Hays Free Press Sept. 2, 2020

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 INFO ON ISSUES

$134.2M BUDGET

League of Women Voters schedule candidate forums online

Kyle council approves budget for the city

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Hays Free Press HaysFreePress.com

Vol. 126 • No. 23

Serving Hays County, TX

Local COVID-19 statistics show less serious illness

BY ANITA MILLER

PHOTO BY WAYLAND CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

The Wimberley Texans entered their home field with gusto Friday as they went on to beat the Canyon Lake Hawks 24-22.

Back to the gridiron Wimberley outlasts Canyon Lake in return to play SUBMITTED REPORT WIMBERLEY – Basking in the glow of a nail-biting 24-22 comeback win over the rival Canyon Lake Hawks Friday was a moment Wimberley Texans head coach Doug Warren savored.

After all, just getting to the point of playing a football game seemed like a pipe dream several weeks prior.

But on Friday, amid so much uncertainty in the nation and the world, Wimberley (1-0) and Canyon Lake (0-1) joined

“For us to come out, on one night, and have two communities that are tied to each other put their differences aside and cheer for the red, white and navy blue or green and white, to me that’s what it’s about.”

–Doug Warren, Wimberley Texans head coach

hundreds of small high schools across the state in becoming the first programs in more than six months to compete on the field.

It was a welcome

respite for Warren, his players and a community who understand in a world with COVID-19, nothing, not even Texas high school football, is guaranteed.

“For us to come out, on one night, and have two communities that are tied to each other put their differences aside and cheer for the red, white and navy blue or green and white, to me that’s what it’s about,” Warren said. “Community coming together and cheering not only the football players but those who put this on and are doing their part.

“That’s why it was so special, because we got to do that tonight, because we don’t know how many

WIN FOR WIMBERLEY, 9

Kyle business one of first to receive county ECAP funds STAFF REPORT KYLE – Kyle Landscaping Services was one of 18 small businesses that was given funding through first round of the Hays County Emergency Cash Assistance Program (ECAP).

A family-owned and operated enterprise, Kyle Landscaping Services was awarded $7,000. The business had experienced losses as several employ-

ees, including mechanics, contracted COVID-19.

Business owner Diego Rangel called the assistance a “lifeline.” “Without this grant, I would be with two broken-down machines and I’d be out two work crews.”

Rangel said his employees who were sick have now recovered and he SUBMITTED PHOTO plans to use the money to repair equipment and Diego and Mario Rangel of Kyle Landscaping Services were one of 18 small businesses that received funds from the Emer-

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE, 12 gency Cash Assistance Program.

Kyle council rescinds the name Fajita Drive

BY MEGAN WEHRING

KYLE – Kyle City Council voted 6-1 at a special meeting Aug. 25 to rescind its previous vote to rename a portion of FM 150 – from Rebel Drive to Fajita Drive – and unanimously voted to remove Rebel Drive as the street name. The highway will be designated as West Ranch to Market

Road 150 until a new name is assigned.

In the 2020-2021 budget, the city council approved $5,346 for grant funds to the residents who may be impacted by the future renaming of the road.

Previously at the Aug. 18 meeting, council member Tracy Scheel said businesses may face costs if the Rebel name was to be

HOMETOWN HERO Wimberley alumnus to join Navy as an officer.

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removed.

“I do understand that it is going to cost them money to do this,” Scheel said. “All of their marketing material, their letterheads, all of that is going to have to change. I know that is going to come at a cost to the businesses. While I appreciate that, I do agree

NO FAJITAS HERE, 12

HAYS COUNTY – The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of 47 Hays County residents as of Aug. 31, and 18 of those deaths occurred during the month of August.

Hays County’s total number of infections rose by 503 last month, from 4,893 on Aug. 3 to 5,396, and the number of recoveries increased by 1,040, from 1,980 on Aug. 3 to 3,020 Aug. 31.

Statistics show that serious illnesses have dropped, from 23 people hospitalized on Aug. 3 to 15 at month’s end. The backlog of laboratory testing seems to have improved, as 55 cases were listed as “pending” at the beginning of the month compared 22 at its end.

Continuing a trend that was established months ago and has played out nationally over the summer, the overwhelming majority of Hays County cases are in the 20- to 29-year-old age range.

A total of 2,085 of the county’s cases have been among people in their 20s — 1,048 females and 1,037 males. The second largest number of cases countywide is people 30 to 39 years old. A total of 905 cases have been recorded in that age group — 573 females and 432 males.

The majority of the county’s fatalities, 20, have been in the 70- to 79-year-old age range.

Next, there were 17 deaths among people aged 50 to 59. The

COVID-19 STATS, 12

Restaurants adapt as COVID-19 forces continuous changes

BY CHASE ROGERS HAYS COUNTY – Of all the businesses and occupations greatly affected by state-mandated and local COVID-19 mitigation guidelines since March, the restaurant and service industry may have been hit the hardest, pressuring owners and managers to continuously adapt with no clear end in sight.

This has been true for the industry since Gov. Greg Abbott’s initial executive order closed all businesses deemed nonessential in late March, requiring bars and restaurants to close their indoor spaces and solely provide curbside and delivery services.

A survey administered by Hays County at the time aiming to gauge local businesses’ sustainability in these conditions showed 50% of respondents stated they could survive for only a few weeks. Of those same 552 respondents, 20% said they could last at least one to two months.

“Some of the businesses believe they just don’t have enough wherewithal to sustain themselves through this crisis,” Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director J.R. Gonzales said at the time of the survey. “As a result, businesses have been getting creative.

There are some that are doing things they haven’t done before … going online, curb-

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side pickup and other options.”

These challenges, felt statewide, exacerbated the unemployment claims across the state.

According to a Texas Tribune analysis of Texas Workforce Commission and U.S. Employment and Training Administration data, around 12.5% of the 3.2 million unemployment claims filed in Texas from March to Aug. 8 came from workers in the accommodation and food services industry – the largest share for any industry in the state.

Some establishments have felt the brunt of logistical and transportation challenges. For example, the availability of meats during the past few months became limited when in the past it could be easily purchased with no hassle.

Early in the pandemic, Abbott issued a waiver allowing restaurants to deliver alcoholic beverages to patrons, including beer, wine and mixed drinks as long as they were accompanied with a food purchase.

Greg Henry, who owns and operates Willie’s Joint in Buda and Papa Jacks in Kyle, said this change helped marginally, but pales in comparison to before when guests could congregate indoors with friends.

“If I was going to get a burger and go home

RESTAURANTS ADAPT, 12

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NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 2, 2020

Man jailed for Kyle council approves threatening $134.2M budget for city family, police KYLE – The Kyle City Council approved the city’s budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21 at a special meeting on Aug. 25.

The $134.2 million budget allows all city programs and services to continue at their current levels and includes strategic investments in new positions, equipment and infrastructure as well as a 4% reduction in total property tax rate.

The total property tax rate in the approved budget will decrease from $0.5416 per $100 of taxable valuation to $0.5201, a decrease of $0.0215, or 4%. Kyle's portion of the total property tax bill received by residents is approximately 20%.

The approved budget follows priorities City Council identified in the budget work session in June. Those priorities included infrastructure, beautification, downtown redevelopment and uptown development.

Council approved $76.7 million in planned Capital Improvement Project spending in FY 2021 including $5.1 million provided for street maintenance, construction crews and equipment; $150,000 for public transportation.

Council approved $76.7 million in planned Capital Improvement Project (CIP) spending in FY 2021 including $5.1 million provided for street maintenance, construction crews and equipment; $150,000 for public transportation through the soon-to-be launched Uber voucher program and $15.5 million for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion.

A total of $1.7 million was allocated for park development and $250,000 for beautification of high-profile corridors and citywide projects. Downtown

Park Redevelopment on City Square received $1.3 million and $1.2 million was allocated for a downtown Mixed-Use building. An additional $25,000 of funding has also been earmarked for Christmas programming.

Approved Uptown development funding includes $4.5 million for Heroes Memorial Park, $3,648,250 for Central Park and $1,826,750 for Cultural Trails.

Council also approved 23 new positions primarily for street reconstruction, park and trail system maintenance, improved communica-

tion with Kyle residents, and increased support for victim services.

The approved budget also includes no change in storm drainage fees, a 10% increase in water service rates and a 10% increase in wastewater rates as well as a 2.5% increase in solid waste service rates per contract with Texas Disposal Systems (TDS). Other fees and charges for various city services remain the same.

The city council conducted a total of four budget workshops that included public hearings where residents could communicate their concerns about the budget to the council. The council heard presentations from city staff on each department’s proposed budgets.

Budget documents for FY 20-21 as well as a budget fact sheet will be available at www. cityofkyle.com/finance/ budgets.

Ascension Seton Hospital ranked 14th best in Texas

BY ANITA MILLER

KYLE – North Hays County residents might not know it, but they are within minutes of a hospital intent on being one of the best in the nation.

Ascension Seton in Kyle was ranked the #3 hospital in the Austin Metro area and the 19th in Texas on markers including patient safety and survival and nurse staffing, by U.S. News and World Report in July.

The magazine also recognized Ascension Seton Hays as “high performing” in the areas of heart bypass surgery, congestive heart failure and COPD. In June, Newsweek magazine ranked the hospital 14th in the state and 274th nationwide. It was the only Seton facility to be ranked.

Back in 2016, Ascension Seton Hays Chief Medical Officer Fausto Meza told the Hays Free Press that he gathered physicians and nurses and asked them what they wanted the future to be.

“They told us they thought we were a good community hospital,” he said. “But they told us they wanted to be in the top 10% of hospitals in the country and to grow from a community hospital to a regional hospital.”

At that time their jour-

ney to greatness began.

