January 4, 2023 Hays Free Press

Attorneys: 'Don't say no mo', release the video' Family demands transparency for victim of officer-involved shooting

By Natalie Frels natalie@haysfreepress.com

SAN MARCOS — “Don’t say no mo’, release the video!” echoed through the crowd that gathered at The Cephas House in San Marcos at noon on Monday for a press conference, hosted by the attorneys for the family of the victim in an officer-involved shooting on Dec. 12. The family of Joshua Leon Wright, 36, an inmate in the Hays County Jail who was being held prior to his trial for several misdemeanors, is

demanding transparency in the form of body camera footage from Hays County Jail corrections officer Isaiah Garcia.

According to the second autopsy requested by the family, Garcia shot Wright six times as the inmate allegedly attempted to flee.

Beverly Wright, the mother of the deceased, was comforted by local attorney Chevo Pastrano as attorney Ben Crump addressed the crowd and a gaggle of reporters.

Crump, who has represented families

Kyle council considers ethics ordinance

By Amira Van Leeuwen amira@haysfreepress.com

KYLE — On Dec. 20, Kyle City Council unanimously approved an ordinance repealing and replacing the city’s Code of Ethics Ordinance No. 961 as amended on the first reading.

The city’s Ethics Commission met on Nov. 14 to discuss modifying the ethics ordinance.

Mike Rubsam, the Ethics Commission chairman, gave a presentation of those recommended

changes at the council meeting.

Some of the changes included the following:

• Defining employment as the performance of work or services for remuneration and includes work or services performed by independent contractors.

• Adding “supported by evidence” to Section 2-181 to read: “A city officer or employee who has knowledge of a violation, supported

of victims involved in high-profile officerinvolved shootings, cited a Facebook post by the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) posted on the day of the incident which claimed that Wright threatened hospital staff with a sharp medical instrument.

“We are challenging CLEAT to release the video showing Joshua Wright had a sharp medical device in his hand and if he didn’t have a sharp

Park delayed by supply shortages

By Amira Van Leeuwen

KYLE — Significant supply shortages continue to prolong the completion of La Verde Park, which was supposed to be finished in July 2022.

Although the project is 75% complete, La Verde Park, located at 3901 Burnham Road, still

needs exterior tile at the pavilion, landscaping at the dog park, swings and a volleyball court, along with additional punch items. The projected completion date is this month, but availability of materials for the unique structures in the park may further delay opening.

vice president for Central Texas, said the pavilion structure is driving the project’s schedule — a structure facing supply chain issues. Rosborough said the company had to wait three months to get a Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) and nearly

Soaring into the new year

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

A ground view of La Verde park as of Dec 28.

Ryan Rosborough, AG|CM

PHOTO BY NATALIE FRELS

Ben Crump, right, walks with Beverly Wright, middle, the mother of Joshua Leon Wright — the pretrial detainee who was killed by corrections officer Isaiah Garcia — along with Wright's daughter, Xyrrena Wright, 13.

PHOTO BY ASHLEY KONTNIER Kyden, clad in his Superman outfit (cape and all) soars through the air at Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park in Kyle to usher in the new year.

Spoon

Fork restaurant coming to Kyle

By Amira Van Leeuwen

KYLE — Spoon + Fork, a family-owned Thai kitchen, is expected to open in mid-2023 in Kyle.

During its executive session on Dec. 20, Kyle City Council awarded Spoon + Fork the city’s restaurant incentive by approving a 100% sales tax rebate for the first three years, initiating approximately half a million dollars in capital investment.

“The restaurant incentive was created to attract restaurants with diverse offerings to our community,” said Victoria Vargas, Kyle’s economic development director. “We are honored that Spoon + Fork selected Kyle as a location for their third restaurant, following the success of their first two stores.”

Spoon + Fork has two other restaurants located in Dripping Springs and McKinney, respectively.

19-year-old takes office as district clerk

I want to build a vision of public service'

By Brittany Anderson brittany@haysfreepress.com

HAYS COUNTY — The requirements to run for local office are actually quite simple. More often than not, you just need to be a U.S citizen, a resident of the state and/or county for a certain amount of time, be a registered voter, not be a convicted felon and be at least 18 years of age.

Avrey Anderson ticks all of these boxes. Now, the 19-year-old Dripping Springs native is preparing to take on the role of Hays County’s new district clerk.

Anderson was elected during the Nov. 8 election, unseating incumbent Beverley Crumley, who has held office since 2011, by nearly 2,000 votes. Anderson’s swearing in, along with the swearing in of other Nov. 8 elected officials, took place on Jan. 1 at the Hays County Historic Courthouse in

San Marcos.

District clerks play a vital role in local governments. They file, process and maintain records of all of the district courts’ proceedings, implement district court decisions and administratively support the district courts and its judges.

For Anderson, it was his interest in both public service and programming, including knowing SQL

four months for concrete cinder blocks.

“We finally got those [the concrete cinder blocks] in and they were wrong. It was the wrong material. It wasn’t the contractor’s fault; it wasn’t anybody’s fault. They just shipped the wrong stuff and so we literally had to almost get back in the queue and start over and explore our options with the block,” Rosborough said. “So, that in itself pushed the schedule way out.”

The vice president said they have also been having supply chain issues with the park’s electrical panels.

“Anything electrical, whether it be generators, you know, electrical panels, fuses — all that stuff is in very short supply, right now, very hard to get. So, that compounded the problem

because obviously, we have a lot of electrical out there, underground electrical lighting — all that stuff in the steel for the pavilion structures,” he said.

Eventually, the city received the correct CMU blocks and is now waiting on steel; Rosborough said the project is in a lot better shape now.

“There have been some change orders on the project, which have changed scope, which has added some dollars to the project. But as far as [the] schedule is concerned, there have been no payments made for additional time extensions, general conditions, none of that,” Rosborough said.

The largest addition to the park that wasn’t in the initial planning was a water lift station. The lift station was added to accommodate where the

The restaurant's name comes from Thai tradition in how the Thai hold their silverware.

“We're going to hold a spoon on the more dominate hand, like if you're a right-handed person, you're holding the spoon in that hand then the fork in the other, and then we use both [the] spoon and fork to eat,” Thana Trepetch,

COVID risk high in county

New surveillance report by CDC

By Megan Wehring megan@haysfreepress.com

HAYS COUNTY – Hays County is now at high risk for COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention upgraded Hays County from medium to high risk due to new cases and hospitalizations.

Neighboring Travis, Blanco and Comal counties are all labeled as low risk, while Caldwell is at medium.

The CDC assigns every county nationwide with a “COVID-19 Community Level” to help individuals understand how the virus is impacting their specific community.

Low, medium and high-risk levels are determined based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past seven days, new hospital admissions in

the past seven days and the percent of staffed hospital beds being used by COVID-19 patients.

If the number of new cases is higher than 200, the county cannot be considered low risk.

Whether the county has fewer or more than 200 new cases per 100,000 residents for hospital and inpatient bed usage also plays a factor.

