Nov. 3, 2016

Lady Tiger XC moves on to State

DS Empty Bowls Project Nov. 6

Voting locations for Nov. 8

page 4

page 3

page 6

News-Dispatch Volume XXXVII No. 5

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Early voting tops 36K in Hays County

BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ news@haysfreepress.com

Over 36,000 registered Hays County voters have so far cast their ballots during the first week of early voting, with more expected to hit the polls as the Nov. 8 election looms.

The huge, and historic, turnout represents roughly 30 percent of the total number of registered voters in the county.

Joyce Cowan, Hays County

The huge, and historic, turnout represents roughly 30 percent of the total number of registered voters in the county. elections administrator, said 122,500 people registered in Hays County for the Nov. 8 election. That’s compared to the 98,000 total registered voters in 2012.

“After today (Oct. 31), we’ve already met and passed the number of voters that we saw

for early voting during the 2012 elections,” said Cowan about the turnout for early voting. “I hate to say it, but overall, things have gone well.”

During the first week of early voting, the county had an average of 4,100 people cast ballots across all polling sites.

75¢

Over 4000 registered voters cast their ballots each day during early voting, with the exceptions being Oct. 28 (3889) and Oct. 30 (1978).

However, early voting in Hays County has not gone off without a few hitches.

During the start of early voting, an issue with post office equipment led some completed mail-in ballots to be returned to their owners.

VOTING, 6

FM 3237 may get $14M in updates

BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ news@haysfreepress.com

Roughly $14 million could be allocated to improvements along the entire stretch of FM 3237 in western Hays County, should voters approve the county’s $131.4 million bond proposal Nov. 8.

The improvements, according to Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner Will Conley, would include improving shoulder around various intersections, along with the addition of turn and deceleration lanes, along with medians in certain areas.

FM 3237, 2

Monsters on Mercer

Wimberley accepts funds for wastewater facility PHOTO BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ

A group of costumed revelers go through their best poses for a photo taken during the 2016 Halloween on Mercer event held on Mercer Street Oct. 30.

From young scarecrows to superheroes and everything in between, revelers at the event trick or treated at local shops in downtown Dripping Springs. The event also featured a haunted hayride for those brave enough to take part.

LAGNIAPPE Nov. 8: Last chance to vote Early voting is underway for this general election. See a list of voting locations online at HaysNewsDispatch.com.

First Thursdays extended Opportunities for local holiday shopping just got better. First Thursday Dripping Springs has

LAGNIAPPE, 8

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

A local state representative is opposing the creation of a new emergency service district (ESD) and the expansion of an existing district that are on the ballot this November.

State Representative Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) expressed his opposition for creating ESD 9 and the expansion of ESD 7 in the Wimberley area according to a statement on his website.

The boundaries of the proposed new ESD 9 would cover the City of Kyle, Kyle’s extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ), Mountain City, Niederwald, Uhland and beyond the San Marcos city limits. The proposed expansion of ESD 7 would include neighborhoods west of Hugo Road and Ranch Road 12 in Wimberley.

Isaac claims if the proposals pass, there would be a new tax levied on residents, which would result in higher property taxes. He said while the community depends on reliable emergency services, “higher property taxes is not the right answer.”

ESD 5 chief Kyle Taylor, who is also on the San Marcos Hays County EMS board of directors, said the proposed ESD 9 tax rate is 4.7 cents per $100 valuation.

“The fact is, Hays County residents already pay too much in property taxes, and they certainly don’t need to pay more for the services they already receive. Even a few cents adds up, especially for families who are struggling to make ends meet,” Issac said in his statement.

What new ESDs could mean to voters:

Areas/municipalities to be included in ESD 9, if created by voters: • Kyle • Uhland • Niederwald • Mountain City • Kyle extraterritorial jurisdiction • San Marcos extraterritorial jurisdiction ESD 9 proposed tax rate: $.047 per $100 valuation Areas/subdivision to be annexed into ESD 7, if approved by voters: • Summer Mountain Ranch • Falconwood • Oakwood Loop • Hugo Road • Cielo Ranch Road ESD 7 FY 2017 tax rate: $.0618 per $100 valuation

Isaac proposed that voters abolish all the ESD’s in place of one county wide ESD provided by Hays County for all residents.

“I’m urging all affected by this proposal to vote against the creation of ESD #9 and expansion of ESD #7. I believe Hays County should work together to create a more efficient, more accountable, and more fiscally responsible EMS system,” Isaac said in his

news@haysfreepress.com

statement.

