Nov. 23, 2016 Hays Free Press by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

NOVEMBER 23, 2016 STITCH-A-SMILE

FAN FALLOUT

Kyle Correctional inmates give back through the art of crochet

Lobo semi-pro soccer fans clash with Eagle Pass fans.

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Hays Free Press ©Barton Publications, Inc.

Vol. 120 • No. 35

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Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX • 75¢

Kyle-Buda voter turnout percentage on the rise BY JEFF BARTON

news@haysfreepress.com

The Buda and Kyle areas are becoming more influential in county elections, an analysis of data from this year’s general election shows. Compared to eight years ago – the last time there was also an open election for president and a year when there was, like this

year, a county-wide bond election on the November ballot – the percent of total voters who came from the county seat in San Marcos fell sharply while both Buda and Kyle upped their percentage of the total vote. The Dripping Springs area and the Wimberley area both stayed about the same but declined slightly as a percentage of the county vote.

Reflecting the county’s population surge, many more people are now registered in each community – 31 percent more in the Dripping-Driftwood area, 32 percent more in the Wimberley Valley, and 34 percent more in San Marcos and its suburbs. But registration numbers in Kyle and its surrounding subdivisions have grown 53 percent since 2008, and in the greater Buda area, 72

percent. Where different communities meet on a map it can be hard to judge where all the residents of a voting box should be apportioned, but by any measure Kyle and Buda are showing political muscle. Turnout numbers – those residents who actually voted rather than just registering – also show

VOTER TURNOUT, 4A

Percentage of votes for Trump and Prop. 1 Area

Trump %

Prop 1 %

Core city of San Marcos

30.1

59.3

Rural - suburban SM

53.7

56.2

Kyle Old Town and East

40.5

50.6

East of Buda

40.9

Buda and West

56.8

Wimberley

58.3

51.1

Dripping Springs - Driftwood

59.7

44.9

Paying for progress

Change on the way for Pct. 2 constable

Buda considers changes in commercial impact fee

BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

CONSTABLE, 4A

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

news@haysfreepress.com

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Rainbow support comes in all ages at Buda United Methodist Church, as a group shows their pride, including (left to right) Jim Philpott, John Lancaster, Keith McComb, Michelle McComb, Sharon Lancaster, Stephanie Spencer, Dickson de la Haye, Eileen McCall, Nancy Day, Gene Stavenhagen, Joyce Boelsche and Sharon Stavenhagen.

Changes in the church Local ministries search for their place in evolving organization BY CYNDY SLOVAK-BARTON news@haysfreepress.com

hings are changing in the United Methodist Church. And this church is not alone. As congregations begin opening their arms to gay members performing wedding ceremonies, baptisms and more, some of the traditional denominations are questioning their members churches. Earlier this month, the First Baptist Church of Austin was expelled from the Texas Baptist Convention of Texas for its

decision to open its doors to the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The local Methodist churches – Buda and Kyle – may have to make their own decisions soon about their connection to the church at large. Or, at the very least, they are having the conversations about what kind of changes must be made within the next few years. As society now accepts LGBT members, the Methodist church, like so many other protestant denominations, is struggling with inclusion, what

is allowed, and what ministers can and should do. And the people left wondering about where they stand are the very people that society in general, to some degree, are just now beginning to embrace. The local discussion recently was brought to the attention of church members when the Buda United Methodist Church, through its Reconciling Ministries Network, showed a film, “An Act of Love.” The Kyle United Methodist Church has showed the film earlier this

MINISTRY, 2A

COMING UP Budafest

Buda’s annual Christmas celebration will be held Dec. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Buda City Park. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday an go down Main Street. Meet Santa, enjoy family-friendly activities and do some local holiday shopping. See budafest.org for more information.

FORE!

Sights and Sounds of Christmas

Enjoy four full evenings of holiday festivities at San Marcos Plaza Park Nov. 30-Dec. 3. Highlights include carnival rides, arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, local school performances, live nativity and more.

First Texas public golf course in five years comes to San Marcos. – Page 1D

INDEX

Current Kyle Police officer Michael Torres knew his race with longtime Hays County Pct. 2 Constable incumbent James Kohler was up in the air Nov. 8. TORRES In fact, it wasn’t until 11 p.m. on election night that Torres knew he had ousted Kohler, who had served as the Pct. 2 constable for 38 years, by 111 votes. Torres, who was victorious in his first campaign for public office, said winning the seat closed a 19-month ordeal that was full of “ups and downs.” “When they announced it, I couldn’t believe it,” Torres said. “I was also relieved that it was over.” He said his key to winning was his involvement in the community. Having worked with Kyle Police since 2011, Torres said always respecting

Santa’s Arrival in Kyle

Santa’s coming to Kyle’s City Square Park Nov. 30 from 4:30-9 p.m. Take pictures with Santa, see the city’s tree light up and enjoy a family friendly afternoon of holiday fun.

News……………… 1-4A Opinions……………… 3A Sports……………… 1-2B Education………… 3-4B Community……… 1-4C

Best Bets…………… 4C Business…………… 1D Service Directory… ..... 3D Classifieds…………...2, 4D Public Notices………2, 4D

Changes could be coming to impact fees levied on new development in Buda as city leaders look to make possible updates. The Buda City Council authorized Buda City Manager Kenneth Williams to execute a professional service agreement with Freese and Nichols to prepare updates for new development impact fees. Interim Assistant City Manager and Planning Director Chance Sparks said Nov. 15 impact fees are a one-time charge to new development only. “Growth should help pay its own way,” Sparks said. Jessica Vassar, a representative with Freese and Nichols, outlined the steps the company is taking for the update. She said the company would project the future growth of Buda and assess the possible amounts of the updated impact fees. Vassar explained that the process would take 9 months to complete and the city could potentially charge 50 percent or more of the total costs of the potential CIP projects in impact fees. Mayor Todd Ruge said Buda was long over due in updating its impact fees, but he didn’t want to discourage new growth to the city due to excessive cost. “I want us to be aggressive enough but not too aggressive,” Ruge said. Vassar explained other cities have chosen a step approach to impact fees where they start at one point and increase by 5 percent each year. Council member George Haehn asked if there was a way to encourage specific types of growth to the area with the impact fees, specifically waiving fees for desired development. Vassar answered that

FEES, 2A

Page 2A

Hays Free Press The Hays Free Press (ISSN 1087-9323) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. ISSN#1087-9323

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If you think it’s news, we probably do too! • Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress. com • Mail: 113 W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640

CORRECTIONS

Any erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputation of any person, firm or corporation which may appear in the pages of the Hays Free Press will be corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher.

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• The deadline for display advertising and any contributed news copy in the Hays Free Press is 5 p.m. Friday the week prior to publication. • The deadline for Letters to the Editor and classified word advertising in the Hays Free Press is noon Monday the week of publication, though we encourage readers and advertisers to observe the Friday deadline.

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

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.

NEWS

Hays Free Press • November 23, 2016

Ministry: Local church members expect changes in 2019-20 Continued from pg. 1A

summer. While most of the film centers around Dr. Frank Schaefer, who was defrocked in late 2013 and reinstated as a Methodist minister in mid-2014, the movie’s theme looks at the changes and struggles the church – and its many gay and lesbian ministers and members – are going through. The changes in the church, though, are likely to come to head in 2019, when an international church commission decides how it will deal with ministers who perform gay marriages, and whether it will allow its many members to be married in the very church where they participate, support monetarily, teach Sunday school, and help run. It will be a big year, and as the international commission makes its decision, so that decision will strike down to the local level, and the Buda and Kyle Methodist churches will be forced to decide how to proceed.

THE MOVIE Frank Schaefer always wanted to be a minister. He went into engineering to follow in his father’s footsteps. However, he decided that engineering was not for him and finally went into the ministry. Like many Methodist ministers, he was assigned and moved through various churches. His children, including son Tim, attended church, studied in Sunday school and went to church camps. Tim, the oldest of four Schaefer children, attended a conference as a youth. During that session, the LBGTQ policy of the church came up, even as the young teen questioned his own sexuality. “I prayed to God ... ‘make me normal and let this phase end,’” Tim said, adding that he thought about killing himself, as he could not equate his internal feelings with the teachings of his church. Finally, in 2000, Tim told a classmate that he was gay. That friend’s mother, knowing that Tim was having suicidal thoughts because of the conflicts with the church, called Tim’s parents and told them what was going on. Frank Schaefer said he and Tim’s mother sat the

COURTESY PHOTO

The Buda Methodist Church recently hosted a view of the film “An Act of Love,” which centers around Dr. Frank Schaefer, who was defrocked in late 2013 and reinstated as a Methodist minister in mid-2014. The movie’s theme looks at the changes and struggles the church – and its many gay and lesbian ministers and members – are going through.

“I will NOT discriminate against people because of their sexuality,” Schaefer told the panel of judges. And, with that, he pulled out a rainbow-color stoll that was given to him and placed it around his neck. young man down, asked him whether he was gay, and then embraced him. With the support of his family, Tim grew up with the understanding that he was gay. It was much later when Tim brought home his partner, and asked if his Dad would perform their wedding ceremony. “I decided I would perform the wedding of my son – even if I am defrocked by the Methodist Church,” Frank Schaefer said during the film. But the chaos for the Schaefer family almost never happened. Nearly six years had passed since the wedding was performed. However, 26 days before the statute of limitations ran out, a member of Frank’s church filed charges within the church, and Frank was brought to “trial” within the Methodist church on two charges – performing a wedding for a gay couple and for disobeying the

Fees: Buda making change Continued from pg. 1A

the city could waive or reduce impact fees in order to entice a desired development to come to Buda. Ruge went a step further into the question of directing future development and asked about charging specific impact fees for specific areas of zoning. Vassar confirmed the

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city could direct development in Buda by making one site more appealing based on cheaper impact fees. Sparks said Freese and Nichols are expected to begin developing updates to the City’s impact fees in mid December with a projected completion of the study in September 2017.

