Dec. 15, 2016 News-Dispatch

Lady Tigers fall to Pflugerville

State Rep. eyes school reform

Families take to trails in Drip’

page 4

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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVII No. 11

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

75¢

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Burglar caught on camera still being sought

EPA says nay!

U.S. 290 death toll rises to 10 in Dripping Springs

news@haysfreepress.com

COURTESY PHOTO

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office is on the lookout for a suspect who committed a pair of burglaries in the 300 to 400 block of Old Mill Road in Dripping Springs Dec. 2. According to county officials, the burglaries occurred in the early morning hours. The suspect stole items from both homes and was seen leaving in a late model, possibly white, General Motors SUV. Anyone with information regarding the cases should call the HCSO at 512-393-7814.

LAGNIAPPE 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.

EmilyAnn Trail of Lights

Enjoy more than 100 lighted exhibits created by Wimberley businesses and organizations at this annual trail now through Dec. 29.

Roast a marshmallow at the Yule Log, listen to live music and meet Santa. Get details at emilyann.org.

TreeFolks looking for volunteers

TreeFolks is looking for volunteers to help plant seedlings along the Blanco River in Hays County this Saturday from 1-4 p.m.

This event is part of a 4-year program to help reforest the banks of the Blanco River damaged during the Memorial Day Weekend Floods of 2015.

The new seedlings will help to reduce erosion, clean the water, and slow future flooding.

To sign up, please visit the TreeFolks volunteer webpage www.treefolks. org/volunteer. Scroll down to ‘Blanco Reforestation’ and register to volunteer for the Saturday, December 17 event.

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

Concerns continue to rise in Dripping Springs after another fatal car accident occurred along U.S. Highway 290 this week, increasing the death toll along the highway to 10 in 2016.

For some residents, the surge of fatal accidents is stirring a discussion about a police force within Dripping Springs.

Two men were killed and two others were injured after a three-car accident along 290 near Retha Drive that took place in front of Dripping Springs High.

Fatality accidents on U.S. 290 in Dripping Springs Ten people have been killed in accidents along U.S. Highway 290 in the Dripping Springs area over a 214 day span ranging from May 8 to Dec. 8. Below is a list of those accidents: Dec. 8 Oct. 1 Aug. 12 May 8

U.S. 290 at Retha Dr. 14000 block of U.S. 290 U.S. 290 at Holder Lane U.S. 290 at Crow Ranch Rd.

According to reports, Jose Luis Aguilar-Soto, 47, and Rodolfo Aguilar-Soto, 56, brothers, were killed in the accident.

According to a KXAN report, the driver of a Toyota that was

2 fataliites 1 fatality 2 fatalities 5 fatalities

turning left onto 290 failed to yield to the right of way and crashed into a Honda Civic, which was driven by Jose, that

TENTH 290 FATALITY, 2

Discharge permit meets with objection, city preps to defend application

BY MOSES LEOS III

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has filed an interim letter of objection to Dripping Springs’ Texas Pollutant Disposal Elimination System (TPDES) discharge permit with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

In a letter submitted to the TCEQ, Richard A. Wooster, Acting Associate Director of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES), said it wasn’t clear how the permit conforms to guidelines established by the Clean

NO TO DISCHARGE PERMIT, 7

Treaty Oak expands to TIRZ to shoulder include new brewery

$12M in potential projects

SUBMITTED REPORT

A Dripping Springs area distilling company is trying its hand at brewing.

Earlier this month, the Treaty Oak Brewing and Distilling Co. in Dripping Springs opened a brewery that is slated to produce 2,000 barrels, or roughly 27,500 cases of beer per year, according to a press release.

Chris Lamb, former Treaty Oak head distiller, has assumed the role of the company’s new brew master. According to the company, the fermentation process of the beer is also a primary component in the production of the company’s “core spirits,” which are rum and whiskey.

“We’re stoked to introduce a new line of beer, brewed fresh at the Treaty Oak Ranch,” said Lamb. “Our beers reflect the same commitment to quality ingredients and precise production methods as we have with our distilled spirits to create the best possible products.”

America’s thirst for craft beer has grown significantly in recent years, according to the release.

