June 3, 2020 Hays Free Press by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

JUNE 3, 2020 RADIOACTIVE

COVID TESTING

Radioactive camera box swept away, retrieved during weekend flood.

Health Department pursuing aggressive outreach for COVID-19 testing.

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Vol. 126 • No. 10

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Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX

Woman fatally shot in San Marcos

COMMENTARY ON AMERICA’S CRISIS

Still think it’s not right?

Black Lives Matter. Why is it that so many people cannot understand those three simple words?. Black Lives Matter. More puzzling is how such a simple, innocuous phrase stirs up so much vitriolic, internal hatred in people. Black Lives Matter. Maybe even worse is how some attempt to rationalize their opposition to the phrase by countering “All lives matter” or something of the like. Black Lives Matter. Heck, Black lives should always matter. However, in today’s America, that’s just not the case. Not when Ahmad Arbury was tracked down and murdered by a pair of white men in broad daylight while he was jogging in his neighborhood. Or when a white police officer mercilessly murdered George Floyd late last month while detaining him for a non-violent offense, ignoring Floyd’s pleas that he couldn’t breathe. Not when Breonna Taylor, an EMS worker in Louisville, Kentucky, was shot eight times in her home and killed when police executed a no-knock warrant in a search for suspects who weren’t even in her residence. And somehow, someway, people still have the audacity, nay, the gall, to question aloud why so many people of color are angry right now? Why people of all creeds and races are peacefully walking along streets and highways in numerous cities this week, clamoring for

AMERICA’S CRISIS, 3

The San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of a woman that occurred early Saturday evening. It was the second shooting at a San Marcos Apartment complex to have occurred in recent days. On Wednesday, May 27, a suspect was wounded during an attempted burglary at a complex across town. On Saturday, May 30 at approximately 6:51 p.m., officers responded to reports of a shooting at the Redpoint Apartments (formerly The Woods), 650 River Road. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased female inside the apartment with apparent gunshot wounds.

Senior Sunset Show at Tiger Stadium

FATAL SHOOTING, 9

PHOTOS BY ALBERT SANCHEZ

Fireworks exploded over Tiger Stadium in Dripping Springs May 29 to celebrate the Class of 2020 as part of the Senior Sunset show. Like elsewhere, graduation ceremonies for Dripping Springs High School were delays by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Survey asks ‘do you or don’t you mask up in public?’ BY SAHAR CHMAIS

Six months ago, pre COVID-19, no one thought of wearing a face mask. Even as awareness of the coronavirus began to spread, wearing one was a subject of debate. But now, covering one’s face as a way of preventing the spread is simply a matter of course. The small piece of cloth has come a new, albeit divisive, issue. As the Texas economy has begun to “open,” residents must make the decision for themselves, as Gov. Greg Abbott declined to make mask wearing mandatory. Some routinely don a mask, others only for certain outings. And like individuals, businesses have the decision to make – choosing a

The first question in the survey asks, “do you wear a face mask or PPE when you go out in public?” To which about 74 percent said yes, 15 percent said sometimes, and 10 percent said no. snappoint on a continuum between “no mask, no service” and discouraging the use of masks altogether. But just who is choosing what? To give a sense of direction, and in one of its many steps toward getting a better consensus, the Buda Area Chamber of Commerce made a quick six-question survey gauging residents’ thoughts on masks in public. “The survey is a

TEXAS HISTORY

Texas takes historic walk into space.

– Page 6

shot of time,” said J.R. Gonzales, executive director of the Buda Area Chamber of Commerce and creator of the survey. “It’s kind of an attitudinal shot of how people look at it in that point in time. If this survey is conducted again in four weeks, we might see different responses.” The overall sense, Gonzales said, is that Buda residents have reservations about leaving the house

without a face cover or personal protective equipment (PPE). As a fair warning, this conclusion is very simplified and the results may continuously change. Survey questions were open for less than 72 hours and gathered 450 responses. It was posted on a Facebook page called Buda Takeout and Delivery Services and a few other online sources, but responses came mainly through the Facebook page. Gonzales said he realized where some of the response biases may lie – for example, 80 percent of the page followers are women and his guess is about 75 percent of the survey takers were women. In hindsight,

MASK SURVEY, 2

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County to join state program for contact tracing BY ANITA MILLER Since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Hays County in midMarch, epidemiologist Eric Schneider has been conducting contact tracing — tracking where the individual had been and whom he or she might have had contact with during the prior 14 days. Now as the number of cases has risen along with the availability of testing, the county is poised to join a program of the Department of State Health Services. As explained by Ian Harris, also an epidemiologist for the county, it will be a web-based program at no cost to the county that allows health department to communicate with each other. “We will probably gain more cases in the long run but it is all about getting out in front of the virus,” Harris said. “People who are aware they have been exposed need to take precautions not to expose anyone else.” Schneider said that, as of 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, six new cases had been reported and the county had seen its fifth fatality — the second in a week’s time. A total of 32 people

CONTACT TRACING, 5

NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 3, 2020

Criminal justice issues mulled by coordinating committee

Mask Survey Continued from pg. 1

Gonzales would like to add a gender and age question in the next survey. The first question in the survey asks, “do you wear a face mask or PPE when you go out in public?” To which about 74 percent said yes, 15 percent said sometimes, and 10 percent said no. There were more specific questions in the survey which could potentially guide businesses in their reopening models. Some were directed at the comfort level in patronizing restaurants, bars, retail stores, gyms and more.

Ultimately, these questions and answers are a tool that Buda businesses can utilize if they choose to, so they can analyze customer comfort levels. Buda Area Chamber of Commerce did not post the results on social media and only passe it on to the businesses who asked about it and to chamber members. “With some businesses, it reinforces what they’re doing,” Gonzales said, “and some are saying ‘okay that’s fine,’ and feel those taking the survey might not be their customer base. Our intent is not to

change people’s behavior, but to gauge what their behavior is now.” Consumer behaviors will continue to change over time, so the Chamber of Commerce plans on putting out more surveys while learning from this survey’s shortcomings, Gonzales said. “Plan on seeing more surveys in the future,” he said in a whimsical tone, knowing what may come but not ready to divulge it. “Because it will be a tool to keep a pulse on the business community and educate them on what the public is thinking.”

161

Currently hospitalized

50 50 45 45 40 40 35 35 30 30 25 25 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5

0 0

0-9 yrs 0-9 yrs

200

400 400

180

350 350

10-19 yrs 20-29 yrs 30-39 yrs 40-49 yrs 50-59 10-19 yrs. 20-29 yrs. 30-39 yrs. 40-49 yrs. 50-59 yrs yrs. 60-69 60-69 yrs yrs. 70-79 70-79 yrs yrs. >80 > 80yrs yrs.

