Dec. 1, 2016 News-Dispatch

Tigers continue win streak

Angels hold up charitable legacy

State sales tax revenue tops $2B

page 4

page 3

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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVII No. 9

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

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Thursday, December 1, 2016

Stall Wars: State rep joins Christian group in toilet fight

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

news@haysfreepress.com

The debate over transgender student bathroom use within Dripping Springs ISD was rekindled Monday as a local state representative and a nonprofit Christian group opposed the district’s current policy.

Jonathan Saenz, president of Texas Values,

and State Representative Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) held a joint press conference in Dripping Springs outlining their disapproval of DSISD’s policy regarding transgender students and bathroom use.

Saenz said the DSISD board of trustees had let down the community by refusing to be transparent over the policy.

Earlier this year, a

Members of the community on both sides of the argument addressed the issue during a two-hour public comment period at a September board meeting.

firestorm of controversy was ignited after it was discovered a Walnut Springs Elementary transgender student, who was born male, was

allowed to use the girls restrooms with stalls on the campus.

Members of the community on both sides of the argument addressed

the issue during a twohour public comment period at a September board meeting.

Dripping Springs ISD trustees did not address the topic at that time.

The district, however, released a statement that said its policy “prohibits unlawful harassment or discrimination against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin

or disability.” The district said in the statement administrators handle individual students’ requests for bathroom accommodations on a case-by-case basis.

“Concerned parents have showed up to school board meetings to ask that this issue be publicly addressed and they have been turned down,”

BATHROOMS, 2

Sawyer Ranch homes move ahead

Fire ravages mobile home in Dripping Springs

BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ news@haysfreepress.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH HAYS COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

No one was injured early Tuesday after a fire ravaged a mobile home along Miller Lane in Dripping Springs.

According to North Hays

LAGNIAPPE Christmas on Mercer

This annual event will feature an old-fashioned holiday celebration on Mercer Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3 with live music and entertainment, arts and crafts booths, kids games and activities, a trackless train and pony rides, photos with Santa Claus and more. The annual Lighting of the Tree will be held at the Triangle

LAGNIAPPE, 7

County Fire Chief Scott Collard, the occupant of the home called 911 around 4 a.m. Tuesday regarding a garage with smoke and flames showing.

When emergency units arrived, they discovered the garage was enveloped in fire and that it had spread into the home.

“Our crews determined that all occupants were out and accounted for and (they) attacked the fire inside of the house,” Collard said.

Approximately 30 firefighters with 13 apparatus responded to the scene. The Buda Fire Department provided mutual aid

assistance, while the San Marcos Hays County EMS provided rehab services and monitored the safety of firefighters.

The Red Cross is currently assisting the displaced family.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Collard said the home is close to a total loss.

Tiger player looks ahead to athletics after amputation

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

S

ome of the toughest decisions most teenagers face extends to what they’re going to have for lunch or who they’ll sit next to in class.

Following a serious car accident earlier this year, Dripping Springs High junior football player Trey Aldridge made the decision to have his leg amputated below the knee.

As Aldridge continues his path toward recovery, support from not only his teammates but also from the Dripping Springs community continues to pour in.

“It’s been hard, but there’s been a lot of support from the community and my friends,” Aldridge said.

“It’s not as hard as I thought it would be. It seems a little less hard.

But it definitely wasn’t easy.”

Aldridge, along with one of his friends, was returning from a hunting trip in South Texas on Oct. 1 when the accident occurred on U.S. Highway 290.

A concept plan for a proposed subdivision in the Dripping Springs extraterritorial jurisdiction along Sawyer Ranch Road was approved by the Dripping Springs City Council earlier this month.

Rick Coneway, Dripping Springs director of public works and development, said the Burba Tract subdivision will house 73 singlefamily lots that range from one to 2.6 acres each. The entire property will be over 100 acres in size.

“The tract is located in the contributing zone

SAWYER RANCH, 8

Federal overtime rule changes on hold

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

news@haysfreepress.com

ALDRIDGE, 5

COURTESY PHOTO

Dripping Springs High football player Lantz Milam sits in the lap of Trey Aldridge as Beaty Camden (left) pushes Aldridge’s wheelchair prior to Saturday’s third round playoff game at Alamo Stadium in San Antonio. Aldridge, who made the decision to amputate his lower leg following a serious car accident, has received support from his teammates and the Dripping Springs community. (courtesy photo)

Hays County area small business owners breathed a sigh of relief Nov. 22 when Texas Judge Amos Mezzant of the U.S. District Court of Eastern Texas filed an injunction against new overtime rules that were scheduled to go into effect Dec. 1.

According to a press release, Mezzant filed the injunction because the Department of Labor effectively created a “salary test,” which, according to him, is exceeding its authority.

The order for the temporary injunction will hold until further court review. According to the release, the injunction has received support from multiple state governments that

OVERTIME, 7

Page 2

News-Dispatch

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Where do the votes come from?