“What you’re seeing now,” he said, is the result of “four and a half years of dedicated work … you are just starting to see the fruits of our labor.”

Other accolades have also started to pour in.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which assigns a letter grade to hospital performance, has given Ascension Seton Hays four out of a possible five stars, and the Leapfrog Group, which ranks hospitals, has Ascension Seton highly ranked.

“Nurses are really the tip of the spear,” Meza said, noting that Nicky Rivers, who has since left Seton, was instrumental as far back as that first meeting in 2016. “It’s been purposeful,” he said. “It might look to others like it happened overnight, but it was purposeful.”

He said the journey is continuing for the facility to get a five-star rating from CMS, with the goal to achieve that by year’s end.

His hope is that more and more Hays County residents will come to a realization that, “Wow. I may not need to go to Austin or San Antonio or Houston.”

Ascension Seton Hays is fast becoming a wellused trauma center as

BY ANITA MILLER

Ascension Seton hospital to be treated for an ankle KYLE – By the time injury but continued to Hays County deputies act out, attempting to reached the residence “charge” one officer. It on Thursday, Aug. 27, took two officers to get the daughter of Orlando him into a wheelchair Zapata had already taken and into the ER, where action to stop him. he made verbal threats Witnesses told them against them as well as a the 32-year-old, who hospital security guard. had been jailed in Hays “When he was cleared County in May for threats by Seton, officers and against his family, had security tried to place him showed up “highly intoxinto the police vehicle and icated” at his daughter’s Zapata attempted to pin home on Goldenrod an officer's hand between Street in Kyle and that the the car door and his foot,” daughter had used pepper Sonnier said. “Once at the spray on him when he jail, he resisted and was tried to shove her. placed in a holding chair When officers tried to and processed.” move him in order to treat He was charged with his eyes, Kyle spokeswom- third degree felony ofan Rachel Sonnier said, fense of obstruction and “He became extremely ag- retaliation, the state jail itated and began scream- felony charge of making a ing.” As they tried to help terroristic threat against a him get the substance off peace officer and making his face, Zapata unleashed a terroristic threat against a verbal tirade against his family, which is a Class A daughter.

Misdemeanor.

“Officers believed he He remained behind was going to assault her, bars Friday under bonds so they pulled him away,” totaling $28,000.

Sonnier said. “Zapata Online records show fell to the ground during that Zapata was arrested the incident and officers by the Kyle Police Departdetained him.” ment in May for threatenZapata was taken to ing his family.

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PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III Ascension Seton in Kyle was ranked the #3 hospital in the Austin Metro area and the 19th in Texas on markers including patient safety and survival and nurse staffing by U.S. News and World Report in July.

well, Meza said. Though officially ranked as a Level 3 Trauma Facility it has been functioning at the higher Level 2. Meza said that designation might have been officially upped this year but was delayed because of COVID-19.

“We have saved people’s lives that you’ve probably read about in the news – from motor vehicle accidents to gunshot wounds and stabbings.

People in our community have lived because we have developed and been serving as a Trauma Level

2.”

Meza said more physicians and other staff members have been recruited to help the hospital grow as the community grows. “We are becoming that regional medical center,“ he said.

“We are one of the top hospitals in the state, and we are just getting started.

Nurses, physicians and other people want to come work at one of the top hospitals in the state … you will see us break into the top 10% within a few years.”

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Without this grant, I would be with two broken-down machines and I’d be out two work crews.”

–Diego Rangel, co-owner of Kyle Landscaping Services. Story on page 1.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 2, 2020

Page 3

A Christian point of view on election I

have felt a heaviness in my soul lately.

For the past couple weeks, I’ve felt it. A weight.

The heaviness. So this morning – when a block of time unexpectedly opened in my schedule, I closed myself in my room, read some of John’s gospel, opened my journal, and prayed, “OK, God. What is it? My heart feels heavy. I need to write. But I don’t have words. What is this feeling?”

And I began to write – Heartbreak. It’s heartbreak.

And disillusionment. I’ve been here before – so many times since 2016. And here I am again.

I keep seeing Christians say they can’t vote for Joe Biden because of his stance on abortion. I’ve seen Christians proudly state they are single-voter issues – it all comes down to abortion. So they’ll vote for Trump. Because he promises to appoint Supreme Court Justices who will overturn Roe v. Wade. That’s the one and only thing that matters.

But why? Why is that the one and only thing that matters?

Is that the one and only thing that matters to Jesus?

Reading through the Bible, I would say unequivocally “NO.” What does the Bible say directly about abortion?

And I ask this from my pro-life heart. The Bible has FAR, FAR more to say about pride, about abusing power

1981 and 2016, the sharpest decline in abortion rates occurred under Democratic presidents – not under Republican presidents. The

by Jennifer rates especially dropped Abel under the leadership of President Obama and conto mistreat the poor, about tinued to decline after he lying, about treating others left office. Most everyone with hatred, about humility, agrees the reason for this is about seeking forgiveness, because access to contraabout faithfulness – about ception is key in preventing ALL of that than it does pregnancies. And under about abortion. the Affordable Care Act, So, Christians, why are contraception coverage you so willing to toss all of became more widespread. those morals aside? Why Even though some states are you so willing to turn enacted new abortion a blind eye to so many berestrictions between 2011 haviors that are completely, and 2017, by 2017 57% of blatantly in opposition to the nationwide decline the heart and character of occurred in states that had Christ? not enacted new abortion When I read about Joe restrictions. So there is Biden’s stance on aborevidence that pursuing tion, I see a man who has legal action isn’t necessary wrestled with his faith. I see (or effective) to reduce the a man whose heart wants amount of abortions. no abortions and who has I am pro-life. I would like struggled throughout his to see zero abortions. I also years in public service to want to honor and value determine the best way to the lives of women who accomplish that. Is it by find themselves in the posimaking abortion illegal? (At tion of considering aborone point, he said “yes.”) tion. Those lives also matter Is it by prohibiting governto me. So I don’t believe ment funding of abortion? criminalizing the choice is (At one point, he said the best way to truly help “yes.”) Or is it by supporting those women. I think pubpublic policies that make lic policies that offer help abortion rates decline? and hope – financial and (This seems to be where medical – are the best ways he’s landed.) to reduce abortions.

This personal wrestling Therefore, I need to find resonates with me. I have political candidates who had those same wrestling will support programs matches within myself. that help the women who Did you know – between are most likely to feel

Guest Column

that abortion is their only option, candidates who support making effective contraception affordable and accessible to everyone.

I also want a candidate who values all life. Refugees’ lives. Women’s lives.

Black lives. Poor lives.

Lives during a pandemic.

The lives of people who disagree with him.

You see, when you say you’re voting for Trump because you’re pro-life, I can’t take you seriously. Because Trump has not proven himself to value lives. For the love! – read his Twitter

and show me how this man values life.

When you say you can’t vote for Biden because of your Christian beliefs, I can’t take you seriously.

Because again and again and again, Donald Trump’s words and actions fly in direct contradiction to the character of Christ.

For the past four years, I’ve been so disillusioned and heartbroken and sad to see so many Christians abandon their morals and contort their beliefs in order to justify their support of someone who so obvi-

ously violates every moral and value I was taught in the Church.

Somewhere along the line, political masterminds decided that evangelical Christians could be manipulated into believing abortion and gay marriage are the only two things God cares about.

Friends, that is a lie. You have been hoodwinked.

Obviously, you don’t have to vote for Joe Biden.

But you can’t use our Jesus and the Bible to defend your support of Donald Trump.

Older men need regular PSA screening

P

rostate cancer is to men as breast cancer is to women.

The second-leading cause of cancer deaths in men comes from a small gland located between the bladder and the penis. If not monitored or treated, prostate can be a killer.

Likewise, the No. 2 cause of cancer deaths in women is breast cancer. So what’s the difference? Over the years, more awareness has been directed at breast cancer screening than with the prostate gland. Therefore, with September being Prostate Awareness Month, let’s put the spotlight on this type of cancer.

I’m one of those statistical males where prostate

Guest Column

by Steve Ranson

cancer will affect one out of nine men in their 60s. I began screening about every 18 months to two years when I was in my 50s.

An abnormal PSA or prostate-specific antigen found in the blood alerts physicians that prostate cancer may exist. During the past six years, my PSA slowly climbed from a 3.18 in 2014 to 6.36 in 2017. In 2019, the PSA more than doubled to 16.57, causing me to go to an urologist.

Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton News Editor Anita Miller Sports Editor Moses Leos III Reporters Megan Wehring, Sahar Chmais, Chase Rogers

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Other warning signs began to develop during the first seven months. I had frequent urges to urinate, but the stream was weak.

Occasionally, blood would appear in my urine.

My urologist Dr. Brian Montgomery saw me in late August 2019 and quickly re-ordered another PSA. It returned with a score shy of 17.

“The higher the PSA, the more likely prostate cancer,” he said, reviewing the latest result with me.

A month later, Montgomery completed a core biopsy of the prostate by taking samples from 12 areas. When he presented the results to me two weeks later, I had the presence of cancer in two quadrants, the left base and left lateral apex.

Montgomery’s attention focused on the left later apex, which measured the adenocarcinoma — cancer forming in mucus-secreting glands —up to 16 mm in its greatest dimension and occupying 95% of the surface area.

Montgomery said the pathologist issued a Gleason grading score of 8, which means I have a high-grade legion than can spread quickly.

The left base showed adenocarcinoma took up only 5%, but the Gleason score came in at 6. Based on my PSA, Montgomery said he expected to see the adenocarcinoma in more than two quadrants.

“It’s all statistics with many different results,” he said.

