Migrant Story Part 1
Former publisher rebuilds
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County gets hispanic Chamber of Commerce page 6
News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 40
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
75¢ Thursday, July 18, 2019
Dripping Springs halts work at controversial wedding venue BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
A participant at a July 12 vigil in San Marcos advocates for improved conditions and treatment of migrants along the border.
Vigil protesting conditions of immigration facilities held BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Activists and community members July 12 banded together at the Hays County Courthouse to call for an end to inhumane conditions reported at several immigration detention facilities along the border. Those who joined in on the vigil also prayed, protested and condemned controversial efforts of the U.S. government toward migrants in
The vigil was held in light of purported Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids this past weekend. In Texas, these raids were expected to occur in major cities across the state.
what some local leaders are calling concentration camps. Hosted by local immigration activists and criminal justice reform group Mano Amiga, the
vigil was held in light of purported Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids this past weekend. In Texas, these raids were expected to occur in major
cities across the state. Tomas Diaz de Leon, an organizer with Mano Amiga, said Hays County residents should stay engaged and vigilant to bring awareness to the crisis at the immigration centers. Diaz de Leon said facilities like the South Texas Detention Center in Pearsall and the T. Don Hutto Residential Center in Taylor are
IMMIGRANT VIGIL, 6
County DA to prosecute weed laws despite hemp bill passage BY KATIE BURRELL
Despite a new state law allowing for the production, transportation and sale of hemp in Texas, Hays County’s top lawyer still intends to prosecute any and all marijuana cases going forward. On July 11, Hays County District Attorney Wes
Currently, possession of marijuana is the leading arrest charge in Hays County and has been since 2013, according to documentation provided by the Hays County Judge’s office.
Mau said in a release his office will continue to accept marijuana possession and distribution cases from law enforcement. The DA’s office will “continue to deal with those cases as justice requires, as well as any additional charges under the new law.” In June, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law House Bill 1325 which could allow for the possession, production and distribution of industrial hemp crops and products. According to the DA, hemp is Cannabis sativa L., a plant containing less than 0.3 percent of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. However, production of hemp will remain illegal in the state until the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) submits, and receives approval of, a “state hemp plan” to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), according to the TDA website. The TDA, which will have oversight of hemp production in the state, said they are awaiting USDA guidance
ing arrest charge in Hays County and has been since 2013, according to documentation provided by the Hays County Judge’s office. The data does not provide information on 2012. The county is also under scrutiny for the hefty before submission of a cost associated with the plan. USDA guidance is jail, the jail’s expansion expected to come in by and exporting inmates to fall 2019, according to outside prisons to allethe TDA website. viate overcrowding. PreTDA officials anticivious reports show Hays pate starting the hemp County spent upwards growing application of $100,000 annually to process by 2020. ease overcrowding in the But Mau’s move drew Hays County jail. criticism from county Hays County Judge Ruactivists who cited law ben Becerra and Chief of enforcement’s history Staff Alex Villalobos have with marijuana charges. said they are hoping to “Continued crimiincrease cite-and-release nalization for low-level practices in the county, marijuana possession especially for marijuana embodies Dumb on usage. Crime, especially when Kyle City Council it’s shamefully been our Member Daphne Tencounty’s leading arrest orio said she supports charge at least since leniency on marijuana in 2012, and, meanwhile, response to Mau’s recent numerous counties statement. across the state – in“Skyrocketing including our neighbor Travis to the north – have mate housing costs and abandoned prosecutions extreme court backlogs continue to create a altogether,” said Karen challenge for Hays CounMuñoz, representative ty. The pursuit of minor for Mano Amiga, a Hays marijuana prosecutions County activist group. only creates additional Mano Amiga has a costs and time conhistory of supporting straints,” Tenorio said. cite-and-release and She added many Texas has rallied for criminal justice reform, and more counties have already halted minor prosecturecently, indigent crimiions of low-level marinal defense. Currently, possession of marijuana is the leadWEED LAWS, 2
After multiple environmental violations and allegations of polluting a neighboring creek, Dripping Springs city officials have placed a stop-work order on the Mark Black Wedding Venue. The stop-work order is the latest chapter in a saga that began with Mark Black’s plan to build a wedding venue on property along Crystal Hills Drive in Dripping Springs’ Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), or external boundaries. On July 9, Dripping Springs Mayor Todd Purcell announced the stop-work order, which was met with applause from residents who attended that evening’s city council meeting. “At 11:05 we issued a full stop work on the project,” Purcell said. “It’s not a victory or ‘let’s run the lap.’ I want you all to understand we are looking at this very carefully.” Purcell said the city
