News Dispatch September 12, 2019

Community benefactor honored

DS VB coach earns 700th victory

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Texan football edges Buffs 29-22

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News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 48

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

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75¢

Thursday, September 12, 2019

County moves ahead with election group

BY ANITA MILLER

Hays County’s five largest municipalities, along with all four school districts and political party chairs, will be represented on the Elections Commission that was approved by a unanimous vote of the Commissioners Court Sept. 3.

County Judge Ruben Becerra said the commission will have a “narrow, deliberate focus” of identifying voting center locations, then assessing each election after it has occurred – and its goals will be to “evaluate the distribution and effectiveness of voting centers and recommend changes as needed.”

The group will also contain a representative of the rural community, one from the disabled community and one from the

League of Women Voters, along with two members appointed by each of the court’s five members.

“We feel this is a starting

point,” Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said prior to the vote. No individuals have as yet been identified, but none of them

are expected to be elected officials.

Becerra said the commission will have a “narrow, deliberate focus”

of identifying voting center locations, then assessing each election after it has occurred – and its goals will be to “evaluate the distribution and effectiveness of voting centers and recommend changes as needed.”

The committee would

ELECTIONS COMMISSION, 6

CLEAR Alert

Hybrid ballots

New system targets endangered adults

County offers trial run of new voting equipment

BY ANITA MILLER Cayley Mondadi was Seton Medical Center Hays’ first organ donor. Besides giving life to others, her death helped to spur the creation of a statewide alert for adults between the ages of 18 and 65 who are missing or endangered in Texas.

The C.L.E.A.R. Alert system, approved by the Legislature earlier this year, went into effect Sept. 1 and is an acronym of her name, along with that of D’Lisa Kelly, Erin Castro, Ashanti Billie “and the Rest.”

Mondadi, a 19-year-old student at San Antonio’s Trinity University, was on life support when she arrived at Seton, having been “dropped off” at the hospital in Luling Oct. 29, 2017 after attending a music festival in Houston with her boyfriend. An autopsy revealed extensive head and facial trauma, said Hays County Justice of the Peace Beth Smith, who pronounced her dead two days later.

It wasn’t long before her death was ruled a homicide. The boyfriend, 22-year-old Mark Howerton, was eventually charged with murder and sexual assault. But al-

C.L.E.A.R. ALERT, 6

STAFF REPORT

PRIDE PARADE

PHOTO BY MAXFIELD BAKER

Banners, balloons and beads were the order of the day on Saturday when San Marcos held its annual Pride Parade.

Wimberley will host its first-ever Pride Parade on Sept. 21 in downtown beginning at 7 p.m.

Wimberley moving forward to becoming film-friendly city

BY CHRISTOPHER GREEN

tine Byrne said there are three steps to becoming a film-friendly city in Texas.

Wimberley is cur“The Texas Film rently in the process of Commission puts out becoming a certified film-friendly city, which sample guidelines and cities adopt those could allow production companies to film guidelines, and they also want someone to in certain designated be trained and go to areas in town. a film-friendly workEarlier this month, shop,” Byrne said. “The the Wimberley City last step is presenting Council approved photos to the Texas an ordinance for a Film Commission of film policy to begin Wimberley and our surthe steps of desigrounding areas, so they nating Wimberley as can get an idea of what film-friendly.

Wimberley City Council member ChrisFILM-FRIENDLY, 2

The Wimberley City Council is taking steps to have the city declared film-friendly, a designation that would benefit the city in many ways including tourism.

A strategic alliance between Extend-A-Care (EAC) and the YMCA of Austin is expected to pave the way for accessible childcare for the community.

The move, announced Monday via a press release, will combine the licensed pre-school, after school and camp operations offered by both organizations.

According to the release, the YMCA and EAC leadership teams

Hays County finalizes new inmate outsourcing agreement

PhD, newly named YMCA vice president of Licensed Child Care Services, “and our orga-

After weeks of negotiations, Hays County leaders Sept. 3 gave their final green light to a contract allowing the outsourcing of prisoners to Travis County.

