Sept 14, 2017 News-Dispatch

Tigers ready for robotics competition

JP won’t run for office again page 2

Sweet times at Dripping With Taste

page 5

News-Dispatch Volume XXXVII No. 49

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

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75¢

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Equine evacuees find haven in Dripping Springs

BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY

PHOTO BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY

Healing Horse Ranch founder and director Katie Dickinson helps keep “Squidward” calm for a bath. Some the animals were still wary after their experience.

Horses plucked from the flooding in the Houston area after Hurricane Harvey have found respite in Dripping Springs.

Six horses rescued from the flooded areas of Beaumont are now under the care of Katie Dickinson, director and founder of Healing Horse Ranch in Dripping Springs.

The animals had

suffered several lacerations and bruising from debris while stuck in the rushing waters during the flood; some of the horses also had difficulty breathing during their first days due to water in their lungs.

“When they first arrived the wounds on their legs were bright red and raw,” said Dickinson.

Although the animals have made a physical re-

covery, some still exhibit symptoms of emotional stress from the event.

Dickinson said she and her team must take special care when handling these animals.

“We don’t know the owners of these horses, what they’ve been through or how they’ve been trained,” said Dickinson.

HEALING HORSES, 3

No injuries over three-fire weekend Assault suspect on the loose STAFF REPORT PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH HAYS COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

No one was injured after a barn caught fire in the 2100 block of Upper Branch Cove in the Dripping Springs area Sunday. Scott Collard, North Hays County Fire Rescue chief, said emergency officials were dispatched around 8:24 a.m. Sunday for a fully involved barn fire. Authorities arrived at the scene at 8:30 a.m. and remained on scene for about 90 minutes. While the barn was completely destroyed, Collard said there were no additional reports of damage to other structures. Eight trucks and 18 firefighters assisted in the fire. Sunday’s fire was the first of three major incidents North Hays County responded to over a two-day period. Fire crews responded to an abandoned building fire, which was followed by a grass fire on Monday. No injuries were reported in either incident.

$100K grant advances Veterans Court

BY MOSES LEOS III A $100,000 state grant is expected to go a long way in helping the Hays County Veterans Court guide current and former service members away from a life of crime.

Gerald Ramcharan, program manager for Hays County’s Veterans

Court, said the grant from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) targets personnel hires and improved treatment opportunities for the court.

Hays County’s Veterans Court is a 12- to 24-month, three-phase specialized treatment court for veterans and active service members

of the military.

The court’s goal is to promote sobriety and recovery for veterans who have been charged with misdemeanor offenses. It also helps veterans expunge those offenses from their records.

Many of the issues veterans face are substance abuse problems

that are mixed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety or depression, Ramcharan said.

Applicants who apply are assessed to make sure they are a good fit and are willing to go through recovery, and not just have their record expunged.

“We get people who

are motivated and take responsibility for what their crime was, and get some kind of help for their family,” Ramcharan said.

Through the TVC grant, the court aims to allocate funds for a dedicated probation officer to handle cases. The

VETERANS COURT, 2

Hays County approves CTMC payments for indigent care plan

BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY Hays County approved payments to Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) in accordance with its Indigent Care plan during its August 22 meeting.

The county approved a motion to pay $900,000 to CTMC, part of an annual two million dollar agreement established in 2011 for the county’s indigent care costs.

“Hays County was approached

by CTMC in 2011 regarding the Upper

LAGNIAPPE Friends Foundation BBQ

the state to expand Medicaid managed care while preserving hospital funding.

“Around the time Hays County and CTMC were discussing

INDIGENT CARE, 2

LAGNIAPPE, 5

–Lon Shell, Hays County chief of staff

the hospital agreed to perform some level of indigent care in the community.”

The process was initiated by using the Texas 1115 Medicaid Transformation Waiver, which allows

ASSAULT, 5

On Oct. 5, join the Dripping Springs Friends Foundation as it hosts its 24th annual BBQ fundraiser at Pecan Grove, formerly known as the Salt Lick Pavillion.

The event, which will go from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., will have guests participate in a silent and live auction, as well as enjoy the music of the Hot Texas Swing Band. The fundraiser helps provide services to the community and seniors in the greater Dripping Springs area.

All monies raised go to help support the Friends Foundation’s programs.

Those include Our Daily Bread, which is a hot meal delivery program for the homebound, as well as Phillips Lifeline medic alert devices. The fundraiser also assists low-income seniors with financial assistance,

“CTMC would establish the community clinic that would become a ‘medical home’ for many un-insured residents ... Matching funds would be used to not only increase healthcare services, but improve the delivery of healthcare services.”

Payment Limit (UPL) program,” said Lon Shell, Hays County Chief of Staff. “The UPL program allowed a governmental entity to affiliate with a local hospital; in the affiliation agreement

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office continues to search for a man who forced his way into a Wimberley residence Sept. 1 and assaulted a woman in her own home.

