SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 VAX FOR KIDS
STUDIO TOUR
Pfizer vaccine soon ready for kids age 5 to 11.
Wimberley Studio Tour and Sale this weekend.
– Page 2
– PAGE 5
Hays Free Press © Barton Publications, Inc.
75¢
HaysFreePress.com
Hays CISD, DSISD kids challenged to destroy property as part of TikTok BY SAHAR CHMAIS What property has been taken down or destroyed in school bathrooms? Air dryers, perhaps paper towel dispensers – and even bathroom signs. These are some examples of how school kids are following a TikTok challenge, which asks kids to destroy items in school bathrooms. In schools across the nation, kids are taking down bathroom doors, destroying mirrors, taking down paper towel dispensers and more. Hays CISD students were not immune from participating in this challenge.
TIKTOK CHALLENGE, 6
Hays gets $400K for veterans services BY SAHAR CHMAIS Two veterans service systems received a combined $400,000 to aid Hays County veterans. Hays County Veterans Office was funded with $100,000, and the Hays County Veterans Treatment Court received $300,000 through the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). The TVC awarded $6.8 million grants to veteran services across Central Texas, with a big-check ceremony held Wednesday, Sept. 15, at the Hays County Government Center.
VETERANS SERVICES, 6
Vol. 127 • No. 26
Serving Hays County, TX
The Public Safety Center will house an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). An EOC will establish a central command station and allow for collaboration with surrounding counties and authorities during critical times, according to city officials.
Public safety center breaks ground in Kyle BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
The Kyle Police Department (KPD) will soon have a brand new Public Safety Center to better serve the city’s explosive growth. The city held a groundbreaking on Friday on the corner of Kohlers Crossing and Marketplace Avenue, the site of the future center. The upcoming two-story, 64,000-square-foot center was part of a $37 million bond package passed during the November 2020 election, and is slated to open in fall 2022. The center will allow KPD to grow over the next 20 years and beyond by expanding its services with space to improve emergency center response times, creating an investigations suite and canine unit, increase officer training, expand community-based programs and mental health services, and more. “We seem to be doing a lot of [groundbreakings] lately,” Mayor Pro
PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
growth, Kyle can either lead, follow or get run over by the future. In this moment, Kyle is choosing to lead. Kyle is leading by feverishly learning how to build the best
“The center will provide better accessibility for the general public, increased response times by being centrally located — no more trains, I promise — and having a modern design with upgraded amenities. It will also help improve the mental and physical health of our police officers.”
PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER, 10
–Robert Rizo, Kyle council member
Kyle officials at the groundbreaking included (l-r): Travis Mitchell, Ashlee Bradshaw, Rick Koch, Michael Tobias, Pedro Hernandez, Jeff Barnett, Tim Griffith, Dex Ellison and Yvonne Flores Cale.
Tem Rick Koch said during the groundbreaking. “Hays County is predicted to be the fastest growing county in Texas for the next 30 years — faster than we want to admit sometimes. In the face of unprecedented
STATE NEWS
Black principal swept into a ‘critical race theory’ maelstrom in a mostly white Texas suburb BY BRIAN LOPEZ TEXASTRIBUNE.ORG
didn’t have and he wouldn’t It was June 3, 2020, let that and James Whitfield couldn’t sleep. He hadn’t go to waste. been able to sleep for At 4:30 the last several days. a.m., he As a Black man, the wrote a deaths of three Black WHITFIELD letter to Americans, George the school community Floyd, Breonna Taylor declaring that systemand Ahmaud Arbery, ic racism is “alive and weighed heavily on his well” and that they mind. Their slayings by needed to work together white people had been to achieve “conciliation dominating the news for our nation.” — sparking once again “Education is the key national conversations to stomping out ignoabout race and racism rance, hate, and sysin the United States. Last summer, protest temic racism,” Whitfield wrote. “It’s a necessary after protest made waves across the nation. conduit to get ‘liberty and justice for all.’” It was no different in Then, the feedback to Texas, and Whitfield, that letter was nothing who had weeks earlier short of spectacular, been named the first Whitfield said. He didn’t Black principal at Colhear a single negative leyville Heritage High comment. He felt there School, couldn’t just sit back. He said he felt like was a consensus in the community. But, a little he had a platform that over a year later, his other Black Americans
HISPANIC HERITAGE September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month.
– PAGE 9
words would backfire. At a July 26 Grapevine-Colleyville ISD school board meeting, Stetson Clark, a former school board candidate at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, would use the letter to accuse Whitfield of teaching and promoting “critical race theory.” At the podium, Clark named Whitfield four times, even though the board asked him not to criticize particular employees. The first time, someone in the audience yelled out, “How about you fire him?” Clark continued to name Whitfield, completely ignoring the rules, and called for the board to fire him. “He is encouraging the disruption and destruction of our district,” Clark said. When his time wrapped up, Clark walked away from the podium to cheers from the audience.
And in the ensuing days, Whitfield found himself at the center of the debate over how race is taught in Texas schools. He received a disciplinary letter from the district a few weeks later and was placed on administrative leave soon after that. On Monday, the school board met and recommended a proposal to not renew Whitfield’s contract for the 2022-2023 school year. Gema Padgett, executive director of human resources for GCISD, said this was recommended because of Whitfield’s evaluations, deficiencies in communications and insubordination. Padgett said Whitfield lied to the media and created division in the community. District officials made clear that the vote was
CRITICAL RACE THEORY, 7
The Hays Free Press Barton Publications, Inc. The Hays Free Press (USPS 361-430) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. ISSN#1087-9323
Expect delays on US 290 West Travelers along US 290 West in Dripping Springs should expect some traffic delays as a realignment project begins on Friday, Sept. 24. Construction of a minor realignment at the intersection of Martin Road and a dedicated right turn lane addition on US 290 West, is a project by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Work will begin on or about Sept. 24 with a targeted completion in the spring of 2022. The right turn lane will include paving, drainage, signing and pavement markings. This addition will allow for more traffic volume to travel through the intersection, reducing travel times and improving safety at the intersec-
DELAYS ON 290, 6
Page 2
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 22, 2021
STATE NEWS
Disaster declaration follows Nicholas Seventeen Southeast Texas counties have been declared disaster areas after Hurricane Nicholas came ashore, dumping more than a foot of rain and cutting off power to a half-million customers in Texas, according to poweroutage.us. That number had been reduced to about 4,200 as of Sunday. Counties included in Gov. Greg Abbott’s declaration are Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, and Victoria. The Texas Department of Insurance has a number of tips for those affected by the storm: · Call your insurance company to report damage. · Take pictures and video of the damage. Don’t throw anything away until your insurance adjuster tells you. · Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage. Remove standing water. Cover broken windows and holes to keep rain out. · Keep a list of the repairs and save receipts. Don’t make permanent repairs before the insurance adjuster sees the damage. For more information from TDI, go to the website, www.tdi.texas.gov/ consumer/storms/homedamaged-faq.html.
HAITIANS FLOOD INTO DEL RIO, PROMPTING BRIDGE CLOSURE Thousands of Haitian refugees fleeing political unrest and a severe earthquake have flooded into Del Rio on the Texas-Mexico border, prompting the city’s mayor to declare an emergency and close the bridge with more than 15,000 migrants crowded
Capital Highlights by Gary Borders
beneath it. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz blamed the situation on President Joe Biden, reported the San Antonio Express-News. Border agents are working to process those who crossed, while the Biden administration on Saturday accelerated flights to deport migrants back to Haiti. Abbott called it a “border crisis” and ordered Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and the Texas National Guard to maintain a presence around ports of entry in an attempt to deter additional entries. Despite the influx of migrants at Del Rio, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said there were 2% fewer overall encounters of migrants along the border in August than July. Abbott backtracked on an order to shut down entry points along the border, which the state does not have the legal power to do, unless granted permission by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, according to the Houston Chronicle. The federal government, not states, has ultimate authority over the country’s borders.
COVID CASES DROP, BUT DEATHS INCREASE The number of new COVID-19 cases in the state decreased about 7% from the previous week, with 111,565 reported by the Coronavirus Resource Center at Johns Hopkins University. However, new deaths were up slightly, with 1,800 reported as of Sunday. The number of lab-confirmed COVID-19 hos-
pitalizations in Texas dropped slightly, with the Texas Department of State Health Services reporting 12,246 inpatients, down 7.8% from the previous week. However, with 3,618 of those hospitalized in intensive-care unit beds, the total number of available staffed adult ICU beds declined to just 277 statewide, with only 86 pediatric ICU beds available in the entire state. The number of Texans who are fully vaccinated continues to creep upward, with 14.46 million reported in the state, according to DSHS. That is 49.6% of the state’s total population.
THIRD SPECIAL SESSION FOCUSES ON REDISTRICTING The Texas Legislature convened Monday for its third special session with the focus on redrawing political boundaries for House and Senate districts, as well as for the state’s congressional seats and for the State Board of Education. Before the session began, proposed state senate districts by Republican leaders drew fire from the other side of the aisle, according to the Texas Tribune. State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston proposed a map that redraws two districts — hers and that of Angela Paxton, R-McKinney, to include comfortable majorities of voters who backed Donald Trump in 2020. Both districts saw voters narrowly favor Joe Biden in the 2020 election. State Sen. Beverly Powell, D-Burleson, said the reconfigured map gives Republicans in her district an unfair advantage. “The proposed State Senate map is a direct assault on the voting rights of minority citizens in Senate
Pfizer vaccine soon ready for kids 5 to 11 years of age BY SAHAR CHMAIS
Kids 5 to 11 years old may soon be eligible for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine after trials showed favorable safety and a robust antibody response, according to Pfizer. The trial for this age group had 2,268 participants who received a lower two-dose regimen than those ages 12 and older. The vaccine was well tolerated, with side effects comparable to participants 16 to 25 years of age, according to Pfizer. Although these elementary-aged kids received 10 micrograms in each vaccine, they developed the same antibody levels that were found in teenagers and young adults who received 30 micrograms. The results of the trial will be submitted to the
It is rare for children to die or develop complications from the virus. As of Sept. 15, there have been 516 deaths among children in the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulators with urgency, said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pfizer, Albert Bourla. Pfizer and BioNTech expect to include the data in a near-term submission for Emergency Use Authorization of the vaccine. “We are eager to extend the protection afforded by the vaccine to this younger population, subject to regulatory authorization,” Bourla said, “especially as we track the spread of the Delta variant and the substantial threat it poses to children.”
It is rare for children to die or develop complications from the virus. As of Sept. 15, there have been 516 deaths among children in the U.S. In Texas, there is a total of 257 pediatric hospitalizations due to the virus, 12 of which are in Trauma Service Area O (TSA-O), covering 11 counties including Hays and Travis. Some parents in Hays CISD and Dripping Springs ISD have removed their children from schools because there are no mask mandates and vaccines are not yet available for their children’s age groups.
District 10 and, if adopted, it would be an act of intentional discrimination,” she said in a statement. Redistricting promises to be a fiercely fought battle, as it is every 10 years.
one of 1,300 Texas species of concern, which are rare or declining and need special efforts to prevent being listed as endangered under state or federal regulations.
UP TO $5 MILLION FOR RURAL HOSPITALS
Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas
Rural hospitals in Texas are set to receive up to $5 million in federal funding to help underserved Texans, the Health and Human Services Commission announced last week. “As we work to address health disparities throughout the state, this funding will help break down barriers to accessing care while connecting rural Texans with health care providers in creative ways and improving overall health outcomes within their communities,” said Trey Wood of the HHSC. The funding is coming from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Texas is one of four recipients of the grants, designed to “address health disparities, improve health outcomes, and meet the unique needs of Texans living in rural areas using telemedicine,” according to HHSC.