Added cases

Active

Total

Confirmed cases

Active cases Total deaths Total hospitalizations

250 250

Current hospitalizations

140 135 125127 121 117

200 200 120

109 103

150 150 100

100 100

50 50 60

3 02

0 101

7 01

03 02 0 04

7 5

0 0 02 0

1214141414 101010 8 7 4 6 8 2 2 44 44 42 4 45

0111111111

65 65 59 6115151616 58 161819202020592020 14 14 12 9 8 8 54 54 7 77 244 241 245 35 14 145 15 155 150 152 15 1 1 164 50 43 43 41

9297 8081

68 67 70 69 2324 35 342

109

25262728 28 14

34 353 36 3

161 152

129 115

91 78

14 15 15 16 16

35 35

68 67

3234

32 2828 29 9

56 58

Niederwald Niederwald Mountain City Mountain City Kyle Kyle

Hays Hays Dripping Springs Drip. Springs Driftw ood Driftwood Buda Buda Bear Creek Bear Creek Austin*

Austin

10 10

20 20

3030

4040

50 50

60 60

COURTESY PHOTO

The force of the water from rains this weekend swept a pickup truck working on the Kinder Morgan Pipeline 10 miles downstream. The truck contained a lead box with a radioactive camera that serves as a mobile darkroom.

Radioactive camera box swept down river during weekend flooding BY ANITA MILLER A radioactive camera box swept away in a flash flood along the Pedernales River in Gillespie County over the weekend has been safely recovered. The lead box, which contained a camera and a “mobile darkroom,” is owned by Toronto-based Shawcor, a pipeline inspection company that is a contractor for Kinder Morgan, the company currently building the Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP) across Central Texas. According to Paul Pierroz, Shawcar senior vice president for corporate and investor relations, the box “released” from a company pickup during the flash flood. Two employees were rescued from floodwaters by Gillespie County Fire Department staff, Pierroz said. He wasn’t clear how

Two employees were rescued from floodwaters by Gillespie County Fire Department staff. the pickup went into the river, saying only that the work crew “got caught up in some deep water,” after which the “vehicle became overcome with water.” Flash floods are so common in the Texas Hill Country that the area has been nicknamed “Flash Flood Alley.” Pierroz said the crew was aware of potentially hazardous weather. “They had actually paused their trip hoping the rain would subside. Unfortunately they got caught up in a flash flood.” The force of the water swept the pickup truck 10 miles downstream. Pierroz said the box was found undamaged Sunday afternoon just east of North

River Road near Stonewall. “The camera was whole and contained in its protective steel overpack box with no release of radiation.” He told the Hays Free Press on Sunday that the box’s content is not water soluble so would not be released in water. On Saturday, the Department of State Health Services issued a public advisory about the box, accompanied by photos, telling anyone who found it to not open it but to contact authorities instead. This is just the last in a string of mishaps since Kinder Morgan began laying pipe for its 430-mile,

BOX RECOVERED, 2

3-May

5 1 2-May

1-May

30-Apr

29-Apr

28-Apr

26-Apr

25-Apr

24-Apr

23-Apr

22-Apr

21-Apr

20-Apr

19-Apr

18-Apr

17-Apr

14-Apr

45 5 55 5 52 1 1 1 10 1

San Marcos San Marcos

4 1

27-Apr

13-Apr

11-Apr

9-Apr

8-Apr

7-Apr

12 14 14 14 14 10 10 8 8 6 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 1 2 4 1 1 12 1 1 0 1 1 1 7

10-Apr

12-Apr

Total

0 0 02 0

5-Apr

4-Apr

3-Apr

2-Apr

31-Mar

30-Mar

0 02 0 0

6-Apr

Active

28-Mar

16 10

27-Mar

26-Mar

25-Mar

02 02 02

1-Apr

13 9 11 23-Mar

22-Mar

21-Mar

6 01

20-Mar

19-Mar

Uhland Uhland

18-Mar

17-Mar

16-Mar

5 Wimberley 32 Wimberley 1 01 0 02

7 01

24 16 18

29-Mar

Woodcreek

Woodcreek 0

24-Mar

61 0

5 02

9 1113 02 02 02

34 2832 161810

144

91 82 7881 776867 656777767273 6769 7274

7681 75 7069 65 656867 59 54 58 50 414343

152

147

16-Apr

140

300 300

165165167 160

15-Apr

160

15-Mar

too fast.” He challenged the studies about representation at magistration, saying those studies are ongoing. Mau seemed to agree. “I thought Judge Steel raised a good point in that we have made a number of indigent-defense-related improvements recently, and we have yet to see the degree to which those changes will bring some of the same benefits as a PDO would be expected to offer,” he told the Hays Free Press. “Changing too much too fast makes it hard to evaluate the effect of any particular change to the system later.” Steel also praised the current system and the caliber of defense attorneys working essentially for free. While a PDO would assign an attorney that would be active in the case from magistration onward, currently a judge assigns a public defender only after he or she has set or denied bail. Mau also asked how, if the PDO is only to handle a percentage of cases with the rest assigned to private defense lawyers, defendants would be selected. Shell said he considers the meeting a success. Although no action was taken, “it was informative,” he said. “We should have another meeting in the next couple of weeks to continue the discussion.” Mau said he looks forward to that. “As a prosecutor, setting aside the money issue, I have no objections to a PDO. As a taxpayer, I would want to be confident that the extra expense provides a commensurately valuable benefit (or at least an equivalent offset to expenses elsewhere, such as jail costs). I honestly don’t have that answer right now. Buckley pointed out that remarks about spending on a PDO need to be tempered by the fact Hays County spends considerably less per indigent defendant than many other counties its size.

Active Cases

371

Among actions the county has already taken include establishing a Regional Padilla Compliance Pilot program which will be used to provide assistance for defense attorneys representing defendants who are not citizens of the U.S.A. Initially involving only Hays County, the umbrella program will eventually be active in the 26 Texas counties that make up the 3rd Administrative Judicial Region.

