WHAT I DO: Graphic Design Production Manager Nuts and bolts communication specialist working in the journalism field. Experienced in gathering and disseminating information in a community news format. Produced over twenty years of award-winning newspapers and other print publications. Used to multi-tasking and working with all departments and cross-training in those departments as necessary.
David White GRAPHIC DESIGNER + 705 W. 2nd Street • Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 787-1578 • DavidinKyle@yahoo.com
PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS INCLUDE: • • • • • •
Meeting project deadlines Quality control of all products Visual communication skills Customer service Client relations Office management
ADEPT AT WORKING WITH: • • • •
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel) Interlink (subscription software) Pre-1 (FileMaker billing system)
NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
HELLO Thank you for taking the time to look at my resume. I have worked in small-town newspapers for 25 years, and I’d like to put my communications, graphic design and photography skills to use for a good company that has a positive mission. Please let me know if we can meet or talk over the phone soon. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, David White
Won more than twenty years of top awards from the Texas Press Association, as well as the South Texas Press Association, in the areas of Graphic Design, Photography and General Excellence.
“Not a single weak spot in the entire entry. Every page is very readable, and I like the clean, modern typography.” –Judge’s comments from 2015 South Texas Press Association after winning Sweepstakes for four years straight
PROFESSIONAL CAREER HISTORY: Barton Publications (Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch), Kyle, TX Production Manager (1993-Present)
Led community newspaper through two and a half decades of technological changes in print production, news gathering, website evolution and social media. • Assist in conceiving and writing select news and feature stories
• Manage two-person graphic design team that designs news pages, advertisements and maintains website and social media • Handle public notices, advertising and billing • Manage circulation department • Photography
Texas Petition Strategies, Buda, Texas Freelance Graphic Designer (1997-Present)
Designed political campaign literature for several elections across Texas. Won two Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants in 2014 and 2015 for effective campaigns. Habitat for Humanity, Hays County, TX Freelance Graphic Designer (2015-Present) Designed internal company literature for Habitat for Humanity partners, including organizational reports, fliers, banners, calendars and posters. Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson Freelance Graphic Designer (2015-2016) Created design standards for quarterly newsletter and produced their first three newsletters.
PORTFOLIO for
David White
To peruse the archive of my work from the past few years, please visit www.HaysFreePress.com or click here.
ting e k r a m r u o y p e e K t materials on targe
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Print s e c i v r e S ness better Promote your busi quality print with professional ls with Barton and online materia Services. Publications Print e. Call for a free quot
Catalogs Booklets Postcards Brochures
Posters
r Street, Kyle TX
. • 113 W. Cente
At Barton Publications, we have many special editions that I’ve been designing for several years. The resource guide for Kyle is one of the products that I do in cooperation with the Kyle Chamber of Commerce. Below is a sample of a two-page spread that I composed for Hays Junction Apartments in Kyle. They wanted A LOT of stuff in their ad.
DIRECTORY • 2019
Digital E-Zines
78640
*I am currently the one-man graphics department at Barton Publications and Barton Publications Print Services.
2016
2018
MED CAL
MED CAL
directory
DIRECTORY
for Hays County and surrounding areas
A guide to physicians and healthcare providers serving Hays County and surrounding areas
A guide to physicians and healthcare providers serving Hays County and surrounding areas A guide to physicians and healthcare providers serving Hays County and surrounding areas
1
KYLE GUIDE 2019
Published by Barton Publications, Inc.
A resource guide for everything Kyle
Big things on the horizon
Kyle Texas 2018 Kyle, TX 2018 u Page 1
Welcome to
KYLE Tx
INSIDE BUSINESS DIRECTORY • HISTORY • AREA ATTRACTIONS • QUALITY OF LIFE • DEMOGRAPHICS • RECREATION page 1
Community
Welcome to Hand Crafted Living
Explore a unique community created with a passion for quality. Hays Junction promotes a relaxed atmosphere with modern rustic luxury living where you can feel at home. Crafted in the beautiful Hill Country, Hays Junction is designed with your needs in mind. Resort-style pool, advanced fitness facility and a location that provides the convenience of two city venues to take advantage of entertainment, shopping and dining. Hays Junction may be a quick twenty minutes from Austin or San Marcos, but it is far enough away for you to find yourself again.
