November 9, 2017 News-Dispatch

Tigers head to quarter regionals

Smith to step down in 2018 page 2

Tigers top Medina Valley

page 4

News-Dispatch Volume XXXVIII No. 6

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

page 4

75¢

Thursday, November 9, 2017

DSISD eyes May 2018 bond for facilities

BY MARIA GARDNER Accommodation of a rapidly growing student population is pushing Dripping Springs ISD officials to begin planning for its future facility needs.

On Oct. 30, parents and community members toured Dripping Springs High as part of an effort to understand the district’s facility needs in preparation of a possible May 2018 bond referendum.

DSISD’s long-term facilities planning committee, which is open to residents, parents and employees of the district, is expected to provide recommendations for facility improvements and construction by Jan-

uary 2018 to the board of trustees.

The board will, at that time, decide whether to call a bond election in the spring, Drippings Springs Independent School District Superintendent Bruce Gearing said.

The potential bond amounts brought to an election while taking into account the district’s ability to take on debt are $76.44 million and $87.32 million, said Dan Wegmiller, the district’s financial advisor, from

Tiger runner sprints into history books

BY SAMANTHA SMITH An incumbent Hays County commissioner announced he is forgoing a second reelection bid when his term expires in 2018.

Ray Whisenant, WHISENANT a Dripping Springs native who was first elected as the Pct. 4 commissioner in 2010 and was reelected in SMITH 2014, said Tuesday he does not intend to run again.

His announcement paves the way for Republican candidate Walt Smith, who so far is the only person who’s filed to run for the Pct. 4 seat.

Smith, a Dripping Springs resident who has served as CEO for the National Association of Agriculture and Food Pol-

they got to experience this (state) before they go,” Holt said.

Marisa Parks, Dripping Springs head cross country coach, said it was “hard to put into words” the pride she had for the boys team.

She said she knew they

HOLT, 6

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III

Dripping Springs council doles out more than $400k in HOT funds

BY MARIA GARDNER On Oct.16, the Dripping Springs City Council approved Hotel Occupancy Tax funds for local organizations that promote and attract

visitors to the city.

The Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau, the Brent Thurman Foundation, Friends of the Pound House Foundation, The Hill Country Alliance, and Saxet Gun Show were granted funds from HOT, according to agreements shared by Andrea Cunningham, Dripping Springs city secretary.

In the city council’s approved 2017-2018 budget, which was approved Sept. 19, the total HOT funds are $426,392.05, according to budget documents on the city’s website.

The HOT is collected from guests “who rent a room or space in a hotel costing $15 or more each day,” according to Glenn Hegar, Texas Comptroller’s website, comptroller.texas.gov.

Guests pay a state HOT, as well as any tax imposed by cities and municipalities.

Spaces rented in apartments, homes, condominiums and bed and breakfasts also must apply a tax.

Dripping Springs’ HOT rate is 7 percent of the cost of the room, City

DSISD BOND, 2

Who’s in, who’s out for 2018

BY MOSES LEOS III

It only took a few seconds for Dripping Springs High junior Bobby Holt to realize the magnitude of his 6th place finish at Saturday’s UIL Class 5A state cross country meet.

Understandably, Holt showcased initial fatigue after sprinting 3.1 miles against the state’s best.

Once that wore off, Holt showcased a bright smile, knowing full well he had made a little school history in the process.

Holt, who ran the course in a record 15:30.33, became the first Tiger boys cross country athlete to medal at the state meet in program history.

But for Holt, personal accolades, as great as they were, couldn’t surpass a much more fulfilling goal.

Being able to help his team secure a 6th place finish out of 16 teams in its inaugural trip to Old Settlers Park in Round Rock meant much more.

“We have a lot of seniors here. It’s awesome

Specialized Public Finance, Inc, in his Oct. 30 presentation.

In the first scenario, the district’s interest and sinking rate (I&S) would stay the same at 35 cents

WHAT ARE HOT FUNDS?

HOT funds are collected from guests “who rent a room or space in a hotel costing $15 or more each day,” according to theTexas Comptroller’s website. Guests must pay both state and local hotel occupancy taxes.

State HOT rate: 6% Dripping Springs HOT rate: 7%

Administrator Michelle Fischer said.

The city does not have statistics to determine which events bring in the most hotel tax revenue, since the hotel tax is collected monthly and in some cases quarterly, Fischer said.

Cunningham said there are often misconceptions about how HOT funds can be spent.

Under Texas law, HOT funds can only be used to promote tourism.

Cities which use HOT funds must follow strict guidelines on how it can be spent. The state has nine criteria to which cities must adhere when allocating HOT funds.

HOT funds cannot be

HOT FUNDS, 3

Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds Balance Fwd from previous year ..... $65,692.05

REVENUE

Hotel Occupancy Tax ....................... $360,000 Interest ............................................. $700 Total ................................................. $426,392.05

EXPENSES

Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau . $135,000 TXF To Debt Service....................... $90,295 TXF To Event Center ...................... $90,000 TXDOT Wayfinding Signs .............. $20,000 Christmas Lighting Displays ......... $15,000 DS Fair And Rodeo ......................... $10,000 Street Signs..................................... $10,000 Hotel Association ........................... $7,000 Advertising ...................................... $5,000 Hill Country Alliance/ Rainwater Revival/ Hill Country Living .......................... $3,000 Historic Brochure ........................... $3,000 OFR District Signage ..................... $3,000 Thurman Mansion .......................... $3,000 Pound House .................................. $2,500 Economic Development Committee ...................................... $2,500 Saxet Gun Show ............................. $2,000 National Register Plaques ............. $1,100 Christmas Light Trail ...................... $600 Founders Day.................................. $0

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, 3

LAGNIAPPE State of the District

Dripping Springs ISD will hold a “State of the District” presentation for community members and parents on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. in the board room at the DSISD Administration Building. Superintendent Bruce Gearing will share information on topics such as the district’s vision and goals, academic performance and extracurricular achievements of students, financial status of the DSISD, and future planning. Audience questions also will be addressed.

