December 7, 2017 News-Dispatch

Businesses cash in on light installations

Local driver rounds the NASCAR circuit

Texans advance to regionals

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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVIII No. 10

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

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75¢

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Community mourns first San Marcos police officer killed in the line of duty

BY MOSES LEOS III

A “hero” who always provided for his family, even if it meant working on his day off, was how San Marcos Police Chief Chase Stapp tearfully described the qualities of officer Kenneth Copeland Monday.

Stapp, along with the San Marcos and Hays County communities, all mourned the loss of Copeland, 58, who tragi-

cally became the first San Marcos Police officer to be killed in the line of duty.

Stapp said Copeland was supposed to have been off Monday, but chose to pick up a shift to help the department. Copeland is survived by his wife and four children.

On Tuesday, multiple media reports identified the suspect in the shooting as Stewart Thomas Mettz, 51, of San Marcos. However, records show Mettz has

not been booked into the Hays County Jail as of press time.

“He worked even on his day off COPELAND to provide for his kids, and because he knew we were shorthanded,” Stapp said.

Copeland, a veteran of

the force and a longtime law enforcement officer, was fatally wounded while he was serving a warrant in the El Camino Real community in south San Marcos off Highway 123.

Stapp said Copeland and several other San Marcos Police officers were serving a warrant to a man wanted for a “violent crime.”

Shortly after arriving at the residence, the suspect, who still has not been

identified, began to fire a weapon at officers in an “ambush” style. Copeland was stuck several times and was quickly extricated from the scene by fellow officers.

Copeland was immediately rushed to Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos in a police car.

Stapp said officers tried to save Copeland’s life while he was being transported to the hospital.

Copeland, however,

was pronounced dead at 3:50 p.m. by Hays County Justice of the Peace JoAnn Prado. Copeland was wearing his protective vest, but Stapp said it “did not save him.” Stapp added he didn’t believe the bullets penetrated his protective vest.

After Copeland was transported from the scene, San Marcos Police officers set up a

FALLEN OFFICER, 2

Strike 3 sends Austin man to 60 years in prison

s a m t s i r h C at on Mercer

STAFF REPORT An Austin man was sentenced to 60 years in prison after he was convicted of a felony methamphetamines arrest in 2016, which triggered ALLSUP the state’s habitual offender, or three strikes, law.

Wayne Allsup, 46, was convicted of felony methamphetamine possession by a Hays County Jury last week.

Testimony at the trial, which began on Nov. 27, established that on June 24, 2016, Allsup was stopped by the San Marcos Police Department after a 911 call from a concerned citizen who reported Allsup’s vehicle driving erratically on Interstate 35.

Hundreds took to downtown Dripping Springs for the 13th annual Christmas on Mercer event, which was held Saturday on Mercer Street. The event was hosted by the Dripping Springs Lions Club and the city of Dripping Springs. At right: Dressed as the Grinch and aided by his trusty canine companion, local realtor Scott Davies entertains the crowd at the annual Christmas on Mercer event held on Mercer Street in Dripping Springs. Inset: Bodhi (left) and Wylder Supak show off their bright smiles as they pose for a photo with Jolly Old St. Nick himself Saturday at Christmas on Mercer.

POSSESSION, 2 PHOTO BY DAVE WILSON

PHOTO BY MARGAUX SMITH, DRIPPING SPRINGS 4-H

LAGNIAPPE Community meeting on facility planning

COURTESY PHOTO

Baylor Scott and White opens new southwest facility

On Oct. 16, the Baylor Scott & White held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of its Austin Southwest Clinic, which will 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.

Dripping Springs ISD will hold community meeting Thursday, Dec. 7, starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Dripping Springs High School Cafeteria to provide an update on the progress of the LongRange Facility Planning Committee (LRFPC).

The committee has been meeting since Oct. 9 to assess current district facilities and develop recommendations for future schools and other district facilities. The LRFPC has discussed various options regarding locations and models of future schools, including a concept that would

LAGNIAPPE, 5

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Thursday, December 7, 2017

NASCAR dreams keep Dripping Springs driver on the right track

BY MOSES LEOS III

Currey said a desire to be like his father, who ripping Springs himself was a longtime resident Bayley racecar driver, is one Currey knew from of his primary reasons an early age that a life to become involved in in motorsports was his motorsports. calling.