Published by Barton Publications, Inc. to you by Barton Publications brought
brought to you by Barton Publications
Live, work and play here
Many Amenities *in select units
Apartment Home
• One and Two Bedroom Modern Rustic Residences • Amazing Hill Country Views* • Expansive 9-Foot Ceilings • Open Plan, Perfect for Entertaining • Custom Insulated Windows with Tons of Light • Two Shades of Hardwood Style Flooring in Designated Areas • Spacious Closets • Faux Wood Blinds • Nickel Ceiling Fans with Lighting in Bedrooms and Select Living Areas • Full-Size Washer and Dryer Connections Included in Each Residence • Private Patios and Balconies • Out-of-Season Exterior Storage Closet* • Private Fenced in Backyards* • High Speed Internet Access • Disability Access*
Flyers
Newsletters Calendars
2 6 8 7 8 6 2 2 1 5 ns, Inc Barton Publicatio
Magazines Newspapers
In addition to printing two weekly newspapers and a quarterly magazine, Barton Publications Print Services* prints a surplus of other promotional materials for other individuals and companies. We also do print products for, and in cooperation with, the local Hays County Chambers of Commerce.
MED CAL
Kitchen
• Chef-Inspired Gourmet Kitchens with Prep Islands • Gourmet Prep Islands with Seating Area • Choice of Custom White or Espresso Cabinetry • Stainless Steel Appliance Package* • Black-on-Black Appliance Package • Granite Countertops with Undermount Sinks* • Side-by-Side*, Frost-Free Refrigerator with Ice-Maker • Kitchen Pantries • Double Stainless Steel Sinks with Vegetable Sprayer • Self-Cleaning Oven
Bath 828 BEBEE ROAD KYLE, TX 78640 HAYSJUNCTION.COM P: 512-312-9427
• Granite Countertops* • 36” Oval Garden Soaking Tubs • Oversized Clear Glass Separate Shower in Master Bath* • Custom Framed Bathroom Mirrors* • Linen Closets
• Artisan Inspired Clubhouse with Click Cafe and Free Starbucks Coffee • On-Site Chef Inspired Epicurean Kitchen with Cooking Classes • Media Lounge with Oversized Television • 24-Hour Fully-Equipped Athletic Center with Individual Commercial Precor Weight Machines, Free Weights, and Cardio Theater • Yoga Studio with Complimentary Well Beats Fitness Classes • Complimentary Towel Service – Fitness and Pool Area • Resort-Style Swimming Pool with Social Seating • Outdoor Kitchen with Grills, Cook Station and Dining Area with Outdoor Theater System • Lush Landscaping with Outdoor Entertainment Spots • Limited Accessed Gated Community • Detached Garages Parking with Electric Car Charging Station* • Reserved Covered Parking with Resident Only Access • Pet-Friendly Community with Wag Pet Park • Social Calendar with Activities • Door-to-Door Trash Pick-Up • Professionally Landscaped and Irrigated Grounds • Smoke-Free Living Common Areas and Apartments
Resident Signature Benefits
• Resident Service Specialist • Preferred Employers Discount • Coffee Lounge with Free Starbucks Coffee, Tea and Snacks Daily • Breakfast on the Go • Discount Dry Cleaning, Pickup and Delivery • Discount Dog Grooming, Boarding and Veterinary services • Package Acceptance with Immediate Notification • Business Services • Online and Mobile Rent Payments • Well Beats – Interactive Home Fitness Program • Out of town services, Accept packages, Pick Up Mail, Water Plants • Voter Registration • Easy Utility and Renters Insurance Setup
Resident Loaner Accommodations • • • • • • • •
Roll-Away-Bed Move-In Dolly Apartment Toolbox Umbrellas Vacuum Sewing kit First Aid Kit Postage availability
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Seton Hays celebrates 10 years of service in Kyle area
Hays volleyball sweeps Stars, remains in playoff chase
Hays Free Press Vol. 124 • No. 29
HaysFreePress.com
Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX
County judge forms Census committee BY ANITA MILLER
“Hays County has been identified as an undercounted,
