November 16, 2022 Hays Free Press

Developers halt railroad underpass project

Pedestrian tunnel deemed 'not viable'

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

KYLE — Kyle residents finally have an update to the underground pedestrian tunnel planned months ago: it isn’t going to be built.

Kyle Communications Director Rachel Sonnier said that the project proved to “not be viable” after Union Pacific Railroad (UPR) did not approve it to be built under its tracks — a decision made back in August.

The tunnel was set to be constructed by Elon Musk’s The Boring Company (TBC) and link into Kyle’s Vybe trail project, an 80mile citywide trail network connecting neighborhoods to commercial spaces as a vehicleless transportation option.

The tunnel was discussed in Kyle City Council meetings earlier this year.

In a 6-1 vote on May 3, council members approved a $50,000 professional services agreement with TBC to construct the tunnel under the UPR tracks located southwest of Kyle Marketplace and FM 1626.

Yvonne Flores-Cale cast the dissenting vote.

At the meeting, former city manager Scott Sellers told council that $3 million of funding for the project — including the cost of the professional services agreement — was to come from developer CSW Development, as outlined in the development agreement, and that no taxpayer dollars were anticipated to be expended on the project. CSW is

HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED

developing Kyle Crossing Phase II, the area where the tunnel was planned.

The city was set to have to pay only if the project exceeded $3 million — a point at which council could decide to add more funds or scrap the project altogether.

During initial discussions with the city, UPR had already expressed concerns with the tunnel and how it might affect its tracks.

According to Sellers, geotechnical engineering was to be performed as part of the professional services agreement in order to satisfy UPR.

Allen Ross, president of engineering services provider Schaumburg & Polk Inc., also told council during a May 17 meeting that the city was to prepare

engineering drawings for UPR’s approval before any construction or infrastructure.

However, UPR made a decision and plans for the tunnel have been halted. Sonnier said that the project cannot proceed

Kyle hosts 2nd annual Veterans Day Parade

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

KYLE — Hundreds of Kyle residents attended the city’s annual Veterans Day Parade, honoring local veterans at Mary Hartson Square Park at noon on Saturday.

The parade route started at Gregg-Clarke Park and traveled along Center Street, ending at Front Street of the square.

Nearly 30 organizations attended including the Kyle Police Department, Kyle VFW

Post 12058, Scouts BSA Troop 812 of Kyle, Citizens on Patrol, Lehman High School Navy JROTC, AMVETS Post 115, City of Kyle Parks and Hays County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Community and the Kyle Fire Department.

Parade-goers were also invited to attend the city’s Market Day event once the parade ended when they could listen to live music and shop with local vendors.

without UPR’s approval and as such, the city is “no longer pursuing it as an option.”

Prior to the tunnel, both a bridge and pedestrian overpass were considered before the requests were nixed due to various safety concerns, but Sonnier said

that a pedestrian overpass is on the drawing board again. The development agreement outlines that in the event the tunnel is not feasible, the city and CSW will enter into an “alternate improvements” agreement, still part of the $3 million funding.

Kyle road bond moves forward

STAFF REPORT

KYLE – City leaders say they will move forward on road improvements after Kyle residents passed a $294.4 million transportation bond package during the Nov. 8 general election.

The bond aims to provide critical transportation projects that will decrease congestion and improve overall safety and mobility in the city through a series of eight projects that total 10.3 miles.

Proposition A includes the following projects:

• Bebee Road, $67.1 million, 2.8 miles: Realign the sharp curves of Bebee Road between I-35 and Sunlight Boulevard and upgrade Bebee between I-35 and Goforth Road to a four-lane minor arterial road east of the Seton

Parkway extension.

• Bunton Creek Road, $28.7 million, 2.1 miles: Straighten the curves along Bunton Creek Road between Dacy Lane and Goforth Road. The proposed road is a fourlane minor arterial road and roundabouts will be installed at Lehman and Goforth.

• Center Street, $10.2 million, 0.4 miles: Full reconstruction of Center Street from Veterans Drive to Main Street to a threelane minor curbed arterial road and implementation of intersection upgrades at Veterans Drive and Burleson Street, storm drain, sidewalk, illumination and water/ wastewater replacement and overhead electric conversion to underground.

• Kohler’s Overpass to

Family plans Kyle billboard to raise fentanyl awareness

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

KYLE — One family is turning its pain into action in hopes of preventing even just one fentanyl-related death.

Noah Rodriguez, 15, was one of four children who died over the summer from fentanyl poisoning. Since his death, his mother Janel has been active around Hays County, sharing her son’s story with anyone and everyone who will listen. From local schools and events

to collaborating with law enforcement at fentanyl presentations, her hope is that putting up a billboard in Kyle to raise awareness will be the big, bold message the community needs to understand the reality of the situation and prevent more deaths.

Janel’s plan is for the billboard to be located off exit 217 on I-35 by the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Kyle and say, “Fentanyl steals your friends.”

It will also feature the photos of the four children from the area who died over the summer,

including Noah.

The billboard is lined up to start on Jan. 8 and run until April 7, but such a project comes with a price tag.

The total cost of the billboard is $5,400. Janel has set up a Venmo account and CashApp account for donations; they will need $1,800 for the billboard deposit by Dec. 5 and $3,600 by Jan. 7.

If you are interested in donating, money can be sent via Venmo @ FentanylAwareness Billboard and CashApp $FentanylAwareness.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Boring Company’s pedestrian tunnel was planned to be constructed underneath the UPR tracks located southwest of Marketplace and FM 1626 in Kyle, connecting to the Vybe trail network.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Violet Tijerina, 5, and Oakley Tijerina, 1, get ready to watch the Veterans Day parade in Kyle.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN Christopher Calkins, who served in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 1986, waves.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Cub Scout Pack 105 march in the Kyle Veterans Parade.

Noah Rodriguez, left, with his parents and siblings.

Community joins beloved race director for Pie Run

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

KYLE — What started as a simple push to get people off the couch has led to a local effort of fitness, community and this weekend: pie.

For the Love of Go (FTLOG) is a 501(c)3 organization based in Kyle that puts on a variety of 5K/10Ks around Hays County. Its annual Pie Run was held over the weekend at Wallace Middle School and not even the chilly air could keep runners away. Of course, refueling coordinator Toby Porter was on hand with dozens of homemade mini pies, plus larger pies from H-E-B, to help warm runners up.

What made this race in particular so special, however, was that it was the first time FTLOG founder Jennifer Crosby was able to both direct and run in a FTLOG race, and she finished the 5K in 30 minutes to rounds of cheer and applause.

Crosby has directed nearly 200 FTLOG races, but it’s a rare opportunity for her to be able to both direct and run.

“Once the runners are off, there’s things that have to start to be prepared for them to come back. I can’t just turn my radio off and go run,” Crosby said. “My friend Andy challenged me to delegate [responsibilities] so I could run,” adding that she chose the Pie Run to direct and run in as this race is held in honor of her father James Baker.