On July 9, Dripping Springs Mayor Todd Purcell announced the stop-work order, which was met with applause from residents who attended that evening’s city council meeting. council is consulting with city staff and its city attorney to educate themselves on the matter and how to move forward. “But I felt like we needed to take a pause and look at this closely before we move forward,” he said. The decision to halt construction is in light of a new site development plan submitted by Mark
WEDDING VENUE, 2
County contracts medical services for juvenile center BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Unable to fill two licensed vocational nurse (LVN) positions at the Hays County Juvenile Detention Center caused county leaders to eliminate the positions entirely and contract services to a private company. With the help of Wellpath, LLC, the county will work with the company to provide an LVN, registered nurse (RN) and physician to administer healthcare services to the population at the facility. The action to enter an agreement with Wellpath and eliminate the two LVN positions was unanimously approved by the Hays County Commissioners Court on July 2. Hays County Juvenile Detention Center Administrator Brett Littlejohn said the facility has never had an LVN, RN and physician as part of the program. “It’s something we’ve never really had much of, and the reason I am asking of this is that we’re not able to fill the positions in the nursing staff,” Littlejohn said. “It’s a risk and liability to the county because I can’t get these positions filled.” Littlejohn said the agreement could potentially alleviate expenses to the county by having a nurse and doctor available to assist during emergencies. Wellpath will provide 16-hours of nursing a
The county will work with Wellpath, LLC to provide an LVN, registered nurse and physician to administer healthcare services to the population at the facility. day and three hours a week for a doctor to the facility. It’s unknown as of press time how much the agreement will cost the county. According to the company’s website, Wellpath provides medical and behavioral health care to jails, prisons, inpatient and residential treatment facilities. “It’s not that we’re eliminating the services of the nurses, but we’re providing those services through a nurse, physician and LVN,” said Hays County Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe. County Judge Ruben Becerra said the county is not eroding any components of the facility, but re-tooling the medical component to provide better services. “it seems like a very good move forward so we can fill a long-standing void that’s just been hard for the county to staff…,” Becerra said.
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News-Dispatch
Migrant Story – Part 1
News -Dispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862
This story is the first of a two-part piece on McCarty’s trip to the Texas border. Next week, McCarty takes a deeper dive into south Texas advocacy groups who are assisting migrants.
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News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4 and Christmas by Barton Publications, Inc., 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $42 local, $59 county, $62 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Driftwood, TX. Email paper@haysnewsdispatch. com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to NewsDispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610 LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@ haysfreepress.com.
BY KATE MCCARTY Editor’s note: Kate McCarty is a longtime Hays County resident who recently took a trip to the Texas border to donate supplies collected by the Hays County Democrats. The temperature in the parking lot near the Progreso Bridge in south Texas was 95 degrees, but it was much hotter atop a concrete structure spanning the Rio Grande River. Standing on the structure were 40 individuals who have been waiting for more than a month for permission to enter the U.S. and state their claim for asylum. “We didn’t expect this,” said a young Venezuelan mother who was sitting with her 5-year-old son and a coloring book. “We didn’t know about the waiting.” “We’re doing okay,” said a member of a group of eight Cuban refugees sitting at the far end of the bridge with three pop-up tents. They seemed hot, very hot, and very tired. Angry Tias and Abuelas, a South Texas advocacy group that began in 2018, visits this bridge and others daily to ensure the migrants have water and food. The government supplies two restrooms at the Progreso Bridge, only one of which was working when I visited. There also is one shower that also is faulty, though provides some water. So why are these people waiting? They hope to make a claim for asylum, a form of protection granted to those who demonstrate that they are unable or unwilling to return to their country because of persecution, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. This right was incorporated into international law after the atrocities of World War II, and Congress adopted key elements into U.S. immigration law as part of the 1980 Refugee Act. I visited the Rio Grande Valley recently to take 12 backpacks of supplies gathered by Hays County Democrats, as well as other bags and boxes of supplies. All of it was organized by Precinct 336 Chairperson Sharon Reed Miller, along with six more backpacks and 10 bags of supplies gathered via a Facebook call from San Marcos resident Jennifer Shaw Fisher.
