January 5, 2022 Hays Free Press by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

JANUARY 5, 2022 ACTIVITY CENTER

NEW LAWS

City of Kyle helps KASZ organization in acquiring senior activity center.

29 new Texas state laws took effect Jan. 1.

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Hays Free Press © Barton Publications, Inc.

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Vol. 127 • No. 41

Serving Hays County, TX

Hays Free Press publisher retires STAFF REPORT After 38 years in the newspaper business and serving as publisher for the Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch for more than two decades, Cyndy Slovak-Barton is retiring from the BARTON paper to take over other family ventures. The current Hays Free Press was founded by the Harwell family of Kyle in 1903 and has deep roots in Kyle and Buda, operating under many names including Onion Creek Free Press, The Free Press, Kyle News and more. In 1953, two Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University) students, Bob Barton and William “Moe” Johnson, bought the Kyle News. Barton was a social science student and Johnson was an education major. Barton and Johnson operated the paper throughout college before Johnson left to pursue a career in education. He was a coach and teacher at the Kyle School and eventually became the first superintendent in Hays CISD. He and his wife are the namesake of the Moe and Gene Johnson High School in Buda. Barton continued as publisher, turning the newspaper into an award-winning Hays County newspaper called the Hays County Citizen. Barton sold the Citizen in 1978 and began what has now become the Hays Free Press. Barton’s son Jeff met his wife Cyndy while they were students at Baylor University. They worked for the newspaper at the University of Texas at Austin following their time at Baylor. They later worked for J.J “Jake” Pickle in Washington D.C. before taking over the Barton family newspaper in 1983 when Bob Barton became a member of the Texas House of Representatives. Bob was an influential political operative who mentored, advised and supported

Plunging into 2022 Hundreds of Kyle residents decided to welcome the new year with a splash by participating in the 5K Resolution Run and/or the Polar Bear Plunge. The 5K, sponsored by the Love of Go, began at 8 a.m. at Gregg-Clarke Park and had over 150 participants. Many of the runners finished in time to take the Polar Bear Plunge sponsored by the Kyle Parks and Recreation Department. Those participating in both the race and the splash received a Highly Kinda Elite and Extremely Kinda Professional Kyle Duathlon award, according to race coordinator Jennifer Crosby.

PHOTOS BY DAVID WHITE

Happy New Year, babies!

Texas State moves classes online temporarily STAFF REPORT

PUBLISHER RETIRES, 8

Janet and Jovanne with baby Ezra. Photo via Christus Santa Rosa Hospital – San Marcos.

Fernando Herilberto Alvarez Villegas with his mother. Photo via City of Kyle/ Ascension Seton Hays Hospital.

Community welcomes first babies of the new year STAFF REPORT

The community’s first babies of 2022 were welcomed in local San Marcos and Kyle hospitals on New Year’s Day.

CLEAN AIR

Ezra Bernal was born at 8:46 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital – San Marcos to parents Janet Salazar and Jovanne Bernal, weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces and measuring

Hays CISD installs new air purifiers.

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19 inches. He was delivered by Dr. Virginia Smith. Fernandez Heriberto Alvarez Villegas was born at 2:22 p.m. on Jan. 1 at Ascension Seton Hays Hospital in Kyle.

SAN MARCOS – Texas State University students will be attending classes remotely for a short period of time. In response to the surge of COVID-19 cases, the university announced Monday that classes will be temporarily moved to online or remote delivery Jan. 18 through Jan. 30. “I cannot stress this enough -- it is critical that we all follow the steps we know protect us from COVID-19,” said Denise Trauth, Texas State University President, in a letter to the campus community. “While the university cannot mandate actions, I strongly encourage you to be vigilant about wearing a mask, social distancing as much as possible, test regularly, get vaccinated and boosted.” On-campus housing will open as planned and students who reside on-campus will

The Hays Free Press Barton Publications, Inc. The Hays Free Press (USPS 361-430) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. ISSN#1087-9323

Texas State University intends to return to face-to-face instruction on Jan. 31. be required to show a negative COVID-19 test prior to move-in. Alkek Library, transportation services, residence halls, dining services, and access to recreation centers, the LBJ Student Center and the Student Health Center will still be available. Texas State intends to return to face-to-face instruction on Jan. 31. “I know this is not the start of the semester we were all looking forward to,” Trauth said. “We are taking these actions out of an abundance of caution and are hopeful the surge will peak quickly. Thank you for your flexibility, patience, and willingness to keep our university safe.”

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 5, 2022

Senator Zaffirini announces two bills effective Jan. 1 AUSTIN — Two bills passed during the 87th Legislative Session by Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, consolidating civil court filing fees and prohibiting predatory wrap mortgages lending practices, became effective Jan. 1. This legislation is meant to simplify court costs and to protect homebuyers. The Texas civil court system is difficult enough to navigate without the added burden of a complicated fee system, according Zaffirini. Under the previous law, the Office of Court Administration (OCA) reported 223 different civil court filing fees and identified potential constitutional issues regarding filing fees not collected for legitimate justice purposes. Senate Bill (SB) 41 addresses these concerns by simplifying the court cost structure

and redirecting money to fund the administration of our courts. “In 2019 my SB 346 completely overhauled the criminal court costs system, and in 2021 my SB 41 did the same for the civil courts,” Zaffirini said. “I’m delighted our collaboration with OCA resulted in this meaningful legislation that will improve the judicial system for so many.” She undertook the task at the request of Senator Joan Huffman, R-Houston, then-Chair of the Senate State Affairs Committee on which Zaffirini has served since 2015. The bill simplifies the administration system for local officials without increasing costs for local or state governments. By making the process more efficient and less complicated, state personnel will have an easier

“My staff and I were concerned by this insidious form of predatory lending and its detrimental financial impact on constituents. Soon we realized, however, that the problem was statewide and that homebuyers needed protection against threats to their families' security and wellbeing.” –Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo

time auditing court fees, and Texans will have an easier time understanding what filing fees they must pay. Beginning Jan. 1, not only will civil court filing fees be consolidated, but also predatory wrap mortgages will be illegal, extending protections to homebuyers against fraudulent lending practices.

In 2016 a wrap mortgage financing scheme affecting Senate District 21 constituents revealed a complex web of illegal mortgage activity that was difficult to prevent, detect or prosecute at the time. “My staff and I were concerned by this insidious form of predatory lending and its detrimental financial

impact on constituents,” Zaffirini said. “Soon we realized, however, that the problem was statewide and that homebuyers needed protection against threats to their families’ security and wellbeing.” Wrap financing is a type of mortgage in which a seller finances the sale of a residential property that already is subject to an outstanding lien, often without notifying the buyer of the previous lien, or the existing lienholder of the sale. If the seller fails to pay the senior mortgagee, the mortgagee can foreclose on the property, and the buyer, who often lives on the property, is ousted without ever having missed a payment to the wrap seller. After many residents had fallen victim to this fraud, Zaffirini in 2017 and 2019 filed bills prohibiting the

practice. They were passed easily by the Senate, but died in the House of Representatives both years. In 2021 the Legislature finally passed SB 43, which eliminates legal ambiguities and loopholes that allowed predatory wrap mortgage lenders to operate illegally without repercussion. “Our success began with a problem identified originally in southeast Austin and culminated with the collaboration of Texans impacted statewide,” Zaffirini said. “Thanks to the many constituents, stakeholders and advocates who helped ensure homebuyers in Texas no longer will be harmed by wrap mortgages.” Zaffirini and her staff already are developing bills for the next legislative session that convenes on January 10, 2023.

