FEBRUARY 3, 2021 UPPING OCCUPANCY
TEACHER MOURNED
Fewer COVID hospitalizations means more leniency for business occupancy.
Dripping Springs High, community mourn loss of CTE teacher.
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Four arrested in Buda death STAFF REPORT
nez (DOB 10/07/2003). Martinez and the three Three juveniles and one juveniles, all from Austin, adult have been detained have been charged with and arrested in Capital Murder connection to the in the shooting Buda homicide on death of Giancarlo Jan. 21. Arman Perez of The Hays CounBuda. As of press ty Sheriff’s Office time, Martinez made the arrest on was still in custoJan. 28. The homidy. No bond has cide occurred in been set. the 6900 block of These detenSunfield Parkway tions and arrest MARTINEZ in Buda. were the result of The juvenile witness interviews suspects were all detained in Hays County as well as and processed into the in Austin. Hays County Juvenile This is an active inDetention Center. The vestigation and no other adult arrested is identified information is currently as Jason Oliver Martiavailable.
Fast growth districts want better funding
75th Annual Hays Youth Livestock Show
BY MEGAN WEHRING
BY DAVID WHITE With COVID protocols in place, the 75th annual Hays County Youth Livestock show went on as scheduled from Jan. 23 through this past Saturday. Livestock Board President Jeff Dodd said attendance was down slightly this year, but still had a strong turnout with 500 exhibitors and 1,100 entries. Dodd praised the Dripping Springs city officials and everyone from Dripping Springs Ranch Park for their help with the show and ensuring everybody’s safety. “They were all willing to work with us in these unprecedented times ... it was an amazing level of support. I was pleasantly surprised.” Dodd said he and many other participants were also surprised to find out that this was the
Top photo is Addyson Hudson of Buda 4H. Inset is Caroline Olson, an officer in the Dripping Springs FFA and an HCYLS scholarship recipient. For livestock show results, visit hayscountylivestockshow.org. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DALE WHITAKER, DSISD
75th annual show for the organization. Dodd wanted to thank and credit Dripping Springs student, 4H member and Queen emeritus
Grace Basicek who, out of her own curiosity, went through 75 years worth of newspapers in the San Marcos library to find out more
Fast growth schools in the state, including Hays CISD and Dripping Springs ISD, need help, and are pushing the Texas Legislature to fund necessities. The Fast Growth School Coalition, voice of the state’s fastest-growing school districts, is asking lawmakers to protect funding for public schools, to address funds for growth and other legislative priorities. Hays CISD is part of the coalition. The coalition’s legislative priorities focus on the challenges that these districts face, including public school police concerns during the pandemic. “Increasing state
funding for new facilities to ensure our fast growth districts can meet the needs of their community remains a challenge,” said Dr. Greg Smith, executive director of Fast Growth School Coalition. “COVID-19 only adds to the budget challenges and financial concerns facing our districts and public schools all across our state.” Fast Growth School Coalition’s legislative priorities include: • Encourage facilities funding • Support charter school transparency and efficiency • Renew Texas’ commitment to local control • Expand connectivity for students, schools and communities
about the history of the livestock show. “She is a bright and hardworking young lady,” Dodd said. “She represents the stock show well.”
Kyle hosts peace, progress Hays to receive 1,950 meeting Friday Pfizer doses weekly STAFF REPORT
as a vaccine hub. COVID-19 vacciHAYS COUNTY — nation slots filled up While the Hays County quickly on Friday, Jan. portal has yet to reopen, 29, just minutes after many are left waiting the portal opened at for their turn to receive noon. High traffic on the vaccine. At this time, the Sign-Up Genius the Hays County Health registration platform Department (HCHD) caused the site to go is only receiving 1,950 down, according to doses of Pfizer per week communications mandespite its designation ager Kim Hilsenbeck,
WEDDING WOES
Mother distraught after losing wedding deposit at popular venue.
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but more than 1,000 people received an appointment slot. Hays County has not made any announcements about the portal opening back up at this time. Any updated information will be available through the Hays Informed website and the county’s official Facebook page.
The city of Kyle is hosting a Dialogue for Peace and Progress, in honor of Black History Month, this Friday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. The event, moderated by council member Dex Ellison, will be held in-person at Kyle City Hall but members of the public can also stream online through Spectrum 10, the city's YouTube channel or Facebook page.
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
February is Black History Month Watch Dialogue for Peace and Progress this Friday.
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NEWS
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 3, 2021
COVID-19 drives a higher need for foster homes BY MEGAN WEHRING
Recruiting foster parents is requiring a little With nearly 2,200 more creativity, Wehring foster children in Censaid. tral Texas, local foster “With foster agencies agencies are receiving not being able to meet more notices of children large groups of people in need of placement. in person at foster care This influx of calls is information meetings,” driven by the stresses of Wehring said, “we are COVID-19, resulting in having to find new ways fewer families capable of to reach potential foster fostering. parents and express this In comparison from need for homes who can December 2020 to support this vulnerable December 2019, there population.” were 200 more children Families interested in need of foster homes, in fostering or adopting according to the Texas are encouraged to reach Department of Family out to their local agency. and Protective Services Virtual informational (DFPS). January 2021 meetings also can help. data is not yet available. Agencies have several DFPS sets regions all requirements for interacross the state; Hays ested families including: and Travis are just two background checks with out of the 30 counties fingerprints, in-person that Region 7 serves. CPR/First Aid training Lonestar Social for adults and children Services is working to re- and other state-required cruit more adoptive and trainings. Home studies foster families. The need will also be conducted. for more foster parents These involve informahas skyrocketed, said tion about the home, Sara Wehring, assistant family history, referencdirector and case manes and interviews with ager for Region 7. all household members. “The need has always The home study will been there,” Wehring ensure the applicant is a said. “But, COVID-19 good fit for future foster and the stresses that this children. pandemic has put on Not every family families, has increased is called to foster so this need.” Wehring provided some
Fostering is more than providing a place to stay for a few nights; It’s giving children a loving, safe environment when they may be recovering from a history of neglect or do not have any other options.
