News Dispatch October 25, 2018

Catering to the vegan market

County Judge candidate owes 90K in back taxes

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Tiger netters on winning streak

News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 4

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

page 4

75¢

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Growing population contributes to jail crowding

BY KATIE BURRELL Officials at the Hays County jail are making room to house more arrestees. The growing county population is increasing the number of people contributing to the area’s crime rate.

Hays County commissioners recently voted to send prisoners to open space in the Caldwell County jail as a temporary fix since the Hays County jail is reaching capacity.

Hays County is one of the fastest growing counties in Texas, so commissioners are expecting to house more people in the jail for

JAIL CROWDING, 6

County joins forces against wastewater dumping in Blanco

Songwriters Festival 2018

Thousands took to historic Mercer Street in downtown Dripping Springs for the fifth annual Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, held Oct. 19-21. Julie Gribble and Brandon Luedtke play before for a packed crowd at The Mazama Coffee Company - Vista Brewing Stage Oct. 20.

County DA receives grant for victim services coordinator

BY KATIE BURRELL

BY KATIE BURRELL

Concerns about a proposed wastewater discharge permit that could release 1.6 million gallons per day of treated effluent into the Blanco River is driving Hays County officials to jump into the fray.

On Oct. 12, Hays County Commissioners approved a resolution to become members of the Protect our Blanco organization, a group fighting the city of Blanco’s permit to expand its wastewater treatment system from 225,000 gallons per day capacity to 1.6 million.

Blanco city officials, who earlier this year filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the permit, said guidelines are strict, and

By virtue of a state grant, the Hays County District Attorney’s office is hiring a new Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) to ensure crime victims receive services they need.

On Oct. 12, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved a two-year grant from Texas Gov. Greg Abbot’s office, which will cover 80 percent of the salary for a new full-time VAC position. The county will cover the remaining 20 percent of the salary.

The move comes as the an influx of criminal cases is placing a strain on the Hays County District Attorney’s office, which oversees the VAC. The increasing caseload means prosecutors have even less one-onone time with crime victims than before. The VAC is hiring another full-time staffer to ensure no victim feels the strain.

The new coordinator

DUMPING FIGHT, 3

PHOTO BY ALBERT SANCHEZ

Victim Assistance Coordinators help their charges find counseling and restitution; they also help crime victims find new homes if they had been traumatized where they lived. is expected to start in December and will be officially hired after graduating from Texas State University that month.

District Attorney Wes Mau said the office is waiting to hire in December because the applicant is a former intern who showed promise.

“We’ve unofficially chosen who we would like to take the position,” Mau said. “When she was here as our intern she did very well.

I want to continue the position for as long as possible, so we will keep applying for the grant to have the extra help.”

VACs help their charges find counseling and restitution; they

also help crime victims find new homes if they had been traumatized where they lived. There is no time limit on their service to victims as they are available before, during and after trial. VACs will answer questions when attorneys are unavailable or in court and take meetings and calls with victims as often as requested.

Similar coordinators are available through local police departments and the sheriff’s office. The more crimes in the county, the more victims the coordinators take on. Victims of any crime have access to help regardless of the crime, as long as the case is held in the district court.

LAGNIAPPE St. Martin de Porres Fall Festival

St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church will host its Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct. 28, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 26160 RR12 in Dripping Springs.

There will be food, music by Buzz and the Blue Cats, silent auction, face painting, games and more. $10 raffle tickets will be sold for gift card prizes.

For more information, contact Julie Pierantoni, 512-6569567 or pierjklm@aol.com.

Boo! Hole Halloween

Come out for a free night of fun and fright at Blue Hole Regional Park, Saturday, Oct. 27. There will be games, movies, creepy animals, and a special trick-or-treat trail. The feature film will be Beetlejuice. The costume contest will begin at 6 p.m. with registration beginning at 4 p.m. Photobooths and fire & smores will be going all night long. For more information, see Boo! Hole Halloween Facebook page.

Maggie Avelos, lead victim’s assistance coordinator, said she and her six-person staff handle a lot of cases where victims experience trauma from abuse or crimes, which can lead to them feeling afraid.