In 2012, Crosby started a fitness club at Negley Elementary, where her son was a student. This came after Crosby, who would

often run races with her husband and even run while pushing her son in a stroller when he was younger, was inspired to join the school’s PTA after she watched a 5K they put on.

“I was very lucky back then; who knew that one moment would change the course of my life for my community service?”

Crosby said. “With the help of the excellent Negley PTA, we put on a 5K. I thought that would be it, but I started talking with them about leadership to focus on fitness in the community.

… We started Fitness Club, and I thought, ‘This is where we’ll make an impact.’”

Soon after the race, others caught wind of her success. Neighborhood associations, churches and other schools started contacting her to help put on and direct their races.

Crosby filed paperwork to create FTLOG as a 501(c)3 in November 2013 and her friends that helped with

the Negley 5K became the organization’s board members as they funded races out of their own pockets.

Today, they put on 32 volunteer-led races a year, many of which benefit local groups and institutions, like the Beat the Heat and Blue Santa Dam 5 Miler/5K races for the local fire and police departments, respectively.

FTLOG has also cultivated close partnerships with many local entities. Just recently at the Dam 5 Miler race in San Marcos, Bad Ass Foods of Kyle provided free pancakes for runners. Corporate sponsor H-E-B also covers “refueling” for runners at races with snacks like bananas and granola bars.

Crosby said that FTLOG operates like a “pay it forward” system, with everything they do being strictly based on donations, adding that one of the biggest components of FTLOG races is making

the starting line inviting by ensuring that races are as “lean” dollar-wise as possible, so that as many people as possible are able to participate but safety, fun and fitness is not compromised.

“We feel like fitness should be free or cheap,” Crosby said. “It shouldn’t be financially difficult to get up off the couch.”

Some races like their Glow Run with Buda’s Brightside have helped FTLOG find ways to be more inclusive and get into the habit of adapting races to fit different needs. It has inspired Crosby and her team to push for a starting line full of “all different body types:” wheelchairs, walkers, those who are limbed differently, blind or deaf.

“Over the years, the number one thing I’m told when they find out what I do, is “Oh, I could never run a 5K,’” Crosby continued. “Great. Don’t run. Come

walk. It’s just about getting off the couch. Yes, there are some who are ‘in it to win it.’ That’s how they stay motivated. But it’s the same for people that are just starting and trying to figure out what can be their motivation.”

For Crosby and the entirety of FTLOG’s mission, it all comes down to one word: community.

“It’s been really cool to meet so many people,” Crosby said. “I think back to my decision to join PTA and how different my life would have been if I

hadn’t made that decision, because the friends and community contacts I’ve made have made me a better race director, a better employee in my job, a better friend … The only reason I’m able to do this is the people around me. I’m in it because I love my community.”

The next FTLOG race will take place in San Marcos on Dec. 10 for the Santa’s Jingle Bell Run 5K and Kids K. For more information on how to get involved and off the couch, visit www. fortheloveofgo.com.

Community gives to Buda’s Brightside

BY MEGAN WEHRING

BUDA – Water 2 Wine, located in the heart of downtown Buda, has displayed a Giving Tree to help friends at Buda’s Brightside have a memorable Christmas.

For the second year in a row, the community is welcome to grab an ornament from the tree and shop for gifts. Participants can buy as much as they would like from the wish list, which is written on the back of the ornaments, and bring the wrapped gifts back to Water 2 Wine or Buda’s Brightside directly through Thursday, Dec. 22.

Buda’s Brightside, located at 205 Goforth Road, is a nonprofit aimed at empowering adults with developmental disabilities

through expanded social experiences utilizing community inclusion, educational development and social enrichment.

Executive director Christina Trevino said she appreciates Water 2 Wine owners Dane Aziz and Don Gottschalk for thinking of giving back to the nonprofit.

“I cannot express how awesome it was last year,” Trevino said. “[Our friends] were just floored. The room was exploding because they knew it was not a normal Christmas. [Dane] wanted to give them a bigger and better Christmas.”

Trevino said that in previous years, the friends of Buda’s Brightside would go to the dollar store to purchase gifts for their Secret Santa due to limited funds, but now, their Christmas is just a little brighter.

“The community adding in, upping their gifts and experience is amazing,” Trevino said. “We are excited that they offered to do this again. We appreciate and love them so much!”

To find the Giving Tree at Water 2 Wine, visit 304 S. Main St., Ste. 103, Buda, Texas 78610.

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

The 2022 Pie Run marked FTLOG founder and race director Jennifer Crosby’s first time to be able to both direct and run in a race and she took home third place in the Female 40-49 category. Next to Crosby are Alison Talarcek in second and Suzie Molina-Bridges in first.

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Runners had the opportunity to vote for their favorite FTLOG race of 2022 and Pie Run took home the trophy.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Giving Tree at Water 2 Wine Buda.

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Art

SAN MARCOS — The San Marcos Art League is celebrating Veterans Day this year with a special art showcase including works from local veterans. All submissions are from local artists who are veterans and make up a wide variety of works including paintings, sketch work, wood working, ceramics and more.

“I met many of the artists as they brought in their works to the Art Center,” said Art League President Gerald Kurten. “Getting to know a little about each artist, their medium, their motivations and their service was inspirational. I encourage folks to come

Seton, $70.4 million, 2.1 miles: Extend Seton Parkway from north of Ascension Seton Hays Hospital to Kohlers Crossing across I-35 and add a four-lane arterial road north of Bebee Road and a three-lane collector road south of Bebee.

• Kyle Parkway/Lehman extension, $42.6 million, 1.3 miles: Extend Lehman Road northeast of Bunton Creek Road and connect to Dacy Lane and extend Kyle Parkway from Dacy Lane to this new segment. Both proposed roads will be fourlane minor arterial roads.

• Marketplace Avenue, $11.3 million, 0.6 miles: Connect the northern and southern segments of Marketplace Avenue by adding a new roadway from Old Bridge Trail to

to the reception, so they can share and honor these artists' work and lives.”

San Marcos Art Center Gallery Director Nancy Brown said she was also pleasantly surprised at both the wide variety of the types of artwork and the artist demographics themselves.

“This show is a combined outreach effort in that about half the artists are Texas State students and half are community artists,” said Brown.

The show will be open to the public throughout November at the San Marcos Art Center, located at 117 N. Guadalupe St. Suite 101 in downtown San Marcos. Art Center hours run Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5

Marketplace Avenue with a four-lane minor arterial road.

• Old Stagecoach Road ($29 million) and Center Street ($12.4 million) to RM 150, 2.2 miles: Implement improvements to Old Stagecoach Road and Center Street, including intersection upgrades, storm drain, sidewalk, illumination and water/wastewater replacement and overhead electric conversion to underground.

• Windy Hill Road, $15.1 million, 0.6 miles: Add capacity from the I-35 frontage road to Purple Martin Avenue. The roadway section will include two lanes in each direction with a center turn lane and a roundabout is proposed at

p.m., with Saturday hours being 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit

the Cherrywood intersection.