However, Taylor said there is currently is no plan for a single countywide district.

“I understand where he is coming from (Taylor on Isaac’s message to voters) but without a plan in place to make Hays County one centralized ESD, we have got to fund EMS services in the meantime,” Taylor said.

Taylor believes ESD 9 would be able to “level the playing field,” as it would allow residents who don’t already pay taxes or receive EMS service to pay and receive it, if approved by voters. Those who already pay city and county taxes for EMS service won’t be

Following a heated discussion at an earlier Wimberley City Council meeting, city officials late last month formally accepted a federal grant that will go toward the development of the Central Wimberley Wastewater facility.

The $1.1 million reimbursement grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) passed by a 3-2 vote.

It was accepted after a second application was submitted by the council to the EDA for the development of a wastewater facility that would be owned and operated by the city.

The decision comes on the heels of council voting to enter negotiations with private utility company, Aqua Texas.

While nothing has been finalized, negotiations with Aqua Texas will not only include utility services, but also the potential construction of a wastewater facility.

That was something Aqua Texas said they’d be willing to construct, if given the contract to work with the city.

However, Don Ferguson, Wimberley city administrator, said the grant and discussions with Aqua Texas would have to be two separate courses of action.

“If you were to go wholesale with Aqua Texas, where you built a collection system and routed your waste to Aqua to treat, and you didn’t own the treatment plant, EDA feels that’s a significant change in your application, and so you would not qualify for this particular funding,” Ferguson said.

ESDs, 2

WASTEWATER, 2

What’s the future of ESDs? news@haysfreepress.com

BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ

“The fact is, Hays County residents already pay too much in property taxes, and they certainly don’t need to pay more for the services they already receive. Even a few cents adds up, especially for families who are struggling to make ends meet,” –Jason Isaac, State Representative

Page 2

News-Dispatch

Opinion

NewsDispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com EDITOR Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com

REPORTER Samantha Smith news@haysfreepress.com

PRODUCTION David White Christine Thorpe ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack tracy@haysfreepress.com Pam Patino

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Should Dripping Springs look at alternatives?

by Wes Pitts

D

ripping Springs can provide the wastewater capacity this community needs with a no-discharge solution. We can protect our drinking water, and serve growth responsibly. The City is currently pursuing authorization to discharge 995k gallons per day (gpd) of treated sewage into Onion Creek and regardless of stated intentions, they have refused to commit to a no-discharge solution.

Groundwater scientists have shown strong evidence that Onion Creek recharges the aquifer that local wells draw from, meaning that public and private drinking water wells could be contaminated by treated sewage.

The groundwater districts

charged with protecting groundwater all oppose the discharge plan because of the threats to Onion Creek and groundwater. The Texas Water Development Board has acknowledged, “Any pollution into Onion Creek could result in contamination” of the aquifer “currently providing groundwater to the WSC wells.” We asked the City for its own data or analysis showing that groundwater will not be contaminated, but have received no response.

Contrary to the claims of the City, its draft discharge permit is far from one of the most stringent in the state. The only discharge allowed in this region is the much stricter Belterra permit. Unlike Belterra’s permit, the City’s

Intentions are not commitments, and future Councils will not be politically or legally bound by the intentions of others.

draft permit does not limit nitrogen, does not require in-stream monitoring, and does not even have mininum creek flow for discharge. Nitrogen is a persistent contaminant that even in low concentrations threatens the health of people who drink the water. The City’s proposed discharge would significantly contribute nitrogen and phospherous to Onion Creek, creating algae blooms and a mucked-up creek for miles.

The City’s stated intention is not to dis-

charge all the wastewater, but to re-use much of it for irrigation, while maintaining flexibility to discharge. Intentions are not commitments, and future Councils will not be politically or legally bound by the intentions of others.

The City could protect our creeks/wells by providing adequate storage during wet weather to avoid discharging when irrigation is not possible.

Today there are 1.2 million gallons/day of already permitted no-discharge wastewater capacity in the Dripping Springs area;

we are not out of capacity.

There is time to develop the infrastructure for a no-discharge wastewater solution. The City has also said that eventually this will be a multi-million gpd regional wastewater treatment plant. Protect Our Wells is asking the City to get started right, and to plan for always making the best and highest use of wastewater generated in our area, which means re-using it all for irrigation, using storage during times of heavy rain, and committing to a no-discharge solution!