The suspect is described as a white male approximately 16 to 20 years old and stands approximately 5-feet, 11-inches tall. The male suspect has a thin build, short and neat blonde hair and a fair

Page 2

News-Dispatch

Pct. 4 JP announces 2019 retirement after years of illness

News-Dispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton

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EDITOR Moses Leos III

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PHOTOGRAPHER Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES David White paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com

Thursday, September 14, 2017

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BY MOSES LEOS III

A relatively clean bill of health after years of illness is leading a Hays County Justice of the Peace to retire at the end of his current term.

Terry Kyle, who has served as the Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace for the past 12 years, announced in a press release he intends to retire when his term ends Jan. 1, 2019.

Kyle said he’s chosen to retire in order to be able to spend “some quality years” with his wife and family after his physical health returned to “some degree of normalcy.”

During his term as the Pct. 4 JP, Kyle underwent eight surgeries, including one for a kidney transplant.

Before the transplant, Kyle endured years of therapy for chronic kidney disease, along with a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Kyle said his kidney disease diagnosis came after he went in for some routine blood work roughly 15 years ago.

An elevated creatine level prompted Kyle’s primary care physician to suggest a follow up appointment with a kidney specialist. It was at that time Kyle discovered his kidneys were only functioning at 75 percent.

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“I’m getting back to a new normal. I have to establish a new normal somewhere ... I was better than what I was last year.

I was really ill last year.”

–Terry Kyle, Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace

A strict diet and exercise helped slow the disease. Kyle said a bout of bronchitis in October 2016, however, accelerated Kyle’s disease. The use of antibiotics cut his kidney production to 12 percent.

As a result, Kyle was expedited in the kidney transplant process. His sister was found to be a match and last year Kyle had his kidney replaced.

“I’m getting back to a new normal. I have to establish a new normal somewhere,” Kyle said. “I was better than what I was last year. I was really ill last year.”

Kyle has also overcome a prostate cancer diagnosis, which was made after a biopsy was conducted in November 2009.

Luckily, Kyle’s doctor said the cancer was 99 percent contained in his prostate. Kyle had prostate surgery in December 2009 to remove the cancerous cells.

“I joked with my wife, ‘I need to retire before I have any more surgeries,’” Kyle said.

Kyle said working as a JP has so far been a “profound impact on my life.”

While the position has been at times frustrating, he said it’s also been educational and “satisfying.”

An Austin native who attended Texas Lutheran University in Seguin in the late 1960s, Kyle had to put his aspirations for a law degree on hold and started working after his father passed away.

His intent was to go back and finish school, but Kyle was never able to fulfill that dream.

“While that didn’t happen, this is the next best thing,” Kyle said.

“It filled a niche in my life. I couldn’t finish my education, but ever since, I was able to get a million dollar education as a JP.” Over his 12 year tenure,

Kyle said he has seen the influx of growth in the Dripping Springs area, which he said has been “dramatic.”

But he also established a relationship with the community he serves, which transcends the dayto-day operation and the politics of the position.

One way is understanding most people he serves in the justice courts are living paycheck-to-paycheck. As JP, Kyle realizes he can be a solution in a resident’s life and not the problem.

“It’s not the goal of the JP courts to raise revenue.

I could care less about how much revenue the office brings in,” Kyle said. “What I care about is helping folks in a day-today basis to alleviate their burden in some way.”

Kyle now advocates for residents interested in running for Pct. 4 JP position to file before the end of the year, which is the deadline.

“My goal as Justice of the Peace has alway been to protect and defend the consutition and laws of the United States of America and those of the state of Texas,” Kyle said.

“To do that, a judge must never diminish the honor and integrity inherent to the judiciary. I pray I have achieved that goal.”

Indigent Care: County approves payment Continued from pg. 1

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the affiliation, the State of Texas and the federal government were negotiating a waiver that would soon assume the UPL program,” Shell said. “In 2011 the state passed legislation providing that claims for

NOTICE OF TAX REVENUE INCREASE

The Hays County ESD #6 conducted public hearings on August 30, 2017 and September 7, 2017 on a proposal to increase the total tax revenues of the Hays County ESD #6 from properties on the tax roll in the preceding year by 2.74 percent.

Medicaid services would be covered by managed care companies. Once managed care was incorporated statewide a new waiver was necessary. “ Funds used for indigent care claims and funds used for the operation of the Hays County Health Clinic could be matched and used for improvements to healthcare for indigent and uninsured citizens.

“CTMC would establish the Community Clinic that would become a ‘medical home’ for many uninsured residents,” Shell said. “Matching funds would be used to not only increase healthcare services, but improve the delivery of healthcare services. “ Hays County no longer operates the clinic, but the county maintains responsibilities for indigent program enrollment, operation of the TB clinic, administration

for Department of State and Health immunization services, and responsibilities in emergency preparedness and epidemiology, according to Shell.

CTMC continues to pay indigent healthcare claims as proposed during the development of the UPL program.

Through its affiliate, Live Oak Health Partners, CTMC began operation of the well child clinic, women’s health clinic, and the family clinic on Jan. 1, 2013.

“CTMC’s operation of the Community Clinic has brought efficiencies to and improved the delivery of healthcare services for the uninsured citizens of Hays County,” Shell said.