“We’re here to help them get though the (trial) process and get them what they need,” Avelos said. “They’re able to get back to their lives with our help, but they’ll never be whole. Their lives have changed.”

Many of the cases the VACs handle include victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and abuse. The coordinators rely on each other and local organizations including the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center, according to Avelos.

“We’re always going to be there for them, but there are a lot,” Avelos said. “We do need to add another person and I’m glad we had the grant help to do that.”

Boo-da Halloween

Come one, come all for Buda’s spookiest event of the season Saturday, Oct. 27 in downtown Buda, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Halloween festivities will include a pumpkin decorating contest, various costume contests and a brand new haunted maze. For additional information, contact Shelby Fletcher at 512-523-1081.

Center Street Trick-or-Treat!

Come down to City Square Park in downtown Kyle Saturday, Oct. 27, 1 to 4 p.m. Local businesses and organizations will provide a fun and safe opportunity for trick-or-treating. There will be a costume contest judging at 2 p.m.

Pumpkin decorating contest judging will be at 3:30 p.m. Pumpkins must be decorated on site.

Paint and pumpkins will be provided. There will be a haunted house and the showing of the movie "Coco.” For more information, contact Megan George at 737-999-4054 or mgeorge@ cityofkyle.com.

Nonprofit provides home to needy DS family

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO For close to 80 years, generations of Liza Nevarez’ family has called Dripping Springs home.

But living in a deteriorating residence deemed unsafe by officials led Nevarez to worry about what her next move could be.

Through the help of a nonprofit organization, Nevarez and her family will be receiving a new manufactured home to live in, ensuring they stay in the city for years to come.

However, officials are trying to find ways to accommodate similar projects, while also ensuring city rules are maintained.

With the approval by the Dripping Springs City Council Oct. 9, nonprofit organization Hometown Missions will provide the Nevarez family with an entirely new home, free of charge.

The city council unanimously approved to grant a variance to city ordinance allowing Nevarez and her family a new manufactured home on the property.

However, the discussion raised questions on possible precedence, and how the city will provide these variances for other landowners looking to develop new housing on their property.

Dripping Springs Planning & Zoning Commission chairman Mim James said he would like the city to brainstorm alternative routes for property owners to develop on their land, rather than going through the timely process of P&Z and city council.

A similar issue came to the city council when a family wanted to bring a manufactured home to Ramirez

HOME DONATED TO FAMILY, 3

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News-Dispatch

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Thursday, October 25, 2018

Living green

Vegan lifestyle transitioning to Hays County

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

er of Dripping Springs’ specialty vegan bakery Once regarded as Skull and Cakebones, taboo, living a vegan the goal of breaking the lifestyle has transformed negative stigma associfrom a niche practice ated with vegan foods is that’s become common rooted in a simple goal in today’s society.

– it must taste good.

Austin is at the fore“I don’t want anyone front of to taste our this vegan food and revolunotice that Sascha Biesi tion in the it’s vegsaid Skull and United an,” Biesi States, said. “We Cakebones according just want welcome anyone people to to a new study by in its doors, but open their Wallethub minds a wants to target which listlittle and ed Austin understand meat-eaters, the 7th that just challenging the best city because for vegans it’s vegan, perception that and vegedoesn’t it can be vegan tarians. mean it The won’t taste and still taste study good.” good. concluded Biesi Austin is and her a great city for vegans staff don’t inform their due to its affordability customers that the prodof product, the numuct is vegan until after ber of restaurants and they take a bite, hoping active community, citing to shock some preconAustin’s numerous vegan ceived notions. classes, cooking semiWhat started as a nars and festivals. baking hobby in a small In Hays County, grow- kitchen has now transing communities from formed Skull and CakeSan Marcos to Dripping bones to a fullscale vegan Springs are beginning to distributor with products see this metropolitan in- sold in Whole Foods and fluence with restaurants H.E.Bs across the state and grocery stores exincluding retailers in panding vegan options.

Hays County and Austin.

For Sascha Biesi, own“Even six years ago it

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Skull and Cakebones co-owners Sascha Biesi and Yauss Berenji show off some of the product from their Dripping Springs area business.

was considered gross to label your food as vegan.