meals or snacks every two hours, since children with backgrounds of abuse or neglect have a more difficult time regulating their blood sugar. “Overall, we encourage our parents to look beyond whatever behavior is displaying other avenues that can much as possible about itself and find out why help. the possible difficulties the child is doing this Those who are unable that may occur. behavior,” Wehring told to foster children can “Although everyone the Hays Free Press/ reach out to a nearby agrees that abuse and News-Dispatch. foster agency to inquire neglect is terrible,” WehEach foster family has about providing respite ring said, “it is difficult a case manager assigned or babysitting services to to understand just how to its home. The case licensed homes. Those life changing it can be, manager will address individuals can also especially for our adult any questions or condonate goods or time to caregivers who have not cerns to help guide them local foster care agencies experienced anything through the process to provide necessary similar. We also remind while also visiting the supplies and services to our foster parents that home for a monthly foster homes and chilthese children have been walk-through. dren, Wehring added. taken from everything “[Lonestar] agency Individuals can also they know and love. My really attempts to be help by educating their most important remindneighbors or commuer to the foster parents nity members about that I have worked with the consistent need is to give these kiddos for foster parents and some grace.” signs of suspected abuse Food insecurity is a or neglect in children common concern, Weharound them, Wehring ring said, and parents explained. are encouraged to find Some children may creative ways to show bounce from foster children that they have home to foster home plenty of food like an more frequently than easy-access snack basSPECIALIZING IN: others. Wehring said ket. Wehring added that that at Lonestar, they try it is also important that • Cataract Surgery to educate families as parents are providing
HAVING VISION PROBLEMS? IT COULD BE CATARACTS
Mountain City residents differ on bidding for new trash service BY SAHAR CHMAIS
MOUNTAIN CITY – Residents of Mountain City have been dealing with delays in their trash pick-up times without notice of these setbacks. Some residents have had enough, pleading for city council to find a new waste management company, while others defend the existing service. During a special city council meeting designated for this issue, residents gave feedback on why the city should or should not continue with Dispose All, Mountain City’s current waste management service. While many expressed dismay with Dispose All, city council tabled the item and gave Dispose All some time to fix its issues. Some residents said during the city council meeting that the city should look for a new company to replace Dispose All due to the delays in trash pick-up. Dispose All had not been informing the city or its residents when these delays were occurring or why they were taking place. But not all residents want to quit their ser-
Joe Altes, representing Dispose All, admitted their service has not been up to par over the last month. Several months ago, the company’s trucks were vandalized and they have not been able to properly repair the vehicles. Dispose All has been using one truck to service Mountain City.
vices. Dispose All offers to go up to people’s homes to get the trash, which has proven helpful to those who cannot place their trash bins at the end of the driveway due to health issues. Another reason some residents were in favor of staying in contract with Dispose All is the company’s price point. Some are afraid that switching to a new waste management company will cost more money. Joe Altes, representing Dispose All, admitted their service has not been up to par over the last month. Several months ago, the company’s trucks were vandalized and they have not been able to properly repair the vehicles. Dispose All has been using one truck to service Mountain City.
available in whatever way we can,” Wehring said. “We know that fostering requires a lot of time and effort and regardless of the reimbursement received for physical needs, we know our foster parents are doing so much for these children and the agency wants to support them during this time.” Fostering is more than providing a place to stay for a few nights; It’s giving children a loving, safe environment when they may be recovering from a history of neglect or do not have any other options. Agencies work to find permanent adoptive families for the thousands of children who are in the Texas foster care system.
city and residents, where issues and delays can be announced. Altes added that he will be transferring the work line to his cell phone so he is more reachable.
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Council members discussed their decision during executive session. The council tabled the issue, giving Dispose All some time to prove to the city and its residents that it will do better. The biggest concern council expressed was the lack of communication. Mayor Ralph McClendon stressed the importance of the company communicating with the city and residents when delays or other issues will occur. Altes said Dispose All is working to fix its services. First, the company is setting up a program to routinely service its trucks every two weeks. The company will be hiring another driver in order to send out more than one truck. Dispose All is also creating a webpage for better communication with the
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Opinion
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “It’s something that’s really concerning. The Texas Department of Agriculture has proposed a 40% cut right when we are seeing the need for food.” –Erin Zwiener, Dist. 45 Texas House Representative. Story on page 4.