Committe also heard a presentation from the Vera Institute, which is hoping to do a free study on the county jail and its population. Like most other county jails, many of those incarcerated here have not been convicted of any crime but are awaiting their day in court. That population was cut in March when the COVID-19 crisis prompted officials to release many inmates not suspected of committing violent crimes. Still, Hays County remains one of the state’s fastest-growing, and inmates are still being outsourced to other facilities, some hours away, in order to comply with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Sheriff Gary Cutler, who also attended the virtual meeting, has said outsourcing will continue even after the new jail beds are available later this year. Outsourcing costs taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars every week, according to weekly reports to the commissioners court. Among actions the county has already taken include establishing a Regional Padilla Compliance Pilot program, funded by a $342,720 grant from the TIDC and a county-run Magistration Division. The Padilla grant is used to provide assistance for defense attorneys representing defendants who are not citizens of the U.S.A. Initially involving only Hays County, the umbrella program will eventually be active in 26 Texas counties in the 3rd Administrative Judicial Region. Magistration is the first time a defendant appears before a judge who will deny or set bail. The Vera Institute, Mano Amigo and other organizations have cited studies showing that defendants who have an attorney present during that process receive lower bails. Though he acknowledged Hays County is “way ahead of everyone else” in criminal justice reform, District Judge Gary Steel warned against “trying to go

Deaths

13 -M a 15 r -M a 17 r -M a 19 r -M a 21 r -M a 23 r -M a 25 r -M a 27 r -M a 29 r -M a 31 r -M ar 2Ap r 4Ap r 6Ap r 8Ap 10 r -A p 12 r -A p 14 r -A p 16 r -A p 18 r -A p 20 r -A p 22 r -A p 24 r -A p 26 r -A p 28 r -A p 30 r -A pr 2M ay 4M ay 6M ay 8M a 10 y -M a 12 y -M a 14 y -M a 16 y -M ay 18 -M a 20 y -M a 22 y -M a 24 y -M a 26 y -M a 28 y -M a 30 y -M ay 1Ju n

Hays County has taken significant strides in reforming its criminal justice system but more needs to be done. That was the general consensus of the county’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee, which met for the first time in six months last week, albeit virtually. District Attorney Wes Mau said he believed there are “clear advantages” to the establishment of a Public Defender’s Office after hearing a presentation by the Texas Indigent Defense Council (TIDC). However, such a move would “almost certainly bring with it a higher cost to taxpayers — so the question for me is how much benefit for the expense?” “The real question here is do we invest our tax dollars in incarceration or fair representation,” said Jordan Buckley, a founder of the Mano Amiga group that has been active on issues of jail reform and immigration. Hays County, which will open an expanded jail and co-located emergency services facility later this year, has struggled for years with improvements to criminal justice, saw an expanded push when County Judge Ruben Becerra, a Democrat, took over for former County Judge Bert Cobb, a Republican, in January 2019. Becerra’s attempt to establish a new group to engage the issue failed to draw sufficient support from the commissioners court. Instead, the existing but largely dormant Coordinating Committee was tasked to continue its efforts. The group last met in October 2019. Though a meeting was scheduled in March that was canceled due to the coronavirus. Becerra, along with Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe, and Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell, asked the TIDC to do a study of what a Public Defender’s Office (PDO) would mean for the county as well as for defendants and taxpayers. The study looked at costs and benefits associated with a PDO handling 15 percent and 50 percent of the county’s indigent defendants over the course of five years. The study also examined costs and benefits of the PDO being established as a county department versus being a nonprofit in the vein of Texas Riogrande Legal Aid. The Coordinating

Confirmed cases

13-Mar

BY ANITA MILLER

Hays County COVID-19 Statistics • as of June 2

14-Mar

Page 2

Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The real question here is do we invest our tax dollars in incarceration or fair representation.” –Jordan Buckley, a founding member of Mano Amiga. Story on page 2.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 3, 2020

Page 3

Retooling higher education after Covid Who is that masked man? T W BY MARGARET SPELLINGS

ell, here we all are in our fourth month of this pandemic. Luckily, I haven’t contracted that stinkin’ virus, unless I was one of those asymptomatic carriers we keep hearing about. Heck, I might’ve have the ‘Rona and not even known it. If infected, you might have a fever and body aches according to the medical experts. Excuse me, Doc, but I am a 62-year-old cowpoke living in Texas where it’s dang near a hundred degrees 200 days out of the year. I’m tired and achy every day of the year, and how am I supposed to know if I have a fever? Sure, I could use a thermometer, but mine exploded when I used it to check the soil temperature in my garden last July. I am relatively certain I am not infected. I have been staying home or at least on our ranch for most of the time the corona virus has been running amok in our great state. I have ventured out a few times to get essentials like groceries, building supplies and snake oil, but I made dang sure to keep my distance from folks. And I wear a mask whenever I go anywhere. There are still some folks who simply refuse to wear a mask. They have their reasons, and some have convoluted theories about mask-wearing. One woman wrote a lengthy essay on Facebook on the hazards of wearing a mask. She claims we inhale our own “poisonous carbon dioxide” that’s trapped in the mask. I could’ve replied to her post to rebuke her statement, but my momma once told me to never talk to crazy people. If wearing a surgical mask was hazardous, do you think highly trained surgeons and nurses would risk their lives performing lengthy operations? And, for your information, those surgeons aren’t wearing sterile masks and gown for their safety but for yours. The fact is carbon dioxide, as does oxygen, can pass through most masks. If the mask prevents CO2 from exiting your body, carbon dioxide poisoning is the least of your worries. I’d be more concerned about how funny you look with blue lips. Lots of people claim a

Crow’s Nest

by Clint Younts

mask does not prevent you from catching the virus. This is true, to a degree. An ordinary mask does help to some degree, trapping larger droplets of virus-laced saliva spewed from some sicko, though it can’t stop the smaller spit balls. But if the infected, and possibly asymptomatic, person is also wearing a mask, most of the germs are trapped in his mask, and your mask is a secondary barrier. If this is a little too scientific for some of y’all, let me explain it in a way y’all might understand it. I saw this analogy somewhere online and it makes a ton of sense. Let’s say you and some fella are at a nudist camp, chatting about something when the other guy begins to urinate on your bare leg. You’re gonna have a lot of pee on you. Now, let’s say you are wearing jeans when that rude fella pees on you. Some urine may reach skin depending on your type of pants. But what if you have on jeans and that dude with bladder problems is also wearing jeans? How much urine is going to reach your bare skin? Now do you get it? Even with all the scientific findings, some folks won’t wear a mask due to their own unsubstantiated theories. Some people just don’t think this virus is a big deal and aren’t accepting any advice from scientific or medical experts. Do these folks know that the first dinosaurs to become extinct were those with the smallest brain? As a kid, one of my heroes was the Lone Ranger. He wore a mask and rode throughout the west protecting people from bad guys. If you happen to see me in Home Depot, you might ask, “Who is that masked man?” Have no worry. I’m one of the good guys. Clint Younts has been staying at home during this long period, driving his children crazy. But at least his grandchildren can help him drive the tractor and feed the cattle. crowsnest78610@gmail.com

Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton News Editor Anita Miller Sports Editor Moses Leos III Reporters Camelia Juarez, Sahar Chmais Columnists Bartee Haile, Pauline Tom, Clint Younts Proofreaders Jane Kirkham

