JUNE 29, 2022 PROTESTS ERUPT AFTER RULING
FRANK IS LOOKING FOR A HOME Page 7
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© Barton Publications, Inc.
Hays Free Press
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HaysFreePress.com
Vol. 128 • No. 16
Serving Hays County, TX
Remembering Coco
Local officer dies in traffic accident BY MEGAN WEHRING
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Officer Jonathon Coco stands next to his Buda Animal Control truck. Coco died in a traffic accident last week as he returned home after assisting with a wildfire.
BUDA – Local first responders are remembering a fallen officer and his service to the community. Buda Animal Control Officer Jonathon Coco, 25, and his brother Hunter Coco, 21, died in a traffic accident while returning from assisting with a wildfire on Texas Highway 20 outside of Lockhart around 1:48 p.m. on Monday, June 20. Jonathan was also a member of the Maxwell Community Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) since 2016 and Hunter was a member for over a year. "Jonathon was an excellent firefighter and an even better human being,” said Samantha Lucas of the Maxwell VFD. “His personality was bigger than this world and that
allowed him to amass a lot of friendships over the years. He had aspirations to become Maxwell Community VFD's first paid firefighter and a Fire Marshall someday. Not a single one of us doubted he would achieve those goals. He brought a lot of joy, understanding and companionship to our fire department so moving forward, without him and Hunter, will be hard. As difficult as it may be, we will navigate this great loss together as a fire family by keeping their memories alive." Jonathon was considered to be an integral part of the Buda Police Department for the past four years, serving beyond his role as Animal Control Officer to a support person for Information Technology and vehicle operations. “We at the city of Buda
15.5 acres burned in brush fire BY MEGAN WEHRING HAYS COUNTY – Over 15 acres of brush and grass were burned in a fire Sunday afternoon. At 2:10 p.m. on June 26, the Kyle Fire Department received a call for a smoke investigation across from the Bob Shelton Stadium. Crews immediately responded to the active fire that was progressing rapidly. The Kyle Fire Department then initiated a call to the County Task Force. Crews from North Hays, Wimberley, San Marcos and South
are heartbroken from the tragic loss of ACO Jonathon and his brother Hunter,” said Micah Grau, City Manager. “Jonathon served the Buda community for over four years, and his loss is tremendous for all that he did for the Buda Police Department and for all that he did to build camaraderie and joy within the organization. Our prayers are with Jonathon and Hunter's family and with the Maxwell Fire Department.” Along with the Maxwell VFD, the Buda PD wishes that the community will keep the Coco family in their thoughts and prayers. “Our hearts are broken from the loss of not only a valued employee, but also a great person and friend,” said Bo Kidd, Buda Police Chief. “The tragic loss of Jonathon and Hunter Coco
has been devastating for the communities they served.”
Deaths under
investigation STAFF REPORT
Hays fire departments responded. “We also called the foresting service,” said Chief Freddy Rolon of Kyle FD, “to come give us a hand. The foresting service also provides some assistance with control lines and personnel to help contain the fire.” The fire was contained at approximately 4 p.m. No damage was done at the nearby football fields and no injuries were reported. “We [kept] working operations to make sure that we didn’t have any hotspots and the fire was not going to jump,” Rolon said.
KYLE — The Kyle Police Department (KPD) is investigating two deaths inside a residence in the 300 block of Tower Drive. On Thursday, June 23 at approximately 9:20 p.m., dispatch received a call indicating that one person was shot and possibly deceased while another adult and child were in the home. The adult caller was armed with a firearm and was not cooperative with dispatch as they tried to get him to follow instructions and provide inforPHOTO BY ASHLEY KONTNIER mation. Police, fire and EMS Members of the Hays County Community Emergency Response Team were immediately dis(CERT) set up command at the brush fire in Kyle on Sunday to provide patched, and a SWAT hydration and support to the first responders on scene. response was initiated. Officers arriving on scene assessed the situation, considered the immediate danger to the child, and made forced entry into the residence. stranger and she was alTrevor of Wimberley, Officers located the STAFF REPORT child physically unways up for an adventure. daughter-in-law, Jesharmed and removed sica, and granddaughHAYS COUNTY – Carol Battling with cancer for him to safety. They then 21 years, she was known ters Sophia, Sydney Jane Cutler died peacecleared the residence and to have undeniable and Scottlyn, sister fully on Wednesday, June located two deceased strength and resilience. Pam Thomas of Mount adults in an upstairs 22, surrounded by her bedroom. The adults have Members of the comVernon and brother husband and close family been identified as Shayne munity have taken to Rick Kroll of Katy. at her Driftwood home. Robert Loupe, 43, and The family welsocial media to express Cutler, 71, was wellLauren Rachel Kelley, 36, comed guests for visihow Cutler impacted known in the community both of Kyle. tation on Sunday, June their lives. Cutler was Hays County Justice of as the wife of Hays Coun26, at the Dripping the Peace Precinct 2 Beth described as “couraty Sheriff Gary Cutler – Springs United MethSmith pronounced both geous,” “wise,” “beautiful who has been serving the odist Church as well as deaths at the scene and spirit” and “bubbly.” county for over a decade. ordered autopsies. a funeral service at 10 Some said that she made She was also an Austin The Kyle Police Dea.m. Monday, June 27. a difference in the lives of partment is conducting dental hygienist for over To plant a memoan investigation into the everyone that was blessed rial tree in honor of 45 years, where she endeaths. This is an isolatto know her. joyed working alongside Carol Cutler, visit ed incident and police She is survived by her her peers and meeting https://tree.tributebelieve there is no danger husband of 48 years, hundreds of patients. to residents. store.com/memoriCAROL JANE CUTLER Gary, of Driftwood, son Cutler never met a al-tree?oId=25218897.
Beloved beacon loses battle with cancer
OPINIONS – Page 4
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