In Hays County, the case rate per 100,000 population is 294.54; there are 16.1 new COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 population and there are 4.4% staffed inpatient beds in use by confirmed COVID-19 patients, according to a report by the CDC.

About 175,430 people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 148,717 completed a primary series.

The CDC also

recorded the following information in its Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, which was updated on Friday, Dec. 30.

• Seasonal influenza (flu) activity remains high but is declining in most areas.

• Of the influenza A viruses detected and subtyped during week 51, 83% were influenza A(H3N2) and 17% were influenza A(H1N1).

• Fourteen influenzaassociated pediatric deaths were reported this week, for a total of 61 pediatric flu deaths reported so far this season.

• So far this season, there have been at least 20 million illnesses, 210,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths from the flu.

• The cumulative hospitalization rate in the FluSurv-NET system was more than four times higher than the

highest cumulative inseason hospitalization rate observed for week 51 during previous seasons going back to 2010-2011. However, this in-season rate is still lower than end-of-season hospitalization rates for all but 4 pre-COVID-19pandemic seasons going back to 2010-11.

• The number of flu hospital admissions reported in the Health and Human Services

Protect system decreased nationally from the week prior for the third week in a row.

• An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu. Vaccination helps prevent infection and can also prevent severe outcomes in people who get vaccinated but still get sick with the flu.

• It is recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine annually.

park’s water was going to leave the drain via storm sewage.

The initial budget for the project was just under $6.8 million, funded by the city’s general fund, but by adding lift stations, city council approved in December to add a 5% contingency for a total added amount of $245,750.

The city’s finance director Perwez Moheet said the project is initially being paid for by Kyle's property taxpayers and then eventually reimbursed by those within TIRZ #2, with the understanding that future property tax revenue generated within TIRZ #2 will reimburse the general fund over time.

“As these ‘loaned funds’ are repaid to the city's general fund over time, the property taxpayers within the boundaries of

TIRZ #2 will eventually pay for the La Verde Park and Trails project costs. It is important to note that since the county is also participating in TIRZ #2, the county's portion of the incremental property tax revenues generated within TIRZ #2 will also be used to repay the city's general fund,” Moheet said.

Interim city manager Jerry Hendrix thanked Kyle residents for their patience.

“We realize this is a much-anticipated public amenity that citizens are waiting for. And we recognize that and we're doing everything we can to get it finished as quickly as possible,” Hendrix said. “But we also want to make sure that we are right because once it's here, [it] is going to be here for a long time.”

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Inside of Spoon + Fork’s Belterra location.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN Outside of Spoon + Fork’s Belterra location.

'

Avrey Anderson

By Brittany Anderson

HAYS COUNTY — Hays County’s sole food bank will finally get a much needed upgrade that will ensure it can keep up with the county’s growing population and need for food security.

On Dec. 20, the Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously approved $1.2 million of American Rescue Plan funds to go toward building a new facility for the Hays County Food Bank (HCFB), as it has outgrown its current space in a countyowned building in San Marcos. With this vote and these funds,

HCFB will be able to hire a consultant, put $88,000 toward a feasibility study and $1.1 million toward construction of a new 15,000- to 30,000-square-foot facility. Although the estimated cost for a facility of this size ranges between $3 million and $9 million, these funds will at least help put the gears in motion for the project.

According to HCFB Executive Director Eleanor Owen, a new facility has been a long time coming. The food bank has operated out of a 2,250-square-foot building (which includes office and warehouse space and 160

square feet of cooler and freezer capacity) on Herndon Street since the mid-’90s.

However, Owen said a new facility has been needed for at least 20 years, and that was before the county experienced its explosive growth. When HCFB’s current building first opened in 1996, the population of Hays County was 78,389. Now, it’s nearly 256,000.

The county’s need for such a facility and services is unquestionable. According to information provided by See HCFB, Page 5

Commissioner Jones honored for years of service

By Brittany Anderson

HAYS COUNTY — The November election brought some new faces to several Hays County government offices, thus, the time for one county commissioner has come to an end.

During his final commissioners court meeting on Dec. 20, Pct. 2 commissioner Mark Jones was honored for his years of service on the dais and in the community.

Jones was first elected in 2010, although his time in public service and the county stretches back years before that. He has served as an executive committee member of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s

Transportation Policy Board for the last four years, is vice president of the Capital Area Housing Corporation and Hays County Food Bank and is active in the local education scene, including serving as a board member of the Hays County Education Foundation and timekeeper for high school football and basketball teams and starter for track teams.

Jones was also a two-term trustee and vice president of the Hays CISD Board of Trustees.

Jones said that through his three consecutive terms as commissioner, he has seen Hays County transform from being a “bedroom community” to exploding with growth in infrastructure and county

services.

Ultimately, it was the personal connections he strived for that made him work through the challenges.

“When you know that there’s something that

needs to happen and you feel strongly about it, you just have to go at it each day,” Jones said. “The biggest relationships I had, with citizens I didn’t know before and with staff, is what I’ll

remember the longest and the most.”

During the Dec. 20 meeting, Jones’ colleagues also shared their sentiments of working alongside him, highlighting the lasting impression he left on many in the community.

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to work with you and beside you, literally,” said Pct. 1 commissioner and Jones’ benchmate Debbie Ingalsbe. “I know that the residents of Pct. 2 truly appreciate your work and service. I know that I always say that it's the little things that people care about.”

Resident Jim Camp, who was appointed by Jones to serve on the county’s Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee, also spoke about Jones’ years of commitment to enhancing the Edwards Aquifer waterways while keeping the growth of the county in mind.

Camp said that Jones’ efforts have helped the court as a whole work with the community, the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and other groups on these environmental protections.

“The people of Hays County said yes by about 70% to pass the bonds and every community — San Marcos, Kyle,

Wimberley and all places in between — now have more parks and recreation opportunities, more trails, more open space and the protection of Jacob’s Well and other places. You were a big part of that,” Camp added.

Jones also received the Road Hand Award from the Texas Department of Transportation during the meeting, which is the highest honor for people who have contributed in major ways to transportation within their communities and the state. Jones has overseen major projects in the area like the creation of FM 1626 and SH-45, of which he reflects on as some of his proudest accomplishments in office.

While Jones’ time on the commissioners court may have come to an end, he assures the community that he “isn’t going anywhere.” For now, he’s got enough to “keep him busy:” spending time with his grandchildren and family, running cattle, working in the residential sector and continuing to volunteer around the county.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Jones said. “I’ve got a lot more to do around here.”

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

The Hays County Food Bank in San Marcos has outgrown its current building and is seeking a new, larger facility.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

From left: commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Mark Jones, Judge Ruben Becerra and commissioners Lon Shell and Walt Smith. Dec. 20 marked Jones’ last day on the dais.

Land Conservation: A gift that keeps giving

The holiday season is a great time to appreciate the bounty of thoughtful land stewardship and its benefits beyond private landowners into our Hill Country communities.

