MAY 23, 2018 RUNOFF
COACHES OUT
Zwiener, Kopser win primary runoff elections.
Retiring Hays coaches look back at growth.
– Page 4A
– Page 1B
Hays Free Press © Barton Publications, Inc.
75¢
Vol. 123 • No. 8
HaysFreePress.com
Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX
Residents protest 2.5M gallon/day pump permit BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Over 100 residents packed under the Blue Hole Park pavilion in Wimberley for the Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Agency (TESPA) public forum on a well production permit submitted by Electro Purification.
Controversy continues to build over a Houston-based company’s proposal to pump 2.5 million gallons per day from the Trinity Aquifer. On May 16, roughly 100 residents gathered at the Blue Hole Regional Park pavilion in Wimberley in protest of Electro Purification’s (EP) permit with the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD). The gathering was part
Executive director and general counsel for TESPA acknowledges that BSEACD is looking in the matter closely to determine if the permit will cause unreasonable risk to the aquifer.
of a forum hosted by the Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association (TESPA). EP, which attempted to obtain water from the Trinity Aquifer in 2015, has seven test wells located between Kyle and
Wimberley to monitor the amount of water the company can successfully pump. According to EP’s application, the company’s proposed “avoidance actions” include a fiveyear, five-phase plan to pump smaller amounts
Local man killed in fatal Travis County rollover
BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Driver flees rollover wreck
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS II
Kyle firefighters inspect the wreckage of a rolled over SUV involved in a multi-vehicle crash on northbound Interstate 35 near Kyle May 16. The driver of the wreck fled the scene. See story, page 2A.
Hays High students causing parking problems in Plum Creek BY MOSES LEOS III
Congestion caused by an influx of Hays High students parking vehicles within the Plum Creek subdivision is forcing emergency officials to take action. By limiting parking on Wetzel, Hellman, Mather and Kerbey to only one side of the street, the Kyle Fire Department hopes the move will allow emergency vehicles better to access
Kyle Fire Chief Kyle Taylor said the congestion was caused by Hays High students who were parking their vehicles on area streets due to a lack of bus service.
the neighborhood. Kyle Taylor, Kyle Fire Department chief, said officials wanted to make changes after struggles to get fire trucks and ambulances through parts of Plum Creek.
Taylor said the congestion was caused by Hays High students who were parking their vehicles on area streets due to a lack of bus service. In January, Hays CISD ended bus service for
students living within two miles of several campuses, including Hays High. The Hays Free Press reported in January that 1,400-plus students were not eligible for bus service as new sidewalks are being planned for FM 2770 or on FM 150. Taylor said both Kerbey and Hellman, as well as areas near McNaughton Park have
PLUM CREEK PARKING, 4A
COMING UP F-burg Crawfish Festival
There will be a three day festival dedicated to the cajun crustacean along with entertainment, music, and of course food and drink May 25 through May 27. Located at the Marktplatz in Fredericksburg.
Onion Creek seniors honor veterans Join the members of the Onion Creek Senior Center at the center on Friday, May 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. where veterans will be honored with a free lunch.
RAMEN ON
Ramen restaurant coming to Buda. – Page 1D
Hot Luck Festival - Austin
The second annual food festival hosted in various locations around Austin, May 24 through May 27. “Live Food & Music” to honor the soul, sweat and DIY diversity of the food and music world in Austin.
INDEX
ROLLOVER FATALITY, 2A
WATER PERMIT PROTEST, 4A
Mt. City cries foul over new ball complex
BY MOSES LEOS III A Kyle man has been identified as the victim in a fatal single-vehicle rollover that took place in southeast Travis County Sunday. Victor Aguiree-Arroyo, 21, of Kyle, was killed in a wreck that happened near the 9000 block of U.S. 183 roughly 4.5 miles south of Austin, according to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) spokesperson. According to a preliminary report, a 2001 Honda Accord, operated by Aguiree-Arroyo, was traveling southbound on U.S. 183 at a high rate of speed. At around the same time, witnesses saw a motorcycle traveling northbound in the left lane of U.S. 183. According to the report, the driver of the Accord “perceived” that the motorcycle was in his lane and was coming head-on. The driver then took a hard left at a high rate of speed in front of the motorcycle. The move caused the Accord to go into a right-hand side skid
from the aquifer. Phase I would call for 273,750,000 gallons of water to be pumped in the first year with a gradual increase to nearly one billion gallons of water per year in Phase V, which is expected to be completed by 2023. Vanessa Puig-Williams, executive director and general counsel for TESPA, said she believes the permit may pass with these phases put into effect,
News……………… 1-4A Opinion……………… 3A Sports……………… 1-2B Education………… 3-4B Community……… 1-4C
Best Bets…………… 4C Business………… 1-4D Classifieds ………... 2D Service Directory…..... 3D Public Notices…… 2-4D
Hays High’s new $4.4 million baseball and softball complex is expected to be finished by 2019, but not without concern from residents of neighboring Mountain City. On May 13, Mountain City residents met with HCISD officials to relay worries about the new ballpark, said Mountain City Mayor Phillip Taylor. Some of the discussion stemmed from concern over potential noise, light pollution and flooding, which is a prevalent issue during rainfall on Live Oak Court, located adjacent to the school district’s property line. However, the district affirms that the stadium is following building codes, drainage requirements, civil engineering codes and standards set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). “This project will not have an adverse impact on the existing drainage problems that the neighborhood (Mountain City) has experienced for a number of years,” said Tim Savoy, public information officer for the HCISD. “We value our Mountain City neighbors and appreciate the opportunity to have discussed the project with them.” Savoy said the maximum candlepower at the property line will be .24, which should not pose a problem. The stadium was approved by district voters as part of HCISD’s $250 million bond package. However, this has left some Mountain City residents to fear that their concerns at the council meeting will not be met. A homeowner located on Live Oak Court said she fears property values in Mountain City will take a hit after the completion of the stadium.
BASEBALL COMPLEX, 2A
NEWS
Page 2A
Hays Free Press The Hays Free Press (USPS 361-430) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. ISSN#1087-9323
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If you think it’s news, we probably do too! • Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress. com • Mail: 113 W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640
CORRECTIONS
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DEADLINES
• The deadline for display advertising and any contributed news copy in the Hays Free Press is 5 p.m. Friday the week prior to publication. • The deadline for Letters to the Editor and classified word advertising in the Hays Free Press is noon Monday the week of publication, though we encourage readers and advertisers to observe the Friday deadline.
LETTERS GUIDELINES
We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@haysfreepress. com.
HISTORY
Founded April 10, 1903, by Thomas Fletcher Harwell as The Kyle News, with offices on the corner of Burleson and Miller streets in the town’s oldest remaining building. It merged into The Hays County Citizen in 1956. The paper consolidated with The Free Press in October, 1978. During its more than 100-year history the newspaper has maintained offices at more than a dozen locations in Kyle and Buda.
Hays Free Press • May 23, 2018
Driver flees rollover wreck in Kyle STAFF REPORT
just south of Center Street. Details of the Authorities continue wreck, which involved to search for a man who an overturned SUV, are fled on foot from the unknown at this time. scene of a rollover wreck It is also unknown how on Interstate 35 near many vehicles were Kyle Wednesday. involved in the incident. Jeff Barnett, Kyle Barnett said there were Police Chief, said no reported injuries. emergency officials When authorities were dispatched around arrived on scene, 4 p.m. May 16 to a witnesses told them a multi-vehicle collision man, who they believe along northbound I-35 operated one of the
vehicles in the wreck, fled the scene on foot in a westward direction and ran across all lanes of southbound I-35, Barnett said. The man then ran into a pasture on the west side of I-35 before going into a wooded area. The person is described as White or Hispanic male who is in his 20s and has a thin build. The man was reportedly
wearing a black hoodie and had a red backpack. Barnett said authorities searched the area for two hours but were unable to locate the man. Kyle Police led the search and were assisted by the Kyle Fire Department, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 Units. Barnett said the man is not believed to be a danger to the commu-
nity. Authorities believe the man might have sustained injuries; witnesses said they believe the man was bleeding from the neck area. Authorities want to question the man regarding his involvement in the rollover wreck. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Kyle Police at 512-2683232.
Plum Creek Parking: Kyle Fire Department gets involved Continued from pg. 1A
been “impassible.” Stutz, who was given that dents are driving within authority by the Kyle City the subdivision to park Council in 2017. their vehicle near ingress At that time, the Kyle and egress points in Plum City Council updated its Creek and fire code to then walk allow the “We’re trying to to campus, fire marshal make it safer Taylor said. to address It also has parking and easier created a issues if a for our guys traffic hazroad is less ard, as drivthan 26 feet (emergency ers trying to in width. personnel) to navigate the Taylor said streets often in get in. That’s our streets deal with Plum Creek whole goal. All obstructed are narrower views. than 26 feet. the way around “We’re tryUpdating the park, it’s a ing to make the fire code it safer and calls mess out there. also easier for for new deWe have had our guys to velopment get in. That’s to design issues with our whole streets that blocked fire goal,” Taylor are no less said. “All the than 32 feet hydrants.” way around wide. Taylor the park, said the Kyle –Kyle Taylor, it’s a mess Fire Departout there. ment has Kyle Fire Chief We have had dealt with issues with blocked fire traffic issues on Wetzel for hydrants.” years, but no issues have The decision to limit been caused by congesparking to one side of the tion on Kirby and Hellman street was made by Kyle yet. Fire Marshal Mark SchulTaylor said he plans to
Rollover Fatality Continued from pg. 1A
going into the oncoming lanes of traffic, and then into the northbound grass shoulder, according to the report. The vehicle began to turn over, ejecting the driver, according to the report. The release reported that Jorge Jaimes, 18, of Dale,
was a passenger in the Accord at the time of the accident. Jaimes’ condition is unknown at this time. DPS officials continue to investigate this incident. This story is developing. We will provide updates as information becomes available.
Baseball Complex Continued from pg. 1A
The stadium is located only a few meters from her property line and the noise from the construction foreshadows what is to come when the project is complete. “We’re scared, to say the least,” the resident said. “One thing that always made Mountain City so special is how secluded and quiet our community is. Everyone here is at peace with their neighbors.
Willie is a 1-year-old, male Catahoula mix. He is the most faithful friend you’ll ever have! Although Willie does get a little excited, he just hopes that people understand that his excitement just shows how happy he is to see everyone.
This baseball stadium can hurt our quality of life. Do you want to live next to a stadium?” The construction site for the stadium, which sits closer than 50 yards from residents’ backyards, is orientated to where the batter and catcher are closest to Mountain City. Although the outfield is on the other side of the lot, residents fear foul balls could cause issues to their properties.
Destani is a 1.5 year-old, female shorthair Dilute Calico. She is a total cuddle bug! As soon as you come into the room she’ll run up to you and beg for pets. She loves to play with any kid of toy and loves to be brushed and pampered.
PAWS Shelter and Humane Society
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 • Erin Jobman, DVM 6300 FM 1327 (East of I35 and Creedmoor) Austin, TX 78747 Give us a call at 512-385-0486
COURTESY PHOTO
Cars lining both sides of the narrow Plum Creek streets is an issue the Kyle Fire Department is tackling after requiring parking on one side of Wetzel, Kirby, Hellman and Mather streets.
talk with City Manager Scott Sellers and Hays CISD leaders to come up with a solution to the parking problem. “Maybe during the summer, we can come up with a solution,” Taylor said. Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell said he learned about the parking issues through social media. Mitchell said he learned residents were experiencing congestion “on a scale they had never seen before” due to the influx of student vehicles. Students parking in subdivisions is an issue the Kyle City Council has dealt with in the recent past,
Mitchell said. In 2016, the Kyle City Council prohibited Lehman High students from parking in subdivisions near the campus. While ideas about creating permitted parking were explored in both situations, Mitchell said there was “unintended consequences” of establishing such rules. As a result, residents in the neighborhoods supported the move to have cars parked on only one side of certain Plum Creek streets. Mitchell said the best way to address parking problems in neighborhoods near high schools
is to incentivize students to park on campus. Kyle is also working with Hays CISD to potentially set up auxiliary parking sites near Hays High to allow free parking for students who must commute. However, Mitchell said the city doesn’t intend to require any other streets to limit parking to only one side at this time. “That said, we are listening to residents and taking our cues from them,” Mitchell said. “If they agree that a street should have parking addressed or have one-sided parking, we’ll take a look a it.”
Opinion
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“This project (ball park) will not have an adverse impact on the existing drainage problems that the neighborhood (Mountain City) has experienced for a number of years,” –Tim Savoy, Hays CISD public information officer. Story on page 1A
Hays Free Press • May 23, 2018
Page 3A
EDITORIAL
Are the calculations worth it?