Please attend the public meeting Nov. 10 to urge the City to protect our water – and our health.

Visit www.protectourwaternow.org Wesley.Pitts@usi.com

ads@haysnewsdispatch.

Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES David White paper@haysnewsdispatch. com News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4 and Christmas by Barton

ESDs: What’s the future? charged twice, he said.

Taylor said ESD 9 would remove the tax burden from the municipalities and transfers those tax dollars to be paid through the individual residents.

Taylor added that the county and municipalities won’t charge residents within ESD 9 boundaries a tax for EMS services if this proposition passes. They could allocate those funds towards infrastructure improvements or other needed projects.

While voting for the creation of the ESD 9 would create a different

Continued from pg. 1

Center St., Kyle, TX 78640.

The grant received by the city can only be used as specified in the application sent to EDA, which was for an owned and operated facility under direct control of the city.

“It is a process EDA has in place to promote business and job growth in the community,” said Ferguson about the project, which focuses on the downtown area of Wimberley.

Other prerequisites for the EDA grant are that the city must start on the construction of the facility, and close on any loans associated with the project, before any funds are distributed by EDA. Funds from the EDA would be under surveillance for a 20-year period. The city could face an audit if it were to use the money on anything other than the facility development.

This option, while more costly than working with Aqua Texas, brought mounds of support from community members who appeared to speak

$32 local, $45 county, $56 out of state.

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LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@ haysfreepress.com.

“We don’t have enough ambulances as it is. The proceeds from the creation of ESD 9 would go to getting more supplies, additional ambulances and other things we need to serve residents in an emergency.”

from pg. 3

Don’t Quit ...

Switch

–Kyle Taylor, ESD 5 chief

tax for residents to pay, Taylor said that it might be necessary for the continued supplies and services to operate in the area.

“We don’t have enough ambulances

as it is. The proceeds from the creation of ESD 9 would go to getting more supplies, additional ambulances and other things we need to serve residents in an emergency,” Taylor said.

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Continued from pg. 1

“It is right and proper for a city to operate its own utilities, and not be beholden to, as many [members of the community] pointed out, a private entity,” –Alan Munde, Wimberley resident

on the matter.

Many residents were not comfortable working with Aqua Texas based on past experiences with the service they already provide. Excess waterwaste, pollution and alleged corruption were also concerns brought to

the council.

“It is right and proper for a city to operate its own utilities, and not be beholden to, as many [members of the community] pointed out, a private entity,” said Alan Munde, a resident of Wimberley who spoke at the council meeting.

His concerns were echoed by other members stating that the future of treating wastewater in Wimberley would be more secure by going the option of independently starting development of the facility without involvement from Aqua Texas.

While the motion to accept the grant passed, the council will proceed with the Aqua Texas negotiations as agreed upon at that same meeting.

There were no indications about what course of action the council would like to take with the issue in the future, but it is keeping its options open beyond Aqua Texas by accepting the grant.

Continued from pg. 1

Conley said.

“I’ve represented that area for many years, and heard from various subdivisions, residents that the work did was done in a way that did not impact the community negatively,” Conley said. “We’ve been working with the City of Wimberley to ensure these improvements are done smoothly.

Constituents have really appreciated this effort.”

Conley said creating the FM 3237 project was a result from concerns voiced by the public and was part of a larger plan that the Ranch Road 12

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FM 3237: $14M in fixes in bond Construction on FM 3237 in Precinct 3 of Hays County would begin following the approval of propositions.

These improvements are part of a public safety and road improvement project that will use $14 million taken from state and federal funding.

“Improvements will be similar to the work done out on Ranch Road 12 from the junction to San Marcos, and the work we did out FM 2325,” said Will Conley, Hays County Commissioner, Pct. 3.

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improvements were a part of.

“As far as timelines go, they’ll all be site-specific.

Certain intersections will start within a year, while other sections will take a couple of years to get started,” Conley said. “It will not be something that’s fixed to only one timeframe.”

But before construction can begin, the county’s proposition must be approved by voters.

“If our proposition passes, then we’ll be able to get to work and be able to make those improvements that are needed,” Conley said.

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Residents fill empty bowls for hunger relief STAFF REPORT

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

At the annual Empty Bowls Project, participants choose his or her own handcrafted and decorated bowl to fill with tasty local fare. Proceeds go towards Dripping Springs Helping Hands, a group that helps the hungry in Dripping Springs.

