News Dispatch August 8, 2019

Latino entrepreneurship on the rise

DS volleyball hopeful for state

Tiger guard optimistic for new season

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News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 43

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

75¢ Thursday, August 8, 2019

Lawsuits hit Oak Hill expansion project

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Two lawsuits filed by six groups aim to halt the completion of the Oak Hill Parkway project, a proposed $550 million expansion of the “Y” just outside of Austin.

Initiated by water watchdog group Save Our Springs (SOS) Alliance, the first lawsuit, filed July 29, alleges expansion of

County applies for nonresident defense program

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO In line with efforts to reform the criminal justice system in Hays County, County Commissioners July 30 approved submitting a $342,720 grant application for a pilot program for noncitizens.

The grant application will fund a consultation project that will bring assistance to defense attorneys in Hays County to fulfill obligations set by the Padilla v. Kentucky Supreme Court case.

Per the law, criminal defense attorneys are required to advise illegal residents on immigration-related matters such as pleas and deportation.

The grant will allow Hays County defense attorneys to consult with legal experts on meeting Padilla obligations through the nonprofit myPadilla. Attorney and myPadilla Founder Julie Wimmer said she provides this service to other counties across the state.

But meeting these “Padilla obligations” has proven to be a challenge across the nation and state as assistance is hard to find, according to officials from the

Initiated by water watchdog group Save Our Springs (SOS) Alliance, the first lawsuit, filed July 29, alleges expansion of the U.S. 290 and Texas 71 interchange could threaten local endangered salamander populations including the Austin Blind Salamander and Barton Springs Salamander.

the U.S. 290 and Texas 71 interchange could threaten local endangered salamander populations, including the Austin Blind Salamander and Barton Springs Salamander.

That first suit was filed against Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. SOS is asking that the project come to a halt until Tx-

DOT can comply with the Endangered Species Act, according to the suit.

“In terms of environmental sensitivity, there couldn’t be a worse location for this amount

of excavation,” said SOS attorney Kelly Davis in a statement. “The recharge zone is highly vulnerable to pollutants, such as silts and fuels, which can impact the underground

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

While many DSISD students are enjoying the last weeks of summer break, members of the Dripping Springs High Marching Band are hard at work preparing for the 2019 season. Above, several Dripping Springs High band members go through the process of learning new drills Aug. 1.

No county tax hike proposed While a property tax hike has not been proposed, Hays County’s top elected official warned that residents could still be paying higher taxes due to rising appraisal values.

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra issued that caution July 30 during the first draft of the county’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 budget, which currently hovers

The county judge said he would like to decrease taxes as was done in FY 2019, but chose not to propose a decrease in favor of staff pay increases, water safety projects and heavy spending on the remainder of the jail expansion.

at approximately $273 million.

The budget doesn’t currently call for a property tax rate increase; his plan invests money

into pay raises for county staff and law enforcement officials.

COUNTY BUDGET, 4

Two incumbents toss hat in the ring for county 2020 elections SO WHICH HAYS COUNTY SEATS ARE UP FOR GRABS IN NOV. 2020?

NON-RESIDENT CONSULT, 6

INGALSBE

CUTLER

BY MOSES LEOS III While major county elections are still more than a year away, two incumbents are planning to toss their hats into the ring.

Hays County Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe and Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler both announced recently they plan to seek reelection to their positions.

So far, the duo are the only two to have preemptively announced their candidacy for county-level elections in the March 2020 primaries and possibly the Nov. 3, 2020 general election.

The first day to file for candidacy in the March 3, 2020 primaries is Sept. 3. The deadline for candidate filings for the March primaries is Dec. 9.

Hays County will have ten seats up for grabs including Hays County Sheriff, Pct. 1 and Pct. 2 commissioner and all five constable positions.