Deadline for 2022 Marketplace Health Insurance is Jan. 15 Time is running out for Central Texans planning to enroll in health coverage for 2022. Enrollment for Marketplace health plans ends on Jan. 15, and Central Texans should act now to make sure they are covered on Feb. 1. Foundation Communities provides free, one-on-one assistance by phone to help people select the best plan for their healthcare needs and budget. They have already assisted over 3,500 people with enrolling, and have expanded their appointment availability to help many more Central Texans enroll in a Marketplace plan. Thousands of Central Texans are eligible for significant savings on their health plans for 2022. The January 15 deadline to sign up for 2022 Marketplace health plans is giving more Texans a chance

The January 15 deadline to sign up for 2022 Marketplace health plans is giving more Texans a chance to sign up for affordable health insurance for the new year.

as counties. Appointments to ProsperHealthCoverage. are available by phone for org or calling 512-381-4520. anyone in the state. Anyone who needs help signing up for health insurance can call (512) 381-4520 or visit ProsperHealthCoverage.org and complete the online form to get started. “Our health insurance experts are very busy during the last week of enrollment, and we don’t want anyone who wants a 2022 health plan to miss out on their one chance to sign up,” said Aaron DeLaO, Director of Health Initiatives. “For those who to sign up for affordable added ‘get healthy’ to their health insurance for the list of New Year’s resolunew year. Foundation Communities is simplifying tions, signing up for health insurance is a great way to the annual health insurget started.” ance enrollment process Appointments are for more Texans, and has required, and community expanded its free Marketplace enrollment assistance members looking for enrollment help can schedule program with increased outreach to 12 Central Tex- their appointment by going

Bilingual English/Spanish enrollment assistance, and

assistance in other languages is also available.

Hays County to purchase health software for Tuberculosis program BY MEGAN WEHRING HAYS COUNTY — The Hays County Local Health Department is set to receive new equipment for its Tuberculosis (TB) program. At its first meeting for 2022, the Hays County Commissioners Court authorized the purchase of Emocha Mobile Health Inc. Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) Software for $8,100. Funding was approved through the state and federal TB grants and the purchase under the grant was also approved by the Texas Department of State

The new software will give more direct access medication oversight and allow patients to have greater access to the county’s Tuberculosis staff. Health Services (DSHS). The new software will give more direct access medication oversight and allow patients to have greater access to the county’s TB staff. “The patients will have the ability to take their medication on video,” said Tammy Crumley, Local

Health Department Director. “They don’t necessarily have to have Wi-Fi, they just need to upload the video and the [RN] can login and see it on her software.” Crumley added that ultimately, bringing in the new software will save time for both the patients and health department staff.

Former prosecutor announces candidacy for 207th judicial district STAFF REPORT

includes Hays, Caldwell SAN MARCOS – Charand Comal maine Wilde, a former counties. Hays County Assistant District District Attorney and courts have former Hays County Bar jurisdiction Association President, in felony has announced her run to criminal become the 207th District WILDE cases, as Court Judge. well as divorce and other “I’m running for judge so we can continue to have civil matters. The 207th judges with experience and court was created by the legislature with a preferknowledge in all areas of ence for criminal cases. the law,” Wilde said. Wilde says her years of Wilde is one of four working in both criminal Republicans running for and civil law give her the the 207th District Court. experience needed for this The Honorable Judge Jack Robison currently presides office. “My career is marked over the 207th court and is by consistent focus on not seeking re-election. building our communities “Judges are public and protecting families,” servants who must be she said. “I look at my work prepared to lead and take as both a job and service control. I am that candidate in this election,” Wilde which helps bring peace to our community. I will consaid. “From Baylor Law School and throughout my tinue to bring that energy to the 207th court as the career, from prosecutor to private advocate, I have put judge if elected.” Early voting for the in the work to be ready to March 1 Primary begins on serve our communities on Feb. 14. The last day to regday one.” ister to vote in time for the The 207th District

March primary is Jan. 31, and the last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received in the Hays County elections office) is Feb. 18.

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We should all prepare for a bit of an uncertain January,” Savoy wrote. “We’ll need to give each other continued grace, understanding and flexibility as we see what unfolds with Omicron. –Tim Savoy, Hays CISD Communications Director. Story on page 4.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 5, 2022

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Handing over the reins As we turn the calendar page to a new year, it gives all of us time to reflect back. We might not want to get too melancholy about 2021; instead, let’s think about the recent holidays. The holidays are the time that we get to gether with family and friends, and the friends that make up a family. We have those friends at work, in our neighborhood, in relationships through trade organizations. Friends and family are the beings who get us through tough times, and the people with whom we enjoy spending time. We all know that some people feel like family, even when they are not blood kin. And the importance of family and local ties is especially important for any local small business. Barton Publications Inc. has been in the Barton family of Kyle and Buda since the 1950s when Bob Barton and Mo Johnson purchased the Kyle News while they were freshmen students at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State). Their “family” included a lot of old Kyle family names, as this team of young people joined together to make sure that a newspaper hit the streets each and every week. Over the years, the newspaper changed hands several times, some times being sold for a box of cigars; yet, it seemed to have always come back to the Barton family. And there was always a member of the Barton family somehow involved. Bob Barton ran it for many years, covering meetings, writing columns, covering sporting events. Jeff Barton and Cyndy Slovak-Barton took over the reins from him in the 1980s, doing all of the same kind of work — writing, taking photos, selling ads, throwing the newspapers to homes, designing the pages. Jeff’s and Cyndy’s children also helped out over the years, doing all kind of odd jobs, from translating copy to Spanish, to sweeping floors, to taking photos and writing stories. Cyndy has held the reins for many years as publisher, keeping the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch from running off the rails. Yes, it was truly a family newspaper and family business. But, it is time for a younger generation to take over. Someone with more knowledge of social media, video stories, design, websites and more. So, it is with great pleasure that we announce that Barton Publications was passed on to another family with local ties, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Tania French with Something More Newspa-