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Book of Discipline, which contains the doctrinal standards of the Methodist Church. When the verdict came down, Frank said, “I wasn’t emotionally prepared.” When the decision about what to do with the minister was about to be made, supporters of Schaefer put on rainbow colored stolls. Schaefer said he prayed and asked for guidance, adding that “the words that came out were words that were

given to me.” “I will NOT discriminate against people because of their sexuality,” Schaefer told the panel of judges. And, with that, he pulled out a rainbow-color stoll that was given to him and placed it around his neck. Schaefer said a huge load was lifted from his shoulders after he told the jury that he would not say that he wouldn’t perform another wedding for a gay couple in the future. Other supporters and other ministers appealed to the Methodist General Conference, which is held every four years. The LGBT issue comes up time and again, and is expected to be brought up again in 2020.

WHAT’S NEXT? The United Methodist Church might not be united much longer. A few years ago, the church came out with a new slogan – Open Minds. Open Hearts. Open Doors. But the idea that the church could close its doors to the LGBT community does not sit well with national and local church members. In the film, retired Methodist Bishop Melvin Talbert said he feels that the Methodist church does not reflect the open hearts, open doors mentality. “Our church has been taken over by the religious right,” he said. Talbert said he knows how it feels to be discriminated against – not as a gay person, but as a black person. When treating blacks, or women, or gays that way, he said, “that’s discrimination. And it is unjust.” The problem is that the governing book for the United Methodist Chuch, “The Book of Discipline,” includes language that is

considered discriminatory by some of its members. It states that self-avowed practicing homosexuals cannot be certified as candidates for or be ordained as a minister, or be appointed to serve in the church. Talbert said he believes the language in the book is immoral and unjust and should not be followed. “I could be wrong, but I doubt it,” he said. Local members of the Buda United Methodist Church talked about their own dealings with the church and their hope that a more open inclusion policy could in embraced. Keith and Michelle McComb, local church members, and David Mauzy of Austin led a discussion about church’s future. Keith McComb spoke about his decision several years ago, when he anticipated that the Texas Methodist Men’s group might not support inclusion of LGBT members. As the head of trustees for several years, he had drafted a resignation letter if the administrative council had not voted unanimously against the proposed language. With tears in his eyes, Keith McComb talked about how happy he was not to feel like he had to leave his church, as the men’s group shot down the anti-LGBT language. “I decided to stay and enact change,” he said. In the meantime, church members wait for the Fall of 2019 when the bishop’s commission will bring forward new language. Will the LGBT community be included? Only time will tell. But in the meantime, Schaefer continues to be a minister, and the local churches continue to live up to their motto – Open Minds. Open Hearts. Open Doors.

Opinion Hays Free Press

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I am a firm believer in giving one’s self as a way of healing one’s self. This program is the perfect blend of that.” –Deanna Branham, warden of the Kyle Correctional Center, in regards to the Stitch-A-Smile program, story on pg. 1C

November 23, 2016

Page 3A

Dash away, dash away, get out of my way

ou’d never know by visiting stores or listening to the radio, but Thanksgiving is just a few days away. Y’all remember Thanksgiving, right? The day friends and family gather to stuff themselves of delicious vittles, watch some football, eat more turkey and pumpkin pie, and pass out on the sofa before 7:30 p.m. Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, but I believe retailers think of Thanksgiving as a red-headed step-child to Father Christmas. I saw Christmas stuff in stores as I was search-

From the Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts

ing for last-minute Halloween decorations. I’m sorry, but isn’t October a tad early to be promoting Christmas? Since I am in a festive mood, I thought I’d give y’all a serving of my Thanksgiving Crow to get you in the spirit of this holiday. I normally write my Christmas poem in December, but I think Thanksgiving needs a little promoting.

T’was the week before Thanksgiving, when driving my truck, I might just miss the holiday rush with a little luck. A Honey-do list was hung on the refrigerator door. We were headed back to the store once more. Maw wearing her flip-flops, me a John Deere cap, Wishin’ I was back home takin’ me a nap.

She’s not heavy, she’s my dog W

As I turned on the radio, there arose such a clatter, I listened closely to hear what was the matter. And what to my waxy ears did I hear But that silly song about a red-nose reindeer! Say it ain’t so! It’s too early this year To be listening to songs of holiday cheer.

e took a trip to the coast and we took our two-year-old Catahoula mix dog with us. The only place we ever go is to Port Aransas, because Janie, my wife, has such fond memories of the place; she and her cousins and their parents spent hours looking for shells and generally enjoying the funky wonder of the place. And we have to cross on the ferry and we have to spot a dolphin and eat pretzels so that we will have good luck for the coming year. Having those obligations behind us, we proceeded to our “pet friendly” motel. There were, indeed, every variety of dog: large and small, shaggy and short hair, mutt or pure bred. That in itself was kind of exciting. We, however, ran into a complication. Our room was up stairs and Goldie wouldn’t go. No amount of encouragement, pushing or pulling, shoving or cajoling we did would get her up those stairs.

More Frosty, more Rudolph. More “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night”. Now playing on radios and in stores. That just ain’t right! For months, stores had Christmas décor stacked along the wall. Dash away, dash away, I don’t want to hear “Deck the Hall”. I might be a bit grumpy, but speaking for myself, It’s time to celebrate Thanksgiving and not the jolly old elf. My eyes may still twinkle, tho’ slightly puffy. My cheeks are a bit fuzzy, my nose quite stuffy. My droll little mouth smells of Old Crow, The stubble on my chin is white as snow. I have a broad face and an empty belly, That growls at the thought of peanut butter and jelly. I spoke not word but went straight to work. We filled that shopping cart and paid the clerk. Then stomping the gas pedal with my boot, Out of the parking lot my truck did scoot. As I drove through traffic like a scared rabbit, I shouted to all, “It’s Thanksgiving, dagnabbit!

Goldie Walks

by Mark Stoub

I actually did manage to get her half way up, but she forcibly dragged me down the stairs, refusing to cooperate. In order to get her to our room, I had to carry this forty pounds of squirming muscle up 20 steps, while trying to keep my balance. I had seen other dogs balk at the prospect of climbing those stairs, so I knew I wasn’t alone. Going down the stairs was not a problem, only ascending them proved to be a task too great for her courage and comprehension. To my surprise, the culprit turned out to be that the steps were open – that is as you ascend the steps you can see the ground below. I reflected on this to the management, and all he said was, “My dog has a problem with those stairs, too.” What I wanted to say

IN RESPONSE TO JONES

crowsnest78610@yahoo.com

This is in response to the Phil Jones’ column entitled “Is Trump so far from Hitler?” Let me assure you, Mr Jones, nothing could be further from the truth. If the American people had wanted a Hitler, we would have elected murdering Hillary. I can explain this point with one word Benghazi. Mr Jones stated that President-elect Trump does not respect the Constitution. Mr Jones is wrong; I am glad we finally elected someone who does

Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton News and Sports Editor Moses Leos III

an interview with the leader of a White Supremacist group who is supported by one of the new players in the White House. Fear makes us do strange things. It makes it impossible to climb stairs that ordinarily would not be a problem. It forces us to make strange decisions for weird reasons that in the light of sober reflection, we know we will regret. And the consequence of living in that fear is that the rest of us left have to lift far more than we should or would normally be required to lift. Climbing the heights to a more perfect Union may be harder than it was before the election, but I am more awake now to lifting the burden before us, and I hope you are too. A retired Presbyterian minister living in Kyle, with wife, Janie (Sledge). He is the author of Blood Under the Altar, and the upcoming, Fire in the Blood. mj.stoub@sbcglobal.net

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

You won’t be seeing Christmas decorations up at the Younts’ house just yet. But when you see the old pick-em-up truck, Old Blue, out front covered in lights ... you know Thanksgiving has passed.

