MAY 13, 2020 LAST PIONEER
BREATHE EASY
The last of the Hays CISD founding board members dies at age 89.
Veteran Service Organization volunteers turns out masks.
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Hays Free Press © Barton Publications, Inc.
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Vol. 126 • No. 7
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Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX
Still Budaful funds still available for small business BY SAHAR CHMAIS
bore under the Blanco River in Blanco County hit a karst feature in late March. That sent tens of thousands of gallons of drilling mud and fluid into the Trinity Aquifer and fouled nearby residential water wells. Kinder Morgan will be required to notify the county’s Director
The city of Buda is essentially giving free money to eligible businesses and these funds are still available. Several weeks ago, Buda launched the Still Budaful small business stimulus grant consisting of $380,000. Businesses can get $2500 or $5000, which can be used to pay for rent/mortgage payments, employee support, utilities, supply purchases for alternative business access, COVID-19 supplies and more. Although many businesses have applied, the city still has funds available for those who are eligible. “Those monies have been earmarked,” said J.R. Gonzales, Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “So let’s use it and we can stimulate the economy; we want to stimulate the economy.” The task force will meet for the third time this week to push out the third wave of funds. If money is still available after the first phase, it might be time to widen the criteria parameters and qualifications for who can receive the grant, Gonzales said. According to the State Comptroller’s office, about 400 businesses in Buda would be eligible for this grant. So far, a little over 100 businesses have applied and about 70 awards have been released totaling more than $300,000, said the Assistant City Manager, Lauren Middleton-Pratt. These grants come in different amounts, but Gonzales estimates that it should cover between 85 to 90 businesses. The application process is very straightforward and some businesses said it took very little time to fill out. The form is online, and for those who may not have internet access or computer skills, they can call the city and request a hard copy. Even though money is available, why are some businesses not applying? It may be that some still do not know about it and some just do not need it, explained Gonzales. There are businesses that are not in direct contact with the city, or during their temporary closures, they are not checking their emails. According to the city website, the task force developed the program to assist small Buda businesses that are independently owned and have 50 or fewer employ-
PHP ROAD CROSSINGS, 5
STILL BUDAFUL, 5
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DORSETT FAMILY
Ethan Dorsett, holds up his new baby boy Nolan for the baby’s grandparents to see. Ethan was the only one allowed to be with his wife Haley at the hospital.
Having a baby during the pandemic BY SAHAR CHMAIS
Giving birth during a pandemic raises the anxiety level for women for various reasons. They worry about possibly transferring the virus, if dormant, and they cannot get the support of family and friends, who during normal times would be waiting in the lobby to see the newborn.
The pandemic has reshaped the way women plan their births, from designating only one person to go to the hospital with them, to some mothers choosing to give birth at home.
“Never in a million years did my husband and I think we would be giving birth during a pandemic,” said Haley Dorsett, a first-time mom who gave birth in April
at Ascension Seton Hays. “It’s different than what we had ever imaged.” Dorsett pictured a room packed with family and friends, visitors in and out celebrating her
son, Nolan. Instead of this large festivity, the Dorsetts got their own intimate celebration with mom, dad and baby. During this time, she got some moments of peace
without a single word of news about the coronavirus. Her television was tuned to entertainment and no one mentioned the pandemic. “It was one of the most amazing experiences,” Dorsett recalled. “It’s not what we would have wanted, but I think it was a blessing in disguise; we
PANDEMIC PREGNANCY, 5
Hays County census coordinator removed BY CHASE ROGERS
“(I was told) that I was re-hirable and not being terminated but that they wanted to use the funds for marketing and more usefully.”
would be done away with all together,” Mejia wrote. Hays County Census “(I was told) that I was Coordinator Jessica Mejia re-hirable and not being has been terminated by terminated but that they her supervisor after miswanted to use the funds –Jessica Mejia, Hays County Census Coordinator communication during for marketing and more an executive session of usefully.” assistant to the counMejia’s recent work the Hays County ComServices Tammy Crumley, General Counsel Mark ty judge, spoke during creating public service missioners Court. and a human resources Kennedy, who provides Mejia’s scheduled time announcements, conMejia was scheduled representative of the legal counsel for the ducting outreach to hard- county commissioners’ to give a presentation on and stated the presentacourt, stated that no tion would not be given, to-count communities Tuesday updating the decision in executive termination occurred instead recounting recent and unforeseen complicourt on 2020 Census session to remove the during the executive outreach efforts by Mejia cations, professional and census coordinator efforts by the county, session described in in the last days in the personal, due to the novel position. but instead ended up Mejia’s letter, as the court role. Collins then read the coronavirus outbreak. providing a letter to the “I was told (Monday, is unable to take action letter from Mejia to the Mejia wrote she was in- May 4) that I would have in executive session purcourt concerning her court. formed by her supervisor, a couple of weeks to termination. The letter described Director of Countywide Anita Collins, executive work before this position CENSUS COORDINATOR, 11
County adopts policy for natural gas pipeline road crossings After earlier rescinding permission for Kinder Morgan’s Permian Highway Pipeline to cross county roads, the Hays County Commissioners Court on April 29 laid out the conditions the company will have to meet for permission to be restored.
According to the new policy, Kinder Morgan will, before any utility permit is issued, present a geological analysis “with particular focus on the presence of karst and/or aquifer features” that details “whether Kinder Morgan believes karst features exists and explains the basis of their decision.” If a karst feature is
KICKIN’ IT NAT’L
Hays County club soccer team joins national organization.
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INDEX
BY ANITA MILLER
associated with any of the three county roads remaining in the pipeline’s path, the company will have to “create a plan to ensure that their activities will not negatively impact the karst features or groundwater quality.” Commissioners rescinded the road crossing permits after a contractor attempting to
COVID-19 Count……… Obituaries……………… Police Blotter…………… Sports……………………
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School News…………… 9 Service Directory…… 10 Public Notices……… 11 Classifieds…………… 11
NEWS
Time appears to be running out for Hays County to apply for a grant to help fund a Public Defender’s Office. May 11 was the “priority deadline” for the grant application to be filed with the Texas Indigent Defense Council (TIDC). The grant, which the county declined to seek last year, would partially fund the office. Last week, the TIDC released a 37page study requested by county officials, laying out what such an office would look like. The grant would cover half the office’s costs in its first four years of operation. Commissioners rejected a proposal by County Judge Ruben Becerra to apply for the grant last year, citing lack of information. But, it’s possible an application could still be filed by the end of the month. The study shows several options highlight the different financial responsibilities of a public defender’s office, depending on the number of cases taken on. There would be long term fiscal benefits from the grant. The grant would cover 80 percent the first year costs for establishing a public defender’s office, 60 percent of the second year, 40 percent of the third year and 20 percent of the fourth year. After that, the county would assume full financial responsibility. The study estimates costs if the office takes on 50 percent of the indigent client cases as compared to 15 percent of those cases. More cases covered by the public defender’s office means more staff would be needed to han-
“The county should experience benefits like attorneys being available to reliably attend dockets; caseworkers who can improve access to social services; improved attorney oversight; accountability and quality controls; better data collection; reduced jail populations; and higher misdemeanor appointment rates,” the study stated. dle those cases. The study shows that with the grant, under both scencarios – 50% and 15% – the county would save money in year one over what it currently has budgeted for indigent court expenses. The study says a public defender’s office will offer more accountability on the part of attorneys and reduce recidivism of clients. “The county should experience benefits like attorneys being available to reliably attend dockets, caseworkers who can improve access to social services, improved attorney oversight, accountability and quality controls, better data collection, reduced jail populations, and higher misdemeanor appointment rates,” the study stated. During a virtual town hall forum May 6, a panel looked at the benefits of having a public defender’s office. The Chief Public Defender of Bexar County Micheal Young said clients of the criminal justice system meeting with a lawyer and having positive experiences shouldn’t be underestimated. “How someone is treated by their attorney representation is going to impact how the individual views government,
elected officials and their role in society. By treating someone with respect as a person, taking an interest in their case, looking at them holistically, you will have better outcomes in the criminal justice system and for the individual,” Young said. Currently, Hays County uses an assigned counsel system. During the virtual town hall, former Hays County District Attorney Sherri Tibbe, who is running for the 453rd District Court judge position, said the current system has limited safeguards to hold lawyers accountable when handling cases. “An indigent defense coordinator is being established, but still we need to make sure attorneys are visiting their clients and doing everything to be competent in their representation. The county also needs to improve access to clients. The visiting rooms in the Hays County jail are not adequate to meet with clients. Many lawyers run into the issue that their client is in another county, which can be difficult especially if they are housed 100 miles away,” Tibbe said. Questions to County Judge Ruben Becerra and District Attorney Wes Mau were not answered.
3030
2525
2020
1515
1010
55
00
0-9 yrs 0-9 yrs
10-19 yrs 20-29 yrs 30-39 yrs 40-49 10-19 yrs. 20-29 yrs. 30-39 yrs. 40-49 yrs yrs. 50-59 50-59 yrs yrs. 60-69 60-69yrs yrs. 70-79 70-79yrs yrs. >80 > 80yrs yrs.