Eastern Hays County cities see disproportionate voter turnout

PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com EDITOR Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com

REPORTER Samantha Smith news@haysfreepress.com

PRODUCTION David White Christine Thorpe ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack tracy@haysfreepress.com Pam Patino ads@haysnewsdispatch. com Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES David White paper@haysnewsdispatch. com News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4 and Christmas by Barton Publications, Inc., 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640.

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Thursday, December 1, 2016

STAFF REPORT The Buda and Kyle areas are becoming more influential in county elections, an analysis of data from this year’s general election shows.

Compared to eight years ago – the last time there was also an open election for president and a year when there was, like this year, a county-wide bond election on the November ballot – the percent of total voters who came from the county seat in San Marcos fell sharply while both Buda and Kyle upped their percentage of the total vote.

The Dripping Springs area and the Wimberley area both stayed about the same, but declined slightly as a percentage of the county vote.

Reflecting the county’s population surge, many more people are now registered in each community – 31 percent more in the Dripping-Driftwood area, 32 percent more in the Wimberley Valley, and 34 percent more in San Marcos and its suburbs.

But registration numbers in Kyle and its surrounding subdivisions have grown 53 percent since 2008, and in the greater Buda area, 72 percent.

Where different communities meet on a map

Percentage of votes for Trump and Prop. 1 Area

Trump %

Prop 1 %

Core city of San Marcos

30.1

59.3

Rural - suburban SM

53.7

56.2

Kyle Old Town and East

40.5

50.6

East of Buda

40.9

50

Buda and West

56.8

49

Wimberley

58.3 51.1

Dripping Springs - Driftwood

59.7

it can be hard to judge where all the residents of a voting box should be apportioned, but by any measure Kyle and Buda are showing political muscle.

Turnout numbers – those residents who actually voted rather than just registering – also show Buda and Kyle increasing in strength faster than other communities in the county. Turnout in the Kyle area increased the most – 66 percent over 2008 – followed by the Buda area (58 percent increase).

Turnout in the voting boxes from the Wimberley and Dripping Springs-Driftwood areas each grew about 19 percent. Turnout in San Marcos area voting boxes – where growth has been fueled in many areas by young apartment dwell-

44.9

ers and college students — actually fell from 2008.

Despite its relative decline in strength, the area around the county seat in San Marcos still voted more total citizens than any other part of the county, even while its percentage of the total vote shrunk, as has been happening now for decades.

San Marcos registered more people than any other part of the county over the last eight years, in raw numbers – but the increase was less than half the percentage increase in the Buda area. What’s more, when it comes to influencing elections, San Marcos turnout lagged far behind high-percentage turnout areas like Dripping , Wimberley and the rural areas around Driftwood.

Though growing at a

In Wimberley, more than 70 percent of voters went to the polls, and in parts of the DriftwoodDrippings area that number climbed to 80 percent or higher. slower pace in registrations and the number of new people voting, the county’s most affluent neighborhoods – in the western Hill Country, stretching down FM 150 and FM 967 to the outskirts of Kyle and Buda – continue to vote in disproportionate numbers, exaggerating the size of their populations.

Despite big growth in population and even registrations and new voters, the percentage turnout in the county’s two largest cities – San Marcos and Kyle – continues to be much lower, especially in voting boxes with large numbers of young people and more modest homes or apartments, including

many traditional Latino neighborhoods.

The percentage of registered voters who voted on election day (even though higher this election in many parts of the Kyle area) generally ranged from about 40 to about 50 percent east of Interstate 35 and in San Marcos boxes with high numbers of young people. By comparison, voters in the mostly white, mostly affluent neighborhoods of the Hill Country were more likely to cast ballots. In Wimberley, more than 70 percent of voters went to the polls, and in parts of the Driftwood-Drippings area that number climbed to 80 percent or higher (86 percent in Goldenwood).

The city of Buda also voted in heavy numbers (74 percent), with voter turnout in Buda area neighborhoods along FM 1626 and FM 967 almost that high. Turnout in the “old town” areas of Kyle, by comparison, was 52 percent, and in the Uhland-Green Pastures area east of Kyle and along the Caldwell County line, an area dotted by mobile home subdivisions as well as newer stick-built homes, only four in 10 registered voters went to the polls.

if they didn’t allow transgender children to use the bathroom of their choice.

Other residents, including a nurse and Sunday school teacher, chastised the DSISD school board for not taking the issue directly to parents in the first place.

“It’s a human right to feel safe and secure,” one

speaker said against the school district teaching Christian children contradictory lessons regarding gender.

Saenz said parents and Texas Values want a voice in the policy discussion and have pursued an open records request for the DSISD’s current policy on bathroom and shower use for students and staff.

Bathrooms: Local state rep joins in the fight Continued from pg. 1

Saenz said.

Isaac took the podium to support Saenz and the parents who came out to speak against the school district’s current policy.

