Hays Free Press June 3, 2019

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JULY 3, 2019 ATHLETES EXCEL

WASTEWATER

Hays and Lehman alumnae athletes excel at elite universities.

Buda okays parkland for wastewater treatment plant.

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Hays Free Press © Barton Publications, Inc.

75¢

Vol. 124 • No. 14

HaysFreePress.com

Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX

Water group concerns grow over EP permit

Teen drowns at Five Mile Dam BY MOSES LEOS III

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

EP WATER PERMIT, 8

RM 150 reopened STAFF REPORT Western Hays County commuters rejoiced Friday after the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) repaired and reopened RM 150 at the Onion Creek Double Crossings near Driftwood. The fixes, done to repair damage caused by floodwaters in May, comes roughly a month ahead of an estimated timeline for the work to be done. Initially, TxDOT officials expected work on the double crossings to be done by the end of July. Additionally, Hays County officials worked with TxDOT to keep large load vehicles from traveling along the crossings, the Hays Free Press reported. County officials said a vehicle weighing more than a million pounds overturned in March, which they pointed to as a partial cause for damage to the roadway. It is unknown at this time how much TxDOT spent to repair the double crossings.

SNAKES ALIVE!

PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Using the tools of the trade, Buda resident Brent Ormand prepares to pick up a coiled Diamondback Rattlesnake. Despite having a fear of snakes in his youth, Ormand has gained an understanding of the reptiles as he now rescues them from perilous situations. More on Ormand and his snake rescue operation can be found on page 6.

Kyle tech facility to be S. Korean company’s U.S. headquarters BY MOSES LEOS III

A planned 125,000 square-foot manufacturing facility set to open in Kyle in 2021 will serve as a South Korean technology company’s U.S. headquarters. In a press release, officials with ENF Technology announced the $45 million Kyle facility will be the company’s base of operations in the country. The facility will house a manufacturing operation for the blending of electronic and process materials meant to support fabrication of microelectronic products. The move comes several months after Kyle city officials in March approved ENF’s facility, known as Magic Mint, which will be located along Kyle Crossing near the intersection of Kohler’s Crossing in Kyle. ENF Technologies, which has several South Korean manufacturing sites, produces products for several technology companies including Samsung, GlobalFoundries, Miron, Intel and Texas Instruments, the Hays

The facility will house a manufacturing operation for the blending of electronic and process materials meant to support fabrication of microelectronic products. Free Press reported. Joe Cestari, ENF project executive for the Kyle facility, said ENF purchased a 25-acre property and plans to break ground on its first site in October. Cestari said the facility will be “mechanically complete” by the first quarter of 2021. ENF plans to hire approximately 15 to 20 employees, with room for expansion in the future, Cestari said. According to the release, ENF Technology has been issued a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for water-based copper stripper production. The company has filed an additional permit with the TCEQ relating to the ammonium hydroxide process the company

plans to undertake. Those two processes will be used in the facility’s cleanroom manufacturing environment, according to the release. Copper strippers are used in semiconductor production to clean microchips and remove polymers generated in the dry etching process. Materials manufactured by ENF ultimately end up in cell phones and other electronic products, Cestari said. He added the TCEQ permit for ammonium hydroxide was filed due to the amount of distance between a proposed tank and the facility. Cestari said the permit was not filed because of any hazardous chemical concerns or due to the volume of ammonium hydroxide

on site. W.J. Yang, ENF Kyle Technology general manager, said in a statement the company prides itself on “our innovation and the quality of our materials that support leading-edge semiconductor” technology. In addition, the company is dedicated to engagement with the community and hiring local talent, along with positively impacting the environment. According to the release, ENF has surpassed more than a decade of operation in South Korea with “zero recordable safety incidents” and no environmental impacts. Regional guidelines in South Korea are “virtually identical” to Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards in the U.S., according to the release. “We look forward to collaborating with the community in Kyle to become a long-term contributor to the local economy,” Yang said.

BY MOSES LEOS III

An investigation into a June 14 hit-and-run at an area gas station parking lot led police to arrest a Kyle man Wednesday. Favio Alberto Sanchez-Perez, 34, of Kyle, was booked into the Hays County Jail June 26 on a charge of accident involving injury, a state-jail felony. An Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detainer was also

Favio Alberto Sanchez-Perez, 34, of Kyle, was booked into the Hays County Jail June 26 on a charge of accident involving injury, a state-jail felony. An Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detainer was also issued for Sanchez-Perez following his arrest.

issued for Sanchez-Perez following his arrest. According to an arrest affidavit magistrat-

DRIP...

Kyle updates water leak policy to include businesses.

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ed by Hays County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Beth Smith, Kyle Police were dispatched to a

TEEN DROWNS, 2

STAAR status

District makes the grade on prelim test results BY KATIE BURRELL

Poco Loco gas station along Highway 21 near Uhland June 14 for a reported hit-and-run. When authorities arrived, a woman said she had been trying to secure her child in her mother’s Chevy Equinox when a white Nissan passenger vehicle hit the SUV, then struck her. Soon after the collision, the Nissan fled the scene. The woman told authorities she was

Progress on preliminary state standardized test scores offer hope for Hays CISD officials that the district won’t have an “Improvement Required” campus for the first time in several years. On June 24, Hays CISD leaders unveiled preliminary State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) results, which showed nearly all campuses in the district showed vast improvement on test scores. Final scores for each campus will be released by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) sometime in August and will be released again by Hays CISD for the district to review. According to the preliminary results, Tom Green Elementary, one of two Hays CISD campuses labeled IR by the TEA in 2018, showed the most improvement by going from an average score of 58 last year to an 84 in 2019. Hays CISD Chief Communication Officer Tim Savoy said each school’s principal worked independently to ensure students were prepared for the STAAR exam. The district retained the services of a consultant who had previously improved scores in the district in 2016. During the 2018-19 school year, district officials worked toward their goal to invite kids into extracurricular activities,

HIT-AND-RUN, 8

STAAR STATUS, 5

Kyle man arrested in hit-and-run

INDEX

New data presented by an area water watchdog group shows potential negative impacts to the Trinity Aquifer could be a result of a Houston-based firm’s water production permit. Those worries were brought up during a June 27 public forum in Driftwood where the Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Agency (TESPA) and local elected leaders

Authorities have identified a Lockhart teen as the victim in an accidental drowning at Five Mile Dam Wednesday. Wyatt James Kunze, 15, of Lockhart, was named as the victim in the incident. Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler said the drowning was accidental and authorities suspect no foul play.

News……………… 2, 12 Opinion………………… 3 Sports…………………… 4 Education……………… 5 Community………… 6-8

Business……………… 9 Service Directory…… 11 Public Notices…… 10, 12 Classifieds…………… 10


NEWS

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Hays Free Press The Hays Free Press (USPS 361-430) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. ISSN#1087-9323

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• 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 • July 3, 2019

Buda OKs parkland for wastewater expansion BY MOSES LEOS III

Through the use of existing parkland, Buda city leaders hope to give proposed wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) upgrades room to grow. By a 7-0 vote June 24, the Buda City Council approved a resolution allowing the use of roughly eight combined acres of parkland ranging from City Park, Stagecoach Park and Garison Park in order to accommodate projects associated with a proposed WWTP expansion. However, to use the parkland, Buda was required to hold a public hearing on the matter, per Texas Parks and Wildlife rules. Under Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife

The Buda City Council approved a resolution allowing the use of roughly eight combined acres of parkland ranging from City Park, Stagecoach Park and Garison Park in order to accommodate projects associated with a proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) expansion.

Code, cities cannot use designated parkland for a project unless it’s determined there is no feasible alternatives and “all reasonable planning” is done to minimize any impact. Marty Rumbaugh, an engineer at AECOM who has assisted Buda in the WWTP process, said all projects approved in the resolution were the “most reasonable and prudent option” for the city to take. That included earmarking 1.1-acres of land in the new Garison Park

site, located just north of the WWTP, to be used as a temporary staging and storage area for equipment. Rumbaugh said that site was chosen as it isn’t in the flood plain and wouldn’t disrupt ongoing construction at Buda City Park. City leaders gave the green light for 3.32 acres within Stagecoach Park that will be used for a new effluent force main meant to funnel effluent to a proposed second discharge point.

In March 2018, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved a permit amendment for Buda’s WWTP upgrades, which included a second discharge site on a tributary along Plum Creek. Rumbaugh said the force main consists of roughly 4 miles of pipeline that stretches from the WWTP to the tributary east of Interstate 35 near the Sunfield Development. Using Stagecoach Park was the most feasible

option as it prevented any disruptions to Main Street and Garison Road. Meanwhile, the city plans to allocate nearly an acre of land at City Park for the construction of flood protection and stormwater drainage improvements included with the WWTP upgrades. Rumbaugh said those measures will be taken after the city has dealt with minor flooding problems near the WWTP site. While in-place stormwater measures did their job, Rumbaugh said there were times it was “very dicey.” By going through a small part of City Park, Rumbaugh said the city can divert any storm water from impacting the plant and prevent any runoff from going into Onion Creek.

life jackets or safety gear while on the water. Swimmers should also be aware of chang-

ing conditions on river bottoms which can occur following flood events, Cutler said.