One test remained. A bone scan using criteria based on National Comprehensive Cancer Net-

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DEADLINES

work (NCCN) guidelines determined if the cancer had spread beyond the prostate to another organ or the bones.

“If you’re metastatic, that basically means high risk,” he pointed out, “but your imagining shows it has not spread.”

I was very fortunate not to have the cancer in more than two quadrants.

Statistically, Montgomery said the prognosis shows I have a good chance to beat this disease and there’s an 80% chance I will not have a reoccurrence of prostate cancer.

The treatment: Based on all the tests and the Gleason scores, I was deemed a good patient for receiving radiation treatments instead of having a radical prostatectomy where the prostate and surrounding tissues are removed.

The next step: Montgomery implanted three radioactive seeds into my prostate that would accurately guide radiation beams to not only the affected quadrants but also the entire prostate.

Dr. Gary E. Campbell, a radiation oncologist, oversaw the next step with me receiving 43 radiation treatments over three months. The last session on June 1 ended the numerous 128-mile roundtrip journeys from my hometown to the center.

As the treatments progress, patients begin to feel more relaxed and confident. Seeing and talking to the staff on each arrival seemed like the beginning of the popular television sitcom Cheers … where everyone knows your

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name.

The 43 radiation treatments I received give a higher percentage of killing most cancer cells.

Campbell said statistically, out of hundreds and hundreds of patients, he can tell how they will do with their treatment plans.

Campbell said radiation will work on both the prostate and the tissues associated with the prostatectomy, and since The Carson Tahoe Cancer Center is an affiliate of Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, he can access their physicians and findings to assist him developing a treatment plan.

Based on his 30-plus years as an oncologist, he said the technology has improved, and the treatments are better tolerated by the patients and more successful because of the center’s multi-million dollar treatment machines.

“It’s kind of like the latest and greatest, and it’s very precise. We are able to push the radiation doses which is important,” he said.

With each treatment, Campbell said his technicians shoot external radiation beams to the area that’s being treated.

Radiology technician Ellen Plewacki said every patient is treated according to information downloaded from a chart to a computer. For every session, the prostate cancer patient like me lies down on a table, and at a computer outside the treatment room, a technician guides the rays at different angles — nine to be exact — at both the affected quadrants and entire prostate.

LETTERS GUIDELINES

“Most of the patients have the same setup and procedure,” she said. “It takes about 2 to 3 minutes to identify the internal anatomy needing treatment.”

With the end of radiation treatments almost three months ago, I have encountered side effects from swelling in the legs and ankles, urination and bowel-movement problems, restless nights and some tiredness — they should go away. In order to keep the prostate small and to fight any cancerous cells that may be lingering, I receive a Lupron shot every three months. My main complaint with the shot is how it causes hot and cold flashes and mood swings.

Both doctors have repeatedly said the best indicator of how treatments worked is with another PSA … and with a score of 2 or below.

“I would anticipate your PSA will be extremely low,” Campbell predicted.

My first three-month checkup with Montgomery occurred in late August, and I had the opportunity to see my first PSA result.

Bingo! The result came back as a negative .02, meaning there is no traceable sign of cancer left in the prostate.

“Just what I hoped for,” Montgomery said.

Steve Ranson is editor emeritus of the Lahontan Valley News in Fallon, Nev., home of the U.S. Navy’s Top Gun aviation training program. He is a former president of the Nevada Press Association Board and the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors.

We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@haysfreepress.com.

Page 4

NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 2, 2020

Voters group schedules virtual candidate forums STAFF REPORT

A series of six candidate forums has been slated by the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Hays County, encompassing all county elections plus the race for Texas House District 45.

All are virtual, and space in the webinars is limited so registration is required. Those unable to participate in the live forum can watch it online within 48 hours of the event.

Each is modeled on previous LWV events, where candidates will answer questions prepared by the LWV with input gathered from the community in advance of

the forum.

All the forums will begin at 7 p.m. Candidates will appear as follows:

SEPT. 22 • Wimberley ISD Place 6, Gretchen Holtsinger vs.

Lexi Jones • Woodcreek City Council 1 year term, Chrys Gummert vs. Bob Hambrick • Woodcreek City Council 2 year term, Vicky Alvord vs. Nancye Britner, Judy Brizendine, Aurora LeBrun, Jeff Rasco.

Deadline for questions is Sept. 15. Pre-register at: http://bit.ly/Woodcreek-WISD

SEPT. 24.

• District Judge #453, Da-

vid Junkin (R-incumbent vs. Sherri Tibbe (D).

• County Court-at-law, Tacie Zelhart (R-incumbent) vs. Millie Thompson (D).

• Tax Assessor/Collector, Jenifer O’Kane (R-incumbent) vs. Daphne Tenorio (D) Deadline for questions is Sept. 17. Pre-register at: http://bit.ly./Judges-TaxAssessor

Michael Torres (D-incumbent) vs. Steve Avalos (R).

• Constable Pct. 3 Wimberley, Don Montague (R-incumbent) vs. Cynthia Millonzi (D).

Deadline for questions is Sept. 22. Pre-register at: http://bit.ly/Commissioner 3-Constables

OCT. 1

• Dripping Springs ISD, Ron Jones (incumbent), SEPT. 29 Barbara Stroud (incum• Hays County Commisbent), Stephanie Holtsioner Pct 3 Lon Shell zendort, Lori Broughton (R-incumbent) vs. Lisa – to fill two places.

Prewitt (D).

Deadline for questions is • Constable Pct. 1 San Marcos, David Peterson Sept. 24. Pre-register at: (D-incumbent) vs. Eliseo http://big.ly/DrippingSpgsISD Galarza (R).

• Constable Pct. 2 Kyle,

OCT 6

• Sheriff, Gary Cutler (R-incumbent) vs. Alex Villalobos (D).

• Texas House District 45, Erin Zwiener (D-incumbent) vs. Carrie Isaac (R).

Deadline for questions is Sept 29. Pre-register at: http://bit.ly/HD45-Sheriff

OCT. 8 • San Marcos mayor, Jane Hughson (incumbent) vs. Juan Miguel Arredondo, Randy Dethrow, Justin Harris, Michael Hathaway • City Council place 3, Ed Mihalkanin (incumbent) vs. Alyssa Garza • City Council place 4, Mark Rockeymoore (incumbent) vs. Shane

Scott • City Council place 5 (1 year) Mark Gleason vs.

Omar Baca, Zach Sambrano • SMCISD 1, Juan Miguel Arredondo (incumbent) vs. James Bryant Jr. • SMCISD 3, Nicholas Costilla vs. Mayra Mejia Deadline for questions is Oct. 1. Pre-register at: http://bit.ly/SanMarcosCity-SMCISD Questions may be submitted to lwvhaysco@ gmail.com Please put the race and the word “questions” in the subject line.

If you miss the live event, watch 48 hours later at www.lwvhaysco.com under “resources” tab.

Resolution adding second polling site at Texas State fails

BY CHASE ROGERS SAN MARCOS – The Hays County Commissioners Court Aug. 25 voted 3-2 against adding a second polling location on Texas State’s campus for Election Day, Nov. 3.

A single location at the university’s Performance Arts Center will be available for early voting and Election Day. The proposed location would have been in the campus’s recreation center, as the location used in prior elections, the LBJ Student Center, has been repurposed into classrooms adhering to COVID-19 mitigation guidelines and social distancing.

The Hays County Citizen Election Advisory Commission, comprised of representatives from county government, school districts, party chairs, the university and other stakeholders, voted

“...students can’t legally get time off until Election Day to go vote, meaning early voting is often not possible for members of the community group. (Students) votes matter just as much as your precious vote, the only difference is barriers have been added.”

been given the resources Wicker, who spoke in to ensure their ballot is public comment before cast and need to follow the court’s vote, likened through.

“If (my daughters) don’t eat before they go to school – they had the opportunity. They had the cereal in the cabinet and milk in the cupboard ... at the end of the day, it is not my responsibility to stand there with a spoon and put it in their mouth,” – Catharine Wicker, Texas Rising Deputy Field Organizer Smith said. “There is a 10-8 in favor of adding prescribed weeks of early level of responsibility that has to be met.” an additional polling voting.

Smith also noted other location at Texas State – a Smith said he voted polling locations within recommendation that was against the resolution in proximity of the univergiven to commissioners part because of special before the Tuesday vote. steps taken to ease voting sity are within walking Along party lines, Reat the university location, distance for students. The publican commissioners citing the implementation closest two polling locations to the campus are Mark Jones, Lon Shell and of dual check-in booths the San Marcos Activity Walt Smith voted against and a third booth aiming adding the Election Day to clarify and resolve voter Center and the Centro Cultural Hispano de San location and County registration issues – the Judge Ruben Becerra and latter being a measure not Marcos, both of which are Commissioner Debbie taken at any other polling approximately 25-30-minutes one-way from camIngalsbe, both Democrats, location in the county. pus when walking. voting in favor. The vote Smith explained his Texas Rising Deputy would not have added decision with an analoField Organizer Catharine the location for the three gy, saying students have

Helm never presented required document for county approval

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interim and on the Nov. 3 ballot with former sheriff Don Montague, who was a Democrat when elected as the county’s top cop before switching parties at his retirement.

In addition to taking over running the constable’ office, Montague is now having to clean up some paperwork that Helm left undone.

Montague told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch last week that he is currently looking into the status of interlocal agreements. One of them appears to be the very document that allowed his office to operate within the city of Wimberley.

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After Constable Helm’s resignation, the court, in a mostly party-line vote, replaced him in an interim fashion and on the Nov. 3 ballot with former sheriff Don Montague, who was a Democrat when elected as the county’s top cop before switching parties at his retirement.

BY ANITA MILLER WIMBERLEY – Former Precinct 3 Constable Ray Helm had an acknowledged “problem” with paperwork.