“I’m in close discussions with the Lieutenant Governor about this and I believe we will see a bill of legislation about this whether it’s from me or someone else,” Isaac said.

Cassandra Adams, a Dripping Springs resident and mother, spoke at the press conference and admitted she was “disappointed” with the DSISD’s lack of transparency on an issue important to conservative parents.

Adams claimed that

“I’m in close discussions with the Lieutenant Governor about this and I believe we will see a bill of legislation about this whether it’s from me or someone else.”

–State Rep. Jason Isaac

the DSISD school board was violating their students’ “rights, dignity and safety” by using clever “word play” and allowing transgender children to use either girls or boys bathrooms depending on identity.

Saenz voiced his support of the school district offering transgender children a private bathroom to use, which he said was the

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original solution. Saenz added the district was threatened with a lawsuit

Thursday, December 1, 2016

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Page 3

Stitching smiles at Kyle Correctional

BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ news@haysfreepress.com

A

new program offered at the Kyle Correction Center allows offenders who are preparing to return to civilian life the chance to give back to their community.

Stitch-a-Smile, a program that was instituted earlier this year, teaches offenders how to crochet stuffed animals, which are then donated to the community.

“This is something I’ve wanted to start for a while now,” said Deanna Branham, warden of the Kyle Correctional Center.

“I am a firm believer in giving one’s self as a way of healing one’s self. This program is the perfect blend of that.”

The goal of the program is providing toys to children in need. The toys are also donated to local women’s shelters, children’s hospitals, and possibly even foster children.

Many of the offenders residing in the correctional center do not have the custody level required to be able to go out and perform community service. The program allows them to give back to their community in an alternative way.

Sixty-nine offenders currently participate in the program, which is open to anyone in the correctional facility.

“The offenders at our facility are six months from release back into the community,” said Branham. “It is crucial that they understand the importance of paying it forward and giving back to the community.”

Donations from Stitch-a-Smile will go to Blue and Brown Santa programs put on by the local police and sheriff’s departments. “(Kyle Police Chief) Jeff

“This is something I’ve wanted to start for a while now ...

I am a firm believer in giving one’s self as a way of healing one’s self.

This program is the perfect blend of that.”

–Deanna Branham, warden of the Kyle Correctional Center

Barnett gave the green light for his officers to keep some of the stuffed animals in patrol cars for children on emergency calls,” Branham said.

“Our customer, Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) - Private Facilities Division, approved the program a month or so ago,” Branham said. “We have about four volunteers and many employees that have donated their time to come in and teach the offenders how to do the basic crochet stitches and how to read a pattern.”

Stitch-a-Smile primarily runs off of donations from the community.

The Hays Hill Baptist Church accepts yarn donations of any color on behalf of the program.

“We were able to obtain enough supplies to get the guys started, but we could always use donations of yarn,” Branham said. “Once they get the hang of it, I believe they will start going through lots of yarn.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KYLE CORRECTIONAL CENTER

The Stitch-a-Smile program that was instituted earlier this year at the Kyle Correctional Center teaches offenders how to crochet stuffed animals, which are then donated to the community.

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See Solution, pg. 7

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMBER’S ANGELS

Amberlyn Fett, the founder of Amber’s Angels, in December of 2010 with a cart full of gift bags for hospitalized children at Dell Children’s Hospital.

Legacy lives on through local nonprofit

BY WAYLAND D. CLARK

News-Dispatch Contributor

I

n November 2011, Amberlyn Fett, 22, lost her lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis.

However, her legacy of caring and giving and the charity she created lives on.

Fett, who spent many

Christmases in the hospital for treatment, saw firsthand children who had no one there and no present to open. For this reason, Fett founded Amber’s Angels during her freshman year at Dripping Springs High School. Since it’s beginning, and again this year,

AMBER’S ANGELS, 6

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Garza, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m.

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

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Page 4

News-Dispatch

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Sports

Tigers continue historic season

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

It didn’t take long Saturday for the Dripping Springs Tigers to make the dream of playing December football a reality.

A 35-point first quarter outburst foreshadowed Dripping Springs’ lopsided 69-35 win over the Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots at Alamo Stadium in San Antonio.

Dripping Springs (121) advances to play the Richmond Foster Falcons (13-0) in the Regional Final round of the Class 5A, Division I playoffs at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Reaching the fourth round marks the deepest playoff run in program history.

But for head coach Galen Zimmerman, avoiding complacency while celebrating history is the focus as an unbeaten Foster program awaits.

“It’s a good feeling (to make history), but I don’t want to be complacent,” Zimmerman said. “It’s a situation where I want (the players) to enjoy themselves, but I don’t want them to be satisfied.”

Zimmerman said getting off to a fast start was the goal for the Tigers entering Saturday’s game.

Dripping Springs didn’t waste time in accomplishing its mission when they stole possession from the Patriots on the opening kickoff.

Two plays later, Tiger running back Teo Brinckmann broke through for a 19-yard touchdown run

“It was great.