Currey said he After stepping into remembered watching his first go-kart at the his father race at age of seven, Currey Thunderhill in limited never forgot the thrills late model events. he experienced when he “I wanted to be like my lived life in dad,” Baythe fast lane. ley said.

“It feels Fast “Driving as forward 14 fast as you special. It’s years and can is fun Currey has for me.” more of an taken a Eventuhuge step in opportunity to ally, Currey potentially moved move forward into the turning what was once a world of in the Cup hobby into Bandola possible eros, or Series than I career. glorified Over the go-karts, ever had ...

It past month, which are Currey, run on was cool to 21, has dirt and race against competed asphalt in three tracks. OfTruck Series NASCAR ten, Currey Camping veterans who traveled World Truck with his Series events, family I watched on which across the included a country to TV when I 10th place compete was little.” finish at in racing Phoenix events at International different – Bayley Currey, Speedway on Dripping Springs resident venues.

Nov. 10.

Currey and racecar driver For Currey, said he the ability recalled to compete in a series being on the road for two that has been known as a months straight where he stepping stone for many competed at various racof today’s NASCAR Cup ing events. superstars was a special “It was a good time, experience. one of the best times I “It feels special. It’s ever had at the races,” more of an opportunity Currey said. to move forward in the But racing in the Cup Series than I ever Bandoleros meant also had,” Currey said. “It was learning how to race on cool to race against Truck short oval tracks. Currey Series veterans who I was accustomed to road watched on TV when I courses when he raced was little.” go-karts.

Currey’s racing origins As a result, Currey said hearken to the Hill it was a big challenge to Country Cart Club in learn the finer skills of New Braunfels. At the short track racing, which time, Currey went with a was up close and percoach he practiced with sonal and featured lots of at the former Thunderhill contact.

Speedway in Kyle.

“The first time I did The coach allowed that, it was a crazy experiCurrey to use his son’s go- ence,” Currey said. kart. From there, Currey Racing at Thunderhill, said he was hooked, which then was renamed to the point to where Central Texas Speedway, his dad, Mark Currey, helped Currey underpurchased a go-kart for stand more about cars. As him. his own crew chief, Cur-

D

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAYLEY CURREY

Above: Bayley Currey waits for a race in Martinsville, TN. Below: Currey with his first go-kart.

PHOTO BY WAYLAND CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

rey had to learn the limits of each vehicle he raced.

Over the years, Currey went from driving Bandoleros to late model vehicles, which are similar to NASCAR rides.

The experience took him across Texas, to the southeast and even as far north as New York. Currey said he often made up classes while he was on the road racing.

“It’s something not too many people to get experience,” Currey said.

“I’m thankful I did.”

Currey said racing late models would have been his ultimate spotting

point in racing. However, a surprise request soon reignited his interest in turning racing into a career.

A friend approached Currey in October about an opportunity to race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck series. It was an offer he couldn’t refuse.

On Oct. 28 Currey found himself in a stock truck racing at Martinsville Speedway in Tennessee. The experience was the first time he had raced in a truck.

While the vehicle was a

little heavier than any car he had raced in before, Currey said little else differed from what he had done on the track. He ultimately finished 25th in the race.

One week later, Currey got the chance to race again, this time with a different team. He burned the rubber at Phoenix and came away with 10th place.

Now with track experiences under his belt, Currey mulls what the future holds for him.

While not much is “nailed down right now,” Currey said he envisions racing in the top three NASCAR series, whether full- or part-time, next season.

He also plans to transfer from Texas State to the University of North Carolina in Charlotte to keep pursuing his racing career, he said.

Currey’s friends, however, understand his love of the road and they continue to follow his progress.

“They think it’s pretty wild. They’ve come out to a few of my races and they see it all,” Currey said. “It’s old news for them.”

Possession: Third strike sends man to 60 years in prison Continued from pg. 1

Allsup was arrested for driving with a suspended license. An inventory search of his vehicle yielded liquid methamphetamine in a vial on the driver’s seat and a hypodermic needle used to administer liquid narcotics on the passenger seat.