Veterans Day at DSISD

All seven schools in Dripping Springs ISD will recognize Veterans Day with programs. Dripping Springs Middle School’s program is Thursday, Nov. 9; the other six campuses have events planned Friday, Nov. 10. Veterans from all branches of military service, as well as families of students, are welcome to attend. Campus visitors should stop by the front office for a Visitor’s Badge.

All programs include

LAGNIAPPE, 5

Page 2

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Thursday, November 9, 2017

Smith to step down from office in 2018 STAFF REPORT

After 30 years in office, U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-San Antonio) announced last week he will not seek re-election after his Congressional term ends in 2018, according to a letter written to constituents.

Smith serves as the representative of the U.S. 21st Congressional District, which includes parts of Driftwood, Buda, Kyle and Mountain City.

“For several reasons, this seems like a good time to pass on the privilege of representing the 21st District to someone else,” Smith wrote.

Smith, who was first elected to the 21st District seat in 1986, is also the current chairman of the U.S. House Science, Space and Technology Committee.

However, many of his comments while as the U.S. House Science Chair

have stirred up controversy as well. Smith has been accused of being a skeptic of climate change and once said climate change was a SMITH “good thing.”

He has also chaired the Ethics, Judiciary and Science Committees and was a member of the Homeland Security and Budget Committees.”

“With over a year remaining in my term, there is still much to do,” Smith wrote. “There is legislation to enact, dozens of hearings to hold, and hundreds of votes to cast.”

But his decision has turned the wheels for six Democratic and one Republican who had aimed

to challenge Smith for his seat in November 2018.

That list includes Manchaca resident Derrick Crowe, a former Democratic congressional staffer, who said Smith’s retirement is “incredible news for everyone fighting for real action on climate change.”

“Smith’s retirement is a sign we’re winning the fight to retake our government from the alt-right,” Crowe said in a statement. “He obviously saw the power of the grassroots uprising against him and opted to leave before suffering a loss in the general election.”

Elliott McFadden, an Austin-area Democratic challenger to Smith, said in a statement the incumbent politician was “out of touch” and “saw the writing on the wall.”

“While I am glad to

per 100 dollars of a property value.

Funds raised by the I&S tax rate is limited to paying only for the district’s debt due to the construction of new facilities, renovations and purchase of “big ticket” items like school buses and land, said Elaine Cogburn, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.

In the second scenario, the I&S rate would go up one cent to 36 cents per $100 valuation, according to presentation documents.

Cogburn said the scenarios provide information, but the committee ultimately will decide what the district’s facility needs are, whether they want to recommend a bond at all, and what the amount will be.

The last bond issued by the district was in 2014 for $92.14 million.

DSISD’s 2014 bond paid for construction of Sycamore Springs Elementary and Middle School, the new Tiger Stadium on campus, the district’s baseball and softball complex, as well as the extension of the Roger Hanks Parkway.

The rapid growth in the area and the pressure

• Derrick Crowe

• Joseph Kosper • Elliott McFadden • Rixi Melton

• Mary Wilson

REPUBLICANS • Eric Burkhart Information gathered from ballotpedia.org

DSISD’s potential bond by the numbers $76.4 MILLION PHOTO BY MARIA GARDNER

The Dripping Springs ISD hosted a tour of the district’s current facilities, including the automotive vocational shop at the Dripping Springs High School, to show where bond money may be spent.

The potential bond amounts are between $76.44 million and $87.32 million. it puts on the facilities is the reason for the current assessment and potential bond, Gearing said.

Using projections of future housing developments and population growth, DSISD projected a student population

of 11,032 by 2025. The figure is double the number of students the district currently has enrolled in 2017.

Cogburn said the district opens new schools when existing schools are at 120 percent of their capacity.

Exhibit C-2

For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2017

199 Data Control Data Codes Control REVENUES 5700 Codes Local and intermediate sources 5800 State program revenues REVENUES 5900 program revenues 5700 Federal Local and intermediate sources 5020 Total revenues

5800 State program revenues 5900EXPENDITURES Federal program revenues 5020Current: Total revenues

General Fund

Issuance costs and fees Capital outlay: of revenues 1100 Excess (deficiency) 0081 Facilities acquisition and construction over (under) expenditures 3,251,139 Intergovernmental: FINANCING SOURCES (USES)services between schools 0091OTHER Contracted instructional 7914 proceeds 3,073,438 0099 Loan Other intergovernmental charges 7915 Transfers in 555,094 6030 Total expenditures

1200

Net change in fund expenditures balances over (under)

Excess (deficiency) of revenues

OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) 7914 proceeds 3000 FUNDLoan BALANCES - ENDING 7915 Transfers in 8911 Transfers out 7080 Total other financing sources (uses)

Debt Service Fund

699

(80,750) 3,547,782 6,798,921

24,524,948 $ 31,323,869

Total Nonmajor Funds

Capital Projects Fund

Debt Service

6,649,859 184,160 54,058,339

0073

Transfers out Total other financing sources (uses)