The move, accomplished by a 5-0 Hays County Commissioners vote, is expected to transfer 50 prisoners currently held at the Hays County Jail in San Marcos to the Travis County Jail in Austin. However, some Hays County elected leaders questioned Travis County Commissioners’ decision to alter the cost of the contract.

In early August, Hays County Commissioners approved an agreement for Travis County to house the prisoners at a rate of $40 per inmate, which equates to $2,000 per day.

While Travis County Commissioners approved the intake of Hays County prisoners, they recommended increasing the price to $70 per inmate and a maximum limit of

CHILDCARE PARTNERS, 6

OUTSOURCING INMATES, 2

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

The new Extend-A-Care YMCA will:

· Increase the number of children served and the number of families eligible for financial assistance; · Enhance the quality of child care and provide broader and more enriching programming; · Provide more robust training and better career opportunities for employees; · Advocate more effectively for children and families at local, state and federal level; · Preserve the provision of affordable, high quality afterschool and daycare programs for the future of our community.

became aware of the enhanced programming and operational benefits that could be realized through a strategic alliance.

VOTING MACHINES, 4

BY MOSES LEOS III

Extend-a-Care partners with YMCA for accessible childcare STAFF REPORT

As municipalities gear up for the Nov. 5 elections, Hays County is offering residents a chance to try out new voting machines before they hit the polls.

Hays County Elections Administrator Jennifer Anderson said in a statement the new Hart Intercivic Verity Duo, a hybrid electronic and paper ballot voting system, is “easy to use,” but is different than what voters are used to.

“The landscape for child care and out-ofschool time (OST) programming is changing in our community,” said Joan Altobelli,

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News-Dispatch

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Outsourcing Inmates Continued from pg. 1

$3,500 per day.

Hays County General Counsel Mark Kennedy said Travis County leaders were “dissatisfied” with Hays County’s initial $40 per inmate offer.

“That’s probably a loser for them,” Kennedy said.

“Well, not probably, most certainly.”

Kennedy said the $70 per day is “in step” with other counties Hays County outsources prisoners to.

Hays County currently outsources inmates to Bastrop, Bell, Burnet, Caldwell, Fort Bend, Guadalupe, McLennan and Walker counties in order to alleviate overcrowding at the Hays County Jail.

According to a News-Dispatch report, the county spent $83,921 to outsource prisoners from July 28 to Aug. 3.

However, Kennedy said the $70 per inmate rate is “cheaper” than housing those prisoners at the Hays County Jail at this time. In addition, Travis County Commissioners plan to review the contract in five months to “see how it’s going,” Kennedy said.

Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe said she was surprised when she saw the difference in cost.

Ingalsbe said it was “quite

a spread” from a $40 to $70 rate.

Kennedy said Travis County Commissioners had expressed interest in a much higher rate than what they agreed to. The News-Dispatch reported Travis County Commissioners discussed a possible rate of $110 per inmate before settling on $70.

“I just wish they would have gone for the lower rate,” said Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell. “But it’s still better than some of our alternatives.”

However, Ingalsbe supported passage of the agreement as it brings inmates closer to Hays County.

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said that negotiating the contract will allow inmates to have quicker access to the judicial system.

Becerra said it was “interesting” how Travis County leaders questioned whether implementation of measures similar to its diversion programs could have kept inmates out of the Hays County Jail.

“I’m glad we’re working on these things and I’m glad we’re working toward that so we can reduce or eliminate outsourcing altogether,” Becerra said.

Film-Friendly Continued from pg. 1

is available,” Byrne said.

Byrne said the city will soon turn to Chick Morgan, a local Wimberley resident, who is trained in helping towns become film-friendly cities, to assist in the process.

By becoming film-friendly, Byrne said Wimberley stands to benefit in a variety of ways.

Along with sharing the scenery of the Hill County, Byrne said film crews could add sales.

Byrne also said Wimberley becoming film-friendly could benefit the area in a multitude of ways.

“We’re sharing the beauty and scenery of the Hill Country, and it will certainly add sales tax dollars to the city, so hopefully it will help economically when film crews come in,” Byrne said. “It would be nice to have more people frequenting Sunday through Thursday,” Byrne said.