Hamilton, a retired university educator, goes to the Harlingen bus station nearly every day at 9 a.m. to meet migrants who have been released from detention based upon an initial ruling on their claim. She and other Spanishspeaking volunteers provide them with a backpack of snacks, toiletries and other supplies for their journeys, along with advice.
PHOTOS BY KATE MCCARTY
A line of migrants prepare to board buses for what, for many, will be the first leg of a long journey. Below, volunteer Claudia greets migrants just released from detention as they arrive at Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. There they will be given help in arranging for bus tickets, along with sack lunches and supplies for their trips.
A few more backpacks and other donations came from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Marcos and other friends in San Marcos and Buda. Some cash donations also were generated for the groups I am writing about below. My small Chevrolet had a packed full trunk, with more backpacks and donations in the back seat and passenger seat when I left. But that’s just part of the story. Joyce Hamilton, one of the eight founders of Angry Tias and Abuelas, spent two days showing me around the Valley. We didn’t visit migrants in detention because that isn’t allowed. I didn’t, for example, take toothbrushes to detained children at the Clint, Texas, Border Patrol station because, again, that wouldn’t have been allowed. What was done, however, was shedding light on groups that are making a difference where and when they can. Hamilton, a retired university educator, goes to the Harlingen bus station nearly every day at 9 a.m. to meet migrants who have been released from detention based upon an initial ruling on their claim. She and other Spanish-speaking volunteers provide them with a
backpack of snacks, toiletries and other supplies for their journeys, along with advice. A similar and usually larger operation is happening at the bus station in McAllen, headed by Susan Law, retired human resources director for Texas Rural Legal Aid and a member of the Angry Tias group. “We really need more volunteers, Spanish-speaking volunteers,” Law said. They give them a packet that includes a U.S. map, upon which they mark their bus route and transfer points along the way.
“We find they are just shocked to learn that Los Angeles may be a two and a half day trip or New York perhaps a four-day trip. They just had no idea,” Hamilton said. The migrants also are given a “Know Your Rights” form that lists in Spanish many things they need to be aware of, with the most important highlighted in yellow. They are given one-onone cultural orientations. Migrants learn bathrooms are free and water fountains can be used to refill water bottles at no charge. They receive help in ex-
changing pesos for dollars if they have money. Some might receive a little cash for their journeys from the Tias, if it’s available. Migrants also receive a list of attorneys in various cities who may be willing to take their immigration cases pro bono. They all have a court date for their asylum claim sometime in the future. However in many cases, the hearing is to be in Harlingen or McAllen. Migrants traveling away will need to call and change the location, something that they sometimes do not understand.
neighbors in the area, called for a public hearing on the change. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued multiple citations against the developer over faulty erosion controls that could have caused pollution to the nearby creek. Carlos Torres-Verdin, president of the Friendship Alliance and who has opposed the project since its inception, cited the TCEQ violations to city
leaders July 9. “The creek to this day remains polluted,” he said. “This guy is a trespasser of the law. He doesn’t care. He was building a thing that was not permitted to be built, never.” Torres-Verdin said the issues were only addressed when the neighbors contacted the city, county and TCEQ to report construction of a structure that was not included in the original
site plans. “The predicament here is we have a liar, a trespasser of the law,” Torres-Verdin said. “We need time. Time to check and quality control everything Mark Black does...” It’s unknown at this time how long the stopwork order will remain in effect. City leaders have periodically listed an executive session item related to the wedding venue in recent meetings. Items discussed during
executive session can relate to possible or pending litigation or matters that involve the city attorney. Local resident Robert Christensen said the order by the council was an acknowledgment of the importance of natural resources in the Dripping Springs area. “We are a nation of laws and I ask for full accountability of Black Market Investments and its associates,” Christensen said.
