machines,” said Buzz Mayfield of Mayfield Hay & Cattle.

“But lately, it’s gotten serious.”

Mayfield, who operates in Hays and Caldwell counties, said two years ago on SH 21, someone actually threw a bottle at him and shattered a window. Another time he was rear-ended on the same highway. SH 21, he said, is “absolutely death-defying” to drive a tractor down.

Other times, he’s been screamed at so loudly “I could hear them over the noise inside the cab.

“We don’t want to be in fault,” he said. the way,” he said, calling And it has happened. the impatient behavior of Once when a tree fell on others disrehis fence spectful. and a cow Though it In adgot out, dition to the animal may be an hauling his was hit by a inconvenience Hays Counown hay and cattle, ty deputy for others on Mayfield sheriff. “It the road, the occasioncost the ally helps county presence of out other $1,200,” he farm equipment said. area farmers, driving Another indicates a equipment time, he healthy rural that, for the recalls, he most part, had a dozen economy and has 19 to 20 or so cars food supply. miles per behind him hour as a as he pulled “I wish people top speed. a 45-foot would be a little plow down Moreover, he has to the road in more patient. travel on Caldwell That’s all we many twoCounty. Imlane roads mediately want,” said that many behind him Buzz Mayfield. was a deptimes have no shouluty sheriff ders. “When you pull over but another motorist, in to let people around it a suburban, apparently almost causes more issues didn’t see the law enforcetrying to get back on the ment vehicle. road.”

“He was passing evWere there to be an erybody in the turn lane accident, Mayfield says blowing past and shooting many people don’t realize the finger. The cop pulled that farmers have a right him over — it was the to be on the roads. “If greatest day of my life.” they crash into us it’s their Mayfield said he’s typ-

COURTESY PHOTO

According to Buzz Mayfield of Mayfield Hay & Cattle, there are more farm vehicles on the road from February through Spring and the harvest season, August and September.

ically on the roads from February until November of each year. “February through spring is the busiest time of the year for everybody. Then August, September is harvest sea-

son for row crops.”

Though it may be an inconvenience for others on the road, the presence of farm equipment indicates a healthy rural economy and food supply.

“I wish people would be a little more patient. That’s all we want,” he said.

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

For Census 2020 information, visit www.Census2020.org

Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between May 18 and May 24, 2020.

Below is a sample of events reported by law enforcement from May 18 through May 24, 2020. The location is where the event was reported or responded to and may not necessarily be where the event occured.

Inj to Child/Eld/Disabled.........................................................................1 Civil Matter.............................................................................................25 Deliver Message......................................................................................1 Information.............................................................................................28 Property- Lost/Found/Imp......................................................................3 Alarm Business......................................................................................46 Alarm Residential..................................................................................18 Alarm Medical..........................................................................................1 Animal Calls...........................................................................................91 Field Euthanasia......................................................................................2 Loose Livestock....................................................................................33 Assault - Aggravated...............................................................................4 Assault.....................................................................................................9 Sexual Assault.........................................................................................1 Assist EMS...............................................................................................6 Assist Fire Dept.......................................................................................4 Assist Outside Agency..........................................................................19 Burglary Habitation.................................................................................2 Burglary Vehicle.....................................................................................22 Suspicious Package................................................................................1 Criminal Mischief.....................................................................................3 Illegal Dumping........................................................................................1 Environmental Crime...............................................................................1 Attended Death.......................................................................................9 Death Investigation.................................................................................1 Reckless Damage....................................................................................1 Firework...................................................................................................3 Disturbance Noise.................................................................................16 Disturbance Physical Fight.....................................................................4 Disturbance Verbal................................................................................16 Child Custody..........................................................................................4 Violation of Order....................................................................................1 Public Intoxication...................................................................................1 Alcohol Violation......................................................................................1 Narcotics/Information.............................................................................1 Marijuana.................................................................................................1 Fraud......................................................................................................10 Credit/Debit Abuse..................................................................................2 Harassment............................................................................................17 Threat.......................................................................................................7 Mental Health Invest...............................................................................9 Mental Health Transport..........................................................................2 Mental Health Follow Up.........................................................................2 Out of Vehicle..........................................................................................1 Personal Break Long...............................................................................2 Personal Break Short..............................................................................2 Canine Search.........................................................................................4 Canine Training........................................................................................1 Drone Deployment..................................................................................3 Viol City Ordinance..................................................................................3 Missing Person........................................................................................6 Runaway..................................................................................................1 Public Assist............................................................................................7 Community Contact..............................................................................52 Disabled Vehicle....................................................................................26 Foot Patrol...............................................................................................2 Close Patrol.........................................................................................458 Parental Discipline Assist........................................................................3 Flagged Down.........................................................................................4 Unsecure/Open Building.........................................................................3 Welfare Concern....................................................................................28 Suicidal Person........................................................................................6 Investigation............................................................................................7 Supplement...........................................................................................82 Suspicious Circumstances...................................................................42 Suspicious Person.................................................................................25 Suspicious Vehicle................................................................................51 Wanted Person........................................................................................3 Theft.......................................................................................................27 Unauth use Vehicle..................................................................................8 Vehicle Theft............................................................................................3 Recovery Stolen Vehicle.........................................................................1 Accident Minor......................................................................................21 Accident Hit and Run............................................................................17 Accident Major/Injury............................................................................17 Accident Unknown..................................................................................1 Abandoned/Stored Vehicle...................................................................13 Traffic Control/Direction..........................................................................7 Directed/Area Enforcement..................................................................43 Traffic Hazard.........................................................................................38 Attempt to Locate.................................................................................64 Parking Enforcement.............................................................................34 Traffic Stop...........................................................................................599 Solicitors..................................................................................................2 Trespassing/Unwanted.........................................................................12 911 Abandoned/Open.........................................................................329 911 Abon/Misdial/Open..........................................................................2 911 Hang Up............................................................................................1 Deadly Conduct.......................................................................................2 Discharge Firearm.................................................................................19 Private Tow/Repo....................................................................................8 Sick Person..............................................................................................1 Police Incoming Call................................................................................1 Fire Other.................................................................................................1