T
wo side-by-side stories in Sunday’s New York Times show just how prevalent school shootings are. One covered the shooting at Sante Fe High School, southeast of Houston. The other was all about students at a Mount Pleasant Community High School in Iowa doing math calculations on how likely it was that they would get shot if a shooter turned up in their school. It seems that high school students no longer just worry about who they will be going to the prom with, or when they are getting their driver’s license. Now they are calculating their chances of surviving an attack, going through active-shooter drills, lock-down drills – and wondering if their town is next. At Santa Fe High, students survived by diligently doing exactly what the drills had taught them. They didn’t even open the doors to the closets where they were hiding when the police came in and identified themselves, because the students figured it was just the shooter trying to trick them. But all the drills in the world could not help the two teachers and eight students dead and 13 other wounded. The on-campus police officers could not stop the shooter – a student – who walked through the hallway with his gun and a strap of shotgun shells slung around his chest And when it is all over, the images you see are almost like those of a prison. The students comes out walking in single file, with their hands on their heads, or with their hands on the shoulders of those in front of them, or their hands in the air, because police need to make sure that they were not part of the shooting spree. Students have to dump their backpacks, emptying them. They are crying or staring off blankly, in shock that this kind of incident could happen at their school – at the school that they thought would be safe. Locally, both Hays and Lehman high schools have had lockdowns, they have done the drills, as have other schools in Hays CISD. It’s the norm now, that students and teachers go through the drills because they are aware that this could happen. Parents might complain about having to sign in at the office every single time they go to drop something off. It is all too real that such an incident could happen locally. We all pray that it won’t. Now is the time to start pushing our elected officials to take a firmer stand and find solutions to this growing issue, more than just offering “thoughts and prayers.” But with the gun culture of the United States – especially in Texas – that we don’t need more background checks, we all have to begin doing our own calculations. For those who have loved ones who attend or work within our school system, crafting those calculations is an all-too-familiar practice these days. Could it happen here? And, if it does, will my child, friend, loved one survive? It’s not a math problem that we want to be doing.
Royal Pain
N
ow that the wedding is over, I’m hoping all this fuss over the British royal family can go away. Over the past two weeks, we Americans have been bombarded by the British like it was 1776. News coverage of the royal wedding flooded pert near every channel on my TV. They were even gabbing about it on ESPN. What in tarnation is so great about the British royalty and them getting hitched? I just don’t get it. Just last year, Princess Marie-Gabrielle of Nassau, daughter of Prince Jean of Luxembourg, and some fella named Antonius Wilms got married, but I don’t recall the gals from the Today show going gaga over that wedding. Why are Americans so infatuated about the British royalty tying the knot? Personally, I don’t give a rat’s arse who gets married over in England these days. My interest in the Crown ended after the death of King Arthur. I’m curious, how many of y’all got up early last Saturday to watch the royal wedding? Hey, if I’m getting up at 4
News and Sports Editor Moses Leos III
by Clint Younts
a.m. on a Saturday, you’ll find me out hunting feral hogs, not watching TV and eating scones. I’m sorry, but I’m just not a fan of anything British. The only time I’m excited over seeing the king and queen is when they are sitting next to the ace, jack and 10. And the only Queen I’ll listen to sings “Bohemian Rhapsody”. I don’t watch British television shows or British movies because I don’t speak their language. Them folks ‘spose to be talkin’ English, but dag-nabbit, I can’t cipher half the stuff they say. I reckon havin’ those wide gaps in their chompers make ‘em talk funny. I’m not right sure what a spot of tea is. Here in Texas, a spot of tea is a stain on your T-shirt from sloshing down a big glass of Lipton. And have y’all seen those little bitty
cups the Brits sip tea from? Heck, that’s not enough tea to wash the dust off your tongue. Dang, when I come in from sittin’ on my tractor all day, I need at least a quart of sweet tea just to refill my sweat glands. A spot of tea can’t quench the thirst of a hard-workin’ country boy. I don’t eat British vittles neither. There’s some dish called Shepherd’s Pie. I don’t know what that is, but I do know what a cow pie is, and no matter how hungry I might be, I’m not eatin’ that. The Brits also are fond of jellied eels. I’m sorry, but I put jelly in a fluffy biscuit or on top of peanut butter. Ain’t no way I’m eating a slimy eel. I hear the Brits have something called bangers. I don’t know what that is ‘cross the pond, but here in Texas, it’s what we call cows with brucellosis. Maybe England is where we ship all our sick cattle. You think the Brits put jelly on their T-bone steaks? They also serve something called a kidney pie. Again, I’ll pass on this dish. I like my pies to contain apples or pecans, not an organ from some
imported diseased longhorn. Now, I do like English muffins. They’re not bad, but for my breakfast, I’d rather have a Round Rock donut and a pile of bacon. If I ever visit England, I sure hope they have a Denny’s somewhere nearby. Well, I do hope Harry and Meghan had themselves a fairy tale wedding and best of luck in the future. It’s good that the royal family has some American blood to create some hybrid vigor in their clan. And, just to show that I don’t hold any grudge over that incident at Bunker Hill, I will offer some suggestions for a name for their first-born son, something appropriate for a trans-Atlantic union. How ‘bout Bubba Jeeves? Not very royal, you say? Okay then, what about Benedict Arnold? Ta-ta, y’all! Clint Younts might have some English blood in his background, but he certainly won’t admit to it. What’s his tea brand? Around here we call it Lone Star. It’s made with hops. crowsnest78610@gmail.com
LETTER TO THE EDITOR SAY NO TO RRN
We have several major concerns: New housing develop• RRN’s proposed densements are springing up west ly configured 1252 rooftop of Buda within the Dripping development straddles the Springs ETJ, near the new catchment basin of the EdJohnson High School. And wards Aquifer. the growing Buda population • An additional 5,000 cars needs family homes. and 2500+ children will imBut one proposed housmediately overcrowd three ing development – 782-acre nearby schools and choke Rutherford Ranch North the two-lane road that fronts – could well destroy the all three. quality of life for existing • The proposed increase neighborhoods nearby. My from the standard 10% to husband and I live in one of 25% impervious cover will those neighborhoods. Our create a “ski slope” for heavy home and property are alrains to rush into the lowready prone to flooding; we er-lying neighborhoods bedepend on wells fed by the low, that already experience Edwards Aquifer for drinkheavy flooding in flash flood ing water. Rutherford Ranch conditions. North’s sheer size and poor • The proposed undersized design are a real threat to us. wastewater treatment plant
Hays Free Press Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton
From the Crow’s Nest
Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com
Reporters Exsar Arguello, Katerina Barton, Carlie Porterfield Columnists Bartee Haile, Chris Winslow, Pauline Tom, Clint Younts
sits directly beside Little Bear Creek, which feeds into Onion Creek and Barton Creek. Wastewater treatment plants above aquifers have not been permitted in the past. • Dahlstrom Cave, located below Rutherford Ranch North, directly funnels groundwater into the Edwards Aquifer and drinking water wells of Hays Country Oaks, the closest neighborhood of 200+ homes. • The proposal asks for 31 variances from normal development standards and regulations. This is evidence of a plan that is largely non-compliant with community norms and expectations. • The torrent of pollutants – fertilizer and weed killer
– generated by such dense housing (10 per acre) is certain to leach into the aquifers, polluting our water and endangering our health. Current residents welcome newcomers who seek to enjoy the unique quality of life that can be found here. But we do not think that the health and safety of existing neighborhoods should be threatened by a poorly planned, ill-advised, giant residential development such as Rutherford Ranch North. We ask the DS P&Z, city council and county officials to say NO to the RRB proposal. Our health and safety is at stake. Larry and Nancy Keiser Hays Country Oaks II
113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862
Proofreaders Jane Kirkham Marketing Director Tracy Mack Marketing Specialists James Darby and Teresa R. Starr
Production Manager David White
Circulation/Classifieds David White, Wendie Hyer Distribution Kimberlee Griffon
NEWS
Page 4A
Hays Free Press • May 23, 2018
Kyle updates language for flood prevention BY MOSES LEOS III
Updating flood prevention measures for new development drove Kyle city leaders May 15 to approve of a handful of ordinance changes on the matter. But even with those alterations in hand, Kyle city officials worry the Federal Emergency Management Administation’s (FEMA’s) upcoming overhaul of its flood maps could call for additional updates in the future. Leon Barba, Kyle city engineer, said one ordinance change will require development standards to build at the 100-year flood plain. Previous language only required developers to design structures at the 25-year flood plain, which Barba said is an outdated practice. While Barba was unsure as to why the city
didn’t raise its standards in the past, he said the city recently looked into changing its ordinances as they began various infrastructure improvements. Additionally, Barba said developers typically design projects to meet the 100year flood plain, which he said is “the right thing to do from an engineering standpoint.” “We weren’t in a hurry to change it because it wasn’t a big issue,” Barba said. “But as we started to fix stuff and improve things, that was one of the low hanging fruit. This is easy and it’s not a big deal.” City staff also sought to amend language on building structures above the 100-year flood plain as well. Barba said the problem with the current ordinance was that it didn’t give “flexibility” for flood
Leon Barba, Kyle city engineer, said one ordinance change will require development standards to build at the 100-year flood plain. Previous language only required developers to design structures at the 25-year flood plain, which Barba said is an outdated practice.
One extends to the city’s $177,500 Drainage Master Plan, which was created to outline potential costs for areas that need drainage improvement. Once Kyle obtains the DMP later this summer, Barba said city officials will look at their existing ordinances and see if there are any other alterations or events that went beyond tures at a minimum of two additions needed. “There are going to be the 100-year plain. feet above the 100-year more recommendations Barba said officials or at the 500-year flood we bring to the city counlooked at other cities in the plain, or whichever is the cil,” Barba said. “This is area, such as Wimberley, highest. just the beginning.” Buda, Austin and San MarBarba said having the In addition, Kyle, along cos, and how they handled FTEs offers “freeboard,” or with cities in Hays and Traflood plain elevation (FTE) a safety factor, that engilanguage in their ordineers believe could help to vis counties, are waiting for nances. Barba said the city reduce the flooding impact a long-awaited overhaul of FEMA flood maps, which of Austin recently included for residents. were last updated in 2005. language requiring new “This is something we Cities are also waiting on development to go two should have looked at a feet above the 100-year long time ago,” Barba said. possible changes to area rainfall maps, which were flood plain in the downBut several factors updated in 2017. town sector. might call for more lanAs a result, the city is In Kyle, developers will guage and possibly project looking at a possible outbe required to build struc- changes in the future.
Zwiener, Kopser win primary runoffs STAFF REPORT Democrat Joseph Kopser and Republican Chip Roy will vie for the District 21 Congressional seat this November after both claimed victory in Tuesday’s primary runoff. Kopser, who finished with the second most votes in the March 6 Democratic Primary, upset Mary Wilson by roughly 4,000 votes Tuesday, according to unofficial, final election results. In the CD 21 Republican primary, Chip Roy
beat Matt McCall by more than 7,000 votes to claim the nomination. Kopser and Roy will fight for the seat held by Rep. Lamar Smith, who will not run for reelection. Meanwhile, an early voting deficit wasn’t enough to keep Erin Zweiner from rallying past Rebecca Bell-Metereau to claim the House District 45 Democratic primary runoff. Zweiner, an educator and activist, trailed Bell-Metereau 1,726 to 1,501 after the release of early voting numbers
Tuesday. Zweiner made up the difference by collecting 391 more votes than Bell-Meterau on Election Day. Zweiner will take on Republican nominee Ken Strange in November. In one of the closest contests of the night, Julie Oliver surged past Chris Perri to win Tuesday’s CD-25 Democratic primary. Perri held a 249 vote lead after early voting, but was unable to hold off Oliver, who collected more than 6,000 votes on Election Day.
reach program to make residents aware they could be impacted by the FEMA update. However, Scott Sellers, Kyle city manager, said FEMA would continue to use its 2005 maps until the updates are approved later this year. Kyle’s ordinance changes won’t require residents to obtain flood insurance, which is based off of FEMA maps. But the changes could impact existing infrastructure projects, Barba said. Depending on how FEMA or rainfall maps are implemented, Kyle could seek to alter the scope of its drainage improvements. “We are not the only ones scrambling to find out what information to use to design drainage structures,” Barba said. “It’s going to have a significant impact on our design and the structures we build.”
