November 20, 2019 Hays Free Press by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

NOVEMBER 20, 2019 FOOD FOR FINES

DARK SKY BUDA

Kyle Public Library to dismiss fines in exchange for food donations.

Buda to enter Dark Sky status in latest sustainability effort.

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Vol. 125 • No. 33

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Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX

Tenorio resigns Kyle council

Special election slated Jan. 25 BY ANITA MILLER

the office of Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector. The Kyle City Council Tenorio, who said she accepted the resignation of had long considered the District 6 Council position, will run member Daphin the Democratic ne Tenorio at a primary. special meeting Current Tax on Monday and Assessor-Collector ordered a special Jenifer O’Kane, election to be held who had served Saturday, Jan. 25, as chief deputy 2020, in order to to former Tax fill her unexpired Assessor-Collector term, which runs Luann Caraway, TENORIO to November 2021. was appointed by Tenorio, who the commissioners was first elected to the city court in March to serve the council in November 2018, resigned in order to run for TENORIO RESIGNS, 10

BY ANITA MILLER The Kyle Planning and Zoning Commission approved new retail space at its Nov. 12 meeting. The planned mixed-use development will occur along Interstate 35 sandwiched between the correctional facility and the convenience store to the north. The project will now go before the city council for their approval. The commission’s action was in two parts – first, to assign original zoning to approximately 7.027 acres of land from agricultural land to rezone 2.495 acres from Commercial 2 district to Retail Services. All told, that is 12.666 acres of property. The new zoning allows businesses like restaurants, retail buildings, offices and other service-oriented undertakings. Three of the pads will face the interstate, while the rest will have access from FM 150 and Hill Street. Application material indicated that the area already has water, wastewater and electric services. One commissioner raised a question about a

The new zoning allows businesses like restaurants, retail buildings, offices and other service-oriented undertakings and three of the pads will face the interstate, while the rest will have access from FM 150 and Hill Street. possible buffer zone. City planner William Atkinson clarified that such buffer zones are only required in residential areas, not commercial. “The area is highly commercial,” Atkinson told commissioners, adding that the development “should help increase property taxes and sales taxes, hopefully … you should have retail there. Staff has no issues recommending this and ask that you support it.”

Firefighters busy with four major calls in three days BY ANITA MILLER Kyle firefighters are coming off a busy week, with four major calls between Nov. 13 and 16. No injuries were reported in connection with any of the incidents, which included a fire in a chimney on Masonwood, another in the garden area at Lowe’s Home Improvement Center, still another at a mobile home in Green Pastures and finally one at The Strand Apartments in Kyle. According to Fire Chief Kyle Taylor, the Masonwood fire on Nov. 13. was in a chimney that “got dislodged, maybe due to high winds.” That allowed heat to escape “where it shouldn’t,” sparking the fire. Taylor said damage to the home was minimal and the family was actually able to spend the night there. “They just need a new chimney,” he said. On Nov. 14, 14 firefighters rushed to the Lowe’s Garden Department for a

COMING UP Christmas Joy, Nov. 23

The Steel Magnolias, a singing group from San Marcos who have been singing together for 13 years, will have a musical presentation of “Christmas Joy” at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kyle United Methodist Church.

Paw Palooza, Nov. 23

The Paw Palooza Fall Festival will have lots of fun games and activities for the entire family, including your fur babies. Come enjoy our bouncy house, face painting, yard games, professional pet photog-

BROWN & BLUE

Brown and Blue Santa lend holiday cheer to local families.

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fire of still-undetermined origin. “There was basically no damage to the building — it was all basically confined to some merchandise.” Taylor said fire crews were on scene for about two hours after

the 6 p.m. response. One day later, a mobile home in Green Pastures was reported on fire around 6 p.m. Taylor said the residence was occupied by a man who managed to get out safely.

raphy and pet costume contest, as well as some burgers and hot dogs. There will also be a low-cost vaccination clinic during the festival. The festival will be Nov. 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Deep Roots Animal Clinic in Kyle. Admission is free.

Buda Turkey Trot, Nov. 28

The third annual Buda Turkey Trot benefiting the Hays County Food Bank will be a 5K run/walk through the heart of the city of Buda. The race, which starts at the rear parking lot of Cabela’s, marks the start of a new family and community tradition to celebrate Thanksgiving. There will be a free kids sprint as well so bring the whole family and invite friends to celebrate and get a healthy start to Thanksgiving. Festivities will be from 9 to 11 a.m. with 5K sign-in beginning at 8 a.m. Cost for adults on the day of sign-

INDEX

P&Z approves rezoning for new mixed-use commercial development

PHOTOS BY KYLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Kyle firefighters used a ladder truck to get closer to a chimney fire in a home on Masonwood. There were no injuries and only minimal damage to the house. Below, fire crews at a fire in Green Patures.

News…………………… 2 Opinion Page………… 3 Sports………………… 4-5 Education……………… 6

Reported as a fire that started in the living room, he said the actual original was in a bathroom, and that when firefighters arrived, three-quarters of

FIRES, 10

up is $40.

Small Business Saturday, Cocoa Jingle and Tree Lighting in Buda, Nov. 30

Come to Buda Nov. 30 to enjoy a full day of holiday activities. There will be an Ornament Market at the Buda Public Library from noon to 5 p.m. From 3:30 to 5:30 there will be a Cocoa Jingle where patrons can peruse the downtown shops while drinking cocoa supplied by the store owners. Bring your own mug or buy one there. The event also includes a pajama contest and a mug contest. There will also be a downtown tree lighting at 6 p.m.

Community………… 7,8 Police Blotter………… 10 Service Directory…… 11 Classifieds………… 13-14

NEWS

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HISTORY

Founded April 10, 1903, by Thomas Fletcher Harwell as The Kyle News, with offices on the corner of Burleson and Miller streets in the town’s oldest remaining building. It merged into The Hays County Citizen in 1956. The paper consolidated with The Free Press in October, 1978. During its more than 100-year history the newspaper has maintained offices at more than a dozen locations in Kyle and Buda.