It wasn’t a great way to market or describe your food,” Biesi said. “But the culture has changed so much since then. We’ve even had H.E.B ask us to make it more noticeable that our products are vegan.”

The accessibility to vegan products is also extremely prevalent in Austin due to its affordability, allowing for a new community to embrace the new lifestyle without

breaking the bank.

“Certain specialty foods can be a little more expensive, but there are definitely options available for any kind of budget. For the purpose of this study, we took an in-depth look at the cost of groceries for vegans and vegetarians,” said Jil Gonzalez, an analyst at Wallethub.

Biesi said Skull and Cakebones welcomes anyone in its doors, but wants to target meat-eaters, demonstrating that

it can be vegan and still taste good. If it doesn’t taste real, it won’t be sent out to the customer.

In Dripping Springs, a community surrounded in “barbeque country,” that challenge is working to be met on a daily basis.

“I’m honestly so glad we are here in this community, and I couldn’t imagine doing this anywhere else,” Biesi said.

“The people here are so nice, friendly and have been openminded.”

County Judge candidate owes nearly $90K in federal taxes, other expenses

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Nearly $90,000 in federal taxes is the amount owed by the Democratic candidate running for the highest elected office in Hays County, according to an initial report in the Austin Business Journal and Hays County Clerk documents.

Ruben Becerra, who is running against Republican Will Conley in the race for County Judge, has multiple federal tax liens on Gil’s Broiler and Manske Roll Bakery in San Marcos, both of which he owns, according to documents obtained by the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch.

Review of tax and property tax documents is routinely performed by the newspapers on all candidates filing for office.

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, a federal tax lien is the government’s “legal claim” against a property when a person or

Ruben Becerra, who is running against Republican Will Conley in the race for County Judge, has multiple federal tax liens on Gil’s Broiler and Manske Roll Bakery in San Marcos, both of which he owns, according to documents obtained by the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch.

business owner neglects or fails to pay a tax debt.

A federal tax lien exists when the IRS assesses a person’s or business’ liability and sends a bill explaining the debt and the person or business owner neglects or refuses to fully pay the debt in time.

According to the most recent notice issued July 16, Becerra owes $8,730.35 in federal unemployment taxes (FUTA), which business owners must report to the IRS through a 940 tax form. This debt stems from the tax period ending in December 2014.

According to the IRS, employers are responsible for paying federal unemployment tax. Additionally, FUTA provides unemployment funds for

employees who have lost their jobs.

Becerra owes a combined $18,517.33 in the form of a 941 tax, or the Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return, which reports federal income tax and social security and medicare taxes withheld from each employee’s paycheck. In addition, the 941 form also includes the matching amount of Social Security and Medicare tax paid by the employer. The owed 941 taxes date back to 2013 and 2014.

The last lien on Becerra’s business is in the form of a 944 tax in the amount of $17,387.39, according to unofficial federal documents.This annual form reports what

taxes were withheld from employee’s wages. Those taxes date back to 2007 to 2010, with the initial assessments happening in 2011 and 2012.

In addition, a separate federal tax lien was issued for $44,699.01 in 1040 taxes, which is used to file personal income returns. The owed 1040 taxes stem from 2014 and 2015.

Both County Judge candidates have paid their property taxes up to tax year 2017, as 2018 property taxes are due by Jan. 31, 2019.

The Hays Free Press and News-Disptach looked into Conley’s financial records and his business holders and did not discover any financial liens.

Information on the

liens comes after the Hays Free Press reported on a lease dispute between Becerra and the city of San Marcos that involved his acquisition of Dixie Cream Donuts in San Marcos. That lease was settled after the San Marcos City Council waived a part of what was owed by a 5-2 vote in May. The Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch reached out to Becerra for comment on this story. Becerra did not respond prior to press time.

In addition to the tax liens, the United Way of Hays & Caldwell Counties informed the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch that an invoice is still pending from Monica and Ruben Becerra after the couple committed to sponsoring the organization’s “Taste 2017” event.

Wayne Becak, treasurer for United Way of Hays & Caldwell Counties, confirmed that the invoice is still outstanding.