Wedding Venue Continued from pg. 1
Black. The plans would expand the wedding venue, which has been a cause for concern from residents. In early July, Black said the plans would add several housing units on the property for attendees to stay the night, according to a News-Dispatch report. After the site development plans were made public, Friendship Alliance officials, an organization representing
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Weed Laws
Continued from pg. 1 juana offenses. Tenorio said she hopes to pursue cite-and-release provisions in Kyle, similar to rules under consideration in San Marcos. “I look forward to pursing provisions that eliminate the need to lock people up for minor marijuana crimes as well as seven other citation-eligible offices,” Tenorio said. Now that hemp is legalized, it is not expected to be added to the list of
offenses. Costs associated with determining hemp’s THC level and legality, however, could slow progress. “As with all criminal cases, if forensic testing is necessary before a prosecution can go forward, the HCDA will examine the need for the testing against the time, money and resources required to obtain the test results, and proceed as appropriate on a case by case basis,” Mau said.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 3
Sports
Central Texas Lobos shred Shreveport in season finale BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI
Explosively consistent offense led to smiles and high-fives Saturday as the Central Texas Lobos crushed Shreveport United 8-3 in the team’s season finale at Shelton Stadium. Even with the highlight-filled win over Shreveport, regular season struggles, stemming from a myriad of injuries and several close losses, proved too much to overcome. The Lobos (3-6-1) finished in fifth place in the West division of the Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) and out of
“It was extremely important for us. I thought we had a really bad game last week, probably one of our worst of the season, so it was very important for us as a team to come back and put on a good show today.” –David Walding, CenTex Lobos owner
the playoff picture. For Lobos owner David Walding, ending the season with a win and heading into the offseason with momentum was a team goal he set before facing off
against Shreveport. “It was extremely important for us,” Walding said. “I thought we had a really bad game last week, probably one of our worst of the season, so it was very
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Central Texas Lobo defenseman Mohammed Mbaya fights with a Shreveport United attacker for possession of the ball Saturday.
important for us as a team to come back and put on a good show today.” The Lobos did just that as they scored eight goals in the match, which was more than half of their season output heading into the match. CenTex Midfielder Oscar Saavedra scored five of the Lobos’ eight goals, securing a hat-trick in the first half with goals at the 12-, 26- and 30-minute marks. “It was very important that we wanted to close the season on the right foot, and thanks to God we were able to score.” said Saavedra. “Thanks to the teamwork out there, we were able to get a quick goal and put our best foot forward and score after that.” Saavedra followed up his first half hat-trick with two quick goals in the second half when he scored on a breakaway at the 50- minute mark. Saavedra then capitalized on a deflection off of Shreveport’s goalkeeper for a score at the 52-minute mark. The Lobos added three more goals in the second half with excellent shots by Andre Wabulakombe (57’), Jose Alex Marin (81’), and Oscar Ramirez (91’). “I think it was a question today of attitude and wanting to come out and play extremely attacking from the first minute of the game,” Walding said. “I told them before we even set foot on the field that we wanted to go out in the first
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Central Texas Lobo forward Oscar Saavedra (right) celebrates with Andre Wabulakombe after scoring one of his five goals in Saturday’s miatch against Shreveport United.
ten minutes and score so we could start that scoring (run).” While the offense was hitting on all cylinders, Lobos goalkeeper and captain Blake Lander led the charge on defense with highlight reel saves. Lander also effectively communicated with the back line to stay in position. Lander had eight total saves in the match. “Blake is absolutely incredible, he is our team captain and he is the heart and soul of this team,” Walding said. “He’s just a
tremendous goalkeeper, a strong presence for us in the back. He directs our defense and just makes us a hundred times better.” Walding and the Lobos accomplished their season finale goal and now head into the offseason with a sense of pride, rejuvenated energy and hope for next season. “Overall we had some positive steps this season,” Walding said. “Our hope is to just keep building on that and getting better every chance we get.”