The Brewers Association says that in 2015 U.S. craft brewers saw a 13 percent increase in the amount of beer made, and there are now more breweries than ever before.

Texas licensed 65 new brewpubs and breweries in 2015, according to the release. Treaty Oak Brewing enters the market where consumers increasingly demand locally made craft beer.

According to the release, Treaty Oak is planning to produce a variety of beers that

So what’s brewing at Treaty Oak? Fitzhugh Ale British Mild: (3.5% ABV) Lil’ Hop Session IPA: (5% ABV).

BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ

Bright Side Blonde Ale: (4.5% ABV)

news@haysfreepress.com

The Brewers Association says that in 2015 U.S. craft brewers saw a 13 percent increase in the amount of beer made, and there are now more breweries than ever before. include Saison, lager, maibock, stout and porter beers.

Those beers will be aged in 53 gallon barrels that were previously used to age rum, wine and whiskey.

Daniel Barnes, founder of Treaty Oak, said the ranch has become a destination for many in the Hill Country. He said the company obtained feedback on what customers want.

“Unlike completely new breweries, we’ve been able to tweak our recipes to ensure they appeal to customer

preference,” Barnes said in a statement.

The new beers will roll out during the month of December.

The brewery will be extending its production by adding two 60 barrel fermenters that will allow it to grow from six brews per month to 10.

This will increase annual output to 5,000 barrels a year with new fermenters. The added capacity will allow Treaty Oak Brewing to sell its beer in cans throughout the state beginning in March 2017.

Over $12 million in potential projects will be included in a proposed city of Dripping Springs Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) for a proposed town center.

Earlier this month, the Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees took up the issue, which included a preliminary project plan and financing plan for the proposed Town Center TIRZ. DSISD, however, cannot participate in the financial portion of the TIRZ. “The district has been in informal conversations with the city for many years over this issue.

Conversations have become more concrete and specific in the past six months or so,” Superintendent Bruce Gearing said.

The plan, created through a partnership that involves the city of Dripping Springs, Hays County and Library

TIRZ, 3

Page 2

News-Dispatch

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Thursday, December 15, 2016

Just pull over

Texans rank at the top of worst drivers poll

BY LOGAN MCCULLOUGH

news@haysfreepress.com

Congested roadways, mixed with bad driving habits, are reasons a recent study has deemed Texas drivers as some of the worst in the country.

According to an annual report from carinsurancecomparison.com, which analyzed nationwide driving habits, Texas tied with Louisiana as the states with the statistically worst drivers.

Although Texas has been named in the top five for worst drivers in all five years Car Insurance Comparison has conducted its annual report, this is the first time Texas has been ranked number one overall.

Drivers in Texas ranked third for drunk driving, ninth for speeding, ninth for fatalities rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled and within the top 15 in other categories.

According to the NHTSA, traffic related fatalities have decreased by approximately 67 percent since 1975. However Texas transportation officials have said that at least one person has died on Texas roads every day for the past 16 years.

Distracted driving is now just as dangerous, if not worse, than drunken driving, Safeway Driving Vice President Ann Littman said.

One of the most

Traffic related fatalities have decreased by approximately 67 percent since 1975. However Texas transportation officials have said that at least one person has died on Texas roads every day for the past 16 years.

common examples of distracted driving is cell phone use. However, Texas doesn’t have a law that forbids drivers from using their cell phones. Although some cities have implemented “Handsfree device only zones,” Littman said these can also be a dangerous distraction.

“Driving is a cognitive task,” said Littman.

“Wherever your attention is, that’s what makes the difference. If your attention is on a conversation you’re having, whether it’s on the phone or through a hands-free device, that’s going to take your focus off of the task of driving.”

When asked why Texas is consistently at the top of the worst drivers rankings, Littman said that one reason is the Texas’ consistently increasing population, particularly in metropolitan areas, which make the roadways more congested and subsequently more dangerous.

“We actually teach for you to be able to

keep a diamond space around your vehicle,” said Littman. “A diamond provides plenty of space in front of you, behind you and both sides. So if there is anything in the roadway that forces you to make a defensive maneuver, it provides you with space and a way to be able to get around that.”

