MARCH 10, 2021 ONE SHOT
HEAVY LIFTING
Johnson and Johnson vaccines make their way to Hays County.
Local lady weightlifters advance to state competition.
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Hays Free Press HaysFreePress.com
Vol. 126 • No. 50
Serving Hays County, TX
MISSION BUDA Six days, 31,000 meals
ANALYSIS
BY SAHAR CHMAIS
The masks that came on one year ago are coming off — but that will not erase the changes the COVID-19 pandemic brought to Hays County. In a matter of one year, the virus took its toll on every household in its own unique way. COVID-19 affected the future of all residents differently. Hays County witnessed the death of 229 people, leaving many heartbroken with altered life plans. Some residents have been living with longhaul symptoms, unsure when the pain will subside. Health was not the only adverse effect of COVID-19; businesses had to learn to adjust to the virus at the drop of a hat. Many found their way and continued to serve the community, but some could not make it through the pressures of the pandemic. These side effects of COVID-19 became prominent in March 2020, and one year later, residents continue to feel the fatigue. Businesses and residents now have a choice on whether they want to wear their masks in public or
In the hustle and bustle of disaster relief event, the lash of Winter Storm Uri and COVID-19 were almost forgotten in Buda. In the six-day event, more than 31,000 barbecue meals were served to Hays County residents. The feeding effort had a small trial run on Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, where Tito’s barbecue team partnered with the Central Texas Veterans Center and gave 5,000 meals to anyone who came. Seeing the success of the barbecue, a decision to expand the effort was made. Within 72 hours, a new relief effort was set. “Once we had done the first weekend, we started finding out about a much greater need of underserved populations – from the older population, the disabled and many who are not on social media,” said Cassaundra Melgar-C’De Baca, creator of the program and CEO of the F7 Group. “We also found there were still people without power and water.” Mission Buda Cares was born out of this need. It was organized by the F7 Group, Buda Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) and Texas Firewalkers. Support organizations in the mission were CenTex VSO Alliance, Operation BBQ Relief and the city of Buda. From Feb. 25 through Feb. 28, more than 26,000 meals were served. Most of the meals were ordered online, but some were hand-delivered to older adults. “I called everybody on my phone list to see who wanted food; about 20 people wanted it,” said Erlinda Cano, a 67-yearold woman living in
MISSION BUDA, 2
Looking at COVID-19 in rearview mirror BY SAHAR CHMAIS AND MEGAN WEHRING
PHOTO BY COURTESY OF THE BAXTER FAMILY
Sisters Faith and Grace Baxter (from left) saw a need of meat products for local families and took action. The sisters realized that some families could not afford to buy meet and developed the project, Center of the Plate.
Sisters provide meat to families in need “I also find that leadership is not just a one man show. It really is a partnership or a community coming together to enact change … Center of the Plate was just a perfect pairing of being able to provide our knowledge of agriculture for a need in our community.”
BY MEGAN WEHRING
DRIPPING SPRINGS — When Dripping Springs sisters Grace and Faith Baxter saw too many families trying to survive on a strict food budget, they started working toward bridging the gap. For some, animal products are a vital part of a balanced diet. The Baxter sisters noticed that some families just simply could not afford to buy meat. That’s when they decided in 2016 to develop Center of the Plate, a project focused on feeding the community one family at a time. The meat is donated by 4-H and FFA members. “Meat protein is such a valuable source of energy and nutrients,” Grace said. “It’s really interesting to see how many people don’t actually have access to that because of economics.” Over this past year, they have provided more than 52,000 meals to families, which equals 9,600 pounds of
–Faith Baxter, co-developer of Center of the Plate
beef and pork. These numbers are based on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) labeling a serving as three ounces of meat protein. There are other food assistance programs throughout the city of Dripping Springs, yet Center of the Plate is one of the only services that offers high-quality protein sources, according to Faith. Center of the Plate currently offers an open door policy from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays at the Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church. To keep everyone safe from COVID-19,
they are conducting a drive-thru system with volunteers distributing pre-packaged products into vehicles. Both Grace and Faith do not consider themselves to be young entrepreneurs; they just have a passion for lending a helping hand in their community. “It’s been a very humbling experience,” Grace said. “We started off with this idea and came up with ways to hopefully execute that to the best intention. But, it’s really been through the community’s support that it’s been as successful as it has been.”
“I also find that leadership is not just a one man show,” Faith said. “It really is a partnership or a community coming together to enact change … Center of the Plate was just a perfect pairing of being able to provide our knowledge of agriculture for a need in our community.” Grace is a senior at Texas Tech University and Faith is a sophomore at Oklahoma State University. When their academics keep them away from their hometown of Dripping Springs, they rely on their parents and church group to help with the day-to-day operations. Looking into the future of Center of the Plate, Grace said that she wants to see the next generation of 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) students more involved. “I know there are kids that have watched us start the project,” Grace
CENTER OF THE PLATE, 2
Schools keep safety protocols despite state mask lift BY MEGAN WEHRING
To mask or not to mask is a burning question circulating in the education community following Governor Greg Abbott’s removal of the mandate effective on March 10. The answer for many school districts in Hays County is masks will
COMING UP
include wearing face masks. Community members are encouraged to watch the Students and staff upcoming school board meetings: Dripping Springs 10 years and older will ISD on March 22, Wimberley ISD on March 22 and be required to wear a Hays CISD on March 29. face mask unless they have a medical condistill be required unless continue following the tion that prevents them the school board votes Texas Education Agency from doing so, while otherwise. (TEA) guidelines. The engaging in physical Hays, Dripping districts will maintain outdoor activity and Springs and Wimberley the current safety proschool districts will tocols in place, which MASKS ON IN SCHOOL, 5
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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
COVID ANAYLSIS, 10
Amazon delivery station to bring hundreds of jobs to county BY MEGAN WEHRING SAN MARCOS — As many Texans are still climbing out of unemployment, Amazon has the answer with its new last mile facility in San Marcos that is expected to open later this year. The facility, located at 1346 Fortuna Road near Yarrington Road, will handle receiving and delivery to customers of larger items such as furniture and televisions. Amazon is a familiar face in the Hays County area; it has become one of the largest employers in
NEW AMAZON STATION, 2
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NEWS
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • March 10, 2021
Mission Buda Continued from pg. 1
Onion Creek Village. “They brought us big trays and served the plates on Saturday and Sunday.” Cano said that on Saturday, District 45 State Rep. Erin Zwiener made a food delivery to the residents. The next day, BACC Executive Director J.R. Gonzales showed up with Buda council member Evan Ture to drop off the food. Although this effort spread hot meals to the community, Melgar-C’De Baca believes the disaster relief effort made a much bigger social impact. The community stepped up with many asking what they could give. Some women in Sunfield cooked for the volunteers, Melgar-C’De Baca said. Some neighbors were getting food to their neighbors who may not have known about the barbecue or could not get there.
But these were people who may have never even spoken to their neighbors before, enhancing the beauty of the gesture, she explained. “People nowadays hardly know their neighbor and I think people crave that,” Melgar-C’De Baca said. “But the bigger picture was we brought communities closer together. I think it will create an ongoing thing. We all need human interaction and community.” The sense of volunteerism proved strong in Buda. According to Melgar-C’De Baca, there were two similar barbecue events in Houston, but Buda had more volunteers than both Houston areas combined. All ages were helping serve in Buda; from an 89-year-old woman to Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, people rolled up
their sleeves to give their support. Not only Hays County residents benefited from Mission Buda Cares – animals also received some help. When an animal caregiver does not know where their next meal may come from, chances are their pets are in a similar situation. To publicize an ongoing free pet food opportunity, flyers for the food were passed around the barbecue. The pet food is donated by the community and it is an ongoing effort. About 10 to 15 vouchers are processed a day, said Pet Supplies Plus store owner Jared Lasetter. “We know there is an immediate need because of the storm,” Lasetter said. “We will stop doing vouchers when people stop showing up.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BUDA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MISSION BUDA CARES
Thursday Feb. 25, (Dinner only)..............2,750 Friday Feb. 26, (Lunch & Dinner).............5,918 Saturday Feb. 27, (Lunch & Dinner)........8,456 Sunday Feb. 28, (Lunch & Dinner)..........8,903 Meals during Mission Buda Cares........26,027 Meals from Previous Weekend...............5,005 Total Meals Served.............................31, 032
We had an initiative to feed a couple of hundred people over the weekend, it ended up being more than 5,000. – Cassaundra Melgar-C’De Baca, creator of the program and CEO of the F7 Group after the first weekend of serving meals.