Laboratory testing identified the substance as over a gram of methamphetamine, a third degree felony amount, usually punishable by two to ten years in prison.

During testimony, Allsup was discovered to have a lengthy criminal history, including ten felony convictions and two misdemeanor DWI convictions. The felony convictions date back to 1999, and involve both vehicular crimes

“Some people believe that they can continue to commit crime after crime and the law will not stop them ... The habitual offender statutes are designed for exactly those situations where the regular punishment range is not enough to deter the person.”

–Wes Mau, Hays County Criminal District Attorney

and crimes against persons. Those include unauthorized use of motor vehicles, evading arrest, failure to stop and render aid, attempted burglary of a habitation, theft from a person, and methamphetamine possession.

Allsup’s prior arrests

stem from Travis, Williamson, Galveston and Dallas counties.

Allsup’s sentencing range was increased to 25 to 99 years or life in prison as a result of his having been sent to prison twice before—the “three strikes” rule. The jury assessed 60 years in

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the penitentiary.

Hays County Criminal District Attorney Wes Mau congratulated Assistant District Attorney Ben Gillis, who handled the trial with co-counsel Erika Price.

Mau said in a statement that he thought the jury in the case “got it right.”

“Some people believe that they can continue to commit crime after crime and the law will not stop them,” Mau said. “The habitual offender statutes are designed for exactly those situations where the regular punishment range is not enough to deter the person.

Mr. Allsup’s brazen disregard for the law demonstrates that only prison will keep him from committing further crimes.”

Thursday, December 7, 2017

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Page 3

Silver and gold and maybe some green Businesses cash in on holiday light installation

BY MOSES LEOS III

Bailey also purchases liability insurance for his aving upward of 20 employees. voicemails on his The investment also exphone is common- tends to the time it takes place during the holidays to properly install holiday for Josh Bailey. lighting on a home. Bailey As the owner of a light estimates the average installation company 3,000 square foot home that serves the Dripping takes roughly an hourSprings area, Bailey’s and-a-half to two hours to business install. is one of Those in several resthe indus“One of the idents can try do face big things I hire to get dangers. the twinkle Bailey said see are guys of holiday many of his lights up workers ofin pickup on their ten harness rooftops. themselves trucks trying to While his in order business to avoid make money is starting falling and jumping on to peak injuring during this thempeople’s time of selves. year, Bailey “It’s houses, and believes outright more and dangerthey fall ... more local ous,” Bailey landscapTheir business said. “They ers and are comis done. It handymen fortable are also happens every putting starting lights on to take up houses, but year to some the trend they put on of holiday harnesses guys.” light instalto do some lation. rooftops.”

–Josh Bailey, Christmas However, Howlight installer Bailey beever, one lieves over fear Bailey saturation in the market has is the influx of “guys could lead to a drop in in pickup trucks” who quality as well. attempt to install lighting “It will definitely affect during the holidays. the industry, just like “One of the big things mowing,” Bailey said.

I see are guys in pickup “That will happen to trucks trying to make Christmas lights. The money jumping on customer service and people’s houses, and they quality of lights will have fall,” Bailey said. “Their to drop. I hope somehow, business is done. It hapthere could be some sort pens every year to some of regulation.” guys.”

Bailey, who has been in For some companies, the business for several making sure they have years, said he has investcertified workers who can ed $52,000 in holiday handle the task is priority. light installation in 2017.

Mike Savely, who owns The expense includes an area light installation purchasing commercial company that also serves grade LED lighting, which Dripping Springs, said he said is safer than he ensures workers who traditional incandescent. climb on ladders are

H

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

A lightbulb is inspected outside a local business. For the growing industry of Chirstmas light installers, each bulb makes a difference.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certified, and must go through his own training before they go on the job site.

Savely said he also conducts background checks on workers before he hires them. Having workers who are electricians or those who understand wiring also helps avoid

any potential issues. The goal is to correctly install lights on a home to avoid having any miscues.

That includes trying to use commercial LED lights and avoid incandescent bulbs, which can pose a fire risk.