BY MEGAN WEHRING
Central Texas McDonald’s restaurants have raised more than $33,228.42 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Parents with children who suffer from a critical illness or injury often need an extra hand. RMHC works to lighten the load for families by providing housing that’s near a hospitalized child, a place to rest in the hospital and complimentary
meals. “We are there to provide their basic necessities of life,” said Becki Russell, Dripping Springs McDonald’s owner and operator. “That could either be at the Ronald McDonald House or it could be in a family room. We have some of those embedded in hospitals across our area. Sometimes it’s just a few steps from the NICU, which a lot of times is where people are that need our assistance.”
Customers can round up their next bill to the nearest dollar amount and the extra goes to the RMHC to help families in need. “Every penny adds up,” Russell said. “I’m always amazed to see how much is collected throughout the year. I just know that all of that goes together, us and other folks in the area, to make up a substantial piece of the budget for our Ronald McDonald House chapter.”
gborders@texaspress.com
Debbie Thames Insurance Agency
AUTO • HOME • LIFE • BOAT • HEALTH
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm 251 N. FM 1626 #2C, Buda, TX 78610 Office: (512) 312-1917 • Fax: 312-0688 dvthames@austin.rr.com
Your Business & Referrals Are Appreciated
HAVING VISION PROBLEMS? IT COULD BE CATARACTS
SPECIALIZING IN:
• Cataract Surgery • Premium IOL Implants • Lasik Surgery • Glaucoma - Medical and Surgical • Macular Degeneration
TEXAS HORNED LIZARD MAKING COMEBACK WITH COALITION’S HELP
Schedule your visit today 512.443.9715 www.HowertonEye.com
A coalition of zoos and wildlife scientists has released into the wild 204 captive-raised hatchlings of the once ubiquitous Texas horned lizard, more commonly known as the horny toad. New evidence indicates that previously released lizards are successfully reproducing, according to a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department news release. The horned lizard is
Three locations to serve you
Kyle Office 5401 FM 1626, Ste 365 Kyle, TX 78640
Southwest Austin Office 5625 Eiger Rd, Ste 100 Austin, TX 78735
Austin Office 2610 S IH-35 Austin, TX 78704
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE Sunfield Municipal Utility District No. 4 (the "District") will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2021 on September 29, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. the following location: 1101 S. Capital of Texas Highway, Suite D110, Austin, Texas 78746. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. The 86th Texas 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. For the proposal: Against the proposal: Absent, not voting:
Reed Coleman, Nichol Peterson-Kros, and Ali Jenkins. None. Carson Fisk and Matt Prewett.
The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.
Total Tax rate (per $100 of value)
2020 Last Year
2021 This Year
N/A Adopted
$0.90/100 Proposed
Difference in rates per $100 of value
$0.90/100
Percentage increase/decrease in rates (+/–)
Local McDonald’s restaurants raise over $33K for charity
journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches and Cedar Park.
N/A
Average appraised residence homestead value
N/A
N/A
General homestead exemptions available
N/A
N/A
Average residence homestead taxable value
N/A
N/A
Tax on average residence homestead
N/A
N/A
(excluding 65 years of age or older or disabled person’s exemptions)
Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/–) and percentage of increase (+/–)
N/A N/A
NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance, and contract tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the voter-approval tax rate under Section 49.23603, Texas Water Code.
Opinion
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We are there to provide their basic necessities of life.” –Becki Russell, Dripping Springs McDonald’s owner and operator. Story on page 2
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 22, 2021
Page 3
‘I’m against it’ Let them eat Kix Hip Czech by Cyndy SlovakBarton
Groucho Marx must have had the ability to see into the future. Maybe he was looking at 2016, maybe 2020, but definitely he could see 2021. You might not be a Groucho fan, but it’s worth watching him sing “I’m Against It.” Because, dang, that song fits our time. What are the lyrics? Read on and laugh a bit. I don’t know what they have to say It makes no difference anyway Whatever it is, I’m against it No matter what it is or who commenced it I’m against it Your proposition may be good But let’s have one thing understood: Whatever it is, I’m against it And even when you’ve changed it or condensed it I’m against it. This song came to mind as I was reading a ProPublica story about a 12-year-old Florida boy whose parents rushed him to a hospital. He was in pain and sat in the ER waiting and waiting. You see, he was having an appendicitis attack. But the ER was full of people – almost all not vaccinated against COVID-19 – who were sick. Yep, you guessed it. This young boy waited and waited. And waited. And, when his pain increased, his mom plead with a nurse for help. The nurse had her hands full and couldn’t help. She just looked around the room and shook her head. Finally, after many hours, his appendix burst. Instead of the routine 24-hour ordeal of a normal appendix operation, he ended up staying 5 days in the hospital (he was rushed to sister hospital), and he was pumped full of antibiotics by the doctors, trying to save him. The young boy lived, and he’s back to normal now, though the bill ended up being $48,000 because of his long stay. And all of this happened because the ER was full of people “against it.” They are against masks; they are against getting vaccinated (for COVID-19); they are just against everything. And, yet, they aren’t against taking up space in the hospital, because health care is the right of everyone. Sure, health care is the right of everyone – whether you take care of yourself or not. But there comes a time when health care is going to be rationed. That started last week in Alaska as hospitals became swamped; doctors were pleading with people to stay home; nurses were trying to give out the free vaccinations But, there are always people who are against it. The Groucho Marx song, as are so many of his movies, actually quite funny. He was the original rebel in that he fought against a staid American society. You get to chuckle along with him. But it’s no laughing matter when ERs around the country – or in our county – are full. It’s not fun to have to sit on the floor of the ER for six hours with your drip line tacked to the wall behind you. (Yes, this happened at a hospital right here in Hays County. You see, the hospital ER was full.) It’s not funny when you have a broken arm or an allergic reaction and have to wait hours to get seen in the ER. It’s not funny to harass people who keep their masks on – not because they are scared but because they know that, just by keeping a mask on, they might keep a virus from hitting them or another person. It’s not fun to get the vaccine. You might have a slight reaction. You might have to actually take time out of your day twice, or maybe three times, to roll up your sleeve. But we should all do this. The vaccines are free, and this is the only way we are going to stop this spread. We want businesses and schools to fully open. We want to have fun again. Heck, we want to go to a theater and watch Groucho Marx without fearing that the cough you hear in the row behind you could be a COVID person. We want to be able to take a grandchild who is too young for the vaccine to a store without fearing for his or her life. Let me just say ... I am NOT against it. I’ve taken the shot. I want you to do so, too. Help us get out of this hell. Take the damn shot.
NEWS TIPS
If you think it’s news, we probably do too! • Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress.com • Mail: 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640
CORRECTIONS
I never parted with a $20 bill faster. It happened at one of my favorite diners. The Western omelet and Diet Coke I often get wasn’t the $11 it had been for as long as I remember. It was $16. That expense, with my tip for the excellent waiter, consumed my entire $20 bill. I feel bad for the diner’s owner. He told me that soaring food costs have been killing his profits for months. He’s been forced to raise his prices, yet he’s making half of what he used to. Why? First, his labor costs are up because there is a shortage of workers and he has to pay them a higher hourly wage or they won’t take the job. And second, because he has to charge higher prices, his customer base is dwindling. As wonderful as a diner breakfast is, more people, getting hit by inflation across the board, are choosing to stay home and eat a bowl of Wheaties or Kix instead. I’m certainly no economist. But I know this:
chips — new and used car prices are ridiculously Guest high. I bought a new Toyota Column Tacoma Off Road truck in by Tom Purcell December of 2019 and it’s done something no other vehicle I’ve bought has inflation stinks. ever done in my life: gone According to one up in value. financial advisor quoted Kelly Blue Book tells in Forbes, there are a few me that my truck with driving factors behind 11,100 miles on it is worth our current spike in pric- $3,000 more than I paid es – high demand and low for it brand new. supply. That is one of the few COVID-19 lockdowns upsides to inflation. caused Americans to Owning property is sit on their money for another. If you have a months but lately they’ve fixed-rate mortgage, but been injecting those dol- the dollar “value” of your lars back into the econohome keeps rising, you my with abandon. at least keep pace with The nearly zero-perinflation. cent mortgage interest But if you are retired, as rates we’ve been enjoying my parents are, and living since March 2020 are on a fixed income, infladriving up the demand tion is an invisible tax for houses – and therefore that nibbles at the buying their sales prices. power of your money. And global supply Your limited dollars chains for many products buy fewer groceries and are all goofed up because other increasingly expenof the pandemic’s disrup- sive basic items you need tions. to sustain yourself. For instance, due to I trust in the efficiency a shortage of vehicles of the many very talented for sale — new vehicles business people in our are being held back by mostly free economy to car makers because of adjust to inflation and a shortage of computer get our markets running
smoothly again. But I don’t trust our government leaders who have been spending recklessly for years and are currently attempting to ram a massive, ridiculous spending bill down our throats that could make high inflation a lasting problem. I fondly remember the Clinton presidency when, for a blip in time, our government actually took in more money than it spent. But since 2001 Presidents Bush ($6 trillion), Obama ($9 trillion) and Trump ($6 trillion) have reversed that trend and added trillions to our total debt. Way too few people in Washington seem to care about our $28 trillion national debt or the inflation they’ve caused. They don’t care a whit about struggling diner owners or cash-strapped patrons who now eat cereal for breakfast. Tom Purcell is an author and humor columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Tom@TomPurcell.com
Threats, insults won’t change vax positions I happen to believe vaccines are a good idea. That’s why I got one. Everyone in my family is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Furthermore, a lot of what I hear as justification for not getting vaccinated is nothing more than kooky talk, based neither in fact nor reality – from the DNA manipulation conspiracy theory to microchip implantation paranoia. By the way, if the government wants to shoot a chip into me so I can be tracked, go right ahead. You’re likely to be very disappointed by what my day-to-day routine reveals. However, legitimate skepticism – and no, not all skepticism is fueled by whacky conspiracy theories – about vaccines is understandable, given the conflicting information we’ve received since the beginning of the pandemic. But anyone who dares express concern about the current policy is labeled a heretic. I wrote a piece a few weeks ago in which I questioned the timing of booster vaccines which, as it turns out, was also questioned by infectious diseases experts and officials at the Food and Drug Administration, two of whom have since resigned. A reader emailed and insisted that by merely raising the issue, I will be responsible for future COVID deaths among the unvaccinated. This sort of either-youagree-with-me-or-you’rea-murderer method of debate makes it a bit difficult to have a reasonable discussion. Worse, it only makes skeptics more skeptical. True, there’s a certain portion of the population that is so dug in at this point that nothing anyone says or any evidence presented will change hearts and minds. But there are others who are legitimately conflicted and confused, due in no
Any erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputation of any person, firm or corporation which may appear in the pages of the Hays Free Press will be corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher.