The offensive line was opening up big holes for us ... We had to get going we wanted to bring it to them and show them we could run the ball.”

-Teo Brinckmann, Tiger running back

to give Dripping Springs a 7-0 lead.

Dripping Springs continued the onslaught, and seized momentum, on its ensuing drive when Tiger quarterback Reese Johnson tossed a 79-yard touchdown pass to Reed Beverly.

The Tigers held a 14-0 lead roughly three minutes into the game.

Dripping Springs closed the first half by taking a commanding 56-13 lead at intermission. The outburst was aided by four touchdown plays of 30 yards or more.

Zimmerman said he was pleased with “how many guys got involved early” and that the Tigers could “spread the ball around” the field.

Johnson, who went 7 of 10 for 206 yards passing and three touchdowns,

assisted Dripping Springs’ offense, which gained 620 total yards in the game. He was helped by running backs Brinckmann and Jacob Cox, who combined for 153 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Zimmerman said Johnson and the Tiger offense thrived on giving what the Patriot offense gave them.

“We weren’t focusing in on one thing. We were able to move it short, long and run the football,” Zimmerman said. “They read the defense and did a good job. If they took something away, we were going with something else.”

Brinckmann credited the offensive line for success on the ground.

“It was great. The offensive line was opening up big holes for us,” Brinckmann said. “We had to get going we wanted to bring it to them and show them we could run the ball.”

On defense, Dripping Springs limited Patriot quarterback Benito Salazar to 233 yards and three touchdowns in the game.

Zimmerman said preparation during the week helped the Tiger defense ready themselves for the Patriots’ air attack.

“Our kids were fast.

They were locked in and knew what was coming,” Zimmerman said. “It’s easier to play because you can play fast and know where to be.”

The Patriot offense rallied back to life in the third frame.

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Sophomore Jacob Cox broke away from several tackles, including this desperate effort by Veterans Memorial’s Giovanni Grimaldo, on this 31-yard touchdown run to give the Tigers a 28-7 lead with 4:43 in the first quarter.

Guided by the arm of Salazar, Mission Veterans outscored Dripping Springs 14-3 in the third quarter. Highlighting the

Patriot’s comeback were a pair of touchdown passes from Salazar to wide receiver Jacob Guerrero.

But even as Mission

Veterans stormed back into contention, Dripping Springs continued to stay

TIGER FOOTBALL, 5

Texans fall to Gobblers in third round STAFF REPORT

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Wimberley senior Colby Crowder runs after catching a pass in the win against Sinton last week. Friday night at Heroes Stadium in San Antonio, Cuero held Crowder to three receptions for 20 yards. Hayden Krebs, a sophomore, caught 11 passes for 146 yards, including the Texans’ only score on a 39-yard pass from quarterback Jo Jo Weeks. Cuero (13-0) ended the Texan (10-3) season with a 28-7 win.

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A trio of touchdowns scored by running back Trey Miles allowed the Cuero Gobblers to defeat the Wimberley Texans 28-7 in Friday’s regional quarterfinal playoff game at Heroes Stadium in San Antonio.

Wimberley’s defeat marks the third straight year the Texans’ season was brought to a close in the third round of the playoffs.

After a scoreless first quarter, Cuero gained the upper hand via a Miles 46-yard touchdown run in the second frame.

Cuero held a 7-0 halftime lead before the Texans rallied back.

A 39-yard third quarter touchdown pass from Texan quarterback JoJo Weeks to wide receiver Hayden Krebs tied the score at 7-7 early in the third frame.

Cuero, however, plowed ahead for 21 unanswered points scored in the final 18 plus minutes of the contest.

Weeks went 21 of 33 for 205 yards and one touchdown. Krebs finished with 146 receiving yards on 11 receptions, while running back Thomas Carruthers tallied 23 rushing yards.

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Thursday, December 1, 2016

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Page 5

Education Comments focus on bathroom policy at DSISD board meeting

BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ news@haysfreepress.com

A dispute over a Dripping Springs ISD bathroom accommodation allowing a transgender male student at Walnut Springs Elementary to use female facilities continued during public forum at Monday’s board of trustees meeting.

Although the item was not up for discussion on the agenda, various members of the community gathered to express their opinions on the decision to allow the transgender student the ability to utilize the facility of their choosing.

Multiple parents spoke out against the accommodation. One concerned parent said their rights as parents “had been violat-

ed and neglected by the school board, who passed this policy without any open discussion.”

“Parents were deprived of the opportunity to have this conversation with their children at their home,” one mother of three DSISD students said. “Students that were confused about the transition were left without parental guidance to help them understand why the change happened.”

Jonathan Saenz, attorney and president of the Texas Values group, approached the board arguing against the accommodation as well, citing various examples of past issues with transgender bathrooms in the state that created controversy.

“This is not the first time this issue has come up in the state of Texas.

“The misconception that created the fighting is that ‘[DSISD] has changed their policy.’ That’s not true. It’s an accommodation.”