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www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Page 3

Immigration, healthcare lead CD21 debate

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

“I believe it’s (healthcare system) badly broken in significant part because Obamacare took the decision making out of the hands of people and the ability to access the doctors and healthcare of their choosing.”

healthcare choices, keeping the federal government Immigration and healthaway from a person’s right to care were primary topics of choose his or her provider. a debate Nov. 6 involving Roy said that could be candidates vying for the accomplished by allowCongressional District 21 ing people the access to seat. a health savings account –Chip Roy, Republican candidate for Congressional Dist. 21 On Oct. 16, Democrat and through various health Joseph Kopser and Repubsharing and ministry organilican Chip Roy squared “I believe fundamentally that we need healthcare for all. No zations. This will bring costs off in a televised forum in down, which he believes is one should have to consider filling a prescription or filling downtown Austin. The two the biggest issue associated are fighting for a seat vawith healthcare. their pantry.” cated by Rep. Lamar Smith “I believe fundamentally that covers an area from that we need healthcare for –Joseph Kopser, Democratic candidate for Congressional Dist. 21 Austin down to far South all,” Kopser said. No one Texas, including parts of should have to (choose border walls would be a ico border saw a decrease HEALTHCARE Hays County. between) filling a prescripin illegal immigration to the comprehensive solution Both also had different The two candidates tion or filling their pantry.” to help combat undocustate. viewpoints on healthcare expressed polar opposite Kopser said that could “It’s really fundamentally mented residents entering reform as well. While both views on how to tackle be achieved by expanding the country. However, important for the immibelieve the system is broken, Medicaid, which Texas immigration to the U.S. Kopser said he is not a grants, who are unfortuRoy and Kopser have oppos- lawmakers denied the exRoy, a former chief of proponent of open boring views on how to fix it. staff for Sen. Ted Cruz, said nately getting sold into the pansion of in 2017, leaving ders, which is contrary sex trafficking business, “We’ve got to fix our the United States has a nearly $6 billion of federal to claims Roy has made riding on the tops of train healthcare system besovereign responsibility to money on the table. cars and moms dying in the during his campaign. cause it’s broken,” Roy protect its borders, citing Kopser criticized Roy for “We can do both, which desert, because we do not said. “I believe it’s badly a personal anecdote of a taking government provided as a sovereign nation secure is to be a beacon of hope broken in significant part voter whose husband was healthcare when he worked our border but rather in the around the world to allow because Obamacare took killed at the hands of an for Cruz, while actively those immigrants seeking a the decision-making out false name of compassion undocumented resident. fighting against the coverhave open borders that are better life, those who want of the hands of people and age for 300,000 Texans with Roy said he is a proto work here and those causing that environment the ability to access the ponent of border walls, pre-existing conditions. in the first place,” Roy said. seeking asylum to process doctors and healthcare of applauding efforts in “I don’t want to say he’s a them and figure out the Kopser, a 20-year Army their choosing.”

Southern California where hypocrite, but a ‘Chip-ocveteran and entrepreneur best way for their future goRoy is a proponent of the addition of a physical rite,’” Kopser said. diversifying the citizenry’s wall on the California-Mex- disagreed that building ing forward,” Kopser said.

Roy said he didn’t take

benefits that weren’t earned, citing the $1,900 a month he paid for healthcare, a large sum of money that stemmed from a broken system the Democrats created.

“If you want to fix the problem, you need to put money in the pockets of the American people and allow them to go get healthcare in the market so they can get the doctor of their choosing without the government getting in the way,” Roy said.

Kopser said his experience in the military and as a business owner makes him the candidate to lead the district. He cited his effort on job growth and education initiatives through Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs.

Roy said his family has lived in Texas since the 1850s with ancestors involved in public service in San Marcos and across District 21 for generations.

Roy said he’s a proponent of preserving local control, keeping Washington out of the way so “Texas can be Texas and California can be California.”

Home Donated to Family: Nonprofit helps family in need Continued from pg. 1

Lane, an area of the city that has residents of generational families looking to update their housing needs.

In that particular case, the city council approved a variance allowing a new manufactured home on the property. But these properties typically do not have surveys, which the city looks at to determine property lines to adhere to zoning requirements for setbacks.