Hays Free Press • November 20, 2019

Ascension exec says partnership with Google to boost patient care BY ANITA MILLER An executive with Ascension Healthcare, whose properties include Ascension Seton Hays, said the company’s partnership with Google will “better serve the evolving needs of consumers, patients and caregivers.” The cooperation between the two entities has come under fire lately, in part because of consumer distrust of the tech giant’s handling of sensitive information. It has resulted in numerous stories in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and other national media outlets, and has also sparked an investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights. In a blog published Nov. 12, Eduardo Conrado, Ascension’s executive vice president for strategy and innovations, denied the partnership was a secret, noting that Google first announced it as part of its second-quarter earnings report. “Acute care administrative and clinical leaders across Ascension have been informed of the work, enterprise-wide webinars have been held, and the clinical leaders of our employed physician group have been informed in detail about the project,” he wrote. “In our deployment sites, front-line nurses and clinicians have not only been informed but have actively participated in the project.” Ascension Seton Hays did not respond directly to a question by the Hays Free Press, instead referring the newspaper to Conrado’s written remarks. The collaboration goes by the code name of Project Nightingale, and involves the hosting of clinical data in the Google Cloud Platform “housed within an Ascension-owned private space,” Conrado said. “Google is not permitted to use the data for marketing or research purposes. Hospitals and clinical software vendors across the country have converted or are in the process of converting to electronic health records stored in the cloud,” he said, predicting that approach will be adopted by

The collaboration goes by the code name of Project Nightingale, and involves the hosting of clinical data in the Google Cloud Platform housed within an Ascensionowned private space. the entire healthcare industry. Conrado said the partnership’s work “is in compliance with applicable regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and is covered by a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) that governs Protected Health Information (PHI).” Any exchange of protected information, he said, “is for the purpose of helping our providers support patient care.” “Our data will always be separate from Google’s consumer data,” Conrado wrote, “and it will never be used by Google for purposes such as targeting consumers for advertising.” The future, he went on to write, will involve artificial intelligence, which “holds promise to help physicians more effectively and efficiently treat patients … Artificial intelligence/machine learning will help provide insights, with a licensed clinician always making the final treatment decisions.” He continued, “This is groundbreaking work that will improve the experience of patients and consumers, as well as caregivers … We’re excited about this opportunity to invest in technology-enabled services that address the toughest healthcare problems facing our nation.”

PHOTO BY ANITA MILLER

Counting down to Christmas

City employees have been busy in recent days transforming the Old Kyle Square into a winter wonderland, complete with a “Days to go” reminder for the holiday season.

Buda seeks to revamp animal control ordinance BY CAMELIA JUAREZ

Buda is making it easier for pet owners to register and track their lost pets with the first update of animal control ordinances in five years. According to Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd, fewer than a hundred pets are currently registered in the city. To boost that number, he proposed changes to include microchipping pets, online pet registration and possibly waiving registration fees this year. Current animal control ordinances require owners to renew their pet registration each year. That allows lost pets to be located through the registration system but Kidd said he realizes annual renewals can burden pet owners. “Historically, we’ve not had a large response to registration of animals. People just forget. People might have registered their animal three years ago, but didn’t think to renew their registration. That isn’t on the average citizen’s agenda,” Kidd said. He proposed a onetime, lifetime registration which would include microchipping – which is not included in the current animal control ordinance – and said the registration

austincc.edu/spring

should be a “cost effective, efficient and reliable,” instead of tag-dependent like it is now. Kidd suggested a $25 fee to microchip pets and a $100 fee if the owner chooses not to. Those proposed fees are being reviewed by the city council. “The point we’re trying to get across is for people to register their animals, not necessarily raise funds,” Kidd said. “I proposed to suspend fees this year to get as many pets registered as possible and make a public campaign to make owners aware. Our goal now is to make it easier and simpler for the public.” If an owner chooses to microchip their pet, Kidd proposed developing a user-friendly automated system to remind people

when their pet’s vaccinations have expired. Kidd said the overall goal is to ensure that Buda has an accurate count of pets and that owners are aware of vaccination updates, for the community’s safety. “We want online submission forms and hope to have an automated user-friendly system, so people won’t even have to come down to the city. The new online system would allow the city to notify pet owners that their pet’s vaccinations have expired,” Kidd said. “Simplify the process, increase registered animals and easier for the citizens to ensure vaccinations. It made sense to me to get away from an annual registration and just go to a lifetime registration.”

Hays County inmate mistakenly released under assumed identity BY ANITA MILLER

START HERE

Current animal control ordinances require owners renew their pet registration each year. That allows lost pets to be located through the registration system but Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd said he realizes annual renewals can burden pet owners.

A Hays County Jail inmate who conspired to change identities with another inmate was mistakenly released from custody last week but quickly recaptured. Shaun S. Haenes, 41, of Austin had been jailed since Oct. 29 on charges including possession of a controlled substance, identity theft, unlawfully carrying a weapon, failure to identify and tampering with governmental records. He was let go shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 but was soon “located at a nearby restaurant and returned” to custody at 9:37 p.m., Lt. Dennis Gutierrez of the Has County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release. Haenes had also been jailed on a hold” from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, which had outstanding warrants on him for bond forfeiture and fraud.

Lt. Gutierrez of the HCSO said investigation revealed that “for the past several days, Haenes had conspired with another cellmate to exchange identities and then bond out of jail posing as the cellmate.”

Gutierrez said investigation revealed that “for the past several days, Haenes had HAENES conspired with another cellmate to exchange identities and then bond out of jail posing as the cellmate.” He said on Nov. 14, bail had been posted for the other cellmate, who was not named. “Haenes, under the assumed identity, was removed from his jail cell to begin his out processing paperwork. One of the corrections officers

failed to follow proper inmate release procedures that would have exposed Haenes,” leading to his release. He was additionally charged with four counts of tampering with a government record, a third degree felony, failure to identify with intent to give false information, a Class A misdemeanor, and escape while arrested/confined, a third degree felony. He went before a judge on Friday and was given bonds of $3,000 each for the new felony and misdemeanor charges. He had no prior criminal history in Hays County.

Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I’m not a participation coach. I told the girls that right off the bat. If you’re here just to participate, you’re not playing.” –Brock Ramsey, Lehman girls basketball coach. Story on page 5.

Hays Free Press • November 20, 2019

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If another president did (even one of) these things... Young At-Large by John Young

he GOP explanation, with an attempt at correct punctuation: “He didn’t do it, but if he did, it was perfect; but why should we believe he did it? This is all second- and third-hand testimony, except for the transcript you might have read, and anyway he was just doing the job we elected him to do, which is to pressure foreign governments to find dirt on the offspring of political rivals. “Oh, and what was that whistleblower up to? Who is he or she, and what was his or her game? “And what about those diplomats? What are they trying to accomplish other than to prevent him from doing his job, which is to dangle millions in military aid before a foreign government to get the dirt that we Americans demand he obtain about the offspring of political rivals? “And anyway, that whistleblower is a traitor, and so are those diplomats. And you know what they do to traitors.” That explains it. And that’s enough apparently for Republicans in Washington, except possibly for Mitt Romney and Lisa Murkowski. The latter, the senator from Alaska, says she is keeping an open mind on impeachment, and offers this equation: “If this set of facts were to be in front of me and the president was President Hillary Clinton as opposed to President Donald Trump, would I be viewing this a different way? Because if I do, that’s wrong.” We can be assured that Lindsey Graham was not within hearing distance as Murkowski said this, for the once-principled, now dog-collared senator from South Carolina would have burst into flames. Graham, full-throated during the impeachment of Bill Clinton, is the Prince of Equivocation now. Graham clearly stated that evidence of a quid pro quo would arouse his dismay in the case against Trump. Since then, Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney has acknowledged it. Hey, it’s just standard operating procedure. Just ask him. It is clear now that no amount of evidence of said quid pro quo – easily translated as bribery, for those Article I junkies – will sway Republicans on Capitol Hill. Well, let’s just ignore that evidence for a moment and hypothesize with Sen. Murkowski. If President Hillary Clinton: • Fired the FBI director because he was investigating her. • Fired the attorney general for recusing himself from that investigation. • Saw a raft of her associates indicted, including her national security advisor. • Watched as her former personal attorney went up the river for the crimes of carrying out her wishes. • Had another close associate convicted on charges surrounding his role in harvesting stolen campaign information. What if President Hillary had her own Roger Stone on speed dial? • Offered pardons to underlings who worried she was asking them to break the law. • Obstructed at every turn Congress’s lawful authority to investigate her as president. • Engaged in a campaign aimed at intimidating witnesses by tweet during a lawful inquiry into her actions, and then defended herself by saying it was her right to have an opinion. • Attempted to bribe the leader of a foreign country (she would have many from which to choose) to produce dirt on the compromising business activities of Donald Jr., Eric, Ivanka or Ivanka’s husband. • Made her personal attorney – the one not already behind bars, a person completely unaccountable to you and me – in charge of back-channel foreign policy in regard to that country whose leader was being bribed. • Said that Article II of the Constitution means she could do anything, absolutely anything, she wanted. To those who will explain away this president: Tell me what you’d be demanding if even one of these things were done by President Hillary Clinton. Even one. Longtime Texas newspaperman John Young now lives in Colorado. jyoungcolumn@gmail.com