The 2020 Census is hard to count area along the corridor and areas to the technically still months east of Interstate 35.” away, but Hays County is gearing up to do a better –Ruben Becerra, Hays County Judge job of making sure every resident is counted. an umbrella for similar ties as well as Texas State Hays County Judge Ru- of the Hays County Complete Count Comcommittees formed by University. ben Becerra announced mittee, designed to be the county’s municipali“In an effort to ensure Oct. 9 the formation
HCSO staffing shortage
Current staff fielding traffic complaints BY ANITA MILLER When the Hays County Sheriff’s Office took to social media to publicize a new email address for traffic complaints, they expected to get reports of speeders and the like. Instead, motorists took the opportunity to
HCSO UNDERSTAFFED, 2
CENSUS COMMITTEE, 11
75¢
Vol. 124 • No. 30
HaysFreePress.com
BY ANITA MILLER
The Buda City Council unanimously approved the issuance of $4.37 million in revenue bonds as part of the city’s participation in a regional water supply contract with the Alliance Regional Water Authority (ARWA) at its regular meeting Oct. 15.
The project will supply, Construction on the project, which beginning in 2023, water the city “sorely needs in includes a new water treatment plant, the future as we continue treated water pipes, pumps and to grow,” Mayor George Haehn said prior to the delivery points, is expected to begin vote. in early 2021. Graham Moore, ARWA executive director, told as the Guadalupe Blancouncil members prior to will deliver water from co River Authority, the the vote that the project, the Carrizo-Wilcox cities of Lockhart and which Aquifer to Buda as well
PHOTOS BY DAVID WHITE
Next stop, Kyle Before radios and air brakes, train conductors, brakemen, and flagmen rode in the caboose to look for signs of trouble on the tracks. The caboose also served as an office for the train conductor. This Saturday volunteers from the Kyle Railroad Depot & Heritage Center and members of the Hays County Historical Commission hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the newly restored 1929 caboose that is housed at the center. The wooden caboose has been in the restoration phase for almost a year. Volunteers hosted tours of the caboose and depot and told stories related to the train and the city of Kyle. Guests also enjoyed refreshments and music by the Silver Mine String Band. The Depot is located at 100 N. Front Street, Kyle. Above, Milo Renteria, grandson of historical commission volunteer Dorothy Renteria. Right is volunteer Dr. Henry Oles.
COMING UP Kyle Founders Parade downtown this Saturday
“A Slice of Kyle” is the theme for this year’s Founders Parade, which will take to the streets at 10 a.m. Saturday. Parade participants will gather at Gregg-Clarke Park and head east on Center Street, ending up at the Mary Kyle Harton Gazebo at City Square Park. After that, everyone will sing “Happy Birthday” to Kyle and share birthday cake. The parade is traditionally held mid-October. The town was platted and its first lots sold around Oct. 15, 1880. Grand Marshal for this year is Kyle Park, who has played area music festivals since he was a high school student. Good viewing spots for the parade include either side of Center Street. Because Center Street is also FM 150, which is a state highway, the parade can only accept a limited number of entries. This year’s lineup is already full.
Songwriters Festival
RIVER ACCESS
County eyes limited public access to Blanco River for El Rancho Cima.
– Page 14
INDEX
The public is invited to the annual Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival Oct. 18-20 to enjoy three days of singer/songwriter showcases. Forty-five songwriters from across the U.S. and around the world will be there. The Festival is free and takes place on six stages at six venues: Barber Shop Bar, Acopon Brewing Co., Mazama Coffee Co., Hudson’s on Mercer, The Sidecar Tasting Room and Milton’s Lodging, all within the Dripping Springs Downtown Historic District.
