March 31, 2021 Hays Free Press by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

MARCH 31, 2021 FIRST IN STATE

TIGER SOCCER

Lobo powerlifters excel at state with two first place individual wins.

Both boys and girls soccer teams advancing through state competition.

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Vol. 127 • No. 1

Serving Hays County, TX

Negligent behavior precedes county chief of staff resignation BY SAHAR CHMAIS

Former Hays County Chief of Staff Alex Villalobos resigned under the pretense of moving on to a better position – but this may not be the full story. Documents show that Villalobos falsified time sheets and is accused of other negligent behavior. Villalobos, who was

hired as the Chief of Staff serving County Judge Ruben Becerra’s office, was eventually placed under direct supervision of the Commissioners Court in 2020. “I believed this position would function better for the County and its residents if it reported to the entire Court,” Commissioner Lon Shell wrote to

Hays County Human Resources Director Shari Miller, “though there were other factors that led to this VILLALOBOS decision. One of these factors was, in my opinion, a lack of

diligence in managing potential conflicts of interest that could present liabilities to the residents of Hays County.” In 2020 Shell submitted a list of grievances regarding Villalobos and this month Commissioner Walt Smith followed suit with his own list of grievances about Villalobos’s work ethic and conflicts

of interest. For example, Villalobos videotaped an advertisement for a political campaign with the assistance of another county employee during business hours in the courthouse, Smith wrote to Miller. On election day, Nov. 3, Villalobos stated he had worked eight hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. That same day, there is a photo from

BY SAHAR CHMAIS

JAIL CONDITIONS, 2

NEGLIGENT BEHAVIOR, 2

Dripping Springs wastewater customers to see rates change in April

Hays County resolves jail conditions while judge, sheriff clash HAYS COUNTY – Inside the Hays County Jail, community members reported conditions such as inability to flush toilets, broken walls, lack of airflow, swamp gas inside and no visitors allowed, said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. But Sheriff Gary Cutler said that exact nature of Becerra’s allegations were not provided to jail staff prior to inspection. And an unannoucned inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) did not show the problems as described by Becerra. Becerra charged that he was unable to go in to witness the improvements himself. According to Becerra, he was denied access because of COVID-19 and renovations being made in the facility. Becerra said that after several internal requests between another county commissioner and the sheriff’s office, he emailed TCJS on March 15 about the discrepancies. Before reaching out to TCJS, Becerra said he reached out to Captain Julissa Villalpando with the Hays County Jail, on March 11, believing the contractor Cutler was working with had enough time to correct the issues. After four days, Becerra contact-

the University Star of Villalobos barbecuing and the caption read: “Alex Villalobos, Hays County Sheriff 2020 candidate, camps outside of the polls on Election Day, Tues. Nov. 3, 2020, at the Hays County Government Center. Villalobos says his campaign team plans on

STAFF REPORT

PHOTO BY SAHAR CHMAIS

Protestors gathered outside of an anti-Asian violence hearing, featuring Congressman Chip Roy. They were there to protest comments made by the congressman that they felt glorified lynching.

Protestors take a stand against Rep. Roy’s lynching comment BY SAHAR CHMAIS

“I know Texas has a [lynching] history and I believe our beauty is going to come from moving past that, not trying to glorify our past like Chip Roy has done.”

trying to glorify our past like Chip Roy has HAYS COUNTY – “The done,” said protestor victims of race-based and Texas State student violence and their famiGabriel Guerrero. “We lies deserve justice,” said saw terrible attacks Congressman Chip Roy against Asian American at an anti-Asian violence citizens and they are hearing. “There’s old disgusting. [Roy’s] com–Gabriel Guerrero, protestor and Texas State student ments only support sayings in Texas about find all the rope in Texas and help those acts protestors and also saw and get a tall oak tree; we Protestors and press grow and therefore, I’m that no one inside of the standing against that.” take justice very serious- were not allowed into building was wearing a the meeting because it ly. And we ought to do “[Roy] didn’t specifmask or face covering. was by invitation only, that, round up the bad ically use lynching, he Protestors stated that made the reference,” according to Nathan Mcguys.” they were “disgusted” Daniel, who works for Roy’s comment McDaniel said. “He by this rhetoric and the congressman. alluding to lynching misspoke, it’s a song by The event was posted believe Roy does not stirred up a few protesWillie Nelson.” support them. online on the Hays tors to stand in front of When a protestor “I know Texas has a County GOP website, the “Coffee with Chip asked if Roy would apolbut did not specify that it [lynching] history and Roy” event in the Hays ogize for his comment, I believe our beauty was a closed event. The County Republican McDaniel responded Hays Free Press was able is going to come from Party Welcome Center, with “I have no comto get commentary from moving past that, not located west of Kyle. ment on that.”

What to know about Hays CISD 2021 bond Voters will decide on a Hays CISD bond package in the range of $232 million on May 1.

BY MEGAN WEHRING HAYS CISD — Voters will decide on a bond package in the range of $232 million on May 1. Several propositions will be on the ballot to be voted on separately that would help Hays CISD provide the infrastructure needed for the growing student enrollment. While there is no tax rate increase anticipated with the bond, the Board of Trustees will use any unspent funds

from each proposition to pay down existing debt. Proposition A, set at around $147 million, includes expanding the middle schools; $38 million for a new elementary school (ES 15); $23.14 million to renovate and expand the science labs at Hays High School;

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$8.9 million to renovate and expand Live Oak Academy; $3.38 million to purchase new buses; $2.48 million in design fees for elementary school 16 in the future; and other items to accommodate school district growth. The Sunfield commu-

nity in Buda will benefit from the new elementary school, according to Board President Esperanza Orosco. “That’s really important for our growth,” Orosco said. “We see tremendous growth going up in the Sunfield subdivision and a huge need for that elementary school. That school, which is going to seat about 900 students, is very important to that