THE HILL COUNTRY STEWARD

BY CENTRAL TEXAS CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP

Landowners practicing good stewardship enhance water quality and quantity, mitigate floods and drought, support agricultural productivity, and improve wildlife habitat. As the population of Texas grows, the demand for development in the Hill Country is ever-increasing – making land stewardship an even more important gift.

For a growing number of private landowners, conservation easements are another way to ensure land is permanently protected for future generations. A conservation easement is an agreement between a private landowner and a charitable organization that limits or restricts future development of the land, preserving its natural and historic character.

Conservation easements can be donated or sold and aim to keep land in private hands while maintaining it mostly in its current condition.

The conservation easement holder is usually a land trust – a private, nonprofit organization that holds interests in property.

Several land trust organizations operate in Central Texas, including the Hill Country Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy in Texas, the Texas Agricultural Land Trust, and the Texas Land Conservancy.

For land trusts, conservation easements are a way to protect land from development that doesn’t require outright purchase and allows private owners to continue to use and enjoy their property. Land trusts are responsible for ensuring that future landowners follow the easement terms and that the donor’s wishes are respected. Easement terms are as varied as the land itself - tailored to fit landowners’ wishes and the

specifics of each property.

Most conservation easements are perpetual, remaining in effect when a property is sold or passed on to heirs. For many owners this brings peace of mind, as the easement ensures that their vision for the land will continue, preserving the time and money they have invested in restoring and improving it and ultimately, carrying on a legacy of conservation.

Conserved lands benefit both landowners and the general public. Conveying a conservation easement to a nonprofit organization is a charitable gift and can give landowners tax benefits or even partial payment. For the public, conservation easements reduce the future pressure of development on rivers, streams, and aquifers – which already feel the state’s rapid growth –and help maintain habitat for wildlife, a resource shared by all Texans. Additionally, land under easements may continue to be farmed, ranched, or available for other productive uses in the future.

Landowners all over Texas

have placed more than a million acres into conservation easements, keeping land in Texas natural and rural. Lands placed under conservation easements give future Texans a chance to see and experience our state’s diverse, rich landscapes for years to come. Landowners who conserve their land are truly giving a gift to Texans everywhere by keeping the Hill Country’s wide open spaces, conserved lands, and connected landscapes. To learn more and connect with folks who care about your piece of Texas just as much as you do, visit www.

texasconservation.org. If you have questions related to stewardship or conservation, you can email them to DearStew@texasconservation. org and you may see them answered in a future column. Looking forward to learning more with you. – The Hill

Country Steward

The Hill Country Steward –not a person, but a partnership of local experts dedicated to sharing the best information, tips, and lessons learned. Have questions? Send them to DearStew@texasconservation. org. Learn more at www. texasconservation.org

LBJ fills CIA vacancy with fellow Texan

The first test-fire of the Polaris missile on Jan. 10, 1960 was a spectacular success that put the lowprofile career of a Texasborn admiral into public orbit.

A native of Decatur and a 1928 graduate of Annapolis, William F. Raborn passed the tests of war and peace with flying colors. But nothing could prepare the cando sailor for his final assignment as director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

During the last days of the war in the Pacific, a kamikaze pilot scored a direct hit on the aircraft

carrier Hancock. Repairing the badly damaged flight deck in a remarkable four hours, Executive Officer “Red” Raborn made possible the safe return of a fighter squadron, an incredible feat rewarded with the Silver Star.

Texas History

by Bartee Haile

The Texan’s post-war duties were no less challenging, and his long list of peacetime accomplishments earned him an enviable reputation as the most able administrator in the navy. In 1955 he took the job of speeding up

production of the Polaris, a submarinelaunched missile with a 1,500-mile range.

A tough taskmaster who believed in sevenday work weeks for everybody including himself, Rabon regularly revived weary subordinates with rousing pep talks. “I knew that I was ready to die for someone,” a former aide later recalled with mixed feelings, “but I didn’t know whether it was the admiral, the president, my mother, the head of the Boy Scouts or

who.”

Raborn’s management magic added the underwater weapon to the US arsenal an impressive three years ahead of schedule. The successful test-firing of the Polaris in 1960 instead of the projected 1963 landed him on the cover of Time magazine.

Retiring from the navy after his 30-year hitch, Raborn settled into the comfortable life of a civilian executive. He was hired as vicepresident of a California aerospace company and spent his off-hours chasing golf balls in Palm Springs.

But duty unexpectedly

called in April 1965. On his way to the airport for a mysterious trip to Texas, Raborn slyly suggested to the public relations department, “You might want to have some biographical material on me available.”

President Lyndon Johnson’s announcement of the Texan as his choice for CIA director caught Washington know-italls, as well as Raborn’s corporate cronies, by complete surprise. Although the admiral had never been mentioned as a prospect for the post, his name topped the only list that mattered -- LBJ’s.

Director Raborn hardly had time to find his office

in the vast CIA complex in Langley, Virginia before facing his first full-blown crisis. Six hours after the swearingin ceremony on Apr. 28, 1965, the president decided to dispatch the Marines to a Caribbean hot spot.

From 1916 until 1924, American soldiers kept the peace in the volatile Dominican Republic.

Strongman Rafael Trujillo maintained dictatorial order until his assassination in 1961, which rekindled political strife in the small country. Juan Bosch, a popular writer, was

Cheers to a more cheerful 2023

Well, we made it through another year. 2022 was a rough one for many of us, but we kept on plodding forward. I can look back on 2022 and recall having more good times than bad days.

FROM THE CROW’S NEST

BY CLINT YOUNTS

I got to frolic in the Gulf of Mexico and marvel at the majestic Rocky Mountains. I woke to more beautiful sunrises than dreary mornings. I stopped watching the morning news and began each day trying to get Wordle. That’s how I spent 2022.

Now, as I sit here on January 1, my head aching from either cedar pollen or that champagne I purchased from Dollar General, I am thinking I should make some New Year resolutions. I’m struggling to come up with any since I’ve been making resolutions for several decades and never kept one past February. It seems like the most common resolutions

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have to do with improving one’s health, like losing weight, exercising more or cutting back on alcohol consumption.

Well, I don’t need to do any of these things. I’ve been wearing the same size jeans for 30 years, and I work harder now after retiring than I did when I had a job. As for cutting back on my beer drinking, you’ve got to be joking!

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not a heavy beer drinker. I only weigh 215. If I go over 225 pounds and can’t snap my britches, I switch to light beer until I get back to my previous weight. This is my version of drinking responsibly.

While I’m on the subject of alcohol consumption, do any of y’all answer honestly when the doctor asks how many alcohol beverages do you drink in a week? I usually ask him, “Which week?” Some doctors have a

DEADLINES

sense of humor while others just frown and say, “It’s time for your prostate exam”. I made a resolution a few years ago to not joke around with doctors with fat fingers.

I suppose if I have to make a resolution, I’m gonna try to be less grumpy and have more patience. It seems as I gain gray hairs, I lose patience. I used to have a high tolerance when in the company of fools, but as I age gracefully, I tend to voice my opinions more often.