250
Active
Added cases
Total
Confirmed cases
220
Active cases
200 200
203204 199 195
Total deaths Total hospitalizations
180
183 176
Current hospitalizations
160 150
140
140 135 125127 121 117 109 103
120 100 100
80
77
60 50
40
38
20 0
0011
3 02
52 0
7 01
6 01
9 11
13
02 02 02
24 16 18
214 209
28
42 32
54
47
59 61
54
82
58
7
02
5
0 0 02 0
91
59
65
68 67 70 69
76
81
75
78
81
77 76 68 67
65 67
14
14 1515 1616
16 18
7
5 5 5 5 5 5 4 1 1 1 10 12
Woodcreek
5
0
14141414 10 1010 12 8 7 6 8 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 2 1 4 1 1 12 1 1 0 1 1 1
Active
Woodcreek
72 73
67 69
50
16 4
93
65
41 4343
34
10
3
0 02 0 0
89
147
165165167 160 152
4 1
19 202020
2020
12
9 5 77 8 64 44 4 1 1 1 1 2 21
8
5 5 4 2 3
8M ay 10 -M ay 12 -M ay
BY CAMELIA JUAREZ
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What a public defender’s office looks like in Hays County, study explains
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4M ay
RETAIL REOPENING, X
3
214
Currently hospitalized
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decisions not just on state orders, but on the observed health effects. Almost two weeks ago, Buda had seven active cases, which went down to six and now the city has three; Haehn said this shows that there has been a downward trend in COVID-19 cases. He also pointed out that the more tests the city does, the more cases they will see,
Active Cases
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businesses can reopen. Abbott will issue additional clarifications May 18, giving the city two weeks to observe the effects of businesses reopening. The workplaces now given the greenlight to open include barbershops, nail salons, cosmetology salons, tanning salons and swimming pools. These businesses will operate under set restrictions. Haehn said he is basing
Deaths
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Coronavirus social guidelines have become a divisive issue, with some people excitedly awaiting the reopening of businesses, while some are choosing not to participate in the looser guidelines. Despite the potential health threats reopening the state poses, Texas has been relaxing restrictions and allowing more businesses to operate. As Gov. Greg Abbott loosens coronavirus social guidelines, the city of Buda follows suit. During the virtual city council meeting May 5, Mayor George Heahn said he is going to follow the governor’s orders in which
The new workplaces given the greenlight to open include barbershops, nail salons, cosmetology salons, tanning salons and swimming pools.
Confirmed cases
4Ap r
BY SAHAR CHMAIS
Hays County COVID-19 Statistics • as of May 12
2Ap r
Buda adapts to retail businesses reopening
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 13, 2020
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Buda Walgreens Buda HEB Buda CVS Kyle Walgreens (both) Kyle HEB Kyle CVS Kyle Q-Way Dripping Springs Walgreens Dripping Springs HEB Wimberley HEB Dripping Springs Visitors Center To subscribe, call 512-268-7862
Long Orthodontics has a new name but the same friendly faces. 512-523-8680 budasmiles.com
TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS Peanut Butter is a male, 5-year-old Shepherd mix. Wherever you go, Peanut Butter will stick to you, he loves people and being a companion. He knows all kinds of commands and tricks that he would love to show off for you. Give him a pool to splash in and you’ll be his favorite person forever. Peanut Butter does well with most other dogs and walks well on leash.
Loki is a male, neutered solid black cat. His owner passed away, leaving him homeless. Within seconds of meeting Loki, we were reduced to puddles of love and adoration. Loki is special. Although nervous about his new home, he will never turn down cuddles. In fact, he will come sit right next to you, lean into your body, and soak up all the love you give.
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
All animals are fully vaccinated, spay/neutered, microchipped and dewormed.
sponsored by
Town & CounTry VeTerinary HospiTal Committed to your pet’s health since 1978
Bill Selman, DVM • Kayley Goldsmith, DVM • Ben Fox, DVM 6300 FM 1327 (East of I35 and Creedmoor) Austin, TX 78747 Give us a call at 512-385-0486
TDS IS NOW HIRING! Find your career with us.
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Opportunities Include: Paralegal, Welder, CDL Drivers, Temporary Special Event Workers, Mechanics, and more.
Visit our website www.texasdisposal.com/careers to view and apply! For more information call 512-329-1778
Sign-On Bonus Available* *Certain positions
Opinion
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “If you look at the tremendous growth we are having today in the Kyle Buda area – and a lot of that is because of the fine reputation of our schools – you have to conclude we did something right in those first days and years.” –Ralph Pfluger, founding member of Hays CISD school board. Story, pg. 9.
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 13, 2020
Page 3
Wow, a big thanks Hip Czech
by Cyndy Slovak-Barton
J
ust two weeks ago, we started an appeal to readers and viewers, asking that they support more COVID-19 coverage but making donations to the Local Media Foundation in our name. That 501(c)(3) originally was set up to help small, family-owned newspapers, and when the coronavirus got started in this country, this wonderful foundation quickly turned to helping newspapers by raising funds to more stories. You see, newspapers get the vast majority of their funds from advertising, and when local businesses were closing down – whether for the duration of this pandemic or permanently because they could not keep funding their businesses – naturally, advertising dollars dried up. In steps the Local Media Foundation. While there are a lot of businesses really hurting, this newspaper did not want to close down. In fact, we are going to add staff to make sure that our communities are safe. We moved all of our COVID-19 stories in front of the paywall, and we have been in the field, covering what is going on locally. That’s a lot of work, and a lot of dollars still flowing out the door to pay those reporter salaries. But a wonderful thing happened. So many of you opened the way for us to continue. You have made donations through this fund, and we are pushing forward with our stories. When I first checked out the site after putting our the plea, it actually brought tears to my eyes. So many wonderful things said about helping each other, about a free press, about the need to keep pushing, about the friendships with the family. We’ve had anonymous donors, friends and people I don’t know. We’ve had donations from $25 to more than $1,000. Each and every one is so appreciated, because it is keeping the reporters in the fields. To the local advertisers who are sticking it out, who continue to run their advertising, thank you. We are pushing the newspapers out to more and more people, and the website is exploding with new viewers. Support your local businesses. They are the backbones of our towns. To our old subscribers and to the new ones who are just signing up, a hearty thanks. You are the people we want to keep safe. As former publisher and columnist Dale Roberson said when he was interviewed on the national radio show, hereandnow.org, “We will get through this.” Roberson talked in his column, run April 15 in the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch, about being born during the Depression. He followed up with all of the things through which Americans have persevered – World War II, polio, Joseph McCarthy, Vietnam, riots of the 1960s and ‘70s, bombings throughout the U.S., 911. His message is perfectly clear – we will persevere. And so will our local newspapers, the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch. We will persevere through this pandemic. Americans will see the end of COVID-19. We will stand together by staying safely at a distance, washing our hands, wearing a mask and doing our jobs diligently. So, thanks to those who have given. And if others want to give, you can go to givebutter.com/haysfreepress. Because we all must help each other.
Hays Free Press 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 News Editor Anita Miller Sports Editor Moses Leos III Reporters Camelia Juarez, Sahar Chmais Columnists Bartee Haile, Pauline Tom, Clint Younts Proofreaders Jane Kirkham
Marketing Director Tracy Mack Marketing Specialist James Darby Production Manager David White Production Assistant Elizabeth Garcia Office Manager Verna Wommack Circulation/Classifieds David White, Verna Wommack Distribution Kimberlee Griffon
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NEWS TIPS
If you think it’s news, we probably do too! • Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress.com • Mail: 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640
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.
Who is that masked man?
I
’m afraid to go to the bank! Not because I think I might catch the Coronovirus. What I’m afraid of is they might see a masked man coming in, call security or shoot me for a robber. I do use a N95 facemask when I go out in public. But that carries somewhat of a stigma. The governor is letting some businesses open; like restaurants, hair and nail salons, tanning parlors and even tattoo shops, I believe. Hair and nail salons don’t bother me. I’m going to let my hair grow down to my butt and my beard down to my belly button. If my mustache gets any bigger I won’t need a mask. I’ll just comb it over my nose.
they could tattoo a permanent mask across my face. A red bandana design would look nice and fill the bill. by Dale I admit I frequent Roberson liquor stores quite a bit. So often in fact, they As far as nail salons recognize me even in a go, if I thought I was mask. Otherwise going going to be seen in one, there would be just like you bet I’d be wearing going to the bank. I’ve a mask. I’d fish out an often made jokes about old Halloween job that robbing a liquor store completely covered my for needed funds, but head. I might even wear I don’t want to get shot a Burka. just because my ugly Those who go to tan- face is covered. ning parlors are really Gyms are supposed to going to look funny with open too. After a couple the burn all over except of month’s workout from their chin to their layoff and 10 minutes eyes. They might come on the treadmill I’m out looking like the going to need an oxygen Lone Ranger. mask. I might go to a tattoo I might take a break parlor though. I don’t from being holed up want any artwork, but and go to a bar. I’m just
So Says Red
going to punch a hole in my mask and insert a long straw to sip my Margaritas through. I don’t know about restaurants however. That hole won’t be large enough to cram in a chicken fried steak. The other day I saw a guy in Sam’s who had made his mask out of a Miller Lite carton. That gave me an idea. I’m going to make several masks out of different brands and sell advertising on my face. I might as well cash in on this problem nature gave us. Maybe I’ll get a contract with a tobacco company. My slogan will be “If the virus doesn’t kill you smoking will!” Stay safe. Wear your mask.
Ill-timed invasion of the murder hornets
T
he murder hornets don’t stand a chance. We’re still amid a pandemic that has dragged on way too long, producing far too many bizarre, exaggerated doomsday scenarios on social media. Some of our political leaders are enjoying absolute power a little too absolutely. Conspiracy theorists claim Bill Gates, who’s probably an extraterrestrial, purposely spread COVID-19 because he wants to implant computer chips in us – or something like that. And now the murder hornets are coming? Also called Asian giant hornets, these ghastly bugs look like creatures from a 1950s horror flick. Approximately 2 inches long, they slaughter honeybees by ripping their heads off, and their menacing yellow-orange noggins make them look like extraterrestrials – the way Bill Gates’ real head looks when he removes his human mask at home every night. So far, these giant icky bugs have been spotted in Washington state and Canada. Now
DEADLINES
the world.” There was once great hope that in the age of digitization and incredible computing power, by Tom human beings, with acPurcell cess to limitless sources of knowledge, would that the scariest corona- become smarter – that virus stories are losing our judgment would be their edge, the murder improved by factual inhornets’ murderous formation, science and ways offer a fresh round sound reasoning. of stories, true and false, That hope fell to piecto scare the bejesus out es faster than the 1970s of us. killer bee scare, which These stories will terrorized my otherwise surely be featured in the placid childhood. news soon: There was once hope “Actual murderers are that this pandemic offended that entomol- would bring us together ogists are demeaning – that we’d collaborate their life’s work by nam- more, and quibble less, ing a foreign bug after to do what we can to their profession.” address this great chal“The Council of lenge. Global Bug Integration But the polar oppoaccuses federal officials site has happened. The of jingoistic propaganda pandemic has done and creating antipathy more to illustrate our for people from a partic- deep divisions than to ular region of the world heal them. Many have by referring to America’s used our powerful newest hornet as the technology platforms ‘Asian giant hornet.’” to scare and misinform “The murder hornet their fellow human can fly 20 mph and kill beings, rather than to more than 50 people enlighten them. every year, but when it’s It’s regrettable, but pan-fried and seared, it it’s so. makes a tasty dinner – After two months one with the potential under lockdown, we’re to positively impact tired of worrying, tired the effects of climate of our politicians poschange in America and turing, and eager to get
Guest Column
• The deadline for display advertising and any contributed news copy is 5 p.m. Friday the week prior to publication. • The deadline for Letters to the Editor and classified word advertising is noon Monday the week of publication, though we encourage readers and advertisers to observe the Friday deadline.