699

599

$ 47,224,320 $ 13,950,242 $ Fund 321,510 General Fund 6,649,859 283,160 7,005 184,160$ 47,224,320 - $ 13,950,242 249,641 54,058,339 14,233,402 578,156

Instruction 25,752,687 Instructional resources and media services 415,644 EXPENDITURES Curriculum 863,496 Current: and instructional staff development Instructional leadership 599,111 Instruction School leadership 2,226,925 Instructional resources and media services Guidance, counseling, and evaluation services 1,055,062 Curriculum Health services and instructional staff development 326,284 3,612,003 Student transportation Instructional leadership Food service School leadership Cocurricular/extracurricular activities Guidance, counseling, and evaluation services 1,845,699 General administration 1,985,447 Health services 5,935,146 Plant maintenance and operations Student Security and transportation monitoring services 174,577 Food serviceservices Data processing 968,372 Community services 19,792 Cocurricular/extracurricular activities service: administration 0041DebtGeneral 0071 long-term debt 1,566,903 0051 Principal Plant on maintenance and operations 0072 Interest on long-term debt 64,757 0052 Security and monitoring services 0073 Issuance costs and fees 0053Capital Data processing services outlay: 0061 Facilities Community services 41,062 0081 acquisition and construction Intergovernmental: Debt service: 0091 services between schools 2,916,983 0071 Contracted Principalinstructional on long-term debt 0099 Other intergovernmental charges 437,250 0072 Interest on long-term debt 6030 Total expenditures 50,807,200

8911 7080

599

199

0011 0012 0013 0021 0011 0023 0012 0031 0013 0033 0034 0021 0035 0023 0036 0031 0041 0033 0051 0034 0052 0035 0053 0061 0036

Fund balances - beginning

DEMOCRATS

Continued from pg. 1

Dripping Springs Independent SchoolSchool District District Dripping Springs Independent

0100

Who’s planning to run for Lamar Smith’s open seat?

DSISD Bond: District eyes May 2018 election

Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes inStatement Fund Balances - Governmental Funds in the Fund Balances - Governmental For Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2017 Funds

1100

see Smith go, Democrats need to stay focused on this winnable district which will be a critical part of gaining back control of the U.S. House next year,” McFadden said. “We cannot swap one out of touch, corporate backed politician for another. We need real representation in Central Texas,” McFadden said.

Eric Burkhart, who so far is the only Republican to file for the TX-21 seat, said Smith served District 21 “with honest dedication and forthright leadership.”

“I do not agree with Lamar Smith on every issue,” Burkhart said. “I am a strong supporter of term limits, which I believe will return functionality and accountability to Congress. I’m pleased that Rep Smith made the decision to retire, and I’m grateful for his years of service to the people of District 21.”

283,160 14,233,402

25,752,687 415,644 863,496 599,111 2,226,925 1,055,062 326,284 3,612,003 - 1,845,699 -

Total Governmental Total Funds

Nonmajor

Capital

$Projects 3,472,499 Funds Fund $ 64,968,571 111,951 7,051,975 $ 1,641,846 321,510 $2,075,647 3,472,499 5,226,296 74,096,193

7,005 249,641 578,156

------

1,450,978 19,478 109,146 3,256 22,226 279,061 28 209 2,364,492 568,473 139 9,087 11,869 69,007

-

-

1,985,447 6,570,000 5,935,146 7,957,650 174,577 11,750 968,372 19,792 -

-

-

38,031,074-

-

1,566,903 64,757 14,539,400 -

6,570,0007,957,65038,031,074 11,750

4,907,449

(37,452,918)

38,031,074 318,847

-

41,062 (305,998) 2,916,983 437,250 50,807,200

-

(305,998) 3,251,139

38,031,074 (301,999) (301,999)

(37,438,436) (305,998)

13,196,070

3,073,438 $ 12,890,072 555,094 (80,750) 3,547,782

-

14,482 14,539,400 14,482

-

4,995,469-

-

27,203,665 435,122 972,642 602,367 1,450,978 2,249,151 19,478 1,334,123 109,146 326,312 3,612,2123,256 2,364,492 22,226 2,414,172 279,061 1,985,586 28 5,944,233 186,446 209 2,364,492 968,372 88,799 568,473

139

8,136,903 9,087 8,022,407 11,869 11,750

-

69,007 38,072,136 2,916,983 437,250 108,285,123

-

(34,188,930)

-

3,073,438 569,576 4,907,449 (382,749) 3,260,265

16,848 (30,928,665) (37,452,918) 318,847

42,433,905 $

-

111,951 1,641,846 5,226,296

1,449,346 $

81,604,269

- $ 50,675,604 14,482 (301,999) 14,482 (301,999)

1,466,194

Dripping Springs High School is projected to reach 120 percent capacity by 2020.

DSISD officials project Dripping Springs, Walnut Springs and Sycamore Springs Elementary Schoools will exceed 120 percent by 2022.

In this potential bond, Cogburn said she projects funds being used for a new elementary school, an expansion of the high school and other renovation projects.

Cogburn said the potential bond may include a new district administration building, Exhibit which sheC-2 said could be a better fit than the school building the district currently occupies.

The district has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) withTotal the city of Dripping Springs for the construcGovernmental tionFunds of the Town Center.

The project is a complex to include a new $ 64,968,571 city 7,051,975 hall, library and district administration 2,075,647 building on the plot of 74,096,193 land where the current administration building stands, said Keenan Smith, architect on the Tax27,203,665 Increment Rein435,122 vestment Zone (TIRZ) 972,642 during his committee, 602,367 presentation.

If 2,249,151 the city council and 1,334,123 district approve of the 326,312 the district TIRZ project, would still be respon3,612,212 sible2,364,492 for the cost of the district administration 2,414,172 building, Gearing said.