Carroll Wilson, a Wimberley resident and organizer of the Wimberley film festival, is the main person spearheading the process of Wimberley becoming a film-friendly city.

Wilson said part of the guidelines the Texas Film Commission imposes is to get people to come to Texas.

“The real idea of it is to get film makers to come to Texas and shoot and come to Wimberley and shoot,” said Wilson. “The guidelines are really in

place to protect residents, so when someone comes to town to shoot a movie, they have certain guidelines they know they have to follow.”

Wilson said there has been some film production in the Wimberley area already.

“We were the location for some of ‘The Walking Dead’ series and they shot all around Wimberley,” Wilson said. “A couple of years ago we had some film makers here doing some zombie movies.”

Wilson said he will try to help garner as many filming locations as possible.

“We’re going to try to maximize the properties that are photogenic,” Wilson said.

Stephanie Whallon, director of the Texas Film Commission, said in a statement the film commission has been closely working with Wimberley officials.

“Our office has been in contact with a wide range of enthusiastic community stakeholders in the Wimberley area who are as excited as we are about the prospect of Wimberley becoming film-friendly certified and have been working diligently to help make it happen. City of Wimberley, Wimberley Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance and Hays County staff have led the community’s film-friendly certification efforts,” wrote Whallon.

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Thursday, September 12, 2019

Former principal, board member, coach awarded for service STAFF REPORT

Richard Stark was an educator in the Austin ISD for 16 years before moving to Dripping Springs in 1976 and teaching at Dripping Springs Elementary School before replacing principal Rob Shelton at the campus that then housed grades 1-12. He served as principal for 15 years and saw the school district nearly quadruple in size before he retired in 1995.

In addition to fostering a tightknit group of educators, students and community, Stark has also been credited with helping bring youth sports to Dripping Springs. In 1969, he and his wife Susan purchased 22 acres of land on Bell Springs Road – the first step in kicking off their dream of opening a sports camp. In 1971 they opened the family-run business called Sports Country, and since then have coached thousands of boys and girls all over Texas and beyond. Stark helped organize competitive teams and coached baseball, basketball and soccer teams for eight years.

Church has also been a big part of the Stark family and Richard served as Ruling Elder for three different congregations in the area.

Richard and Susan were founding members of two churches – Shepherd of the Hills in Oak

COURTESY PHOTO Richard Stark, former Dripping Springs Elementary principal and DSISD board member, has been selected to receive the Community Builder Award, to be presented on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. by Dripping Springs’ Masonic Lodge No. 426. The public is invited to attend this ceremony. The historic Lodge building is located at 102 Old Fitzhugh Rd. in Dripping Springs.

Hill and Hill Country Presbyterian in Dripping Springs, the latter of which met at their home for 11 years.

Stark has volunteered with other community organizations including DS Recycles, Helping Hands, DS Education Foundation, the DS Community Library Board and the Dripping Springs School Board.

This past July, Richard and Susan celebrat-

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ed their 56th wedding anniversary. The couple have three children and eight grandchildren.

On Sept. 14, the Dripping Springs Masonic Lodge No. 426 will honor Stark for his accomplishments with a Community Builder Award. The public is invited to attend the ceremony at the Lodge building, located at 102 Old Fitzhugh Road in Dripping Springs.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

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Sports

Rebels stun Tigers in 22-21 squeaker

BY MOSES LEOS III

frames, but the Rebels interception returned tallied 12 unanswered for a touchdown by Tiger Twelve unanswered fourth quarter points to lineman Liam Dahl. points in the fourth score the victory.

Dripping Springs deframe catapulted the Hays head fense limited Hays Rebels to a stuncoach Les Hays to 57 Dripping ning 22-21 win over Goad said total yards Dripping Springs Friday, “winning Springs (1-1) of offense in spoiling the Tigers’ the fourth the first two led 21-10 home opener. quarter” was quarters.

While the Tigers strug- key to the Zimmerafter three gled with consistency at comeback. man lauded frames, but times Friday, head coach Goad lauded the play of Galen Zimmerman said the Rebel dethe defense the Rebels he was proud of the fense which which has altallied 12 effort from his team. pitched a lowed only 34 “I didn’t feel like it was shutout in unanswered total points us giving them anything. the first and over two fourth quarThey made a few plays final quargames. That that we needed to do at ters of the included limter points the end,” Zimmerman contest. ited a potent to score the Kerrville Tivy said.