Water Permit Protest Continued from pg. 1A
but acknowledges that BSEACD is looking in the matter closely to determine if the permit will cause unreasonable risk to the aquifer. “The BSEACD has been completely transparent and helpful with the process,” Puig-Williams said. “It is clear, from EP’s application, that this amount of pumping will cause harm to the aquifer.” Les Carnes, a Hays County resident who lives within a half mile of EP’s testing wells, said his quality of life is at risk with the proposed amount of pumping from the aquifer. “I love where I live and just like my neighbors, I’m not going anywhere,” Carnes said. “These jerks from Houston shouldn’t be allowed to threaten everything I’ve worked for and take the water that is
precious to this community.” Carnes, like many of the residents present at the meeting, were concerned about their wells going dry with the amount of pumping EP is hoping to achieve. The Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) and BSEACD are two entities which have jurisdiction over the regulation of both the Edwards and Trinity aquifers. EP’s proposed pumping site is located within BSEACD’s jurisdiction. However, well owners located in HTGCD could potentially see the repercussions associated with the pumping. EP’s wells are located on the periphery of the BSEACD’s jurisdiction line, located within a
BBQ Burgers
few miles of Hays Trinity wells. “Obviously, some of our well owners will be impacted by this and that is a concern for us,” said Linda Kaye Rogers, president of the HTGCD board of directors. “Because the wells are not in our jurisdiction, we don’t have a foot in the barrel to stomp the grapes. I owe you an apology that our district has not closely watched this enough and we will work to stay informed and work with BSEACD about this issue.” On Monday, the BSEACD released its recommendations to EP’s proposed permit. We will provide an in-depth look at what the BSEACD seeks with that permit in next week’s News-Dispatch.
Fun
Family
Friends
Summer
sun
Ice cream
Join us for fun in the sun at the Cypress Forest amenity center grand opening! Take a tour of our new amenity center and enjoy P. Terry’s Burger Truck, ice cream, cold drinks, a balloon artist, face painting and a petting zoo!
PLUS, REGISTER TO WIN AMAZING PRIZES!
Sunday,
JUNE
3
rd
4–6 p.m.
Cypress Forest
161 Cypress Forest Drive • KYLE, TX 78640 FOLLOW THE EVENT SIGNS TO THE AMENIT Y CENTER
RSVP to austin@dwhomes.com
for a sun-sational time!
See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2018 David Weekley Homes - All Rights Reserved. Austin, TX (AUSA96438)
Sports HaysFreePress.com
Section B STAGING SUCCESS
HCISD, DSISD maintains high graduation rates, despite growth. – Page 3B
Hays Free Press
May 23, 2018 • Page 1B
Retiring Hays coaches look back at growth Dreaming BY MOSES LEOS III
Over the course of 30plus years coaching in Hays CISD, Gary Gaddy and Mitch Phillips have seen their fair share of what public education has to offer. Amid the highest of highs and otherwise, Gaddy and Phillips have always welcomed the opportunity to guide and develop the next generation of athletes. They’ve done so while being the last standing members of a group of coaches who had worked together for nearly 20 years.
of fields to come
“One thing I’m going to miss is not having that crescendo at the end of the week of playing a good game and all the things you’ve been doing and working on.”
From the Sidelines
–Mitch Phillps, retiring coach
As they ready to retire this summer, both men are anxious to discover what life will offer once they step out of the classroom and off the field. Letting go of the thrill of coaching, however, isn’t
by Moses Leos III
as easy. “One thing I’m going to miss is not having that crescendo at the end of the week of playing a good game and all the
RETIRING COACHES, 2B
PHOTO COURTESY OF MITCH PHILLIPS
Longtime Hays Rebel assistant coaches Mitch Phillips (left) and Gary Gaddy pose for a photo during a recent track meet. Phillips and Gaddy, who share roughly 60 years combined of educational and coaching experience, plan to retire at the end of the school year.
Arm of gold
Rebel’s Valdez celebrates Pitcher of the Year honor BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI Following success in 2017, Hays High pitcher Maxine Valdez understood there was a need for growth in her game. By advancing her skills, and continuing to put a lot of trust in her teammates, Valdez was able to reap the rewards earlier this month when she was named the 25-6A Pitcher of the Year. And while Valdez was excited to earn the accolade, she also understands the need for additional growth as she hopes to lead the Rebel softball program in her senior campaign. “It was a lot of excitement,” Valdez said about learning of her achievement. “The coaches, they told all of us as a team.” In her third season pitching on varsity, Valdez finished the
PHOTO BY NATHAN LATSHA
Hays Rebel junior Maxine Valdez unfurls a pitch toward home plate during a home game played in the 2018 season. Val-
PITCHER OF THE YEAR, 2B dez’s 15-5 season record and 1.12 ERA earned her 25-6A pitcher of the year honors.
Ybarra explodes onto scene in her freshman year BY REED GRAFF
Two of the biggest challenges in high school sports are replacing upperclassmen and finding younger players who can contribute going forward. For the Lehman Lady Lobos softball team, future players came from the ranks and stepped up to the plate. While Lehman finished 9-15 overall and missed out on the playoffs, several young players established themselves as future leaders of the program. One player who stood out was freshman third basemen Ariana Ybarra, who earned firstteam honors in the 25-6A all district list. Despite being a shortstop through most of her softball career leading up to high school, Ybarra excelled defensively at third base. Her high school coaches asked her to move to the position, and she made the transition without question. Not only did she fill a void the Lady Lobos had, she also excelled at the position. Ybarra spent the majority of the season holding down the hot corner. She showed rare defensive consistency
at the spot, recording 60 putouts and committing only five errors. But, it was offensively where she shined. Ybarra was the Lobos’ main leadoff hitter, and a quick look at her statistics show why head Coach Jesse Bustamante trusted her there. Ybarra finished with a .350 batting average, and an On-Base percentage of .425. Her ability to put the ball in play and get on the base paths made her essential to the Lobo offensive attack. “She is very coachable, and very competitive. She hates to lose,” Bustamante said, noting one play made by Ybarra this season that came to mind. That play came in a narrow 3-2 loss to Lake Travis, when Ybarra came through with an effort that kept the Lobos competitive in the contest. “In a crucial part of the game, Ariana turned a double play on her own. She caught the ball (line drive), and tagged the runner on third that was potentially going to score. It was one of the best plays we had,” Bustamante said. For Ybarra, earning all-district honors was
“She is very coachable, and very competitive. She hates to lose.” –Jesse Bustamante, Lobo head softball coach
HAYS FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO
Lehman High freshman Ariana Ybarra rounds first base and eyes a jaunt to second after notching a base hit during a game played in 2018. In her freshman year, Ybarra scored a selection to the 25-6A all district team.
a surprising experience. It wasn’t until her coach informed her of the accolade that she realized what it was. “I didn’t even know it was a thing, and I was surprised because there are girls who have been working at this a lot longer than I have. It was a big honor,” Ybarra said.
Bustamante is ready to hand the keys over to Ybarra as she heads into her sophomore season. He laid out the big goals the two have set together. “This year we took steps in the right direction, but next year we need to get even better,” Bustamante said. “Her mindset is to become a
true leader of the team, so she can take over the team as a sophomore.” Getting ready for the 2018 season is Ybarra’s goal. “We need to try not to think about the mistakes we make on the field and let it go. I want to see us bond as a team,” Ybarra said.
BY MOSES LEOS III Sometimes, no matter what you do, life just decides to toss a nasty curveball. You’d think you can square it up and maybe make solid contact. But that little deviation in trajectory leaves even the best hitters floundering about. Such was the feeling for players and fans of the Cisco College and McLennan Community College baseball teams who, in the span of a few hours, went from National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) World Series hopefuls to victims of justice gone awry. Both teams, which were squaring off for a spot in the NJCAA World Series earlier this month, were ultimately disqualified following an on-thefield incident that happened during their May 14 game. According to reports, the disqualification was the result of NJCAA officials adhering to a section of its rule book calling for players who leave their position on the field or dugout for a fight to be ejected. That’s exactly what happened in the sixth inning of the teams’ May 14 game after a close play at the plate. Words were exchanged and a few shoves were seemingly doled out by a couple of players. As a result, players and coaches from both teams poured onto the field to break up the scuffle. It’s something fans and players have seen countless times, both on the professional and amateur level. But no punches were seemingly thrown. No one tried a karate kick. And yet the NJCAA saw fit to call a forfeit to the game, which effectively ended both teams’ seasons. Whatever happened to due process? Whatever happened to fleshing out the details? Whatever happened to reviewing the video? Sadly, the NJCAA didn’t seem to take any of that into account as they made an erroneous decision. To disqualify both teams for a rule that seems wildly draconian was a poor move on their part. What’s more so is how the NJCAA didn’t seem like they did enough to sort through the situation. It’s a shame for the players involved, who might have missed out on a chance at glory. However, as some might say, “C’est la vie.” Meanwhile, College World Series dreams are still alive for the Texas Longhorns baseball team, who might have just improved their stock for a regional and possible super regional bid this past week. For a short time earlier this year, Texas had the look of a club that was on the cusp of greatness, but could have succumbed to mediocrity. They are good and talented, but not always consistent.
FROM THE SIDELINE, 2B
SPORTS
Page 2B
Hays Free Press • May 23, 2018
BIG XII CHAMPS
Kody Clemens holds up the Big XII Championship trophy after the Longhorns won the Conference title with a 7-3 win and sweep over TCU on Sunday afternoon at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. Texas next heads to the Big XII Conference tournament as a No. 1 seed. Below, Texas Longhorn baseball players and fans celebrate as Kody Clemens gets airborne heading to home plate after hitting a tworun home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Horns a 5-3 win against the visiting TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin.
PHOTO BY TRACI HIGHTOWER
Hays runner signs with Austin College
On May 15, Hays High senior runner RJ Navarro signed his letter of intent to compete at Austin College in Sherman, Texas. RJ is a four-year varsity letterman in cross country and qualified to the regional cross country meets in his sophomore and senior seasons. Navarro plans to major in Business Finance at Austin College.
Pitcher of the Year Continued from pg. 1B
PHOTOS BY WAYLAND CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Retiring Coaches: Looking back at growth Continued from pg. 1B
things you’ve been doing and working on,” Phillps said. Phillips’ and Gaddy’s retirement marks the end of a memorable era in Hays CISD athletics history. The two were part of a coaching staff pieced together by Bob Shelton, which stayed perfectly intact from the mid-1990s until Shelton’s retirement in 2010. Both men credit Shelton’s humility and good nature for the success of the staff. But they also credit Shelton with giving them a chance to coach at Hays CISD in the first place. Gaddy, who has served as a defensive line coach at Hays High, said he didn’t know about Shelton until a friend directed him to an opening on his staff. Until that point, Gaddy had envisioned himself going to Floresville to work. Coaching sports, however, was something far from Gaddy’s mind when Shelton first brought him on to teach PE at what was Hays Middle School in 1985. As a longtime volleyball player, Gaddy never really played football while in high school. A shy personality also contributed to his initial apprehension. “I was in college and I was athletic. That’s why I was told to go through PE,” Gaddy said. “If you told me then that I was going to be a coach for this long at Hays, it wouldn’t have happened.” For Phillips, Shelton offered him a chance to further live out his dream.
Ever since he was in middle school, Phillips envisioned himself a coach and a teacher. When he was approached by Shelton to set up an interview with the then superintendent, Phillips knew it was his chance. “He had more confidence in me than I had in myself,” Phillips said. “Shelton is a good man to work for.” The direction of Armando Chapa, a longtime counselor and principal at Kyle Middle School, played a key role in getting Gaddy and Phillips ready for the high school coaching ranks. Both men also had the chance to develop the program and saw just how much buy-in their students had, even when the coaching staff made them work hard. “Armando Chapa is a good man. He pointed us in the right direction to be in high school,” Gaddy said. “We never thought of ourselves as high school coaches.” Over the years, Gaddy and Phillips enjoyed the thrill of competition they saw on the field. They also equally enjoyed working with and developing young athletes. It led to an inseparable friendship between the two, which extends on and off the football field. While interaction is limited on the field, Phillips said their friendship over the years has led them to understand what each other is going to do. Phillips said they can count on each other to take care of their business,
no matter what sport they are preparing for. Both men also aren’t afraid to impart constructive criticism to each other, which is a building block of the coaching field. “I can always count on him to call me out on things when they aren’t alright,” Phillips said. “I’m okay with that now.” Off the gridiron, their inseparable friendship has included their families. The friendship began with family camping outings. The two now share the experience of backpacking through the mountains every other year. That friendship has gone far beyond just camping and excursions. Phillips said there was a time when Gaddy assisted him at his mother-in-law’s farm. “We’re best friends. Our families have done a lot of stuff together,” Phillips said.