Agency Activity

Date

Time

Location

HCSO

Assault

05/18/2020

15:20:26

Kai Vista Dr Kyle

HCSO

Sexual Assault

05/18/2020

15:53:37

Tranquility Mtn Buda

BPD

Disturbance - Phys/Fight

05/18/2020

15:56:57

Main St Buda Metro

BPD

Disturbance - Phys/Fight

05/19/2020

1:23:24

Royston rd Buda Speedy Stop

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/18/2020

14:25:15

Fire Cracker Dr/Overpass Rd Buda

HCSO

Assault - Aggravated

05/19/2020

10:02:07

Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs Foster Village

HCSO

Assault - Aggravated

05/19/2020

14:58:09

Dacy Ln Kyle

HCSO

Assault - Aggravated

05/19/2020

20:13:06

Hudson Ln Dripping Springs

HCSO

Assault

05/19/2020

14:55:01

Railyard Dr Kyle

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/19/2020

12:23:03

W RR 150 Driftwood

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/19/2020

15:28:10

RR 3237/Rolling Oaks Dr Driftwood

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/19/2020

15:28:53

RR 3237/Rolling Oaks Dr Driftwood

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/20/2020

3:46:56

Stoney Creek Meadows Dr/RR 12 Wimberley

HCSO

Assault

05/20/2020

6:02:58

Uhland Rd San Marcos Hays County Law Center

HCSO

Disturbance - Phys/Fight

05/20/2020

21:07:58

Springs Ln Dripping Springs Springs Apartments

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/20/2020

13:07:52

Goforth Rd/High Rd Kyle

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/20/2020

16:08:43

Creek Rd/W US 290 Dripping Springs

HCSO

Assault

05/21/2020

11:40:49

Marsh Ln Buda Pfluger Elementary School

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/21/2020

18:16:57

Philomena Dr/Steeplechase Blvd Kyle

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/21/2020

21:16:37

Cotton Gin Rd/Camino Real Kyle

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/22/2020

1:09:01

Windy Hills Rd/Cantle Ridge Trl Dripping Springs

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/22/2020

5:21:09

EXIT 196 SB New Braunfels EXIT 196 SB

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/22/2020

5:27:06

EXIT 196 SB New Braunfels EXIT 196 SB

BPD

Accident - Major/Injury

05/22/2020

22:19:40

Buda EXIT 220 SB

HCSO

Disturbance - Phys/Fight

05/23/2020

16:11:59

Cedar Hollow Wimberley

HCSO

Disturbance - Phys/Fight

05/23/2020

22:10:29

Fischer Store Rd Wimberley Right Step

HCSO

Disturbance - Phys/Fight

05/24/2020

0:20:37

Dickerson Rd Kyle

HCSO

Disturbance - Phys/Fight

05/24/2020

1:52:10

Nutty Brown Rd Austin

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/23/2020

13:20:03

Sports Park Rd/RR 12 Dripping Springs

HCSO

Assault - Aggravated

05/24/2020

22:08:20

Windridge Dr Kyle

HCSO

Assault

05/24/2020

10:27:22

Eagle Brook Ln Buda

HCSO

Assault

05/24/2020

16:57:23

RR 12 Wimberley Wimberley Shaved Ice

HCSO

Assault

05/24/2020

17:41:14

Uhland Rd San Marcos Hays County Law Center

HCSO

Assault

05/24/2020

20:53:47

Wonder World Dr San Marcos Christus Santa Rosa

HCSO

Assault

05/25/2020

0:37:49

Old Martindale Rd/N Old Bastrop Hwy San Marcos

BPD

Disturbance - Phys/Fight

05/24/2020

10:31:03

Bradford St Buda

HCSO

Disturbance - Phys/Fight

05/25/2020

4:19:42

Cresthill Cswy Kyle

BPD

Accident - Major/Injury

05/25/2020

0:02:19

Buda EXIT 223 NB

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/24/2020

12:16:32

Mathias Ln/Goforth Rd Kyle

HCSO

Accident - Major/Injury

05/24/2020

18:48:08

Windy Hill Rd/FM 2001 Buda

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 27, 2020

Page 9

LEGEND 3.2 Acres 17.4 Acres 15.7 Acres

FM 7 96

ACK CO OLD BL

LONY R

OAD

7,935 l.f.

2,190 l.f.

10,163 l.f.

PEC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ELECTION

PARCEL 1 45' RESIDENTIAL 10.3 AC. 60 UNITS

Public Trailhead with Parking

PARCEL 4 55' RESIDENTIAL 15.8 AC. 70 UNITS

PARCEL 6 55' RESIDENTIAL 16.9 AC. 74 UNITS

PARCEL 2 45' RESIDENTIAL 14.6 AC. 85 UNITS

PARCEL 3 AMENITY CENTER 3.2 AC.

100 YEAR FLOODPLAIN

WATER QUALITY

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE IN S

T.