Ingalsbe, who has served as Pct. 1 commissioner for more than

• Sheriff (Incumbent – Gary Cutler) • Tax Assessor Collector (Incumbent – Jenifer O’Kane) • Justice of the Peace Pct. 1.1 (Incumbent – Joanne Prado) • Pct. 1 Commissioner (Incumbent – Debbie Ingalsbe) • Pct. 3 Commissioner (Incumbent – Lon Shell) • Pct. 1 Constable (Incumbent – David Peterson) • Pct. 2 Constable (Incumbent – Michael Torres) • Pct. 3 Constable (Incumbent – Ray Helm) • Pct. 4 Constable (Incumbent – Ron Hood) • Pct. 5 Constable (Incumbent ­– John Ellen)

IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE 2020 CALENDAR

Sept. 10 – first day for candidates to file for the March 3, 2020 primaries Dec. 9 – Last day for candidates to file for the March primaries Jan. 1, 2020 – First day to apply for ballot by mail Feb. 3, 2020 – Last day to register to vote for the March primary March 3, 2020 – Primary election Oct. 5, 2020 – Last day to register to vote in the November 3 election Oct. 19, 2020 – First day of early voting for Nov. 3 Oct. 30, 2020 – Last day of early voting for Nov. 3 Nov. 3, 2020 – General election

two decades, said in a statement she looks forward to “continue our work, together, to make strong and positive impacts in Hays County.”

“As commissioner, I will continue to be a strong supporter of public safety, veteran and social services and will work hard to keep our taxes low, while providing the services our citizens expect,” Ingalsbe said.

Cutler, who is seeking his third term in office, said he will continue to address challenges pre-

OAK HILL LAWSUITS, 2

STAYING PRIVATE? Council denies mayor email access

BANDING TOGETHER AT DRIPPING SPRINGS HIGH

BY KATIE BURRELL

water quality upon which the endangered salamander depends.”

A second lawsuit against the project was filed two days later by five local groups. These groups include Fix 290, Save Oak Hill, Save Barton Creek Association, South Windmill Run Neighborhood Association, Clean

sented by “unprecedented growth the county is experiencing.” In a statement, Cutler said the passage of the 2016 public safety bond has allowed the county to address infrastructure needs, as well as an expansion of the Hays County Jail.

“These accomplishments have been made by working closely with the commissioners court and other agencies to maintain a fiscally conservative approach and staying with our our approved budget each year,” Cutler said.

A heated debate over email privacy and access to other city officials’ accounts led to the discovery that Wimberley Mayor Susan Jaggers occasionally monitors city staff emails without their knowledge.

On Aug. 1, Jaggers explained she wished to have access to Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca Minnick’s city email account, to ensure the two are on the “same step” regarding city business.

Jaggers said she occasionally monitors emails from city staff, per her military background, to see “what kind of quality assurance and responses they are putting out.”

This came as a surprise to other members of the council, leading the council to decree that the mayor does not have the right of access to emails from other council

EMAIL PRIVACY, 2

Reward increased to $110K in deadly SM apartment fire

BY MOSES LEOS III A $110,000 reward is now being offered by multiple parties in the unsolved 2018 Iconic Village Apartment fire that killed five residents in San Marcos.

As officials continue their search for those responsible, they hope the $100,000 increase spurs movement in the case and leads to a break in the investigation.

“We hope this will be enough to help move the investigation forward,” said Mike Widdell, assistant agent in charge of the Houston bureau of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) and Explosives. “At this time, we are

SAN MARCOS FIRE, 2

Page 2

News-Dispatch

Thursday, August 8, 2019

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Oak Hill Lawsuits: Water watchdog group opposes project Continued from pg. 1

Water Action and local landowners, according to a release.

The second piece of litigation was filed against TxDOT and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO). However, the goal of the second lawsuit is “not to stop the project, but rather to work with TxDOT to improve the project and avoid both litigation and construction-caused delays.”