“If you don’t do your wiring correctly, you have to go back to the houses and redo it,” Savely said.

Texas Crossword

“I learned how to do it right, so I don’t have to go back to houses and do repairs.”

Another primary issue is underbidding, Bailey said.

On average, Bailey said the cost for installing lights on a 3,000 square foot home is $400 to $450.

Part of the cost is based on an average house

which has roughly 140 bulbs. Bailey said a realistic price for commercial grade LED bulbs is $2.25 per linear foot.

While Bailey said he receives plenty of emails and calls for quotes, often potential customers back off due to the cost.

“A majority of those never do the service because it costs more than they expect,” he said.

For some lawn care or landscaping businesses, the prospect of installing holiday lights isn’t a feasible option.

Jesse Reyna, owner of a Buda area landscaping company, said the rising cost of liability insurance prevents him from taking the plunge and entering the holiday light installation business.

“When you get on top of a ladder, there is always a risk,” Reyna said.

While Reyna said he hasn’t dabbled in holiday light installs, he is often asked by customers, which leads him to price himself out of the way.

However, he believes customers don’t often consider the full cost of installation.

“They have a perception that it costs $100,” Reyna said. “When you give them a price, they just kind of go, ‘Damn, I didn’t think it would be that much.’”

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Fallen Officer Continued from pg. 1

perimeter around the suspect’s home. Providing assistance was the Hays County SWAT team and the Hays County Crisis Negotiation Team, who helped to force the suspect to surrender peacefully.

Officers took the suspect into custody and discovered he had a gunshot wound. Stapp said it is unknown if the suspect’s wound was self-inflicted or if he was shot by officers on the scene. The suspect’s condition is unknown at this time.

Stapp said San Marcos Police Department has mobilized its stress management team to help fellow officers.

Local and state leaders soon began offering support and condolences to the San Marcos Police family.

On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott authorized lowering the Texas flags in San Marcos to halfstaff to honor Copeland.

In a statement, Abbott said the state grieves for Copeland’s family, and “we vow swift justice for the killer.”

“The men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect and to serve our communities, and we will never forget their sacrifices,” Abbott said in a statement. “Cecila and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the officer’s family and to the entire San Marcos Police Department.”

State Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) said in a statement he was “deeply saddened by the reckless murder that took the life of one of our courageous police officers.”

“It is imperative that we unite as communities

“Citizens must show their support for all of the men and women in our public safety divisions. This is their daily reality and it rips your heart out.”

–John Thomaides, San Marcos mayor

and as Texans against such egregious acts of violence against the brave men and women who serve and protect us daily. My family and I are praying for peace and comfort for the family of this fallen hero,” Isaac said.

San Marcos Mayor John Thomaides said the city is mourning together and that the message to citizens is for people to come together now “more than ever.”

“Citizens must show their support for all of the men and women in our public safety divisions.

This is their daily reality and it rips your heart out,” Thomaides said.

Bert Lumbreras, San Marcos city manager, also advocated for residents to support law enforcement and Copeland’s family. He said the city will continue to celebrate his life.

“I assure you, the city of San Marcos will band together to support the family and be there for his legacy and continue to celebrate his life,” Lumbreras said.

See solution, page 5

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Page 4

News-Dispatch

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Sports

Tigers Texans maintain win fall to streak to advance to Lake regional finals Travis 60-57

BY MOSES LEOS III

BY REED GRAFF A double-double from Dripping Springs Tiger basketball player Richard Milliron wasn’t enough to prevent the Lake Travis Cavaliers from scoring a 60-57 non-district win Nov. 28.

Milliron kicked off the scoring for his team, and continued to score all game long. The senior took a Spencer Johnson pass and drilled a three from the top of the key, setting the tone for the Tigers early.

The Tigers were able to get out to a 23-20 lead at the end of the first quarter. The combo of Johnson and Milliron gave the Cavaliers trouble early and it never let up. Milliron battled with Lake Travis Junior DJ Thorpe in a battle of bigs. The Tiger senior won the battle in the first half, but the teams finished the first half tied at 32-32.

The second half was no different than the first, with the teams duking it out to the end.