Both have also had a front row seat to the rapid growth of the Hays CISD community. When they began, Hays CISD had a few thousand students in the area. Today, they are in charge of an athletics program that draws from the nearly 3,000 students at Hays High. “We’ve seen the 6A level and we try to be competitive with Lake Travis and Westlake, but we push for that,” Gaddy said. “We’re really close.” No matter the generation or what’s going on in pop culture, Phillips and Gaddy believe kids are kids, no matter what. The ability to have guided the children of athletes they once coached years ago is a moment they cherish. “Those parents trust you. If you had them and they know you, and their kid is with you, there’s a trust there,” Gaddy said.
season with a 15-5 record and a 1.12 earned run average (ERA). She recorded 202 strikeouts over the 119 innings pitched in 24 games played. Not only was Valdez dominant in the circle, but she also led the team with a .421 batting average and with 7 homeruns on 24 hits at the plate. “Well, I knew I grew a lot from last year,” Valdez said. “Last year I was hurting a lot in my hips and this year it was easier to get through it. I took better care of myself. Mentally I grew and I learned to focus more on the task at hand and trusting my defense more than I did my freshman year.” For Hays, Valdez was a key piece to the puzzle for reaching the playoffs in 2018. Valdez says her best pitch is her rise-ball, but she has also been working on offspeed pitches. One of Valdez’s highlights of the season came on a 17-strikeout shutout against Lehman late in district play. Earlier this year Valdez committed to pitch for the Lubbock Christian University softball program. Although she has been receiving interest from
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other universities, she says that she is 100 percent committed to LCU and is happy with her decision. Her connection with the LCU coaching staff was a key part in her decision making process. “I like Lubbock Christian because it is small, it reminded me of home,” said Valdez. “The coaches are great. They seem really interested in me, so that’s kind of why I chose where I chose.” Heading into the offseason, Valdez wants to gain more leg strength and focus on getting a better drive off the mound. She also said staying healthy was one of her main objectives moving forward. Hays will return a loaded roster for the 2019 season. They will also aim to surpass the area round of the playoffs, of which the team has exited the last two seasons. Valdez says her primary goal for next season is to make a run in the playoffs and make it to the state tournament. “I’m looking forward to just playing ball,” Valdez said. “I want to accomplish going to the state and making it there this year.”
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From the Sidelines Continued from pg. 1B
From there, Texas will need to maintain its hot streak during the postseason to have a shot at Omaha. But with an offense that’s boasted a .277 team batting average and popped 54 home runs, along with a pitching staff with an ERA of 4.41, the sky is the limit. Somewhere up there, one has to believe Augie Garrido is smiling on them.
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Winning six out of their last seven games to close the regular season campaign seemed to do the trick. Credit must be given to David Pierce, who in only two short years is starting to bring the program back to its former glory. A long road lies ahead, however, as the Longhorns still must navigate through the Big 12 tournament.
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Education
CHAMBER PICS
Kyle Chamber of Commerce recognizes local businesses. – Page 4B
Hays Free Press • May 23, 2018
Page 3B
Staging success
HCISD, DSISD maintains high graduation rates, despite growth BY CARLIE PORTERFIELD
is set up to help students with extenuating circumEven as enrollment stances, such as those continues to rise, area who have to work to high schools have mansupport their family. The aged to keep graduation program takes what staff rates stable by accommo- have been providing studating growth and invest- dents informally for years ing in special programs to and offers it as an official keep at-risk students in program for kids to apply class until they earn their for at the tail end of their diploma. senior year, Burns said. Senior class sizes at Not only does GAP Dripping provide Springs academic In the past High School support, it have nearly also allows five years, doubled particisince 2009, pants to the district’s but the learn job graduation skills and graduation rate for the helps them district rewith career rate has mains high, research. stayed around In the year with nearly 100 percent since the 90 percent of seniors program’s walking launch, of students the stage Burns said during graduating in several dozcommenceen students ment cerehave comfour years. mony every pleted GAP year. and have Principal Joe Burns made it a “huge success.” said accommodating for One of his favorite growth has happened moments was watchorganically. ing a high school senior “My belief is it’s just become the first person part of our culture,” in their family to cross Burns said. “Even as the stage as a graduate, we’ve grown, we’ve been he said. very conscious that we’re “We’re excited about finding ways to connect the accomplishments of every student to our the class of 2018,” Burns school. We’re aware of said. “They’ve done the need to have kids feel amazing things, and I connected and at home know they’re prepared for here.” anything in their future.” Last year, DSISD Hays CISD has also launched the graduafound success by protion alternative program viding students with an (GAP) for the students alternative path to gradwho may have had huruation. dles in graduating. GAP In the past five years,
HAYS FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO
A Live Oak Academy student poses for a photo prior to the 2016 commencement ceremony held at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center.
the district’s graduation rate has stayed around 90 percent of students graduating in four years. The district’s Live Oak Academy (LOA) has served as an alternative for students to receive their high school diploma since it opened in 2001, Principal Doug Agnew said. “Here, everyone can be successful,” Agnew said. “If we have 180 graduates, there were 180 different ways to get there.” By having smaller
classes, students at Live Oak can complete assignments at their own pace and receive more oneon-one with teachers. A variety of students found more success at the academy than in the traditional high school setting, and for many different reasons. Some students suffer from social anxiety and feel more comfortable in the smaller school, while others were not flourishing socially or academically at their previous schools.
Enrollment at LOA is about 400 students, Agnew said. “Some people think this is where the bad kids come, and it’s not. There are lots of really good kids here who need a different place to be successful,” he said. The typical student begins his or her time at Live Oak during the junior or senior year, sometimes as sophomores, Agnew said. Last year, the senior graduating class was 176 students, and he
predicts the class of 2018 will have around 181 walk the stage. One of the school’s strengths is the dedicated and passionate staff, he said. In the past five years, no teachers have transferred to other schools. Each time a teacher has left, it was to retire from the profession. That says a lot about how they feel about their jobs, Agnew said. “We’re passionate, and love working with kids on campus,” he said.
Barton Middle School band pays tribute to late teacher BY KATERINA BARTON
members of the Barton symphonic band, as well Playing a musical piece as former students who on stage at Hays CISD’s worked with Aaberg. Performing Arts Center More than 120 musicians (PAC) isn’t a new experiperformed the piece. ence for Barton Middle “(Aaberg) didn’t have School band students. much family around, But for so there students really wasn’t who commuch of a The piece, prise the memorial. “Honored school’s So this is wind enof a Guest, Going kind semble, as musical well as its tribute to the Sun,” symphonic to him, a bands and musical commissioned a handful memory. It of alumni, was kind of by BMS the perforclosure for Director BJ mance of myself and a piece at a lot of othSayger and their May er kids who 14 Spring close composed by were Concert to him,” offered Sayger said. Texas State catharsis. Aaberg The started University piece, working for Professor “Honored Hays CISD Guest, Goin 2001; Richard Hall, ing to the he began Sun,” compaid a musical working missioned at BMS by BMS three years and emotional Director BJ ago as the Sayger and assistant ditribute to composed rector and a Assistant by Texdouble reed as State specialist. Director University Aaberg Professor had been Dulane Richard sick for Hall, paid some time, Aabarg, who a musieven taking cal and a break passed away emotional during in October tribute to the first Assistant semester of 2017. Director the school Dulane year, but Aabarg, who passed away his death was unexpected in October 2017. and heartbreaking to the Joining the school’s school’s band community. wind ensemble were Soon after his death,
PHOTO COURTESY OF HAYS CISD
Texas State University music professor Richard Hall directs the Barton Middle School band on a memorial composition to honor their late assistant band director Dulane Aabarg, who passed away in October 2017.
Sayger sought a way to honor Aaberg and his contribution to the district. He chose to commission a piece in his honor, tabbing Hall to compose the score. AJ Betrano, an 8th grade clarinet player, said it was an emotional night for her and she was nervous she might not be able to perform. “It was actually really hard. When Mr. Sayger went up and made his big speech, I started crying,” Betrano said. “Luckily, we had a lot of rests in the
beginning so I kind of got more collected, but by the end I was crying again.” Betrano, along with fellow eighth-graders Katelyn Thurman and Megan Kelnar, were Aaberg’s beginning clarinet students and they were close to him. “It hit home. We went over the parts in class, but it really hit home that he’s gone and in a better place,” Kelnar said. “I think the music kind of showed his personality because there were some parts that were slow and
gentle, and other parts that were loud like when he was in class teaching us.” Sayger said Aaberg had an “energy” and was funny, but could also be very quiet as well. “We always talked about him having the best ears on staff,” Sayger said. “He could really hear and tell if something was in tune or not and then make things better. That’s one of the things we’re going to miss about him.” Although it was under
sad circumstances, Thurman enjoyed the opportunity to work with Hall, who composed the piece for the band. “It was kind of cool to be in contact with a real life composer and person who wrote (the piece). And the story was really special behind it,” Thurman said. The entire Barton Middle School concert, including the performance of “Honored Guest, Going to the Sun,” can be seen on the band’s Facebook page.
EDUCATION
Page 4B
Hays Free Press • May 23, 2018
Lehman CERTs put out fires
Well-Check Exams
Lehman High senior Skylar Pearson (right) uses a mock fire extinguisher to put out a controlled oven fire during a demonstration put on by the Kyle Fire Department. Inset: Lehman High senior Alondra Brito kneels down to pull the pin on a fire extinguisher used for training. Members of Lehman High’s Teen Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) participated in a demonstration on how to extinguish a small fire. The demonstration was part of the CERT certification course offered by Lehman High, which is assisted by the Kyle Fire Department.
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Hays CISD students, teachers and student assistants were out In force at Shelton Stadium May 18 for the Water Day 2018 celebration for Foundational Learning students. Activities included running, laughing, getting wet, enjoying snow cones and much more.
MAKE A SPLASH THIS SUMMER
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Lobos earn Totem awards
Lehman High seniors were chosen for the totem award with designs, ceremony and ideals as influenced by the natives of the Pacific Northwest. With input and nominations from the staff, essays from the finalists, and a panel discussion, students were chosen who represent the model characteristics of integrity, wisdom and pride. This year’s honorees are (front row, L-R) Andrew Vero (integrity), Rayna Webb (wisdom), Conor Weisenberger (wisdom), Graciela Deleon (pride), Benjamin White (pride). Not pictured is Natalie Walker (integrity). Joining them were 2017 totem recipients (back row, L-R) Taylor King, Robert Egal and Esther Nyaberi.
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Feel the Ranger Beat
For the 11th straight year, Wallace Middle School teacher Adrienne Simes selected a handful of students to create a mural in the hallways. This year, a small group of 8th graders created a mural called “Feel the Ranger Beat.” Those students are (L-R) Nyssa Rodriguez, teacher Adrienne Simes, Mitchell Machuca and Patrick Cunningham.
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RAMEN ON
Ramen-loving local to open new noodle shop in Buda. – Page 1D
Hays Free Press
HaysFreePress.com
May 23, 2018 • Page 1C
New light shed on Buda Vets memorial
In the ‘comfrey zone’ Ask Chris
by Chris Winslow
PHOTO COURTESY OF GREG OLMER
J S Electric donated lights to the veterans memorial in Bradfield Village Park in Buda so flags could stay illuminated throughout the night.
BY KATERINA BARTON Living by the Golden Rule pushed a local area company to donate time and, quite literally, energy to installing new lights at the Bradfield Village Park Veterans Memorial in Buda. Earlier this year, J S Electric donated its time and electrical expertise to the memorial located on Main Street. The memorial in Bradfield Park was dedicated to the VFW in 2015 by an area Boy Scout as his Eagle Scout project. The memorial consists of an engraved stone, pavers, as well as the U.S. and Texas flags, the Missing in Action (MIA) flag and the Honor and
The memorial consists of an engraved stone, pavers, as well as the U.S., Texas, Missing in Action (MIA) and the Honor and Remembrance Flags. Remembrance Flags. The Buda VFW Post 12161, represented by Post Commander Bob Holcomb, presented a certificate of appreciation to J S Electric during a May 15 city council meeting. In February, the VFW notified the Buda Parks and Recreation Department that the solar powered lights installed in 2015 were not functioning correctly due to wear and tear. According to the United State’s Flag
Code, a flag may only be displayed for 24 hours a day “if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.” So for a short period of time, the flags were taken down until lights could be installed. The VFW wanted to raise the flags each morning and take them down at night, but they couldn’t get enough volunteers to help. Parks and Recreation Director Greg Olmer said his department immediately started
looking at options and a budget for new lights, including fundraising options. This came to the attention of a J S Electric project manager who was working on another project with the city. The manager then called Jimmy Schmidt, owner and founder of J S Electric. Schmidt’s father was a veteran of World War II and he also had some uncles who were enlisted in the military. “We’ll never be able to
repay the veterans for all they do, so we’re trying to do what we can,” Schmidt said. Once the project was started, Olmer said it only took about a month to get the lights up and running. “This was a huge donation for them,” Olmer said. Schmidt says he appreciated the help that Buda Parks and Recreation provided as well as Pedernales Electric Cooperative to help install the lights. “It was pretty much a joint effort, we were responsible for installing the lights, but I want to give credit to everyone who helped,” Schmidt said.