Plans to expand the “Y” have been in the works for three decades, with major strides occurring in the past five years with the help of the Texas Trans-

Plans to expand the “Y” have been in the works for three decades, with major strides occurring in the past five years with the help of the Texas Transportation Committee and CAMPO. portation Committee (TTC) and CAMPO. In 2018, the TTC voted to approve the 2019 Unified Transportation Program, which includes funding for the Y. The move to include the $440 million project was seen as a victory by several former Hays County elected officials, who saw the project as a

means to bridge the gap between Hays and Travis counties.

The project is anticipated to alleviate traffic congestion for commuters from western Hays County like Dripping Springs to the Austin area.

Former Hays County Commissioner and CAMPO Chairman Will Conley said in 2018 the project

Continued from pg. 1

members, city staff or the city administrator. Council approved the motion 4-1 with Council member Gary Barchfeld dissenting.

“First of all, I am the Mayor Pro Tem, not the mayor’s Mayor Pro Tem,” Minnick said. “I am here and I have been appointed by this body, not by the mayor. I don’t agree with the mayor having access to my email and I don’t agree with the mayor having access to any city staff (emails) and the city administrator.”

Multiple members on the dais said that, although information is public, there is a level of privacy that should be respected.

Council member Craig Fore said city council members are given a login and password for a reason, which should be protected for the sake of privacy.

“I’m not going to put anything (on email) I’m ashamed to show anybody,” Fore said. “But to me, it’s a privacy issue and I don’t want anybody

“First of all, I am the Mayor Pro Tem, not the mayor’s Mayor Pro Tem. I am here and I have been appointed by this body, not by the mayor. I don’t agree with the mayor having access to my email and I don’t agree with the mayor having access to any city staff (emails) and the city administrator.”

–Rebecca Minnick, Wimberley Mayor Pro Tem

looking at anybody’s email without permission.”

Minnick said the proposal is intrusive and it will foster a negative environment for the body.

Council members Christine Byrne and Bo Bowman also were adamantly against the proposal, echoing similar concerns.

Barchfeld disagreed and said that it’s in the mayor’s purview to oversee the staff.

Dispute with city attorney shuts down the proposal Jaggers debated with City Attorney Megan Santee on whether the mayor

could legally have access to other email accounts.

The mayor argued city emails can be obtained via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, but allowing her access would save time.

Citing Attorney General opinions, Santee said there is an exception to the act which allows the city to provide governmental records to the governmental member without mandatory redactions.

She said confidentiality is not waived if the request is made by a member of the governing body.

“It cannot be sought

Continued from pg. 1

one phone call away from having this investigation solved or moved forward ... one tip away from having this go forward and solved.”

Kelly Kisner, San Marcos Fire Marshal, said the increase in reward came as a result of donations from the community.

Along with a combined $50,000 donation from the ATF and city of San Marcos, officials received $10,000 from the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce and $10,000 from families of victims.

Roughly $40,000 was given by an anonymous donor, Kisner said.

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for any type of personal reason, so we always have that distinction when we’re working with council members making requests for documentation,” Santee said. “Is this for purposes of your role with the governmental entity or is this a request in your personal capacity as a citizen.”

However, legal counsel recommended that a decision should lie in the council’s hands.

Jaggers cited Chapter 22 of governance policy which states the mayor is the chief executive officer of the municipality.

Santee said nothing is stopping the mayor from submitting weekly FOIA requests for emails, but Jaggers said that would make it harder and limit her “supervisory ability.” “…The provision you’re stating does not set out that you have supervisory ability over staff, it says that the mayor’s duties and responsibilities will be prescribed by the governing body under Chapter 22,” Santee said.

But Jaggers argued, per statute, that she is the CEO of the body.

“And if they give you no powers, then what’s your job,” Jaggers fired back.

Jaggers pushed Santee to bring the item back at the next council meeting, to conduct further research on the powers delegated by the state coexist with city statute.

Santee said the statute does not define chief executive officer.

At the end of the debate, city leaders voted to shut down the mayor’s proposal.