Littman said that it is important to change the way we, as people, view driving. She believes that driving throughout history has been a task that hasn’t necessarily been taken seriously, and urges drivers to recognize the realities of driving.

“The thing you have to remember is that every time you get behind the wheel you’re getting behind the wheel of essentially a 3500 pound missile filled with rocket fuel,” Littman said. “And that’s a responsibility that we have to take seriously to not just protect ourselves and our passengers, but also those on the roadway around us.”

How did they come up with the ranking?

To determine the rankings, each state is ranked according to statistics made available to the public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the following categories: fatalities rate per 100 million vehicle Miles Traveled, Failure to Obey, drunk driving, speeding and careless driving

How Texans rank on driving habits • • • • •

Drunk driving Speeding Careless driving Failure to obey traffic signals Fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled

3rd worst 9th worst 14th 12th 9th worst

Texans’ bad driving habits by the numbers

• Fatalities per 100 million miles traveled • Drunk driving fatalities with blood alcohol content above .08 • Speed related fatalities • Percent of fatal crashes when seat belts weren’t used • Percent of fatal crashes involving invalidly licensed drivers • Percent of fatal crashes with traffic safety devices involved • Pedestrians killed • Cyclists killed

1.46 1,446 1,284 19.84% 19.38% 15.63% 476 50

Tenth 290 Fatality: Concerns increase about highway Continued from pg. 1

was in the eastbound lane.

The resulting crash caused the civic to spin into the westbound lanes, where it was struck by an Escalade, which caused the vehicle to roll over in a ditch.

Both Jose and Rodolfo were pronounced dead at the scene.

As news of the fatal collision spread, members of the community took to the News-Dispatch Facebook page to address their concerns.

Kira Dyer said she couldn’t count the number of times she has “nearly been run off of the road” due to “ill driving” in Dripping Springs after picking up her children.

“I am also quite concerned that we have a 35 mph school zone right after Sportsplex, yet, I am being flipped off, yelled at, and passed by people going close to 50 mph (or close to 40 mph in front of Walnut) when (school zone) lights are flashing,” Dyer wrote in her comment.

She added that she hasn’t seen many officers enforcing the school zone in the area.

Ann Hawken commented that the city needs a police department.

“Hays County sheriffs are spread too thin,” Hawken said. “The DPS could show up more often. Call them!”

Mark Kendzora said DPS should patrol U.S. 290 and not Sawyer Ranch/Darden Hill Road.

“I’ve seen too many DPS waiting for the occasional speeding car ... when I can sit at the red

SAFETY FIRST

Hays County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Dennis Gutierrez said drivers should be extremely cautious when turning along U.S. Highway 290. Use of blinkers, especially when turning or changing lanes, is also important, along with avoiding sharp movements when merging. “Keep your distance, watch speed and be cautious when crossing over,” Gutierrez said.

lights on 290 and watch people run them all day … I don’t get this,” Kendzora said.

Michelle Fisher, Dripping Springs City Administrator, said in an emailed response the city looked at law enforcement options in the past. She said it was determined that additional law enforcement in the city limits wasn’t needed at the time.

But Fisher said the city’s Comprehensive Plan Implementation Guide, which was approved last month, recommended the city consider several options in 2018, while also exploring the cost to implement the recommendations. Options include contracting with Hays County for additional law enforcement, or possibly hiring a city marshal.

While Fischer said there are no state regulations for creating a police force, cities rely on attorneys and consultants to

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create a force.

“The city monitors law enforcement activity in the city and has a good relationship with the Hays County Sheriff’s Department,” Fischer said.

Dennis Gutierrez, HCSO public information officer, said they work to concentrate county motor units in the area in an attempt to

slow people down.

But Gutierrez said the HCSO “can’t be out there” 24 hours per day, seven days a week. He said the Sheriff’s Office relies on the help of Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers to patrol the area.

With the growth in the area, Gutierrez said the HCSO can’t keep pace.

Infrastructure prob-

lems are also contributing to accidents on U.S. 290, Gutierrez said. He said drivers may not be able to adequately judge the speed of an incoming car when they try to turn across the highway.

“We do the best we can on that stretch of 290,” Gutierrez said. “We don’t have the staff and the manpower to hit that area as hard as we can.”