HCISD BOND ELECTION, 2

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

DRIPPING SPRINGS – City wastewater customers will see rate changes on their water/wastewater bill sent from the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corp. on April 1. Rates are based on water consumption through December, January and February. During the 2020 winter averaging analysis, overuse charges were generated at about half the amount they should have been due to an adjustment error. This was corrected for the 2021 rates. Customers who had excessive water usage during winter averaging will notice the rate increase. There is no increase in any rates by ordinance. The overuse charge is simply being corrected. The previous year, customers who used an excess amount of water than allotted sewer usage were only charged half the required amount. Customers who believe that their new wastewater rate is incorrect due to error in usage reporting, leaks or other causes can apply for a wastewater billing rate adjustment. To receive a wastewater billing rate adjustment, customers must do the following: • Fill out a Wastewater Billing Rate Adjustment Form. This can be found on the Wastewater Utility section of the City’s forms page: http://www. cityofdrippingsprings. com/page/city.forms • Submit proof via email: usage reports from DSWSC, plumbing invoice/receipts due to breaks/leaks, property owner’s receipts of materials, supplies, etc. • If approved, rates will be adjusted, and the customer will receive notice from the City. The rate adjustment will be reflected on the next month’s bill. For more information about the wastewater billing rate adjustment, email scole@cityofdrippingsprings.com or call 512-858-4725.

Page 2

News Briefs DSISD Board approves employee compensation for winter closure

DRIPPING SPRINGS – Dripping Springs ISD (DSISD) employees will be compensated following the February 2021 winter storm. DSISD was forced to close the district Feb. 12 through Feb. 22 due to severe weather conditions that caused loss of power, water and internet connectivity as well as damaged facilities. All employees will be paid in full for scheduled work days on Feb. 12, 15 through 22, whose duties could not be completed due to the emergency school district closure.

NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • March 31, 2021

HCISD Bond Election Continued from pg. 1

area.” Orosco added that even with some students switching to virtual learning this year, she is anticipating more students to return in-person next year. This causes an even greater need for adequate classroom space. “I had the opportunity to take a tour of the science labs at Hays High School,” Orosco said. “They are definitely not where they need to be. These are very old science labs that are not equipped to handle the number of students that are in a class.” Proposition B, set at around $41 million, calls for renovations and rehabilitation of the district’s assets. These include HVAC, fire alarms, roofing, flooring, maintenance and hardscape/civil projects. Twelve shade structures for existing playgrounds are also listed. Propositions C through F include stadium expansions at Johnson High and Lehman High, Lehman baseball and softball renovations, Shelton Stadium parking, a new administra-

nesses along the stretch of Veterans Drive to apply for compensation using the $5,346 of funds previously approved for address changes. While the name change will not go into effect until Memorial Day on May 31, businesses must submit their application by May 14. Applications can be found online at https://www. cityofkyle.com/communications/veterans-dr-renaming-fund-reimbursement-application.

School zone extended

BUDA – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has requested an extension of the school zone along Ranch-to-Market Highway 967 (RM 967), following the addition of Johnson High School. This would extend the existing school zone limit, starting immediately before Carpenter Hill Elementary School, and moving it east to cover Johnson High. Buda City Council approved this proposition on Tuesday, March 23. Costs associated with these changes KYLE – Some Kyle businesses along will be covered by TxDOT, not by the city of Buda. Veterans Drive may be eligible for During normal hours, the speed reimbursement of renaming expenses. On March 16, Kyle City Council gave limit is 55 mph and will be reduced to 35 mph during school zone times. direction to city staff to allow busi-

Veterans Drive businesses can apply for reimbursement

Superintendent Eric Wright encourages all Hays CISD voters to read the bond information at https:// www.hayscisd.net/bond2021 before heading to the polls on May 1. In addition, the full text in both English and Spanish will be printed in the April 7 edition of the Hays Free Press. tion building and technology improvements. Stadium expansions are vital for the entire Hays CISD community, Orosco said, because it will limit the need for additional games away from home. “We have so many away games,” Orosco said. “That takes its toll not only on the equipment and students, but also the teachers that are having to leave class early to go travel with students. Because a lot of these teachers teach and coach and they have to miss a lot of time away from the classroom.”

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Negligent Behavior Continued from pg. 1

being outside the polls until Election Day ends, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.” A portion of Villalobos’ salary is paid through a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) that the county receives. His time sheet is used during auditing purposes for this grant. But Villalobos failed to turn in his time sheets in a proper manner. In Smith’s letter, he writes that according to the county auditor’s office, Villalobos chose not to turn in or track the time needed to justify the grant for more than 10 months. His last submission had been April 22, 2020. Villalobos resigned in March of 2021. “I fear this directly jeopardizes the county as to the continuation of this federal grant and if audited,” Smith wrote, “the hours which have been

presented as credit for this funding would stand in direct conflict to the timesheets submitted for county use.” Time sheets are not the only time Villalobos’s behavior proved worrisome to commissioners. After the resignation of the County Emergency Services Director (ESD), Villalobos was asked to assist in the ESD hiring process. He created a scoring matrix to help evaluate the candidates. The purpose of this process was to evaluate candidates on eligibility and not based on names, to exclude any bias. According to Smith, prior to the development of the scoring matrix and rewriting the job description, Villalobos received a resume from a possible candidate and allegedly the matrix was drafted to the advantage of the candidate.