San Marcos Fire: Reward for information increased to $110K The fire, which occurred July 22, 2018, killed five people, injured several others and displaced more than 200. At this time, authorities have not released information on where or how the fire was set.

that information of what happened, it’s accurate and truthful,” Kisner said.

However, Kisner said investigative work by ATF and local officials allowed authorities to dive into the criminal component of the case. One challenge was it took several months “We have never stopped ally set. on.” However, Kisner did in this investigation and The fire, which occurred not go into detail on what before law enforcement determined the fire was will never stop. We will July 22, 2018, killed five those tips generated. incendiary and was intencontinue to find the people, injured several Authorities have puranswers,” Kisner said. “We others and displaced more posefully withheld certain tionally set.

Authorities are also will see this through to the than 200. At this time, au- pieces of information in finding new pieces of inend.” thorities have not released order to avoid hindering formation “every day” and In November 2018, information on where or the investigation, Kisner follow up on those clues, local, state and federal how the fire was set. said. However, Widdell authorities announced Kisner said the initial said law enforcement does Kisner said.

“We’re trying to get a $10,000 reward after $10,000 reward generatnot have any suspects at through this investigation determining the Iconic ed several tips that were this time. and we hope people help Village fire was intention- “worked and followed up “We keep that inforprovide that one key piece mation close with the of information to develop investigation team, so when we do find the right the final suspect,” Widdell said. person and they give us

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would meet the demands of the future for both counties, according to a Hays Free Press report.

Former County Commissioner Ray Whisenant also voiced support for the project during his tenure in office.

In some areas, the project would accommodate 12 lanes of road, a major overhaul to the current

infrastructure at the Y. But local groups fear this expansion would put strains on local wildlife and waterways. Instead, SOS has argued a secondary meandering boulevard should be build to offset the footprint of the project.

Additionally, in 2018, Save Oak Hill announced a complete rework of the project, calling for a more environmentally sensitive project that would save dozens of trees and natural habitats.

A TxDOT official said the agency does not comment on ongoing litigation.

EMail Privacy: Council says ‘no’ to mayor reading their emails

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Page 3

Latino entrepreneurship on the rise in Texas

BY MOSES LEOS III

Despite hurdles that exist, Latino entrepreneurship is growing, leading many to have an optimistic view of the future for Hispanic-owned businesses.

That was the tone set during the Aug. 9 Latina Empowerment Luncheon held in San Marcos as part of the Hispanic Business Convention (HBC) organized by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC).

Pauline Anton, TAMACC president and CEO, said Latino-owned businesses are starting to thrive in Texas, but education is a key element for success. Ultimately, Latino businesses are the backbone of the economy in Texas.

“With Hispanic entrepreneurs, they do everything. They take out the

trash, manage Human Resources and the front and back of the office,” Anton said. “We need to educate them. There are a lot of issues, but they are meeting these goals and they’re getting the education they need and it’s starting to thrive.”

Anton said there are more than 700,000 Latino-owned businesses in Texas, but many face an uphill battle when it comes to getting capital, employees and education. Organizations such as TAMACC, along with expos such as the HBC, allow Latino entrepreneurs to further understand the ins and outs of business life.

Anton said seminars held during the HBC included workshops on legal issues business owners might face, to how to manage their books.

An equally pivotal component is having

more Latinos in elected office. Anton said Latino elected officials are a voice for their communities as well as advocates for minority-owned businesses. They also have a grounded understanding of the adversity people in their community face.

“They will be there and they are a voice,” Anton said. “That’s the biggest thing – we need advocates.”

Lina Hidalgo, Harris County judge and a speaker at the Empowerment Luncheon, said Latino elected officials are leading the way for other minorities to grow and thrive in their communities and are also setting an example for the future.

Hidalgo said Latinos are more likely than any other demographic group to start a business and be successful. They do so with “one hand tied be-

Census is also essential, as its results will offer federal funds for the state over the next decade, Hidalgo said.