Teen Drowns: Not strong swimmer, says sheriff Continued from pg. 1

Around 2 p.m. June 26, Kunze, along with a female teenage cousin, were attempting to swim across the Blanco River at Five Mile Dam to reach a rock formation. However, Kunze began to struggle during the swim and went underwater. Kunze’s cousin attempted to save him, but was unable to do so, due to her swimming abilities, Cutler said. Neither Kunze nor his cousin were strong swimmers, according to authorities. Emergency officials were called shortly thereafter with first responders from Kyle, San Marcos and Texas Parks and Wildlife helping with the search. Kunze’s body was found at around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in water that was approximately 10- to 20-feet deep, Cutler said. No alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident. Cutler said the weather was good and the water was clear at the time of the incident. The Blanco River was higher than usual due to recent rains, but the water was not swift. Kunze and his cousin, who was not identified, had traveled to the dam at Dudley Johnson Park together and were in

the designated swimming area, Cutler said. “This is a terrible accidental death and the loss of a 15-year-old child,” Cutler said. Following the incident, Cutler said he and Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra have discussed the possibility of enacting additional safety measures at Five Mile Dam. Currently, there is signage in place at Five Mile Dam warning patrons to swim at their own risk. Becerra said county officials are meeting with department heads to make assessments to do “everything we can to be proactive as we can.” Seven people have drowned at Five Mile Dam since 2003; three people were rescued during that same time frame. Becerra said he was “absolutely” open to conversations of remodeling Five Mile Dam to accommodate the rapidly growing area, but also to improve safety. “We are here for the people and we represent the people and that conversation will surely cross our path,” Becerra said. Cutler urged residents to stay safe when on the water this summer and for them to know their own swim capabilities. He

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND PARTIES:

ENF (Kyle) Technology, LLC, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for: Issuance of Permit 157263 This application would authorize construction of a ENF Specialty Chemicals Facility located at 1550 Kohlers Crossing, Kyle, Hays County, Texas 78640. This application is being processed in an expedited manner, as allowed by the commission’s rules in 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 101, Subchapter J. Additional information concerning this application is contained in the public notice section of this newspaper.

Winslow is a 1 1/2-year-old, male, Giant Schnauzer mix who loves people with all of his heart. If given the green-light, Winslow is off to the races when it comes to play time. Engage him and you’ll be in for the party of your life! Winslow certainly knows how to chill out and snuggle, too.

said patrons should always swim with a partner and never swim alone, as well as consider using

Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between June 24 and June 27, 2019. Civil Matter................................................... 7 Information................................................... 9 Compliance Check....................................... 8 Property Lost/Found/Negl............................ 4 Alarm Business........................................... 19 Alarm Residential....................................... 31 Alarm Panic.................................................. 1 Animal Calls................................................ 58 Loose Livestock......................................... 12 Assault.......................................................... 3 Assist EMS................................................. 11 Assist Fire Dept............................................ 5 Assist Outside Agency............................... 12 Burglary Habitat........................................... 4 Burglary Vehicle............................................ 2 Criminal Mischief.......................................... 8 Fireworks...................................................... 3 Environmental Crime.................................... 1 Disturbance Noise........................................ 5 Disturbance Physical Fight........................... 9 Disturbance Verbal..................................... 13 Child Custody............................................... 3 Violation of Order ......................................... 1 Narcotics Information................................... 1 Fraud............................................................ 4 Harassment.................................................. 6 Threat........................................................... 4 Mental Health Follow up............................... 4 Mental Health Invest..................................... 3 Mental Health Transport............................... 1 Drone Deployment....................................... 4 Violation City Ordinance............................... 3 Runaway ...................................................... 1

Missing Person............................................. 1 Public Assist................................................. 4 Disabled Vehicle........................................... 8 Close Patrol................................................ 50 Parent Discipline Assist................................ 1 Flagged Down.............................................. 1 Welfare Concern......................................... 23 Suicidal Person............................................ 1 Investigation................................................. 3 Supplement................................................ 32 Suspicious Circumstances........................... 9 Suspicious Person...................................... 12 Suspicious Vehicle..................................... 27 Wanted Person............................................. 9 Identity Theft................................................ 1 Theft........................................................... 11 Unauth Use Vehicle ..................................... 1 Vehicle Theft................................................. 1 Recovered Stolen Vehicle............................. 1 Accident Minor........................................... 12 Accident Hit and Run................................... 4 Accident Major/Injury................................... 6 Accident Fleet.............................................. 1 Accident Unknown....................................... 1 Abandoned/Stored Vehicle........................... 9 Traffic Hazard............................................. 14 Attempt to Locate...................................... 35 Parking Enforcement.................................... 8 Traffic Stop............................................... 187 Trespassing/Unwanted................................. 4 911 Abandoned........................................ 107 Private Tow/Repo ........................................ 9 Weapon Concern ......................................... 1

Public Hearing The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Board of Directors will hold a Public Hearing in its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at 1124 Regal Row, Austin, TX 78748. The Board Meeting will commence at 6:00 p.m., and the Public Hearing will begin shortly thereafter. The Public Hearing concerns the District’s proposed fiscal year 2020 Fee Schedule. At the conclusion of this Public Hearing the Board may approve the proposed FY 2020 Fee schedule by Resolution. The proposed Fee Schedule is available for inspection and copying in the District office at 1124 Regal Row, Austin TX 78748. For more information, please contact the District at (512) 282-8441.

Pippa is a 5-year-old, female Shorthair White and Black. She has established herself as the Queen of the Cattery at PAWS in Dirpping Springs and reigns with an iron fist. She enjoys her human subjects much more than she does their feline counterparts and would prefer a kingdom without other felines.

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas

is a non-profit, no-kill shelter operated primarily on donations and adoptions.

500 FM 150 E, Kyle, TX • 512 268-1611 • pawsshelter.org

All animals are fully vaccinated, spay/neutered, microchipped and dewormed.

sponsored by

Town & CounTry VeTerinary HospiTal Committed to your pet’s health since 1978

Bill Selman, DVM • Kayley Goldsmith, DVM • Ben Fox, DVM 6300 FM 1327 (East of I35 and Creedmoor) Austin, TX 78747 Give us a call at 512-385-0486

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “When I was young, I was scared of snakes. But I overcame my fear and began to love them. Now they are my life.” –Brent Ormand, snake handler. Story on pg. 6

Hays Free Press • July 3, 2019

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A look at downtown Kyle

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n early April, the Kyle City Council voted 2-4 against rezoning a property to CBD-2 across the street from Los Vaqueros Café near the intersection of Center Street and Rebel Drive in downtown Kyle. The house had been a residence forever, but after the owner passed away, a businessperson purchased the property and was seeking to increase the allowable commercial uses from the more limited CBD1 to the more flexible CBD-2. Both zonings were recommended in the city’s Comprehensive Plan, and no matter what the zoning, any changes to the property would be required to follow the Downtown Overlay District requirements that, among other things, forces changes to the property to mesh with the fabric and character of the surrounding area. A few neighbors and downtown residents strongly protested, citing fears such as noise, increased traffic, lack of parking and a belief that council has for some time disregarded the voices of those who have lived in Kyle the longest. It’s an understandable frustration. Folks simply don’t want more bars. They don’t like the traffic and increased density. “Leave our area the way it is,” said one of the neighbors who lives on Center Street while speaking before council. “I feel like I’m being kicked … Let me have my property. It’s my property. You have so much land [to develop in Kyle]. Why are you trying to push it down Center Street?” The zoning denial initiated a cascade of actions by councilmembers because it represented the first significant departure from the city’s Downtown Revitalization Plan in years. In truth, council’s vision for downtown has always created friction with the folks who live there. The problem has never been that every single person downtown is against revitalization, but rather that council has made decisions without allowing the downtown resident’s voices to be incorporated into the plan. That’s a problem. After the item failed, virtually all future agenda items related to downtown were postponed. In the meantime, council resolved to meet with downtown residents and business owners to learn what, if anything, could be done to build consensus. Since April, there have been more townhall meetings by councilmembers than perhaps any other three-month stretch in our history. The meetings have made me proud to work with my colleagues on the dais because this council has evolved into a highly communicative body – something we have not always been. To book-

Guest Column by Travis Mitchell

end the town halls, last Saturday morning the council – as a group – invited the community to come and speak about their vision for downtown. Around 60 people attended and spoke for over three hours in front of the entire council. The feedback, of course, was divided. On the one hand, folks said businesses, growth and the commercialization of downtown were the problem. On the other hand, folks said these things were the solution. Some said we shouldn’t allow new businesses until we improve the parking and sidewalk grid. Others said we shouldn’t improve that infrastructure unless we were willing to simultaneously recruit businesses to pay for it. Everyone had a reason why they felt our downtown seems to languish behind other cities in the region. Here’s what I know. The trajectory of downtown Kyle development is rued by all. In the battle between downtown revitalization and residential preservation, everyone is losing. The businesses struggle, and the residents feel hemmed in by growth that brings traffic and noise. It’s a problem that can only be solved if the community engages with an open mind and if the city council steps forward and leads. For the first time, I believe that’s happening. Folks who live downtown are beginning to realize that change is inevitable. And the larger Kyle community (and council) is expressing a willingness to hear those who are reticent to change. After last week’s town hall meeting, councilmembers sponsored numerous items related to downtown. The items included restoring the Krug Activity Center, installing wayfinding signage around the square to point folks to businesses, renaming downtown from the “Old Town District” to the “Original Town District,” increasing cleanliness standards, recruiting private investment on a city-owned property on the square, and ceremonially voting to re-affirm our commitment to the Downtown Revitalization Plan. Because one thing is for sure. The problem has never been with that document. The problem has always been that we have not committed to following the plan outlined in the document while also working with the residents to make sure they are heard and protected. travismitchell7 @gmail.com

Hays Free Press

Crossing the Mississippi

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f all y’all’ve been wonderin’ where I’ve been lately, you’re not alone. Some days I wake up and wonder that myself. But this time I know where I was and why you haven’t heard from me. After several months of back-breaking, mind-taxing semi-retirement, I decided I needed a change of scenery to sit outside and drink beer, so we went on vacation to Biloxi, Mississippi. Now, some of y’all might be asking, “Why Biloxi?” Well, the missus and I both enjoy sitting on a beach, relaxing and reading a good book. Our reading material differs greatly, but we both enjoy sipping a cold beer while watching the waves roll in. Yeah, I know we can do that on Padre Island, but there are other reasons we chose Biloxi. I did quite a bit of googling and discovered there is really good seafood served along the Mississippi coast, and I sure do love good seafood, especially shrimp. There’s fried shrimp, grilled shrimp, shrimp gumbo… And before you say anything about good seafood restaurants here in Texas, let me tell y’all about the third reason we were eastbound and down. There are ca-

Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts

sinos in Mississippi. You won’t find casinos in Texas without entering Indian Territory, but along the Mississippi coast, there’s a bunch of ‘em. Since you won’t find anything in this here newspaper chatting about traveling across the USA, allow me to describe my recent tri-state voyage. First of all, you know how I hate driving in Austin with all those nutjobs on the road. Well, Houston is worse. Maneuvering through Houston on I-10 reminds me of a movie about the Battle of Britain. A mess of German bombers are flying to England when out of the blue, dozens of Spitfires and Hurricanes zoom in from all directions. That’s what I witnessed in Houston. Driving through that metropolis has left me with PTSD, Post Traffic Stress Disorder. There’s not much to say about Louisiana. We didn’t stop in that state except at several spots where poorly designed highway inter-

changes had us thinking we were back in Austin during rush hour. Stopand-go travel in Louisiana tacked an extra hour on our drive, but we passed the time looking out the car windows searching for gators and a Sasquatch out in the swamp. Once we reached Biloxi, we knew we picked a good spot for our vacation. We immediately saw white sandy beaches, lots of seafood restaurants with decks looking out over the gulf, and BIG casinos with neon signs glowing like human bug-zappers. Shortly after arriving at our resort, we traded our car seats for barstools in front of some slot machines. I suppose 16 hours of inactivity might be considered unhealthy, but after three or four free beers in the casino, I didn’t care what the surgeon general recommends. On the subject of health care, with all the restrictions and warnings about puffing on cigarettes, why do casinos still allow smoking? As soon as you enter a casino, whether it’s in Mississippi, Las Vegas or some Indian reservation, you are knocked back by cigarette smoke. Smoking on airplanes isn’t permitted, and smoking in most public

places has been banned, yet very few casinos are smoke-free. I am shocked at the number of folks at slot machines who are sitting in a wheelchair, an oxygen tube crammed up their nostrils and puffing on an unfiltered cigarette. Now, I’m no chemist, but it seems to me this is a bit hazardous. Did I mention how good the food is in Biloxi? I have heard that Mississippi is one of the poorest states, but by the sheer girth of most of the local folks on the beach, I can’t say most Mississippians are starving. I won’t brag about all my winnings or describe the delicious shrimp and fish tacos I consumed last week. I will say Biloxi is a nice place to visit, but the next time I get the craving for salt air, good seafood and a relaxing atmosphere, I’m heading to Padre Island. You don’t have to drive through Houston to get there. Give Clint Younts some shrimp and beer, and he’ll be your friend for life. That’s one reason we pay him for his columns with beer. Seems like a good trade. crowsnest78610 @gmail.com

American Revolution is a beautiful thing

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think and write about politics from the perspective of a Christian who loves democracy. The American Revolution is one of the greatest things that ever happened, for the liberation of the human spirit, and I believe it is beautiful in the eyes of Christ. Because of the American Revolution, we live in a constitutional democracy, ruled by laws, not by men. We take it for granted nowadays, but when it happened some 240 years ago, it was a massive sea change in human affairs. For thousands of years, all the countries on earth had been ruled by kings and queens, who earned their place not by their merits or their achievements, but simply by being born the son or daughter of the previous king. These monarchs, and the aristocracy who supported them, held themselves out as better human beings than the common man and woman, fit to rule and entitled to exploit them for no other reason than birthright. They even went so far as to maintain that they were chosen by God to be king or queen, and that made them

recently, he noted that the North Korean people “sit God & up and pay attention when [Kim Jong Un] speaks.” He Country then went on to say, “I want by Phil Jones my people to do the same.” After recent negotiations with Chinese leader Xi a kind of god on earth. Jinping, he spoke admirThe American Revoluingly of Xi’s new status as tion changed that. As Amer- “president for life.” He said, icans, we have believed for “I think that’s great. Maybe more than 240 years that we will have to give that a we are capable of governshot someday.” These are ing ourselves. We choose not jokes, folks. No Ameriour own leaders. The top can president should ever of our political pyramid say anything remotely like is not a king who rules by this. It is a betrayal of all edict according to his royal that America stands for. whim, much less a god, but To guard against the rise a president who is a fellow of a dictator, our Foundcitizen, subject to the same ing Fathers put in place laws as the rest of us. a system of checks and Unfortunately, the balances, consisting of the president who currently Congress, the courts, and occupies the Oval Office the free press. This presiwants to destroy the Amer- dent consistently attacks ican Revolution and render every institution that could the Constitution moot. If hold him accountable. He it wasn’t clear enough on attacks judges who rule in the campaign trail, it is favor of the law and against blazingly obvious by now. himself, even resorting We all know how admirto race-based jabs. He ingly he speaks of Vladimir attacks the free press as Putin. Since becoming “fake news”, when in fact it president, he now speaks was actual fake news that the same way of Kim Jong helped him get elected. Un, the murderous tyrant Vladimir Putin funded who rules North Korea. In hundreds of internet trolls an interview with Fox News to make up completely

Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com

Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton

Reporters Exsar Arguello and Katie Burrell

News and Sports Editor Moses Leos III

Columnists Bartee Haile, Chris Winslow, Pauline Tom, Clint Younts

Proofreaders Jane Kirkham Marketing Director Tracy Mack Marketing Specialists James Darby

false news stories favorable to his candidacy, and pumped them out on the internet by the thousands, where they were swallowed whole by his supporters and forwarded as the truth. Now his ties to the Russians have been investigated by a fellow Republican named Robert Mueller, who by all accounts is as honest a cop as you will find anywhere. What is the President’s strategy? Impugn the integrity of the investigation. This man wants nobody able to hold him accountable, and if he achieves that, nobody will be safe. He must be stopped, and stopped now, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of our children and our grandchildren. For if he succeeds, the United States of America would prove to be a failed experiment – just as its detractors said it would be, from the beginning – and the American Revolution would be lost. All the soldiers who died defending freedom and democracy would have died in vain, and our children and grandchildren would live under the yoke of tyranny. djones2032@austin.rr.com

113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Production Manager David White Production Assistants Elizabeth Garcia, Michelle Zimmerhanzel

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Sports

Hays Free Press • July 3, 2019

Lobo senior excels on and off the field BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI

The thrill of winning a district title this spring meant the world for Lehman High graduate Jesus Meza. Getting the chance to do so as captain of a senior-laden Lobo soccer squad was also an amazing feeling. But the ability to get it all done with his teammates by his side meant maybe just a little bit more. “I think that a lot of the team was expecting a successful season just because we were all going to be seniors,” Meza said. “We all knew we could do it, so I wouldn’t say we

“I always wanted to go to a prestigious university. I really liked the culture and the vibe at Stanford, and its also like the best school for computer science. So that seemed to be the way to go.” –Jesus Meza, Lehman High graduate

were too shocked (about the results).” One of the 17 seniors on the 2019 squad, Meza was named a captain before the season and took the leadership role head on. Because most of the team had played together since junior high, it led

to an easy transition for Meza to be one of the vocal leaders of the team. “Sometimes you felt the pressure of it, but with my teammates, like I said, I was really good friends with them so it was easy to lead them,” he said. “They were very

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Lehman Lobo senior Jesus Meza drives the ball forward during the team’s game against Corpus Christi Winn at the 2019 Hays Rebel Cup at Shelton Stadium.

receptive and open.” Meza credited the team’s chemistry as the key factor in the Lobos having the successful

season they had. A tight focused on their team knit friend group of the goals during the season. senior class led to their “I think all of us had chemistry both on and off the field and kept them BOUND FOR STANFORD, 8

Hays alumna making an impact on the track at Penn BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI

cause I took it so seriously and I was so competitive,” After stepping foot Dickson mentioned. “I on the track during her think I threw up before middle school years, Buda every single track meet native Camille Dickson in high school, like my never imagined competing freshman and sophomore at the collegiate level. years. Now I don’t get Following a successful nervous, I get so excited for four-year career at Hays them.” High that included numerBefore committing to ous accolades, Dickson, run at Penn late in her who now attends the senior year, Dickson was University of Pennsylvania set to attend Texas A&M in Philadelpia, is making University. a name for herself as a She had received multisprinter and long jumper ple letters of interest from in the college ranks. lower-level colleges for She now eyes the postrack. Academics, however, sibility of earning a spot was number one on her list in the NCAA track and and A&M fit the bill. field national championIt wasn’t until she sent ships, something Dickson out multiple emails to said wouldn’t have been several Ivy league schools possible if she didn’t take a in early 2017 that she chance by going to school received word from Penn out of state. that they had one spot “It was a great opporleft open if she wanted it. tunity and I would’ve reDickson didn’t hesitate gretted it for the rest of my to take advantage of the life if I had not taken it,” opportunity. Dickson said. “I wanted to “Looking back on it now, get out of my comfort zone Penn is definitely the best and I did. I didn’t know one decision I’ve ever made, person there (in Pennsyljust because I’ve grown so vania). I love it so much.” much and in such a difDickson has always ferent way that I wouldn’t taken track and field serihave if I went to any other ously and has focused on school,” said Dickson. competing against herself. “The challenges that track There were even times in has given me and the ophigh school she would get portunities that the school sick before each meet due has given me academically to her nerves and competi- and stuff. All the groups tive spirit. I’ve gotten to be a part of, Despite the nerves, it’s insane.” Dickson ran well in mulDickson, now a sophotiple events and earned a more at Penn, competed in trip to the 2017 UIL state both indoor and outdoor meet in the 100-meter track and field during her dash. first two years. “I’ve never gotten so Long Jump has been nervous for any other her focus since starting at sport, I think it was bePenn, but she still com-

Championship, as well as Hepagonal Indoor Team Championship. In the 4x100-meter relay, Dickson made second team All-Ivy League for Outdoor, while also holding third all-time record for Penn in the 4x100m relay (45.33 seconds). Not only is Dickson making an impact on the track, but she is also involved in making an impact in the local community in Philadelphia. In addition to studying economics with a minor in urban real estate, Dickson is involved with Camp Kesem, an organization that puts on camps to support children with parents who are affected by cancer. “It’s entirely student run

and we fundraise all year to give them kind of like this free week of just time to be a kid,” Dickson said. “It’s so much fun, especially since the track team seems to rally together around it.” With her junior season on the horizon, Dickson is focused on a few goals, including breaking both the indoor and outdoor Penn school record for long jump and qualifying for nationals. In 2019, Dickson missed the first round of nationals by .01-meter. “Next year my goal is to make it to nationals in long jump,” Dickson said. “I was just right there (this season), and it made me hungrier to make it happen next year.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMILLE DICKSON

Penn track athlete and Buda-native Camille Dickson rounds the bend during an event at the 2019 Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. Dickson, a Hays High alumna, will enter her junior year at Penn in 2020.

petes as a sprinter. Dickson competed in the 60-meter, 200-meter, 300-meter and 400-meter races, in addition to 4x100-meter team relays. Following her freshman season in 2018, Dickson ranked sixth all-time at Penn in the 200-meter

indoor (24.66 seconds), ninth all-time in the outdoor 200-meters (24.45), and sixth all-time in outdoor long jump (19-feet, 3.5-inches), according to Penn Athletics website. She was also part of the 2018 Ivy League Outdoor Heptagonal Team

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Hays Free Press • July 3, 2019

Page 5

Education

Hays County school districts prepare for teacher salary increases How much more will Hays County teachers be paid next year?