North Hays County region have supported this annual famiDripping Springs residents ly-friendly event that benefits will come together Saturday as Dripping Springs Helping they work on a grassroots effort Hands, whose clients are strugto end hunger in the area. gling with hunger.

The 19th annual Empty Helping Hands is a non-profBowls Project, which will it organization that provides be held at the Mercer Street a food pantry, temporary Dance Hall, will raise money financial assistance, school to help feed supplies, summer those in need food supplements in the Dripping for children, and DON’T MISS OUT Springs area. a holiday gift For a donaprogram for kids 19th annual Empty tion of only called the Elf Bowls Project $25 per perProject. The orgaSunday, Nov. 6 son, attendees nization provides 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. can choose a services to more Mercer Street ceramic bowl than 100 families Dance Hall from more than each week.

1,000 unique Volunteer June creations made Baumoel says the

by Bridget and Bill Hauser and Empty Bowls Project raises the Art Garage, and other youth more than 60 percent of the organizations and individuals.

Helping Hands annual budget.

People can then fill their “It is a vital fundraiser for bowls with a serving of soups our neighbors in need and from restaurants in the Austin without it, Helping Hands and Dripping Springs area. simply would not be able to Live music will be provided provide enough food for all of

by Bill Paige, Alex Dormont, its clients,” Baumoel said in a Billy Garza and The Ramblers, statement. and Chad and Natasha Hud In addition, local establishson. ments will donate a percentage Since 1997, residents of of their profits Saturday to supDripping Springs and the port the Empty Bowls Project.

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

COURTESY PHOTO

The new “Healthy Parks, Healthy People” initiaitive kicks off Saturday at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, where the Dripping Springs Mountain Bike Team will raise awareness for the park’s new trails.

Dripping Springs launches new parks initiative STAFF REPORT

zations to highlight a health topic. Each event A new initiative aimed will be held at various at showcasing Dripping city parks. Participants Springs’ five city parks will also receive a “Health and helping residents Passport” that they can stay healthy and active is get stamped each time set to begin this weekthey attend an event. end.

At the end of the year Healthy Parks, Healthere will be special ty People – Dripping awards for participants Springs is the new who reach a certain initiative number of launched stamps. by the city The prowhere gram kicks DRIPPING park-goers off Sunday SPRINGS BIKE can engage when MASH UP AND in hiking, the city SWAP MEET biking, joghosts the Saturday, Nov. 5 ging, bird Dripping 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. watching, Springs Dripping Springs playing Mountain Ranch Park. on playBike Team For more information ground Mash-Up about Healthy Parks, equipand Swap Healthy People – ment, Meet at Dripping Springs, swimming Dripping please send an e-mail and more.

Springs to bgonzalez@cityofAcRanch Park drippingsprings.com. cording (DSRP). to a press The release, event will the program will be an provide bikes and gear adaption of one that was for kids to try mountain created by the National biking for free.

Parks Service (NPS).

The event is open to The organization adults and children to gave the City of Driping raise awareness not only Springs permission to to the sport but to the use the name and get it trails at DSRP as well. started here, according to Attendees will be the release. able to take laps around The concept is prothe trails or take part in moting people to visit the swap meet where the parks to embrace families can buy, sell the connection between or trade any bike parts nature and health. they’d like to bring. The The goal for the event also includes a program is to have a bike rodeo that will have monthly event. Dripseveral stations including ping Springs will partner a bike safety check, skills with local health related practice and a lap with a businesses or organicoach.

See Solution, pg. 2

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Page 4

News-Dispatch

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Sports

PHOTO BY NATHAN LATSHA

Tigers take down Medina Valley 38-7

Dripping Springs senior quarterback Reese Johnson was selected as the Dave Campbell’s Mr. Texas Football Player of the Week Oct. 25. Johnson tallied four passing touchdowns in the Tigers’ 38-7 win over Medina Valley.

With the win, Dripping Springs improves to 8-1 overall on the season. Dripping Springs hosts Marble Falls at home Friday in the final regular season game to be held at the current Tiger Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Former Tiger earns save in series finale

BY WAYLAND D. CLARK

news@haysfreepress.com

With a runner on third base and the tying run at the plate, Dripping Springs’ Chance Callihan closed out the Fall World Series with a 6-4 win Oct. 27 at UFCU Disch Falk Field in Austin.

