AUGUST 18, 2021 WANTED
STEM LESSONS
Hays CISD is in need of more teachers.
Childrens books teach science, technology, engineering and math.
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Hays Free Press HaysFreePress.com
Vol. 127 • No. 21
Serving Hays County, TX
County judge says masks are required in school BY SAHAR CHMAIS
The line is drawn and Governor Greg Abbott is probably not happy. But students in Hays County will be required to wear masks, despite the governor’s executive order to the contrary. Hays CISD and Dripping Springs ISD took up the issue of whether students had to wear masks while at school, and
decided to “encourage” students to wear masks. But Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra entered the fray on Friday when he issued his own executive order on Friday, requiring anyone going to school to wear masks. Becerra’s decision came after monitoring the spike in hospital admissions, how highly contagious the Delta variant has been and
Public schools and public charter schools in Hays County will be required to enforce masks for students, staff and visitors over the age of two when on campus and on school busses.
that children under the age of 12 do not have access to the vaccine. Public schools and public charter schools
in Hays County will be required to enforce masks for students, staff and visitors over the age of two when on campus
and on school busses. “Currently, 70% of the 12-15 age group are unvaccinated,” Becerra said, “and children under 12 are not eligible for a vaccine at all. Masks are their only line of defense.” Not only is the virus causing a health crisis emergency that has caused rising hospitalization rates, there is further concern about
Buda approves bond package for November ballot BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Rail projects have Kyle neighbors concerned BY BRITTANY ANDERSON homeowner, brought a petition from both An upcoming railherself and neighbors road siding project has citing a list of concerns residents of Creekside about the Kyle Siding Village, a neighborhood Project. in Kyle, concerned for The project is part their safety and privacy, of the 2016 Road Bond among other things. Program. In spring Railroad siding is a 2018, the project was track that to the side of selected to award funds the main line that alafter the city submitted lows trains to pass, and a Capital Area Metallows uploading and ropolitan Planning offloading of products. Organization (CAMPO) During the citizen grant application. comment period at the The project will city council meeting on relocate the existing Aug. 3, Cynthia Salinas, a Creekside Village RAILROAD SIDING, 10
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
PHOTO COURTESY OF TINA FRETWELL
Tina Fretwell (left), of Dripping Springs, meets her half-sisters for the first time in upstate New York.
Hays County woman’s DNA discovery leads to new family BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
After 50 years, Tina Fretwell has finally found a piece of herself she’s been searching for her entire life. Born in 1970 in Da Nang, Vietnam during the midst of the Vietnam War, the only thing TINA’S MOM Tina ever found out about her father was that he was an American soldier named David. It would be decades before she found more — thanks to a gene-
Coming Up CALLING ALL KYLES!
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 festival goers as possible with the name “Kyle” in an effort to break the world record for the most Kyles in one place. There will be free admittance to patrons with valid ID showing their name is Kyle. The gathering will
STATE NEWS
occur on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. There will be a group photo and official sign in.
UP, UP & AWAY AT KYLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
“I didn’t know if I wanted to look into it myself. Then I finally said, “Look, I think I found your sisters. She got very excited, needless to say.”
Kansas, leaving Tina in the care of her aunt and grandmother. Like other ‘Amerasians’ at the time, a term coined for children born of American servicemen and Vietnamese women, Tina faced discrimination for her mixed heritage, including having rocks thrown at her. Tina even faced discrimination within her own family. Her grandfather was in the Viet Cong, –Tina’s husband Ben and her family feared how he would take to having alogy kit that led her to her a half-American grandhalf-siblings. daughter with her light When Tina was only hair and skin. a few months old, her Coupled with the fact mother, Kim Tu Huynh, left Vietnam for Wichita, DNA DISCOVERY, 6
bounce house, eliminator, skee ball, mini putt-putt golf, crafts and music, as well as a demonstration by the Central Texas Ballooning Association. Attendees will also have a chance to win free tickets for the upcoming Kyle Pie in the Sky Festival.
BACK TO SCHOOL FAMILY SKATE NIGHT
Join the Kyle Public Library on Saturday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. for Up, Up, and Away — a celebration of the art of hot air ballooning. There will be a ton of events for the kids, including a rock climbing wall, a castle
Veteran reporter Gary Rodgers touches on Capital Highlights.
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MASKS MANDATORY, 10
Hays CISD Parents demand choice on masks
The $88.7 million package includes two propositions, Proposition A for roads and Proposition B for parks.
BUDA - Buda is one step closer to seeing improved roads and parks. The Buda Bonds package was unanimously approved by city council during a special meeting on Aug. 12. The bond will now be placed on November’s election ballot. The bond package has been deliberated by the Buda Bond Adviso- sitions, Proposition A for roads and Proposiry Committee (BBAC) tion B for parks. Based since February 2021. The $88.7 million package includes two propoBUDA BONDS, 10
the health and safety of children and school staff, Becerra added. “This order is intended to slow down community spread of the COVID-19 virus, and free up hospital space,” he said. “Personal responsibility, undefined, as a disaster response strategy for an infectious disease pandemic is not working.”
Join Kyle Parks and Recreation Friday, Aug. 20 from 6-8:30 p.m. for the Back to School Family Skate Night at Ash Pavilion in GreggClarke Park.There will be music, lights, concessions and fun. Skates will not be provided and registration
is required. Registration for city of Kyle residents is $1, and $2 for non-residents.
IN THE GARDEN: DIY GARDEN PLANNING
Join other gardening enthusiasts and beginners at the Dripping Springs Library Thursday Aug. 19 to talk about DIY gardens. In this presentation a Hays County Master Gardener will cover a variety of topics about gardening, including planting schedules, soil types, trees, native plants, environmental considerations, and more. Register by visiting the library website.
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
Wearing blue shirts in solidarity, parents and students showed up to a special meeting of the Hays School Board on Aug. 12 to share their thoughts on the board’s COVID-19 protocols for the upcoming school year. After Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright sent out COVID response updates on Aug. 9 and Aug. 11, many parents from the Hays CISD Community Facebook group encouraged others to wear blue shirts and attend the board meeting to express their concerns and frustrations. The argument was on – between those wanting students to wear masks and those who are against, and whether events should open to full capacity. Of the more than 20 speakers during the public forum, many called for sporting events and other on-campus events to be opened back up to 100% capacity, for the board to not follow Austin ISD and other school districts’ decision to require masks and to allow parents the freedom to choose what is best for their children regarding masks and vaccinations. “The beauty of choice is that having the right to choose allows one to handle COVID the way they feel is right for them,” senior Aspen Lowden said. “That should be the one solution that makes the most people happy.” But that was only one side of the story. Alternatively, a handful of speakers expressed their desire for the school board to require masks and continue to limit capacity at events. Melissa Huckabay, the parent of an elementary school son, said she and other parents are worried about sending their young children to school with other students and staff members who are
HCISD MASK DEBATE, 10
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NEWS
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • August 18, 2021
Hays CISD in search of more teachers Ahead of the start of school later this week, Hays CISD is still looking to fill teaching positions. Due to the state of Texas not providing funding for full virtual learning, the district is offering a Homebound Academy program for students who may need to stay home for medical reasons if they have a doctor’s note. This has increased the need for more teachers but Hays CISD does not know how many will
be required just yet. “We don’t know exactly how many students are going to be in it,” said Dr. Fernando Medina, chief human resources officer. “It’s a whole different type of teaching model that we don’t traditionally staff for every single year.” The number of teachers needed will be driven by the amount of interest and qualified students for homebound instruction, Medina explained.
Certified bilingual and special education teachers are always in high demand. Hays CISD is also looking to increase its number of guest or substitute instructors, as many teachers have to cover another class if somebody is absent.
Certified bilingual and special education teachers are always in high demand. Hays CISD is also looking to increase
its number of guest or substitute instructors, as many teachers have to cover another class if somebody is absent.
“When a teacher is not able to come into work,” Medina said, “what happens is other teachers are having to cover. What we need to do is ensure that we have a good pool of substitutes so when that happens, we can send a guest teacher to fill in that gap. We have had, as you might imagine, during COVID a higher
Abbott sued over mask-mandate ban A growing number of school districts, counties and cities have defied Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order banning mask mandates, as COVID-19 cases continue to spike due to the delta variant and a low rate of vaccination among Texans. As KUT.org reported, officials in Dallas and Bexar counties won a first round in court in requiring masks in public schools and most government buildings. School districts in Austin, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio, among others, are requiring students, teachers and staff to wear masks. Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton are appealing the initial district court decisions and have vowed to sue any government official who defies the governor’s order.
DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS STILL ABSENT; ARRESTS ORDERED
Capital Highlights
Debbie Thames Insurance Agency
AUTO • HOME • LIFE • BOAT • HEALTH
to Texas but continue to stay away from the state Capitol.