“We have less access to capital and we face barriers other groups don’t face and that’s exacerbated in this day and age,” Hidalgo said.

Large corporations such as Walmart are taking a more proactive approach toward opening doors for Latinos in the workforce, said Daniel Morales, director PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III of Government Affairs at Walmart.

Harris County Judge Lina Several examples inHidalgo speaks at the Latina Empowerment Luncheon in cluded Walmart employSan Marcos. ees who began as associates and went on to rise hind our back.” Sticking up the chain and become together and working as managers of multiple one are keys Hidalgo said stores. are needed for Latino Along with increasbusiness owners to thrive. ing wages by 15 percent Understanding the over the last few years, importance of all Latinos Morales said Walmart participating in the 2020 has invested heavily in

training academies for its employees to help build skills for the future. That includes a college program assisting employees who pay $1 per day of work with obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

“There is an incredible opportunity at Walmart and more women are taking advantage of this opportunity every day,” Morales said.

For Hidalgo, breaking the glass ceiling on diversity is also needed for minority successes down the road. That extends to those who vie for elected office and how it can help bring change.

Hidalgo cited numerous changes made in Harris County government since she was elected to office in November 2018.

“I recognized sometimes you have to be on the inside to make a difference,” Hidalgo said.

Sports Lady Tigers’ guard aims to improve after breakout season

BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI

Dripping Springs forward Ally Beck had a breakout sophomore season for the Lady Tigers basketball team as a key contributor in their 2019 playoff run.

Entering her junior year, Beck is focusing on improving her all-around game and taking on a larger leadership role for the Lady Tigers.

“Since I’ve been on varsity the longest, I’m definitely going to be taking a leadership role, but more as a lead by example since I’m not the oldest,” said Beck. “I’m excited for that.”

Beck started playing basketball when she was four years old in a YMCA league. Her family then moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to Dripping Springs when she was in kindergarten. While the move was drastic – going from a big city to a smaller town – basketball remained the constant throughout her childhood. By the fourth grade, Beck began taking the sport more seriously as she got personal training from Austin Youth Basketball.

“I really just played throughout my entire life and began to love it around like sixth or seventh grade,” Beck said about her love for the game. “That’s really when it took off.”

Work ethic and repetition in practice has guided Beck to where she is now, and she credits both of her parents for the position she is in today. Beck cited her father, Michael Beck, for his love for basketball and his drive to push her to do better as a big factor in her development.

Abby also said her mother, Jennifer, was an equally key role model.

Ally said her mother’s work ethic in running over 50 marathons was an inspiration for her to keep improving and working

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Members of the Dripping Springs Tiger volleyball team began practices Aug. 1.

Earning their stripes

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BECK FAMILY

Ally Beck, who had a breakout season her sophomore year, says she’s enjoyed playing basketball all her life.

hard in practice.

After playing limited minutes on varsity during her freshman season, Beck stepped into a starting role at the small forward position last year and exploded onto the scene averaging 9.2 points per game and shooting 36% from beyond the arc with 76 three-pointers. Heading into the upcoming season she is focusing on becoming more of an allaround offensive weapon.

“Specifically, I’ve been trying to become more of a scorer, instead of just

like a three-point shooter,” She said. “I used to just be a three-point shooter, but now I want to be an allaround scorer and also improve my defense.”

This summer Beck has been hard at work improving her shot, in addition to being able to finish at the rim. A faster release point has been a focus for her, and endless repetitions on the “shooting-gun”, a machine that passes back the ball after the shot, is helping her improve her shooting stroke. As for

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defense, she is working on improving her quickness and anticipation skills.

Another way to improve her game is watching more game film, which is something she picked up this summer.

Beck believes studying more film will take her game to the next level.

For the upcoming season Beck has a goal to double her points from 9.2 to around 20 per game. In addition to becoming a more complete offensive player, Beck also wants to become more of a vocal leader on the court for her teammates.