“CTMC is able to utilize its existing resources to help improve clinical services through the use of electronic health record systems (EHR), access to primary and specialty physicians, access to labs, and

the overall knowledge of a professional organization with many years of experience.”

According to Shell, combining tax dollars with CTMC’s resources also helps to serve a population that would otherwise use expensive ER services for basic healthcare needs.

Indigent residents who are able to use clinics instead of ER services decrease the taxpayer’s financial responsibility.

“Even though our population and health care costs continue to grow, by using 1115 DSRIP and UC funding, Hays County has been able to fund statutory indigent healthcare costs at the same level since 2011,” Shell said.

“During the past year we have added over 200 indigent residents into the program. The county’s responsibilities for indigent health can be found in Chapter 61 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. “

The total tax revenue proposed to be raised last year at last year's tax rate of $0.0795 for each $100 of taxable value was $3,608,228.

The total tax revenue proposed to be raised this year at the proposed tax rate of $0.0787 for each $100 of taxable value, excluding tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year, is $3,702,268.

The total tax revenue proposed to be raised this year at the proposed tax rate of $0.0787 for each $100 of taxable value, including tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year, is $3,897,234.

The Commissioners of Hays County ESD #6 is scheduled to vote on the tax rate that will result in that tax increase at a public meeting to be held on September 20, 2017 at Hays County ESD #6, 400 Sportsplex Dr., Dripping Springs, TX 78620 at 5:00 PM. The Commissioners of Hays County ESD #6 proposes to use the increase in total tax revenue for the purpose of funding apparatus replacement, maintenance, as well as volunteer and career retention and recruitment to continue to provide high quality firefighting services throughout the district.

The Friends Foundation 24th Annual Barbecue Fundraiser Thursday, October 5, 2017 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

The Salt Lick Pavilion 18200 FM 1826, Driftwood, TX

Silent & Live Auctions BBQ Buffet 6-8 p.m. Tickets $25

Cash, check or credit card Tickets available at the door. Children 6 & Under Free Advance tickets at Hill Country Care (cash or check only).

Music by Hot Texas Swing Band Master of Ceremonies KVET Austin’s Bama Brown

Thursday, September 14, 2017

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com PUBLIC NOTICE Brief Explanatory Statements of Proposed Constitutional Amendments Special Election, November 7, 2017

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Eventgoers have the opportunity to bid on items like these arrowheads, which were auctioned off at last year’s barbecue.

Friends ready for annual fundraiser STAFF REPORT

The Friends Foundation will host its 24th Annual barbecue fundraiser at The Salt Lick Pavilion on Thursday, Oct. 5.

Guests will enjoy an evening of live music, a live auction and silent auction, Salt Lick barbecue and much more.

Guests should arrive early to preview items in the live and silent auction, which was voted No. 1 in Central Texas.

The self-serve Salt Lick barbecue buffet line will be open from 6 to 8 p.m.

The award winning Hot Texas Swing Band, proudly playing western swing, will provide musical entertainment and Bama Brown of KVET 98.1 FM radio will be the master of ceremonies.

Guests may also enjoy free product samples in the hospitality area provided by several area wineries, distilleries and breweries, including Thirsty Planet Brewery, Duchman Family Winery, Dripping Springs Vodka and Moonshine Sweet Tea. The annual fundraiser is critically important in providing services to

BE THERE

Friends Foundation BBQ fundraiser at the Salt Lick Pavillion on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 5-10 p.m.

Tickets: $25 per person (children 6 and under eat free)

the needy elderly in the greater Dripping Springs area. All monies raised will help support The Friends Foundation’s programs. Those include Our Daily Bread, a hot meal delivery program for the homebound, and Phillps Lifeline, which provides medic alert devices for summoning help in an emergency. Monies will also go toward financial assistance in times of dire need, fund special events for residents of Hill Country Care, and other programs beneficial to seniors.

To make a donation or for more information please visit: www. thefriendsfoundation. org or call (512) 592 1345.

The Friends Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Proposition Number 1 (HJR 21) HJR 21 proposes a constitutional amendment that would permit the Texas legislature to expand the circumstances under which a partially disabled veteran or their spouse may qualify for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the veteran’s residence homestead.

Currently, the Texas legislature may provide that a partially disabled veteran or their spouse is entitled to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a percentage of the market value of the disabled veteran’s residence homestead only if the residence homestead was donated to the disabled veteran by a charitable organization at no cost to the veteran.

The amendment would allow the Texas legislature to provide that the exemption also may be taken when the residence homestead was donated, sold, or transferred to the disabled veteran by a charitable organization for less than the market value of the residence homestead. The amendment also harmonizes certain related provisions of the Texas Constitution.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran if the residence homestead was donated to the disabled veteran by a charitable organization for less than the market value of the residence homestead and harmonizing certain related provisions of the Texas Constitution.”

Proposition Number 2 (SJR 60) SJR 60 proposes a constitutional amendment to require that certain conditions be met for the refinancing of a home equity loan to be secured by a voluntary lien on a homestead. The amendment also would: redefine what is excluded in the calculation of the

Page 3

cap on fees associated with a home equity loan, lower the cap from 3% to 2% of the original principal amount of the extension of credit, and specify that such fees are in addition to any bona fide discount points used to buy down the interest rate. The amendment would further specify the list of authorized lenders to make home equity loans, change the threshold for an advance of a home equity line of credit, allow agricultural property owners to acquire home equity loans, and update technical terminology in the Texas Constitution. The amendment would be effective on January 1, 2018, and applicable only to a home equity loan made or refinanced on or after that date.