Hip Czech by Cyndy SlovakBarton

pers, which owns the Port Lavaca Wave, is purchasing Barton Publications, Inc. and will continue to run these newspapers with all the great stories, photos and investigations that have always been our hallmark. Her company is grounded in newspapers, but also does a lot of work with websites, specialty publications and more. While Tania French splits her time between her home in Port Lavaca and her home in Kyle, her daughter Ashley Kontnier has lived in Kyle or Buda for the past 10 years, having purchased homes in Kyle and then Buda after her graduation from Texas State. Ashley lives with her husband and son in Buda, has been a member of several networking groups, is known as a photographer extraordinaire, and is known to many local business owners because of her advertising connections with the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch. Another daughter, Schelly Bartels grew up in the newspaper business and has experience in various aspects of newspaper operations, even operating a printing press for a few years. And, to make sure that our readers feel that family touch, David White, who has been with the Barton work family since he was in college, will remain on site, and will step up to take over the position of publisher. David has done everything from photography, to writing, to selling ads, to designing page. He is an award-winning designer and the walls of the office are covered with his contributions and accolades. So, we take a step into the next year confident that these newspapers will still be putting out great publications. Readers can have confidence that city councils will still be questioned, that sports will be covered, and that your business’s ads will be front and center in front of thousands of readers. The new owners will be at all kinds of events over the new few months, so get acquainted. Or, stop by the office. We are always up for a quick hello, a tip about a story, or an idea about the community. In the meantime, the Barton family remains a part of Hays County, with other businesses and a new development in the works. We will not just sit in retirement. Instead, we look forward to a properous 2022.

Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Publisher David White Reporters Megan Wehring Brittany Anderson Columnists Bartee Haile, Clint Younts Proofreader Jane Kirkham

NEWS TIPS

If you think it’s news, we probably do too! • Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress.com • Mail: 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640

Advertising Director Ashley Kontnier

Production Assistant Elizabeth Garcia

Office Manager Arlene Monroe

Circulation/Classifieds David White,

Arlene Monroe Distribution

Kimberlee Griffon

CORRECTIONS

Resolute on no New Years resolutions Well, we made it through another year. Lots of folks weren’t so fortunate. So far, 2022 is looking a lot like the past two years. Hospitals are full of folks who are now wishing they had gotten that dang shot. The weather is as crazy as a blue jay who found a worm lying beside an empty tequila bottle. Restaurants and other businesses are short-staffed because people are sick, lazy or a combination of the two. And shelves in local apothecaries are nearly bare. But, hey, it’s a new year and who knows what will happen in 2022. Lots of folks are optimistic that this will be a great year, but I’m not so sure. There are still millions of people who are obstinate (that’s a fancy word for “stubborn as an old mule”) and won’t get vaccinated, allowing this virus to spread like a grass fire on a blustery summer day. Many colleges are starting the year with virtual classes, and most schools are requiring everyone to wear a mask, including the class gerbil. So, if 2022 is going to

colon are doing quite well. Unfortunately, my taste buds are suffering from deep depression. Lots of folks my age go by Clint to the YMCA or some other Younts gym. I haven’t resorted to doing this yet, even though be just like 2021, I reckon I have a Silver Sneakers card I don’t need to make new that allows me free access resolutions or set any goals. to treadmills, stationary I made a resolution back bicycles and other devices in 2019 to stop procrastiof torture. In case you’re nating, but I haven’t gotten wondering, I do work out around to achieving that every day. I work out at the objective. Maybe I’ll get it barn, and I work out in the done later this year. I think yard. Sometimes I work I might’ve made a resoluout on the fence when an tion last year to work on amorous buck doesn’t quite improving my memory, but clear the top wire while he’s I just don’t recall. I do know in pursuit of a pretty gal. I bought some vitamins that Speaking of getting are supposed to help with healthy, I hear folks talking mental acuity, but I keep about “Dry January”. I forgetting to take the darn thought it was a weather things. forecast, but these folks I think I made a resoluare giving up all alcohol tion in 2021 to eat healthier. consumption for the entire I might’ve achieved this one month. Well, that’s fine and since I eat whatever my wife dandy for some people, but feeds me. There’s no tellin’ how else am I supposed to what protein source she’s sterilize my throat to ward putting in those casseroles off any upper respiratory and other dishes. She’s got a infections? And I still worry mess of cook books with the about having intestinal parword “Healthy” in its title, asites, and I’m not about to so I’m sure my heart and drink cattle dewormers like

Crow’s Nest

some dang fool. A shot of whiskey followed by a cold beer has kept my innards parasite-free for the past 33 years. I’m not about to go dry and end up with worms. Some folks set goals for the New Year. Lots of people start a diet, striving to reach a certain weight. As for my weight, I have a range that keeps me from having to hop on the scales every morning. As long as I can button my jeans, I’m fine. If you see me wearing sweat pants, then you’ll know I went over my range and have switched to light beer. Some folks get monetary goals, wanting to save up for some big purchase. My monetary goal is to have enough money left to generously tip the bartender. I actually have a nest egg, except it’s covered with bird poop. So, to sum it all up, my New Year’s resolution for 2022 is to stop making resolutions I’ll never complete, and my goal for this year is to see 2023. Have a happy and safe New Year, and for all our sakes, get the dang shot!

New year. New laws. New disparities. The pastiche of new state laws taking effect as the New Year begins underscores how different we are — at least in the eyes of legislators — on matters small and large. In New York State, for example, Styrofoam containers for takeout food are now prohibited by law, as are those pesky Styrofoam peanuts. But 46 other states have no such statewide prohibition, at least not yet. In California it’s now illegal to distribute tiny ketchup packets unless they are specifically requested, while in Rhode Island single-use straws are similarly restricted. Twenty-one states are raising minimum wage, but differences are dramatic. Virginia implemented one of the largest increases, $1.50 an hour, bringing the state’s rate to $11.00. Michigan, on the other hand, gave minimum-wage earners a minuscule 22-cent increase to $9.87 per hour. Not surprising in light of the nation’s political climate are new laws about

Any erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputation of any person, firm or corporation which may appear in the pages of the Hays Free Press will be corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher.

DEADLINES

Guest Column by Peter Funt

voting. California and Nevada have made voting by mail a permanent option for all registered voters. Arkansas, however, has a new law prohibiting the distribution of absentee ballots unless specifically requested. Another trend that follows national headlines involves police behavior. Louisiana has a new law prohibiting chokeholds, except in cases where great bodily harm is threatened. In Connecticut, an officer’s deliberate failure to activate a body

• The deadline for display advertising and any contributed news copy is 5 p.m. Friday the week prior to publication. • The deadline for Letters to the Editor and classified word advertising is noon Monday the week of publication, though we encourage readers and advertisers to observe the Friday deadline.

camera can now be cited at trial in cases involving excessive force. A new law in California limits the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by police during protest demonstrations. There are new laws affecting kids and animals. Georgia tightened protections for foster children, adding new safeguards against sexual and emotional abuse. Illinois enacted a law requiring restaurants to serve water, milk or juice as the default beverage with kids’ meals, rather than soda. Illinois now forbids people from possessing animals if they have been convicted twice of animal abuse. In New Hampshire it’s now against the law to remove a tracking collar or

LETTERS GUIDELINES

microchip from someone else’s dog. California veterinarians may now operate community animal blood banks. Virginia becomes the fourth state to ban the testing of cosmetics on animals. Oklahomans named the “rescue animal” the official state pet. Also this month: Iowa establishes speed limits for e-bikes. Oklahoma caps the price of prescription insulin at one dollar per dose. Indiana legalizes electronic prescriptions to avoid problems with doctors’ poor handwriting. Hawaii allows private citizens to carry Tasers in public. Oregon makes it a crime to intimidate anyone by displaying a noose. Rhode Island’s governor can now authorize anyone over 18 to perform a wedding. We’re a nation of laws. Comforting as that might be, the regulations sometimes seem to go in 50 different directions. Peter Funt’s new memoir, “Self-Amused,” is now available at CandidCamera.com.