From walk-on to on the team Overcoming obstacles to earn Texas State scholarship BY MOSES LEOS III
sweat and a few tears. “I told my parents I could take care of myself,” When deciding to play Galvan-Vazquez said. “My football beyond high parents don’t make as school two years ago, much money as others. Hays High alumMy parents also nus Emmanuel don’t speak EnGalvan-Vazquez glish. I just wanted made a promise to be an example to his parents that that I can do it.” he’d handle the That mindset cost. came from his It was an idea upbringing – that they all knew you work hard would be much and support your easier said family. Both of GALVANthan done. GalGalvan-Vazquez’ VAZQUEZ van-Vazquez, the parents emigrated eldest of three to the U.S. when children and a first-genthey were younger to find eration college student, jobs that could help supopted to walk on to the port their families in MexTexas State University ico. Many of his cousins football team with little to and other relatives also no financial backing. entered the workforce at a But for Galvan-Vazquez, young age. putting that financial burHowever, Galden on his parents wasn’t van-Vazquez’ mother an option. He made it his urged him and his siblings mission to ensure those to continue to play sports stiff college tuition bills and to obtain a higher didn’t impact his family’s education. She ultimately bottom line. didn’t want them to follow After two-plus years of a similar path as their hard work and sacrifice, family and focus solely on Galvan-Vazquez complet- money. ed his mission when he Galvan-Vazquez bewas rewarded July 3 with came the first in his ima scholarship covering the mediate family to finish cost of his final two years high school when he gradof schooling. uated from Hays High in It was a joyous and 2016. He did so after overgroundbreaking moment coming a major language barrier. Galvan-Vazquez that was the culmination didn’t fully learn the Enof blood, a whole lot of
PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS STATE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
After two years of hard work and sacrifice, Emmanuel Galvan-Vazquez was rewarded with a football scholarship to cover his final two years of schooling
glish language until the 6th grade. It was in football that he excelled. While in high school, Galvan-Vazquez, a standout defensive lineman, earned a myriad of accolades and superlative accomplishments. However, making the choice to walk on to the Texas State football team also meant having to juggle the life of a student-athlete with the rigors of trying to make a living. Over the course of two-plus years, Galvan-Vazquez worked three jobs, all on a parttime basis. During the fall and winter breaks, Galvan-Vazquez worked
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at an area Home Depot in order to save some money for his tuition bills. He also worked as a busboy at Chavelo’s Mexican Restaurant, owned by his cousin, on weekends during the spring. Between it all was the task of preparing himself for life on the field and in the classroom, which meant managing rigorous workouts and attending classes. Despite the balancing act, Galvan-Vazquez welcomed the experience. It was something he wanted to do. “It was a grind,” Galvan-Vazquez said. “I listened to my coaches and what they told me to
do and gave 100 percent from school to work and football as well. I did everything I could.” Galvan-Vazquez wanted to prove himself on the field, too. That process came with a handful of hard knocks along the way. On the first day of full pads with the Bobcats, Galvan-Vazquez suffered a shoulder injury. The Bobcat coaching staff, then helmed by former coach Everett Withers, redshirted Galvan-Vazquez in his freshman season. The experience made him realize he needed to get bigger and stronger and to take care of his body. He also had to adjust to the faster pace of the college game, which was far different than what he experienced at Hays High. Setbacks continued into his sophomore season in 2018 when a dislocated elbow suffered during fall camp knocked him out for six weeks. It was the encouragement of a position coach that galvanized Galvan-Vazquez to overcome the injury and get to where he wanted to be. “I remember this one time, our position coach at the time after the injury told me I needed to force him to play me when I came back,” Gal-
van-Vazquez said. “I took that to heart.” That encouragement fueled Galvan-Vazquez to go from the practice squad to eventually playing in seven games and recording six tackles last season. That effort led Texas State’s coaching staff, now headed by Jake Spavital, to offer Galvan-Vazquez the scholarship. He got the call as he was driving back from a summer class he was taking at Austin Community College. “It was a big weight off my shoulders and my parents,” Galvan-Vazquez said. “Once I heard that (I got the scholarship), I hung up and was yelling in my car. I was excited.” Setting an example for his siblings and his family is what Galvan-Vazquez hopes he has accomplished. He also hopes his story can offer hope for those who are first-generation Americans, minorities, English language learners or those who come from humble means. “It’s knowing that it doesn’t matter if your parents can’t always help you financially, but to keep the mindset to do what you want,” Galvan-Vazquez said. “If I can do it, everyone can do it too.”
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News-Dispatch
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Former newspaper publisher rebuilds from the ashes BY MOSES LEOS III
Surrounded by friends and family under the shade of canopies natural and otherwise, Dale Roberson July 6 proudly outlined his new goal of living past the age of 90. The announcement elicited smiles and applause from those who came to not only celebrate Roberson’s 82nd trip around the sun at his property near Driftwood, but a new chapter in his life. Several months ago, Roberson and the community mourned the loss of Joyce, his wife, in a tragic house fire that wiped out everything he had. Through the help of so many, Roberson June 4 got back on his feet by staying the first night at a newly built home on his property. Amid everything that’s happened, Roberson lauded the generosity of others who assisted in rebuilding
PHOTO BY PAULA PULLEY
Surrounded by friends July 6, Driftwood-area resident Dale Roberson celebrated his birthday on his property. The celebration was also a time to honor the work done by Roberson and his family in constructing a new home months after a devastating fire.
his life, piece by piece. “The donations people have given me … people have been so good,” Roberson said. “You don’t have any idea of what it’s like until you have a tragedy like this, to see how many of your friends come out of the woodwork.”