Callihan, pitching for the Texas Longhorns’ Team Miller, struck out a batter in the bottom of the seventh inning and induced a pop-up to shut down a Team Allen rally while earning a save in the process.

“I was getting the swings with my slider and I’ve been working a lot on a change-up to get ahead in the count,” Callihan said about the strikeout.

Callihan also pitched in the three-game series opener on Tuesday.

First year Texas head coach David Pierce, who is the successor to longtime Longhorn head coach Augie Garrido, seemed to be impressed with Callihan.

“His slider looked to be working well, as was the change-up, which I want all of our pitchers to have.”

The Texas Baseball Alumni Game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 2.

The Longhorns open the regular season with a four game series, including a double-header, against Rice beginning on Feb. 17.

Callihan was a threeyear letter winner under head coach Chris Payne at Dripping Springs, and a three-year letterman on the Tigers’ football team, earning honors academically in the classroom and on the playing field.

State bound

Lady Tiger cross country punches ticket to state

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

Round Rock is the destination for the Dripping Springs girls cross country team after it punched the program’s third straight ticket to the UIL Class 5A state championships Oct. 28 in Corpus Christi.

The team, led by head coach Marisa Parks, finished second overall in the UIL Class 5A, Region IV girls 5,000 meter run.

Leading the charge for Dripping Springs was senior Sydney Cole, who finished in sixth place individually with a time of 19:35.10. Sophomores Aubrie Caldwell, Madeline McCraw, Emeline Arnold and junior Sydney Burtch all posted top 50 finishes individually.

On the boys side, Dripping Springs completed its season by finishing 14th overall in

Tiger tennis falls short at region

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARISA PARKS

A UIL state tournament bid came just one point short for the Dripping Springs tennis team Saturday as it fell to Alamo Heights 10-9 in the Class 5A, Region IV final in San Antonio.

WIth the loss, Dripping Springs closes its fall 2016 season.

Dripping Springs began the weekend by defeating Richmond Foster in the regional quarterfinals, then Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial in the regional semifinal on Oct. 27.

COURTESY PHOTO

the team results in the Class 5A, Region IV boys 5,000 meter run.

Dripping Springs senior Bryce Kalsu posted the best finish for the Tiger boys team by completing the course in 17:13.50.

REGIONAL FINALS WINNERS

RESULTS FROM THE REGION IV CHAMPIONSHIPS Tiger girls Sydney Cole – 19:35.10 Aubrie Caldwell – 20:38.80 Madeline McGraw – 20:54.30 Sydney Burtch – 20:54.60 Emeline Arnold – 21:04.60 Camille Corona – 21:16.30 Alyssa Schroeder – 21:40.40

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Tiger boys Bryce Kalsu – 17:13.50 Polo Lopez – 17:26.00 John Babiak – 17:55.90 Grant O’Neil – 18:13.00 Nathan Clark – 18:14.80 Will Johnson – 18:26.70 Zach Kovar – 18:30.60

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Page 5

Education

DSHS robotics team takes second at regional contest SUBMITTED REPORT The Dripping Springs High School robotics team placed second in a 10 team field at the Capitol Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology (BEST) regional competition at Round Rock High Oct. 29.

With the second-

place finish, Dripping Springs advances to the state competition Dec. 8-10 in Dallas, which is the first time in school history that has been accomplished in robotics.

This year, the BEST state competition will serve as the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Robotics State Championship. The

local BEST competition sites (hubs) in Texas are the team qualifying events for the UIL championship.

The BEST competition is a robot-building challenge that also includes aspects in marketing and community outreach.

Teams are given a kit of materials and a challenge

that includes performing multiple tasks six weeks before the competition.

Students design and build a robot based on their strategy to score points in competition. In

addition to head-to-head competition with other schools, they also are judged on a marketing presentation and booth, spirit and community outreach, and an

engineering journal.

This year’s challenge was “Farm” and included tasks such as sowing seeds, turning on water spigots, and picking up corn husks.

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Treats, tricks for tiny Tigers Children who attend the Dripping Springs ISD Child Development Center had the opportunity to trick or treat at the Administration Building Oct. 28. In photo, members of the DSISD Technology staff share goodies with the children.

