May 3, 2017 Hays Free Press by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

MAY 3, 2017 NEW CONSTABLE

TARR ON TRIAL

Newly elected oﬃcial eyes community outreach, improvements.

Local realtor on trial for intoxication manslaughter/murder charges.

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Hays Free Press

Vol. 121 • No. 6

HaysFreePress.com

Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX • 75¢

Home appraisal values up 10% in Hays County STAFF REPORT More than 2,000 new homes and 49 new commercial structures has led to the rise in preliminary market value of property in the county, according to a Hays

County press release. The preliminary market value of the average household in Hays County rose by 10 percent from 2016 to 2017. Overall, the county’s market value went from

$21.32 billion to $23.46 billion in a year’s time. Commercial and industrial property values rose by 10.45 percent during the course of the last calendar year, according to the release. Meanwhile, residential

multi-family property values in the county continued to see double-digit increases, as value rose by 14.07 percent, from $2.01 billion in 2016 to $2.22 billion in 2017. Total new improvements added more than

$637 million to the taxable value for 2017, with the average market value for homes increasing by nine percent. Market values in Buda rose by roughly eight percent from last year, while Kyle’s market

BY MOSES LEOS III

Riding on a model RC race car from the movie Toy Story, Sunshine the dachshund, dressed as Woody, participates in the Buda Wiener Dog pet parade at City Park. Thousands made their way to Buda for the 20th annual Buda Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races held this past weekend. More photos and coverage on 1C.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Putting on the brakes

Local racetrack shuts its doors for good as Central Texas Speedway. But Folsom and many others were shocked when CTS officials announced they were shuttering the track, raising a red flag on one of the last short-track asphalt speedways in Texas. “It’s sad to see CTS die and go away,” Folsom said. “I would love to see it reopen, but the way it sounds, I don’t think it’s going to.”

SPEEDWAY, 6A

For the second time in the span of a year, a lawsuit has been filed against the city of Buda and at least one of its police officers accusing the use of excessive force. According to the suit, filed Tuesday in the U.S. Western District Court of Texas Austin Division, Leonard Miguel Garcia, of Buda, accuses police officers DeMerriel Young and Kellie Metz of violating his 14th amendment rights. The claim comes after the officers are shown on body camera footage restraining and tasing Garcia during an altercation while

BUDA POLICE, 5A

District says time to save water SUBMITTED REPORT

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Racers careen around the track at a 2016 race at Central Texas Speedway. The raceway, which has recently shut down, served Central Texas racers.

COMING UP Relay for Life

Hundreds of Buda, Kyle and San Marcos residents will take to Barton Middle School Saturday as they participate in the annual Relay for Life event, which is a major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The event, which goes from 4 p.m. to midnight., is meant to remember and honor those who have passed away from cancer, but also raise funds for cancer research. During the event, Hays CISD will honor longtime Barton Middle School nurse Susie Kana by dedicating Kana Field at 6 p.m.

MARTIAL ARTS New studio brings taekwondo to Kyle. – Page 1D

INDEX

Entering the motorsports world was an easy decision for Kyle resident Sean Folsom. While working as a photographer at what was Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle six years ago, Folsom grew tired of seeing his race car driver friends have all of the fun on the track. As a result, Folsom invested in his own racecar and regularly competed at the venue, later known

PROPERTY VALUES, 4A

Buda PD ofﬁcers sued for excessive force

All ears at Buda Wiener Dog Races

BY MOSES LEOS III

values rose close to 10 percent. The city of San Marcos saw the highest jump in market values with an 11 percent increase from 2016.

HCISD 50th Anniversary Parade

Join Hays CISD on Saturday, May 6 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hays CISD. The parade will be from 10-11 a.m., beginning at Live Oak Academy and ending at Bob Shelton Stadium. All 23 campuses will be represented. Mark Jones will serve as emcee and Bob Shelton will be Grand Marshall. A cupcake reception will follow at the stadium.

Kyle Business Expo Get to know your local business owners at the annual Kyle Business Expo on Thursday at Texas Old Town from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

News …………… 1-4A Opinions …………… 3A Sports …………… 1-2B Education ……… 3-4B Community …… 1-4C

Best Bets ………… 4C Business ……… 1-4D Classiﬁeds ………... 2D Service Directory ..... 3D Public Notices …… 2D

The Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) water conservation period began Monday and extends through the end of September, according to a press release. The five month period is the time when water use is at its peak, according to district officials. Since January 2016, groundwater levels in the district have been above drought thresholds. Recent wet weather has helped augment water supplies, but there is still a need to conserve water resources, according to the release. Starting May 1, the BSEACD initiates a voluntary 10% reduction in groundwater pumping by its permittees.

CONSERVATION, 4A

NEWS

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Hays Free Press 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

NEWS TIPS

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

CORRECTIONS

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

DEADLINES

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

LETTERS GUIDELINES

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.

HISTORY

Founded April 10, 1903, by Thomas Fletcher Harwell as The Kyle News, with oﬃces on the corner of Burleson and Miller streets in the town’s oldest remaining building. It merged into The Hays County Citizen in 1956. The paper consolidated with The Free Press in October, 1978. During its more than 100-year history the newspaper has maintained oﬃces at more than a dozen locations in Kyle and Buda.

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Teacher tip leads to child indecency arrest BY SAMANTHA SMITH

A Hays County Grand Jury indicted a Kyle man who is accused of inappropriately touching a child in 2016. Jose Isabel Marin Ruiz, 35, of Kyle, was indicted on two counts of indecency with a child based on an

incident in the Shady Oaks area of Kyle on March 1, 2016. According to an arrest warrant, Buda Police began an investigation into the sexual assault of a child based on information from teachers at Tom Green Elementary that a specific child’s behavior had drasti-

cally changed. Police discovered school staff had spoken with the victim, who admitted that she was being inappropriately touched when sleeping away from home. A forensic interview confirmed the victim’s claims. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office continued the

investigation, and after an alleged positive verification from Ruiz’s sister-in-law, confirmed that he was the suspect. Ruiz was booked into the Hays County Jail April 28 and was released on the same day on a $75,000 bond. A trial date has not yet been confirmed.

RUIZ

Grant paves way for free rides for Buda seniors BY SAMANTHA SMITH Free transportation for Buda seniors is on the horizon after city leaders approved a project grant subrecipient agreement that paves the way for a $42,000 wheelchair accessible van. The agreement, which was involved the city and the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, calls for Buda to receive

According to Cap Metro documentation the new ADA senior van will cost approximately $42,573 with additional funds for operating assistance at $11,124 so the City will be receiving a total grant amount of $53,697 for the project. a total grant amount of $53,697 for the project, according to Capital Metro documentation.