OBITUARIES
HALL Louise ”Weeza” Hall, affectionately known as Mema, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord on Tuesday morning. Born in Bracketville, Texas on a bright summer day in 1923, she was the second oldest of four children born to Cornelius and Alice Wood. Her father died when she was 5 years old. She always assisted her mother in repairing and custom-tailoring Calvary uniforms…a story she told until her dying days. After her father’s death, she and her family moved to San Antonio, where she graduated from Brackenridge High School. She married Syd Hall, a man she met in Driftwood, while staying with her aunt and uncle. They had two sons, Sydney D. and Clifford. Weeza worked for a number of years in the custom drapery department at Sears with her life-long best friend, Edith Eckols. Following her tenure at Sears, she worked at the Post Offices, in Wimberley and Driftwood. She did this as a way to help pay for trips and cruises with her granddaughters in the states and abroad.
During the early years of their marriage Weeza was a good rancher’s wife, always making sure coffee was ready and hot, and plenty of good sweets were available. Huge lunches were also a staple at the Double C Ranch. Following her retirement, Weeza took great pride in caring for her great-grand-children. Her remaining years were spent at Orchard Park Memory Center, where she received the best of care. Special thanks to all of the staff at Orchard Park. Extra special thanks to Lisa McCrary for visiting our Mema regularly. Thanks to the people at Angels for Elders for helping us keep Mema in her “home” as long as possible. Mema was preceded in death by her husband, Sydney Hall; parents, Cornelius and Alice; siblings: Gene, Aggie and Cornelius; and first greatgranddaughter, Bailey Crisp. She is survived by her son Sydney D. and wife Ellen; son Clifford and wife Betty; granddaughters Nicole and Shana; and greatgrandchildren Cody and Taryne. Visitation: Saturday, July 13, 2019 from 6-8, Harrell Funeral Home, Dripping Springs. Funeral and burial services: Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 2:00, Driftwood Methodist Church. Burial to follow at Driftwood Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to: www. harrellfuneralhomes.com.
A key component in getting Roberson back on his feet the assistance from his children and all generations of his family, who played a vital role in the rebuilding process. That started when they worked together to purchase the frame of a new
home in February; soon after, Roberson and his family began designing it before starting construction. Shannon Shubert, Roberson’s daughter, said she and her family regularly coordinated schedules to help out as much as they could. For many of them, that meant commuting hundreds of miles to the Driftwood area to lend a hand, usually on weekends. Roberson and his family also received help from friends and neighbors who provided material and much more to the cause. Tracy Dean, a friend of Roberson’s, donated cabinets, a stove and flooring for the new house. Richard Smith, a general contractor, donated his time to oversee the construction of the new home. Help has also come from perfect strangers, too. Roberson said a man who lived down the road from him, whom he had never met in his life, wrote him a
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$100 check after learning what happened. Donations in the form of clothes, food, furniture and more from the neighboring community came Roberson’s way. “Everyone has contributed financially as well as with sweat. There’s a lot of sweat equity in this place for sure,” Shubert said. “The community has been amazing. We’ve seen a lot of good Samaritans out there.” Even with help from all sides, Roberson was adamant in playing a role in constructing his new residence. Installation of cabinets, a sliding wooden barn door and even an exterior wall were things Roberson accomplished with the assistance of Smith, a full-time carpenter. Having done quite a bit of carpentry work in the past, Roberson said he still loves to “drive nails” and get hands-on with projects. Over the course of four months, Roberson, Smith,
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Schubert and many more children, grandchildren and great-grand children built the home from the ground up. The experience brought Roberson and his family closer together. “Every single one of these kids have worked their butts off,” Roberson said. “I couldn’t have put it together without them.” Seeing her dad return to life on his property, which he’s owned since 1970, offers a happy feeling for Schubert. Often times, she and her family find Roberson sitting peacefully on the back deck of his home. “He’s happy to be here in his own space, on his own property,” Schubert said. As far as Roberson’s concerned, he feels as if he’s the luckiest man in the world. “My kids say I’ve got nine lives. I hope I’m not to nine yet,” Roberson said. “I’ve been real lucky. Real lucky. I hope I keep on being lucky.”
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Classifieds
Thursday, July 18, 2019
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Employment
Texas Statewide Advertising Network
Be Your Own Boss Choose Your Own Routes! Looking for CDL drivers to deliver new trucks all over the country, starting in Laredo, TX. Experience preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in last 10 years, clean MVR.