DEADLINES
Guest Column by Rich Manieri
small part to what our public servants, elected officials and media have been telling them. In his mostly awful and strangely angry speech on vaccine mandates last week, President Biden said, “We’re going to protect vaccinated workers from unvaccinated co-workers.” He had just said that vaccinated Americans face no health risk from the virus. It’s this kind of muddled messaging that only gives more ammunition to the resistant. If I’m one of the 80 million unvaccinated Americans listening to the president, I’m less motivated to run out and get vaccinated than I was before he started talking. A pandemic is a fluid situation. Most reasonable people understand that guidelines and recommendations can change based on updated information. But if the goal is really to motivate unvaccinated Americans to get a least one dose of a vaccine, portraying vaccine skeptics as potential killers or misguided morons is a curious strategy. And the media isn’t helping. Last week, Rolling Stone ran with, and other left-leaning media outlets shared, a story about Oklahoma hospitals being overrun by patients who overdosed on ivermectin, a drug commonly used to treat parasites in animals and, in some cases, in humans, according to the FDA. The drug has also been advocated by vaccine skeptics as a COVID treatment. The problem with the story, which was originally reported by KFOR TV in Oklahoma, is it wasn’t true. The hospitals themselves refuted
• The deadline for display advertising and any contributed news copy is 5 p.m. Friday the week prior to publication. • The deadline for Letters to the Editor and classified word advertising is noon Monday the week of publication, though we encourage readers and advertisers to observe the Friday deadline.
the report. A story such as this only sees the light of day because it wasn’t properly vetted and worse, because those who reported and shared it were predisposed to assume it was – and wanted it to be – true. Just this week, CNN host Don Lemon called unvaccinated people “stupid” and called on the vaccinated to “start shaming them.” Americans generally distrust politicians and the media isn’t far behind. Again, if the goal is to get the unvaccinated to join the rest of us, bogus news stories, divisive rhetoric and “hot takes” from bloviating pundits aren’t going to cut it. Human experience tells us that attempting to legislate behavior only makes the reluctant less likely to cooperate. If you doubt this, try telling your teenage daughter she should dump her boyfriend. You’ll be respon-
sible for the most starcrossed love story since Edward the VIII first asked Wallis Simpson to join him for tea and scones. About 74% of the U.S. population over 12 years of age has received at least one dose of COVID vaccine. Most experts agree that we need to get to around 80% to have some form of herd immunity. If we’re going to get there anytime soon, more education and less scolding would be a good start. And we would do well to remember the “We’re all in this together” pandemic mantra that was popular once upon a time. It seems to me a much better approach than “Get on board or else.” Rich Manieri is a Philadelphia-born journalist and author. He is currently a professor of journalism at Asbury University in Kentucky. manieri2@gmail.com
Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton Reporters Megan Wehring, Sahar Chmais Columnists Bartee Haile, Clint Younts
Proofreaders Jane Kirkham
Marketing Director Tracy Mack
Production Manager
LETTERS GUIDELINES
David White Production Assistant Elizabeth Garcia Office Manager Arlene Monroe Circulation/ Classifieds David White, Arlene Monroe Distribution Kimberlee Griffon
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
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 22, 2021
Jaguars wrangle Cowboys to begin district play STAFF REPORT
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Needing to excel in its first district test of the year Friday, the Johnson Jaguars passed with flying colors. A 415-passing yard, five-touchdown night by quarterback Jesse Medina paced the Jags in a 58-14 win over San Antonio McCollum Cowboys. Johnson led 21-14 at halftime before exploding for 27 unanswered third quarter points to take a commanding 48-14 lead. Medina went 22for-33 for 415 yards
and three touchdowns through the air and 53 yards on 11 carries for two scores on the ground. Jags wide receiver Aiden Rodriguez led all players by rushing for 58 yards on two attempts and finishing with 89 yards on five catches. On defense, the Jags held McCollum to 32 total yards in the game. As a team the Jags amassed 534 total yards of offense. Johnson returns home Friday to host the Lehman Lobos at 7:30 pm at Shelton Stadium.
Wimberley senior Paige Crawford (13) and Head Coach Stephanie Barthels (below with volleyball) and teammates celebrate Crawford’s milestone of 1,000 career digs last Friday night against La Vernia. Crawford had already reached another milestone of 1,000 career kills.
Wimberley’s Crawford reaches another volleyball milestone WIMBERLEY – It was bittersweet, but sweet just the same, for senior Paige Crawford last Friday night as the Lady Texans lost in four sets against a strong nondistrict La Vernia team 11-25, 25-20, 16-25 and 23-25. “Sure, I wish we could have gotten the win tonight,” said Crawford, who previously set a career milestone of 1,000 kills, had
36 service receptions, 17 kills and 17 digs in the game to reach another volleyball career milestone of 1,000 digs. “I’m very grateful for this accomplishment but it could not have been possible without help from teammates and everyone coming together to support each other and that’s what we’re celebrating tonight.”
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III/HAYS CISD
Tennis time
As the fall tennis season rages on, the Lehman Lobos and Hays Hawks came together Sept. 21 for a competitive non-district tilt at the Debbie Cook Tennis Center at Hays High. The contest was ongoing as of press time and we'll provide a final score online. Hays continues regular season play Sept. 28 when they host the Austin Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA). Lehman continues district play Sept. 28 when they travel to play at New Braunfels Canyon.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL UPDATE Lehman LEHMAN VS. HARLANDALE
Sept. 17 Varsity: 14-33 1-3 overall season 0-1 league 6th in district
Hays
HAYS VS. CEDAR RIDGE Sept. 10 Varsity: 13-48 1-2 overall season, 0-0 league Third in District
Johnson
Dripping Springs
D.S. VS. CANYON
Sept. 17 Varsity: 48-45 4-0 overall season, 1-0 league Fourth in district
Wimberley WIMBERLEY VS. FREDERICKSBURG Sept. 17 Varsity: 30-16 3-1 overall season 0-0 league First in District
JOHNSON VS. MCCOLLUM
Lehman burned by Boerne
PHOTOS BY NATHALIE COHETERO
On Sept. 14, the Lehman varsity volleyball team lost its home conference match against Boerne-Champion. Top left is Sr. Sofia Caballero #1. Right is Natalie Simons #22 setting the ball.
Sept. 17 Varsity: 58-14 4-0 overall season 1-0 league First in district
HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL UPDATE Lehman
LEHMAN VS. DRIPPING SPRINGS Sept. 17 Varsity: 0-3 7-25, 11-25, 8-25 1-13 overall season, 0-5 league 8th in district
Hays
Dripping Springs
Sept. 17 Varsity: 3-0 Missing box score 9-24 overall season, 2-1 league Third in District
Sept. 17 Varsity: 3-0 25-7, 25-11, 25-8 23-14 overall season, 5-1 league Second in district
HAYS VS. BOWIE
Johnson
Wimberley
Sept. 14 Varsity: 2-3 17-25, 24-26, 25-22, 2624, 12-15 16-15 overall season, 3-3 league Fourth in district
Sept. 17 Varsity: 1-3 11-25, 25-20, 16-25, 23-25 18-7 overall season, 0-0 league Second in District
JOHNSON VS. TIVY
Lehman loses to Indians
PHOTO BY NATHALIE COHETERO
Lehman loses to Harlandale Indians 14-33 on Sept. 17. Above, cornerback Tanner Duke Johnson tries to defend the goal.
D.S. VS. LEHMAN
WIMBERLEY VS. LAVERNIA
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 22, 2021
Page 5
Jim Ferguson fought to bitter end His fate was already sealed when Gov. James Edward Ferguson rose to speak on Sept. 24, 1917. The defiant defendant aimed his parting shot not at the 28 jurors, whose minds were already made up, nor the hostile gallery but at the people of Texas. “You have decided to remove me from office so that another man can take it. But you have made a political issue which will follow you and which this state will fight over for the next twenty years.” Moments later the senate voted 25-3 to convict Ferguson on ten of the 21 articles of impeachment. To prevent his resurrection, the jury then turned executioner and banned the deposed governor from state office for life. The 43-year-old Bell County banker was the darkest gubernatorial horse imaginable in 1914, when he challenged the machine candidate for the Democratic nomination. Party power brokers snorted at the audacity of the brash newcomer and assured each other that team player Tom Ball would clean his plow at the polls. But Ferguson’s astute analysis of the electorate counted far more than his inexperience. With three out of four Texans living on farms or in small communities, any fool could plainly see the rural vote was the key to success in a statewide contest. Yet, after the decline of the Populist movement at the turn of the century, politicians would not give their country cousins the time of day. James Ferguson, coatand-tie businessman, became “Farmer Jim,” shirtsleeved defender of the downtrodden. Concentrating on the plight of the rural poor, he promised destitute sharecroppers
The senate voted 25-3 to convict Ferguson on ten of the 21 articles of impeachment. To prevent his resurrection, the jury then turned executioner and banned the deposed governor from state office for life.
Texas History by Bartee Haile
immediate relief and a fair shake. Making more than 150 campaign appearances in the countryside compared to only ten in the cities, the spellbinding stump speaker gave hope to the demoralized “little people.” Tom Ball never knew what hit him. A hundred and thirty-three counties went for Ferguson as the novice won 55 percent of the primary turnout. The November 1914 general election was the usual cakewalk for the designated Democrat. The new governor kept his promise to the sharecroppers by pushing the Tenant Law through the legislature. That the reform was struck down in the courts did not make a dime’s worth of difference to the Ferguson faithful, who also applauded the generous pardon policy that sent sanctimonious city folks through the roof. Ferguson was feeling his oats after winning reelection in 1916. Against the advice of his closest counselors, he picked a quarrel with the most potent lobby in the state – the herd of Longhorn alums. His denunciation of the University of Texas as a tax-supported elitist enclave struck a sympathetic chord with his constituents, most of whom had been forced by economic necessity to drop out of school at an early age. Although Ferguson’s attack did contain an anti-intellectual undercurrent, he was motivated by more than mere contempt for academia. The issue
Gov. James E. Ferguson
was grass-roots education. “The state is spending $272 a year on the university student,” he explained, “and only $7.50 on the children in the little red schoolhouse.” His veto of the university appropriation brought the matter to a head. Will Hogg, son of the popular ex-governor and leader of the influential Ex-Students Association, launched
the crusade to chastise Ferguson. When the prohibitionists jumped on the impeachment bandwagon, the tide turned against the combative incumbent. His subsequent refusal to identify the brewers lobby as the source of a six-figure secret loan doomed him in the senate. Two months after his removal, Ferguson introduced the weekly newspaper that would carry his message for the next 18 years. Blazoned across the masthead of the Ferguson Forum were the twin pillars of his philosophy: “Agin High Rents” and “Agin High Taxes.”
The ex-governor tested the political waters less than year later by running against his replacement in the Democratic primary. William P. Hobby beat him by more than two to one, but 217,000 supporters cast their ballots for the banished maverick. Following an independent bid for the presidency in 1920 and a U.S. Senate race in 1922, his foes again wrote off Ferguson. But he bounced back in 1924 with the tongue-in-cheek offer of “two governors for the price of one.” Miriam was the official standard bearer in the husband-and-wife team’s bruising battle with the Ku
Klux Klan. The Fergusons won that confrontation, which ripped the sheets from the white supremacists and earned “Ma” a place in the history books. Miriam Ferguson returned for a second term in 1932 after back-to-back defeats in 1926 and 1930. She tried again in 1940 but was buried in the W. Lee “Pappy” O’Daniel avalanche. Fergusonism had finally run out of steam. Today the Fergusons are ridiculed as the Ma and Pa Kettle of twentieth-century Texas politics. But to the impoverished and powerless, whose cause he consistently championed, Farmer Jim was the only politician who ever seemed to care about them. Bartee welcomes your comments and questions at barteehaile@gmail.com or P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393 and invites you to visit his web site barteehaile.com.
The Texas Crossword and Sudoku Puzzle DeMasters - Daniel Insurance Agency, Inc. Serving Hays County since 1983 “Call us for all of your insurance needs” Angie Dahl
Wimberley: 512-847-5549 or 512-847-9325 Dripping Springs: 512-858-4608
2021 Wimberley Studio Tour and Sale this weekend SUBMITTED REPORT
see original work from 27 artists. Featured in Seven artists will be the open studios will be opening the doors to potters, painters, jewelry their creative inner sanc- artists, photographers, tums as part of the Wim- leather artists and mixed berley Valley Art League’s media artists. annual studio tour from Come discover local 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturartistic talent, and learn day and 10 am. to 4 p.m. about the inspiration, Sunday. process, tools and techHill Country artists niques of various artists. will welcome visitors into The tour is self-guided, their private studios to and free of charge. A copy experience their art and of the map is available their creative spaces. at WimberleyvalleyarOpening their stutleague.org or at the dios this year are Clare Wimberley Visitors CenPousson, Lilli Pell, Mary ter or Art on 12 Gallery. Owens, Trisha McWaArtists will post their ters, Jan Fitzhugh, Nancy own mask policies, so Elliott and Celia Clowe. please be respectful of With guest artists in their wishes while visitsome studios, visitors will ing their spaces.