–Dale Whitaker, DSISD Communications Director

It’s been voted on in Houston; that policy went down 61-39,” Saenz said.

“It was repealed in Fort Worth after the school district got itself in some trouble by violating state law.”

However, a few community members spoke in favor of the school board’s decision, stating that “[they] applauded the way the district has handled the issue,” and “wished that there was more focus on safety in regards to transportation,” specifically reduc-

ing the speed limit near Hwy 290.

While the accommodation, which was made back in September, has been met with controversy, DSISD Communications Director Dale Whitaker said it’s not a “blanket policy that applies to the whole district.”

“[DSISD] reviews these on a case-by-case basis, looking at the age of the student, the campus, and other factors before granting an accommodation,” Whitaker stated.

As for the lack of communication about the accommodation on the part of DSISD, Whitaker said making such information known to the public would be a violation of federal law.

“It’s part of (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). A district can’t talk about individual kids receiving accommodations. Accommo-

dations fall under a large umbrella of difference issues, such as special education,” said Whitaker.

FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.

“If a student were receiving dyslexia services, we wouldn’t be able to share information on that student to the public,” said Whitaker. “The misconception that created the fighting is that ‘[DSISD] has changed their policy.’ That’s not true. It’s an accommodation.”

Aldridge

Continued from pg. 1 Aldridge said one of his first memories following the collision was being extricated from the vehicle. For Aldridge, it was a surreal moment.

“I told myself, ‘this has to be a dream. This isn’t real. There is no way it happened,’” Adlridge said.

“When it hit me it did, I was kind of in a panicked state. I wasn’t sure what to make of it.”

Jesse Aldridge, Trey’s father, said he received a call around 9:30 p.m. regarding the accident.

He and his family were informed that Trey had been transported with an open fracture of the ankle to St. David’s Hospital in Austin.

Trey went through a surgery to repair the injury that evening, then went through two additional surgeries over the next few days, Jesse said. During that time, Trey said many of his teammates and Dripping Springs athletic coordinator and head football coach Galen Zimmerman visited him.

“He’s part of our team.

Helping him out is an expectation. A couple of his best friends are offensive lineman with him,” Zimmerman said.

But doctors informed Trey and his family that saving his foot meant going through several more surgeries. There also wasn’t a guarantee he would have mobility in his foot.

The second option was to amputate the leg below the knee. The caveat, however, meant the chance to have a more active lifestyle.

Allowing Trey to make the decision was an important factor for Jesse and his family.

After gathering all available information, Trey chose to amputate.

“There was definitely a lot of excitement.

They said with working hard that I could get back (on the football field) ... But I’m also losing a part of my leg. It was in between exciting and depressing.

It was a hard choice to make for sure.

It wasn’t an easy choice.”

–Trey Aldridge

“There was definitely a lot of excitement. They said with working hard that I could get back (on the football field),” Trey said. “But I’m also losing a part of my leg. It was in between exciting and depressing. It was a hard choice to make for sure. It wasn’t an easy choice.”

Following the surgery, Trey went through rigorous physical therapy sessions.

He was eventually released from the hospital Nov. 3. It allowed Trey to prepare to join his teammates in the final game at Tiger Stadium the next day.

“There’s no way to describe how excited I was,” he said. “Coaches and

Tiger Football Continued from pg. 4

a step ahead. They did so as the Tigers dipped deep into their bench.

Zimmerman said it was beneficial for many of the younger players to get a chance to see action in the postseason.

“Getting kids in the game with some extra practice and playoff-type football, hopefully it pays dividends in the years to come.”

Dripping Springs’ gaze now centers on a Richmond Foster offense

that’s scored 182 points in three playoff games.

Zimmerman said working on “relaxing and playing football” is what the Tigers will talk about prior to the game.

For Brinckmann, having the chance to extend a piece of history was a gratifying moment.

“We knew if we didn’t do our job, it wouldn’t go our way. But we knew what we had to do,” he said. “We came in here and got it done.”

players were giving me hugs and high fives. It was so exciting, I almost broke out in tears.”

Finding a suitable prosthetic leg that would support Trey on and off the field is the focus. Such a leg, however, would cost roughly $17,000.

The community, led by Cindy Reynolds, started a gofundme to assist the Aldridge family with the expense.

Jesse was thankful for the support given by the community. He has confidence Trey could regain his mobility, and perhaps one day return to the football field.

Zimmerman lauded Trey for having a mature attitude toward a difficult situation.

While Trey aspires to return to the field next fall, he was struck by the outpouring of support.

“Dripping Springs is an amazing community. I would have never thought there was this much support,” Aldridge said.

“Dripping Springs is a great place to live.”

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Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, December 1, 2016

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Amber’s Angels

Public Notices

Continued from pg. 3

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

age appropriate Christmas gift bags will be provided to children of all ages hospitalized at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin.