Organizers: F7 Group, Buda Area Chamber of Commerce, Texas Firewalkers Support organizations: CenTex VSO Alliance, Operation BBQ Relief, City of Buda
Center of the Plate Continued from pg. 1
community to keep this project going. “When you have someone like Faith,” Grace said. “She is such an encouraging person. We definitely have been able to really overcome those obstacles and with that support, it’s been impeccable to see the amount of impact we have had.”
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“I think what really makes Center of the Plate special is that youth started it,” Faith reflected. “I think it’s integral that we keep youth involved because it really shows how our next generation is going to be helping the world.” Grace credits the support from her family and
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said. “I don’t think some students have realized the potential that’s there for them to have ownership in that. I think that would be a really great way to continue the project.” Faith said that she hopes to see a committee take on the project, rather than a few people here and there.
Dr. Jacquelin
New Amazon station Continued from pg. 1
the region. In 2015, Amazon made its first appearance in San Marcos with a new fulfillment center. Within the last 12 months, Amazon has constructed a sorting facility in the city of Kyle and a distribution center in the city of Buda. “San Marcos is extremely excited to have been chosen to have another Amazon facility be built in our community,” Mayor Jane Hughson said. “We have the workforce and the community support to continue to be a strong and viable partner with the Amazon organization. Welcome again to San Marcos!” Hundreds of jobs with a $15 hourly wage are expected, attracting even more growth in the Hays County area, according to Jason Giulietti, president of Greater San Marcos Partnership “With over 5,000 employees and three facilities in the Greater San Marcos region, Amazon is our region’s largest employer,” Giulietti said. “The new last mile facility is a testament to Amazon’s confidence in the quality of our workforce and their attraction to the growth taking place in the heart of the Texas Innovation Corridor.”
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Opinion
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Once we had done the first weekend, we started finding out about a much greater need of underserved populations – from the older population, the disabled and many who are not on social media. We also found there were still people without power and water.” –Cassaundra Melgar-C’De Baca, creator of the Mission Buda program
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • March 10, 2021
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Let government know who’s boss When government fails, it’s the rare public official who says, “Oops. My fault.” That’s human nature, particularly for officials in the public eye who may have to run for office again. No one wants to be held directly responsible for letting the public down. Case in point is the recent catastrophe in Texas, when unexpected winter storms left 4 million homes without power, ruptured pipes and tainted the water supply for many. Texas’ energy grid essentially collapsed. While Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was quick to blame frozen wind turbines, the cause was much more complex than that. To truly understand how things went so terribly wrong will require time, study and research. So, too, with the coronavirus vaccine distribution. In this state and others, residents are frustrated with the slow rollout of vaccines. Is it poor distribution? Politics? A flawed strategy? These are literally matters of life and death. But how do you get to the truth when public officials so rarely step up to take direct responsibility for failures? The answer is public records. And public meetings. And access to the information that taxpayers deserve. States throughout the country have laws that guarantee access to government records and meetings. But the details vary widely and there are many statutory exceptions. New challenges to access emerge every year in virtually every state. The need to fight for government transparency is reaffirmed each year during Sunshine Week, a national awareness event overseen by the News Leaders Association and keyed to the March 16 birthday of James Madison. The fourth president of the United States drafted the Bill of Rights – including the guarantee of a free press – in 1791. That journalism connection reflects the role news media play in the free flow of information, but it unfortunately can also leave the public with a sense that Sunshine Week reflects the concerns of a single industry. To the contrary, access to government informa-
Guest Column by Ken Paulson
tion is critical to every American who cares about the quality of his or her community, state and nation. It’s important to see government employees – including elected officials – as the people we hire through our tax dollars to do a good job for all of us. If you run a business or hire a contractor, you wouldn’t hesitate to demand a full understanding of how something went wrong. That should be exactly our relationship with government. Getting that information, though, requires public meetings where residents can ask questions. It also means access to the documents that led to a poor decision. Words on paper can be much more forthright than the dissembling of politicians. It’s critical that we hold government accountable, for better or worse. (It’s also important to acknowledge when government leaders are doing a good job.) How can you help? I have two suggestions. First, keep doing exactly what you’re doing at this moment. Read and support your local newspaper. Local journalists, more than anyone else, will stand up for your right to information. Facebook will not be going toe-to-toe with your mayor. Second, when you believe government isn’t doing its job, demand an explanation. Ask to see the documents. Attend public meetings. And above all, support legislative efforts to make government more transparent. It’s too easy for officials who have failed us to point fingers, blame the media and wait for their side of the partisan fence to rally to their defense. We deserve better. We all pay taxes to support the work of government. We should get our money’s worth. Ken Paulson is the director of the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University, a lawyer and a former editor-in-chief of USA Today.
Moving a little closer to justice Hopes of getting an increase to the piteously low federal minimum wage were dealt a serious blow a couple of weeks ago when the Senate's Parliamentarian ruled that it couldn't be included in the massive COVID-19 relief package now moving through Congress. The announcement was widely expected, and the ruling from the strenuously nonpartisan arbiter threw a major roadblock into Congressional Democrats' path to raising the current federal minimum from $7.25 an hour, where it has sat since 2009, to $15 an hour by 2025. But if there is a ray of hope here, it's that it now feels like a matter of when, not if, the government will move to lift millions of Americans out of poverty. And it was one of two developments on Capitol Hill that signaled that, after a four-year pause, the United States is back on the path toward living up to the promise of equality and justice for all. That other development was the House's vote last Thursday approving a sweeping LGBTQ rights bill, known as the Equality Act. The legislation bans sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination across a variety of arenas, including employment, housing, education, public accommodation, credit and jury service. The need for that
Guest Column by John L. Micek
embedded protection was driven home, ironically enough, not in an employment law case in a state court, but in the halls of the Capitol during a pair of incidents. During a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, President Joe Biden's pick for the No. 2 position at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rachel Levine, of Pennsylvania, endured a transphobic rant at the hands of Republican Sen. Rand Paul. Paul, an ophthalmologist, tried to draw a pernicious equivalency between female gender mutilation and gender affirmation surgery for transgender youth. If she's confirmed, Levine would be the highest-ranking openly transgender official in the federal government. Meanwhile, fellow Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was blasted after she hung an offensive sign outside her office to mocking a colleague who had displayed a transgender flag outside her office in support of her transgender daughter, and to protest Greene's opposition to the Equality Act. Greene's sign read, "There are two
genders: Male & Female. Trust the science." Greene's assertion, by the way, flies in the face of current scientific assumptions about gender. But the two incidents are emblematic of the sort of hostile workplace behavior that LGBTQ Americans endure every day without blanket federal protection, though there are a patchwork of protections at the state level, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Both the Equality Act, and what appears likely to be a standalone attempt to raise the minimum wage, will face stiff opposition in the Senate, where Democrats will have to garner 60 votes to avoid the filibuster. But as is the case with the LGBTQ anti-discrimination bill, a hike to the minimum wage also is about equality and justice. According to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute, a Washington think-tank, impacted workers would earn an additional $3,300 a year under a $15 minimum wage, and a majority (59 percent) whose total family income is below the poverty line would receive an increase if the wage is raised in four years' time. The hike would be particularly significant for workers of color and help narrow the racial pay gap, the analysis also found. There have been
attempts - dishonest ones - to portray the wage hike as some sort of massive economic boondoggle for low-wage workers. If approved, a $15-an-hour wage comes out to an annual income of $31,200 a year. That's just a little above the median U.S. income of $31,133, based on 2019 data. "Right now, you need two to three jobs to survive," Barbara Coleman, a certified nurse assistant at a Scranton nursing home and union leader said during a conference call with Pennsylvania journalists earlier this week. "Never mind putting meat and potatoes on the table. Right now, we can't even afford the plate." There are a lot of reasons to be discouraged about our politics right now. But amid it all, there were these welcome reminders that, as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King noted, the moral arc of the universe, while long, bends towards justice. Democrats on Capitol Hill helped further that journey. It's up to all of us to help make sure it gets there. An award-winning political journalist, John L. Micek is Editor-in-Chief of The Pennsylvania Capital-Star in Harrisburg, Pa. Email him at jmicek@ penncapital-star.com and follow him on Twitter @ ByJohnLMicek.