FATAL WRECK, 12
Buda’s Art in the Heart
The Buda Main Street Program is hosting Art in the Heart, a celebration of fine art in Historic Downtown Buda, which will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20, from 1 to 6 p.m. The Buda Main Street Program has partnered with Inspired Minds Art Center, Fine Arts Buda, Assemblage Contemporary Craftsman Gallery and Hays CISD to bring the community together to celebrate local artists in Buda and the surrounding areas. The event will feature live music, art exhibits, student artist showcases, live demonstrations, classes, and a chalk art contest. A schedule of events can be seen at www.downtownbudatx.com/art.
Hootenanny on the Hill
Festivities will kick off Saturday, Oct. 19 in Plum Creek with a 7 a.m. race, followed by carnival activities from 12 to 4 p.m. and shopping for all ages. Hootenanny on the Hill activities include inflatable games, trackless trains, petting zoo, BBQ contest, pony rides, music, and more. More info at hootenannyonthehill.com
Creedmoor Oktoberfest
Creedmoor’s Oktoberfest will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Creedmoor Community Center. It is a family-friendly community festival with a parade, pancake breakfast, craft and food booths, games, cake walk and tours of the Texas Disposal Systems exotic game ranch beginning at 10 a.m., and a live auction at 2 p.m.
News …………… 2, 4, 5 Opinion Page ……… 3 Sports ………………… 6 Education …………… 7
Community ……… 8, 9 Business ………… 10 Service Directory … 11 Classifieds ……… 12, 13
Driftwood man arrested after break-in, pursuit BY ANITA MILLER A Driftwood resident with prior arrests for burglary was taken into custody by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Oct. 8 after allegedly breaking into a FLORES home in the 200 Block of Meyers Road in Buda. Steven Rene Flores, 30, is charged with burglary of a habitation, a second degree felony, and evad-
APPREHENDED, 2
New Braunfels and other entities, is currently in the processs of engineering design and easement acquisition, adding that of 325 required easements, only one has been agreed on. “Obviously, there is a lot ahead of us,” he said. Construction on the project, which includes
BY ANITA MILLER
Happy Birthday, Kyle! PHOTO BY JAMES NIÑO
Kyle, the Pie Capital of Texas, celebrated its 139th birthday this past weekend. Spencer Thomas, co-owner of Texas Pie Company, helped celebrate in style by dressing as a pie in the parade that took place down Center Street. See more photos on page 16.
As Austin home prices rise, Hays County fields disappear BY ANITA MILLER
The woman at the podium listed off a dozen or so species of songbirds that delight her young daughters by coming to their backyard feeder – tufted titmice, chickadees, wrens, finches and
buntings among them. “I’m speaking on behalf of the birds that will lose their homes on the land behind our house” on Mather Street, Lisa Trahan told the Kyle City Council on Oct. 15. “I also speak on behalf of my children, theirs
is the generation that will confront the real problems of overdevelopment,” she continued, before lifting her young daughter Macy to the microphone. “There are cows back there …. And they’re like cutting down the trees,” the little girl
said. Those emotional remarks followed similar statements by a longer-time resident of the same neighborhood as council was poised to consider changing the
RISING HOME PRICES, 11
COMING UP Center Street Trick or Treat
Join your Kyle neighbors Saturday for Center Street Trick-or-Treat 1 to 4 p.m. on City “Scare” Park. Local businesses and organizations will s provide a fun and safe opportunity for trick-or-treating. All “ghosts” and “goblins” young and old are invited for the trail of treats and costume contest as well as a pumpin carving contest. See the city of Kyle website for more details.
Boo-Da Halloween
Join your Buda neighbors for the 17th Annual Boo-Da Halloween Saturday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.. There will be everything from costume contests to a brand new haunted maze, Buda has got your Halloween needs covered. Enjoy this family-friendly event in the heart of downtown Buda. More information to come as we get closer to Halloween. We look forward to seeing you.
IZZY ON HAIR Barber shop aims to beautify Kyle.
– Page 10
Pet costume contest and WAG Rescue
Come to Whole Pets Market Oct. 26 in Dripping Springs for a pet costume contest. This promises to be a fun event from noon to 2 p.m. Prizes will include a flat screen TV, free pet food for three months and a Yeti cooler. Adoptable pets will also be on hand.