The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment to establish a lower amount for expenses that can be charged to a borrower and removing certain financing expense limitations for a home equity loan, establishing certain authorized lenders to make a home equity loan, changing certain options for the refinancing of home equity loans, changing the threshold for an advance of a home equity line of credit, and allowing home equity loans on agricultural homesteads.”

Proposition Number 3 (SJR 34) SJR 34 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prevent certain office holders from serving indefinitely beyond the expiration of their term. Office holders who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate and receive no salary would only be able to serve until the last day of the first regular session of the Texas legislature that begins after their term expires.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment limiting the service of certain officeholders appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate after the expiration of the person’s term of office.”

Proposition Number 4 (SJR 6) SJR 6 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Texas legislature to require any

court that is hearing a challenge to the constitutionality of a state statute to notify the attorney general of that challenge, if the party raising the challenge notifies the court that the party is challenging the constitutionality of such statute. Additionally, the amendment would allow the Texas legislature to set a period of not more than 45 days following the notification to the attorney general that the court must wait before rendering a judgment that a state statute is unconstitutional.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to require a court to provide notice to the attorney general of a challenge to the constitutionality of a state statute and authorizing the legislature to prescribe a waiting period before the court may enter a judgment holding the statute unconstitutional.”

Proposition Number 5 (HJR 100) HJR 100 proposes a constitutional amendment to provide a more detailed definition of “professional sports team” for purposes of their charitable foundations, which the Texas legislature may permit to hold charitable raffles.

The amendment also deletes a requirement that an eligible professional sports team charitable foundation permitted by the Texas legislature to hold charitable raffles had to be in existence on January 1, 2016.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment on professional sports team charitable foundations conducting charitable raffles.”

Proposition Number 6 (SJR 1) SJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Texas legislature by general law to provide that a surviving spouse of a first responder who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty is entitled to receive an exemption from ad valorem taxation from all or part of the market value on the surviving spouse’s residence homestead, as long as the surviving spouse has not remarried since the death of the first responder. It would also allow the Texas legislature to provide that the surviving

spouse, who qualifies and receives the exemption and then qualifies a different property as the surviving spouse’s residence homestead, receive an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the different homestead in an amount equal to the dollar amount of the exemption of the first homestead for which the exemption was received in the last year in which the surviving spouse received the exemption for that first homestead. Like the initial exemption, this benefit will only remain available if the surviving spouse has not remarried since the death of the first responder. The proposed amendment would apply only to ad valorem taxes imposed for a tax year beginning on or after January 1, 2018.

The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a first responder who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.”

Proposition Number 7 (HJR 37) HJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Texas legislature to make an exception to the law regarding the award of certain prizes. Currently, the Texas Constitution requires the Texas legislature to pass laws prohibiting lotteries, raffles, and other programs where the award of gifts is based on luck or chance.

The proposed amendment would make an exception to this general rule to allow the Texas legislature to authorize credit unions and other financial institutions to institute programs which, in order to encourage savings, would award prizes based on luck or chance to the credit union’s or financial institution’s customers.

The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment relating to legislative authority to permit credit unions and other financial institutions to award prizes by lot to promote savings.”

Published by Texas Secretary of State Rolando B. Pablos, www.

VoteTexas.gov, 1/800-252-VOTE (8683).

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Providing you with news for Dripping Springs, Wimberley and surrounding communities

PHOTO BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY

(Left to right) Sara and Claire Fischer of Dripping Springs help brush “Patches”, one of the horses that was rescued. This was the girls’ first time to volunteer at Healing Horse Ranch.

Healing Horses Continued from pg. 1

Dickinson, whose nonprofit ranch first began three years ago, said she doesn’t usually take in this many animals at once.

However, thanks to an outpouring of support from the community including Austin Equine Hospital, which donated most of its services, Dickinson has been able to properly care for and feed these animals, for the time being.

Dickinson said the cost of caring of one horse for one month is about $250.

However, the medical

needs of the horses cost an additional $150 per month.

“We could have these horses for several more months,” said Dickinson.

“We’ll need more funding and donations.”

Dickinson is also working with Jefferson County to find the original owners of the horses, using a Jefferson County database in order to track any reports of lost horses.

“We want to make sure the horses go back to their right owners,” Dickinson said.

See solution, page 5

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

Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM

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5:45 PM

Wednesday Meal

6:30 PM

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St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Mass Schedule

Rev. Charlie

Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.

corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs

Garza, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m.

Located at the Sunday: 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m.

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Page 4

News-Dispatch

Sports

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Tigers knock out Rangers 47-21 STAFF REPORT

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Dripping Springs’ quarterback Trevor Greenman breaks tackles in a 67 yard run from scrimmage to score the first rushing touchdown in Tiger Stadium in the first quarter of the team’s season opening game against Bastrop. Greenman and the Tiger offense overwhelmed Vista Ridge Friday en route to a 47-21 win.