Hays Free Press Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton News Editor Anita Miller Sports Editor Moses Leos III

America, let’s talk this Thanksgiving … after the mashed potatoes fly!

merica could use a good food fight this Thanksgiving. Every day in our country, factions grow and battle lines harden. Americans are spending more time with like-minded people, their “tribes,” and less with people holding differing viewpoints, those “Neanderthals hell-bent on destroying the country.” Technology has widened our divide. Social media encourage us to befriend those who think like us and defriend and demonize those who don’t. When I grew up in the 1970s, America watched ABC, CBS or NBC. Since many homes had just one television set, networks maximized viewership by catering to families. Walter Cronkite, voted “most trusted man in America” by viewers, was at his career’s peak. Is any TV news journalist as widely trusted today? Meanwhile, cable TV’s targeting of niche audiences has produced talking-head shows that lather up the left and right with increasingly exaggerated and toxic rhetoric that helps to destroy civil discourse, as shameless producers turn niche viewers

How can we address this literacy crisis? Education reGuest form? Tax and school-funding reform? More charter Column schools? School vouchers? by Todd Purcell Volunteering to tutor kids? Why aren’t we discussing this issue? into fat paychecks. I believe Americans I don’t believe Americans are much more nuanced, are as divided or rigid in our thoughtful and well-meanbeliefs as we seem. I believe ing than we give ourselves we all want what’s best, credit for. We allow self-servbut have different ideas ing interests – profit-driven for achieving that desired media executives – to pit us outcome - and we should against each other. discuss them. They sensationalize Here’s something we impeachment, anonymous should discuss: 30 million sources and ever-more-riAmericans cannot read or diculous hyperbole to profit write above a third-grade at the expense of important level. discussions we should be Also, according to the having to correct so many National Assessment of Edu- problems that need to be cational Progress, 64 percent corrected. of eighth-graders, 82 percent That’s why America of black students and 77 needs a good food fight this percent of Hispanic students Thanksgiving. can’t read proficiently. Look, Thanksgiving How will these kids is supposed to be a day flourish in an economy that of coming together and demands strong reading showing gratitude for our and writing skills? Here’s a many blessings. Regrettably, sobering statistic: 85 percent in our highly agitated state, of juveniles in the court tensions between left- and system are functionally right-leaning folks and illiterate, according to the everyone in between are National Center for Educaruining our holiday meals. tion Statistics, as are the vast So this year, let the majority of prison inmates. mashed potatoes fly!

It will be impossible to dislike conservative Uncle Mike with gravy dripping from his nose and cranberry sauce in his ear. It will be impossible to be angered by liberal Aunt Suzy with a dinner roll in her hair and bean casserole splattered all over her turtleneck. Every food fight in history has concluded with camaraderie and laughter. This one will help us remember we’re all just human beings trying to muddle through our increasingly complex world – and that we must treat those with whom we disagree more fairly. Hopefully, once we come to our senses, we can have a meaningful discussion about solving our problems – the types of meaningful discussions we are all hungry to have again. Copyright 2019 Tom Purcell. Tom Purcell, author of “Misadventures of a 1970’s Childhood,” a humorous memoir available at amazon.com, is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc. Tom@TomPurcell.com.

Trump tweet sets dangerous precedent

e interrupt this impeachment hearing to bring you a message from Donald Trump: “Everywhere Marie Yovanovitch went turned bad.” That tweet, read on live television by House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, was shocking because it sought to affect the testimony of a key witness in an impeachment hearing as she spoke. Moreover, it marked what may be a first – and potentially devastating turn – in American history. As described by Schiff, it was: “Witness intimidation in real time by the president of the United States.” Yovanovitch, whose testimony was calm, considered and effective, was explaining how Trump and his facilitators sought to smear her as she served as the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine. She said she was “shocked” when she learned that Trump called her “bad news” in his controversial phone call last July with Ukraine’s president. As she spoke Friday morning,

tweeted about Yovanovitch during her live testimony. Guest Apparently he couldn’t help himself – after telling reportColumn ers earlier in the week that by Peter Funt he wasn’t even watching the impeachment hearings. As fascinating as the first Trump took to Twitter and two days of hearings have his reelection campaign been – with even more sent out an email. critically important testimoWith the subject line, ny given this week – Trump “Impeachment Hearing BS,” has shifted the focus to the Trump emailed his support- crime of witness tampering. ers that the hearings were By blasting Yovanovitch in “fake” and a “witch hunt real time was the president trial.” hoping to silence her? Or, As is often the case in more likely, was he sending matters regarding Trump’s a thinly-veiled message malfeasance, the most useto future witnesses that if ful insight comes from those they testify they risk public courageous journalists at humiliation? Fox News who are willing to This behavior, made poscriticize the president. Bret sible by digital access to tens Baier stated that Trump’s of millions of Americans tweet raised the real possiwith a single click, never bility of an additional imexisted during the impeachpeachment charge against ment hearings involving Trump for “witness tamper- Nixon and Clinton. Trump is ing or intimidation.” acting in uncharted territoBaier’s colleague Chris ry. His tweets reach roughly Wallace added: “If you were 20 percent of all Americans not moved by the testimony with Twitter accounts. of Marie Yovanovich, you Speaking of developdon’t have a pulse.” ments in real time, less Clearly, Trump was than an hour after Trump’s moved, so much so that he attempt to intimidate those

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who would testify against him in a Congressional hearing, his associate, Roger Stone, was convicted of lying to Congress to protect Donald Trump. What drama. Trump signals witnesses that they should fear testifying against him. And a court underscores the fact that lying to Congress can lead to a lengthy prison sentence. When digital malfeasance by the Russians came up in the 2016 election, then-candidate Trump said, “It also could be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds, okay?” Friday, there was digital interference that was equally troubling. It was by somebody sitting, possibly on their bed at the White House, that weighs 240 pounds. Clearly, not okay. Peter Funt is a writer and speaker. His book, “Cautiously Optimistic,” is available at Amazon.com and CandidCamera.com. © 2019 Peter Funt. Columns distributed exclusively by Cagle Cartoons, Inc., newspaper syndicate.