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there, considering that 77 percent of jobs created he economic cain Texas — through the lamity caused by economic recovery and the novel coronabeyond — will require a virus is creating a surge college-level credential in young adults with or degree. uncertain futures. Many Nearly every instihave lost jobs or job tution has adapted to offers, and others may online learning during leave higher education the pandemic, and while and their schooling bethere have been ups and cause they can no longer downs, there is no doubt afford it. that institutions are now Our state’s vast and better able to deliver indiverse system of higher struction virtually than education must rise to they were three months this moment. While the ago. However, higher pandemic and related education must be creeconomic fallout have ative, find new ways to created unique challeng- meet their mission, and es for our colleges and double down on the universities, these instimost efficient and effectutions offer a bridge to a tive practices to serve better future for individ- students in the months ual Texans and for our ahead. state’s economic well-beColleges and uniing. They educate future versities have been hit generations of Texans, hard by the economic provide critical public collapse. Given the health resources and ex- budget crunches facing pertise, spur innovation, universities, due to both and create and attract declining state revenues businesses to locate and and economic uncerremain here. tainty facing parents and The demand for a students, administrators good education has not will have to set priorities abated; indeed, enrolland make hard choices. ment and interest in col- Leaders must especially lege often surges during focus on programs that economic downturns. put students in the workAnd the need is certainly force with high-demand

skills and good wages. That helps students themselves and supports the economy as a whole. This new phase for higher education will require far-reaching conversations about how to best deploy resources, new technology, and faculty and staff to deliver the knowledge and skills Texas students will need to succeed in a transformed job market. Further, the college experience should be tailored to serve more people. Working adults of every age may need retraining or additional skills to adjust to workforce demands, and the state’s colleges and universities can help meet those needs. And while the pandemic may disrupt traditional models of higher education, it cannot be allowed to impede student progress. Some may need to spend time at a community college or public university closer to home. Fortunately, we have plenty of options across the state. More than ever, it’s vital that students find efficient pathways to education and careers that will

support Texas’ economic recovery and their own. This painful economic disruption we’re all experiencing can be a turning point for our state’s higher education system. If we respond with big ideas and bold thinking, this recovery can support the education and development of Texans in ways that remake the state’s workforce. Many lost jobs will not come back, but the people who had them remain — let’s make sure they have the skills and credentials they need to launch new and higher-paying careers that will benefit us all. Young people, secure in their paths just a few months ago, are asking difficult questions about what comes next. We must support Texas colleges and universities in finding the right answers – they are critical to our state’s future.

discussions about race and racism. If we’re being honest, these discussions should probably begin early in life. After all, racism is a learned trait. It’s seemingly apparent some American parents didn’t feel the need to teach their children that people are people, no matter the hue of their skin. More importantly, however, is the need for us as a people to push our civic leaders to go the extra mile in calling out, identifying and halting racism and police brutality. That became supremely difficult when the President Monday seemingly declared war on all current protesters, violent or non-violent. He did so by threatening to use military action against them (he technically can’t as states have to request that help). To truly remedy police brutality, we must demand police chiefs and their staffs across the nation do more in root-

ing out racists from their ranks. As we saw once again this week, silence is murder when it comes to racism. We must also demand our elected leaders stop using social media as a tool to incite violence and gaslight white supremacists. Once again, apparently goose stepping white men carrying torches and spouting similar hate rhetoric as the KKK in Charlottesville, Virginia are “very nice people,” while peaceful protesters fighting racial inequality are “thugs.” There’s only thug here and he lives in a big white house. We stand with the black community and support them wholeheartedly during this fight. It isn’t about politics or some other agenda. It’s just the right thing to do. It’s the human thing to do. Because Black Lives Matter.

Margaret Spellings is the former U.S. Secretary of Education and president of the 17-institution University of North Carolina System. She currently serves as president and CEO of Texas 2036.

America’s Crisis Continued from pg. 1

justice? Why some have, unfortunately, resorted to vandalizing and destroying property? If you fall into this fold, you clearly haven’t been paying attention. Colin Kaepernick several years ago tried to address the problem of police brutality and racial inequality by peacefully kneeling. He was met with scorn and ridicule from those who felt it was “un-American” and disrespectful. LeBron James and numerous other NBA athletes wore shirts speaking out against racial injustice against people of color. “Shut up and dribble,” one TV commentator said. If people of color cannot protest peacefully without being gassed, shot at, ridiculed and ostracized, where and how can it be done? Because if your first response to every peaceful protest generated by a person of color is, “No, you can’t protest that way” or “No, that form

DEADLINES

of protest is inappropriate,” then what you are essentially saying to people of color is, “No, you can’t protest and you shouldn’t protest.” It’s a double standard that’s exponentially magnified when you consider police never fired a single rubber bullet or tear gas canister at heavily armed white men who stormed state capitol buildings last month. Apparently bearing arms to intimidate local governments into re-opening despite a pandemic makes you a patriot in this country, while peacefully protesting racial inequality makes you a domestic terrorist. How disgraceful. The elephant in the room, of course, is finding a way to change. What’s weird is how some in our country don’t sense that ten-ton pachyderm. Part of the path toward fixing this issue will be for all of us to have cold, hard and uncomfortable

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 3, 2020

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Ascension Seton is fully prepared to provide all of the care and procedures for important health needs that patients might need urgently, have put off during this time or have been considering. Hospitals, clinics and facilities are now open to deliver care – with the safety precautions to minimize exposure risks. “Safety for our patients and caregivers is our primary concern,” said Andy Davis, President and CEO, Ascension Texas. “We are committed to meeting the healthcare needs of our community along with the compassionate care for which we are known.” Over the past few weeks, many people postponed care for almost all of their health needs – from elective procedures and surgeries to vaccinations, and from routine checkups to important health screenings. These extraordinary measures were necessary to meet the critical care needs of patients and communities across the state of Texas. Heightened precautions for patient and caregiver safety Balancing care with caution, Ascension Seton has added strict safety precautions to help protect both patients and caregivers. And, its caregivers continuously monitor

guidance from the CDC and adjust their safety practices accordingly. Precautions include: █ Screening all visitors, doctors, nurses and care teams before they enter a facility. █ Cleaning and sanitizing all areas extensively and more often. █ Designating separate emergency triage and care areas for patients with symptoms of COVID-19. █ Maintaining proper social distancing in waiting rooms. █ Continuing to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The risks of putting off care Emergency rooms across the country are reporting fewer cases of heart attacks, strokes and serious injuries. But these critical events are still happening. Avoiding care can make these conditions worse or recovery more difficult. For example, delaying care for a stroke, even by a few minutes, can be the difference between recovery and permanent disability. Delaying care for chronic conditions, routine appointments and screenings could also impact a person’s long-term health. Ascension Seton has added new options for care, including telehealth.