Two weeks into the season and the Dripping Springs Tigers are showing no signs of slowing down.

A 33-point first half outburst was enough for the Tigers to roll past the Vista Ridge Rangers 47-21 Friday at Gupton Stadium in Leander.

Dripping Springs (2-0) amassed 503 total yards on the night, but did most of its damage on the ground.

Four Tiger players finished in double figures in rushing yardage, led by quarterback Trevor Greenman, who finished with 132 yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns.

Tiger running back Joe Cox gained 64 yards on 14 carries, while wide receiver Reed Beverly had 53 yards rushing on one carry. Tiger Keith Mitchhart finished with 45 yards rushing.

Greenman was also effective through the air, completing 76 percent of his passes.

Greenman went 10 of 13

Tiger tennis nets Medina Valley in district opener

Explosive Texans tame Buffaloes in 45-28 thriller

BY MOSES LEOS III

An explosive and consistent offense paved the way for the Wimberley Texans to tally its second victory of the season in a dominant 45-28 win over the Giddings Buffaloes Friday at Texan Stadium.

The duo of Texan quarterback JoJo Weeks and running back Thomas Carruthers helped Wimberley compile 560 yards of total offense on the night.

Weeks went 15 of 26 for 274 yards and two touchdowns on the night, while also rushing for 86 yards on seven carries. Carruthers, aided by a bruising offensive line, rushed for 185 yards and three touchdowns.

Wimberley jumped out to a 21-7 halftime lead, aided by an 80-yard touchdown pass from Weeks to wide receiver Nicholas Kohls.

The Texans outscored the Buffaloes 24-7 over the next 22 minutes of play in the second half, highlighted by a 72yard touchdown run by

NEXT UP

STAFF REPORT Dominance on the court led the Dripping Springs Tigers tennis team to a 18-1 district opening win over the Medina Valley Panthers Saturday at Dripping Springs High.

The Tigers swept through all six girls and boys singles matches in the contest. Two of the boys singles matches went to decisive third sets.

Tiger Cullen Hess outlasted Medina Valley’s Caytan Chang 6-2, 5-7, 10-7, while Dripping Springs’ Owen Tuoly outlasted Medina Valley’s Tyler Oberhauser in three sets.

Medina Valley’s lone match win came in the boys doubles competition.

With the victory, Dripping Springs improves to 5-2 overall, 1-0 in district play.

Dripping Springs maintains its ranking as the No. 5 team in Texas, according to the Texas Tennis Coaches

The Wimberley Texans host the Lampasas Badgers on Friday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Carruthers.

Giddings, which was limited to 295 yards on offense, was led by a three-pronged rushing attack of Tavion Page, Brandon Mitschke and Ja’Darius Johnson. The trio combined for 168 yards rushing on the evening.

Johnson finished a team high 78 rushing yards, while Page had 62 rushing yards, which included a 54-yard touchdown run. Mitschke finished with 28-yards and a touchdown. Giddings quarterback Carson Harville went 5 of 8 for 104 yards and an interception, while starting quarterback Rustin Grimm went 5 of 8 for 30 yards and a touchdown.

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Gavin Martinez gains yardage after a pass reception.

Martinez had 3 catches for 53 yards including a 35-yard touchdown. Wyatt Mann led the Texans with 92 yards receiving including one touchdown catch for 80 yards.

We Support the Tigers Texas hometown friendly bank

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for 174 yards and three touchdowns passing.

On the defensive side, Dripping Springs limited Ranger quarterback Jacob Taute to only 39 yards passing. The Ranger offense finished with 260 total yards on the day.

Dripping Springs and Vista Ridge were tied 7-7 in the first quarter when the Tigers exploded for 26 unanswered points to close the half.

The scoring outburst was highlighted by a 73-yard touchdown pass from Greenman to wide receiver Parker Alford. Greenman also contributed a 47-yard touchdown run before halftime.

Dripping Springs continued the onslaught in the second half aided by a 31-yard touchdown run by Mitchhart, followed by a 53-yard touchdown run by Beverly.

Dripping Springs travels to play in-county rival Hays at Bob Shelton Stadium on Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Dripping Springs maintains its ranking as the No. 5 team in Texas, according to the Texas Tennis Coaches’ Association.

Association.

After a nondistrict match against Westlake on Sept. 14, the Tigers go on the road to square off against Seguin and Lockhart in Seguin on Saturday.

Dripping Springs hosts Marble Falls Sept. 18 at the Dripping Springs High tennis center.

See a full list of results online at HaysNewsDispatch. com.

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Page 5

Education

Turbo Tigers ready to compete in Abu Dhabi

BY MOSES LEOS III

The world of robotics could lead a group of Dripping Springs High students abroad this winter.

Dripping Springs’ Turbo Tigers team, comprised of sophomores Bryce and Jason Fitzpatrick, Cole Scott and senior Dallas Hudson, was selected as one of 22 teams to compete at the Land Rover 4x4 In Schools World Finals. The event will be held in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December.