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SPORTS
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • March 10, 2021
Hays High and Lady Lobo lifters advance to state The Lady Lobos on Saturday dominated the field en route to capturing the 5A Region II, Division I Girls Powerlifting Championship in Elgin. As a result, 15 Lehman Lady Lobos qualified for the State Meet to be held March 17-20 in Corpus
Christi. During its run at Region, Lehman finished with 70 team points, which surpassed the team's regional record of 54 points set in 2019. In addition, seven Lady Lobos captured first place individual honors in their weight classes and
three lifters finished with the silver medal. Lady Lobo Ashley Villanueva earned best lightweight squat, bench, deadlift and total honors, while Leah Lara won best heavyweight deadlift award. Lehman's Malia Gonzales captured the best heavy-
weight bench award. Lehman Lady Lobos advancing to state are Alyssa Martinez, Ashley Villanueva, Jasmine Jaimes, Jasmine Rodriguez, Kaitlin Diers, Ximena Castillo, Brooke Davenport, Leah Lara, Karla Olmedo, Arianna Prill, Crystal Mar-
tinez, Abby Adame, Malia Gonzales, Cate Julius and Olivia Valdez. Also advancing to state are Hays High powerlifters Megan Kelnar and Isa Vasquez-Villarreal. Kelnar, a multi-sport athlete who is also competing in softball this
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spring, finished by lifting a total of 725 combined pounds in three events at the Region II, Division I meet in Elgin. Meanwhile, Vasquez-Villarreal lifted a total of 755 pounds during her run at Region. Good luck to Megan and Isa next week in Corpus Christi.
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On March 4, the Johnson Jaguars softball team opened the inaugural Hays/Johnson Softball Tournament with a 3-1 win over 6A foe Westlake. Helping the cause was a second inning solo home run by Jaguar Reagan Barrett, followed by a fourth inning two-run RBI single from America Espinoza. Meanwhile, Jag pitcher Kylie Goad went the distance and earned the win with a handful of strikeouts in the five inning contest. Johnson High third baseman Avery Moreno dives in an attempt to field an infield pop fly during the team’s Day 1 game against Westlake.
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Dripping Springs High Theatre wins one-act play contest The Dripping Springs High School Theatre production of “Woyzeck” captured first place at the District 26-5A OneAct Play competition last weekend in Boerne. Five students earned individual honors for their performances. Rory Schaeffer-Preston, Colton Carroll and Ben Muscanere were named to the All-Star Cast
while Alyssa Nimocks received honorable mention on the All-Star Cast. Lastly, Lila Robbins was named Best Technician. The UIL One-Act Play contest is a competition where similarly sized Texas schools present an 18-40 minute play and may be adjudicated by a panel of three judges or a single judge. At each level of com-
petition, a judge awards individual acting awards as well as selecting three productions to advance to the next level of competition up to the regional level where only two will advance to the state competition. DSHS will now advance to the bi-district competition that will be held March 24 at Rouse High School in Leander.
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • March 10, 2021
COMMUNITY
Page 5
Johnson and Johnson vaccines make their way to Hays County BY SAHAR CHMAIS
Buda youth makes a splash breaking Texas fishing record BY MEGAN WEHRING
(TPWD) for the ShareLunker selective breeding BUDA — When 15-year- and stocking program. old Trace Jansen went “The day was pretfishing on Feb. 28, it ty slow,” Jansen told was beyond his wildest the Hays Free Press/ dreams that he would News-Dispatch. “I think land the heaviest largewe had only caught eight mouth bass ever caught at fish. We had seen a lot of Lake Travis in Austin. big ones. We were on our Jansen, a student at last little stretch of bank Johnson High School on our last spot of the day in Buda, caught a when we saw her sitting 15.32-pound bass, breakon her bed where she lays ing a lake record set in the eggs.” 1993. Jansen’s catch is It took about an hour the 12th “Legacy Class” to reel the female bass largemouth bass landed in, after getting the male in 2021 – the heaviest at off, Jansen added. He said 16.40 pounds on Feb. 19 at that was the first time he O.H. Ivie Lake east of San has ever caught a fish that Angelo. size. In the first three months “It feels pretty dang of the season between the cool,” Jansen said, proud months of January and of his accomplishment. March, anglers can loan “It’s pretty exciting. I’ve their bass of at least 13 never thought I would pounds to the Texas Parks ever catch a fish that big and Wildlife Department in my life.”
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Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are available at private medical clinics in Hays County in the first week of rollouts, beginning March 8. The J&J vaccine is 85% effective in preventing severe disease about 28 days after vaccination, according to the company’s data. Unlike Moderna and Pfizer, the J&J vaccine will only be given in one shot, not two. This vaccine also functions in a different manner than Moderna’s and Pfizer’s vaccines, which use messenger RNA to deliver parts of
the virus’s genetic code to cells. J&J will function like an instruction sheet that tells cells how to make a piece of the spike protein on the virus. The immune system learns how to recognize the harmless spike protein, and in turn can fight it. So far, 18 Hays County medical facilities have been allocated the J&J vaccine by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS), providing 5,800 J&J vaccines. Hays County Local Health Department has not yet been allocated with any J&J COVID-19 vaccines.
THE FOLLOWING FACILITIES HAVE RECEIVED THE VACCINES: • Wimberley Pharmacy
• Texas State University Student Health Services • San Marcos Family Medicine
• Christus Santa Rosa Hospital
• B and J Pharmacy in Wimberley • Ascension Medical Group Seton
• Seton Family of Doctors at Hays • Satellite Healthcare Kyle
• BioMedical Applications of Texas Inc.
• Austin Regional Clinic in Kyle, Center Streer, Dripping Springs and Buda • Solutions Pharmacy
• Baylor Scott and White Buda Medical Center • Ascension Seton Health Center Buda • First Medical Response of Texas Inc.
