NOVEMBER 10, 2021 PLAYOFF BOUND
$66M INVESTMENT
Johnson Jaguars earn their first-ever playoff berth.
New industrial center to bring thousands of jobs to Kyle.
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Hays Free Press HaysFreePress.com
Vol. 127 • No. 33
Serving Hays County, TX
Doggett to no longer run in Hays, District 35 open seat
More roundabouts likely for Kyle BY BRITTANY ANDERSON A few more roundabouts are being planned for Kyle in an effort to ease traffic and prevent accidents. In a 6-0 vote Nov. 1, Kyle City Council approved two additional road projects, one of which will likely include the construction of four roundabouts at various intersections in east Kyle. City Engineer Leon Barba presented council with the two projects, consisting of the extension of Seton Parkway north to connect to Kohlers Crossing, and the extension of Lehman Road north and then west connecting Dacy Lane at the intersection of Seton Parkway. Roundabouts are being considered in intersections at Dacy Lane, Kyle Parkway, Lehman Road and Bunton Creek Road as part of the Lehman Road extension project. Council member Michael Tobias expressed his already-present concerns with these intersections and the prospect of adding roundabouts, noting that he had witnessed an accident in the Kyle Parkway and Dacy Lane intersection that day. He also cited a recent crash on Lehman and FM 150. “When people come down that hill, probably at a high rate of speed, there’s nothing stopping them,” Tobias said. “[At least] they’d know there’s going to be a traffic light there. It’s a continuous flow [of cars]. If you don’t have any barriers to stop the traffic and people are trying to get out of some of these areas, these cars are like russian roulette, trying to pull out as fast as they can.” City manager Scott Sellers said that while both a traffic light or roundabout will be considered, a roundabout is likely to be recommended. A roundabout would naturally slow traffic down and prevent vehicles from trying to “beat the light”
KYLE ROUNDABOUTS, 10
BY SAHAR CHMAIS
PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON Brian McKinney, owner of the Memorial Miniature Golf and Museum invited retired United States Air Force Colonel Michael Lakos to ride with him in the Veterans Parade in his 1942 GPW named “Old Sarge.” See more photos, page X.
Buda community honors veterans with parade “I think regardless of where we are as a country, there’s one thing that will always remain true, and that is people honor and respect veterans because of their sacrifices.”
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
BUDA — As communities across the nation come together to honor veterans this month, Buda took part with its own parade down historic Main Street on Nov. 6. Along with floats from local businesses and organizations — like Dance Unlimited, which won a first place trophy for its parade performance — six different Central Texas veterans organizations participated in the parade. One unique feature came from Brian McKinney, owner of the Memorial Miniature Golf and Museum, who brought out “Old Sarge” — a 1942 Ford GPW that saw combat during World War II. McKinney invited retired United States Air Force Colonel Michael Lakos to ride with him. McKinney and Lakos met last year after Lakos reached out to him after reading an article in the Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch about the museum. McKinney said that Lakos has been a big supporter of his museum’s mission to “educate our youth on what our veterans do for us.” “Having him ride with us [in the parade] really fulfills our dream of recognizing veterans paying homage for wearing the uniform and serving our country,” McKinney added. Lakos, who served for 28 years before retiring
–Michael Lakos, Retired Colonel, United States Air Force
in 2014, said that he loves the fact that even a small community like Buda can come together and put on a parade for veterans. “I think regardless of where we are as a country, there’s one thing that will always remain true, and that is people honor and respect veterans because of their sacrifices,” Lakos said. “It’s a different calling than the everyday line of work. I truly respect the fact that most people in society honor that. I try not to take it for granted.” The parade concluded with a flyover of a World War II aircraft by the CenTex Wing of Commemorative Air Force, as well as a Market in the Park in downtown Greenbelt featuring local artisans.
Coming Up Artisan Walk
Take a stroll through Dreamland’s monthly Artisan Walk this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Dripping Springs. The Artisan Walk is a feast for the senses, featuring local creatives, original artwork, handcrafted treasures, and live music. You are sure to find wonders truly unique and one-of-a-kind as you meander through the golf course and Dreamland’s breathtaking art installations.