Thursday, December 15, 2016

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Page 3

Isaac eyes education reform

BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ news@haysfreepress.com

State Representative Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) wants to include education reform on the agenda of the upcoming 85th legislative session of the Texas House of Representatives.

The major bill Isaac is pushing forward involves reforming the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness(STAAR) test.

The bill would allow school districts to select any nationally normed standardized test that meets Texas curriculum standards instead of the STAAR. “I’m looking to put together a package to present on the floor. I’ve had several representatives that have said they’ll back me,” Isaac said. “I’m looking to send a message. Reform on

PHOTO BY AL GREEN

Ladderback woodpeckers are one of the two kinds of woodpecker common to our area.

Watch out for woodpeckers

BY JERRY HALL

News-Dispatch Contributor

W

oodpeckers are especially adapted for vigorous pecking on trees. They have strong chisel bills, thick neck muscles and thick bone skulls. Plus, their claws are perfect for clinging to tree trunks.

Two of the most common woodpeckers in our area are the goldenfronted and the ladderbacked. I have both species in my backyard.

The golden-fronted woodpecker is a large, zebra-backed bird about ten inches long. It features a small yellow patch above the bill,

The bill would allow school districts to select any nationally normed standardize test that meets Texas curriculum standards instead of the STAAR.

standardized testing is needed. They won’t do away with [STAAR] completely – our schools aren’t there yet – but some reform would help things.”

The STAAR exams have been in place since 2012 when lawmakers replaced the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test in public schools.

Since then, the STAAR exams have drawn steep criticism regarding their backing from education corporation, Pearson Education, and lack of correlation in their testing material with the curriculum taught by teachers in public schools.

Texas Crossword sponsored by...

“In addition to the testing reform, I’d also like to present a bill that would create education savings accounts for students with special needs,” Isaac said.

“These accounts would benefit [the students] by setting somewhere for them to save their money.”

Aside from education, Isaac said he’d like to address groundwater conservation in the area.

“I’d like to possibly address establishing a groundwater conservation district (GCD) for the county,” Isaac said. “There are lots of different rules and procedures that will need to be done

before that can be done, but I’d like to move forward with that, so that we can find the best way to manage our groundwater.”

Establishing the GCD would in effect grant it the authority to regulate the spacing of water wells, the production of water wells, or both.

This allows the county to develop its own groundwater management plan in order to most efficiently control/prevent the waste of groundwater.

“I want to use the science and data at our disposal to figure that problem out, instead of relying on what we’ve been doing in the past,” Isaac said.

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which justifies the “golden front” name.

The male sports a small, round red cap that is not found on the female.

Present year-round in the mid-section of Texas, the golden-fronted woodpecker ranges as far south as Nicaragua.

The ladder-backed woodpecker is about seven inches long and is generally found in the same range as the golden-fronted. It sports a black-and-white-barred back and a black-striped face. The male has a red crown while the female has a black crown.

Male and female ladder-backed woodpeckers share in the incubation of their four or five white eggs.

TIRZ: $12M for projects Continued from pg. 1

District, outlines the basic structure and goals of establishing the TIRZ, which will help with development projects in the area.

“The potential exists for a strong partnership between the city of Dripping Springs, the Dripping Springs Community Library, and the school district, with benefits for all involved. We are early in the process and we look forward to working closely with these entities to work out the details over time,” said Gearing.

According to the plan, Dripping Springs has land available for development within city limits, along with areas of substandard development the city wishes to improve as a way of maximizing property values.

However, the city needs additional means of planning for and providing infrastructure to promote overall quality development in the area, hence the establishment of the TIRZ. Rather than seeking alternative means of financing infrastructure and other development projects, the city may use the TIRZ as a financing tool for these improvement projects.

City officials believe a TIRZ is the best mechanism to partner

“The potential exists for a strong partnership between the city of Dripping Springs, the Dripping Springs Community Library, and the school district, with benefits for all involved. ” –Bruce Gearing, DSISD superintendent

with Hays County and private sector developers to plan, fund, and construct the needed improvements over a long-range time period.

“The district cannot participate in the financial portions of the TIRZ and can only be involved in the projects outlined in the formal TIRZ documents,” Gearing said. “[But] I am grateful for my assignment to the TIRZ boards in order to represent the district’s interests in these projects.”