LETTERS GUIDELINES
back to normal. I’d give anything to visit an Irish pub for a pint and some camaraderie. I long for a conversation about the meaning of life, car tires and how bad the Pirates’ losing record will be this year. So I feel bad for the murder hornets. You have the stuff of greatness, my homicidal wasp friends – your terrifying faces, your enormous size, your ridiculously direct name – but your timing is way off. As states begin to reopen, our news outlets and social media fanatics are firing off new rounds of scary pandemic material. If I were you, murder hornets, I’d hire a better publicist, fly back home and sit out your invasion for another year. 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. Tom@TomPurcell.com
We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@haysfreepress.com.
NEWS
Page 4
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 13, 2020
Hays about to hit the road on transportation plan BY ANITA MILLER
oped by the county and its municipalities. Hays County may soon Jones is Hays County’s be seeking public input representative on the on its updated TransporTransportation Policy tation Plan. Board, which voted to Pct. 2 Commissioner approve the 2045 plan on Mark Jones said last week May 4. that commissioners will “CAMPO does not put soon want to look at dein roads, they adopt our tails of the plan. transportation plans,” Jones’ statement to the Jones said. Hays Free Press came just The process to fordays after County Judge mulate the county’s Ruben Becerra’s proposal 2020 plan, which will be to ask that CAMPO (Cap- submitted to CAMPO, ital Area Metropolitan began April 8 when comPlanning Organization) missioners agreed to hire delay a vote on its 2045 K Friese and Associates, Transportation Plan failed Inc. to revise it. to gain court approval. Public comment Becerra’s proposal also and virtual town halls asked CAMPO to consider will be scheduled over removing some future the coming weeks and roadways from the plan. months during which Jones said those same residents can offer their roadways will still come views on various projects, under scrutiny as the including an extension county updates its own of Jacob’s Well Road, the plan. CAMPO, he said, future of FM 150 and the does not add planned Rutherford Bypass Projroads on its own but takes ect, which was designed those from plans develto alleviate traffic on FM
Public comment and virtual town halls will be scheduled over the coming weeks and months during which residents can offer their views on controversial projects, which include an extension of Jacob’s Well Road, the future of FM 150 and the Rutherford Bypass Project, which was designed to alleviate traffic on FM 150.
150. Some environmentalists, including Bill Bunch of Austin’s Save Our Springs Alliance, urged commissioners to ask CAMPO to remove the roadway. Noting that some planned roadways would be over the Edwards Aquifer, Bunch reminded the court that the Edwards is more vulnerable to pollution than any other aquifer in the state. “How we build over and around this incred-
ible water resource will determine the future of the county and the cities along the way,” he said, adding that he though plans were being rushed. “We need an actual completed draft and we need it to be correct,” he said. Specifically he asked that the Escarpment Boulevard Extension, the loop around western San Marcos, and the Jacob’s Well extension be removed from plans. Some commissioners indicated not all those
City of Buda offices to reopen May 18 On Monday, Buda City Hall and the Public Safety Building will open to the public with limited capacity. It is strongly recommended that visitors wear masks and use social distancing practices. Phone and online methods of communication are encouraged.
· Providing curbside service Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon and 3 to 5 p.m. (Find out how to reserve items here: https://www. budalibrary.org/281/ Buda-Library-at-Home ).
· Visitors are encouraged to wear masks. · City-sponsored meetings resume with strict social distancing practices in place. Room capacity is limited to 25% for city council and boards and commissions meetings. · No rental of public spaces. · Daily disinfection cleaning. · Stay home if you are sick.
· Please call the Visitor Center with questions at 512-295-7170. City employees are following strict social distancing practices and will be wearing masks or face coverings to provide protection for co-workers and the public. Contact city departments directly: • Public Works (512-3122876) • Buda Police Department - Non-Emergency (512393-7896)
VISITOR CENTER (STAGECOACH HOUSE)
BUDA CITY HALL AND · Remains closed to the PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING public.
BUDA PUBLIC LIBRARY · Remains closed to the public.
• Parks (512-523-1083) • Utility Billing (512-2958845) • Municipal Court (512295-2562) • Library (512-295-5899) • Planning, Permitting, and Engineering (512312-5745) Utility billing and municipal court payments may be paid online: https://www. municipalonlinepayments. com/budatx. Additional ways to make utility payments include online through your bank, over the phone at 512-295-8845, and by mail to 405 E. Loop St., Building 100, Buda, Texas. Customers can also utilize the utility payment drop boxes at the front entrance of the building and near the library book drop. The utility billing e-mail that residents should use to communicate with utilities is utilitybilling@ci.buda.tx.us
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES:
roads are still considered a priority. Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell singled out the Jacob’s Well Road extension. “I don’t know why the Jacob’s Well extension south exists. I don’t have the historical knowledge of where that came from,” he said. “I don’t see why it should ever exist.” Shell said his focus has always been on safety improvements like safer shoulders and turn lanes going into major intersections that keep the “character” of existing roadways. Jones said the Rutherford Bypass was put in the plan because at the time, development was expected in the vicinity, but that has changed. “At this point it doesn’t look like it will be developed anytime soon.” While the COVID-19 pandemic will likely influence public comment in that town halls will be virtual for a while, Jones
said he doesn’t think the presence of the virus will impact population growth or transportation planning. If anything, he said, it might “slow down the ability” to build some roads. Jones said he was against asking CAMPO for the delay because no other Metropolitan Planning Organization has asked for one, and also it might jeopardize federal funding. During the April 29 meeting, Jones pointed to several “shovel ready” projects near the Interstate 35 corridor, including the 2001 extension and the Buda bypass, both of which he said are “ready to go,” along with the Dacy Lane project, which is about to be let for bids. He stressed that roads included in future planning are just that – plans that have not yet been funded.
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Page 5
Pandemic Pregnancy Continued from pg. 1
had the chance to bond with no distractions.” Mothers are now entering hospitals with added worries. The pandemic has reshaped the way women plan their births, from designating only one person to go to the hospital with them, to some mothers choosing to give birth at home. Hospitals need to take extra precautions as well to protect their patients and staff. Having experienced the new challenges leading up to labor, Dorsett found that everything worked out perfectly, perhaps better than she expected. She wants expecting mothers not to worry or stress too much about the coronavirus or some of the privileges that have been taken away because of it. “I was on edge, especially in the weeks leading up to Nolan’s delivery,” explained Dorsett, who is a nurse. “I felt like I was about to have an anxiety
attack when I went to work thinking he would be exposed. Then with policies changing every day, I was very fearful about being alone through it. But being in the hospital, it was a great experience.” Somewhere in the process, it seems that the coronavirus got washed away, with only subtle reminders that somewhere outside the maternity ward, a pandemic is taking place. Brenda Brown, Registered Nurse in the maternity ward at Ascension Seton Hays, said that everyone gets their temperature taken when they go into the maternity ward. The person walking into the room with the mom has to get their temperature taken as well and everyone in the room must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The hospital staff must also stay at a safe distance. Brown is so
precautious that she tries to quarantine herself from her family and does not go grocery shopping. The biggest worry Brown has heard from mothers is being asymptomatic for COVID-19, afraid to pass the virus on to their child. Besides that, the mothers tend to have the typical worries and questions for childbirth and aftercare. She now advises moms not to go grocery shopping to stay safe. “It has been more challenging since being home,” Dorsett said. “Even going to the pediatrician is a very different experience. When we get to the office we have to text and do the visits in the morning. We don’t see
anyone but the nurse and provider. It’s fine to me now, but we are adapting to the situation and realizing we need to stay home as much as possible to prevent the spread.” The Dorsett family has been doing their share to protect Nolan from the virus. They have paid special attention to hand washing and proper hygiene, intensely cleaning the house and taking all the proper precautions. Dorsett said she feels like a mama bear protecting her cub, ensuring the safest environment for her baby. Similar to the hospital, the Dorsett family screens people going to their home for a visit. The Dorsetts have accepted
a few visitors and most of the time it’s Nolan’s grandparents who do not visit often. The first time they met him was through the hospital’s glass window, where they stood outside and held a sign just to get a glimpse. They jokingly said that had the maternity ward been on the second floor, they would have brought a ladder to see their grandchild. Technology has been a key player in helping parents share their precious moments with friends and family. Brown said she takes photos for parents, so they can remember the moments and pass them on. The nurses taking care of Dorsett also took
photos every step of the way. Not experiencing the process felt heartbreaking to Nolan’s grandparents, so the Dorsetts messaged them photos every step of the way, from preparation to skin-to-skin contact. They even use video chats to show Nolan to their friends and family. Dorsett felt tranquil thanks to the support and help of the nurses around her. She supports mothers’ decisions to give birth however they choose, especially in times of heightened anxiety, but she is glad she chose her route. “I can’t brag enough about the nurses who took all the fear and anxiety away,” Dorsett said. “Everything melted away.”