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO The three largest school districts in Hays County are expected to receive tens of millions of dollars in additional funding for teacher pay raises following the signing of House Bill (HB) 3 by Governor Greg Abbott. HB 3, the public school finance bill, ensures an additional $11.6 billion in public school finance, which means extra cash for school districts across the state.

HAYS CISD Teachers – 4.35%

Auxiliary staff – 4% All other staff – 3%

DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD

HAYS CISD The average starting teacher salary at Hays CISD floats around $48,000 a year. Following passage of HB 3, teachers, librarians and counselors will receive a 4.35% increase. Auxiliary staff will receive a 4% increase while administration and other employees will receive a 3% increase. Hays CISD Chief Communications Officer Tim Savoy said the district’s strategy is to focus on pay increases for teachers who have been employed at the district between 5 and 15 years. “This is the time when teachers typically leave the industry, as supported by data,” Savoy said. “By increasing salaries, we can focus on keeping educators in the industry while attracting more people to join the industry.”

Teachers with 5+ years experience – 5% Teachers less than 5 years experience – 4%

SAN MARCOS CISD 3% for teachers with 5 or less years of experience. 4% for teachers with 6 or more years of experience.

years of experience and 4% for others. Those percentages will increase the starting salary to $48,300. Teachers with 5 years of experience will be paid $50,230, while those with 10 years will start at $52,230. Educators with 20 years of experience will earn $58,143 a year. DSISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing said the pay increase will mark the highest percent raise in at least a decade. “This unprecedented pay increase adopted by the board is a tangible way of showing DSISD employees how much they are valued as the life changers in the district,” Gearing said.

SAN MARCOS CISD In June, SMCISD’s Board of trustees approved the expenditure of $2.6 million for anticipated pay increases, which will see new teachers starting at $49,662 per year.

Savoy said the district will receive $12.8 million from HB 3. However, that amount may increase to $15.8 million which would increase salaries by an average of 5.25%.

Teachers, librarians and counselors with up to 5 years of experience will receive a 3% pay increase. Educators with over 6 years will receive a 4% increase.

DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD

Wimberley ISD has not set the budget for the upcoming year. A WISD official said the district is still evaluating what the increases will be.

On June 24, the DSISD Board of Trustees approved a 5% salary increased for teachers with five or more

WIMBERLEY ISD

COURTESY PHOTO

PTA Council awarded On June 24, Hays CISD’s Board of Trustees honored its district Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Council, which helped to oversee the 23 total organizations at all campuses this school year. This school year, the districts PTA council was honored with the Texas PTA Council membership award. The district’s PTA council is one of 12 councils in the state that has achieved a continuous membership increase for three or more years. The council also helped to set up two new PTAs at Uhland Elementary and Johnson High.

“Up until the end of the third grade, student are learning to read,” Savoy said. “Once they are in the fourth grade and beyond, they are reading to learn, and their literacy abilities

Campus

2018 final score

2019 predicted score

Difference

Blanco Vista ES

79, C

82, B

+3

Buda ES

73, C

80, B

+7

Camino Real ES

79, C

84, B

+5

Carpenter Hill ES

87, B

88, B

+1

Elm Grove ES

86, B

94, A

+8

Fuentes ES

78, C

78, C

0

Hemphill ES

78, C

75, C

-3

Kyle ES

72, C

78, C

+6

Negley ES

93, A

93, A

0

Pfluger ES

88, B

88, B

0

Science Hall ES

80, B

82, B

+2

Tobias ES

79, C

75, C

-4

Tom Green ES

58, IR

84, B

+24

Uhland ES

N/A (Opened in 2018)

81, B

Barton MS

92, A

90, A

-2

Chapa MS

67, D

78, C

+11

Dahlstrom MS

87, B

92, A

+5

McCormick MS

66, D

70, C

+4

Simon MS

69, D

64, D

-4

Wallace MS

72, C

75, C

+3

Hays HS

83, B

88, B

+5

Lehman HS

75, C

80, B

+5

District

77, C

84, B

+7

Above is 2018 versus predicted 20192019 StateState of Texas Assessment of AcaAbove is aa comparison comparisonofoffinal final 2018 versus predicted of Texas Assessment demic Readiness (STAAR)(STAAR) accountability scores forscores all Hays campuses. The scores The show of Academic Readiness accountability forCISD all Hays CISD campuses. both the numerical averages for each campus as well as the corresponding letter grade. The scores show both the numerical averages for each campus as well as the 2019 score was compiled internally by Hays CISD via an estimate from OnDataSuite and should corresponding grade. The 2019for score by Hays CISD Agenvia be considered aletter prediction. Final scores 2019was will compiled be releasedinternally by the Texas Education cy (TEA) in August.

Araceli Ramirez – Vice-President Lisa Garcia – Treasurer Jodi Kinnison – Secretary Kim Goodman – Communication Chair Dora Zapata – Leadership Mentor Angie Mendez – Director of Community Relations

COURTESY PHOTO

Earlier this month, Hays CISD officials recognized 13 people who logged the most volunteer hours with the district during the 2018-19 school year. All told, there are more than 12,000 registered volunteers in Hays CISD who have compiled 20,000 hours of service this year.

GOLD LEVEL VOLUNTEERS

Lesley Allen, Hays High, 762 hours Sellie Moore, Fuentes Elementary, 604 hours Melby Huerta, Pfluger Elementary, 581 hours Cindy Villanueva, Dahlstrom Middle, 568 hours Laura Cronshey, Camino Real Elementary, 505 hours Russell Cronshey, Camino Real Elementary, 502 hours

SILVER LEVEL VOLUNTEERS –

\Jeneva Garza, Negley Elementary, 401 hours Christina Baese, Carpenter Hill Elementary, 319 hours Rosa Glidden, Uhland Elementary, 318 hours Teresa Tobias, Lehman High, 316 hours Michelle Pace, Hays High, 314 hours Keely Martinez, Pfluger Elementary, 284 hours Amanda Kallstrom-Fuqua, Elm Grove Elementary, 262 hours

Continued from pg. 1

The district also expanding its literacy program by investing in phonics systems last year, which aided elementary school children in better learning later in life.

Stephi Motal – President

Volunteers of the Year

STAAR Status: Preliminary outlook is good sports and academic clubs to better their learning. Savoy said studies show that active students enjoy coming to school and, in turn, enjoy learning and perform well.

MEMBERS OF THE HAYS CISD PTA COUNCIL ARE:

make a difference.” Savoy said that while the district relies on STAAR test scores to receive state funding and to gauge student learning, the tests are not the best or only way to measure a student’s knowledge. “We are glad to see the scores up,” Savoy said. “The district is using data to gather how well we did and, then in August, we will look at scores again after final results come from the state.” Hays CISD Superintendent Eric Wright said preliminary scores are an estimate and subject to change. However, the scores present a reliable view showing an increase in student performance on the STAAR exams, Wright said. “The data all changed for the better,” Wright said. “We took care of every single kid’s needs and because of that, we were able to advance these results.”

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Page 6

Community

Hays Free Press • July 3, 2019

Snake, rattle and roll

Buda native takes pride in snake rescue gig BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Diving headlong into the bushes to rescue a snake isn’t an ideal way most people prefer to spend an afternoon. Buda native Brent Ormand, however, relishes such an opportunity. Having dedicated his life to snake conservation, education and rehabilitation, Ormand and his team at Snakes of Hays County are on a mission to protect those cold-blooded creatures from the perils of rapid development in Hays County. This encroachment in habitat means a variety of snakes from rattlesnakes to cottonmouths are often in need of help to escape the neighborhoods they slither into. The job, however, is an about-face for Ormand, who said he feared snakes when he was younger. “These are animals that are more scared of you than you are of them,” Ormand said. “When we get called out to rescue a snake, the most important thing for us is teaching people that these creatures are not here to hurt you.” Besides being the team called to rescue a pesky rattlesnake from under someone’s house, Snakes of Hays County’s mission is to educate people on how to protect and respect the animals. At the office, Ormand and Joshua Sarkardehi regularly analyze the progress of the snakes they rescue. One snake was recently

COURTESY PHOTO

Buda Library receives $7,770 donation from local nail spa BY KATIE BURRELL

PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Handling rattlesnakes is a craft that takes years to perfect. Buda resident Brent Ormand said the snake was comfortable in his hands because it sensed he wasn’t there to hurt it. Ormand’s mantra revolves around respecting the reptiles he’s grown to love.

caught in a lawnmower blade and has a long scar on its back to prove it. Sarkardehi said a mammal would likely not survive a wound like that. But in order to survive for

90 million years, a creature must have the survival instincts of a snake. Through care and rehabilitation, the snake is now