Masks On in School Continued from pg. 1
while consuming food or drink. The full guidelines can be viewed online at the TEA website. “Nothing in the updated TEA guidance changes anything that is currently happening in Hays CISD schools regarding COVID safety protocols,” said Hays CISD Chief Communication Officer
Tim Savoy. “So, we will keep doing what we have been doing. The district; in concert with local, state, and federal health authorities; maintains its belief that masks are an essential tool in helping to keep the virus in check.” The Texas Department of State Health Services
announced that educators, teachers and school support staff, are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The list includes teachers, bus drivers, child nutrition employees, custodians, school nurses and other school employees. TEA noted that the governing board of a
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See solution on page 6
Page 6
NEWS
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • March 10, 2021
OBITUARIES ALLEN
member on the Nobles Cemetery Committee. Donald Ray Allen, age Shirley was united in 88, died on March 3, 2021 holy matrimony to Elmo after being hospitalized Lorenzo Battles. To this for a stroke. union one daughter was He was born Oct. 22, born, Djuna Battles New1932 in Burley, Idaho, by. In this union she beand raised in Mineral, came a mother to three Washington. Donald was wonderful sons, Michael one of ten children. He L. Battles, Charles B. Batjoined the Air Force at tles, and Lionel E. Battles. the age of 17, and served Shirley later joined Mt. in Japan and Korea. After Zion Baptist Church in leaving the military, he Edgar, Texas and contindecided to start his fami- ued to serve God with ly in Texas. Donald was a her husband. She was a long-time resident of the licensed cosmetologist Buda area. He served on and she owned and operthe Buda Volunteer Fire ated her business “ShirDepartment, was a Buda ley’s Beauty Shop” for City Council member, many years. She pressed and was the owner/oper- and styled many ladies ator of a Conoco Station hair until she retired. She and Buda Lawnmower loved the country life, Shop. enjoyed cooking, family Donald is survived by time, helping her hushis wife Darlene, sons band with the animals, Warren Allen, Anthony and going to the foot(Buster) Allen and Denball games. Shirley and nis Walker, and daughElmo relocated to Buda, ters Debbie Schwebke, Texas in 2006 to be closer Jerri DeLeon, Tammy to their daughter. She Lewis, and Elizabeth gained many new friends (Sissy) Bruce. He is also while residing in Buda. survived by numerous She attended Pleasant grandchildren and great Valley Baptist Church grandchildren, as well under the leadership of as one brother and three Pastor Cornelius Bass. sisters. Shirley leaves to cherIn lieu of flowers, ish and celebrate her love please make donations to and life, her husband of your favorite charity. 57 years Elmo L. Battles; daughter Djuna BatBATTLES tles Newby (Darrin) of Shirley Marie Hopkins Buda, TX; sons Michael Battles was born June L. Battles (Elizabeth) of 10, 1939 in Eagle Lake, TX; Charles B. HopkinsBattles (Lillian) of Waco, ville, Texas TX; and Lionel E. Battles to late Si(Shirley) of Victoria, TX; mon Hop9 grandchildren, 20 great kins and grandchildren, and 3 Corene great, great grandchilLucy dren; sister Rosa Jones of Allen. She Inglewood, CA; 1 niece attended Darlene Smith of Rancho HopkinsDominguez, CA, and ville School in the coma host of relatives and munity of Cuero, Texas. friends. She then attended Daule Family and friends are High School of Cuero, invited to attend services Texas. After graduating on Tuesday, March 9, she attended Hicks Beau- 2021 beginning at 1:00 ty School in San Antonio, p.m. at First Baptist Texas. Church in Cuero, TX with She accepted Christ as Rev. Cornelius Bass of the her personal Savior at an Pleasant Valley Missionearly age, was baptized ary Baptist Church, officiand became a member of ating. Interment to follow Antioch Baptist Church at Pleasantville Cemetery, under the leadership of Cuero, TX. To leave a Rev. L.E. Ford, Cuero, TX. comforting message, or She served on the usher to share a fond memory, board, Mission Auxiliary, please visit www.gracefuand served as an active neralhome.net.
Buda, Texas • 15300 S. IH-35 • 312-1615
Debbie Thames, Agent 251 N. FM 1626, Bldg. 2, Ste. C, Buda, Texas 78610 312-1917
Sudoku Solution
FRANKE
retirement in May of 2001. There she worked Billie Ferguson Franke as an administrator for of Buda, Texas, passed another 20 years. Her away many roles in Austin inpeacefully cluded Dropout Prevenin Austin tion Coordinator for the on Feb. 26, district, a program she 2021 at the was greatly interested in. age of 83 She also was very active years and in the pursuit of gathertwo days. ing school supplies for She was students needing that one of the assistance at the beginvery few ning of each school year. remaining “old timBillie was responsible for ers” born in Buda. Her bringing that program to parents were Bruce and Hays County. Mary Abney Ferguson. Her work with the Bruce served as mayor Cub and Boy scouting of Buda for 23 years. programs resulted in her His mother Mary Jane successfully participatFerguson, nee Lawson, ing in helping her son came to Texas with her and his two sons achieve parents as a young girl the distinguished Eagle in a covered wagon in Scout awards. the late 1800s, settling Billie and Ron had in the Buda area. Biljust passed their 61st lie’s great-grandfather, wedding anniversary the McKinney Lawson, also month before she died. came to the Buda area of She was predeceased by Hays County as an early her Granny Ferguson, settler was one of the her parents and her and founding members of Ron’s eldest son, Ronald the First Baptist Church Reed Franke, Jr. She is of Buda as noted on the survived by her husband historical marker in front Ron, their son Mark and of the church. her beloved grandsons In mid-semester of Ronald Stuart (Stuart) her senior year at North Franke and Philip Kirby Texas State University (Philip) Franke and in Denton, she married Philip’s wife, Amber Day. Ronald R. Franke, in Stuart and Philip are Buda on Jan. 23, 1960 sons of Ronald, Jr. and they returned to Services were held at Denton for her to comthe First Baptist Church plete her final year and of Buda on March 9. graduate before moving In lieu of flowers back to Buda. donations can be made Her life was dedicated to St. Jude Children’s to the service of chilHospital. dren, both her own and those in the communiVIDAURRI ties where she worked Olivia Peinado Vidfor over 40 years in the aurri, 69, died suddenly field of education. Her February first employment in her 20, 2021, chosen field of Home at AscenEconomics was at her sion Seton old alma mater of Buda Hospital in High School where she Kyle. She began as an assistant was born to her former Home Economics teacher, Nina on June 13, 1951 in Coers. She also taught Home Economics at Kyle Durango, Mexico, High for several years the daughter of Samuel before transferring to Peinado and Maria IgnaHays High in the Home cia Diaz. Economics Department Olivia was the oldwith Linda Schmelteest of four children. At kopf. a young age, she was After nearly 20 years in the Hays system Billie selfless and kind. She cared and helped raise moved to the Austin her siblings alongside ISD administration in her mother. She became the late 1970s until her
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Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770
Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle
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Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda
The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda
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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 5
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Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor
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mother, daughter, sister, aunt and grandmother. She was loving, caring, strong and supportive. A FIGHTER. She had the smile that would light up a room. She never gave up on anyone, everyone had a chance to redeem themselves in her eyes. Her greatest accomplishments were her family. But her absolute most favorite job of all was being a grandma. In addition to her father, Olivia was predeceased by her husband, Enrique Ocanas Vidaurri. Surviving, her mother, Maria Ignacia Diaz, her siblings, Alma Delia Martinez, Jose Rene Peinado Diaz, and Blanca Eugenia Trevino. Her sons Enrique Vidaurri Jr. and his wife Selina Vidaurri of Kyle, Samuel Vidaurri of Buda, daughter Veronica Vidaurri and her husband Alfonzo Bernal of Buda, 4 grandchildren, Lillianna Denise Vidaurri, Star Vivianna Vidaurri, Julian Enrique Bernal, Enrique Vidaurri III, and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held March 6. Tributes may be posted to Olivia’s Tribute Page at www.harrellfuneralhomes.com
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Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle
Sudoku Puzzle, from page 5
driven, dedicated and a leader. She graduated from college majoring in English and Accounting. Soon after her first divorce she made her way to Houston to begin a new life with the help of a good family friend, Emma Ocanas. She worked at the Rivoli restaurant for 6 years and sold Tiara dishware. While selling Tiara, she met the love her life Enrique Ocanas Vidaurri; three months later they married and moved to Austin in January of 1982. She began her career at the Hyatt Regency in Austin, she moved from Garde Manger Sous chef to housekeeping supervisor to accountant. She had three beautiful children and continued to find time for additional jobs in marketing and sales, such as Herbalife, Mary Kay, Avon, Organo Gold and her last one being Vida Divina. She enjoyed crocheting, baking, cooking, arts and crafts and the list goes on. She met many wonderful people along the way, each shaping her life into the amazing caring woman she was. She was a dedicated spouse,
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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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • March 10, 2021
HISTORY
Page 7
Oilman spends fortune on forgeries
B
y the third week of March 1967, the sensational scam was the talk of the international art world. A Texas tycoon was the not-soproud owner of the biggest collection of forgeries on the planet. Algur Hurtle Meadows made his first million before the age of 30. Over the next three decades, the shrewd wheeler-dealer amassed a fortune conservatively estimated at a hundred million dollars. Despite the cutthroat competition of the oil game, the Georgia transplant maintained a childlike faith in his fellow man. When an employee at his American General Oil Company was accused of embezzlement, Meadows indignantly defended the alleged thief by snorting, “I know him, and he wouldn’t do that.” “He’s got all the qualities that the Talmud, the Bible, the Koran and Buddha say you’ve got to have,” a friend and associate once remarked. “He
Texas History
by Bartee Haile
wants everybody to love everybody.” Meadows was bitten by the art bug on a visit to Spain in 1952. A tour of the Prado, the National Museum of Painting and Sculpture in Madrid, convinced him that “a few Old Masters would give a certain elegance” to his humble mansion back in Dallas. He returned from Europe with no less than ten framed treasures. That was just the beginning for the wideeyed tourist, who took a smorgasbord approach to his expensive new hobby. In whirlwind fashion he paid $10,000 apiece for several Goyas, $100,000 for a quartet of large murals by the renown nineteenth-century Spaniard and a hundred grand more for three El Grecos.