113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Production Manager David White Production Assistants Elizabeth Garcia, Michelle Zimmerhanzel

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NEWS

Sports

Hays Free Press • November 20, 2019

Hays falls to Judson in bi-district round BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI

Defensive miscues, coupled with missed opportunities by Hays offense in the first half, plagued the Rebels in their 56-21 loss to the Judson Rockets in the 6A Region IV Bi-District matchup at D.W. Rutledge Stadium last Friday night, bringing the Rebels’ 2019 season to an end. “They (Judson) are a quality football team, with a great storied tradition here and lots of talent,” Hays head

In the third quarter the Rebels were able to hit some explosive plays in the passing game as quarterback Durand Hill completed touchdown passes of 61 and 58 yards to receiver Bryant Lewis.

coach Les Goad said after the game. “But, bottom line is we gave up some drives there early that we couldn’t get the turnover. Then offensively we had some drives and some near passes that missed.

Hays Rebel punter Will Agnew boots the ball downfield.

Later in the game we hit those, but we didn’t hit them early enough.” Judson’s potent offensive attack, led by quarterback Mike Chandler II and running back De’Anthony Lewis, jump started the Rockets to a 28-0 lead by halftime. Chandler connected on two passing touchdowns in the first half, with an 11-yard pass to receiver Antony Shelton and a 16-yard completion to Davion Wilson, while also scoring with his legs on a 4-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. In addition, Lewis gashed the Rebels’ run defense for 82 yards on nine carries, with an 11-yard score in those first two quarters of play. While Hays defense was struggling to make stops, its offense couldn’t get enough momentum to turn drives into points to counter the Rockets offense. Judson’s stout run defense held Hays to 31 rushing yards on 20 carries in the first half, effectively taking the Rebels out of their comfort zone and forcing a predominately run heavy offense to pass the ball more frequently.

PHOTOS BY JAMES NIÑO

A barrage of Judson Rocket players converge to tackle Hays Rebel running back JoeAngel Carrasco in Friday’s bi-district playoff at Rutledge Stadium.

“It’s a game of momentum, and the question of how you gain momentum is you make plays,” said

Goad. “You’ve got to make But, real proud about the those plays. We took some way we fought.” shots, wish we could’ve connected on those early. REBEL FOOTBALL, 5

Hays High’s Pi-Ellei Henderson tries to keep up with a Judson Rocket wide receiver.

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Hays Free Press • November 20, 2019

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New Lehman coach expectation – playoffs BY MOSES LEOS III Having coached high school basketball for more than two decades, Brock Ramsey knows a thing or two about playing well into February and March. Nineteen trips to the postseason over the course of 24 years helps back that up. “I’ve taken some young teams to regionals and teams that shouldn’t have been in the playoffs, I’ve gotten them to the playoffs,” Ramsey said. Perhaps that’s why Ramsey, who enters his first year at the helm of the Lehman Lady Lobos, didn’t flinch when he realized only one starter was returning to the program from a year ago. For Ramsey, it doesn’t alter his primary expectation of earning playoff berth. “Not sure if we can do that here or not, but we’re going to get after it every day and see what happens,” Ramsey said. Ramsey, who was hired this spring, inherits a program that’s gone through tremendous tumult in recent months. Along with a new coach is an entirely new and inexperienced squad. Originally, Lehman was supposed to have 10 players returning from last year. Lady Lobo senior Alexis Aguilar is the lone player that carried over. All nine others are at different schools. The current crop of Lady Lobos was supposed to be this season’s junior varsity squad, Ramsey said. However, Ramsey said the current crop of Lady Lobos fits with the fast paced, high intensity style he brings. By utilizing the fullcourt press, Ramsey feels it helps to equalize teams on the court, no matter their experience or talent levels.

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III

Hays Lady Rebel junior Lily Guevara tries to run around a Smithson Valley defender and drive the baseline in the second half of Tuesday’s game.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Lehman girls basketball coach Brock Ramsey has had 19 trips to postseason competition over his 24-years of coaching.

“I’m not a participation coach. I told the girls that right off the bat. If you’re here just to participate, you’re not playing.” –Brock Ramsey, Lehman girls basketball coach

So far, Ramsey said the Lady Lobos have bought into the press and have worked hard to perfect it. Convincing his players they’re not a half-court team this season was a key challenge for him and his staff early on. Leading the way will be Aguilar, as well as junior Grace Duray, senior Ari Daniels and Keora Williams. “With our limited experience, we have to make it a fast-paced game and get a lot of

shots up,” Ramsey said. “We don’t have great shooters, but our job is to put the ball up, rebound and put it up again.” Perhaps the largest hurdle is fostering a winning mentality on the court, Ramsey said. He felt the lack of banners in the Den has relegated Lehman’s girls basketball program to a “participation sport.” “I’m not a participation coach,” Ramsey said. “I told the girls that right off the bat. If you’re here just to participate, you’re not playing.” Ramsey said players have come to understand those expecations. He felt it will be key as they enter a grueling 256A that features difficult contests each week. Even so, Ramsey said the Lady Lobos will be gunning for a playoff spot nonetheless. “We’re not giving them (district opponents) the game. We’re going to get after it,” Ramsey said.

Rebel Football: Falls to Judson 56-21 Continued from pg. 4

In the third quarter the Rebels were able to hit some explosive plays in the passing game as quarterback Durand Hill completed touchdowns passes of 61 and 58 yards to receiver Bryant Lewis. But, the big scoring plays for Hays were too few and far between to catch up to Judson’s offense as Chandler and Lewis each scored a rushing touchdown in the quarter, with Lewis’ coming on a 23yard run and Chandler’s on a 5-yard keeper. “He hit some big passes, especially in the second half,” Goad said about Hill and the offense. “We threw some of those passes early in the game too, it was just near misses. We ran some

option early, and we were hitting on that quite a bit. And I think the other pieces were going to fall in place if we could’ve kept hitting those passes.” Hays would go on to score another touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard run by running back Christian Garcia, but the game had already fallen out of reach as Judson led 56-21. Hill finished the game completing nine passes for 261 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Lewis hauled in three catches for 149 yards and two scores. The Rebels rushing attack was held to 66 yards rushing on 35 carries. For Judson, Chandler ended the game with

128 yards passing and two touchdowns on nine completions, while also contributing seven carries for 38 yards and two scores. Lewis led the Rockets in rushing with 14 carries for 125 yards and two touchdowns runs. “I saw a lot of fight, the players they just kept fighting,” Goad said. “Kept persevering and had some adversity. Some near misses. If you connect on this, or connect on that, or make this play and make that play, early especially it might of made a bigger difference. But they kept playing hard and made some big plays. I’m just real proud of their effort.”