But early Defense was a primary on, Dripping offense to victory. component Hays (2-0) Springs (1-1) less than 300 used to orchestrate a took advanyards of total furious fourth quarter tage of early Rebel strug- offense in Week 1.

PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM rally. gles on offense to take a “They play hard. Our Dripping Springs’ sophomore quarterback Preston Alford looks for a receiver while getting help Dripping Springs (17-3 halftime advantage. kids are going to be with protection in the pocket from teammate CJ Neffendorf.

1) led 21-10 after three It was highlighted by an physical and they play great team defense,” Zimmerman said. “We’re undersized and we have to. They understand we’re stronger together and they play well together.

Dripping Springs maintained momentum in the third frame by outscoring the Rebels 14-7. Aiding that run were two Alford touchdown runs, including a 46-yard score, which gave the Tigers a 21-10 lead.

Zimmerman said the Tiger offense was able to “take advantage” of what the Rebel defense threw at them.

“It was good to see there was some stuff there that they gave us and we were able to take Curtis Cox (12) holds off Hays’ Will Agnew with a stiff-arm block on this 46 yard gain to set up it and make a good play a Tiger touchdown run by quarterback Preston Alford for a 21-10 Tiger lead late in the third into a great play a few times and get some moquarter.

mentum,” Zimmerman said.

Momentum shifted early in the fourth frame when Rebel quarterback Durand Hill tossed a 27-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Bryant Lewis, which cut the Tiger lead to 21-16.

Five minutes later, Hays running back Xavier Green punched in a 13-yard go-ahead touchdown run that gave the Rebels a 22-21 advantage with just under three minutes to go.

In between those events was a Rebel defense that kept Alford and the Tiger offense in check. Hays forced backto-back punts, followed by a turnover forced by Rebel linebacker Coleman Johnson on the Tigers’ final offensive drive, sealing the game.

“It was a great battle between two good programs. We’re proud and happy to come out on top again,” Goad said.

Improving consistency and playing four full quarters of football is the goal for Zimmerman as they close non-district play Friday.

Dripping Springs travels to play at New Braunfels Canyon Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Tigers then open district play against Austin Travis Sept. 20.

“We have to work on becoming consistent offensively. But you have to love the effort of our kids and how they fought,” Zimmerman said. “It was a dang good game. We had our chance to win it. That’s something we’ll learn from.”

Texans edge Buffs 29-22

BY MOSES LEOS III

A late fourth quarter touchdown gave the Wimberley Texans enough room to escape with a narrow 29-22 win over the Giddings Buffaloes Friday.

Wimberley (2-0) took a 21-16 lead in the fourth frame via a 61yard touchdown run by sophomore Moses Wray.

Wray finished with 71 yards on nine carries and two scores in the contest.

Giddings (0-2) rallied right back with a 43-yard score from quarterback Alex De La Torre to Bryson Kleinert.

But a failed two-point conversion attempt kept the Buffaloes’ lead at 22-21.

Several minutes later, Texan quarterback Cooper McCollum tossed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Martin.

A successful two-point conversion increased the Texan lead to 29-22.

McCollum went 17 of 29 for 299 yards and two touchdowns and three interceptions. Texan wide receiver Christian Marshall led the team

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Dripping Springs head coach Michael Kane talks strategy with libero Madi Berkholz in the 2018 UIL 5A state semifinal match played at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland.

700 Club

Tiger volleyball coach notches milestone win

BY MOSES LEOS III

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Wimberley Texan quarterback Cooper McCollum sprints toward the end zone in the team’s Aug. 30 home game against Burnet.

with 177 receiving yards and a score through the air, along with 85 yards rushing on nine carries and a score.

De La Torre finished by going 6 of 17 for 111 yards passing with one touchdown and an

interception, while also rushing for 117 yards on 21 carries and a score.

Wimberley edged Giddings in total yards by out-gaining the Buffaloes 396-303.

The Texans went 5 for 10 on third

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down conversions, but committed three turnovers in the contest.