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 3, 2021
Finding Bigfoot Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts
LETTER TO THE EDITOR A different view
No, Mr. Jones, you do not see. You do not see that your commentary is self-righteous and denigrating? Truth and Reconciliation? Look up the Chinese Cultural Revolution and see how well that worked out. Here’s a brief recap: Mao wanted to purge all dissension to his form of communism. Revolutionary committees were formed to destroy his enemies and “purify” the ranks.
gonna be quite disappointed. Allow me to give y’all a few tips that I’ve learned from watching this reality TV show. First of all, Bigfoot is an elusive creature. He’s nocturnal, rarely seen in daylight. And when photographed, he has a knack to make every photo blurred. You’d think with all these fancy cellphones and game cameras, someone would have a decent photo of a Sasquatch. These creatures are smarter than your average hirsute humanoid. I’ve also learned that Bigfoot is rather malodorous. For y’all of lesser intelligence, that means stanky. So, if you have an acute sense of smell, you can probably track a squatch through the Ouachita Mountains and find one right easy. Now y’all fellas whose olfactory receptors got fouled up by the COVID, y’all might need to take your wife with you to do the sniffing. Now, y’all might be pondering over what type of net to use to trap a Bigfoot. This presents somewhat a quandary since nary a one episode of Finding Bigfoot had the researchers actually catching a Sasquatch. I reckon a good cowpoke could lasso a Bigfoot, but you’ll have to hogtie the squatch to keep him from running off and dragging you into the woods. Bass fishermen are known to tell some tall tales, but I doubt they have a net strong enough to scoop up Bigfoot. I suggest doing some research on making snares and building traps to bag yourself a Bigfoot. Personally, I’m going to binge watch the Roadrunner cartoons to get some ideas. That’s one wily coyote, I’ll tell you what. Hmm? I wonder if Amazon sells Bigfoot traps? If y’all do head up north during Bigfoot hunting season, here’s a little advice. Make sure it’s a Bigfoot you’re hunting. Lots of gals up in Oklahoma have stopped shaving during this pandemic.
Hundreds of thousands, perhaps, even millions of people were executed. Thi, you see, is what you are suggesting: forming committees to purify thinking by only allowing you and your ilk to be the masters of truth. You say #StoptheSteal is a hoax, a big lie. Can’t you see that there may have been last minute changes in state election laws that run counter to our Constitution? Didn’t you see Maxine Waters who on live TV provoked her base to hunt down Trump supporters, in-
cite crowds to scream at them that they are not wanted. Didn’t you see Sarah Sanders run out of the Red Hen Restaurant while trying to eat dinner? Didn’t you see Paul Rand and his wife assaulted when leaving the Republican National Convention? No, sir, you do not see. And, finally, your proposed use of the Bible is blasphemous. Open the Bible, read the word of God and maybe your sight can be restored. Janet Larkin
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I’m guessing most of y’all are rather bored sitting around waiting for your turn to get vaccinated. This virus has kept some of us holed up like a groundhog in the Allegheny Forest. A few of us have masked up and ventured outside, steering clear of strangers like they were lepers. There’re just not many fun things you can do outdoors where it’s unlikely you’ll see another human. Until now, but we’ll have to head up to Oklahoma to have our fun. I know what y’all are thinkin’. What’s there to do in Oklahoma besides gambling on the Indian reservations? Can we still call them that or are they now called Indigenous People Housing Developments? Well, lucky for us Texans, Justin Humphrey, a legislator up in Oklahoma has introduced a bill that would create a Bigfoot hunting season. Yep, you heard me right. They’ll sell adventurous folks a hunting permit that will allow them to go out and trap a Sasquatch. I know, a mess of Texans just started loading their guns after reading this, but the folks in Oklahoma don’t need a mess of armed, drunk rednecks traipsing through the woods at night, shooting at every hairy creature they see. According to this Humphrey fella, the state would offer a $25,000 bounty for every Bigfoot you snare. That’s a big chunk of change, guys. I don’t know about you, but with that kind of money, I can buy me a bass boat and a Yeti cooler for my beer. If there’s any money left over and since I’m so generous, I might buy my wife that new vacuum cleaner she’s been talking about. Now, before a bunch of y’all pack up your truck for a squatch safari, y’all need to know something about hunting Bigfoot. Now I’m no expert in this field, but during this pandemic, I’ve watch nine seasons of Finding Bigfoot on Hulu. I know a thing or two about searching for a Sasquatch. If y’all think you can toss a can of SPAM into a hog trap and catch yourself a squatch, you’re
Page 3
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NEWS
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 3, 2021
Hays Food Bank fights funding cuts BY MEGAN WEHRING
HAYS COUNTY — With food insecurity on the rise because of COVID-19, the Hays County Food Bank is in the fight to reverse recent funding cuts. The local food bank is joining statewide advocates that are calling for the reversal of recent cuts to funding for food banks. The Texas Department of Agriculture proposed a $1.98 million cut to the Surplus Agricultural Products Grant for Fiscal Year 2020-2021, reducing the purchasing power of food banks. The proposed
The Texas Department of Agriculture proposed a $1.98 million cut to the Surplus Agricultural Products Grant for Fiscal Year 2020-2021, reducing the purchasing power of food banks. The proposed funding cut would prevent food banks from acquiring nearly 20 million pounds of local produce, impacting both Texas farmers and low-income Texas families.