In fact, it was his falsifying records related to Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCLOSE) training that led to his resignation earlier this summer.

As of July 31, Helm also surrendered his peace officer certification to avoid prosecution on a number of charges. Helm had earlier misrepresented figures in a required racial profiling report he presented to the Hays County Commissioners Court.

After his resignation, the court replaced him in the

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 2, 2020

Kyle provides more performing arts parking for HCISD

BY MEGAN WEHRING KYLE – Hays CISD is partnering with the city of Kyle to provide additional parking and maintenance near the performing arts center.

With a 6-1 vote, the Board of Trustees approved a 20-year joint-use agreement with the city of Kyle Reinvestment Zone Number Two for new parking.

The district owns approximately 1.546 acres of land located west of the facility which will provide about 150 parking spaces.

Trustee Merideth Keller said partnering with the city of Kyle would create more opportunities for the property that the district may not have been able to provide otherwise.

“I love how this is going to provide us some security for our performing arts center, which the more I learn about what’s being developed there, the more concern I had about our own ability to use that parking because it would become full from other people doing other things.”

With the vision of future development in the city of Kyle, Mayor Travis Mitchell said the agreement with the district would pave the way for more non-residential projects.

“That agreement, mutual trust and partnership with the school district I think has paid off,” Mitchell said to the Board of Trustees.

“The development patterns in the city of Kyle change and aren’t so heavily focused on just single-family residential, but allow for industrial, commercial and retail spaces which are great for everyone.”

Board Vice President Will McManus said more parking, along with

“I love how this is going to provide us some security for our performing arts center, which the more I learn about what’s being developed there, the more concern I had about our own ability to use that parking because it would become full from other people doing other things.” maintaining of parking and landscaping, would ultimately provide a sense of community with the city.

“The PAC now fits in with what I see is an amazing community development for everyone in this area,” McManus said. “It’s really becoming an area where people will gather.

To me, that helps the PAC shine even more. I think it’s a really great thing for Hays CISD, the city, the county.”

Though the other trustees were positive about the agreement, trustee Willie Tenorio voted against the agenda item after questioning the partnership in its entirety.

“We really don’t have any solid assurances as to how the use agreement was going to work,” Tenorio said. “It really doesn’t give me enough concrete guidelines to know that we are going to get good use of the property all the time.”

Page 5

Promoting the ‘Undertold’

‘Undertold Marker’ applications available Sept. 1 HAYS COUNTY – More than 150 historical markers dot Hays County, including Major Edward Burleson Homestead on Lime Kiln Road, San Marcos, dedicated in 1962, the first year of the program. The latest, the William B. Travis League, awarded in July 2020, will be placed on FM 150 south of Driftwood.

The signs record the history of the county and are valuable aids for education and heritage tourism. The markers are the property of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), which began the program in 1962.

Four historical markers in Hays County are

Hays County has four such such markers: Jacob’s Well, the Alba Ranch, Eddie Durham and Antioch Colony. what THC calls “undertold markers” and according to J. Marie Bassett, Hays County Historical Commission Historical Marker chair, are intended to address historical gaps, promote diversity of topics and proactively document significant underrepre-

PHOTO COURTESY OF GINA ROGERS Above is one of the stone houses built by Victoriano Alba and his sons in the early 1900s on Alba Ranch in Dripping Springs.

sented subjects or untold stories.

Hays County has four such such markers: Jacob’s Well in Wimberley, the Alba Ranch in Dripping Springs, Eddie Durham in San Marcos and Antioch Colony in Buda. Bassett said most markers are paid for by sponsors, but THC annually grants about 15 free Undertold Markers throughout Texas. They

are paid for by non-refundable application fees on other markers.

Beginning Sept. 1, THC is accepting new applications for Undertold Markers. Unlike regular marker applications, these do not require full documentation at first and may be sent directly to THC or submitted through the Hays County

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Page 6

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 2, 2020

Hometown Hero

Wimberley alumnus to join Navy

BY MEGAN WEHRING

“I encourage our kids that are still playing for Wimberley and the next generation to keep pushing on, make memories and good luck with the next chapter of their life.”

ages students to create lifelong memories starting Deep roots in the Hays from a young age.

County area, specifically “Even now that I’ve his hometown of Wimgraduated, I’ll go back to berley, drove Candidate football games,” Andrews Marshall Andrews to train said. “I encourage our to become an officer in kids that are still playing the U.S. Navy. for Wimberley and the –Marshall Andrews, Wimberley alumnus Andrews is wrapping up next generation to keep the 13-week Officer Canpushing on, make memdidate School in Newport, said. “I grew up in a excellent support system ories and good luck with Rhode Island. Candidates football program there so from his hometown has the next chapter of their will need to graduate the that’s where I learned a lot helped him stay motivatlife.” program on Sept. 10 beof my discipline and just ed through it all.

Andrews gives some fore they can commission how to handle adverse “My mom actually went lasting advice for those as an Ensign in the Navy situations.” around to a lot of the wanting to join the Navy on Sept. 11.

After graduating mentors in my life,” AnOfficer Candidate School.

A 2014 graduate from college, Andrews said he drews said. “My coaches, “This is a program that Wimberley High School, wanted to find a career family and some friends. will test you mentally, Andrews graduated from that would give him “the They all wrote a letter physically and emotionalTexas State University in best situation for my for me. I got to read all of ly,” Andrews said. “If this San Marcos in 2019 with a future” to “take care of my these encouraging words.” is something you truly degree in manufacturing future family one day.” He Wimberley was more want to do, give it everyengineering. Andrews said believes joining the Navy than just a home address thing you got. Always rehis high school experiwould do just that. for Andrews. From little member where you came ences shaped him for the Being miles away from league to high school, from and remember why future. home can take a toll on Andrews was involved in you want to do this.”

“My hometown roots anyone, especially when almost every sports team Andrews said he is play a huge role in where in a grueling training along with town events. To grateful to have his family, I am at today,” Andrews program. Andrews said an this day, Andrews encour- friends and hometown of

Undertold Markers

Above, Marshall Andrews, a 2014 graduate from Wimberley High School is wrapping up Officer Candidate School before being commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy Sept. 11.

Wimberley as a support system while in the training program.

“Without them, I probably wouldn’t be here,” Andrews said. “Family is huge to me and will

always be there for me.

I would love to give the town of Wimberley, Texas, a shout out. They also played a big part in who I am today and the career I intend to follow.”

No Second Poll Site

Continued from pg. 5

Historical Commission (HCHC).

“If there is a place in Hays County you feel deserves an undertold marker, now is your chance to petition the THC,” Bassett said.

The application form will be available online at thc.texas.gov and should be submitted between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15.

Bassett added that the next application window for the regular THC marker program will occur in the spring of 2021. Those applications should be submitted to the Hays County Historical Commission. There are three kinds of regular markers: 1. Recorded Texas

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Continued from pg. 4 Historical Landmarks (RTHL) - these are awarded to buildings and structures, over 50 years old, that are judged to be historically and architecturally significant. They help with the preservation of such buildings.

2. Subject Markers – Subject markers deal with people and events rather than structures. Most topics must date back 50 years, but historic events may be marked after 30 years. Individuals may be mentioned 10 years after their deaths.

3. Historic Texas Cemetery Markers – In order to apply for a cemetery marker, a cemetery must first be designated as a

Historic Texas Cemetery.

The HCHC Cemetery Committee assists with the paperwork. Such markers are helpful in preserving small family cemeteries dotted around the county.

Full details, including costs, can be found at thc.texas.gov. For anyone wishing to apply, now is a good time to begin collecting the necessary documentation.

For more information, please visit thc. texas.gov or contact the Hays County Historical Commission, hayshistoricalcommission@gmail. com or visit http://www. hayshistoricalcommission.com/.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX INCREASE FOR CALDWELL-HAYS ESD 1 PROPOSED TAX RATE NO-NEW-REVENUE TAX RATE VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE DE MINIMIS RATE

a 5K that students face barriers undertaking due to schooling, work schedules and financial capability.

“Students often don’t have reliable transportation even if it is three miles away … students can’t legally get time off until Election Day to go vote, meaning early voting is often not possible for members of the community group,” Wicker said. “(Students’) votes matter just as much as your precious vote, the only difference is barriers have been added.”

Previous polling locations at Texas State have been subject to long lines and wait times in

the past, first prominently covered in the 2018 midterms when students using the location faced upwards of four-hour wait times lasting past the closing time of the location.

Most recently, the LBJ Student Center polling location on Super Tuesday saw voters unable to vote until nearly midnight after waiting in a 3-to-4-hour line. The LBJ Student Center was in the top five polling locations used in this election but faced the longest recorded wait times, according to check-in data provided by the Hays County Elections Center.

Texas Civil Rights

Project President Mimi Marziani addressed a letter to Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs to express “alarm over the widespread voter suppression our organization documented across the State of Texas during the March 3, 2020 Primary Elections,” citing Texas State as one of the examples.

There will be an additional week of early voting per an order by Gov. Greg Abbott, starting Tuesday, Oct. 13, to Friday, Oct. 30. Election Day is slated for Nov. 3.

Oct. 5 is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming presidential election.

Getting

$0.1000 per $100 $0.0930 per $100 $0.0966 per $100 $0.1543 per $100

The no-new-revenue tax rate is the tax rate for the 2020 tax year that will raise the same amount of property tax revenue for Caldwell-Hays ESD 1 from the same properties in both the 2019 tax year and the 2020 tax year.

The voter-approval rate is the highest tax rate that Caldwell-Hays ESD 1 may adopt without holding an election to seek voter approval of the rate, unless the de minimis rate for Caldwell-Hays ESD 1 exceeds the voter-approval rate for Caldwell-Hays ESD1.