“This is a historic step for the city of Kyle,” Mayor Travis Mitchell said in a news release. “Kyle voters made it clear they want us focused on improving traffic, safety and mobility throughout the city. With the passage of Proposition A, we intend to honor the trust of the community and get to work on these projects."

Interim City Manager Jerry Hendrix said he will convene engineers and planners as early as the coming week to begin work on implementing the bond package.

“Council knew this was an urgent issue for our residents and had the vision to put this bond package forward to the voters,” Hendrix said. “The city

council and staff have laid a strong planning foundation so we could respond quickly and efficiently to the results of the election — whatever they were. Now we're ready to get to work right away on these important projects for the city of Kyle.”

It will take time to begin selling the bonds and begin acquiring rightof-way, according to the city, but officials said they will continue to make progress on planning and engineering designs in the meantime.

Plans for public meetings when Kyle residents can express their opinions about roadway design are underway and updates about these projects will be available at https://www. kylebonds.com/.

Protect your home from freezing weather

STAFF REPORT

With colder weather approaching, Texas Water Utilities is providing tips for people to be equipped

Water expands when it freezes, which puts tremendous pressure on your home's pipes and can cause them to break. Texas Water Utilities recommends the following tips to prepare your home in case of a freeze:

• Open cabinets and keep your thermostat to a consistent temperature during the day and night.

• Leave the heat on when going away for vacation during cold weather.

• Insulate pipes and

faucets in unheated areas and seal off openings in doors and air vents.

• Drain the swimming pool, shut down your sprinkler system, turn off outside faucets and remove connected hoses.

• If a pipe freezes but hasn’t burst, try to thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hairdryer or towel soaked with hot water.

• Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipes. Never concentrate heat in one area because cracking ice can shatter a line.

More tips and helpful information can be found at www.swwc.com/ h2ome/learning-center/ preparing-for-coldweather.

For all the latest news in Hays County, visit www.HaysFreePress.com

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To subscribe call 512-268-7862 or email paper@haysfreepress.com

www.sanmarcosartcenter. com/veterans-artshowcase.

Turnout drops in recent election

Voter turnout in the midterm elections again dropped statewide, with just over 45% of registered voters either casting ballots early or at the polls on Nov. 8. Republican candidates continued to hold a hammerlock on statewide positions, with incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott handily winning a third term over challenger Beto O’ Rourke.

Highlights by Gary Borders

The Texas Standard reported turnout in the state’s largest counties was well below 50% and lower than the record 2018 midterm turnout. Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, said he wasn’t surprised at the relatively low turnout.

“Usually, it’s hard to get Texans to vote in midterm elections. We saw a sizable increase in 2018 and then a big bump in 2020, but it’s starting to look like the 2018 and 2020 numbers were basically an aberration,” he said.

In Harris County, turnout dropped from 52% in 2018 to 43% this year.

Dallas County saw turnout plunge from 57% in 2018 to 44% this year, while in Tarrant County turnout was 47%, down from 57% in the last midterm.

“The turnout in this election was abysmal. It was way too low. And so, voters need to understand that if they don’t participate in the process, then their ability to control what happens in Austin is limited,” Rottinghaus told the Texas Standard.

Lawmakers: Get tougher on polluters

The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission,

which periodically reviews state agencies, has concluded the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality needs to make frequent polluters more accountable and increase the possible fines companies can face.

The commission consists of 10 legislators and two members of the public. The Texas Tribune reported the sunset commission called for state lawmakers to pass legislation next session that would increase the penalty levels for industrial polluters from $25,000 per day to $40,000.

“I think people wanted to send a message that we were cognizant of the burden upon industry while also recognizing the importance of increasing the penalty after this period of time so that the TCEQ has the power and the tools to actually enforce compliance with its rules,” said Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, and a member of the commission.

The sunset commission’s recommendations will be considered during the next legislative session, which begins in January.

Dry October leads to drought level increase

A fairly dry October, except in West Texas, led to an increase in drought levels to 75% of the state, up 14 percentage points from the end of September.

Dr. Mark Wentzel, hydrologist with the Texas Water Development Board, wrote that months of drought have adversely affected surface water resources and are now beginning to affect ground water resources as well.

For example, the Edwards Aquifer’s water level has dropped 35 feet to its lowest level since the 2011 drought. Storage levels in the state’s water supply reservoirs are at 68% of capacity — 13 percentage points below normal for this time of year.

“It's too far out to say with certainty, but spring 2023 may be our next best chance for drought relief,” Wentzel wrote. Houston business convicted of workers’ comp fraud

A Houston-area business has been convicted of a first-degree felony in a worker’s compensation scheme.

Sehgal & Sons Enterprises was convicted of concealing payrolls by having two separate payroll accounts but only reporting the smaller account to Texas Mutual Insurance Company. The company was fined $300,000, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.

“Concealing payroll is a scheme companies use to get lower workers’ compensation insurance rates, and that’s fraud,” said Debra Knight with the Department of Workers’ Compensation.

More than $355 million in public safety grants

Gov. Greg Abbott last week announced more than $355 million in public safety grants, covering a variety of programs, including victims’ services, anti-human trafficking efforts, and law enforcement support. The funding is a combination of state and federal dollars.

The money will go to provide bulletresistant vests, homeland security, to combat human trafficking, border security and about a dozen other programs.

“This crucial grant funding will

further bolster organizations and agencies as they work around the clock to ensure justice for victims of crime, protect against threats, prevent human trafficking, and support statewide emergency infrastructure, among other critical public safety initiatives,” Abbott said.

Whooping cranes spotted on Texas coast

First sightings of the endangered whooping crane have been reported along the Texas coast, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reported.

Janess Vartanian, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, says that on Oct. 21 a pair of whooping cranes were the first to arrive this season on Matagorda Island. Most will arrive in and around the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in December.

Whooping birds, according to TPWD, are the tallest, rarest birds in North America. The current population is estimated at about 543 birds. They migrate this time of year 2,500 milers from northern Alberta, Canada, to the Texas coast.

COVID-19 cases drop below 10,000 The number of new COVID-19 cases reported by the Coronavirus Resource Center at Johns Hopkins University in Texas dropped to 8,955, along with 32 deaths. The number of lab-confirmed COVID-19 hospitalizations stayed steady, with 998 reported across the state as of Sunday.

Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches and Cedar Park.

Email: gborders@texaspress.com.

Roy Bean not always legendary judge

Roy Bean inherited a California saloon on or about Nov. 22, 1852 after the murder of his oldest brother Joshua.

The legendary “Law West of the Pecos” did not just drop out of the sky into Lone Star folklore. For the better part of 40 years, he knocked around the West sponging off his brothers and blowing every chance at success.

The youngest of the three Bean boys, Roy was born in Kentucky in 1825. Following the lead of

Texas

History by Bartee Haile

brother Sam, a Mexican War veteran, he left home at age 23 to sample the good life south of the border. For a time Mexico lived up to his standards satisfying the lazy youth’s basic needs without him breaking a sweat.