Rangers wrangle Lady Rebs 39-35 BY MOSES LEOS III

Missed opportunities to tie or take the lead in the final minute Tuesday hurt the Hays Lady Rebel basketball team in a tight 39-35 loss to the Smithson Valley Rangers. Despite the struggles, Hays head coach Danny Preuss was encouraged by the effort as it provided a needed early season barometer, especially against teams they could potentially play in the postseason. “They are playing hard and playing good and playing tough,” Preuss said. “Even though we make a lot of mistakes, we’re not quitting.” Hays (4-2) trailed 20-13 at intermission, but overcame a sluggish start to take a 27-26 lead after three frames. Spearheading the comeback was Rebel senior Aspaisa Youngbird who scored five of her team-high 13 points in the third frame. All of Youngbird’s third quarter points were scored at the foul line. Preuss said implementation of a “junk offense” to remedy a stagnant first half output worked. A more physical brand of basketball also helped the Rebels as well, despite taking on a much taller Ranger lineup. Helping guide that charge was Lady Rebel sophomore Trista Strasser who snagged numerous rebounds in the second half and was a force Smithson Valley struggled to corral. Strasser finished with nine points.

Hays High’s Bridgette Ramirez crashes the baseline as a Smithson Valley defense tries to keep pace.

“She (Trista) had quite a few blocks tonight and boards and she demanded the ball,” Preuss asid. “She wanted some shots.” Turnovers, however, were the Rebels’ Achilles heel for most of the contest. Hays committed 16 total turnovers in the game, three of those within the final five minutes. Trying to “force too much” was one component of the turnover troubles, along with continuing to foster consistency with four new faces on the court, Preuss said. Even with early offensive struggles and turnover problems, Hays stayed in contention and rallied from an early fourth quarter deficit to gain a 33-29 via a three-pointer from Youngbird.

But Smithson Valley countered with an 8-2 run, giving the Rangers a 37-35 lead with 96 seconds left in the game. Hays’ offense generated four solid chances to tally points down the stretch, but couldn’t get the ball in the bucket. “The girls who were taking the shots, I was okay with them. We needed one to fall. If one of those falls, we win the game,” Preuss said. As the march toward district play continues, Preuss said playing in similar competitive contests is an asset when they square off with the likes of Westlake and Lake Travis in a few weeks. “Hopefully we learn from this a little bit and maybe step up and hit those shots next time,” Preuss said. “We need those games like that.”

A Smithson Valley Ranger tries a forearm shiver to keep Hays Lady Rebel Aspaisa Youngbird from driving the baseline during the first half Tuesday at Bales Gym.

Page 6

Education

NEWS

Hays Free Press • November 20, 2019

Mariachi Festival PHOTOS BY JAMES MALIK

LEHMAN HIGH

PHOTOS BY JIM CULLEN The district’s mariachi students were featured last weekend at the Lehman High School Mariachi Booster Club’s Mariachi Festival. A packed crowd at the Lobos’ cafeteria enjoyed Los Camperos de Simon (Simon MS - Frank De Leon, director), Mariachi del Campo (Wallace MS - Yvonne Vasquez, director), Juvenil de Armando Chapa (Chapa MS - Carlos Maldonado, director), and Mariachi Los Lobos (Lehman HS - Joseph Baird, director), as well as guest appearances from Mariachi Paredes (University of Texas - Monica Mogfogelquist, director) and Guzman Ballet Folklorico (Walter Guzman, director). See more photos on Hays CISD Facebook.

Lehman High choir students Alexandra Dorantes (Soprano 1, 5th chair) and Zachary Freitag (Bass 1, 4th chair) qualified for the TMEA Area auditions as well. In addition, Lobo vocalists Nicholas Pollack (Bass 1), Madi Rivas (Alto 2) Logan Robison (Tenor 2) and Xavier Rocha (Tenor 1) were all named as Area alternates. Lehman High’s choir is directed by Mary Grasso. All advanced to compete at the TMEA Area auditions to be held Jan. 11, 2020 at San Antonio Reagan High. Those who advance to Area will audition for placement in one of four All-State choirs that perform at the TMEA Clinic and Convention.

Choir standouts make the cut for next round of TMEA competition HAYS HIGH

A trio of Hays High choir students made the cut during the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Pre-Area auditions held at Anderson High and advance to the next round of competition. Bodhi Chae (Tenor II), Raul Villarreal (Tenor I) and Caroline Barnett (Alto II) all advanced to compete at the TMEA Area auditions to be held Jan. 11 at San Antonio Reagan High. The trio are under the direction of Hays High choir teacher Charles Flores.

Orchestra standouts earn Region 18 spots

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III

Master Gestures

WALLACE M.S.

A pair of Wallace Middle School band members earned spots in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Region 18 Orchestra. Ibett Martinez-Tapia (flute) and Paul Alvarado (trumpet) made the cut after multiple rounds of auditions over the past few weeks. Martinez-Tapia and Alvarado were only two of four students selected to the orchestra in their respective sections. Wallace is also the only Hays CISD middle school to have students make the Region 18 orchestra. The orchestra is under the direction of James Malik, Wallace Middle School head band director.

Last week students in Stephanie Sanders’ Theatre class at Lehman High learned about master gestures and silhouette techniques – both essential elements when it comes to the world of theatre. Students participated in exercises that demonstrated different master gestures that included wringing, pressing and dabbing.

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JOHNSON HIGH

Johnson High’s Parker Taylor earned first chair in the TMEA Region 18 Orchestra.

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Ranger Robotics

Ranger Robotics, the competitive robotics team from Wallace Middle School, won their first competition of the season over the weekend, using a robot they built from scratch. Now in its 4th year, the team has grown to more than 20 members, making it the largest and longest-running competitive robotics team in the Hays CISD. Pictured are winning team members Micah Hall, Collin Richardson, Mason Larvin, Ethan Murphy, Matthyus Martinez and Sterling Bustos. Not pictured is Kenneth Sethman.

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Page 7

Community

Central Texas Girl Scouts shine light on new programs BY CAMELIA JUAREZ

The creation of a Lego robot has introduced some Kyle Girl Scouts to new life skills they hope to share with other girls. The troop was awarded 1st place for core values by the First Lego League, for two consecutive years. This year’s Girl Scout Showcase was held over the weekend at Chapa Middle School. Lead core value member Jessica Rodriguez, 13, said creating and pro-

gramming a Light LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Competition Robot that travels based on reflective light intensity was rewarding, but not as rewarding as learning to be an inclusive team member. Rodriguez and her troop faced real life obstacles, such as leaders who unexpectedly quit and learned to understand people with mental illness. “We are extremely inclusive and diverse of a team. Some of our team

members struggle with depression and anxiety, so we learned to be extremely open and supportive of each other,” Rodriguez said. “We have had two coaches quit and almost our entire team quit our first year because of that. We are always trying to make sure that everyone knows they’re welcome.” Rodriguez was one of several central Texas Girl Scouts displayed their achievements at the event. CEO of Central Texas

PHOTO BY CAMELIA JUAREZ

Above are Girl Scouts Jessica Rodriguez, 13 (left) and Elliana Lippa, 10.