funding cut would prevent food banks from acquiring nearly 20 million pounds of local produce, impacting both Texas farmers and low-income Texans. “It’s something that’s really concerning,” Texas House Rep. Erin Zwiener (Dist. 45 - Driftwood) told the Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch. “The Texas
Department of Agriculture has proposed a 40% cut right when we are seeing the need for food.” While it is up to the Hays County Food Bank to provide food to Texan families who live in the area, Food Bank Executive Director Eleanor Owen-Oshan said funding cuts would reduce the number of people they
can help. “Hays County Food Bank is passionate about providing nutritious food,” Owen-Oshan said. “At each distribution, our goal is to make at least 1/3 of each offering be fresh produce. In 2020, we met that goal because of the produce we received through the help of this grant. Reducing our
services,” Zwiener said. “Our communities need help and we can see that on the ground in Hays County with the families lining up hours ahead of time to get food at distribution events.” Restoring the funding back into the budget is ability to procure fresh Zwiener’s top priority. Deproduce greatly diminishes pending on which committhe healthy foods we can tee she is assigned, Zwiener hand out, thereby possiexplained that she will bly impacting our clients’ advocate for providing the health.” funding to the local food Zwiener said she is in banks in Texas. support of the Surplus AgResidents are encourricultural Products Grant aged to contact their local program. representatives urging “This is not the time them to support the grant to cut these core social program be fully funded.
Dripping Springs revises parkland ordinance BY SAHAR CHMAIS
• Parkland dedication of land would only be DRIPPING SPRINGS – required for residential Given the city’s quick growth developments. and expansion, Dripping • One acre/23 dwelling Springs City Council has re- units, or 5% of the overall vised the Parkland Dedicaacreage for the project for tion Ordinance to meet the developments with fewer need for public lands and than 23 dwelling units open space. proposed. New revisions to the • Properties within the ordinance, which was Historic Districts with fewlast updated in 2007, will er than 23 dwelling units ensure that neighborhoods, proposed are not subject communities and regional to parkland dedication. parks can accommodate the growing populations in the FEE-IN-LIEU city limits and the extraterri• Fee-in-lieu instead torial jurisdiction (ETJ). of dedication of land is The following revisions required for all properties were made: not located within the city limits unless an alternative PARKLAND DEDICATION design is approved. CRITERIA • Fee-in-lieu if less than
one acre would be required to satisfy parkland dedication or is an option if an applicant would rather pay in accordance with the fee schedule than dedicating land. • If an applicant wants to propose a hybrid of payment of fee-in-lieu and dedication of parkland, this would be required to go before the Parks and Recreation Commission for recommendation and the City Council for final approval. • Fee-in-lieu amount is calculated as the average estimated fair market value per acre of land being subdivided within 24 months of the application for the plat/ site development permit.
Business occupancy can expand due to fewer hospitalizations BY SAHAR CHMAIS HAYS COUNTY – COVID-19 hospitalizations have dipped below 15% for seven consecutive days, meaning businesses can return to the capacity levels before regulations went into effect on Jan. 8. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra received a letter from Dr. John Hellerstedt, director of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), informing him of the updated situation. The county is part of Trauma Service Area O, which has eased regulations due to lowered COVID-19 hospitalizations. With the change, businesses may go back to 75% capacity, hospitals can resume elective surgeries and bars may resume on-premise services up to a 50% capacity. These orders follow Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-32. More details on exemptions can be found on Governor Abbott’s website. Becerra said he is pleased with the efforts the region has made to slow the spread of the virus. “This is a positive step in the right direction,” Becerra said. “Everything we are doing right now, combined with rolling out the vaccine to everyone who wants it, will aid in the fight against COVID-19.” While Becerra has expressed optimism in the capacity of residents who want to take the vaccine, Hays County is still far from vaccinating all residents who qualified under Phase 1A and 1B. “With the current severe lack of vaccine supply,” Becerra said, “the tremendous demand makes dispensing the doses a huge disappointment.”
With the change, businesses may go back to 75% capacity, hospitals can resume elective surgeries and bars may resume onpremise services up to a 50% capacity. Lack of supplies has not stopped the county from working toward getting more vaccines to those who want them. County officials continue to research, learn and consult with regional partners to get vaccines out to as many people as possible. The Hays County Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the Hays County Local Health Department are working together to create a list of Phase 1 A and 1B groups. The system will still be frustrating due to lack of vaccine supply, said OES Director Mike Jones. “While no system is perfect,” Jones said, “our goal is to take care of Hays County residents in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Receiving less than 2,000 doses per week from DSHS is a frustration felt
by everyone at the county and in our community.” Once the waiting list set-up is finalized, the county will share information on its website, www.hayscountytx.com, Jones said. That information will also be available on www.haysinformed. com and on the county’s official social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter. To receive text alerts about the COVID-19 vaccine, residents can also text COVID to 844-9283213.
• Fee-in-lieu funds can be used to purchase or improve parks and trails.
PARK DEVELOPMENT FEE • The proposed ordinance requires a Park Development Fee of $648 per dwelling unit to meet the need for active recreation parks for the City and ETJ. The fee was calculated on the total park acreage within the City and ETJ, as well as the number of persons per household. This fee is to be used for maintenance, improvement, or purchase of parks. These changes were discussed over the course of three Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
workshops before they were presented to council. The Planning and Zoning Commission also held a public hearing in December. Changes were unanimously approved by both commissions.