“I’ve been focusing on game film and stuff, just to see how the pros do it,” Beck said. “I just went to a PGC camp and they really taught us how to watch game film in a more strategic way.”

Tigers seek return to state in 2019

BY MOSES LEOS III Success for most volleyball teams is defined by a winning season and a playoff berth.

For Michael Kane and the Dripping Springs Tiger volleyball program, success in recent years means attaining loftier goals.

Following 2018’s run to the state semifinals, Dripping Springs is dreaming big as they seek a return to Garland and possibly vying for another title.

Armed with a handful of tools from last season’s run, Kane said expectations are high for a program that’s become a Central Texas volleyball powerhouse.

But at the same time, the Tigers are tempering expectations with the reality they will become the hunted in a highly competitive 5A, Region IV bracket. It’s a

position Kane said the Tigers plan to relish and respect in 2019.

“When people suit up against Dripping Springs, people have a little extra juice in the engine,” Kane said. “We’ve been so successful in the past, people get amped up to play us. We remind them (our players) of that in practice and in a game. We never take anyone for granted.”

Anchoring the Tigers in 2019 are several key returning cogs. Included in that list is senior setter Avery Kalsu, a Tulsa University pledge, who last season attained numerous postseason accolades across multiple sports.

Kalsu is backed up by senior setter Sarah Nadine, who was also part of last season’s state tournament team.

Meanwhile, senior Mackenzie Murray and Kyler Raymond will

TIGER VOLLEYBALL, 6

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News-Dispatch

Former Dripping Springs principal hired to executive leadership role STAFF REPORT

Springs ISD Board A former Dripping of TrustSprings ISD administraees vote tor has been tabbed to Aug. 2. fill another void in the Burns, district’s executive leadwho led ership team.

Dripping Joe Burns, who in June Springs retired after serving as High from BURNS the Dripping Springs 2013High principal for several 2019, fills the vacancy years, was named as the left by Nicole Poenitzsch, interim Assistant Super- who left DSISD to intendent of Learning become Bellville ISD’s and Innovation, accord- superintendent. ing to a press release.

Burns’ start date and The action was done by schedule have not yet a unanimous Dripping been determined.

The hiring process for a permanent assistant superintendent will occur after the district formally hires a new superintendent.

The search for an interim replacement for Dripping Springs ISD superintendent will now be in the hands of a third party. Trustees Aug. 2 also approved hiring Texas Association of School Boards Executive Search Services to help with finding the district’s next superintendent.

In late July, Bruce

Gearing, who had served as DSISD superintendent from 2012-2019, stepped down to take over the superintendent role at Leander ISD. TASB is expected to help the district in identifying an interim superintendent. A special meeting is scheduled for Aug. 15 at 11 a.m., at which time theboard will interview candidates for the interim superintendent. The remainder of the timeline will be announced once it has been developed.

Dripping Springs ISD enrollment verification due August 11 SUBMITTED REPORT

Continuing through Aug. 11, Dripping Springs ISD parents are encouraged to complete the district’s annual enrollment verification process.

According to DSISD officials, parents should have received an e-mail with log-in information on July 23. Family Access logins are used to begin this process; those who don’t have a login or cannot remember their password should follow directions in Tuesday’s e-mail.

According to state law, this process must be completed each year for all students. That includes those who have been enrolled in DSISD previously and those new to the district and have completed registration.

Family information will carry over between siblings, but some acknowledgements must be made separately for

WHAT IS ENROLLMENT VERIFICATION FOR? Enrollment verification forms include: confirmation of student data and contact information, parental consent form, health record information, acknowledgement of Student Code of Conduct/Student Handbook, student transportation information, and more.

Some campuses require additional forms, such as the parking permit request at the high school.

each child, according to the district.

For secondary students, annual enrollment verification is not the same as course selection, which students should have completed in the spring.

Enrollment verification should be completed no later than Aug. 11.