Hays Free Press

to him can’t be printed in this newspaper, nor would it have endeared me to the proprietor. Why, I ask, do you call yourself a “pet friendly motel” when you cut corners to exclude the very species you seek to attract. Needless to say, we won’t be going back there. I was thinking about this when I was watching the Presidential Election and its aftermath. First, the most qualified person ever to seek the office racks up two million more votes than the least qualified person but because of some antiquated institution called the Electoral College, she loses the election. Then I listened to voters in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin who voted for Barak Obama twice, but switched to Trum… this time because they felt they hadn’t made enough economic progress, even after suffering through the Great Recession, and were coming out of it slowly but surely. Then I really got scared when I heard

love this country and DOES respect the Constitution. Jones also said Trump does not respect the founding ideals of the USA. SORRY Jones, wrong again. What do you think he meant by “Making America Great Again”? Obviously your head is so deep in the sand that you will never see daylight again; much less the truth. Jones is right on one thing. Donald Trump rose to the Presidency by seizing on the frustrations of the American people. We the people

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Reporters Samantha Smith, Logan McCullough, Jonathan Gonzales Columnists Bartee Haile, Chris Winslow, Pauline Tom, Phil Jones

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have had enough! I look at what idiots like you are saying about Mr Trump, and I am reminded of Ronald Reagan. Stupid people said the same kinds of things about him. Let me remind you that Ronald Reagan’s economic policies led America into the longest period of prosperity and economic growth ever. His economy boomed for 18 years after he left office. Ronald Reagan also brought back respect for America; something that has been sorely lacking under the

obama/ clinton doctrine. As an aside, Donald Trump will be the first President in 25 years who has not smoked weed. Donald says that the Holy Bible is his favorite book. The Art of the Deal is his 2nd favorite book. And The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale is his third favorite book. Your last paragraph in your totally wrong article said, “May God save the United States of America” He just did. Bob Holcomb Buda

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Hays Free Press • November 23, 2016

Page 4A

Constable: Changes on the way for Precinct 2 Continued from pg. 1A

people got him a “long way” with voters. He also said he had support from many in the law enforcement community. “Unseating a 38-year incumbent is hard, but people finally realized it was time for a change and I’m glad they elected me,” Torres said. That change extends to bringing new ideas to the table. In addition, Torres said he plans to update the constable’s office and “bring it into the 21st Century.” “I’d love to see them wearing proper uniforms and proper equipment for a law enforcement job and not just the civil

part,” Torres said. He also plans to work hand-in-hand with local law enforcement agencies and help them with enforcement and minor traffic accidents. The win also closed a campaign that began with several fundraisers in May 2015. “It was a lot of work. I’m glad we did it because a lot of people supported me in the end,” Torres said. Kohler, who was first elected to the constable’s office in 1978, said he expected to win his reelection bid. He cited his victory in the Hays County Pct. 2 Constable republican primaries in

March. But Kohler, who switched from the Democratic to Republican party for the election, believed the change may have hindered him. He believed many people who voted for him during the early voting period cast straight ticket ballots, but didn’t realize he had changed parties. “A bunch of them did that,” he said. “A lot of them voted straight Democrat not knowing I changed parties.” Kohler said he plans to retire for now, but isn’t finished with his political aspirations. In two years, Kohler said he plans to run for Area San Marcos Area Kyle Area Buda Area Wimberley Area DS / DW Area

the Hays County Pct.2 Justice of the Peace office currently held by Beth Smith. Kohler cited issues with Smith’s performance during her tenure. Kohler, however, thanked Hays County voters for their support. “Ive done one hell of a job and I appreciate people that supported me all of these years,” Kohler said. “The people that treated me good, I’ll try to do that for them.” Torres said he also plans to be more involved in the community. “Change is coming into Kyle and the Hays County area. Others need to step up and run for office,” Torres said.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

James Kohler, who has been the Pct. 2 Constable for 38 years, said he plans to run for the Hays County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace ofﬁce currently held by Beth Smith.

2008 Pct of Registered 2008Voters Voters 2012 Pct Registered2012 Voters % of Voters 36.75% 38.40% 34.65% 29.36% 20.01% 14.86% 21.52% 20.39% 13.46% 13.60% 16.32% 17.74% 10.75% 11.92% 9.99% 11.70% 19.02% 21.21% 17.52% 20.81%

Voter Turnout: Kyle-Buda becoming more inﬂuential in Hays County Continued from pg. 1A

Buda and Kyle increasing in strength faster than other communities in the county. Turnout in the Kyle area increased the most – 66 percent over 2008 – followed by the Buda area (58 percent increase). Turnout in the voting boxes from the Wimberley and Dripping Springs-Driftwood areas each grew about 19 percent. Turnout in San Marcos area voting boxes – where growth has been fueled in many areas by young apartment dwellers and college students — actually fell from 2008. Despite its relative decline in strength, the area around the county seat in San Marcos still voted more total citizens than any other part of the county, even while its percentage of the total vote shrunk, as has been happening now for decades. San Marcos registered more people than any other part of the county over the last eight years, in raw numbers – but the increase was less than half the percentage increase in the Buda area. What’s more,

when it comes to influencing elections, San Marcos turnout lagged far behind high-percentage turnout areas like Dripping , Wimberley and the rural areas around Driftwood. Though growing at a slower pace in registrations and the number of new people voting, the county’s most affluent neighborhoods – in the western Hill Country, stretching down FM 150 and FM 967 to the outskirts of Kyle and Buda – continue to vote in disproportionate numbers, exaggerating the size of their populations. Despite big growth in population and even registrations and new voters, the percentage turnout in the county’s two largest cities – San Marcos and Kyle – continues to be much lower, especially in voting boxes with large numbers of young people and more modest homes or apartments, including many traditional Latino neighborhoods. The percentage of registered voters who voted on election day (even though higher this

2012 % of Voters ! 2012 Pct Registered Voters! 2008 Voters!

DS / DW Area

2008 Pct of Registered Voters! Wimberley Area

Buda Area

Kyle Area

San Marcos Area

0.00%

election in many parts of the Kyle area) generally ranged from about 40 to about 50 percent east of Interstate 35 and in San Marcos boxes with high numbers of young people. By comparison, voters in the mostly white, mostly

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

affluent neighborhoods of the Hill Country were more likely to cast ballots. In Wimberley, more than 70 percent of voters when to the polls and in parts of the Driftwood-Drippings area that number climbed to 80 percent or higher (86

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

percent in Goldenwood). The city of Buda also voted in heavy numbers (74 percent), with voter turnout in Buda area neighborhoods along FM 1626 and FM 967 almost that high. Turnout in the “old town” areas of Kyle, by compari-

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35.00%

40.00%

son, was 52 percent, and in the Uhland-Green Pastures area east of Kyle and along the Caldwell County line, an area dotted by mobile home subdivisions as well as newer stick-built homes, only four in 10 registered voters went to the polls.

Sports

Section B TURKEYS TACKLING HUNGER Hays CISD students raise funds for Hays County Food Bank. – Page 3B

@hfprebelsports @hfplobosports

November 23, 2016

Hays takes fourth at Reb Classic BY MOSES LEOS III

overall finish out of the news@haysfreepress.com 16 team tournament field. While there’s room Acquiring the first for improvement, win of the season was a Sandoval said the focus for first year Hays tournament helped Rebel basketball head with giving many of his coach Matt Sandoval players experience on prior to the start of the varsity level. the Rebel Classic “We were trying tournament. to get the first win, Hays accomplished because it’s always the that feat by powering hardest one,” Sandoval its way to a 2-2 mark REBEL HOOPS, 2B and a fourth place

Inaugural home game tie turns sour for Lobos STAFF REPORT History was made Saturday as the Central Texas Lobos soccer team hosted the club’s inaugural home match at Gregg-Clark Park in Kyle Saturday. But tempers flared following the conclusion of the game with an incident involving fans. According to a post on the team’s Facebook page, the incident allegedly involved a fan of the Twin Cities FC soccer club from Eagle Pass, which was the visiting team. The fan allegedly became “physically aggressive” after the match toward a Lobo fan, according to the post.

No one was physically harmed and the person involved was not served alcohol at the game, according to the post. “We understand and agree that this type of unsportsmanlike behavior has no place in our park,” the team said on its Facebook page. According to the team, the incident was an “aberration” as they did not see similar fan incidents in previous Texas Premier Soccer League matches. An official report was made to the TPSL president regarding the incident and the fan’s behavior. The TSPL will decide

CENTEX LOBOS, 2B

HCISD 25-6A All-District volleyball picks 25-6A Setter of the Year Mackenzie Coates – Sr.

Hays

FIRST TEAM

Kaitlyn Krafka – Jr. Hailee Morton – Sr. Mackenzie Coates – Sr.

SECOND TEAM

Ashley Slovak – Sr. Catherine Croft – Soph.

HONORABLE MENTION Jamie Agnew – So. Anais LaHue – Sr. Kacie Hall – Jr.

ACADEMIC ALL DISTRICT Kaitlyn Krafka – Jr. Jamie Agnew – So. Mackenzie Coates – Sr. Julia Bowen – So Bailey Graham – Jr. Kacie Hall – Jr.

Sierra Dittmar – So. Catherine Croft – So. Anais LaHue – Sr. Hailee Morton – Sr. Ryann Torres – Fr. Mackenzie Gunn Kayla Tello – So. Alex Castillo – Jr. Ashley Leonardis Mikayla Tumale

Lehman

HONORABLE MENTION Meagan Dees – Sr. Hannah Starnes – Jr. Kaytlin Mendoza – Jr.

ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT Madelyn Bowen – So. Qwynci Bowman – So. Haley Hassinger – Jr. Kaytlin Mendoza – Jr. Sara O’Neal – Jr. Karime Sanchez – Sr. Hannah Starnes – Jr. Madison Webb – So. Alexis Ysla – Sr.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Hays Rebel junior Dre Green (left) attempts to shoot the ball over a Crockett Cougar defender during the opening game of the Rebel Classic tournament at Bales Gym Nov. 17. Green scored the game winning shot with seconds remaining as the Rebels defeated Crockett 65-64.