But when Sam tied the knot with a local senorita and showed signs of becoming respectable, Roy joined the Forty-Niner rush for the California gold fields. At San Diego he discovered something even better, namely that none other than his brother Joshua was the top dog in town.

The eldest Bean was generous to a fault and provided his shiftless sibling with room, board and fine clothes, the pockets of which he kept full of spending money. Fortunately, he expected nothing in return because that was exactly what he got.

Josh moved up the California coast to Los Angeles, but Roy was having too much fun in San Diego to tag along. Like most baby brothers, he thought he was finally big enough to take care of himself, a rash assumption he soon proved wrong.

Roy’s troubles started innocently enough. A barroom acquaintance suggested a manly test of shooting skill, and Roy came up with the idea of a duel on horseback in the center of town. Only after he wounded his playmate and shot his mount out from under him did the sheriff intervene and haul both of them off to jail.

CORRECTIONS

Roy anticipated a token night or two behind bars, but a month went by and he was still confined to a cell. Although he insisted decades later that he tunneled his way to freedom with tools secretly supplied by a female fan club, the facts indicate Roy merely took advantage of a mass escape staged by other prisoners and walked away in the confusion.

The fugitive headed straight for Los Angeles and a reunion with his closest kin. While Josh was again willing to take Roy under his wing, this time he insisted that he earn his keep. So Roy agreed to tend bar in his brother’s saloon, the wildest watering hole for miles around.

In a matter of months, he inherited the profitable enterprise under very tragic circumstances. Odd man out in a love triangle, Josh was killed in a midnight ambush. Though seemingly

set for life, the new owner managed to run the business into the ground by being his own best customer.

Deep in debt and on the verge of losing the saloon, Roy succeeded in making a bad situation worse. Stumbling into a romantic entanglement over a Mexican maiden, he fought and won a duel for her affection. But the friends of the dead suitor took his death so hard that they strung up Roy and left him dangling from a tree limb.

Either the branch was too low or the rope stretched allowing the victim to stand on his tiptoes until a passerby took pity on Roy and cut him down. The close call left Roy with a permanent crick in his neck that forced him to rotate his shoulders in order to look from side to side.

Deciding a change of climate would be good for his health, Roy wandered back east in search of his

surviving brother. Sam like deceased Josh had done right well for himself, becoming the wealthiest member of a frontier community in New Mexico and the county sheriff to boot. Never one to wait for an invitation, Roy moved right in.

The Civil War spoiled this cozy arrangement. According to one of his many yarns spun for the entertainment of Vinegaroon visitors, Roy committed himself body and soul to the Confederate cause.

In this thrilling fantasy, he cast himself as spy and scout for the ill-fated invasion of New Mexico by Rebel Texans and accompanied them back to the former Lone Star State after the bold gamble went bust.

While Roy’s war record is open to question, his arrival in San Antonio at the height of the conflict is a documented fact. Also, the subsequent story of smuggling cotton and other contraband back and forth across the Rio

Grande is certainly more consistent with his character than selfless sacrifice for the Confederacy.

In middle age Roy at last put down roots. He married a San Antonio woman and, after a fashion, raised and supported a family for nearly 20 years. But there is no known cure for wanderlust, and at 56 he came down with a bad case of the itch.

The rest is history or, to be more precise, legend.

No figure in Texas history ever tried harder to carve a memorable place for himself than Judge Roy Bean, the crusty clown prince of the Pecos. That he pulled it off was his only real achievement in life.

A Christmas special! “Depression Desperadoes,”“Murder Most Texan,” “Texas Boomtowns,” “Unforgettable Texans” and “Entertainers” just $19.95 each. Mail your check to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.

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 cor rected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher.

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Capital

Teachers of Tomorrow announces new scholarship program

BY MEGAN WEHRING

The nation’s largest alternative certification provider is accepting applications for its newest scholarship program.

Teachers of Tomorrow is looking for applicants for its New Teacher Scholarship for individuals interested in becoming a teacher. The organization will award up to 20 scholarships across several states it operates in including Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Nov. 30 and recipients will be announced in January.

While the deadline to apply is in November, applicants must also enroll in Teachers of Tomorrow by Dec. 15 to be considered. Other qualifications include completing the application form and writing a 200- to 300-word essay on what inspired them to choose a career in teaching and why they think it will be a worthy career.

“We are committed to helping individuals pursue a career in teaching,” said Trent Beekman, CEO of Teachers of Tomorrow, in a news release. “Teachers of Tomorrow is honored to provide scholarships to individuals across the country to help them follow their dreams and become full-time teachers through our alternative certification program. We will continue welcoming aspiring teachers into our program and assisting them in any way we can.”

Teachers of Tomorrow offers guidance and support for incoming educators throughout the

entire certification process, while meeting the specific needs of each state. The organization works closely with candidates, school districts, HR representatives and campus principals to ensure they receive the best possible talent in their classrooms.

• 87% of principals surveyed in 2016 felt Teachers of Tomorrow candidates were prepared for their first year.

• Candidates are hired in high-needed areas including STEM, bilingual and special education.

• Fewer than 1% of all program completers hired in the classroom are denied the standard certification by their principal after completing their probationary year.

• To date, more than 70,000 teachers have been licensed through Teachers of Tomorrow.

Each scholarship winner has until Jan. 31, 2024, to become hired as a fulltime teacher of record to obtain the benefits of the scholarship. The scholarship covers the entire program fee, which is up to $6,000, and does not apply to the enrollment fee or any other associated costs.

For more information about applying for the scholarship, visit https:// www.teachersoftomorrow. org/new_teacher_ scholarship/.

Southwest Yeast Lab hops to Kyle

Celebration held to commemorate opening

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

KYLE — There’s nothing like brew-hopping around the Texas Hill Country, and a new yeast lab in Kyle is committed to providing these local breweries with the best strains possible.

Brewing is truly a science, and the “Yeast Beasts” of Southwest Yeast Lab (SWYL) — CEO Carlos Corona, chief technical officer George Parra and chief marketing officer Quinn Robichaux — have got it down to a T.

SWYL held a grand opening on Nov. 12. to showcase its new location and have an opportunity to thank the brewers and community members who have helped them on their journey.

SWYL has operated out of a pilot lab in New Braunfels for the past year. There, they worked with local breweries like Ghost Note and Fitzhugh Brewing in Dripping Springs, BS Brewing in Seguin and others.

SWYL noticed traction during this time, which led them to purchase bigger equipment and move into a larger lab facility in Kyle.

This has brought them closer to brewers they were already working with while also giving them the ability to work with new ones, like Independence Brewing Co. in Austin.

According to the Yeast Beasts, many brewers get yeast strains from out-of-state providers, which isn’t always the most effective option.

As a living organism, liquid yeast must be shipped cold and overnight so it doesn’t die or decrease in viability during transit. Sometimes, this requires the transportation of multiple five to 10 gallon sized bags, which can lead to expensive shipping rates.