The Texas Senate last week passed Senate Bill 1, which would establish new restrictions on voting, despite a 15-hour filibuster continues to rise with by state Sen. Carol Alvara98,383 reported in the do, D-Houston. Meanwhile, past week along with Democratic lawmakers in 628 deaths, according the House continued to to the Coronavirus break quorum to stave off a Resource Center at Johns House vote on the measure, Hopkins University. despite arrest warrants Hospitalizations are issued by House Speaker approaching the peak Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont. levels of mid-January, The Texas Supreme with 11,381 lab-confirmed Court on Thursday temCOVID-19 patients, porarily blocked district according to the Texas court orders that would Department of State have allowed more than 40 Health Services, up 27% House Democrats to avoid from the week before. civil arrest warrants. The As students return to classrooms across the state, Democrats were expected to issue a response to the the number of children in high court’s ruling this Texas hospitalized with week, according to the AusCOVID-19 is at one of its tin American-Statesman. highest levels since the Texas Democrats have pandemic began. In the denied Republicans a 19-county region around Dallas and Fort Worth, there quorum since the closing days of the regular legislawere no staffed pediatric HOSPITALIZATIONS, tive session. The Legislature beds available late last COVID-19 CASES CONTINUE week, according to KUT. is now in its second special TO RISE session, with Democrats org. Meanwhile, the number decamping to Washington, DSHS reports 13.055 of new cases of COVID-19, million Texans are fully D.C. to push for a federal overwhelmingly among voting rights bill. Some lawvaccinated, about 44.7% unvaccinated Texans, of the total population. makers have since returned by Gary Borders
CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS, 4
need of substitutes yet our pool is smaller.” Every school district is struggling right now as many substitutes are retired teachers or people looking for additional income. Older staff members have been less likely to take guest teacher roles because they are at higher risk for COVID-19, Medina explained.
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm 251 N. FM 1626 #2C, Buda, TX 78610 Office: (512) 312-1917 • Fax: 312-0688 dvthames@austin.rr.com
Your Business & Referrals Are Appreciated
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX INCREASE
A tax rate of $0.05819 per $100 valuation has been proposed by the governing body of Hays County ESD No. 9. PROPOSED TAX RATE: NO-NEW REVENUE TAX RATE: VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE: DE MINIMIS RATE:
$0.05819 per $100 $0.05385 per $100 $0.05576 per $100 $0.06151 per $100
The no-new-revenue rate is the tax rate for the 2021 tax year that will raise the same amount of property tax revenue for Hays County ESD No. 9 from the same properties in both the 2020 tax year and the 2021 tax year. The voter-approval tax rate is the highest tax rate that Hays County ESD No. 9 may adopt without holding an election to seek voter-approval of the rate, unless the de minimis rate for Hays County ESD No. 9 exceeds the voter-approval rate for Hays County ESD No. 9. The de minimis rate is the rate equal to the sum of the no-new-revenue maintenance and operations rate for Hays County ESD No. 9, the rate that will raise $500,000, and the current debt rate for Hays County ESD No. 9. The proposed tax rate is greater than the no-new-revenue rate. This means that Hays County ESD No. 9 is proposing to increase property taxes for 2021. A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED TAX RATE WILL BE HELD ON August 23, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. at the Kyle Fire Department, 210 W. Moore Street, Kyle, Texas. The proposed tax rate is greater than the voter-approval tax rate but not greater than the de minimis rate and does not exceed the rate that allows voters to petition for an election under Section 26.075, Tax Code. If Hays County ESD No. 9 adopts the proposed tax rate, Hays County ESD No. 9 is not required to hold an election so that the voters may accept or reject the proposed tax rate and the qualified voters of Hays County ESD No. 9 may not petition Hays County ESD No. 9 to require an election to be held to determine whether to reduce the proposed tax rate. YOUR TAXES UNDER ANY OF THE TAX RATES MENTIONED ABOVE CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: Property tax amount = (tax rate) x (taxable value of your property) / 100 FOR the proposal: Chris Baker, Diane Hervol, Bruce Schneider, and Carla Sisk AGAINST the proposal: None PRESENT and not voting: None ABSENT: Roger Boyd
Ella is a female, 7-year-old American Staffordshire mix. Ella is a sweet older lady looking for a place to relax. She has quickly become a staff favorite and we know any family would be lucky to take this sweet lady home.
Tamas is a male, 5-months-old, domestic short hair mix. If you’re looking for a definition of “purrfection”, look no further! Tamas is as cute as can be with lots of love to give. Tamas says he has lots of amazing skills like snuggling.
PAWS Shelter of Central Texas
The 86th Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. The following table compares the taxes imposed on the average residence homestead by Hays County ESD No. 9 last year to the taxes proposed to be imposed on the average residence homestead by Hays County ESD No. 9 this year. 2020
2021
Change
500 FM 150 E, Kyle, TX • 512 268-1611 • pawsshelter.org
Total tax rate (per $100 of value)
$0.05980
$0.05819
Decrease of $0.00161 per $100 or 2.69%
sponsored by
Average homestead taxable value
$198,537.03
$218,103.95
Increase of 9.86%
Tax on average homestead
$118.73
$126.91
Increase of $8.19 or 6.90%
Total tax levy on all properties
$3,352,977.79 $3,811,721.00
is a non-profit, no-kill shelter operated primarily on donations and adoptions. All animals are fully vaccinated, spay/neutered, microchipped and dewormed.
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
Increase of $458,743.20 or 13.68%
For assistance with tax calculations, please contact the tax assessor for Hays County ESD No. 9 at (512) 393-5545 or jenifer.okane@co.hays.tx.us or visit https:// hayscountytax.com.
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Opinion
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “This order is intended to slow down community spread of the COVID-19 virus, and free up hospital space,” he said. “Personal responsibility, undefined, as a disaster response strategy for an infectious disease pandemic is not working.” –Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. Story on page 1.
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • August 18, 2021
Page 3
Put civility back in civil discourse A national trend of Americans yelling at others regarding COVID prevention measures landed squarely and publicly at a Hays CISD board meeting last week. The agenda item was identified as a COVID-19 Update and seemed to create a great deal of interest. Even though the meeting was held on a Thursday at 9 a.m. as a part of a longer board retreat, the Nolan Kunkel Room at the historic Buda Elementary campus was packed with 60-70 parents and secondary students. The lines were drawn before the meeting began as those who wanted loosening of the COVID restrictions wore no masks in the crowded meeting, while those who supported mandatory mask policies were consistently wearing masks. Twenty-nine people registered to speak and each person was allotted two minutes each. Board members listened patiently as parents and students complained about attendance limits at sporting events, cancellation of prom last year, seating arrangements for marching bands at football games, etc. The tone of the comments ran from quiet and respectful to yelling and finger pointing and were met with cheering and clapping from the audience as if they were in a pep rally instead of a formal meeting. One parent specifically noted that students needed protection from “bullying” should they decide not to wear a mask in school. Other citizens addressed the board to increase mitigation measures by mandating a mask policy, especially for elementary students who can’t be vaccinated. However, whenever someone testified about requiring more mitigation measures (i.e. mandatory masking policy) they were met with derisive comments and yelling from some in the audience in an attempt to intimidate and, ironically, bully. Even though the board president attempted to control the inappropriate behavior, it continued. What everyone should know about school board, city council, etc. meetings are that they are not “public meetings” but rather “meetings held in public.” It is completely inappropriate and rude to make comments from the audience or yell one’s opinion about another citizen’s testimony. The public comment period is just that: public comment. It is not an opportunity to express one’s opinions, disgust or derision about what another fellow citizen
NEWS TIPS
If you think it’s news, we probably do too! • Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress.com • Mail: 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640
Guest Column by David Wiley
feels about an issue. These meeting are also official actions of the board and are not intended to be an opportunity for raucous behavior by members of the community. You can be assured that good policy decisions are not based on who can yell the loudest. Though school board members are elected officials, the school board race itself is non-partisan. There are no political affiliations listed on the ballot and each board member donates hundreds of hours of unpaid time to better the local school system. The COVID 19 pandemic is unprecedented in our lifetimes and public health orders, laws and science are changing on an almost daily basis. School boards and school administrators are currently caught between conflicting orders from the governor and the Hays County judge about mandatory masking mandates and are awaiting instructions from lawyers and upcoming court rulings. Regardless of what the policies end up being, citizens do not have the right to yell and point fingers at volunteer board members who are doing the best they can. In addition, it is not necessary for citizens to yell and harass each other just because their opinions differ on this very controversial issue. Parents have the obligation to do what is best for their own child/children. School board trustees must do what is best for everyone’s child, even if the decision is not popular with some segments of the community. Though extracurricular activities are an important part of our community, the overwhelming majority of students in the district do not participate in these activities because they are elementary school children. The board is required to base district-wide policy on state law, the Texas Education Code, best practices, and legal advice. Yelling at the board and heckling other citizens in meetings accomplishes nothing but to raise the temperature in the room. It is obvious that more of these meetings will be held in coming weeks and months. Try to keep in mind that everyone is doing the best they can and perhaps we can offer some grace and understanding to our elected officials, school administrators, and neighbors during these unprecedented times. For eventually, this too shall pass.