Momentum drives Lobo hoops toward district play BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

A 2-2 mark was how the Lehman Lobo boys basketball team exited the Hays Rebel Classic tournament, which was held Nov. 16-18. Lehman head coach Michael Whitten said the Lobos’ tournament run, along with a 57-41 win over the Bastrop Bears Tuesday, highlights continued progress the team is taking as they march toward district play. “We hope to keep this momentum and keep improving,” Whitten said. “We’re heading in the right direction, for the most part.” Lehman began the tournament with a 65-55 loss to the San Antonio East Central Hornets on the opening day of the tournament. East Central played a style similar to the Lobos, which centered on “relentless pressure,” Whitten said. But the Hornets’ depth proved a challenge the Lobos had to battle with. To combat the Hornets, Whitten said the Lobos worked to shorten the game and “bog it down.” “They hung around and executed a game plan, which they weren’t used to doing,” Whitten said. “They did a good job.” Lehman rallied with a 60-50 win over PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III Georgetown East View Lehman Lobo senior Tracy Malrey soars past the San Antonio East Central defense as he on day two. Pushing looks to drop a shot during the opening day of play at the Rebel Classic tournament Nov. the Lobos forward was 17. Below, Lehman High junior Kimon Horne (0) dribbles past East Central senior Marquez AJ Garcia, who scored Hamilton. in double digits while coming off of the bench. of the game,” Whitten Whitten, who faced said. “It caused some East View during his turnovers and easy previous tenure at transition baskets.” Georgetown, began by But the Lobos suffered playing East View with a a set back when they zone defense. dropped During the a game to course of a Bowie the game, Bulldogs Whitten team said the Lehman hosts that was Lobos found McCallum Nov. disciplined success by 29 at 7:30 p.m. and at the Lobo Den. using the executed press to their well, Whitten advantage. said. Whitten “We said flip-flopping didn’t shoot the ball between the two well, and that really hurt tournament by defeating Henderson, who both defensive styles could us,” Whitten said. “We came off the bench the Crockett Cougars prove beneficial during struggled scoring in the in support. Lobo Jon 53-45. district play. game.” Rendon also played a Whitten lauded the “It changed the face The Lobos closed the play of Garcia and Kenny role in several contests.

NEXT UP

Sports

Page 2B

Hays Free Press • November 23, 2016

Sorry, Charlie C

over your eyes, Texas fans. Just when Saturday’s mind-boggling overtime loss to Kansas was the low point in the Charlie Strong era, the school’s athletic department seems poised to further drive this spiraling disaster into the turf. On Sunday, news of Strong’s alleged dismissal spread like wildfire on social media. Within minutes, just about every major sports media outlet – which of course used “sources” – said Strong’s tenure on the Forty Acres was at its end. And then the circus began. Mike Perrin, Texas men’s athletic director, put out a statement calling the news “rumors.” “I’ve said it all along, we will evaluate the body of work after the regular sea-

From The Sidelines by Moses Leos III

son,” Perrin’s statement said. “We have a game to get ready for against TCU on Friday, and I hope our fans will come out and support our team.” Strong, to his credit, deflected questions about his future until his weekly Monday press conference, which was attended by players in solidarity. Strong, according to reports, doesn’t believe the administration has made up their minds on his future just yet. How Texas decides Strong’s tenure isn’t the issue anymore. The problem becomes Texas’ approach, or lack

Texas, a team that’s wafﬂed between good, better-thanmediocre and terrible at times this year, took several steps backward against a woeful one win Kansas team.

thereof, regarding Strong’s retention or dismissal. To wait a full week without giving Strong a definative answer to his future is heartbreaking. With everything the man has done during his time at Texas, Strong should have been given notice of the administration’s intentions after the Kansas game. Yes, there is one last game left in the season. Texas, however, shouldn’t wait to make a decision. In my mind, Strong

should have coached his final game at Texas on Saturday. The loss to Kansas was a total debacle for a coach who’s teetered on thin ice for much of this season. Texas, a team that’s waffled between good, better-than-mediocre and terrible at times this year, took several steps backward against a woeful one win Kansas team. Kansas had no business competing with Texas. And yet, Kansas, which saw Saturday’s game on

its senior day as the Super Bowl, took the initiative to outplay and outcoach Texas. The struggles were a microcosm of the issues Strong has been unable to rectify on the field. Texas looked listless and outclassed. Strong, as many head coaches are prone to, will take the brunt of the criticism. Perhaps that’s rightfully so, as Strong’s struggles were apparent early on. The revolving door of assistant coaches over his three years was one major indication of issues. Another is the inability of the team to be consistent. While there is a lot of youth on the team – Texas is starting a true freshman quarterback – Strong and his assistants haven’t done the best job of coaching them.

Yes, the Charlie Strong era may be at its end. It’s also a rather heartbreaking moment for myself and many others as well. He is, after all, a pioneer as he’s the first black head coach to take the reins at Texas. Additionally, for all of his struggles on the field, Strong has done a fantastic job of molding Texas football off of it. His five core values he instilled on the program when he was hired were exactly what the program needed. They needed a disciplinarian and they sure got it. Sadly, that didn’t translate on the gridiron. We’ll have to wait and see what Texas’ ultimate decision will be. The thing is, we probably should have known by now.

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Lewy Body Dementia? Parkinson’s Disease Dementia?

Suffer From Visual Hallucinations? Been hearing or seeing things that are not actually present?

Hays Rebel senior volleyball player Mackenzie Coates signed her national letter of intent to play at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Coates, who has a full athletic scholarship to TAMUCC, ﬁnished her three-year varsity career with 1,933 assists and 587 kills.

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PHOTO BY STEPHANIE COATES

Rebel Hoops: Hays takes fourth at Classic Continued from pg. 1B

said. “Finishing fourth out of 16 teams is pretty good. We still need to work on the defensive side of the ball.” Hays began the tournament with a bang by notching a 65-64 win over the Crockett Cougars in dramatic fashion. Trailing 64-63 in the waning moments, the Rebels powered past Crockett’s press defense and closed the game with

a go-ahead and eventual game winning layup scored by junior Dre Green. Sandoval said working with the “next man up” mentality helped Hays down the stretch. But the game also showed Hays had to shore up its defenses. “We did what we were supposed to do,” Sandoval said. “It wasn’t pretty. But it was pretty obvious what we needed

to work on.” Hays moved on to defeat New Braunfels Canyon 62-55 to start the second day of the tournament. But the Rebels ran into a hot shooting Leander Rouse team that took an early lead and never looked back. “We were always playing catchup,” Sandoval said. The Rebels then closed tournament play

by running into a San Antonio East Central offense that also shot well from the get-go. While the Rebels look to improve on defense, Sandoval said giving his younger players experience is paramount. “We’re trying to give as much experience as we can,” he said. “Other guys are stepping up too as they get acclimated to the varsity level. Nothing beats experience.”

Centex Lobos: Fan altercation mars inaugural game Continued from pg. 1B what action, if any, to pursue, according to the team statement. “That said, we will be reviewing and implementing some additional precautions for future home matches. We will announce these publicly when details are final. Thank you for your continued support!,” the team’s statement read. The Lobos and Twin Cities FC finished the match tied 1-1.

PHOTO BY LINCOLN RAMIREZ

Several ofﬁcials and personnel from the Central Texas Lobos and Twin Cities FC try to break up a scufﬂe that broke out following Saturday’s inaurgural soccer game at Gregg-Clarke Park.

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Education

STITCHING SMILES

Kyle Correctional inmates learn to crochet for holiday giving. – Page 1C

Hays Free Press • November 23, 2016

Page 3B

PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

Reb choir members advance to area

Twenty-four members of the Hays High School Choir took part in TMEA Region 18 Pre-Area auditions with nine students advancing to January’s Area auditions. Those advancing include Emma Cole, Taylor Cooper, and Alayna Bewell (Soprano I), Makaela Gotchey (Alto I), Valisa Kinder and Sean Corbett (Alto II), Ben Miller and Dawson Derrick (Tenor II), and Walker Graham (Alternate- Tenor I). Pictured, they are (back, L-R): Dawson Derrick, Alayna Bewell, Ben Miller, Taylor Cooper, Walker Graham; (front, L-R) Emma Cole, Makaela Gotchey, Sean Corbett, and Valisa Kinder. The HHS Choir is directed by Charles Flores. PHOTOS BY JIM CULLEN

Negley students sell feathers to tackle hunger

Negley Elementary students from Debbie Sparks’ and KellyMarie Williams’ classes each contributed $192 in donations for the Turkeys Tackling Hunger turkey feather sales contest. Students sold paper turkey feathers for $1 each, and whichever class sold the most would have their teacher or staff member wear a turkey suit on Friday before Thanksgiving. The campus overall raised exactly $1,500 for the Hays County Food Bank, enough to feed 50 families during this holiday season.

DANVILLE, Calif. – Have you ever wondered what happens to the crayons you get in restaurants to color while you are waiting for your food? One day when Bryan Ware was at a restaurant with his children, he picked up one of their crayons and asked, “I wonder what happens to these crayons after we leave, if we don’t take them home?” Bryan asked his server and was shocked and saddened to find out that the crayons were thrown away. He took the crayons home that night. He thought the life of a crayon should not end after just one meal. Bryan thought about the thousands of kids that would enjoy these barely used crayons. That’s when he came up with the idea of recycling unwanted crayons for children.

PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

Tobias gets a taste of the Darlingside Darlingside band members Don Mitchell, Auyon Mukharji, Harris Paseltiner and David Senft were joined by members of the Tobias Elementary Choir, including some returning sixth graders, as they gave the school a Thanksgiving week treat. The choir members performed onstage with the professional touring group and wowed choir members, students, faculty and family members.

How many crayons can you find below? Now have a friend try. Did you find the same amount?

Bryan started a non-profit called The Crayon Initiative. His organization collects unwanted or broken crayons and melts them down to make new crayons which are donated to children in hospitals. More than 500,000 pounds of crayons end up in landfills every year. To date, The Crayon Initiative has donated over 15,000 packs of crayons to children’s hospitals.