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West Mercer Street P.O. Box 479, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Proposals shall be addressed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist. Any questions pertaining to the proposal specifications should be directed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist Ð CTSBO, michelle.lyons@dsisdtx.us. All
Dripping Springs Independent School District is requesting proposals for Charter Bus Services under RFP # 15-019-3 Charter Bus Services - Multiple Award. Proposals will be received in the Business Office of the Dripping Springs Independent School District, 510
proposals must be received by 2:00 P.M. (CST) on August 8, 2019. Dripping Springs Independent School District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to waive any formalities and irregularities in the bids received, and to accept the offer(s) most advantageous to the District.
Keep up with all the latest news coverage in Hays County by visiting www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
TexSCAN Week of July 14, 2019
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
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18-Wheeler Wrecks It’s easy to blame the driver when a big rig is involved in a wreck, but the truth is usually much more complex. When trucking company management cuts corners in training, equipment and maintenance, the rest of us pay the price. We have represented families for years who have been harmed by these parties. If you or someone you love has been killed or injured in a truck wreck, call us today. Evidence can disappear so CALL NOW.
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Service Directory Roofing
Pool Service
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Texas Crossword Solution
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Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Hays County organization opens Hispanic-centric chamber chapter BY MOSES LEOS III
Increasing awareness of minority-owned small businesses in Hays County is the primary goal of a newly formed group that also plans to offer commercial-related resources and insight to all. And, in a larger sense, the Hays County chapter of the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) hopes to offer a voice to Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs who historically have been underserved. Pauline Anton, president of TAMACC, said starting up the Hays County chapter in May was necessary as Hays County had not had a organization for Hispanic or Latino business owners for several years. With the Latino population in Hays County approaching, and perhaps surpassing, the 50% mark in the next few years, TAMACC officials felt the time was now to open the chapter. Since its inception, the Hays County TAMACC chapter has had more than 50 people sign up, including five city coun-
With the Latino population in Hays County approaching, and perhaps surpassing, the 50% mark in the next few years, TAMACC officials felt the time was now to open the chapter.
cil members and several Hays County officials. TAMACC’s membership is open to all and is not limited to just those of Hispanic or Latino descent. “We wanted to be able to have an organization where they (Hispanics) are able to get together, have like minds and grow and assist each other in leadership,” Anton said. TAMACC member Alex Villalobos, who also serves as a Kyle City Council member and Hays County’s Chief of Staff, said starting up the chapter creates a level of uniformity among Latino business owners, but also is a way for entrepreneurs to know and understand the needs of small businesses. Areas of education include leadership, business planning, understanding public policy and munic-
ipalities, as well as overall cultural competency and openness with clientele, Villalobos said. TAMACC also plans to offer education on social media awareness and technology seminars to those businesses owners who might need a refresher. “For those types of businesses to learn their own environment, but also invite others to see how this emerging group is conducting business and influencing business in the county, state and national level, I think it’s an opportunity to learn from each other,” Villalobos said. Outreach is an equally vital tool TAMACC plans to employ, primarily when it comes to key events such as the upcoming 2020 Census. Ensuring minority business owners and
Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director J.R. Gonzales, Hays County Judge Assistant Anita Collins, Texas Association of Mexican-American Chamber of Commerce President Pauline Anton, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra and Hays County Chief of Staff Alex Villalobos pose for a photo at the kick off of the TAMACC Hays County chapter in May.
residents understand the importance of participating in the Census, which is conducted every 10 years, is vital, Anton said. Results from the Census help to determine where resources are needed in the country over the next decade. TAMACC is also relaying concerns to Washington on fears within the Hispanic community of a possible citizenship question on the 2020 Census. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump announced he was forgoing plans for a citizenship question, but opted to use other means to determine the number of undocumented migrants in the country. Anton said the ultimate goal for the Hays County
Chapter is to become its own stand-alone organization complete with a governing body. TAMACC, which has been in operation for close to 40 years, also hopes to expand its reach to other areas of Texas that might need Latino business representation, or have closed Hispan-
ic-centric chambers due to public pressure. Areas such as east Texas, far west Texas and even Bryan and College Station could be the next place TAMACC lands. “How we see it is we can go in there and duplicate what has been an experiment here in Hays County,” Anton said.
On behalf of our entire staff, please accept our condolences on the passing of your loved one. When you are ready, I would be honored to assist you in creating a monument that will express your love for years to come.