See Solution, pg. 7

Worship in a church of your choice

Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.

Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM

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Wednesday Meal

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St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Mass Schedule

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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 15, 2016

Sports State-ranked Hawks pass Lady Tigers “It’s a great experience before we go into district play ... It’s a great experience to go okay, ‘I gotta get better at that, I gotta be mentally tougher than that, I gotta take care of the ball better,’ so I thought it was good for us last pre-district game to get some of that experience.”

BY LOGAN MCCULLOUCH

news@haysfreepress.com

Free throws and turnovers were the two deciding factors in the state ranked Hendrickson Hawks 47-43 comeback victory over the Dripping Springs Lady Tigers Friday night in Tiger Gym. Dripping Spring began the game firing on all cylinders. The defense created turnovers and the offense was clicking with five different players making shots.

However, near the end of the first quarter, Hendrickson caused turnovers, tying the game 10-10.

The second quarter was similar to the beginning of the first as the Lady Tigers continued to share the rock. Dripping Springs found the open player and played lock-down defense.

Dripping Springs outscored the Hawks 17-7 in the second frame to take a 27-17 lead into the half.

Recognizing a need to increase intensity, Hendrickson made a permanent switch to a full-court press for the entirety of the second half.

The combination of ball movement, poise and speed the Tigers used to combat the press in the first half was nowhere to be found in the third quarter.

The Tigers committed five turnovers in the third quarter. Dripping Springs scored only four points in the frame.

While the turnovers were a glaring issue in the third period, free throws were a trend that rose at the same time.

By the end of the third quarter, Hendrickson had

–Laura Joiner, Lady Tiger head coach PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III

Above: Dripping Springs sophomore shooting guard Julia Graham drives the lane past a Lake Travis High defender during a game played in the Drip Classic tournament in November.

Inset: Dripping Springs Tiger junior guard Madi North drives down court during a game in the Drip Classic tournament.

reached the free-throw line 14 times. Dripping Springs, on the other hand, reached the line only three times.

Although the

turnover and free-throw discrepancy was glaring, the Lady Tigers still had a four point advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

Both Hendrickson’s intensity and the Lady Tigers’ turnovers continued in the fourth quarter., With 1:30 left in the game the score was

tied 38-38.

Dripping Springs took the lead after two clutch free throws from forward Danielle Northrup.

However on the ensuing trip down the court, Hendrickson’s Brooke Lopez drained a wide-open three-pointer to give the Hawks a late 41-40 lead.

Trailing by one point, Dripping Springs turned the ball over and put Hendricks on the line yet again.

Hendrickson was able to secure the comeback, winning 47-43.

When asked after the game about the discrepancy at the freethrow line, Joiner said with a smile that it was a physical game.

She said however significant the free throw discrepancy was, the game was in no way decided by the referees. She said she holds herself and her team accountable for 21 turnovers on the night.

“We didn’t handle the pressure well in the third quarter,” Joiner said.

“They came after us, and we knew they were coming, but we got a little panicky, we lost our composure, our swag.”

This was the last pre-district game of the season for Dripping Springs and Joiner said although everyone wants to win, the way this game turned out was what her team needed.

“It’s a great experience before we go into district play,” Joiner said. “It’s a great experience to go okay, ‘I gotta get better at that, I gotta be mentally tougher than that, I gotta take care of the ball better,’ so I thought it was good for us last pre-district game to get some of that experience.”

Joiner also believes the wide spectrum of talent her team experienced in pre-district play will be advantageous to their district success.

“We had some big blowout wins, we had some close wins, and then we had some close losses,” Joiner said.

“We’ve seen it all - good guard play, height inside and outside, shooters - and there wasn’t one game in those first 17 games that we didn’t compete for 32 minutes and were in the game until the buzzer went off.

I’ll take that any day.”

Tiger, Texan athletes make the grade as All-State academics Fourteen area football players from the western part of Hays County were named to the 2016 Texas High School Coaches Association All-State team. Players selected as Academic All-State are athletes who excelled in the categories of GPA, class rank and their ACT/SAT score.