Tiger Senior Spencer Johnson started off the second half hot, getting a three-pointer to fall, and knocking down a pair of free throws on the next possession.

On the following Cavalier drive, Johnson came up with the steal, and drained a 3 on the fast break. Johnson went on to make two big chase down blocks, which electrified the Tiger crowd.

The Cavaliers did not go down quietly however. After a Tiger turnover, the Cavaliers went on a 8-2 run, and controlled the game going into the final few minutes.

In that span, the Cavs hit six consecutive free throws, taking advantage of the free throw opportunities.

Milliron didn’t let up, however, and drained a three-pointer off an assist from senior Bryce Kalsu, a shot that helped obtain momentum back and keep them in the game.

Lake Travis led 60-57, but the Tigers had a chance with only eight seconds left on the clock.

The Tigers set up a play looking to get Milliron open from three-point range to tie it, but the shot did not fall.

Milliron finished the game with 27 points and 12 rebounds and an assist. Johnson had 16 points of his own, and contributed 3 assists, rebounds, and 2 blocks. Kalsu recorded 6 rebounds and 4 assists of his own.

Adherence to the run game paid big dividends for the Wimberley Texans Friday as they powered to a 42-17 win over the Sweeny Bulldogs at Cub Stadium.

Wimberley (11-1) advances to the 4A, Division II, Region IV final, where they face off against the Cuero Gobblers at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Bastrop Memorial Stadium.

The Texans placed its weight on the shoulders of running back Thomas Carruthers who rushed for 254 yards in the game and finished with five total touchdowns.

Doug Warren, Wimberley head coach, said he believed the Texan offense could successfully run the ball against Sweeny’s defense.

“No one had been able to all year long, but we thought we could (run the ball),” Warren said. “It’s a great team effort. Our offensive line was knocking people off of the ball.”

Carruthers said preparation leading into the game played a vital role in success of the run game. Film study, along with an overall team effort helped lead the Texan run game.

“Coach said we had to pound the rock and we had to mix it up and it worked,” Carruthers said. “Our line did a great job and we pounded it down their throat.”

The Texans took less

“Coach said we had to pound the rock and we had to mix it up and it worked ...

Our line did a great job and we pounded it down their throat.”

– Thomas Carruthers, Texan running back

than two minutes to bear the fruits of their strategy. A 54-yard touchdown run by Carruthers gave the Texans a 7-0 first quarter lead.

Wimberley turned to its prolific pass game to expand its lead. A 58-yard strike from quarterback JoJo Weeks to wide receiver Gavin Martinez put the Texans ahead 14-0.

Weeks went 17 of 20 for 259 yards and three touchdowns passing.

After Sweeny responded with a score early in the second frame, Wimberley answered with a short Carruthers touchdown, which increased the lead to 21-7.

Wimberley dealt a game-changing, momentum-shifting blow

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WOTOS.COM

Thomas Carruthers scores a touchdown on a 21-yard lateral play to give the Texans a 28-7 lead at halftime against Sweeny. Cade Stover scored on a 3-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter and Carruthers ran 31 yards for a touchdown in the final quarter for a 42-17 win.

right as the first half buzzer sounded. With less than 10 seconds on the clock, Weeks tossed a short pass to wide receiver Wyatt Mann, who then lateraled the ball to wide receiver Cade Stoever.

Stoever then lateraled the ball to Carruthers, who sprinted his way

in the end zone to put Wimberley ahead 28-7 at halftime. Warren said the play is something we’ve “worked on for a while,” and that the team executed it to perfection.

“Coach draws it up in practice to mess around,” Carruthers said. “He called it,

we got excited and it worked.”

Wimberley kept Sweeny at arms length in the second half and outscored the Bulldogs 14-10 the rest of the way. At the center was a Texan defense that limited Sweeny to 250

TEXAN FOOTBALL, 6

Lady Tigers finish sixth in Hays Classic

BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI The Dripping Springs Lady Tigers finished 3-2 in the Hays CISD Classic this past weekend, earning sixth place out of the 28 teams competing in the non-district girls basketball tournament.

The Lady Tigers were led by All-Tournament selection Danielle Northrup, in addition to a veteran team that is comprised of seniors.

