News Dispatch November 8, 2018

Texas behind in energy efficiency

Tigers eliminate Panthers in three sets

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DSHS principal to retire

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News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 6

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

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Thursday, November 8, 2018

Dem stuns Republican for County Judge seat Subdivision

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

missioners Court at a An underdog Demolater date. cratic candidate stunned Becera former 14-year comra, who missioner Tuesday to take unsucthe highest elected office cessfully in Hays County. ran for the Ruben Becerra, a San San MarMarcos business owner, cos CISD BECERRA defeated Will Conley by school 2,649 votes, according to board and unofficial, final results. All Mayor of San Marcos in results will be canvassed previous years, won his by the Hays County Com- first elected position. It

also marks the first time since 2006 a Democrat claimed the County Judge seat, which was won by Liz Sumter.

Becerra replaces Bert Cobb, who stepped down from the seat in August after announcing his fight with leukemia. Cobb’s leave of absence paved the way for Conley, who was a commissioner at the time, to step down from his Pct. 3 Commis-

Unofficial Total:

Ruben Becerra(D): Will Conley(R): sioner seat to throw his in the hat in the ring for County Judge.

According to unofficial, final results, Becerra won by a three-percent margin over Conley, who currently serves as the chair of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organi-

39,859 37,210

(51.72%) (48.28%)

zation (CAMPO).

Based on unofficial election results, Becerra will lead a predominately Republican commissioners court. Debbie Ingalsbe, Hays County Commissioner for Precinct 1, is the only other Democrat on the court with Becerra.

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

DEAF COMMUNITY, 2

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO A Driftwood-area subdivision has filed suit against the owners of a controversial wedding venue, citing a road used to access the proposed site is private property.

On Sept. 26, members of the Radiance neighborhood Board of Trustees filed suit in Hays County District Court against Mark and Michael Black, owners of the Mark Black Wedding Venue, which is located along FM 1828.

The Radiance Board of Trustees, which is comprised of community leaders from the neighborhood, filed the suit on the grounds that a portion of Concord Circle fronting the Mark Black Wedding Venue is a private road that’s owned and maintained by the neighborhood.

ASL a vital tool for Hays County’s deaf community Students enter Michael Wallace’s American Sign Language (ASL) class, but instead of pulling out laptops or notebooks for notes, they use their hands to communicate.

The class begins like any other conventional environment for learning. Wallace has a quiz scheduled for the day, and reviews with his students a set of vocabulary words, not with words, but with his hands and expressions.

These students are part of a community of young ASL enthusiasts, eager to learn a new language that is fast becoming a vital skill used throughout the United States, including Hays County.

The Austin metropolitan area is home to around 15,000 people who are deaf or hard of hearing, paving the way for a need to bring awareness to American Sign Language, which is estimated to be spoken by around 13 million Americans.

Wallace, an ASL professor at the Austin Community College Hays Campus, said more schools are beginning to offer ASL as part of a language curriculum, bringing more awareness of the language to society.

files suit against Driftwood wedding venue

VENUE OPPOSITION, 3

PHOTO BY CHARLES BALLETT

Filling empty bowls for the hungry

Hundreds took to Dripping Springs Ranch Park Nov. 4 for the 5th annual Empty Bowls Project, which raises funds for the Helping Hands Project, an area nonprofit that helps to battle food insecurity. Over 30 vendors from the Dripping Springs and Austin areas participated in the event. Rhea Fitzgerald from Art Garage demonstrates a pottery wheel to Tristan Davis at the Empty Bowl Project.

Tiger football celebrates 50-year anniversary of first district title

BY KATIE BURRELL

during halftime of the Tigers’ 44-0 win over Longtime area resithe Reagan Raiders at dent and current Pct. new Tiger Stadium.

4 Commissioner Ray During the ceremoWhisenant couldn’t ny, surviving members help but smile Friday of the 1968 squad honwhen he and many ored teammates whose Dripping Springs High lives had been lost in alumni were honored the years since. for their on-the-field For many of the success. alumni, the event After all, it was 50 helped them to look years ago this season back on the days when that Whisenant and the school’s entire 22 of his teammates senior class made up helped the Dripping their 11-man football Springs Tigers football team. program secure its first At that time, Dripdistrict title in 11-man ping Springs was football. considered a small On Nov. 2, the 1968 town, even by 1968 Dripping Springs High standards. The Tiger football team was hon- football team played at ored for its district title what is the 1A classi-

PHOTO BY KATIE BURRELL

Former coaches Oran Rippy and Carl Waits return to Tiger Stadium for the 50th anniversary of their district win in 1968.

fication in the University Interscholastic League.

As they were honored, players got to

know each other all over again.