DRIPPING SPRINGS Second Team Nathan Callihan Michael Geary Aidan Williams Cullen Young

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Texan senior Davin Masur (5) speeds past a La Vernia Bear during a 2016 regular season game played at Texan Stadium. Masur is one of 14 western Hays County football athletes selected to the 2016 THSCA Academic All-State list.

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Honorable Mention Robert Calvert Carson Ikels Hunter Pata Hunter Tote

WIMBERLEY SELECTIONS First team Kade Morris Samuel Valadez Second team Davin Masur Curtis Bingle Honorable Mention Ben Garza Colby Crowder

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Thursday, December 15, 2016

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Page 5

Education Singing Tigers spread holiday cheer

COURTESY PHOTO

The Dripping Springs Middle School Choir, under the direction of Rachel Marquez, visited other schools and some local community locations to spread holiday cheer.

The students performed a medley of carols at each stop, including the Hill Country Care Facility in Dripping Springs.

DSISD gives an ‘F’ to state’s new rating system STAFF REPORT

The Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees Monday unanimously approved a resolution opposing the A-F accountability rating system for Texas public schools, according to a press release.

In doing so, DSISD joins other districts across Texas calling for repeal of that system, which will be implemented in the 20172018 school year as part of House Bill 2804, passed by the Legislature in 2015.

According to the district’s resolution, despite the A-F rating systems being implemented in 16 other states, there is

no evidence that these systems have helped to improve student or school performance.

The majority of grades assigned by the rating system will be based on students’ scores on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test, which is a test viewed as “unreliable for accurately measuring student learning,” according to the release.

The release added a majority of Texans recently surveyed by the State Board of Education said they don’t want standardized test scores to serve as the primary basis for Texas’ school accountability system.

“Dripping Springs ISD will likely be an “A” district under the A-F accountability system ... However, we will not celebrate this designation because the system that assigns the grade is fundamentally flawed. Districts should be allowed to exercise local control and develop Community-Based Accountability Systems that take multiple measures of student learning and success into account.”

– Bruce Gearing, DSISD superintendent

“Dripping Springs ISD will likely be an “A” district under the A-F accountability system,” said Superintendent Bruce Gearing. “However, we will not celebrate this designation because the

system that assigns the grade is fundamentally flawed. Districts should be allowed to exercise local control and develop Community-Based Accountability Systems that take multiple measures

of student learning and success into account.”

Dripping Springs’ resolution also cited several flaws in the new system.

Issues extend to requiring a complex set of rules and calculations to combine

a “multitude of disparate measures into a single, “simple” letter grade that cannot be supported with explanation, are useless for providing feedback that could be used for improvement, and usually align with the wealth or poverty of the students in the school.”

Solutions outlined in the resolution include community-based accountability system that “empowers districts to design their own systems of assessment and accountability that, while meeting general state standards, allows innovation and customization to match the needs and interests of the local community.”

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Thursday, December 15, 2016

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Thursday, December 15, 2016

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Page 7

Make your home welcoming to buyers during the holidays D ear Terese, I like decorating for the holidays, but my home will be going on the market in the next week. Should I not put out any decorations to celebrate the season?

Janice Dear Janice, The principals for staging stay true all year round. You want to make sure that every prospective buyer that walks thru your home can picture their friends and family living in your space. To do that effectively, minimizing personalization is important to speak to the majority of buyers. Noleen Bester, with NB Designs, recommends the following: Remember, you’re selling a product, elegance and simplicity are key. Choose holiday themed decorations vs. religious themed décor, i.e. pinecones, greenery, etc. Match the colors of your holiday décor to the colors used in decorating your home.

When decorating with a Christmas tree, used one

Dear Terese

by Terese Peabody

Noleen Bester, with NB Designs, recommends the following: Remember, you’re selling a product, elegance and simplicity are key. that is appropriate for the room size and make sure it is not in the way. Keep outdoor decorations simple, a simple wreath on the front door, but keep the inflatables and candy cane path lights packed away. Consider wrapping gifts in color co-ordination gift wrap, matching your holiday décor and your home’s color scheme. You

don’t have to totally miss the excitement of the season, but keep the decorations simple and elegant, and you’ll appeal to more potential buyers!