1,985,586 One of the advantages 5,944,233 to the186,446 district for being part of Town Center is 968,372 that the TIRZ project 88,799 would pay for portions of the infrastructure 8,136,903 costs, such as roads and 8,022,407 other needs, Gearing said. 11,750 In the circumstance that38,072,136 the plan does not go through, he asked 2,916,983 the committee address437,250 ing the administration 108,285,123 building to consider a plan for a stand-alone building.

The committee is (34,188,930) expected to meet next at Dripping Springs Elementary 3,073,438 School on Nov. 13.

569,576 (382,749) 3,260,265

One potential bond amount for a May 2018 election

$87.32 MILLION

Second potential bond amount for a May 2018 election

$92.14 MILLION

Bond amount approved by DSISD voters in May 2014

11,032

Dripping Springs ISD’s projected student population in 2025

6,231

Dripping Springs ISD’s projected 2017 student enrollment

2020

Year Dripping Springs High is projected to reach 120% capacity

2022

Year Dripping Springs, Walnut Springs and Sycamore Springs elementary schools are projected to reach 120% capacity

Thursday, November 9, 2017

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

OBITUARY ANNIS Kathryn L. Annis, 65, passed away peacefully at her home in Dripping Springs on October 30, 2017.

She was born June, 9, 1952 in Austin, Texas to Jean and Leon Annis.

Kathryn is survived by her daughter, Jennie of Scottsdale, Arizona; a brother, Bobby Annis of Austin, Texas; a niece, Tracy Annis of San Antonio, Texas; a nephew, Kevin Halfmann of Austin,

Texas; and 1 greatnephew and 4 greatnieces, all of which were very close to her heart. She is preceded in death by her mother and father and her brother Danny Annis.

As per Kathryn’s wishes, services will not be held. Those wishing to extend sympathies may mail them to 18245 N. Pima Road, #3048, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

In lieu of flowers, although she loved them dearly, please make memorial contributions in her name to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be made at www. cookwaldenforestoaks. com.

Page 3

Fly like a bird with micro naps

BY JERRY HALL

D

on’t look now, but bird migration is well underway.

We are located on the central flyway and birds are passing overhead in increasing numbers, headed south to warmer weather. Hawks, falcons, kites, shorebirds, hummingbirds, orioles and warblers – all take note when temperatures fall and head south.

It’s quite amazing how young birds, such as sanderlings, only recently born in Arctic areas of Canada, know exactly what path to take to wind up in warm climates for the winter. And most of this migrating is done at night, with birds stopping to feed during the day.

How do they stay

awake on long night flights? Interestingly, birds have developed a system that allows them to “sleep” without actually shutting down like humans do. They take “micro naps” that allow them to catch up on sleep.

These naps last about 30 seconds to a minute and are taken throughout the day. They allow the bird to rest alternate sides of their brain and the corresponding eye.

This allows many of the benefits of regular sleep without the unconsciousness that would make the bird vulnerable to predators.

People sometimes use the phrase “bird brain” in a negative manner – obviously, a bird’s brain is really quite amazing.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JERRY HALL

Migrating geese instintively know where they need to be during the cold months.

HOT Funds: City distributes monies for tourism Continued from pg. 1

used for roads or infrastructure.

In the application for the funds, which had to be submitted to the city council by Aug. 4, organizations are required to state how many visitors were expected to attend the event and how many were going to be staying overnight at a hotel, motel, or bed and breakfast, according to the city’s website.

The Visitors Bureau, a private nonprofit organization, received the most funding with $135,000 because of the

amount of promotions it provides on behalf of the city, Gina Gillis, city treasurer said.

In the agreement between the Visitors Bureau and the city, the funds are to be used for operational costs like salaries, utilities and administrative costs.

It is also meant to be used for advertisement and other publications that attract visitors from at least 75 miles of the city limits.

Pam Owens, president and CEO of the Visitors Bureau, says the city has

County Commissioners Continued from pg. 1

icy, has been endorsed by skyrocketing debt and Whisenant, according to high taxes, according to a a press release. press release.

Smith has served on McFerrin, who a variety of community attended the Wesleyan leadership positions School of Law after including the Dripping discharging from the Springs Education Air Force, said he plans Foundation Board to oppose Shell on the of Directors and county’s debt ceiling and Leadership Dripping its high tax rate.

Springs Steering “I offer my Committee. candidacy as He also a conservative has served as choice for voters convention to end the tricks delegate for the our county has Hays County been playing Republican Party. with effective tax “I’m ready rates,” McFerrin to roll up my said. sleeves and fight McFerrin is the MCFERRIN for our county’s first candidate future. My focus to file against will be on low Shell, who was property taxes, appointed to conservative the Pct. 3 seat budgets, safer after former roads and commissioner highways, top Will Conley filed quality public to run for County safety, and a Judge. vibrant local Shell, also economy,” a Republican, JONES said Smith in a graduated from statement.

San Marcos High Meanwhile, a longtime and went on to Texas county official and a A&M, where he received political newcomer have his degree in Mechanical already tossed their hats Engineering. into the ring for the Pct. 3 He currently serves commissioner’s seat. as the president of Colin McFerrin, a U.S. the San Marcos Hays Air Force veteran and County EMS board of Texas A&M graduate directors and is on the from Wimberley, has filed steering committee for to run as a Republican the Greater San Marcos candidate for the Pct. Partnership’s Vision 2020 3 seat against acting plan. commissioner Lon Shell.