Former head coach

TIGER ANNIVERSARY, 2

LAGNIAPPE Fall Farmers Market

The Headwaters community in Dripping Springs will have a Farmers Market Saturday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

There will be live music, carnival games, kids’ activities, and fall treats and eats and a huge selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, jam, homemade pastries and more from authentic Hill Country makers and vendors. Free.

Paella Lovers United 16th Annual Paella Cookoff The Paella Cookoff is an outdoor Spanish culinary festival happening at Camp Ben McCulloch near Driftwood, Saturday, Nov 10, 2018. General admission doors open at noon.

Competition starts at 12:30 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. (sunset). During that time visitors will have opportunity to see and taste the many paellas being made by competing teams and also enjoy a great selection of tapas (Spanish appetizers) while listening to and watching live Flamenco music and dance. Competition announcements generally are made at sunset and food subject to availability, so it is suggested to arrive earlier to get in on all the fun. Camping is available and encouraged.

Star Party and Artisan Fair

The City of Wimberley and the Texas State Astronomy Club invite you to Blue Hole Regional Park to attend a free Star Party on Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. The event will be held at the basketball courts.

Join us from 12-5 p.m. for the first Star-Themed Artisan Fair, starting at 5 p.m., bring your flashlights and experience the park like you never have before! For more information, call (512) 660-9111.

San Marcos attorney appointed to new judge seat

BY KATIE BURRELL A San Marcos-area criminal attorney has been selected to helm the newly created Hays County Court-at-Law No. 3 seat.

Tacie Marie Zelhart, an attorney who has been practicing criminal law for over 16 years, was appointed to the seat by Hays County Commissioners Oct. 30. Zelhart was selected out of a field of nine applicants, which was later narrowed down to three finalists by county officials.

Commissioners said all candidates were highly qualified, but eventually all agreed on Zelhart after weeks spent narrowing the pool.

“I think we need to get this judge elected as soon as possible and in place so that we can go to work for the citizens of Hays County and help our justice system to continue to grow,” said Lon Shell, Hays County Pct. 3 commissioner.

County officials have sought to improve its justice system, which has been operating slowly due to an increased volume in recent years.

County commissioners have been working to address the slow justice system through various means, including the addition of a new district court, a new county court and an addition to the existing jail to allow for more inmates, as

NEW JUDGE, 3

Page 2

News-Dispatch

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Thursday, November 8, 2018

Republicans sweep county commissioner races

BY MOSES LEOS III

An early voting deficit wasn’t enough to keep incumbent Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell from securing his seat on the dais Tuesday.

Shell, a Republican who has served as Pct. 3 commissioner since December 2017, outlasted Democrat Jimmy Alan Hall by a narrow 45 votes, according to unofficial, final results. Votes will be canvassed by Hays County Commissioners at a later date.

Hall led the Pct. 3 race by 153 votes after early voting numbers were released. However, Shell rallied back on Election Day by securing 31 more votes than Hall. In all, more than 21,000 of the

Unofficial Total:

Hays County Commissioner Pct. 4 Walt Smith (R): 11,513 (51.41%) Omar Baca (D): 10,296 (45.97%) Jon Thompson (w): 587 (2.62%)

SMITH

SHELL

33,708 registered voters in Pct. 3 participated.

Meanwhile, Republican Walt Smith held off a pair of opponents to claim victory in the Hays County Pct. 4 commissioner’s race.

Smith, a political strategist, finished with 11,513 votes to Democrat Omar Baca’s 10,296.

Write-in candidate Jon

JONES Thompson had 587 total votes, according to unofficial, final results.

Smith snagged an early 782-vote lead after early voting, which slightly ballooned with Election Day numbers.

Smith will fill the role of Ray Whisenant, who opted to forgo a reelection bid. Whisenant served two terms on the com-

Hays County Commissioner Pct. 3 Lon Shell (R): 10,048 (50.11%) Jimmy Alan Hall (D): 10,003 (49.89%) Hays County Commissioner Pct. 2 Mark Jones (R): 10,751 (53.38%) Richard Cronshey (D): 9,390 (46.62%) missioners court, beating Karen Ford in 2010.

In the race for Hays County Pct. 2 Commissioner, Republican Mark Jones secured his third term in office by defeat-

ing Democrat Richard Cronshey.

Jones held a six-percent lead over Cronsey after early voting, which held after Election Day numbers came in.

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Deaf Community Continued from pg. 1

Wallace, who has been deaf since he was an infant, lived in a small town in rural America, where the access to proper education was limited.

When Wallace was five, he attended ASL specialized schools, which helped him learn the language. Wallace graduated from the Illinois School for the Deaf and received his bachelor’s from Gallaudet University in Sociology and his MA from New York University in the field of rehabilitation/education.