Retail Reopening Continued from pg. 1
but who gets tested is up to doctors and physicians. To keep a closer eye on the situation, Haehn requested that Buda receive a testing site, which will be open three days a week. The site will be coming in the near future, but time and dates are not yet decided. All council members thanked Haehn for his effort in reducing the spread of the virus, but two council members expressed concern about residents getting too lax now that restrictions are easing. “As a healthcare worker and nurse, I’m very concerned about people getting sloppy with their social distancing and wearing a mask,” said Councilmember Terry Cummings. “I think we need to stay diligent and
observant and make sure that we present a good example and keep wearing our masks and making sure we are the appropriate six feet from our friends when we are out and about. If we don’t do those things, we will reap the bad benefits thereof.” Councilmember Ray Bryant echoed Cummings’s words and added that, based off of his experience at stores around town, there are many who follow the guidelines, but that he has seen people not following social distancing. “I do not enter a store without a mask, a mask is on me at all times,” Bryant said. “I don’t think it’s a time to relax; it’s a time to be careful, I think we just need to continue to practice safety.”
PHP Road Crossing Continued from pg. 1
of Transportation and all residential well owners within a two-mile radius by certified mail five days prior to boring, and mitigation plans must be submitted in advance to the Texas Railroad Commission. Should there be a change of water quality or water quantity following a bore, the policy dictates that water samples be taken and analyzed by either the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District or the Hays Trinity Conservation District, paid for by Kinder Morgan (which can also retain its own water quality experts). Kinder Morgan has downplayed the county’s
action regarding the permits. Vice President Allen Fore told the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch he has been in contact with the Transportation Department as well as Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell and Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith and will continue to work with them. Two county road crossings east of Interstate 35 have been completed. The roads yet to be crossed, all in Western Hays County, are CR 218 at Pump Station Road, CR 220 at Mt. Sharp Road and CR 244 at Ledgerock Road. The county’s actions don’t impede Kinder Morgan’s crossing of state or federal highways like I-35.
Still Budaful
Continued from pg. 1 ees. Amici Cucina Italiana is one of the businesses that secured a grant. Fabrizio Sarnacchiaro, executive chef, said the money helped tremendously, especially after having a drop in revenue. This food truck received its funds during the first wave of grants and said it will last a month, maybe two. “We were a little worried what the future will hold,” Sarnacchiaro said, “but the grant coming through gave us breathing room.” Water 2 Wine recently submitted its application. Co-owner Don Gottschalk said he believes they should get the grant. He plans to use the money to pay for rent and utilities. Buda’s Red Door boutique received the grant within a week of applying. For this boutique, the inventory is seasonal; they need to update their winter months inventory to Spring and Summer. Nelda Montemayor said
the money has been a blessing. It has helped her pay for rent which gave her room to buy some new inventory. Montemayor suggested that everyone take advantage of the grant because it has given her small business a little push. Small businesses in Buda may be at an advantage with this grant. Surrounding cities have not presented their businesses with a stimulus program, but some cities and counties across Texas are catching on. “I’m starting to hear some counties doing it,” Gonzales said, “but I’m very proud of the fact that Buda is in the forefront. The whole task force stepped up to the plate early, so at least in the region, Buda was one of the first as far as getting organized and getting the program going. It emphasizes the fact that Buda can be a business-friendly city.”
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 13, 2020
Steamboat Yellow Stone kept revolution afloat Texas History by Bartee Haile
To protect the vital working parts of his steamship as well as passengers and crew from hostile fire, Capt. Ross turned the Yellow Stone into an early version of the Civil War “cottonclad” by stacking bales on the deck. On the morning of Apr. 12, he informed Gen. Houston that his vessel was ready for the dangerous crossing. At the same time, Santa Anna was fording the same river a mere 15 miles downstream. The “Napoleon of the West” had only two hurriedly constructed flat-bottomed boats and several smaller craft at his disposal, but by nightfall he too had his whole army on the opposite shore. Two days later, Houston and Ross said their goodbyes, and the general headed east toward San Jacinto while the captain steamed south down the Brazos. Along the way, the Yellow Stone passed the burned-out ruins of San Felipe, picked up civilian stragglers from the “Runaway Scrape” and shrugged off musket and small-cannon fire from puzzled Mexicans who had never seen a cottonclad. Capt. Ross was in port at Galveston on Apr. 26, when David G. Burnet finally learned how the Battle of San Jacinto had turned out. The dispatch that brought the interim president the wonderful news also summoned him to the battleground. Ross again obliged, though the demanding Burnet likely left him little choice. For the return trip to Galveston, Santa Anna
and his personal staff plus 80 wounded prisoners were escorted under guard onto the Yellow Stone. But when soldiers tried to carry on-board their general, in great pain from a bullet in his ankle, his bitter enemy Burnet blocked the gangplank. According to Donald Jackson in his well-researched Voyages of the Steamboat Yellow Stone, “Captain Ross interceded and refused to pilot the Yellow Stone without Houston aboard.” Seven months later, the steamboat was called upon for one last official favor. It transported the body of Stephen F. Austin, who had died unexpectedly at the age of 43, the short distance down the Brazos to a temporary resting place on his sister’s plantation. On more than one
occasion, Sam Houston asked the Republic and later the State of Texas to keep his promise to the captain and crew of the Yellow Stone. In 1837 he wrote, “…had it not been for its services, the enemy could never have been overtaken until they had reached the Sabine.” Nineteen years later, the old general put it more bluntly: “What would a league of land have been worth, it I had been prevented from intercepting Santa Anna at San Jacinto?” Nevertheless, the claims were never paid. As for the Yellow Stone, all that remains of the historic steamboat is its bell, which is on display in the Alamo museum. For great quarantine reading, all five of Bartee’s books are available for purchase on his web site barteehaile@gmail.com.
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n a May 19, 1837 letter to the speaker of the Republic house of representatives, President Sam Houston pressed for full payment as promised to the captain and crew of the Yellow Stone and the rightful place of the steamboat in Texas history. Built in Louisville, Kentucky in 1831, the sidewheeler was specifically designed for navigating the shallow waters of the Missouri River. For four years, it made many trips on America’s longest tributary mainly hauling furs to market. After completing major repairs and refitting for the Texas trade, the Yellow Stone steamed up the Brazos River docking at Brazoria in November 1835. Running cotton between San Felipe and Washington-on-the-Brazos kept it busy for the next two months. The Yellow Stone returned to New Orleans at Christmas to pick up ammunition and volunteers, including the ill-fated “Mobile Grays” destined to die at Goliad, for the Texas rebellion. Dropping off cargo and passengers at Quintana in early January 1836, the steamer resumed its role as the carrier of choice for cotton growers along the Brazos. “The boat was loading cotton at Groce’s Landing above San Felipe,” states the Handbook of Texas, “when Sam Houston’s army arrived on Mar. 31, 1836 in a heavy rain and established camp on the west side of the Brazos.” Under the rules of war, Houston could have seized the Yellow Stone and compelled Capt. John E. Ross and his crew to do his bidding. But, if they refused, he had no one to operate the steam-powered craft. A few hands, most notably Thomas Lubbock, brother of a future Texas governor and a Civil War hero in his own right, were sympathetic to the cause and willing to fight. Most, however, needed an inducement, which Houston was happy to provide. In return for their cooperation, the general promised each member of the crew a piece of independent Texas. Capt. Ross and the engineer were entitled to the largest, a full league or 4,428 acres, with everyone else receiving a third of a league. There was one more sticking point of grave concern to the men of the Yellow Stone. In the event of capture, would they be treated as prisoners of war or put to death as pirates? Houston deftly handled this issue by assuring them in writing that they would continue to steam under the U.S. flag as American citizens, making them neutral noncombatants, and would not be required to bear arms.
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 13, 2020
Page 7
VSO volunteers turning out face masks In addition to filling requests from hospitals, school districts, medical clinics and first responders, they will even deliver masks and hand sanitizers to individuals who call and ask.
BY ANITA MILLER
erans Service Organizations Alliance). Those at work The spirit of inclusivewithout personal military ness that engendered the experience come from shared space is personified military families, and their in the work going on. dedication is easy to see. While a 3-D printer hums They’ve been at it 12 hours along 24/7, seamstresses a day, six days a week since with military backgrounds mid-March and had as of are hard at work making late last week produced in face masks for distribution excess of 6,000 masks. to nursing homes, classU.S. Rep. Chip Roy rooms, medical clinics and stopped in on May 7 and as elsewhere. of that time, the operation The Coronavirus Relief had: Operation is inside the • Logged 3,852 man hours Buda VFW Hall but as ban- • Produced 6,330 face ners on the wall proclaim, masks the space is also being used • 3-D printed 3,863 ear by the American Legion relief surgical mask and AMVets — the three extenders. organizations that make up In an assembly line-like the Buda VSO Alliance (Vet- process, fabric is cut, then
sewn into squares and made into masks fashioned with either straps or plastic “extenders” being made in the 3-D printer. That, they say, is easier on the ears than elastic and can be produced in different sizes to more comfortably fit different-sized heads. In addition to filling requests from hospitals, school districts, medical clinics and first responders,
they will even deliver masks and hand sanitizers to individuals who call and ask. The project is in partnership with Spectrum, which supplied the 3-D printer and the hand sanitizer. “Everybody here is either a veteran or a military spouse — a 30-year Army veteran, a 20-year Army veteran,” Cassandra Melgar-C’DeBaca says as she gestures to people around
PHOTO BY ANITA MILLER
the room. “Everybody is affiliated with the military community,” she added, “although we also have some civilians that come in
and help.” The operation kind of grew out of art therapy in
ary Pfluger and Matthew Pfluger. Additionally, Ralph is very proud of his twenty-two great-grandchildren. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Doris McDougall and his granddaughter, Jennifer Allen. The family would like to thank Encompass Hospice for their supportive care. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 14, 2020 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at
Harrell Funeral Home – Kyle with Funeral Services on Friday, May 15, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with entombment at Onion Creek Memorial Park to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ralph Pfluger Memorial Scholarship Fund; PO Box 221, Manchaca, TX 78652. Scholarships will support students pursuing a degree in education, with an emphasis on special education.