The new revisions to the ordinance are currently in effect. To read the new ordinance in its entirety, please visit http://www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/page/ city.code_ords
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 3, 2021
COMMUNITY
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A curse on U.S. diplomats in Texas Andrew Jackson Donelson crossed Feb. 5 off his 1846 calendar and made a mental note that his historic work in the Lone Star Republic would be finished in two more weeks. The fourth and final Washington emissary to Texas was not the least bit worried about the annexation ceremony happening on schedule. It was purely a formality marking the death of the decade-old Republic and the birth of the 28th state. What kept Donelson awake at night was whether he would accomplish something none of his three predecessors had managed to do – get out of Texas alive. Considering the shabby
Texas History
by Bartee Haile
way Washington treated them after San Jacinto, Texans could have been excused for wishing a pox on Potomac politicians. The United States refused for nearly a year to officially recognize their independence from Mexico and then delayed full diplomatic relations until 1841. In April of that year, President William Henry Harrison awarded a prominent supporter from Kentucky the post of charge d’affaires to Texas.
On the job by July, Joseph Eve immediately hit it off with Sam Houston, for whom he had the highest regard. Eve’s glowing accounts of life in the vast land and his enthusiastic recommendation of statehood for Texas upset Daniel Webster, who as secretary of state was committed to keeping slaveholders out of the Union. Convinced Eve had been corrupted by the charismatic Houston, Webster recalled him in the spring of 1843. Replaced on Jun. 3, Eve reluctantly packed for the trip home. But two weeks later he suddenly collapsed and died in Galveston, his life cut short by an incurable case of tuberculosis.
Andrew Jackson Donelson
In the meantime, Eve’s successor had already filed the first of many fanciful reports about the Texans’ tilt toward Great Britain. William S. Murphy was, in fact, on Lone Star soil less than 48 hours before jumping to the rash conclusion that
the country was in grave danger of becoming a crown colony. To renew U.S. interest in the adoption of his orphan republic, President Houston played hard to get. He pretended to be opposed to annexation and openly flirted with England, America’s old Atlantic rival. Murphy was completely fooled by Old Sam’s masterful masquerade. The naïve envoy advised his superiors that only swift and decisive action could break up the budding international romance. Otherwise, he warned, Texas was sure to slip through their fingers. Though skeptical at first, the new secretary of state eventually came
around to Murphy’s point of view. Abel Upshur ordered his subordinate to tell the reckless Texans that “the lamb can make no contact with the wolf which will protect him from being devoured.” Murphy interpreted these and other oblique instructions to mean he had a free hand in his dealings with the Texans. Hearing that Houston feared a Mexican invasion once negotiations with Washington resumed, he exceeded his authority by promising military protection for the duration of the unification process. Requiring a two-thirds vote of the U.S. Senate, the annexation treaty
TEXAS HISTORY, 8
OBITUARIES THOMPSON Margot Irene Paris Thompson, died peacefully at Ledgestone Memory Care in Dripping Springs, Texas on Jan. 24, 2021. Margot was born to Lillian Katherine Sonka Paris and Josiah Harold Paris on Jan. 20, 1937 in Shreveport, Louisiana. She graduated from Seguin High School and married William Alton Thompson in 1955. They were married for 56 years and raised three children: Jennie Lynn, Bill Emory and Joe Charles. Margot worked as a teacher’s aide in the school system, but for the most part she was a stay-at-home mom and always involved in her children’s extracurricular activities. During their retirement years in Dripping Springs, Margot and Bill were active members of the Dripping Springs United Methodist Church and volunteered in several organizations in the community. Margot was a member of Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), a women’s only entity providing education-
al opportunities for female students worldwide. She was a devoted animal lover and had a number of special pets over the years. Margot and Bill loved traveling throughout their marriage. Their trips covered numerous states, including Hawaii, and many other countries including Canada, Switzerland, Austria and Panama. They loved to include close friends and family in their traveling adventures. Margot was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents Josiah and Lillian and a grandson Jonathan Paris Riley. She is survived by her sister, Jacqueline Westphal, her three children; Jennie Lynn Tedesco and husband Steve, Bill Emory Thompson and wife Lisa, Joe Charles Thompson and wife Karen; twelve grandchildren, Jaime Tedesco Smith and husband Kory, Jeremy Riley, Julia Garza and husband Lyle, Michael Tedesco and wife Jessica, Joseph Tedesco and wife Rachael, Natalie Tedesco, Amy Thompson, Clayton Thompson and wife Laura, Garrett Thompson, Loryn Cole and husband James, Jenna Thompson, and Lindsay Thompson; twelve great-grandchildren,
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Kylie and Blake Warren, Lillian and Wyatt Smith, Jonavon Reyes, Jace and Jocelyn Tedesco, Eli and Luke Garza, and Rhett and Jovie Thompson, as well as great-great-grandchild Ryker Warren. Memorials in Margot’s memory may be made to the TruCare Network in Austin or Dripping Springs United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life service was held at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church on Jan. 29.