“In my small town, no one else was deaf and schools did not offer ASL,” Wallace said. “But that has changed and there is more of an interest to learn ASL in schools.”

Wallace said the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin (TSD) currently has around 600 enrolled students.

The school, which was founded in 1856, has become a hub for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, with a mission stemmed in providing equal opportunities to those with the disability.

Here in Hays County, students at the Hays CISD can enroll in ASL classes.

The county government also hires interpreters for events if those services are needed.

“We don’t have anyone on staff specifically for interpreting, but we will hire interpreters from companies like San Marcos Interpreting if someone attending an event requests there be an interpreter present,”

said Shari Miller, human resource director for Hays County. “If those services are needed, we are more than happy to provide them.”

The interest in ASL is sparked in Wallace’s classroom, where students come together to learn a new language that is not spoken with words, but with their hands and expressions.

In one of his classes, students eagerly follow his instruction, studying and reviewing words, phrases, and sentence structure.

Wallace cracks a joke with his students, and laughter erupts before they begin reviewing again.

The mood is lighthearted but focused, and his students are evidently engaged because of their passion for the language.

PHOTOS BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Michael Wallace is an American Sign Language professor at Austin Community College. A majority of his students are taking the course because they wanted to learn a new language that would immerse them into a world where ASL is practiced by more than 13 million Americans.

Tiger Anniversary Continued from pg. 1

Oran Rippy said he couldn’t recognize half of his players, some of whom he hadn’t seen since they graduated, but was glad to see everyone still laughing as usual.

“Back then, we played to play,” Rippy said. “We won, sure, but we were also just having a lot of fun. There wasn’t much else for the players to get into besides football.”

Following that district title-winning season, Rippy retired from football to coach girls basketball and operate a ranch, which he still does to this day when he’s not returning to Tiger Stadium to catch another winning game.

Carl Waits, Rippy’s former assistant coach, took over the reins and still keeps up with the Tigers. Waits said he’s proud to see how well the team is playing these days and is rooting for them to get some stiffer competition.

“They need to be playing some more compet-

PHOTO BY KATIE BURRELL

Former members of the 1968 Dripping Springs Tigers football team are honored Friday night for the 50th anniversary of their district win.

itive teams,” Waits said.

“We really had to fight for it before, and that’s where the fun is.”

Whisenant played for the team throughout high school leading up to

the big win. Whisenant said the key to their success was the team’s bond.

“Most of us grew up together so when we played, it wasn’t against

each other, it was with each other,” Whisenant said. “A good football team is doing it for fun, and for their teammates.

I still keep up with most of these guys today.”

Roy Gaye, former Tiger player and linebacker, said he still comes to games as his grandson plays for the freshman team.

“I tell him to play

because you love the game,” Gaye said “That’s the best advice because it’s hard work and you can get hurt, so you should play because you love it.”

Thursday, November 8, 2018

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

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Texas falls behind on energy efficiency

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Extreme climate and long drives are leading some experts to conclude Texas is one of the least energy efficient states in the country.

According to a Wallethub study, Texas ranked 41st in energy efficiency, which was broken down into several metrics including home energy and auto efficiency.

The Department of Energy estimates the average U.S. family spends at least $2,000 a year on utilities, most of which is allocated to heating and cooling.

On average, Americans spend upwards of $3,000 a year on energy alone when factoring gas and utilities.

Extreme heat is a factor that leads to higher energy and utility bills. The Austin metropolitan area

“The first thing people should do is be aware of how they are using their energy.

Take a look at your bill and see what your daily, weekly and even hourly use is.

Second, know your baseline for consumption. If something doesn’t need to be on, that’s money you can be saving.”

which comes as a consequence of the summer heat. Better insulation in new homes can cut energy costs and cool homes more efficiently during the summer.

PEC experts advise Texans to turn computers off when they are not being used and run appliances like the washer and dryer in the afternoon when the temperature drops.

“Everything that consumes electricity emits heat and that heat will force your air conditioner to work hard to keep things cool,” Curtsinger said. “If you have a dirty

filter that is pushing 1600 cubic feet of air when your system is designed to move 2000 cubic feet of air, it’ll run 20 percent longer.”

Increased fuel consumption also led to Texas’ low ranking.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated average consumer spending on motor fuel and oil at $1,968 in 2018, a $59 increase from last year.

Texans are also spending more on fuel for their vehicles than 88 percent of the country.

Texas is the second largest state in the coun-

try by landmass, and residents are traveling more than 270 billion miles a year throughout the state.

Additionally, the consumption of gasoline is around 20 billion gallons annually.

In August, President Donald Trump’s Environmental Protective Agency announced plans for major cutbacks on fuel efficiency standards, which has been met by criticism from companies like Honda, GM and states like California, where the fuel efficiency standard is ranked 5th in the country.