Getting health back on track Whether it’s rescheduling a delayed visit or scheduling care for a new health concern, overall health is too important to delay. “Our doors have remained open to patients who have needed us urgently,” said Dr. Samson Jesudass, Chief Clinical Officer, Ascension Texas, “and we are now scheduling for all types of care. Regular follow-up visits, screenings, surgeries – whatever the need, we’re here for you.” From the routine, to important care and emergency care, patients can get the care they need, when they need it, even now: █ If you have a health concern, call your doctor to talk about the best option for your care. █ If you have a chronic condition, call your doctor or go to GetSetonCare.com to find a doctor. █ Contact your doctor today about any surgeries that have been delayed or need to be rescheduled. █ Contact your doctor about non-emergency procedures that you might have put off or have been considering for you and your family. █ If you have a medical emergency, emergency rooms are always available 24/7 and can

see you urgently. Let your emergency care team know you’re on the way – make an ER appointment online. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or difficulty breathing, go directly to the ER or dial 911. More ways to receive care – in-person and virtual visits Ascension Seton has added more options for receiving care, including new ways to see doctors by phone or online, when it makes sense. For routine or non-emergency care needs, it’s always best to discuss the right option for care with a doctor. Here for patients and communities – and not going anywhere It has been a difficult time to take care of healthcare needs. Ascension Seton, which includes Dell Children’s and Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas, won’t stop working to keep Austin and surrounding communities healthy while continuing to care for those who need it most. Now and always, Ascension Seton is here for patients and families. Find a doctor, schedule an appointment or start an online urgent care visit at GetSetonCare.com

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 3, 2020

Page 5

County Health Department pursing aggressive outreach for COVID-19 testing BY ANITA MILLER Against the backdrop of a fifth COVID-19 fatality, the Hays County Health Department laid out an aggressive bilingual outreach program to the Commissioners Court during its Tuesday meeting. Clinic Manager Margie Rodriguez ran down the latest numbers on testing for the coronavirus at various sites and noted that the health department staff has hired interns to help handle the increased workload that has accompanied more testing. The effort is directed at individuals who are either uninsured or underinsured and unable to obtain testing elsewhere. Rodriguez said flyers

The effort is directed at individuals who are either uninsured or underinsured and unable to obtain testing elsewhere. in Spanish and English are being handed out at sites where school districts are distributing meals — seven sites in the Hays CISD and three within the San Marcos school district. “We’re going to be putting them in every car that drives up,” she said. Flyers have also been dropped off at big box stores like Wal-Mart and Target and at CARTS stations, San Marcos Southside Community Center and Cabela’s in Buda, and at Brookshire Brothers and Dollar Tree in Wimberley.

Staff were scheduled to go to Dripping Springs on Wednesday, June 3, she said, “to any store or business that will let us hand them a few.” Rodriguez said at the current time, staff are not going door to door. “We don’t feel safe enough,” she said. “People are not going to open their doors, especially those who are taking precautionary measures. “Our passion is to serve and to answer every question that we can,” she said of the health department staff and its dedication.

County seeking input on future parks, open spaces STAFF REPORT

County Judge Ruben Becerra. Meetings are Hays County is bless- facilitated by WaterPR, ed with natural spaces, a San Marcos-based from cool, clear swimcommunications and ming holes to stunning public engagement mountaintop vistas. firm. Suggestions to Not all of them are open the commission will be to the public, however, put through “a demoand county government cratic, public process is aiming to fix that and to determine the need is seeking public comfor a bond program” to ment on how to do so. finance acquisitions. The county’s Parks “This is important and Open Space Adwork,” Becerra said at visory Commission the group’s first meet(POSAC), created by the ing. “It is an essential Commissioners Court part of a large countyin February, is asking wide visioning process municipalities, nonto come which will profits, homeowners provide a comprehenassociations and other sive framework to guide groups and individuals growth while protecting for ideas. critical natural resourcThe POSAC, which es.” began meeting twice Goals and priorities monthly in March, for the county’s parks is composed of two and open space master members nominated by plan, formulated in each of the four com2012, establishes basic missioners and Hays criteria for projects to

be considered for future bond programs. They include scenic vistas, water quality and water quantity, critical land or water conservation projects and active sports and urban parks. “As Hays County’s population continues its rapid growth, land for public recreation becomes more difficult to find and more expensive as well,” Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell said. “Our goal is to determine need and opportunity throughout the county by inviting potential partners to submit projects through a public process.” Proposals will be accepted through the end of June. Applicants are encouraged to review the 2012 Parks and Open Spaces Master Plan prior to submitting.

PHOTO BY ANITA MILLER

Dozens of volunteers handed out boxes of food to 1,450 families in the parking lot of Smiles Direct in Kyle Saturday.

Families receive free food during Kyle distribution event BY ANITA MILLER

distribution, which was facilitated by three driveThey came in sedans through lines. and SUVs, pickup trucks In a break from tradiand economy cars, most tional food bank distriwith trunks already open. bution, no registration or The city of Kyle, in prior dealings with the conjunction with Central agency were required — Texas Food Bank, handed anyone who showed up out boxes of food to 1,450 was given food with no families on May 30 in the questions asked. vast parking lot of Smile Distributions that Direct. do require registration An army of volunteers with the Hays County stood by to put in those Food Bank are held on open trunks boxes of a weekly basis — on assorted produce, cereals Tuesdays, from noon to and dried foods, pack1 p.m. at St. Anthony’s ages of fruit, protein Catholic Church in Kyle; items like meat and dairy on Wednesdays at Bobcat products. Stadium Parking lot in “We had a great turnSan Marcos from 6 to out,” Hays County Chief 7 p.m.; and on Thursof Staff and Emergency days at The Connection Management CoordinaChurch in Buda from tor Alex Villalobos told noon to one p.m. Indithe Commissioners Court vidual households are on Tuesday. allowed only one distriHe said he hoped for bution per week. another large turnout Additionally, the on June 13 at the same Hays County Food Bank location. distributes fresh, froDozens of volunzen and non-perishable teers contributed to the foods from 8:30 to 9:30 smooth running of the a.m. the first Tuesday of

the month at San Marcos High School Rattler Stadium. For more information, visit haysfoodbank.org.

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little nervous, looking around and seeing only a handful of masks. This has not gone away and it’s not stopping anytime soon. People need to continue to take it seriously. Social distance and go in public only whenever you absolutely need to.” Answering a question from County Judge Ruben Becerra, Schneider said the rise has correlated with the order

Tilly is a female, 3-year-old Staffordshire Terrier mix. Tilly can be a bit nervous upon initial meetings but don’t judge her by first impressions. After only small amounts of gentle encouragement, she’ll open up and show you the fun-loving sweetheart she truly is. Tilly does well playing with most other dogs and would make a great canine companion.

by Gov. Gregg Abbott to “reopen” Texas on May 1. Becerra said he had expected that to happen, reiterating his belief that if the county’s entire population were tested, 50 to 70 percent would be found positive, though many would be asymptomatic. “We stay cautiously optimistic,” Becerra said.

as low as

had been hospitalized with the coronavirus and six remained in the hospital. “In April we were averaging 20 new cases per week and in May 25 per week,” Schneider said. In the previous 15 days, he said on June 2, there were 138 new cases. He noted that the virus is on the rise in Travis and Bexar counties as well. “We are still climbing. I’m a