Dear Terese, My buyer has switched lenders after the option period. Does this normally happen after a contract is executed?

Susan Dear Susan, Although not typical, it does happen. When working with a buyer, I ask my clients to meet with a lender prior to shopping and making an offer. If possible, the lender should provide a conditional loan approval letter. If I represent a seller, I ask for the same when an offer is received.

If the home has Ag or Wildlife exemption, you’ll want to make sure that the lender has closed with this type of property.

Also, you may want to ask if the buyer’s lender, thru your agent, can put a “rush” on the appraisal.

Often, the loan package can be “moved” from one lender to another,

EPA officials, however, said it was “not clear how this permit conforms” with guidelines and requirements under the Clean Water Act and NPDES regulations. In addition, the EPA couldn’t discern what factors the TCEQ considered in determining there would be no significant degradation, or if the state’s review complied with TCEQ’s antidegradation policies. discharge “won’t cause or contribute excessive nutrients to the receiving waters that would violate” requirements under TCEQ’s Tier 1 antidegradation review.

EPA’s letter came as a result of a petition

by Protect our Water, a group opposed to the city’s TPDES permit, to review Dripping Springs’ permit.

“The TCEQ and Dripping Springs must now justify the draft permit to the EPA,” according to a POW press release. “POW and EPA’s concerns with the pollution of Onion Creek would be addressed with a legally binding no-discharge plan from the City of Dripping Springs.”

In a press release Tuesday, the city of Dripping Springs acknowledged the EPA is seeking information to “ensure the city’s draft permit conforms to the guidelines and requirements established by the clean water act.

According to the release, the city anticipated the inquiry from the EPA and “will work to provide all requested data.”

“We knew the EPA had an interest in learning more about our permit,” Dripping Springs Mayor Todd Purcell said in a statement.

“We will, of course,

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Continued from pg. 1

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No to Discharge Permit Water Act and NPDES regulations.

Dripping Springs’ permit calls for the city to construct a new wastewater facility that could discharge up to 995,000 gallons of treated effluent into Walnut Springs, which is a tributary of Onion Creek.

The TCEQ conducted a Tier 2 review of the city’s permit and concluded that the permit would have “no significant degradation of water quality” in Onion Creek, which has been identified as having high aquatic uses.

EPA officials, however, said it was “not clear how this permit conforms” with guidelines and requirements under the Clean Water Act and NPDES regulations.

In addition, the EPA couldn’t discern what factors the TCEQ considered in determining there would be no significant degradation, or if the state’s review complied with TCEQ’s antidegradation policies.

Some of the major concerns addressed in the letter extend to effluent contributing more than 450 pounds of phosphorous per year in a stream with an annual existing amount of phosphorous of 1 pound per year.

“Additional information is needed from the permittee/ TCEQ to show that these increases in Total (phosphorous) and Total (nitrogen) would not negatively impact the receiving waters,” according to Wooster’s letter.

Wooster said additional concerns extend to possible algae growth due to the increase in nutrients in Onion Creek.

The EPA also asked the city and TCEQ to provide appropriate information that shows the findings in the praft permit will enusre the

which may expedite the process. Ask if they have “in-house” underwriting, these typically move a little faster as closing approaches. As long as the lender can give you updates in writing that the loan process is moving forward, you’ll be able to keep your finger on the pulse of the progress of the loan, and receive reassurance that it will close!

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Page 8

News-Dispatch

Thursday, December 15, 2016

HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS RETURN TO HEALTH AND INDEPENDENCE DEER CREEK OF WIMBERLEY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR OVER

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Area families took to Charro Ranch Park this weekend as they took part in the city of Dripping Springs’ Family Hike. The event, part of the Healthy Parks, Healthy People program, allowed the city to showcase the park.

Residents were free to explore the trails on their own, or join Sarah Maxwell with “Hike It Baby” in a 1.5 mile hike. Healthy Parks, Healthy People is a city program aimed at showcasing Dripping Springs’ five parks by hosting a monthly event.

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Keep your family and friends informed all year long.

