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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVII No. 38 • Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
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Thursday, June 29, 2017
Hispanic population rises 41% in Hays County BY MOSES LEOS III
Nearly 80,000 people made up the Hispanic population in Hays County in 2016, which constituted a 41 percent rise since the 2010 Census. That figure, part of newly released Census Bureau estimates, followed the trend of a rapidly growing Hispanic population in Texas and the United States. Pauline Anton, President and CEO of the Texas Association of Mexican American
Elder Hill projects begin July 10
Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) in Buda, says the numbers show what many in the community have known for some time. “We’ve been saying this (increase is coming). Now that the new Census data is out, it shows the huge population burst,” Anton said. “It’s here in Texas and it’s huge in Texas, and always has been.” Growth in the Hispanic population is reaching into communities, such as Hays County, that “may not had as much diversity” in the past, Anton said.
2016 CENSUS BUREAU ESTIMATES
Hays County total population – 204,470
The state’s proximity to Mexico is one factor that’s led to the rapid rise in the population.
APRIL 1, 2010 CENSUS BUREAU NUMBERS Hays County total population – 157,107
White
White
Black
Black
Asian
Asian
Two or more races
Two or more races
Hispanic
Hispanic
American Indian
American Indian
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
As a result, business growth in the population is also on the rise. Anton said the Hispanic
population is the fastest growing when it comes to entrepreneurship. In Texas, Anton said
POPULATION, 3
Safety first this Fourth of July
Cultivating success
STAFF REPORT
STAFF REPORT Commuters who use Elder Hill Road in Driftwood may have to add time to their drive next month as Hays County begins its reconstruction and resurfacing project. Hays County’s improvements to the road, which will start July 10, will run on Elder Hill Road from the FM 150 intersection to just past the La Ventana entrance, according to a county press release. The project is expected to cause driving delays. Speed limits will be reduced in the work area and motorists should plan on singlelane traffic between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on week days. Constriction will begin on the eastern portion of the roadway and move west, according to the release. The entire project is expected to be completed by the fall. Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant is encouraging motorists to slow down and obey construction zone signs. “Let’s make sure that our neighbors and our road workers are safe as this much-needed repair is completed,” he said.
there are more than 700,000 business owned by a Hispanic person. Businesses range from landscaping to restaurateurs, as well as doctors, certified public accountants (CPAs) and attorneys. “It’s putting people to work. That is driving the population growth here,” Anton said. “If there’re jobs, people will come. If there’re no jobs, they will look elsewhere.” Many segments of
With the Fourth of July holiday upcoming, Hays County Fire Marshal Clint Browning is asking residents to not only adhere to laws governing fireworks, but to remember about safety. Many cities in Hays County have laws prohibiting the use of fireworks. Dripping Springs prohibits the use of fireworks in the city if Hays County enacts a burn ban. Fireworks are also prohibited in city
FIREWORK REGULATIONS, 2
LAGNIAPPE PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Above: Dripping Springs resident Michael Ryan shows off a first place blue ribbon won during the sixth annual Dripping Springs Tomato Roundup held on the Triangle near Mercer Street. Below: Wearing an appropriate t-shirt, Dan Hayes shows off samples of heirloom tomatoes at the annual Tomato Roundup.
Tomato Roundup showcases resurgence of local gardeners BY MOSES LEOS III
H
aving already won a handful of red and blue ribbons Saturday, Dripping Springs resident Michael Ryan had a sheepish grin after placing in another category at the sixth annual Dripping Springs Tomato Roundup. For 20 years now, Ryan has placed his heart and soul into the gardens he’s tended to. Every year, those gardens keep expanding, he said. Where some go to the links to find their inner peace, Ryan goes to his garden. “At the end of the day, it’s a place where I can go out there and leave myself to,” Ryan said. Ryan’s story is a common theme among those who attended the festival, which not only allows local growers to show off their ripest, reddest, juiciest tomatoes, but also to give a glimpse into the resurgence of the local organic garden. Getting to that point began six years ago when John Dromgoole, famed organic gardner and owner of The Natural Gardener in Austin, hosted the inaugural event on McGregor Road, where his
TOMATO ROUNDUP, 8
Market Days
Come celebrate Independence Day at Wimberley Market Days Saturday July 1 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine. Listen to live music on three stages from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. This free event is located at Lions Field on RR 2325 Wimberley with ample parking in three lots. For more information see the Market Days web site at www.shopmarketdays. com or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ wimberleymarketdays.
Wimberley Fourth of July
The Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce extends an invitation to one and all to attend the annual July 4th Parade, the “Best Little Parade in Texas.” Wimberley’s parade theme this year is “Wimberley the Beautiful.” The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Green Acres Road and FM 2325, proceeds to Ranch Road 12, continues through the Wimberley Square and ends at Blue Heron Run. Parade participants who are walking or riding horses will exit the parade route at Blue Heron, the remaining participants will exit the route at RR 12 and Stillwater. Entry PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
LAGNIAPPE, 2