TRUJILLO Jessica Geneva Alvarez Trujillo died on Jan. 29, 2021 at the age of 47, at her childhood home in Kyle. Jessica was born Jan. 3, 1974 in San Marcos. She was the first-born Rodriguez grandchild. She graduated in 1993 from Hays High School. Jessica attended business school and culinary school. Jessica enjoyed baking cakes and cooking all kinds of meals for friends and family. Jessica was proceeded in death by her maternal grandparents, Juan De Dios Rodriguez and Genoveva
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Rodriguez, her uncle Jose Rodriguez Sr., paternal grandfather Juan Alvarez, all of Maxwell, mother-inlaw Elida G. Trujillo, brother-in-law Cecilo Gilberto Trujillo Jr., of Beeville. Jessica is survived by her husband of eight and a half years Patrick Gene Trujillo, her parents Roy L. Alvarez, Trina Rodriguez Alvarez, her four daughters Lisa Renee A. Calderon, Michelle Ariel Alvarez, Daniella Jessica Garza, Gabriella Estafana Garza, one grandson Manuel De Jesus Nunez Garza, stepson Marcus Trujillo, father-inlaw Cecilo Gilberto Trujillo, brother-in-law Edward Trujillo of Pflugerville, sister-in-law Tracy Renee Nieto of Albuquerque, New Mexico. A funeral mass was held Feb. 3 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Uhland, with interment following at San Miguel Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jacob Alvarez, Alfonso Garcia, Duane Rodriguez, Anthony Sanchez, Jesse James Alvarez and Edward Trujillo Visit www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Jessica’s family on her online memorial site.
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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Page 6
NEWS
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 3, 2021
Mother distraught after losing wedding deposit BY SAHAR CHMAIS
Monica Egan, a representative at the venue, After losing $3,000 to promised her they had Saddle Creek Weddings, one year to reschedule the dealing with an unsure wedding. Based on this staff and shattered wednews, Tucker paid another ding plans, Cindy Tucker $1,000 deposit. felt she had no place to Back in March, the Hays turn. She and her daughFree Press/News-Dister are left to deal with an patch interviewed several emotional and financial wedding venue owners, burden. including that of Saddle “We were supposed to Creek Wedding, who also enjoy this time,” Tucker’s told the newspaper that voice broke while sharing they will allow parties one her experience. “Instead, year for rescheduling. I’m trying to figure out Plans seemed to be in how to resolve this. I didn’t place — until they fell think I was being unrealthrough. istic. I wanted my money The wedding venue back. We hadn’t used their sent out a letter to couples services and they didn’t go placing restrictions on through any expenses but who can not attend the they had my $3,000.” wedding due to COVID-19 Tucker’s daughter health risks. One of the picked her wedding venue restrictions was no elderly in December 2019, and people in attendance, within the same month, which meant grandparTucker paid a $2,000 deents could not attend. posit. In April 2020, after Shortly after, in July, Tuckwitnessing the uncertainty er’s daughter reached out of the COVID-19 pandem- to the venue asking how ic, Tucker reached out to long she had to reschedule Saddle Creek Weddings, her October wedding. discussing her concerns “My daughter said she about the virus. wanted her grandparents According to Tucker, at the wedding,” Tucker
“If I was to talk to the new owners, I would want them to know it’s not too late to make me happy. Maybe they just don’t have all the information.” –Cindy Tucker, mother of the bride
said. “So, she emailed them saying she wanted to change the wedding date. They told her they can not. I was shocked because that was not the conversation I had.” The wedding venue responded saying they will not be rescheduling weddings. And if the couple decided to cancel the wedding plans, they would still owe the full amount because the wedding was less than six months away. After long deliberations and many phone calls from Tucker and her daughter, the venue said the couple may reschedule their wedding in April, because that is the venue’s slow season. Tucker refused. She pleaded to get her deposit money back
– not all of her money, but just the $1,000 deposit she paid after receiving misleading information. Conversations between the bridal party and the wedding venue continued for months. The venue offered to refund Tucker her money under the condition that she sign a non-disclosure agreement. If Tucker signed, she would not be able to discuss what happened to the wedding, why it was cancelled or anything of the sort. “I’m like, people will be asking why I am canceling, wondering what is going on,” Tucker explained her frustration with the nondisclosure agreement. “For me to say nothing when they broke the contract.”
Tucker refused to sign under these terms. She kept fighting to get her money back, even sending the wedding venue a letter through a lawyer asking for her money back. Saddle Creek Weddings did not respond to these letters. The Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch reached out to Saddle Creek Weddings president, Brad Schreiber, on Jan. 8, asking for his thoughts on the issue. Schreiber said, “I understand the situation, however, we have sold Saddle Creek Weddings to the Walters Hospitality group and I am no longer affiliated with the property.” Given that news, the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch reached out to the new owners of the venue, three times via email and twice by phone over a three-week period. On the last try, Egan picked up the call and said she could not discuss the matter. Months into the pandemic, the wedding venue continues to receive one-star ratings on how
it treated the wedding parties who have asked to reschedule. “I just worry about other brides and other families going through this,” Tucker said. “I’m sure we’re not the only ones who have had this struggle. Love doesn’t stop in a pandemic.” While the canceled wedding plans and financial loss left a bitter taste in this sweet memory, Tucker did not quit. She still gave her daughter a wedding. It was much smaller and humbler than planned. About a dozen of the closest family members attended the wedding hosted in Tucker’s backyard, where the bride and groom said “I do,” under Tucker’s small gazebo. But Tucker still feels uneasy, waiting for a restitute. “If I was to talk to the new owners, I would want them to know it’s not too late to make me happy,” Tucker said. “Maybe they just don’t have all the information.”