This is where SWYL comes in: by providing breweries with a local yeast source and free shipping, they eliminate high expenses for these brewers — potentially saving them thousands of dollars — while supplying them with delicious strains made right here in the community.

SWYL produces ten strains, giving brewers plenty of options to craft their own unique brews, with everything from clean, crisp flavors and fruity notes to Belgian and wheat styles. Yeast from the lab’s German strain, The Einstein, was even brought back from Germany.

The lab also does ABV testing for local alcohol brands with a turnaround time as short as one day, will bank “house” strains and also offers yeast viability checks and foreign beer strain extractions.

For more information, visit www.southwestyeast. com.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda

BAPTIST

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

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

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

St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle

St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland

CHRISTIAN

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm 251 N. FM 1626 #2C, Buda, TX 78610 Office: (512) 312-1917 • Fax: 312-0688 dvthames@austin.rr.com

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

EPISCOPAL

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,

METHODIST

Every child deserves a great teacher

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

The lab keeps its fermentation barrels in a covered tent in its large warehouse. Here, a small starter set of yeast can grow into trillions of cells in a matter of weeks — and ready to be used by local brewers.

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON SWYL’s “Yeast Beasts” Quinn Robichaux, Carlos Corona and George Parra.

Debbie Thames Insurance Agency

Your Business & Referrals Are Appreciated

TESPA takes legal action against rock quarry

BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS COUNTY – A proposed rock quarry and rock crushing operation is not receiving positive feedback from all sides.

The Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association (TESPA) sent an amended Notice of Intent (NOI) to bring legal action against Far South Mining LLC (FSM) for a proposed rock quarry and rock crushing operation in Hays County. The NOI sent on Nov. 7 triggers a 60-day waiting period required by law before TESPA’s lawsuit against FSM can be filed in federal court.

This is the first amended version of the NOI distributed in May 2022, according to Karen Ford of WaterPR. As the legal team was preparing the case and court filing, they came across additional legal arguments to be included in the case, thus triggering the requirement for an amended notice.

TESPA is requesting FSM to abandon its plans for a rock quarry on the Needmore Ranch, located between Wimberley and San Marcos. The FSM permit request estimates the footprint of the operation to be 2,000 by 4,000 feet in size. That’s equivalent to 127 football

fields of mining and land disruption on the Needmore Ranch in an area formerly known as “Little Arkansas.”

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has already approved the quarry permit for air quality. However, the 44page NOI from TESPA cites numerous potential violations of federal rules including the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.

According to the NOI, the proposed quarry and rock crushing operations pose threats of harm to federally protected endangered species and their designated critical habit through:

• Lowering of local groundwater and surface water levels from mining operations and dewatering.

• Changes in turbidity levels in groundwater/ surface water due to blasting and quarry operations.

• Interruption of groundwater conduit flow paths by rock removal and/ or blasting in karst systems.

• Temperature change (thermal impacts) in springs and surface water streams.

• Seismic impacts to endangered species.

• Impacts to

groundwater/surface water quality from hazardous chemical spills and blasting residuals.

• Impacts from point and non-point sources of dust to surface water and groundwater from stormwater runoff and fugitive dust.

• Destruction of sensitive superficial karst features such as caves.

• Disruption of natural drainage patterns and stream morphology.

• Pollution from residues of nitrates and petroleum products accumulating in the stormwater runoff and groundwater from the ammonium nitrate blasting slurry and related activities.

• Leaks and spills of petroleum products from equipment as well as the risk of outright spills such as the 2,000-gallon spill of diesel.

TESPA asks for an injunction to prohibit the quarry/rock crushing activities because FSM has failed to apply for and obtain the permits required to comply with the Edwards Aquifer Act and regulations of the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program.

“Contamination of water by a limestone quarry is nothing new, but this situation is particularly dangerous because of the location, right on top of

the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer, where the groundwater is very near the surface and very much in jeopardy,” said Jeff Mundy, attorney for TESPA. “This type of mining operation injects an explosive slurry mixture of ammonium nitrate and diesel fuel into the limestone. The residue of ammonium nitrate and diesel accumulates over time, contaminating the water supply. The city of Miami had multiple municipal water wells polluted from a limestone mining operation.

“Also, as area residents learned during the construction of the Permian Highway Pipeline as it attempted to drill under the Blanco River, fluids injected into holes in the karst such as this area are lost as they go into the voids in the karst,” Mundy added. “Injecting ammonium nitrates and diesel into the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone is a threat to our water.”

The NOI states that the quarry and rock crushing operation will likely cause harm, or “take,” of endangered species such as the Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle, Golden-cheeked Warbler, San Marcos Springs Salamander and Texas Blind Salamander.

Map of Needmore Ranch, located between Wimberley and San Marcos.

There is also the potential for contamination of groundwater and drinking water supplies from related activities that involve blasting, operation of heavy equipment, rock crushing and an estimated 100-plus truckload of rock per day on Hays County roads.

“Far South Mining’s plan for a quarry and rock crushing plant threatens to disrupt aquifer recharge and groundwater movement within our karst landscape,” said Jim Blackburn, TESPA board president. “It must be stopped.”

TESPA is concerned with ensuring that groundwater from the Needmore Ranch is not used for rock crushing

operations. Needmore may only use groundwater pumped under its permit for agricultural irrigation and wildlife use, according to a previous settlement agreement reached with TESPA.

“We are in communication with the Barton Springs Edward Aquifer Conservation District management and our area elected local and state officials about our issues and concerns,” said Patrick Cox, TESPA executive director, in a news release. “We appreciate the vigilance of everyone in our community who wants to protect the quality and integrity of the environment and preserve the Texas Hill Country.”

Kyle Teacher Reuse celebrates grand opening

heaven' opens in Kyle

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

KYLE — The Teacher Reuse, a nonprofit teacher store located at 3700 Kyle Crossing, invited teachers to celebrate its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

“They walk in, they get what they want and walk out,” said Shelly O’Donnell, founder and director of the Kyle Teacher Reuse.

About 25 teachers attended the grand opening from Lockhart, Del Valle, Hays County and Pflugerville schools.

Oftentimes, teachers pay out of pocket for the majority of the supplies and decorative items to make their classroom a personalized learning environment. The Teacher Reuse works to lessen teachers' economic burden while encouraging recycling and reuse.

The Teacher Reuse provides supplies donated by the community, businesses and fellow teachers at no cost.

Teachers with a public or charter school photo ID could shop in the store for materials they may need for their classroom.

Teachers can register by scanning a QR code and completing the proof of employment form, taking a photo of their school ID and then scanning another QR code to attach their school photo ID to the email. Once those steps are complete, they are welcome to shop.

The Teacher Reuse has an abundance of donated teacher materials including office supplies, posters and a library filled with donated books.

The Cindy Naples Bookroom, named after volunteer and Buda resident Cindy Naples, is filled with a variety of books, from chapter books to science books.

The bookroom was named after Naples because she sorted, unboxed and categorically shelved every book.