“We calculated fuel efficiency as miles/gallons in each state and compared the results,” said Jill Gonzalez, an analyst at Wallethub. “Texas’ vehicle fuel efficiency is 13.78 miles/gallon, placing it 44th among the states we analyzed.”

wedding venue is set to begin this week, according to a written statement by the Black family.

“The majority of our neighbors have been welcoming and helpful, unfortunately, a very few small number of neighbors have continually tried to bully and

pressure us into stopping our development,” the statement read. “When the neighbors picketed our restaurant, Terry Black’s Barbeque on Barton Springs Road, we knew they would stop at nothing to try to hurt our small family business.”

The Black family called

the lawsuit the latest in a string of attacks that has gone on for more than two years, despite receiving approval from local, state and federal agencies.

“We look forward to handling this baseless lawsuit and our counter-suit in the court of law,” the statement read.

–Brian Curtsinger, senior energy service advisor for Pedernales Electric Cooperative

had 51 days of 100 plus degree heat during the summer, marking one of the warmest summers on record.

Brian Curtsinger, senior energy service advisor for Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC), said Texans can save up to 5 percent on their electricity bill by adjusting the thermostat by one degree.

“The first thing people should do is be aware of how they are using their energy,” Curtsinger said.

“Take a look at your bill and see what your daily, weekly and even hour-

ly use is. Second, know your baseline for consumption. If something doesn’t need to be on, that’s money you can be saving.”

Curtsinger said the most important but dangerous tool in the home is the thermostat. He urges people to look at the device as a bank account.

Every degree raised or lowered depending on the outside temperature means precious dollars lost or gained.

According to Wallethub’s analysis, Texas has high residential energy consumption, most of

Venue Opposition: Subdivision files suit Continued from pg. 1

Members of the Radiance board argued the street cannot be used as a road for Mark Black, his corporate office or their construction team.

Residents of Radiance want the brothers to instead build a private roadway in and out of their venue, a contingency that has not been agreed to in writing.

Bill Brock, president of the Radiance Property Owners Association (POA), said the neighborhoods surrounding the Mark Black Wedding Venue are concerned with the potential fire hazard and possible traffic issues in case of an emergency, and noise pollution among other concerns.

The News-Dispatch originally reported the capacity for the wedding venue would be around 600 participants, but Mark Black told the newspaper that he did not intend to hold

weddings at that capacity.

Despite nearby residents’ concerns, the Dripping Springs City Council in May approved a site development permit application for the venue.

Despite some oral agreements made behind closed doors, including preliminary agreements from the Blacks to address some concerns, residents want the contingency to be addressed in writing.

“We’ve had neighborhood meetings and never once has he agreed in writing with our issues including on outdoor music, traffic and fire safety,” Brock said. “We just want to be very specific with our concerns because he has not.”

The lawsuit, which was filed on Sept. 26, will be reviewed by the Hays County State District Court which will rule in favor or opposition to the filing by the Radiance POA.

Over a decade ago, the residents of Radiance fought to get a portion of the road back into Hays County’s jurisdiction.

During the process, Hays County remised and never completed the deed, leaving the road to the ownership of Radiance.

Construction of the

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New Judge

Continued from pg. 1 wait time has increased.

State officials approved the creation of the third county court-at-law position during the 85th Legislative session in 2017.

The Office of General Counsel coordinated the application process beginning in early August.

General Counsel Mark Kennedy said he and his office modeled the application after what is used by the Texas Governor’s office. Kennedy said each applicant met the minimum requirements, and was interviewed twice.

One of those interviews involved meeting with two county commissioners at one time.

“There’s still decisions to be made by the judges together,” Kennedy said.

“The judges need to make their dockets, but the addition of the new judge will allow for a wider array of coverage.”

Hays County Pct. 2 Commissioner Mark Jones said he’s known Zelhart for at least eight

years, and believes she’s the best pick due to her history of work within Hays County. Jones said Zelhart has experience as an attorney in both criminal and civil law, she operated her own legal practice and she worked in the Hays County District Attorney’s office.

“I think she has a solid background in our county,” Jones said. “So, I’m looking forward to seeing her get to work.”

Jones said it is likely that when the county’s court judges prepare their dockets, Zelhart will be taking on most cases concerning criminal and civil disputes on mental health in the county.

During the appointment process, the commissioners unanimously voted for Zelhart.

However, Hays County Pct. 4 commissioner Ray Whisenant motioned for another candidate, but the motion lacked a second and died on the dais.

Zelhart will begin operations Jan. 1, 2019.

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Thursday, November 8, 2018

Sports

Tigers eliminate Medina Valley in three

BY MOSES LEOS III

Update

second frame, which Kane said is “an impressive FISCHER – Sixteen number, especially in the On Tuesday, Dripping combined kills from seplayoffs.”