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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.
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 3, 2021
273
Participating Texas Newspapers For more information, email tracy@haysfreepress.com or call 512-433-0926
The administrative office of Hays County Emergency Services District No. 9 is located at 210 W. Moore Street, Kyle, Texas 78640. This notice is published pursuant to Section 775.036(f) of the Texas Health & Safety Code.
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) 2020-2021 SURVEYING SERVICES ROTATION LIST “K 20-21.9”
Three (3) complete bound copies and one (1) electronic copy (flash drive) of the qualifications are required. Qualifications are to be delivered by 12:00 p.m. (noon), Friday, February 26, 2021 to: Leon Barba, P.E. City Engineer City of Kyle Public Works Department 520 E. RR 150 Kyle, Texas 78640 The complete submittals shall be enclosed in an envelope and plainly marked on the outside of the envelope or on any carrier’s envelope: 2020-2021 Surveying Services Rotation List Kyle, Texas “K 20-21.9” Qualification specifications may be secured from the City of Kyle (City) website at https://www. cityofkyle.com/rfps
A presubmittal meeting will NOT be held. The City reserves the right to negotiate with any and all persons or firms. The City also reserves the right to reject any or all submittals, or to accept any submittal deemed most advantageous, or to waive any irregularities or informalities in the submittal received, and to revise the process schedule as circumstances arise. Leon Barba, P.E. City Engineer
NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS, COUNTY OF HAYS CAUSE: 18-0508
By virtue of an Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 274th District Court of HAYS County, Texas, August 19, 2019, in cause numbered 18-0508, styled COMMUNITY OF AMBERWOOD HOEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. versus MICHAEL J, ORTIZ, SR., on a judgment rendered against MICHAEL J, ORTIZ, SR.; I did on January 28, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., levy upon as the property of MICHAEL J, ORTIZ, SR. the following described real property: Lot 1, Block B of Amberwood Phase One, a subdivision in Hays County, Texas, according to the map or plat of record in Volume 10, page 351 of the Plat Records of Hays County, Texas more
commonly known as 165 Redwood Drive, Kyle, TX 78640 (“Property”). On March 2, 2021, being the first Tuesday of the month, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Hays County, at the South Door, 712 Stagecoach Trail of the Courthouse of the said County, in the City of San Marcos, Texas, I will sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of MICHAEL J, ORTIZ, SR. in and to the real property described above. Dated at Kyle, Hays County, Texas, January 28, 2021. Michael Torres Constable, Pct. 2 Hays County, Texas 5458 FM 2770 Kyle, Texas 78640 by Patrick Chasse, Deputy Notice to Bidders: You are buying whatever interest, if any, the Debtor has in the property. Purchase of the Debtor's interest in the property may not extinguish any liens or security interests held by other persons. There are no warranties, express or implied, regarding the property being sold, including but not limited to warranties of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Notice to Judgment Debtor: If there is any property, real or personal, you want to point out for levy in lieu of the above described property, you must contact this office immediately.
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Vote before Feb. 15, 2021 Vote for your favorite businesses in North Hays County* by visting www.HaysFreePress.com or www.HaysNewsDispatch.com *North Hays County includes cities within the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch readership area – Buda, Kyle, Driftwood, Dripping Springs and surrounding communities.
Page 8
NEWS
Beloved Dripping Springs High CTE teacher dies unexpectedly BY MEGAN WEHRING Prakash Jadeja (Jad) died Thursday, Jan. 21, unexpectedly at his Dripping Springs home. Jadeja, 66, was well known in the community as a career technical education (CTE) teacher at Dripping Springs High School (DSHS). He enjoyed mentoring students before they would step out into the real world of engineering and higher education. Jadeja did not steer away from researching. He developed a Fab Lab for DSHS students in 2017 and more recently, he spent summer 2020 printing face shields for the medical community. He was also instrumental in helping his
students craft and build prosthetic limbs for Central Texas residents. In 2017, JADEJA Jadeja took a team of robotics students to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Erirates (UAE) to compete in the Land Rover 4x4 in Schools World Finals. Born in Kenya on Jan. 17, 1955, the son of late Jivansinhji Harisinhji Jadeja and late Jivtiba Jivansinhji Jadeja, Jadeja moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 10 where he met his wife. Before settling down to be a teacher, Jadeja
worked and travelled world-wide as he took two start-up companies public. Jadeja taught computer science, robotics, engineering and programming at DSHS for over a decade. He also volunteered to teach engineering to younger students at the Dripping Springs Community Library for several years. Jadeja is survived by wife Ruth Jadeja, children Devi and Mahesh Jadeja; and siblings Pankajsinh Jadeja, Chandraba Dadbha Jethwa and Vidulaba Dilipsinh Parmar. He was loved by his family, students and community. Jadeja will be deeply missed by many.