Giddings committed eight penalties for 90 yards.

Wimberley hits the road Friday when it takes on rival Canyon Lake in Fischer at 7:30 p.m.

By virtue of a pair of wins the past two weeks, Dripping Springs High head volleyball coach Michael Kane joined elite company when he officially surpassed the 700 win mark.

The feat was officially set when the Tigers swept New Braunfels Canyon Aug. 30. Kane notched win 701 by virtue of a straight set victory over Hutto Friday.

Kane, who has been coaching for 23 years, 10 with Dripping Springs, now has 355 wins during his tenure with the Tigers, according to DSISD officials.

Prior to his stop in Dripping Springs, Kane secured 346 combined wins at St. Michaels in Austin and at Hays High. Kane currently has a winning percentage of .720. Dripping Springs opens district play Friday when it hosts Austin Travis at 6:30 p.m. at Tiger Gym.

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Education

News-Dispatch English 5”x16” PUBLIC NOTICE

Explanatory Statements for the November 5, 2019 Constitutional Amendment Election

Public weighs in on proposed new DSISD elementary campus STAFF REPORT

Traffic impacts associated with the proposed site of a fifth Dripping Springs ISD elementary campus were detailed by residents during a series of input meetings in August. That information is expected to be included in a feasibility plan DSISD will craft that could show what’s the best use of the 155-acre site located on Darden Hill Road just east of Sawyer Ranch Road. Four meetings were held the week of Aug. 26 to gather input on plans for the proposed fifth elementary campus, which will be built on district-owned land.

The 155-acre site was purchased by the district in 2010 and is large enough to accommodate a variety of district facilities, potentially including an elementary school, a middle school, a high school, and possibly a satellite transportation facility, according to a district release.

“Where the elementary school is placed on the site will be primarily determined by what location is most beneficial to serve the needs of an elementary school and what location provides the best options for future development of the site,” district officials said.

The location of the elementary school on the site will be determined in the immediate future.

Input gathered at the meetings centered on design elements for the new

Four meetings were held the week of Aug. 26 to gather input on plans for the proposed fifth elementary campus, which will be built on district-owned land.

elementary school. Additional topics of discussion included traffic impacts, improvements to Darden Hill Road, location of the building on the property, how the entire 155 acres might be developed to include other facilities in the future, and features of the building, among other things. DSISD officials said any decisions regarding attendance zone boundary changes would not be made until spring 2020. District leaders expect the new school to be open by 202122 school year. The architect also will use input gathered throughout the design planning process for the Walnut Springs Elementary relocation project regarding desired building features and design preferences.

Prior to the community and staff meetings, Corgan Architect, the architect of the new school project, presented potential design concepts for the new structure.

However, after receiving feedback from campus and district staff, a decision was made to step back and gather more general input before moving forward with schematic drawings.

The architect also will use input gathered throughout the design planning process for the Walnut Springs Elementary relocation project regarding desired building features and design preferences.

But DSISD leaders said discussions on the fifth elementary campus has not included any debate on the future of high schools in the district.

The district plans to continue the community conversation on that topic in 2019. Community feedback received during recent meetings will be incorporated into the feasibility plan for use of the 155-acre site.

Corgan Architect will continue to review potential design schemes for the building considering input that was received, and these will be shared at a future board meeting.

In addition, a design review committee will be formed to provide input to the architect and district leaders.

District officials will meet with county representatives to discuss road traffic and other issues related to infrastructure.

Voting Machines: County offers trial run Continued from pg. 1

Since 2004, Hays County has used Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) machines for its elections. In late July, Hays County Commissioners voted 4-1 for the Hart Intercivic hybrid devices, with Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra casting the lone dissenting vote, the News-Dispatch reported.

Hays County leaders budgeted $2 million for the new machines, which were approved by the Texas Secretary of State’s office. The new machines allow voters to cast both an electronic and paper ballot at the polls.

Hays County’s new voting system will allow users to switch between English and Spanish at any time during the voting process.

Hays County will give voters a chance to practice with the machines at several precinct offices.

Voters who need an adaptive device can choose from a rotating selection wheel, plug-in earphones, or a sip-and-puff option.