The de miminis rate is the rate equal to the sum of the no-new-revenue maintenance and operations rate for Caldwell-Hays ESD 1, the rate that will raise $500,000, and the current debt rate for Caldwell-Hays ESD 1.

The proposed tax rate is greater than the no-new-revenue tax rate. This means that Caldwell-Hays ESD1 is proposing to increase property taxes for the 2020 tax year.

A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED TAX RATE WILL BE HELD ON September 8, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at 9835 FM 1854, Dale, TX.

The proposed tax rate is greater than the voter-approval tax rate but not greater than the de minimis rate. However, the proposed tax rate exceeds the rate that allows voters to petition for an election under Section 26.075, Tax Code. If Caldwell-Hays ESD 1 adopts the proposed tax rate, the qualified voters of the Caldwell-Hays ESD 1 may petition the Caldwell-Hays ESD 1 to require an election to be held to determine whether to reduce the proposed tax rate. If a majority of the voters reject the proposed tax rate, the tax rate of the Caldwell-Hays ESD 1 will be the voter-approval tax rate of the Caldwell-Hays ESD 1.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE TAX RATES MENTIONED ABOVE CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: Property tax amount = (tax rate) x (taxable value of property) / 100 FOR the proposal:

Commissioner Skip Dorrest, Commissioner Karen Gallaher, Commissioner Lisa Murphy, Commissioner Randy Schaefer, Commissioner Derek Herring AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT: 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 Caldwell-Hays ESD 1 last year to the taxes proposed to be imposed on the average residence homestead by Caldwell-Hays ESD 1 this year.

2019

2020

Change

Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

$0.1000

$0.1000

0% Increase

Average homestead taxable value

$113,470

$127,489

12% Increase

Tax on average homestead

$113

$127

12% Increase

Total tax levy on all properties

$725,068

$820,242

13% Increase

For assistance with tax calculations, please contact the tax assessor for Caldwell-Hays ESD 1 at 512-398-5550 or shannar@caldwellcad.org.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 2, 2020

Page 7

Texans fight for ‘grey-eyed man of destiny’

T

wo hundred Texans looking for a fight answered the call of Gen. William Walker and sailed for Nicaragua on Sept. 8, 1856.

By the mid-1800s, the South was caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place. To satisfy the increasing demand for cotton, planters from Texas to Virginia desperately needed more field hands.

But a strong back sold on the auction block for as much as $1,500, a price only the wealthiest plantation owners could afford.

Texans, who had argued for years over the slavery issue, found themselves in the same predicament.

Putting aside their differences, the rabid and the reasonable agreed on reopening the African slave trade.

But the illegal shipment of human cargo required a convenient waystation south of the border, and no such hospitable depot existed. That was where a pint-sized adventurer named William Walker stepped in.

Six inches shy of six feet and barely a hundred pounds soaking wet, the tiny Tennessean did, in fact, look the part of an American Napoleon. Yet Walker believed with all his heart that fate had cast him in the role.

Accompanied by 55 true believers, who referred to their charismatic leader as “The Grey-Eyed Man of Destiny,” Walker intervened in the Nicaraguan civil war

trade, the Galveston News expressed the popular Texas opinion of the day: “If you agree to slavery, you must History agree to the trade, for they

by Bartee Haile are one. Those who are not for us must be against us.

Those who deny slavery in the summer of 1855. Six and the slave trade are months later, after a series against the South.” of amazing In a victoJune 1856 At San Antonio ries, the election, self-comNicara104 men missioned guans chose banded together Gen. Walker General was the as their under the undisputed president, banner “Alamo ruler of the but the tropical neighboring Texans.”

At country. nations of their departure

By May Honduras, 1856, the Guatemala, for the faraway same El Salvador front, admiring month and Costa the UnitRica refused residents gave ed States to abide by the group a recognized the surprishis regime, ing results. battle flag with Texas Backed by the inscription editors and the British, prominent whose navy “Remember you personalblockaded are Texans.” ities were Nicaraguan singing ports, the Walker’s praises. At Galves- four countries launched a ton none other than David coordinated invasion.

G. Burnet, first president When word of Walker’s of independent Texas, pre- plight reached Texas, young sided over a mass meeting men by the score volunto drum up support for the teered to risk their lives General, and ships bound for the embattled cause. for Nicaragua regularly Two hundred, recruited by stopped at the island to pick up eager passengers.

Walker did have his detractors, such as a North Texas newspaper which branded him a slaver rather than a liberator. Jumping to the defense of the General and resumption of the slave

Hays County Master Gardeners annual plant sale to go online

Texans made up the majority of the 300 stubborn souls who returned with him in 1857 to retake the country. This expedition was nipped in the bud by a U.S. naval officer, who took it upon himself to evict his fellow countrymen from Nicaraguan soil.

The single-minded Walker tried to mount still another comeback, but the twin prospects of secession and civil war caused Texas and the rest of the South to lose interest. Refusing to admit he had met his Waterloo, Walker set sail for the last time in 1860 with a boatload of drunks and misfits.

In the end, Walker traded his own life for the safety of the pathetic band. The obliging British made the

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Online Plant Sale

The sale website http://hcmga.square.site will be active Oct. 4 through 20. Until then, find more information at http://txmg.org/hays.

plants. The proceeds of this sale will benefit continuing education programs and training classes.

Texas Master Gardeners is a volunteer program designed to bring best in horticultural practices throughout the state. To become a Texas Master Gardener, a trainee attends 50 hours of instruction conducted through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, then shares this knowledge by donating 50 hours of volunteer service back to the community.

The touch of Texas Master Gardeners’ green thumbs can be found across the state — in school garden projects, horticultural therapy projects, community gardens and demonstration gardens; by volunteers who also conduct gardening programs and answer gardening questions.

Anything anyone wants to know about gardening, a Master Gardener can help.

For more information about the Hays County Master Gardeners, visit https://www. facebook.com/ HaysCountyGardeners/.

See solution on page 8

Constable Resigns Continued from pg. 4

Counsel Mark Kennedy said, in response to an open records request, no renewal of the agreement, which expired on Sept. 30, 2019, was ever presented to the commissioners court, even though the city of Wimberley brought a renewal to the city council.

“However, then-constable Helm did not bring the contract to commissioners court for approval and execution,” wrote Jordan M. Powell, assistant general counsel.

necessary arrangements, including the cold-blooded surrender of the General to his Honduran executioners, and on Sep. 12, 1860 he was shot to death by a firing squad of barefoot peasants.

Of the estimated 3,000 Americans who fought with William Walker, as many as half hailed from the Lone Star State. Of the thousand that died from wounds, disease and inhumane treatment as prisoners, at least 400 were Texans, for whom Nicaragua turned out to be an Alamo without a San Jacinto.

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HAYS COUNTY – Hays County Master Gardeners will hold its annual Plant and Tree Sale online this year due to COVID-19.

Featured will be native and adapted perennials, herbs, succulents and Texas Superstar plants that will actually thrive in hot Texas weather, unlike many of the plants at the big-box stores. Members will be following CDC guidelines.

The sale website http:// hcmga.square.site will be active Oct. 4 through 20.

Until then, find more information at http://txmg. org/hays.

HCMGA will also be selling ornamental and small trees and shade trees on a preorder only basis.

Details and order forms are available on the HCMGA website. To ensure availability, order early.

The last date to order trees is Sept. 30. Payment must be received by Sept. 30 in order for you to take delivery at the Dripping Springs Farmers Market on Oct. 14,. Payment should be made by check.

HCMGA members have been doing lots of seed planting, propagating and transplanting. They have been putting in time and love to bring to sale their finest seedlings and transplants from their very own home gardens. The sale will feature xeriscape, natives, perennials, butterfly and humming plants and landscape

a top Walker lieutenant, sailed from New Orleans in September followed by 280 more in December.

Bolstered by the reinforcements, the outnumbered filibusters stood their ground and drove the enemy from Nicaragua.

But a second invasion was imminent, and in January 1857 the Galveston News published a letter from a detachment called the “Texas Rangers” asking for additional aid.

Once again the response was swift and impressive.

At San Antonio 104 men banded together under the banner “Alamo Texans.”

At their departure for the faraway front, admiring residents gave the group a battle flag with the inscription “Remember you are Texans.” A Corpus Christi contingent was led by the mayor, who resigned from office in order to fight on the foreign shore.

The inevitable counterattack came in the winter of 1857. Although a predominantly Texan force of 400 whipped 3,000 Guatemalans, the deck was stacked against the foreigners.

Faced with the choice of extermination or exile, Walker and his surviving troops abandoned Nicaragua in May.

Records show that renewal of the agreement came before the Wimberley City Council Jan. 16 of this year and it was approved unanimously.

The renewal was executed by the city of Wimberley on May 1. According to the agreement, the constable agreed to provide “fulltime traffic-related law enforcement and general peace-keeping services within the city limits” for 40 hours each week. The city agreed to payments of $21,078.75 per quarter.

See solution on page 8

Page 8

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 2, 2020

OBITUARIES CURTIS Erik Albert Curtis, 49, of Buda, Texas was promoted to heaven on August 29, 2020. Tari, his beloved wife of 17 years was by his side. Erik was born March 15, 1971 in Louisiville, Kentucky to Karen Elizabeth (Wessel) and Raymond Albert Curtis.

In addition to his wife Tari, Erik is survived by their six children: Taianna (18), Angel (17), Amber (16), Cesar (16), Blake (13), and Mason (13). He is also survived by his twin sister, Erika and her husband Curt Turner of Wamego, Kansas and his brother Jon Curtis and wife Angie also of Wamego with numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Extended family reside in Kansas, Utah, Tennessee, Michigan, and California.