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COMMUNITY INITIATIVE HOSPITAL RECYCLE CRAYON BARELY BROKEN MELTS COLOR LIFE SORT IDEA HOME MEAL NEW

The crayons are made in Bryan’s kitchen. His wife, kids and a lot of friends help sort crayons into color groups in their backyard. And volunteers from around the community as well as big corporations help sort crayons, too!

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You use a blue crayon. A friend uses a green one. Race to the finish of this maze!

EDUCATION

Page 4B

PHOTO BY JIM CULLEN

Rebel Youth and Government team rocks at District Meet

Hays High’s Youth and Government team came back from competition with several honors, including Loryn Hudson’s win as top judge in Trial Court competition and Jordan Clements’ District primary win in the race for state governor. Other awards include Distinguished Delegate honors to Luke Jackson and Brett Johnson (Legislative competition) and Jomei Daniels (Broadcast Media); Alexandra Moore, Ian Blount, MacKenzie Smith, Marisa Partin, Sydney Wilson, Wiley Lincoln (2nd, Trial Court). Students on the team include (back, l-r) Ian Blount, Wiley Lincoln; (front, l-r) Sponsor Marianne Wensmann, Jomei Danels, Loryn Hudson, Alexandra Moore, Marisa Partin, Sydney Wilson, Jordan Clements, Luke Jackson; not pictured: MacKenzie Smith, Brett Johnson.

Hays Free Press • November 23, 2016

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Eighteen students from Wallace Middle School’s Ranger Band qualiﬁed to audition for All-Region Band, with nine of those taking chairs at that level. The Rangers had 29 chairs in the All-District Band. One member, Skyler Johnson, earned Region Orchestra honors. All Region honorees included Payton Rodriguez, Gabriela Vences-Garcia, Kelly Vasquez, Jack Denning, Aidan Frohock, Luke Sherman, Erek Cancino-Cox, James Ochoa-King, and Skyler Johnson. All-District honorees included Viviana Villalobos, Jasmine Salinas, Allison Neer, Jenna Creek, Carly Reyes, Lucas Holloway, Esperanza Zuniga, Nayelli Lopez, Darrin Guth, Mitchell Machuca, Lizbeth Romo, Daniel Torres, Colter Callahan, Derek Cancino, Julia Nino, Madison Gonzales, Carlos Sanchez-Garcia, Hailee Garrett, Samuel Glover and Austin Hallmark.

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Section C

Community

FORE

San Marcos golf course to be ﬁrst built in ﬁve years. – Page 1D

Hays Free Press

HaysFreePress.com

November 23, 2016 • Page 1C

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Night Hawk lends a wing for Turkeys Tackling Hunger

Employees at Night Hawk Frozen Foods, Inc. took a break from their normal routine earlier this month to help build over 3,000 boxes as part of the Hays County Food Bank’s Turkeys Tackling Hunger campaign. The boxes held instant mashed potatoes, canned corn, yams, pumpkin and applesauce, as well as a frozen turkey. Mallory Raschke, HCFP communications coordinator, said the process of partnering with Night Hawk was an “improvement over how we used to do this.” Raschke said a $30 donation sponsored a family to receive a holiday meal box. (Browse and buy photos at bartonpublications.smugmug.com.)

Giving thanks at Rancho Winslow It’s About Thyme by Mick Vann

Stitching smiles at Kyle Correctional BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ news@haysfreepress.com

Once again the annual Turkey Day gathering commenced at Rancho Winslow, with fairly decent weather and an abundance of spirits. It was a small but solid crew, dedicated to giving some thanks, celebrating, and chowing down. Princess Di (Diane Winslow) the Martha Stewart of Manchaca, and I had been cogitating about the menu, and made some grandiose plans, but as the day approached, we came to our senses. The turkey was originally going to be brined, spatchcocked, and grilled, but our head griller, CBoy, insisted on non-grilling. It didn’t get butterflied and brined because it wasn’t thawed in time, so instead, it got its cavity stuffed with celery, carrots, onions, garlic, thyme, sage, and parsley, and then settled down to a long, warm golden-brown slumber at 350°F, with a frequent basting of butter and turkey schmaltz. The ham got crisscrossed-slashed and baked, and then got a finishing glaze of habanero-pineapple jam, apricot jam, German mustard, brown sugar, and roasted garlic. I fought my way into the SuperHEB in Kyle and procured the last few packages of fresh turkey thighs, and a package of chicken necks. They would join the turkey neck in the pot with celery, carrot,

new program offered at the Kyle Correction Center allows offenders who are preparing to return to civilian life the chance to give back to their community. Stitch-a-Smile, a program that was instituted earlier this year, teaches offenders how to crochet stuffed animals, which are then donated to the community. “This is something I’ve wanted to start for a while now,” said Deanna Branham, warden of the Kyle Correctional Center. “I am a firm believer in giving one’s self as a way of healing one’s self. This program is the perfect blend of that.” The goal of the program is providing toys to children in need. The toys are also donated to local women’s shelters, children’s hospitals, and possibly even foster children. Many of the offenders residing in the correctional center do not have the custody level required to be able to go out and perform community service. The program allows them to give back to their community in an alternative way. Sixty-nine offenders currently participate in the program, which is open to anyone in the correctional facility. “The offenders at our facility are six months from release back into the community,” said Branham. “It is crucial that they understand the importance of paying it forward and giving back to the community.” Donations from Stitcha-Smile will go to Blue and Brown Santa programs put on by the local police and sheriff’s departments. “(Kyle Police Chief) Jeff Barnett gave the green

ASK CHRIS, 3C

STITCH-A-SMILE, 4C

memoir of a 2013 feast at the home of Hays Free Press columnist Chris Winslow (‘CBoy’). Plus an original recipe for stuffing.

“This is something I’ve wanted to start for a while now ... I am a ﬁrm believer in giving one’s self as a way of healing one’s self. This program is the perfect blend of that.” –Deanna Branham, warden of the Kyle Correctional Center

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KYLE CORRECTIONAL CENTER

The Stitch-a-Smile program that was instituted earlier this year at the Kyle Correctional Center teaches offenders how to crochet stuffed animals, which are then donated to the community. (Browse and buy photos at bartonpublications.smugmug.com.)

COMMUNITY

Page 2C

Hays Free Press • November 23, 2016

OBITUARY WHITIS Elliott Duwain Whitis of Austin, Texas was born May 16 in Buda, Texas on his parents’ 7th wedding anniversary. He was an opinionated fellow from the outset, being a month late and ten plus pounds. Growing up with annual family ski

trips to Pagosa Springs, Colorado and river trips at Big Bend National Park in Texas on the Rio Grande, Elliott developed a keen eye and expertise for whitewater boating and appreciation for the outdoors. In high school, Elliott had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand. He graduated from the Academy at Hays in 2006 and was working towards his journeyman electrician’s license and an associate science degree at Austin Community College.

Elliott loved green spaces, nurturing plants, working out, running, biking, and spending quality time with the people he loved. Distinguished by an exceptionally strong physical presence; early childhood gymnastics fostered a lifetime of dexterity and strength. Confident and flexible in many challenging environments, he knew how to share laughter and his warm hugs were unparalleled. On November 1, 2016 Elliott died in a car

accident at the age of 28 leaving enormous holes in the hearts and lives of his friends, his parents, Barbara Vinson and Duwain Whitis of Buda, Texas, his sisters Leah and Grace Whitis and his beloved nephew, Phineas Jeremy Wing of Milton Mills, New Hampshire. Please wear your seatbelt. Private service and cremation, as per his wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to sustainablefoodcenter. org.

Rebel fought both sides for years

ose Maria Jesus Carbajal waited until This Week the guards were fast in Texas asleep before calmly walking out of the MatHistory amoros jail on the night by Bartee Haile of Nov. 28, 1835. The native Texan reached Goliad in time to sign the first the American forces in statement of independent the war with Mexico! intent in the Lone Star Admitting they might rebellion. have done the same in his The Carbajal family place, the tolerant Texans tree was full of bold adforgave their old comrade venturers, whose exploits for trying to kill them. spanned two continents Like any true patriot, he and three centuries. had simply defended the Antonio fatherland migrated to against England and foreign The served as an invaders. advisor to In president Oliver CromSeptemwarned well. Franber 1851, cisco and Carbajal would-be Luis conappealed quered Peru adventurers for armed and Mexico assistance that he for God and in liberating king, while Mexican would not lift the Geronimo borderland, was among and several a ﬁnger on the earliest hundred their behalf, Texans settlers of San Antonio if they were answered de Bexar. the call no Jose questions captured Carbajal asked. Their spent much south of the leader was of his youth the vintage border. at boarding Ranger schools in Rip Ford, the United who never States before returning missed a good fight. to colonial Texas in the The rebels marched late 1820’s. From his close on Matamoros taking the friend Stephen F. Austin, river towns of Camargo he borrowed enough and Reynosa on the money to live on until way. Safe and sound in the American found him Brownsville, the frightwork. ened inhabitants awaited Elected from San the outcome of the battle Antonio to the Coahuilafor their sister city which Texas legislature in early began on Oct. 21. 1835, Carbajal’s criticism The next day, Milof the despot Santa Anna lard Fillmore advised all severely shortened his Americans to keep their life expectancy. When a noses out of the messy warrant for his arrest was business in Mexico. The issued that summer, the president warned woulddissident wisely ran off to be adventurers that he Louisiana. would not lift a finger on Carbajal was captured their behalf, if they were in November off the Texas captured south of the coast running guns to the border. rebels. After regaining Fillmore, in fact, viohis freedom and putting lated his official policy of his name on the Goliad neutrality in the compliDeclaration of Indepencated conflict by secretly dence in December 1835, supplying the governhe mysteriously vanished ment garrison in Matamduring the climax of the oros. Carbajal responded Revolution. with an open letter in Carbajal briefly surwhich he declared, “The faced four years later at Americans who are acting the head of an abortive with me will not shame revolt in northern Mexico. either their country or He won a minor skirmish their name.” but lost the use of his On the verge of vicleft arm and once again tory, Carbajal stunned his disappeared. followers on Oct. 30 by Months went by ordering an immediate without a clue to Carbawithdrawal from Matjal’s fate, and his many amoros. He realized that admirers to the north seizure of the city would presumed he was dead or be a short-lived success in prison. Imagine their since his small contingent surprise when he sudwas certain to be annihidenly showed up in 1846 lated by enemy reinforceas a division commander ments already on the way. dedicated to the defeat of While Carbajal beat a