Springs played Seguin in nior Madison Certain and Senior Madi Berkholz the Regional Quarterfinal round. Be sure to check junior Avery Kalsu pushed tallied 23 of the team’s 58 out haysfreepress.com for digs, while senior Dani the Dripping Springs Tia recap. gers to a 25-23, 25-17, 25-9 Lebovitz and Alexis Haydt area round win over the each notched a block.

Medina Valley Panthers On offense, juniors Valley’s defense was “outNov. 2 at Canyon Lake Sarah Nading and Kylar working us a little bit.”

High.

Dripping Springs’ offense Raymond each had five The win catapulted was also somewhat stiff in kills, while Kalsu had 18 Dripping Springs to the the early going, Kane said. assists. third round of the play“When you can get As a result, the Tigers offs for a second straight those numbers, you’re gowere forced to make season, and puts the team adjustments and mix up ing to beat a lot of people, a win away from reaching their offense. In the first because you’re not giving the Region IV tournament set, Dripping Springs’ them a lot of runs,” Kane for the fourth time in five outside hitters scored only said. seasons.

Winning in straight one kill on 16 attempts, “Sometimes you want sets also helped Dripping hindered by Medina Valto pinch yourself. I wish Springs keep some of its ley’s defense. we would celebrate a little Panther Christine Tsch- key players fresh. Kane more than we do, but it’s irthart finished with 20 of said he chose to not play become the norm for us,” Medina Valley’s 53 total Mackenzie Murray, who said Tiger head coach was battling an injury, digs in the match.

Michael Kane. “We never with hopes of having her Dripping Springs take anything for granted, responded by outscoring play later on in the postbut expectations around season. the Panthers 4-1 to take a Dripping Springs have “I was going to see how 1-0 match lead. been elevated to a new long we could last without The Tigers maintained level.” her,” Kane said. “I almost momentum and roared Dripping Springs put her back in so we can out to 12-4 second set withstood Medina Valley’s lead. Preventing Medina get this one out.” initial and best punch With a possible trip to Valley from orchestratduring the first set. Adept ing rallies allowed the the regional tournament defense by Medina Valley on the line, Kane believes Tigers to stay a few steps kept the score close, with ahead and overpower the his program has a good the Panthers rallying from Panthers for a 2-0 match shot as any program. an 18-14 deficit to tie the “One thing I like is we’re advantage. They did so set at 21-21. a team that’s in the mix by scoring 16 out of 17 Kane said Medina and have been for the last first ball side outs in the

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Dripping Springs High’s Nicole Herbert dips down to pass the ball foward during the team’s game against Medina Valley Nov. 2.

several years,” Kane said. have the althletes. There’s “We have a chance and we a lot of good teams in this

region and I think we’re one of those good teams.”

Tiger runner takes 6th at state meet

BY MOSES LEOS III

“I told the boys, ‘Take a risk, if it doesn’t work out and we struggle at the end, we tried.’ We put ourselves out there and give it a shot and that’s what we did.”

proud” of the team and has “honestly never had Sheer exhaustion didn’t a group of girls who have keep Dripping Springs worked like this group High senior Bobby Holt does.” from flashing a smile atop “However, we are at the the medal stand at the UIL state championships and state cross country meet we’re the 10th best team in –Marisa Tuzzi, Cross-Country Head Coach Saturday. the state and that’s pretty For a second straight awesome,” Tuzzi said. year, Holt out-paced some a long time. But it’s a hap- Dripping Springs boys Leading the way was of the best runners in the py feeling. I’m just blessed team that took 9th out of freshman Marleena Mickstate en route to securing to be able to do it.”

16 teams at state. Caleb el and senior Aubrie Calda 6th place finish out of Tuzzi said Holt ran Lopez, who secured 14th well, who finished in the 150-plus competitors in “exactly how he was supplace overall, was a key top 30 of the standings. the boys Class 5A champi- posed to,” where he was contributor, along with seFor Tuzzi, success is onships. Holt’s finish high- within the top 30 runners nior WIllie Johnson, who built upon the students, lighted a day where both at the mile mark. Eventufinished in the top 40. who continue to create a the Dripping Springs boys ally, Holt was third with “I told the boys, ‘Take culture year after year. and girls cross country 800 meters to go, but got a risk, if it doesn’t work “We appreciate every teams competed at state. “out-kicked” at the end, out and we struggle at the year we’re here and it nevThe moment was one Tuzzi said. end, we tried.’ We put our- er becomes expectation to cherish for Holt, who Holt said he was happy selves out there and give it and it’s a goal for sure,” credited hard work and to finish closer to repeat a shot and that’s what we Tuzzi said. “To get both the efforts of head coach 5A champion Graydon did.” teams to state meet and Marisa Tuzzi for helping Morris from Aledo.