CO

PARCEL 7 55' RESIDENTIAL 13.2 AC. 58 UNITS

LE SP RIN ON GS ION RO CR AD EE K

Private Amenity Center Public Upland Parkland Public 100-Year Floodplain Parkland Private Water Quality Private Misc. Open Space 100-Year Floodplain 300' Onion Creek Setback 6' Nature Trails 8' Public Onion Creek Trail 6' Public Sidewalk and 6' Bike Lanes

S.

MA

PARCEL 5 55' RESIDENTIAL 24.0 AC. 106 UNITS WATER QUALITY

PARCEL 8 55' RESIDENTIAL 11.3 AC. 49 UNITS

IL

PARCEL 9 55' RESIDENTIAL 6.5 AC. 29 UNITS

COLE SPRINGS ROAD

CK

C

H

S AY

A TR

JA

Cast your ballot for PEC Board of Director elections in districts 2, 3, and 4. Voting is open May 20-June 12.

BRIDGE CROSSING ONION CREEK TO CONNECT COLE SPRINGS ROAD WITH JACK C HAYS TRAIL

0

PARKLAND AND OPEN SPACE PLAN Colony at Cole Springs: Development moves forward SEC Planning, LLC

Continued from pg. 1 AUSTIN, TEXAS

There will be room to make more amendments, something that council members will discuss during their June 2 meeting. But for the time being, The Colony at Cole Springs has been zoned in R-3 and F-4 and in Buda’s MUD number one. but council member Terry Cummings said one of her concerns is the additional taxes residents will pay, which are endemic to a MUD. One Austin resident and landowner in Buda, Margaret Mills, said her property is adjacent to Cole Springs, but she received no official notification from the city about the development.

She is concerned that The Colony at Cole Springs will disrupt wildlife that has been roaming freely on

her property and beyond.

Mills also expressed worry that construction work will erode the land, especially at the drop-off that borders her property.

Buda City Attorney George E. Hyde said the city has taken all legal precautions according to the public statutory requirement for public notice.

The statutory requirement says that everyone within 200 feet of the development who is on Buda’s tax roll must be notified. But Mills is not a resident of

Buda, therefore they are not legally required to give her a notice.

As for Mills’ environmental and geological concerns, the developers have to abide by Buda’s regulations. Melissa McCollum, director of planning, said the developer is aware they will have to remediate the site.

After the developers addressed the city’s major concerns, especially questions about the bridge, assuring the city will not be financially liable, annexing the development got a 6-1 vote.

There will be room to make more amendments, something that council members will discuss during their June 2 meeting. But for the time being, The Colony at Cole Springs has been zoned in R-3 and F-4 and in Buda’s MUD number one.

600

1200

SHEET FILE: T:\190063-MERI\Cadfiles\PLANNING\Concept H-Parks and Open Space Plan.dwg

Base mapping compiled from best available information. All map data should be considered as preliminary, in need of verification, and subject to change. This land plan is conceptual in nature and does not represent any regulatory approval. Plan is subject to change.

Learn more at pec.coop/elections.

BUDA, TEXAS

t 512.246.7003 www.secplanning.com + info@secplanning.com

development, its zoning ordinance and the Municipal Utility District.

Cole Springs developers say they have a lot to offer Buda at no cost to the city, such as adding a bridge that alleviates traffic, a traffic signal along FM 967, donating parklands and trails above what is required and paying $700,000 toward realigning Old Black Colony Road.

Mark Baker, principal at SEC Planning, said that the easy access from the development to downtown Buda will increase business revenue. Building the development will also create job opportunities; these two benefits can alleviate some damage created by the coronavirus, Baker told council members.

What Cole Springs offers seems to have many overall benefits to the city,

North

THE COLONY AT COLE SPRINGS

Land Planning + Landscape Architecture + Community Branding

300

Scale: 1" = 600' Date: April 1, 2020

Pedernales Electric Cooperative

Residential ReKey Special through April

$79

Includes service call, 6 keyways and 4 new keys.

832.353.3883 Lic.#b10532101

How Are Pipelines Constructed?

A Permian Highway Pipeline Project Update

Pipelines are constructed in accordance with strict regulatory and environmental standards and industry best practices. Underground pipelines are the safest and most efficient method of transporting energy products.

1. Clearing & Grading

6. Inspection & Coating

2. Trenching

7. Pipe Lowering

After the right-of-way (ROW) is carefully surveyed and staked, the ROW is graded.

Top soil is carefully removed and segregated.

A wheel ditcher or backhoe digs the trench for the pipeline. The bottom of the trench is then padded with sand to cushion the pipe.

For quality assurance, technicians inspect the pipe coating prior to installation and also inspect all welds using x-rays. Each weld is then coated by a coating head.

Sidebooms move together to gently lower the welded pipeline into the trench.

3. Stringing Pipe

8. Padding & Backfill

4. Field Bending Pipe

9. Hydrostatic Testing

5. Welding

10. Restoration

Each piece of pipe is laid on the ROW to ensure proper positioning prior to bending, welding and installation.

The pipe is bent, as needed, to accommodate elevation and horizontal changes.

The construction crew welds each section of pipe together into one continuous length.

www.phpproject.com

php_project@kindermorgan.com

The pipe trench is backfilled and graded.

The pipeline is filled with water and pressurized to ensure the pipe’s integrity and that it is fit for service.

The pipe trench and land within the ROW are contoured and revegetated. The landowner may continue using the ROW for most purposes after restoration.

@PermianHwyPL

Page 10

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 27, 2020

Top sports moments of 2019-20

BY MOSES LEOS III

COVID-19 and its impact on high school sports Years from now, many will look to publications such as the Hays Free Press to see just how much COVID-19 impacted our daily lives, both big and small. And while the medium of athletics across the globe tried to hold out hope of conducting business as usual amid the rapidly growing crisis, not even sports was immune to the impact of a global pandemic. Without question, the most impactful moment in high school sports this season was the UIL’s decision to shut down its 2019-20 season due to COVID-19.