CORRECTIONS
Real answers about COVID-19 vaccines From the moment COVID-19 emerged in the United States, we have all been asked to make sacrifices to protect ourselves, our families and our neighbors from this terrible virus. At Ascension Seton – and health systems everywhere – our caregivers have worked long hours on the front lines to care for those afflicted with the worst symptoms of the virus. And we know every member of our communities has struggled right alongside those of us on the front lines. We have weathered lockdowns, mask mandates and social distancing. Our children have struggled to adapt to distance learning, and we have missed out on countless opportunities to be with family and friends. As healthcare providers, we understand that long periods of difficulty, like the past 18 months, can result in a deep sense of uncertainty in many of us. So it is understandable that many members of our community have real, legitimate questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. As a physician who has cared for families in my community for more than 25 years, I received the vaccine a few months ago when it became available to me, as did every member of my family. Since then I have been encouraging my patients, colleagues, friends and everyone else to get the vaccine. With over 340 million COVID-19 vaccine doses given in this country over the past eight months, I believe the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. But, even with all the information that has been shared about the vaccines, there are still a lot of pressing questions. And that’s OK. It is good to ask questions about your health. I’m hopeful I can address some of these questions, ease your concerns and encourage you to join me in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Any erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputation of any person, firm or corporation which may appear in the pages of the Hays Free Press will be corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher.
DEADLINES
• Did scientists rush vaccine development? Can we trust its effectiveness and safety? All vaccines require by Dr. Samson extensive research, docJesudass umentation and closely monitored clinical trials to determine effectiveness FREQUENT QUESTIONS and safety before being FROM OUR PATIENTS: submitted by pharmaceutical companies for ap• Will the vaccine make proval. The U.S. Food and me sick with COVID-19? Drug Administration (FDA) No, the vaccine will is responsible for ensuring NOT give you COVID-19, the safety, effectiveness according to the Centers and availability of vaccines for Disease Control and in the United States. Since Prevention (CDC). None the emergency use auof the authorized and thorization (EUA) of three recommended COVID-19 COVID-19 vaccines in use vaccines or COVID-19 vac• If I’ve already had in the U.S., 185 million U.S. cines currently in develop- COVID-19, do I need a residents have received at ment in the United States vaccine? least one dose. contain the live virus that Every eligible person The development of a causes COVID-19. This should get vaccinated safe and effective vaccine means that a COVID-19 regardless of whether has been a critical part of vaccine cannot make you they have already had the world’s effort to stop sick with COVID-19. COVID-19. We do not yet the spread of COVID-19. know how long a person is And as the pandemic • Does the COVID-19 protected from getting sick continues to affect people vaccine cause infertility in again after recovering from worldwide, the vaccine is women? COVID-19, which is why it our best chance to finally According to the CDC, is important to get vaccidefeat this virus and return there is no evidence that nated to prevent further to the moments and social COVID-19 vaccination illness and/or hospitaliza- activities we miss. causes any problems with tion. It’s also not known pregnancy, including the how well natural immunity I understand you may development of the plafrom a prior COVID-19 still have questions, so I centa. In addition, there is infection will protect you implore you to talk to your no evidence that female or from one of the new varidoctor. Get the answers male fertility problems are ants of the virus. you need, and please get a side effect of any vacvaccinated. cine, including COVID-19 vaccines.
Guest Column
• Will the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines alter my DNA? No, your DNA will not and cannot be altered by these vaccines. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. According to the CDC, mRNA (or messenger RNA) never enter the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA (genetic material) is kept. The mRNA vaccines “teach” our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies. • Are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine
• The deadline for display advertising and any contributed news copy is 5 p.m. Friday the week prior to publication. • The deadline for Letters to the Editor and classified word advertising is noon Monday the week of publication, though we encourage readers and advertisers to observe the Friday deadline.
dangerous? Sometimes after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever, body ache, headache and fatigue. These symptoms are normal as the body is building immunity. Symptoms are typically mild to moderate in severity, occur within the first three days of vaccination, and resolve within 1-3 days of onset. Severe side effects are very uncommon. The benefits of vaccination and community immunity far outweigh the risk of side effects from vaccination.
Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton Reporters Megan Wehring, Sahar Chmais Columnists Bartee Haile, Clint Younts
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Page 4
SPORTS
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • August 18, 2021
Tigers take stock in return QB All eyes are on Dripping Springs’ quarterback Austin Novosad, but there’s no pressure. “Pressure? Not really,” Novosad said confidently after team photos and an intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday morning. Last year the sophomore quarterback helped lead the Tigers to a 9-4 season. “We have a vision as a team to be even better than last year. We have some young receivers but the chemistry is coming together and I think we’ll be very good.” The Tigers will play a scrimmage game against New Braunfels at 7 p.m. Friday, August 20 at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers will open the season at Kerrville on August 27 at 7:30 p.m.. The first home game of the season at Tiger Stadium will be September 3 vs Hays at 7:30 p.m.
New tennis captains leading the Lobo pack
PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III/ HAYS CISD
Hays has new name and new team tennis captains
Capital Highlights Continued from pg. 2
A multi-agency effort has led to the release of 21 adult and six juvenile snapping turtles back into East Texas, after being seized in an illegal traffic attempt. A 2017 investigation by game wardens with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department into the poaching of the turtles led to the arrest of three men, two of whom received prison time in December of that year. Alligator snapping turtles are among the largest freshwater turtles in the world and can grow to weigh more than 200 pounds with a lifespan of more than 100 years. The turtles are designated as threatened with statewide extinction under Texas law. The turtles were taken to the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery after the seizure and released recently under a joint effort with TPWD, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Stephen F. Austin State University and others. The turtles are a popular food item in Louisiana, which limits catches to one per day.
EARLY AUGUST RAINFALL ABOVE NORMAL FOR HALF OF STATE Just 1% of the state is suffering drought conditions, primarily in the Big Bend area, a small piece of Northeast Texas near the Oklahoma border and the northwest tip of the Panhandle. That’s the latest report from Dr. Mark Wentzel, a hydrologist with the Texas Water Development Board. Three months ago, 45% of the state’s area was in drought, while a third of the state suffered from drought conditions a year ago.
PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLIST DEATHS CONTINUE TO CLIMB While traffic casualties declined in 2020, Texas
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A Public Hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. This public hearing will take place in the Buda City Council Chambers located at 405 E. Loop Street Building 100. This public hearing is in compliance with the City Charter. The purpose is to hear oral and written comments and discuss proposed uses of operating and capital funds and to consider adopting a budget allocating operating and capital funds anticipated to be available to the City of Buda during the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2021 and ending on September 30, 2022. THIS BUDGET WILL RAISE MORE TOTAL PROPERTY TAXES THAN LAST YEAR’S BUDGET BY $737,352, OR 11.7%, AND OF THAT AMOUNT $147,545 IS TAX REVENUE TO BE RAISED FROM NEW PROPERTY ADDED TO THE TAX ROLL THIS YEAR. The proposed budget and capital improvements plan can be provided by the City Clerk of the City of Buda upon request anytime between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, or they can be viewed on the City’s website at www.ci.buda.tx.us. Published this 18th day of August, 2021 by the City of Buda. Members of the public are encouraged to attend this hearing and express their views to the City Council.
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saw a steep rise in the number of people killed while walking or biking on the state’s roadways. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 731 people died in pedestrian-related crashes last year, up 9% from 2019. Bicyclists killed in crashes totaled 82, up from 68 deaths the previous year. Overall, the number of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths has been steadily increasing the past five years, according to TxDOT. “Whether you’re behind the wheel, on foot or riding a bicycle, we’re reminding all Texans that they need to be safe and smart, and that starts with paying attention to driving and obeying traffic laws,” said Marc Williams, executive director of TxDOT. The agency’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign features safety reminders on television, billboards, gas pumps, buses and social media. They are components of #EndTheStreakTX, which encourages driver safety. The last death-free day on Texas roadways was Nov. 7, 2000.
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By virtue of an 11-8 victory over the Bastrop Bears Aug. 13, the Lehman Lobos tennis team opened the fall season in the win column. Lobo tennis is led by longtime head coach Orlando de la Fuente and assistant coach Mark Cisneros. Lehman's 2021 captains are Samantha Mancia (above) and Caleb Esparza (right). Lehman's 2021 fall season continues Aug. 19 when they host Comal Davenport.
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A season-opening win was in the cards for the Hays Hawks varsity tennis team Aug. 13 as they began the 2021 fall schedule with a dominant 17-4 stroll over Bastrop. The Hawks are led by head tennis coach Julia Lizcano. Team captains for the Hawks this season are Cosmo Miyahara (above) and Bella Templin (right). After an Aug. 17 match at Hendrickson, Hays returns to action Sept. 3 in a match against Bowie to begin district play. Time, date and location for the Sept. 3 match has not yet been scheduled.