Erik spent the majority of his later adolescence in Kansas where he graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1989. Erik and Tari moved to Texas in 2006. Ever faithful, they have been members of the Fellowship Church at Plum Creek for 10 years.

Erik felt the true calling of God to help lead those from hopelessness to celebration through the Emmaus Community. Erik was always very active; he enjoyed hiking, camping, and anything outdoors with Tari and the kids.

Erik also made time for running and basketball with friends, and loved Ninja warrior challenges.

Erik also leaves behind his supportive Walmart family of 13 years. Above all else, Erik loved God and his family. Erik was known for his giant heart, gentle way of leading others to Christ, and his never-ending smile. As a man of God with a generous spirit, Erik was an organ donor and even in death has given the gift of life to others.

Erik is preceded in death by his parents, his Godfather Uncle Frank Wessel, his cousin Olivia Grossnickle, his grandparents: Albert and Lucille

Wessel; Albert and Mildred Curtis.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020 at 10:30 at the Fellowship Church at Plum Creek.

Tributes and flowers may be sent through Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle.

KOTARA Walter Anthony Kotara, 73, beloved husband and father, died peacefully on August 16, 2020 at his residence in Kyle, Texas.

He was born July 18, 1947 in Floresville, to Emma Louise Rapstine and Leonard Kotara. He was the oldest of eight children. He attended school in Falls City and graduated from Falls City High School in 1965.

Shortly after, he entered the Air Force Reserve and was stationed in Florida as a mechanic for several years.

Around 1970, Walter met Gloria Ann Vick at a dance at St. Hedwig. They were married on June 5, 1971 in San Antonio.

They settled into Walter’s hometown of Falls City, but shortly after, Walter was transferred by his company, Lone Star Gas,

Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24

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Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

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EPISCOPAL

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

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

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Texas Crossword, from page 7

Oak Cemetery in Manchaca.

Pallbearers included grandson Derek Albers and nephews Duane Kotara, Cason Newberry, Kevin Kotara, Luke Kotara and Charles Shelton.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations may be made to your local church or parish as he was an avid supporter of his local church.

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Gilet, Sharalyn Shelton and husband Cliff of San Antonio, Norleen Newberry of Kenedy, Other survivors include nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Emma Kotara.

Funeral mass was held Aug. 28 at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda.

He was laid to rest at Live

Learn five essential ways to prepare before an end-of-life event occurs every Thursday in September at 6 p.m.

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Sudoku Puzzle, from page 7

of Cedar Creek. He leaves behind his grandchildren Derek and Ryan Albers, and Issac and Alanna Havens. He is survived by his brothers, Francis Kotara and wife Pam of Adkins, Donnon Kotara of Falls City, Randy Kotara of Falls City and Sheldon Kotara and wife Angela of Floresville. He is survived by sisters Mary Wiatrek and husband Greg of

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to work at its affiliate, Nipak, in Corsicana.

After Nipak, he worked for Guardian Glass as a commercial mechanic, and they remained in Corsicana for 28 years where he was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a proud Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

In 1998, Walter and Gloria moved to Kyle to be closer to their daughters Gail and Grace and to his family in Falls City.

For 22 years, Walter was a member of Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda as a part of the Knights of Columbus and Sacred Heart Men's Club. He was proud to work for the Austin American Statesman for 10 years.

Walter started his service to the church at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Falls City as an altar boy.

He loved to fix things, to share his knowledge, to fish, and to grow his many rosebushes. He loved to laugh and never stopped being proud of his Polish heritage. He enjoyed any time he could get together with his brothers and sisters and his children and grandchildren.

Walter is survived by his wife Gloria of Kyle and daughters Gail Albers of New Braunfels and Grace Havens and husband Ken

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9:30 a.m. Classic Service 10:45 a.m. Contemporary service

Hays Free Press

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 2, 2020

Page 9

Win for Wimberley Continued from pg. 1

more times we’ll get to do that the rest of the year.”

Playing on the field was just as meaningful for senior quarterback Matthew Tippie, who is part of a class that hopes to keep playing as long as possible.

“Our senior class, we have a talented senior class this year,” Tippie said. “We have a lot of seniors who are leaders.

It’s going to be a really good year.”

Notching that first win, however, proved challenging as state-ranked Wimberley overcame a 10-point fourth quarter deficit in order to escape an upset. Guiding the way was Tippie who went 13 of 22 for 214 yards and two critical passing touchdowns, both in the fourth frame.

More leadership and an increase in energy played a key factor for the Texan offense in the final minutes, said Tippie. Warren attributed success to the Texans’ willingness to battle back and keep fighting, even during struggles in the second and third quarters. He also lauded Tippie, a summer transfer from Burnet High, who became more comfortable in the new system as the game wore on.

“We just found a way to hang in there and make plays. That’s the makeup of this program.

These guys always believe they’re in every game and found a way to win,” said Warren.

Meanwhile, Wimberley’s defense, which struggled at times to corral a formidable Hawk ground game, found its footing and kept Canyon Lake scoreless down the stretch. That included a key turnover on downs that allowed Tippie and the Texans to score the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

But equally as important was a critical goal line stand in the final minute.

Despite having the ball at the Texan 3-yard line, Canyon Lake couldn’t break through on four consecutive plays, ending its final threat at an upset.

“It just came down to will at that point in time.

Just willing yourself to take on that extra block or make that extra play,” Warren said. “To me, that’s just Wimberley Texan football. These kids never believe they’re out of a game. It goes a long way in high school football.”

Wimberley will now

PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM Left, finding no open receivers but seeing good blocking by his offensive line, Wimberley quarterback Matthew Tippe took off running, leaping over his blockers, gaining enough yards to set up a fourth quarter touchdown. Tippe rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown and passed for 214 yards with 2 touchdowns in the 24-22 win over Canyon Lake. Right, Canyon Lake’s Brock Coburn hangs on to the shirt tail of Wimberley’s Ty Pruett but it’s not enough to stop Pruett from scoring a fourth quarter touchdown to cut the Hawk’s lead 20-17. Pruett had two catches for 61 yards in the game.

ready itself for back-toback nondistrict road tests as the Texans travel to powerhouse Cuero

Sept. 4, followed by stateranked Lampasas Sept.

11. Even with the uncertainty of the season

continuing past this week, Tippie and his teammates will prepare regardless.

“Those are two really

tough teams. We need to really work hard in practice this week and step up,” Tippie said.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 2, 2020

EMPLOYMENT

GARAGE SALE

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS

City Wide Garage Sale in Mountain City

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.

TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

Come on out to Mountain City on Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.!

Some sales will be carried over to Sunday, September 13, 2020 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Several families in our community will be hosting sales, so there’s sure to be something for everyone!

Between each of these garage sales, you’ll find

PUBLIC NOTICES SMALL TAXING UNIT NOTICE

The City of Hays will hold a meeting at 6:30 PM on September 10, 2020, via Zoom to consider adopting a proposed tax rate for tax year 2020. The proposed tax rate is 0.1096 per $100 of value.

Meeting ID: 6526178786/ Password: 5DrX4H If you choose to appear in person, you will be received at Hays City Hall - 520 Country Lane - Hays, TX 78610.

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF NIEDERWALD

TDS IS NOW HIRING! Find your career with us.

Opportunities Include: Landscape Workers, Welder, CDL Drivers, Mechanics, Labor Positions and more.

Visit our website www.texasdisposal.com/careers to view and apply! For more information call 512-329-1778

Sign-On Bonus Available* *Certain positions

something special: adult/child clothing and shoes, dishes, collectibles, books, camping gear, indoor & outdoor furniture, tools, artwork and decor, toys, DVDs, electronics, games, jewelry and much more. Too much to list!

Make sure to wear your mask and practice social distancing. Located on FM 2770, just north of Hays High School.

Notice is hereby given, that, in accordance with order of the Office of the Governor issued March 16, 2020, the City Council of the City of Niederwald, Texas will conduct a telephonic public hearing in order to advance the public health goal of limiting face-to-face meetings (also called “social distancing”) to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on September 14, 2020, at 7:45 p.m., to consider a budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 and consider adopting a proposed tax rate of 0.1227/$100 valuation.

Dial-in number (US): (602) 580-9290 Access code: 5827870# If you have any questions regarding this annexation, contact Niederwald City Hall at 512-398-6338.

TEXAS STATEWIDE ADVERTISING NETWORK

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR VILLAGE OF SAN LEANNA BUDGET AND TAX RATE

Thursday, September 17, 2020 – 7:00 p.m The Village of San Leanna will hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2020 via virtual meeting (with details to be posted on Village of San Leanna bulletin boards and http://sanleannatx.com/ council-meeting-agendas) to consider adopting the proposed budget and tax rate for fiscal year 2020-2021.

The proposed tax rate is $0.2498 per $100 of property valuation, the same tax rate for the past 20-plus years.

Total taxes in the Village of San Leanna will increase by 2.945%, or $5,150, due to new construction added to the tax roll this year and to higher appraisal values. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on any change in the taxable value of your property.

You are invited to attend the public hearing and express your views.

For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Travis Central Appraisal District 8314 Cross Park Dr., Austin, TX 78714 Phone: 512834-9317 Email: CSinfo@ tcadcentral.org Website: www.traviscad.org

SMALL TAXING UNIT NOTICE

The City of Niederwald will hold a meeting at 7:30 p.m. on September 14, 2020 at 8807 Niederwald Strasse, Niederwald, TX to consider adopting a proposed tax rate for tax year 2020.

The proposed tax rate is 0.122700 per $100 of value.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Hays CISD is Requesting Proposals for RFP #26082002JO Maintenance & Repair for Food Service Equipment. Proposals will be accepted until 09-242020 at 2:00 p.m. local time.