“This issue is not unique to Dripping Springs,” said Jason Lutz, planning director for the city. “In this area of town, there is a lack of surveys, and these properties have been passed down for generations. Our concern was about waiving the survey requirements without knowing if the new home would be in violation of setbacks.”

Lutz said the city will look to alleviate some of these time constraints by seeking solutions to allow families to move new homes efficiently and in compliance with the city’s ordinances.

“This is the second issue we had come up in a short time frame, and we want to make this process easier for everyone,” Lutz said.

Despite these challenges, Hometown Missions has spent the past nine years helping those living in substandard housing in Dripping Springs.

“We serve those living in what you would call substandard housing, and our goal is to help improve housing so families, specifically children, can live in a healthy and safe environment,” said Robin Robinson, board member of Hometown Missions.

“Our work is all donations.

We can help repair roofs, landscaping and any other major concerns damaged houses may have.”

In Nevarez’ case, her home was developing a major mold problem, which was impacting her son’s asthma. This led to efforts from Hometown Missions to provide a new manufactured home to be transported to the family’s property, per the city council’s approval.

In the coming weeks, Hometown Missions will be working on transporting the new home to the family’s property, adding a new septic system that must also be in compliance with the city’s ordinances.

Nevarez and her family will be staying in Austin with her sister while her old house is demolished for her new home.

As more homes begin to wither with age, the city wants to address how nonprofits can provide new housing options for residents who wish to stay on

land that has belonged to their family for generations.

Hometown Missions estimates that 25 percent of children in Dripping

Springs live below the poverty line, an issue that the nonprofit looks to alleviate by providing adequate housing.

“We have a passion around building and helping people,” Robinson said.

“The big issue we see is that kids without a healthy place

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Continued from pg. 1

grow thick layers of algae and chemical residue could affect river species. Protect our Blanco references Slade’s findings in its argument.

Pct. 3 County Commissioner Lon Shell said the commissioners court joined the opposition because they want to protect the Blanco River that runs through Hays County and support residents, but also to learn more about wastewater options in Hays County.

“We’re all concerned about the type of discharge going into the river,” Shell said. “The river goes dry in the summer so it could be full of wastewater at times.

We’ve met with the group a few times and their goal is to find other options and we support that, we want to help the city find other alternatives.”

Blanco Mayor Martha Herden said the city is seeking the TCEQ permit because the city is preparing to grow and expects to have excess amounts of wastewater and not enough storage.

“We’ve had a permit to discharge the water,” Herden said. “We’re just asking for a greater allowance because we’ll need it eventually.”

The final decision for the permit request will likely be made in 2019.

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Dumping Fight favor the preservation of the river. However, Blanco and Hays County residents and officials are arguing for an alternative.

Ronnie Rodriguez, utility director for Blanco, said officials believe the treated water won’t cause any negative effects. Rodriguez said the water is considered cleaner than the river and should not cause harm, and that the city only dumps the water as needed.

Protect Our Blanco, however, is committed to contesting the TCEQ permit because its members believe treated wastewater poses a danger to the river.

More than 1,900 people have signed a petition against the permit.

“The wastewater is harmful to plants and river species,” said JT Morgan, president of Protect Our Blanco. “We also don’t know what they’re going to do about pharmaceuticals that will end up in the river. We think that’s very dangerous.”

Rivers with treated wastewater can be negatively affected by excess phosphorus and nitrogen, according to research by Raymond Slade Jr., a certified professional hydrologist of 40 years and professor at Austin Community College. The river could

to live struggle in school and other parts of life. The goal is to provide people with an affordable and safe environment to live in.”

See solution, page 5

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

Page 4

News-Dispatch

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Sports Tigers clobber Lanier Vikings 70-0 on Homecoming

BY MOSES LEOS III

PHOTO BY WAYLAND CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Molly Driggs, a senior, keeps her eye on the ball while receiving the serve from McCallum as Nicole Herbert looks on. The Lady Tigers swept the Knights 3-0.

Tiger netters secure 7th straight district crown STAFF REPORT History was made Oct. 16 when the Dripping Springs Tigers volleyball team secured a school-record seventh straight district title by virtue of a straight set win over the Lockhart Lions.

