Wimberley wastewater woes continue
Tigers outpace Tivy 54-40
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S.M. man gets 75 years for murder
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News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 10
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
page 6
75¢
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Driftwood man indicted in fatal 2016 wreck BY MOSES LEOS III
A Driftwood-area teen faces a felony burglary charge after authorities suspect he broke into a Wimberley residence Feb. 26 and stole a safe containing multiple electronic devices. Following his arrest for burglary of a habi-
tation, authorities also served Derek Dienst, 19, of Driftwood, with three total indictments, one for intoxication manslaughter, stemming from his role in a fatal 2016 wreck on FM 150. According to the affidavit, Hays County Sheriff’s deputies received an offense report Feb. 26 from a
Wimberley couple who said their residence was burglarized. Items taken were a safe containing two gaming systems and an Apple laptop. The safe also contained more than $1,000 in cash and jewelry. According to the affidavit, authorities determined the point of entry was a sliding glass door on the
patio in the back of the home; three latent fingerprints were recovered from the door. On May 6, authorities determined the fingerprints found on the door was the right little finger of Dienst. In early November, HCSO officials interviewed the homeowners, who said they did not know Dienst
Christmas on Mercer
and that he had no “legitimate” reason to be at their home that day. Wes Mau, Hays County District Attorney, said county officials also served Dienst with the indictments during his burglary arrest. A Hays County Grand Jury in August indicted Diesnt on one count of in-
toxication manslaughter. a second-degree felony, and two counts of intoxication assault, both third-degree felonies, relating to a 2016 single-vehicle wreck near Driftwood. The News-Dispatch reported Dienst as the driver of a Ford Explorer that was
MANSLAUGHTER, 2
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Bill Johnson, owner of the historic Halifax and 6F ranches and whose land could be affected by the project, said he opposes the pipeline as it encroaches on land that has been nearly untouched for generations.
Locals ready to fight 450-mile gas pipeline
Company says it builds to exceed environmental rules BY MOSES LEOS III As Houston-based company Kinder Morgan moves ahead on a proposed 430-mile underground natural gas pipeline that could bisect Hays County, local landowners worry the project could harbor a negative environmental impact. Bill Johnson, owner of the historic Halifax and
PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Live music, shopping and even Santa and his assistants took to Mercer Street in Dripping Springs last weekend for the annual Christmas on Mercer event. Hosted by the Dripping Springs Lions Club and the city of Dripping Springs, the event culminated with the lighting of the city Christmas tree on the Triangle.
LAGNIAPPE Vintage Market Days in Dripping Vintage Market Days of Greater Austin will be at Dripping Springs Ranch Park Dec. 7-9. The event is an upscale vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. For more information about hours and admission, visit www. VintageMarketDays.com
Emily Ann Trail of Lights
Emily Ann Theatre in Wimberley will be hosting a Trail of Lights now through Dec. 28. The event site will be open 6 to 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and 6-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free but donations are greatly appreciated.
Polar Express comes to Kyle
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the Kyle Depot Dec. 8. They will be accompanied by the Lehman High School Theater Group, who will perform Polar Express at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
6F ranches and whose land could be affected by the project, said he opposes the pipeline as it encroaches on land that has been nearly untouched for generations. “I’m very upset about the idea of them coming to something that’s treasured and sacred as the Hill Country and coming through with a
GAS PIPELINE, 6
Fatal San Marcos apartment fire set intentionally BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
The samples from the scene were sent to the ATF An “intentional incendi- national laboratory where ary act” is what authorities extensive testing has ocat a Nov. 30 press confercurred to trace the source ence say was the cause of of the fire. the deadly July 20 Iconic Investigators said the Village apartment fire in fire violated both state San Marcos, which killed and federal laws; however, five people and displaced authorities were unable to more than 200. answer how the suspect The San Marcos Fire will be charged until more Department and the information is present. Houston Field Division Hays County District of the Bureau of Alcohol, Attorney Wes Mau said his Tobacco, Firearms and Ex- office is not yet involved plosives (ATF), which was with the investigation until leading the investigation, a suspect is found. Mau are now offering a $10,000 said he has worked on inreward for any informacendiary cases in the past, tion leading to the arrest of but not of this magnitude. a suspect. Investigators, however, ATF Special Agent Fred did not release additional Milanowski said the inves- information at this time. tigation, which involved That includes information multiple agencies includon how and where the fire ing an ATF special unit was set. team which worked on the Milanowski said he can Austin Bombing investi“definitively” state that no gation, is still on-going. arrest has been made at Investigators are asking the the time. public for any tips regard“Right now it’s just not ing the fire. appropriate to talk about “ATF is classifying this evidence in a criminal fire as incendiary,” Milainvestigation,” Milanowski nowski said. “That means said. “ it was intentionally set. The Iconic Village Fire, That means this is a criminal investigation now.” SAN MARCOS FIRE, 2