AUGUST 11, 2021 BURN PERMITS
30-YEAR LOW
Hays County to issue seven-day burn permits online.
Hays County budget includes lowest tax rate in 30 years.
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Hays Free Press HaysFreePress.com
Vol. 127 • No. 20
Serving Hays County, TX
Hays County COVID-19 Update as of August 9 STAFF REPORT
Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities, a Dripping Springs woman in her 80s, and a San Marcos woman in her 40s. This report covers August 7-9, 2021. HCLHD also reports 317 new lab-confirmed cases along with 35 new hospitalizations and 21 new hospital discharges. There are 258 addition-
al persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 19,765. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 21,864. Hays County has 1,820 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,333 active cases. Hays County has had 1,060 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 58 Hays County residents are currently hospitalized.
HAYS COUNTY COVID-19 STATISTICS AS OF AUGUST 9
VACCINE OPPORTUNITIES:
• Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines at Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. • Monday-Friday – Walkin Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Hays Veterans financial program expands services
Hey, Kyle!
City of Kyle attempts world record with ‘Kyle’ gathering The city of Kyle is gearing up for its annual Pie in the Sky Festival Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-5. Among the festivities, Kyle officials are trying to gather as many patrons as possible with the name “Kyle.” “We are so excited to host Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival once again and bring back the Guinness World record attempt for the most Kyles in one place,” Special Events Coordinator Sarah Watson said. “We have high hopes that 2021 will be the record-breaking year for the Gathering of the Kyles.” The gathering will occur on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 10 a.m., during the morning session. There will be a group photo and official sign in. The current Guinness World Record for the largest same name gathering (first name only) belongs to Kupreski Kosci in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a total of 2,325 participants named Ivan. The City of Kyle has previously attempted to break the record three times and 2021 will be the fourth attempt. See www.pieinthesky. com for more information.
BY SAHAR CHMAIS
PHOTO BY DANIELLE MODISETTE-SCOTT
Top row (l-r) assistant coach Andrew Rodriguez, assistant coach Kris Beasley, assistant coach Chelsea Romanowski, head coach Philip Daigle, HYBSA President Jason Pack. Middle row (l-r): Easton Bean, Auggie Rivera, Brady Daigle, Izaiah Ruedas, Tyler Golden, Dean Daigle, Corbin Zachary. Bottom row (l-r) Brayden Rodriguez, Julius Beasley, Carson Hacker, Donovan Fleming, Lydia Lopez, and Hudson Chavez.
Local Little Leaguers go to Pony World Series BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Some of Hays County’s youngest athletes had the unique opportunity of experiencing teamwork, sportsmanship and the importance of community during the baseball world series.
The 6U Shetland All-Stars team, a tee-ball team part of the Hays Youth Baseball and Softball Association (HYBSA), competed at the Pony World Series in Youngsville, Louisiana from July 21 to July 24. The Hays Shetland team consists of local
Hays County kids aged 4 to 6. After the regular baseball season, which ran from February to May, 13 players were selected for the all-stars team in late May after tryouts. The all-stars team was led by head coach Philip Daigle and assistant
coaches Kris Beasley, Chelsea Romanowski and Andrew Rodriguez. After competing in three tournaments, the team secured a spot to compete in the Pony World Series and had a month to prepare for
WORLD SERIES, 10
Coming Up SENIOR WATERCOLOR CLASSES Repeats every month on August, September, October, November on the third Monday. Area seniors are invited to the Krug Activity Center (old Kyle City Hall) Monday, August 16, at 2:30pm for a free watercolor class hosted by the Kyle Area Senior Zone and Kyle Public Library. This class is taught by
STATE NEWS
Buda Artist, Gena Destri. Due to limited supplies, class space is limited to the first 20 participants. First come, first served.
SUMMER IN THE PARK FINALE WITH BRUCE ROBISON AND KELLY WILLIS The summer series of concerts in San Marcos Plaza Park are drawing to an end. Catch the
Veteran reporter Gary Rodgers touches on Capital Highlights.
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Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis last show of the summer tomorrow, Aug. 12, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
ANCESTRY.COM LESSONS On the third Tuesday in July through December, interested community members are invited to
learn about free access to Ancestry.com Library Edition. The next lesson will be Tuesday, Aug. 17 at Kyle Library’s Meeting Room B. For more information contact Adult Services Librarian Jesus Hernandez at jhernandez@ cityofkyle.com.
The Hays Free Press Barton Publications, Inc. 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
Hays County created a program to aid veterans through financial hardships – now that program is expanding. “When we rolled out this program late last year, the aim was to help qualifying veterans, dependents and surviving spouses with past due rent, mortgages, utilities and car payments,” said Jude Prather, the county’s Veterans Services manager.
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Kyle PD investigates deadly hit and run BY SAHAR CHMAIS A Hays County Sheriff’s Deputy found a man struck by a vehicle in the 100 block of Windy Hill Road, on Thursday, Aug. 5 at 2:29 a.m. The 22-year-old victim, Jose Emilio Berberena, died from his injuries. Officers began life saving efforts on Berberena while waiting for Buda Fire and EMS to arrive. The Kyle resident was transported to Ascension Seton Hays Hospital, but died from the injuries. An investigation of the accident was initiated by the Kyle Police Department Crash Investigation Unit immediately
DEADLY HIT AND RUN, 10