We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@haysfreepress.com.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 5, 2022

OBITUARIES

Hays CISD begins air purifier installations BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Following a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, Hays CISD is working to implement a strategy that was approved months ago to help keep the air clean at every campus across the district. Hays CISD is working to install over 1,700 Novaerus

NV900 air purifiers — a $4.4 million purchase which was approved after weeks of deliberation in a 6-0 vote by the HCISD board of trustees during the Sept. 27 meeting. The $4.4 million comes from Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. In an email sent out

on Jan. 3, HCISD Chief Communications Officer Tim Savoy said that the district had begun installing the air purifiers in every classroom and other strategic places at campuses. The installation will continue during the next several weeks until all campuses are completely covered.

The units will be placed in every classroom in the district, as well as nurses offices, reception areas, extra curricular rooms, gyms, cafeterias and libraries. The purifier’s delivery and installation were initially delayed due to the

AIR PURIFIERS, 8

STATE NEWS Twenty-nine new laws in effect in January More than 20 new state laws went into effect as Texans rang in the New Year, with another half-dozen to go on the books on Jan. 18, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. Those laws include a ban on transgender athletes competing on sports teams that reflect their gender identity, and penalties for illegally restraining dogs.

Capital Highlights by Gary Borders

federally funded COVID-19 testing locations and additional federal allocations of monoclonal antibodies used to treat the virus in six counties facing increased cases because of the omiOther new laws: cron variant: Bexar, Camer• Require landlords to disclose to potential renters on, Dallas, Harris, Hidalgo if a property has ever flood- and Tarrant. “Testing sites, additional ed or is in a flood plain. medical staff and continued Texas becomes only the shipments of therapeutics second state in the nation from the federal governwith such a requirement, ment will help us continue joining Georgia. to save lives and mitigate • Allow homeowners to the spread of COVID-19,” take a homestead exempGov. Greg Abbott said in tion in the same year they making the request. buy their home, instead The Texas Department of having to wait until the of State Health Services has following year, potentially also requested additional saving on property taxes. • Require people accused allocations of an antibody therapeutic proven effecin Texas of a violent crime to post a cash bond. Before, tive in fighting the omicron variant, as well as other a judge could agree to treatments used to reduce release the accused on a personal bond that does not hospitalizations. DSHS also requested three teams of require a cash payment. medical personnel to sup• Provide a slate of new port urban hospitals that benefits for Texas veterans don’t have DSHS-contractand their families, included health-care staff. ing exempting new veteran-owned businesses from paying the franchise tax. COVID-19 CASES DOUBLE A full listing of new laws IN STATE FROM PREVIOUS can be found at the LegisWEEK. lative Reference Library’s The number of new website. Texas cases of COVID-19 has more than doubled in ABBOTT SEEKS MORE the past week to 108,719, TESTING SITES, according to the CoronaANTIBODIES virus Resource Center at Texas is seeking more Johns Hopkins University. A

Buda, Texas • 15300 S. IH-35 • 312-1615

Debbie Thames, Agent 251 N. FM 1626, Bldg. 2, Ste. C, Buda, Texas 78610 312-1917

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total of 422 new deaths were recorded, up 58% from the previous week’s total of 266. DSHS reported as of Sunday there were 5,523 COVID-19 patients in Texas hospitals, up nearly 64% from the previous week. The total number of Texans who are fully vaccinated now stands at 16.45 million, according to DSHS, which is 56.7% of the total population. In addition, 4.678 million of the state’s residents have been vaccinated with a booster dose.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

CHURCH OF CHRIST

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda

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

Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle

BAPTIST

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

EPISCOPAL

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

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

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

Texas Crossword, from page 6

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 Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca Resurrection Church, CLBA 401 FM 967, Buda St. John Lutheran Church 9865 Camino Real, Uhland The Well Buda Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda

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New Covenant Community Church 1019 Main Street, Buda (in Dance Unlimited)

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Vertical Chapel 400 Old Post Road, Kyle A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle

Friendly, Courteous Service

Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle

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Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda

BUDA

Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle

DRUG STORE

203 Railroad Street Downtown Buda Pharmacy 312-2111 Fountain 312-2172

PENTECOSTAL Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle

Journey United Methodist 216 Kirkham Circle, Kyle

CHRISTIAN

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca

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

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666

New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd. PRESBYTERIAN

First Baptist Church

A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161 Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m. Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m.

www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626

Providing you with your most important local news for Kyle, Buda and surrounding communities

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland

Adult (including an 8:30 a.m. early bird class), teen, children’s classes * Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school

Joseph D. “Joey” Thompson, 67, passed away at home on Monday December 13, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Trish Thompson and daughter Dorothy Thompson of Kyle and Brother Charles K. Thompson and family of New Braunfels. A celebration of life service is scheduled for Sunday January 16, 2022 from 12-4 p.m. at the Wimberley VFW Hall in Wimberley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: San Marcos Hays County EMS, P.O. Box 641, San Marcos, TX 78667, 512-353-5115; or Hays County ESD #5, Kyle Fire Department, 210 West Moore St., Kyle, TX, 78640, 512268-3131.

Hays Free Press

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

9:30 a.m. Classic Service 10:45 a.m. Contemporary service

THOMPSON

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Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle

St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle

Baptist Church

2022 at 11 a.m. Lunch provided after the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the First Baptist Church of Kyle, The Word of Life Church in Buda or McMahon Baptist in Dale.

TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP

Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald

METHODIST

Hays Hills Join us in person or online.