I used to enter debates online with truly ignorant souls, but I came to the conclusion that arguing with fools is like chopping cedars with a dull ax. It takes too much energy and you don’t get much accomplished. Something I started doing the past few months is simply blocking folks who seem to enjoy tossing buffalo chips in the campfire. I also like to block Philadelphia Eagle fans. Out of sight, out of mind.

I probably fuss too much

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about all the construction and destruction that these developers are doing around us. And I fuss about government officials who have the foresight of a mole with cataracts. They continue to let developers build more homes in areas with narrow roads and dwindling water supply.

I know I complain a lot about all the rude drivers and the awful traffic on our country roads. Hey, if you want to drive like hell, don’t do it in God’s country.

I fuss a lot about crooked politicians who lie and cheat, and I fuss about people who will vote to keep them in office.

Yeah, I reckon I should be less grumpy and stop complaining so much. The best solution to achieve my resolution is chilling in my beer fridge. So, if y’all want to hear less fussin’ and complainin’ from this grumpy old man, y’all need to be darn sure that my fridge is always full. And if it looks like I’ve gained weight, buy me some light beer.

Happy New Year, y’all!

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PHOTO COURTESY OF LARRY WHITE AND THE HILL COUNTRY ALLIANCE

William "Bill" Alston

William Henry “Bill” Alston, 97, of Buda, Texas passed away on December 31, 2022 in Buda, Texas.

Bill was born in Mexia, Texas to Henry Clay and Ludie Irene (Evans) Alston on October 1, 1925.

Bill graduated from Freer

HCFB, Texas households experiencing food insecurity increased from 13% in December 2018 to 22% in June 2021, meaning one in eight Texans, or 4 million individuals, experience food insecurity.

Locally, HCFB distributes more than 93,000 pounds of food each month, serving more than 4,000 households in the county.

The new facility would increase storage to expand food capacity, improve access for large delivery vehicles, create an onsite grocery/pantry facility, service more households, provide more

High School in 1943. He immediately enlisted in the US Army Air Corps and served as a Flight Engineer on B-25s during World War II. After discharge, he worked as a construction supervisor for Humble Oil, later Exxon for 40 years. He enjoyed country music, a good

protein items that require refrigeration and have a loading dock that would require less manual labor in food movement.

While the location is not quite set in stone, HCFB has proposed that the new facility be built on 4 acres of land off Reimer Avenue, adjacent to The Village of San Marcos, which has a variety of social service organizations and resources.

With this new facility in the works, the food bank is looking to reach more Hays County residents and working toward ending food insecurity across the county.

western movie with a happy ending, and black coffee. Bill was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.

Above all, he cherished and valued his family, which he saw as his greatest achievement in life.

Bill is survived by his children, David Alston (Maria) of Kyle, their children David Jr, John Paul, and Anastasia; James Michael Alston (Mary) of Houston, Texas and their daughter Rachel; Cynthia Norma Alston Wood (Josh) of

Midland, Texas and their sons, Conner and Sean. He also recently celebrated the birth of his great-grandchild, Legend Alston. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and his dear friends who were his companions in the final years of his life.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Norma Purcell Alston, his parents, and his sister Billie Jeannette (Alston) Rouse.

The recitation of the Rosary will take place at 9:30 a.m. on

Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Santa Cruz Catholic Church, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., with Father Jesse Martinez officiating. Burial will follow at Luling City Cemetery in Luling, Texas. Harrell Funeral Home of Kyle, Texas will be handling the funeral arrangements.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Buda Oaks Assisted Living Facility and to Magnolia Hospice.

How to stay warm, protect homes against cold weather

By Megan Wehring HAYS COUNTY

Concerns about how to stay warm and protect homes against harsh winter conditions were at an all-time high during the Christmas holiday season.

Texas Water Utilities, the state’s branch of SouthWest Water Company, shared with its customers some preventive tips on how to protect homes.

Water expands when it freezes, causing tremendous pressure to be placed on pipes inside and outside of homes and can cause them to break. Texas Water Utilities recommends the following tips to prepare homes in case of a freeze:

• Open cabinets and keep the thermostat to a consistent temperature during the day and night.

• Leave the heat on when going away for vacation during cold weather.

• Insulate pipes and faucets in unheated areas and seal off openings in doors and air vents.

• Drain the swimming pool, shut down your

sprinkler system, turn off outside faucets and remove connected hoses.

• If a pipe freezes but hasn’t burst, try to thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hairdryer, or towel soaked with hot water.

• Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipes. Never concentrate heat in one area because cracking ice can shatter a line.

Tim Williford, vice president of operations of Texas Water Utilities, said homeowners should know the location of their shut-off water valve.

“There is a valve box outside by the street and sometimes you have to dig around [to] make sure you can get access to it,” Williford said. “It’s always best to be prepared to shut off the water if you need to.”

Because outdoor faucet covers are in high demand, Williford said there are alternatives to protecting pipes.

“What I’ll do at my house is wrap the faucet with a hand towel, or some other type of towel, and wrap duct

tape around it to keep it warm,” Williford said.

While covering the outdoor faucets and dripping the inside faucets are important, bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors should also be open to allow

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda

First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle

Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626

Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle

Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda

Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.

CATHOLIC

Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland

CHRISTIAN

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

EPISCOPAL

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle

Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

LUTHERAN

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warmer air to circulate the plumbing. Williford recommended that preventive measures should be completed at least 24 hours before the freezing temperatures are supposed to hit.

PHOTO BY MEGAN WEHRING

Like many companies, Texas Water Utilities recommends individuals cover outside faucets and exposed pipes to help prevent damage during cold weather.

elected president in 1962 and ousted the following year by the military because of his purported left-wing ties.

The United States feared the riots that erupted in the spring of 1965 would culminate in a pro-communist coup.

Rather than risk a replay of the recent revolution in Cuba, Johnson sent in the Marines.

Director Raborn’s role in the Dominican

affair was restricted to passing along information obtained by CIA spooks behind the stormy scenes. With no background in intelligence, he concentrated on reorganizing the spy agency and wisely avoided the swamp of international intrigue.

However, there was no way Raborn could steer clear of the escalating crisis in Indochina.

(a programming language), that drove him to run for office.

“I wanted to serve my county; I wanted to serve my people,” Anderson said. “It really just leads back to public service. I saw district clerk as an excellent opportunity to do that.”

Anderson’s preparation for office included reading the district clerk manual, brushing up on local government statutes and doing some other training ahead of officially assuming office. One of his biggest campaign strategies, however, was getting out into the community and talking with people.

“If you have conversations with people around town, which I primarily did around the Square [in San Marcos], people will remember that,” Anderson said. “It’s really one of the best ways to talk to people … The fact that you’re there in person makes it much more personal than watching someone on the TV or seeing a big sign.”

While Anderson credited part of his win to this strategy, he said that it maybe got him “a few

by evidence, of any of the provisions…” and a sentence at the end of the paragraph that states: “Any failures to report a violation pursuant to this subsection are governed by subdivision VIII, section 2-308, and the criteria set forth therein.”

• Adding a sentence to subsection (e) regarding confidentiality that reads: “If the city officer or employee is also an accused individual within the complaint, nothing in this subsection prohibits the accused city officer or employee from exercising their rights afforded to them by the United States Constitution.”