The primary goal of the 4x4 competition is to build a remote controlled (RC) car and take it through a series of obstacles. The vehicles are scored based on how quickly the car overcomes the course, and also incorporates overall design and presentation.

Students are also required to present and sell their product to a panel of judges, who ask specific questions to each team member regarding the vehicle. Jad Jadeja, Dripping Springs High robotics, programming and engineering teacher, said the presentation portion is an essential tool as many engineering students think the profession is purely tactile.

Students obtain presentation skills, such as avoiding talking over each other.

“It’s more than just building stuff. It’s doing the design work, it’s testing and communicating and talking to people and selling the idea,” Jadeja said.

Another component is building the machine itself. Bryce Fitzpatrick said each part takes time, ranging from the guts of the car, to the exterior shell. The team, which has a competitive edge, focused on building everything from scratch, Jason Fitzpatrick said.

Students use Computer Automated Design (CAD) tools to plan out the car.

Roughly 80 to 90 percent

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Members of the Dripping Springs High Turbo Tigers team, comprised of (L-R) senior Dallas Hudson, sophomores Bryce Fitzpatrick, Cole Scott and Jason Fitzpatrick, work on the machine they’re planning to compete with at the Land Rover 4x4 In Schools World Finals. The event will be held in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December.

GET INVOLVED Want to help the Turbo Tigers reach their goal? You can donate to their gofundme page at www.gofundme.com/ send-turbo-tigers-toabu-dhabi

of the car is done in CAD software, Jadeja said.

Students use 3D and laser printers to build certain components.

But the team used trial and error when the members actually went through the building phase. While a design may be created to perfection, it may not be tangible in real life.

With 3D blocks costing $20, students also quickly gained a crash course in budgeting.

“They quickly learn to go through the design process and try to get as

“We want to make sure they know there are going to be failuress ...

One of the big things students are scared of is getting it wrong.

It takes a few things to go wrong to realize, yeah, NASA also got things wrong, too.”

–Jad Jadeja, Dripping Springs High robotics, programming and engineering teacher

many kinks out of their design,” Jadeja said.

The project overall was “not super hard to do,” Hudson said. The toughest challenges were having the time to complete the tasks, along with programming the machine.

What the final product could include are sensors that detect light, which allows headlights to automatically turn on.

The team is also adding

an autonomous parallel parking feature, along with a GPS tilt sensor for steep terrain.

The Turbo Tigers are working on a few “secret items” for their machine, Jason Fitzpatrick said.

Currently, the team believes they are the only 4x4 team in the world that can display telemetry data in real time during the competition.

“While the car is running, we will have a mon-

SCHOOL BRIEFS DSHS STUDENT WINS WRITING CONTEST Dripping Springs High School junior Ali Voss was one of three winners selected in the 2017 Texas Teen Book Festival Fiction Writing ConVOSS test. Her winning submission was titled “Sixteenth Moon.” Ali is a student in Travis Crain’s Creative Writing class at DSHS. As a contest winner, she will receive $150 and be recognized at the Texas Teen Book Festival at St. Edward’s University Oct. 7, 2017.

The contest, which was

open to students 1118 years old, required entrants to submit a 300500 word synopsis of an original fiction work, as well as a 900-1,400 word excerpt from the story.

The contest was sponsored by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books.

Her piece also will receive a full editorial review by an editor at Delacorte Press.

DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD TO HOLD COMMUNITY COFFEE Once again in 2017-18, Dripping Springs ISD will hold district-wide “community coffees” to welcome parents and community members to campuses and offer an opportunity to visit with district leaders. One

event will be held each semester this school year.

The fall coffee will be held at Sycamore Springs Middle School on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, from 7:45 to 9:00 a.m. The spring gathering is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at Dripping Springs Elementary.

This will be the eighth year that the district has hosted community coffees. Administrators from all campuses and the Central Office will be available to share information, address questions, and gather feedback.

DISTRICT TO CELEBRATE OPENING OF SYCAMORE SPRINGS A grand opening celebration and dedication for Sycamore

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Continued from pg. 1

the Woodcreek North Subdivision.

A white male in his teens forced his way into the home and assaulted the homeowner. Nothing was taken during the incident, according to the release.

Authorities are asking area residents to remain vigilant and contact the sheriff’s office if suspicious activity is observed.

w

Springs Elementary and Sycamore Springs Middle School will be held Thursday, Sept. 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

A short program will be held at 6:30 p.m., followed by tours, refreshments and activities. The community is invited to tour both schools, with several designated tour stops. The PTAs from both schools will have tables and activities set up as well.

Sycamore Springs Elementary and Sycamore Springs Middle School will operate as separate schools, but share some core facilities like the Center for Learning and Innovation and the kitchen. The schools are located at 14451 Sawyer Ranch Rd.

Assault: Still on the loose skin tone. The man was wearing blue jeans and a grey shirt with small grey stripes, according to a Hays County press release.

Authorities Friday also released a composite sketch of the suspect.

The incident took place on Sept. 1 at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the area of Woodcreek Drive and Happy Hollow Lane, which is located in

itor set up and we can track information about the car on our monitor,” Jason Fitzpatrick said.