That win, along with a straight set victory over McCallum Oct. 19, extended the program’s district win streak to 75 matches, which dates back to the 2013 season. Dripping Springs’ last district loss came at the hands of Cedar Park on Oct. 8, 2013. The Tigers closed the 2018 regular season against Reagan Oct. 23.

So far this season, Dripping Springs has not

dropped a set during the course of district play. The last time the Tigers dropped a set during district play was in a five set regular season win over Kerrville Tivy on Sept. 22, 2017.

Tiger junior Mackenzie Murray anchored the wins over Lockhart and McCallum with 30 combined kills, with Alexis Haydt providing 16 kills in both matches.

The Tigers now prepare for the postseason, which will pit them against the fourth place team in 26-5A. Dripping Springs is slated to take on Kerrville Tivy in the bidistrict round of the playoffs. A date, time and place for the match has not yet been determined.

A 35-point first quarter blitz paved the way for the Dripping Springs Tigers to inflict a 70-0 blowout over the Lanier Vikings on Homecoming Friday at Tiger Stadium.

Dripping Springs’ (6-1, 4-0) win sets up a battle for district supremacy as the Tigers travel to take on Seguin for the 12-5A, Division I crown.

Eight different Tigers reached the end zone Friday, with close to half of those touchdowns coming from the defensive side of the ball.

All told, Dripping Springs defense limited Lanier to more plays (34) than total yards (32) in the contest. Lanier committed four total turnovers, three of which were returned for touchdowns.

On offense, Dripping Springs overpowered Lanier’s defense to the tune of 331 total yards on 34 total plays. The majority of the damage stemmed from the Tigers’ run game, which amassed 248 yards.

Dripping Springs running back Stephen

DISTRICT STANDINGS FOR 12-5A, DIVISION I Dripping Springs 4-0 Seguin 4-0 LBJ 3-1 Crockett 2-2 McCallum 1-3 Reagan 1-3 Lanier 1-3 Travis 0-4

THE WEEK AHEAD

Dripping Springs vs. Seguin LBJ vs. Lanier Crockett vs. Travis McCallum vs. Reagan

35-0 first quarter lead aided by an interception return PHOTO BY WAYLAND CLARK, WFOTOS.COM for a touchdown by defensive back Lane Dominey, Ryan Davenport sprints toward the goal line on a 10-yard followed by a fumble return touchdown run early in the third quarter as Lanier’s Yordis and an interception return Barrios (68) gives chase. for a score from linebacker Nico Ramirez.

Tiger backups conner Prewit, who played Crosby led with 79 yards roughly one quarter, went tinued the onslaught by on six carries, while wide scoring 35 more points the 2 for 2 for 67 yards and receivers P.J. Howe and one touchdown. Dripping rest of the way.

Jake Gomez rushed for Dripping Springs travels Springs backup quarter74 combined yards and to play at Seguin Oct. 26 back Zach Tjelmeland three total touchdowns. at 7:30 p.m. at Matador went 3 for 3 for 16 yards Ten Tiger players recordStadium. Dripping Springs and a score. ed at least one carry and Dripping Springs surged returns home to play Ausone positive yard. tin Reagan Nov. 2.

Tiger quarterback Tan- ahead to a commanding

Education Congressional candidate holds education reform roundtable

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

With the new legislative session scheduled to kick off in January, public education officials are looking to overhaul the state’s system to accommodate the next generation.

At the forefront of the discussion of education reform is Joseph Kopser, Democratic candidate for Congressional District 21.

Last week, Kopser held a roundtable discussion in San Marcos on education and workforce development. A number of education professionals attended the event and discussed a number of issues surrounding public education, including funding, standardized testing and student readiness for the skilled labor force.

Among the crowd were education activists, Democrats and Republicans, a Texas State University student, former and current public school teachers and school board trustees from San Marcos and Hays Consolidated Independent School districts (HCISD).

There was a general consensus from the table that accountability in the classroom is healthy, but the state’s current standardized testing practices are creating barriers between students and their ability to learn.

“Standardized testing is a snapshot on how that child does on one particular day,” said Susan

PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Joseph Kopser, Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives for District 21, converses with a group of education professionals on the future of public education and workforce development at The Price Center in San Marcos.

There was a general consensus from the table that accountability in the classroom is healthy, but the state’s current standardized testing practices are creating barriers between students and their ability to learn.