Meanwhile, struggles in be two of the best teams the entire program maki it “He’s (Bobby) diligent the field led to a challeng- in the state two years in back to state. and puts in the work and ing day for the Dripping a row, and girls longer, “It was something I saw it’s been an awesome Springs girls team, which is awesome. These kids coming, the team saw season,” Tuzzi said. “It’s finished 10th out of 16 watch it and they want to PHOTO MOSES LEOS III coming and the coach saw been an absolute honor to teams. be a part of it, and they coming,” Holt said. “I’ve coach him.”

Despite the issues, Tuzzi want to work to make it Senior Bobby Holt ended the boys Class 5A championships been thinking about it for Holt was part of a said she was “incredibly happen.” with a 6th place finish for the second year in a row.

Education Dripping Springs High principal to retire STAFF REPORT

After three-plus decades in education, Dripping Springs High Principal Joe Burns is opting to retire at the end of the school year, according to a press release.

Burns, who has served as the Dripping Springs High principal since 2012, had previously worked as

DSISD’s Curriculum Coordinator for two years. He started his career in DSISD as a counselor, then assistant principal at Dripping Springs High.

During Burns’ tenure, Dripping Springs High has expanded opportunities for students during a time of extensive enrollment growth, according to the release.

That includes introducing a dual enrollment program in 2013, which has grown to include 14 Austin Communi- BURNS ty College courses and seven On-

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401 E. Hwy 290W. P.O. Box 1243 Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Ramps courses with the University of Texas.

College and Career Academies were created and courses have been added in recent years that provide students with real-life skills in areas such as real estate, health science, and engineering. The Cornerstone Experience for students has evolved into an opportunity for

students to showcase talents, according to the release.

Dozens of student organizations have been created, allowing students to pursue their personal interests. Students and faculty members have received numerous statewide recognitions, including state championships as well as national honors.

“I am very excited about the 2018-19 school year and could not be more proud of our students’ and staff members’ accomplishments thus far,” said Burns in an email to parents. “We have many more goals to achieve and I am confident our students and staff will strive to

PRINCIPAL RETIRES, 6

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Apply Online at www.qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023

ACREAGE 15 acres, east of Eldorado. County road frontage.

Gently rolling with beautiful oak tree cover. Whitetail, blackbuck, axis, hogs, turkey. $2700 down, $448/mo.

(9.9%, 20 years). Several tracts to choose from. 800876-9720, www.ranchenterprisesltd.com.

EMPLOYMENT NOTICE The City of Dripping Springs is currently accepting applications for the full-time positions of Dripping Springs Ranch Park Maintenance Worker and Administrative Assistant to the City Administrators, and the part-time position of Billing Assistant. The application and full job descriptions are available on the Employment page at www.cityofdrippingsprings.com or at 511 Mercer Street. Call City Hall at (512) 858-4725 or email Michelle Fischer at mfischer@cityofdrippingsprings.com for more information.

AUCTIONS Auction Dec. 13. Autumn Antlers Trophy Whitetail Lodge. 5-Star Lodge | 600+ World-Class Whitetail. Near Brainerd, MN. 800-485-8214 | TrophyWhitetailLodge. com. United Strategic Client Services, LLC. TX Auc #6756 & Sunbelt Business Advisors. Broker #40491114.

CAREER TRAINING Airline Mechanic Training - Get FAA certification.

Approved for military benefits. Financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 800-475-4102.

EVENTS WORLD’S LARGEST GUN SHOW – November 10 & 11 – Tulsa, OK, Fairgrounds. Saturday 8-6, Sunday 8-4. WANEMACHER’S TULSA ARMS SHOW. Free Appraisals. Bring your Guns! www.TulsaArmsShow.com.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE Roundup®, a common weed and grass killer, may be linked to the development of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in farm workers and employees in garden centers, nurseries, and landscapers. Call 800-460-0606 for professional insight or visit www.RespectForYou. com/NHL.

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PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVERS

News-Dispatch

As the freight market fluctuates, your paycheck and miles shouldn’t have to.

Providing you with your most important local news for Dripping Springs, Wimberley and surrounding communities

Some carriers are scrambling for freight to keep drivers moving. At Schneider, drivers keep rolling, racking up reliable paychecks made possible by year-round customer freight.

OIL AND GAS RIGHTS We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation. 806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, Lubbock, TX 79408-1800.

ROOFING Don’t throw your money away on a new roof! With my proven invention, I can restore your roof to like brand new conditions! Only $0.79/sf. Comes in many colors, rubber paint/silicone applies directly onto your existing roof. Seals water leaks permanently. 25 Year formula. Insulates up to 30° cooler. Save thousands on your electric bill. No money until we are done. Over 3,000 houses done. Shingle, flat, cedar, metal. Credit cards accepted. Smart Roof, 956-466-7001.