Viola Jean Pyland Bales (Jean) went to be with her heavenly father Friday, November 19, 2021. Jean was 93 and the fifth child born to John Will Pyland and Susie Wimberley Pyland on September 15, 1928. She was born in the historic WinterWimberley House in Wimberley. Jean is preceded in death by her parents and husband Cecil, son Aubrey and sisters Hazel Pyland Eastwood, Katie Fay Keith, Mary Belle Young, Johnnie Webb. She is survived by Aubrey’s spouse Debbie of Kyle. Bryce and Ann Bales of Manchaca, Rod Bales of Austin and Mary and Jess Greenwalt of Kyle. She had 9 grandchildren, 28 great grandchilderen and two great-great grandchildren. The family will have a celebration of life at First Baptist Church in Kyle on January 8,

Come worship with us

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

Texas Crossword Solution

IT RAINED FISH IN TEXARKANA LAST WEEK

Instead of cats and dogs, it rained fish in Texarkana last Wednesday. The Texarkana Gazette reported that as strong thunderstorms moved through, residents in at least four locations reported fish falling from the sky. In a Facebook post, city officials explained the rare phenomenon. “Animal rain is a pheFIRST PHASE OF ELECTION nomenon that occurs when small water animals like AUDIT COMPLETED frogs, crabs, and small fish The initial review of are swept up in waterspouts the 2020 general elecor drafts that occur on tion results in four Texas the surface of the earth,” counties showed relatively officials wrote in the post. few discrepancies between “They are then rained down electronic and hand counts at the same time as the rain. of ballots. The Dallas MornWhile it’s uncommon, it ing News reported that out of the 11.3 million votes cast happens, as evidenced in statewide, Secretary of State several places in Texarkana John Scott found potentially today.” At a used-car dealership, 509 cases where people fish up to 5 inches long may have cast ballots both were scattered throughout in Texas and another state, the parking lot and at a tire and 67 possible cases of shop next door. A Gazette votes cast in the name of reporter counted several dead people. dozen fish in a small section The audits are being performed in Dallas, Harris, of the dealership’s parking lot. Tarrant and Collin counNow that’s some fish ties. During the next phase, story. officials will conduct “a comprehensive records Gary Borders is a veteran review to ensure election award-winning Texas procedures were properly journalist. He published followed in 2020.” Former president Donald a number of community newspapers in Texas during Trump called for the audit a 30-year span, including in September, despite havin Longview, Fort Stockton, ing handily won the state. Nacogdoches and Cedar Trump has pressured the governor to add an election Park. Email: gborders@ audit to a special legislative texaspress.com.

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 6

session, but Abbot thus far has not done so.

BALES

Nursery Provided

www.firstbaptistbuda.com • fbcbuda@austin.rr.com

Your Hometown McDonald’s

McDonald’s of Buda 15359 IH-35, Ste. B • P.O. Box 1364, Buda, TX 78610

512-312-2383

Locally owned and operated by Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson

Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM

Sunday Morning

11:00 AM

Sunday Worship

5:45 PM

Wednesday Meal

6:30 PM

Wed TouchPoint SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries

A Family of Faith... www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org

(512) 894-0480

4000 E. HWY 290

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 5, 2022

Page 5

Cowboy crooner started out on Broadway Woodward Maurice Ritter was born on Jan. 11, 1905 deep in the piney woods of East Texas at a wide spot in the road called Murvaul. Besides the finest voice in the musically gifted family, Woodward also had the best mind. Graduating at the head of his high school class in Beaumont, he obliged his parents by taking pre-law courses at the University of Texas. But cowboy ballads not jurisprudence fascinated the talented baritone. Extended exposure to J. Frank Dobie, the Lone Star historian, folk music scholar John A. Lomax and composer Oscar J. Fox, all members of the UT faculty, convinced the undergraduate he was not cut out for the courtroom. Ritter finally scratched his show-biz itch in 1928 and dropped out of college to join the male chorus of a traveling troupe. Winding up in New York that November with ten cents in his pocket, the Texan’s Thanksgiving dinner was a plateful of greasy French fries. The struggling singer’s big break came two years later with a role in the Broadway production of “Green Grow the Lilacs.”

Texas History by Bartee Haile

Going by the northern nickname of Tex, he soon was swamped with radio and record offers. For five hectic years, Ritter was a celebrity on the Manhattan airwaves. His three radio shows -- “Tex Ritter’s Campfire,” “WHN Barn Dance” and “Cowboy Tom’s Roundup” -- consistently chalked up sky-high ratings. Ritter enjoyed similar success in his 1933 debut as a recording artist. Both sides of his premier single, “Rye Whiskey” and the sentimental “Good-Bye, Old Paint,” were huge hits. Hollywood beckoned in 1936, when Grand National Pictures picked Ritter as the answer to Gene Autry at rival Republic. Astride his mount White Flash, Tex rode off into a dozen sunsets in less than two years before the shoestring studio closed its doors. Ritter landed on his feet at Monogram Pictures, where he cranked out 20 lyrical westerns. Since the formula was more

important than the plot, he frequently finished a whole day’s shooting without ever glancing at the script. On the strength of his box-office appeal as one of the silver screen’s top ten attractions, Ritter jumped to Columbia. This supposedly smart career move to a major studio turned out to be a serious mistake, since he wound up playing second fiddle to Bill Elliot. Ritter swallowed his disappointment and honored the nine-feature commitment with Columbia. Free at last to resume his search for greener cinematic pastures, he temporarily hung his hat at Universal only to be overshadowed by the resident sagebrush star Johnny Mack Brown. Ritter’s fifth stop on his decade-long tour of Hollywood was PRC Pictures, where he appeared in the memorable “Texas Rangers” series. The end of the Second World War coincided with the release of his eighty-fifth and final film. Even though the movies failed to live up to his high expectations, the low-budget features had earned him a large and loyal following. Zealous fans in every corner of the

terms as president of the support charges and lacked Country Music Association the cash to make bail. and in 1964 was elected Never one to reject a to the Country Music Hall friend in need, the country of Fame, the first artist so music legend dressed and honored in his lifetime. drove down to the city During the turmoil jail. As the bond papers of the late 1960’s, Ritter were being drawn up, he took a political detour suddenly clutched his chest to the far right. Egged and collapsed on the floor. on by misguided friends Tex Ritter was dead, and ultra-conservative the victim of a massive partisans, the wealthy coronary. The heart as big novice sought the as his native Texas simply Besides the finest voice in Republican nomination for gave out. the musically gifted family, a Tennessee seat in the U.S. And, oh yes. John Ritter, Woodward Maurice “Tex” Senate. He spent a fortune the popular television star Ritter also had the best mind. Graduating at the head of his on the expensive campaign who died in 2003 in the but attracted barely a fifth of prime of life, was Tex’s son. high school class in Beauthe primary vote. mont, he obliged his parents Ten days before his Read all about the early by taking pre-law courses at the University of Texas. sixty-ninth birthday in years of the oil frenzy in 1974, Ritter received a late- “Texas Boomtowns: A History country loved his distinctive night phone call from the of Blood and Oil” Order your vocals and waited in long Nashville police station. A copy for $24.00 by mailing lines to hear him perform in musician in his band had a check to Bartee Haile, person. been arrested on childP.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX Ritter was composer Dimitri Tiomkin’s first choice to record his title tune for a new western co-starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly. Both the motion picture and the song were fabulous favorites, and Tex sang “High Noon” at the 1953 Academy Awards Debbie Thames Insurance Agency ceremony. AUTO • HOME • LIFE • BOAT • HEALTH By 1960 Ritter was Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm 251 N. FM 1626 #2C, Buda, TX 78610 spending most of his time Oﬃce: (512) 312-1917 • Fax: 312-0688 in Nashville, the emerging dvthames@austin.rr.com capital of country music. Your Business & Referrals Are Appreciated He served two consecutive

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Attorneys and Counselors At Law

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Page 6

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 5, 2022

State-ranked Jags take third place in Hays Hawk basketball tournament Finishing off a fast break in style, Johnson Jaguar junior Quinton Hairston tallies two points with a slam dunk in the Jag’s Dec. 28 win over Corpus Christi Carroll in the Hays Hawks boys basketball tournament.