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hasty retreat up the Rio Grande, Rip Ford hurried to Austin in search of fresh recruits. Honored on the spot with an unsolicited seat in the state legislature, he used the position to lobby for his latest cause. But the bad news from Matamoros had taken the fun out of the enterprise, and Rip found few takers. Meanwhile, Carbajal slipped into South Texas to lick his wounds and to plan his next strike. Badly beaten at a border crossing in February 1852, he scurried back to Lone Star soil only to be arrested by the U.S. Army. Carbajal and 11 lieutenants quickly posted bail and prepared for another round. The execution of several supporters, including two Americans, revived Texan interest in the comatose crusade. Carbajalistas staged an overnight raid on Reynosa in March 1853 and held the alcalde for a

$30,000 ransom. Refusing to pay a peso more for the bureaucrat than he was worth, residents made a counter-offer of $2,000. The bandits took the cash, freed the hostage and headed for the nearest bar. The American military had no trouble rounding up the drunken raiders. Detained just long enough to discourage any repeat performance, the sober insurrectionists deserted in droves. Jose Carbajal himself soon made the same sensible decision. His fervent beliefs did not blind him to the fact that there was no future in fighting two governments – Mexico and the United States. Bartee’s three books “Texas Depression-Era Desperadoes,” “Murder Most Texan” and “Texas Boomtowns: A History of Blood and Oil” are available for purchase at barteehaile.com.

Greenhouses! 11726 Manchaca Rd. Austin, TX 78748

(On the corner of Frate Barker Rd.)

512-280-1192 Visit: www.itsaboutthyme.com Email Chris Winslow at: iathyme@yahoo.com

Texas Crossword and Sudoku sponsored by

Texas Lehigh Cement Co., LP

Sudoku

See Solution on 3C

Hays Free Press • November 23, 2016

COMMUNITY

It’s About Thyme

Stuffing with Dried Cherries, Sausage and Walnuts

Continued from pg. 1C

Many thanks were given, and old friends reconnected, and epoxied together with new friends. Nobody hit deer or got hit by deer on their way out.

• • • • • •

Forester, and Malbec haze by then. The turkey came out very moist and tasty; ditto for the ham. The meat from the turkey stock turkey thighs was saved for some turkey mole enchiladas further down the calendar a bit. The dressing was superb (as declared by CBoy), and the accompanying gravy rich and luscious. All of the side dishes soared above expectations; same for the accompaniments. We put a serious dent in the spirits supply, and the crowd was especially jolly. UT even beat Tech. Many thanks were given, and old friends reconnected, and epoxied together with new friends. Nobody hit deer or got hit by deer on their way out. All things considered, Turkey Day at Rancho Winslow was a huge, delicious success.

• • • • • • • • •

BUDA

DRUG STORE

203 Railroad Street Downtown Buda Pharmacy 312-2111 Fountain 312-2172

McDonald’s of Buda

15359 IH-35, Ste. B P.O. Box 1364, Buda, TX 78610 512-312-2383 Locally owned and operated by Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson

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

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

Note: Sausage can be ground breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or any type of cooked link sausage. To make it extra special, use the amazingly good smoked turkey sausage from Billy Inman, of Inman’s Ranch House BBQ in Marble Falls.

EPISCOPAL

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda

Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

LUTHERAN Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda Good Shepherd Ministries FM 967, Buda

2325 FM 967 • 312-0701

Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.

St. John Lutheran, LCMS 20 N. Camino Real (State Hwy. 21), Uhland

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

NEWS • LETTERS • OBITS CALENDAR • PHOTO GALLERY CLASSIFIEDS • SUBSCRIBE

CHRISTIAN

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle

A non-denominational church with live contemporary Christian music and life giving teaching! Located 1 block off FM 2001 at 302 Millennium Dr., Kyle, Texas (Millennium Drive is an entrance road) Pastor Rusty Fletcher and family

Services Sun. 11:00 a.m. Wed. 7:30 p.m.

Call or Text 512.393.4460

Visit

afountain.org for more info.

uel Baptist Church n a m Im 4000 East FM 150 (4 miles east of Kyle) (512) 268-5471

SUNDAY: Bible Study for all ages, 9:45 a.m. Worship Service, 10:55 a.m. Pastors: (English and Spanish) Rodney Coleman and WEDNESDAY: Bible Study, 2 p.m. Men’s Bible Study, 7 p.m. Family Discipleship, 7:15 p.m. (Spanish)

God with us

Silverio Hernandez

Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle Journey United Methodist 310 San Antonio Dr., Buda

FREE DELIVERY 1ST 20 GAL. FREE

Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle

Friendly, Courteous Service

Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald PENTECOSTAL Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd.

St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666

PRESBYTERIAN

Hays Hills

CONFESSION Saturdays: 4 p.m.-5 p.m.

OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday evening: 5:30 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. (Spanish), 11 a.m. (English) 5 p.m. (English)

Come worship with us Join our church directory by emailing paper@haysfreepress.com.

 

 

Baptist Church

Adult, teen, children’s classes • Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school

COME WORSHIP WITH US! Sunday

8:30 a.m. Traditional service 9:45 a.m. Contemporary service 11:00 a.m. Blended service

Santa Cruz John Catholic Church St. Lutheran Church

1100 Main Street • Buda, Texas 78610 Office: 512-312-2520 • Fax: 512-295-2034 • santacruzcc.org Rev. Kirby D. Garner, Pastor • Fr. José Luis Comparán, Assoc. Pastor

Call 1-866-691-2369

Word of Life Christian Faith Center 400 Old Post Road, Kyle

Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

Rev. Nancy Day Office 295-6981, Parsonage 512-393-9772 www.BudaUMC.org

Privately owned From local springs

A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle

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

*Traditional Worship (Worship Center)-9 a.m. Sunday School (all ages)-10:00 a.m. *Informal Worship (Chapel)-11 a.m. Wednesday Evening (Chapel)-6:30 p.m. *On 5th Sundays we conduct one service at 10 a.m. with special music.

Pure Texas Spring Water!

Vertical Chapel 801 FM 1626 (Elm Grove Elem.), Buda

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor

Elm Street & San Marcos

FM 2770, Buda, Texas 295-4801

Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle

METHODIST

Buda United Methodist Church

CENTEX MATERIALS LLC

New Covenant Community Church 1019 Main Street, Buda (in Dance Unlimited)

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE

The Well Buda

Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

CATHOLIC

TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP

Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle

Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

Log onto www.HaysFreePress.com

Texas Crossword, from page 2C

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Rosebrock

Veterinary Clinic

Texas Crossword Solution

Come worship with us

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

Your Hometown McDonald’s

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 2C

Cook sausage in skillet until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté onions, garlic, and celery in butter until soft. Transfer to large bowl. Moisten bread with broth and add to sautéed vegetables. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. If the mixture seems a little dry, add a bit more broth. Transfer to buttered casserole and bake 35 minutes at 350°F.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

Debbie Thames, Agent 251 N. FM 1626, Bldg. 2, Ste. C, Buda, Texas 78610 312-1917

1 medium onion, chopped 6 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup celery, minced 2 tablespoons butter 8 cups bread, cubed, let air-dry 1½ cups rich turkey or chicken broth (homemade, highly preferred) ¾ cup dried cherries, plumped 30 min in hot turkey stock, drained 1¼ cups cup cooked sausage, chopped coarsely 1 cup dry-toasted walnuts, chopped ¼ cup parsley, chopped 3 eggs, beaten ½ teaspoon sage ½ teaspoon thyme ½ teaspoon salt (or a little more, to taste) ½ teaspoon pepper

9:00am 10:00am 6:00pm 7:00pm

Wednesday 

www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626

of Uhland , LCMS Highway 21, Uhland

Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:15 a.m. Church Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Rev. David Goeke 210-635-8584 • www.stjohnlcmsuhland.org 20 N. Camino Real (State Hwy. 21) • Uhland, Texas 78640

First Baptist Church

A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161 Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m. Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m. Nursery Provided www.firstbaptistbuda.com • fbcbuda@austin.rr.com



Bible Class Worship Worship Bible Class

  





Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 2315 FM 967 Buda, Texas 78610 Pastor J.D. Elshoff jelshoff@earthlink.net 512-638-6312

Thursday Evening Bible Study, 6 p.m., and Open Communion on the first Sunday of every month, 6 p.m. Make THIS your church home!

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd • Creedmoor, TX 512-243-2837

Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Worship: 11:00 a.m. WEdnESday Pray & Devotion: 6:30 p.m.