In commissioners court on Aug. 29, 2019, Villalobos was asked whether he received a resume from the candidate and he stated he had not. In reviewing emails, Smith stated that “it appears obvious that Mr. Villalobos did receive the resume prior to producing the edited job description and the scoring matrix and used it to manipulate the process in favor of the candidate and in opposition to another, then lied to the court when these actions were uncovered.” Past behavior has also caught up with Villalobos. Shortly after his appointment in 2019, Villalobos made a public comment stating he was on the Brady list for researching a piece of property, after a private resident who worked with Villalobos at Texas State University expressed concern with Villalobos' record. The Brady list is a list

of police employees whose involvement in a case undermines its integrity. Smith submitted a public information request in regard to the matter and found that Villalobos was on the list because he used a law enforcement database to investigate individuals on his brother’s Federal racketeering charges. At first, Villalobos denied the charge, according to Smith; only when he was presented with the evidence did Villalobos confess. Other issues were also discussed in the letters sent to Miller from commissioners Shell and Smith. The Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch reached out to Villalobos for comment but he did not respond. Smith was also asked to comment and he said, “I do not comment on personnel issues.”

Jail Conditions

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ed TCJS. On March 16, TCJS inspector Jon Luna went to the jail in an unannounced visit. The inspector was asked to examine two items: 1. Inability of inmates to flush toilets more than three times per hour creating the smell of human waste. 2. Reports of broken walls and a putrid smell of swamp gas in the jail cells. Luna reported noticeable construction occurring for a classroom for the inmates in a restricted area – inmates are not granted

access to the site. During the walkthrough, no putrid smell was identified. Inspection also showed that inmate toilets are equipped with anti-flood flushing mechanisms, restricting constant flushing for intentional flooding. Toilets are restricted to three consecutive flushes and reset shortly after. From the original jail and the newly constructed jail, one toilet proved problematic, only flushing three times every hour. “Upon inspection of and interviewing of inmates housed in Pod E,” the

report read, “it was identified that the timer was set incorrectly in this housing unit and was only allowing these inhabitants to flush three times consecutively within an hour … despite the erroneous lavatory times issue, there was no detected putrid smell within this, or any housing unit encountered by this inspector.” According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, the facility recently completed an expansion that was approved by voters in a 2016 bond election. “The jail is a community

of people that inhabit the facility 365 days a year,” Villalpando said. “Just like a home, things sometimes wear out and need to be fixed. Our maintenance team works to keep things in the old building in working order. We are getting acclimated to the new expansion, which includes computer settings to avoid intentional flooding of cells.” Villalpando said the jail has passed every inspection since 2010 when Cutler took office. She added that inspections are always unannounced.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The jail is a community of people that inhabit the facility 365 days a year,” Villalpando said. “Just like a home, things sometimes wear out and need to be fixed.” –Capt. Julissa Villalpando with the Hays County Jail. See story on page 1.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • March 31, 2021

Page 3

In D.C., politics springs eternal Springtime has arrived in Washington, D.C. The National Cherry Blossom festival is underway. Some 3,700 cherry trees, given to America by the Japanese in 1912, will soon be in full bloom. I lived in the D.C. area nearly eight years and always looked forward to this time of year. Family and friends would visit to see the magnificent trees. With luck the weather would be sunny and warm. We'd laugh and frolic and forget our worries for a little while. That's never easy to do in Washington, the land of silly and never-ending political conflict and disagreement. I still remember an incident that took place in the spring of 1999, when some culprits were caught chopping down cherry trees. It took a while, but the National Park Service was able to identify the tree-fellers - three beavers, who had decided to construct a dam in the Tidal Basin. If those beavers were to strike today, those on the political right would blame Antifa and those on the left would blame Trump supporters - and talking heads on cable news channels would point fingers endlessly until the beavers were identified. The reaction wasn't much better in 1999. In a normal city, the beaver situation would have been dealt with swiftly. The beavers would have been quietly trapped in a humane manner, transported to another location and released. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), not well-known for common sense solutions, suggested exactly that. But no sooner was PETA's idea floated than beaver experts began crawling out of the woodwork. One said it would be tragic to separate the three beavers, since they were likely from the same family. Another said you can't move beavers to a new colony because the new colony would reject the newcomers. A third expert said that, all things considered, the most humane solution would be to euthanize the beavers. Boy, did the public react negatively to that suggestion.

Guest Column by Tom Purcell

That's because beavers are so cute. Their cuddly television presence clouded the public's ability to address the problem rationally. The fact is that if beavers looked more like their pointy-nosed cousins, rats, everyone would have instantly united to protect the district's beloved cherry trees from the dirty varmints. Well, the hullabaloo went on for some time before the Park Service finally hired a professional trapper who caught the beavers and carted them off somewhere. Which brings us, sadly, to 2021. No outlaw beavers are chewing down cherry trees this Spring, but there are many more serious troubles disturbing the peace and beauty of our nation's capital. Partisan conflict and arguing are in full bloom in Congress, but there's little hope our beloved public servants are going to come up with genuine solutions for the current border crisis or for long-term challenges like our ballooning national debt or healthcare. Ditto for them permanently fixing big things like our infrastructure or solving any of a dozen other deeply divisive hot issues like policing or voting rights or energy policy. Democrats and Republicans, now virtually split 5050 in the House and Senate, have shown for decades they are incapable of fixing the tough problems they often created in the first place. About the only thing both parties seem to agree on is spending government money they really don't have on many programs we do not need. It's almost as if they think money grows on cherry trees. Tom Purcell, author of "Misadventures of a 1970's Childhood," a humorous memoir available at amazon.com, is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc.

Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton

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Kyle needs to think about school locations A short drive through town and one thing you’ll certainly notice quickly is that Kyle is building up. You can’t drive five minutes without seeing new construction. New subdivisions are being created, new apartments are going up, new industrial space is being built, and new retail spaces are underway. It sounds like a lot of jobs, a lot of work. I would love to get some information on what percent of jobs of those currently putting in the work to build this town, are actually from this town. We should be asking. I do think all of the industrial and retail space going up will ultimately provide jobs for our community. At least I hope that becomes the case. I will say though, it seems like there still is a lack of development in key areas the community expressed concern over: family friendly restaurants and entertainment. That’s great we are getting a Hawaiian Bros, a Tiff’s Treats and a new Starbucks, but I can safely say most people would prefer an alternate grocery store and places to eat and enjoy time well spent. Instead of the Pie Capital of Texas we should be the Medical Professional Office Capital of Texas. I digress. More importantly there seems to

The latest Hays CISD bond calls for one new elementary school, and almost $4 million for land acquisition for by David future schools. The issue Abdel though, is where will they go. This is the area where be an important issue I question the planning with all this growth that I of Kyle officials. While dedon’t seem to hear much velopment is taking place about. The all over poputhe city, SCHOOLS BY ZIP CODE: it seems lation continuing every parto rise cel of land 78640 rapidly in is being Elementary schools: this town converted Camino Real, Fuentes, is a big isinto someHemphill, Kyle, Negley, sue. What thing or Science Hall, Tobias, appears other, but Uhland unspoken Middle schools: Wallace, I wonder is ... where if they’ve Chapa, Simon will all the given any High school: Lehman children thought go? With to where 78610 this surge schools in job will go. I Elementary schools: availabilwonder if Buda, Carpenter, Elm Grove, Green, Pfluger ity, the they are surge in just countMiddle schools: Barton, families ing on Dahlstrom, McCormick will come. open land High schools: Hays, This family in Buda Johnson, Live Oak boom will to house increase schools. 78666 the popThe issue Elementary school: ulation there is Blanco Vista within our that the schools location exponentially. As of the of schools, if too far from last bond package, which the home, cause an ungave us Johnson High in due burden on students. Buda, it was clear many Travel time should be of our schools are already considered. flirting with capacity. We Kyle has almost three seem to be consistently times the population of trying to catch up with Buda. While the majorenrollments rather than ity of the elementary getting ahead. schools are located in

The Kyle File

Kyle, the ratio of schools in Kyle to schools in Buda doesn’t correlate to the population differences. One half of the middle schools are located in Kyle. The school district already projected almost all of the middle schools to be over or near capacity by 2021 when they did their rezoning estimates. Three of the four high schools have Buda addresses. I ask, why such an imbalance, and how do we fix it? Class sizes matter. Commutes matter. Kyle is already significantly bigger than Buda, and growing at a faster rate. What is going to happen to our students if we don’t set aside numerous tracts of land for schools, and get them built now? I’ll tell you, educational inequity. We cannot allow that to happen. If this concerns you, and it should, we should be asking our council what they think about this issue, and what they are going to do about it? Do you want your children in overcrowded classrooms, fighting for the attention of their teachers? Do you want endless money being spent on repairs to increasingly worn down buildings? Do you want long commutes through morning traffic just to get to school? The answer is no. So let’s demand better.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR CITE AND DIVERT SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED

greatly improve our trust in the police. George Floyd and so many other Watching the George black people might still Floyd trial is heartbreakbe alive today. This oring. In San Marcos, a dinance offers a bluegroup of advocates print that can save lives, called Mano Amigo and increase trust in the legal a supportive city council, system, and does not call passed a new ordinance for defunding the police. that could have preBut it gets even better. vented all this pain and There is another ordisuffering. It is called Cite nance that San Marcos and Release. It is such a has passed. This one is simple and commoncalled Cite and Divert. sense approach. Basically, Basically, this states it states that if a person is that if a person is found pulled over for a misdeguilty of a misdemeanor meanor offense, he need or minor offense, he is not be arrested. Instead, given the opportunity to at the officer’s discretion, keep this off his record by he may be issued a ticket, agreeing to either engage and resolve the complaint in community service or in court on an appointed to take classes which the date. If Cite and Release judge mandates. These is widely adopted, it could classes include topics like

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drug prevention, anger management, etc. This ordinance accomplishes many objectives. It allows people to gain or keep employment without a stain on their public record. It teaches people how to become better and more productive citizens. It also prevents the prison system from being overcrowded by people who have merely committed misdemeanors which, of course, saves taxpayers’ money. Unfortunately, although these ordinances passed, they have not been implemented. So many excuses! The real reason appears to be an outdated racist agenda designed to punish and harm minorities. Now

LETTERS GUIDELINES

required to document the use of cite and divert, it is easy to see a pattern of scapegoating minorities. This ordinance is subject to the judgement of the officer involved which, according to these records, appears to be heavily weighted against blacks and Hispanics. How many atrocities must occur before change is realized? The San Marcos police department has an opportunity to gain recognition and greatly encourage trust and respect in our police force! Will they meet the challenge or continue to waffle and delay by clinging to outmoded racist and divisive practices? Mary Barrows San Marcos

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

Page 4

SPORTS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • March 31, 2021

Lobo lifters take first in state The Lehman Lobos boys and girls powerlifting teams this month proved lightning can strike the same place twice. On March 27, Lehman Lobo boys powerlifters Brayden Bromonsky and Jacob Vasquez both secured first place in their respective weight classes at the Texas High School Powerlifting Association (THSPA) Jacob Vasquez and Boys 5A/6A state meet in Abilene. Brayden Bromonsky As a result of their exemplary The boys’ win comes a week finishes, the Lobo boys powerliftafter the Lobo girls powerlifting ing team captured the 2021 5A/6A team dominated the field en THSPA State team title, finishing route to winning the 5A girls Texas two points ahead of Odessa High.

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Lady Tigers reach third round of soccer playoffs

On Friday, March 26, state-ranked #7 DSHS Girls Soccer (Record 20-1-1) hosted the Bi District Playoff game against Rouse High School. The DSHS girls won the Bi-District Playoff game 4-0, advancing to the UIL Girls Soccer playoffs. Monday, the girls traveled to San Antonio and played the Harlandale Indians in the 2nd round of the 5A UIL playoffs and won 6 to 0, advancing them to the third round of playoffs. Above, senior Georgia Irons (#8) goes head to head with a Rouse defender. DSHS players Taylor Hodsden scored two goals and Sofia Picucci scored two goals during Friday’s game.