Roughly $42,000 will go to an American Disabilities Act (ADA) senior van, with an additional

$11,000 for operating assistance. However, unlike many other grant programs

that require a 20 percent match from local governments, Buda won’t have to pay a dime for the money, said Chance Sparks, Buda assistant city manager. He added the city is receivig “Transporation Development Credits” from Cap Metro, which covers the 20 percent match the city had to pay.

CAP METRO PLAN, 4A

Kyle Youth Advisory Council tackles sidewalks BY LESLY DE LEON

A problem with lack of and condition of sidewalks was reported by members of the Kyle Youth Advisory Council. The group presented its report on the city’s sidewalks at Tuesday night’s council meeting. The Kyle Youth Advisory Council (KAYAC), which consists of 14- to 18-year-olds, put together a report of data and recommendations for the city’s sidewalks. “Unfortunately, we saw a very large deficit of sidewalks in the city of Kyle,” said Aidan O’Keefe, a high school senior who is the KAYAC chair. Many respondents to a survey conducted by KAYAC said they were dissatisfied with the current condition of sidewalks, O’Keefe said. KAYAC determined it’s important the city focus on connecting subdivisions to schools, businesses and other subdivisions, especially for younger people who can’t drive. KAYAC’s report recommend giving a higher priority to sidewalks connecting subdivisions to schools. “We’ve noticed a lot of hazards with this type of connectivity in particular,” O’Keefe said. Hays CISD only provides bus service to students living within a twomile radius of the school if there is no safe route to school. “But, if you look at the Lehman Road situation, you still see a lot of people walking to school,” O’Keefe said. “We think sidewalks addressing

Since 66.22% of respondents said they don’t work inside the Kyle city limits, the need for sidewalks connecting subdivisions to business is the second priority. this kind of connectivity would be able to substantially reduce the risk to these young pedestrians.” Since 66.22% of respondents said they don’t work inside the Kyle city limits, the need for sidewalks connecting subdivisions to business is the second priority. “The increasing utility that residents of Kyle would see wouldn’t be as big as the increasing utility that young pedestrians would get, in being able to walk to school and not having to worry about dangerous conditions that may be on the road,” O’Keefe said. Another safety concern presented in the report is insufficient lighting for sidewalks. According to the survey, 38% of respondents reported poor lighting was a “big problem” for sidewalks. “It’s a valid concern,” O’Keefe said. “This increases the likelihood of collisions between cars and pedestrians. If you want people to use these sidewalks, they need to feel safe using them at any time.” Another issue was sidewalk inaccessibility for residents with a physical disability. According to the survey, 7.33% of respondents reported they or a family member has a physical disability. Paying for sidewalk maintenance is also a major issue. According to

a city ordinance, homeowners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks in front of their residences. Recently, city council considered a proposal to make this more affordable for homeowners, but has not approved the proposal. KAYAC’s report sug-

gests city officials encourage private property owners and housing developers to maintain and expand sidewalks by offering subsidies, in the form of tax breaks or partial reimbursement. “It’s not dissimilar much to what we were originally looking at and it was met with some

opposition,” Mayor Todd Webster said. Councilmember David Willson said he thinks the city has accomplished a lot when it comes to sidewalks, but the students’ fresh perspective shows that the city has more to do. “Sidewalks is something that was a passion for me because when I arrived in this town we had 2,500 people and no sidewalks at all,” Wilson said. “We’ve certainly improved from that and there are a whole lot more sidewalks.”

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “She’s very grateful for what she has. Very respectful person. Very positive family that she comes from. She just has a great moral fiber - She works hard, she humbles herself and most importantly she never stops working hard – If I had 11 Maya’s, Lehman would be state champs.” –Nauri Garcia, Lobo soccer coach, pg. 1B

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Page 3A

U.S. needs Mexico more than a wall T

here is a dark line, that marks the delineation. Otherwise, the lone lights shining in the parking lot of the La Posada Hotel in Laredo, where the South Texas Press Convention held its annual meeting, comes from the parking lot below. But across that line, across the Rio Grande River, lights shine, cars and buses are lined up, waiting to get into Texas. Trucks idle, bringing products for Americans. How did I get the only hotel room with a balcony overlooking the Rio Grande River? Who knows, but it was worth just sitting out there, watching the local economy in real time. I remember driving through this area many years ago, maybe 20 to 30 years. We always stayed at the Holiday Inn on the river whenever we spent the night. It also had easy access to the bridge heading into Mexico. We would always walk across and enjoy the food, the shops, the people. Last week, I sat and watched the lights on the other side of the river. I sat on my balcony, drinking my white wine, looking into Mexico. I watched hundreds of cars travel across the bridge into Laredo, into the city that has the largest land port in the nation. Travel buses were lined up, patiently waiting their turn to bring people into the U.S. Trucks come in bringing produce, products, all kinds of items that Texans and a lot of Americans really want and need. The air brakes of the trucks echo across the river. We need this port, we need Mexico, we need to have access. Without Laredo, without this port and importation of products, we are all poorer. And Texas will feel it the worst. Laredo processes more than $280 billion – yes, billion – in trade taxes each year. Texas has five customs districts, more than any other state, so building a wall around the United States is really hurting us, as Laredo is the No. 1 land port in all the U.S., and the third largest port in the country, behind New York and Los Angeles. If a wall gets built and cuts off Texas from Mexico, what happens to our economy? If we keep everything in the U.S. – only built here, only grown here, what happens? We don’t have the parts we need to

Hip Czech by Cyndy SlovakBarton

News and Sports Editor Moses Leos III

nterprising entrepreneurs out there might want to invest in a fleet of tractor backhoes and partial ownership of a limestone quarry, because it’s starting to look like bunker-digging time in America. The threat of nuclear war is spiking like the needle of a meat thermometer on a lava-flow. It won’t be long before all the Marts; K, Wal, Quickie and the rest, start advertising red, white and blue specials on duct tape and plastic wrap. Survivalist sales. Civilization closeouts. Mankind markdowns. Various parts of the country are reacting differently. In the south, they’re hoarding grits and preserving tomatoes while California stockpiles imported cases of organic, heirloom, artisanal, gluten-free cannellini beans from the northwest district of the Tuscany region. California bunkers have hardwood floors and a view. While President Trump is busy dropping healthy payloads of big-D democracy on various

build every thing we need, we don’t have the food capacity or the choice we want to feed everyone here. If you say “America first,” you would probably be surprised at how differently you will have to eat. You’ll be surprised at what clothes are not on the market, at the high cost of suddenly fixing your car because parts are not available, at the high cost of purchasing a house. The list goes on and on. Let’s face it. We need Mexico. We need the imports, the workers, and relationship. Let’s face it. Mexico is not going away. Those people crossing the bridge every day to make purchases here are not moving away just because a wall is built. We have to work with Mexico. I want to come back to Laredo, which is incredibly safe; I want to walk across the bridge, as I have in years past. I want to help their economy too while enjoying their food, restaurants. I want to sit again in the outdoor patios, listening to the rolling language that I don’t really understand. Mostly, let’s face the truth about our relationship with Mexico. We need them and they need us and it’s time to tell Trump, leave our economy alone down here. Listen to the Texans, listen to the people who live on the border. You can’t fly in and stay a few hours and fix everything. And you certainly can’t understand the situation either.