Girl Scouts Paula Bookidis said that Girl Scouts allows rural area girls to explore city life and vice versa. The program allows them to explore their passions through sisterhood. “We have girls of many ethnicities, people who live in small towns and big cities. When they come together for camp, where they come from doesn’t matter. They have Girl Scouts in common,” Bookidis said. “I can see in my daughters and the girls we serve that they

have more confidence to raise their hand in class. The cookie program helps them learn entrepreneurship skills such as looking people in the eye.” The showcase, sponsored by Girl Scouts of Central Texas (GSCTX), invited girls and their families to explore the variety of activities and opportunities Girl Scouts offers. In addition to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), programming included outdoor activ-

ities, entrepreneurship and life skills ranging from healthy living to readiness for college and career. To join a Central Texas Girl Scout Troop, visit gsct. org.

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BY ANITA MILLER Since he first began exploring issues related to the LGBTI+ community more than two years ago, Buda United Methodist Church Minister Jim Philpott has seen the good and the bad. There’s been blowback and “a couple of families” who decided they would rather worship somewhere else but there have also been baptisms of the children of same sex parents that didn’t draw “any terrible reaction.” Mostly, though, his focus has been one of inclusion and support, and that mission is becoming more local now that there is a PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) group set to meet in the Buda area. Though the next meeting is as yet uncertain, “the main thing we’re interested in is getting the word out,” Philpott said, referring those seeking to learn more to https://pflagaustin.org. “There has not been a PFLAG meeting in the

“There has not been a PFLAG meeting in the Hays County area at all,” he said. “We know there are families in the community that might want to use this opportunity for their support, and we know there are more people struggling with their sexual identity. We want to let them know what’s going on and where to come.” –Jim Philpott, Pastor, Buda United Methodist Church

Hays County area at all,” he said. “We know there are families in the community that might want to use this opportunity for their support, and we know there are more people struggling with their sexual identity. We want to let them know what’s going on and where to come.” As a facilitator within the Buda Reconciling Ministries Network, Philpott has worked with Sunday school classes, the choir and women’s group within his congregation.

“We have parents of gay children and we have gay members and we have slowly but surely worked to educate people … it’s been a process.” Although PFLAG is not associated with any religious group, meetings are often held in churches, much like Alcoholics Anonymous. “Buda’s Reconciling Ministries Network committee felt like offering a space to the group is one way we could help families get support in their journey and offer affirmation to persons

coming to terms with their sexual identity. It has always been the ministry of the church to help those going through difficult times.” He said one of the things those involved with the LGBTI + community worry about is suicide. “So many of the young people cannot negotiate this journey,” he said, which can lead to alcohol, depression, drugs and in some cases, suicide. “We felt it was the most pastoral, the most caring thing to do was to have a PFLAG meeting.” The meetings are mainly for support, Philpott says, with no professional counselors on hand. “There’s generally enough wisdom among people to give supportive counseling – it just gives people a chance” to air their issues before receptive individuals. “A hypothetical case would be a parents who says their child tells them they are gay and they always thought that to be the case, but now they

U.S. botched pre-war purchase of Texas The presidential emissary arrived at Mexico City on Nov. 26, 1845 prepared to pay top dollar to keep the peace south of the Rio Grande. James K. Polk beat Henry Clay by a whisker in the election of 1844 on the popular appeal of his campaign promises to bring the Republic of Texas into the national fold and to establish undisputed dominion over Oregon. Although willing to wage simultaneous wars against Mexico and Great Britain, the president-elect preferred to keep his word without shedding a single drop of blood. Polk moved quickly to pacify the Mexicans, whose feelings had been hurt by a recent congressional vote in favor of the annexation of Texas. Shortly before his March 1845 inauguration, the tactful Tennessean re-

Texas History by Bartee Haile

called the American minister, whose conduct had made him persona non grata, and dispatched a private citizen to take the political pulse south of the border. In spite of his fluent Spanish and prior residency in the foreign country, William S. Parrott badly misjudged the Mexicans’ emotional attachment to Texas and the western territories the new president hoped to purchase. Nine years after San Jacinto, Texas was still seen as a wayward province whose loss the ruling elite dared not acknowledge. As for California and New Mexico, the national honor

simply would not permit their sale. Oblivious to these facts of Mexican life, Parrott assured Polk on Aug. 26 that everything could be “settled with comparative ease over breakfast.” This ridiculous opinion was shared by John Black, the veteran consul at Veracruz, who joined Parrott in advising the president to make his move. For a very tricky assignment that demanded the skills of a consummate diplomat, Polk picked a political hack. Louisiana Congressman John Slidell not only was a fugitive from justice, having fled New York in 1819 after shooting a romantic rival, he also had nothing but contempt for the Mexican people. As “Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,” Slidell was given an ambitious shopping list. For openers, the

United States would pay the claims of its citizens against the Mexican government in exchange for Texas and half of New Mexico. All of New Mexico was worth $5 million, northern California an additional $15 million and the whole package – Texas, New Mexico and California – $25 million. Slidell was set to sail from New Orleans in September 1845, when Polk suddenly ordered him to postpone the trip. The president wanted a more concrete indication from the Mexicans of their willingness to talk. A private note from the foreign secretary, which Parrott personally delivered to the White House in November, cleared the way for the envoy’s departure. But by the time Slidell reached Veracruz, the

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know. They’re struggling with what to do next, with their family, with the community. It gives them a chance to process that.” Another instance, he said, is someone who is “starting the journey of coming out in some form or fashion. They need support.” He said PFLAG began as parents and friends of lesbians and gays. “It now includes transgendered people, people that have general sexual identity issues and intersex people.”

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Hays Free Press • November 20, 2019

OBITUARIES BELL Dr. Charles D. Bell, M.D. of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, died on Nov. 14, 2019. Bell was born on Oct. 4, 1929, in Coryell County. He married his spouse Robbie Nell Forrest Bell on Jan. 1, 1954 in Dallas. Bell was a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force. After he was discharged from the Air Force, Bell, went into private medical practice in Kyle/ Buda where the family lived for many years. He is preceded in death by his father, John Elzie Bell, mother, Callie Estelle Ward Bell, spouse, Robbie Nell Forrest Bell Neil, sister, Mary Lou West, and grandson, Tyler Oliver. He is survived by son, Greg Bell & wife Denise of Spring, daughter, Beverly Bell of Georgetown, daughter, Barbara Oliver & husband George of Wirtz, VA., daughter, Carolyn Bell of Rosanky, and son, Bill Wade of Swansea, IL. Bell had 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service for Bell is scheduled for 11 a.m. Nov. 23 at Nail-Haggard Funeral Home in Daingerfield. Pallbearers are Christopher Bell, Cameron Bell, Justin Foster, Marshall Foster, Michael Meischen and Jonathan Meischen, all six his grandsons.