High School Women’s Powerlifting Association (THSWPA) state meet in Corpus Christi. The Lady Lobo powerlifting team domimated the field by winning six of the 12 total weight classes at their event. It marks the very first time ever a powerlifting program won both the boys and girls state team championships in the same season. The two state championships are also the first two team athletic state titles won by programs at Lehman High. The Lobo powerlifting team is led by head coach Cory Rebmann.

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Tigers remain on top after 2nd playoff round

On Friday, March 26, state-ranked Dripping Springs Boys Soccer (22-0-3) hosted the Bi-District Playoff game against Rouse. The Tigers won the bi district playoff game 2-1 and will advance to the next round of the UIL Boys Soccer playoffs. Above, senior Gabriel J. Molander (#11) tracks the ball with a Rouse defender in pursuit during the 2nd half of the game.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • March 31, 2021

EDUCATION

Page 5

Buda Lions present $7,143 in football concession proceeds to school district On March 26, representatives from the Buda Lions Club visited Hays CISD's Central Office to present a combined $7,143 in proceeds from football concession stand sales to all three comprehensive Hays CISD high schools. Each year, the Buda Lions Club helps to operate concession stands at all Hays CISD football games during the fall and donates proceeds from the stands to each of the

high schools. Hays High, which hosted eight total home football games in 2020, received a check for $3,241. Johnson High received a check for $2,439 and Lehman High received a check for $1,463. On hand for the presentation ceremony was Hays High Principal David PIerce, Lehman High Principal Karen Zuniga and Johnson High Assistant Principal Meagan Pruett, who accepted the

checks on behalf of their campuses. Also joining the ceremony was Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright, as well as Hays CISD Board President Esperanza Orosco and Board Secretary Vanessa Petrea. Representatives from the Buda Lions include President Justin Krause, Concession Stand Coordinator Nancy Handrick, as well as Buda Lions member Charles Handrick.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III/HAYS CISD

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Dripping Springs actors honored Four Dripping Springs High School theatre students earned honors at the One-Act Play bi-district competition on March 24 at Rouse High School in Leander. Woyzeck is a stage play written by Georg Büchner. He left the work incomplete at his death, but it has been posthumously “finished” by a variety of authors, editors and translators. Woyzeck deals with the dehumanising effects of doctors and the military on a young man’s life. Senior Rory Schaeffer-Preston and junior Ben Muscanere were named to the All-Star Cast, while senior Colton Carroll was selected as an honorable mention actor. Best Technician went to sophomore Kinsey Silcox. The DSHS production of “Woyzeck” claimed the District 26-5A OAP competition earlier in March and was named a regional alternate at the bi-district contest. 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 competition, 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.

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Come worship with us ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

CHURCH OF CHRIST

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Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda

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

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

BAPTIST

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

EPISCOPAL

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda

Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626 Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W. CATHOLIC Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda

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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

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

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

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

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CHRISTIAN

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

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

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

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

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

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

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

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

First Baptist Church

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

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Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

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

Hays Free Press

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

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

Baptist Church

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Page 6

COMMUNITY

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • March 31, 2021

Cherokees welcome back troubled ‘Raven’

During the first week of April 1829, Sam Houston sent his teenaged bride home to mother, decided to resign as governor of Tennessee and prepared for a self-imposed exile among his boyhood friends, the Cherokees. Twenty years earlier, the 16 year old had rebelled against his older brothers’ plans for his future, which included clerking in a general store, by running away. He found refuge among the neighboring Cherokees, who welcomed the headstrong youth with open arms and named him “The Raven.” Chief Ooleteka, called John Jolly by the whites, filled the painful void created three years earlier by the death of Houston’s father. At Ooleteka’s knee the white boy learned the language, customs and values of the Cherokees while developing what one historian would describe as “a deep sympathy for the Indian character.” Attracted to military service by the War of 1812, Houston left his adopted

Texas History by Bartee Haile

people to enlist in the U.S. Army. Soon after his promotion to first lieutenant in 1817, he eagerly accepted an appointment as subagent to the Cherokees. The dream assignment not only enabled him to enjoy once again the company of his old friends but also to serve as their champion. In a futile attempt to forestall the forced relocation of the Cherokees, Houston accompanied a tribal delegation to Washington, D.C. Secretary of War John C. Calhoun axed the appeal and spent the rest of the meeting upbraiding the officer for appearing in Indian dress. Infuriated by the vicious tongue-lashing as well as the shabby treatment of the Cherokees, Houston resigned his commission. The Cherokees and

The Raven soon went their separate ways: Chief Ooleteka and his clan to the Arkansas Territory and Houston to congress and the statehouse as the rising star of Tennessee politics. Over the next decade, the ambitious politician lost touch with his surrogate father. Then in April 1829, in the scandalous aftermath of his two-month marriage to a 19 year old debutante, Houston abruptly quit as governor of Tennessee. Turning to the only people he trusted, he joined the Cherokees in their Arkansas exile. Chief Ooleteka used his influence to obtain tribal citizenship for his troubled foster son. Houston ran a trading post, which provided him with an unlimited supply of whiskey, and in the summer of 1830 began living as man and wife with a Cherokee woman named Tiana Rogers. But the peace of mind Houston so desperately sought in the back-to-nature existence eluded him. As he often did in times

of stress and depression, he embraced the private demon that never left his side. For days on end, he rarely drew a sober breath. Oblivious to the toll the alcohol was taking on his mind, body and reputation, Houston campaigned for a seat on the Cherokee council. Supremely confident of victory in the tribal elections, his humiliating defeat caught him completely by surprise. Rather than accept the blame for his repudiation at the polls, he accused the Cherokees of betrayal. When Chief Ooleteka tried to explain that his drinking might have had something to do with the embarrassing loss, Houston struck his benefactor. Outraged braves intervened on the old man’s behalf and beat his attacker senseless. Although a contrite Houston apologized to the Cherokee council for his misconduct, things were never the same after that. Not long after Houston came to Texas in December 1832, he was befriend-