Hays Free Press Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton

Bad hair wars between nations E

We need this port, we need Mexico, we need to have access. Without Laredo, without this port and importation of products, we are all poorer. And Texas will feel it the worst.

Raging Moderate by Will Durst

Mideast miscreants, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has started to kick demilitarized sand in our face, sticking out his nuclear tongue and wagging thumbs in his ears. It might not even be his own thumbs. It could be his uncle’s thumbs. It’s 1950 all over again. A brand new serving of the old Cold War with a little kimchi on the side. The difference being the sequel is destined be televised in color and not a single General MacArthur can be found. This time both combatants are overseen by Mad Dogs. We should have known the Beloved Leader would flip out, having been recently supplanted atop the prestigious “World’s Wackiest Leader with the Weirdest Hair” list. An award that had been in his family for generations. That was the Kim legacy. Poor little chubby Korean

kid had one thing going for him, and Trump took it away. It’s interesting to note the two have a lot more in common than worst commander-in-chief haircuts in history. They also have rabid-mammal with cut-paw temperaments. Complicated family relationships. A penchant for rearranging cabinets on a whim. Although removal from the North Korean circle of influence does tend be a tad more permanent. The Pentagon might be taking the whole thing more seriously if Pyongyang were to develop a delivery system more efficient than a team of musk oxen. Their missiles have a disquieting habit of blowing up on the launch pad like Pop Tarts in a malfunctioning toaster during a power surge. But the jeopardy is legitimate enough to have spurred Vice President Mike Pence to rattle a few sabers on the south end of the DMZ, where he pronounced the US was about to abandon its “failed policy of stra-

tegic patience.” Which sounds suspiciously like “straighten up and fly right or someone’s going to bed without dinner. Again.” President Trump even reversed a campaign pledge to label China a currency manipulator in hopes that North Korea’s adult neighbor to the northeast will keep on eye on the local juvenile delinquent and apply the appropriate economic spanking if necessary. With a leather belt studded with ivory. After all, China has a vested interest in seeing that nothing happens to us, since we owe them trillions of dollars. It’s a smart dealer that keeps his best junkie from getting beaten up. It’s all so very exciting that every day without a mushroom cloud should be considered a victory. Although, some might call that a bit too exciting. Will Durst is an award-winning, nationally acclaimed columnist, comedian and former short haul truck diver of plaster molds.

A sign that mentoring is needed

e were just getting ready for our daily walk to the post office, Goldie and I were at the corner of Meyer and Center Street in Kyle; it was late in the day, about 3:30 and a yellow school bus was rounding the corner. I looked up into the window and I thought the young man sitting there waved at me, so being a good neighbor, I waved back. We continued on our walk to the post office and it dawned on me that he wasn’t waving at me after all; he was giving me the middle finger salute! For the rest of the walk I pondered what would lead that young man to reply to my friendliness with such hostility. My first thought that he was no fan of the Chicago White Sox because I was wearing that baseball cap. I realized that was a little far-fetched, but then he being angry at me for

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Goldie Walks by Mark Stoub

no reason was pretty farfetched as well. Then I thought, maybe it was his comment on the state of education in the school system; I mean there’s always something wrong with how we’re trying to prepare our young people for the future; and it would seem that precious few people are asking for or taking anything he might say about how he would like to be educated seriously. It certainly had something to do with his difficulty dealing with authority, because well, I’m older than he is, and being a teenager, it’s his job to think we’re all full of green cheese. And in a way, I’m a safe target because he didn’t know me,

he knew he would never see me again, and well, if it made him feel better, if briefly, then I’m willing to suffer those “slings and arrows.” The easiest explanation is also the hardest as well. The easiest explanation is that he just had a pretty rotten day; I know, spending a whole day confined at school can feel like prison, especially if you’re not doing very well. I get that too. But here’s the hard part. He’s angry about it, and has no way to channel that anger, has no one he can trust who will really listen to what the problem is or how to fix it. Anger can make you crazy, make you do dumb things, things he might soon regret. And unless someone, a parent, a coach or a teacher, picks up on that anger and helps him redirect it, then we’re all in trouble. One of the best ways to redirect that anger is

with an interested third party, someone who’s a safe place to take all that anger. I choose to do that by mentoring. I hope that my relationship with a young man may help him as he grows into adulthood to make better choices, to invest in his life the way I’m investing in his. That’s just one way, and all it costs me is an hour a week, which seems very small for a possible return of a life well lived. If you’d like to help affect the life of a young person contact Angie Mendez at the HaysCISD, who will fit you with a young person whose life you can help shape for a future full of hope. Mark W Stoub is a retired Presbyterian minister, author of Blood Under the Altar and the forthcoming Fire in the Blood. mj.stoub@sbcglobal.net

113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862

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Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Page 4A

Kyle residents aim to resurrect Lions Club BY SAMANTHA SMITH

For 65 years, the Kyle Lions Club, established in 1948, sought to serve and improve the lives of those who lived in the Kyle community. But a loss of interest and a lack of leadership led to the dissolution of the club in 2013. Four years later, a group of Kyle residents aims to resurrect a piece of Kyle’s past. Nancy Wilson, president of the Kyle Lions Club, said in an emailed response some prior members felt there was a need in the community for a Lions Club. Kyle Fire Marshal Mark Schultz said the organization disbanded due to a loss of interest and a lack of leadership. Wilson attributed the reorganization in 2015 to “prior members” feeling like “there was a need in the area for the assistance that the Club can provide.”

Interested in being a Lion?

For more information on the future of the Kyle Lions Club or for more event information please contact either Mark Schultz at the Kyle Fire Department or President of the Kyle Lions Club Nancy Wilson at nancy@ germerinsurance.com.