PHOTO BY ALBERT SANCHEZ Tiger junior Josh Oliphant (11)scrambles for the ball during the first half of the game. Lobos’ Tyson Barnes (3) and Ayden Serrano (23)also attempt to outhustle Oliphant.

DS Tigers overpower Lehman Lobos The Tigers closed out 2021 with an overwhelming win over the Lobos Friday with a final score of 55 to 26. The Tigers outhustled and they were very effec-

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III/HAYS CISD Hays Hawks sophomore D'Marion Anderson lobs a right-handed shot over a double team applied by Lehman Lobos Josh Gordon (left) and Bobby Melgarejo (21) Dec. 28 during play in the Hays Hawks holiday tournament.

Eyeing an opportunity to secure an airborne loose ball, Hays Hawk junior Madi Disu (left) and Temple Wildcat Khia Kirkwood battle for possession during a Hays Hawks girls basketball tournament game played Dec. 28 at Joe Graham Gym.

Tallying three wins in two days, the state-ranked Johnson Jaguars boys basketball team continued to roll through the regular season this week as they took home third place at the Hays Hawk boys basketball tournament, held Dec. 27-29. Johnson (20-2, 4-0 in district play), currently ranked No. 21 in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) state poll, took home wins over Corpus Christi Caroll, Alvin and Hays during its run in

tive inside the paint. Their record for the season is 5-13 and they have a district record of 1-3. The Tigers’ next home game is January 11th against the Johnson Jaguars.

the tournament, with its lone defeat to a stout Fort Bend Clemens team in the winner’s bracket semifinals. Meanwhile, the Hays Hawks boys basketball team finished in fourth place in the boys tournament with victories over Lockhart and Lehman. The Lobos boys basketball team finished in 6th place overall. In the girls bracket, the Hays Lady Hawks finished in fourth place and notched victories over Seguin, St. Dominic Savio and Temple.

Lobo alumnus performs in Jan. 1 Rose Parade Those watching the annual Tournament of Roses parade on TV January 1 might have spotted a familiar face. Hays High alumnus Michael Hernandez marched with the Bands of America (BOA) Honor Band in Pasadena.

We proudly support our hometown talent Texas hometown friendly bank

512-858-5159

401 E. Hwy 290W. P.O. Box 1243 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Lehman Lobo power forward Michael Wallace (20) fires off a shot Dec. 28 over several Hays Hawk defenders during the Hays Hawk boys basketball tournament

The Texas Crossword and Sudoku Puzzle sponsored by

DeMasters - Daniel Insurance Agency, Inc. Serving Hays County since 1983 “Call us for all of your insurance needs” Angie Dahl

Wimberley: 512-847-5549 or 512-847-9325 Dripping Springs: 512-858-4608

Sudoku puzzle courtesy of www.4puz.com

ACROSS

1 TXism: “sitting in high cotton” 5 former Fort Worth red light district: “Hell’s Half ____” 6 TXism: “____ light idea” (inspiration) 7 TX George Strait’s “__ Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This” 8 engine surge 9 OPEC member: Saudi ______ 15 burrowing pest 16 describing a defect in some horses (hyph.) 19 “___ ____ it for the biscuit” (take a chance to benefit) 21 fishing net 22 TXism: “___ ____ in the saddle” (reliable, genuine) 27 TX Strait’s “If I ____ Me” (1991) 28 stinky smell 29 blacktip in the Gulf (2 wds.) 30 African antelopes 32 Santa’s word 33 in Dallas County on U.S. 80 36 in Wise County on U.S. 287 37 most Texans love ___-B-Que 38 TXism: “sling it on ___ ____ and see if it sticks” 39 banned insecticide 41 TXism: “call __ _ day” (stop working) 42 Mc______ County

45 Texans may use a credit union for a car ____ 46 pigpen 47 TXism: “____ a bull give milk?” (no) 48 TXism: “couldn’t find an ___ under a sitting hen” (ignorant) 49 puzzes that require thought: “brain _______” 52 TX-born Carolyn Jones was this Morticia on TV 22

TEXAS CROSSWORD

5 6

by Charley & Guy Orbison

15 19

28 31

30 34

See solutions on page 4

32 37

53 1970s 38 Houston Oilers slogan: 42 43 41 “___ Ya Blue” 54 not harmful to 47 46 environment: “___-friendly” 49 55 TXism: “___ pilot” 11 TXism: “frisky as __ 52 (preacher) unsaddled horse” 12 TX Larry McMurtry DOWN wrote these (2 wds.) 1 TXism: “burned 13 it came before TX some boot leather” 7-11’s Slurpee 2 “Blue Bell” is Texas14 TXism: “____ to” made ___ cream (similar) 3 Foard County seat 15 our solar system’s 4 TX Clay Allison’s 22 galaxy (2 wds.) grave marker: “__ 23 16 a benefit that gives _____ ______ a stocks to employees 24 man who did not (abbr.) need killing” 25 17 bind up 8 cinnamon ____ 18 removal of a cow’s 9 TXism: “_______ 26 head projection __ _ ____ out of 20 TX Gary Morris water” sang “The Love 10 this TX Ely was 28 She Found __ __” TV’s “Tarzan” (init.)

29 33

39 44

45 48 50

P-1566

31 “tender” or “sir” ending (cut of meat) 34 it provides care to 55 veterans (abbr.) 35 TXism: “___ hat and no cattle” (fake) laugh word 37 “no ____, just fact” feminine suffix 40 TXism: “let sleeping TXism: “park your ____ lie” tongue” (____ up) 43 TXism: “___ _ lick” TXism: “___ ___ (none) hide” (spank a boy) 44 growths on East this TX Cobb was Texas pine trees the “Wild Man of 50 in Fannin County the Tenor Sax” on highway 56 “____ difference” 51 “Hook ‘__ Horns!”

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 5, 2022

Page 7

Classifieds TEXAS STATEWIDE ADVERTISING NETWORK

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Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $12 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules. Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net. Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

JOB JOB F JOB FAIR

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PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Luis Perez Ortiz, Deceased, were issued on December 20, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0344P, pending in the County Court at Law No. 2 of Hays County, Texas, to: Albert James Munoz.