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News-Dispatch

Thursday, November 3, 2016

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Public Notice REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL CSP 16-001 DSISD NETWORK ELECTRONICS FOR THE NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL & MIDDLE SCHOOL

Dripping Springs ISD is requesting competitive sealed proposals for the DSISD NETWORK ELECTRONICS FOR THE NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL & MIDDLE SCHOOL (CSP 16-001). Proposals shall be addressed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist, Dripping Springs Independent School District, 510

512-444-8888 6200 South IH 35 Exit Wm. Cannon www.capitolchevy.com

Election Day Polling Sites

W. Mercer Street, P.O. Box 479, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620, and must be received by 2:00 P.M. (CST) on December 6, 2016.

The CSP package may be obtained at the District’s website at www.dsisdtx.us.

Dripping Springs Independent School District reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals, to waive any formalities and irregularities in the proposals received, and will accept the response(s) determined to be in the best interests of the District.

Cast your vote Nov. 8 at the following locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

AUSTIN

Pct. 442 Friendship Creekside Fellowship Pct. 443 Belterra Welcome Center

DRIPPING SPRINGS Pct. 440 Pct. 441 Pct. 444 Pct. 449

Henly Baptist Church Dripping Springs Church of Christ Sunset Canyon Baptist Church DSISD Administration Office

WIMBERLEY

Advertise in the News-Dispatch classifieds for 1/2 price through November!

Pct. 333 Wimberley Community Center Pct. 335 Cypress Creek Church Pct. 337 VFW Post 6441 Hall

Call (512) 268-7862 or email paper@haysfreepress.com

(14455 FM 1826) (151 Trinity Hills Dr.)

(200 Henly Loop) (470 Old Hwy 290 West) (4000 E Hwy 290) (510 W Mercer St.)

(14068 Ranch Roadh 12) (211 Stillwater) (401 Jacobs Well)

Voting: More than 36K hit polls Continued from pg. 1

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On Oct. 25, the polling site at the Hays County Precinct 2 offices in Kyle was closed for about two hours due to technical difficulties with Direct-Recording Electronic (DRE) voting machines used at the facility, Cowan said.

“After the machines went down and we closed the facility, we wanted to be careful. We couldn’t just go in to find out what the problem was because of all the votes already registered in the machine,” said Cowan. “But once the machines rebooted, things were back in order and have been ever since.”

Cowan said the Pct. 2 voting site was outfitted with five working machines, but three additional machines were added in case of breakdown, or malfunction.

Cowan said the county has relied solely on DREs since the 2012 election.

Paper ballots are not handed out for this election, but can be found if need be, Cowan said.

“There’s not room for much

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else considering all the people showing up to vote, and all the staff on hand helping out with the process,” Cowan said. “We had some people in line all day on some days of the week.”

One of the most pressing issues during early voting was long lines at some voting sites, which stunted the process for some trying to early vote.

Some voters reported waiting as long as two hours at the Pct. 2 site in Kyle, while some waited as long as 45 minutes to an hour at the Pct. 4 offices in Dripping Springs.

Cowan stated that in the future, they’d like to find to a larger facility to accommodate the needs of voters.

“We’re trying to serve our citizens, but you know, sometimes problems arise. With the machines, you know, it’s like cellphones; sometimes the service isn’t there. We, hopefully, can learn from the mistakes and correct them for the next election,” Cowan said.

Service Directory

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BE SEEN! Reach thousands of potential customers for $25 a week in the News-Dispatch Service Directory.

(13 week minimum) Call 512-268-7862 or email tracy@haysfreepress.com

Thursday, November 3, 2016

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Page 7

Finding its center?

Dripping Springs begins implementing comprehensive plan

BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ news@haysfreepress.com

As the City of Dripping Springs puts the finishing touches on its Comprehensive Plan, moves are being made from within to start the process of building the conceptual framework that will fuel the plan’s development.

The City of Dripping Springs and Matt Lewis of Simple City Designs, which is an Austin based firm, discussed the prospect of setting up a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) to help finance potential projects within the comprehensive plan.

“There’s a misunderstanding when people see the word ‘tax’ attached to the name.

There’s no direct tax that’s charged to the people,” Lewis said. “Essentially, a TIRZ sets up a district that you think is special, or needs an improvement.”

The creation the TIRZ would be in a district that the city would look to invest in as a center for growth in the future.

There would be an incremental tax increase on the assets in that district, which would help pay for projects.

“This way the city would not have to pull from any reserves to fund these projects,” Lewis said. “Instead, what you have is a self-sustaining district that generates its own revenue based on the developments that are made within the area.”

“This way the City would not have to pull from any reserves to fund these projects ...