162 5

Buda, Texas • 15300 S. IH-35 • 312-1615

Serves 6 to 8

Tex

N. Lp

rne

rsv

ille

stock. There was huge platter of fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries, pineapple, and red grapes). Nancy made some of her wonderful cranberry relish, to go with the canned cranberry jelly that Havie insists on (not bad on a PB and J by the way). While all that stuff was cooking, Nancy had thrown together a nosh of her famous slow-cooker chile con queso, scooped up with Frito’s. There were storebought rolls to pop in the oven and some soft butter for schmearing, and Nancy brought one of her famous pineapple upsidedown cakes, to go with one of HEB bakery’s finest pumpkin pies (and some Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla). Sorry, no dessert pics; I was in a tryptophan, Dogfish Head, Old

Sudoku Solution

IH-35

garlic, onion butts, and herbs, for some rich, slow-simmered turkey stock. I used it to make the dressing, this year made with sausage, onions, roasted garlic, celery, sage, thyme, parsley, walnuts, dried cherries (plumped in the turkey stock), day-old French bread cubes, a couple of bright gold-yolked RW yard eggs, and that turkey stock. CBoy declared it the best dressing he had ever eaten, which speaks volumes, considering his advanced age. There was a dish of baked sliced red sweet potatoes and apples, topped with toasted pecans and a spiced topping of butter, honey, brown sugar, and dark rum; a nice little combo. Di made her famous slaw of cabbages and broccoli stems, sweet onion, and a ginger-lime dressing, garnished with toasted sesame seeds. I blanched some beautiful green beans for 6 minutes, and then sautéed them with butter, turkey fat, thick-sliced mushrooms, and then finished them with roasted garlic and touch of turkey

Page 3C

Toll

BEST BETS

COMMUNITY

Page 4C

Hays Free Press • November 23, 2016

Classes, meetings and local events can be found on the calendar at haysfreepress.com. Email event submissions to christine@haysfreepress.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

3200 Kyle Crossing (512) 523 9012

Experience it in

EVX

ENHANCED VIEWING EXPERIENCE

For all showtimes and listings, please check our website or call our showline!

Tuesdays Any Movie. All Day.

Excludes special events & advanced showings. EVX & 3-D upcharges still apply

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Budafest

Only $7.50 each!

Buda’s annual Christmas celebration will be held Dec. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Meet Santa, enjoy familyfriendly activities and do some local holiday shopping. See budafest.org for more information. PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Santa’s Arrival in Kyle

Santa’s coming to Kyle’s City Square Park Nov. 30 from 4:30-9 p.m. Take pictures with Santa, see the city’s tree light up and enjoy a family friendly afternoon of holiday fun.

Be sure to visit our website! EVO-ENTERTAINMENT.COM Films. Lanes. Games.

EmilyAnn Trail of Lights

Enjoy more than 100 lighted exhibits created by Wimberley businesses and organizations from Nov. 26-Dec. 29 at the EmilyAnn Theatre in Wimberley. Roast a marshmallow at the Yule Log, listen to live music and meet Santa. Get details at emilyann.org.

Holiday Crafting Gala

Buda Trail of Lights

New Year. Same Price. 2016 Refillable Tubs and Cups.

Visit the Kyle Public Library for crafting, cookies, and cocoa this season. Join the library on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon for the first annual Holiday Crafting Gala. Everyone is welcome, so come one, come all for a happy holiday event.

We will match your best price and beat it! 1946 S IH-35 SAN MARCOS 512-396-5555

Sleep-EZ Mattress & Box

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

See the spectacles of the holiday season at this annual event at Historic Stagecoach Park Dec. 9-10 and Dec. 15-18. The trail is open 6-10 p.m. nightly. Senior Citizen Night (RSVP only)will be held Dec. 8, 6-8 p.m.

Starlight Symphony Orchestra

Celebrate the holidays with the Starlight Symphony Orchestra’s performance of “All I Really Need to Know I Learned from the Symphony - Warm Cookies & Cold Milk.” The orchestra will perform 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17 at the Hays PAC and Dec. 18 at the Wimberley First Baptist Church.

Stitch-a-Smile Continued from pg. 1C

light for his officers to keep some of the stuffed animals in patrol cars for children on emergency calls,” Branham said. “Our customer, Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) - Private Facilities Division, approved the program a month or so ago,” Branham said. “We have about four volunteers and many employees that have donated their time to come in and teach the offenders how to do the basic crochet stitches and how to read a pattern.” Stitch-a-Smile primarily runs off of donations from the community. The Hays Hill Baptist Church accepts yarn donations of any color on behalf of the program. “We were able to obtain enough supplies to get the

starting at

$189

Free Layaway!

HaysFreePress.com

www.

Bingo

Sundays at 2 p.m. Great Fun Great Food $100 Minimum Game Prize $500 Progressive Jackpot

Santa Cruz Catholic Church,

Parish Activity Center

1100 Main Street, Buda, TX 78610 Texas Bingo License No. 17424803181

PHOTO COURTESY OF KYLE CORRECTIONAL CENTER

guys started, but we could always use donations of yarn,” Branham said. “Once they get the hang of it, I believe they will start going through lots of yarn.”

DONATE

For information on how to donate to Stitch-a-Smile, contact Jon Lower from Hays Hill Baptist Church at Jon@hayshill.com.

“It’s All About HTRanch The Girls”

Texas Angus Cow Herd Dispersal Ed Yeo: 330-770-4895 Thursday, December 8 • 10 AM Gretchen Yeo: Buffalo Livestock Market, Buffalo, Texas 330-360-2164 Approximately 775 Head Sell! yeofarms@cboss.com Watch the sale and bid live online at LiveAuctions.tv and SuperiorClickToBid.com.

Visit Bit.ly/HTRanch for video of cattle selling.

Yeo 3.39x2 bw-TX Press.indd 2

Budafest

2016

Downtown Buda

Dec. 3-4 Parade Saturday 10 a.m.

$155 $205 $265 $355

5-Piece Dinettes

Sights and Sounds of Christmas Enjoy four full evenings of holiday festivities at San Marcos Plaza Park Nov. 30-Dec. 3. Highlights include carnival rides, arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, local school performances, live nativity and more

Twin Full Queen King

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fun Music Crafts Rides Vendors Visit Santa!

Budafest proceeds are distributed to non-profits in and around Buda.

Browse and buy photos online

from community events, high school sports, business happenings and more. Just follow the Photos link.

HaysFreePress.com

www.

11/15/16 2:21 PM

Section D

Business HaysFreePress.com

Hays Free Press

November 23, 2016 • Page 1D

Put Thanksgiving lessons to work in your financial plans

hanksgiving is almost here. Over the years, this holiday has taken on a variety of meanings, most of them centered on family, caring and sharing. You can carry these same values past Thanksgiving into your daily life – and you can certainly incorporate them into your financial strategies for taking care of your loved ones. So, here are a few suggestions: Protect your family. If something were to happen to you, could your family pay the mortgage? Could your children still afford to go to college someday? To protect your family’s current lifestyle and long-term goals, you may well need to maintain adequate life and disability insurance.

You don’t have to be a millionaire to make meaningful financial gifts to your family. Financial Focus

contributed by Janet Ross

Your employer may offer these types of protection as employee benefits, but the coverage might be insufficient for your needs. Consequently, you might need to supplement your employerpaid insurance with additional policies. Invest in your children. If you have young children, and you’d like to see them go to college

someday, you may want to start putting money away toward that goal. You can save and invest for college in a variety of ways, but one popular method is through a 529 plan, which offers high contribution limits and potential tax advantages. Plus, a 529 plan gives you significant control and flexibility: – if you establish a plan for one child, but he or she decides not to go to college, you can name another child as the recipient. Be generous. You don’t have to be a millionaire

to make meaningful financial gifts to your family. For example, if you have grown children, consider helping them fund their IRAs. You can’t contribute directly to a child’s IRA, but you can write checks to your children for that purpose – though, of course, they are then free to do whatever they want with the money. It’s not always easy for a young person to “max out” on an IRA, which has an annual contribution limit of $5,500 for workers under 50, so any help you can give your children in this area should be greatly appreciated. Safeguard your own financial independence. Almost certainly, one of the most undesirable outcomes you can imag-

ine is to become financially dependent on your grown children. Even if you save and invest diligently throughout your working years, you could still be vulnerable to financial dependency if you need an extensive period of long-term care, such as a nursing home stay. These costs can be enormous, and Medicare typically pays only a small percentage, and usually for just a limited time. To protect your financial freedom, you should explore ways of addressing long-term care costs. A financial professional can explain those alternatives that may be appropriate for your situation. Communicate your wishes to your family. At some point in your life,

you will need to draw up your estate plans, which could include a will, a living trust, a durable power of attorney, a health care directive and other documents. To be fair to your children and other family members, and to avoid hurt feelings, you should clearly communicate your plans and your wishes while you are still around. Thanksgiving means more than turkey and football. And if you can successfully apply the lessons of this holiday to your financial plans, both you and your family will have reason to be thankful. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Fiiive!

First Texas public golf course in five years comes to San Marcos STAFF REPORT

“We need to remember to shop local, not just for support, but with these shops you get a unique selection, it keeps money in area, and helps the economy.”