By this time, Al Meadows was hooked. “I had this compulsion,” he would later admit. “It’s like self-hypnosis. Nothing satisfies except to continue to collect.” He also had a grandiose dream. “I kept thinking what if I could have in Dallas, Texas, a collection of art that might be considered a tiny Prado.” Shortly after the death of his wife in November 1961, Meadows gave Southern Methodist University a million dollars for a Spanish art museum in her memory. A second marriage within the year resulted in the obligatory donation of a half-million dollars’ worth of Italian statues. Dedication ceremonies for the Virginia Meadows Museum and the Elizabeth Meadows Sculpture Court and Garden were held the very same day on the SMU campus. The new Mrs. Meadows was partial to French painters, so her eager-toplease husband showered
her with costly canvases from that country. It was not long before a pair of smooth-talking Parisians popped up in Big D with a gallery of “bargains” for the free-spending oilman crammed into the trunk of their rented car. Meadows had never heard of door-to-door art peddlers, and their unorthodox approach aroused his suspicions. But his doubts were immediately dispelled by the certificates the slick salesmen presented for each and every piece. Had the trusting Texan bothered to investigate the impressive papers, he would have discovered that the documents proved nothing at all. Forgers and charlatans who hawked their bogus wares had long exploited the French law which allowed an artist’s blood kin to attest to the authenticity of any painting bearing his name. This scandalous practice enabled unscrupulous relatives to earn a dishonest living at the ex-
pense of naïve collectors. While the clever con men carefully reeled him in, Meadows drove what he believed was a hard bargain. “I’d always let them hang around for eight or ten days, when I knew they were spending two hundred dollars a day in Dallas. Just when they were about to leave town, I’d offer them half what they had originally asked.” Meadows’ strength, his legendary skill as a hardnosed negotiator, was in fact his Achilles’ heel. The patient swindlers were more than happy to accept $45,000 for a worthless copy of a masterpiece they had priced at $100,00. For three extremely lucrative years, their Dallas dupe was the Frenchmen’s best customer. Even though his wallet was $400,000 lighter, Meadows had no complaints since he was convinced that the true value of his bargain buys was $1.3 million. But persistent rumors
of an elaborate fraud finally persuaded Meadows to call in several experts to inspect his collection of French moderns. Their verdict left him stunned and speechless. Forty-one of the 59 paintings were forgeries. Acting more like the victim of a harmless prank than a six-figure scam, Meadows laughed off his loss and even referred to himself as “Mister Sap.” Two months and two million dollars later, he had replaced the fakes with the real thing. Meadows also made amends with SMU. His $8 million gift to the school of art in 1969 was the largest windfall in the university’s 54-year history and raised his total cash contribution to more than $15 million. True crime classics from the Lone Star past are all yours in “Murder Most Texan.” Mail a check for $24.00 to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • March 10, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that the original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Charles Edwin Higginbotham, Deceased, were issued on March 5, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0047-P pending in the County Court at Law No. 2 of Hays County, Texas to Valerie Washburn, Vice President & Sr. Fiduciary Administrator, Wells Fargo Bank. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present the claims within the time and in the manner prescribed by law in care of the representative, Valerie Washburn, Wells Fargo Wealth Management, P.O. Box 41629, Austin, Texas 78704. Notice by: Lesley Wardwell Hempfling, State Bar No. 24029892, Huggins Reddien, LLP, 2208 Lake Austin Blvd, Ste 200, Austin, Texas 78703, Telephone: (512) 940-2848, Attorney for the Independent Executor.
CITATION BY PUBLICATION To all persons interested in the In the Estate of Brigido Rosas Torres, Deceased, Cause No. 21-0019-P, in the County Court at Law, Hays
County, Texas. The alleged heir(s) at law in the above-numbered and entitled estate filed an APPLICATION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP, FOR INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION AND LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 401.003 OF THE TEXAS ESTATES CODE in this estate on the 13th day of January, 2021, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of Brigido Rosas Torres, Deceased, and their respective shares and interests in such estate. The Court may act on this Application at any call of the docket on or after 10:00 A.M., on the first Monday next after the expiration of ten (10) days, exclusive of the day of Publication, from the date this citation is published, at the Hays County Government Center in San Marcos, Texas. All persons interested in this case are cited to appear before this Honorable Court by filing a written contest or answer to this Application should they desire to do so. To ensure its consideration, you or your attorney must file any objection, intervention,
or response in writing with the County Clerk of Hays County, Texas on or before the above noted date and time. Applicant's Attorney: Elly Del Prado Dietz Then Young Building 323 W. Hopkins St. San Marcos, TX 78666 512-878-0999 Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at the office of the Hays County Clerk in San Marcos, Texas on this the 26th day of February, 2021. Elaine H. Cardenas County Clerk, Hays County, Texas 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2008 San Marcos, Texas 78666 BY Jennifer Grantham, Deputy
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Robert D. McGar, Deceased, were issued on March 8, 2021, under Docket No. 21-0061-P pending in the Hays County, Texas, County Court at Law to Kevin Lee McGar. Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the
NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE WHEREAS, on November 18, 2009, a certain Adjustable Rate Home Equity Conversion Deed of Trust (“Reverse Mortgage”) was executed by RUPERTO ARREDONDO AND ISABEL ARREDONDO, as mortgagor in favor of METLIFE HOME LOANS, A DIVISION OF METLIFE BANK, N.A., as mortgagee and ROBERT K FOWLER, as trustee, and was recorded on December 16, 2009 under Clerk`s Instrument Number 2009-90032298, Book 3790, Page 771 in the real property records of Hays, Texas. WHEREAS, the Reverse Mortgage was insured by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (the “Secretary”) pursuant to the National Housing Act for the purpose of providing single family housing; and WHEREAS, the beneficial interest in the Reverse Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary, pursuant to an assignment dated July 10, 2015, and recorded on August 24, 2015, under Clerk`s Instrument Number 2015-15026426, Book 5302, Page 289 in the real property records of Hays County, Texas; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Reverse Mortgage in that the Mortgagors are now deceased; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of April 6, 2021 is $143,951.16; and WHEREAS, by virtue of the default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Reverse Mortgage to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR part 27, subpart B, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on October 15, 2007 in Dallas County under Clerk’s File Number 20070369306, notice is hereby given that on April 6, 2021, at 12:00 PM local time or no later than three hours thereafter, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises (“Property”) will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: LOTS 6 AND 7, BLOCK 1, W.R. SIMCOCK`S ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF KYLE, HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME S, PAGE 163, DEED RECORDS, HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS. Commonly known as: 427 LIVE OAK STREET, KYLE, TX 78640. The sale will be held in Hays County, Texas at the following location: ON THE FRONT STEPS OF THE HAYS COUNTY GOVERNMENT BUILDING, OR THE PRECEDING AREA IS NO LONGER THE DESIGNATED AREA, AT THE AREA MOST RECENTLY DESIGNATED BY THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER`S COURT or as designated by the County Commissioners Court. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $143,951.16. There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorate share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale. When making their bids, all bidders except the Secretary must submit a deposit totaling $14,395.12 in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check made out to the Secretary of HUD. A deposit need not accompany each oral bid. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of $14,395.12 must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within 30 days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier’s check. If the Secretary is the highest bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveying fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery date of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them. The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for 15-day increments for a fee of $500.00, paid in advance. The extension fee shall be in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of HUD. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due. If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extension of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder may be required to forfeit the cash deposit or, at the election of the foreclosure commissioner after consultation with the HUD representative, will be liable to HUD for any costs incurred as a result of such failure. The Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD representative, offer the property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein. HUD does not guarantee that the property will be vacant. The scheduled foreclosure sale shall be cancelled or adjourned if it is established, by documented written application of the mortgagor to the Foreclosure Commissioner not less than 3 days before the date of sale, or otherwise, that the default or defaults upon which the foreclosure is based did not exist at the time of service of this notice of default and foreclosure sale, or all amounts due under the mortgage agreement are tendered to the Foreclosure Commissioner, in the form of a certified or cashier’s check payable to the Secretary of HUD, before public auction of the property is completed. The amount that must be paid if the mortgage is to be paid in full prior the scheduled sale is $143,951.16, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner’s attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement. Tender of payment by certified or cashier’s check or application for cancellation of the foreclosure sale shall be submitted to the address of the Foreclosure Commissioner provided below. Date: March 8, 2021 L. Keller Mackie Foreclosure Commissioner Mackie Wolf Zientz & Mann, P.C. Parkway Office Center, Suite 900 14160 Dallas Parkway Dallas, TX 75254 (214) 635-2650 (214) 635-2686 Fax
estate, addressed as follows: Representative, Estate of Robert D. McGar, Deceased c/o John H. Gilliam John H. Gilliam Law Office 302 W. Martin Luther King Dr. San Marcos, Texas 78666 All persons having claims against this estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. DATED the 10th day of March, 2021. John H. Gilliam By: /s/ John H. Gilliam Attorney for Applicant
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Naomi Zimmerman, Deceased, were issued on January 25, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0007-P, pending in the County Court at Law #2 of Hays County, Texas, to: Jennifer Peterson. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: David Glickler Attorney at Law 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 Dated the 5th day of March, 2021 David Glickler Attorney for Jennifer Peterson State Bar No.: 00787549 John A. Hall & Associates, P.C. 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 Telephone: (512) 268-6425 Facsimile: (512) 268-5404 E-mail: glick@johnhalllawfirm.com
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS PROJECT: 150 BUSINESS PARK PUBLIC/PRIVATE WASTEWATER LINE OWNERS: CITY OF KYLE/ TEXAS REALTY RETAIL PARTNERS CONTRACTS AND BID DEADLINE: Sealed bids for the referenced project will be received at the address indicated above until 2:00 P.M. local time, Friday, March 26, 2021 and will then be publicly opened and read aloud. The Bids shall be sent to Texas Realty Retail Partners at the address given below. The proposed scope of work includes two groups of tasks: A. Center Street wastewater line Phase one, which encompasses 1023 lf of 21” and 24” wastewater line, including manholes, boring under Hill Street and other related work and B. Site work for phase one of a Business Park; including erosion controls, water and waste water piping, storm drain system, grading, paving, landscaping, electrical conduits, and revegetation. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS: The Contract Documents, consisting of Advertisement for Bids, Instructions to Bidders, Bid Proposal Form, Affidavit of Organization and Authority, Bid Bond (in the amount of 5% of the maximum amount of Item A of the bid. The security shall be in the
form of a certified check or cashier's check, or bid bond furnished by a reliable surety company having authority under the laws of Texas to write surety bonds in the amount required, with such security made payable without recourse to the City of Kyle) Disclosure of Ownership, Notice of Award Form, Agreement Form, Notice to Proceed Form, Performance/ Payment Bond (100% for Part A of the bid), Certificate of Insurance, General Conditions, Special Conditions. The bid shall be submitted in a sealed envelope, clearly marked: Bid for construction of Center Street wastewater line phase 1 and Business Park 150 Site Work and infrastructure. Technical Specifications, Drawings and Addenda (if any) may be examined at the following locations: Vigil and Associates 4005 Banister Lane, Suite 225-C Austin, Texas 78704 or Texas Realty Retail Partners 9811 SO IH 35 Bldg 3, Suite 100 Austin TX 78744 512-280-5353 Copies of the Contract Documents and the Construction Plans may be obtained at the office of Vigil and Associates, 4005 Banister Lane, Suite 225-C, Austin, Texas, 78704. There is a $100 non-refundable copying and distribution charge for these documents. QUALIFICATIONS: Bidders must be pre-qualified with the City of Kyle Public Works Department within the last year or must be pre-qualified for this work 5 days prior to the bid deadline in accordance. RIGHTS RESERVED: Texas Realty Retail Partners reserves the right to reject any and all bids, for whatever reason, and to waive any informalities in bids or in the bid process. Published by the authority of: Robert W. McDonald, III Partner-Texas Realty Retail Partners
REQUEST FOR BIDS Plum Creek Conservation District is accepting bids for ground application of fertilizer and herbicide to approximately 598 acres on 24 flood control structures. Approximately 296 acres to be applied around the 1st of April and 302 acres to be applied around the 1st of May. Bid information can be found at https://pccd.org/job-bids For more information, call 512-398-2383. Respond on or before noon on March 16th, 2021. Send bids to PO Box 328, Lockhart, TX 78644. PCCD reserves the right to evaluate bids and to reject all bids.
SUMMARY FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION BY THE HAYS FREE PRESS On or about February 23, 2019, Plaintiffs Oscar and Otilia Ysassi, Indv. and A/N/F next friends of Clarissa and Jelena Ysassi were operating their car on River Road approaching Highway 80, in San Marcos, County, Texas, when Carey Jon Robbins, operating a motor vehicle slammed into the side of the
Ysassi vehicle. Plaintiffs, as a result of the collision, sustained injuries and damages for which they sue. Cary John Robbins was operating a vehicle owned by Shawn P Robbins. Petition has been filed for this personal injury/ auto accident lawsuit number 20-2920 of which Carey John and Shawn P. Robbins are Defendants. Respectfully submitted, DAVIS LAW FIRM 10500 Heritage Blvd., Suite 102 San Antonio, Texas 78216 Telephone: (210) 444-4444 Telefax: (210) 870-1581 Email: desireem@davislaw. com /s/ Desiree Marrufo By DESIREE MARRUFO State Bar No. 24046351 Attorney for Plaintiffs
HAYS CISD IS REQUESTING PROPOSALS FOR RFP #18-022102JO WASTE COLLECTION & RECYCLING SERVICES Proposals will be accepted until 04-28-2021 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Specifications are available in the Hays CISD Purchasing Office (512-2682141 ext. 46035) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Proposal responses must be submitted on the Public Purchasing website https://www.publicpurchase. com/ by the date and time indicated above. Late Proposals will not be accepted after time and date listed above. Late proposals will not be accepted after time and date listed above. The Hays CISD Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals and waive all formalities in the proposal process.
REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSAL CONSTRUCTION OF HEROES MEMORIAL PARK The City of Kyle’s TIRZ #2 is seeking competitive sealed proposals for construction of the Heroes Memorial Park. The Heroes Memorial Park includes a Memorial Garden, Cascade Garden, Art Garden, Family Garden, Peace Garden, Web Garden, Heroes Walk, other landscaping and connection to the Kyle Cultural Trail. Competitive Sealed Proposals shall be marked with HEROES MEMORTIAL PARK RFP in the bottom left of the envelope and then addressed to Office of the City Secretary, City of Kyle, TX. Physical copies (1) original, (2) copies and (1) digital copy to be delivered to the office of the City Manager, 100 W. Center St. Kyle, Texas 78640 until 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, and then considered by City Council in Executive session under Section 551.087, Texas Government Code. Details of what the City seeks may be secured from the City website www. cityofkyle.com/rfps and are also available from the office of the City Secretary, 100 W. Center St., Kyle, Texas. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals and to accept only those proposals which are in the best interest of the City of Kyle.
PUBLIC NOTICES, 8
NOTICE OF REVISED PLAT Project name: Belterra Plat – Lot 3G-1 and 3H Mailing date: 01/28/2021 Project location: Belterra Commercial Subdivision Please be advised that Replat of Lot 3G-1, amended plat of Lot 3G North Belterra Commercial Subdivision and Lot 3H, Block “B” Final Plat of the Resubdivision No. 3 of North Belterra Commercial Subdivision, recorded in document number 20022174 and document number 18019064 is being replated to create a new lot configuration. With the replat, Lot 3G-1 and 3H will be converted into one lot, Lot 3G-1. Please see the attached plat for details. The property falls within the following jurisdictions/service areas: Water: Hays County WCID No. 1 Wastewater: Hays County WCID No. 1 Electric: Pedernales Electric Cooperative Emergency Service District: ESD No. 6 – North Hays County Fire Rescue, Hays County Development Services and the City of Dripping Springs is reviewing this development application to ensure that it is in compliance with applicable regulations. For more information please contact the project’s owner or agent. Owner’s name: Belterra Hospitality, LLC and Belterra Lot 3H, Ltd. Owner’s phone number: 512-968-6141 Agent’s name: Natalia Garau, P.E. Agent’s phone number: 737-202-3214
Classifieds Hays Free Press • March 10, 2021
Page 9
PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that the original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Patsy Ann Higginbotham, Deceased, were issued on March 5, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0045-P pending in the County Court at Law No. 1 of Hays County, Texas to Valerie Washburn, Vice President & Sr. Fiduciary Administrator, Wells Fargo Bank. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present the claims within the time and in the manner prescribed by law in care of the representative, Valerie Washburn, Wells Fargo Wealth Management, P.O. Box 41629, Austin, Texas 78704. Notice by: Lesley Wardwell Hempfling, State Bar No. 24029892, Huggins Reddien, LLP 2208 Lake Austin Blvd, Ste 200, Austin, Texas 78703, Telephone: (512) 940-2848, Attorney for the Independent Executor.
REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSAL CONSTRUCTION OF UPTOWN CENTRAL PARK The City of Kyle’s TIRZ #2 is seeking competitive sealed proposals for construction of the Uptown Central Park. The Uptown Central Park includes a Pavilion, Water Features, Rain Gardens, Playgrounds, Volleyball, Dog Park, and other landscaping. Competitive Sealed Proposals shall be marked with UPTOWN CENTRAL PARK RFP in the bottom left of the envelope and then addressed to Office of the City Secretary, City of Kyle, TX. Physical copies (1) original, (2) copies and (1) digital copy to be delivered to the office of the City Secretary, 100 W. Center St. Kyle, Texas 78640 until 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, and then considered by City Council in Executive session under Section 551.087, Texas Government Code. Details of what the City seeks may be secured from the City website www. cityofkyle.com/rfps and are also available from the office of the City Secretary, 100 W. Center St., Kyle, Texas. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals and to accept only those proposals which are in the best interest of the City of Kyle.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON AMENDMENTS OF WASTEWATER LAND USE ASSUMPTIONS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAND AND IMPACT FEES Notice is hereby given pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 395 that the Board of Directors of the County Line Special Utility District will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting, open to the
public, on Monday, April 19, 2021, at 6:30 p.m., located at the County Line Special Utility District Office, 8870 Camino Real, Uhland, Texas 78640. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the amendment of the land use assumptions and capital improvements plan and the imposition of wastewater impact fees. Any member of the public has the right to appear at the hearing and present evidence for or against the plan and proposed fee.
NOTICE OF SALE Morningstar Storage wishes to avail themselves of the Texas Provision of chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code by conducting a Public Sale to the Highest Bidder for cash on their premises. This sale is listed below. Date : 03/24/2021 Time: 12:00 AM Location: Storage Auctions.com Unit: 2009 – Brittany Nevarez – ice box, antlers, washer, dryer, jewelry box , bed, AC , tools, Boxes, totes, household decor.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration for the Estate of Samuel Duane Sosa, Deceased, were issued on January 27, 2021, in Cause No. 19-0255-P, pending in the County Court at Law #2 of Hays County, Texas, to: Silvia Goris. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: David Glickler Attorney at Law 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 DATED the 8th day of March, 2021 David Glickler Attorney for Silvia Goris State Bar No.: 00787549 John A. Hall & Associates, P.C. 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 Telephone: (512) 268-6425 Facsimile: (5 I 2) 268-5404 E-mail: glick@johnhalllawfirm.com
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Annie Mae Greenwood, Deceased,
EMPLOYMENT were issued on November 16, 2020, under Cause No. 20-0352-P, pending in the County Court of Hays County, Texas, to Cranz Greenwood. Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the Estate addressed as follows: Cranz Greenwood Independent Executor of the Estate of Annie Mae Greenwood C/O Fleur A. Christensen Attorney for the Estate Blazier, Christensen, Browder & Virr, P.C. 901 S. Mopac, Bldg. V., Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78746 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. DATED the 23rd day of November, 2020 Fleur A. Christensen Attorney for the Estate
VIN ISWBXPC7C45AWE53130 AND LICENSE PLATE IS BZC1866, ALBERTA PLATES. LOCATED AT K&S TOWING 512291-3672, 895B S LOOP 4 BUDA, TEXAS 78610. AUTHORIZED BY BUDA POLICE DEPARTMENT. PICKED UP FROM SATTERWHITE RD AT HILLSIDE TERRACE IN BUDA, TX. CHARGES ON VEHICLE ARE $925.60 AS OF MIDNIGHT TONIGHT 03/08/2021. VEHICLES RELEASED 24 HOURS A DAY WITH A 1-HOUR NOTICE TO REGISTERED OWNER OR DRIVER LISTED ON VALID INSURANCE CARD WITH VALID STATE OR FEDERALLY ISSUED PHOTO ID.