That choice, made by UIL officials in late April after numerous attempts to restart, effectively ended the seasons for countless soccer, softball, baseball and track and field programs statewide. Locally, 16 varsity level athletic teams were still in action when the UIL initially shut down play March 13. That list includes three total soccer teams that were slated to begin postseason play in mid-March.

Wimberley football reaches state title game After an eight-year hiatus, Wimberley High in 2019 triumphantly returned to Texas high school football’s promised land when they qualified for the Class 4A, Division II state title game in December. Ultimately, dreams of a third state title in program history were dashed at the hands of Texarkana Pleasant Grove. However, the path Wimberley forged to reach AT&T Stadium will live on in minds of many, as well as the history books.

Take for example the program’s stunning 42-41 last-second win over Raymondville in the area round of the playoffs which spurred the start of the Texans’ run. That victory, mixed with a double-digit win over district rival Geronimo Navarro in the Alamodome in mid-November, were key elements in helping Wimberley outlast Silsbee in a wild 56-43 state semifinal shootout in Katy. Leading the way was Texan senior quarterback Cooper McCollum, the 2019 All Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch football Most Valuable Player, who amassed more than 4,300 yards of total offense and 60-plus touchdowns.

Realignment shakes up area sports landscape The times they were a changin’ both in life and in Texas high school athletics this February after the UIL completed its biennial realignment and reclassification process. Those changes drastically altered the landscape of high school sports in Hays County with three programs – Lehman, Johnson and Dripping Springs – slated to compete against one another in the 5A ranks. One of the more surprising, and perhaps dramatic, elements of realignment was how Lehman High dropped from Class 6A to 5A. In October 2019, Hays

Alford guided the Tiger attack by amassing 1,600-plus yards and 22 total scores.

Hays boys basketball reaches postseason play

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Lehman Lady Lobo Clarissa Lucio (18) sprints toward teammates in celebration after scoring the final goal in a 4-1 March 11 win over the Akins Eagles at Lobo Field. After a six year hiatus, Lehman High’s girls soccer team qualified for the playoffs, its first trip in the 6A ranks, but had their season end due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

CISD officials released “snapshot” enrollments for each campus, per UIL rules, which are used to realign districts. However, Lehman’s snapshot was six students more than the 2,220-student threshold for 6A programs unveiled by the UIL in February. An 11th hour appeal by Hays CISD officials, however, allowed Lehman to use student population projections for its snapshot as opposed to an actual enrollment figure. It was all done based on an existing UIL rule allowing schools to use an enrollment projection whenever a new campus is opened.

As a result, Lehman fell to the 5A ranks, joining Dripping Springs, which stayed in 5A, and a Johnson High program that starts team sport varsity level play in 2020. Meanwhile, Hays High and San Marcos High will remain in 6A and will compete in the new 26-6A.

Dripping Springs soccer dominates on the pitch Had it not been for COVID-19 and the shutdown that came with it, Dripping Springs High boys and girls soccer teams might have been bound for Georgetown and the UIL state tournament. At least that’s what their records seemingly indicated in 2020 after both programs scored more than 20 total regular season wins and an undefeated district title. On the boys side, Dripping Springs finished 22-3 overall under second year head coach Josh Hill and dominated District 25-5A by outscoring opponents 64-10. Not to be outdone, however, was the Lady Tiger soccer team, led by second year coach Bailee Perinne, which pummeled opposition in 25-5A in 2020. Over the course of 14 games, the Lady Tigers outscored opponents 87-4 and recorded 10 clean sheets along the way. Dripping Springs’ boys team finished the year on a 15-game win streak, while the girls program had a 14-game win streak.

Lady Lobo soccer returns to postseason form Like many teams across the state this spring, the Lehman Lady

Lobo soccer program ultimately became a victim of circumstance.

After a wildly successful campaign that saw the program punch its first ticket to the playoffs in five seasons, the Lady Lobos were denied a chance to see their dreams fulfilled when the UIL shuttered play days before the start of the postseason. Despite it all, first year Lady Lobo head coach Sean Dickson said earlier this year the shortened schedule couldn’t diminish the effort his program put in this season. In 2020, Lehman scored 12 total district wins and finished in third place in the 25-6A standings.

Rebel football posts back-to-back playoff campaigns For the first time in close to a decade, Hays High’s football program, led by second year head coach Les Goad, scored back-toback trips to the playoffs. Guided by a senior-dominated roster and aided by critical wins over Bowie and Del Valle, Hays did just enough to capture the fourth playoff spot out of 25-6A for the second year in a row. Leading the charge was senior Xavier Green who finished the season with 1,200 of the team’s 3,400 yards on the ground.

Tiger football collects fourth straight district title Not one, not two, not three but four straight district championships in a row are now in the Dripping Springs Tiger football team’s possession after completing the quadfecta this past fall.

Dripping Springs’ accomplishment came after the Tigers ran the table in District 12-5A, Division 1 with a 7-0 record. It marked the first time since the 2017 season Dripping Springs had claimed an outright district title and finished play with an unbeaten record. It also marked the fourth district title won under six-year head coach Galen Zimmerman. Highlighting it all was a thrilling 17-14 victory over Austin LBJ in a defensive stalemate.