The deadline to file for McFerrin, who the 2018 election is Dec. announced his 11. Primaries for the Nov. candidacy Nov. 6, chose 2018 election will be held to run due to the county’s in March.

w

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Dripping Springs Ranch Park

The Visitors Bureau, a private nonprofit organization, received the most funding with $135,000 because of the amount of promotions it provides on behalf of the city, Gina Gillis, city treasurer, said. a built in audience every weekend due to the weddings that are held in the area.

According to destinationdrippingsprings. com, the area hosts over 3,500 wedding a year.

Another draw to the area is the trifecta of

1042 Event Center Dr., Dripping Springs, TX From Hwy290 go north on RR12 for 2 miles For more information call 361-289-2256

Bell Springs Winery.

The winery is part of the Dripping Wine Trail that connects Bell Springs Winery with Westcave Cellars Winery and Hawk’s Shadow Winery, all within 20 miles of each other.

Another recipient of

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wineries, breweries and distilleries, Owens said.

For Bell Springs Winery, at least half of their visitors are people from out of town looking for an escape in the Hill Country, said Carrie Conwill, winery experience manager at

HOT tax funds is the Dripping Springs Ranch Park, which received $90,000 dollars to go toward paying off debt for its construction.

The Friends of the Pound House received $2,500 dollars to purchase and install new wall paper for the Pound House.

Whether paying off debt, or infrastructure improvements, Fischer said the funds can only be used if the end result is to bring visitors who will stay overnight in the city.

Sunday Morning

11:00 AM

Sunday Worship

5:45 PM

Wednesday Meal

6:30 PM

Wed TouchPoint

A Family of Faith...

SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries

www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org

(512) 894-0480

4000 E. HWY 290

St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Mass Schedule

Rev. Charlie

Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.

corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs

Garza, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m.

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

512-858-5667

www.stmartindp.org

Page 4

News-Dispatch

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Sports Tigers top Medina Valley on senior night

BY REED GRAFF

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Johnny Hoyle catches a 13-yard pass from quarterback Trevor Greenman and lands in the end zone for a Tiger touchdown as Medina Valley’s Dante Henry defends on the play. The score and PAT by Nathan Koch gave the Tigers a 28-0 lead at the half.

BE THERE

An outright district championship is almost in sight for the Dripping Springs Tigers.

By virtue of a dominant 41-0 win over the Medina Valley Panthers on senior night Friday, Dripping Springs (9-0, 6-0) earned at least a share of the 26-5A crown with one regular season game left.

But from the get-go Friday, both Dripping Springs and Medina Valley’s defenses came to play.

That was solidified by a frenetic sequence involving four straight fumbles on the first four drives of the game.

Dripping Springs eventually found its equilibrium to take the first swipe.

Tiger junior running back Jake Cox found the end zone to give Dripping Springs a 7-0 first quarter lead.

Cox ran for 74 yards on 6 carries with a touchdown in the first quarter alone. He finished the game with a team high 113 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 12 carries.

The Dripping Spring defense continued to dominate, never allowing the Panthers any big plays offensively.

On the flip side, Cox continued to pound

Dripping Springs take on Marble Fall Nov. 10 at Marble Falls High to secure the outright 26-5A championship.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

out yardage, and senior quarterback Trevor Greenman and senior wide receiver Johnny Hoyle linked up in the passing game.

Cox’s second touchdown of the game gave the Tigers a 14-0 lead.

On the ensuing Panther drive, Tiger junior defensive back Tanner Prewitt intercepted a screen pass and returned it for a 36-yard touchdown to give Dripping Springs a 21-0 lead.

Greenman then dissected the Medina Valley secondary and tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass to Hoyle to extend the Tigers’ lead to 28-0 at halftime.

The Tigers hit the ground running in the second half as Greenman hit senior wide receiver Curtis Raymond in the end zone to cap off a 6 play, 54 yard drive.

Dripping Springs led 35-0 and never looked back from there.

Medina Valley was unable to get anything going offensively, gaining only 208 yards offensively.

Dripping Springs’ final score of the game came via a 34-yard touchdown from quarterback Ryan Davenport to senior Taylor Ponton.

With the win, Dripping Springs improved to 9-0 for the first time since 2008, and locked up a share of the district championship for the second straight year.

Greenman went 7 of 10 with 136 yards and 3 touchdowns. Tiger junior Parker Alford led the team in receptions and receiving yardage with 62 yards on 3 catches.

Senior Johnny Hoyle had 2 catches for 51 yards and a touchdown.

Both senior Taylor Ponton and senior Curtis Raymond also caught touchdowns.

“It’s always hard to win on Friday nights in Texas, so every win is special. It was great to do it on senior night,” Zimmerman said.

Dripping Springs could secure the outright 25-6A championship with a road win over Marble Falls Nov. 10.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Marble Falls High.

Tigers hit regionals after Warrior sweep

BY MOSES LEOS III When the Dripping Springs Tigers needed a momentum boost Nov. 2, they held a block party to get in the groove.

An imposing presence at the net, along with critical points scored at key junctures, pushed Dripping Springs to a 25-17, 25-22, 25-16 area round playoff win over the Victoria West Warriors at Gonzales High.

The Tigers leaned heavily on senior Graceyn Tippens who supplied 14 of the team’s 38 total kills in the match.

Tippens said the Tigers worked on maintaining as much energy as possible and tried to play at a consistently high level.

“Sometimes we struggle with energy. That was a change in our game,” Tippens said. “From the start during warmups, we had a ton of energy and we wanted to absolutely kill it. We wanted to have confidence and not be too nervous.”