2ND NOTIFICATION FOR 2007 FORD E-350 SUPERDUTY VIN IS 1FDSE35L47DA15310 AND LICENSE PLATE IS PKH6928 OHIO PLATES. LOCATED AT K&S TOWING 512-291-3672, 895B S LOOP 4, BUDA TEXAS 78610. AUTHORIZED BY BUDA POLICE DEPARTMENT. PICKED UP FROM IH-35 AT THE EXIT 219 IN BUDA, TX. CHARGES ON VEHICLE ARE $5397.94 AS OF MIDNIGHT TONIGHT 03/08/2021. VEHICLES RELEASED 24 HOURS A DAY WITH A 1-HOUR NOTICE TO REGISTERED OWNER OR DRIVER LISTED ON VALID INSURANCE CARD WITH VALID STATE OR FEDERALLY ISSUED PHOTO ID.
LEGAL NOTICE
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Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a (1) Mixed Beverage Restaurant Permit with FB, (2) Food and Beverage Certificate and (3) Beverage Cartage Permit by Taste Tindol Restaurant Incorporated L.L.C. to be located at 116 N. Main, Buda, Hays County, TX 78610. Owner Tamra Tindol.
Baylor Scott & White Health is a not-for-profit network of acute care hospitals and related healthcare organizations with the vision and resources to offer its patients continued quality care while creating a model system for a dramatically changing healthcare environment. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing, Baylor Scott & White Health promotes the well-being of all individuals, families and communities. In fulfilling this mission, our healthcare facilities listed in this notice have a policy to provide charity care to patients meeting the eligibility requirements for such care. Members of the community seeking information about our charity care program, eligibility criteria and application procedures for such care should contact our customer service department at 1.800.994.0371 or visit us online at BSWHealth.com/FinancialAssistance.
DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS 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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Page 10
NEWS
Hays Free Press • March 10, 2021
Employees honored for life-saving warming stations Saving people’s lives during Winter Storm Uri was on the minds of 21 Hays CISD Transportation employees who operated temporary warming centers in their buses. For their efforts, these employees were presented March 5 with Superintendent Coins of Excellence by Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright. These 21 heroic individuals operated buses that helped approximately 150 people in the Buda and Kyle areas find warmth and shelter during the bitter cold that week. Transportation employees who assisted in the warming centers operation
were Transportation Director Filiberto Bonilla, Assistant Transportation Director Anthony Shields, Lani Baker, Michael Pinkert, Jason Barr, Johnny Leal, Bobby Yanez, Ed Leal, Richard Rodriguez, Ed Luna, JD Lessley, Lesley Chivalan, Connie Ingram, Grady Graham, Anabel Alvarez, Kathy Rye, Bobby Minjarez, Matt Balboa, Joe Hudson, Royd Moore and Roger Seyler. The warming centers, which were placed at sites across Buda and Kyle during Winter Storm Uri, was a joint operation that involved the cities of Kyle and Buda, and Hays County’s y Office of Emergency Management.
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III/HAYS CISD
COVID ANALYSIS Continued from pg. 1
attend establishments. But in the year it took to get here, Hays County fought countless battles. The county was declared a vaccine hub in January 2021. As of March 7, 30,397 Hays County residents have been vaccinated with at least one dose while 15,948 are fully vaccinated, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Not all vaccines from the hub go to Hays County residents, but the hub is not the only vaccination site. Private pharmacies and medical offices issued vaccines before the county had access. Approximately 16% of the county population is partially or fully vaccinated. According to Hays County figures, as of March 8, there are 15,617 recovered residents and 728 active cases, bringing the county’s natural immunity to about 9%. Officials say it is not easy to account for all of those who were infected because many people are asymptomatic and might not have been tested. COVID-19 vaccinations are in high demand with limited supply, similar to testing at the beginning of the pandemic. Hays County is expected to receive 4,680 doses weekly to allow even more people to be vaccinated. Education and child care personnel are now authorized to receive the vaccine under the Phase 1B group. With the number of distributed vaccines as a factor, Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-34 to lift the face mask mandate in Texas and increase capacity of all businesses and facilities to 100%. Businesses can still limit capacity or implement safety protocols as they see fit. Before the state got to this point, businesses struggled to stay economically afloat through the pandemic, especially in the hospitality and tourism industries. Wedding venues, hotels, catering, vineyards and breweries struggled to keep up. With Dripping Springs as
the wedding capital of the state and with a plethora of vineyards, the city took a major hit. About 20% of the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce is made up of tourism industry representatives; this considerably high percentage highlights how large these industries are in Dripping Springs, said Susan Kimball, president of the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce. Many events had to be reduced substantially in size or cancelled completely, leaving some wedding venues to permanently close. Vineyards had a choice. They could continue to open by serving food, or they had to close. When left with these options, many took the option to stay afloat, Kimball said. It was difficult to see the decisions businesses in her city had to make, Kimball said. Some were forced to close and let their employees go while others sold their assets to keep all of their employees. This is a story told over and over again in all of Hays County, especially for tourism and entertainment businesses. But not all industries were under such pressure. Hays County, the fastest-growing county in the U.S, saw a housing market boom in 2020, which continues to soar into 2021. At one point, Kimball recalled there being only five houses in all of Dripping Springs on the market. She even witnessed one of her neighbors’ home sale, where in two days, the house had bidding offers and sold for $150,000 over asking price. Restaurants used the pandemic as a way to assess their business strategy, according to Julie Snyder, Chief Executive Officer for the Kyle Chamber of Commerce. “We saw a lot of our [restaurant] members get online menus and online ordering capabilities so they could do curbside pickup or delivery,” Snyder said. “A lot of our members did not have delivery and
AS OF MARCH 8, 2021:
16,574 .Lab-confirmed cases 15,617 .Recovered cases 741 ..... Active cases in last 21 days 728 ..... Active cases 229 ..... COVID-related fatalities 758 ..... Total hospitalizations 11 ....... Current hospitalizations then they created it. The mandate will not derail businesses that re-evaluat- that,” Gonzales said. “I ed their delivery system for their products and services survived or thrived a little bit more than others that were not able to do that.” Snyder added that floral shop owners have seen some success in being more creative with delivery options as many residents are not hosting in-person birthday or anniversary celebrations. Not all closing decisions were based on financial calculations, said J.R. Gonzales, executive director of the Buda Area Chamber of Commerce. Some businesses chose to close to keep themselves and their employees safe. Some restaurants, boutiques and small shops changed their operations to delivery and pick-up only. Much of March 2020 through March 2021 has been spent under changing regulations: enforced masks, bar closures, capacity changes, elective surgery cancellations and more. But with the relaxed orders that kicked in Wednesday, March 10, will it allow people to see the light at the end of the long tunnel? That depends, according to Gonzales. Businesses have a choice to enforce or not to enforce masks on employees and customers. It is up to consumers to visit their preferred establishments. Just because everything can reopen 100%, that does not mean people will return at regular capacity, Gonzales said. “We’re on a good path in overcoming the virus. I hope that lifting the mask
think it may add pressure and stress for a business owner to make decisions on how to deal with customers who may not want to wear masks. There is a trend from businesses who are going to maintain mask policies. They believe lifting the mask mandate may not be beneficial in the long run.” If businesses become hot spots due to the relaxed regulations, limitations may have to be reinstated, Gonzales explained. As long as the popula-
tion has a low herd immunity, the possibilities continue that a spike could come again. Given the split public opinion on COVID safety regulations, the best people can do is work with what is available. “I’m hopeful that businesses can continue to operate at 100% while maintaining the health and safety of staff and customer base at the same time,” Kimball said, “and hope that we won’t have any setbacks in hospitalizations in the region.”
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Sleep Apnea Hoarseness/Vocal Cord Dysfunction
TWO LOCATIONS IN YOUR AREA
1180 Seton Parkway Suite 420 Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-5282
Hearing Aid Sales, Programming Fittings, Cleanings & Repairs Earmolds & Custom Ear Plugs Hearing Protection
Mark Dammert, M.D.
Michael Yium, M.D.
LOCKHART
1005 W. San Antonio #A Lockhart, TX 78644 (512) 444-7944
Amber Bass, Au.D.