Sudoku puzzle courtesy of www.4puz.com
DSHS teacher is finalist for Teaching Excellence Award BY MEGAN WEHRING
Award recognizes teachers in the Austin DRIPPING SPRINGS area who demonstrate — Dripping Springs High instructional expertise, School (DSHS) teacher classroom innovation, the Kristina Vannoy ability to cultivate was selected students’ love as one of five of learning and finalists for the critical thinking, Greater Austin expand their own 2021 Teaching knowledge in the Excellence Award. liberal arts and Vannoy is sciences and share in her seventh their classroom year at DSHS, success. currently teaching VANNOY The winning Pre-Calculus, teacher will be University of Texas announced in OnRamps Pre-Calculus October and will receive and PALS (Peer Assistance an award of $2,500; the Leadership). She is in her winner’s school will also 20th year of education receive $500 to be spent overall. on a project directed by The Teaching Excellence the teacher.
See solutions on page 6
Page 6
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 22, 2021
Hays could purchase classroom air purifiers
TikTok Challenge Continued from pg. 1
Secondary, middle and high school kids have been participating in what is dubbed as the “devious lick challenge.” School Resource Officers (SRO) are working on identifying offenders and investigating the cases, said Jeri Skrocki, director of safety and security at HCISD.
There have been no detentions done up to this point, Skrocki said. So far, there is no exact number of incidents, campus locations, or financial loss total – “the information is still being tabulated,” Skrocki added. “Our hope is that we can catch and stop this
criminal behavior before it gets more out of hand,” Skrocki told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. TikTok began removing content connected to this challenge. When searching for the “devious lick challenge,” viewers now receive a “no results found” message.
the addition of turn lanes and a signal is a vast improvement, it’s just a start. We are committed to working with TxDOT to ensure folks feel safe on our roadways in Hays County.” The project is valued at nearly $1.4 million. Funds
are provided through the 2016 voter-approved Hays County Road Bonds program. For questions about the project, contact Hays County Transportation at 512-560-7734, or email winton.porterfield@ co.hays.tx.us.
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Parents, students, teachers and school board members have gone back and forth regarding masks in schools for weeks – but there might be an extra layer of safety coming to classrooms that will satisfy everyone. During their board meeting Monday, Hays CISD board members discussed purchasing air purifying equipment for classrooms across the district. HCISD Chief Operational Officer Max Cleaver presented the board with information regarding the potential Novaerus NV900W air purifiers. Novaerus has been in the medical field for around 10 years and has a patent for air cleaning NanoStrike technology. The purifiers are roughly the size of a gaming console and mount on the wall. They purify the air every 45 minutes using “capture and kill” technology that kills airborne contaminants in spaces up to 1,200 square feet, the size of an average classroom. Additionally, each unit comes with a seven-year warranty. Cleaver said that the device is 99.99% effective in killing COVID-19.
Delays on 290 Continued from pg. 1
tion, according to Hays County. “This project will alleviate some of the traffic that tends to back up in the area and vastly improve the safety at a key intersection on US 290,” said Commissioner Walt Smith, Pct. 4. “While
Veterans Services Continued from pg. 1
“Two words that should never belong in the same sentence: homeless and veteran,” said Jude Prather, Hays County Veteran Service Officer. “This is helping prevent veterans from ending up in the streets.” The county’s veteran office helps veterans, dependents and surviving spouses with rent, mortgage and utility bills. Recently, the program began paying for car insurance and car payments so veterans can get to their jobs, and cell phone bills and internet bills so veterans can stay connected, said Cheryl Robinson, case manager at the veterans office. “We have homeless veterans that walk into our office weekly,” Robinson said, “and that way we’re able to link them up with other resources, or if we can’t help them, we’ll find someone that can.” The Hays County Veterans Office aids 70 veterans a year, Robinson added. The $300,000 portion of the grant will help fund the system that diverts veteran defendants,
typically charged with misdemeanor criminal offenses, from traditional or specialty courts to a specialized criminal court docket specifically created for them. The court tends to their unique cultures, attributes and needs. The Veterans Treatment Court is a 12 to 24 month three-phased treatment court that promotes sobriety, recovery and stability. “Almost all of the services we provide will be funded by this grant,” said County Court-at-Law No. 2 Judge Chris Johnson. “... we enjoy a very high success rate because we’re able to partner with private service providers to provide the kind of treatment that the veterans need in my court.” At times, it may be halfway through the program that they can figure out what services are really needed, Johnson said. The money helps fund private service providers, such as one-on-one sessions with psychologists and psychiatrists. Providers are available 24/7, giving rapid, flexible and
Buda, Texas • 15300 S. IH-35 • 312-1615
Debbie Thames, Agent 251 N. FM 1626, Bldg. 2, Ste. C, Buda, Texas 78610 312-1917
Sudoku Solution
immediate care, Johnson added. Veterans can request help from the Veterans Administration (VA), which is a more regimented and rigid system because it has to be, Johnson said, but it just will not have the same flexibility and immediacy. The $300,000 will be able to get the court through the end of the year, according to Johnson.
512-858-5159
401 E. Hwy 290W. P.O. Box 1243 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
CHURCH OF CHRIST
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda
Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770
Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle
BAPTIST
Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda
The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda
EPISCOPAL
Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda
First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda
Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626 Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W. CATHOLIC Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda
Texas Crossword, from page 5
Texas hometown friendly bank
Come worship with us
Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor
Texas Crossword Solution
request of board member Esperanza Orosco, Cleaver said he will check that early learning centers (ELC) are covered as well, as they were not listed. Cleaver said he expects around 500 hours needed to install the units, and that the goal is for the district to pay HCISD maintenance workers overtime instead of comp time to assist with the installation. Board member Merideth Keller said that while she was shocked by the cost, she acknowledged that the technology is more economical and in the long term would be better than purchasing air purifiers that require costly HEPA filters. “What it doesn’t look like is a backorder on filters or spending millions of dollars on electricity,” Cleaver also noted. “[The units] look like a replacement cycle for computers, but we’re only replacing those that break, which will be 5% or less. When they’re mounted on the wall where they’re not touched and bumped, they will last longer.” The board will vote on whether or not to purchase the equipment during its Sept. 27 meeting.
We proudly support our hometown talent
Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle
Sudoku Puzzle, from page 5
But the cost of these air purifiers is not cheap – the district is looking at a $4.1 million price tag. Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright said the district has allocated two-thirds of the district’s Elementary and Secondary Emergency relief (ESSER) funds and reserved one-third as unallocated. The administration decided that in order to purchase the purifiers, it would use the unallocated funds from this year, plus cut year #2 intervention services. “We approved 25 interventionists this year and we would cut those positions for year two,” Wright said. “With the unallocated funds, we would couple that money together in order to afford this.” Cleaver said that the district would receive 1,760 units, allowing for some extra units if needed, and can expect a three-day delivery. In addition to each classroom receiving a unit, nurses offices, reception areas, art rooms, music rooms, gyms, cafeterias, libraries and athletic rooms will have units. Cleaver confirmed that while not explicitly listed, other ‘specials’ rooms, such as technology and STEM rooms, will receive a unit. At the
St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca LUTHERAN Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca Resurrection Church, CLBA 401 FM 967, Buda St. John Lutheran Church 9865 Camino Real, Uhland The Well Buda Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda
Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda
Spring Water! Privately owned From local springs FREE DELIVERY 1ST 20 GAL. FREE
Vertical Chapel 400 Old Post Road, Kyle A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle
Friendly, Courteous Service
Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle
Call 1-866-691-2369
Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda
BUDA
Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle
DRUG STORE
203 Railroad Street Downtown Buda Pharmacy 312-2111 Fountain 312-2172
PENTECOSTAL Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle
Journey United Methodist 216 Kirkham Circle, Kyle
CHRISTIAN
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor
New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda
Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca
St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca
Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle
Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170
First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666
New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd. PRESBYTERIAN
First Baptist Church
A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161 Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m. Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m.
www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626
Pure Texas
New Covenant Community Church 1019 Main Street, Buda (in Dance Unlimited)
St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland
Adult (including an 8:30 a.m. early bird class), teen, children’s classes * Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school
Providing you with your most important local news for Kyle, Buda and surrounding communities
Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda
Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle
9:30 a.m. Classic Service 10:45 a.m. Contemporary service
Hays Free Press
Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle
St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle
Baptist Church
Like us on Facebook
Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald
METHODIST
Hays Hills
TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP
Nursery Provided
www.firstbaptistbuda.com • fbcbuda@austin.rr.com
Your Hometown McDonald’s
McDonald’s of Buda 15359 IH-35, Ste. B • P.O. Box 1364, Buda, TX 78610
512-312-2383
Locally owned and operated by Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson
Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM
Sunday Morning
11:00 AM
Sunday Worship
5:45 PM
Wednesday Meal
6:30 PM
Wed TouchPoint SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries
A Family of Faith... www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org
(512) 894-0480
4000 E. HWY 290
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 22, 2021
Page 7
Critical Race Theory Continued from pg. 1
the first in a two-step process. Now, the board will hold a hearing so Whitfield can present his case in front of the district. After that, the board will vote on whether to renew his contract for the next school year. Before the board made its Monday decision, 35 people made public comments to the board — all
of which were in favor of reinstating Whitfield as principal. And Whitfield himself spoke before board members went behind closed doors to decide his fate. The 43-year-old asked for an explanation from the school board. He said he felt as though attitudes toward him changed after he was accused of
teaching the controversial discipline on July 26. “The attacks from people outside is one thing but the outright silence and direct actions taken towards me by the GCISD leadership team are absolutely heartbreaking,” Whitfield said. In their comments, district residents said Whitfield is a great principal,
accused the board of succumbing to racist rhetoric and criticized the district for not being transparent about the principal’s case. Beverly Mavis, a 28-year resident of GCISD, said in her experience, this has been the community’s lowest point, calling the events of the past two months a “witch hunt,” she said.
“That hatred, divisiveness and bigotry have no place in GCISD,” Mavis said. “Choose to support decency, diversity, inclusiveness and reinstate Dr. Whitfield.” For some advocates and experts, Whitfield has become an example of what could happen to educators who try to address issues of racism or in-
equality in the classroom, especially now that Texas lawmakers have passed a new law targeting what they say is critical race theory. This story was edited for length. See the full story at https://www.texastribune.org/2021/09/18/ colleyville-principal-critical-race-theory/
OBITUARY POEHL
Avery and Allison Stanaland and they will always Kencherish their memories neth Dean with him. He is also surPoehl, of vived by his beloved mothDripping er Barbara Reinhardt, and Springs, two sisters Cindy Nehring passed and Debi Miller and their away families. He’s preceded peacefully on Thursday, in death by his fathers September 16, 2021, at the Kenneth Poehl and Elmer age of 67 years, to live with (Butch) Reinhardt. his Heavenly Father. He is Kenny was born on survived by his wife, Ann, October 23, 1953, in Austin whom he was married to to Kenneth Poehl and Barfor 43 years as of Septembara Reinhardt. He spent ber 16. Additionally, he is his years growing up with survived by his two daugh- a baseball bat always in ters Amy Stanaland and his hand and a fishing rod Heather Rios and their in the other. Oh, how he husbands Clayton Stanaloved both sports. Kenny’s land and George Rios. greatest joys in life were He deeply loved his three spent outdoors with famgranddaughters, Abigail, ily and friends. He was an
avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing in bass clubs, deer and bird hunting, and did not miss his grandkids’ softball practices, lessons and games for anything. He also took great pride in caring for his lawn, garden and fruit trees and always shared the produce with family. Kenny, his wife and family enjoyed traveling adventures. They enjoyed fishing on local lakes and traveling to Colorado - all to get that “big” fish. Their most treasured adventure was on a cruise ship up the Alaskan Inside Passage with best of friends. Providing for his family was of utmost importance to Kenny. He was a dil-
igent, hard worker who prided himself in quality workmanship and getting the job done. Kenny will be remembered for how deeply he loved and was loved by his family and friends. His ability to take charge of life and get things done will live on in his wife, daughters, and grandchildren for all the years to come. Visitation was Sept. 21 at Harrell Funeral Home. Funeral Services were Sept. 22 at Harrell Funeral Home. Burial followed at Phillips Cemetery in Dripping Springs. Condolences may be sent to: www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.