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Page 6

Texan takes historic walk in space

American public’s reaction. The country went wild with excitement over their space program. For the first time I saw real by Bartee optimism out there over Haile our chances of winning the race to the moon.” NASA’s closely guarded Ed White’s dream of secret was to upstage the walking on the moon Soviets with the very first never came true. On Jan. walk in space. However, 27, 1967, he perished either by accident or with Grissom and Roger design the Russians once Chaffee in a freak flash again beat the Amerifire during a launchcans to the punch, when pad test of their Apollo I cosmonaut Alexei Leonov command module. His spent 10 minutes outside parents, who lost Ed’s the Voskhod 2 capsule 46 sister and brother in their days ahead of the Gemini 20s, had to bury their last 4 launch. living child. A Titan II rocket blasted Ed White and Order any of Bartee’s crewmate James McDivitt five books (see list on barinto the heavens on Jun. teehaile.com) at special 3, 1965. The astronauts price of $18.50 tax and got right down to busishipping included. Mail ness executing the prime check to Bartee Haile, P.O. objective of the four-day Box 130011, Spring, TX mission as White opened 77393. And hurry! This the hatch on the third offer good only for limited orbit and peered into the time. solar system. Trembling with excitement, he propelled himself beyond the cramped confines of the capsule with a “puff” from his hand-held “maneuvering gun.” His lifeline was a 25-foot gold-encased tether connecting him to the space craft and containing the umbilical cord with his oxygen supply. White was on top of the world literally and emotionally. Talking to fellow astronaut Gus Grissom back in Houston, he gushed, “This is the greatest experience. It’s just tremendous. Right now I’m standing on my head and I’m looking right down, and it looks like we’re coming up on the coast of California.” After White shrugged off tactful reminders that he had overstayed his welcome, NASA flight director Chris Kraft broke in and ordered him to get back in the capsule. Like a little boy told to come home for dinner, White reluctantly obeyed. Pulling himself toward the open hatch, he said, “This is the saddest moment of my life.” In his book Flight: My Life In Mission Control published in 2002, Kraft wrote, “Ed White might have been euphoric during his space walk, but whatever he felt was tame compared to the

Texas History

Wimberley woman retires from Navy as Commander, Navy Installations Command Vice Adm. Mary M. Jackson, who hails from Wimberley and retired from the Navy as Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), was honored during a change of command ceremony onboard the JACKSON Washington Navy Yard. She is retiring after 32 years of naval service. Under the Chief of Naval Operations, CNIC is responsible for providing support services for the fleet, fighter and family with more than 53,000 military and civilian personnel under 10 regions and 71 installations worldwide. During the ceremony Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said, “Today is a celebration of the incredible career of Vice Adm. Mary Jackson.” “She

has been a trail-blazer for women, a role model for us all, and our Navy is better for her time on watch. I know Vice Adm. Yancy Lindsey will carry Mary’s

momentum forward at CNIC to strengthen our naval power from the shore, which has helped make us into the premier force we are today.”

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stronaut Ed White popped open the hatch of Gemini 4 on June 3, 1965 and stepped out into the boundless and beautiful universe. If ever there was a son who followed in his father’s footsteps, it was San Antonio native Edward Higgins White II. Ed Sr., a graduate of West Point, made a career of the Air Force advancing to the rank of major general. The elder White got in on the ground floor of military aviation piloting airships and the Air Force’s first powered winged crafts. He also sparked his namesake’s interest in flying by letting the 12-year-old take the controls of a trainer in the middle of a flight. Thinking back to the day that changed his life, Ed Jr. reminisced, “It felt like the most natural thing in the world to do.” After finishing high school in Washington, D.C. in 1948, Ed received the eagerly anticipated acceptance letter from the United States Military Academy. In spite of the time-consuming curriculum, he excelled in several sports and came within four tenths of a second of qualifying for the 1952 Olympic team in the 400-meter hurdles. Upon graduation from West Point, Ed joined the Air Force and learned to be a pilot. He trained on jets at the James Connally Air Base in Waco before it was converted into a municipal airport in 1968. As a commissioned officer, he spent the next three and a half years in West Germany in the cockpits of F-86 Sabres and F-100 Super Sabres. Soon after the Soviet Union stunned the world with Sputnik I, the first man-made satellite, in the fall of 1957, Ed White read a magazine piece about a new job description – astronaut. “The article was written with tongue in cheek, but something told me this is it. This is the type of thing you’re cut out for,” he told a Life magazine interviewer. “From then on, everything I did seemed to be preparing me for space flight.” But it was not like that opportunity came knocking. He made it happen by earning a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering at the University of Michigan while still in uniform and then by becoming a test pilot after hearing the original seven astronauts NASA chosen for Project Mercury all had that occupation in their resumes. White was putting experimental planes through their paces at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, when the space agency first took notice. He flew the cumbersome cargo aircraft, forerunner of the “Vomit Comet,” that introduced would-be spacemen to zero gravity. White’s laser-focused ambition paid off in 1962 with his selection as one of “the next nine” astronauts for the Gemini program from a list of more than 200 candidates. He patiently waited his turn to ride the rocket, which came in 1965 as half of the two-man crew for the four-day mission of Gemini 4.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 3, 2020

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 3, 2020

Page 7

OBITUARIES DANIEL

enjoyed so many exciting adventures with their Aunt DD. A memorial service will be held in San Marcos at The Embassy Suites at 2 p.m. June 6. She will be buried beside her parents at Alexandria Memorial Gardens, Alexandria, Louisiana.