Instead, what you have is a selfsustaining district that generates its own revenue based on the developments that are made within the area.”

–Matt Lewis of Simple City Designs

As the plans for potential projects are laid out, the city will take into account future growth and accommodate for the increased need for utilities, transportation, and infrastructure.

Part of that process will be the first phase of Lew-

is’ contract. At that point, Lewis will help analyze potential districts for the TIRZ and help develop plans for developments within the TIRZ. “We’ll be looking to get the district created, which requires us to follow state and local

government codes, but we think that plans for the district and what it will look like will be available by the end of the year,” Lewis said about the timeline for creating the TIRZ. Lewis said he was familiar with the process after having served as the Development Service Director in San Marcos.

He said he helped the city with creation of a TIRZ that resulted in the current downtown sector.

Lewis said he was contacted by City Administrator Michelle Fisher, who heard Lewis speak at a conference and gained his assistance to carve out the comprehensive plan.

Part of that vision includes the creation of a Town Center that would

consolidate an area of business for City Administration, Dripping Spring ISD Administration, and the DS Public Library.

“In order to create that downtown setting, we’d want to bring together those different groups together as a way of creating a district of shared services that benefits everyone and boosts business in the area,” said Lewis.

Lewis said development of the plan and town center is an “exiciting time” as the city sets up for its future.

“It’s also about protecting their culture and heritage, and creating something that builds a sense of pride in the community. I’m excited to be helping with this project,” Lewis said.

Billions of beneficial bats bring balance, beauty

BY JERRY HALL

news@haysfreepress.com

L

PHOTO BY PETER POTROWL

Watching the emergence of bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin is a common activity.

at night and are seldom seen, but in addition to controlling pesky insects, they are essential pollinators of many plants.

The world’s largest

bat colony is at Bracken Cave, just north of San Antonio. I have visited this site and watched some 20 million bats fly out on a summer evening – quite a sight.

Want to learn more? For additional information on bats, visit www.batcon.org or call Bat Conservation International in Austin at 512 327-9721.

PRE-OPENING NEW PATIENT • APPOINTMENT SPECIAL •

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CALL TODAY! 512-942-0233 Appointment must be booked before 12/15/2016

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There is plenty of parking and our office is ADA & wheelchair accessible. If you have any problem finding us, please call 512-942-0233 for directions!

CVS Pharmacy

Burger King

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“My staff and I could’nt be more excited to be part of the community here in Dripping Springs. Being a 4th generation community member and growing up here, it’s an honor to be back and serve the town where so much of my family history is rooted. We are anxious to serve friends and family while also getting to know new families. We’re looking forward to many years of serving patients and taking care of their dental health.”

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tailed bats are most common in our area, the state also has red, silver-haired, spotted, big-eared, ghost-faced and greater bonneted bats. All are active only

ade Dr

more than 1,100 kinds of bats, nearly a fourth of all mammal species.

They feed primarily on fruit, nectar, pollen and insects.

While Mexican free-

Canon

et’s hear it for our little buddy, the bat. This beneficial creature is widely misunderstood, but no other group of Texas mammals is more important to the balance of nature.

There are more than 32 species in Texas and most of them eat insects, often those that farmers find most damaging. A single colony of free-tailed bats consumes billions of insects – including mosquitoes – every summer night.

Worldwide, there are

Page 8

News-Dispatch

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Lagniappe

Continued from pg. 1 been extended to include Thursday, Nov. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 1 from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring holiday appropriate activities such as a hayride, light show, fashion show and more.

Participating merchants pull out all the stops to transform downtown Dripping Springs into a fun and lively atmosphere.

Caregivers Support Group Meeting

The Alzheimer’s Caregivers will meet this Thursday,Nov. 3, at 1 p.m. at the Wimberley Presbyterian Church Library, 956 FM 2325. This is an opportunity for caregivers to discuss the latest dementia information and to share ideas as they travel the care giving journey. If you or someone you know is caring for a loved one with dementia, please join us. For additional information contact Linda Germain, volunteer for Alzheimer’s Texas at 512 924-3661.

Calling Tiger alumni

The Dripping Springs-Marble Falls game on Friday, Nov. 4, will be the Tigers’ final varsity football game to be played at the current stadium.

The new stadium being built on the DSHS campus will be the future homesite for varsity games. All students who competed or performed at Tiger Stadium since it was opened in 1985 are encouraged to attend. Following the traditional post-game “Senior Walk,” alumni also will be invited to walk across the field.