Poll workers will also have a cart-based system for curbside voting.

According to county officials, the new system involves three machines.

The first one, on the left, will be used to get the access code for voting.

During an election this process will be done by a

Practice makes perfect

Prior to the start of early voting, Hays County is allowing residents a chance to see and experience its new hybrid voting system first-hand. According to a press release, residents can practice the new machines until early voting begins Oct. 21.

Residents can practice the new machines at: Hays County Courthouse (111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos)

Hays County Pct. 2 offices (5458 FM 2770 at Crystal Meadow Drive, Kyle) Hays County Pct. 3 office (200 Stillwater, Wimberley)

Hays County Pct. 4 office (195 Roger Hanks Parkway, Dripping Springs) Hays County Government Center (712 S. Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos)

poll worker.

The middle machine is the voting machine, which will have a touch screen, that will ask voters twice to confirm their choices and then print a paper ballot for scanning, giving yet another opportunity to review selections.

To finalize the vote and actually cast the ballot, voters will place the paper ballot in the scanner to the right of the voting machine, according to the release.

The scanner will read the text, and then drop the paper ballot into a secure, locked ballot box so it will be available for standard auditing, should a recount be necessary.

Voters will know their

vote is complete when they see the United States flag wave on the screen, just as it has with previous voting equipment.

“Residents are invited to stop by any of the county’s precinct offices or the Government Center to practice voting on the new devices,” Anderson said.

WHAT IS A SIP-AND-PUFF DEVICE? This device permits voters who have manual dexterity disabilities to puff into a straw-like tube which causes the cursor to scroll up and down through an on-screen menu. Then the voter will “sip” to make his or her selection.

Proposition Number 1 (HJR 72) HJR 72 proposes a constitutional amendment permitting an elected municipal judge to serve as a municipal judge in more than one municipality at the same time. Unlike an appointed municipal judge, an elected municipal judge may not concurrently hold another municipal judge office. This amendment would allow an elected municipal judge to serve as a municipal judge in more than one municipality at the same time, in the same manner as appointed municipal judges.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment permitting a person to hold more than one office as a municipal judge at the same time.”

Proposition Number 2 (SJR 79) SJR 79 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the Texas Water Development Board to issue additional general obligation bonds, in an amount that does not exceed $200 million, for the economically distressed areas program. These bonds can only be used to provide financing for the development of water supply and sewer service projects in those economically distressed areas as defined by law.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $200 million to provide financial assistance for the development of certain projects in economically distressed areas.”

Proposition Number 3 (HJR 34) HJR 34 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to temporarily exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of certain property located in an area covered by a disaster declaration of the governor. The proposed amendment would allow the legislature to prescribe the method of determining the amount of the tax exemption and the duration of the exemption and also would allow the legislature to create any additional eligibility requirements for the tax exemption.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of certain property damaged by a disaster.”

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Thursday, September 12, 2019 Proposition Number 4 (HJR 38) HJR 38 proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting the state from imposing or collecting an individual income tax, including an individual’s share of partnership and unincorporated association income. There is no current constitutional bar on imposing or collecting an individual income tax.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual income tax, including a tax on an individual’s share of partnership and unincorporated association income.”

Proposition Number 5 (SJR 24) SJR 24 proposes a constitutional amendment that would automatically appropriate the net revenue received from the portion of the state’s tax revenue received on sales of sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Historical Commission (THC).

The legislature would maintain the authority to determine the specific uses of the funds and their allocation between TPWD and THC. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment dedicating the revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes that are imposed on sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission to protect Texas’ natural areas, water quality, and history by acquiring, managing, and improving state and local parks and historic sites while not increasing the rate of the state sales and use taxes.”

Proposition Number 6 (HJR 12) HJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the maximum bond amount for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) from $3 billion to $6 billion to be issued by the Texas Public Finance Authority. CPRIT was created in 2007 to promote and fund cancer research in Texas. CPRIT uses bond proceeds to award grants for cancer research and prevention.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase by $3 billion the maximum bond amount authorized for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.”