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • August 18, 2021
The night John Wesley Hardin died On Aug. 19, 1895, John Wesley Hardin stuck to his usual routine of prowling the El Paso barrooms. But death stalked the middle-aged gunfighter, and the hot summer evening would be his last night on the town. A pistol-packing terror in 1870s Texas, Wes Hardin was a callous killer before he could shave. With seven notches on his gun by age 16, he added another nine on a cattle drive to Kansas. When the relentless Rangers finally caught up with him in Florida in 1877, the preacher’s son had over 40 killings to his credit. Convicted in the slaying of a deputy sheriff, a hanging offense for sure, Hardin’s popularity saved him from the gallows. Since many of his victims were state policemen, Yankee soldiers and emancipated slaves, he was held in high esteem by most Texans of those turbulent times. While serving a 25year sentence in the state penitentiary at Huntsville, Wes put on a convincing show of mending his homicidal ways. He studied law and supervised the convict Sunday school. After 15 years behind bars, Hardin walked out the prison gates a free man on Valentine’s Day 1894. Given every break in the book, the notorious gunman had a better chance than most at a new life. Gov. Jim Hogg generously granted a full pardon, and the state bar accepted the infamous felon as a practicing attorney. But old habits die hard, and good intentions lose out to stubborn vices. Lawyer Hardin devoted far more time to the bottle than his clients. In El Paso another graying outlaw was trying to live down his own reckless past. After years of hiding out in Mexico, John Selman had become of all things a lawman. Although his press clippings could not compare to the volumes written about Wes’ exploits, Selman was a dangerous desperado who kept the boot hills of West Texas and New Mexico wellstocked. Conservative estimates put his private death toll at 20 and that did not include a score or more he helped to string up as a vigilante. But gunfighting was a young man’s game, and anyone over 30 was living on heavily mortgaged time. At 42 and 56 respectively, Hardin and Selman were ancient warriors who should have known when to call it quits. Wes rolled into El Paso in the winter of 1895 on a mission of mercy for an accused kinsman and hung around to see the sights. The first he spotted and took an instant liking to was Helen Beulah, wife of a second-string bandit named Martin Morose. Helen retained Hardin’s services in order to win her husband’s liberty from the Juarez jail, where he was detained by the
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Mexican authorities. Although the infatuated attorney was in no hurry, arrangements were made at last for the release of Morose. On a dark June night, he strolled across the international bridge and right into an ambush. By morning rumor had it that Wes, aided by several cronies including Selman, had gunned down Morose and stolen his bankroll. While Hardin made himself scarce, Helen went on a wild tear that landed her in the local drunk tank. Learning the arresting officer was none other than John Selman Jr., Wes vowed vengeance against both father and son. The senior Selman was already fit to be tied over being cheated out of his share of the Morose take, and the ominous threat pushed him over the edge. As darkness enveloped El Paso on Aug. 19, 1895, Selman went hunting. Engrossed in a two-bit dice game, Wes Hardin stood at the bar in the Acme Saloon with his back to the door. In his clear-headed prime, the cautious killer would not have made such a rookie mistake. But Wes was drinking like there was no tomorrow, and for him there would not be. The first slug from Selman’s six-shooter struck Hardin in the head, and he crumpled to the floor. The second missed the mark, but the third and fourth, fired at pointblank range, tore into his arm and chest. John Jr. burst into the bar, seized his father by the arm and shouted, “Don’t shoot him anymore! He’s dead!” The defense did not dispute the facts at the February 1896 murder trial arguing instead that the cold-blooded killing of a notorious outlaw did not constitute a crime. Although ten jurors were swayed by that twisted logic, two were not, and the judge declared a mistrial. The taxpayers were spared the expense of a second trial. An inebriated John Selman invited an old pal into an alley for a secret chat on Easter Sunday. Seconds later he was heard to scream, “Don’t try to kill me like that!” The appeal went unheeded as four shots rang out. John Selman was laid to rest in the same cemetery that held the last remains of John Wesley Hardin. El Paso may not have been big enough for both of them, but the graveyard had room to spare.
HISTORY/COMMUNITY
Page 5
Buda children’s librarian retires after 17 years of service BY MEGAN WEHRING BUDA — From seeing the excitement on children’s faces to watching them grow into mature adults, Martha Sanders archived several favorite memories during her time at the Buda Public Library. After nearly two decades as a children’s librarian, Sanders touched the lives of many families by creating an environment that encourages reading and learning that will last beyond childhood. But Sanders knew it was time to close this chapter of her life and “switch her joy” to explore and travel with her husband. “I have loved getting to know so many members of our community
and have made friendships that will last a lifetime,” Sanders said. Sanders did not consider becoming a librarian until she owned a preschool business in Lockhart, where she would take her classes to the local library for weekly storytime. She credits the children’s librarian, Ms. Bertha, for inspiring her to pursue the same position in Buda. “[She] was always so wonderful with the kids and helped many of them foster a love for reading,” Sanders said. “When I first started my position at the Buda Public Library, I thought back to Bertha’s great storytimes as I sought out on my own mission to create a nurturing, fun
Retiring children’s librarian Martha Sanders
environment that encourages youth literacy.” Over the last several years, library director Melinda Hodges has watched Sanders kindle relationships with the children’s families. “There are so many kids and families in this community that have
grown up with her,” Hodges told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch, “that were here in her programs as little kids that are now graduating from high school or college. She is a part of their family. She is a
LIBRARIAN RETIRES, 10
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DNA Discovery Continued from pg. 1
that there wasn’t much schooling opportunity during the war, eight-yearold Tina went to live in a Buddhist Monk temple in Da Nang for ten years. There, the Monks protected her, and she was still able to visit with her grandmother every few weeks. In 1988, Tina met her mother for the first time, who continued to live in Wichita. Then, just a few years later in 1992, Tina left Da Nang for the United States with one goal in mind: to find her father. At the time, Da Nang’s population was just over 400,000, while the United States was around 257 million. Tina didn’t comprehend how big the United States was in comparison when she set out on her mission. “I didn’t know America was so big,” Tina said. “I was born and grew up in the same town. I thought maybe it’s small and easy to find him. My family just said, ‘good luck.’” Tina’s journey to the United States proved to be a dead end — at first. She said she spent years asking her mother questions about her father, but she would say that she didn’t remember. “When I came here, I didn’t know where in America I had to go to find my dad,” Tina said. “When my
mom didn’t know anything, I thought, ‘oh no.’” In the years since, Tina has created a new life in the United States. Today, she is a mother of four. She has also been with her husband Ben since 2005 and has lived in Dripping Springs for nearly 20 years. The couple formerly owned and operated Tina’s Nails for many years in Dripping Springs before selling it; she now works at LK Nails. After years of no promising leads, Ben signed Tina up for ancestry.com to try and find her father once and for all. “The only clues we could get were from her mom,” Ben said. “She knew that he was a military man named David. I submitted Tina’s DNA to Ancestry and nothing came up. David’s not going to get you anything. Military’s not going to get you anything. So I just shut it down.” In August 2019, Tina’s mother passed away. Shortly before she died, she told Tina that she needed to find her father. “She held my hand and told me to go find my dad,” Tina said. “This was the first time she said anything. I was so surprised. I said, ‘Mom, I’ve tried for years, and you told me you forgot.’” Ben believes her mother’s words were more of a
‘deathbed revelation.’ “Two years prior to that, I was upset with her that she didn’t come forward with more information because she obviously had it,” Ben said. It wasn’t until 2021 that he decided to check Ancestry again when he found a message from a woman saying that she and Tina were related. The message had been sent in 2019 but had gone unseen. “I was cleaning up my computer a couple months ago and I saw Ancestry and thought, ‘Let me see what’s going on there,’” Ben said. “And there it was. Somebody was saying, ‘Looks like we’re very closely related.’ That’s when we started pursuing it.” Ben explained that in order to keep people’s expectations from getting overblown, Ancestry will put in a little less of what they anticipate for the relationship. As such, their match said they were “first cousins or closer.” “We did some investigation, because first cousins was close enough for me,” Ben said. “Then we found out their dad was in Vietnam at the appropriate time, and coincidentally, his name was David. So they called up Ancestry. They looked back at the DNA and said ‘No, they are sisters.’” Ben said that he sat on