• Adding “within 30 days” to Section 2-278 of Disposition, subsection (a) Written opinion to then say, “The ethics commission shall issue a decision within 90 days after the filing of a complaint. The ethics commission shall state in a written opinion its finding of fact and conclusions of law within 30 days after final disposition.”

In addition to the ordinance suggestions, staff suggested one change to the financial disclosure documents, which is to not require city council members to keep their information confidential. That suggestion was noted and updated in the financial disclosure documents.

Another consideration from city staff was to change the ordinance’s five-year retention period for opinions under state law to four years to match the state law retention period.

Mayor Travis Mitchell also suggested changing the policy sections that say “recommend” or “recommender” to “nominate,” “nominating” or “nominator.” At the end of the discussion, the change was unanimously approved.

In August 1964, North Vietnamese gunboats supposedly took torpedo potshots at a pair of naval destroyers in the Tonkin Gulf.

CIA specialists analyzed the reports and concluded the sound the Americans had detected with their sonar equipment had not come from torpedo propellers.

But the White House did not bother to check

hundred votes” and acknowledged that the changing political landscape of the county was also advantageous.

“To be honest, our county has been blue for a bit,” Anderson said, who ran as a Democrat.

Since his victory, he has been busy preparing to take office and said that one of the biggest — and only — problems encountered so far is with staffing.

“We’re getting that under control,” Anderson said. “In the beginning, there were a lot more people worried and willing to leave. Then I started meeting with the deputies of that office so they would understand that I’m not going to ‘clean house.’ I’m there to basically build relationships with my employees that are going to be strong — ones that actually helps us function and achieve what we’re supposed to.”

Anderson is also keenly aware of what many in the county might be thinking about him taking office at his age.

“I surely understand that they think I'm a 19-year-old and don’t have any experience, and that’s

Council member Yvonne Flores-Cale suggested adding a definition for “economic benefit” in Section 2-171 on page four, but she appreciated the first page of the policy that states, “The appearance of impropriety may itself be a conflict of interest,” and recommended keeping that in there.

“Perception is reality, and the truth is we have to make sure as elected officials that we are behaving even when we think nobody is watching,” Flores-Cale said.

Toward the end of the discussion, Flores-Cale motioned to keep the language on page one.

Council member Miguel Zuniga seconded the motion.

Mitchell thought it was appropriate to leave that verbiage out.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate for the Ethics Commission to make findings based on appearance of impropriety as a conflict of interest but rather follow the actual rules for what a conflict of interest is,” Mitchell said.

As a newer council member, Zuniga said he wanted to see a strong ethics ordinance.

“I just want it to have some teeth in it,” Zuniga said. “I don’t want to see a watered-down ethics policy.”

There was a roll-call vote on the motion, in which Mitchell and council members Ashlee Bradshaw, Bear Heiser, Michael Tobias and Daniela Parsley voted to leave the phrase out.

Flores-Cale and Zuniga voted to keep the verbiage in the ordinance.

Mitchell had a clarifying question regarding the constitutional rights provision. The provision states, “If the city officer or employee is also an

with the CIA. Citing the questionable incident as proof positive of the enemy’s hostile intent, President Johnson asked for the authority to use “all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression.”

Within 72 hours, congress approved the historic request by votes of 416-0 in the house and

easily understandable,” Anderson said. “But I also have as much experience as someone who’s elected to Congress for the first time, being that they have to undergo training to learn how exactly to be a legislator … To overcompensate for my age, I dress nicer, I talk to people more, I'm more open to discussion. I try basically fulfilling my role as a servant to the community better than what maybe some people think. I would be willing to do anything at all to help people in the government center, regardless if it was in my office.”

As district clerk, Anderson’s heart is set on one simple task: ensuring his office serves the community as efficiently as possible.

“I want to build a vision of public service,” Anderson said. “I don’t know if that’s already been implemented into the office, but it should be, and that’s the vision I want to instill: that we are to serve the community. We don’t own anything, we’re not above them but we’re here for them and we’re here to serve them.”

accused individual within the complaint, nothing in this subsection prohibits the accused city officer or employee from exercising their rights afforded to them by the United States Constitution.”

“I think I could see it going both ways. There are situations where, over the last six years, the Ethics Commission has convened maybe five times, six times, seven times max. But so far, every ruling has been composed of about half and half between staff and council — accusations from or about staff or accusations about council and in each case, you know that each case is different. So, I can imagine in some situations, the accused may wish to remain silent, and in some cases, the accused may wish to speak,” Mitchell said.

“The way I read it was that both are available because the Constitution allows it, and there’s nothing in the ethics ruling, it’s just saying that don’t read the ethics code as circumventing your constitutional rights, and that is both the first and the fifth.”

City attorney Paige Saenz referred to a provision in the ordinance that states, “No officer or employee shall reveal information relating to the filing or processing of a complaint except as required in the performance of official duty,” to which the word “reveal” would cover verbal and written communication.

“That’s a broad statement, but the language seems to be balancing that against your constitutional rights,” Saenz said.

Saenz recommended that those involved in processing the complaint should only talk about it in their official capacities.

“The purpose of this

process is to allow for the evidentiary hearing to produce the information needed for the commission [and the council] to make a decision. But having the individuals involved in just the administrative processing without speaking about it doesn’t really help that process,” Saenz said. “It’s reasonable to have those individuals not reveal information about the complaint."

Zuniga said it was sometimes difficult to balance the boundary of what transparency is to maintain the trust of the position.

“So things come up, some projects don’t work out, people, citizens want to know about these things. There [are] lawsuits happening, so it makes it difficult as a council member. What can I say that’s not common knowledge? Where would I see

88-2 in the senate. The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution became the blank check for the Vietnam War.

In the midst of the rapid military build-up that would commit more than half a million troops to the Southeast Asia stalemate, “Red” Raborn cut short his stay at the

from Page 2

SPOON,

CIA. He had originally agreed to a two-year tenure, but 14 months proved long enough under the circumstances. Order your copy of “Texas Depression Era Desperadoes.” by mailing a check for $24.00 to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.

restaurant chef and co-owner said.

Trepetch studied at the Culinary Institute in Thailand and described it as “tough” but “interesting.” She grew up in a large family in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, where her passion for cooking was born.

Her family would cook many different types of cuisine in what is called the big house.

“We call it a big house because that's where we come together for a meal. We gather every evening at the big house and then they cook all day and they do everything from scratch,” Trepetch said. “I started out from eating good food and my family cook it first.”

Trepetch said many immigrants from China and Japan come to Thailand, but especially Bangkok, describing it as a large boiling pot that absorbs culture and cuisine.

Mayor Travis Mitchell said Spoon + Fork is a “perfect” example of how the restaurant incentive program is growing and diversifying Kyle’s local restaurant scene.

“We are thrilled to have them [Spoon + Fork] in our community,” Mitchell said.