News-Dispatch Volume XXXVII No. 6

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

75¢

Thursday, November 10, 2016

VICTORY

Tiger football shares district title, moves on to playoffs

Mercer Street closure coming STAFF REPORT

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Dripping Springs Tiger senior linebacker McKenly O’Neal (11) hoists the District 26-5A championship trophy as teammates around him celebrate the Tigers’ first district title in 20 years Friday. Dripping Springs earned a share of the district title with a 41-10 win over Marble Falls in the final regular season game at Tiger Stadium. More on the Tigers’ historic win can be found on page 4. (Browse and buy photos at bartonpublications.smugmug.com.)

LAGNIAPPE

Discharge permit public hearing

The city of Dripping Springs will hold a public meeting Nov. 10 where residents can speak on the city’s draft discharge permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The meeting will be held at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park Special Events Room at 7:00 p.m.

Veterans Day Tribute

The Dripping Springs Rotary Club will be hosting its 2016 Veterans Day Tribute on Nov. 11, 2016, from 5:30-10:30 p.m. at the Mercer Street Dancehall. The event is open to the community free of charge and donations to our Veterans are accepted. Food will be served, and children are also welcome. Along with the delicious food, the evening will include rec-

Nutty Brown to give final encore in 2017

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

A beloved Dripping Springsarea live music venue will stay for one final season before making a move north in 2018.

Mike Farr, owner of the Nutty Brown Café and Amphitheater, said plans to move the music venue to a new location in Round Rock have been delayed for one year.

Farr said the venue, which opened in July 2000, would remain open at its current location along U.S. 290 just outside of Dripping Springs until spring 2018.

“We intend for the 2017 season – our final year in our

Farr said the venue, which opened in July 2000, would remain open at its current location along U.S. 290 just outside of Dripping Springs until spring 2018.

original location of 17 years – to be a year-long celebration of the very best live music in Central Texas,” Farr said in a statement.

The reasoning for delaying the move was to further develop the new site in Round Rock, Farr said.

As he began to design the new Nutty Brown location, Farr said his design team expanded on what it wanted the site to look like. But as a result, he

said it has “gotten bigger and more complicated.”

The new site, located on 18.4 acres at McNeil Park in Round Rock, would have more outdoor space for the venue, Farr said. In addition, the new site would increase the total capacity to roughly 6,000 people. The current site has a capacity of 3,800 people.

Farr purchased the McNeil

NUTTY BROWN, 3

East Mercer Street between Ranch Road 12 and U.S. 290 will temporarily be closed to through traffic Nov. 14-15, according to a city of Dripping Springs press release.

The closure will allow the developer of Texas Heritage Village to install a waterline that stretches from the driveway in front of Homespun, across Mercer Street and to the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation Driveway that is located at the triangle.

Commuters should expect possible traffic delays as well as limited access to the buildings affected in the vicinity of construction.

Exercise caution when driving through this area when construction is underway.

Buy a subscription to the News-Dispatch and get a gift subscription of equal length for FREE through Dec. 31.

That’s TWO ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTIONS for only $32!

Call (512) 268-7862 or email paper@haysnewsdispatch.com to subscribe today.

Hays citizens vote en masse

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

More than 40 percent of all registered voters in Hays County cast ballots during the early voting period prior to the Nov. 8 election, according to numbers provided by county officials.

The mark surpasses the 37 percent of registered voters who cast ballots

ANNOUNCING A NEW ADDITION TO OUR FAMILY VOTING, 7

Locals empty wallets for Empty Bowls

LAGNIAPPE, 7

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Linda Kleman, of Dripping Springs, holds a bowl that says “Have a Nice Day” during Sunday’s Empty Bowls project event in downtown Dripping Springs. The smell of savory soup and the sweet sounds of folk music hit the Mercer Street Dance Hall Sunday as the 19th annual Empty Bowls project was held.

The event, which benefits Dripping Springs Helping Hands, featured bowls that were made by Bridget and Bill Hauser and the Art Garage, along with gourmet soups from area restaurants.

Writers, painters events earn HOT

BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ news@haysfreepress.com

A second wave of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) fund proposals hit the Wimberley City Council Nov. 3 with city leaders approving two for the second quarter 2017.

But a second try for funding by the Wimberley Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau was placed in hiatus after council returned the application.

Traci Calamari, who filled in for HOT Committee Chairman Tomas Palm, presented the applications, which

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