SNAKE CHARMER, 7

When he opened his Buda area salon last year, Anthonio Quach set out to differentiate his business from others. In order to do so, Quach opted to help nonprofits with his profits. So on June 21, 2018, Quach pledged a dollar from every manicure and pedicure service purchased at his salon toward an area nonprofit organization. Last week, Quach donated $7,770 to the Friends of the Buda Public Library as the first of many contributions to come to local causes. Quach said he hopes to benefit the Hays County Food Bank next. Quach told the Friends of the Buda Library he wanted to donate specifically to the library’s children’s programs. Hundreds of children attend summer reading programs, puppet shows and free library classes geared toward their development each year,

according to the Friends of the Buda Library. “That’s where his heart is,” Joan Givens, board secretary of the Friends of the Buda Library, said. “These are some of the library’s most popular programs every year, but they aren’t always included in the budget.” Givens said the donation could not have come at a better time and has inspired her to find more donors. This year, the Friends of the Buda Library’s fundraising goal is higher than ever before, according to Roberta Haas, the organization’s fundraising chair. This year, the group is working toward raising $50,000 for the library, a goal five times greater than in previous years. The Friends of the Buda Library is a nonprofit organization that is completely volunteer run and operated. The organization is not solely responsible for the library’s funding nor fundraising but does exist to provide efforts that promote

activities and learning for citizens. Quach discovered this information when providing a pedicure to a member of the Buda Chamber of Commerce, who recommended the Friends of the Buda Library as highlydeserving beneficiaries. “The library now uses four times the size of the last building,” Haas said. “I was very relieved (when we heard the amount of the donation) because we were really in need of a nice hefty donation for some of the programs the library wants in the future.” The organization is already halfway to its goal, with approximately $20,000 raised to date. Quach’s donation inspired Haas to reach out to more businesses and corporations in the area in the hopes of garnering multiple large donations in the coming months. “The need is so much greater than previous years, we have so many more people coming,” Givens said. “If you build it, they will come, and they did.”

Lawmen beat the bushes for fugitive inmates I n the second mass escape in two weeks from the same Texas prison farm, eight more convicts bolted from infamous Eastham on July 8, 1937. This was how the Associated Press reported the manhunt for the first bunch on June 23: “Nineteen ‘hard-boiled’ convicts who fled to freedom from Eastham prison farm sought to keep out of the reach of an army of men and bloodhounds searching for them in the scrub oak and pines of East Texas.” The large work detail had just arrived at the designated field the previous morning, when the single guard put down his shotgun to roll a cigarette. Two alert convicts, Hilton Bybee and James Rice, quickly overpowered him seizing the shotgun as well as his pistol, uniform and horse. They rode off on the mount followed by 17 fellow inmates on the backs of mules. The three additional guards assigned to the detail were running 20 minutes behind schedule. By the time they finally reached the scene, the fugitives were long gone. The escapees were no Boy Scout troop on an innocent hike. Six, Bybee included, were doing life, and the average sentence of the remaining baker’s dozen was 33 years. Hilton Bybee had been down that same road before. In January 1934, he hitched a ride with Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker during the wild jailbreak that reunited the couple with Raymond Hamilton, their baby-face partnerin-crime with stacked sentences that added

The large work detail had just arrived at the designated field the previous morning, when the single guard put down his shotgun to roll a cigarette. Two alert convicts, Hilton Bybee and James Rice, quickly overpowered him seizing the shotgun as well as his pistol, uniform and horse. They rode off on the mount followed by 17 fellow inmates on the backs of mules.

Texas History by Bartee Haile

up to two and a half centuries. Clyde threw his usual caution to the wind and let Bybee and a second uninvited passenger, Henry Methvin, come along. With the Barrow Gang, a gang in name only after the death of his brother Buck, the capture of Buck’s wife Blanche and the defection of teenager W.D. Jones, he badly needed to replenish the ranks. Bybee hung around long enough for the travel money that his share of an Iowa bank robbery provided. He parted on good terms with Clyde, Bonnie and the rest but lasted a scant ten days on his own before being apprehended in Amarillo. Within a week, Bybee was back at Eastham, where his old job on the plow squad was waiting for him. He settled into the familiar routine and despite his recent escape gradually regained the trust of overseers, who once again regarded him as a model prisoner. Three months after Bybee’s unhappy homecoming, he learned along with everybody else that Bonnie and Clyde had been slain execution style in an ambush on a Louisi-

ana backroad. What he did not discover until much later was that star-crossed lovers were betrayed by Henry Methvin. Authorities continued to beat the bushes for Hilton Bybee and three other fugitives still at large from the first break, when eight more staged another vanishing act on Jul. 8, 1937. This time the mass escape was not on the spur of the moment but instead carefully planned. Two loaded rifles had been “planted” in advance along the path the inmates took to the fields that morning. After firing warning shots to show the guards they meant business, eight prisoners took off on foot for parts unknown. The leader of this break was identified as Irving Charles Chapman, a once successful Arkansas contractor wiped out in the Crash of 1929. Rather than try to recoup his lost fortune by legitimate means, the intelligent and resourceful ex-businessman resorted to robbing banks. Chapman had proved to be an escape risk four years before being sent to Eastham in 1936 for a nine-to-15-year stay. Nevertheless, he evidently did not merit a close eye because six months later he was gone again and robbing banks in northeast Texas and Louisiana. Wounded by armed bystanders in Atlanta, Texas, who

objected to the looting of their local depository, he was remanded to Eastham for the next 60 years or his demise, whichever came first. While Charlie Chapman was doing an impressive job of making himself scarce, Hilton Bybee was flunking that all-important test. Surrounded in an Arkansas forest by a posse of state cops and civilians, he made the fateful decision to shoot it out

rather than surrender. A burst of machinegun fire ended his run and his life at the age of 26. By early August, all the fugitives from both escapes were either dead or in custody – all, that is, except for Charlie Chapman. Even after J. Edgar Hoover, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, declared him Public Enemy Number One, he managed to dodge the law until 1942. Trapped by a road-

block in the Mississippi county where he was born 46 years earlier, Chapman defiantly refused to exit his car with hands held high. “Go ahead and shoot, you bastards!” were his last poorly chosen words. “Sure, he was a smart, slippery crook,” a police spokesman conceded at a press conference. “But today he’s just a body in the morgue.”

Read the complete story of the Barrow Gang and other Thirties outlaws in “Texas Depression-Era Desperadoes.” Get your signed copy by mailing a check for $26.30 to “Bartee Haile” at P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.

Saturday, July 6th, 10am-4pm


Hays Free Press • July 3, 2019

Page 7

Snake Charmer: Works on movie sets and local property Continued from pg. 6

healing. Within a few more sheds of his skin, he will be ready to return home to the rural Texas brush. “That’s what it’s all about, giving these animals the protection they deserve,” Ormand. “The more we can educate people on these ancient creatures, the better shot we have of protecting them.” Some could look at Ormand as a snake wrangler, but he laughs at the assumption. He instead sees his team as educators and conservationists first. When his team has spare time, they go to neighboring schools to teach the younger generation how to care for the animals. “When I was young, I was scared of snakes. But I overcame my fear and began to love them. Now they are my life,” Ormand said. After he catches a snake on a property, he will speak to the landowners about the animal. One of the most satisfy-

“We’re seeing more and more movies shot in the Texas Hill Country in remote areas where producers can shoot nature in its untouched beauty,” Ormand said. “My job is to get on set and clear the area of any snakes before filming. I’m protecting the crew from snakes and I’m protecting the snakes from the crew.”

to get on set and clear the area of any snakes before filming. I’m protecting the crew from snakes and I’m protecting the snakes from the crew.” Ormand said these snakes have never encountered humans, so protecting them and their habitat is essential while being on set. Once filming is complete, the snakes return home. More than a dozen speing parts of the job is seeing sets of Hollywood movies cies of snakes call Central people’s fear and loathing and shows. Texas home, most of which turn into appreciation for Ormand and his team are non-venomous. the animals. have been hired to protect Protecting the wildlife When these snakes are cast and crew of TV shows and crew during a filming healthy, Ormand releases and major films from in rural Texas is one of the them far away from neigh- snakes during filming days. most pivotal components borhoods and back in their Ormand has helped with of a functioning produchabitat. productions such as HBO’s tion, something Ormand “The Leftovers” and AMC’s takes pride in. “The Son.” “Once my work is done SSSSLITHERING INTO THE “We’re seeing more and I retire, I want peoLIMELIGHT and more movies shot ple to remember me as When he’s not hosting in the Texas Hill Country someone who taught our educational forums, rehain remote areas where society how to coexist with bilitating or saving snakes, producers can shoot nature wildlife,” Ormand said. “I Ormand often imparts his in its untouched beauty,” want people to replace that knowledge on the biggest Ormand said. “My job is fear with appreciation.”

On behalf of our entire staff, please accept our condolences on the passing of your loved one. When you are ready, I would be honored to assist you in creating a monument that will express your love for years to come.

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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 Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626 Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle 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

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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.

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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

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Texas Crossword, from page 8

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

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 Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda 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 New Covenant Community Church 1019 Main Street, Buda (in Dance Unlimited) Vertical Chapel 5700 Dacy Lane (McCormick M.S.), Buda A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle

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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

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Page 8

Hays Free Press • July 3, 2019

Bound for Stanford: Lehman soccer captain excels on and off the field Continued from pg. 4

Midfield. Meza said while he enjoyed playing every game, the Lobos’ 4-1 win over Westlake was a pivotal moment for the program. “I can say for our team it was the first game against Westlake, it was a really big statement game and we won,” he said. “We really outplayed them, so it made us all feel really good about our game.”