Specifications are available at the HCISD Purchasing Office Attn: Jennifer D. Ornelas (512-268-2141 ext.

46035) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Proposal 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. The HCISD Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and waive all formalities in the bid process.

PUBLIC NOTICES, 13

Classifieds Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 2, 2020

Page 11

PUBLIC NOTICES, FROM PAGE 10 NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 3.96 acres of property located at along Windy Hill Road, Kyle, TX 78640. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: SUB-1202.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Village of Bear Creek will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m. on September 21, 2020 via Zoom: https://financialguide.zoom/us/j/5128262602 Meeting ID: 5128262606, to consider adopting a proposed tax rate for tax year 2020. The proposed tax rate is 0.08940 per $100 of value.

The proposed tax rate would increase total taxes in Village of Bear Creek by 3.47%.

REQUEST FOR BIDS WALTZ CONSTRUCTION, CMAR; in conjunction with Turner Capital Impact, is soliciting bids beginning August 28, 2020 from all Trade Partners for the ground up construction of Doral Academy Texas in Buda. This is an @ 55,000 SF, metal stud, two-story charter school, 33 classrooms, gymnasium & site work. Bids are due by 2:00 p.m., September 11, 2020.

Specific information on the project, and bidding instructions are available by emailing christian@waltzconstruction. com or Tel. 210.238.5622 Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses are encouraged to participate in this bid/proposal process.

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. The company reserves the right to reject any bid and withdraw any from the sale at any time.

This sale is listed below.

Date : 9/17/2020 Time: 10:00 AM Location: StorageAuctions.com Unit 2009 - Brittany Nevarez - Ice box, AC, antlers, dryer, washer, Jewelry box, bed, clothes, tools, boxes, totes, household decor.

CITY OF BUDA • Buda, TX RFP 20-008 Bond Election Facilitation Services ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS Sealed Proposals, pursuant to Local Government Code Chapter 252, will be received for Bond Election Facilitation Services by the City of Buda, 405 E. Loop Street, Buda, Texas until 2:00 PM local time on October 2, 2020. Immediately thereafter, the bid proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Multi-Purpose Room 1034 within Buda City Hall located at 405 E. Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, Texas.

The City of Buda seeks written proposals from qualified firms to provide pre-bond facilitation and processing services for a possible Municipal General Obligation Bond Election slated for November 2021.

The Scope of Work includes facilitation of discussions with a bond advisory commission, analysis of potential capital projects, solicitation of public feedback, and presentations to elected and appointed governing bodies of the City of Buda. It is the intent of the City of Buda to select a single consultant to accomplish all the services outlined in this Request for Proposals.

The Issuing Office for this Solicitation is the City of Buda - Finance Department, 405 E. Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, Texas 78610, Attn: Rosemary Esparza, Purchasing Manager; purchasing@ci.buda. tx.us. Prospective Proposers may examine the Bid Documents at the Issuing Office, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Procurement Website as described below.

Proposal documents may be viewed and accessed online through the Procurement Website as described at http://ci.buda.tx.us/137/Purchasing. The City of Buda has partnered with BidNet as part of the Texas Purchasing Group and posts bid opportunities to this site. The documents are made available for the sole purpose of obtaining Bids for completion of the Project and permission to download does not confer a license or grant permission or authorization for any other use. Authorization to download documents includes the right for Bidders to print documents for their sole use, provided they pay all costs associated with printing or reproduction. Printed documents may not be re-sold under any circumstances.

All official notifications, addenda, and other documents will be offered only through the Procurement Website.

The Procurement Website may be updated periodically with Addenda, meeting summaries, reports, or other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Board of Directors will hold a Public Hearing in a Special meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 4:00 pm by Telephone/Video Conference for the following purpose: On January 3, 2020, Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corp.

(RRWSC), P.O. Box 1585, Buda, TX, 78610, filed an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) application with the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (District). RRWSC is applying for a Storage and Recovery Permit that authorizes the production of Class D Conditional Edwards Aquifer water during times of non-drought periods for the purposes of injection, storage, and recovery from an ASR recovery well. RRWSC is requesting a Class D Conditional Permit to withdraw up to 15,000,000 gallons/year from the Edwards Aquifer; this permit class is reserved for ASR projects and is 100% curtailed during drought. The RRWSC ASR project involves the production of Edwards Aquifer water for injection into the Middle Trinity Aquifer for subsequent recovery and use as public water supply.

The ASR project and associated wells are located at 2053 Ruby Ranch Road, Buda, TX, 78610. For further information, please contact the District, 1124 Regal Row, Austin, Texas 78748, (512) 282-8441, bseacd@ bseacd.org . You may also contact the applicant, the Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corp, through their technical representative Don Rauschuber, P.E. at (512)-413-9300.

INVITATION FOR BIDS Continental Homes of Texas, LP (Owner) on behalf of North Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 1 invites the submission of sealed Bids from qualified bidders for: North Hays County MUD No. 1, Trails at Windy Hill Phase Four & Five “Paving, Drainage, Water & Wastewater Improvements.”

The work shall consist of the following: RCP Drainage Piping, Including Approximately 18”- 54” Pipe, Concrete Box Culverts, Inlets, Headwalls and Appurtenances; Water Piping, Including 8” & 12” PVC Pipe, Valves, and Appurtenances; Gravity Wastewater Piping consisting of 8” PVC Pipe, Manholes, and Appurtenances; Excavation, Embankment and Paving; Water Quality Pond Outfall Structures and Grading; Sedimentation & Erosion Control; and Various Other Site Improvements.

Sealed Bids addressed to the Owner and marked "Bid for North Hays County MUD No. 1, Trails at Windy Hill Phase Four & Five Improvements" will be received until 10:00 AM on Friday, September 11, 2020 at the Project Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78728.

Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 11, 2020 at the Project Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78728.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at the Project Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78728.

Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be examined without charge at the offices of BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78728. Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be obtained without charge from www. civcastusa.com. Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download plans, specifications and bidding documents.

A Cashier’s Check, Certified Check, or acceptable Bidder’s Bond in the amount of five percent (5%) of the Bid must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds will be required as stated in the Contract Documents.

All questions pertaining to the bid must be submitted at least seven (7) calendar days prior to bid opening through www.civcastusa.com in the Q&A portal.

The prices and terms of the bid must be made on the forms included in the Contract Documents.

The Owner may, on its own initiative, issue Addenda before the Bid opening and, if necessary, delay the Bid opening to ensure that bidders have had sufficient time to consider the Addenda. All Addenda issued for this project will only be posted on www.civcastusa. com. You will be notified of Addenda automatically through email if you download Contract Documents via civcastusa.com.

A Bid which, in the opinion of the Owner, deviates significantly from the Contract Documents, and which has not been clarified through a written Addendum prior to Bid submittal deadline, shall be considered an exception to the Contract Documents and grounds for the Bid to be rejected.

Bidders should read and understand all terms and conditions contained in these Contract Documents.

The Owner reserves the right to accept the lowest and best Bid as deemed by the Owner, or reject any and/or all Bids. The Owner may request qualification information including references, bonding, insurance and other information for use in determining the lowest and best Bid. Any bid may be withdrawn prior to the above scheduled time for the opening of the bids or authorized postponement thereof. Any bid received after the time and date specified will not be accepted.

INVITATION TO BID Separate sealed bids addressed to the City of Kyle, ATTENTION: CITY ENGINEER, will be received until 2:00 p.m. on September 28, 2020 at the City of Kyle Public Works Building located at 520 E. RR 150 in Kyle, Texas, 78640 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud by virtual conference, for furnishing all labor, material, tools and equipment and performing all work required for the WINDY HILL ROAD STREET AND DRAINAGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT, including construction of a new 49foot wide roadway, multiple box culverts, grading, drainage improvements, pavement improvements, curb and gutter, pedestrian improvements and signing and marking for approximately 1,970 linear feet of roadway.

Copies of the Specifications and Bid Documents will be on file by September 2, 2020 and made available to: • Builders Exchange, 4047 Naco Perrin, San Antonio, Texas 78217 Complete Contract Documents have also been provided to CivCast USA for immediate download. Please go to http://www.civcastusa.com/. The Project ID is “WindyHillRd-COK”. Prospective Bidders shall address written inquiries through the project’s CivCast website. Hard copies of contract documents are not available. As this project is partially funded with a federal grant through the Texas General Land Office, federally determined prevailing (Davis-Bacon and Related Acts) wage rates will apply. The City of Kyle is an Affirmative/Action Equal Opportunity Employer. Section 3 Residents, Minority Business Enterprises, Small Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are encouraged to participate.

Bidders should carefully examine the plans, specifications, and other documents, visit the site of work, and fully inform themselves as to all conditions and matters which can in any way affect the work or the cost thereof. Should a bidder find discrepancies in, or omissions from, the plans, specifications or other documents, or should be in doubt as to their meaning, bidder should notify the Project Engineer, Zachary Ryan via www. civcastusa.com and obtain clarification prior to submitting any bid, but no later than September 21, 2020. A non-mandatory pre-bid virtual conference will be held on September 9, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Please follow the link to attend the pre-bid conference, https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/1484237480. A link to attend the pre-bid conference will be posted on the City of Kyle website (www.cityofkyle.com) and on www.civcastusa.com.

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS Invitation for Bid for the Well #4 EST Rehabilitation Project The City of Kyle will accept sealed bids for the Well #4 EST Rehabilitation Project until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

Bidders should carefully examine the plans, specifications, and other documents, visit the site of work, and fully inform themselves as to all conditions and matters which can in any way affect the work or the cost thereof. Should a bidder find discrepancies in, or omissions from, the plans, specifications, or other documents, or should be in doubt as to their meaning, bidder should notify the Engineer and obtain clarification prior to submitting any bid, but no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 16, 2020.