News ……… 2, 4, 5, 16 Opinion Page ……… 3 Sports ………………… 6 Education …………… 7
Kyle police hope that the man accused of murdering a Lehman High School graduate last month will be brought back to Hays County within MILLER the next 30 days to face justice. A capital murder warrant has been issued against 20-year-
Living
a new water treatment plant, treated water pipes, pumps and delivery points, is expected to begin in early 2021. The project will also utilize SWIFT funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), Moore said.
BUDA WATER BONDS, 10
old Devonte Miller of Kyle in connection with the shooting death of 19-year-old Ben Verse, who was found dead in a vehicle in the parking lot of a closed business along Interstate 35 early on Sept. 25. An autopsy revealed Verse had been shot more than once, Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said. Miller has also been named as a suspect in a shooting in San Marcos Sept. 24 in which an 18-year-old woman was struck multiple times on
Volume 44 - September 2015
Saying farewell after 20-plus years of service
IN HAYS COUNTY
Vallandingham retires after 22-plus years
Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX
Kyle police issue warrant in death of Lehman grad
STAFF REPORTS An 80-year-old Buda woman was killed Monday morning after her Chevrolet Impala was hit head-on by an 18-wheeler. Geraldine Wilcox Hylander was pronounced dead at the scene by Hays County Justice of the Peace Beth Smith. The driver of the Freightliner, identified as 35-year-old Charmell Ramone Randle, of Austin, was uninjured. According to DPS Sgt. Robbie Barrera, the wreck happened at approximately 10:15 a.m. on FM 967 about five miles west of Buda. Road conditions were clear and dry. The speed limit along that stretch of roadway is 55 miles per hour.
A PUBLICATION RECOGNIZING THE EMPLOYEES OF LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP
Buda OKs bond issuance for regional water project
Buda woman killed in FM 967 collision
BY ANITA MILLER When the Kyle City Council settled its lawsuit with Kinder Morgan over the energy giant’s proposed Permian Highway Pipeline, the agreement specifically mentioned that the city would retain the right to pursue future litigation against other entities. Tuesday night, they exercised that right. After an executive session of approximately 55 minutes, the council voted unanimously to authorize attorney William S. Eubanks to submit a notice of intent to sue to both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service “regarding the process of environmental review under the endangered species act.” There was no further discussion in open session.
that all of Hays County is accounted for … and using the guidelines provided by the U.S. Census, I, as the highest elected official in Hays County, hereby form the Hays County Complete Count Committee,” Becerra
Hays Free Press © Barton PuBlications, inc.
INDEX
Kyle files intent to sue federal agencies over pipeline
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© Barton PuBlications, inc.
75¢
New home-grown grocery and market coming to Buda
Kyle Council gets a preview of Uptown Kyle at Plum Creek
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SUMMER 2015
Firm Briefs
NEW GROCER
UPTOWN PREVIEW
SCUBA, just another hobby that Jim will have more time for now that he’s retired from the law firm.
ACT CEO Brod retires, reflects on past two decades with firm ACT CEO and Texas TAC software innovator, Jim Brod retired in June after 30 years with Linebarger Goggan, leaving big shoes to fill in the ACT division. “No one could ever fill the shoes of Jim Brod,” Daisy
Power said. Daisy, Jim’s colleague for many years, has taken the helm of ACT operations. “Jim Brod will be sorely missed, and all of us at ACT wish him the very best,” Daisy added. BROD RETIRES, pg. 2
Longtime Chief Marketing Officer, Management Committee member, and Partner Mike Vallandingham, announced his retirement at the end of June. His early successes in North East Texas led to his being transferred shortly thereafter to the firm’s Austin, Texas offices. In 1998, the firm’s Management Committee tasked Mike, who has a BBA in Marketing, the responsibility of launching both the firm’s marketing effort and developing its fees and fines collection services division. Over the next two decades he would log millions of miles and thousands of nights on the road pitching the
Graham Election News VOTE What you need to know before you vote
firm’s services and maintaining client relationships and overseeing various operations from coast-to-coast. Mike joined the firm’s Management Committee as an Advisory Member in 2004, along with several other partners. He was made a voting member of the MC in 2006. Clif Douglass, the current Chair of the
Winners and Losers
A guide to home services in your area
243 votes cost Graham $1.1 million in local tax revenue, yet taxpayers face higher water bills and hospital tax
a product of Barton Publications, Inc.