SAWMILLS Sawmills from only $4,397.00 – Make & Save Money with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In stock, ready to ship! Free info/ DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 800-567-0404, Ext.300N.

TRUCK DRIVERS $1,000 Sign on Bonus! Be Your Own Boss! Choose Your Own Routes! Quality Drive-Away is looking for CDL Drivers to deliver new trucks all over the country, starting in Laredo, TX. www.qualitydriveaway.com, 574-642-2023.

LOG HOMES

Some carriers are scrambling for freight to keep drivers moving. At Schneider, drivers keep rolling, racking up reliable paychecks made possible by year-round customer freight. Get your career in gear with the busy carrier. Apply: schneiderjobs.com. Call: 800-44-PRIDE.

Log Homes – 4 Log Home kits selling for balance owed, free delivery. Model #101 Carolina, bal. $17,000; Model #203 Georgia, bal. $19,950; Model #305 Biloxi, bal. $14,500; Model #403 Augusta, bal. $16,500. View plans at www.loghomedream.com.

FREON R12 WANTED: Certified buyer will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 312-2919169; www.refrigerantfinders.com.

WANTED

Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 283 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.

WE BUY OIL, GAS, &

It’s because of the great work our drivers do that shippers keep Schneider busy.

MINERAL RIGHTS

Don’t get stuck in neutral. Make the smart move, and get your career in gear with the busy carrier: Schneider.

Both non-producing and producing

including Non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI)

Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation.

CALL TODAY: 806.620.1422

LOBO MINERALS, LLC PO Box 1800 • Lubbock, TX 79408-1800

Apply: schneiderjobs.com Call: 800-44-PRIDE

LoboMineralsLLC@gmail.com

Service Directory Automotive

Dirt

Dirt Cheap

Central Garage, LLC

Tractor Work Available

Specializing in Country Driveways

(512) 894-4114 or (512) 858-4252

Rick-Rob Trucking 512- 858-7952

1 120 Hwy 290 W Mon-Fri, 8-5:30 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Danny Hubbard

STONE & LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES -We DeliverGRASS: St. Augustine, Buffalo, Bermuda, Tifway PATIO ROCK GRAVEL SAND

12015 Hwy 290 W Cedar Valley, Austin

M-F 8-5 Sat. 9-3

robinnds@aol.com

Ray Brown 325.248.5027 Ray@DebRayHomes.com DebRayHomes.com

Honey-Do List Drywall Repair Clean Dryer Vent Leaking Toilet Repairs for Sale of Home H Insured

H H H H H

FLAGSTONE RIVER ROCK LOAM

512-288-8488

Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010

Over 10 years of experience Keith Miller, owner

Taking care of your yard so you can play!

LANDSCAPING AND LAWN SERVICE

• Flower Beds • Fencing • Sprinkler Systems • Patios • Mowing, Edging and Cleanup • Tree Trimming and Removal • Rock Gardens • Garden Boxes • Build Sheds

Call Jesse Reyna at 512-788-2180 or email apa6207@sbcglobal.net

One Time & Weekly Cleanings Drain & Cleans Pressure Washing Full Service Repairs HIGH TIDE Pool Replastering POOL SERVICE FREE ESTIMATES HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE@YAHOO.COM HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE.COM

Painting, Remodel & Home Repair, Flooring & Tile, Carpentry, Decks & Fences, Pressure Washing, Gutters, Cleaning & Repair, RV Repair

Get your honey-do list done right.

ReliableHandymanTX.com 20+ Years of Experience • Insured

512-618-0482 • DHALL45@Yahoo.com

Shoe Repair

Pool Service

WHO DOES YOUR LANDSCAPING/LAWN?

DANIEL

CHOPPED ROCK DRYSTACK MULCH

www.rick-rob.com

Lawn Care

Landscaping

Reliable Handy Man

Loam • Topsoil • Sand • Gravel • Roadbase • Asphalt Millings • Granite • Compost Mix

Complete Auto Repair

Handyman

Handyman

512-965-3465

• Boot Experts • Purse Repair • Belt Repair • Luggage Repair • Shoe Care Products

AustinShoeHospital.com locations in in Central Central Texas 1010Locations Texasincluding: including: Highway 290 & Nutty Brown Road • 512-827-3398 316 Round 290 RockWest Ave. inRound Rock• 512-288-6386 - 512-244-9124 Highway Oak Hill Bee CaveBell in Lakeway • 512-263-4630 306 South Cedar Park - 512-219-8387

8211 Burnet Rd. Austin - 512-453-1961

Tree Service

Lees Trees

38 years experience in the hill country Firewood • Pruning • Removal • Chipping Planting • Cedar Posts • Bulk Mulch

Free Assessments & Estimates • Insured MARCUS LEES (512) 858-4018 leestreestexas@gmail.com

Window Treatments

Texas Crossword Solution

Beautiful Blinds, Shades, Draperies & Shutters Custom window treatments at affordable prices!