VOLUNTEERS MAKE MASKS, 12
OBITUARIES BALES On Monday, May 11, 2020, Cecil Aubrey Bales Jr., loving husband and father of three children, died at the age of 67. Cecil, better known as Aubrey, was born on January 20, 1953, in Buda, to Cecil and Jean Bales. Aubrey would make Kyle home his entire life. On Dec. 18, 1976, Aubrey married Debbie and they celebrated 43 loving years together. They started a family to include children Carrie, Robby and Brandy. His servant heart was admired by all of those who knew him. Aubrey lived an eventful life, always willing to help where needed. Over the years Aubrey served as a councilmember for the city of Kyle, as a volunteer firefighter, and as a reserve deputy for the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. He was active in the community and seemingly could fix anything. Aubrey contributed to the remodel of the First Baptist Church of Kyle and continued his service to the community in his unique ways. Most knew Aubrey for his hard work and often “forgetting” to invoice those he helped.
After running his own business for years, Aubrey continued his service, working for Lowe’s in Kyle, at the Pro Desk. He built several lasting relationships with the community and was known for his wittiness and kind heart. Aubrey loved activities with his family and playing golf with some of his closest friends. The golf group, known as the “Thursday Rough Bunch” became a weekly outing. He was known for making some near impossible shots to include a hole in one at Plum Creek golf course. Aubrey also enjoyed having coffee with the locals. His numerous “one-liners” will be forever remembered. Aubrey loved reading and was an avid Longhorn football fan. Aubrey is preceded in death by his father Cecil Aubrey Bales, Sr. He is survived by numerous family members including his wife Debbie, mother Jean, son Robby, daughter Carrie (Barry), daughter Brandy (John), sister Mary (Jesse), brother Bryce (Ann), and brother Rod. Aubrey loved spending time with his grandchildren – Justin, Jonathan, Jacob, Brittany, Ava, Grayson, Breigh and Ryan. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews,
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whom he loved dearly. A service to celebrate Aubrey’s life will be announced by the family soon.
and Wimberley into one system. Ralph ran for the HCISD School Board again at age 73, completing several more years of service to the district. Ralph was honored as a “Hero for PFLUGER Children” by the state, and Ralph also was honored by havDaniel ing an elementary school Pfluger, age named for him. Ralph 89, passed Pfluger Elementary School from this is in Buda, Texas. earth in May Ralph worked at 8, 2020 in Marbridge Foundation the presence of his family, in Manchaca, Texas from in his home in Manchaca, 1961 until he retired. He Texas. started as the farmer and Ralph was born on July retired as the president. 30, 1930 to B.E. and Dora Marbridge Foundation Pfluger in Pflugerville, is a home for adults with Texas. The Pfluger family developmental disabilities moved to Austin, Texas and they were on the forein 1939, where Ralph atfront of working to train tended school, graduating and assist their residents in 1948 from Austin High in life skill and job placeSchool. Ralph attended ment. Texas Lutheran College Ralph is survived by his until being drafted into wife, Lois, as well as his the Army. children Ann Bales and On May 4th, 1952, Ralph her husband Bryce; Duane married the love of his life, Pfluger and his wife TerLois Larson from Elgin, rye, Douglas Pfluger and Texas. The couple settled his wife Sharon, Denise in Hays County after he Allen and her husband completed his service in Warren, and Bryan Pfluger the Army. Ralph was active and his wife Cindy. in his church and in the Ralph is also survived Hays County School Sysby his grandchildren, Tym tem. He ran for the Buda Bryce, Rene Bales-AnderSchool Board in 1963, son, Chris Bales, Laina serving for many years Bales, Nathan Pfluger, and was selected to be on Benjamin Pfluger, Jessica the original Hays ConPfluger, Felicia Pfluger, solidated School Board Kyle Allen, Kevin Allen, that united Buda, Kyle Heather Thomas, Zach-
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
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Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770
Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle
BAPTIST 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
15359 IH-35, Ste. B • P.O. Box 1364, Buda, TX 78610
512-312-2383
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Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle
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St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland CHRISTIAN
Santa Cruz Catholic Church
1100 Main Street • Buda, Texas 78610 Office: 512-312-2520 • Fax: 512-295-2034 • santacruzcc.org Rev. David Leibham, Pastor • Fr. Rito Davila, Parochial Vicar CONFESSION Saturdays: 4 p.m.-5 p.m. MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday evening: 5:30 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. (Spanish), 11 a.m. (English) 5 p.m. (English)
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Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda EPISCOPAL 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
CATHOLIC Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda
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Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda
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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
Buda United Methodist Church Elm Street & San Marcos
*Traditional Worship (Worship Center)-9 a.m. Sunday School (all ages)-10:00 a.m.
*Informal Worship (Worship Center)-11 a.m. Wednesday Evening (Chapel)-6:30 p.m.
Rev. Lisa Straus Office 295-6981 • www.BudaUMC.org
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A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161
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Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m. Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m.
8:30 a.m. Traditional service 9:45 a.m. Contemporary service 11:00 a.m. Blended service Adult, teen, children’s classes • Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school
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Page 8
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 13, 2020
Hays County club soccer team Lobo signs to play football at joins national organization
Grambling State
BY MOSES LEOS III Moving under the wing of a nationally recognized organization, a local youth soccer select club hopes the change can keep area talent playing closer to home. CTX Flash, a Kyle area soccer club organization, will become an affiliate team under Surf Cup Sports, out of San Diego, California. The Flash, which will remain based in Kyle, will be rebranded as Central Texas Surf and will service multiple cities between Austin and San Antonio. “We are excited to bring extended programming to Central Texas and we are thrilled that our San Antonio team has found a like-minded partner that is as dedicated to their players’ development pathway,” said Brian Enge, CEO of Surf Sports in a statement. Playing with the Surf organization, which has 30 clubs across the country and two in Texas, CTX will find resources to field state and regional teams, said Scott Moore, CTX Surf director of coaching. In addition, the rebranding could assist in keeping local players in Hays County from traveling to larger cities to compete. Oftentimes, players who seek to play select soccer, especially at higher levels, travel to Austin, San Antonio or beyond due to the lack of clubs in the area. The cost of travel, along with the cost to compete in select leagues, can be a barrier for players and their families. Moore said athletes could pay as much as $3,000 per year to play in some select leagues; Surf aims to charge in the range of $1,000 to play.
STAFF REPORT
PHOTO COURTESY OF SURF CUP SPORTS
CTX Flash, a Kyle area soccer club organization, will become an affiliate team under Surf Cup Sports, out of San Diego, California.
“It’s kind of high, but kids in our area are limited due to cost,” Moore said. As a result, many select leagues experience a high dropout rate when players reach 13 years old, which is the timeframe athletes can compete for free in high school. Moore said he supports both high school and club soccer as they can be mutually beneficial. The ultimate goal for both high school and club soccer teams is to help players obtain college scholarships, Moore said. However, players often receive more exposure to college coaches and recruiters at the club level than through high school due to the higher level of play. “It’s tough to get scholarships without club soccer,” Moore said. But as sports across the globe continues their hiatus due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, club soccer leagues are waiting to see what happens next. Moore said CTX Surf will continue to follow
guidelines set by the state when it comes to possibly restarting play later this summer. In the interim, players are using apps to improve the skills and compete against their teammates. Moore said CTX coaches are also posting motivational videos to their teams to keep up morale. “Our big goal is the retention of our current players,” Moore said. It could also change the
way coaches recruit and assess players on their rosters. Coaches could ask players to send them videos of past games for review. However it’s done, Moore said players should try out different clubs and find out what works for them. “For the players, it’s super important to find a coach they can grow with and teammates they can play with,” Moore said.
and family, as well as Lehman High athletic One of the premiere coordinator and head Division I historically football coach Bruce black college Salmon. football proTorres-Whitgrams in the mer, a two-year country will be letter winner as the destination a deep snapper for Lehman with the Lobo High senior varsity footMicah Torball program, res-Whitmer finished his next fall. career with a As part of a 96% success TORRESvirtual May 7 rate on snaps. WHITMER letter-of-intent In addition, signing cereTorres-Whitmer mony, Torres-Whitmer was named as an honsigned to continue his orable mention deep football career at Gram- snapper to the 25-6A bling State University in All-District team. GramGrambling, Louisiana. bling competes in the Joining in on the call Southwestern Athletic were various friends Conference (SWAC).
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Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between May 4 and May 10, 2020.
Below is a sample of events reported by law enforcement from May 4 through May 10, 2020. The location is where the event was reported or responded to and may not necessarily be where the event occured.