VALLANDINGHAM RETIRES, pg. 4
A G U I D E T O T H E W E D D I N G C A P I TA L O F T E X A S
A group of Graham area citizens are asking voters to support limited alcohol sales to the city of Graham. In 2014, over 1,250 Young County voters signed the petition calling for the beer-wine election. Nearly 800 of those who signed voted in the election, yet 478 did not. The final vote showed the pro-wet side lost by 243 votes, proving every vote does count. The proposition on the November ballot will allow a vote for the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only. This will only allow beer and wine sales in grocery and convenience stores and by Texas law, will not allow package liquor sales. “Studies show grocery stores lose $3 in general sales for every $1 lost in beer and wine sales – which can be as much
Dripping Springs
Lone Star Summit 2017 AUGUST 13-15 EMBASSY SUITES • SAN MARCOS, TEXAS
POSTAL CUSTOMER
VOLLEYBALL WINS
SUSPECT SOUGHT, 15
Buda hires new head of economic development BY ANITA MILLER The city of Buda has announced a new executive director of its Economic Development Corporation, a position that had been vacant since former ANDERSON director Ann Miller was “released” in April. Traci Anderson, formerly the economic development director in Sunnyvale outside Dallas, will begin work Oct. 28 and on Oct. 30, the city is hosting a reception for her from 5 to 7 p.m. in the main lobby of the Buda Municipal Complex. During her time in Sunnyvale, Anderson helped to secure more than one million square feet of commercial development and more than $64 million in expansion projects. Anderson said she was “sad to leave” her former position, but, “I am excited for what the future holds and to return to Central Texas,” she said. She had formerly worked as vice president and BRE
Traci Anderson, formerly the economic development director in Sunnyvale outside Dallas where she helped secure more than $64 million in expansion projects.
All About Location
Dripping Springs’ popularity grows as “The Wedding Capital of Texas®”
Lone Star Summit 2017
manager for the Taylor Economic Development Corporation. “The Buda Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors have been deliberate and patient in the search for an executive director,” Board President Jennifer Storm said. “Traci’s experience and connections in the business community will help achieve Buda’s goals and objectives for economic development.” “Buda is a fast growing community with the benefits of small-town charm in the heart of the
Dripping with Glamour Wedding day beauty tips for the bride, as well as other tips to make the day perfect
A Taste of Home Local wedding cakes sweeten the deal in Dripping Springs
PRSRT STD
OCTOBER 23, 2019
U.S. Postage Paid Barton Publications
OCTOBER 16, 2019
as $25,000 to $100,000 per week in lost sales and thousands in lost local sales tax revenue,” noted long time Graham resident Cliff Brightman, “In fact, studies show that Graham loses more than $225,000 a year in local sales tax revenues and since we voted to stay dry in 2012, we’ve lost nearly $1.1 million dollars in local tax revenue. We can’t afford to hire a narcotics police officer, our water bills shot through the roof— and yet they keep telling us we don’t need the tax revenue and should continue to send people to Bryson and New Castle.” “The opposition claims crime will go up, but where’s their proof? Over 500 communities have now voted wet, including Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Cisco and Haskell and police chiefs
and sheriffs all across Texas said crime rates either didn’t change or went down. And alcohol related accidents go down—because people drive shorter distances,” noted local resident and group member Donna Rhodes. “Cast your vote on facts, not their scare tactics.” “What is this beer barn myth? Folks, just look at the towns our
effect and some communities are reporting crime decreased. J.B. Smith of Smith County contacted over 25 Texas cities who had voted wet in the last 5 to 10 years. “I contacted 28 communities and 25 responded,” noted Sheriff Smith, “and asked each the same question, “Did you have an increase in crime or litter in relation to the sale of alcohol?”. Every jurisdiction that responded said “No – some even reported crime went down.” Rockwall and Midlothian were two communities that stated crime actually decreased. Boyd Richie, former 90th District and Young County Prosecutor in 2012 said, “I served for 17 years as County Prosecutor, and prosecuted many DWI’s, DUI’s, minors in possession, and know personally that many