Meza’s gaze now centers on the next chapter in his life. Earlier this year, Meza was accepted at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA; he had also been accepted at Harvard University and Yale University. After visiting all three campuses, he fell in love with Stanford and decided that was the route he wanted to go. “I always wanted to go

to a prestigious university,” said Meza. “I really liked the culture and the vibe at Stanford, and it’s also like the best school for computer science. So, that seemed to be the way to go.” While he is still undecided about what he wants to major in at Stanford, he is leaning toward computer science. As for soccer, Meza said he’s thinking about

trying out for the club soccer team at Stanford, but is unsure if he will play based on the time commitments and rigors of college life. When looking back on his senior season, Meza reflected that what he will miss the most is playing the game he loved with his close friends. “I just enjoyed every game and I’m really going to miss it.” Meza said.

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the same goal in mind, we weren’t playing for ourselves but we were playing for the team,” said Meza. “Everyone knew that and was about the message. We were all trying to get the team to the best thing we could and I think that was very key. It kept us really focused.” Meza’s play on the field earned him All-Hays Free Press First Team honors at

Hit-And-Run: Kyle man arrested

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Continued from pg. 1

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suffering from back pain and was transported to Seton Hays for evaluation. Upon reviewing surveillance footage from the gas station, Kyle Police found the white Nissan backing out of a

parking space in front of the gas station when the rear of the vehicle hit the Equinox, and then the victim. The Equinox was positioned between the gas pumps and the store front. The force of the colli-

sion allegedly knocked the victim back into the vehicle, according to the affidavit. The victim attempted to get the vehicle to stop by hitting the vehicle repeatedly before the driver, later identified as Sanchez-Perez, left the

scene. After further investigation, authorities found the vehicle belonged to a woman who lived along Cotton Gin Road in Kyle. When authorities interviewed the woman, she told them her boyfriend

EP Water Permit: Concerns growing about permit Continued from pg. 1

presented the threat of Electro Purification’s (EP) proposed permit, which aims to pump close to 1 billion gallons per year. The permit, which equates to 2.5 million gallons of water per day, has been filed with the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District but is currently contested by private property owners, TESPA and Hays County. “To me, the preservation of our groundwater supply is probably the most important issue that we will face in the future of Hays County,” Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell said. “This is one fight we cannot afford to lose.” TESPA Executive Director Vanessa Puig-Williams said the EP permit, along with a permit filed by the Needmore Ranch in the Wimberley area for 289 million gallons of water per year, would exceed the amount of modeled available groundwater in the area. This is based on analysis from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) on the availability of manageable groundwater. “In our looking at it, this means the district should not be issuing any

Water Fact

If approved, EP’s permit would be the largest groundwater pumping permit issued by either the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District or the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD). The Onion Creek Country Club in Austin owns the largest regular groundwater production permit, which is set at 127.4 million gallons per year. A temporary permit for Needmore ranch is currently 179 million GPY. BSEACD offiicals will meet July 19 to decide on Needmore’s 289 million GPY permit.

more permits after that,” Puig-Williams said.

JACOB’S WELL MAY CEASE TO EXIST

Multiple water experts at the meeting said Jacob’s Well would become an empty, barren hole in the earth with this amount of pumping.

URGING FOR A MORATORIUM Worries relating to the impact of EP’s permit are leading TESPA officials to urge the BSEACD to issue a moratorium, or a temporary prohibition, of the permit in order to conduct more analysis. Although there is no express legal authority for a groundwater district to adopt a moratorium, several groundwater dis-

tricts across the state have implemented one. However, a moratorium may open the BSEACD to a lawsuit with EP, which on top of the contested case hearing, would prolong the battle against the permit. “… Under very similar circumstances some groundwater districts have adopted temporary moratoriums on accepting new permit applications while they conduct more science so they can understand the impact to protect property rights and the (groundwater) resources,” Puig-Williams said.

had been involved in an accident at the gas station, but fled the scene “because he was scared.” Sanchez-Perez is being held in the Hays County Jail on the ICE Detainer. Bail has been set at $10,000.

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TESPA Hydrogeologist Doug Wierman said pumping 2.5 million gallons per day could have a devastating effect on Jacob’s Well. One to two feet of drawdown in the Trinity Aquifer could “stop Jacob’s Well from flowing.” Under the maximum pumping scenario of 2.5 mgd, Jacob’s Well could see a 100-foot drawdown.

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Women in Leadership

This special edition will feature women in the workforce whether they are white collar, blue collar, or are so unique they can’t be defined by collar. The full color glossy magazine will be distributed to subscribers, news racks and also be available at businesses in Hays County – reaching over 12,000 readers in the community. The Women in Leadership special edition will be distributed in the Hays Free Press August 7 and the News-Dispatch August 8. Reserve your space by emailing Tracy@HaysFreePress.com. Deadline is Friday, July 5 Full and half page ads will include a free Q&A featured in the edition Brought to you by

Hays Free Press 113 W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640 512.268.7862 www.HaysFreePress.com

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Hays Free Press • July 3, 2019

Page 9

Business

Kyle updates water leak policy to include businesses BY KATIE BURRELL

An in-place policy allowing Kyle water customers to pay a lower rate in the event of a leak has now been extended to commercial businesses. On June 25, the Kyle City Council voted 7-0 to update language in the city’s policy on water leaks to include businesses, while also creating a process to monitor water infrastructure repairs. Water customers experiencing leaks in Kyle have historically benefitted from the city’s policy, which allows them to pay a lower rate for one month’s time. Kyle City

Manager Scott Sellers said changes to the policy came after a commercial water customer experienced a water leak. “It was caused by a tree root growing through a pipe on their side of the meter and a lot of water passed through that meter before they noticed the leak,” Sellers said. In 2010, Kyle city leaders initially developed the water leak policy for residential customers. The policy allowed the customer to report the leak to the city and make a plan to provide adequate repairs. During the time period between receiving repairs, customers would pay the lowest discounted rate possible

Water customers experiencing leaks in Kyle have historically benefitted from the city’s policy, which allows them to pay a lower rate for one month’s time in the event of a water leak. That benefit has been extended to businesses.

to “provide a financial break.” “Many (Kyle) businesses have a bathroom and a sink area,” Sellers said. “But they end up using quite a bit less water that a residential customer.” Along with extending the courtesy to businesses, the city also tightened up rules of the policy. Commercial customers

will have one month to provide proof of repairs; residents will have two months. Those who do not follow the timeframe or are not seen as following the policy can be rejected from the policy at the discretion of the city’s water department. Adjustments to the policy were made after city staff surveyed similar

rules and ordinances in nearby communities. City staff will help monitor possible water leaks and notify residents when water usage seems abnormally high for the customer. Those who do not react after notification might be disqualified from receiving the lower rate, which is calculated by the lowest rate being used in the city at that time. Kyle City Council member Daphne Tenorio said she benefitted from the program after a water leak flooded her backyard last month while she was out of town. “The program we have in place for residents is a really good program and

I’m really pleased with how that works,” Tenorio said. “I do believe commercial properties should have some type of way to regroup.” Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell said the ordinance amendment gives the city the right to determine negligence by property owners, abuse from water customers and quality of repairs. Mitchell said the city will be able to use discretion in ensuring water customers are not taking advantage of the policy more than once annually. Those interested in filing a claim if they experience a water leak call the city’s utility department at 512-262-3960.

Wedding venue expansion causes concern for residents BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Torres-Verdin said. allegations,” Black said. wedding spaces and this facility. That is not changBlack said the erosion “We are still building two is going to be an event ing.” control issues have been addressed per the TCEQ requirements and he said the creek is clean. Dripping Springs Deputy City Administrator Ginger Faught said there are no variances with the new site development plans, which means it can be administratively approved. A stop work order is in effect for the portion of property affected by the new site plans, but the rest of the property can still be developed. Additionally, analysis by engineering firm Kimley Horn, which has provided the engineering for the project, indicates the new site development plans will reduce impervious cover from 6.30 acres to 5.91 acres. However, Kimley Horn’s analysis has been disputed by independent engineers throughout the • Walk-in well-check exams in July initial approval process of the wedding venue. • Night and weekend hours, July & August “Because the plans have changed so much • Bring your sports & camp paperwork; with so much unknowns, we’ll fill them out for free! we are urging the city to hold a public hearing on • Get a full picture of your child’s health this matter,” Torres-Verdin said. “We already know these folks don’t care about the environment. We need a public hearing.” 967 Black said city officials 171 Kohlers Crossing are on site at the development every week moni1626 1626 35 toring the progress of the construction. He said the pollution of the creek was caused in ARC Buda ARC Kyle Plum Creek part by a flood that swept 3420 FM 967, Ste B-100 4100 Everett St, Ste 400 through the Western Buda, TX 78610 Kyle, TX 78640 portion of the county in 512-295-1608 512-295-1333 May, damaging erosion controls which have since been addressed. “No matter what I do or change, they’ll throw Everett

Buda Sportsplex Dr

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said. “That’s not going to change.” Driftwood residents are But Black refuted rupushing Dripping Springs mors he was planning to city leaders to reevaluate construct a restaurant on site development plans the property. Black said for a local wedding venue the original plan included future expansion. a commercial kitchen for Earlier this month, the wedding venue. Mark Black, owner of the “Of course, there will controversial Mark Black be concerns but we’re Wedding Venue on Crysworking hand in hand tal Hills Drive in Dripping with the city to comply Springs’ extraterritorial with everything we need jurisdiction (ETJ), submit- to,” Black said. ted new site development However, Torres-Verdin plans to Dripping Springs said there is still inforcity officials to build addi- mation missing from the tional structures on the site plans. Additionally, property. This new revehe said the county and lation caused heartburn TCEQ do not have the for those who oppose the plans, which is grounds project. for the project not to be Carlos Torres-Verdin, approved. president of Friendship “They were building Alliance, an organization something they were not representing a group of approved to build and neighbors, said Black never told TCEQ about started construction of that,” Torres-Verdin said. the new structures before “The new building is a the city approved the size up. They need to rechanges, which he argues vise the volumes of water, is illegal. septic and other issues.” “It’s as simple as it Torres-Verdin said sounds—they are breakthe Blacks have shown ing the law,” Torres-Verdisregard to the law and din said. “They did not environment. disclose the size of the Black refuted those septic system and the size claims, adding he has of the stormwater conaddressed environmental tainment devices. That’s concerns throughout the significant considering development process. the property is on the Edwards Aquifer recharge A CALL FOR A PUBLIC zone.” HEARING A Hays County official Friendship Alliance in the planning departofficials are now hoping ment said plans have not the plans will be brought yet been submitted to the back to the Dripping county; Dripping Springs, Springs City Council with however, has a copy of the an added public hearing. plans. That request comes after Black said the new Black’s addition to his site plans will add several development plan and housing units on the with recent citations from property for wedding the Texas Commission venue parties to stay the on Enviorental Quality night. (TCEQ) on the project. “We’re still building the “They have not cleaned most beautiful wedding up the creek and it convenue in Texas,” Black tinues to be polluted,”

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Employment

Misc. For Sale

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS

2 CEMETERY PLOTS FOR SALE

Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $12 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.