the information for a couple days before contacting anybody or telling Tina. “I didn’t know if I wanted to look into it myself,” Ben said. “Then I finally said, “Look, I think I found your sisters.” She got very excited, needless to say.” But unfortunately, Tina wasn’t able to get the chance to meet her father. In March 1994, just months away from this 45th birthday, David passed away. Natural causes were cited as the reason. “I feel so happy in my heart [for finding my dad’s side], but I hurt for my heart too because I can’t see him,” Tina said. “I waited for 50 years and I want to see his face.” Despite this, in July 2021, Tina and Ben still made a five-day “whirlwind” of a trip to upstate New York to meet the rest of her new family. Here, she met her stepmother, Debby, half-sisters Meranda, Airelle and Angella, and nieces and nephews. Tina and Ben’s first stop was the cemetery to see her father’s grave in Groton. Tina admitted that she was very nervous to meet her family, but that feeling quickly wore off once Meranda met up with them. “I didn’t know how I felt in my body,” Tina said. “I just wanted to see my dad first. After 10 minutes, my
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and loving towards her. Tina also got to see her dad through many photos. After meeting up one day with Meranda and Debby at a farmers market, they showed Tina a photo that brought her to tears. The color photo showed David Spry in his Marine outfit (he served from 1966 to 1971) being followed by a trail of children. In the background was Tina’s great-grandfather’s house, with the name of their neighborhood, Mie Ting, written on the back of the photo. “I looked in the background and said, ‘Oh my God,’” Tina said. “I tried
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sister came. I wasn’t scared or nervous anymore. She said, ‘Give me a hug.’” Ben said he could feel that this moment gave Tina a sense of fulfillment. “He may be gone, but now we know,” Ben said. “She lingered at the grave site for quite a while.” Throughout the rest of the trip, Tina got to know her new family. She found things in common with her sisters — like how she and Meranda both love to cook and garden — and that they all have dimples. She grew closer with Debby, who Ben said was a “gem the entire time.” And she said that everyone was incredibly sweet
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • August 18, 2021
DNA Discovery
Children’s books teach STEM lessons
Continued from pg. 6
to be strong, but I saw the picture and couldn’t stop crying.” As if the photo wasn’t serendipitous enough, Ben said he spent his childhood in Elmira, New York -— only an hour’s drive to Deposit, where David, Debby and Tina’s sisters were living. Ben’s parents’ graves are also only 50 miles away from David’s. Debby believes that David knew about somebody he left in Vietnam, and both Tina and Ben believe that Tina’s mother had a somewhat lengthy relationship with him. “He made mention of it,” Ben said. “Debby believes he either knew he had an offspring there, or that there was some kind of connection. There was a suspicion. I don’t think it was anything ever confirmed.” Something that might confirm this suspicion is a painting of a Vietnamese child David made. Ben said he obviously had lingering thoughts and special memories of Vietnam. “He painted this of me [as a child] inside his mind,” Tina said. “But I looked at it and said, ‘That’s not me! They have dark hair!’” Ben said that Tina’s family in Vietnam, who she speaks to every week, are “crazy happy” about the discovery. Although
Page 7
BY MEGAN WEHRING
Tina Fretwell’s new family showed her a color photo of her father David Spry in his Marine outfit being followed by a trail of children. In the background was Tina’s great-grandfather’s house, with the name of their neighborhood, Mie Ting, written on the back of the photo.
her grandmother passed away in 1995, Ben said that Tina now has a “very special relationship” with her grandfather in Vietnam, who is 100 years old. The family even brought up the fact that Tina’s oldest son looks similar to David after Tina sent them photos. “Now, all my mom’s side say I look like my dad,” Tina said. “They said I don’t look like a Vietnamese kid; that me, my son and my dad have the same face.” Tina also talks to her new
family almost everyday, and said that she and Ben hope they will be able to come visit Texas in the fall. After years of uncertainty, Ben said that this discovery has changed something in Tina. “There was always something missing ... this little piece of her life missing,” Ben said. “She’s happy all the time because her life is kind of complete.” Tina agrees. “No more complaining,” Tina said. “I’m so happy.”
As educators of future teachers, two local professors use children’s literature to teach lessons about science and engineering. The STEM curriculum focuses on educating students about science, technology, engineering and mathematics by using an applied approach to solve a problem. Texas is one of few states that now includes engineering as an element of science education. Children can experience how engineers use creative problem solving by reading books, according to Texas State University professors Julie Jackson and Michelle Forsythe. They can escape into the life of a character with their own imagination and see themselves as an engineer or inventor. “I love how STEM activities in the classroom as well as STEM readings support those habits of mind that we really want young children to develop,” Forsythe said. “Creativity, problem-solving
and working together. [When] analyzing a problem, what are the options and what are the potential solutions.” Educators should also teach their children what to do when their design or experiment fails, Forsythe explained. “One of the things I often tell my teachers is that we want to have children have engineering design challenges where they fail,” Forsythe said. “So we are going to plan for their first attempts to fail because we want to walk them through that process of what happens when it fails.” Another component of STEM education is technology. But many people do not understand it is more than just electronics.
“Technology is a pencil,” Jackson said. “It was designed to solve a problem. [Children] can start to look at the world through that lens that was designed, this is technology. It broadens their exposure to STEM and how they might be able to use it.” Most libraries, schools and homes already have books that introduce engineering design and creative problem solving. Jackson and Forsythe look for these features when choosing a book: the story presents a problem in a real-life context, the story describes a way to solve the problem, a character creates and tests a prototype of this design and a character improves the design to apply the revised solution.
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Page 8
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • August 18, 2021
Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES CITATION BY PUBLICATION
To all persons interested in the In The Estate of Tanya Guida, Deceased, Cause No. 21-0273-P, in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas. The alleged heir(s) at law in the above-numbered and entitled estate filed an APPLICATION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP AND FOR LETTERS OF INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION in this estate on the 1st day of July 2021, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of Tanya Lynn Guida, Deceased, and their respective shares and interests in such estate. The Court may act on this Application at any call of the docket on or after 10:00 A.M., on the first Monday next after the expiration often (10) days, exclusive of the day of Publication, from the date this citation is published, at the Hays County Government Center in San Marcos, Texas. All persons interested in this case are cited to appear before this Honorable Court by filing a written contest or answer to this Application should they desire to do so. To ensure its consideration, you or your attorney must file any objection, intervention, or response in writing with the County Clerk of Hays County, Texas on or before the above noted date and time. Applicant’s Attorney: Drea B. Haire 1307 Nueces Street Austin, TX 78701 512-543-1622 Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at the office of the Hays County Clerk in San Marcos, Texas on this the 8th day of July 2021. Elaine H. Cardenas County Clerk, Hays County, Texas 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2008 San Marcos, Texas 78666 BY Jennifer Grantham, Deputy
PUBLIC NOTICE
By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court held a public hearing to consider: MOVING AN EXISTING STOP SIGN ON TANZANITE CIRCLE TO CALOMEL TRAIL AT THE SAME INTERSECTION IN STONEFIELD SUBDIVISION.
NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF YORGO PASADEOS
Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of YORGO PASADEOS were issued on August 18, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0252-P, pending in County Court at Law Number One of Hays County, Texas, to: CYNTHIA C. PASADEOS, Independent Executor 2592 Garlic Creek Drive, Buda, Texas 78610 The Independent Executor directs that all claims against this Estate be addressed to: CYNTHIA C. PASADEOS Representative of the Estate of YORGO PASADEOS c/o Nancy N. Scherer Scherer & Scherer 602 West 13th Street Austin, Texas 78701 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. DATED this 12th day of August, 2021. NANCY N. SCHERER SCHERER & SCHERER 602 WEST 13th STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 ATTORNEYS FOR THE INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR
NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE
An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 21.50 acres of property located at along the south side of FM 150, Kyle, TX 78640. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-1687-PC.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Melanie S. Fannin (a/k/a Melanie Slade Fannin), Deceased, were issued on August 9, 2021, in
Cause No. 21-0260-P, pending in County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, to Casey C. Fannin, Jr. of 453 Covered Bridge Drive, Driftwood, TX 78619. All persons having claims against this Estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. All claims should be addressed in care of the Independent Executor’s attorney, Martha V. Swanger of Swanger Prickett LLP, 505-B West Lynn, Austin, TX 78703. DATED this the 11th day of August, 2021. SWANGER PRICKETT LLP By: /s/ Martha V. Swanger ATTORNEYS FOR CASEY C. FANNIN, JR., INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF MELANIE S. FANNIN (A/K/A MELANIE SLADE FANNIN), DECEASED.