Completion will allow the campus to confirm

classroom assignments in a timely manner.

Parents who have problems with the on-line process should contact their child’s campus and ask for the Family Access contact/ Student Records Special-

make the move.™

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Continued from pg. 1

According to county officials, the proposed budget is less than what was passed in FY 2019 and 2018. ty building’s equipment, In addition, $3 million for salaries for more jail employees and $260,000 for salary increases for law enforcement personnel was added, which comes after a voter-approved Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Further spending on staff includes $905,000 for a two percent costof-living increase and a one percent merit pool for employees making less than $100,000 annually.

Taxes and pay raises will likely be the center of discussion moving forward. County departments submitted a total of $22,700,000 in needs and expenditures, but Becerra reduced the requests to approximately $7,400,000, according to Communications Manager Laureen Chernow.

Commissioners will hold workshops on Aug. 13 and Aug. 20 before finalizing the budget in late August or early September.

OBITUARIES PEHL Walter (Walt) Louis Pehl, Jr, 69, of Driftwood, passed away July 19, 2019 after a battle with an aggressive cancer.

Pehl was born in San Saba, on Sept.

9, 1949, to Walter Louis Pehl, Sr. and Julia Mae (Aubrey) Pehl. He grew up in Ballinger and graduated from Ballinger High School in 1968, where he was a star player on the school’s football team. After graduation, he attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos. He then enlisted in and proudly served in the Texas Army National Guard for many years as a paratrooper, becoming a skilled Jump Master during his tour of duty.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart, Jennifer Tyler, with whom he was reunited with later in life, and became his life mate, his daughter, Kelly (Pehl) McNutt, husband, Mike, and granddaughter, Macy; son, Toby Pehl, wife Magie and step granddaughter, Demi; brother, Richard Pehl and wife, Donna; niece, Tiffany Law-

HYNDS Tommy Eugene Hynds was born on April 25, 1937 and went to be with our Lord and Savior on July 22, 2019.

He is survived by his wife Jo Ann Hynds, daughter Deborah Wilcox, son Steve Hynds, sisters Charlene Cox, Dixie Grimes, Sammy Harrison, and their families, as well as five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Charlie Miller Hynds, mother AnnaBelle Hynds, and brother Robert George Hynds.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the First Baptist Church Dripping Springs building fund, 203 West Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620.

melanie.fenelon@compass.com

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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.

son and son Alex; his dear and loving friend, Rita Barnes-Pehl, and several cousins and friends. He was proceeded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of is life will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 17, at Hill Country Cowboy Church, located at 120 Green Acres Drive in Wimberley.

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County Budget Increasing property values could mean more funds collected by the county and higher taxes paid by residents, thus allowing Becerra’s proposed budget to be proposed without raising the actual tax rate on residents.

Becerra said he would like to decrease taxes as was done in FY 2019, but chose not to propose a decrease in favor of staff pay increases, water safety projects and heavy spending on the remainder of the jail expansion.

County leaders saw the budget for the first time during the meeting and may propose changes to spending and taxes over the next several weeks.

According to county officials, the proposed budget is less than what was passed in FY 2019 and 2018.

Last year’s budget was approximately $315 million, a decrease of more than $57 million from 2018, according to the county’s report.

Major expenditures in the proposed budget include $718,000 for expansion of the flood warning system that was completed this summer.

Becerra also earmarked $872,000 for the new jail and public safe-

ist, according to district officials.

Computers are available at campuses for those who do not have one available at home.

For more information on the enrollment process, visit dsisdtx.us.

Thursday, August 8, 2019

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Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Tiger Volleyball: Seeks return to state tournament Continued from pg. 3

bolster the outside hitter position, while Lauren Pika, Maddie Lund and Karlie Parker will be vital components at middle blocker.

While Kane said he was somewhat nervous at what the Tigers had at certain positions, work put in by players at team camps, open gyms and the first week of practice alleviated most of his concerns.