As far as the reasoning behind the Kyle Lions Club resurrection, Schultz gave credit to the Buda Lions Club for setting a precedent of what an organization can do for members of the community and saw the same need for the organization in Kyle. “We believe there was a need in the community for scholarships and community outreach,” Schultz said. According to Wilson the new Kyle Lions Club wants to participate in almost anything to assist in making the “Kyle/Hays County a better place to live for all citizens.” That includes providing

one scholarship to one student every year and collaborating with other Lions Clubs, including the Buda Lions. “We assist them with working their concession stands, working the Weiner Dog Races and they are now going to assist us with our first annual Food Bank Drive at the Kyle Walmart on May 6,” Wilson said in the email. Wilson said the new Lions Club is also currently promoting eyeglass screening. That extends to allowing residents to donate their old eyeglasses, so they can be distributed to people in need. “We have eyeglass boxes out in several lo-

cations, and we promote the eyeglass screening and assist other clubs in the area in their endeavors,” Wilson said in the email response. Wilson said she agreed to be the President of the Kyle chapter Lions Club based on past experience as a small business owner in Kyle between 20032014. Wilson said she has high hopes for the New Kyle Lions Club and didn’t rule out the possibility of collaborating with the city of Kyle in the future in order to organize a large event meant to draw in crowds like the Buda Lions Club Weiner Dog Races. Schultz said currently the members of the Kyle Lions Club are meeting twice a month at the Plum Creek Golf course on the first and third Tuesdays of the month and anyone who wishes to attend the meetings are welcome.

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Hays CAD property value appraisal averages 2016 MARKET VALUE

2017 MARKET VALUE

2016 TAXABLE VALUE

2017 TAXABLE VALUE

Hays County

$212,401

$231,509

$196,739

$216,169

Hays CISD

$179,624

$196,616

$159,112

$176,900

San Marcos CISD

$157,956

$173,040

$138,283

$153,954

Dripping Springs ISD

$345,209

$375,339

$318,794

$350,000

Wimberley ISD

$235,082

$252,842

$210,492

$228,504

City of San Marcos

$153,709

$171,683

$146,639

$164,545

City of Kyle

$170,547

$187,202

$164,873

$181,318

City of Buda

$228,444

$247,082

$216,353

$234,87

Property Values Continued from pg. 1A

The Hays Central Appraisal District has started to mail out 86,122 appraisal notices on May 1. Property owners that receive a notice of appraised value have until

May 31 to file a protest to appeal. Last year the CAD received 11,523 protests. It’s unknown at this time how the appraisals could affect Hays County

Conservation

Continued from pg. 1A “Through being mindful of smart water use during the hot summer months, a little effort by individual end-users, when multiplied across central Texas, can do a great amount of good,” John Dupnik, Aquifer District General Manager, said. “Our groundwater users are traditionally very conscious of water use. Simple leak fixes and water conservation

choices can add up to make a big difference in extending our longterm water supply,” states Robin Gary, Senior Public Information and Education Coordinator. Water conservation strategies, rainwater harvesting information, water-wise landscaping ideas, and self irrigation audit guidance is available at www.bseacd. org/education/waterconservation/.

Cap Metro Plan Continued from pg. 2A

Sparks said in order for Buda to access federal funds for the transportation project, Capital Metro had to enter into the agreement with the city. He added Buda City Planner Meredith Johnson worked to secure the grand funds for the city’s new senior van, which is ADA accessible. Sparks also said in addition to the new ADA accessible senior van, the grant harbored funds available for additional operating costs, which could mean extended hours of service for the senior transportation program in Buda. According to Cap Metro documentation, the grant will help Buda “ improve the transportation services currently provided to seniors and individuals with disabilities by purchasing a new ADA accessible van.” The new van will not

only allow for “service to be safer and more reliable,” but would allow it to be a choice for seniors to get to their destination, according to Capital Metro documentation. The service will be free for seniors who participate. The agenda item may have appeared only in the consent agenda due in part to the fact that Buda will not have to spend a dime in order to get it. Buda Mayor Todd Ruge expressed his approval of the grant funds for the new ADA van. He said the old senior transportation van has been in disrepair for quite a while. “This is going to be very welcomed to the seniors in the Buda community,” Ruge said, “I think there is potential in the future to have a fleet of ADA accessible vans that will allow us to expand our senior transportation services, maybe in the next six months.”

homeowners’ tax bills, as the county, cities and school districts will use them to determine 2017 property tax rates, according to the release. Property owners

can file a protest at the Hays Central Appraisal District office, located at 21001 N. IH 35, Kyle, Texas 78640, call (512) 268-2522 or visit www. hayscad.com.

DON’T FORGET! DEADLINE MAY 5

It’s time to congratulate your senior!

CLASS OF 2017 KEEPSAKE GRADUATION EDITION

DISTRIBUTED MAY 24 IN THE HAYS FREE PRESS FOR JACK C. HAYS, LEHMAN & LIVE OAK ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOLS 2016 edition available at www.haysfreepress.com / current issue / special editions archives

Email for prices or click on the graduation webtile at www.haysfreepress.com This special edition will include class favorites, baby photos, and much more. Ad deadline is May 5. Send in your photos and message today! Email photos & message to paper@haysfreepress.com. For more information, call (512) 268-7862, or email paper@haysfreepress.com

Hays Free Press â&#x20AC;˘ May 3, 2017

Page 5A

Prominent Buda realtor pleads not guilty in trial BY RACHEL WILLIS

Courtesy of the San Marcos Daily Record

With jury selection going on 13 hours, the trial of prominent Hays County realtor Jason Tarr commenced Tuesday afternoon with him pleading not guilty to second-degree intoxication manslaughter and first-degree murder. Tarrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defense and the state laid out the road maps to how the trial will go. Family of the late Nancy Sterling-Dalton, who was killed when Tarrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pickup hit her car head-on in September 2014, sat in the stands as the prosecution read the arraignment to Tarr who stared ahead listening.