The notice to the Independent Executor may be delivered at the following address: c/o Barnes Lipscomb Stewart & Ott PLLC Attorneys at Law Rollingwood Center 2500 Bee Cave Road Building II, Suite 150 Austin, Texas 78746

Evo Entertainment Kyle • Route Auditors 3200 Kyle•• Drivers Crossing, Kyle TX Care 78640 • Customer Reps, a Mechanics

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othe the Board of Directors of conducting meetings of NOTICE ESTABLISHING • Driversed, Crosswinds Municipal Utility 3200 Kyle Crossing, Kyle TX 78640 Board of Directors. INVITATION TO BIDDERS OFFICES OF DISTRICT District (the “District”) has, on fo YOU WILLor THEREFORE Apply at TexasDisposal.com call 512.329. • Mechanics November 4, 2021 TO THE RESIDENTS r se TAKE NOTICE OF THE Sealed Electronic Bids addressed to North Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 2, Join the TDS Family. Weestaboffer competitive pay, l e for more information. lished offices outside the OF ANTHEM MUNICIPAL Attention Meghan Skornia, President, Board of Directors, will be electronically received, ct p FACTS. FOREGOING • Equipment Operators great benefits, paid training/leave/holidays. fferTO boundaries of the District at UTILITY DISTRICTO AND until 3:00 p.m. Local Time, Monday, January 24, 2022, and then publicly opened and read o10,si2021 * Certain exclusions Marchapply. i n We’re 401 hiring for most positions, Congress Avenue, Suite including: ALL OTHER INTERESTED gO at Kimley-Horn, 5301 Southwest Parkway, Building 3, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78735 ion * • Excavation Laborers BrandontBrydson, upn/s/ t-o S 2100, Austin, Texas 78701 PARTIES: s for “PLUM CREEK SECTION 10-1 – WATER, WASTEWATER, DRAINAGE, AND PAVING i President I t n • Drivers terv e andWorkers 8200 Hickory Creek TAKE NOTICE that in • Concrete FACILITIES” for North Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 2, Hays County, Texas. fowith iewOF APPLICATION Drive, Austin, Texas 78735, accordance Due to the pandemic and Federal guidelines, bids will be opened and read aloud over a • Mechanics r seV.T.C.A., NOTICE s • Route Auditors lec49, which offices may be used Water Code, Chapter Teams Meeting hosted by Kimley-Horn. Bidders may call into the bid opening through the• Equipment Operators t TO SUBDIVIDE pos for meetings, for the storage as amended, the Board of following number: i t OnMuionAn *application has been • Customer Care Reps,forand • Excavation Laborers of District records, the more! Directors of Anthem -S s

$8k i

Inte (the te mailing address of the District nicipal Utility District • Concrete Workers rvie and for the transaction of “District”) has, on March w • Route Auditors such business as is not 10, 2021 established officess Scope of Work of the Contract includes the following: Furnish and install approximately • Customer Care Reps, more! required to be doneand within the outside the boundaries of +1 984-204-1608 Phone Conference ID: 997 652 840#

filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 53-acre of property consisting of 8 lots, each greater than 5 acres, located 2,749 LF of new roadway along with drainage, water, and wastewater infrastructure in District. In addition, the Board the District at 401 Congress along Ledgerock Road, WimPlum Creek. Drainage improvements include approximately 530 LF of drainage pipes, of Directors has established Avenue, Suite 2100, Austin, berley, TX 78676. information 3,850 LF of earthen channels and approximately 285 LF of 4 x 5’x3’ culverts. Water offices 5501 W. William * Certain Texas 78701, 805 Las Cimas regarding the application atatTexasDisposal.com or call 512.329.1778 exclusions apply. improvements include approximately 5,046 LF of water line and appurtenances. Sewer Apply Cannon, Austin, Texas 78749 Parkway, Suite 310, Austin, may be obtained from Hays for more information. improvements include approximately 3,915 LF of sanitary sewer line and appurtenances. and 5701 W. William Cannon, Texas 78746 and 1930 RawCounty Development Ser* Certain exclusions apply. A first alternate bid item includes the construction of approximately 2,530 SY of concrete Austin, Texas 78749, which hide Drive, Suite 314, Round vices 512-393-2150. Tracking sidewalk with landscaping improvements. The second alternate bid item included the may be used for meetings, for Rock, Texas 78680, which Number: PLN-1844-NP. construction of a Pond Access Road of approximately 476 LF. the purposes of the storage offices may be used for meetBids received after the closing time will not be considered. A MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. Local Time, via Teams Meeting. Attendance by each prospective bidder or its representative at the pre-bid conference is MANDATORY, and no Bid will be opened unless the bidder or representative was present at the pre-bid conference. Bidders may call into the mandatory pre-bid conference through the following number: Continued from pg. 4

Apply at TexasDisposal.com or call 512.329.1778 for more information.

Air Purifiers

+1 984-204-1608 Phone Conference ID: 287 105 677#

Each Bid must be accompanied by a Bid Bond or a certified or cashier’s check, acceptable to the Owner, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount Bid, as a guarantee that the successful bidder will enter into the Contract and execute the Bonds on the forms provided, and provide the required insurance certificates within seven (7) days after the date Contract Documents are received by the Contractor. If a certified or cashier’s check is provided, the successful bidder shall deliver, at the bid opening address, the original certified or cashier’s check within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of the bid opening. Copies of the bidding documents may be reviewed and obtained from www.civcast.com. Search: Plum Creek Section 10-1 – Water, Wastewater, Drainage, and Paving Facilities. Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download specifications, plans, soils report, and environmental reports for this Project. There is NO charge to view or download documents. Bidder must submit its Bid and bid securities in compliance with Owner’s Order Adopting Section 49.2731 Electronic Bidding Rules and all Bids and bid securities must be submitted through www.civcast.com. Search: Plum Creek Section 10-1 – Water, Wastewater, Drainage, and Paving Facilities. Bidder must register on this website in order to submit a Bid and bid security and there is no charge to submit Bids and bid securities on this website. By submitting a Bid, Bidder acknowledges and agrees that the Contract Documents may be accepted, executed or agreed to through the use of an Electronic Signature, as defined by and in accordance with Owner’s Electronic Signature Rules for Construction Contracts. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Bids and to waive all defects and irregularities in bidding or bidding process except time of submitting a Bid. The Successful Bidder, if any, will be the responsible Bidder which in the Board’s judgment will be most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the Project. The requirements of Subchapter J, Chapter 552, Government Code, may apply to this Bid and/or Contract and the Contractor agrees that the Contract can be terminated if the Contractor knowingly or intentionally fails to comply with a requirement of that subchapter. NORTH HAYS COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 2

board requesting that at least one unit perform an air quality test to determine their effectiveness in classrooms before they were officially purchased. “The air purifiers will not only aid in neutralizing viruses like COVID and the flu, they are also designed to help reduce other airborne contaminants, including pollen that causes allergies,” Savoy wrote in the email. In Sept. 2021, Tobias Elementary was shut down due to more than 10% of the campus testing positive for COVID. Between Aug. and Oct. 2021, multiple individual elementary school classrooms were also shut down due to more than 10% of the classroom testing positive for COVID. Savoy also said that due to the sharp rise in case counts amid the spread of the Omicron variant, the district has suspended plans to relax visitor restrictions on campuses during the school day and other safety protocols that the district