Dual threat quarterback Preston

By trusting the process instilled under fourth year head coach Matt Sandoval, Hays High’s basketball program punched the program’s first postseason ticket in several years. The Rebels did so by finishing fourth in a wildly competitive 25-6A district that featured state-ranked Westlake and a resurgent Anderson squad. Few games were as impactful for the Rebels as back-to-back-to-back wins over Lake Travis, Del Valle and Anderson in the final 11 days of the regular season. Each victory played a role in Hays eventually clinching the final playoff berth.

Tiger volleyball wins 8th straight district crown Check the word “domination” in the dictionary and the Dripping Springs Tiger volleyball team’s logo might just be pictured next to the definition. Well, maybe not. But after clinching the program’s 8th straight district crown in a row, as well as notching its 86th straight district win, it’s hard to argue the dominance of Tiger volleyball in Central Texas, especially when one considers the quality of opposition Dripping Springs has faced during that time. Over the course of those eight seasons, Dripping Springs has felled powerhouses such as Alamo Heights, Kerrville Tivy, Boerne Champion and more during district play. All of it has led the Tiger program to craft a 107-4 district record during that eigh-year span.

In 2019, Dripping Springs kept up the pace by blitzing 25-5A en route to 14-0 district record aided by the play of seniors Avery Kalsu, Mackenzie Murray, Brynne Potter and Kylar Raymond. In addition, Tiger head coach Michael Kane, who has helmed Dripping Springs’ volleyball program over the past 10 seasons, clinched his 700th career victory in early October.

Lady Tiger hoops wins second straight district title Not even the absence of a critical player for most of the 2020 season kept Dripping Springs’ girls basketball program from notching back-to-back district crowns. In March, the Lady Tigers completed a 14-0 record in 25-5A and clinched the program’s second straight district championship under second-year head coach David Norris. The accolade was accomplished minus standout sophomore guard Ally Beck who missed most of 2020 due to a knee injury suffered in the off-season.

Seniors Avery Johnson and Kline Stafford and junior Taylor Huslig each shouldered the load as the Tigers finished the season as bidistrict finalists.

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Hays Free Press • May 27, 2020

Page 11

Dripping Springs looking into relief program for businesses STAFF REPORT

Following the lead of Buda and others, the city of Dripping Springs has announced the formation of a committee to create a COVID-19 Disaster Relief Program for businesses.

The action was approved during the council meeting May 20.

Committee members include city staff along with Susan Kimball, president of the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce. The committee will “look at various ways the city can help local businesses such as waiving various fees like for permit

applications and wastewater service, along with other measures the city can take,” according to a news release.

Although the program is for businesses and not individuals, city leaders believe its adoption will both assist and stimulate the economy, which will help individuals as well.

“Our priority is the health and safety of Dripping Springs residents and our community,” Mayor Bill Foulds said. “A healthy business environment is crucial to the continued growth of our city.” He said the council and other city leaders “have been closely

monitoring the situation and want to do everything we can to support and provide relief for our local businesses that have been financially affected during this pandemic. We hope that this disaster relief program will help us do that.”

Both business owners and residents are urged to provide input and suggestions for the committee.

They can be addressed to Executive Assistant Kevin Campbell at kcampbell@ cityofdrippingsprings. com.

The committee is scheduled to present its ideas for the program at the next council meeting on June 9.

Kinder Morgan: Water line punctured Continued from pg. 1

had just become operational on May 11. Clouse told the Rivard Report that water service was not disrupted, as SAWS filled water tanks to supply customers during the repair process, which was estimated to take a few days.

Kinder Morgan VP Allen Fore said the company is reviewing the incident “and working with the water agency as they address repairs to the line, which are underway.”

The Vista Ridge Pipeline was part of a $3.4 billion dollar deal “to initiate the delivery of almost 16.3 billion gallons of water annually from Burleson County.” The project’s 142 miles spans six counties.

When initially proposed, the water line drew opposition from groups including including the Alamo Sierra Club, the San Marcos River Foundation, the Save Our Springs Alliance and the Clean Water Action.

Kinder Morgan’s PHP has also drawn strong opposition from counties, municipalities and private landowners all along its route through the Hill Country, which they argue is too environmentally sensitive for a project of its type. The 42-inch pipeline will carry natural gas from the fields on West Texas to near Houston, much of which is destined to be exported. The route of the pipeline transverses

both the Edwards and Trinity aquifers, crosses the Blanco River twice and comes within a mile of Jacob’s Well.

Work near the first Blanco River crossing has been suspended since March 28, when crews hit a karst feature while boring under the riverbed.

That sent an estimated 36,000 gallons of drilling mud and fluid into the Trinity Aquifer and fouled some nearby water wells.

Hays County then rescinded permission for the pipeline to cross county roads until the company submitted specific plans. The Commissioners Court on April 28 formalized those requirements.

Service Directory Air Conditioning

Nemec

Auto Repair

Computer Help

• Full Service Auto Repair • All Years, Makes and Models • ASE Certified • Service with a Smile

HeatiNg & air cHris Nemec

“Proudly Serving Central Texas”

Residential • Commercial • After Hours Available Email: Chris@nemecheatingandair.com O. 512-312-9081 • C. 512-789-5132 Buda, Texas 78610 • TACLA 34861C

Financial Planning Financial Planning

Dirt Cheap

Zachary Barton

Tractor Work Available

Zachary Barton 512-686-7589 512-686-7589

Specializing in Country Driveways

107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX

Rick-Rob Trucking 512- 858-7952

107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX

Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Investment Planning Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Investment Planning

robinnds@aol.com

WHO DOES YOUR LANDSCAPING/LAWN? Taking care of your yard so you can play!