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Jennifer Stalbaum reminded jurors the state needs only prove that Tarr was intoxicated and that does not always imply the most obvious of signs. The state began their opening remarks with the question, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What makes a DWI a murder?â&#x20AC;? Assistant Criminal District Attorney Jennifer Stalbaum reminded jurors the state needs only prove that Tarr was intoxicated and that does not always imply the most obvious of signs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to tell you, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not going to be a falling over, throwing up drunk, there is going to be intoxication,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want you to remember those definitions.â&#x20AC;? The defense laid out

their plans by asserting that no one contests that there was an accident that was caused by Tarr. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The evidence will show there was a horrible accident,â&#x20AC;? Tarrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defense lawyer Billy McNabb said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Tarr left his lane of traffic, collided with the vehicle driven by Mrs. Dalton causing her death.â&#x20AC;? McNabb went on saying the only relevant evidence in this case is the video from Officer Joshua Albarezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body camera. In the video, defense said, Albanez remarks that he

does not smell alcohol on Tarr. The video also shows Tarr walking unassisted to the ambulance, which the defense said is evidence of Tarrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sobriety. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are going to hear from some people at the hospital about his demeanor, his language at the hospital,â&#x20AC;? McNabb said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The only thing that is going to be relevant in this case is his demeanor and whether or not he was intoxicated at the time of the accident, at the time he is alleged of operating the vehicle. Not

two hours later.â&#x20AC;? McNabb accused the officers investigating the scene of only suspecting intoxication after running Tarrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s criminal history and finding that he had two prior DWIs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the officers found out he had prior DWIs the die was cast,â&#x20AC;? McNabb said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The officers lost all objectivity about the investigation. It became, at that point, what we call a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;self-fulfilling prophecy.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Defense purports that the warrant was granted on the report of an officer

Buda Police

Continued from pg. 1A serving a Child Protective Services order at his home in January 2016. Garcia was not under investigation by CPS. The city was also named as a defendant in the case as the violations were â&#x20AC;&#x153;committed as a result of policies and customsâ&#x20AC;? and that the municipality has â&#x20AC;&#x153;inadequate policiesâ&#x20AC;? regarding use of force, according to the suit. Brittany Tate, Buda Police Department spokesperson, said they have not received a copy of the suit at this time and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provide comment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without receiving the suit, I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak on it,â&#x20AC;? Tate said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure what it entails or itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about. Robert Ranco, an attorney with the Carlson Law Firm that is representing Garcia, said he became aware of the incident while investigating a separate lawsuit accusing Young of excessive force. In October 2016, Ranco filed a lawsuit on behalf of Juan and Guadalupe Martinez of Buda, who accused Young of using excessive force during a 2014 incident at the Walmart in Buda. Ranco said he requested and received body camera footage of Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incident during the discovery phase of the Martinez trial. The outcome of the Martinez

Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lawsuit stems from a January 21, 2016 incident when oďŹ&#x192;cers arrived at his home with a representative from CPS, who had an order to remove two children from the home. case is pending. Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lawsuit stems from a January 21, 2016 incident when officers arrived at his home with a representative from CPS, who had an order to remove two children from the home. Ranco said his client and his wife were fostering their two grandchildren while CPS conducted an investigation against the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents. Ranco said his client was not under investigation and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do anything wrong. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They (the children) were not being removed because Garcia or his wife did anything wrong,â&#x20AC;? Ranco said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;CPS thought because of the discord between the two parents, a temporary spot for the kids would be less traumatic.â&#x20AC;? Garcia granted the officers access to the home and he proceeded to sit on his couch, the suit said. While Young and others were speaking about the order, Garcia stood up and began to walk forward, but not moving toward either

of the officers, the suit claims. Young told Garcia to sit down, with Garcia stopping his movement. Garcia, according to the suit, asked for the officer to leave or present a search warrant. Young â&#x20AC;&#x153;refused to provide an order or warrantâ&#x20AC;? and asked Garcia to sit down several times. Garcia turned and started walking back toward the couch when â&#x20AC;&#x153;without notice,â&#x20AC;? Young pushed him down to the couch, almost on top of a child, the suit claims. Young pinned Garcia down, who according to the suit was â&#x20AC;&#x153;not kicking or punching anyone.â&#x20AC;? Metz then moved toward Garcia with her taser drawn and instructed Garcia to stop resisting. According to the suit, Garcia was not resisting. He â&#x20AC;&#x153;continued to be staticâ&#x20AC;? while pinned down when he was then tased. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Due to the actions of Officers Metz and Young, (Garcia) suffered severe injuries and damages,â&#x20AC;? the suit alleges. Ranco said he sees simi-

lar incidents â&#x20AC;&#x153;far too oftenâ&#x20AC;? and that he said officers and departments are â&#x20AC;&#x153;reluctant to admit they make mistakes.â&#x20AC;? He also said the city has issues when it comes to its policy regarding the use of force. He said in neither the Garcia nor Martinez case was Young threatened, and that officers are â&#x20AC;&#x153;supposed to have a discussion unless thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an imminent threatâ&#x20AC;? and de-escalate a situation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When there is no accountability and no reprimand or suspension, officers are bound to repeat themselves,â&#x20AC;? Ranco said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;

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that was already convinced of Tarrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intoxication and that the blood test was invalid because of human error within the Department of Public Safety (DPS) lab it was tested in. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The blood was ultimately analyzed by a DPS lab, the same entity that employs the officers that have formed a suspicion and are investigating and arresting Jason for intoxication manslaughter.â&#x20AC;? McNabb said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the same lab as the police lab that did the blood analysis and I submit to you what the evidence will show,in the rush to convict Jason of this offense, the lab got the blood out of order.â&#x20AC;? Trial is expected to last three weeks.

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Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Page 6A

LONG ORTHODONTICS would like to WELCOME you Back to School!

CENTRAL TEXAS SPEEDWAY PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Speedway

3310 B FM 967, Ste #A110 3310 B FM 967, STE #A110 Buda, Texas 78610 Buda, Texas 78610 Near the corner of FM 1626 and 967 Near the corner of FM 1626 and 967

Continued from pg. 1A CTS demise began when Tim Self, the previous leaseholder, and his company, AM Racing, chose not to renew for 2017, said Rick Coleman, who owns the property CTS is located on. Coleman said Self came to him and gave up his lease 15 months before it expired. Once Self chose to not renew, Coleman said he didn’t seek another suitor, as he feared the liability a racetrack presented. “I didn’t care to have it. I didn’t want the liability of something happening to someone on the track and I was liable for them,” Coleman said. “CTS had insurance for that, but I didn’t want that problem.” Coleman added that he would have allowed Self to run the track “for as long as he wanted to,” but Self was “tired of it” and was “moving on.” Coleman began the demolition process earlier this year, removing bulidings, including the press box, which was damaged during a March storm. Rodney Rodriguez, a generational racecar driver who was an announcer and competitor at CTS, said the decision to close the track left him “crushed,” as there are few asphalt short tracks left in the state. Kyle resident and former racecar driver Christine Molis said the closure “hurts” as there

“There’s a lot from Kyle, Buda, the Manchaca area and Austin ... This is their home track. Now with it being gone, they have a car in the garage doing nothing.” – Christine Molis, Kyle resident and former racecar driver

are many local drivers who competed at CTS. “There’s a lot from Kyle, Buda, the Manchaca area and Austin,” Molis said. “This is their home track. Now with it being gone, they have a car in the garage doing nothing.” With CTS gone, drivers now must go elsewhere. Folsom said the nearest tracks in the area, located in Pleasanton and Paige, are dirt tracks. Molis said dirt tracks are gaining popularity due to affordability. The nearest asphalt short-tracks that operate consistently are located in Louisiana, Alabama and Florida.