“The air purifiers will not only aid in neutralizing viruses like COVID and the flu, they are also designed to help reduce other airborne contaminants, including pollen that causes allergies.” –Tim Savoy, Hays CISD Communications Director

had hoped to modify this month. “The district will continue with the strictest COVID safety protocols allowed by state law and the Texas Education Agency,” Savoy wrote, which includes regular and vigorous building cleaning and sanitization, strongly encouraging mask wearing and recommending vaccines and booster shots for those who are eligible. The district is also continuing to monitor COVID cases and maintain a daily case-count dashboard. According to the dashboard, in the week before Christmas break,

there were 12 student cases and 7 staff cases districtwide. Since the start of the school year, there have been a cumulative 1,055 student cases and 197 staff cases district-wide. “We should all prepare for a bit of an uncertain January,” Savoy wrote. “We’ll need to give each other continued grace, understanding and flexibility as we see what unfolds with Omicron. We’ll keep our focus on doing what we can do about the virus and what we need to do to keep students in class, where we know they have better academic results and social and emotional experiences.”

Page 8

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 5, 2022

PHOTO BY DAVID WHITE At the Tuesday luncheon at the Krug Activity Center, KASZ president, Larry Simone, announced that the organization received a $10,000 donation to their Capital Campaign Fund that will be used to fund the construction plans for the new senior activity center. KASZ needs to raise $200,000 to complete the first phase of the project.

City helps KASZ organization in acquiring senior activity center BY DAVID WHITE

The Kyle Area Senior Zone (KASZ) organization is beginning its first steps in acquiring an independent senior activity center. The KASZ organization welcomes all retired residents to its activities, and currently meets at the Krug Activity Center in Kyle, the former city hall, where they have been meeting for 16 years. Vanessa Westbrook, Program Entertainment Coordinator, says the group has outgrown the building and sometimes has to turn away patrons at big events because they are over capacity. She cited Thanksgiving as an example in which there wasn’t enough seating and they had to turn people away. “We gave them food to go, but we still didn’t have room for them,” she added. “It was heartbreaking.” Last year, the KASZ group approached the City Council to help its efforts and the city of Kyle has donated the land for the activity center and

Area seniors gather at the Krug Activity Center 5-7 days a week, but sometimes the events run over capacity, according to Program Entertainment Coordinator Vanessa Westbrook, and patrons have had to be turned away in the past.

agreed to match $200,000 out of the city’s 2022 budget, contingent on the fact that Hays County and the organization each raise another $200,000. The combined $600,000 would be used for construction ready building plans. At that time, Jerry Hendrix, Assistant City Manager for Kyle, says once the construction plans are complete, the organization will rely on its

fundraising campaign – the Capital Campaign Fund – and applications for grants to raise money for the construction. Hendrix says, if all goes well, the city could potentially break ground in 2022. The proposed activity center is a 35,000 squarefoot building, with several rooms for different activities to be held at the same time. Westbrook adds that KASZ

will welcome other community organizations to have activities there, such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and other groups, to bring the younger community together with the older community. The center will be located by Linebarger Lake, behind Tobias Elementary School. The proposed center will be on city owned land off of Creekside Trail.

live with their son Kyden. She will be actively involved with Barton Publications as the paper’s new sales representative. Bartels remains in Port Lavaca, keeping the office running smoothly. French’s third daughter Stephanie Mansfield lives in Tennessee with her family. “I am honored that our family will play a part in carrying on the Barton family legacy,” French said. “We have been involved with the Bartons, the newspapers and the community for so many years that it seems like a natural fit. I can’t wait to see what the future brings.” Taking over as publisher is David White. David is a 1993 journalism graduate of Southwest Texas State (Texas State University). David has been with the Hays Free Press for 28 years, starting as a dark

room tech and photographer. He has worn many hats in every department since then, and will now be heading the paper’s editorial department, consisting of reporters Brittany Anderson and Megan Wehring, both 2020 journalism graduates of Texas State University. “We have a great team already in place and I can’t think of a better person to lead them than David,” French said. “It’s going to be a great year.” “I am so happy that these newspapers will be in such good hands,” Cyndy Slovak-Barton said. “Tania and her family have felt like family for so many years, that it is natural that they should take over Barton Publications. I am proud of our combined efforts to make sure that Hays County continues to have great newspapers.”

Publisher Retires

Safety tips to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning Austin, Texas – November 16, 2021 – Texas Gas Service is sharing carbon monoxide tips to help keep communities safe. “Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas created by the incomplete or improper burning of fuel and can occur any time of year,” said Matt Carlquist, safety and health manager for Texas Gas Service. “It’s important to remember CO doesn’t just come from gas appliances; it can also come from vehicle exhaust and the improper use of generators, grills and space heaters.”

call 800-959-5325. 3. Never use a natural gas range or outdoor space heater to heat your home. 4. Check for proper ventilation of your appliances and chimney flues. 5. Practice regular maintenance. Clean or replace your furnace filters regularly and have a qualified contractor inspect your heating equipment and natural gas appliances annually. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure: • Flu-like symptoms • Headache • Dizziness • Ringing in the ears • Fatigue 5 TIPS TO REDUCE • Vomiting POTENTIAL CARBON What to do if exposed MONOXIDE EXPOSURE to carbon monoxide? In some circumstanc1. Install and maintain a carbon monoxide es, carbon monoxide exposure can be deadly. detector, which are If you experience the available at most retail symptoms mentioned stores. 2. Pay attention to the above or suspect the flame color on your nat- presence of carbon monoxide, immediateural gas appliances. A ly leave the house or yellow flame, instead of a blue flame, is a poten- building, then call 911 to tial warning sign that the request medical assisappliance is not operat- tance. Visit TexasGasService. ing or venting properly. If you see a yellow flame, com/carbonmonoxide turn off your burner and for information and tips.

HAVING VISION PROBLEMS? IT COULD BE CATARACTS

Continued from pg. 1

numerous candidates who became successful officeholders. After Jeff Barton left the newspaper business in the 1990s, he became a Pct. 2 County Commissioner for Hays County from 1992 to 1999 and again from 2007 to 2010. He is now the co-owner of Gap Strategies, an urban planning and communications company that has contracts across the state. Cyndy has led the family paper to where it is today with award-winning stories and photos. The new owner of the Hays Free Press will be Something More Newspapers, owned and operated by Tania French and her two daughters Ashley Kontnier and Schelly Bartels. They have a strong newspaper background and established ties to Hays County.

French worked for the Port Lavaca Wave for 18 years — 11 of them as a publisher — before launching WHITE Something More Media in 2018 with Kontnier and Bartels. Both Kontnier and Bartels grew up in the newspaper business and have backgrounds in various aspects of newspaper operations; Bartels also operated a printing press for a few years. Kontnier has been a Hays County resident for 10 years, living above the Hays Free Press while attending Texas State University. She and her husband bought their first home in Kyle and now own a home in Buda where they

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