The restaurant, which will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, is part of the Central Southwest Texas Development (CSW) project, located at Kyle Crossing Phase II at the southwest corner of FM 1626 and Marketplace Avenue.

“We want Spoon + Fork Thai Kitchen in Kyle to be more than just a restaurant,” Trepetch said. “We want to create a family go-to place, a friends' reuniting spot, a date night destination, a place that brings everyone together as we strongly believe that relationships can blossom over a good meal.”

The city is anticipating the restaurant to open in the summer of 2023.

the red flag? Because obviously, the residents do have some rights to know what might be going on,” Zuniga said.

Saenz responded to Zuniga’s concerns by explaining that part of a council member’s duty is to look out for the best interests of the city and be transparent when it is “appropriate” and “necessary.”

“There is information that is confidential by law, and the council members and the city are required to maintain

that information confidential,” Saenz said.

“And so part of upholding your duties as a council member is honoring that confidentiality until it’s otherwise authorized.

And if that’s a violation of the first amendment, then that needs to be taken up with the state legislature because those are state laws, and you’re just following them.”

The item will return for a second reading at a future council meeting, when additional action may be taken.

answers well to commands and will be devoted to her loving family.

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Classifieds

SUBCONTRACTOR & SUPPLIER PROPOSAL INFORMATION PACKET

Bartlett Cocke General contractors, Construction Manager-at-Risk, for: Hays CISD Academic Support Center - BP #2, is requesting competitive proposals from subcontractors and suppliers. Subcontractor and supplier proposals will be received via Fax to (512) 326-4339 or (512) 326-3990 Fax or via email to bidaus@ bartlettcocke.com no later than 2:00:00 PM on 1/19/2023. Any proposals received after this time will not be accepted.

Electronic copies of the proposal documents may be obtained from Bartlett Cocke or viewed at local and online planrooms. Contact Geoff Sandars via email Gsandars@ bartlettcocke.com or phone (512) 326-4223 Phone to make arrangements.

Small, Woman Owned, Disadvantaged, HUB, HUBZone, 8(a), Minority, and all similar firms are encouraged to submit proposals on this project. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is an equal opportunity (EEO) employer.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 3.010 acres of property located along Lone Man Mountain Rd., Wimberley, TX 78676. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-2124-NP.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 5.000 acres of property located along Prochnow Rd., Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-2107-NP.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that in Cause No. 22-0380P, Estate of Phil D. Fisher, Deceased pending in County Court at Law No. 3, Hays County, Texas, Melinda S. Fisher Friend, qualified for and received original letters testamentary on December 13, 2022.

Claims may be presented to the representative c/o the attorneys at the following address: Graves,Dougherty, Hearon & Moody, Attn: John W. Conner, PO Box 98, Austin, TX 787679998. All persons having claims against this estate are required to present them within the period prescribed by law.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Karl Lee Herzog, Deceased, were issued on December 20, 2022, in Cause No. 22-0434-P, pending in the County Court at Law No. 3 of Hays County, Texas, to: Catherine Hazlewood Herzog.

The notice to the Independent Executor may be delivered at the following address: c/o Barnes Lipscomb & Stewart PLLC

Attorneys at Law

Rollingwood Center 2500 Bee Cave Road Building II, Suite 150 Austin, Texas 78746

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

Dated the 28th day of December 2022.

/s/ Karen G. Ashworth

Karen G. Ashworth

Attorney for Independent Executor

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be conducted by the City Council of Kyle, Texas on January 17, 2023 at or after 7:00 p.m. at Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640. The public hearing will be held to consider proposed assessments to be levied against the assessable property within Improvement Area #4 and the Remainder Area of the 6 Creeks Public Improvement District (the “District”) and to consider the issuance of two series of special assessment revenue bonds to provide public improvements in connection with the 6 Creeks Public

Improvement District Improvement Area #2B Project and the 6 Creeks Public Improvement District Improvement Area #4 Project, respectively, in an aggregate approximate amount of $21,898,000, all pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 372 of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended. The City is authorized to issue special assessment revenue bonds without an election pursuant to Section 372.024, Texas Local Government Code, as amended. No provision is made for a petition or an election in connection with such special assessment revenue bonds.

The special assessment revenue bonds, if issued, will be payable from the special assessments on the property in Improvement Area #2 and Improvement Area #4 of the District.

The proposed improvements to be undertaken at this time include, with respect to Improvement Area #4, street improvements, drainage improvements, water improvements, wastewater improvements, landscaping improvements, detention improvements, costs related to designing, constructing, and installing of the improvements, other improvements similar to those described above, costs related to the establishment, administration, maintenance and operation of the District, bond issuance costs, and the first year annual collection costs (collectively, the“Improvement Area #4 Improvements”).

The proposed improvements to be undertaken at this time include, with respect to the Remainder Area, wastewater treatment plant capacity improvements, lift station and force main improvements, offsite water improvements, street improvements, parks and trails improvements, and landscaping improvements, costs related to designing, constructing, and installing of the improvements, and other improvements similar to those described above (collectively, the “Remainder Area Improvements”).

The total costs of the Improvement Area #4 Improvements, including administrative costs and the costs of issuing bonds, is $17,883,000. The total costs of the Remainder Area Improvements is $3,290,424.

The boundaries of the District include approximately 858.7 acres of land located approximately 2.5 miles northwest of the City center near Interstate Highway 35 and Farm to Market Road 150, within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City. The boundaries of Improvement Area #4 of the District include approximately 95.707 acres of land within the District, and the boundaries of the Remainder Area of the District include approximately 477.077 acres of land within the District, both as more particularly described by the metes and bounds descriptions available at Kyle City Hall for public inspection.

All written or oral objections on the proposed assessments within Improvement Area #4 and the Remainder Area of the District will be considered at the public hearing.

Copies of the proposed Improvement Area #4 Assessment Roll and the proposed Remainder Area Assessment Roll, which include the assessments proposed to be levied against each parcel of land within Improvement Area #4 and the Remainder Area of the District that benefits from the Improvement Area #4 Improvements or the Remainder Area Improvements, as applicable, is available for public inspection at the office of the City Secretary, 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640.

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE VYBE TRAIL

SYSTEM “K22-23.3”

The City of Kyle (City) will accept sealed qualification statements from engineering firms who can demonstrate they have resources, experience and qualifications for the Vybe Trail System until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. Requirements may be secured from the City’s website.

Qualifications submissions addressed to the City Engineer, City of Kyle, 100 W. Center St., Kyle, Texas 78640 will be received until 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

at the office of Leon Barba, P.E., City Engineer, City Hall, 100 W. Center St., Kyle, Texas 78640. Qualifications shall be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked:

Professional Engineering Services for the Vybe Trail System Kyle, Texas “K22-23.3”

A pre-submission non-mandatory Teams Meeting will be held virtually on January 10, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. To join, please RSVP via email Derek Daniels at ddaniels@cityofkyle. com by end of business day January 6, 2023.

No fax submissions will be accepted. No late submissions will be accepted. All submissions received after the deadline will be returned unopened.