Attorneys and Counselors At Law

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• Flower Beds • Fencing • Sprinkler Systems • Patios • Mowing, Edging and Cleanup • Tree Trimming and Removal • Rock Gardens • Garden Boxes • Build Sheds • Leaf Raking

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Call Jesse Reyna at 512-788-2180 or email apa6207@sbcglobal.net

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www.HaysNewsDispatch.com To subscribe call 512-268-7862 or email paper@haysfreepress.com

Pool Service Over 10 years of experience Keith Miller, owner

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Painting

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Pool and Spa Service 512-326-4695

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ALL AMERICAN SEPTIC SOLUTIONS, LLC

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O Painting O Tile O Siding O Decks O Trim O Door & Window Replacement O Drywall Repair O Custom Cabinets O Patio Covers O Electrical & Plumbing

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• Boot Experts • Purse Repair • Belt Repair • Luggage Repair • Shoe Care Products

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locations in 1010Locations in Central Central Texas Texas including: including:

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Component Selection Digital Photos System & Process Docs Website Maintenance CD/DVD Duplication

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Lawn Care

Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010

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Loam • Topsoil • Sand • Gravel • Roadbase • Asphalt Millings • Granite • Compost Mix

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Consulting Setup Training Backups Upgrades

Commercial & Residential

1911 Ben White and Manchaca Rd • 512-440-8788 Rockand Ave.Nutty RoundBrown Rock Rd - 512-244-9124 12119316 WRound Hwy 290 • 512-827-3398 306WSouth Park 6781 HwyBell 290Cedar in Oak Hill- •512-219-8387 512-288-6386

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Free Assessments & Estimates • Insured MARCUS LEES (512) 858-4018 leestreestexas@gmail.com

Classifieds

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• Place your classified ad by calling 512-268-7862 • Email paper@haysfreepress.com We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover DEADLINE: NOON MONDAY FOR WEDNESDAY’S PAPER

NEWS

Page 12

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 27, 2020

Employment

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $12 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules.

Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net.

Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

FIREWORKS STAND MANAGER NEEDED

Make up to $3,000 in ONLY 11 days!!

Managing firework stand NO INVESTMENT REQUIRED! June 24 - July 4. Go to MrWFireworks. com to submit app or call 210-622-3788, M-F.

Roommate Wanted ROOMS FOR RENT

$35-$45 a week, Green Pastures Subdivision.

Call 512-557-8202

Texas Statewide Advertising Network

Public Notice

CAREGIVER NEEDED

Hiring personal care attendant to assist disabled female in Kyle.

Approximately 30 hours per week. Two people split hours Mon.-Fri. 7:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Some flexibility on end times. Call Benita @ 512-350-6533 or send email with your info to reyes.benita@gmail.com

PART-TIME OFFICE MANAGER WANTED Cheerful personality wanted to answer phones and do data entry. Computer experience a plus with the ability to adapt to specialized software.

Wanted Monday through Wednesday.

Call 512-268-7862.

Furniture For Sale FOR SALE

Three-piece brown microban living room ensemble: Love seat and two rocker recliners w/ drink holders. Email Steve. tecci@yahoo.com or call 512917-1253.

To place an ad, email paper@ haysfreepress or call 512-2687862. Classifieds are only $8 for 20 words or less.

Deadline for all advertising is anytime Monday prior to the Wednesday publication.

PUBLIC NOTICE By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on June 2nd, 2020 at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider: Replat of Lot 2A-1, K-BarMac Subdivision

NOTICE TO CREDITORS On the 19th day of May, 2020, Letters Testamentary in the Estate of GERALD VINCENT RISOVI, Deceased, were issued to BARBARA RISOVI, Independent Executor, by the County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, in cause number 20-0088-P, pending upon the docket of said Court. All persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present them within the time prescribed by law at the address shown below.

The name and address where claims may be sent is Erin C. Cowden, Attorney for Independent Executor; The Law Office of Erin C. Cowden, P.L.L.C., whose address is 3267 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. 107-376, Austin, TX 78746. Telephone: 512790-3267. TX Bar Number 00796307.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER LYNN CARVER, DECEASED Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Christopher Lynn Carver,Deceased, were issued on May 6, 2020, in Cause No. 20-0104P pending in the County Court, Hays County, Texas to Lynn E. Thompson, as Independent Executor. The residence of the Independent Executor is in Travis County, Texas. The post office address for claims is: Estate of Christopher Lynn Carver, Deceased

Gilman & Associates, P.C. 1524 S. Interstate 35, Suite 218 Austin, TX 78704-2600 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

Dated: May 19, 2020 Gilman & Associates, P.C. 1524 S. Interstate 35, Suite 218 Austin, TX 78704-2600 Attorneys for the Executor

purchased “as is” “where is” for CASH/CREDIT. Safe-nSound Self Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid or to cancel any public sale advertised. Announcement made the day of the sale takes precedence over any printed materials.

PATRICIA GONZALEZ 10X15 NC – Toys, 10’ Ladder, Lamps, Bookcase, Bed with frame, Christmas decorations, Artwork, Garden Hose, Spreader, 3 truck tires, Boxes, Totes and Misc. items

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code hereby gives notice of public sale under said act to wit: This sale will be held June 5, 2020 at 2:30 PM on StorageAuction.com.

The property in the storage unit(s) listed under tenant’s name is being sold to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The property contents of all storage unit(s) sold at this sale are

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on June 2nd, 2020 at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider: Replat of Lot 4, 3-G Ranch Addition, Section 3.

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit (BG) by Driftwood Dugout, LLC to be located at 18992 FM 150, Ste. 201, Driftwood, Hays County, Texas 78619. Members of said corporation are: Kelcee Whinery, member; Cameron Cox, member; Jamie Eveleigh, member; and Chad Halverson, member.