For some of the features, such as autonomous parking, the students had to branch out into relatively unknown territory. While automated parking is available in many of today’s vehicles, Jadeja said car companies haven’t made that tech-

nology public.

Giving students the chance to forge new ground that’s doable, while also teaching them about the world of science, is what Jadeja strives for.

“We want to make sure they know there are going to be failures,” Jadeja said.

“One of the big things students are scared of is getting it wrong. It takes a few things to go wrong to realize, yeah, NASA also got things wrong, too.”

Funding the trip to Abu Dhabi now becomes the next big hurdle for the Turbo Tigers. The cost of airplane tickets, hotel and cost to ship their booth and machine is estimated at $16,500.

The team created a gofundme account to crowd source the cost.

For the students, the chance to compete continues to foster their interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), said Bryce Fitzpatrick. Hudson said use of CAD programming and tools is allowing him to get more involved in those fields.

Providing real world experience is an added benefit of the competitions, Jadeja said. He envisions more teams being formed at Dripping Springs as interest in robotics and programming grows.

“The more we do in terms of offering them real world experience is great, because sometimes things can be boring and dry,” Jadeja said. “This is taking it to the next level.”

CRIMESTOPPERS

Anyone with information related to this incident or anyone who may know the suspect should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 512-393-7896 and speak with the Criminal Investigations Division. Residents can also contact the Hays County Crime Stoppers at 1-800324-TIPS (8477). You may also submit information electronically from the link on the Hays County Crime Stoppers website or by using Tip Line:P3tips.com.

Information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminal suspect(s) may be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $1,000. All calls are confidential and callers will remain anonymous. You do not have to give your name and you will not have to testify in court.

Keep them out of sight, and use a mix of character types.

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Classifieds Page 6

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Place your classified ad by calling 512-268-7862 or send an email to paper@haysnewsdispatch.com.

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On Thursday, Sept.

21 from 6-7:30 p.m., the Dripping Springs Community Library will host a book reading and signing with Jane Little Botkin, author of “Frank Little and the IWW: The blood that stained an American family.” Franklin Henry Little (1878–1917), an organizer for the Western Federation of Miners and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), fought in some of the early twentieth century’s most contentious labor and free-speech struggles.

Following his lynching

in Butte, Montana, his life and legacy became shrouded in tragedy and family secrets. In “Frank Little and the IWW,” Botkin chronicles her great-granduncle’s fascinating life and reveals its connections to the history of American labor and the first Red Scare.

Pound House Pioneer Day

This one-day event features more than 40 pioneer craft demonstrations such as butter churning, blacksmithing and quilting. The event will be held at the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead

in Dripping Springs.

Pioneer Day is an educational experience of pioneer times held annually on the grounds of the museum, this year on Saturday, September 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Local businesses and community groups come together at this familyfriendly event to look back on life in the old pioneer days.

Texas Heroes Day & Texian Navy Day

On Saturday, Sept. 16 and Monday, Sept. 18, fly your Texas flag at your home or business to honor the Texan heroes

resisting the Mexican invasions of 1842 and the ill-fated Mier Expedition and the first naval engagement of the Texas Revolution which occurred near Velasco.

‘Everything I Know I Learned From Rock Stars’

The Dripping Springs Community Library will host an evening with Bill Page Sept. 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. Page’s book “Everything I Know I Learned From Rock Stars” reveals decades of music reporting and candid

conversations with 50 influential artists including Roy Orbison, Queen, Electric Light Orchestra, Grace Slick, Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits, The Go-Go’s, Van Halen, Joe Jackson, Genesis, Boy George, Journey, Sparks, Cheap Trick, Adrian Belew, Nils Lofgren, B.B. King and Robyn Hitchcock.

Paige’s writing career includes ventures in journalism, marketing, public relations, music promotion, and broadcasting.

Do you know a free community event to be included in Lagniappe?

Send an email to christine@haysfreepress. com.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Page 7

New warning system in place across Central Texas

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Public safety officials across ten Texas counties came together Aug. 23 to launch the first Central Texas regional community preparedness initiative for public awareness.

WarnCentralTexas.org is a free public service for residents living and working in Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell Fayette Lee, Llano, Travis, Williamson and Hays counties.

The service, created by the Capital Area Council

of Governments (CAPCOG), is meant to alert users about critical emergency events such as evacuations from floods, fires and public health threats.

According to a CAPCOG press release, the new alert system would operate much like the federal government Amber alerts system, where a message is sent to registered phone numbers immediately during an emergency.

“WarnCentralTexas. org is a separate system,

WANT TO JOIN?

Register online at www.warncentraltexas.org

and a critical tool for local first responders to reach the affected people during an emergency,” the press release stated.

Eric Carter, director of Homeland Security with CAPCOG, said in a statement that those living in a 10-county region need to sign up if they want

to receive alerts on their mobile devices.

“Registering through WarnCentralTexas.org adds your line to the notification system used by all the county emergency management agencies in our region,” Carter said.

“Some communities and school districts also have notification systems in place to meet local needs.”

Carter added that the WarnCentralTexas.org system is “used by many communities across our region to issue emergency

alerts.”