However, a handful of aggressive mistakes kept Dripping Springs from racing off with the first set.

Strong play from Victoria West kept the match close at 13-10 in the initial frame.

Dripping Springs

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Dripping Springs Tigers celebrate after the final point was scored in a win over Victoria West Nov. 2.

responded by closing the set 12-7, anchored by the play from Tippens and Madison Certain, who had seven kills in the match.

Michael Kane, Dripping Springs head volleyball coach, said he was okay with the early aggressive mistakes, as he felt the physical play of his front row players could help them overcome a deficit.

“I’m okay with falling behind a little bit so that we can recover from it.

And we did,” Kane said.

“We withstood that for the first three points. We stayed in system and went

from there.”

The Tigers employed that strategy in the second set when Victoria West rallied from an early hole to take a 16-13 lead. Aiding the Warriors were a handful of Tiger passing and attacking errors.

But three straight points scored off of blocks by the Tiger front line, followed by an ace from Maddie Berkholz, gave the Tigers a 17-16 advantage and the momentum.

Dripping Springs took that momentum into the third set and imposed its will to end the match.

Kane said the Tigers “outphysicaled” the Warriors to close the second set. He felt the Dripping Springs front line, which secured six blocks total in the match, created problems for Victoria West.

Tippens said the Tigers’ middle blockers were able to close on Victoria West attackers and were able to halt cross court kill attempts.

“It was a momentum changer. We had lost a little energy there,” Tippens said. “That gave us the energy to pull through and finish the set.”

As the Tigers march on in the playoffs, Kane said the expectations of a deep run continue to take root.

However, he also felt the Tigers are somewhat under the radar, despite winning six straight district titles.

It stems from a competitive Region IV, which harbors perennial powerhouses such as Tuloso-Midway.

Playing with a heightened intensity is what Tippens believes could spur the Tigers forward.

“We’re going to play with the same intensity and confidence and we’ll keep going, no matter what,” Tippens said. “We’ll definitely go for everything and not give up.”

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LAGNIAPPE patriotic music and recognition of veterans. Other planned activities are listed below, with starting times and locations: Dripping Springs Middle Nov. 9, 10 a.m., front of school. Students from choir, and, and dance will perform.

Guest speakers: Retired Col. Robert Garland, Air Force, and Retired Col. David Parks, Air Force chaplain.

Lunch will be provided to veterans at 11 a.m. in the cafeteria.

Dripping Springs Elementary Nov. 10, 8 a.m., B-Gym. Guest speakers: Ronnie “Shorty” Barnett, Commander VFW 2933/Navy Veteran and Chad Fleming Retired Army Captain. Students will read poetry and sing patriotic songs.

Rooster Springs Elementary Nov. 10, 8:30 a.m. (preK-

Continued from pg. 1

2nd), Cafeteria and 9:30 a.m.

(3rd–5th), Cafeteria. Students will share reflections and sing patriotic songs. Speaker TBA. A reception for veterans also will be held starting at 7:30 a.m. in Room C102.

Walnut Springs Elementary Nov. 10, 8-8:30 a.m., Gym. Fifth-grade students will read essays and perform patriotic songs.

Sycamore Springs Middle Nov. 10, 10:30-10:55 a.m., Gym. Guest speaker: Retired Col. Robert Garland, Air Force. Students will sing and band will perform patriotic songs. A banner created with student thank-you notes will be displayed and presented to Local VFW. Dripping Springs High Nov. 10, 11:20 a.m., Main Gym. Patriotic music will be performed by band and choir students. Guest speaker: Retired Col. Robert Garland, Air Force

Xanadu Jr. at DSMS

Dripping Springs Middle School will present “Xanadu Jr.” Nov. 9-11 in the DSMS Cafeteria.

“Xanadu Jr.” is a musical adventure that follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek Muse, Kira, who descends from the heaven of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, Calif., in 1980.

There, Kira is on a quest to inspire a struggling young artist, Sonny, and embarks on a hilarious adventure filled with romance and chaos. Curtain time each night is 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door: $10 for adults and $5 for students.

DS Women’s Club

Come join the Dripping Springs Women’s Club for Holiday Design with Camp Lucy at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 15. Camp Lucy’s very talented chef, florists, event planners, and designers will provide creative ideas for a successful holiday season. Tours of Camp Lucy offered. Lunch reservations required. Contact womenofds@gmail.com.

Attracting pollinators

Join The Dripping Springs Community Library on Nov. 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. to get the 411 on pollinators. The

“Attracting Pollinators” presentation will give the attendee the tools to create, in their home landscape, an environment that will support a wide range of pollinators throughout the growing season. Key points to be discussed include: 1. Why is pollination important and how is it threatened?

2. What environmental factors are important to pollinators and how can you enhance their habitat?

3. Which Pollinators are attracted to what plants in your garden?

Joseph Blanford, Hays County Master Gardener, lives in Driftwood where he currently raises antique roses, day lilies, peach trees and raised bed vegetables where he experiments with heirloom and old varieties rich in phy-

tonutrients. Joe is a long term member of the Hays County Speakers Network and presents on “Defensive Deer Gardening” and Attracting Pollinators”.

Chapel in the Hills Holiday Bazaar

On Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Women’s Guild of Chapel in the Hills will host a Holiday Bazaar. Come early and shop for Christmas ornaments, decorations, wreaths and centerpieces, decorated table-top trees, handcrafts, jewelry, holiday baked good, and so much more. 14601 Ranch Road 12, across from Dairy Queen. 512-847-9762

Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Holt

WE BUY

Continued from pg. 1 had it “in them to run the race they ran,” but couldn’t have imagined all of the athletes setting new personal records.