“Experience is something we’ll have to gain, but talent level, we’re going to be better off,” Kane said. “I always prepare for the worst, but we’re

going to be fine.”

Staving off complacency will be critical for the Tigers as they ready for the season, Kane said.

Ensuring players understand what it took for the program to attain previous successes will help prevent overconfidence.

Kane hopes that mentality will propel the Tigers in their first goal of winning an eighth district title in a row. Over the course of seven years, Dripping Springs has gone 98-2 in district play.

However, Kane said the Tigers don’t plan to overlook their district com-

petition. Taking on some of the state’s best in three challenging pre-district tournaments is expected to prime the Tigers for district play. Cultivating a winning and competitive environment is what Kane said he and his staff are trying to maintain.

“We always have a goal of winning district. It’s been a long time since we’ve lost a district game, but we never take things for granted,” Kane said.

“We want to go 1-0 in district every game. But first we have to take care of chemistry.”

But an equal motivator

is having a target on their backs, Kane said. Getting back to Garland and trying to earn a gold medal is also important, too.

“They (the players) want to get back to the state tournament, but in order to get back, we have to build continuity and get this new team gelled and find the chemistry,” Kane said.

Dripping Springs travels to play at the John Turner Classic in Pearland before traveling to play at Hays High Aug. 13. The Tigers’ host Copperas Cove at home Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Nonresident Consult: County leaders OK program Continued from pg. 1

Texas Indigent Defense Commission.

“Very simply, this is a requirement on defense attorneys (per the Supreme Court case),” Wimmer said. “It is very hard for them to meet this obligation without having a dedicated resource knowledgeable in the area of immigration law.”

Under the program, defense attorneys will submit a request for technical assistance to the myPadilla team which will provide insight and recommendations on the case.

Typically these programs are utilized in larger cities. If Hays County receives the grant, it will mark the first hub for such a program in a “rural” area that will serve neighboring communities and counties in the third administrative judicial region.

The third administrative judicial region spans from Williamson County down to Bexar County with Hays County in the

middle.

If the grant is approved, the court will vote to approve the agreement on Aug. 29.

The application was highly praised by all members of the commissioners court, citing the need to continue efforts in criminal justice reform.

Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell said the defense bar in Hays County would appreciate the assistance providing a benefit to noncitizens, defense attorneys and the taxpayer.

The application was possible through the work of the county’s grant writers, staff and the criminal justice coordinating division.

“It’s absolutely a group effort, I couldn’t agree more,” said County Judge Ruben Becerra regarding the application of the grant.

The grant application was in light of a denial by the commissioners court to apply for a public defender’s office, sparking outcry from local activ-

ists and residents alike.

On May 10, the Commissioners Court shut down a grant application for a public defender’s office, citing limited time to review the application and limited support from the county’s judiciary branch.

The decision was met with backlash from the community. But the decision to apply for the Padilla grant may have eased some of the tension between community members and the court.

Resident Jordan Buckley praised the court on its initiatives to apply for the grant but urged the county to consider a public defender’s office.

Proponents of a public defender’s office maintain that the initiative would assist the indigent defendants with legal representation.

On May 10, Hays County Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Scott Cary said residents are serving more than three months in jail due to a lack of representation and slow

legal system.

Additionally, the overpopulated Hays County Jail has led the county to spend upwards of $75,000 a week outsourcing inmates to other counties, costing millions of dollars a year.

Michael Lee, a court-appointed attorney in Hays County, addressed the court on July 30 on issues surrounding representation of defendants.

Lee said he has driven to the jail on multiple occasions to meet with a defendant only to find the individual is not present.

“When they’re moved, we don’t know and we can’t communicate with the client, and that’s causing me some concern,” Lee said. “There is no provision for defendants to exercise their rights to have an examining trial, which can be crucial in some cases. To me, that concerns constitutional rights which could expose the county to some liability at some point, theoretically…”

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