Service Directory Computer Help
Air Conditioning
Nemec HeatiNg & air
“Proudly Serving Central Texas”
Residential • Commercial • After Hours Available Email: Chris@nemecheatingandair.com O. 512-312-9081 • C. 512-789-5132 Buda, Texas 78610 • TACLA 34861C
Consulting Setup Training Backups Upgrades
Computer Systems Software Development Networking Technical Systems Maintenance
Rick-Rob Trucking
Component Selection Digital Photos System & Process Docs Website Maintenance CD/DVD Duplication
Rick-Rob.com robinnds@aol.com
Want help selecting the best value? Office systems not maintained? Did your kids or employees leave your computer useless?
512-858-7952
mike@haystech.com
Legal Services
Financial Planning Financial Planning
Attorneys and Counselors At Law
Zachary Barton
Zachary Barton 512-686-7589 512-686-7589 107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
Loam • Topsoil • Sand • Gravel • Roadbase Asphalt Millings • Granite • Compost Mix Tractor Work Available Specializing in Country Driveways
Professional Office Home and RV Service in north Hays Co.
cHris Nemec
Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Investment Planning Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Investment Planning
Dirt Cheap
130 Hall Professional Center, Kyle, TX 78640
512-268-6425
Plumbing
P
BUSINESS LAW/ WILLS/TRUSTS/ PROBATE/FAMILY LAW/DIVORCE/ CUSTODY/ CONSUMER LAW/ DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES ACT/ PROPERTY LAW/ LANDLORD-TENANT LAW/PERSONAL INJURY/DWI/ CRIMINAL DEFENSE/ DEBT/DEFENSE/ GENERAL CIVIL LITIGATION
rince
Plumbing Company
• Residential Repair Specialist • Remodeling & Water Heaters • Sewer Cleaning & Replacements • Slab & Gas Leak Repair • BBB Member
312-0710 MC • Visa
Pool Service
For all the latest news in Hays County, visit
The only call you need to make
www.HaysFreePress.com
TICL #629
G&S
Serving S. Austin, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle and Buda since 1994.
or www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Pool and Spa Service
To subscribe call 512-268-7862 or email paper@haysfreepress.com
www.gspoolspa.com
Over 10 years of experience Keith Miller, owner
One Time & Weekly Cleanings Drain & Cleans Pressure Washing Full Service Repairs HIGH TIDE Enterprises andPOOL SERVICE Pool Replastering
512-965-3465
Septic Services
Remodeling & Repairs
Septic Services
Wild West Remodeling
ALL AMERICAN SEPTIC SOLUTIONS, LLC
O Painting O Tile O Siding O Decks O Trim O Door & Window Replacement O Drywall Repair O Custom Cabinets O Patio Covers O Electrical & Plumbing
Locally serving our community since 1982.
Septic Problems... LET US HELP!
www.ALLSEPTICCHECK.com
Septic Repair & Installation Specialist
Curtis Dorsett 512-402-4704
“No Job Too Small or Too Big”
Septic Tank Pumping & Servicing
Tank Lid Replacements & Tank Refurbishing
Aerobic System Servicing
Septic Inspections & Consulting
Aerobic Licensed Maintenance Provider
Fully Licensed & Insured For Your Protection
Hydrojetting & Pump Replacements
Septic Systems ENTERPRISES, INC. SELLMAN
Shoe Repair
(512)
312-0002 Septic Pumping Serving the Hays including Blanco, Serving the Metro Haysarea, Metro area,Travis, including Bastrop, Williamson & surrounding counties.
www.SellmanSepticServices.com
• Boot Experts • Purse Repair • Belt Repair • Luggage Repair • Shoe Care Products
282-3889
COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
Tree Service
Lees Trees
38 years experience in the hill country Firewood • Pruning • Removal • Chipping
Planting • Cedar Posts • Bulk Mulch SELLMAN AustinShoeHospital.com ENTERPRISES, INC. SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, INC. Free Assessments & Estimates • Insured 512-312-0002 Commercial & Residential 10 Locations in Central Texas including:
312-0002 312-0002 (512)
SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, ENTERPRISES, INC. INC. SELLMAN
Septic Services Septic Services (512)
SEPTIC PUMPING • CLEANING REPAIRS • COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL
Travis, Blanco, Bastrop, Williamson www.SellmanSepticServices.com & surrounding counties.
512-326-4695
(512)
Pool Service
HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE.COM
• 40 yrs. Experience • Family Owned • Family Operated • Backflow Testing and Devices
Serving Hays County since 1990
Newspaper
and large like king out. FREE ESTIMATES e number. HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE@YAHOO.COM
#M14369
10locations locations in in Central 10 Central Texas Texas,including: including: 1911 Manchaca • 512-440-8788 3932Ben RR White 620 S.and in Bee Caves Rd • 512-263-4630 316 Round Rock Ave. Round Rock 512-244-9124 12119 and Nutty • 512-827-3398 1911 W W. Hwy Ben 290 White Blvd. in Brown Austin Rd • 512-440-8788 306WSouth Park 6781 HwyBell 290 in Hill- •512-219-8387 512-288-6386 Bee Caves Rd.Cedar in Oak Westlake • 512-329-8104 SEPTIC PUMPING 3300 • CLEANING
8211 Burnet Rd. Austin - 512-453-1961 REPAIRS • COMMERCIAL SEPTIC PUMPING • CLEANING & RESIDENTIAL REPAIRS • COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, INC. Serving the Hays Metro area, including Travis, Blanco, SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, INC. Bastrop, Williamson & surrounding counties.
SELLMAN ENTERPRISES, INC.
MARCUS LEES (512) 858-4018 leestreestexas@gmail.com
Page 8
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 22, 2021
Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of David Louis Kerstein, Deceased, were issued on September 14, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0246P, pending in the County Court of Hays County, Texas to Colleen Ann Kerstein, as Independent Executor. Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the Estate addressed as follows: Representative, Estate of David Louis Kerstein, Deceased c/o Walter C. Guebert 12017 Rayo de Luna Lane Austin, Texas 78732 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. DATED this 20th day of September 2021. WALTER C. GUEBERT, P.C. By: Walter C. Guebert
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
On September 8, 2021, Michel Krevenas was issued Letters of Independent Administration for the Estate of Heather Haynes Harris, Deceased, in Cause No. 21-0280-P pending in the County Court at Law No. 1 of Hays County, Texas. The address of Michel Krevenas, Independent Administrator, is c/o Claire D. East, Hopper Mikeska, PLLC, Barton Oaks Plaza II, Suite 570, 901 South MoPac Expressway, Austin, Texas 78746, and all persons having claims against this estate are required to present them to such address in the manner and time required by law. Michel Krevenas, Independent Administrator of the Estate of Heather Haynes Harris, Deceased By: Claire D. East, Attorney for the Independent Administrator, Michel Krevenas
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Pursuant to Chapter 308 of the Texas Estates Code, notice is hereby given that original Letters of Independent Administration for the Estate of Tanya Lynn Guida, Deceased, were issued on September 1, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0273P, pending in County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas, to: Scott Michael Guida. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned before the 121st day after the date of the receipt of the notice or such claim may be barred. c/o: Drea Haire Attorney at Law 1307 Nueces Street Austin, TX 78701 DATED the 17th day of September, 2021. Lefkowitz & Haire, PLLC /s/ Drea B. Haire State Bar No. 24076959 1307 Nueces Street Austin, TX 78701 Telephone: (512) 543-1622 Fax: (512) 682-1918 Email: info@aldhlaw.com Attorney for Scott Michael Guida
withdraw any from the sale Unit #279 – M. Urrutia – furniture, décor, sleeping Storagetreasures.com. at any time. washer, dryer, furniture, bed bag, tent, Christmas tree Units: Buddy MearsDate: October 2, 2021 frame Unit #450 – R. furniture, baby items, (Saturday) Unit #293 – J. Yabarra Pacheco – west elm light boxes. Roger Terry-concrete River Road Self Storage – armor good condition, fixtures, Sonma furniture, working tool. Liz Smithwishes to avail themselves mattress, box spring bed frames, artwork, piano, furniture, light of the Texas Provision of Unit #304 – S. Lewis – headboards, tables, chairs equipment, auto ramps. Chapter 59 of the Texas furniture, space heater, bb Earl Madden-furniture, Property Code. This sale is gun, vintage items Notice of Sale boxes, mattress, leather listed below. Unit #324 – E. Montana – Notice of Landlord’s Lien chairs. Terms and conditions Time: 9:00a.m. clothes, jewelry, home décor sale. Arches Self Storage, are at Storagetreasures. Location: 880 River Road, Unit #333 – J. Russup – 3975 Hwy 290 E, Dripping com. Auction is online at San Marcos, Texas 78666 tv, costume jewelry, clothes, Springs, TX, 78620. All sales Storagetreasures.com. Unit #051 – C. Watts – totes, crafting supplies are to satisfy the Landlord’s tool box, furniture, fans, Unit # 419 – M. Macis – Lien. Auction closes at mirrors, fishing stuff, boxes dresser, 3 dozen tires 3:30 PM September 29, Unit #068 – M. Ybarra – Unit #425 – F. Serna – 2021. Auction is held at PUBLIC NOTICES, 9 tires with rims, box spring, mattress Unit #154 – C. Tuiasosupo INVITATION FOR BIDS – box spring, dresser, bed CBD No. 5183 frame, speaker Unit #169 – M. Santibanez This Invitation for Bids is for the constructions of CALITERRA PHASE 4 SECTION 12. – rod iron furniture, artwork, The work generally consists of Streets, Drainage, Water, Wastewater and Erosion Contotes, wicker furniture trol Improvements (the “Project”). Sealed Bids should be addressed to Development Unit #184 – R. Tijerina – Solutions CAT, LLC, (“Owner”), on behalf of the Hays County Development District No. microwave, end tables, 2 1 (“District”). Attn: Greg Rich, 12222 Merit Drive, Suite 1020, Dallas, Texas 75251. Bids complete strut assembly will be received at the office of the Project Engineer, Brett Pasquarella, P.E., Carlson, 172220 Brigance & Doering, Inc. (CBD, Inc.), 5501 W. William Cannon Dr., Austin, TX 78749 until Unit #185 – P. Gutierrez – 2:00 p.m. on the date of Thursday, October 28, 2021 at which time the proposals will crib, Christmas décor EXHIBIT DR Horton-City of Niederwald be publicly opened andETJ read aloud. Any proposals received after the closing time will be UnitA #193 – L. Alonzo 378.572 Acres returned unopened. – speaker, heater, kitchen Job No. 8008-00 Bid documents for this project will be available for purchase from the office of the stuff, totes, bookshelf Project Engineer-CBD, Inc. A non-refundable purchase fee of $125.00 will be charged. Unit #198 – J. Quintero – METES & BOUNDS DESCRIPTION The link will contain CAD files, pdf set of plans and bid documents. Make checks paykid bed, boxes, fishing pole, space heater, mattress able to Carlson, Brigance and Doering, Inc. Bid documents may be viewed at the office FIELD NOTES FOR A 378.572 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF THE Z. HINTON SURVEY Unit #202 – S. of CBD by scheduling a time with Cynthia Litton cynthia@cbdeng.com. NUMBER 4, ABSTRACT 219 AND THE NEILL McLEAN SURVEY NUMBER 164, Souvannaphong – kidsTEXAS; stuff, BEING A PORTION All questions, clarifications and requests regarding the project must be received in 326, HAYS COUNTY, OF THE CALLED 793.3 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE ABSTRACT ACRE TRACT OF LAND AS CONVEYED TOwriting KY-TEX via PROPERTIES, totes, sectional couch email to INC. BrettBYPasquarella at brettp@cbdeng.com and Keith Gallagher at Chapter 59 Texas INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN VOLUME 185, PAGE 391 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF Unit #243 – A. HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, SAID 793.3 ACRE TRACTkgallagher@cbdeng.com AS DESCRIBED BY INSTRUMENTand received no later than 12:00 p.m., October 25, 2021. Any Property Code. River Road Heysquierdo – sectional, RECORDED IN VOLUME 144, PAGE 27, DEED RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS; requests received after said time and date will not be addressed. Self Storage will conduct a AND A PORTION OF THE CALLED 20l .80 ACRE TRACT OF LAND AS CONVEYED TO dresser A Mandatory Pre-Bid KY-TEX PROPERTIES, INC. BY WARRANTY DEED RECORDED IN VOLUME 263, PAGE 545Conference will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October Public Sale to the highest Unit #265 – M.OFMartinez OF THE DEED RECORDS HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, 201.80 ACRE TRACT 6, SAID 2021 at CBD, Inc.,AS 5501 W. William Cannon Dr., Austin, TX 78749. The Pre-Qualificabidder for cash on their DESCRIBED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN VOLUME 247, PAGE 512 OF THE DEED – suitcases, leather jacket, tionACRE Statement included in the proposal packet and as required by Hays County Develpremises. This sale is being RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS; SAID 378.572 TRACT OF LAND BEING camping chair MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDSDistrict AS FOLLOWS: opment No. 1 shall be completed in its entirety and submitted as part of the listed below. Unit #272 – A. Green – The company reserves the BEGINNING at a 1/2-inch iron rod with cap stamped "BGEproposal. Any proposal lacking the Pre-Qualification Statement will not be considered. INC'' set at the intersection of the tv’s, stroller, kid stuff, home right to reject any bid and A Cashier’s Check, southerly right-of-way line of County Road 107 (Satterwhite Road) with the westerly right-of-Certified Check or Bid Bond payable to the “Owner” and “District” décor, baby stuff way line of County Road 120 (Williamson Road), at an exterior of said 793.3 tract, in ancorner amount not acre less than 5% of the total bid must accompany each Bid as a guarantee for the most easterly corner and POINT OF BEGINNING of the herein described tract; that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will within 10 days of the award of the contract, THENCE with the occupied westerly right-of-way line of enter said County Road generally and as into a 120, contract furnish 13) anTHENCE, acceptable and Payment Bond in the N 70°05'33"Performance E, a distance of 172.76 feet to a calculated point; LEGAL NOTICE fenced, the following five (5) courses: amount of 100% of the Contract price. The Bidder’s surety will be forfeited and become THENCE, N 73°50'33" E, a distance of 172.76 feet. to a calculated point; An application is being made the W aTexas distance of 747.13 feet to a 1/2-inch rod with cap l) Swith 42°41'56" theiron property ofstamped the Owner should14)the bidder fail to enter into a contract and furnish "BGE INC" set at an angle point; 15) THENCE, 77°35'33"after E, a distance of 172.76 feet tocontract. a calculated point; bonds acceptable to the Owner within 10N days award of the Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and No shall be withdrawn for a period of 90 days after the opening of the bids. ironproposals rod with cap stamped 2) S 43°38'34" W a distance of 651.37 feet to a l /2-inch 16) THENCE, N 81°16'46" E, a distance of 194.92 feet to a calculated point; Beer Retailer’s Permit with a"BGE Food INC" and set at anBeverage angle point; The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Bids and to waive all defects and irreg17) THENCE, N 82°05'45" E, a distance of 189.66 feet to a calculated point; ularities in bidding. iron rod with cap stamped The Successful Bidder, if any, will be the responsible Bidder which 3) S 42°59'55" W a distance Certificate by University Food Services, Inc.of 399.54 d/b/afeet to a 1/2-inch "BGE INC" set at an angle point; 18) THENCE, N 43°22'32" E, a distance of 268.57 feet toand a calculated point;in the best in the Owner’s judgment will be most advantageous to the District result University Food Services, Inc. located at 614 N. andironmost economical completion19)of the Project. THENCE, N 43°22'31" E, a distance of 111.62 feet to a calculated point; 4) S 43°28'42" W a distance of l,198.91 feet to a 1/2-inch rod with cap stamped Guadalupe Street, Suite 102-103, San Marcos, "BGE INC" set for an angle point of the herein described tract; and A Maintenance Bond will be required and is to remain in force for a period set by the THENCE, N 43°22'32" E, a distance of 471.66 feet to a calculated point; governing requirements from the20)date of the letter of final acceptance from Hays County, Hays County, TX 78666. Officers ofWsaid corpora5) S 43°25'43" a distance of 302.52 feet to a 1/2-inch iron rod found at the most 13) THENCE, N 70°05'33" E, a distance of 172.76 feet to a calculated point; 21)THENCE, N 43°22'32" a distance ofCorporation 524.48 feet to a calculated Citycorner of Dripping Springs, Dripping Springs WaterE,Supply andpoint; the District. southerly corner of said 793.3 acre tract, for an exterior of the herein described tion are David R. Riddle Jr., President/Exec VP/ 14) THENCE, with N 73°50'33" E, a distance of 172.76 feet. to a calculated point; tract; Prevailing Wage Rates, in accordance Government Code are point; applicable to E, a distance of 1020.16 feet 2258 to a calculated and 22) THENCE, N 43°16'22" this project. Treasurer/Director and Daniel Slear, Secretary. 15) THENCE, N 77°35'33" E, a distance of 172.76 feet to a calculated point; THENCE, with the southwest line of said 793.3 acre tract, generally as fenced, N 46°25'36" W a distance of 22.47 feet to a 1/2-inch iron rod with cap stamped "BGE INC" set at the most northerly east corner of the above-described 201.80 acre tract, for an interior corner of the herein described tract; Page 1 of 5
TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
G:\TXC\Projects\DR Horton\8008-00-Ky-Tex_Survey\SV\04_Finals\MB\8008-00_378.572 Acre Kyle ETJ-FN.doc
THENCE, with the occupied westerly right-of-way line of said County Road 120, and the easterly line of said 201.80 acre tract, generally as fenced, the following four (4) courses:
NOTICE OF DISTRICT PETITION TCEQ Internal Control No. D-03242021-033 PETITION. KY-TEX PROPERTIES, LLC (Petitioner) filed a petition for creation of East Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 1 (District) with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The petition was filed pursuant to Article XVI, §59 of the Constitution of the State of Texas; Chapters 49 and 54 of the Texas Water Code; 30 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 293; and the procedural rules of the TCEQ. The petition states that: (1) the Petitioner holds title to a majority in value of the land to be included in the proposed District; (2) there are no lienholders on the property to be included in the proposed District; (3) the proposed District will contain approximately 378.572 acres located within Hays County, Texas; and (4) all of the land within the proposed District is within the exterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Niederwald, Texas. The territory to be included in the proposed District is set forth in a metes and bounds description designated as Exhibit "A" and is depicted in the vicinity map designated as Exhibit"B," both of which are attached to this document. The petition further states that the proposed District will: (1) purchase, design, construct, acquire, maintain, own, operate, repair, improve and extend an adequate and efficient waterworks and sanitary sewer system for residential and commercial purposes; (2) construct, acquire, improve, extend, maintain, and operate works, improvements, facilities, plants, equipment, and appliances helpful or necessary to provide more adequate drainage for the proposed District; (3) control, abate, and amend local storm waters or other harmful excesses of water; and (4) purchase, construct, acquire, maintain, own, operate, repair, improve, and extend such additional facilities, including roads, systems, plants, and enterprises as shall be consonant with all of the purposes for which the proposed District is created. According to the petition, a preliminary investigation has been made to determine the cost of the project, and it is estimated by the Petitioner, from the information available at this time, that the cost of said project will be approximately $32,350,000 ($26,600,000 for water, wastewater, and drainage, plus $5,750,000 for roads).
1) S 38°30'40" W a distance of 24.52 feet to a 1/2-inch iron rod with cap stamped "BGE INC" set at an angle point; 2) S 08°00'06" E a distance of 42.42 feet to a 1/2-inch iron rod with cap stamped "BGE INC" set at an angle point; 3) S 04°41'15" W a distance of 45.40 feet to a 1/2-inch iron rod with cap stamped "BGE INC" set at an angle point; and 4) S 28°16'47" E a distance of 149.52 feet to a calculated point on the northerly City of Niederwald full purpose line and the southerly City of Niederwald ETJ line for a southeasterly corner of the herein described tract; THENCE, departing the westerly right-of-way line of said County Road 120, over and across said 201.80 acre tract with the northerly City of Niederwald full purpose line and the southerly City of Niederwald ETJ line, the following four (4) courses: 1)
S 82°06'14" W, a distance of 13.48 feet to a calculated point;
2)
S 82°05'45" W, a distance of 1349.66 feet to a calculated point;
4)
S 44°26'28" W, a distance of 63.46 feet to a calculated point on the northerly right-ofway line of F.M. 2001 (80' wide right-of-way, as shown on Texas State Highway Department Right of Way Map dated May 25, 1953) at the beginning of a nontangent curve to the right;
THENCE, with the northerly right-of-way line of said F.M. 2001 and the southerly line of said 201.80 acre tract, the following four (4) courses: 1) Along said curve to the right, an arc distance of 1255.90 feet, having a radius of 1870.08 feet, a central angle of 38°28'42" and chord which bears N 77°00'20" W, 1232.43 feet to a Type I TxDOT monument found for corner;
To request a contested case hearing, you must submit the following: (l) your name (or for a group or association, an official representative), mailing address, daytime phone number, and fax number, if any; (2) the name of the petitioner and the TCEQ Internal Control Number; (3) the statement "I/we request a contested case hearing"; (4) a brief description of how you would be affected by the petition in a way not common to the general public; and (5) the location of your property relative to the proposed District's boundaries. You may also submit your proposed adjustments to the petition which would satisfy your concerns. Requests for a contested case hearing must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address provided in the information section below.