“Sixth place, I’ll take it,” said Dripping Springs head basketball coach David Norris after their final game of the tournament. “This is a really good tournament. This is probably one of the best for girls in this whole area, if not one of the top.

Had some really good teams, some competitive top teams. So I’ll take sixth place. Yeah do we want (to play) better, yes we could have. The team (Lovejoy) that barely beat us by a couple of points is playing in the championship, so I’ll take that.”

Northrup consistently played at a high level for Dripping Springs as she averaged 11 points and five rebounds over

NEXT UP

Dripping Springs next game will be on the road at Hendrickson High School Friday at 7:00 p.m.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Dripping Springs Tiger senior Cassie Louthan (right) is contacted by a Round Rock Dragon defender while attacking the basket during a pool play game in the Hays CISD Classic tournament played at Bales Gym.

the five game span of tournament play. The senior power forward recorded double-digit points in four out of the five games.

That included 12 points, seven rebounds and three steals against Cedar Creek, and 13

points, eight rebounds in a close win over Round Rock. Northrup’s dominate play in the paint led to her receiving an All-Tournament selection.

“It feels pretty good,” Northrup said about her all-tournament selection

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and the sixth place finish.

“I’m used to playing in tiny high school tournaments, our classic has like fifteen teams. So it feels pretty good.”

During day one of tournament play the Lady Tigers dominated Cedar Creek 67-22,

placing them in the highly competitive Gold Bracket for the remaining four games of the tournament. Dripping Springs’ opening game of the Gold Bracket was a 36-31 nail-biting victory over Round Rock, setting them up for a tough day two matchup against Lucas Lovejoy.

“I feel like the first couple of games we were together, we played like the team we normally have been,” said Northrup.

“We’ve took some tough losses, so I was just hoping we would gain confidence back throughout the tournament play.

But overall I think we did pretty good, but we can always improve.”

Dripping Springs fought hard through adversity early on versus Lovejoy, but ultimately

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LAGNIAPPE potentially place elementary and middle schools at the same location where possible.

This concept, which will be discussed at the Dec. 7 meeting, is explained in a narrated video at: https://goanimate.com/ videos/0dDC6Q16QhJ0.

Other major facility priorities that are being discussed are an expansion of Dripping Springs High School and a fifth elementary school.

Continued from pg. 1

EmilyAnn Trail of Lights

Head to Wimberley to celebrate the 20th annual festival at EmilyAnnTheatre and Gardens through Dec. 28. Enjoy more than 100 lighted exhibits created by Wimberley businesses and organizations 6-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Get parking info and more details at emilyann.org

Homespun Holiday

Head to Dripping Springs’ Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead for this free annual event Dec. 9 from noon to 2 p.m. Take your photo with Santa next to the covered wagon, enjoy holiday refreshments, listen to Christmas books readings and tour the Pound House and see all the Christmas decorations.

Wimberley Winter’s Eve

Enjoy the enchanting lights and music of the season as you make your way around the Wimberley Square for holiday shopping on Dec. 9 from 5-10 p.m. at this annual event. Enjoy a family-friendly evening of live music, raffles, food and more. Santa arrives at 6 p.m. It’s a holiday festival you don’t want to miss.

Starlight Symphony Orchestra

Celebrate the holidays with the Starlight Symphony Orchestra’s performance of its holiday series “Innovative Traditions.”

The orchestra will have three performances this season: Dec. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. at the Hays PAC Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. at the Wimberley First Baptist Church.

Blue Christmas

Blue Christmas is a free annual holiday event at Blue Hole Regional Park on Dec. 16 featuring horse carriage rides, an ugly sweater contest, a roaring fire, local music groups, Santa, and blue lights everywhere. The event begins at 4 p.m. “Elf” will be playing in the swimming area beginning at 7:30 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets. For more info call 512-660-9111.

Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Bird facts for birdbrains

L

BY JERRY HALL

et us consider a collection of birding tidbits from here and there: Cornell Lab of Ornithology reports robins often form nomadic flocks during the winter. These flocks focus on finding food and may number as large as 50 in the north and in the thousands in the south. Some Florida congregations number in the hundreds of thousands.