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for BQ Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit by Family Dollar Stores of Texas LLC dba Family Dollar 32288, to be located at 13151 Camino Real, Niederwald, TX 78640 in Hays County. Officers of said Limited Liability Company are: Lonnie McCaffety, Pres.; William A. Old Jr., Sen. V. Pres., CLO, Gen. Con., and Sec.; Roger Dean, V. Pres. and Treas.; Jonathan Elder, V. Pres.-Tax; Deborah Miller, V. Pres.; Thomas E. Schoenheit , V. Pres., Asst.

Gen. Con. and Asst. Sec.; Shawnta Totten-Medley, V. Pres. and Asst. Sec.; Bruce Walters, V. Pres.; Sandra Boscia, Asst. Sec.; CJ York, Asst. Sec.; Family Dollar Stores of Ohio, Inc. Sole Member.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Separate sealed Bids for the Goforth Special Utility District (SUD) – ADVANCED METER INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI) SYSTEM REPLACEMENT, SWE Project No. 0092-086-20 will be received by and at the office of Southwest Engineers, Inc., 307 St. Lawrence, Gonzales, Texas 78629 until Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. where they will be opened and read aloud. Bids must be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope or package with the words “Goforth SUD – Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) System Replacement Project”. Bids received after this time will be rejected and returned unopened. “In accordance with DSHS guidance, the Goforth SUD is practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness and sanitation, and implementing social distancing by minimizing social gatherings; therefore, no more than ten (10) people can attend the bid opening and each person in attendance should also be practicing good hygiene and will be required to implement social distancing to minimize in-person contact. Any person who does not feel comfortable attending, or does not prefer to attend, can call into the bid opening at 10:00 a.m. using the conference call number: 1-832917-1510 and then, when prompted, entering the code: 921474. Once connected to the conference call, each person calling in shall identify themselves so a record of such attendance can be documented.”

The project generally consists of replacing commercial and residential water meters throughout the Goforth service area with an advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) system.

Each Bidder shall also include the time when he could begin work and the number of days needed to complete the project as part of his bid. This may factor into the award of the project.

The Information for Bidders, Bid, Bid Bond, Contract, Plans, Specifications, Performance and Payment Bonds and the Contract Documents may be examined at the following locations.

SOUTHWEST ENGINEERS, INC. 307 ST. LAWRENCE STREET, GONZALES, TEXAS 78629 (830) 672-7546 Plans and Specifications are available at the office of Southwest Engineers, Inc. in three different formats: Hard Copy - $80.00 (Non-Refundable) CD in PDF Format - $30.00 (Non-Refundable) Download - $25.00 (Non-Refundable) A bid bond in the amount of 5% of the bid issued by an acceptable surety registered with the U.S. Treasury shall be submitted with each bid. A certified check payable to the Goforth Special Utility District may be submitted in lieu of the Bid Bond.

The Goforth Special Utility District reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities in the bidding.

Bids may be held by the Goforth Special Utility District for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award.

May 12, 2020 Goforth Special Utility District Ronald Bell, President

The Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch are newspapers of general circulation in Hays County.

Email public notices to david@haysfreepress.com

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 27, 2020

Page 13

Senator Zaffirini adapts constituent services “Our goal, first and foremost, is to respond to the needs of the persons we represent,” she said. “We cannot promise we will always succeed, but we will always try.”

Adapting to the urgency of the coronavirus outbreak and its accompanying economic uncertainty, State Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) and her staff continue to assist Senate District 21 residents using technology tools and working extended hours.

This includes holding virtual meetings with constituents and state and local leaders; advocating continually for the

interests of the families, businesses and communities they serve; providing timely and accurate information via social media and weekly eNews-

dence and email from constituents.

The senator is available for virtual appointments and meetings with persons or groups. She and her staff meet virtually at least weekly to collaborate as a team for the letters; helping resolve benefit of the families issues related to state they represent. programs and agencies, “Our physical offices including unemployment; may be closed temporarand responding to teleily, but my staff and I are phone calls, corresponworking around-the-clock

at our homes, including staffing our office lines 24/7 from our personal cell phones,” she said.

“Constituents who need assistance may contact at us at any hour, including nights and weekends.”

She and her staff may be reached at her Capitol office, 512-463-0121, or at her Laredo office, 956-722-2293, respectively. Constituents also are welcomed to contact

her by email via judith. zaffirini@senate.texas. gov. To receive her weekly, strictly informational, non-political newsletter, simply register at https:// senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=21.

“Our goal, first and foremost, is to respond to the needs of the persons we represent," she said.

"We cannot promise we will always succeed, but we will always try.”

Survey: Texas doctor practices struggling to survive pandemic “From the beginning of March, when all this hit, business has been down 50 to 60 percent.

We’ve had to decrease hours for everybody.

We initially cut the nurse practitioners from 32 to 20 hours, and we are holding the line and dipping into savings, but hopeful we will be able to retain everyone.”

Like most independent medical practice physicians struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, Austin pediatrician Brian Temple, MD, had to make a critical choice: reduce salaries and work hours, or lose the staff and pediatric practice he and his partner had built over six years.

“From the beginning of March, when all this hit, business has been down 50 to 60 percent. We’ve had to decrease hours for everybody,” Temple said. “We initially cut the nurse practitioners from 32 to 20 hours, and we are holding the line and dipping into savings, but hopeful we will be able to retain everyone.”

Temple is far from alone. The COVID-19 Impact Survey by the Texas Medical Association (TMA) found 68% of practicing physicians’ work hours have been cut, and 62% have had their salaries reduced.