2) N 57°47'30" W a distance of 1,153.80 feet to a 1/2-inch iron rod with cap stamped "BGE INC" set at a point of curvature of a curve to the right;
INFORMATION. Written hearing requests should be submitted to the Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, TCEQ, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087. For information concerning the hearing process, please contact the Public Interest Counsel, MC-103, at the same address. General information regarding TCEQ can be found at our web site http://www.tceq.texas.gov/. Issued: September 16, 2021 EXHIBIT A
DR Horton-City of Niederwald ETJ 378.572 Acres Job No. 8008-00 METES & BOUNDS DESCRIPTION
FIELD NOTES FOR A 378.572 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF THE Z. HINTON SURVEY NUMBER 4, ABSTRACT 219 AND THE NEILL McLEAN SURVEY NUMBER 164, ABSTRACT 326, HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS; BEING A PORTION OF THE CALLED 793.3 ACRE TRACT OF LAND AS CONVEYED TO KY-TEX PROPERTIES, INC. BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN VOLUME 185, PAGE 391 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, SAID 793.3 ACRE TRACT AS DESCRIBED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN VOLUME 144, PAGE 27, DEED RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS; AND A PORTION OF THE CALLED 20l .80 ACRE TRACT OF LAND AS CONVEYED TO KY-TEX PROPERTIES, INC. BY WARRANTY DEED RECORDED IN VOLUME 263, PAGE 545 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, SAID 201.80 ACRE TRACT AS DESCRIBED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN VOLUME 247, PAGE 512 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS; SAID 378.572 ACRE TRACT OF LAND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING at a 1/2-inch iron rod with cap stamped "BGE INC'' set at the intersection of the southerly right-of-way line of County Road 107 (Satterwhite Road) with the westerly right-ofway line of County Road 120 (Williamson Road), at an exterior corner of said 793.3 acre tract, for the most easterly corner and POINT OF BEGINNING of the herein described tract; THENCE with the occupied westerly right-of-way line of said County Road 120, generally as fenced, the following five (5) courses: l) S 42°41'56" W a distance of 747.13 feet to a 1/2-inch iron rod with cap stamped "BGE INC" set at an angle point; 2) S 43°38'34" W a distance of 651.37 feet to a l /2-inch iron rod with cap stamped "BGE INC" set at an angle point; 3) S 42°59'55" W a distance of 399.54 feet to a 1/2-inch iron rod with cap stamped "BGE INC" set at an angle point; 4) S 43°28'42" W a distance of l,198.91 feet to a 1/2-inch iron rod with cap stamped "BGE INC" set for an angle point of the herein described tract; and 5) S 43°25'43" W a distance of 302.52 feet to a 1/2-inch iron rod found at the most southerly corner of said 793.3 acre tract, for an exterior corner of the herein described tract; THENCE, with the southwest line of said 793.3 acre tract, generally as fenced, N 46°25'36" W a distance of 22.47 feet to a 1/2-inch iron rod with cap stamped "BGE INC" set at the most northerly east corner of the above-described 201.80 acre tract, for an interior corner of the herein described tract; Page 1 of 5 G:\TXC\Projects\DR Horton\8008-00-Ky-Tex_Survey\SV\04_Finals\MB\8008-00_378.572 Acre Kyle ETJ-FN.doc
1) STHENCE, 46°30'15"NE,43°22'31" a distanceE,ofa 1035.28 to a point fora corner; 19) distance feet of 111.62 feet to calculated point; 2) 46°42'23"NE,43°22'32" a distanceE,ofa411.83 feet a point 20) STHENCE, distance of to471.66 feetfortocorner; a calculated point; 3) S 46°16'51" E, a distance of 701.65 feet to a point for corner; and 21)THENCE, N 43°22'32" E, a distance of 524.48 feet to a calculated point;
4) S 47°25'21" E, a distance of 412.64 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING and containing 378.572 acres of land, more or less.
22) THENCE, N 43°16'22" E, a distance of 1020.16 feet to a calculated point; and
43°09'09" a distance ofAnnotated 242.87 feet to a663.21 calculated point on southerly 23) ThisTHENCE, descriptionN was prepared E, under 22 Texas Code and reflects the the results of an onrightof-waysurvey, line ofand saidthe County Road 107 for theofmost northerly corner of the herein described the ground assembly of instruments record to describe the political boundary limits shown hereon and is not to be used to convey or establish interests in real property except those rights tract; and interests implied or established by the creation or reconfiguration of the boundary of the political
subdivision which it was southerly prepared. right-of-way line of said County Road 107, generally as THENCE, withforthe occupied fenced, the following four (4) courses:
1) S 46°30'15" E, a distance of 1035.28 feet to a point for corner; 2) S 46°42'23" E, a distance of 411.83 feet to a point for corner; 3) S 46°16'51" E, a distance of 701.65 feet to a point for corner; and Page 4 of 5 G:\TXC\Projects\DR Horton\8008-00-Ky-Tex_Survey\SV\04_Finals\MB\8008-00_378.572 Acre Kyle ETJ-FN.doc
3) S 44°09'08" W, a distance of 275.67 feet to a calculated point; and
CONTESTED CASE HEARING. The TCEQ may grant a contested case hearing on this petition if a written hearing request is filed within 30 days after the newspaper publication of this notice.
The Executive Director may approve the petition unless a written request for a contested case hearing is filed within 30 days after the newspaper publication of this notice. If a hearing request is filed, the Executive Director will not approve the petition and will forward the petition and hearing request to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. If a contested case hearing is held, it will be a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court.
23) THENCE, N 43°09'09" E, a distance of 242.87 feet to a calculated point on the southerly rightof-way lineNof 81°16'46" said CountyE,Road 107 forofthe194.92 most northerly of thepoint; herein described 16) THENCE, a distance feet to acorner calculated tract; 17) THENCE, N 82°05'45" E, a distance of 189.66 feet to a calculated point; THENCE, with the occupied southerly right-of-way line of said County Road 107, generally as fenced, the following four (4) courses: 18) THENCE, N 43°22'32" E, a distance of 268.57 feet to a calculated point;
4) S 47°25'21" E, a distance of 412.64 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING and containing 378.572 acres of land, more or less. This description was prepared under 22 Texas Annotated Code 663.21 and reflects the results of an on the ground survey, and the assembly of instruments of record to describe the political boundary limits shown hereon and is not to be used to convey or establish interests in real property except those rights and interests implied or established by the creation or reconfiguration of the boundary of the political subdivision for which it was prepared.
Page 4 of 5 G:\TXC\Projects\DR Horton\8008-00-Ky-Tex_Survey\SV\04_Finals\MB\8008-00_378.572 Acre Kyle ETJ-FN.doc
3) Along said curve to the right, an arc distance of 558.38 feet, having a radius of 2,824.93 feet, a central angle of 11°19'31" and chord which bears N 52°07'35" W a distance of 557.48 feet to an 1/2-inch iron rod with aluminum cap found for corner; and
Page 2 of 5 G:\TXC\Projects\DR Horton\8008-00-Ky-Tex_Survey\SV\04_Finals\MB\8008-00_378.572 Acre Kyle ETJ-FN.doc
4) N 46°26'18" W a distance of 777.83 feet to a calculated point at the south corner of a called 54.142 acre tract (Tract 1) as conveyed to ADBF, LLC by Quit Claim Deed recorded in Document Number 18005484 of the Official Public Records of Hays 4) N 46°26'18" a distance of corner 777.83 of feetsaid to a201.80 calculated point at the corner of a County, Texas, atWthe westerly acre tract, for south the most southerly called corner 54.142 acre tract (Tractdescribed 1) as conveyed ADBF, LLC by Quit Type ClaimIDeed southwest of the herein tract, to from which a broken TxDOT recorded in Document 18005484 of the Official Public Records of Hays monument found bears N Number 46°26'18" W, a distance of 801.89 feet; County, Texas, at the westerly corner of said 201.80 acre tract, for the most southerly
southwest corner of the herein described tract, from which a broken Type I TxDOT THENCE, with a westerly line of said 201.80 acre tract and an easterly line of said ADBF, LLC monument found bears N 46°26'18" W, a distance of 801.89 feet; 54.142 acre tract, N43°14'08" E, pass a 3/4-inch iron pipe found for reference at a distance of 1.65 feet, and continuing for a total of 988.59 feetand to aan5/8-inch ironofrod with THENCE, with aon westerly line distance of said 201.80 acre tract easterly line said ADBF, LLC aluminum stamped "BARNES MONUMENT" at the 54.142cap acre tract, N43°14'08" E, REFERENCE pass a 3/4-inch iron pipe found forfound reference at aeasterly distancecorner of 1.65of said ADBF, LLC acreontract, theofmost southerly saidrod Oehler feet, and54.142 continuing for aalso totalbeing distance 988.59 feet to a corner 5/8-inchofiron with 147.098 acre tract, for analuminum angle point the herein described tract; capof stamped "BARNES REFERENCE MONUMENT" found at the easterly corner of said
Page 5 of 5 G:\TXC\Projects\DR Horton\8008-00-Ky-Tex_Survey\SV\04_Finals\MB\8008-00_378.572 Acre Kyle ETJ-FN.doc
ADBF, LLC 54.142 acre tract, also being the most southerly corner of said Oehler 147.098 acre tract,
for anwith angleapoint of theline herein described tract; THENCE, westerly of said 201.80 acre tract and an easterly line of said Oehler 147.098 acre tract, N 43°14'27" E a distance of 523.37 feet to a calculated point on the northerly City THENCE, with a westerly line of said 201.80 acre tract and an easterly line of said Oehler of Niederwald ETJ line and the southerly City of' Kyle ETJ line for the most westerly northwest 147.098 acre tract, N 43°14'27" E a distance of 523.37 feet to a calculated point on the northerly City cornerofofNiederwald the hereinETJ described line andtract; the southerly City of' Kyle ETJ line for the most westerly northwest corner of the herein described tract;
THENCE, departing the easterly line of said Oehler 147.098 acre tract, over and across said 201.80 acre tractdeparting and saidthe793.3 acreline tract withOehler the common of City Kylesaid and City of THENCE, easterly of said 147.098 ETJ acre lines tract, over andof across Niederwald, the following twenty (23)with courses: 201.80 acre tract and said 793.3three acre tract the common ETJ lines of City of Kyle and City of Niederwald, the following twenty three (23) courses:
1) THENCE, S 68°39'27" E, a distance of 75.08 feet to a calculated point; 1) THENCE, S 68°39'27" E, a distance of 75.08 feet to a calculated point;
2) THENCE, S 66°04'00" E, a distance of 65.95 feet to a calculated point; 2) THENCE, S 66°04'00" E, a distance of 65.95 feet to a calculated point;
3) THENCE, N 82°48'22" E, E, a distance calculatedpoint; point; 3) THENCE, N 82°48'22" a distanceofof37.86 37.86feet feet to to aa calculated N 85°05'33" E, E, a distance calculatedpoint; point; 4) THENCE, N 85°05'33" a distanceofof172.76 172.76 feet feet to to aa calculated 4) THENCE, 5) THENCE, N 88°50'32" a distanceofof172.76 172.76 feet feet to aa calculated 5) THENCE, N 88°50'32" E, E, a distance calculatedpoint; point; S 87°24'27" a distanceofof172.76 172.76 feet feet to to aa calculated 6) THENCE, S 87°24'27" E, E, a distance calculatedpoint; point; 6) THENCE, 7) THENCE, S 83°39'27" E, a distance of 172.76 feet to a calculated point; 7) THENCE, S 83°39'27" E, a distance of 172.76 feet to a calculated point; 8) THENCE, S 79°54'27" E, a distance of 172.76 feet to a calculated point;
8) THENCE, S 79°54'27" E, a distance of 172.76 feet to a calculated point; 9) THENCE, S 76°09'27" E, a distance of 172.76 feet to a calculated point;
9) THENCE, S 76°09'27" E, a distance of 172.76 feet to a calculated point; 10) THENCE, S 72°24'27" E, a distance of 172.76 feet to a calculated point;
10) THENCE, S 72°24'27" E, a distance of 172.76 feet to a calculated point; 11) THENCE, S 68°39'30" E, a distance of 18.24 feet to a calculated point;
11) THENCE, S 68°39'30" E, a distance of 18.24 feet to a calculated point; 12) THENCE, N 66°20'16" E, a distance of 27.82 feet to a calculated point;
12) THENCE, N 66°20'16" E, a distance of 27.82 feet to a calculated point; Page 3 of 5 G:\TXC\Projects\DR Horton\8008-00-Ky-Tex_Survey\SV\04_Finals\MB\8008-00_378.572 Acre Kyle ETJ-FN.doc
Page 3 of 5
G:\TXC\Projects\DR Horton\8008-00-Ky-Tex_Survey\SV\04_Finals\MB\8008-00_378.572 Acre Kyle ETJ-FN.doc
13) THENCE, N 70°05'33" E, a distance of 172.76 feet to a calculated point;
14) THENCE, N 73°50'33" E, a distance of 172.76 feet. to a calculated point; 15) THENCE, N 77°35'33" E, a distance of 172.76 feet to a calculated point; 16) THENCE, N 81°16'46" E, a distance of 194.92 feet to a calculated point; 17) THENCE, N 82°05'45" E, a distance of 189.66 feet to a calculated point; 18) THENCE, N 43°22'32" E, a distance of 268.57 feet to a calculated point; 19) THENCE, N 43°22'31" E, a distance of 111.62 feet to a calculated point; 20) THENCE, N 43°22'32" E, a distance of 471.66 feet to a calculated point; 21)THENCE, N 43°22'32" E, a distance of 524.48 feet to a calculated point;
Page 5 of 5 G:\TXC\Projects\DR Horton\8008-00-Ky-Tex_Survey\SV\04_Finals\MB\8008-00_378.572 Acre Kyle ETJ-FN.doc
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 22, 2021
Page 9
Classifieds EMPLOYMENT
DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $12 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules. Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net. Call (512)432-1678 for further information.