12 following a brief battle with yellow fever. Murphy was scarcely six feet under before the same scourge sent his successor to the cemetery. After Howard’s death at Washington-on-the-Brazos on Aug. 16, Texans wondered if the president would risk filling the vacancy. That sensible observation overlooked the fact that the cornerstone of the Tyler candidacy had been a solemn promise to bring the Lone Star Republic into the national fold, a goal that could not be achieved through the mail. The task demanded handson diplomacy no matter what the health hazards. Tyler drafted Andrew Jackson Donelson, Old Hickory’s nephew and adopted son who had spent eight years in the
White House as private secretary to his namesake. Any misgivings Donelson may have had about the perilous post he kept to himself and cheerfully accepted the assignment in September 1844. The fourth and final charge d’affaires not only endured his dangerous tour of duty but also was instrumental in ending Texas’ inexcusably long wait for statehood. While Donelson appreciated all the praise for a job well done, he was even happier to survive the strange “curse of the diplomats.”
Texas History Continued from pg. 5
was dead on arrival in April 1844. In turning thumbs-down on the agreement, the senators also refused to confirm Murphy’s appointment as charge d’affaires. Upon learning his career had gone up in smoke along with the treaty, he quipped, “The tail went with the hide.” John Tyler, the first vice-president to succeed a dead president, picked a nobody from Indiana to take Murphy’s place. Although spurned by the Hoosier electorate in recent bids for the senate and the statehouse, Tilghman A. Howard had one redeeming qualification. He was an old friend of Sam Houston. In June 1844, Howard took over from Murphy, who like Eve before him did not live long enough to leave. He died on Jul.
Bartee welcomes your comments and questions at barteehaile@gmail. com or P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393 and invites you to visit his web site barteehaile.com.
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • February 3, 2021
NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE
Vaccine pace picks up slowly The rate of COVID-19 vaccine administration is slowly increasing in Texas as we enter the second full month of shots going into arms. The Texas Department of State Health Services last weekend reported that about 1.6 million Texans — overwhelmingly frontline health workers, people over 65 or those with chronic health conditions — have received the first dose. Just over 400,000 are fully vaccinated. The state has received 3.16 million doses so far; nearly half remain to be administered. Texas ranks near the bottom in per-capita doses administered when compared to other states, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense sent 80 medical military personnel last week to Abilene, Lufkin and Eagle Pass to assist in administering the vaccine in those cities. “The medical personnel deployed to our communities will provide much-needed support to our front-line healthcare workers,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a news release. The state surpassed two million COVID-19 cases with nearly 36,000 fatalities as January came to a close. A total of 11,473 COVID-19 patients are in Texas hospitals as of Jan. 31, according to TDSHS. Across the state, there are only 753 intensive-care beds available. Even as vaccines are being administered, health officials across the state are urging Texans to wear marks and follow other safety protocols that have been in place since last March.
Score one for the chiropractors
In a decade-long battle between the Texas Medical Association and the group that represents the state’s
Capital Highlights by Gary Borders
chiropractors, the Texas Supreme Court ruled late last week that the lawful scope of practice for chiropractors includes nerves and related testing as it pertains to the musculoskeletal system. TMA originally sued the Texas Board of Chiropractor Examiners in 2011, arguing that such diagnoses exceeded what chiropractors were licensed to do. In a split decision, the high court overturned a ruling from the Austin Court of Appeals that had sided with TMA. Matt Webb, attorney for the chiropractic board, said in an email: “Today’s decision was not only legally sound but a victory for common sense and patient care. A different outcome could have drastically curtailed access to critical chiropractic care for patients across the State of Texas.”
Grants available for special needs students affected by COVID-19
Abbott and the Texas Education Agency late last week announced the rollout of a grant program for eligible families of children with “significant cognitive disabilities and complex educational needs.” The $1,500 grants can be used to purchase educational resources and services through the TEA’s supplemental special education services program. A total of $30 million was allocated, which could provide help for up to 20,000
Don’t delay caring for your heart
The highest level of care is right here Getting the care your heart needs — from routine screenings to advanced procedures — is important, especially now. Ascension Seton cardiologists and vascular specialists are here for you. Not only are we a heart transplant center in Central Texas, we also offer a program focused on women’s unique heart needs. We now have more ways for you to get care, including virtual consultations. If we see you for an in-person appointment, know we’re maintaining strict precautions to keep you safe in our care. Find an Ascension Seton cardiologist at ascension.org/setonheart
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students. To find out if your child is eligible, email the agency at ssesinfor@tea.texas.gov or call 855-772-3839.
Texas Lyceum poll measures impact of the pandemic
The Texas Lyceum, a nonpartisan group of movers and shakers based in Austin, released its annual survey last week. It painted a fairly negative picture of the state’s economy as a result of the pandemic and illustrated the widespread impact of the coronavirus on Texans. Responding to the pandemic is the most important issue facing the state, according to 37 percent of respondents. Political corruption and leadership ran a distant second at 10 percent. The 2021 poll presented the most negative views of the state’s and nation’s economies since the Great Recession of 2008. Additionally, four in five respondents said they knew someone who had contracted COVID-19, while half knew someone who had died from it. On the somewhat brighter side, nearly threefourths were either “very hopeful” or “somewhat hopeful” that the nation would get the pandemic under control in the next six months. But just 45 percent of Texans say they plan to get vaccinated when it becomes available to them. The complete poll results can be found at texaslyceum.org. 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.