Wimberley Market Days

On Saturday, Nov. 5, from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. head to the Lions Field in

Wimberley for this free monthly event featuring locally made goods and live music. This month’s theme is child safety. Enjoy a day out at one of the largest outdoor markets in the area. For more information visit shopmarketdays.com.

Rainwater Revival

Learn everything you need to know about collecting rainwater for home or business. This festival delivers a full day of speakers, demonstrations, exhibitors, vendors, raffle prizes, music, food and fun. The revival will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 5 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. See rainwaterrevival. com for more information.

and fun for all. The festival leads up to the Empty Bowls Wimberley event put on by Crisis Bread Basket project on the last day.

world. In exchange for the meal, and the bowl, guests contribute a suggested minimum donation.

Proceeds will go towards Crisis Bread Basket.

Empty Bowls Project

Stephen F. Austin’s Birthday, DRT Founders Day

Wimberley’s inaugural Empty Bowls Project will be held at Sante Fe Connection on the Wimberley square 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Nov. 13. Guests choose a bowl to use that day and to keep as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the

Fly your Texas flag Thursday, Nov. 3 and Sunday, Nov. 6 to honor the father of Texas who brought more than 1200 American colonists to

Texas, and to honor Betty Ballinger and Hally Perry for organizing a Republic of Texas daughters organization.

Holiday Marketplace

Get into the holiday spirit by shopping at the Dripping Springs Women’s Club Holiday Marketplace on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 1-7 p.m. at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. More than 40 vendors will be selling handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and

unique gifts for everyone on your list. A portion of the $3 admission goes towards DS Women’s Club scholarship fund for female seniors.

Kids Ride Day

On Sunday, Nov. 6, Dripping Springs Mountain Bike Team will host a Mountain Bike Mash Up and Swap Meet at Dripping Springs Ranch Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The team will provide bikes and safety gear for kids to try mountain biking for free.

Empty Bowls Project

Mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Empty Bowls Project held on Sunday, November 6, at the Mercer Street Dance Hall from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. For a $25 donation, you can select from more than 1,200 beautifully hand-crafted bowls and enjoy gourmet soups donated by Dripping Springs and Austin restaurants and local chefs. It’s a fun day to share a wonderful meal, listen to live music, and support Helping Hands, our local food pantry that for over 30 years has provided support to our neighbors in need.

Wimberley Alive!

Come to downtown Wimberley Nov. 10-13 for this free annual event presented by Wimberley Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance. Check out two artists’ villages, five stages of live music, food vendors, demonstrations

Re-Elect

Sheriff Gary Cutler the Right Choice

Our Sheriff Gary Cutler is restoring the public’s trust, saving tax dollars, and keeping our community safe. Six years ago, we elected Gary Cutler to clean up the mess in the Sheriff’s office.

Six years later, his record shows that’s exactly what he’s done:

H Maintained the Sheriff Office budget +/- 1% for the past five years.

H Achieved perfect or near perfect on inspections of our jail facility, academy, license testing, kitchen and fire inspections.

H During his tenure, Academy Training increased from 5,000 to over 45,000 hours.

H Office of Professional Responsibility/Internal Affairs installed for comprehensive and unbiased internal investigations.

H Contracted jail medical section for more comprehensive inmate medical and mental health care, significant tax payer cost savings and indemnity.

H Created a new crime lab facility and cleared a twenty-year backlog of mismanaged evidence.

H Contracted with Austin PD Crime Lab for drug cases as well as DNA, ballistics, and other laboratory services to expedite criminal cases through the courts.

Sheriff Gary Cutler is endorsed by:

State Representative Jason Isaac

U. S. Congressman Roger Williams

Sheriff Gary Cutler

I am proud to endorse my friend and fellow conservative Gary Cutler for re-election as Hays County Sheriff. There is no doubt that Sheriff Cutler is a true conservative who has made Hays County a safer place. He’s a conservative leader who gets it done. I am proud to call him a friend and proud to endorse him for re-election.

the Right Choice

Hays County Law Enforcement Association On behalf of the Hays County Law nforcement Association, I would like to officially inform you that we have decided to Endorse your candidacy for Hays County Sheriff. We hope our endorsement will assist you in winning the Primary!

Michael Kirkwood President HCLEA

The Kyle Sisters

Pd. Pol. Adv. By Cutler for Sheriff Campaign