Bid/Contract Documents, including Drawings and Technical Specifications will be on file online by September 2, 2020 at: http://www.civcastusa.com/ Copies of the Bid/Contract Documents will also be available at: Builders Exchange, 4047 Naco Perrin, San Antonio, Texas 78217 Sealed proposals addressed to the City of Kyle for the rehabilitation of the Well #4 EST, in accordance with Specifications, and Contract Documents prepared by LJA Engineering, Inc. (Engineer), will be received at the City of Kyle Public Works Department, 520 E. RR 150, Kyle, TX, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, and then publicly opened and read aloud at a virtual conference. Proposals shall be plainly marked with the name and address of the Bidder and the following words: PROPOSAL FOR REHABILITATION OF WELL #4 ELEVATED TANK The virtual conference will be held exclusively online and will be closed to in person attendance. The meeting can be joined through Ring Central Meetings at the following link: https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/1489876972 No fax submissions will be accepted. No late submissions will be accepted. All submissions received after the deadline will be returned unopened.

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS Leon Barba, P.E. City Engineer

INVITATION TO BID Sealed bids addressed to the City of Kyle will be received for BUNTON CREEK INTERCEPTOR PHASE 2.0 until 10.00 a.m. on September 23, 2020, at City of Kyle Public Works Department, 520 E. RR 150, Kyle, TX. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud on 10:00 a.m. September 23, 2020 at City of Kyle Public Works Department.

Bids are invited for several items and quantities of work including: 1. Approximately 5,520 linear feet, 42” PVC Sanitary Sewer Line.

2. Approximately 2,079 linear feet, 36” PVC Sanitary Sewer Line.

3. Eighteen (18) -5’ diameter manholes.

5. Four (4) bores under Plum Creek and Gas Line.

6. Approximately 7,599 linear feet, 12” Reclaimed water line.

Bids must be submitted on the Unit Price Bid Form provided and must be accompanied by a bid security in a penal sum approximately equal to and not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid. The security shall be in the form of a certified check or cashier's check, or bid bond furnished by a reliable surety company having authority under the laws of Texas to write surety bonds in the amount required, with such security made payable without recourse to the City of Kyle. The envelope containing the bid shall indicate clearly on the front that the bid is for: BUNTON CREEK INTERCEPTOR PHASE 2.0 “K20-21.7” The final Notice of Award of Contract shall be given to the successful bidder by the City of Kyle within sixty (60) days following the opening of bids and no bidder may withdraw his bid within sixty (60) days after opening thereof. The successful Bidder must furnish a performance bond and payment bond on the forms provided, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount, from a surety company holding a permit from the State of Texas to act as surety.

State statutes including wage and hour provisions and contract regulations must be adhered to as they relate to this project. Contractors will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations.

Copies of the Specifications and Bid Documents will be on file by August 26, 2020 and made available to: Builders Exchange, 4047 Naco Perrin, San Antonio, Texas 78217 Complete Contract Documents have also been provided to CivCast USA for immediate download. Please go to http://www.civcastusa.com/. The Project ID is “K20-21.7”.

Prospective Bidders shall address written inquiries through the project’s CivCast website. Hard copies of contract documents are not available.

Bidders should carefully examine the plans, specifications and other documents, visit the site of work, and fully inform themselves as to all conditions and matters which can in any way affect the work or the cost thereof. Should a bidder find discrepancies in, or omissions from, the plans, specifications or other documents, or should be in doubt as to their meaning, bidder should notify the Project Manager, Keshav Gnawali via www.civcastusa.com. Obtain clarification prior to submitting any bid, but no later than 5:00 p.m. September 16, 2020. Answer to the questions pertaining to the bid and addendums will be posted on www.civcastusa.com no later than 5:00 p.m. September 17, 2020. Bidder shall be responsible to check the www.civcastusa.com before submitting the bid.

A non-mandatory virtual pre-bid conference will be held on September 3, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Please follow the link to attend the pre-bid conference, https://meetings. ringcentral.com/j/1484237480. A link to attend the meeting will be posted on City of Kyle website (www.cityofkyle.com) and on www.civcastusa.com.

The right is reserved, as the interest of the City of Kyle may require, to reject all bids and to waive any or all informalities in bids received.

Leon Barba, P.E. (City Engineer) City of Kyle

Page 12

NEWS

No Fajitas Here: Kyle halts name change

Restaurants Adapt

Continued from pg. 1

Continued from pg. 1

and eat it and have a beer, am I going to have my dollar beer that I got from the store or a four-dollar beer?” Henry said. “We sell a little bit, but it isn’t anywhere near where we would sell when people could have a few drinks and eat regularly indoors – to sit there and talk, enjoy company. It’s just different times.”

More recently, local efforts to support businesses are in motion, including the implementation of a “Taste of Buda” discount card supplied by the Buda Chamber of Commerce.

The card, when purchased by restaurant goers and

shown at checkout, applies a discount at participating restaurants, food trucks and catering services in Buda from Sept. 14 through Nov. 14.

The city of Wimberley, on the other hand, created an Economic Development Council that aims to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus on businesses and aid in the recovery, replacing its Downtown Improvement Task Force and the Tourism committees.

More broadly across the county, the Emergency Cash Assistance Program fund was designed and passed for small and local

businesses by the Hays County Commissioners Court. The county is poised to distribute $600,000, with $100,000 of the monies coming from the city of Kyle, to respondents on a first-comefirst-serve basis.

Current restaurant guidelines limit indoor spaces in restaurants to 50% and outdoor venues and restaurants with outdoor venues are able to operate without an outdoor capacity limit.

For a list of restaurants to visit, you can view a comprehensive list at the respective city’s chamber of commerce website.

44.6% of the county’s infections have been among Hispanics, 18.3% among non-Hispanic.

Thirty seven percent were “not specified.”

Regarding cases considered “active,” there were 2,884 on Aug. 3 and 2,379 on Aug. 31.

County updates come from numbers reported by the health department. Updates are no longer posted on weekends, meaning Monday statistics include new

cases, deaths, recoveries and hospitalizations that happened over the weekend.

The numbers reflect only Hays County residents, though they may have been hospitalized or died in facilities in other counties. Updates are generally posted ahead of 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Visit www. HaysFreePress.com or www.

HaysNewsDispatch.com for daily updates.

COVID-19 Stats Continued from pg. 1

youngest person to have died of COVID-19 in Hays County was between 40 and 49 years old.

Twenty five of those who have died were San Marcos residents. Next was Kyle with 13 fatalities, Buda with 4, two Mountain City residents, and one death in Wimberley.

At least one positive case has been reported in every Hays County municipality except Hays City and Creedmoor.

Concerning ethnicity,

Emergency Assistance

that the name needs to change.”

Council will reconvene Sept. 1 for a second reading to remove the street name Rebel Drive. An Ad Hoc committee will also be formed to make recommendations for the new street name.

“That committee should comprise a diverse group,” council member Alex Villalobos said. “Business owners, property and landowners off of that area and also across the city as well – just to make sure we have representation to ensure we are seeing everything and we are addressing all the different probabilities of expense.”

Widely spread across social media, public outcry was raised against the city council’s original decision to have Fajita Drive as the new name.

Residents also had the

chance to voice their concerns during a public hearing at the special meeting Aug. 25.

Within the 20 years she has been a member of the community, Kyle resident Jamie Fulenwider said she has never understood the true brand of the city.

“We proclaimed ourselves to be the Pie Capital of Texas even though we only had one pie shop,” Fulenwider said.

“And now we are naming roads and structures Fajita Drive and Fajita Fields. I don’t understand the fascination we have with identifying our city to food items and I’m having a hard time understanding how pie and fajitas connect.”

David Abdel, candidate for mayor of Kyle, said the city council should have involved the public more

Sam is a male, 3-year-old Beagle/Cattle Dog. Sam can be timid when in his kennel and walking on a leash is still pretty foreign to him, but once out in a yard, he comes to life! This adorable boy loves to pal around with his doggy friends and has a blast goofing around in the water.

on the agenda item.

“The will of the people should be consulted at every step of the way and heard before decisions are made not in a restorative way this meeting comes to be,” Abdel said.

“This is damage control.”

While the new street has not been chosen yet, residents can continue to use the Rebel Drive address until then. Kyle City Council will have a regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Sept. 1 that the public will be able to access.

On social media, some had expressed the desire that Hays High School students, who will choose a new mascot to replace the Rebel this fall, should have some input into the process. None of the council members addressed that possibility during the special meeting.

Duchess is a female, 6 1/2-year-old Dilute Tortoiseshell. She is beyond friendly, cuddly, and full of purrs. She even likes her belly scratched! To top it all off, Duchess is an excellent companion for other kitties. She fit right in with her cattery mates and they even take turns grooming each other.

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas

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

Continued from pg. 1

give bonuses and raises to his employees who have been able to return to work. With the repaired equipment, Rangel hopes to hire more workers and start running an additional crew.

“This is a great opportunity to start again,” Rangel said. “If I had not known about this grant, I would not have been able to sustain my business and

Hays Free Press • August 26, 2019

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

create more job opportunities for guys looking for full-time work. This is one of the best things that’s happened to us this year.”

The grants come from a $600,000 fund that got $500,000 from the county and $100,000 from the city of Kyle. The program was initiated by the commissioners court and is administered by the Greater San Marcos Partnership

(GSMP) and PeopleFund.

The fund will provide a grant of up to $10,000 to qualifying small businesses on a first-come, first served basis until Dec. 31, or when funding runs out, whichever is first.

Applications are still being accepted for the ECAP grant fund. Full details about the program can be found at HaysCountyECAP.com.

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

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