PHOTO BY KATERINA BARTON James Thompson of Lockhart came in first place at the Front Porch Days half marathon race this past weekend in Plum Creek. Above, participants in the Front Porch Days 5K and 10K races passing mile marker one.
Plum Creek hosts half marathon BY KATERINA BARTON Taking part in distance runs is the life for Lockhart resident James Thompson, who for the past three-plus years has devoted his time to competing in half-marathons. It’s to the point where Thompson has practically lost count of how many running events he’s competed in. In January, Thompson competed in one half-marathon each week. So, when news of a half-marathon was hap-
“This is my normal course I run and train on so I’m right at home. All the proper half-marathons are always in Austin or San Antonio, so it’s nice to wake up, get out of bed and in 15 minutes get running.” –Nathan Vanderford, Kyle resident
pening in Kyle, Thompson didn’t hesitate to take action. By crossing the finish line in just over 90 minutes Saturday, Thompson became the first person to win the Front Porch Days
Half-Marathon. “I saw this was the first half-marathon in Kyle so I knew I had to do it,” Thompson said. “It was tough too, with the heat and the humidity and the hills.”
The event, hosted by the Plum Creek HOA and organized by For the Love of Go, a local nonprofit, boasted 31 half-marathon runners and a total of more than 200 participants taking part in
shorter races. Jennifer Crosby, director and founder of For the Love of Go, has been helping organize races in Hays County since 2014. This was the 73rd race that the organization has directed; they aim to have 23 total races set for this year. Crosby got started in distance runs to get healthier with her family. Since June 2008, Crosby has tried to run one race a month with her husband and son, doing about 10 to 11 a year.
O
ne interesting herb that we hear so little about is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). This easy-to-grow perennial is from the borage family, and has broad leaves, and it blossoms with small bell-shaped, light-colored flowers. It has lots of uses for the organic gardener, and also for those of us interested in botanical medicine. Organic gardeners like comfrey because its leaves are rich in plant nutrients. As it grows and matures, comfrey mines a host of these nutrients from the soil. You can use the herb’s leaves as a mulch, a side-dressing, make it into comfrey tea, or create a compost. Each method will provide organically-derived nutrients for your vegetables, flowers and landscape plants. Comfrey is especially rich in potassium, an essential plant nutrient needed for flower, fruit and seed production. Gardeners can also use comfrey leaves in small amounts to activate compost. Its nutrients give a big boost to the process, helping to break down organic matter into rich soil amendments. In the world of medicine, comfrey has been known as ‘knitbone,’ because of its ability to speed up the healing of bone fractures, bruising and cuts. However use of the herb internally is a somewhat controversial subject. The FDA warns against it due to possible liver damage. Growing this herb is fairly easy. All you need is a shaded, well-drained location with plenty of compost and a slow-release organic fertilizer (blood and bone meal) to give it a start. Keep it on the moist side. Your stand of comfrey can easily be increased by root division. Segments of these black, turnip-like roots can be cut and placed into the soil to create new plants. Using comfrey in this way as an organic source of plant food, along with composting, brings the gardener yet another step closer to independence and self-sustenance. Happy gardening everyone! If you have a question for Chris, send it via email to iathyme@yahoo. com. Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme 11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 www. itsaboutthyme.com
COMMUNITY
Page 2C
Hays Free Press • May 23, 2018
Keep an eye out for ferocious felines A
young axis deer was killed on Poplar last week. From the distance and depth of the puncture wounds on the head and the amount of the hindquarter that was eaten, some surmise it was killed by a mountain lion. Jonah Evans, Texas Parks & Wildlife Mammologist, took a look at a photo. “This kill does not have any of the standard characteristics that would lead me to consider it to be from a mountain lion. Here are the two primary things that pop out to me: First, it is not covered in any way. Mountain li-
Count the risk of a “canine kill” as one of Mt. City many reasons to keep cats indoors. Montage Nextdoor.com, which by Pauline can be set for “only Tom Mountain City”, frequently shows listings ons usually drag their for lost and found dogs prey somewhere safe to and cats. It might be feed and then cover it worth signing up, just with leaves. to lend a helping hand Second, the hind quar- with reuniting pets and ters are consumed first. owners. I’m willing to This is typical of canines. provide to anyone with Lions tend to open the a Mountain City address abdomen and remove the the required invitation. intestines before feeding In a letter to the newson the organ meats.” paper editor, my next Not seeing the dead door neighbor focused dear in person, Mr. Evans on another reason to attributed the “canine” keep cats inside: populakill to a coyote or domes- tion control. tic dog. Other neighbors have
OBITUARIES ELDER Audrey Elder of Buda, Texas, passed away on May 4, 2018 at the age of 84. Audrey grew up in Louisville, Kentucky just down the street from Churchill Downs. Little did she know that she would represent the local US Naval Ordnance Plant as a Derby Princess, convertible riding with royal hand waving. She graduated from the Presentation Academy that she continued to support all her life. Audrey met her husband Bob who was stationed at the US Army Recruiting Main Station where she worked in Louisville, Kentucky. They were married for 58 years. Audrey had no way to be familiar with real “Army life” when they first married, but she was excited and ready to get started. She soon became the stable force who ran the home and raised the children. After moving across the country 32 times in 25 years, she was very happy to finally settle down in Buda, Texas in 1984. After her daughters had grown, Audrey found herself with more free time and turned to helping her community. She was an invaluable volunteer with the Buda Women’s Club, and served as bookkeeper for their consignment shop, BW’s Boutique. Over the course of 20 years, Audrey served as treasurer of the board of trustees for the Buda Public Library and earned her Texas County Librarian Certificate. She also volunteered in the school library of
the Santa Cruz Catholic Church and served as an onsite election official during many local, state and federal elections. Through her life she found happiness in singing and lent her talents to the church choir. She also enjoyed her time playing bunco, bowling in a league, and she was an avid reader. Audrey was recognized for her community service in several ways. In 1978 she won the first Molly Pitcher award which recognizes women who had voluntarily contributed in a significant way to the support of the Kansas Army National Guard. She was also recognized in 1996 as the Buda Citizen of the Year in recognition of her selflessness and service to the people of Buda, taking another convertible ride with fancy hand waving. Audrey is preceded in death by her parents Ignatius Spalding Miles and Clara Amelia Lauder. She is survived by her husband Bob; her daughters Amy, Julie and Ruth; sons-inlaws David, Johnny and Sonny; and her beloved grandsons Stephen and Joey. She is also survived by her sister Shirley, brother-in-law Rich, and many nephews and nieces, and their families. In lieu of flowers, her family would be grateful for a blood donation at the center of your choice, or for a monetary donation to Friends of The Buda Library. Her life will be celebrated on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home at 6300 West William Cannon in Austin. Condolences may be left at www.cookwalden-
complained of unneutered “tom cats” attacking their “indoor-outdoor” cats, bringing unwanted vet bills. Remember, it’s state law that all dogs and cats over 4 months old must be current on rabies vaccinations. A dead cat in San Marcos tested positive for rabies earlier this month. Remember the Loving Mountain City City-wide Yard Sale Day, June 2nd, 8am If you have stuff to sell or spring cleaning to do...now is the time! There’s no sign up. Just put up a sign. Are you needing new clothes? Are you wanting
to decorate the house again? Great news!,Your friends and neighbors are going to be selling great things! Loving Mountain City is searching for a coordinator for the July 4th Parade and Lawnmower Races. If willing or interested, contact Amy, lovingmountaincity@ gmail.com Mark your calendar for the Loving Mountain City Fire & Ice Festival and nighttime fun run through Mountain City, October 13th. For the Love of Go, a 501c3 organization that gets individuals off the couch, announced: “With an 8 p.m. start
Sundays at 2 p.m. Great Fun Great Food $100 Minimum Game Prize $500 Progressive Jackpot
Santa Cruz Catholic Church,
Parish Activity Center
1100 Main Street, Buda, TX 78610 Texas Bingo License No. 17424803181
Texas Crossword and Sudoku sponsored by
Texas Lehigh Cement Co., LP
Sudoku
See Solution on 3C
forestoaks.com
Continued from pg. 1C
cloudy with a breeze and the wind was fun to battle going into it,” Brown said. Brown said Saturday’s run was her fifth half-marathon and her first after an injury; she decided not to run the full 13.1 miles. “It was nice not to have to travel far to find a half-marathon,” Brown said. Vanderford, who lives in Plum Creek, said he was also competing in his fifth half-marathon. “This is my normal course I run and train on so I’m right at home,” Vanderford said. “All the proper half-marathons are always in Austin or San Antonio, so it’s nice to wake up, get out of bed and in 15 minutes get running.” For Crosby, one of her goals was to bring affordable races closer to the Hays County community. She hopes to host more in the future. “The half-marathoners were all saying see you next year, so we’ll have to do it again,” Crosby said.
I encourage you to send tidbits today. Email ptom5678@gmail.com (subject: Tidbit) or leave a message at 512-2685678. Thanks! Love to you, Pauline
Bingo
Half-Marathon The Front Porch Days half-marathon course snaked its way through the Plum Creek neighborhood, starting and ending at Negley Elementary School. Crosby and other runners in the community have wanted a half-marathon in the area for some time. Crosby was finally able to organize it after enough roads were built in Kyle, so runners could run the 13.1 miles in neighborhoods, rather than having to run on arterial roads. Thompson was the first to finish the half-marathon with a time of 1:36:28, which he says is about 10 minutes shy of his personal best. Kyle resident Nathan Vanderford and Buda resident Linsey Brown enjoyed the course, especially watching the sunrise over the Plum Creek Golf Course at 6:30 a.m. They were part of a handful of runners who finished the course early. “It was a great course and a great day – nice and
time, following a day of fun at Mountain City’s Fire and Ice Festival, this glowingly awesome 5K is a great event for your whole family! Wear white, wear bright, bring lights, cover yourselves in *GLOW*! Lit cones will light the way as you travel all over Mountain City. Hope & Love 4 Kids encourages you to sign up today! tinyurl. com/18hopeglow.
See Solution on 3C
Hays Free Press • May 23, 2018
COMMUNITY
Page 3C
‘Taking the waters’ at Texas health spas
BUDA
DRUG STORE
203 Railroad Street Downtown Buda Pharmacy 312-2111 Fountain 312-2172
Your Hometown McDonald’s
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
EPISCOPAL
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda
St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda
Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle
BAPTIST First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South
Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
2325 FM 967 • 312-0701
NEWS • LETTERS • OBITS CALENDAR • PHOTO GALLERY CLASSIFIEDS • SUBSCRIBE
Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle
A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle
Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca
Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle
The Well Buda
Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda
METHODIST
Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle
Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda
Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald
CATHOLIC
St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland
Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle
CHRISTIAN
Journey United Methodist 310 San Antonio Dr., Buda
CHURCH OF CHRIST Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770 Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda
Located 1 block off FM 2001 at 302 Millennium Dr., Kyle, Texas (Millennium Drive is an entrance road) Pastor Rusty Fletcher and family
Services Sun. 11:00 a.m. Wed. 7:30 p.m.
Call or Text 512.393.4460
Visit
afountain.org for more info.
nuel Baptist Church a m Im FIRST SUNDAYS: Contemporary Worship at 9:30 a.m.
SUNDAY: Bible Study for all ages, 9:45 a.m. Worship Service, 10:55 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Bible Study, 7 p.m. Pastor Rodney Coleman 4000 East FM 150 (4 miles east of Kyle) (512) 268-5471
God with us
Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda
Good Shepherd Ministries FM 967, Buda
Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170
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 (Chapel)-11 a.m. Wednesday Evening (Chapel)-6:30 p.m. *On 5th Sundays we conduct one service at 10 a.m. with special music.
Rev. Nancy Day Office 295-6981, Parsonage 512-393-9772 www.BudaUMC.org
Santa Cruz Catholic Church
1100 Main Street • Buda, Texas 78610 Office: 512-312-2520 • Fax: 512-295-2034 • santacruzcc.org Rev. David Leibham, Pastor • Rev. Amado Ramos, Assoc. Pastor 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)
OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
FM 2770, Buda, Texas 295-4801
Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda
Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda
Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle
A non-denominational church with live contemporary Christian music and life giving teaching!
Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca
CENTEX MATERIALS LLC
Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle
Vertical Chapel 801 FM 1626 (Elm Grove Elem.), Buda
New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda
A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle
Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda
Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda
Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.