Teachers can also fill out a wishlist. O’Donnell used one art teacher that came in as an example.

“She needs fine-point sharpies,” O’Donnell said. “Well, if I put ’em out here, everybody will take fine-point sharpies, but she needs that for art class. So, I try to hold things that teachers really need.”

Stephanie Saldana, a middle school and special education teacher, drove from Del Valle to attend the grand opening and described it as “teacher heaven.”

While Saldana is in her fourth year of teaching, she wishes she had known about the organization when she first started.

The Teacher Reuse posts its inventory weekly on Thursdays to give teachers a preview.

“They take screenshots and say, ‘Do you still have that?’ and yep, and I put their name on it,” O’Donnell said. “Because I want the art teachers to get art, the science teachers to get the science stuff first.”

Once teachers leave, they can fill out a tag. The organization offers a suggested price list so teachers can estimate how much they are saving.

The Teacher Reuse is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, visit https:// www.facebook.com/theteacherreuse.

4:oop.m.

to

Raymond, 12-year-old, Labrador Retriever mix, male:

Raymond is an absolute charmer! Everyone who meets him, says how much they fall in love with his sweet demeanor. His foster mom is especially proud of his gentleness, manners, good behavior, and fun, loving personality. Raymond is housebroken and good with smaller or more calm/gentle dogs.

Bear, 7-year-old, Domestic medium-hair mix, male: You can find Bear at our Kyle Campus - he’s most likely bird-watching or making biscuits, his two favorite things! Bear is always happy to stop what he’s doing to say hello. Bear arrived at PAWS with a tail injury that rendered him fecal incontinent. Even though I’m a special needs cat, I promise I am worth it and have so much floofy love to give!

Committed

your pet’s health since 1978

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

The Teacher Reuse offers a variety of free teacher supplies including educational posters.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN Every book was unboxed, sorted and shelved by Kyle Teacher Reuse volunteer and Buda resident Cindy Naples.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code, TJO 10 X 10 Management, Ltd Managing properties listed below will hold a public auction of property being sold to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The sale will begin on or about the time indicated at www.Self storageauction.com. Property will be sold to highest bidder for cash. Deposit for removal and cleanup may be tempo rarily required. Seller reserves the right to reject any bid and to withdraw property from sale. Property may be sold by the space. Property being sold includes contents in spaces of following tenants, with brief description of con tents in each space.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022 12:00 pm AAA Self Storage Dripping Springs @ 2300 W. US Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 www.SelfStorageAuction. com

Cassy Martinez: misc. items. JoAn Dreyer: misc. Items.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been submitted with HAYS COUN TY to subdivide 611.759 acres of property located at Sat terwhite Road, Buda, Texas 78616. Information regard ing the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-2061.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamenta ry for the Estate of Stanley Lewis Sissom, Deceased, were authorized on November 14, 2022, under Docket No. 22-00451-P pending in the Hays County, Texas, County Court at Law in favor of Joyce Rogers Sissom.

Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the estate, addressed as follows:

Representative, Estate of Stanley Lewis Sissom, Deceased c/o John H. Gilliam John H. Gilliam Law Office 302 W. Martin Luther King Dr. San Marcos, Texas 78666

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 16th day of November, 2022

John H. Gilliam

By: /s/ John H. Gilliam Attorney for Applicant

By: /s/ John H. Gilliam Attorney for Applicant

REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSALS

RCSP # FY23-077

PREFABRICATED PE DESTRIAN BRIDGE

Competitive sealed proposals will be received by the Purchasing Manager of the City of Buda for the above referenced solicitation. The City is seeking to enter a contract with a qualified con tractor for furnishing all labor, materials, and freight for the project. Project includes but is not limited to the providing a pedestrian and bicycle trail bridge and abutment design, manufacturing, delivery, and installation services for a 20-meter prefabricated pedestrian bridge.

Proposals shall be deliv ered to City of Buda City Hall, Attn: Purchasing Proposal Box, 405 E. Loop St., Bldg. 100, Buda, Texas 78610.

Write “SEALED PROPOSAL” with the Solicitation Number, Solicitation Name, and Due Date on the outside of the shipping package. Proposals will be accepted until 2 PM, December 14, 2022.

All proposals shall be ac companied a proposal bond in the in the amount of 5% of the offeror’s maximum proposal price. The proposal package

Public Notice Notice of Public Hearing

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT:

The City of Kyle shall hold a public hearing on a request by Nathan Kennedy (BOA 22 0011) to request a variance from Sec. 17 24(6) regarding ingress/egress and a variance from Sec. 17 24(7) regarding stream setbacks for property located at 705 & 711 N. Old Hwy 81 in Hays County, Texas.

A public hearing will be held by the Board of Adjustment on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 6:30 PM.

This is a meeting taking place at Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640; Spectrum 10; https://www.cityofkyle.com/kyletv/kyle 10 live

Owner(s): GGBC Holdings, LLC 7325 Jaborandi Drive, Austin, TX 78739

Agent: Nathan Kennedy 7325 Jaborandi Drive, Austin, TX 78739 512 947 9929

Publication Date: November 16, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN WATER QUALITY PERMIT PROPOSED PERMIT

NO. WQ0016236001

APPLICATION. Clayton Properties Group, Inc., 6720 Vaught Ranch Road, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78730, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for proposed Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0016236001 (EPA I.D. No. TX0143651) to authorize the discharge of treated wastewater at a volume not to exceed a daily average flow of 300,000 gallons per day. The domestic wastewater treatment facility will be located approximately 8,550 feet west of the intersection of State Highway 21 and Farm to Market Road 2001, in Hays County, Texas 78640. The discharge route will be from the plant site to Brushy Creek, thence to Soil Conservation Service Site 14 Reservoir, thence to Brushy Creek, thence to Plum Creek. TCEQ received this application on October 7, 2022. The permit application is available for viewing and copying at Kyle Public Library, 550 Scott Street, Kyle, Texas. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility's general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For the exact location, refer to the application.

https://gisweb.tceq.texas.gov/LocationMapper/?marker= 97.7698,30.0043&level=18

ALTERNATIVE LANGUAGE NOTICE. Alternative language notice in Spanish is available at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/wastewater/plain language summaries and public notices El aviso de idioma alternativo en español está disponible en https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/wastewater/plain language summaries and public notices

ADDITIONAL NOTICE. TCEQ’s Executive Director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. After technical review of the application is complete, the Executive Director may prepare a draft permit and will issue a preliminary decision on the application. Notice of the Application and Preliminary Decision will be published and mailed to those who are on the county wide mailing list and to those who are on the mailing list for this application. That notice will contain the deadline for submitting public comments.

PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting on this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ will hold a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing.

OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments, and the Executive Director’s decision on the application, will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision and for requesting a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court.

TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name, address, phone number; applicant's name and proposed permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the proposed facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period and, the statement "[I/we] request a contested case hearing." If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify by name and physical address an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are relevant to the group’s purpose.

Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting.