Seton, a current teacher at the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District (SMCISD).

“It does not account for what went on at home the night before, or whether they ate breakfast or ate the night before, or any other home situations.

That’s what the current accountability situation is doing.”

Seton said there are better ways to assess accountability in the

classroom including an end of the year content master exam, portfolios and a variety of projects.

“Sixty-five percent of teachers leave the profession within five years,” Seton said. “The biggest part of that, from talking to teachers, is that they believe they cannot stay in the profession when asked to do this to a child.”

Members of the roundtable said there is much

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to gain financially from the state when partnering with major companies that provide these standardized tests, giving way to a vicious cycle that takes the focus from the classroom.

During discussion on school funding, many believed charter schools and private school vouchers take funding away from public schools in an already limited system.

“The charter schools get to pick the best students from the public schools,” said Michael Sanchez, HCISD District 3 Trustee. “To compare a charter school to a neighboring public school is not correct. And there

REFORM ROUNDTABLE, 6

Tiger seniors honored for academic prowess STAFF REPORT

the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students Eighteen Dripping nationally who took the Springs High School sePSAT/NMSQT. Approxiniors have been honored mately 34,000 Commended in the 64th annual Nation- Scholars are being recogal Merit program. nized nationwide.

Semifinalists represent The 17 Commended less than one percent of students from Dripping U.S. high school seniors Springs High School are who were the highest scor- Reed Lohman, John Babiak, ing students on the 2017 Edouard Ballett, Katherine Preliminary SAT/National Bender, Isabel Bermudez, Merit Scholarship Qualify- Ethan French, Ken Gossett, ing Test.

Lauren Kell, Kendrick LemNational Merit finalists mond, Catherine Manning, will be announced in Feb- Ben Marsan, Jacob McKee, ruary of 2019.

John Nolen, Ryan Nowicki, To be chosen as a ComKamal Turner, Varun Verma, mended Scholar, students Alexandra Voss, and Samuel must have placed among White.

Academic All-American STAFF REPORT

a GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).

Dripping Springs High This award recognizes School senior Max Bibeau academic rigor, compethas been itive speech and debate selectsuccess, and personal exed as an cellence. From more than Academic 141,000 student members All-Amerifewer than 1000 stucan by the dents earn the Academic National All-American award.

Speech and This award places Max Debate Asamong the top 1 percent sociation. of all student members of The the National Speech and BIBEAU AcademDebate Association in the ic All-American award country. recognizes high school Last year Max qualified students who have earned for the state tournament the degree of Superior in both Congressional Distinction in debate (750 Debate and Extemporanepoints), completed at least ous Speaking. He placed five semesters of high in both events, finishing school, demonstrated fourth in Congressional outstanding character and Debate and sixth in Exleadership, and earned temporaneous Speaking.

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Page 6

News-Dispatch

Living in Fear

The connection between weapons and domestic violence

BY EDITH ZEISLOFT Often when the subject of home security comes up, the suggestion of purchasing a gun is made.

The connection between safety and a firearm is a prevailing one in our culture because of the belief that the mightier force wins in a fight.

Firearms are, for better or worse, a large part of culture in America and are still accepted as a natural piece of the home security puzzle. But what happens when the threat isn’t an intruder but an intimate partner?

According to the Texas Council on Family Violence’s recent report, 146 women were killed by a male intimate partner in Texas in 2016 and of those, 68 percent of perpetrators used a firearm to murder their female partner. That risk increases five-fold when a firearm is present in the household. Firearms can also be used in nonfatal ways to intimidate a victim in order to prevent them from leaving the relationship.

Hays Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC) counselors working directly with family violence victims find that the threat of a firearm being used against the victim, their family or even the threat of the abuser committing suicide are effective means of intimidating a victim.

The looming threat of a firearm in the household, particularly when it’s been used in an intimidating manner, adds to the overwhelming pressure that victims feel to keep

According to the Texas Council on Family Violence’s recent report, 146 women were killed by a male intimate partner in Texas in 2016 and of those, 68 percent of perpetrators used a firearm to murder their female partner. the abuse they experience a secret.

Counselors often hear from victims about direct threats to them, their pets or their children.