Gift bags will also be taken to the pediatric unit at The University of Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio. It was there Fett’s life was saved and extended by a little over two years after receiving her double-lung transplant. Before her passing it was Fett’s wish

HOW TO HELP

Donations may be made by check to Amber’s Angels P.O. Box 1220 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 For more information or to donate online visit the web site: www.ambers-angels.org. All donations are fully tax deductible.

to “Pay It Forward” by honoring these hospitals and the children who are there.

Each year through donations, and with help from hard working family members and vol-

unteers, the non-profit 501(c)(3) is able to continue providing gift bags to hospitalized children.

Over the years their efforts have touched the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of children.

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Centex Storage Dripping Springs, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 59 of Texas Property Code, shall conduct a public sale of the contents of the storage room(s) listed below in Dripping Springs, Texas, Telephone #512-858-4178, on the date shown below to satisfy a landlord’s lien. All sales will be for cash to the highest bidder. All successful bidders shall take possession and remove the contents of the room immediately. Centex Storage reserves the right to reject any bids and to withdraw any items from such sale.

DATE: December 6, 2016 TIME: 10:00 a.m.

LOCATION: 26552 Ranch Rd 12 NAME(S): William Hopkins; Michael Sanders CONTENTS CONSIST OF: Mattresses; head/foot board; coffee table; dresser; chest of drawers; bed frame; rocking chair; stroller; car seat; Mickey Mouse swing; high chair; child’s basketball hoop; bike; child’s picnic table; children’s books; gas heater; misc. boxes, totes, and bags.

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LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a BG Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit by MC3 Brewing LLC dba The Barber Shop, to be located at 211 Mercer, Dripping Springs, Hays County, Texas. Officers of said corporation are John C McIntosh III (manager) and Dave Niemeyer (manager).

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a BG Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit by Mercer Entertainment District LLC dba The Mercantile, to be located at 207 Mercer, Dripping Springs, Hays County, Texas. Officers of said corporation are John C McIntosh III (manager) and Dave Niemeyer (manager).

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Thursday, December 1, 2016

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Page 7

Tire Blowouts

Retail trade, restaurants carry state sales tax in November STAFF REPORT

Texas state sales tax revenue topped $2.29 billion in October, which was a slight 0.2 percent increase from the same month in 2015, according to a press release.

Glenn Hegar, Texas comptroller, said opposing trends in consumer and business spending resulted in slight growth in revenue.

“Continued declines in collections from minting, manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors, reflecting the subdued level of drilling for oil and natural gas production, were offset by significant gains from retail trade and restaurants,” Hegar said in a statement.

According to the release, state tax revenue for a three-month period ending in October fell by

Tire failures and tread separations are more common during the hot summer months. Many manufacturers scrimp on materials and market defective tires, which may result in catastrophic roll-overs or crashes. If you or a loved one have been injured by a defective tire or in a roll-over, call us for professional insight.

2.1 percent compared to the same period in 2015.

Sales tax revenue, according to the release, is the largest source of state funding for the budget, which accounts for 58 percent of all tax collections.

Motor vehicle sales and rental taxes, motor fuel taxes and oil and natural gas production taxes also are large revenue sources for the state.

Texas collected $396 million in motor vehicle sales and rental taxes in October 2016, which was a 4.6 percent dip from a year previous.

Also falling were oil and natural gas production taxes, which fell by 6.9 percent from October 2015.

But the state collected $299 million in motor fuels taxes in October 2016, which constituted a 2.1 percent rise from the same month in 2015.

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“It’s All About HTRanch The Girls”

Texas Angus Cow Herd Dispersal Ed Yeo: 330-770-4895 Thursday, December 8 • 10 AM Gretchen Yeo: Buffalo Livestock Market, Buffalo, Texas 330-360-2164 Approximately 775 Head Sell! yeofarms@cboss.com Watch the sale and bid live online at LiveAuctions.tv and SuperiorClickToBid.com.

Visit Bit.ly/HTRanch for video of cattle selling.

Overtime: Judge files injunction

Yeo 3.39x2 bw-TX Press.indd 2

Continued from pg. 1

are arguing against an increase they believe could harm employers.

The rules would have doubled the federal salary for full time employees to receive overtime pay from $23,000 to $47,476. Those changes meant small businesses that pay employees based on hours worked might have to cut hours or even cut staff to meet the new standards.

J.R. Gonzales, managing director of the Buda Area Chamber of Commerce, said the injunction could be good for small business owners who now have more time to prepare themselves for the salary increase without negatively affecting their staff.

“This is a good thing. It gives people the time they need to examine the law and make adjustments if needed,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales admitted that when he first saw the announcement scroll across his Twitter feed, he thought it was a hoax.

After some research, he found out the injunction delays the new salary

“This is a big win for the small business community ... It will give employers time to look at the proposed new overtime rules and make beneficial changes so they don’t lose their employees.”

– Julie Snyder, CEO, Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce

increase until a later date, most likely next year.