About the largest group I’ve ever seen was 20 robins in my front yard, all scratching the earth and pecking at food.

If birds eat uncooked rice, can it swell up in their throats and stomach and kill them? No, that is strictly a myth. Some

birds, such as bobolinks, eat uncooked rice in the wild. However, to be on the safe side, some concerned wedding parties have switched to throwing birdseed instead of rice.

Can birds choke on peanut butter? No, there is no evidence for that, and some species gladly eat peanut butter smeared on tree bark.

What is the most dominant bird in the U.S.?

Wild turkeys are probably dominant because of their large size. Least dominant bird may be the Eurasian tree sparrow, a small species found in a restricted area of Illinois, Iowa and

Missouri. One reason it has not dispersed more widely is its non-dominate personality.

By way of comparison, the common house sparrow has spread nationwide since being introduced in New York in the 1800s.

Finally, I am reminded nijer seeds are good winter food for several winter birds, including American goldfinches, chipping sparrows, dark-eyed juncos and pine siskins.

Lady Tiger Hoops: Takes sixth in Hays Classic Continued from pg. 4

there wasn’t enough time left for them to complete the comeback in the 4743 loss Friday. The Lady Tigers regrouped after the loss and won easily against Victoria East, 5228, later that day.

“I liked the fight in us when we played yesterday against Lovejoy,” Norris said. “You know coming back, being able to come back in a game like that where we just didn’t play well the first half, just sloppy sloppy sloppy. And kept fighting until the end where we had a shot at winning. One basket here or there and we win the game.”

The final game of Dripping Springs tournament play was a disappointing 63-29 loss against a talented Boswell team.

Norris said the Tigers were missing two guards in the Boswell contest. One guard was on a college trip, while the other was taking her SAT. “We just didn’t have the ball handlers to handle their pressure. I’ve known their coach, is a good friend of mine for a long time, I’m glad that’s the kind of pressure we need,”

“We just didn’t have the ball handlers to handle their pressure.

I’ve known their coach, is a good friend of mine for a long time, I’m glad thats the kind of pressure we need ... We need to see when people decide they are going to come out and press us, how do we handle it.”

– David Norris, Dripping Springs head coach

Norris said. “We need to see when people decide they are going to come out and press us, how do we handle it.”

Alongside Northrup, other key contributors for the Lady Tigers included senior point guard Cassie Louthan, senior guard Annie Hudson, and junior shooting guard Julia Graham.

Graham averaged nine points and 3.4 steals per game, with her best performance coming against Cedar Creek where she had 18 points and seven steals.

Louthan averaged 5.2 points, 2.8 assists and just under 1 block per game.

Hudson earned minutes off of the bench versus Lovejoy and was then rewarded with a starting spot against Victoria East.

Hudson posted 11 points in both of those games, where she was able to hit from three-point range multiple times.

“I think we got what we needed out of this tournament,” Norris said. “Yeah we wanted an extra win or two, but I think what’s more valuable is just to play.”

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Wimberley quarterback JoJo Weeks started throwing the ball early in the Texans’ playoff game against Sweeny and didn’t stop until he had passed for 260 yards with 3 pass completions for touchdown.

Texan Football: 42-17 win Continued from pg. 4

total yards in the game.

Warren said the key was eliminating Sweeny’s big play capability.

“We couldn’t let them get out because of their speed,” Warren said. “For the most part, we did a great job of bottling them up there and not letting them have the explosive play.”

Now the Texans ready

for a rematch against the Gobblers, who last year ended the Texans’ season in the third round.

Carruthers said the team is excited for the chance to play Cuero again.

“They’re a great opponent, but I like our chances,” Warren said. “We’ll come up with a plan and see what we can do.”

Saturday December 9, 2017 • 12-2pm Take your photo with Santa next to the covered wagon

Make and Take Pioneer Ornaments

Enjoy holiday refreshments

Tour the Pound House and see all the Christmas Decorations

Christmas book readings

Conveniently located in Founders Park (1/3 mile north of 290 on RR 12).

512.858.2030 or poundhousefarmstead@gmail.com

www.thepoundhouse.org