Civil Matter.............................................................................................13 Information.............................................................................................21 Property- Lost/Found/Imp......................................................................7 Civil Standby............................................................................................1 Sex Offender Registry.............................................................................1 Alarm Business......................................................................................39 Alarm Residential..................................................................................29 Alarm Unknown/General.........................................................................1 Animal Calls...........................................................................................66 Field Euthanasia..................................................................................... q Loose Livestock....................................................................................13 Assault.....................................................................................................1 Sexual Assault.........................................................................................1 Assist EMS...............................................................................................8 Assist Fire Dept.......................................................................................3 Assist Outside Agency..........................................................................19 Suspicious Package................................................................................1 Burglary Building.....................................................................................2 Burglary Habitation.................................................................................4 Burglary Vehicle.....................................................................................31 Criminal Mischief.....................................................................................6 Illegal Dumping........................................................................................2 Environmental Crime...............................................................................2 Reckless Damage....................................................................................1 Attended Death.......................................................................................6 Death Investigation.................................................................................2 Disturbance Noise.................................................................................22 Disturbance Physical Fight.....................................................................9 Disturbance Verbal................................................................................17 Child Custody..........................................................................................6 Narcotics/Information.............................................................................2 Fraud........................................................................................................3 Credit/Debit Abuse..................................................................................2 Harassment..............................................................................................7 Threat.......................................................................................................1 Mental Health Follow Up.........................................................................3 Mental Health Invest...............................................................................5 Mental Health Transport..........................................................................1 Special Assignment.................................................................................1 Canine Search.........................................................................................8 Canine Training........................................................................................1 Drone Deployment..................................................................................3 Viol City Ordinance..................................................................................3 Missing Person........................................................................................1 Runaway..................................................................................................2 Public Assist..........................................................................................19 Community Contact..............................................................................74 Disabled Vehicle....................................................................................21 Foot Patrol...............................................................................................7 Close Patrol.........................................................................................499 Parental Discipline Assist........................................................................1 Flagged Down.........................................................................................3 Secure/ Open Building............................................................................1 Welfare Concern....................................................................................33 Suicidal Person........................................................................................5 Investigation............................................................................................9 Supplement...........................................................................................67 Suspicious Circumstances...................................................................48 Suspicious Person...................................................................................8 Suspicious Vehicle................................................................................47 Wanted Person........................................................................................4 Identity Theft............................................................................................1 Theft.........................................................................................................9 Vehicle Theft............................................................................................3 Recovery Stolen Vehicle.........................................................................2 Accident Minor......................................................................................27 Accident Hit and Run..............................................................................9 Accident Major/Injury............................................................................14 Accident Unknown..................................................................................1 Abandoned/Stored Vehicle.....................................................................3 Traffic Control/Direction..........................................................................4 Directed/Area Enforcement..................................................................58 Traffic Hazard.........................................................................................29 Attempt to Locate...............................................................................763 Parking Enforcement.............................................................................10 Traffic Stop...........................................................................................414 Trespassing/Unwanted.........................................................................27 911 Abandoned/Open.........................................................................216 Unknown/Other.......................................................................................1 Discharge Firearm.................................................................................13 Private Tow/Repo....................................................................................1 Outside Fire.............................................................................................1 EMS Response........................................................................................1
Agency Activity HCSO Assault BPD Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Assault HCSO Assault BPD Burglary - Vehicle BPD Burglary - Vehicle BPD Burglary - Vehicle BPD Burglary - Vehicle BPD Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Vehicle Theft HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Assault HCSO Assault HCSO Burglary - Vehicle BPD Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Suicidal Person HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Burglary - Habitation HCSO Suicidal Person BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Burglary - Building HCSO Burglary - Habitation HCSO Burglary - Habitation BPD Burglary - Vehicle BPD Burglary - Vehicle BPD Burglary - Vehicle BPD Burglary - Vehicle BPD Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Suicidal Person HCSO Vehicle Theft HCSO Vehicle Theft BPD Accident - Major/Injury BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Assault HCSO Burglary - Habitation HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Suicidal Person BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Death Investigation HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Missing Person
Date 05/04/2020 05/05/2020 05/04/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/05/2020 05/06/2020 05/05/2020 05/06/2020 05/06/2020 05/07/2020 05/06/2020 05/06/2020 05/06/2020 05/07/2020 05/06/2020 05/06/2020 05/07/2020 05/07/2020 05/07/2020 05/07/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/08/2020 05/10/2020 05/09/2020 05/09/2020 05/10/2020 05/09/2020 05/09/2020 05/09/2020 05/10/2020 05/10/2020 05/11/2020 05/10/2020
Time 15:54:16 3:43:50 18:45:19 5:52:02 19:47:54 20:35:35 8:25:21 9:04:59 9:08:55 14:37:53 15:57:27 7:17:11 7:20:54 7:29:48 7:33:36 8:04:16 8:06:40 8:15:00 8:23:38 8:34:57 8:56:01 9:02:04 9:29:32 13:31:16 15:24:43 2:17:39 6:52:25 0:47:27 15:47:43 5:47:32 12:35:07 19:21:19 13:59:25 0:17:39 22:21:00 23:23:58 14:01:44 22:16:18 12:11:04 14:28:32 6:39:15 7:48:13 12:19:40 6:43:58 6:49:10 7:16:33 12:51:30 13:04:05 7:18:43 11:19:04 17:27:47 7:00:06 19:54:07 17:38:01 7:03:28 19:40:30 7:27:57 23:56:51 14:31:42 21:58:47 0:00:52 9:32:18 8:48:02 0:28:07 15:25:15 13:10:11 21:11:37 0:57:44 11:04:01 4:41:15 22:23:05
Location Myers Creek Rd Dripping Springs Loma Linda St/Bonita Vista Dr Buda 2656 Windy Hill Rd Kyle Bingo Bakeries USA Nautical Loop Kyle Char Crest Ct San Marcos Nutty Brown Rd Austin E Hidatsa St Buda Mandan St Buda Nandina Dr Buda Mandan St Buda Nandina Dr Buda Nautical Loop Kyle Tailwind Dr Kyle Tailwind Dr Kyle Nautical Loop Kyle Nautical Loop Kyle Nautical Loop Kyle Nautical Loop Kyle Nautical Loop Kyle Nautical Loop Kyle Spinnaker Loop Kyle Spinnaker Loop Kyle Nautical Loop Kyle Sosebee Pkwy Buda Nautical Loop Kyle Camino Real Kyle Shadow Creek Blvd Buda 7515 block Camino Real Kyle Travertine Trl Buda Bell Springs Rd Dripping Springs 260 E US 290 Home Depot of Dripping Springs Mandan St Buda Twisted Crk Kyle Bell Springs Rd Dripping Springs Primrose Kyle 2435 FM 2001 Buda Mountain Vw Wimberley Dragon Ridge Rd Buda Exit 223 NB Buda Leadtree Loop/Flatwoods Dr Buda 15705 IH 35 FR Buda Burger King of Buda Quail Cv Kyle Country Ln Buda Crews Ln Buda Crews Ln Buda Hartung Cv Buda Lost Ridge Way Buda Hartung Cv Buda Wellington Dr Austin Lexington Dr Austin Brentwood Dr Austin Love Dr Buda Salinas Rd San Marcos Lazy Ln San Marcos Mary St Buda 5806 RR 32 San Marcos Exit 221 SB Buda 16536 IH 35 Fr Buda Moonwalker Trl/Sunbright Blvd Buda 10760 Miller Ln Austin High Rd Kyle Miller Ln Austin Dickerson Rd Kyle Denise Ellen Dr Buda Honeybee Ln Austin 825 Main St Buda 2100 block Dacy Ln Kyle 3590 Goforth Rd Kyle Knox Dr Buda Fox Rd San Marcos Sundown Ave Buda
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 13, 2020
Page 9
Hays CISD loses its last pioneer Ralph Pfluger died Friday, May 8, 2020. Pfluger, the namesake for Ralph Pfluger Elementary School, served on the Buda School Board when Hays CISD was created in 1967, and was selected as one of the seven founding members of the first Hays CISD School Board. In 2012, recognizing his lifelong contributions to children, the district, and education in Texas, the State Board of Education named him a Hero for Children. “I’m not good at talking about myself or bragging on my accomplishments, though in hindsight, I am very proud of all that I have achieved advocating for students at the top level (as a school board member) and working with them individually (as a mentor). I know I have helped many students through the years and I cherish each and every one of them,” Pfluger said at the time he received the Hero for Children Award. “More importantly, I would have to say they have helped me too. There’s nothing more important and there’s no greater feeling than knowing you have helped a student see their full potential and achieve more than they thought they could. I think each generation owes it to the next to pass along wisdom and lend a helping hand where possible to those who need it. None of us are where we are today because we did it all on our own. Everyone has benefited from the kindness of others. It is our duty to return the favor.” Pfluger was born in
Pflugerville on July 30, 1930, but had lived in Hays County since 1953, one year after marrying the love of his life – Lois. His presence on the original consolidating board of Hays CISD was no accident. For decades, he laughingly described how he first came into school board service for Buda in 1963. “The Buda school district was having its share of problems at that time and one day two guys came by our home, then on FM 1626, while I was mowing my bar ditch. They were looking for me (or someone) to serve on the board and I said ‘Sure!’” “I really didn’t know what I was getting in for,” Pfluger admitted, describing his first board meeting, where an unpopular 4-3 board personnel decision was decided by his vote. Angered by that vote, a member of the audience stood up and told Pfluger “Come on outside” and threatened a whipping. It didn’t happen, but the new board member figured, if necessary, he’d be safe if he got to the door because “he’d never catch me.” In 1967, the Buda School District consolidated with the Kyle and Wimberley districts. Pfluger was selected as one of the two board members from Buda to serve on the new consolidated board because of his leadership and character. The ensuing years brought the distinct challenges and rewards that come with school board membership. Pfluger served as a Hays CISD trustee until 1974, including terms as the
board’s vice president and president. All the while, he continued his ongoing professional life as an administrator at the Marbridge community for adults with special needs. Always a follower of school district matters and unable to recruit a board candidate representing his views, he decided to run for the office once again in 2004 and did so successfully, occupying his 21st century seat until his retirement from the board in 2010. In 2011, he agreed to fill a vacancy on the board and served until the May election that year. He complemented his trustee work with a regular (some describe it as “religious”) schedule of volunteer work focused on remedial reading and mentoring. It was that personal mentoring for which he was so highly recognized, an almost unique talent he brought to Hays CISD campuses — and individual students — fortunate enough to connect with him. In September 2010, Hays CISD honored Ralph Pfluger by dedicating an
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III Pfluger Elementary Assistant Principal Emily Marshall (left) and Principal Kathy Noack (right) join school namesake Ralph Pfluger for a photo during Ralph Pfluger Day celebrations on Jan. 29. On Friday, Hays CISD officials announced Pfluger, one of the original members of Hays CISD's first-ever school board, had passed away.
elementary school in his honor. In August 2019, at one of his last districtwide appearances, Pfluger was a keynote feature at the dedication of the district’s third comprehensive high school – Johnson High School. His remarks
February 2020, his namesake elementary honored him with Ralph Pfluger Day to help mark the 10th anniversary of the school’s opening. The video tribute to that event is at: www. hayscisd.net/ralphpflugerday.