NOTICE OF EXCLUSION HEARING TO THE OWNERS OF PROPERTY WITHIN LASALLE MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 3:
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing shall be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. solely by telephone/video conference. Any member of the public may participate in this hearing remotely via the following link: https://us06web.zoom. us/j/84172446975?pwd=Ty9PUlg5cHVNMUFDK3BUT0lkaTJ1Zz09, or by dialing 1-346-248-7799 or 1-669-900-9128 (Meeting ID: 841 7244 6975; Passcode: 050852), at which hearing the Board of Directors of LaSalle Municipal Utility District No. 3 (the "District") will announce its conclusions relating to land or other property to be excluded from the District and will receive and consider petitions for the exclusion of land and other property from the District. However, should the Texas Governor’s March 13, 2020, Proclamation regarding COVID-19 expire prior to the date of this meeting, the meeting will be held in person at Doucet & Associates, 7401 B. Hwy. 71 West, Suite 160, Austin, Texas 78735. All persons who own property within the District have the right to present petitions for exclusions and to offer evidence in support of the petitions and have the right to contest any proposed exclusion based on either a petition or the conclusions of the Board of Directors and to offer evidence in support of the contest. The legal descriptions of the property to be excluded are on file and open for public inspection in the administrative office of the District at Winstead PC, 401 Congress Avenue, Suite 2100, Austin, Texas 78701 or by email addressed to vhahn@ winstead.com. A petition for exclusion conforming to all requirements of Chapter 49, Texas Water Code, must be filed with the District at least seven (7) days before the hearing in order to be considered. LASALLE MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 3 ATTEST: /s/ Ross N. Allen Assistant Secretary, Board of Directors /s/ Edward Wilhelm President, Board of Directors
NOTICE OF EXCLUSION HEARING TO THE OWNERS OF PROPERTY WITHIN LASALLE MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 2:
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing shall be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. solely by telephone/video conference. Any member of the public may participate in this hearing remotely via the following link: https://us06web. zoom.us/j/84358314712?pwd=aHdiUjl3RGY0M0YxUGsxQytKd2l2QT09, or by dialing 1-346-248-7799 or 1-253-215-8782 (Meeting ID: 843 5831 4712; Passcode: 013915), at which hearing the
Board of Directors of LaSalle Municipal Utility District No. 2 (the "District") will announce its conclusions relating to land or other property to be excluded from the District and will receive and consider petitions for the exclusion of land and other property from the District. However, should the Texas Governor’s March 13, 2020, Proclamation regarding COVID-19 expire prior to the date of this meeting, the meeting will be held in person at Doucet & Associates, 7401 B. Hwy. 71 West, Suite 160, Austin, Texas 78735. All persons who own property within the District have the right to present petitions for exclusions and to offer evidence in support of the petitions and have the right to contest any proposed exclusion based on either a petition or the conclusions of the Board of Directors and to offer evidence in support of the contest. The legal descriptions of the property to be excluded are on file and open for public inspection in the administrative office of the District at Winstead PC, 401 Congress Avenue, Suite 2100, Austin, Texas 78701 or by email addressed to vhahn@ winstead.com. A petition for exclusion conforming to all requirements of Chapter 49, Texas Water Code, must be filed with the District at least seven (7) days before the hearing in order to be considered. LASALLE MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 2 ATTEST: /s/ Mark S. Baldwin Assistant Secretary, Board of Directors /s/ Kevin L. Bales President, Board of Directors
HAYS CISD IS REQUESTING BIDS FOR BID #27-082101VL
Bulk Fuel. Bids will be accepted until 09-20-2021 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Specifications are available in the Hays CISD Purchasing Office (512-268-2141 ext. 45092) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Bid responses must be submitted on the Public Purchasing website https://www.publicpurchase.com/ by the date and time indicated above. Late Proposals will not be accepted after time and date listed above. Late proposals will not be accepted after time and date listed above. The Hays CISD Board of Trustees
NOTICE OF SALE
Morningstar Storage wishes to avail themselves of the Texas Provision of chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code by conducting a Public Sale to the highest bidder for cash on their premises. This sale is listed below. The company reserves the right to reject any bid and withdraw any from the sale at any time. Date : 08/25/2021 Time: 10:00 AM Location: Storage Auctions. com Unit: 1007 - Lisa Reeves – Totes, pool, pool ladder, exercise bike , chair, household décor Unit 3032 – Michael Guerrero – Table ,totes, entertainment center, Furnture Unit 2035 – Timothy Mueggenborg – Table , shop vac, TV, Fishing Poles, old Typewritter A111- John Beech – Mech Tools, straps, x cord, auto tester, car host
PUBLIC NOTICE
By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on August 4, 2021 in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider: Booky T Subdivision, Lot 1, Replat. A subdivision located at 5500 W Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78610. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512)-
393-2150 Option 4.Tracking Number: PLN-1658-PC
NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HAYS CAUSE: 19-0580
By virtue of an Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 22nd District Court of HAYS County, Texas, June 23, 2021, in cause numbered 19-0580, styled POST OAK ONE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. versus Goodman, Mark Allen on a judgment rendered against Goodman, Mark Allen; I did on July 15, 2021,at 2:30 p.m., levy upon as the property of Goodman, Mark Allen the following described real property: Lot 30, BLOCK L, OF POST OAK SUBDIVISION, PHASE 6, A SUBDIVISION IN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 19, PAGES 11-13, PLAT RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 257 ALPHA, Kyle, TX 78640 (“Property”) On September 7, 2021, being the first Tuesday of the month, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Hays County, at the South Door, 712 Stagecoach Trail of the Courthouse of the said County, in the City of San Marcos, Texas, I will sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of Goodman, Mark Allen in and to the real property described above. Dated at Kyle, Hays County, Texas, July 15, 2021. Michael Torres Constable, Pct. 2 Hays County, Texas 5458 FM 2770 Kyle, Texas 78640 by Patrick Chasse, Deputy Notice to Bidders: You are buying whatever interest, if any, the Debtor has in the property. Purchase of the Debtor's interest in the property may not extinguish any liens or security interests held by other persons. There are no warranties, express or implied, regarding the property being sold, including but not limited to warranties of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Notice to Judgment Debtor: If there is any property, real or personal, you want to point out for levy in lieu of the above described property, you must contact this office immediately.
NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HAYS CAUSE: 18-2377
By virtue of an Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 274th District Court of HAYS County, Texas, June 28, 2021, in cause numbered 18-2377, styled POST OAK ONE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. versus ENRIQUE REYES on a judgment rendered against ENRIQUE REYES; I did on July 29, 2021,at 1:30 p.m., levy upon as the property of ENRIQUE REYES the following described real property: Lot 2, Block F, POST OAK, PHASE ONE, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 11, PAGES 111-113, PLAT RECORDS, HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 299 MUSGRAV, KYLE, TX 78640 (“PROPERTY’) On September 7, 2021, being the first Tuesday of the month, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Hays County, at the South Door, 712 Stagecoach Trail of the Courthouse of the said County, in the City of San Marcos, Texas, I will sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of ENRIQUE REYES in and to the real property described above. Dated at Kyle, Hays County, Texas, July29, 2021. Michael Torres Constable, Pct. 2 Hays County, Texas 5458 FM 2770 Kyle, Texas 78640 by Patrick Chasse, Deputy Notice to Bidders: You are buying whatever interest, if any, the Debtor has in the property. Purchase of the Debtor's interest in the property may not extinguish any liens or security interests held by other persons. There are no warranties, express or implied, regarding the property being sold, including but not limited to warranties of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Notice to Judgment Debtor: If there is any property, real or personal, you want to point out for levy in lieu of the above described property, you must contact this office immediately.
NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HAYS CAUSE: 18-0508
By virtue of an Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 274th District Court of HAYS County, Texas, JUNE, 15, 2021, in cause numbered 180508, styled COMMUNITY OF AMBERWOOD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. versus Ortiz, Sr., Michael J on a judgment rendered against Ortiz, Sr., Michael J; I did on JULY, 15, 2021,at 1:30 p.m., levy upon as the property of Ortiz, Sr., Michael J the following described real property: Lot 1, BLOCK B OF AMBERWOOD PHASE ONE, A SUBDIVISION IN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT OF RECORD IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 351 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 165 REDWOOD DRIVE, KYLE, TX 78640 (“PROPERTY”) On September, 7, 2021, being the first Tuesday of the month, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Hays County, at the South Door, 712 Stagecoach Trail of the Courthouse of the said County, in the City of San Marcos, Texas, I will sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of Ortiz, Sr., Michael J in and to the real property described above. Dated at Kyle, Hays County, Texas, JULY 15, 2021. Michael Torres Constable, Pct. 2 Hays County, Texas 5458 FM 2770 Kyle, Texas 78640 by Patrick Chasse, Deputy Notice to Bidders: You are buying whatever interest, if any, the Debtor has in the property. Purchase of the Debtor's interest in the property may not extinguish any liens or security interests held by other persons. There are no warranties, express or implied, regarding the property being sold, including but not limited to warranties of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Notice to Judgment Debtor: If there is any property, real or personal, you want to point out for levy in lieu of the above described property, you must contact this office immediately.