The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material water quality concerns submitted during the comment period.

MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. For details about the status of the application, visit the Commissioners’ Integrated Database at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cid. Search the database using the permit number for this application, which is provided at the top of this notice.

AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC 105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711 3087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide,

including your name, phone number, email address, and physical address will become part of the agency's public record. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1 800 687 4040 or visit their website at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/pep. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1 800 687 4040.

Further information may also be obtained from Clayton Properties Group, Inc at the address stated above or by calling Mr. Ted Schneider, P.E., BGE, Inc., at 512 806 1896

Issuance Date: November 8, 2022

for the Project may be viewed and downloaded at:

www.questCDN.com www.bidnet.com

www.publicpurchase.com

An acceptable proposal bond in an amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the total proposal shall accompany each proposal as a guaranty that, if awarded the contract, the offeror will promptly enter contract with the City of Buda and furnish bonds on the forms provided.

Offerors are expected to

Proposals will be accepted until 12-09-2022 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Please note the Hays CISD District Offices will be closed from November 21 through November 25, 2022.

Specifications are available in the HCISD Purchasing Office (512-268-2141 ext. 45092) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Bid responses must be returned to the HCISD Purchasing Office, Valerie Littrell, 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640, by the date and time indicated above.

Late Bids will be returned unopened. The HCISD Board

and waive all formalities in the bid process.

HAYS CISD REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP #06-102202VL Hays CISD is requesting proposals for RFP #06102202VL District-Wide Fiber Services. Please note the Hays CISD District Offices will be closed the from November 21 through November 25, 2022. Proposals will be accepted until 12-08-2021 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Specifications are

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS

Provide

for

modeling, structure, and

adolescent boys. No exp. required,

Pay starting at $12 per

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 histor y, 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.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code that Costco Texas Beverages, Inc. has applied for a Wine Only Package Store to be issued to: Costco Texas Beverages Inc. located at 19086 IH 35, Kyle, Hays County, TX 78640.

Costco Texas Beverages, Inc.: John C. Sullivan – Pres./Treas. Gail E. Tsuboi – V.P./Sec.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THE TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CODE THAT DJRGC, LLC., HAS FILED FOR A MIXED BEVERAGE PERMIT ISSUED TO DOUBLE J RANCH GOLF CLUB, LOCATED AT 1 PRO LANE, WOODCREEK, HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS 78676.

JOSEPH A. GAMBINO, MANAGER/MEMBER

chasing Office (512-268-2141 ext. 45092) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Bid responses must be returned to the HCISD Purchasing Office, Valerie Littrell, 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640, by the date and time indicated above.

Late Bids will be returned unopened. The HCISD Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and waive all formalities in the bid process.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is given that original Letters of Administration for the Estate of Harvey Brian Bilbo, Sr. were issued on 10/27/2022, in docket number 22-0409-P, pending in the County Court of Hays County, Texas, to Amber Bilbo Bates.

All persons having claims against the estate, which is presently being administered, are required to submit them, within the time and manner prescribed by law, and before

the estate is closed, ad dressed as follows:

Representative Estate of Harvey Brian Bilbo, Sr. c/o Terry L. Belt 9600 Great Hills Trail Suite 150-W Austin, TX 78759

Dated this 15th Day of November, 2022 /s/ Terry L. Belt Terry L. Belt Attorney for Administrator of the Estate of Harvey Brian Bilbo, Sr.

High schools honor student-athletes on National Signing Day

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

HAYS COUNTY — Thousands of high school athletic programs across the country recognized student-athletes choosing to further their academic and athletic careers on Nov. 9.

In Hays County, nearly 30 students signed letters of

Wimberley:

• Claire Valentine, Soccer, Angelina Junior College

• Emily Thames, Soccer, Angelo State University

• Addison Kirbo, Softball, Navarro College

Dripping Springs:

• Taylor Anderson, Softball, Oklahoma State University

• Natalie Arnold, Volleyball,

Wofford College

• Caroline Dill, Soccer, Oklahoma State University

• Chloe Fredenburg, Soccer, Montana State University Billings

• Hannah Gamez, Soccer, California Lutheran University

• Erika Kanetzky, Softball, Creighton University

• Grace Payne, Soccer, Colgate University

• Mackenzie Plante, Volleyball, University of Tennessee

• Piper Price, Lacrosse, Fort Lewis College

• Ella Ruff, Soccer, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

• Riley Sisson, Soccer, Dallas Baptist University

• Taliyah Spain, Soccer, University of Arkansas

• Emma Wegner, Volleyball, Randolph-Macon College

• Ava Williamson, Beach Volleyball, Arizona State University

Hays:

• Crystal Creek, Volleyball, Academy of Art University (San Francisco)

• Madi Disu, Volleyball, Rhode Island

• Megan Disu, Volleyball, Rhode Island

• Mia Liscano, Softball, Northwestern State

Johnson:

• Kenzie Behl, Volleyball, University of Louisiana Monroe

• Lana Tello, Volleyball, Texas State University

• Sidney Kinnison, Track, University of Oklahoma

• Sophia Olivarez, Track, Belmont Abbey College

• Jaeden Burnham, Softball, Trinity Valley Community College

• Amia Torrez, Softball, Trinity Valley Community College

•

•

HEALTH NEWS

CDC warns of spike in respiratory viruses

BY MEGAN WEHRING

It may be a brutal fall and winter for parents, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said there has been early and elevated respiratory virus activity, especially among children.

Co-circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2 (commonly known as COVID-19) and others could place stress on healthcare systems this fall and winter, according to the CDC. This early increase in disease incidence highlights the importance of optimizing respiratory virus prevention and treatment measures, including prompt vaccination and antiviral treatment.

Many respiratory viruses with similar clinical presentations circulate year-round in the United States and at higher levels in fall and winter. In the past two years, respiratory disease activity has been dominated by SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal circulation of other respiratory viruses has been atypical or lower than in pre-pandemic years. Currently, the U.S. is experiencing a surge and co-circulation of respiratory viruses other than SARSCoV-2. The CDC is tracking levels of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and rhinovirus/ enterovirus (RV/EV) that are higher than usual for this time of year, especially among children.

RSV CDC surveillance has shown an increase in RSV detections and RSVassociated emergency department visits and hospitalizations in all but two U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regions (regions 4 and 6), with some regions already near the seasonal peak levels typically observed in December or January. This year, rates of RSVassociated hospitalizations

began to increase during late spring and continued to increase through the summer and into early fall.

Preliminary data from October show that weekly rates of RSV-associated hospitalizations among children younger than 18 years old are higher than rates observed during similar weeks in recent years. While RSV activity appears to be plateauing in some places, the timing, intensity and severity of the current RSV season are uncertain.

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within four to six days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV usually include a runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties.

Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday, the CDC stated.