Log onto www.HaysFreePress.com
Sudoku Puzzle, from page 2C
The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda
LUTHERAN
Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle
Veterinary Clinic
Sudoku Solution
TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP
New Covenant Community Church 1019 Main Street, Buda (in Dance Unlimited)
Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626
Rosebrock
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle
First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle
Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor
15359 IH-35, Ste. B P.O. Box 1364, Buda, TX 78610 512-312-2383 Locally owned and operated by Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson
Texas Crossword, from page 2C
Come worship with us
Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle
McDonald’s of Buda
Texas Crossword Solution
Pure Texas Spring Water! Privately owned From local springs
FREE DELIVERY 1ST 20 GAL. FREE Friendly, Courteous Service
Call 1-866-691-2369
PENTECOSTAL Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd. PRESBYTERIAN St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666
Hays Hills
Baptist Church
Sunday
9:30 a.m. Classic Service 10:45 a.m. Contemporary service
9:00am 10:00am 6:00pm 7:00pm
Wednesday
Adult (including an 8:30 a.m. early bird class), teen, children’s classes * Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school
COME WORSHIP WITH US!
www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626
First Baptist Church
A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161 Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m. Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m. Nursery Provided www.firstbaptistbuda.com • fbcbuda@austin.rr.com
Bible Class Worship Worship Bible Class
Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd • Creedmoor, TX 512-243-2837
Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Worship: 11:00 a.m. WEdnESday Pray & Devotion: 6:30 p.m.
FM
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Debbie Thames, Agent 251 N. FM 1626, Bldg. 2, Ste. C, Buda, Texas 78610 312-1917
Lynch’s accidental discovery, 125 wells dotted the landscape and the new town of Mineral Wells was springing to life. Enterprising newcomers cashed in on the boom not only with the sale of bottled water but also by peddling salve, soap and crystals. Of all the colorful tales that make the early history of Mineral Wells such interesting reading, is how the “Crazy Well” got its name. An old woman in the throes of dementia spent her day sitting next to the well imploring passersby to draw her a pail. Enough of them took pity on the poor thing that her mind eventually cleared, or so the story goes. That account and innumerable testimonials raise the question of what if any medicinal properties mineral water actually contains. In the case of the so-called “crazy lady,” tests of the Mineral Wells water revealed, among other things, significant
“Unforgettable Texans,” Bartee’s fourth and latest book, is still available. Get your copy by mailing a check for $28.80 to “Bartee Haile,” P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393 or order on-line at barteehaile.com.
162
by Bartee Haile
Buda, Texas • 15300 S. IH-35 • 312-1615
Wells, a well-known health resort in Robertson County that regularly played host to Gov. Jim Hogg and his daughters along with 2,000 other summer guests only to end up a ghost town.
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tasted even worse than it smelled. Before long, however, their thirst conquered their fear, and everyone held their noses and gulped it down in increasing quantities. In a month or two, the whole family felt better. Mrs. Lynch experienced the most dramatic improvement in health, as the crippling rheumatism that had hounded her for years seemed to disappear. Word spread fast of the miraculous “cure,” and strangers started showing up at the Lynch farm to sample the elixir. James Lynch was happy to oblige at the going rate of five cents a quart. Business was so brisk he had to drill two more wells to keep up with the demand. Lynch’s growing legion of customers had to deal with the same doubts that had dogged his kin. Besides the awful taste and stomach-turning stench of the water, there was the common belief in “miasma” that cited “harmful vapors” as the cause of disease. Two years after James
the end of the boom. With 14 stories and 450 rooms, it was twice the size of the Crazy Hotel, the biggest of the town’s 45 inns, and had everything the well-heeled health seeker could desire: an 18,500 square-foot drinking pavilion, gymnasium, medical clinics, beauty salon, barber shop, bowling alley and rooftop garden and dance floor. amounts of lithium, which The Baker was the “in today is used in the treatplace” for the discrimiment of bipolar disorder. nating traveler, who did But in general the not necessarily give a claims of mineral water hoot about his health. It promoters and health was where “cattle kings spa proprietors in the late and oil tycoons twirled 1800’s and early 1900’s society gals to the sounds were anecdotal at best and of Lawrence Welk, Paul presented without a shred Whiteman and other big of scientific proof. On bands.” the long list of maladies But the Depression that mineral water could pulled the plug on the supposedly cure were mineral water boom to alcoholism, baldness, the detriment of Mineral cancer, diabetes, gout, Wells and the rest of the malaria, pneumonia, St. resorts. The economic Vitus’ dance and venereal belt-tightening radically diseases to name only a reduced the disposable few. income of even affluent When the mineral water Americans while the Food craze crested around the and Drug Administration turn of the century, at least cracked down on medical 100 locations in the eastquackery and medicine ern half of the Lone Star stepped into the modern State offered baths, water age with antibiotics. Gas by the glass or bottle and rationing during World accommodations ranging War II proved to be the last from plain campgrounds nail in the coffin. to luxury hotels. Mineral Wells and MarThe crown jewel of lin survived the changing the Texas resorts was the of the guard as did other Baker Hotel that opened communities. But some in Mineral Wells in 1929 at suffered the fate of Wootan
The practice of “taking the waters” dates back to prehistoric days. The Texas Almanac states, “Indians carved crude bathtubs out of rocks at Boquillas Hot Springs in what is now Big Bend National Park so they could bathe in the hot mineral water.”
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eturning home from a trip to Texas’ leading mineral water resort, a Marlin man issued an earnest appeal to his neighbors in a May 26, 1905 letter to the editor of the local newspaper. “The virtue of the water in Mineral Wells do (sic) not begin to compare with our water,” wrote the concerned citizen. “We have a beautiful and healthy location and nature has blessed us with most favorable surroundings in every way.” The practice of “taking the waters” dates back to prehistoric days. The Texas Almanac states, “Indians carved crude bathtubs out of rocks at Boquillas Hot Springs in what is now Big Bend National Park so they could bathe in the hot mineral water.” More recently none other than Sam Houston sought relief for his aching wounds at Sour Lake in Hardin County and the sulphur springs in Grimes County. In 1877 James Lynch and his sickly wife Amanda left Denison in search of a better climate. They settled in a cozy valley in Palo Pinto County, where James talked an itinerant driller into a digging a water well for his family. At first the Lynches and their nine children were reluctant to drink the well water because it
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C o m e wo r s h i p w i t h u s Join our church directory by emailing paper@haysfreepress.com.
COMMUNITY
Page 4C
Hays Free Press • May 23, 2018
Kyle Chamber Excellence in Commerce awards Kyle Chamber of Commerce business awards were announced this week at the annual Excellence in Commerce luncheon. Winners this year included the following:
BEST BETS Classes, meetings and local events can be found on the calendar at haysfreepress. com. Email event submissions to david@ haysfreepress.com.
Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival There will be a three day
Small Business of the Year • Hays Free Press Jim Darby and Cyndy Slovak-Barton
Spirit of Kyle Award and Ambassador of the Year Award • Sue Ferrell Sue Ferrell (left) and Chamber Director Julie Schneider
festival dedicated to the cajun crustacean along with entertainment, music, and of course food and drink May 25 through May 27. Located at the Marktplatz in Fredericksburg.
Onion Creek seniors honor veterans Join the members of the
Onion Creek Senior Center at the center on Friday, May 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. where veterans will be honored with a free lunch.
Hot Luck Festival - Austin The second annual food fesLarge Business of the Year • Texas Disposal Systems Neal Kelly (left) presents to Sandra Bryant, Justin Gregory and Ray Bryant
Medium Businesses of the Year • Kyle ER Jim Sherwood presenting to Alicia Bodony (left) and Tracie Phelps
tival hosted in various locations around Austin, May 24 through May 27. “Live Food & Music” to honor the soul, sweat and DIY diversity of the food and music world in Austin.
Buda Farmers Market Buda’s farmers market is
hosted year round, but they now have a new time and location. Find your favorite local vendors now at 308 S. Main Street, aka the Buda Mill and Grain Co., every Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Next Farmers Market is May 20.
ENTERTAINMENT
Volunteer of the Year • Marisa Coon, Randolph Brooks FCU Irene Melendez presents to Marisa Coon
Nonprofit of the Year • Hays County Food Bank Denise Blok
3200 Kyle Crossing (512) 523 9012 Experience it in
EVX
ENHANCED VIEWING EXPERIENCE
THE
For all showtimes and listings, please check our website or call showline!
SPOT
1180 Thorpe Lane (512) 210 8600 Cinema Eatery & Social Haus
$5 Tuesday Frenzy
1250 WONDER WORLD DR.
(512) 805 8005 Ambassador of the Year • Sue Ferrell
Business Person of Kyle • Desiree Hampton Brian Ziegler presenting
EVO-ENTERTAINMENT.COM Films. Lanes. Games.
www.AustinENT.com Comprehensive ENT Care for All Ages
Hearing Aid Services & Sales
Ear & Hearing
Hearing Aid Services
Hearing & Balance Evaluation Chronic Ear Infections Dizziness & Vertigo Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears) Ruptured Ear Drum
Thyroid & Parathyroid
Ultrasound & Needle Biopsy Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery
Allergy
Comprehensive Allergy Testing Allergy Shots & Drops
KYLE
Children’s ENT
Ear Tube Placement Tonsil & Adenoid Surgery Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery
Nose & Sinus
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery In-office Balloon Sinuplasty
Diagnostic Hearing Tests
Comprehensive Hearing Exams Immittance Testing OAE, VNG and VRA Testing Brian Schwab, M.D.
Throat, Head & Neck
Sleep Apnea Hoarseness/Vocal Cord Dysfunction
TWO LOCATIONS IN YOUR AREA
1180 Seton Parkway Suite 420 Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-5282
Hearing Aid Sales, Programming Fittings, Cleanings & Repairs Earmolds & Custom Ear Plugs Hearing Protection
Mark Dammert, M.D.
Michael Yium, M.D.
LOCKHART
1005 W. San Antonio #A Lockhart, TX 78644 (512) 444-7944
Amber Bass, Au.D.
Section D
Business
HaysFreePress.com
Hays Free Press
May 23, 2018 • Page 1D
Ramen-loving local to open new restaurant in Buda BY KATERINA BARTON
to open his own ramen shop in downtown Buda. Rynygyto Ouk is pasOuk only graduated from sionate about ramen, no Texas State University in matter if it’s 2016, but he gourmet or is excited packaged. to be in “The whole As a lifethe home funding thing stretch of long ramen eater, Ouk opening was kind of has been up his own making his a surprise to business. own recipes The for the past location for me too, that I his noodle four years; he even could muster operation, spent two Okami Raup as much men (Okaweeks in Tokyo in Ocmi meaning money as I tober eating wolf in ramen and Japanese), did to start perfecting has already his recipes. leased a this whole Ouk, place in a Buda the industhing. But I resident and trial and guess that’s modern Hays High alumnus, Buda Mill what you do and Grain hopes to now bring retail comwhen you what’s seen plex. Ouk as an eastern really believe recently delicacy to received his downtown in something construcBuda. tion permit – you find a “Ramen from the is like the city to start way to make building the epitome of Japanese inside of the it happen.” soul food. shop. He is You take a estimating –Rynygyto Ouk bunch of he will open parts that in about people don’t want for three months. food, and after hours and “I don’t want to keep hours of work you turn the people of Buda waitit into something really ing any longer. They’ve great and very comforting been pretty antsy about to eat – and delicious, it,” Ouk said. obviously,” Ouk said. Ouk says people often Ouk emigrated to Buda ask him, “Aren’t you in from Cambodia in 1995 massive debt?” and Ouk with his family. He grew jokes that his response is up in Buda, attended always, “Yeah, basically Hays High, and is about the answer is to just get
Financial Focus by John Albright
L
due to the new hotels. According to the analysis, Buda had a HOT increase rate of 18 percent from Fiscal Year 2014 to FY 2015. However, the city had less than a five percent HOT increase in FY 16 and FY 17. In addition, the city had its rate of occupancy and average daily rate percentage drop significantly. According to statistics compiled by STR, Inc., Buda’s rate of occupancy dropped 17 percent from March 2017 to March 2018. Buda hotels’ average daily rate fell from $102.42 per night to $89.31 during the same time period. In the memo, Gonza-
ike most people, you probably know several organizations worthy of your philanthropy, and you may well have contributed to them, perhaps on an annual basis. In the past, when you’ve made charitable donations, it’s been a win-win: You were able to provide support to a worthy organization and you received some valuable tax benefits. But with the passage of the new tax laws, things may have changed considerably for many people. Are there still tax benefits to making a charitable donation? Here’s some background: Previously, you may have been able to deduct your charitable donations if you itemized deductions on your income tax return. So, for example, if you were in the 25 percent tax bracket and you gave $1,000 to a qualified charity, you may have been able to deduct $250. But under the new tax laws, the standard deduction is almost doubled for 2018, to $24,000 for joint filers, and $12,000 for single filers. As a result, far fewer people are likely to itemize their deductions. If you’re in this group, you may find that you have less incentive, at least for tax reasons, to make charitable gifts. However, receiving a tax deduction is not the only tax benefit of making a charitable gift. If you own an IRA and you’re 70 ½ or older, you generally must start taking withdrawals – technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs – from your traditional IRA. (Roth IRAs are not subject to RMDs until after the death of the owner.) If instead of withdrawing the money, the IRA owner decides to transfer the funds directly to a qualified charity, the distributed amount can be excluded from the IRA owner’s income. So, in effect, you can get a sizable tax benefit from your generosity. In fact, you may be able to move up to $100,000 from your IRA per year to an eligible charity and have it count as your RMDs, even if the amount donated is more than the required minimum withdrawal. Even if you aren’t 70 ½ yet, you might still gain some tax benefits from certain types of charitable donations. When you itemized, and you donated appreciated stocks, you were generally allowed a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stocks on the date of the transfer, even if your original cost was only a fraction of that value. Now, if you don’t itemize, that charitable contribution is not deductible, but you can still avoid the capital gains
NO MORE HOTELS, 4D
FINANCIAL FOCUS, 4D
PHOTO COURTESY OF RYNYGYTO OUK
Rynygyto Ouk is estimating he will open his new ramen restaurant, Okami Ramenin, in about three months in Buda.