“People can look at the long-term economic effects and business owners will have more time to plan and adjust,” Gonzales said.

Julie Snyder, CEO of the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce, also said the delay in the new legislation was a benefit to small businesses.

“This is good news for us,” Snyder said.

Snyder said a speaker at the KACC monthly luncheon said the injunction only delayed the salary increase instead of disbanding it.

“This is a big win for the small business commu-

nity,” Snyder said, “It will give employers time to look at the proposed new overtime rules and make beneficial changes so they don’t lose their employees.”

Snyder suggested that one way of doing this was for employers to coordinate with their Human Resources department or a certified public accountant (CPA). Employers could adjust employees; salary and/or hours to include the overtime pay, instead of cutting the employees hours entirely.

Vicky Lewis, owner of Mazama Coffee House in Dripping Springs, was unconcerned about the possible rule change in

the New Year. She believes that no matter how high the increase, her business will not suffer.

“The majority of my employees are part-time college students,” Lewis said, “We are very careful with scheduling and very rarely do we have employees working overtime except for special events.”

Even with a new location set to open later this week, Lewis was confident her staff and business would continue to thrive into 2017.

“Whether the rule goes into effect or not, I don’t see any impact to my business at this time at either location,” Lewis said.

Even with the news of the new overtime rules delay, Gonzales is hopeful that Buda businesses will continue to operate smoothly with the help of the chamber.

“As a Chamber it’s our job to make sure that businesses stay open and staffed and that the local economy stays strong,” Gonzales said.

Enjoy more than 100 lighted exhibits created

by Wimberley businesses and organizations at this annual trail Nov. 26-Dec. 29. Roast a marshmallow at the Yule Log, listen to live music and meet Santa. Get details at emilyann.org

Sights and Sounds

Enjoy four full evenings of holiday festivities at San Marcos Plaza Park Nov. 30-Dec. 3.

Highlights include carnival rides, arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, local school performances and a food court.

Budafest

Buda’s annual Christmas celebration will be held Dec. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Meet Santa, enjoy family-friendly activities and do some local holiday shopping.

See budafest.org for more information.

HERE!

Market to your community by advertising in the News-Dispatch.

Call (512) 268-7862 or email ads@haysnewsdispatch.com to start your ad today.

Texas Crossword Solution, from pg. 3

MINERAL RIGHTS

Continued from pg. 1

EmilyAnn Trail of Lights

See your ad

WE BUY OIL, GAS, &

Lagniappe

at 6:15 p.m. Christmas carolers representing local churches and schools will serenade with heart-warming, traditional Christmas Carols at the tree lighting ceremony.

11/15/16 2:21 PM

First Thursday

From 5-9 p.m. Dec. 1, businesses on Dripping Springs’ Mercer Street and Old Fitzhugh Road will welcome customers with specials, giveaways and live music for all to enjoy at participating merchants. First Thursday is a monthly event featuring downtown businesses who are alive after five.

Caregiver’s Support Group Meeting

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

Winter’s Eve

On Dec. 10, enjoy live entertainment in the big tent and throughout Wimberely’s downtown shopping district, plus food, refreshments, live music and shopping.

Santa arrives at the Wimberley Cafe at 6 p.m.

See www.wimberleymerchants.com for more information.

Homespun Holiday

It’s free fun for the whole family at this annual Pound House event! On Saturday, Dec. 12 from 12-2 p.m., join the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead for photos with Santa, Christmas book readings, crafts, holiday refreshments and more. For more information, call 512-858-2030 or visit www.DrPoundHistrocialFarmstead.org.

Family Hike at Charro Ranch Park

Gather up the whole family to get outside and enjoy nature at its best with a community hike at Charro Ranch Park set for Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Come and explore the trails on your own or join Sarah Maxwell with “Hike It Baby” as she leads a hike around the park (1.5 miles) at 10:15 a.m.

The trails are considered stroller friendly (jogging type strollers) so bring the little ones. A free shuttle will be availablefromTwisted X Brewery from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Both non-producing and producing

Starlight Symphony Orchestra

Celebrate the holidays with the Starlight Symphony Orchestra’s performance of “All I Really Need to Know I Learned from the Symphony - Warm Cookies & Cold Milk.” The orchestra will perform 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17 at the Hays PAC and Dec. 18 at the Wimberley First Baptist Church.

Wimberley Market Days

On Saturday, Dec. 3, from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. head to the Lions Field in Wimberley for this free monthly event featuring locally made goods and live music. Work on your holiday shopping at one of the largest outdoor markets in the area. For more information visit shopmarketdays.com.