Proposition Number 7 (HJR 151) HJR 151 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing increased distributions from $300 million per year to $600 million per year to the available school fund and also allowing the State Board of Education, the General Land Office, and other entities that manage revenue from land

or other properties held in the permanent school fund to distribute certain revenue to the available school fund.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment allowing increased distributions to the available school fund.”

Proposition Number 8 (HJR 4) HJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment creating the flood infrastructure fund as a special fund in the state treasury, using money appropriated from the economic stabilization fund. The flood infrastructure fund would provide additional resources to implement plans to mitigate flood damage. The proposed amendment would authorize the Texas Water Development Board to use money in the flood infrastructure fund for drainage, flood mitigation, or flood control projects. The proposed amendment also would authorize the creation of separate accounts in the flood infrastructure fund as necessary to administer the fund or authorized projects.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the flood infrastructure fund to assist in the financing of drainage, flood mitigation, and flood control projects.”

Proposition Number 9 (HJR 95) HJR 95 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to create a property tax exemption for precious metal held in a precious metal depository located in this state.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation precious metal held in a precious metal depository located in this state.”

Proposition Number 10 (SJR 32) SJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to allow a state agency or political subdivision to transfer a law enforcement animal to the animal’s handler or another qualified caretaker in certain circumstances. Currently, the Texas Constitution prevents the transfer of certain public property, such as law enforcement animals, to a private person or organization at no cost. This amendment authorizes the legislature to allow the transfer of a law enforcement animal to the animal’s handler or another qualified caretaker at no cost, upon the animal’s retirement or at another time if the transfer is determined to be in the animal’s best interest.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment to allow the transfer of a law enforcement animal to a qualified caretaker in certain circumstances.”

Published by The Office of the Texas Secretary of State, www.VoteTexas.gov, 1/800-252-VOTE(8683).

Thursday, September 12, 2019

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Page 5

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Texas Crossword Solution

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See puzzle, page 6

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Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Childcare Partners Continued from pg. 1

nizations need to evolve in order to deliver more comprehensive services and better address the spectrum needs for Austin-area families.”

Through terms of the agreement, Extend-ACare’s assets and liabilities will transfer to the YMCA of Austin. Specific guidelines have been put in place in the agreement between the organizations to protect and use EAC long-term investments for specific child care-based needs approved by original EAC Board members.

“We hope to create a national model that others around the country can emulate,” said James Finck, YMCA of Austin president and CEO. “We are better together and, more importantly, the kids and families we serve are better off because of our partnership.”

The Extend-A-Care YMCA branch will offer licensed afterschool child care for more than 5,000 students at more than 100 schools in 10 area districts and charter schools. The branch will also offer day camps for more than

3,500 kids at more than 30 area locations, plus preschool and infant care.

In 2018, the YMCA and EAC collectively provided more than $3 million in financial assistance to families.

“The YMCA of Austin and Extend-A-Care are both strong, well-respected and fiscally responsible organizations with healthy operational budgets and deep historical roots,” Altobelli said. “This alliance represents an opportunity to broaden and deepen our collective impact on the community.”

Officials estimate integration of programs and administration will take place in a phased approach over the next 12 months. Former EAC Operations Director Jaime Garcia will take over as executive director of the Extend-A-Care YMCA branch.

“Our volunteers and staff have worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition and positive outcomes for all stakeholders,” Garcia said.

“Their vision, dedication

and energy never cease to amaze me.”

All finance, IT, human resources, facilities, information systems, marketing and communications and development will merge and operate under the YMCA umbrella.

The full organizational chart is currently being determined, and while some job titles or duties may change within departments, no employees will be laid off, and all salaries and benefits will be maintained.

Extend-A-Care has nearly 350 employees, a 2019 budget of $9 million, owns an administrative office building located at 55 N. IH-35, Austin and multiple vehicles. The YMCA of Austin has more than 1,500 employees, a 2019 budget of $30 million, and serves 100,000 members and 30,000 program participants annually in Travis, Hays and Bastrop counties through nine branches. The Program Services YMCA, which has overseen Y child care, will be integrated into the Extend-A-Care YMCA.