Graduation 2020 Join us in celebrating the Hays CISD graduating classes of Jack C. Hays High School, Lehman High School, Live Oak Academy and the first-ever graduates from Moe Johnson High School by congratulating your graduate in the 2020 Graduation Edition.
Sycamore Springs Elementary receives Lighthouse certification Sycamore Springs Elementary has been certified and named as a Leader in Me "Lighthouse School," becoming one of only a few schools nationwide to achieve this status within three years of opening. This certification recognizes that the school has produced outstanding results in school and student outcomes, has implemented the Leader in Me process with fidelity and excellence, and that SSE has an extraordinary impact on staff, students, parents, and the greater community. “This is truly an honor earned by the students, faculty and parents of the SSE family," said SSE Principal Kristen Ray. "I am beyond proud of their hard work and investment in empowering our Tigers to be their very best." Ray is one of only three principals ever to lead two different Lighthouse schools. Previously she
about the district’s history, formation, and the quest to get a high school near Buda, are all preserved in a video: www.hayscisd.net/ pflugervideo. He received a standing ovation by more than 2,000 attendees at the school dedication. In
was principal of Stone Oak Elementary in North East ISD when it obtained Lighthouse certification. The Lighthouse Certification is a highly regarded standard set by FranklinCovey Education that is attainable by every Leader in Me school. In order to earn the Lighthouse designation, schools must demonstrate that they have met numerous benchmarks outlined in a rubric. As it is a significant benchmark, applying for this certification typically occurs three to five years after a school begins the Leader in Me process. Sycamore Springs Elementary opened in fall of 2017. Of the nearly 4,000 schools that have adopted Leader in Me, only about 300 schools have achieved the prestigious Lighthouse certification. Dripping Springs Elementary also earned Lighthouse certification in spring of 2018.
In these uncertain times, the Hays Free Press is doing its part for Hays CISD graduation. While this is always a keepsake, this one will be even more special and can be picked up when students are allowed to gather their items from their school or extra copies can be picked up at Hays CISD administration building. The graduation edition will include a list of all Hays CISD graduates, insights from the valedictorians and saludatorians, class favorites, and most memorably, congratulatory messages from families to their graduates. Deadline to submit a congratulatory message is May 15. Email david@haysfreepress.com or call 512-268-7862
See sample ads at www.HaysFreePress.com / Current Issues / Special Editions archives
Double Size $110 black/white • $125 in color Horizontal: 4.92” wide x 3.2” tall Vertical: 2.4” wide x 6.5” tall Ads will be composed in a horizontal or vertical format at the newspaper’s discretion, unless specified by the sponsor of the ad.
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 13, 2020
USDA offers farm loans for farmers facing COVID-19 related challenges The federal Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers farm ownership and farm operating loans to agricultural producers who may not find success obtaining loans from their traditional financial institutions because of COVID-19. Farmers who cannot obtain commercial credit from a bank can apply for FSA direct or guaranteed loans. “Farming and ranching is a capital-intensive business and FSA is committed to helping producers
maintain their agricultural operations during this time of crisis,” said Gary Six, FSA state executive director in Texas. “FSA loans are designed to assist beginning and historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as well as those who have suffered financial setbacks from natural disasters or economic downturns. Producers may find that an FSA loan is the best option for them if they cannot qualify for a loan with their traditional financial institutions or
other financial institutions because of COVID-19.” USDA offers a variety of loans to meet different production needs. Direct loans are made to applicants by FSA. Guaranteed loans are made by lending institutions who arrange for FSA to guarantee the loan. FSA can guarantee up to 95 percent of the loss of principal and interest on a loan. The FSA guarantee allows lenders to make agricultural credit available to producers who do not meet the lend-
er’s normal underwriting criteria. The direct and guaranteed loan program offers two types of loans: farm ownership loans and farm operating loans. Farm ownership loan funds may be used to purchase or enlarge a farm or ranch; purchase easements or rights-ofway needed in the farm’s operation; build or improve buildings such as a dwelling or barn; promote soil and water conservation and development;
and pay closing costs. Farm operating loan funds may be used to purchase livestock, poultry, farm equipment, fertilizer, and other materials necessary to operate a farm. Operating loan funds can also be used for family living expenses; refinancing debts under certain conditions; paying salaries for hired farm laborers; installing or improving water systems for home, livestock or irrigation use; and other similar improvements.
Repayment terms for direct operating loans are scheduled from one to seven years. Financing for direct farm ownership loans cannot exceed 40 years. Interest rates for direct loans are set periodically according to the government’s cost of borrowing. Guaranteed loan terms and interest rates are set by the lender. For more information on FSA’s farm loan programs, please contact your local FSA office or visit farmers.gov.
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Public Notices NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of ROUYE M. RUSH, Deceased, were issued on April 20, 2020, in Cause No.20-0061-P, pending in the County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, to: DIANNE RUSH PAPE. 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. DIANNE RUSH PAPE 400 Blanco San Marcos, Texas 78666 DATED the 11th day of May, 2020. /s/ GENE MAJORS Attorney for MARY M. BRADEN State Bar No.: 12851500 100 N. Edward Gary, Ste.
Public Notices
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS DOWNTOWN RETAIL DEVELOPMENT PARTNER
The City of Kyle is seeking proposals for the development of 104 S. Burleson Street, a downtown parcel owned by the City. Sealed proposals, addressed to James R. Earp, will be re-
ceived by electronic submission, addressed to the City Manager’s attention at the following email address: RFP@cityofkyle.com, with the subject line stating “K 04-20 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT R33592”, until 12:00 P.M. on May 28th, 2020, and then considered by City Council in Executive session under Economic Incentives at the closest regular council meeting. Details of what the City seeks may be secured from the City website (www. cityofkyle.com/rfps) and are also available from the office of the City Secretary, Kyle, Texas. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals and to accept only those proposals which are in the best interest of the City of Kyle.
INVITATION FOR BIDS
Continued from pg. 1
utive session there was a commitment by (Judge Becerra) to notify Ms. Mejia of what our decision was. We as a court, because of the stress of this pandemic and the things that we know she had to go through which were shared with us, made it very clear that we wanted to be an avenue of assistance … the conversation that was committed to in executive session never happened,” Smith said, then motioning to pull the item to be discussed next week. “At the end of the day, there was a failure on this court. An absolute abject failure.” Smith added that, in the described executive session, Becerra had stated that the court should “Just fire her, then.” Becerra stated this comment was made in response to the tone of the commissioners when discussing the subject. “I said ‘yes, let's just fire her,’ because I saw the effort. I heard the the conversation and I saw the commissioner’s agenda item,” Becerra said. “The
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration for the Estate of DONALD LEE BROUSSARD, Deceased, were issued on April 30, 2020, in Cause No. 20-0074-P in County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, to: MADELINE SKINNER. Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the Independent Administrator addressed as follows: MADELINE SKINNER, Independent Administrator Estate of DONALD LEE BROUSSARD, Deceased c/o WENDY YATES MOORMAN TATE, LLP P. O. Box 1808
Brenham, Texas 778341808 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. DATED the 11th day of May, 2020. MOORMAN TATE, LLP By: /s/: Wendy Yates yates@moormantate.com Attorneys for Madeline Skinner
Continental Homes of Texas, LP (Owner) on behalf of North Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 1 invites the submission of sealed Bids from qualified bidders for: North Hays County MUD No. 1, Trails at Windy Hill Phase Three “Paving, Drainage, Water & Wastewater Improvements.” The work shall consist of the following: RCP Drainage Piping, Including Approximately 18”- 42” Pipe, Inlets, Headwalls and Appurtenances; Water Piping, Including 8” & 16” PVC Pipe, Valves, and Appurtenances; Gravity Wastewater Piping consisting of 8” & 10” PVC Pipe, Manholes, and Appurtenances; Excavation, Embankment and Paving; Water Quality Pond Outfall Structures and Grading; Sedimentation & Erosion Control; and Various Other Site Improvements. Sealed Bids addressed to the Owner and marked "Bid for North Hays County MUD No. 1, Trails at Windy Hill Phase Three Improvements" will be received until 10:00 AM on Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Project Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78728. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Project Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78728. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at the Project Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78728. Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be examined without charge at the offices of BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78728. Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be obtained without charge from www.civcastusa.com. Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download plans, specifications and bidding documents. A Cashier’s Check, Certified Check, or acceptable Bidder’s Bond in the amount of five percent (5%) of the Bid must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds will be required as stated in the Contract Documents. All questions pertaining to the bid must be submitted at least seven (7) calendar days prior to bid opening through www.civcastusa.com in the Q&A portal. The prices and terms of the bid must be made on the forms included in the Contract Documents. The Owner may, on its own initiative, issue Addenda before the Bid opening and, if necessary, delay the Bid opening to ensure that bidders have had sufficient time to consider the Addenda. All Addenda issued for this project will only be posted on www.civcastusa. com. You will be notified of Addenda automatically through email if you download Contract Documents via civcastusa.com. A Bid which, in the opinion of the Owner, deviates significantly from the Contract Documents, and which has not been clarified through a written Addendum prior to Bid submittal deadline, shall be considered an exception to the Contract Documents and grounds for the Bid to be rejected. Bidders should read and understand all terms and conditions contained in these Contract Documents. The Owner reserves the right to accept the lowest and best Bid as deemed by the Owner, or reject any and/or all Bids. The Owner may request qualification information including references, bonding, insurance and other information for use in determining the lowest and best Bid. Any bid may be withdrawn prior to the above scheduled time for the opening of the bids or authorized postponement thereof. Any bid received after the time and date specified will not be accepted.