Hospital Tax – Water Bill Skyrockets – every time we turn around it seems some tax is going up again. Studies show that Graham loses more than $225,000 a year in local sales tax revenues, and since we voted to stay dry in 2012, we’ve lost nearly $1.1 million dollars in local tax revenue. How many tax increases could have been avoided with an additional $1,100,000, or how many new police officers or narcotics enforcement officers could we have hired? Can we really afford to pass on this tax revenue AGAIN? –Cliff Brightman, Lifelong Graham Resident
It’s about freedom Americans have always led the world in the concept of freedom. Freedom, not religion, is the foundation our nation was built on. It is the cornerstone of our legal system. While we may not always agree with what others do, it is a “free country,” as they say. Freedom comes with inherent risk that some will misuse their freedom. If the actions of the few dictate regulations on the many, freedom is lost. We cannot regulate guns for 360 million Americans based on a few crazed shooters. We can’t regulate churches based on the actions of churches like Westboro, and we can’t regulate the choices of responsible drinkers based on the few who choose to drink irresponsibly. –Eric Clifton, Young County resident
Want Beer-Wine sales in Graham? The power is in your vote
Sheriff J.B. Smith
Boyd Richie
of the concerns of the opposition are just not accurate.” He went on to add, “the fact is crime does not go up after these elections, but I can tell you this, I’ve never prosecuted someone for a DWI for having a beer in their own living room.” Sheriff Smith summed it up, “I don’t care whether they vote “For” or “Against” the propositions. But they don’t need to be using crime or litter as a reason (to vote against) because it just doesn’t show it.”
The last time we had this election, Beer & Wine lost by less than 250 votes. Over 1,200 people signed the petition, but almost 500 didn’t vote – AND WE LOST BY 243. People say their vote won’t matter. Bull ... on this proposition it sure does. You may not be happy with your vote for President or Congress, but if you vote for this, something absolutely will change, and you can shop locally and keep your tax dollars local. Its a win/win for everyone, and it should be a no-brainer, so lets get it passed this time. –Donna Rhodes, mother & lifelong Graham resident
Why do I keep seeing signs about Beer Barns? As a mother of three, I am very concerned about the future and safety of our community. And Beer Barns are the least of my concerns, in fact I can’t remember the last time I even saw a Beer Barn anywhere. So why do people think that Graham will suddenly be over run with Beer Barns? This is just a scare tactic, I hope people don’t fall for it. –Jennifer Shields, Graham homemaker, mother of three
Pol. Ad Paid for by the Economic Growth Committee
Emily Woodall,
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Above are the front pages of the latest two editions of the Hays Free Press. Below are a sample of photos I took at a ribbon-cutting for the opening of the Kyle Train Depot earlier this month.
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MD
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1340 Wonder
Why are you for the Young County BeerWine Proposition?
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Community ……… 8, 9 Business ………… 10 Service Directory … 13 Classifieds ……… 14, 15
Graham Steers play in football. Guess what, there are only 3 beer barns in all 10 cities – COMBINED. Eight of the cities approved beer and wines sales since 2004 and none of them have a single beer barn. The other two towns, have 3 stores total and they’ve been ‘wet’ for decades. This Beer Barn claim is a myth,” noted Jennifer Shields, mother of three.
“Crime and litter didn’t increase after alcohol sales”
e Entire Family Skin Care for th
NEW BUDA EDC DIRECTOR, 9
What the people are saying...
Aren’t you tired of taxes and bills going up?
Texas Law Enforcement: What do 96 out of 100 safest cities in Texas have in common? They all allow beer and wine sales in their grocery and convenience stores. That’s right, according to a 2015 study of Texas Crime rates, only four of the safest cities in Texas are dry and only one made the Top 10. Graham came in 41st with more than 39 communities that sell alcohol safer than Graham. This contradicts the claims by opponents that alcohol sales make communities less safe. But what does law enforcement say? Law enforcement officials from across Texas have started to weigh in on the effects of alcohol elections. From Dallas, to Lubbock to East Texas, sheriffs, police chiefs and former Prosecutors have gone on the record stating the effect of the alcohol election had little or no
NOV. 8
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What’s in a name?