BOWEN George William Bowen, Jr., age 81, of Buda, Texas died Nov. 9, 2019. Bowen was born Dec. 29, 1937 in Austin to George W. Bowen, Sr. and Annie Ola Case Bowen. He grew up in Austin, graduating from Austin High in 1955. Always curious and a studious, industries fellow, Bowen continued his education at the University of Texas at Austin and completed an Associates Degree in Accounting from Austin Community College. With an accounting degree in hand, Bowen went to work and while employed with Chatleff Controls, met Johnnie

Mae Wyatt. They married in 1962 and celebrated 57 years of marriage recently. Accounting was not challenging enough for Bowen and he moved into production management at Chatleff Controls and embarked on a lifelong pursuit of carpentry, machining, restoration and tinkering. George and Johnnie Bowen created their own mobile home park from the ground up. First, purchasing the land, installing the septic system, then purchasing worn out mobile homes, restoring them and renting them to residents, one residence at a time. They maintained the mobile home park until only recently when Bowen’s health began to decline. Mobile homes were not his only hobby, traveling across country in an RV also kept the couple busy. They especially loved the mountains of Colorado and Balloon Fest in Albuquerque, NM. In addition to land travel, they enjoyed several cruises as well. Bowen is survived by his wife of 57 years, Johnnie

Mae Wyatt Bowen, son Ricky Bowen (Donna), step-son Mike Griffin (Mary), brother-in-law Cecil Wyatt (Elaine), sistersin-law Eula B. Stanley and Lorraine -Darby. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, George and Annie Bowen, Sr., sister Ola May Allison and brothersin-law John and Elbert Wyatt. A gathering of friends and family will take place from 6-8 p.n. Thursday, Nov. 14, at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 15, at Harrel Funeral Home – Kyle, with Rev. Jerry Lyons officiating. Burial will follow at Live Oak Cemetery, Manchaca.

VICKERY Brian Keith Vickery; A passionate man of tremendous presence, courage, intelligence and sacrifice died following a lengthy battle with cancer

on Nov. 10, 2019 at the South Austin Medical Center at the age of 56. In the face of adversity and the challenges associated with business, life and cancer, Vickery found the strength to propel himself forward through shear will and courage. He was born to Phyllis (Adkisson) and Ershell Vickery on March 24, 1963 in Oakridge, Tennessee. Vickery loved life and lived to his fullest. No challenge was too great or too far to reach. He was multi-faceted and musically inclined. He was an excellent vocalist, played the trombone and served as Drum Major at McAllen High school until graduation. He was passionate about people. He was incredibly caring and extended help to so many people without concern of the extent. He was a romantic, writing poetry as well as singing love songs. He had the memory of an elephant and no detail was overlooked or forgotten. Vickery attended EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University in Florida for

two years, pursuing his love of flight, but returned to Texas to graduate from Texas A&I with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In 2003, he opened his own engineering firm, Sirius Control Systems, designing semi-conductors. Several years ago, Vickery met Jill Schneider and they married April 1, 2017. Together, they supported each other through the trials of his cancer, but never did they lose sight of the joys of life. Vickery is survived by Jill Vickery who said, “Brian was the love of her life”, his children Abigail Christian and his twins Anna Celeste and Caroline Michele Vickery. His loss will also be felt by his parents Phyllis and Ershell Vickery, his sister Pippa Elise Vickery as well as his extended family and dedicated friends. A celebration of Vickery’s life was Nov. 18 at Harrell Funeral Home. Visit www. Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph or condolence with Vickery’s family on his on-line memorial site.

Texas History: U.S. botched pre-war purchase of Texas Continued from pg. 1

Mexicans had changed their minds. Gen. Jose Joaquin Herrera, leader of the latest junta, was trying to fend off a coup by Gen. Mariano Paredes. To be seen in the company of a gringo diplomat, much less to be suspected of selling sacred real estate, would seal Herrera’s fate. The foreign secretary begged John Black to stop Slidell at the dock, but the congressman already had landed and was headed for the capital. The consul caught up with him, but the single-minded emissary stubbornly refused to turn back. The petty internal

problems of the Mexicans were not his concern. All that interested the ignorant politician was pleasing the president. Herrera shunned Slidell from the moment he materialized in Mexico City. The desperate despot passed him onto the national council, which decreed the gate-crasher would never be accorded diplomatic status. Slidell responded with a Christmas Eve threat the unimpressed Mexicans ignored. A week later, Paredes overthrew Herrera but the expected coup had no effect on Slidell’s predicament. Rebuffed in his repeated attempts to

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arrange a meeting with Paredes, the Louisianian informed the president that he was coming home. “Nothing is to be done with these people,” Slidell wrote on Mar. 15, 1846, “until they have been chastised.” Since negotiations with the British were also at a standstill, Polk was resigned to fighting two foes on two fronts. Fortunately, he had decided before taking office that he would be the first president not to seek two terms. The way things were going, however, he would be lucky to escape impeachment. The inevitable clash along the Rio Grande oc-

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curred in late April. The territory Mexico could have sold was about to be taken by force of arms. The declaration of war approved by congress on May 12, 1846 had a sobering effect on the British. A third round in 70 years with the Americans was unthinkable. President Polk’s standing offer of a compromise boundary between the United States and Canada was accepted, and he was spared a second front in Oregon.

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

Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m.

Adult (including an 8:30 a.m. early bird class), teen, children’s classes * Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school

Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m.