For many weekend-warrior racecar drivers, the prospect of traveling out-of-state to find an asphalt track isn’t feasible. Folsom estimated costs ranging from $600 and up for a driver when they add in travel expenses, pit passes, gasoline and tires for the hauling vehicle and racecar. The loss of the speedway created an impact on Kyle as well. Julie Snyder, Kyle Chamber of Commerce CEO, said the speedway drew tourism due to the racing, as well as go-karts that were offered at the circult. In addition, the land was also used as a music venue, with the Kyle Fair and Music Festival held at the location. In 2016, CTS claimed the Kyle Chamber’s “Business of the Year” award. “Anytime we lose a business, it’s a loss for us. Not only services they provide, but the financials we receive,” Snyder said. “From a visitor’s side, it’s tough to lose an activity such as that, which was family oriented.” For Rodriguez, the chance to race on a unique, last-of-its kind venue was worthwhile. “Because the asphalt group is so limited, it felt like a very distinct group of racers out there,” Rodrigiez said. “There’s a lot of tracks, but there’s few of us that could do that.” For Folsom, the unique track is something that he

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Section B POLLY THE PUG

Hays CISD students help disabled dog find new life. – Page 3B

Hays Free Press

May 3, 2017 • Page 1B

Rebels rise to sweep Madison in first round BY MOSES LEOS III Rising to the occasion last week helped the Hays Rebel softball team power its way into the second round of the playoffs. An aggressive approach at the plate, mixed with strong pitching, allowed Hays to eliminate the San Antonio Madison Mavericks 10-5 and 13-3 in a two-game sweep. With the wins, Hays advances to play San Antonio Brennan in a best-of-3 area round playoff series. Game 1 is scheduled for Friday at 7

p.m., while Game 2 is set for Saturday at noon. If necessary, Game 3 will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. All games will be played at Judson High. Big plays in the clutch, both on offense and defense, carried the Rebels in its bidistrict round series. They began Game 1 with a seven run outburst in the first inning where 12 Rebels went to the plate. Leading the way was Brianna Rodriguez, who went 4 for 5 in Game 1 with two RBIs. Rodriguez

finished the series going 7 for 10 at the plate. Lisa Cone, Hays High head softball coach, said the team can “count on anyone to get a rally going.” “Once they get started, they feel those emotions about getting on the ball, and that helps us in the dugout,” Cone said. “They get behind each other when they get a rally going.” But Hays’ offense went cold for the next four innings. Madison took the opportunity to strike back.

The Mavs tallied two runs in the second inning, followed by scoring three runs in the fourth frame. Madison loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth frame. Madison’s move came as Hays was without Rodriguez and starting pitcher Maxine Valdez, who dealt with illnesses midway through the game. But Cone stressed to her team to relax during the Maverick comeback. “I said, ‘We need to relax and play our game

REBEL SOFTBALL, 2B

PHOTO BY BECKY TENNEY

Members of the Hays Rebel softball team gather for a pre game huddle prior to the first game in their best-of-3 series with the San Antonio Madison Mavericks.

Sticky note dreams Lobo goalkeeper earns all-state athlete title BY LOGAN MCCULLOUGH New Year’s resolutions are renowned for their short time span and limited results. However, for people who are willing to dedicate themselves, these hopes and dreams can turn into realities. Lehman High senior Maya Erwin is one of these people. In the winter before her freshman season, Erwin was named the starting

goalkeeper for Lehman High’s varsity girls soccer team. She then decided it would be cool if she set a New Year’s resolution for her new endeavor. It was at that point she stuck a sticky note to her bedroom mirror that read, “Be the best goalkeeper in the state of Texas.” That dream came true last week when Erwin was named as a second team selection to the

ALL-STATE, 2B

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

While soccer wasn’t her first sport of choice, Lehman High senior Maya Erwin quickly grew a fondness for the beautiful game. After a stellar four year career between the pipes as a goalkeeper, Erwin was named as a second-team All-State selection.

Rebs eye progress as spring football continues BY MOSES LEOS III

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Hays High senior track and field athlete Camille Dickson (right) lunges forward toward the finish line as a Brownsville Hanna runner and Lehman High senior Bria Arrant (left) follow during the girls 100 meter dash finals at Alamo Stadium in San Antonio.

Rebs, Lobos fly at Region

School and personal records were broken last week as a handful of Lehman and Hays athletes completed their track and field seasons at the Region IV, 6A meet held at historic Alamo Stadium. Lehman High shot-putters Ty Roaches and Seauanna Watson each broke school records during the meet. Roaches set the record with a toss of 49-feet, 2-inches. Watson, who finished third in the shot-put, set the school record with a throw of 39-feet, 10-inches. Lobo runner Bria Arrant set school records in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. Hays High senior Camille Dickson collected a third place finish in the girls 100 meter dash and a fourth place finish in the 400 meter dash. Rebel freshman Reagan Casey finished third in the girls jump.

GIRLS

Hays Camille Dickson (100m dash finals) – 12.47 Camille Dickson (200m dash finals) – 25.17 Hays 4x200m relay (finals) – 1:42.65 Alyssa Blanks (Discus finals) – 94’7” Reagan Casey (High jump finals) – 5’3” Lauren Sikoski (Pole vault finals) – 10’6” Lehman Bria Arrant (100m dash finals) – 12.81 Bria Arrant (200m dash finals) – 26.25 Seauanna Watson (Discus finals) – 92’2” Seauanna Watson (Shotput finals) – 39’10”

BOYS

Hays Hays 4x200m relay team (prelims) – 1:31.03 Hays 4x400m relay team (prelims) – 3:28.04 Dillon Baker – 21’2” Lehman Tracy Malrey (800m finals) – 2:00.57 Ty Roaches (Shotput finals) – 49’2”

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Lehman High junior thrower Seauanna Watson unfurls a throw during her first of three attempts in the Region IV, 6A shot-put finals.