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ARROWHEADS

LEGAL ASSISTANCE Mesothelioma may occur 30 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos. Many workers were exposed from the 1940s through the 1970s. Industrial and construction workers, along with their families (second hand exposure) are among those at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer or gastro cancer (throat, stomach, colon). Call 800-460-0606 for professional legal insight or visit www.AsbestosLaw.com.

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Public Notices ABANDONED VEHICLE NOTICE

Date of Impound: 06-29-19 VIN:56EA53K27JA000348 LP:AV-6149 2018 Armour Lite Belly Dump Stored at: 895C Loop 4, Buda, TX Towed From: US 290 E. Mighty Tiger, Dripping Springs Total charges: $1049.98 Release Requirements: 24/7 w/1 hr notice. Valid ID, Proof of ownership required Company Phone Number: 512-965-3544. Office Hours: M-F, 9am-5pm VSF License # 0654404USF Hays County Sheriffs Office 1307 Uhland Rd San Marcos, TX 343-7896

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

Notice is hereby Given to all interested persons, that: Pursuant to Ordinance #962, the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Kyle, Texas, will hold a public hearing for the purpose of receiving testimony, comments, and written evidence from the public regarding a preliminary plan application to subdivide approximately 17.059 acres of land for property located at 3303 Goforth Road, Kyle, TX 78640. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: SUB-1280. The public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 6:30 P.M. in the City Council Chambers at 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas

CITY OF BUDA ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS IFB 19-012 MEADOWS AT BUDA LIFT STATION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

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Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 273 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.

Hays Free Press • July 3, 2019

Sealed Bids, pursuant to Local Government Code Chapter 252, will be received for the Meadows at Buda Lift Station Improvements Project by the City of Buda - Finance Department, 405 E. Loop Street, Buda, Texas until 2:00 PM local time on July 25, 2019. Immediately thereafter, the bid proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Multi-Purpose Room 1034 within Buda City Hall located at 405 E. Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, Texas. The project includes removing and replacing existing discharge piping in wet well; remove and replace guiderails and install cable chain system to remove pumps, install drop bowl and pipe inside wet well, install safety grating, replace motorized gate valve with new manual gate valve, prepare and recoat valves and piping in valve vault, install A/C unit in electrical building, provide all electrical and instrumentation improvements, flowable fill concrete in voids under foundations, and site restoration. Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a lump sum and unit price basis, with additive alternate bid items (if any) as indicated in the Bid Form. The Issuing Office for this Solicitation is the City of Buda - Finance Department, 405 E. Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, Texas 78610, Attn: Rosemary Esparza, Purchasing Manager; purchasing@ci.buda. tx.us. Prospective Bidders may examine the Bid Documents at the Issuing Office, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Procurement Website as described below. Bid Documents may be viewed and accessed online through the Procurement Website as described at http:// ci.buda.tx.us/137/Purchasing. The City of Buda has partnered with BidNet as part of the Texas Purchasing Group and also posts bid opportunities to this site. The documents are made available for the sole purpose of obtaining Bids for completion of the Project and permission to download does not confer a license or grant permission or authorization for any other use. Authorization to download documents includes the right for Bidders to print documents for their sole use, provided they pay all costs associated with printing or reproduction. Printed documents may not be re-sold under any circumstances. All official notifications, ad-

denda, and other documents will be offered only through the Procurement Website. The Procurement Website may be updated periodically with Addenda, meeting summaries, reports, or other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. The cost of printed Bidding Documents from the Procurement Website will depend on the number and size of the Drawings and Project Manual, and method selected by the prospective Bidder. Any cost associated with accessing the Bid Documents is non-refundable. Upon Issuing Office’s receipt of payment, printed Bidding Documents will be sent via the prospective Bidder’s delivery method of choice; the shipping charge will depend on the shipping method chosen. The date that the Bidding Documents are transmitted by the Issuing Office will be considered the Bidder’s date of receipt of the Bidding Documents Bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Owner: City of Buda By: John Nett, PE Title: City Engineer

NOTICE TO CREDITORS FOR THE ESTATE OF REGINA L. ANDERSON, DECEASED

Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary upon the Estate of REGINA L. ANDERSON, Deceased were granted to GREGORY ARTHUR ABBOTT on the 25th of June, 2019 by County Court of Law No. 1 Hays County, Texas. All persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same to GREGORY ARTHUR ABBOTT within the time prescribed by law. My address is: 109 West French Place, Apt. 305C San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas 78212 GREGORY ARTHUR ABBOTT

Independent Executor of the Estate of REGINA L. ANDERSON, Deceased. CAUSE NO. 19-0202-P

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Kyle Parkway Self- Storage, located at 5141 Cromwell Dr. Kyle, TX 78640 will hold a Public Auction of Property being sold for CASH to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The sale will be held on July 18, 2019 at 12:30PM. The contents in the space of Dormetris Martin contains umbrellas, sleeping bags, totes, furniture, bag, boxes and misc. household items.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Chapter 59 Texas Property Code. River Road Self Storage will conduct a Public Sale to the highest bidder for cash on their premises. This sale is being listed below. The company reserves the right to reject any bid and withdraw any from the sale at any time. Date: July 13, 2019 (Saturday) Time: 9:00a.m. Location: 880 River Road, San Marcos, Texas 78666 Unit #019 – J. Sanchez – tools and totes Unit #38 – R. Mondragon – boxes and MISC items Unit #047 – B. Onyecherelam – electronics, treadmill, furniture, grill Unit #068 – D. Patlan – furniture, mattresses, clothing, household items Unit #107 – M. Morales – boxes, toys, clothing Unit #125 – S. Dobbs – furniture, boxes Unit #288 – J. Scheffers – boxes and MISC items Unit #303 – J. Natal – furniture, clothes, bar stool Unit #376 – J. Brynley – dining table and chairs Unit #425 – F. Serna – clothing, shoes, furniture, electronics Unit #452 – B. Hearde – bookshelf, keyboard piano, microwave, MISC items

ADVERTISEMENT TO BIDDERS SEALED PROPOSALS addressed to the City of Kyle for rehabilitation of the Plum Creek Elevated Tank, in accordance with the Specifications, and Contract Documents prepared by LJA Engineering, Inc. (Engineer), will be received at the City of Kyle Public Works Department, 520 E. RR 150, Kyle, TX, until 2:00 p.m., July 24, 2019, and then publicly opened and read aloud. Any Proposal received after this time will be returned unopened. Proposals shall be plainly marked with the name and address of the Bidder and the following words: PROPOSAL FOR REHABILITATION OF PLUM CREEK ELEVATED TANK The Project consists of: rehabilitation of the Plum Creek Elevated Tank. All work must conform to Federal, State and local governmental rules and criteria. Shrouding shall conform to the requirements of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Title 30TAC Chapter 111 Division 3 – Control of Air Pollutants from Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter, which includes the definition of shroud in 111.131. Copies of the Specifications are on file at the Engineer’s office where they may be examined without charge. The Contract Documents are available electronically at: City of Kyle website – https://www.cityofkyle.com/rfps Builders Exchange, 4047 Naco Perrin, San Antonio, Texas 78217 F.W. Dodge, 4300 Beltway Place #180, Arlington, Texas 76018 LJA Engineering, Inc., 7500 Rialto Blvd., Building II, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78735 Attn: Lauren Crone, P.E., 512-439-4737 Copies of the Plans and Specifications will be available on or after July 3, 2019. Bids must be submitted on the Bid Form provided and must be accompanied by a bid security in a penal sum approximately equal to and not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid. The security shall be in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check, or bid bond furnished by a reliable surety company having authority under the laws of Texas to write surety bond in the amount required, with such security made payable without recourse to the City of Kyle. City of Kyle reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. Bids may be held by City of Kyle for a period not to exceed 30 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award. The final Notice of Award of Contract shall be given to the successful bidder by the City of Kyle within sixty (60) days following the opening of bids and no bidder may withdraw his bid within sixty (60) days after opening thereof. Bidders should carefully examine the plans, specifications and other documents, visit the site of work, and fully inform themselves as to all conditions and matters which can in any way affect the work or the cost thereof. Should a bidder find discrepancies in, or omissions from, the plans, specifications or other documents, or should be in doubt as to their meaning, bidder should notify the City Engineer and obtain clarification prior to submitting any bid, but no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 19, 2019. The City of Kyle will hold a non-mandatory pre-bid conference at the City of Kyle Public Works Department Training Room, 520 E. RR 150, Kyle, Texas, at 2:00 p.m., July 10, 2019, to discuss the process and the required qualifications statement. The Statement of Qualifications with notarized signatures must be submitted to the Engineer no later than 2:00 p.m., July 24, 2019, from each interested Bidder.


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Page 12

Hays Free Press • July 3, 2019

Public Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Chapter 59 Texas Property Code. They will conduct a Public Sale to the highest bidder for cash on their premises. This sale is being listed below. The company reserves the right to reject any bid and withdraw any from the sale at any time. Date: 8/12/2019 Time: 10:15 AM Location: Morningstar Storage, 1001 W. Goforth Rd., Buda, TX 78610 Units: Unit 2181, Joseph Aldridge - vacuum cleaner, boxes, plastic bags, shelves, furniture, household goods, ladder

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Morningstar Storage wishes to avail themselves of the Texas Provision of Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code. They will conduct a Public Sale to the highest bidder for cash on their premises. The company reserves the right to reject any bid and withdraw any from the sale at any time. This sale is listed below. Date: 07/15/2019 Time: 10:15 AM Location: Morningstar Storage 1001 W Goforth Road , Buda Tx 78610 Units B221 – Jimmy Alcala – Chair, Bike, ice chest , Freezer, Gui tar, TV, Vacuum , cook ware, fan.