www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626

Nursery Provided www.firstbaptistbuda.com • fbcbuda@austin.rr.com

Hays Free Press • November 20, 2019

Page 9

Blue and Brown Santa lend holiday cheer to local families

Diabetes Awareness

BY CAMELIA JUAREZ

program is otherwise 405 E. Loop Street, Bldg. known as “Shop with a 200 in Buda from 8 a.m. While families pull Cop,” allows children, to 5 p.m. Monday through their holiday decorations identified by the local Friday, or mailed to the from storage, local law school counselors, to BPD, Attn: Blue Santa. enforcement is gearing shop with police officers Buda’s zip code is 78610. up to share holiday cheer for Christmas presents Kyle Police with families in need. for themselves and their Department’s Blue Santa The Hays County families. The program event is hosting three Sheriff’s Office and relies on monetary wrapping parties at 520 police in Kyle and Buda donations to fund the E. RR150 Kyle in the are asking for gifts or children’s shopping Public Works training monetary donations needs. rooms. Toys can be to launch their holiday Any assistance is dropped off through programs. greatly appreciated and Dec. 3 at the Kyle Police Hays County Sheriff’s all contributors will Department, 111 N. Front Brown Santa is seeking be recognized on the street. The KPD is also money from residents and city’s website and other accepting new bikes and businesses – donations platforms unless the toys for children ages 0 of toys, canned goods and donors prefer to remain to 14. Presents will be money. Last year, more anonymous. presented on Dec. 14, than 400 families were Monetary donations 4 to 6 p.m. at Wallace given assistance with can be dropped off at the Middle School, located at food and/or toys in Hays Buda Police Department, 1500 W. Center Street. County. Brown Santa is accepting new toys for children up to the age of 16. Any toy that is already gift-wrapped needs to have a tag that identifies the toy, age group, and if it is for a male or female. Toys can also be picked up from your residence or business if convenient. Monetary contributions are accepted in the form SPECIALIZING IN: of a check or money order made payable to "Hays • Cataract Surgery County Brown Santa" and • Premium IOL Implants mailed to: Hays County • Lasik Surgery Brown Santa, P.O. Box • Glaucoma - 1475, San Marcos, TX Medical and Surgical 78667. • Macular Degeneration The deadline for accepting unwrapped toys is Dec. 13, and for wrapped toys, Dec. 14. Toys will be wrapped on Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. until to noon and on Dec. 1617, from 5 to 8 p.m. Brown Santa headquarters is Kyle Office Three locations located at 4200 IH-35, Ste. 5401 FM 1626, Ste 365 100 in San Marcos (across to serve you Kyle, TX 78640 the interstate from the outlet malls and behind Southwest Austin Office Austin Office Hat Creek Burgers). 5625 Eiger Rd, Ste 100 2610 S IH-35 Children are welcome to Austin, TX 78735 Austin, TX 78704 come and help out. Buda’s Blue Santa

HAVING VISION PROBLEMS? IT COULD BE CATARACTS

Schedule your visit today 512.443.9715 www.HowertonEye.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASCENSION SETON HAYS Ascension Seton Hays is glowing blue at night this month to call attention to Diabetes Awareness Month. The hospital held free risk assessments for Type 2 Diabetes on Nov. 14, World Diabetes Day.

Poinsettia Sale In Support of Music Education at Johnson High School

• Large, florist-quality, locally grown poinsettias • $15 each. Orders of 10 or more are $12 each with free delivery. • Pick-up on Saturday, Dec. 7th, 10 a.m.-noon at the Johnson High School Band Hall, 4260 FM 967 in Buda. • Bring your camera for FREE photos with Santa at our pick-up event! For more info or to purchase poinsettias online, visit

www.johnsonbands.com/poinsettia-sale

$15

Benefitting Johnson Jaguar Band Boosters

NEWS

Page 10

Tenorio Resigns: Running for Tax Assessor

While today’s lights – mainly LEDs – are safer, it’s still crucial to keep live trees watered. “The biggest hazard is with live trees,” Fire Chief Taylor reiterated.

Continued from pg. 1

remainder of Caraway’s unexpired term. Caraway is a Republican. The position is “within my knowledge and it appealed to me,” said Tenorio, who told the council that she did not make the decision to run until Nov. 6, the day after the recent election. “It was never my intent to have the city spend as much money as we’re going to have to do to have this election,” she said. She also said she was unaware that the state bans elections too close to primaries, something Mayor Travis Mitchel said was “understandable…it’s never come up before.” Mitchell had originally moved to hold a special election on Jan. 4. However, several members of the council objected to scheduling an election so close to the holidays, when many voters may be out of town.

Fires

Continued from pg. 1 the structure was burning. Fire crews were unable to save it, he said. The cause of that fire was ruled accidental. Then on Nov. 16, a kitchen fire at The Strand Apartments broke out. Taylor said the kitchen in the unit was “burned pretty good,” but that sprinklers came on “and kept things in check.” Initially about 70 people were displaced after firefighters had to cut power to the whole building due to water damage. Taylor said the Red Cross of Central Texas was on scene to assist those who were temporarily homeless, and said everyone but occupants of two units were later allowed to return. Though each of those incidents had different causes, Taylor said as the holiday season progreses, there are some fire prevention tips residents need to keep in mind. “Going into the holidays, if you use live trees, make sure to keep them watered.” While holiday lighting has been blamed on Christmas tree fires in the past, he noted that while today’s lights – mainly LEDs – are safer, it’s still crucial to keep live trees watered. “The biggest hazard is with live trees,” he reiterated. Also, he said, people who intend to fry a turkey for Thanksgiving should “be very careful. Premeasure your oil before you heat it up to make sure it doesn’t spill.” To report a fire, call 911.

Hays Free Press • November 20, 2019

The Tax Assessor-Collector position is “within my knowledge and it appealed to me,” said Tenorio, who told the council that she did not make the decision to run until Nov. 6, the day after the recent election. Additionally, two people who spoke up during public comment expressed concerns about the date of the election. Lila Knight said she “understands the difficulty” in calling the election because of “restrictions placed on you by the Texas Elections Code and the Texas Constitution” including that an election may not be held 30 days before or 30 days after a primary – a rule known as the “black out.” Texas will hold its primaries on Super Tuesday, March 3.

“I would also ask that you do your very best to make everyone aware there actually is an election going on,” Knight said. Election worker Penny Krug said she too was concerned about a Jan. 4 election date. “There’s too much stuff going on (during the holiday season),” she said. “It would take away from family time. As an election worker I can decline to work it, those people who are being paid cannot.” When asked later what date she

would prefer, Krug said a Jan. 25 election would give the county’s elections office time to get equipment ready and do required testing. Mayor Pro Tem Dex Ellison also expressed his concerns about the date originally proposed, including the short period of time it would allow for the word to get out and also for candidates to make the decision to run, “which we all know is quite a decision.” Ellison decried the scant participation in local elections and said he didn’t want to do anything “to prevent people from voting … I think it would be wise of us and also very considerate if we were to move the date back.” There was some discussion about the timing of a runoff, should one become necessary. State

law stipulates that a runoff must be held at least 20 days after the original election, and council members debated whether that would bump up too close to the March 3 primaries. In the end, they decided to go ahead and schedule the special election. “Probably the wiser thing is to focus on the main election,” Mitchell said. “If we happen to have a runoff we will deal with it at that time.” Council also decided that the polling place would be Chapa Middle School. If for any reason that location was unavailable on Jan. 25, voting would be at Fire Station 2. O’Kane has not officially announced that she will run in the Republican primary but submitted a form Nov. 12 naming Doug Olson as her campaign treasurer.

Hays High School Project Graduation 2020 Sponsor a student with a $25+ donation Please donate to sponsor one Hays High School (random) student to attend this year’s Project Graduation Event. Entry Fee • $25 Donation

Mail check and/or cash donations with this form to: Hays Project Graduation at P.O. Box 634, Buda, Texas 78610 To: Hays High School Project Graduation 2020 From:

Amount: $

ONLINE Donations and Sponsorship opportunities at:

http://www.haysprojectgraduation.org a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

ISSUED BY HHSPG20 TEAM SB/JB

Police Blotter

HCSO

Marijuana

11/12/2019