After a two-year hiatus, the familiar sounds of spring football echoed in the bleachers of Shelton Stadium at Hays High last week. But as players work to acclimatize themselves to practice five days in, Hays head coach Neal LaHue and his staff began to focus on the fundamentals for a program that is projected to return 14 total starters next season. “I like spring football. It’s one of those things where I feel like we benefit,” LaHue said. “We don’t set the depth chart, but we at least start it and have a good idea.” LaHue, who enters his fifth season at Hays, brought spring football back in order to limit how much competition his team has prior to the grind of the regular season. By going through summer drills for the past two seasons, Hays has had roughly three weeks of practices and two scrimmages to work with. But with drawing a week 11 bye the last two seasons, Hays played 12 straight games, including scrimmages. Going through spring ball, LaHue said the Rebels lose a scrimmage, but gain 11 more practices they wouldn’t have dur-

“The first three days, they’re excited, it’s spring. But then they say, ‘what are we working for. You have to remind them we’re trying to get better as a team and better at our techniques and fundamentals.” –Neal LaHue, Hays head football coach

ing the summer. “The other thing is we still have too many unanswered questions going into the scrimmages and we didn’t answer them well enough,” LaHue said. “We’ll try to do that now in a controlled setting.” For coaches, LaHue said the staff needed to act like a “new staff coming in,” which meant changing approaches when it came to weightlifting, speed and agility training. LaHue said the staff is also opening up competition on the field and they’re not going to follow the “status quo.” “We’re not going to say, ‘oh my gosh, we have a tough district.’ To heck with that,” LaHue said. He added the staff went and studied strength, speed and flexibility training and got ideas. The idea has been to gear the students toward spring ball, which they

hope will be followed with the Rebels’ power camp in the offseason. “We have to come in to camp in shape because we’ve got seven less practices than we did last year. But we gained 18 practices in the spring, so we’re still ahead of the game,” LaHue said. On the field, improving techniques and fundamentals is the goal, even though players aren’t working for a game, but a “beneficial outcome in the end,” LaHue said. On offense, LaHue has been pleased with the play of Cade Powell, Thailand Mayberry, Dallin Roberts and Martin Shoemaker. All four quarterbacks playing during the spring, including Gentry Brawith and Tyler Conley, who saw action during the 2016 campaign, have

REBEL FOOTBALL, 2B

Sports

Page 2B

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Rebs’ Irby signs Letter of Intent with TLU

Hays High School Rebel Baseball standout Cole Irby, a three-year varsity starter for the Rebs as catcher, signed his collegiate Letter of Intent to play ball for Texas Lutheran University. Flanked by his mom, Allison Irby, and his dad, Bill Irby, Cole inked his letter to the applause of his friends, teammates, and family. Coach James Howard explained Cole’s contribution to the team: 2016 2nd-Team AllDistrict with a .320 batting average. On the cusp of the Rebs’ entry into the 2017 playoffs, he’s sporting a .391 average, with 27 hits and 15 RBIs. Howard said, “As good as Cole’s stats are, he has an even bigger impact as a defensive catcher ... with a strong arm and he calls a great game behind the plate. He is like having another coach on the field and his baseball IQ is through the roof.”

PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

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Rebel Football: Spring is in the air Continued from pg. 1B

played well so far, LaHue said. Having Brawith and Conley gain varsity experience will help early on. “We still have to work on fundmentals, but I feel those those two seniors have much to gain,” LaHue said. Pat Guerrero and Nate Tate showed progress so far during spring, while

on defense, Jason Eddleman, Sam Guzman and Dom Johnson are a handful of players on the front seven who have made an impact. In the secondary, LaHue said he’s been impressed with the corner play of Blaze Thomas and Hector Fuentes. “We feel good now. We’ve got guys who have

seen the varsity field,” LaHue said. “We’ve got a good nucleus of guys coming back.” But also ensuring the players don’t burn out before the end of spring practices is also a priority for LaHue. A shift to three practices per week, with one day of weight training and

film study, is how LaHue hopes to curb that issue. “The first three days, they’re excited, it’s spring. But then they say, ‘what are we working for?,’” LaHue said. “You have to remind them we’re trying to get better as a team and better at our techniques and fundamentals.”

Rebel Softball: Takes down Madison, advances Hays carried momentum into Game 2 with the Rebels getting off to a quick 3-0 start in the third inning. After Madison countered with a run in the bottom half of the third inning, the Rebels gained separation via a three-run fourth inning. From there, Valdez put a stopper on the Madison offense, limiting Madison to only two runs and two hits the rest of the way.

Cone attributed Valdez’s success to overcoming first-round nerves. Valdez’s ability to adjust to Madison batters also played a factor in her success. “If it’s a certain pitch, we’ll leave it and we’ll work on it later. Sometimes it’s not thinking about it for a while and letting the muscle memory take over,” Cone said. “I think having this behind us will help us along.”

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Continued from pg. 1B

and don’t get panicked and don’t get stressed,’” Cone said. “I knew they were going to rise to the occasion, so it calmed us down.” Valdez, who reentered the game, forced a double play to end the Maverick threat. Hays returned the favor in the sixth inning by scoring three runs to cement the win, highlighted by a two-run RBI double from Illyana Cisneros.

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Hays now prepares for Brennan, which finished second in 28-6A, amid a week where STAAR testing will take precedence. For Cone, having many of her younger players get their first taste of playoff softball was beneficial. “All of this is going to help us in the next series,” Cone said. “I feel confident we’ll play as ourselves from the get-go and not have as many issues.”

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All-State: Setting a New Year’s resolution led the way Continued from pg. 1B

Texas Association of Soccer Coaches (TASCA) 6A soccer All-State team, becoming the first Lobo girls soccer player to receive the honor. For Erwin, her success was forged early on when she was introduced to the beautiful game.  Growing up, basketball was Erwin’s sport of choice. In fact, it wasn’t until her dad, Warren Erwin, who is a huge soccer fan, encouraged her to try the new sport. From there, Erwin fell in love with soccer. In her first few years, Erwin said she basically played every position, except goalkeeper. Then, in her eighthgrade season, Erwin was volunteered by her coach to play goalkeeper after the starter was injured. Erwin never changed positions after that. A person that also fell in love with Erwin at her new position was Nauri Garcia, Lehman head girls soccer coach. Garcia saw Erwin playing as an eighth grader and said he immediately noticed her natural catlike reflexes. “I knew I found my starter for the next four years,” Garcia said. It was Erwin’s work ethic that made an impression with Garcia. He said she was a “dream come true” kind of athlete who strived to improve. “I meet outstanding athletes all the time,” Garcia said. “What separates Maya is that no matter how good she’s playing, or how much she’s being recognized for her accomplishments, she still wants more and will continue to work for not just her own goals, but to better the team every day.” Erwin’s relentless hard work did not go unnoticed. In her freshman season, Erwin won newcomer of the year for the 4A district Lehman competed in. During her sophomore