STATE NEWS
Evan Young appointed to Texas Supreme Court.
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Locals reflect on the importance of Veterans Day We asked our local readers why Veterans Day is significant to them and here is what they shared.
JENA PEREZ I have 4 veterans in my family. It means we thank those who did what we couldn’t in order to keep our country free. I have tremendous respect for anyone in our military. We celebrate by going to parades and thanking vets for their service. Although, we always thank all vets for their service year round.
LISA ADAMS (VICE PRESIDENT OF KYLE VFW AUXILIARY POST 12058) I was born on an army base in Fort Hood, Texas. As an army brat, I lived overseas for nearly 18 years on military bases including Korea, Japan and Germany. But when you live on a military base, you don’t just have your own family. You have the entire military base as your family. For us military brats, our unique life experiences are priceless. I’m grateful for my lifelong friends I’ve made
Veterans Day Parade in Kyle
The city of Kyle in partnership with VFW Post 12058 and AMVETS will be hosting a Veterans Day Parade and Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 13. The parade starts at noon. Parade participants will begin at VFW Post 12058 and travel west along Center Street. The parade route will conclude at Gregg-Clarke Park. After the parade, participants and citizens are invited to attend the commemoration event and festivities. The day will include a war
around the world. One special memory was celebrating Armed Forces Day every summer. I just loved the patriotism that brought us all together for one big party on the base. I miss those times a lot. Veterans Day isn’t just about one veteran or the many veterans who have done something to make themselves stand out. Veterans Day is a day for honoring all of our veterans who served in our military, who are active duty, retired, or no longer with us on this earth. It’s to remember all the sacrifices of our veterans who afforded us all of our freedoms. Please. Never forget.
KAY COURTNEY (PRESIDENT OF KYLE VFW)
Honoring and showing appreciation to our military veterans, especially those in my family. We have a lot of military veterans in our community who gave a lot when they were in the military and continue to serve our community now through organizations such as the VFW and Amvets.
bird flyover, market vendors, family friendly activities, and culminate with a fireworks display. For more information, visit www.cityofkyle. com.
A Christmas Carol in Wimberley
Jump start your Christmas joy with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge at the Central Texas Theatre Academy will be perfoming the Dickens classic from Nov. 11 through 14. Tickets are available at www.centextheatre.org.
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
Redistricting plans after the 2020 Census means that U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D) will no longer be on the Hays County ballot. With the booming population in the Central Texas area, districts are being redrawn. U.S. congressional districts have approximately 700,000 residents each. Doggett’s new District 37 will be entirely in Travis County. The new map takes effect in 2022. The congressional map proposal was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in late October. Austin Councilman Greg Casar (D) has announced that he will be running for District 35. According to the Federal Election Commission, four candidates have already filed a financial report for House District 35, all of which are from the Democratic Party. These include: David Anderson, Eduardo Rodriguez, James Sasinowski and Claudia Zapata. Official filing for this office opens Nov. 13 and ends Dec. 13. Casar is campaigning as a progressive leader. “I believe working Texans deserve a progressive leader who will deliver on reproductive rights, Medicare for All, good jobs, and a functional power grid,” Casar said. “That’s why I’m running for Congress. Our communities are struggling because people like Gov. Abbott are looking out for themselves, instead of everyone else.” Doggett will be running to represent the newly drawn Congressional District 37, centered in Travis County, and Casar is campaigning to win Congressional District 35 in the newly proposed redistricting map, which runs from Austin, through the I-35 corridor and into San Antonio. During the redistricting period, Texas gained two congressional districts this year due to population growth. In particular, people of color contributed to 95% of the population boom in Texas. Hays County’s Hispanic population makes up 40% of its residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau. In the 2020 general elections, Hays County elected a majority of Democratic party politicians. This differed from the 2016 elections, a time when the county predominantly elected Republican party politicians. During the 2020 elections, 62% of District 35 votes in Hays County went to Doggett. Casar has received the
GONE DOGGETT, 10