ed by a separate band of Cherokees. Under the leadership of Chief Bowles, they had migrated in 1820 from the Indian Territory to the eastern part of the Spanish province. Before and after the Lone Star Revolution, the Cherokee-speaking white man was their frequent guest. At his inauguration in December 1838, President Mirabeau Lamar announced a get-tough policy toward all Indians. Declaring there was no place for them in the Republic of Texas, he warned ominously they must go “peaceably if they would, forcibly if they must.” Former President Houston was in Tennessee, when eviction papers were served on the Cherokees. Chief Bowles negotiated a delay for the corn harvest and modest compensation for expected property losses but refused to accept an armed escort out of the country. Scores of Cherokees, including their chief, were killed in a series of clashes with Texas troops, and the survivors

were driven north into the Indian Territory. Houston repeatedly took the floor of the Republic Congress in December 1839 to condemn in the harshest possible terms the bloody expulsion. When Chief Bowles’ hat was provocatively presented to him as a souvenir, he erupted in a scathing hour and a half tirade. “When did the white man ever respect the rights of the Indian or avarice lose its grasp?” roared The Raven. Recounting the Indian’s warm welcome of the European, he noted with great emotion, “Too late he found he had nursed a viper in his bosom, and gloomy and dark has been the history of the red man since that unfortunate day.”

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HISTORY

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Buda City Council will hold a public hearing for the following item at its regular meeting to be held Tuesday, April 20th at 6:00 PM: Z 21-01: Hold a public hearing, deliberation and possible action on second reading of an ordinance AMENDING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR FORM DISTRICTS AND ARTERIAL BUSINESS (B-2) DISTRICTS; AMENDING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL USES, MIXED USE BUILDINGS, GASOLINE FILLING OR SERVICE STATIONS, CAR WASHES, GROCERY CONVENIENCE STORES, GROCERY MARKETS, OFFICE USES, PROFESSIONAL USES, AND MEDICAL USES; AMENDING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR SIGNS IN FORM DISTRICT 4 (F4) AND FORM DISTRICT 4H (F4H) DISTRICTS AND IN THE EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION; AMENDING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR EXEMPT SIGNS; AND CORRECTING SCRIVENER’S ERRORS; proposing text amendments to Subsections 2.05.05, 2.06.05, 2.06.06, 2.08.01, 2.08.03, 2.08.07, 2.09.04, 2.09.10, 4.02.08, 4.02.09 and 5.02 of The Buda Unified Development Code The meeting will be held in person in the Council Chambers at Buda City Hall, 405 West Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, TX 78610. Please contact The City of Buda Planning Department at (512) 312-5745 for information on the hearing.

CITY OF MOUNTAIN CITY, TX ORDINANCE NO. 021609-A

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MOUNTAIN CITY, TEXAS (“CITY”) AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 021609 PROVIDING FOR UNIFORM REGULATIONS FOR LAND DEVELOPMENT, SECTION FOUR USE RESTRICTIONS, SUBSECTION 4 EXTERIOR WALL MATERIALS, TO BE CONSISTENT WITH STATE LAW REGARDING MINIMUM NATIONAL MODEL BUILDING CODE STANDARDS FOR BUILDING MATERIALS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, OPEN MEETING, PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE

CITY OF MOUNTAIN CITY, TX ADOPTION OF NATIONAL CODES

ORDINANCE NO. 121514A AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MOUNTAIN CITY, TEXAS, (“CITY”) REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 121514 AND APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE MOST CURRENT VERSIONS OF NATIONAL MODEL CODES (BUILDING AND REHABILITATION CODES); PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY AS A CLASS C MISDEMEANOR AND A FINE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500.00; PROVIDING FOR A CUMULATIVE & CONFLICTS CLAUSE, PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN OPEN MEETING, PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.

CITY OF MOUNTAIN CITY, TX ORDINANCE NO. 03242021

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 11142016 AND ESTABLISHING A CITY WIDE SOLID WASTE COLLECTION, TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL PROGRAM; PROHIBITING THE COLLECTION, CONVEYANCE AND TRANSPORT OF RESIDENTIAL, HOUSEHOLD, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL REFUSE AND SOLID WASTES WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF MOUNTAIN CITY WITHOUT A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION THEREFORE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN OPEN MEETING AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

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CITY OF BUDA LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to City of Buda Charter, Article III, Section 3.11 (D). Ordinances, that the Buda City Council, at its regular meeting on March 23, 2021, adopted the ordinance amending the prima facie speed limit established for

Page 7

PUBLIC NOTICES vehicles under the provisions of the Transportation Code, V.T.C.A. on the thoroughfare known as Ranch-to-Market Highway 967 (Johnson High School) within the boundaries of the corporate limits of the City of Buda and to establish a maximum speed; providing for penalties for failure to comply with such ordinance(s); providing for

publication; and, providing for an effective date. By: Mayor Lee Urbanovsky. Attest: Alicia Ramirez, City Clerk. (full text is available in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 405 E. Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, TX, during business hours and on www.ci.buda.tx.us.)

PUBLIC NOTICES, 8

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the terms of the provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code that Turcotte Butchers & Delicatessen has filed application for a BG Beer and Wine Permit. Said business to be conducted at 100 Commons Road, Suite 9, Dripping Springs, Hays County, TX 78620. OWNERS: Christin Turcotte, Erik Turcotte and Christos Varitimos.

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Package Store Permit and a Package Store Tasting Permit by GNAY LLC dba Buda Liquor Depot, to be located at 1949 Fire Cracker Drive, Suite 100, Buda, Hays, Texas 78610. Officers of said corporation are ELIE MOUSSA (member) and ALINE MOUSSA (member).