“It’s kind of your dream as a coach. Their fitness is at a peak at the state championships,” Parks said. “For them to do that, to have their best performance at the state championships, you can’t ask for anything better.”

Parks said she believed the senior class from two years ago helped mold the current crop of Tiger runners.

What it ultimately came down to was the right mix of chemistry; the right attitudes to go along with the level of talent helped the program as a whole excel in 2017.

“It (cross country) is a team sport made up of individuals, but the chemistry has to be there, where they’re all thinking the same way and have the same goal in mind,” Parks said.

That cohesive and collective goal was put to the test for the boys team right from the opening gun. Parks said the idea was to stay in the front pack by the time athletes hit the first mile.

With the level of talent at the state meet, Parks said runners must find their groove within the first mile. Once they go beyond that point, it can be hard for runners to advance, Parks said.

Holt said he knew it was going to be a fast paced race. He stayed with the top-20 runners for the first mile and a half before he began to move forward. Holt said he used the hills to “pick people off.”

“When I saw him at a mile, he looked great,” Parks said. “When I saw him at two miles, there was separation. When it clicked with 1,000-meters

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PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Dripping Springs Tiger juniors Danielle Schroeder (2278), Emeline Arnold (2272), and freshman Caroline Russey run around a bend toward the final stretch of the Class 5A state cross country meet in Round Rock.

“It’s kind of your dream as a coach. Their fitness is at a peak at the state championships ...

For them to do that, to have their best performance at the state championships, you can’t ask for anything better.”

– Marisa Parks, Dripping Springs head cross country coach

to go, he turned on the jets.”

The ability to compete at a high level all season long is what Parks felt was a driver for success for the cross country program.

Thank you to all of our WAGala sponsors, donors and supporters!

We can’t do our work without you...

It helped the Tiger girls cross country team reach state for the fifth straight year in a row.

Despite a 16th place finish Saturday, Parks said most of the runners set personal records.

“We can’t control everybody else, but what we can control is if we have our best day, and we did that,” Parks said.

“I kept reminding them they are 16th out of hundreds of schools.”

Tiger senior Izzie Guerrero, who completed her first year on the varsity level, said finishing the season at state was an amazing accomplishment.

“There are a lot of girls who don’t make it to state totally healthy or set a personal record,” Guerrero said. “It’s amazing all seven of us got here healthy and trained to get a PR. I’m proud of everyone.”

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Steadfast Supporters Cypress Creek Animal Hospital, P. C. u U. S. Flag & Flagpole Supply LP Wimberley Veterinary Clinic Loyal Companions Denny McCoy and Boo Beath u George Ann Moseley Jane Little and Cara Wernli u Jim and Vivian McDonald Karla McGillivray, Realtor; Coffman Real Estate Broker & Associates Sheila and Walter Umphrey Faithful Friends Ozona Bank u Wimberley Feed & Pet Supply Animal Advocates Cissy Bondurant u River House u Sunset Canyon Veterinary Clinic In-Kind Donors Aloe Skin & Body and Son of a Sailor u Ambiente Wine Importing Inc. Barbara Reitz u Bell Springs Winery u Bob Cook Photography Catherine Lee, Artist u Cindy Powell u Christi Clyburn u Cissy Bondurant David and Linda Jacobson, Wildflower Art Gallery Dripping Springs Vodka and Gin u Elodie Brown u The Find Boutique Gil Bruvel, Artist u Goodie Two Shoes u Hays City Store u Hog Heaven Hye Meadow Winery u Jan Fitzhugh, Arbor Gate Studio Jeff Davis u Jessica Bennett, Gracious Ladies Julee Reslewic u Kathy Utts Kim & Richard Van Pelt, Blue Bottle Studio Kip Moore u Lake Austin Spa Resort Larry & Kristi Broadway, In Style Accessories u Lydia Johns Mary Olivia Mcintosh Fine Art u Mandy Wright, Yellow Pear Inc. Nancy Carney u Prow'd House Bed & Breakfast u Pam Couch Real Ale Brewing Company u Rennie Meriweather Rolling in Thyme and Dough u Sunset Canyon Veterinary Clinic Texas Hill Country Olive Oil Company u Tito's Handmade Vodka Tom Bender Images u U. S. Flag & Flagpole Supply LP Vivian McDonald u Whim Hospitality u Wimberley Fitness Word of Mouth Catering The mission of Wimberley Adoption Group & Rescue (WAG Rescue) is to come to the aid of abandoned, neglected, unclaimed and surrendered dogs and puppies in and around the Wimberley area and western Hays County.

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Tigers say no to dating violence

Lady Tigers KO Champion in three

Tiger football tops Champion

page 3

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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVIII No. 4

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Baylor Scott and White opens

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News-Dispatch

STAFF REPORT PHOTOS BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY

News-Dispatch

Songwriters Festival strikes a chord in Drippin’ Springs The strains of Americana, Bluegrass and more hit Mercer Street in Buda for the 4th annual Dripping Springs Songwriter’s Fesrtival, which took place this past weekend. Over 40 performers played across six stages in the downtown Dripping Springs area. A packed house listens intently as Jefferson Clay, Wes Collins, Paul Renna and Mike P. Ryan perform on stage at Hudson’s on Mercer during Saturday’s Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival. Inset, Cari Ray takes the stage during the final day of the threeday Dripping Springs Songwriter’s Festival. Her musical styles ran the gamut of traditional American music with a little helping of blues. See more photos online at HaysNewsDispatch.com.