The system is also complementary to other alerting systems in use by schools or businesses or government agencies to alert citizens during an emergency situation, Carter said.

Alerts issued through WarnCentralTexas are initiated by public safety officials, which are then disseminated to residents.

Buda Fire Chief Clay Huckaby supports the system and said “it’s very imperative” to get as many people signed

up as it will be the first source of information for residents.

Huckaby said residents could register their home phone numbers in addition to cell numbers and family numbers that will use a person’s number to identify their location and proximity to any critical emergency event in the area.

“This is the kind of standard everyone is going to and this would be the best route for early warning notification,” Huckaby said.

Veterans Court: Hays County receives grant Continued from pg. 1

current probation officer who helps the Veterans Court has a course load of 109 cases, with 40 of those involving veterans.

Monies from the grant will also pay for a parttime mentor coordination position, which has been lacking in the program, Ramcharan said.

Having a mentor coordinator has shown to be a “key in success” with other Veterans Courts, Ramcharan said. The position would also take Hays County’s court “to the next level.”

“What we hope it will do is allow us to go out and spend more time doing in-home visits, or going out to meet veterans at the home or job to ensure compliance,” Ramcharan said. “ Roughly $18,000 of the grant will go toward more treatment opportunities for veterans.

The court receives funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for alcohol, drug and behavioral health counseling. Funds from the grant would

HAYS FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

Kristopher Silva (left) accepts a certificate from Hays County Court at Law No. 2 Judge David Glickler during a ceremony honoring a graduating class from the Hays County Veterans Court in 2015. A $100,000 state grant will go toward furthering programs for participants in the court.

help with finding similar treatment centers closer to Hays County, which could save veterans a trip to VA hospitals in Austin or San Antonio.

The $18,000 could also pay for alternative treatments, such as service

dogs, equine therapy and yoga.

“They (VA) do have those services, but we can localize it here for veterans in the area,” Ramcharan said.

As the court plans to use the TVC grant, it soon

will been forced to rely on funding from Hays County to continue operations.

Hays County’s Veterans Court is in the fourth year of a five year grant from the Criminal Justice Division that allocates

“What we hope it will do is allow us to go out and spend more time doing inhome visits, or going out to meet veterans at the home or job to ensure compliance.”

–Gerald Ramcharan, program manager for Hays County’s Veterans Court

approximately $98,000 annually for operation.

David Glickler, Hays County Court at Law No. 2 judge, who oversees the Veterans Court, said the county must start to wean off of the grant over

the next two or so years.

Ramcharan said the court might have to seek funding from different areas, or seek additional grant monies.

Even with funding questions, Ramcharan said the court has had its successes.

Recidivism, or the tendency for a convicted criminal to reoffend, is low in the Veterans Court.

Only one out of 37 graduates who have completed the program was charged with another crime.

Hays County’s Veterans Court is also receiving help from Texas State University, which is in the middle of an ongoing recidivism study to help improve the program.

For veterans who participate in the program, having a second chance offers a new lease on life.

“This is like a second chance and I got the help that I needed,” one veteran said in a statement.

“I didn’t think I needed help, but I did. The staff has been great to work with. I am thankful for this court.”

More locations, less wait time. That’s the best kind of emergency care.

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Page 8

News-Dispatch

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Dripping With Taste

Thousands of wine and spirit enthusiasts and perhaps a few “foodies” took to Dripping Springs Ranch Park for the 10th annual Dripping With Taste Wine and Food Festival, which was hosted by the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce. More than 75 vendors, including a handful of local Dripping Springs businesses, participated in the event. Officials estimated roughly 2,500 food and wine enthusiasts attended. Along with wine, sprit, beer and food tasting, the event also had cooking demonstrations, drink mixology classes and a variety of live music from area performance artists. See more photos online at HaysNewsDispatch.com. Just follow the Photos link.

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III

Don’t take down those hummingbird feeders yet

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the winter in south Texas along the coast.

In most years, a terrific place to see hummers each fall is the annual HummerBird Celebration in Rockport, a staging area for hummers headed south.

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It’s almost time, but not quite. Wait two weeks after you see the last hummingbird in your yard before removing feeders.

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Venessa Peña-Robichaux, MD

Frontie

T

his is the time of year when some folks think about taking down their sugar-water feeders, wondering if perhaps the hummingbirds have left our area. Don’t you do it.

Best advice is to leave the feeders up for two weeks after you see the last hummer at your place.

Hummingbirds are sticking around later and a few, especially the rufous variety, are overwintering here. Rather than take the long trek to Mexico and points even farther south, many hummingbirds are choosing to spend

But not this year.

The HummerBird Celebration has been officially cancelled because of damage to the Rockport-Fulton area caused by Hurricane Harvey. Damage was heavy at the local high school, where the event is based.

According to Glenn Gomez, chairman of the celebration, “Our community has been hit with a category 4 hurricane, which in itself is a disaster, but the destruction and aftermath is the real tragedy. We will recover and HummerBird Celebration 2018 will be stronger than ever.”

Dr. Venessa Peña-Robichaux

W

BY JERRY HALL

Welcomes

290