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS Leon Barba, P.E. City Engineer

NOTICE OF SALE

Morningstar Storage wishes to avail themselves of the Texas Provision of Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code by conducting a public sale to the highest bidder for cash on their premises. This sale is listed below:

Date: January 12th, 2023

Time: 10:15 AM

Location: StorageAuctions. com

Unit 1040 - Michael McHale - paintings, rocking chair, spirit stick, misc.

Unit 2137 - Alexis Alanizbed, loveseat, suitcases, misc. furniture Unit 2162 - John Magallanez - rims, car jacks, ice chest, misc. boxes & bags, bike frame Unit 3068 - Cheyenne Buchan - misc. totes, electronics, fabrics

Unit 3072 - Jedd Bennettcommercial sewing machine, benches, yard tools, table saw, motorcycle helmets, misc. Unit C310 - Melissa Rocha -misc. furniture, totes, electronics, tv Morningstar Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid or to cancel any public sale advertised. The property contents of these unit(s) are sold “as-is” “where-is” for CASH. Announcements made the day of the sale takes precedence over any printed materials.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

SOLICITATION #FY23-023

GRANT WRITING AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Sealed proposals will be received by the Purchasing Manager of the City of Buda for the above referenced solicitation. The purpose of this advertisement is to solicit interest from prospective vendors to provide grant management consulting services.

The solicitation package may be obtained online at one of the following bid services: www.publicpurchase.com & www.bidnetdirect.com

Proposals shall be delivered in a sealed envelope to City of Buda, City Hall Purchasing Bid Box, 405 E. Loop St., Bldg. 100, Buda, Texas 78610. Write “SEALED PROPOSAL” with the RFP Number, Name, and Due Date on the outside of the shipping package.

Statements will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. local time, January 19, 2023. Questions may be directed to the City of Buda Purchasing Office via email at purchasing@ci.buda.tx.us

Oberrender,

Charles

CPPB Purchasing Manager City of Buda

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Of property to satisfy a landlord’s lien.

Sale to be held Online @

Storagetreasures.com

By competitive bid.

Anytime Storage, LLC 880 Windy Hill rd. Kyle, TX 78640

Bidding will open January 11, 2023 11am and will conclude January 18, 2023 11:00 am.

Cleanup deposit is required. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale.

The property contents of all storage unit(s) sold at this sale are purchased “as is” “where is” for CASH/CREDIT.

Unit items sold for cash to the highest bidder. All Units have miscellaneous household items, boxes, furniture.

Property includes the contents of spaces of the following tenant (s).

RAMIRO ALANIZ: shelving, tools, moving, sports

MARIA GARCIA MALLDONADO: ladders, construction, toys

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Of property to satisfy a landlord’s lien.

Sale to be held Online @ Storagetreasures.com By competitive bid.

Anytime Storage, LLC 2401 Windy Hill rd. Kyle, TX 78640

Bidding will open January 11, 2023 11am and will conclude January 18, 2023 11:00 am.

Cleanup deposit is required. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale.

The property contents of all storage unit(s) sold at this sale are purchased “as is” “where is” for CASH/CREDIT.

Unit items sold for cash to the highest bidder. All Units have miscellaneous household items, boxes, furniture.

Property includes the con tents of spaces of the following tenant (s).

Ashley Whitt: clothing, toys

Stephanie Blodgett: girl bike, clothing

Stephanie Blodgett: bedding

Juice Kennedy: Tools, camping, collectibles

Katherine Robledo: Bedding, heater, TV

Katherine Robledo: Bike, Art, TV

Chris Lawson: Bed, Baby items

Linda Bell: Office, door

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS

Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Overtime available. $43,500 Average Annual Income. Flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules. Health/life/dental/vision insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/ GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, preemployment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (25+ year old) non-profit organization.

State Capital Highlights: January 4

Feds investigating meltdown at Southwest Airlines

Massive flight cancellations by Southwest Airlines during the Christmas holiday week are prompting the federal government to look into why thousands of travelers were left stranded across the country, along with huge piles of luggage in airports served by the beleaguered airline.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said his agency would examine what caused Southwest’s widespread cancellations, which began as a massive polar storm gripped much of the country a few days before Christmas. The airline was able to resume normal operations on Friday as another holiday weekend approached. The airline canceled more than 15,700 flights since Dec. 22, according to The Dallas Morning News. Cancellations by other airlines were a fraction of that amount, according to published reports.

“Because what we’re seeing right now, from the system and the flights themselves to the inability to reach anybody on a customer service phone line, it is just completely unacceptable,” Buttigieg told CBS early Wednesday. The Senate Commerce Committee also plans to investigate.

Southwest does not use the hub-and-spoke system relied upon by other major carriers, instead relying on a point-topoint system. That means even where planes were available, often crews and pilots were stranded in other cities.

RRC launches probe into Atmos service issues

The Texas Railroad Commission has launched an investigation of Atmos Energy’s gas distribution system, which left some Texans without heat during freezing weather just before Christmas. The company reported low gas pressure in cities across North and Central Texas, leaving some customers without heat.

On Dec. 23, the Texas Tribune reported, Atmos asked its 2 million Texas customers to conserve gas use by lowering thermostats, not using gas fireplaces and any gas-powered appliances.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed a letter ordering the railroad commission and the Texas attorney general’s office to investigate Atmos Energy’s “failure to prepare for the winter weather event last week.”

Leading up to and during the winter event, State of Texas agencies worked around the clock to mobilize resources and assist utilities in any way

possible. At no time did Atmos Energy request assistance… It is apparent that Atmos Energy acted irresponsibly and was unprepared for the event,” the letter said in part.

Abbott pushes back on migrant bus criticism Abbott has drawn criticism after a bus from Texas dropped off more than 100 migrants in freezing weather near Vice President Kamala Harris’ official residence in Washington, D.C. An Austin American-Statesman report noted the state has bused nearly 16,000 migrants to socalled sanctuary cities. Abbott tweeted a breakdown of how many migrants have been bused to cities outside of Texas.

Thus far, 8,900 have been sent to Washington; 4,900 to New York City; more than 1,500 to Chicago; and more than 630 to Philadelphia. The governor has maintained in the past that the migrants have given permission to be bused North. The White House has called the move “a cruel, dangerous, and shameful stunt.”

“We’re providing relief to local communities overwhelmed by President Biden’s open border policies,” Abbott said.

The U.S. Supreme Court has so far stopped the

Biden administration from eliminating Title 42, a federal rule enacted during by the Trump administration during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow the U.S. to return asylumseeking migrants to Mexico or their country of origin.

TPWD opposes listing prairie chicken as endangered The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has reiterated its opposition to a decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the lesser prairie chicken as endangered in some areas and threatened in others, citing “tremendous” voluntary collaboration with private landowners and industry to conserve the chicken’s habitat.

The federal designation will take place in January. It primarily affects Panhandle counties where the lesser prairie chicken is found.

“This decision jeopardizes decades of voluntary conservation efforts, increases regulatory burden and does not assure recovery of the species,” David, Yoskowitz, TPWD executive director, said.