his wife Georgia, his mother Carol Essl, his Debbie sister Bobbie (Beetsie) Day Daniel, Essl-LaPointe, his born in bonus daughter Brandy Shreveport, Feit, two children, five Louisiana grandchildren and several to Larry nieces and nephews. and Jewel Preceding him in Mae Daniel death were his father on Aug. Richard John Essl and his 17, 1949, died on May sister Fawn (Muffy) Essl 27, 2020. A preacher’s Duncan. ESSL kid, she was the fourth A celebration of Rob’s On May generation of her family life will take place at 26, 2020, dedicated to sharing the 1 p.m. with services Rob Essle Gospel. starting at 2 p.m on died after Following graduation Thursday, June 11, at an almost from Mississippi Harrell Funeral Home of 5-year College with degrees in Kyle. battle with psychology and religious The gathering for the education, Debbie served pancreatic service will be small, cancer. as minister of youth and including only immediate Rob was born on Jan. education in churches in 5, 1959 in LaSalle, Illinois, family members and a Louisiana and Southern few close friends due to parents Richard and California. For eight to the COVID-19 social Carol Essl. He grew summers she traveled distancing guidelines. up in the Midwest with high school and Masks will be required to beginning a lifelong love college students who be worn at the service. presented concerts all of motorcycles when he For those unable to across the United States was just a young boy. His attend, the service will be and Canada. father and mother both available via Facebook While music was her enjoyed riding. Livestream. Visit www. love, for three years He graduated from LP harrellfuneralhomes.com following 9/11, Debbie High School in LaSalle, for more information. wrote weekly columns Illinois then shortly after In lieu of flowers, in several community moved to Texas with his it was Rob’s wishes to newspapers and on family. He then started several select websites his 42-year career at Texas make donations to St. giving her an opportunity Lehigh Cement Company Jude Children’s Research Hospital. to share her patriotism at the age of 19, in 1978 and her Christian as an oiler. He loved his testimony. job and was dedicated to GRAY Debbie’s most recent his work, the company Marsha ministries included and to the community Lee Gray, organization and of Buda who became his 78, of Austin production of The Grand extended family. died May Ole Gospel Sing, a praise In 2006, Rob met the 29, 2020. gathering of Christian love of his life, Georgia She was talent, and The Steel Rossmann-Feit and they born in Magnolias, a group were blissfully married Canton, of ladies who present on Dec. 7, 2008. Rob was Ohio, to Jack choreographed gospel known as a very genuine, and Thelma McCowan on music presentations. In passionate and caring March 14, 1942. Marsha’s addition, she established man who enjoyed life and family moved to Austin, and led two women’s being there for others. where she attended spiritual growth He was dependable, Austin High School. She conferences, “Garden hardworking and one of met a handsome U.S. Gatherings: Bloom Where those guys who everyone Navy boxer by the name You Are” and “Reflections: enjoyed being around. of Sam Thomas Gray. Heart to Heart”. He was definitely one in They married on Feb. 14, Preceded in death by a million. He loved God 1959 and remained her parents, Debbie will and country, his family married until he died be fondly remembered and friends dearly. He 39 years later. He was by a host of family and had a huge passion for the love of her life, They friends who feel blessed music, especially Elvis, started their family in to have had her in their and he loved working Austin, and she became lives. Among those on his Harley-Davidson a mother to John Thomas are her sister, Darlene motorcycles as well as “Tommy” Gray in 1961, Maroney and husband his Corvette. Weekends and to Shari Lynn Pape Gary, her brother Gordon were made for road trips in 1963, and to Cynthia L Daniel and wife with the wind in his hair, Michelle Gordon in 1972. Joan, and six nephews music in his ears and the To describe Marsha and three nieces, 12 freedom of the open road as a devoted mother grandnephews and beckoning him. and wife would be an 11 grandnieces who Rob is survived by understatement. She

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

Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

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Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.

St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland CHRISTIAN

Santa Cruz Catholic Church

1100 Main Street • Buda, Texas 78610 Office: 512-312-2520 • Fax: 512-295-2034 • santacruzcc.org Rev. David Leibham, Pastor • Fr. Rito Davila, Parochial Vicar CONFESSION Saturdays: 4 p.m.-5 p.m. MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday evening: 5:30 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. (Spanish), 11 a.m. (English) 5 p.m. (English)

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Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda EPISCOPAL St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca LUTHERAN Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca Resurrection Church, CLBA 401 FM 967, Buda St. John Lutheran Church 9865 Camino Real, Uhland The Well Buda

CATHOLIC Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda

Texas Crossword, from page 6

Carrol James “Jim” Roach died on May 27, 2020 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born on Nov. 14, 1939 to R.J. and Oleta (Schmidt) Roach in Buda. Jim married Doris Buehring on March 10, 1966 and a few years later they moved to Uhland, where Jim started his welding business. He operated Uhland Welding for over 40 years. Jim and Doris raised their children, Gregory and Jeanine, in Uhland and lived there until their retirement years called them to Niederwald. Jim still welded occasionally but he truly enjoyed spending his retirement with family, conversing with friends and neighbors and watching NASCAR. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. He took a great amount of pride in teaching his two grandsons how to weld. Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his older sister Betty Braune. He is survived by his wife Doris, son Gregory, daughter Jeanine Dailey and husband Brian, sisters Mary Jo Crawford and Phyllis Patterson, 5 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A memorial remembering Jim will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6 at Lockhart City Cemetery Pavilion. Memorials in Jim’s name may be made to the Brushwood Cowboy Church, 1700 N. FM 1626, Buda, Texas 78610. Registration book at McCurdy Funeral Home, Lockhart, Texas.

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McCowan, and her son. T In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz. org/donate A memorial service will be planned a later date.

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tirelessly put herself before anyone else. She began her career working full time with the state of Texas, and then began working with the city of Austin, city clerk’s/ mayor’s office where she retired. Marsha had so many friends and coworkers throughout the years, that eventually became like family, to her. Her faith in the Lord, and gentle, Christlike spirit was evident to everyone that met her. She had the gift of making each person feel as if they were the only one that mattered. She became a grandmother in 1991, to her first of seven grandchildren. She was born to be a grandmother. Her home was home base, and a safe haven for all. Everyone flocked there and never wanted to leave. She loved listening to music, tapping her hand on her leg and singing along, in hopes others were hearing the message of the song. She loved getting up early and going to garage sales to find “treasures”. We will never be able to fill her shoes or even come remotely close, but we hold on to the memories, the laughter, the wisdom, in hopes that they will allow each of us to cope with this void. Marsha is survived by her two daughters, Shari and husband Dwain Pape of Buda, and Cynthia and fiancé Marcus of Austin, and daughter-in-law Connie Apodaca Gray of Garland. Her seven grandchildren, Larry “Kindle” Andrews, Shelby Lynn Pape, Brittany Michelle Pape, Maxwell Thomas Gray, Elyssia Selestino, Samuel Murphy Gray and Bryanna Noelle Guzman, as well as two greatgrandchildren Kyzaiah Michelle Andrews and Kaidence “Marshelle” Andrews. There are also two more great grandchildren on the way, a boy and a girl. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brothers, Jack McCowan and Kurt

METHODIST Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle Journey United Methodist 4301 Benner Rd, Kyle, Tx St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

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Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

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Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald PENTECOSTAL Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd. PRESBYTERIAN

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

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

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

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

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Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle

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

Elm Street & San Marcos

Lillie Marie Hocker Stokes, 90, died on May 27, 2020 in Houston. She was born in Austin on Nov. 29, 1929 to Ollie and Bessie Hocker. She had five brothers, Edwin, Neal, Alvin, Leon and Marvin. She attended Austin High School and then graduated from Durham Nixon-Clay Business College. Marie worked in several administrative andhuman resource positions in the oil and gas sector in Houston and Pasadena and later as an office manager for a local Pasadena dentist. She spent the majority of her life doing what she loved, raising two boys, playing with grandkids, camping with friends and driving the ski boat. In retirement, Marie and Jim built a home in the Cross House Estates community between Kyle and Wimberley where they lived for over 30 years. They entertained their children, grandchildren, family and friends on many occasions. They enjoyed traveling and visited Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Italy and Germany. A long-time member of the Church of the Nazarene, she met her husband James T. Stokes at church. After moving to Houston, she attended Park Place Church of the Nazarene and was a founding member of the Broadway Church of the Nazarene. In retirement, Marie and Jim attended the South Austin Church of the Nazarene. Marie is survived by her husband of more than 68 years, James T. Stokes, her son Terry Craig Stokes and wife Carol Ann Davis, her son Warren Dale Stokes and wife Amber Vice, and three grandchildren Elizabeth Marie Stokes, Lauren Francesca Stokes and Joseph Nathaniel Stokes. She was “Aunt Marie” to 17 nieces and nephews, numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

Buda United Methodist Church

STOKES

First Baptist Church

Hays Hills

A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161

Baptist Church

Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m. Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m.