Graber, Hunter Douglas, Norman & more.

Only $40 a week to run in the News-Dispatch and Hays County Echo.

Low prices with lifetime guarantees and fast professional installation.

Call 512-847-8970

for free consultation & price quote.

www.MadeinTheShadeofwimberley.com

Build up your business by advertising in the News-Dispatch Service Directory

See puzzle, page 3

Call Tracy at (512) 268-7862 or email ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com to join.

(13 week minimum)

Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, November 8, 2018

It’s hard to beat the spectacular Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival

BY JERRY HALL One of my favorite birding festivals is set for Nov. 7-11, in Harlingen, Texas, about as far south as you can go in our fair state and stay out of Mexico.

I speak of the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, a delightful event in an area where 325 bird species have been spotted, including five of my favorite Valley specialties – green jay, Altamira oriole, great kiskadee, plain chachalaca and white-tailed duck.

This will be the 25th annual festival, so they must be doing something right.

Harlingen is 30 miles west from the Gulf of Mexico and 15 miles north of the Rio Grande River, an area rich in songbirds, shorebirds, raptors – and loads of butterflies. In fact, a butterfly festival is held annually in nearby Mission, but that

Island. All are available again this year.

Keynote speaker at the festival will be Rosemary Mosco, who will discuss “the funny side of birds, from vomiting vultures to awkward sage grouses, to cavorting birds-of-paradise.”

For the adventuresome birder, a 5-day bus trip will be offered at conclusion of the festival.

This tour will be to the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, a scenic place with loads of rare birds.

For more information on the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, call 956 423-5565.

PAY THE BALANCE OWED ONLY!!!

AMERICAN LOG HOMES IS ASSISTING JUST RELEASED OF ESTATE & ACCOUNT SETTLEMENT ON HOUSES.

4 Log Home kits selling for BALANCE OWED, FREE DELIVERY 1) Model # 101 Carolina 2) Model # 203 Georgia 3) Model # 305 Biloxi 4) Model # 403 Augusta

$40,840.. BALANCE OWED $17,000 $49,500.. BALANCE OWED $19,950 $36,825.. BALANCE OWED $14,500 $42,450.. BALANCE OWED $16,500

NEW - HOMES HAVE NOT BEEN MANUFACTURED

Make any plan design changes you desire!

Comes with Complete Building Blueprints & Construction Manual Windows, Doors, and Roofing not included BBB NO TIME LIMIT FOR DELIVERY! A+ Rating *OFFER NOT AVAILABLE TO AMERICAN LOG HOME DEALERS*

Altamira Oriole

is another story.

In addition to field trips, the festival features seminars, “rousing socials”, noted speakers and 60 vendors at the aptly-named Birders Bazarr.

In the past, my favorite birding tours at the festival have included a visit to the iconic King Ranch, a pontoon ride down the Rio Grande and a bay cruise at South Padre

INTRODUCING

DR. BRENDA WATKINS TO DRIPPING SPRINGS

Principal Retires

• Adult and Pediatric Medical Dermatology • Cosmetic Dermatology • Skin Cancer Screenings and Treatment • Most Insurances Accepted • Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology • Native Texan and Dripping Springs Local

Continued from pg. 4

make the 2018-19 school year one for the record books.”

DSISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing said Burns has provided “outstanding, student-centered leadership.”

“He has built strong relationships with staff

ESTATE SALE - LOG HOMES

and students, and has empowered those around him to develop their potential,” Gearing said. “We are grateful to him for his years of service and are committed to finding a new principal who will continue his team’s outstanding work.”

Burns’ 31 years in education included multiple administrative and teaching positions in Uvalde ISD. The position will be posted in December and the process to hire a new principal will begin after the first of the year.

Keep up with all the latest news coverage in Hays County by visiting

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Brenda Watkins, MD

SOUTHWEST DERMATOLOGY & VEIN SERVICES OFFERED: General & Cosmetic Dermatology • Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery Varicose & Spider Vein Treatments

Our mission is to treat patients like family. Serving the central Texas area for over 40 years, now with 3 convenient locations.

DRIPPING SPRINGS

AUSTIN : 4419 Frontier Trail, Suite 110 BUDA : 211B N FM 1626, Bldg 1A

170 Benny Ln., Suite 203

512-444-2277

•

www.swskin.com

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