into more debt.” Ouk’s family has been helping him and he also has some investors, in addition to getting loans from a bank. “The whole funding thing was kind of a surprise to me too, that I could muster up as much money as I did to start this whole thing. But I guess that’s what you do when you really believe in something – you find a way to make it happen,” Ouk said. Ouk’s inspiration to open Okami Ramen not only came from his love of the noodle dish, but also from the experience of helping his parents run several small businesses, including a couple of donut shops in the area. Ouk says his mom has
been a big help in giving him business advice and financial help. After Ouk sold her on the idea, she is now his business partner. Ouk is also inspired by the success of Austin-area ramen establishments. But unlike many chefs who populate such businesses, Ouk’s skill comes from personal experience, rather than professional training. “I didn’t go to cooking school or anything like that. Cooking food has just been a passion my entire life. I’m basically self-taught,” Ouk said. Ouk designed an open kitchen so his customers can watch as he and his cooks do their thing. “I really like building rapport with my customers after working for
my parents for so many years. It’s really nice when you build a connection between you and your community that you’re serving,” Ouk said. Ouk said he wants to “keep people guessing when it comes to the ramen.” One idea he already has stewing is a recipe to use Texas boar meat. Ouk also wants to incorporate some Cambodian flavors in the future from some of his grandmother’s recipes. “A lot of people are calling me crazy for opening a ramen shop in Buda, but I think the people will gravitate toward something new being offered,” Ouk said. He thinks Buda has already got a weird enough vibe that “it wouldn’t be very crazy to have a ramen shop right there too.”
ENOUGH FOR NOW
Buda groups oppose more hotels BY MOSES LEOS III Too much, too soon is the message from Buda business leaders and city officials as they worry an influx of recent hotel openings could create a negative economic impact for the city. J.R. Gonzales, Buda Area Chamber of Commerce managing director, said a team effort involving the Buda Economic Development Corpration (EDC), Main Street Program and the chamber is needed to help encourage people to visit Buda. “We need more people staying in hotels and spending money here, as opposed to spending money in Austin,” Gon-
The city had its rate of occupancy and average daily rate percentage drop significantly. According to statistics compiled by STR, Inc., Buda’s rate of occupancy dropped 17 percent from March 2017 to March 2018. Buda hotels’ average daily rate fell from $102.42 per night to $89.31 during the same time period. zales said. Discussion on over-saturation came up May 15 when the Buda City Council nixed a permit for a limited-service hotel facility to open within city limits. The proposed complex would have marked the 10th hotel to open in Buda, and the fifth facility to open in the past 13
Gain tax benefits from charitable donations
months. According to analysis provided in a memo from Buda Tourism Director Lysa Gonzalez, recent hotel openings in Buda have limited the rate of increase of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenue. HOT is the rate collected by hotel owners, operators or managers
for guests who rent a room costing $15 or more each day. The tax applies to hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts. Texas charges a 6 percent HOT, while Buda charges an additional 7 percent fee. While HOT revenue in Buda continued to grow, the amount of HOT increase has plateaued
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Public Notices
Employment DRIVERS-COMPANY & OWNER OPS!
*Local Work~ Home Daily* Benefits! Minimum 1yr CDL-A exp. Pneumatic Tankers. Sabra: 844-648-1860
DRIVERS:
CDL-A Route Drivers! $3000 Sign-On! Avg $56,000/yr, gross. Health Care=Day 1! Lift 50lbs, 1yr exp. Mario: 844-415-0318
FIREWORKS STAND MANAGER NEEDED
Make up to $3,000 in ONLY 11 days managing a firework stand. NO INVESTMENT REQUIRED! June 24 - July 4, mrwfireworks.com to submit app or 210.622.3788 M-F
DRIVERS:
New Dedicated Positions. Home Weekly. Running TX, AR, CO, NM, OK, LA. Call 888-852-6250
OPERATORS NEEDED FOR FIREWORKS STAND
Operate a Fireworks Stand in your area. June 24 - July 4. Must be at least 21 yrs old and have travel trailer or camper available. Great for Teachers, Bus Drivers, College Students, Seasonal Workers or Fund Raising for Youth & Religious groups. For more information call 512-303-4438 or email: info@ buyamericanfireworks.com
PT WAREHOUSE/ OFFICE HELPER
Needed in Dripping Spgs area; $10-12/hr, Flex schedule for right person! Call 512-844-8730.
For Lease
HAIR STYLIST SUITE FOR LEASE
DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $10 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules. Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net. Call (512)432-1678 for further information.
Employment
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS
CDL DRIVERS • RESIDENTIAL DRIVERS $2,500 RETENTION BONUS
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At Jacob’s Star. Call 512-282-5622
Estate For Sale
BLANCO RIVER HORSE ESTATE
Guest cottage on 17 acres $650,000 San Marcos/Kyle 512-787-0033 CEMETERY LOTS
Lot 391, Spaces 1 & 2 in Garden of Peace at Onion Creek Memorial Park in Manchaca, Texas. $3500.00 for both spaces. For interment purposes only. 432438-5030.
GARAGE SALES
Community Wide Yard Sale In Kyle, TX. May 26th, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sunset Ridge Subdivision, East of IH35. 526 Harvest Moon Pkwy, Kyle, TX (off E. 150).
Come join our growing company! Visit our website for other open positions.
TexSCAN Week of May 20, 2018 ACREAGE 26.46 acres, Coke County near Robert Lee. Shared well, mesquite and cedar cover. Deer, hogs, turkey, quail, and dove. $3,045/ac. 30 year owner financing, 5% down. 1-866- 286-0199. www.ranchenterprisesltd.com.
AUCTIONS TX and OK Investment Homes. Bid online at auctionnetwork.com June 3-7. Texas – 8 Homes in: Paris & Wichita Falls. Oklahoma – 25 Homes in: Bartlesville, Henryetta, Muskogee & Tahlequah. Nominal Opening Bids: $10,000/each. 800-801-8003, williamsauction.com/Portfolio.
CAREER TRAINING Airline Mechanic Training – Get FAA certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 800-475-4102.
FINANCE Receiving payments from real estate you sold? Get cash now! Call Steve: 888-870-2243. www.SteveCashesNotes.com.
OIL AND GAS RIGHTS We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation. 806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, Lubbock, TX 79408-1800.
TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
EVENTS Seguin Softball Nationals June 27-July 1. Sign up at Seguinsoftballnationals.com. 830-379-6382. Partial funding for this event is being provided by the City of Seguin, Texas.
LOG HOMES Log Homes – 3 Log Home kits selling for balance owed, free delivery. Model #305 Biloxi, bal. $15,000; Model #403 Augusta, bal. $16,500; Model #502 Santa Fe, bal. $17,500. View plans at www.loghomedream. com.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE Many industrial and constructions workers exposed to asbestos from the 1940s through the 1970s, along with their families, are among those at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer or gastro cancer. Even if you have settled an asbestosis case in the past, a new claim may be possible, 800-460-0606, www.AsbestosLaw.com.
SAWMILLS Sawmills from only $4,397.00 – Make & Save Money with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! Free info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 800-567-0404, Ext.300N.
TRUCK DRIVERS Class-A CDL Drivers needed in Coppell, TX. Must have Doubles experience. Solo & Team positions. Call 940-726-3276 EOE M/W/V/D. Be Your Own Boss! Get Paid to see the Country! Quality Drive-Away is looking for CDL Drivers to Deliver Trucks! Twenty Locations! Apply at www. qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023.
Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 283 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Hays CISD is Requesting Of property to satisfy a Proposals for CQR #06landlord’s lien. 051801VL Outdoor Wireless Sale to be held online at Installation at HHS & LHS. Storagetreasures.com by Bids will be accepted until competitive bid by Anytime Notice 05-25-18 at 2:00 p.m.Public local Storage, LLC at 880 Windy Hill time. Specifications are avail- Rd. Kyle, TX 78640. Notice of Public Hearing able in the HCISD Purchasing Sale will be ending on or Office (512-268-2141 ext. after June 8, 2018 AM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TOat 11ALL 45092) between the hours Cleanup deposit is required. PERSONS, of INTERESTED 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Seller THAT: reserves the right to Monday through Thurswithdraw the property at any day. Bid responses must time before the sale. Cityto of public hearing beThe returned the Kyle HCISDshall hold Unit a items sold for cash to Purchasing Office, Valerie the highest bidder. Property on a request by Sterling/Babcock & Brown, Littrell, 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX includes the contents of spacLP by (Z-18-0026) to rezone approximately 78640, the date and time es of the following tenant (s). indicated Units Retail have some furniture, 14.36 above. acresLateofBids land All from Service will be returned unopened. boxes, clothing, miscellaneous District ‘RS’ofto Multi-Family The HCISD Board Trustees household Residential-3 items. reserves the right tolocated reject JOSEthe NERI3400 – fridgeblock ,tools for property within any and/or all bids and waive Ricardo Torres –washing Kyle Crossing, County, Texas. all of formalities in the bid in Hays machine process.
PUBLIC NOTICES, 4D
The Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend, andPublic theNotice City Council may Notice of Public consider, assigning anyHearing zoning district NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL which isINTERESTED equivalent orPERSONS, more restrictive. THAT: The City of Kyle shall hold a public hearing on a
Garage Sales
Competitive benefits and pay. Paid leave and holidays. To apply, visit TexasDisposal.com/careers For inquiries, please call 512-329-1778
Hays Free Press • May 23, 2018
CITY WIDE GARAGE SALE IN MOUNTAIN CITY, TX Mountain City Drive and throughout. We are half way between Buda and Kyle, West of IH 35, beside Hays High School. Saturday, June 2nd 8am to 3pm / Some sales will be carried over to Sunday June 3rd 8am to 2pm. Several families in our community will be hosting sales. There’s sure to be something for everyone! Between these garage sales you’ll find something special: adult/child clothing and shoes, dishes, collectibles, books, camping gear, indoor & outdoor furniture, tools, artwork and decor, toys, dvds, electronics / video games, jewelry and much more. Too much to list! Low prices on quality items. Hope to see you there!
Office For Lease OFFICE FOR LEASE IN DOWNTOWN KYLE
Private office, recetion area, kitchen. All utilities paid. $675. Call Cyndy at 512-753-2700.
A public hearing will be held by the request by Sterling/Babcock & Brown, LP (Z-18-0026) to rezone approximately 14.36 acres of land from Retail Planning and Zoning Commission on Service District ‘RS’ to Multi-Family Residential-3 for Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 6:30 P.M. property located within the 3400 block of Kyle Crossing, in Hays County, Texas.
A will be heldmay byrecommend, the Kyle Thepublic Planninghearing and Zoning Commission and theCouncil City Council consider,June assigning zoning City on may Tuesday, 19,any 2018, at district which is equivalent or more restrictive. 7:00 P.M. A public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 6:30 P.M.