PUBLIC NOTICES, 9
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • August 18, 2021
Page 9
Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF COLLIN CAUSE: 04-FC-19-00435
By virtue of an Writ of Execution issued by the Justice of the Peace Precint 4 of Collin County Texas, in cause numbered 04-FC-19-00435 , styled Unifund CCR, LLC versus Charles L Broadway on a judgment rendered against Charles L Broadway; I did on June 30, 2021, at 1.00 p.m., levy upon as the property of Charles L Broadway the following described real property: Lot NINE-B (9-B) SUNRISE ACRES, A SUBDIVISION OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 2, PAGES 346-348, PLAT RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS. On September 7, 2021, being the first Tuesday of the month, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Hays County, at the South Door,
712 Stagecoach Trail of the Courthouse of the said County, in the City of San Marcos, Texas, I will sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of Charles L Broadway in and to the real property described above. Dated at Kyle, Hays County, Texas, June 30, 2021. Michael Torres Constable, Pct. 2 Hays County, Texas 5458 FM 2770 Kyle, Texas 78640 by Patrick Chasse, Deputy Notice to Bidders: You are buying whatever inter-
EMPLOYMENT est, if any, the Debtor has in the property. Purchase of the Debtor's interest in the property may not extinguish any liens or security interests held by other persons. There are no warranties, express or implied, regarding the property being sold, including but not limited to warranties of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Notice to Judgment Debtor: If there is any property, real or personal, you want to point out for levy in lieu of the above described property, you must contact this office immediately.
DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS 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.
MASTER LICENSES # 15759 Looking for a Repair Plumber and New Construction Plumber. Benefits offered and salary negotiable.
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Mixed Beverage Permit by Dog ‘n’ Bone L.L.C. dba Dog ‘n’ Bone to be located at 310 Old Fitzhugh Rd., Dripping Springs, Hays County, Texas. Officers of said corporation are Michael Pelland-Gagielo, Managing Member, Cindy Pelland-Gagielo, Managing Member, Robert per Week Weekly orChristy, Weekend Editions through September 5, 2021 Christy,INSERTION Managing once Member, andinChristine 2 column x fit to length Managing Member.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality IN ORDER TO RENDER PAYMENT TEAR SHEETS MUST ACCOMPANY BILLING Tear sheets may be emailed to
jobs@rmcdq.com Consolidated Notice of Receipt of Application and Intent to Obtain Permit and Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision Contact : Heather Allen
heatherallen@rmcdq.com Air Quality Standard Permit for Concrete Batch Plants Proposed Registration No. 166030 940 549-5041 ext 300
Application. Buda Ready Mix, LLC, has applied to the Texas Commission on EnviTheRichesonGroup ronmental Quality (TCEQ) for an Air Quality Standard Permit, Registration No. 166030, PO Box 1299concrete batch plant located at which would authorize construction of a permanent Graham,Texas TX 76450 4080 Williamson Road, Buda, Caldwell County, 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=30.026516&lng=-97.700858&zoom=13&type=r. The proposed facility will emit the following air contaminants: particulate matter including (but not limited to) aggregate, cement, road dust, and particulate matter with diameters of 10 microns or less and 2.5 microns or less. This application was submitted to the TCEQ on July 29, 2021. The executive director has completed the administrative and technical reviews of the application and determined that the application meets all of the requirements of a standard permit authorized by 30 TAC § 116.611, which would establish the conditions under which the plant must operate. The executive director has made a preliminary decision to issue the registration because it meets all applicable rules. The application, executive director’s preliminary decision, and standard permit will be available for viewing and copying at the TCEQ central office, the TCEQ Austin regional office, and the Dr. Eugene Clark Library, 217 South Main Street, Lockhart, Caldwell County, Texas, beginning the first day of publication of this notice. The facility’s compliance file, if any exists, is available for public review at the TCEQ Austin Regional Office, 12100 Park 35 Circle Building A Room 179, Austin, Texas. Visit www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cbp to review the standard permit.
Opening for Executive Director at senior center in Buda. Send resume to Onion Creek Senior Center, P.O. Box 65, Buda, TX 78610
TIM KINGSLEY PLUMBING LLC
LEGAL NOTICE
In Classifieds Help Wanted
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Call Matt Kingsey 512 487-1787
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Participating Texas Newspapers
Regional advertising starts at $250 per week. For more information, email tracy@haysfreepress.com or call 512-433-0926
TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
Public Comment/Public Meeting. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting. See Contacts section. The TCEQ will consider all public comments in developing a final decision on the application. The deadline to submit public comments or meeting requests is 30 days after newspaper notice is published. Issues such as property values, noise, traffic safety, and zoning are outside of the TCEQ’s jurisdiction to consider in the permit process. 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 or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing. If a public meeting is held, the deadline to submit public comments is extended to the end of the public meeting. 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. Unless a written request for a contested case hearing is filed within 30 days from this notice, the executive director may approve the application. A person who may be affected by emissions of air contaminants from the facility is entitled to request a hearing. To request a hearing, a person must actually reside in a permanent residence within 440 yards of the proposed plant. 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, daytime phone number; (2) applicant’s name and registration 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 association, one or more members who have standing to request a hearing must be identified by name and physical address. The interests which the group or association seeks to protect must be identified. You may submit your proposed adjustments to the application which would satisfy your concerns. See Contacts section. TCEQ Action. After the deadline for public comments, the executive director will consider the comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. The executive director’s decision on the application, and any response to comments, will be mailed to all persons on the mailing list. If no timely contested case hearing requests are received, or if all hearing requests are withdrawn, the executive director may issue final approval of the application. If all timely hearing requests are not withdrawn, the executive director will not issue final approval of the permit and will forward the application and requests 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. You may ask to be placed on a mailing list to receive additional information on this specific application. See Contacts section. Information Available Online. For details about the status of the application, visit the Commissioners’ Integrated Database (CID) at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cid. Once you have access to the CID using the link, enter the registration number at the top of this notice.
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Contacts. 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 application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program toll free at 1800687-4040 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 Buda Ready Mix, LLC, 6219 Turnersville Road, Creedmoor, Texas 78610-3966 or by calling Ms. Monique Wells, Environmental Consultant, CIC Environmental LLC at (512) 292-4314. Notice Issuance Date: August 6, 2021
Call Cyndy • 512-753-2700 • 1st & last month rent required, plus deposit 1 mile north of Hays High School • Rent includes water
Page 10
Railroad Siding
Buda Bonds
Continued from pg. 1
rail siding that currently overlaps South Street and Center Street (FM 150) and move it north between Burleson Street to north of Kohlers Crossing. Per Union Pacific Railroad requirements, the siding will be approximately 1.9 miles in length. The Creekside Village petition against the project includes noise, safety, privacy and environmental concerns. They say that during construction, the removal of trees will harm many species of birds in the area, and that the drainage structures behind their homes risk being affected and causing potential flooding. Additionally, there are concerns that there will be an increase in traffic around the neighborhood. Salinas said that the siding’s proximity to their homes is a major concern, saying that it will only be 13 feet away from her fence and only five feet away from a house on James Adkins Drive. She also said that there is already a need
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • August 18, 2021
Continued from pg. 1 for a sound barrier, and the current tracks are in poor condition and need to be fixed. “When the train passes by, our house and decor shakes badly,” Salinas said. “Even homes a block away. They have to fix those tracks. The spikes are out completely. It scares us if anything were to happen, if the train were to derail.” According to Mark Jones, Pct. 2 Hays County commissioner, the siding will enhance safety, improve freight operations and improve traffic flow through the area by preventing stopped trains from contributing to traffic congestion in downtown Kyle. The proposed location was chosen to avoid impacting existing atgrade roadway crossings and to take advantage of the existing grade separation at FM 1626. Additionally, the existing Union Pacific right-ofway (ROW) for a majority of the area is 100 feet wide, which minimizes ROW acquisition needs. They also said that
existing drainage structures directly impacted by siding construction would be replaced. Salinas said many residents are unhappy that the proposal was made before the homes were built and that they were not forewarned of the project. She said the petition mentions their disappointment with the city, county, Union Pacific and D.R. Horton, the construction company, for not letting them know this was planned. “We are pleading with the city of Kyle to reconsider moving or stopping the project,” Salinas told council. “If the city feels this project must go on, we want a sound barrier wall to help reduce the noise and safety concerns, and good drainage so our homes don’t flood.” Because the project is currently in the middle of the environmental process and additional ROW is required at various locations throughout the project limits, construction is not anticipated to begin until 2023.
Masks Mandatory Continued from pg. 1
Earlier this week, Austin ISD and San Marcos ISD also put out a mask requirement. In response to school districts across Texas mandating masks, Gov. Greg Abbott said he would take
any entities that defy his Executive Order GA-36 to court. Travis County Judge Andy Brown upheld AISD’s decision that defies the governor’s order and enforces masks on campus. All
public school campuses in Travis County must require masks. Additionally, Brown and Austin Mayor Steve Adler signed orders requiring masks in county and city buildings.
PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE CREATION OF THE KYLE 57 PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Pursuant to Section 372.009(c) and (d) of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended (“Act”), notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Kyle, Texas (“City”), will hold a public hearing to accept public comments and discuss the petition (the “Petition”) filed by Kyle Mortgage Investors, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (“Owner”), requesting that the City create a public improvement district (“District”) to include property owned by the Owner. Time and Place of the Hearing. The public hearing will be held at a regular meeting of the Kyle City Council, beginning at 7:00 p.m. on September 7, 2021, in the Kyle City Hall, located at 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640 and/ or via a videoconference meeting. A copy of the Kyle 57 PID petition is available for public review at the office of the City Secretary, located at 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640. General Nature of the Authorized Improvements. The purposes of the District include the design, acquisition, construction, and improvement of public improvement projects authorized by the Act that are necessary for the development of Owner’s property, which public improvements will generally include: (i) the establishment of parks and open space, together with the design, construction and maintenance of any ancillary structures, features or amenities such as trails, pavilions, community facilities, irrigation, walkways, lighting, benches, swimming pools, trash receptacles and any similar items located therein; (ii) landscaping; (iii) acquisition, construction, and improvement of water, wastewater and drainage facilities; (iv) acquisition, construction and improvement of streets, roadways, rights-of-way and related facilities; (v) construction of entry monumentation and features; (vi) signage; (vii) projects similar to those listed in subsections (i) – (vi) above; and (viii) payment of costs associated with constructing and financing the public improvements listed in subparagraphs (i) – (vii) above, including costs of establishing,
Exhibit A
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TBPLS Firm No. 10193726
BOUNDARY SURVEY 57.293 ACRES (2,495,709 SQUARE FEET) OUT OF THE SAMUEL PHARASS SURVEY, A-360 HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS
administering and operating the District (“Public Improvements”). Estimated Cost of the Proposed Construction of the Public Improvements. The estimated total cost for the Public Improvements is $8,000,000.00 (including issuance and other financing costs). The City will determine what amount or portion of the costs will be paid by assessment of the property owners within the District. Proposed District Boundaries. The District is proposed to include approximately 57.293 acres of land located along the Southeast Right-of-Way line of FM Highway No. 150, same being the Northwest line of Lot 53, Quail Meadows in Kyle, Hays County, Texas, as generally depicted or described on the map provided herein as Exhibit A, said map, and metes and bounds, also available at the Kyle City Hall, Office of the City Secretary, and available for public inspection. Proposed Method of Assessment. An assessment methodology will be prepared that will address: (i) how the costs of the public improvements financed with the assessments are assessed against the property in the District, (ii) how the assessments are to be collected each year, and (iii) reduction of
the assessments for costs savings (pursuant to the annual review of the service plan for the District). Additionally, a report will be prepared showing the special benefits accruing to property in the District and how the costs of the public improvements are assessed to property on the basis of the special benefits. The result will be that equal shares of the costs will be imposed on property similarly benefitted. The assessment of the methodology will result in each parcel paying its fair share of the costs of the Public Improvements provided with the assessments based on the special benefits received by the property from the Public Improvements and property equally situated paying equal shares of the costs of the Public Improvements. Apportionment of the Cost Between District and the City. Approval and creation of the District will not obligate the City to provide any funds to finance the proposed Public Improvements. No municipal property in the District shall be assessed. All of the costs of the proposed Public Improvements will be paid from assessments levied on the property within the District and from other sources of funds, if any, available to the Owner.
on the average home evaluation of $300,000, the package is expected to cost the average homeowner around $5/month in additional taxes. Mayor Lee Urbanovsky expressed concern with the wording on an item within Proposition A, saying that its allocation of $5 million towards “miscellaneous small mobility improvements” is unclear and might throw voters off. “It’s hard to determine what I’m getting for $5 million,” Urbanovsky said. “It feels like a blank check without something tied to it.” Jeff Barton, co-founder of Gap Strategies, a consulting firm that has assisted BBAC with the bond package, explained that the funds allow for flexibility within the package. “You have a lot of roads
that some members of the council or the committee were interested in seeing move forward, but had a really high price tag attached to the construction,” Barton said. “You’re also a very fast growing and changing city. From our perspective, this [money] gives you the flexibility to address some of those changes. I think that is explainable to folks. We would argue that it may be some of the most valuable money you’ll have.” The council considered taking a 15 minute recess to speak with the consultants and provide more specific language in regard to the projects. Council members Matt Smith, Ray Bryant and Terry Cummings all agreed that the wording on the ordinance that voters will see is clear, and that is what the
council was voting on, not the document the council was looking at with the list of projects. “I think we’re getting too caught up in what is a working document versus a legal document,” Cummings said. “We need to concentrate on the language and structure of what is in the actual item we’re voting on, not a working document that is an outline of how the projects are going to be funded and how much money is going into them.” Council member Monica Davidson also said that it is important for the council to focus on educating citizens about the bond in layman’s terms. The consultants agreed to take the council’s advice and rework some of the language within the proposition.
HCISD Mask Debate Continued from pg. 1
not masked as the Delta school,’” Jamail said. their own risk assessment variant spreads. “What is this guidance regarding participation During Huckabay’s based on? If there are stud- in these activities,” Leslea speech, ies to support Pickle said. “You wisely school board it, please refhave a plan for the most From an president Vaerence them. vulnerable. For everyone insider’s nessa Petrea I also want to else, we need to make up had to ask say the same our own minds. It’s not fair perspective, members of thing about to deprive the kids of these school last the audience endorsing activities. They’re importto remain these injecant parts of being in high year was respectful aftions. There’s school. It is unnecessarily silent. No one a much ter outbursts harmful at this point in were made. higher risk to terms of mental health to talked. No “Throughour children keep these limitations in laughs. No out the from the efplace.” district there fects of these Former school board fun school are many, injections member David Wiley get-togethers than there is spoke in favor of masks, many parents like me, even getting but said that no matter or traditional from if they weren’t COVID.” what happens, the school activities that able to be Additionboard will inevitably be here today, ally, students blamed if things get worse. make the wondering spoke of the “If you think morale was high school if the district difficulties bad last year, wait until will step up they faced you start this year and then experience to better prothe previous have to shut down after a fulfilling. You year with tect them,” month,” Wiley said. “That’s Huckabay both distance this is headed if you preach about learning and where said. “We look at national trends.” mental health, masking at are facing a Danielle Adams, whose public health school, and daughter was diagnosed so this is me nightmare. that limiting with cancer at age five and talking to you capacity or Pediatric ICUs is now a senior in high are reporting canceling school, compared the hanand reaching events this a worrying dling of her daughter’s canout. By increase of year will make cer treatment to how the children worse. school board can handle shutting down things admitted with “I don’t the pandemic. activities at COVID-19 think adults “When she was going complicaunderstand through cancer treatschool, you tions. Withthe impact ment, her oncologist told make our out a mask that had on me, ‘We are looking for mandate, students,” se- quantity of life, not quality mental health especially nior Cameron at this point. If we do this worse.” for elemenFerris said. “I treatment, it will give her tary school watched as a little extra time to let –Cameron Ferris, students, it’s my friends the medical community high school senior going to get went into and scientists catch up,’” much worse.” deep depres- Adams said. “This is a new But other parents, sion. From an insider’s per- disease. We know masks including Darryl Jamail, spective, school last year work: for doctors, nurses said they are worried about was silent. No and dentists. bullying regarding their one talked. We can man“If you think children’s decision to not No laughs. date masks wear a mask. No fun school because morale was “I’m here to caution the get-togethers it will give bad last year, the medical board in using language or traditional that could foster bullying activities that wait until you community or discrimination against make the high and scientists start this year a little bit lonstudents who do not school experiuse masks,” Jamail said. ence fulfilling. and then have ger to come “What research has the You preach up with better to shut down solutions.” board done to determine about mental the detrimental physical, health, so this Throughafter a month. emotional and psycholog- is me talking out the public That’s where forum, Wright ical effects of the masks to you and on school-age children, reaching out. this is headed made notes especially our most vulner- By shutting of concerns if you look able group in elementary down activithat he will school?” ties at school, address. After at national Jamail went on to ask you make our the forum, trends.” the board to reference mental health school board what medical professionworse.” members –David Wiley, former als they get their informaParents were able to school board member ask Wright tion from. also agreed “In the Aug. 9 COVID that limiting questions. response update, you capacity and canceling Wright said that the up‘strongly recommended events would be detrimen- dated COVID-19 response masks,’ and in the next tal to their children. would be updated and sentence, you ‘urged “It is time to give parents released sometime this people to wear them at back the freedom to make week.
Librarian Retires Continued from pg. 5
part of their regular lives.” Sanders would help a child when they face an obstacle, whether that be when they are reading a book or going to school for the first time. “She is the person who would take the time to talk to them,” Hodges said. “She would try to make them feel more comfortable with things that are going on.”
While the job had some challenges for the past year with COVID-19, Sanders embraced using virtual platforms when necessary to have an outlet for children to learn. Retiring from her librarian position will not alter Sanders’ love for reading, especially historical fiction like “The Kite Runner” or “The Nightingale.”
“On a rainy day, or any day, I love to be zipped away to another time inspired by real events,” Sanders said, “where well-developed characters overcome major obstacles with finesse and strength.” Residents are welcome to attend the retirement party at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21 at the Buda Public Library.