Indirect threats insinuating violence are also common.

Children who live in these homes also tell their counselors that they live in fear of those same weapons being used against them.

HCWC’s guiding principle when working with clients is to trust their judgement on what actions to take. Counselors understand that domestic violence is a complex issue with many moving parts and that the “right” answer is not always immediately apparent.

When a firearm is present in the household, the tools to help clients avoid danger are limited

and occasionally lead to escalation.

As with most problems, there is no clear answer for how to handle the intersection of firearms and domestic violence.

This past summer, Governor Greg Abbot held a three-day forum to discuss general gun safety and explore options that would reduce the risks. Many options were discussed at that time and, as the Texas legislative session approaches, it will be interesting to see what ideas make it to a vote and actually pass.

This article is part four of a five-week series focusing on raising awareness about domestic violence. Edith Zeisloft is a data coordinator for the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center.

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Reform Roundtable Continued from pg. 4

is data coming out that shows that charters are not performing any better than public schools.”

Anne Halsey, SMCISD trustee at-large, said universal pre-k could help put students on the same playing field as they advance in the school system.

Halsey said San Antonio has adopted this model so all students with different socioeconomic standing can succeed.

Kopser said that, as a businessman, he is concerned that the students of Texas are not ready to make the transition from school to the workforce.

“Only 14 percent of 18-year-olds in the state of Texas are career or college ready,” Kopser said. “We are so failing our communities to the point where

our future workforce will not be ready for the next step in life.”

Kopser, a business owner himself, said that as his business grew, he was in search of a labor force to fill positions he needed in his company.

A lack of skilled workers in Texas forced Kopser to hire young talent from outside of the state, spending thousands of dollars in investments that were not products of a Texas public school population.

Kopser said those employees were predominately White, leaving some to conclude that the skilled labor force of the future must include the education and workforce readiness of minorities.

Sanchez pointed to the Hispanic and Latino com-

munity, adding that by the middle of the century, the Hispanic population will account for around 60 percent of the state’s population.

“The problem that I see is a cultural issue between Anglos and Hispanics,” Sanchez said. “Hispanics are working two jobs just to try and stay in the middle class, and parents don’t have the time to get involved as much as they would like. You are more likely to go to college if you came from a family of college graduates.”

Sanchez said investing in postsecondary career and technical education (CTE) programs is a way the state can provide funding for students that will prepare them for the workforce post public education.

Jail Crowding: Growing population Continued from pg. 1

years to come.

According to Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell, even with additions to the facility, the jail could still be at capacity when those arrestees sent to other counties are returned.

“We’re adding on to the jail to provide more space, but when those at Caldwell return, the jail will likely be at capacity and require an expansion,” Shell said. “But the added-on parts will be easier after construction, because we’re designing the jail that way.”

Shell said the Hays County Sheriff’s Office is trying other solutions as well, including cite-andrelease for less serious infractions. The county is also expecting two new courts, a district court and a county court, that were officially approved to begin operation Oct. 1. When those courts are fully-staffed and judges

are appointed, those waiting in the jails will be processed faster.

“We can’t process everyone quickly though,” Shell said. “A lot of them are waiting on a decision for serious crimes with high bonds set.”

Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd said his department sends more people to the jail as the population of Buda increases.

“When the population is growing you can expect more people contributing to the crime rate, although the actual percentage of crimes stays the same,” Kidd said. “We’ve made more arrests this year than in previous years, but that’s to be expected.”

Buda contributed 82 inmates to the jail in 2012, but that number increased to 297 in 2017.

Kidd said mosts arrests in Buda deal with theft and fraud.

In Kyle, police arrest

most people for drug and alcohol related offenses, and assault. Kyle police arrested 2,618 adults in 2017 and 1,493 to date this year.

“Unfortunately, when you see the population increase, some of those people are going to contribute to the crime rate,” said Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett. “It’s to be expected, but it means we’re arresting more people and having to keep them in the jail also.”

To accommodate the jail population growth, county commissioners have been planning to increase the size of the Hays County Jail. According to Shell, the county is prepared to keep up with the number of retainees as more people move into the county. Shell said residents will see faster process times in courts when the new district and county courts are running.