Kyle City Hall Council Chambers A public hearing will be held by the Kyle City Council 100 W Center St.,2018, Kyle, Texas on Tuesday, June 19, at 7:00 P.M. Kyle City Hall Council Chambers
Agent: Jackson Roche 100 W Center St., Kyle, Texas Phone: (512) 682-5518 Agent: Jackson Roche Phone: (512) 682-5518
Publication Date: MayMay 23, 2018 Publication Date: 23, 2018 Z-18-0026 Z-18-0026
Public Notice Notice of Public Hearing
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: The City of Kyle shall hold a public hearing to assign original zoning to approximately 0.901 acres of land from Agriculture ‘AG’ to Retail Service District ‘RS’ for property located at 1049 Windy Hill Road and to assign original zoning to approximately 5.714 acres of land from Agriculture ‘AG; to Multi-Family Residential-2 ‘R-3-2’ for property located at 1001, 1003 and 1049 Windy Hill Road, in Hays County, Texas. Notice The Planning andPublic Commission may Notice ofZoning Public Hearing recommend, and the City NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVENCouncil TO ALL may THAT: district consider,INTERESTED assigning PERSONS, any zoning The Cityisofequivalent Kyle shall hold publicrestrictive. hearing to assign which or amore original zoning to approximately 0.901 acres of land from Agriculture ‘AG’ to Retail Service District ‘RS’ A public located hearing will beHillheld by to the for property at 1049 Windy Road and assign original zoning to approximately 5.714 acres Planning and Zoning Commission ofon land from Agriculture ‘AG; to Multi-Family ResidenTuesday, June 12, 2018 at 6:30 P.M. tial-2 ‘R-3-2’ for property located at 1001, 1003 and 1049 Windy Hill Road, in Hays County, Texas.
A will be heldmay byrecommend, the Kyle Thepublic Planninghearing and Zoning Commission and the City Council may consider, assigning any zoning City Council on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at district which is equivalent or more restrictive. 7:00 P.M. A public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 6:30 P.M.
Kyle City Hall Council Chambers A public hearing will be held by the Kyle City Council 100 W Center St.,2018, Kyle, Texas on Tuesday, June 19, at 7:00 P.M. Kyle City Hall Council Chambers
100 W Center St., Kyle, Texas Owner: Asifali Karowalia Agent: ScottKarowalia Sellers, City of Kyle Owner: Asifali Agent: Scott Sellers, City of Kyle Phone: (512) 262-1010 Phone: (512) 262-1010
Publication Date: May 23, 2018
Publication Date: May 23, 2018 Z-18-0027 Z-18-0027
Service Directory Hays Free Press • May 23, 2018
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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: Page 4D
TO
Public Notice Notice of Public Hearing
ALL
Notice of Public Hearing Application to Subdivide Hays Free Press • May 23, 2018
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO NOTICE ALL IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: The Planning & Zoning Commission of the City of Public Notices Kyle, Texas, will hold a public hearing in the City Planning & Zoning Commission of the City of Pursuant to Ordinance #962, the Planning and Council Chambers at 100 W. Center Street, The Kyle, Public Notice Public Notice hearing in the Notice of Kyle, Texas, will hold a public City Commission Zoning ofPublic the Hearing City of Kyle, Texas, Texas, for the purpose of receiving testimony, Notice of Public Hearing Application to Subdivide Notice of Public Hearing Council Chambers at 100 W. Center Street,will Kyle,hold a public hearing for the purpose of comments, and written evidence from the public NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL Texas, for the purpose of receiving testimony, receiving NOTICE testimony, comments, and written regarding siteINTERESTED plan variances for property located PERSONS, THAT: INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: comments, and written evidence from the evidence public from the public regarding a preliminary at 197 Republic Drive. The applicant seeks to Pursuant to Ordinance #962, the Planning and Zoning The Planning & Zoning Commission of the City of Kyle, The Planning & Zoning Commission of the City of regarding site plan variances for property located plan application subdivide approximately 17.21 exclude public Republic DriveKyle, Texas, will hold a public hearing in the City Commission of to the City of Kyle, Texas, will hold a Texas, will hold sidewalks a public hearingalong in the City Council public hearing for the purpose of receiving testimony, Chambers at 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas, for the at 208 & 246 Republic Drive. The applicant seeks acres of land for property located at 1001 S. (Sec. 53-529) and to not install a privacy fenceCouncil Chambers at 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas, comments, and written evidence from the public regardpurpose of receiving testimony, comments, and written for the purpose receiving testimony, comments, and Sledge to exclude publicof sidewalks along Republic DriveingStreet (Opal Ranch Subdivision) within the adjacent to property used for single-family a preliminary plan application to subdivide approxevidence from the public regarding site plan variances written evidence from the public regarding site plan 53-529) in the City Kyle, Code Cityof Limits of Kyle. residential (Sec. 53-531) in the Drive. City The of appliKyle,(Sec. Codevariances imately 17.21 acres of land for property located at 1001 for property located at 197 Republic for property located at 208of & 246 Republic S. Sledge Street (Opal Ranch Subdivision) within the cant seeks to exclude public sidewalks along Republic Ordinances. Drive. The applicant seeks to exclude public sidewalks of Ordinances. City Limits of Kyle. Drive (Sec. 53-529) and to not install a privacy fence along Republic Drive (Sec. 53-529) in the City of Kyle,The public hearing will be held by the Planning adjacent to property used for single-family residential Code of Ordinances. The public hearing will be held by the Planning and (Sec. hearing 53-531) in the City Kyle, Code of Ordinances. & Zoning Commission on Tuesday, June 12, A public will beof held by the PlanningA&public hearing will be held by the Planningand Zoning Commission on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 6:30 A public hearing will be held by the Planning & Zoning P.M. in the City Council Chambers at 100 W. Center A public hearing will be by the Planning Zoning Zoning Commission on June Tuesday, at at 6:30 P.M. in the City Council Chambers at 2018 Zoning Commission onheld Tuesday, June&12, 2018 at Commission on Tuesday, 12, 2018 June at 6:30 12, P.M. 2018 Street, Kyle, Texas Commission on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 6:30 P.M. 6:30 P.M. 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 6:30 P.M.
Public Notices NOTICE TO CREDITORS
PUBLIC INPUT WORKSHOP
format. Attendees who wish to direct suggested boundary line adjustments will be provided an opportunity to sign in to do so. And, a brief presentation will be provided two times throughout the evening regarding the parameters to be considered in the process to create the boundaries.
Units: Unit 1150 – Ronny Parks – Couch, Plastic Totes, Boxes, Mattress, Misc. Household Unit 2043 – Shane Murrieta – Dresser, Couch, Toys, Boxes, Misc. Household Unit 2056 – Juana Solis – Hospital Bed Unit 2093 – Sheila Burbage – Hope Chest, Furniture, Boxes, Misc. Household Unit 2204 – Efrain Perez Jr. – Furniture, Misc. Household Unit 3137 – Sheila Burbage – Boxes, Christmas Décor, Boxes, Misc. Household Unit B211 – Brent Haas – File Cabinets, Furniture, Washer, Dryer, Boxes, Misc. Unit B221 – Tracy Tucker – TV’s, Boxes, Furniture, Misc. Household The company reserves the right to reject any bid and withdraw any from the sale at any time.
Notice is hereby givTuesday, May 29, 2018 en that Original Letters 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. of Testamentary for the Buda City Hall Estate of Thomas F. Eckols, Council Chamber Deceased, were issued on 121 S. Main St., Buda, Texas the 14th day of May, 2018, The City of Buda will conin Cause No. 18-0144-P, duct a Public Input Workshop pending in the County Court to give the City Council at Law of Hays County, and the general public an Texas, to Linda R. Eckols, opportunity to participate Independent Executor of the in an interactive exercise NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Estate of Thomas F. Eckols. by which the attendees can Morningstar Storage will The address is: offer suggested adjustments conduct a Public Sale to the c/o Colin G. Wise to the boundary lines for the highest bidder for cash on Morris and Wise, Attorproposed Illustrative Plan their premises to avail themneys at Law 1921 Corpo- before final consideration of selves of the Texas Provision rate Drive, Ste. 102 the Plan by the City Counof chapter 59 of the Texas San Marcos, Texas 78666 cil for the creation of three Property Code. This sale is All persons having claims (3) single-member districts against this Estate, which which will be used as bound- being listed below. Location: Morningstar is currently being adminaries for electing City CounStorage, 1001 W. Goforth istered, are required to cilmembers beginning with Rd., Buda, TX 78610 present themselves within the 2018 November Election. Date: 06/11/2018 the time and in the manner This workshop is open to the Time: 10:15 AM prescribed by law. public with a come-and-go DATED this the 23rd day of May, 2018. Respectfully submitted , As a part of its business of exercising its groundwater powers, the Board of Plum Creek Conservation District will consider applications forof the of 6 water well production permits, which are described COLIN G. WISE As a part itsrenewal business of exercising its groundwater powers, the as follows: Morris & Wise Board of Plum Creek Conservation District will consider applications for the 1921 Corporate Dr. Ste. renewal of 6 water well production permits, which are described as follows: 102 San Marcos, Texas 78666 Telephone: 512-392-2197 Name of Applicant Polonia Water Supply Corporation Facsimile: 512-396-7599 P.O. Box 778 State Bar No. 00794875 Mailing Address Lockhart, TX 78644 Email: colin@ morrisandwise.com
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of ANNE WHITNEY LOCKETT a/k/a ANNE ELIZABETH LOCKETT, Deceased, were issued on may 14, 2018, under Cause No. 18-0136-P, pending in the County Court of Hays County, Texas to JOHN H. MCCROCKLIN. Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the Estate addressed as follows: JOHN H. MCCROCKLIN Independent Executor of the Estate of Anne Whitney Lockett a/k/a Anne Elizabeth Lockett C/O/ Fleur A. Christensen Attorney for the Estate Blazier, Christensen, Browder & Virr, P.C. 901 S. Mopac, Bldg. V., Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78746 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. DATED the 14th day of May, 2018. Fleur A. Christensen Attorney for the Estate
Financial Focus
Date Application Filed
Location of Wells
April 30, 2018
PCCD # 6711623.021-A Latitude: 29.81746 Longitude: -97.63589 PCCD # 6711624.025 Latitude: 29.818595 Longitude: -97.635535 PCCD # 6704804.004 Latitude: 29.907684 Longitude: -97.547747 PCCD # 6704803.003 Latitude: 29.907079 Longitude: -97.549735 PCCD # 6704512.012 Latitude: 29.919413 Longitude: -97.563028 PCCD # 6704805.005 Latitude: 29.906528 Longitude: -97.570547
Purpose
Public Supply
Amount of Water
PCCD # 6711623.021-A = 403 acre feet of water per year PCCD # 6711624.025 = 403 acre feet of water per year PCCD # 6704804.004 = 537 acre feet of water per year PCCD # 6704803.003 = 537 acre feet of water per year PCCD # 6704512.012 = 403 acre feet of water per year PCCD # 6704805.005 = 269 acre feet of water per year
Rate of Production
PCCD # 6711623.021-A = 300 gallons per minute PCCD # 6711624.025 = 250 gallons per minute PCCD # 6704804.004 = 400 gallons per minute PCCD # 6704803.003 = 400 gallons per minute PCCD # 6704512.012 = 300 gallons per minute PCCD # 6704805.005 = 300 gallons per minute There are 6 applications for the renewal of 6 wells, requesting a total of 2,552 acre feet of water per year.
Summary
This Consideration will be during the Board’s regular meeting, at 1:00 p.m. on June 19, 2018, located at 1101 W. San Antonio, Lockhart, TX.
This Consideration will be during the Board’s regular meeting, at 1:00 p.m. on June 19, 2018, located at 1101 W. San Antonio, Lockhart, TX.
Continued from pg. 1D
lez said hoteliers over the past year have said that Buda is “over saturated with hotels” and they’re unsure of the success in the area. Additionally, Gonzalez said a detrimental effect could be hotels lowering prices to compete against each other, which could lead to HOT revenue diminishing. Gonzalez cited her experiences in
Palestine, which had its hotel market destabilize after it opened several new hotels in a short period of time. The end result could lead to hotels appealing to “less desirable clientele,” due to the lower cost. “Some evidence of this has begun appearing in online reviews,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzales said Buda has enough limited service hotels “for a city our size.” The chamber was one of several groups that opposed the permit for the proposed limited service facility May 15. While Gonzales said he isn’t anti-growth, he fears the over-saturation of hotels in the area could ultimately impact the quality of life in Buda.
Gonzales believes Buda should now seek a full-service hotel facility that includes ballrooms and potentially even a convention center to help spur more people to stay in Buda. “Adding more limited service hotels is not going to add quality,” Gonzales said. “It’s going to bring down room rates for everyone.”
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Financial Focus Continued from pg. 1D
taxes you’d have to pay if you sold the securities, rather than donating them. Finally, you could name a qualified charity as a beneficiary of your IRA or 401(k). This can allow the assets to pass free of income tax to the charitable group. Given the increased standard deduction resulting from the new tax laws, many charitable groups are worried about the potential loss of contributions. Nonetheless, as we’ve seen, you can still find ways
to get some tax benefits from your own charitable gifts. And you’ll still get the same satisfaction from supporting a good cause. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
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