TEXAS STATEWIDE ADVERTISING NETWORK
DOMINOS PIZZA HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS IN KYLE AND BUDA LOCATIONS $300 starting bonus. CSRs starting at $10/ hour. Drivers cash paid daily. Apply in person or dominos.com
TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
TDS IS NOW HIRING! Find your career with us.
Opportunities Include: Landscape Workers, Welder, CDL Drivers, Temporary Special Event Workers, Mechanics, 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
PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR
Notice is hereby given that on August 30, 2021, Letters Testamentary as Independent Executor upon the above Estate were issued to: ERICH FRANZ SCHOENNAGEL by the Honorable County Court at Law No. 2 of Hays County, Texas, in Cause No. 210279-P pending upon the Probate Docket of said Court. All persons having claims against the Estate being administered are hereby requested to present the same within the time prescribed by law to the following: Shanks & Hauser, L.L.P. Vanessa Lanceley Hauser 5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 800 Houston, Texas 77007 vanessa@shankshauser. com
PUBLIC NOTICE
By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on October 5th, 2021 at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider: Los Ranchos, Lot 12, Replat
Texas Press Statewide Advertising Network
273
Participating Texas Newspapers
Regional advertising starts at $250 per week.
For more information, email tracy@haysfreepress.com or call 512-433-0926
Hays County Hispanic population reaches 39%
INVITATION FOR BIDS Continental Homes of Texas, LP (Owner) on behalf of East Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 1 invites the submission of sealed Bids from qualified bidders for: East Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 1, Prairie Lakes - Offsite Force Main. The work shall consist of the following: Wastewater piping consisting of 12” force mains, manholes and appurtenances; Excavation and embankment; and Sedimentation and Erosion Control Improvements. Sealed Bids addressed to the Owner and marked "Bid for East Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 1, Prairie Lakes - Offsite Force Main" will be received until 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at the Design Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd, Ste. 400, Austin, TX 78728. Direct questions to (512) 879-0400. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at the Design Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd, Ste. 400, Austin, TX 78728. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at the Design Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd, Ste. 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, Ste. 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. 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. 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.
DRIPPING SPRINGS Population: 4,650 Hispanic pop: 989 21.2%
BUDA
WIMBERLEY
Population: 2,839 Hispanic pop: 387 13.6%
Population: 15,108 Hispanic pop: 5,275 37.9%
KYLE
Population: 45,697 Hispanic pop: 22,360 48.9%
SAN MARCOS
Population: 67,553 Hispanic pop: 27,440 40.6%
Based on 2020 U.S. Census
National Hispanic Heritage Month On Monday, Sept. 20, the city of Buda presented a proclamation, celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month and Hispanic American accomplishments. J.R. Gonzales, executive director of the Buda Area Chamber of Commerce, gave a speech in front of council, thanking the city “on behalf of 63 million people.” National Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week, and under the President Ronald Raegan’s administration in 1988, was expanded
into a month, celebrating this emerging American group. Since the expansion, the U.S. celebrates National Hispanic Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. “The fact that over the past two decades over 50% of the country’s growth has been directly attributed to the Hispanic population is significant,” Gonzales said. “The fact that tortillas outsell bread, that salsa outsells ketchup… Hispanic contributions in this country has been vast ever since the
Revolutionary War.” Gonzales spoke of the impact the Hispanic population has on the country, the state, the county and all the way down to Buda. “No community or society or business can sustain itself without labor force,” he said. “In Hays County [the labor work force] is 67% Hispanic. … Recognize the fact that as the population continues to grow, so will changes have to occur in our political, social and economic climate.”
Page 10
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 22, 2021
Buda tax rate remains same, but taxpayers will pay more BY SAHAR CHMAIS Buda City Council approved the city’s Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget with the tax rate set at $0.3423 per $100 of value, remaining the same as 2021’s rate. State law considers anything above the no new revenue rate to be a tax increase. Buda’s tax increase would be 9.26%, depending on the increase in property values. Taxpayers will pay more this year due to the increase in property valuation, with an increase of $83.38 for the average homeowner. Last year, the average home value was $268,567, which jumped to $292,927 in 2021, a 9% increase.
Acitve COVID-19 cases in the school districts
Buda will generate $400,000 more in revenue for the upcoming year compared to 2021; the upcoming tax revenues for FY2021-22 would be more than $7 million. Buda will generate $400,000 more in revenue for the upcoming year compared to 2021; the upcoming tax revenues for FY2021-22 would be more than $7 million. The money will fund the city’s municipal operations along with the principal and interest payments of the city’s debt obligations. Water and wastewater services will also undergo a rate increase. Buda’s wastewater treatment plant has been
Active Hays CISD COVID-19 cases as of Mon Sept. 20: 18 STAFF 155 STUDENT TOTAL: 173
expanded to keep up with the city’s growth, causing a 10% rate increase. Water services will increase by 13% due to an expansion deal with the Alliance Regional Water Authority (ARWA), to serve the ongoing population growth across Hays County. Additionally, there will be a $2 increase for expanded waste and recycling services. Residents will receive a notice in their utility bills of these changes.
Active DSISD COVID-19 cases as of Mon Sept. 20: 9 STAFF 34 STUDENT TOTAL: 43
Public Safety Center Continued from pg. 1
police department in all of Central Texas.” Other speakers during the groundbreaking included council members Dex Ellison and Robert Rizo. Both reiterated that for many years, the facilities in which KPD have operated out of have been less than ideal as the department grows. “The center will provide better accessibility
for the general public, increased response times by being centrally located — no more trains, I promise — and having a modern design with upgraded amenities,” Rizo said. “It will also help improve the mental and physical health of our police officers.” KPD chief Jeff Barnett expressed his gratitude for the community and
everyone involved with the building of the center, a process which has taken years to come to fruition. “This day symbolizes the trust and faith you have in the men and women at the KPD to serve you and our great community,” Barnett said. “We are extremely humbled by your support and belief in our services.”
512-302-5555 | www.atfcu.org | Free Checking
Great rates for wherever the road takes you.
Texas Press Statewide Advertising Network Regional advertising starts at $250 per week.
273
Participating Texas Newspapers
For more information, email tracy@haysfreepress. com or call 512-433-0926
Auto Loans
New, Used, and Refinance
1.90 % 2.75
as low as
% APR1
Up to 66 Months
Davey is a male, 2-year-old, Pointer mix. Staff would describe Davey as a big puppy who is eager to please. This hunk loves to play in the water. When he’s not surfing the waves, he loves to play with his dog friends.
Home Equity Loans
Virginia is a female, 6-year-old, domestic shorthaired mix. Have you ever wondered what a chunky knit sweater would be like if it came to life? You won’t have to look any further! Virginia is an older cat who enjoys the simple things.
as low as
PAWS Shelter of Central Texas
is a non-profit, no-kill shelter operated primarily on donations and adoptions.
500 FM 150 E, Kyle, TX • 512 268-1611 • pawsshelter.org
APR1
All animals are fully vaccinated, spay/neutered, microchipped and dewormed.
sponsored by
Town & CounTry VeTerinary HospiTal Committed to your pet’s health since 1978
Bill Selman, DVM • Kayley Goldsmith, DVM • Ben Fox, DVM 6300 FM 1327 (East of I35 and Creedmoor) Austin, TX 78747 Give us a call at 512-385-0486
No Closing Costs2
5 Years Fixed
Annual Percentage Rate. Actual rate may vary depending on credit qualifications. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. This Auto Loan rate is applicable for the purchase of a new or used vehicle, or the refinance of an existing vehicle loan from another lender. New auto loan of $20,000 for 66 months at 1.90% APR will have a monthly payment of $319. 2Austin Telco pays all standard closing costs for new Home Equity/HELOC loans below $150,000. These costs include: title search, flood determination, credit report, and county filing fees. Refinances of existing Austin Telco Home Equity/HELOC loans are subject to a $300 refinance fee. If necessary, additional fees for member requested appraisal, survey, and/or title company closing costs will be the responsibility of the borrower. Estimated costs will be disclosed upon receipt of application. Loans of $150,000 and above may require an appraisal, title policy, and title company closing costs at the member’s expense. Hazard insurance is required. All loans are subject to standard credit approval. Federally Insured by NCUA. Austin Telco NMLS #422857 1
moc.TNEnitsuA.www www.AustinENT.com selaS & secivreS diA gniraeH Mark Hearing Aid Services & Sales
kraM .D.M ,tremmaD
Comprehensive ENT Care for All Ages Ear Ear&& Hearing Hearing
Hearing Hearing & & Balance Balance Evaluation Evaluation Chronic Ear Chronic Ear Infections Infections Dizziness Vertigo Dizziness & & Vertigo Tinnitus Ears) Tinnitus (Ringing (Ringing in in Ears) Ruptured Ruptured Ear Ear Drum Drum
Thyroid & Parathyroid Parathyroid Thyroid &
Ultrasound Needle Biopsy Biopsy Ultrasound & & Needle Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery
Allergy
Allergy Comprehensive Allergy Testing Comprehensive Allergy Testing Allergy Shots & Drops Allergy Shots & Drops
KYLE
Children’s ENTENT Children’s
Ear Tube Placement Ear Tube Placement Tonsil & Adenoid Surgery Tonsil & Adenoid Surgery Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery
Nose & Sinus
Nose & Sinus Sinus Surgery Endoscopic
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery In-office Balloon Sinuplasty In-office Balloon Sinuplasty Post-Nasal Drip Procedures
Hearing Exams Hearing gnitseT eComprehensive cComprehensive nattimmI sriapeRExams & sgninaelC ,sgnittiF Hearing Aid Aid Sales, Sales, Programming Programming Hearing Immittance Testing Fittings, Cleanings & Repairs g n i t s e T A R V d n a G N V , E A O s g u l P r a E motsuC & sdlomraE Fittings, Cleanings & Repairs, Immittance Testing OAE, VNG and VRA Testing Earmolds & Custom Ear Plugs Earmolds & Custom Ear Plugs, OAE, VNG and VRA Testing noitcetorP gniraeH Hearing Protection Hearing Protection
nairB .D.M ,bawhcS
SleepThroat, Apnea Head & Neck Sleep Apnea Cord Dysfunction Hoarseness/Vocal Hoarseness/Vocal Cord Issues
noitcn leahciM .D.M ,muiY
Michael Yium, M.D.
TRAH
LOCKHART
1005 W. San Antonio #A Lockhart, TX 78644 (512) 444-7944
yre
Brian Schwab, M.D.
Throat, Head & Neck
TWO LOCATIONS IN YOUR AREA
1180 Seton Parkway Suite 420 Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-5282
stseT gniraeH citsongaiD secivreS diADammert, gniraeM.D. H Diagnostic Hearing Aid Services sServices maxE gniraeH evisneDiagnostic herpmoC Hearing gHearing nimmarTests goTests rP ,selaS diA gniraeH Hearing Aid
rebmA .D.uA ,ssaB
Amber Bass, Au.D.
oinotn A# 44687 4497-