Influenza (flu)

The CDC has been tracking early and increasing influenza activity in recent weeks. The highest levels of influenza activity have been found in the southeast and south-central parts of the country. The most common viruses identified to date have been influenza A (H3N2) viruses, with most infections occurring in children and young adults. Cumulative influenzaassociated hospitalization rates for children (age 0–4 years and 5–17 years) and all ages combined are notably higher compared to the same time periods during previous seasons since 2010–2011. Although the timing, intensity and severity of the 2022–2023 influenza season are uncertain, the CDC anticipates continued high-level circulation of influenza viruses this fall

and winter.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

CDC data is available to monitor COVID-19 community levels, which is based on hospitalization and case data and can be used to track SARS-CoV-2 activity. SARS-CoV-2 activity is expected to increase in the winter as has been observed in previous years. Rates of COVID-19-associated hospitalizations among all age groups including children have decreased since August, but rates in infants younger than 6 months remain higher than in other pediatric age groups and higher than in all adult age groups except those 65 years and older.

The CDC expects continued high-level circulation of SARS-CoV-2 this fall and winter.

What does the CDC recommend for healthcare providers?

The CDC recommends that healthcare providers offer prompt vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 to all eligible people ages 6 months and older who are not up to date. Vaccination can prevent hospitalization and death associated with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses.

Influenza vaccines have been updated for the current season. Of influenza A (H3N2) viruses that have been analyzed in the United States since May 2022, most A (H3N2) viruses are genetically and antigenically closely related to the updated A (H3N2) vaccine component. These data suggest influenza vaccination this season should offer protection against the predominant A (H3N2) viruses to date.

Currently approved SARS-CoV-2 bivalent mRNA booster doses for use in patients 5 years of age and older offer protection against both the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus and the currently

predominant Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants that cause COVID-19. Emerging evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccination provides some protection against multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and against post-COVID-19 conditions and that vaccination among persons with post-COVID-19 conditions might help reduce their symptoms.

To prevent RSVassociated hospitalizations,

eligible high-risk children should receive palivizumab treatment in accordance with AAP guidelines. In brief, children eligible for palivizumab include infants prematurely born at less than 29 weeks' gestation, children younger than 2 years of age with chronic lung disease or hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease and children with suppressed immune systems or neuromuscular disorders.

While vaccination is the primary means for preventing influenza and COVID-19, antiviral medications are important adjuncts used to treat illness in persons with severe illness and those at increased risk for complications. Both influenza and COVID-19 antiviral medications are most effective in reducing complications when treatment is started as early as possible after symptom onset.

Kylie Goad, Softball, Texas A&M International University

Karis Hichey, Girls Soccer,

Austin College • Alexis Condega, Boys Soccer, Midwestern State University

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN Caroline Dill smiles with all of her friends after signing.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Mia Liscano cries happy tears after signing her letter of intent to play for Northwestern State as her mom, Rosa Liscano, claps in support.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Megan Disu laughs and tears up while her mom, Jennifer Price, tries to comfort her.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN Sidney Kinnison signs to run track at Big 12 school, Oklahoma.

Hill Country photo contest winners announced

STAFF REPORT

The Texas Hill Country is a unique region filled with diverse wildlife, clear springs, sprawling rural landscapes, historic towns and some of the starriest night skies in the country. With a rapidly growing population and increasing development coming into the region, many of these special qualities are at risk of being lost.

Each year, the Hill Country Alliance (HCA) holds a photo contest encouraging photographers to capture features of the Texas Hill Country they would like to protect forever.

In light of our region’s explosive growth, this year’s photo contest, “Snapshot of the Hill Country,” challenged photographers to capture the fleeting beauty of life in the Hill Country.

Between March and May, HCA received more than 300 entries in the 2022 Hill Country Photo Contest from amateur and professional photographers alike.

Submissions ranging from sprawling wildflowers to winding rivers truly captured the beauty and fragility of the Hill Country’s incredible treasures.

The four winning photographs were selected by a panel of judges and are featured in HCA’s popular 2023 Texas Hill Country Calendar, available at https://www. hillcountryalliance. org/2023calendar/.

For the fifth year, the public had the opportunity to vote for their favorite contest entries. A unique field of bluebonnets brought in more than 1,000 votes and took home the prize. Photographer Andrea Raynor was recognized as the People’s Choice

recipient, receiving a cash prize and a photo feature in the 2023 calendar.

Yu Zhou’s grand prizewinning shot, titled “Determination,” was taken in Austin and features a close-up view of a steelyeyed, yellow-crowned night heron. Commonly found hunting small fish and crawdads around rivers, ponds and creeks, yellowcrowned night herons sport a bold, yellow crown of feathers on top of their black and white heads. These birds do most of their hunting at night and can be found across the Hill Country, though they are more common towards the eastern Hill Country, near the I-35 corridor.

Maintaining healthy creeks and riparian areas — the riverbanks where land and water meet — is crucial to the long-term success of waterbirds like the night heron and for our own regional water quality.

David Satterwhite earned first place with the photo “Lazy Day” showing a curious gray fox, photographed near Sisterdale in Kendall County. Gray foxes are ubiquitous across the region and able to adapt to life in both bustling urban hubs and quiet, rural forests, though they are more commonly seen in edge habitat with plenty of trees.

The long-term success of both of these charismatic species depends upon our choices. HCA’s Land Program works across the 17 counties of the region to support local land stewardship and conservation efforts from riparian habitats to live oak and ashe juniper forests. As development expands and land use changes, it is crucial that we maintain and protect key habitat for these and many more of the species

that call the Hill Country home.

Taking second place, Jeremiah Terry’s “Midnight on the Llano” is a longexposure photograph of the Milky Way over Mason, Texas. This shot showcases both the beauty of a starry Hill Country night and its biggest threat — expanding light pollution. Although light pollution is an issue all over the world, the Texas Hill Country is one place where dark, starry skies can still be enjoyed in the less populated, western

reaches of the region. However, poorly designed, excessive artificial lighting is expanding west from the more developed I-35 corridor, threatening our view of the stars. HCA’s Night Skies program combats this challenge by helping cities and counties minimize the impacts of light pollution through education and outreach, sharing outdoor lighting policies and supporting new and existing certified Dark Sky Places in our region.

Moving farther south in the Hill Country, the thirdplace photo, “Window on a Canyon Lake Sunset,” was captured by Jerry Sargent in Comal County. Like many iconic Texas lakes, this breathtaking water body is actually a manmade reservoir, created to harness the water supply of local rivers for human use.

Built in the 1960s, Canyon Lake is supplied by the Guadalupe River, which gets its start in western Kerr County and eventually flows on until it

is joined by the Comal, San Marcos and San Antonio rivers. This year’s ongoing drought conditions have had a tremendous impact across the Hill Country and they have been particularly noticeable in communities reliant on river flow for summer recreation and tourism. With drought top of mind, HCA’s Water Program is working with local partners across the region to ensure our regional water supply is resilient and prepared for future droughts.

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PHOTO BY JEREMIAH TERRY

PHOTO BY ANDREA RAYNOR

PHOTO BY DAVID SATTERWHITE

PHOTO BY YU ZHOU