9:30 a.m. Classic Service 10:45 a.m. Contemporary service Adult (including an 8:30 a.m. early bird class), teen, children’s classes * Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 6

Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m.

www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626

Nursery Provided www.firstbaptistbuda.com • fbcbuda@austin.rr.com

Page 8

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 3, 2020

Mayor praises Kyle council in wake of ‘visioning’ workshop BY ANITA MILLER

addition to council, was attended by City ManagMembers of the Kyle er Scott Sellers, City AtCity Council and staff torney Paige Saenz, Chief “deserve to be praised of Staff Jerry Hendrix, to high heaven” for the City Secretary Jenniamount of work they fer Vetrano and Comare doing — “above munications Director and beyond the call to Samantha Armbruster. service,” Mayor Travis The “facilitator” for the Mitchell said in respond- workshop was Douglas ing to questions about Thomas of Strategic Gova “visioning” workshop ernment Resources. Of council and some city the $18,150.12 spent on staff attended in Freder- the trip, $10,000 went to icksburg in February. Thomas, who also billed “Our council is simply the city for $1,069.31 in the hardest working, travel expenses. most proactive and Though much of the collaborative council I’ve council’s aspirations been around,” Mitchell were hijacked by the said. “They are hungry to COVID-19 crisis, Mitchlearn and to contribute.” ell said discussions at The workshop was the workshop ranged held Feb. 8-9 and in from personal —why

Mayor Travis Mitchell said discussions at the workshop ranged from personal —why each council member ran for office and what they hoped to accomplish to how well they believe council members work together as a group and how that functioning could be improved — to professional — sharing their thoughts on Kyle’s vision for the future in areas concerning business growth and effective communications. each council member ran for office and what they hoped to accomplish to how well they believe council members work together as a group

and how that functioning could be improved — to professional — sharing their thoughts on Kyle’s vision for the future in areas concern-

ing business growth and effective communications. They also focused on development of the Kyle Accountability Stands for Excellence (KASE) which will establish the city’s strategic vision. But just as importantly, Mitchell said, council members and staff spent time together and got to know one another better. “We spent concentrated time together as a group working through a variety of important issues. We also got to know each other by eating meals together and spending extended time together as a cohort. He noted that all those who attended did so

after “they had worked a very long week,” and said,”By all accounts the two-day workshop was a success.” On the first day of the workshop council met in two sessions, the first from 9:34 a.m. until 1:37 p.m. and the second from 4:34 p.m. to 6:32 p.m. On the second day, they met from 9:05 until 1:07. Non business-related activities included a visit to The Preserve Elephant Experience. Mitchell did not say when another, similar event may be planned. Until the coronavirus pandemic runs its course or a vaccine is developed, many such possibilities remain on hold.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Volunteers appreciated Linda Stewart (left) Orchard Park Lifestyle Enrichment coordinator, and community volunteer Jane Moore showed off certificates given to veterans at Orchard Park Assisted Living and Memory Care in observance of Veterans Appreciation Month. They were distributed at a veterans Appreciation barbecue.

Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between May 27 and June 1, 2020.

Below is a sample of events reported by law enforcement from May 27 through June 1, 2020. The location is where the event was reported or responded to and may not necessarily be where the event occured.

Civil Matter.............................................................................................11 Information.............................................................................................17 Property- Lost/Found/Imp......................................................................1 Alarm Business......................................................................................29 Alarm Residential....................................................................................9 Animal Calls...........................................................................................48 Field Euthanasia......................................................................................5 Loose Livestock....................................................................................10 Assault - Aggravated...............................................................................2 Assault.....................................................................................................1 Assist EMS...............................................................................................5 Assist Fire Dept.......................................................................................1 Assist Outside Agency..........................................................................12 Burglary Building....................................................................................... 1................................................................................................................. Burglary Vehicle.......................................................................................5 Criminal Mischief.....................................................................................5 Illegal Dumping........................................................................................1 Environmental Crime...............................................................................1 Attended Death.......................................................................................2 Disturbance Noise.................................................................................21 Disturbance Physical Fight.....................................................................5 Disturbance Verbal................................................................................16 Child Custody..........................................................................................8 Narcotics/Information.............................................................................2 Fraud........................................................................................................8 Credit/Debit Abuse..................................................................................1 Indecency w Child...................................................................................1 Harassment..............................................................................................5 Threat.......................................................................................................3 Mental Health Follow Up.........................................................................3 Mental Health Transport..........................................................................1 Mental Health Invest...............................................................................2 Canine Search.........................................................................................5 Canine Training........................................................................................1 Personal Break Long...............................................................................1 Missing Person........................................................................................1 Public Assist..........................................................................................13 Community Contact..............................................................................36 Disabled Vehicle....................................................................................20 Foot Patrol...............................................................................................1 Close Patrol.........................................................................................185 Parental Discipline Assist........................................................................1 Welfare Concern....................................................................................33 Suicidal Person........................................................................................1 Investigation............................................................................................1 Supplement...........................................................................................38 Suspicious Circumstances...................................................................14 Suspicious Person.................................................................................14 Suspicious Vehicle................................................................................14 Identity Theft............................................................................................1 Theft.......................................................................................................11 Unauth use Vehicle..................................................................................1 Vehicle Theft............................................................................................4 Accident Minor........................................................................................8 Accident Hit and Run..............................................................................4 Accident Major/Injury..............................................................................9 Accident Unknown..................................................................................2 Abandoned/Stored Vehicle.....................................................................5 Traffic Control/Direction........................................................................41 Directed/Area Enforcement..................................................................27 Traffic Hazard.........................................................................................25 Attempt to Locate.................................................................................43 Parking Enforcement...............................................................................7 Traffic Stop...........................................................................................338 Solicitors..................................................................................................1 Trespassing/Unwanted.........................................................................10 911 Abandoned/Open.........................................................................142 Deadly Conduct.......................................................................................1 Discharge Firearm.................................................................................10 Private Tow/Repo....................................................................................2 Water Rescue..........................................................................................1

Agency Activity

Date

Time

Location

BPD

Assault - Aggravated

05/27/2020