Census Coordinator suant to the Texas Open Meeting Act. Commissioner Walt Smith moved to open item 48 and move it from executive session to open court as it was concerning “counsel and deliberation regarding all individual positions in the Hays County Office of Countywide Operations.” After further counsel from Kennedy, County Judge Ruben Becerra said Mejia should be present before any further discussion on the item. Becerra, agreeing with Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, felt moving the discussion to next week to include Mejia was the proper route. Smith interjected, stating he should be able to speak on his item and describing a commitment made by Becerra to notify Mejia of their decision that Becerra failed to uphold. “I came to talk specifically about the conversation that was in the executive session last week … What's upsetting to me is that in that exec-
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tone and the tempo was bright. It was loud. It was clear … I feel that and you can't argue with feelings, but I feel that politics has taken the place of public safety.” Ask by Becerra to explain her understanding of the executive session meeting, Crumley stated she understood she was to give Mejia her two weeks, her last day slated for May 12, and communicated that with Ingalsbe. “I communicated with Commissioner Inglesbe that I did have a meeting with (Mejia) planned for Monday (to discuss the court’s decision),” Crumley said to Becerra. “You gave me a direction to fire her. I didn't take it as a joke or a ‘that you're just kidding’.” In her letter, Mejia pleaded to the commissioners to retain the census coordinator position and volunteered to assist in training any new hires should the commissioners choose to replace her. At the time of writing this article, Mejia could not be reached for comment.
PUBLIC NOTICE • CITY OF KYLE TEXAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM The City of Kyle has recently completed Texas Community Development Block Grant Program Texas Capital Fund activities under its 2016 CDBG contract #7216212 with the Texas Department of Agriculture. One public hearing will be held to allow citizens an opportunity to comment on the completed project activities, amount of funds spent, and the amount of funds spent on activities that benefited low/moderate income persons. The public hearing will be held by call in @ 1(800)336-8975, enter meeting ID#148 259 3074 on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 @ 5:05 p.m. The hearing is to review the City's program performance including the actual use of the TxCDBG funds. The City encourages individual citizens and citizen's groups to make their views known at this public hearing and welcomes the full participation of its citizens in the close-out and completion of this TxCDBG contract. Written complaints and grievances regarding the TxCDBG contract and project activities will be received until May 30, 2020, and will be responded to in writing within fifteen (15) working days. Citizen comments may be delivered to City Hall at any time. Groups representative of persons of low and moderate income may request technical assistance in developing comments by contacting the person listed below. A copy of the City's Project Completion Report will be available for inspection at City Hall the day following the hearing. Handicapped individuals who may have difficulty in attending this meeting should contact City Hall to arrange for assistance. Para residentes necesitados de interpretes, favor de comunicarse con la municipalidad antes de las audiencia publica. For further information, contact Jennifer Vetrano, City Secretary, 512-262-1010 The City of Kyle does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familiar status or disability. The City is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer & encourages participation by historically underutilized Section 3 businesses. AVISO PUBLICO La ciudad de Kyle ha completado recientemente las actividades del Programa de Subvenciones por Bloques de Desarrollo Comunitario de Texas bajo su contrato CDBG 2016 #7216212 con el Departamento de Agricultura de Texas. Se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública para permitir a los ciudadanos la oportunidad de comentar las actividades del proyecto completadas, la cantidad de fondos gastados y la cantidad de fondos gastados en actividades que beneficiaron a personas de ingresos bajos/moderados. La audiencia pública se llevará a cabo en el Ayuntamiento, call in @ 1(800)336-8975, enter meeting ID#148 259 3074 on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 @ 5:05 p.m. La audiencia es para revisar el desempeño del programa de la ciudad incluyendo el uso real de los fondos TxCDBG. La Ciudad alienta a los ciudadanos individuales y a los grupos ciudadanos a dar a conocer sus puntos de vista en esta audiencia pública y acoge con satisfacción la plena participación de sus ciudadanos en el cierre y finalización de este contrato TxCDBG. Las quejas y quejas por escrito relacionadas con el contrato de TxCDBG y las actividades del proyecto se recibirán hasta el May 30, 2020, y serán respondidas por escrito dentro de los quince (15) días hábiles. Los comentarios de los ciudadanos pueden ser entregados al Ayuntamiento en cualquier momento. Los grupos representativos de personas de ingresos bajos y moderados pueden solicitar asistencia técnica para formular comentarios poniéndose en contacto con la persona que se indica a continuación. Una copia del Informe de Finalización del Proyecto de la Ciudad estará disponible para su inspección en el Ayuntamiento al día siguiente de las audiencias. Las personas discapacitadas que puedan tener dificultades para asistir a esta reunión deben ponerse en contacto con el Ayuntamiento para obtener ayuda. Para residentes necesitados de interpretes, favor de comunicar se con la municipalidad antes de la audiencia pública. Para obtener más información, póngase en contacto con Jennifer Vetrano, City Secretary, 512-262-1010 La ciudad de Kyle no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, religión, sexo, origen nacional, estado familiar o discapacidad. La ciudad es un empleador de acción afirmativa/igualdad de oportunidades y fomenta la participación de empresas históricamente infrautilizadas de la Sección 3.
NEWS
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 13, 2020
Governor, president spotlight actions Texas State to host appreciation lunch in pandemic, economic downturn for Hays County AG joins in Capitol crackdown first responders Highlights Texas, along with the rest of the nation and the world, continued to battle the COVID-19 pandemic last week as cases and deaths attributed to the novel coronavirus increased. Gov. Greg Abbott on May 7 met with President Trump in the White House. The president praised Abbott’s leadership in handling the months-long medical emergency and in managing the resulting slowdown of the economy in the Lone Star State. Abbott said Texas has one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates in the country, noting that half of the state’s 254 counties have no cases or five or fewer cases of the virus. He said we have the knowledge and resources to contain COVID-19, adding that “It’s the people of Texas who have done a great job of slowing the spread” by washing their hands, wearing masks and practicing social distancing. “Because of that, we are now seeing more and more businesses that are opening up gradually to make sure we don’t expand the spread, but we’re doing so in a way that we’ll make sure Texas will once again reclaim its position as being the number one economy in the United States,” the governor said. Trump asked about the Dallas-area beauty salon owner who was arrested and jailed for violating one of Abbott’s executive orders by prematurely opening for business. “She’s free today,” the governor said during the Oval Office meeting, adding that authorities should exercise common sense in carrying out his
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on May 4 joined a coalition of 52 attorneys general in a executive orders. In the letter to the Washington, wake of the beauty salon D.C.-based broadband case, Abbott modified industry association his executive orders USTelecom, urging the related to COVID-19 to association’s members eliminate confinement as to continue developing a punishment for violating robocall traceback and the orders. other capabilities suited to On May 10, cumulative law enforcement needs. figures posted by the Paxton and his Texas Department of colleagues said they State Health Services anticipate an increase in showed that some 37,860 enforcement and a need people in Texas had for increased investigative been diagnosed with support from leading COVID-19, and 1,049 voice service providers. deaths resulting from the “Texans’ private influenza-like virus had phones are bombarded been confirmed. by constant calls that invade their privacy and often attempt to defraud them of their hard-earned money,” Paxton said. by Ed Sterling
Preparedness week proclaimed
Gov. Abbott Abbott on May 4 issued a proclamation declaring May 3 through May 9 as Hurricane Preparedness Week in Texas. In his proclamation, the governor asks all Texans to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the danger and destruction that hurricanes can bring. “There are no substitutes for having emergency supplies and a well-prepared emergency plan to protect yourself, your family,” Abbott said. He encouraged Texans to visit the Texas Ready webpage, texasready.gov, to learn more about the steps they can take now to prepare for hurricane season. Hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30.
TEA: Graduation guidance The Texas Education Agency on May 5 announced graduation guidance for the class of 2020. Under the guidelines, ceremonies may take place as early as May 15 as the state continues the reopening of services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While school buildings remain closed to normal in-classroom instruction for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year, the TEA, in coordination with the governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas, is providing four different pathways for schools to celebrate their graduating seniors: • Virtual ceremonies that take place entirely online with the use of videoconference or
other technologies; • Hybrid ceremonies consisting of a compilation of videos of students being recognized in person as they celebrate graduation in small groups; • Vehicle ceremonies, in which students and their families wait in their cars while other graduates are recognized one at time with their families alongside them; and • Outdoor in-person ceremonies, which are currently permitted for certain counties. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said that “by taking the necessary precautions developed by medical experts, we can ensure we appropriately honor our class of 2020 graduates while keeping everyone safe.”
Grateful for the service of first responders every day and especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas State University will honor Hays County heroes with an appreciation lunch on Thursday, May 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harris Dining Hall. In keeping with social distancing guidance, first responders are welcome to dine under tents or pick up a curbside meal prepared by Texas State Dining Services and hosted by the University Police Department (UPD). “The family of first
responders in the San Marcos and Hays County community are the best you can find anywhere,” said UPD Chief Laurie Clouse. “Texas State UPD joins the rest of the Bobcat Community in thanking these professionals for the role they play in keeping us safe. We are honored to support them and show our gratitude for their tireless service.” The Texas State Dining Services team is looking forward to preparing these special meals, partnering with the UPD officers who will be helping serve them
Volunteers Make Masks Continued from pg. 7
which things like purses and quilts were produced. Many of those line the walls, and a space is set aside for just-sprouted Hatch chili pepper plants bound for transplant into home gardens. No one has any intention of stopping. “We’re going to keep going while
the demand is there,” Melgar-C’DeBaca said. “We’re not giving up because we know as things are opening we might see an increase in the need. We’re not slowing down anytime soon.” Bruce White, executive director of the Buda VSO Alliance, said the visit with
Roy went well. “Hopefully we will get some traction to continue to help people,” he said. The organization is also running a food bank and donations from the community are gratefully accepted. The Buda VFW is located at 100 Houston Street.
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