2071- John White - Baseball cards, boxes, totes, suitcase, books, cookware 2045- Elizabeth HowellClothes, side Table, clothes, cleaning supplies B213- Caretia Lubinski – Clothes, Household décor, Dresser, Heater, Cookers ,totes , Very Full

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice of sale to property to satisfy a landlord’s lien. Sale to be held online at Storagetreasures.com by competitive bid. Anytime Storage, LLC 880 Windy Hill Rd. Kyle, TX 78640 Sale will be ending on or after July 18, 2019 at 11 AM. Cleanup deposit is required. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale. Unit items sold for cash to the highest bidder. Property includes the contents of spaces of the following tenants.All Units have some furniture, boxes, clothing, miscellaneous household items. MODESTO SAUSEDA children’s, electronics, BBQ FRANCES CORDERO bikes, toys, camping, TOMMY RATHER small appliance MICHAEL SNYDER appliances, treadmill, hunting, kayak LUPE MALLEN deco, bins HOLLIS MATLOCK small

tools JUAN AVALOS bike, art, kids, appliances ORFANELI TORRES HERNANDEZ misc, dresser

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Buda Economic Development Corporation is accepting sealed proposals for Executive Search Firm. Request for Proposal documents are available at the Buda Economic Development Corporation Office located at 405 E. Loop Street, Bldg. 100-EDC, Buda, TX 78610, and online at www. budaedc.com. The deadline for submissions is no later than 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2019. Questions should be directed to Mandy Shaw at 512.295.2022 or mandy@budaedc.com.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Buda Economic Development Corporation is accepting sealed proposals for Legal Services. Request for Proposal documents are available at the Buda Economic Development Corporation Office located at 405 E. Loop Street, Bldg. 100-EDC, Buda, TX 78610, and online at www.budaedc. com. The deadline for submissions is no later than 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2019. Questions should be directed to Mandy Shaw at 512.295.2022 or mandy@ budaedc.com.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

NOTICE OF APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISION FOR TPDES PERMIT FOR MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER AMENDMENT PERMIT NO. WQ0014377001 APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISION. Sunfield Municipal Utility District No. 4 and Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, 933 East Court, Seguin, TX 78155, have applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a major amendment to Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0014377001 to authorize an increase in the discharge of treated domestic wastewater from a daily average flow not to exceed 990,000 gallons per day to an annual average flow not to exceed 4,000,000 gallons per day. The draft permit authorizes the discharge of treated domestic wastewater at an annual average flow not to exceed 4,000,000 gallons per day. TCEQ received this application July 6, 2017. The facility is located at 1431 Satterwhite Road, in Hays County, Texas 78610. The treated effluent is discharged via Outfall 001 (Route A) to an unnamed tributary, thence to a small pond, thence to Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Site 10 Reservoir, thence to Brushy Creek, thence to SCS Site 12 Reservoir, via Outfall 002 (Route B) to an unnamed tributary, thence to SCS Site 10 Reservoir, thence to Brushy Creek, thence to SCS Site 12 Reservoir; via Outfall 003 (Route C) to Tributary 1, thence to Tributary 2, thence to SCS Site 11 Reservoir, thence to SCS Site 12 Reservoir, thence all to Brushy Creek, thence to SCS Site 14 Reservoir, thence to Brushy Creek, thence to Plum Creek in Segment No. 1810 of the Guadalupe River Basin. The unclassified receiving water uses are minimal aquatic life use for the unnamed tributaries, limited aquatic life use for the small pond and Brushy Creek, and high aquatic life use for the SCS reservoirs. The designated uses for Segment No. 1810 are high aquatic life use, aquifer protection, and primary contact recreation. Aquifer protection does not apply to this facility because it does not flow across the Edwards Aquifer recharge, transition or contributing zone. In accordance with 30 Texas Administrative Code Section 307.5 and the TCEQ Implementation Procedures (June 2010) for the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, an antidegradation review of the receiving waters was performed. A Tier 1 antidegradation review has preliminarily determined that existing water quality uses will not be impaired by this permit action. Numerical and narrative criteria to protect existing uses will be maintained. A Tier 2 review has preliminarily determined that no significant degradation of water quality is expected in SCS Site 10 Reservoir, SCS Site 11 Reservoir, SCS Site 12 Reservoir, SCS Site 14 Reservoir, and Plum Creek, which have been identified as having high aquatic life uses. Existing uses will be maintained and protected. The preliminary determination can be reexamined and may be modified if new information is received. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and is not part of the application or notice. For the exact location, refer to the application.

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN AIR PERMIT PROPOSED AIR QUALITY PERMIT NUMBER 157263 APPLICATION ENF (Kyle) Technology, LLC, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for: Issuance of Permit 157263 This application would authorize construction of the ENF Specialty Chemicals Facility located at 1550 Kohlers Crossing, Kyle, Hays County, Texas 78640. This application is being processed in an expedited manner, as allowed by the commission’s rules in 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 101, Subchapter J. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility's general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to application. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/ assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=30.02796&lng=-97.86571&zoom=13&type=r. The facility will emit the following contaminants: ammonia. This application was submitted to the TCEQ on June 12, 2019. The application will be available for viewing and copying at the TCEQ central office, the TCEQ Austin regional office, and the Kyle Public Library, 550 Scott Street, Kyle, Hays County, Texas beginning the first day of publication of this notice. The facility’s compliance file, if any exists, is available for public review in the Austin regional office of the TCEQ. The executive director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. PUBLIC COMMENT/PUBLIC MEETING You may submit public comments, or request a public meeting or a contested case hearing to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. The TCEQ will consider all public comments in developing a final decision on the application. After the deadline for public comments, the executive director will prepare a response to all public comments. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or ask questions about the application. A public meeting about the application will be held if the executive director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application, if requested by an interested person, or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing. After technical review of the application is complete, the executive director may prepare a draft permit and will issue a preliminary decision on the application. Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision for an Air Quality Permit will then be published and mailed to those who made comments, submitted hearing requests or are on the mailing list for this application. That notice will contain the final deadline for submitting public comments. OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING You may request a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court. A contested case hearing will only be granted based on disputed issues of fact that are relevant and material to the Commission’s decision. Further, the Commission will only grant a hearing on those issues submitted during the public comment period and not withdrawn. The deadline to submit a request for a contested case hearing is 30 days after newspaper notice is published. If a request is timely filed, the deadline for requesting a contested case hearing will be extended to 30 days after the mailing of the response to comments. A person who may be affected by emissions of air contaminants from the facility is entitled to request a hearing. If requesting a contested case hearing, you must submit the following: (1) your name (or for a group or association, an official representative), mailing address, and daytime phone number; (2) applicant’s name and permit number; (3) the statement “[I/we] request a contested case hearing”; (4) a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the application and air emissions from the facility in a way not common to the general public; (5) the location and distance of your property relative to the facility; (6) a description of how you use the property which may be impacted by the facility; and (7) a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period. If the request is made by a group or an association, one or more members who have standing to request a hearing must be identified by name and physical address. The interests the group or association seeks to protect must also be identified. You may also submit your proposed adjustments to the application/permit which would satisfy your concerns. If a hearing request is timely filed, following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for contested case hearing to the Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material air quality concerns submitted during the comment period. Issues such as property values, noise, traffic safety, and zoning are outside of the Commission’s jurisdiction to address in this proceeding. MAILING LIST In addition to submitting public comments, you may ask to be placed on a mailing list to receive future public notices for this specific application by sending a written request to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below.

http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=30.061666&lng= -97.797222&zoom=13&type=r The TCEQ Executive Director has completed the technical review of the application and prepared a draft permit. The draft permit, if approved, would establish the conditions under which the facility must operate. The Executive Director has made a preliminary decision that this permit, if issued, meets all statutory and regulatory requirements. The permit application, Executive Director’s preliminary decision, and draft permit are available for viewing and copying at the Basil Anthony Moreau Memorial Library, 303 North Main Street, Buda, Texas. PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting on this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ holds a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing. OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting a contested case hearing or reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court. TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name, address, phone number; applicant's name and proposed permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the proposed facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period; and the statement "[I/we] request a contested case hearing." If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify by name and physical address an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are relevant to the group’s purpose. Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material water quality concerns submitted during the comment period. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACTION. The Executive Director may issue final approval of the application unless a timely contested case hearing request or request for reconsideration is filed. If a timely hearing request or request for reconsideration is filed, the Executive Director will not issue final approval of the permit and will forward the application and request to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a schedule Commission meeting. MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. All written public comments are public meeting requests must be submitted to the Office of the Chief Clerk, MC 105, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087 or electronically at www14.tceq.texas.gov/ epic/eComment/ within 30 days from the date of newspaper publication of this notice. INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. For details about the status of the application, visit the Commissioners’ Integrated Database at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cid. Search the database using the permit number for this application, which is provided at the top of this notice.

AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the Public Education Program toll free at 1-800-687-4040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040.

AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at http://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Any personal information you submit to the TCEQ will become part of the agency’s record; this includes email addresses. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040 or visit their website at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/pep. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040.

Further information may also be obtained from ENF (Kyle) Technology, LLC, 141087 McCoy Loop, Austin, Texas 78717 or by calling Mr. Mark Bertz, Integrated Engineering Services Inc., at (678) 687-4427.

Further information may also be obtained from Sunfield Municipal Utility District No. 4 and Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority at the address stated above or by calling Ms. Lauren Willis, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, at 830-379-5822.

Notice Issuance Date: June 19, 2019

Issuance Date: June 20, 2019


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