The Birdwell legacy BY DAVID WHITE
I’m not a prolific writer, but I can put a few sentences together from time to time. I supplement our quarterly magazine – Hays County Echo – with a historical column called “What’s in a name?” I also do rewrites of press releases and a lot of other supplemental information for the newspaper.
In our continuing series of What’s in a Name?, we take a look at the namesakes of one of our Buda street signs in a Garlic Creek neighborhood named Birdwell Lane. The Birdwell legacy began in Buda when Minnie Reagan and William Sherman “W.S.” Birdwell met and later married in 1894. Minnie was the daughter of Daniel and Mary Meredith Reagan who lived on a farm in Manchaca. W.S. was the son of Henry Landow “H.L.” Birdwell and Cynthia Birdwell who opened the H.L. Birdwell and Son grocery store. W.S. and Minnie married in 1894. They operated the family grocery store until the death of the elder Birdwell. W.S. then formed a partnership with a man named Sharon Barber who was already a partner in the Buda Mercantile Company in Buda. Birdwell and Barber bought the Buda Mercantile building and continued operation of the store which eventually became known as the 1898 Store, which was an antique store for several decades, owned and operated by Carl and Jeannette Chelf. W.S. and Minnie bought the Carrington Hotel building and made it their home for many years. In 1925 they bought land on North Main Street, which is now the home of Billy and Tammy Gray. W.S. and Minnie had a daughter named Jewell and a son named Sherman. Jewell was the Buda postmaster for 25 years. She married her dad’s business partner Sharon Barber and the two also lived in the old Carrington Hotel house. Sherman graduated Buda High in 1922 and then went to U.T. After graduation, he went to work for an old family friend named Lyndon Baines Johnson. He helped organize the National Youth Administration, served as L.B.J.’s first
“My earliest memory of Buda was following my father into Birdwells’ Store. On the left was Miss Laura Wright, a clerk in the dry goods section, who could find anything for you. On the right was Kelly Smith, who could do the same in the grocery section. The store had everything – clothing, piece goods, hats, shoes, whatever you needed.” An account of a Buda resident’s memory of the Birdwell’s store from the Buda Centennial, a special edition published by the Hays Free Press in 1981
L.B.J.’s father Sam Ealy Johnson, Jr. was born on a farm in Buda. He and his family had local relationships in Buda and were regular visitors to the area. According to the book, People and Places In and Around Historic Buda, “When Sam became a member of the Texas Legislature, he was a regular visitor to Buda. He would ride his horse to Buda, board it at Cox’s Stable and take the train to Austin.” Author Mary Giberson made the following account in her book below.
Sam Ealy Johnson, Jr.
My grandfather, Henry Barton, told me a story about him and Sam (Johnson) often riding their horses to Fredericksburg together to do their ‘courting.’ They both married women from that area. He also told of running into Sam in front of Birdwell’s store one afternoon and Sam asking him if he could borrow five dollars for a marriage license. He concluded his story with ‘If I had not had $5, Lyndon might never have been born.’”
Congressional Secretary and was later appointed director of the Texas Employment Commission. No known Birdwells still live in the Buda area, but Sherman’s daughter Mary was born in Austin in 1940 and shared memories of visiting W.S. and Minnie’s home on North Main Street in Barbara Younts and Mary Giberson’s book, People and Places In and Around Historic Buda. “I remember how I loved to visit and sleep with my grandmother Minnie and watch the squirrels from the screened porch.”
22 | Hays County Echo | FALL 2019
In 1925 W.S. and Minnie Birdwell bought land on North Main Street and built a house which is now the home of Billy and Tammy Gray. Tammy now owns and operates the Buda Drug Store and Billy is a former Buda mayor.
According to city documents, an applicant hopes to revive the Buda Mercantile Company in the nowvacant 1898 building by creating retail space.
A product of Barton Publications | 23
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