Elections Commission

HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS RETURN TO HEALTH AND INDEPENDENCE DEER CREEK OF WIMBERLEY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR OVER

• HOSPICE/PALLIATIVE CARE • INPATIENT SHORT TERM REHABILITATION • IV/PICC LINE MANAGEMENT • LONG TERM CARE • LYMPHEDEMA • NEURO REHABILITATION • OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY • ORTHOPEDIC REHABILITATION • OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION • PHYSICAL THERAPY • RESPITE • SPEECH THERAPY • STATE-OF-THE-ART MODALITIES • TRACHEOSTOMIES • VITAL STIM - DIATHERMY • WOUND CARE

Continued from pg. 1

elect its own leadership and meet a minimum of twice a year – once in late November to evaluate that month’s voting and once in late May to evaluate March primaries and May local elections.

Becerra and Pct. 4 Commissioner Walt Smith met Sept. 5 to define parameters for the group. “We spent the hours on this and have genuinely tried our very best to include everyone.”

The two began their meeting with different opinions on whether the commission should include elected officials, but Becerra said he came around to Smith’s way of thinking.

“I was fully supportive of no elected officials,” Smith said. “For instance, if you have an at-large position on the school board, or the city council, it would incentivize them to say, ‘this is the church where I go or this is the school my kid goes to and I want these to be polling locations,’ — in an at-large race that could be very problematic.”

“Once it was explained to me, I couldn’t agree more,” Becerra said. “Commissioner Smith brought up a good point and I said, ‘you’re right.’”

Becerra’s Chief of Staff Alex Villalobos noted that each site must meet specific criteria including access to the internet and adequate parking. Pct. 2 Commissioner Mark Jones reiterated that the commission “stay away from schools,” primarily for safety issues. “The schools do not want us. They’re letting us (use their facilities) but they feel they don’t have a choice.”

The specific membership would include one

The Elections Commission membership would include one representative each from San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs and Wimberley and one each from the Hays, San Marcos, Dripping Springs and Wimberley school districts.

DEER CREEK OF WIMBERLEY

555 R ANCH ROAD 3237 • WIMBERLEY, TX FACILITY (512) 847-5540 • FAX (512) 847-0419

and suggested the county consider a voting “hotline” people could call if they encounter any problems voting.

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

Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM

Sunday Morning

11:00 AM

Sunday Worship

5:45 PM

Wednesday Meal

6:30 PM

Wed TouchPoint

A Family of Faith...

SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries

representative each from San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs and Wimberley and one each from the Hays, San Marcos, Dripping Springs and Wimberley school districts.

Democratic and Republican party chairs from Hays County and from Texas State University would also be included and the county’s elections officer administrator would serve as a technical advisor.

The two appointees to represent the rural and disabled communities would be chosen by the court as a whole; individual commissioners, through their two appointees each, would be able to address any “deficiencies” in the group’s membership.

During public comments, Hays County League of Women Voters President Linda Calvert called the formation of the commission “of vital interest and importance”

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Texas Crossword

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C.L.E.A.R. Alert Continued from pg. 1

though her friends “knew she was allegedly abducted,” there was no framework for putting the public on the lookout, Smith explained.

“Not a thing” existed, Smith said. “There was not a law that covered that age group between Amber Alerts and Silver Alerts …

If they could have put an alert out maybe everything could have gone differently.”

Mondadi’s mother, along with the mothers of other murdered children, petitioned the legislature, which went on to pass HB 1769, authored by State Rep. Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood), who is a neurosurgeon and medical professor.

The C.L.E.A.R. Alert was designed to “close the gap” between existing alert

systems in an attempt to locate and rescue “missing, kidnapped or abducted adults” as well as those “who are in immediate danger of injury or death,” as well as aid in locating possible suspects.

Similar to Amber and Silver Alerts, C.L.E.A.R. Alerts will be disseminated by public and commercial radio and television and on dynamic signs on Texas’ interstate highways. The legislation also establishes criteria for the DPS for putting out the alerts and modifying the criteria as necessary.

The DPS is also required to evaluate the system’s effectiveness and make a report to the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House of Representatives not later than Dec. 31, 2021.

www.stmartindp.org

See Texas Crossword solution on page 5