While half of all physicians surveyed statewide took a salary reduction, the percentage of physicians in Travis County taking a pay cut was significantly higher, at 75%.

“It’s been really difficult. The next two to three months will dictate what our staff numbers look like moving into winter,” said Temple, who is hoping to avoid layoffs.

Texas’ economic shutdown forced by COVID-19 has significantly reduced patient visits, slashing the revenue generated by regular check-ups and walk-in visits. According to the survey, two-thirds of physicians reported their patient volume had decreased by half or more as patients canceled their appointments. As a

–Brian Temple, MD, Austin pediatrician

result, 63% of physicians reported their revenue decreased by half or more.

Denton obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGyn) and TMA Board Trustee Joseph S. Valenti, MD, said the loss of revenue forced his offices to close temporarily, then reopen on a limited basis.

“We were down quite a bit, we were closed and went to telehealth for a while, but of course that provided only 10% of what we lost, and certainly not enough to live on,” Valenti said.

If medical practices cannot survive, patients could face greater accessto-care challenges in the future, perhaps when they will need it most: as the world faces residual effects from the pandem-

ic, and job losses and the rate of uninsured Texans rise amid a threat of potential long-term health ramifications.

Cash flow problems forced nearly two-thirds of doctors to apply for small business loans and other financial assistance, according to TMA’s survey. TMA President Diana L. Fite, MD, said primary care physicians, especially pediatricians and OB-Gyns, are struggling to get help.

“Many physician practices work on a fairly tight margin of profit, especially those who see a lot of Medicare, Medicaid or HMO patients,” she said. “We have heard from physicians who are charging on their personal charge cards, taking money from their own savings plans, and borrowing money just to pay the bills and their office staff. Meanwhile, they have no patients or very few patients to see.”

Physicians are hanging on, though. The survey indicated fewer than one-third of doctors laid off or furloughed staff to cut costs. Fite said the survey numbers show Texas medical practices are fighting to stay alive.

“The information from the survey is important, and we’ll use it to help our Texas physicians keep their offices open and get them up to speed again” to serve Texas patients, Fite said.

ABOUT THE SURVEY TMA conducted this online survey May 4-11, 2020, to ask Texas physicians about the financial impact COVID-19 has had on their practices.

The survey received 1,548 responses. Physicians who identified

Still Budaful: New round of grants, loans Continued from pg. 1

cities all over Texas which have asked the small business task force how it is setting up the guidelines, so they too can create a stimulus grant. Although round two’s regulations may have some amendments made, its basic foundation has been decided. Applications will be open to the public on June 3.

City council members approved the Still Budaful 2.0 proposition and amendments will be brought back to council members on June 2 for final approval.

Overall, the grant money’s intended use remains the same; but in the first round, only businesses who generated sales tax could apply. The

new regulations removed this criterion to include more businesses, such as those in the medical field, nonprofits and more. Applicants must be registered with the secretary of state.

There was $50,000 of grant money left over from the first round of Still Budaful which will go into the 2.0 program, allotting $300,000 in this round.

The $100,000 for loans portion of the program will fund 10 businesses within the city limits and the ETJ. Businesses can ask for up to $10,000 and can be forgiven if certain guidelines are met.

To ask for loan forgiveness, businesses must retain or create one full-time job within

three months of receiving the funds. They must also stay in business for at least six months, but Anderson said this criterion is under review. Businesses must be registered with the secretary of state and have good compliance with the city. Businesses have to show loss of revenue of greater than 25 percent during this period versus the same period last year.

Funds must be used for set authorized purposes, if not, businesses will have to make repayment with interest.

City council members praised the Buda EDC as well as the small business task force for their effort to keep the city’s businesses operational.

Read all about it!

The Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch will be combined into one newspaper during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re not a subscriber, you can find the newspaper at a limited number of newspaper racks throughout northern Hays County (see below) or call 512-268-7862 to subscribe for only $42 a year. Senior citizens receive a 10 percent discount.

Buda Walgreens

Kyle HEB Kyle CVS Kyle Q-Way Dripping Springs Walgreens

Buda HEB Buda CVS Kyle Walgreens (both)

Dripping Springs HEB Wimberley HEB Dripping Springs Visitors Center

HaysFreePress.com

www.

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

their primary type of practice as resident or teaching, administration, or research at the beginning of the survey were not presented with additional questions (97% of respondents continued

the survey, with results reflected above). Results at the 90% confidence level are reported.

TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 53,000 physi-

cian and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.

If you have Farmers insurance you might be paying too much.

Call us to find out.

The Southpark Agency 512-371-6286

TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

TDS IS NOW HIRING! Find your career with us.

Opportunities Include: Paralegal, Welder, CDL Drivers, Temporary Special Event Workers, Mechanics, and more.

Visit our website www.texasdisposal.com/careers to view and apply! For more information call 512-329-1778

Sign-On Bonus Available* *Certain positions

NEWS

Page 14

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 27, 2020

Open for appointments Fully prepared for your safety in our care At Ascension Seton, the care you need is available today. From routine visits and health screenings to surgical procedures and specialty care, our caregivers are fully prepared for your arrival.

As we all embrace a new care experience, Ascension Seton will continue to maintain strict precautions for your safety in our care including screenings, social distancing and protective equipment. Yet our compassionate, personalized care remains unchanged. When you enter our open doors, you’ll be greeted by the Ascension Seton caregivers you know and trust.

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Schedule now. Ask about virtual visits.

GetSetonCare.com or GetDellChildrensCare.com

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© Ascension 2020. All rights reserved.