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Mixed Beverage Permit, Food and Beverage Certificate, and Beverage Cartage Permit by Bell Springs Road Concessions, LLC d/b/a Bell Springs Road Concessions, to be located at 3600 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs, Hays County, TX 78620. Officer of said Corporation is Michael Paclik, Manager.

NOTICE TO OFFERORS

The Alliance Regional Water Authority (the “OWNER”) is requesting sealed written Proposals for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, and incidentals, and for performing all Work required for the Phase 1B Raw Water Infrastructure and Water Treatment Plant Project. The Project generally consists of the construction of four well pumps and discharge piping, well field collection piping and roads, raw water storage tanks, chemical feed systems, filters in a filter building, a clearwell, high service pump station and electrical building, administration facilities and solids handling facilities in Eastern Caldwell County. Sealed Proposals will be received via submission to the CivCAST website www.CivCastUSA.com. The Project Engineer is Walker Partners, LLC. ALL PROPOSALS (INCLUDING HUB PARTICIPATION PLANS) ARE DUE BY 2:00 P.M., Central Time, on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 via CivCast. PROPOSALS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AND READ ALOUD UTILIZING A VIDEO CONFERENCE WHICH CAN BE ACCESSED AS FOLLOWS: VIDEO CONFERENCE: https://msteams. link/WZDN; Phone (903) 405-2572, Phone Conference ID: 536 350 500#. The Proposal submission requirements and Contract Documents may be obtained without charge from www. CivcastUSA.com. Offerors must register on this website in order to view and/or download Proposal Documents. At the time an Offeror registers on this website, the Offeror must provide a working e-mail address, so the Offeror will receive any addenda or clarification issued by the OWNER. A mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held as described in Section 00 21 14 – Instructions to Offerors at the following location, date, and time: Date: 04/06/20201, Time: 2:00 pm; Place: web meeting (meeting details to be sent to all plan holders one week prior); Location: virtual. The contract is contingent upon release of funds from the Texas Water Development Board. Any contract or contracts awarded under this Invitation for Proposals is/are expected to be funded in part by a loan or grant from the Texas Water Development Board. Neither the State of Texas, nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be a party to this Invitation to Offerors or any resulting contract. All procurements by the OWNER are subject to the OWNER’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program. The Program provides HUBs full opportunity to participate in all of the OWNER’s contracts. Goals for HUB participation are stated for each solicitation. Information on achieving the goals or documenting good faith efforts to achieve the goals are contained in the Proposal Documents and other Contract Documents. When a HUB participation goal applies, each Offeror is required to complete and return a HUB Participation Plan with its Proposal. If a HUB Participation Plan is not submitted with a Proposal, the Offeror will not be accepted for consideration. The successful Offeror will be required to document compliance with their HUB Participation Plan with each monthly pay application. Each Proposal must be accompanied by a Bid Bond, on the furnished form, in an amount of not less than five percent of the total Proposal, as specified in Form 00 21 14, Instructions to Offerors. Performance and payment bonds when required shall be executed on forms furnished by the OWNER. Each bond shall be issued in an amount of 100% of the Contract Amount by a solvent corporate surety company authorized to do business in the State of Texas and shall meet any other requirements established by law or by the OWNER. The OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals and to waive any minor informality (one that does not affect the competitiveness of the Proposal) in any Proposal or in the solicitation process. Inquiries from Offerors regarding this Invitation must be submitted through CivCAST. If an Offeror contacts any officer or employee of the OWNER, or any other representative of the OWNER, during the period beginning on the date this Invitation is issued and ending on the date of contract award or rejection to all offers by the OWNER, any offer submitted by the Offeror is subject to rejection by the OWNER.

Page 8

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

PUBLIC NOTICES

To all persons interested in the Estate of Mark Nickolaos Ransick, Deceased, Cause No. 21-0100-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 FOR DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP AND LETTERS OF INDEPENDENT ADMNISTRATION in this estate on the 12th day of March, 2021, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of Mark Nickolaos Ransick, 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

Addendum No 1 to the project manual has been issued. Incorporating the Following changes: 1. The date for opening of bids has been changed to Thursday April 15 2021 at the offices of Texas Realty Retail Partners, 9811 So IH 35, Bldg. 3 Ste 100 Austin Tx 78744. 2. An electronic copy of the plans and specifications can be obtained free of charge by requesting them by email to: David@Vigilandassoc.com 3. The plans and specifications can also be obtained at civcastusa.com Issued March 19 2021 Texas Realty Retail Partners Austin TX

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, Construction Manager-at-Risk, for: Hays CISD Sunfield Elementary School, is requesting competitive proposals from subcontractors and suppliers. Subcontractor and supplier proposals will be received via email to bidaus@bartlettcocke. com or via Fax to (512) 326-4339 or (512) 326-3990 no later than 2:00:00 PM on 4/15/2021. Any proposals received after this time will not be accepted. Electronic copies of the proposal documents may be obtained from Bartlett Cocke or viewed at local and online planrooms. Contact Stefan Doerr via email Sdoerr@ bartlettcocke.com or phone (512) 326-4223 to make arrangements.

Capital Highlights by Gary Borders

as attempting to strike a balance between “maintaining fair and honest elections with the opportunity to exercise one’s right to vote,” according to the Texas Tribune.

reported. Both are down just slightly from the previous week, according to the Coronavirus Center at Johns Hopkins University. Hospitalizations of confirmed COVID-19 cases also showed a slight decrease to 3,308, according to DSHS.

Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas COVID-19 CASES IN TEXAS during a 30-year span, DROP SLIGHTLY including in Longview, Fort Stockton, NacogdoThe number of new COVID-19 cases in Texas ches and Cedar Park. dropped to 27,185 last week, with 741 deaths gborders@texaspress.com

Buda United Methodist Church We Worship, We Grow, We Love

Easter Sunday

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO FILE PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR DRIFTWOOD PHASE ONE PRELIMINARY PLAT REVISED

An application for the Driftwood Phase One Preliminary Plat Revised was filed with Hays County. The Preliminary plat revision proposes 20 single family lots, 4 open space lots and 2 private street lots on 42.47 acres. The subdivision is located on the west side of Thurman Roberts Way north of its intersection with RM 1826 and will be accessed from RM 1826. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2021. Water and wastewater service will be provided by the City of Dripping Springs. North Hays County Fire Rescue will provide fire services. ESD #1 will provide EMS services. Pedernales Electric Cooperative Inc. will provide electric service. Spectrum Communications will provide telephone service. A copy of the location map and preliminary plat are available for review at Murfee Engineering Company, Inc., 1101 S Capital of TX Hwy., Bldg. D, Austin, TX 78746.

7:00 a.m. in Person in Courtyard 9:00 a.m. Online 302 Elm Street in Buda

https://www.facebook.com/BudaUMChurch https://www.youtube.com/user/BudaUMC

www.BudaUMC.org

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Hays CISD is Requesting Proposals for RFP #25032102JO Screen Printing & Embroidery Services. Proposals will be accepted until 04-09-2021 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Specifications are available in the Hays CISD Purchasing Office (512-268-2141 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.

CITATION BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HAYS

NOTICE OF ADDENDUM PROJECT 150 BUSINESS PARK PUBLIC/PRIVATE WASTEWATER LINE OWNERS: CITY OF KYLE/ TEXAS REALTY RETAIL PARTNERS LLC

An application for the Driftwood Phase Two Preliminary Plat is being filed with Hays County. The Preliminary plat proposes 18 single family lots, 3 open space lots and 2 private street lots on 19.30 acres. The subdivision is located on the east side of Thurman Roberts Way north of its intersection with RM 1826 and will be accessed from RM 1826. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2021. Water and wastewater service will be provided by the City of Dripping Springs. North Hays County Fire Rescue will provide fire services. ESD #1 will provide EMS services. Pedernales Electric Cooperative Inc. will provide electric service. Spectrum Communications will provide telephone service. A copy of the location map and preliminary plat are available for review at Murfee Engineering Company, Inc., 1101 S Capital of TX Hwy., Bldg. D, Austin, TX 78746.

A Texas Senate committee on Friday passed an elections bill that would tighten the state’s voting rules by limiting extended early voting hours, requiring proof of disability to qualify for mail-in voting and prohibiting drive-thru voting. Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, is one of Gov. Gregg Abbott’s legislative priorities this session. During testimony Friday, the committee received opposition testimony from AARP, the League of Women Voters, NAACP and other groups. Hughes described his bill

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Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration for the Estate of Richard E. Haggerty, Deceased, were issued on March 24, 2021, in Cause No. 20-0408-P, sitting in matters probate of Hays County, Texas, to: Nicole Haggerty. 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. Estate of Richard E. Haggerty c/o Nicole Haggerty The Garza Law Firm, PLLC 102 Wonder World Dr., #304-607 San Marcos, Texas 78666 DATED March 24, 2021. Respectfully submitted, THE GARZA LAW FIRM, PLLC 102 Wonder World Dr., #304-607 |San Marcos, Texas 78666 Tel: (512) 667-7324 Ana Marilín "Mari" Garza State Bar No.: 24084385 E-mail: mari@marigarzalaw. com Attorney for Independent Administrator, Nicole Haggerty

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO FILE PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR DRIFTWOOD PHASE TWO

Bill tightening voting restrictions in Texas passes Senate committee

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS NO. 20-0408-P

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration with Will Annexed for the Estate of Sharry Wells Rathburn, Deceased, were issued on March 22, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0008-P, pending in the County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, to Lloyd Eden Rathburn, as Independent Administrator with Will Annexed. All persons having claims against the Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. The address for claims is: Estate of Sharry Wells Rathburn, c/o Stebler & Sulak, PLLC, 509 West 18th Street Austin, Texas 78701 Date: March 23, 2021 Attorneys for the Independent Administrator: Stebler & Sulak, PLLC, 509 W. 18th St. Austin, Texas 78701

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

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Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration for the Estate of Rosalie Haggerty, Deceased, were issued on March 24, 2021, in Cause No. 20-0409-P, sitting in matters probate of Hays County, Texas, to: Nicole Haggerty. 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. Estate of Rosalie Haggerty c/o Nicole Haggerty The Garza Law Firm, PLLC 102 Wonder World Dr., #304-607 San Marcos, Texas 78666 DATED March 24, 2021. Respectfully submitted, THE GARZA LAW FIRM, PLLC 102 Wonder World Dr., #304-607 | San Marcos, Texas 78666 Tel: (512) 667-7324 Ana Marilín "Mari" Garza State Bar No.: 24084385 E-mail: mari@marigarzalaw. com Attorney for Independent Administrator, Nicole Haggerty

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: Steven R. Hake 8705 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite 103 Austin, TX 78757

Dr. Jacquelin

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NO. 20-0409-P

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • March 31, 2021

Connected care

for babies & beyond Xena is a female 4 ½-year-old Staffordshire Terrier mix It’d be hard to find a more loving, cuddly pal who’s excited for belly rubs and hikes along the river just as much as for snoozes and snuggles in a comfy bed. She looks for kisses from anyone she can charm (everyone) and has the right temperament to be our PAWS office dog.

Hedwig is a male 1 ½-year-old Black and White. He loves to be petted, and is very polite when asking for attention. He has been the sweetest boy from the moment we met him. He also makes a great companion for other kitties. He would be a perfect fit for just about any home!

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas

is a non-profit, no-kill shelter operated primarily on donations and adoptions.

500 FM 150 E, Kyle, TX • 512 268-1611 • pawsshelter.org

From newborns to seniors, ARC offers care for the whole family with a convenient location in Dripping Springs!

 Same-Day Appointments  24/7 Phone Nurse  Televisits

All animals are fully vaccinated, spay/neutered, microchipped and dewormed.