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

“Even when we had a down season, as a goal keeper you can’t stop saving goals ... You can’t stop putting in the work because you have 10 other people that are depending on you, as well as you on them.” –Maya Erwin, Lobo goalkeeper

year, when Lehman jumped to 6A, Erwin also made the leap from newcomer of the year to goalkeeper of the year. What made the goalkeeper award so unique was that coaches in 14-6A created the award for Erwin, based on her play on the field. Even after back-toback years of improvement, Erwin had selfdoubt on whether or not she would ever be able to achieve her New Years’ goal. “After my sophomore year I thought to myself, ‘Ah it’s not gonna happen, there are so many good goalkeepers in Texas’,” said Erwin. Nevertheless, Erwin continued working hard, and in her junior campaign, helped the Lobos to a third place finish and a playoff berth, which garnered 14-6A most valuable player honors. Even still, Erwin was

not satisfied with simply being the best player in her district. She wanted to achieve her goal as being the best goalkeeper in Texas. A change in district and working with a younger team didn’t stop Erwin from generating 25-6A MVP honors this season. “I didn’t even think I would win MVP this year,” said Erwin. “Throughout the season my drive was for my teammates. Just having fun with them for those last couple games.” As a result of her play this season, Erwin accomplished her goal by being named second team All-State. “That’s quite an honor,” Erwin said. “It was an amazing feeling. I set a goal for myself, worked hard and I was actually able to achieve it. That’s one of the best feelings of my high school career.” Garcia said that what

makes Erwin so special is her “attitude of gratitude.” “She’s very grateful for what she has,” said Garcia. “Very respectful person. Very positive family that she comes from. She just has a great moral fiber. She works hard, she humbles herself and most importantly she never stops working hard. If I had 11 Mayas, Lehman would be state champs.” While generating accolades looks “good on a resume,” Erwin said her priority has always been her teammates. “Even when we had a down season, as a goal keeper you can’t stop saving goals,” Erwin said. “You can’t stop putting in the work because you have 10 other people that are depending on you, as well as you on them.” Erwin’s hard work doesn’t stop when the scoreboard hits zero. Erwin garnered academic all-district honors all four years in high school. She was also recognized to the academic all-state team this season. Garcia names three senior captains every year. Erwin was a rare exception because she was a captain for both her junior and senior seasons. “You want a goalkeeper like Maya to be a captain for you,” said Garcia. “She’s in the back, she sees everything. She’s gonna tell you what you need to know on the field, but she’s also the type of person to tell you what you need to do to be better off the field as well.” But self-doubts about competing at the next level led Erwin to get off to a late start in the recruiting process. Her parents inspired her to take on a new challenge, and once again Erwin responded. Erwin will attend Austin College in Sherman to continue her soccer career and join the prestigious pre-medical program at Austin.

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Education PUG LIFE

GOODBYE, PETE

First Hispanic CAD director dies. – Page 2C

Hays Free Press • May 3, 2017

Page 3B

Hays CISD students create new life for fostered dog BY SAMANTHA SMITH A love for pugs and an equal love for her school led Barton Middle School teacher Alisha Homann, along with others, to give an injured pup a specialized wheelchair and a new lease on life. Homann said the pursuit began in November 2016 when her mother, Debbie Homann, fostered Polly through the Pug Rescue of Austin. Polly had been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, which caused limitations in her hind legs. Homann said Polly can walk on her own but increasingly needs assistance and can’t run. Debbie and Alisha Homann, who have been volunteers with Pug Rescue of Austin for two years, said there was no hesitation on their part when agreeing to foster Polly, even with her disability. “We don’t get a lot of history when we agree to foster a dog, but we want-

“She got right in there. Once she knew she could take off, she took off.” –Alisha Homann, Barton Middle School teacher PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALISHA HOMANN

ed to give her the love and attention she deserves,” Homann said. Inspired by the special needs Polly has, Alisha Homann turned to students at Barton Middle School’s “Genius Hour” to find a way to help Polly

walk on her own. Genius Hour is where students have a chance to solve problems by trial and error, Homann said. After consulting with Chris Glenn, Barton’s

POLLY ON THE GO, 4B

District green lights rise in school lunch prices BY MOSES LEOS III

A ten-cent increase in the price of school lunch is on the horizon for Hays CISD students as district leaders attempt to keep pace with federal mandates regulating the cost. The move, which was approved by the board of trustees April 27, would add to the cost of school lunch for students who pay full price for their meals. Michael Thibodaux, Hays CISD director of child nutrition, said the

Lunch and Breakfast price increases since 2013 ELEMENTARY 2012-13 Breakfast Lunch

Paid Red. $1.25 $2.10

.30 .40

2013-14 Breakfast Lunch

1.25 2.20

.30 .40

2014-15 Breakfast Lunch

1.25 2.30

.30 .40

2015-16 Breakfast Lunch

1.25 2.40

.30 .40

2016-17 Breakfast Lunch

1.25 2.50

.30 .40

2017-18 Breakfast Lunch

1.25 2.60

.30 .40

SECONDARY Paid Red.

2012-13 Breakfast Lunch

$1.35 $2.30

.30 .40

2013-14 Breakfast Lunch

1.35 2.40

.30 .40

2014-15 Breakfast Lunch

1.35 2.50

.30 .40

2015-16 Breakfast Lunch

1.35 2.60

.30 .40

2016-17 Breakfast Lunch

1.35 2.70

.30 .40

2017-18 Breakfast Lunch

1.35 2.80

.30 .40

increase would not affect students who are on the free or reduced lunch program. The increase is the federal minimum school districts can raise lunch prices under the section 2015 of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act (HHKA) of 2010. That section, called the Equity in School Lunch Pricing, requires participant districts in the lunch program to increase meal prices if the price charged for the meal is less than the difference between

The increase is the federal minimum school districts can raise lunch prices under the section 2015 of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act (HHKA) of 2010. reimbursement rates for free and paid meals, according to district documents. Based on the formula used by the federal government, Hays CISD would need to increase

lunch prices by 36 cents to make up the gap between what students pay in full price and free lunch reimbursement. Thibodaux said the government allows districts to incremen-

tally raise the price by ten cents. Hays CISD has raised the price for those who pay lunch in full by ten cents for the past two years. “They understand to jump the price by 36 cents would be too much of an economic burden,” Thibodaux said. When it comes to the price of lunch, Hays CISD attempts to stay competitive with neighboring school districts with similar socioeconomic demographics. While the district has

“robust participation” in its lunch program, roughly 50 percent of the district is considered economically disadvantaged. Those students often qualify for the free and reduced lunch program offered by the government. Hemphill Elementary, located in east Kyle, has the highest number of students on the free or reduced lunch program. Students who are economically disadvantaged participate at a “higher

LUNCH PRICE INCREASE, 4B

Student Fall Enrollment by Campus by Economic Disadvantage HAYS HIGH SCHOOL