Hays County begins work on $131M road bond projects 6

STAFF REPORT

The Hays County Commissioners Court is moving forward with the development of County Roadway and State Highway Systems projects identified in the November 2016 bond referendum.

Progress has already begun for a handful of Hays County projects, including safety improvements on U.S. 290 in Dripping Springs at Holder Lane and Trautwein Road. Officials have also begun with design and construction of a shared-use path between Belterra Drive and Cool Spring Way along Sawer Ranch Road in Dripping Springs.

In the Wimberley area,

290

HAYS COUNTY ROAD PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

DRIPPING SPRINGS

1. FM 621 - Safety improvements from CR 266 (Old Bastrop Highway) to Crystal River Parkway.

2. FM 3237 - Safety improvements from Hays City Store (intersection of FM 150 and FM 3237) to RM 12 (similar to work previously accomplished along FM 2325 between Jacob’s Well Road and Wimberley and along RR 12 1626 between San Marcos and the Junction at RR 12/ 5 RM 32 intersection).

BUDA 4 3. FM 2001 - Extension, safety improvements, and realignment of existing roadway beginning at White 3 2 Wing Trail and terminating at SH 150 2770 21, to include the incorporation of portions of Graef and Rhode roads into the State Highway 8 System.

KYLE 4. FM 967 - Safety improvements from I-35 to the Union Pacific Railroad crossing.

5. FM 967 - Safety improvements at Buda Sportsplex Drive, Hays CISD third high school, 21 and Oak Forest Drive intersections.

SAN MARCOS 6. US 290 - Safety improvements at the Trautwein Road and Holder Lane intersections.

1 7. FM 3237 and RM 12 - Intersection improvements at Winters Mill Parkway.

9 8. FM 150 - Design of realignment of FM 150 from west of Arroyo Ranch Road to I-35 (at Yarrington Road).

9. FM 110 - Design of an overpass at the intersection of FM 110 and SH 123.

Earlier this week, Baylor Scott and White announced the grand opening of its newest primary care clinic. Baylor Scott & White Clinic – Austin Southwest opened its doors Oct. 16, to serve Oak Hill and Dripping Springs residents.

The 4,200 square-foot clinic provides services including family medicine, on-site X-ray and laboratory services. The Austin Southwest clinic will help build on the quality medical care the largest not-for-profit health care system in the state is providing in the area through its four medical centers and more than 20 clinics spanning Travis, Hays and Williamson counties.

Recently, Baylor Scott and White constructed a new clinic in Kyle near the Hays CISD performing arts center.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to provide care for Oak Hill and Dripping Springs residents with this new primary care clinic that’s close to home,” said Chris Kriczky, director, clinic operations, Baylor Scott & White – Austin / Round Rock Region. “Patients receiving medical care when and where they need it remains at the forefront of our minds as we’re selecting and planning new clinic sites.”

Name _________________________________________________________ 1826

150

12

2325

967

Address _______________________________________________________ LAGNIAPPE Zip_________

7

3237

WIMBERLEY

32

Tiger Theater presents ‘Much Ado’

Home Phone No. __________________________________ county officials have also begun the process for improvements along FM 3237 from the intersection of FM

12

Dripping Springs High School will present William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” Oct. 27-30 in the DSHS Auditorium.

The theater department has built an entirely new playhouse within the frame of the DSHS auditorium stage, bringing the audience closer to the production.

The show features a talented company of actors and technicians in a classic 16th Century comedy. Curtain times on Friday, Saturday and Monday will be 7:30 p.m.; there also will be a 2:00 p.m. show on Sunday, Oct. 29. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and may be purchased in advance on the www.dshstheatre.com homepage or at the door.

Email _________________________________________________________ ROAD WORK, 2

Transportation services get a boost with federal grant money

o Check Enclosed o Charge credit card

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Progress in mobility across Central Texas was made earlier this year when the Texas Department of Transportation allocated $20.8 million in federal grants to improve transportation services for rural populations in Texas.

The Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) was one of the recipients of a portion of the total grant money allowing it to supplement its rural transit fleet with

Dana Platt, community services director, said currently CARTS transports more than 300,000 passengers annually in a 7,200 square mile, ninecounty area around Austin.

will be added to the fleet as Country Buses, which is a flex service providing rides locally to anyone who makes a reservation in advance.

Platt said the Country Bus is ideal for seniors, disabled individuals or anyone else requiring special assistance for curb-tocurb transportation throughout the CARTS district.

CARTS also has its medical transportation buses, the Interurban Coach, Metro Connector, Municipal Bus,

St. Martin de Porres Fall Festival

Credit Card # _________________________________________________ 20 new buses.

CARTS serves the non-urbanized areas of Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Travis and Williamson counties and the San Marcos urbanized areas. Routes within CARTS include

those to the Wimberley area.

Dana Platt, community services director with CARTS, said the additional 20 buses brings the organization’s fleet to more than 100.

The 20 new buses

On Sunday, Oct. 29, join St. Martin de Porres Parish for its annual

Exp. Date____ /_______ 3# Security Code _________________________ CARTS, 2

LAGNIAPPE, 3

Amount $ _____________________________________________________ Signature _____________________________________________________

Hays & Travis Counties 3 Years ____$115.00 2 Years ____$77.00 1 Year ____$42.00

Out of County ____$161.00 ____$107.80 ____$58.80

Over 65? Take 10% off!

Out of State ____$170.50 ____$111.60 ____$62.00

Mail check and form to 113 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640 to begin receiving the number one newspaper serving Dripping Springs, Wimberley and surrounding communities.

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