Nar Anon Family Group

Dripping Springs Nar Anon Family Group will meet beginning Dec. 6, at the DS United Methodist Church on Ranch Road 12 in the annex building behind the church every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. All newcomers are welcome.

including Non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI)

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PUBLIC AUCTION

OWNER: JERRY RUSH, SYCAMORE SPRINGS RANCH

Tues., Dec. 19, 2016 | STARTS @ 9:41 A.M. Location: 12754 S 442 Rd l Locust Grove, OK 74352

5TH WHEEL CAMPER, ALUMINUM CATTLE TRAILERS, HORSE TRAILERS, EASY HAUL SEMI TRAILER, ENCLOSED TRAILERS, TRUCKS, 4-WHEELER & EQUIP., STORAGE CONTAINERS, HORSE BUGGIES, CATTLE, CATTLE PANELS, ARENA EQUIPMENT, SHEET METAL, GUNS & MORE Directions: From Jnct Hwy 82/Cherokee Turnpike go 5 miles south on Hwy 82 to 442 Rd then south ¼ mile, auction on the right. Or from Tahlequah, OK take Hwy 82 north approx. 19 miles. Watch for auction signs, lots of pasture parking.

Auctioneer’s Note: Don’t miss this public auction offering you surplus from all aspects of the business! This is a must see auction lineup offering trucks, trailers, equipment and more. Don’t overlook the guns and sheet metal! Cattle will be sold last. Don’t be late – not a lot of small items! For pictures visit our website @ www.chuppsauction.com or find us on Facebook.

Terms: Cash – Credit Cards – Check with Proper ID – OK Sales Tax Applies unless exemption is shown. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS. ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS DAY OF SALE SUPERSEDES PREVIOUS ADVERTISING.

For full item list, more info & pictures visit www.ChuppsAuction.com

CHUPPS AUCTION CO.

Stan Chupp | (918) 638-1157 Dale Chupp, Realtor | Century 21, NEOKLA (918) 630-0495 E. J. Chupp | (918) 639-8555

Page 8

News-Dispatch

Give an owl a home

BY JERRY HALL

News-Dispatch Contributor

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Free UN F HE FOR T

E WHOILLY! M A F

T

he most common owl in our area is the eastern screech-owl.

It is a bird that many people try to attract with houses. Generally, to be successful, these houses should be about 15 feet high and in a wooded neighborhood. Don and Nan Perkins of Wimberley and Cara Wernli and Jane Little of Woodcreek have all had success with owl houses.

The eastern screechowl ranges across the entire eastern half of the United States. It has two different vocalizations – a long, shrill trill and a series of quavering whistles descending in pitch. The quavering call sounds a little like a horse neighing.

Just eight inches tall, this little owl nests in tree cavities and old woodpecker holes. It readily accepts nest boxes.

The most nocturnal of owls, screech-owls do most of their hunting in the first hours after dark, eating everything from large insects to small mammals and an occasional bird. They are

Saturday December 10, 2016 • 12-2pm Take your photo with Santa next to the covered wagon Enjoy holiday refreshments Christmas book readings Make and Take Pioneer Ornaments Tour the Pound House and see all the Christmas Decorations Conveniently located in Founders Park, (1/3 mile north of 290 on RR 12).

512.858.2030 or poundhouse@verizon.net www.drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org

NEWS-DISPATCH FILE PHOTO

Eastern screech owls can be found around many areas of Hays County.

frequent bathers and also plunge into shallow water for crayfish and small fish.

As with other owls, screech-owls are sometimes “mobbed” on their

daytime roosts by jays and flocks of small songbirds.

Many birders imitate the call of a screech-owl to lure other species into view.

closing on the land and moving forward with committing engineering and surveying resources for the preliminary plat.

The subdivision will require a waiver from the council to bypass the minimum lot size, which for the proposed subdivision is 1.5 acres.

The applicant is seeking to have lot sizes that could be as small as 1 acre.

“A justification for this waiver is the adjacent

property (Highpointe) was developed under a Consent Agreement with much smaller lot sizes than 1.5 acres,” Coneway said.

“Another justification is the reduction in the minimum lot size does not compromise water quality.”

Since the proposed plan was approved, the developer will be able to proceed with the preliminary plat and waiver request.

Sawyer Ranch Continued from pg. 1

of the Barton Springs portion of Edward Aquifer near the entrance of the Highpointe Subdivision,” Coneway said.

Water for the area will be provided by the West Travis County Public Utility Agency while wastewater treatment and disposal will be through individual septic systems.

The concept plan was submitted to the council by the developer of the property prior to

Budafest

2016

Downtown Buda

Dec. 3-4 Parade Saturday 10 a.m.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fun Music Crafts Rides Vendors Visit Santa!

Budafest proceeds are distributed to non-profits in and around Buda.

ANNOUNCING A NEW ADDITION TO OUR FAMILY Welcome Seton Family of Doctors – Women’s Health!

At Seton Southwest, we deliver – everyday.

The OB/Gyn specialists of Seton Family of Doctors join our expert team of caregivers to deliver personalized care in a welcoming environment for moms and newborns.

Seton Family of Doctors – Women’s Health

Seton Southwest Health Plaza II 7900 FM 1826, Suite 205 Austin, TX 78737

For appointments, call 512-324-9290.

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