$54 million in career, technical education grants

The Texas Workforce Commission has announced 152 grants totaling more than $54 million to various public community, state and technical

colleges, as well as school district and charter schools across the state. The grants will be used to buy equipment to establish or expand programs that offer Texas students the opportunity to earn licenses, certificates, or post-secondary degrees in fields such as nursing, welding, automotive repair and dentistry.

“It’s important to identify high-demand jobs, but it’s critical to proactively commit resources to ensure Texans are ready to meet those workforce needs,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel.

COVID-19 cases remain steady in state

The number of new COVID-19 cases in Texas during the past week remained steady at 30,033, with 102 new deaths reported by the Coronavirus Resource Center at Johns Hopkins University. The number of lab-confirmed COVID-19 hospitalizations rose slightly to 2,581, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@texaspress.com.

KLEA, Pastrano Law Firm yield more than 1,000 toys

Council member Zuniga: 'We’re very proud of the work that y’all did with the community'

medical device in his hand, we, as a community, have to challenge them: ‘Why are you lying?’

People only lie when they know it’s not justified.”

In a statement issued by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Wright allegedly assaulted Garcia in an attempt to escape.

Pastrano described the findings of the legal team’s own investigation, which includes a second autopsy requested at the behest of the family. Their findings, however, are “limited,” as the HCSO has not released the footage from Garcia’s body camera, Pastrano said.

According to their investigation, Wright suffered a medical emergency, which required his transport by two officers to Ascension Seton Hays in the early hours of Dec. 12. After several hours, the officers were relieved by Garcia — “the sole jailer in custody of Wright,” the attorney explained. At some point in time, Wright’s handcuffs were removed so that he could use the bathroom, although his feet remained

shackled. While washing his hands, a scuffle ensued between Wright and Garcia. After a “shove” by Wright, who attempted to flee, at which point, Garcia fired his service weapon and struck the victim six times, with one shot entering the spinal cord — what Pastrano described as paralyzing.

“Only at that point did it come to the very disgusting realization that Officer Garcia continued to fire upon Wright,” the attorney said.

According to Pastrano, one of the six shots entered his lower chest, went through the torso and came to rest in the victim’s neck, indicating that the round was fired when Wright was already on the ground.

“We stand here because there’s no excuse, no reasonable explanation why a man in shackles should ever be fired upon even once,” Pastrano said. “There are all kinds of less than lethal ways to stop a man from shuffling away than shooting upon him … We want to get justice

for Joshua and the only way we will be able to do that is if we can view the video that we so desperately want to view.”

Members of the Wright family also took their turn to speak of their loved one at the press conference on Monday. His brother’s voice trembled as Christopher Clark shared more about Wright, while the victim’s 13-yearold daughter clutched the edges of a framed photograph of her father.

“He would give you the shirt off his back,” Clark said. “They took something from me that cannot be replaced and I just want to know why. Why? It’s so overwhelming. I’m very angry. And these people need to be held accountable for what they’ve done.”

Wright’s mother Beverly said, “Joshua was a happy-go-lucky fella. He was a gentle giant … he struggled with a lot of things. He wasn’t perfect, but he was my son. He was my son! Why did they have to kill my baby boy?

I want to know why. If it was his fault, I can accept it, but show us the video.”

She also expressed her dismay at the lack of communication between the family and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office — a sentiment echoed by the team of lawyers, who said the family has not heard a word from the law enforcement agency since the notification of Wright’s death.

As the press conference drew to a close, the legal team and family encouraged the community to reach out to the county commissioners to demand transparency and release the body camera footage.

“Everybody, show up to the commissioners meeting [Tuesday morning],” Crump said. “Our message is simple: ‘Release the video.’”

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office has declined to release information regarding the ongoing investigation, which is currently under the direction of the Texas Rangers.

In response to a

question from the Hays Free Press, Crump said that should charges not be filed against Garcia, the family will pursue all forms of justice for Wright.

“We’re going to explore every possible

legal remedy to get this family some sense of justice,” the attorney said. “Anything that can be afforded to any citizen by the Constitution, we will pursue for Joshua Wright.”

PHOTO BY NATALIE FRELS

Xyrrena Wright, 13, is the daughter of Joshua Leon Wright, the inmate who was shot while in custody at the Hays County Jail.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Top left, Kevin Fowler (left) and David Lee Garza (right) take a moment to join the Pastrano family in a photo with the crowd. Pictured is Chevo (second from left), his wife Ginna (second from right) and their son Gino (front). Bottom left, gifts were gathered following the event and loaded into a trailer (above photo).

On Dec. 10, 2022, the Pastrano Law Firm hosted it’s 7th annual Community Christmas Party to benefit the Kyle Law Enforcement Association’s Blue Santa Program. Together, KLEA and Pastrano Law Firm collected more than 1,000 gifts for the children of the Kyle community. At its Dec. 20 meeting, Kyle City Council presented a proclamation recognizing the contribution of the organizations.

Buda seniors stuff bears for Brown Santa

Staff Report

BUDA – To help ensure that everyone had a good Christmas, seniors at Buda Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care stuffed teddy bears for the Travis County Sheriff’s Office’s Brown Santa program

during the month of December.

Each bear is filled with love, stuffing and a wish on a star from the residents and staff members.

“The residents are happy to spread holiday cheer to those who

need it and are proud to support such an important organization,” said Crista Wallace, community relations director, in a press release.

The Brown Santa program is a nonprofit organization sponsored

by the Travis County Sheriff’s Office that provides assistance with gifts and food during the holiday season to families and elderly citizens in Travis County primarily living outside the geographic city limits of Austin.

Hays County also has a Brown Santa program

to collect toys, food and funds for families in need. The assistance of deputies, corrections officers, dispatchers and the community typically reach out to touch the lives of hundreds of families. The program is similar to the police department Blue Santa programs in the cities,

yet the brown color is the historical uniform color of most Texas sheriff’s offices.

For more information about the program in Travis County, visit www. brownsanta.org. Details about the Hays County Brown Santa program can be found on its Facebook page.

Mark Dammert, M.D.

Brian Schwab, M.D.

Michael Yium, M.D.

PHOTOS BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

The Buda

Department hosted Cocoa Jingle on Dec. 21 in downtown Buda. Top left, Avery, 8, makes handmade holiday jewelry

volunteer Soleil Johnson, left, outside Inspired Minds Art Center during Cocoa Jingle. Top right, a letter writing station was available to mail letters to Santa. Bottom left, commemorative mugs were available to purchase and nearly 20 local businesses along Main Street participated by providing complimentary hot chocolate. Bottom right, Santa has been busy around Hays County; he was spotted at Cocoa Jingle taking free pictures with families at the downtown greenbelt gazebo.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Several Buda Oaks residents participated in stuffing teddy bears for the Travis County Brown Santa program. From left: Judy Williams, Callie Vercher, Carl Deichmann, Liz Deichmann, Hope Gallegos, Mildred Litteral, Jo Caldwell, Evelyn Guynn, Mary Jones, Pat Young, LaVerne McClendon, Sherry Adams and Rita Waters.