Sincerely, Brenda Keller Independent Representative
512-644-1769
brendakeller7@gmail.com Email or call to schedule your appointment.
Texas ranks high for number of start-up businesses BY EXSAR ARGUELLO For the second year in a row, Texas is the best state to start a business, due in part to a thriving economy, positive startup culture and low taxes, according to a WalletHub study. The steady growth of Hays County and the Austin metropolitan area has led to an increase in the technology sector as out of state companies are relocating to Texas. To experts, Texas is the place to be. “This year, Texas was ranked as the best state to start a business, and it was the best state in 2018, as well,” said Wallethub Analyst Jill Gonzalez. “We made some changes to our methodology since last year, but Texas managed to stay on top.” Between 2010 and 2016, the number of small businesses in Texas grew by 11%, according to the most recent data available Wallethub analyzed. Additionally, the state ranks in the top 20 for the number of startups per capita and has the thirdhighest entrepreneurs in the country. Buda Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) Executive Director J.R.
Gonzales points to low taxes, a well-educated workforce and culturally diverse populations for Texas’ business success. “For starters, we do not have a state income tax and our economy is doing well, which attracts entrepreneurs from across the country,” Gonzales said. “We also have to look at the housing market. Home prices are going up, but Texas is still relatively affordable compared to other states.” Gonzales said low taxes and a low cost of living lends to more cash in hand and more opportunity to invest. Texas ranks 13th in industry variety, 20th in cost of living and 4th in average growth in a number of small businesses, according to the report. Texans are some of the hardest working people in the country, at least statistically. “Texas’ average workweek is 40 hours, the fourth-longest in the United States,” Gonzalez said. “The median in the country is around 38.5 hours. Though it’s just 1.5 hours longer, the workweek is an important factor in making Texas’ business environment
more appealing to entrepreneurs.” Growing Hispanic and minority populations across the state could foster more entrepreneurial opportunities. By 2022, 40% of the population will be Hispanic with a median age of 27 compared to every other group which will consist of an average age of 45. “Hispanics will be younger, hard working, entrepreneurial and a well-educated population ready to tackle business growth,” Gonzales said. “This is the perfect environment for not only new startups but a way to establish a thriving workforce.” However, starting a business, no matter the location, is still a tough task. Experts urge young entrepreneurs to research the job market, location, operating costs and cost of living. Gonzales said young business owners will work longer hours and harder than they ever had before, but dedication can lead to longterm success. “Texas is God’s country,” Gonzales said. “If you can’t make it in Texas, you’re not going to make it.”
Tyrell W. || Master Mechanic
ACC is for EVERYONE
REGISTER NOW. austincc.edu/fall
HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS RETURN TO HEALTH AND INDEPENDENCE DEER CREEK OF WIMBERLEY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR OVER
Immigrant Vigil
30 YEARS. OFFERING SCENIC VIEWS OF THE HILL
COUNTRY AND OF OUR SERENE ENCLOSED COURTYARD.
Continued from pg. 1
not being challenged, especially considering both facilities are within 100-miles of Hays County. “It’s time to map out how those assembled here can be part of the movement and regular active opposition to these camps,” Diaz de Leon said. Diaz de Leon reminded the attendees of the rights immigrants have here in the United States as the ICE raids are expected to begin. “ICE cannot enter your home without a signed warrant by a criminal court judge,” he said. “You don’t have to open your door for them. You do not need to speak to ICE agents. You can
Automotive and other tech programs for people who keep the world running.
‘plead the fifth’ and choose to remain silent.” Diaz de Leon said residents do not need to sign any paperwork from the agency without consulting an attorney. The vigil ended with an emotional candle lighting ceremony as the sun disappeared into the night sky over the courthouse. Singing songs like Amazing Grace, attendees lit each other’s candles and joined hand in hand. The passing and spreading of fire was a symbolic gesture to keep growing and spreading the light, a common theme of the event. For Rev. Helen Boursier, who has spent countless hours with refugees at the Karnes detention
center since 2014, joining the vigil was necessary as the experiences have shifted her own views on the issue. “They (refugees) read the same Bible we read; they believe in the same God that we read about; they believe that God does have a hope and a future for them,” Boursier said. “And so they come. They also believe the United States is a nation of justice…” Bouriser said mothers have told her they believe the United States is a place where the leaders fight for the people. “When the leaders to do not fight for the people, the people need to fight for the people,” Boursier said.
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