THINK BIG, SHOP SMALL –J.R. Gonzales, Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Director

BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ news@haysfreepress.com

ith the Thanksgiving holiday hitting this week, local businesses in the area prepare for the coming of Small Business Saturday. Wedged between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday promotes local businesses and encourages shoppers to spend their money locally during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. “It’s a relatively new concept that’s been around since about 2009, I believe.” said J.R Gonzales, Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Managing Director. “It’s a way to get people to focus on and support

small businesses in the area that are the backbone of the economy.” The first Small Business Saturday was sponsored by American Express in the Boston, Massachusetts’s area, but has grown into a nationwide event that’s spread to all over the country. “We need to remember to shop local, not just for support, but with these shops you get a unique selection, it keeps money in area, and helps the economy.” said Gonzales. “If you live in a small town where all you’ve got is Walmart, or Target, and then your mom and pop stores, but all you’re doing is shopping with the big guys, then the money goes somewhere else.” According to Gonzales, over 95 million people nationwide participated in shopping with small/local

businesses in 2015, which signified an 8 percent increase from the previous year). Gonzales said it shows the increased interest and support in local businesses. Gonzales also said the Buda Chamber continually works to promote small businesses, which make up 95 percent of the membership. “Small business is big business. Over 54 percent of the businesses in the country are small businesses, and they help keep the economy going.” said Gonzales. “When you shop with small businesses, you keep money circulating in the area. That adds to the local tax base, and in turn, helps those businesses with acquiring their stock and turning a profit.”

A new 18-hole public golf course is currently under construction in San Marcos, but what makes this new course so special is, according to the National Golf Foundation, it is the first new public, 18hole golf course to be built in Texas in the past five years. The Kissing Tree Golf Course, which is developed adjacent to the Kissing Tree 55-plus community, is a product of Brookfield Residential Properties (BRP), and is expected to open next winter in 2017. The course will be managed by Troon, which is the “largest third-party manager of golf and club operations in the world,” according to a BRP press release, “offering its customary level of quality typically available only at luxury golf courses.” BRP selected golf course architect, Gary Stephenson, to design the course. Stephenson, a Texas resident himself, has developed a style of golf design and land planning that works with the natural character of the land’s footprint.. “We have assembled an exceptionally qualified team to design and manage the course, and we’re excited to have construction underway,” Dirk Gosda, senior vice president at BRP, said. “We’re confident this course will be another great way for residents and visitors to experience the natural Texas Hill Country at Kissing

Tree.” Kissing Tree Golf Course is currently working toward certification as a Signature Program facility with Audubon International. Audubon International is an environmental and conservation assistance program created to help landowners adhere to comprehensive sustainable resource management principles. To meet Audubon standards, BRP says “the course will use natural fertilizers and be watered with potable and reclaimed water. The course will serve as an extension of the natural landscape, blending grades on the edges and bringing the slopes and contours of the landscape into the fairways.” At full buildout, Kissing Tree development plans include roughly 3,200 homes. Homes will range from approximately 1,400 to 3,400 square feet and prices will range from approximately $250,000 to $500,000. The golf course will serve as the centerpiece of the development. In addition to the golf course, BRP representatives say the community will also include an 18-hole putting course and state-of-the-art golf clubhouse, as well as a collection of indoor and outdoor amenities at the community’s social focal point, called The Mix and hundreds of acres are planned to be reserved for parks, trails and green space.

Classiﬁeds

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• Place your classiﬁed ad by calling 512-268-7862 • Email paper@haysfreepress.com • Place online at www.HaysFreePress.com. • We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover • DEADLINE: NOON MONDAY FOR WEDNESDAY’S PAPER

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Page 2D

Employment CHILDCARE TEACHER

Hiring classroom teachers. Must be able to pass background check. Have CPR and ﬁrst aid. Call 512-523-9175.

ENTRY LEVEL SECURITY OFFICER NEEDED IN BUDA,TX

No experience needed. $9 per hour. Full / Part Time. Overnights. Call 888.925.3363 x3483 or www.yaleenforcement.com/ online-application

HIRING RV TECHNICIAN

Will train. Must be able to work Tues. - Sat 9am - 6pm. Apply in person, 17100 IH 35 Buda, TX 78610

MEALS ON WHEELS NOW HIRING

Meals on Wheels Program is hiring a Site Manager at the Buda location. The position is part-time, 5 days a week, 4 hours a day. Will train. Call Helen at 979-540-2991.

For Sale

Full-time position at Quality Surface Solutions, Inc. 512-441-2909 Refinishing countertop and bathtubs for the Austin, Buda, and San Marcos Apartment industry. Job consists of repairing and resurfacing (painting) existing bathtub, tile surround, fiberglass enclosures and countertop surfaces. This is a labor / production job and you must have the ability to keep a steady pace throughout the entire day. We are willing to train the right candidate. Must have current Texas drivers license and have a insurable driving record. We provide all products, equipment and transportation to and from job sites. Work week consist of Monday- Friday with an occasional Saturday. Steady year round with overtime pay available.

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $10 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules. Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net. Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Full service septic company looking for that special person to join & work with our wonderful group of people. Our philosophy is to treat people the way we wish to be treated. Established in 1982. Located S.E. Austin near Mustang Ridge. JOB QUALITIES & DESCRIPTION includes the following but not limited to:

1) Friendly people person that truly cares, enjoys helping others, and talking with customers. 2) Answering incoming calls with scheduling and coordinating various types of service jobs. 3) Data entry in company software program. 4) Quickbooks A/R and reports 5) Good listener and eager to learn about the OSSF industry. 6) Filing, faxing, scan, email, and copy documents. 7) Professional, excellent verbal and written communication skills are imperative. 8) Creative, business minded, independent thinker that likes to learn. 9) Detail oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills Administrative Assistant position is 4 days per week. Approximately 32 hours per week. We offer vacation, some paid holidays, health insurance. Email resume to septicsolution@gmail.com along with a short note about yourself and why you feel like you might be a good fit for this position.

Hays Free Press • November 23, 2016

Biz Opportunity NO INVESTMENT NECESSARY

Operate a Fireworks Stand in your area. Dec 20 - Jan1. Must be 21 yrs old or older and have travel trailer or camper available. Great for Teachers, Bus Drivers, College Students, Seasonal Workers or Fund Raising for Youth & Religious groups. More information available call 512-303-4438 or email info@buyamericanﬁreworks. com. For more information and application to see if you qualify, visit http:// bigthunderﬁreworks.com/ operatestand.php

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Temporary Positions IN AUSTIN! Be U.S. Citizens including Naturalized Citizens • Meet minimum experience and/or education requirements For more information and to apply online to go: https://jobs.irs.gov/careers “location” box.

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PARTS CLERKS - RESIDENTIAL DRIVERS FRONTLOAD DRIVERS - ROLLOFF DRIVERS HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS - DIESEL MECHANICS FUEL & LUBE TECHNICIAN - COMPACTOR TECHNICIAN

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HOSPITAL BED FOR SALE

New hospital bed. Has all features. $750. Call 512-6586477.

Cleaning Services DEPENDABLE CHRISTIAN COUPLE WILL MAKE YOUR HOUSE SHINE! Now adding new clients. Also doing one time clean ups. Jean, 512-367-0940.

Misc. Services LIFE ALERT

24/7. One press of a button sends help FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can't reach a phone! FREE Brochure. CALL 800-398-5022

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS

Unable to work? Denied beneﬁts? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-413-0447 to start your application today!

Home For Rent LUXURY TOWNHOMES AVAILABLE NOW

High-end features including granite kitchen countertop and tile wood-look ﬂooring. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, gameroom, two-car front entry garage. Covered patio. Fenced backyard. Villas at Creekside. Starting at $1,695/month. 112 Lakeview Court, Kyle, TX. Texas Management & Leasing, 972-379-7368. Apply online today. www.texaspm.com

Public Notices REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Hays CISD is Requesting Proposals for RFP #25121703SC for Sign Language Interpreting Services. Proposals will be accepted until December 2, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Speciﬁcations are available in the HCISD Purchasing Ofﬁce (512-268-2141 ext 6035) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday or on the Public Purchase web site (www.publicpurchase. com). Bid responses must be into the HCISD Public Purchase web site 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.

CITY OF BUDA PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The City of Buda Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 and the City of Buda City Council will hold a public hearing beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 in the Council Chambers at Buda City Hall, 121 Main St., Buda, Texas, 78610, to receive written and oral comments in regard to a sign variance request to allow additional height and area for a freestanding sign for the property located at 340 Old San Antonio Road, being Lot 3A of the Cabela’s Subdivision. For more information regarding this matter, please contact the City of Buda Planning Department at (512) 312-0084.

Public Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Doral Academy of Texas Board of Directors will conduct an informational meeting for the public on December 1, 2016 at Cabela’s Buda to provide details of a proposed public open-enrollment charter school named Doral Academy of Texas Participants will hear a presentation that explains the proposal and will have an opportunity to ask questions about the proposed school. The members of the school board are Angela Ramos, President & Chair; Rene Rovirosa, Secretary; and Kim Guilarte & Monique Rodriguez.

CITY OF BUDA PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The City of Buda Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 and the City of Buda City Council will hold a public hearing beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 in the Council Chambers at Buda City Hall, 121 Main St., Buda, Texas, 78610, to receive written and oral comments in regard for a special use permit to allow Self-Storage in Interstate Commercial/OfﬁceInterstate Retail (C3/R3) for the property located at the corner of West Goforth Street and IH 35 Frontage Road, being Lots 1 and 2 of the Eastman Plaza. For more information regarding this matter, please contact the City of Buda Planning Department at (512) 312-0084.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Chapter 59 Texas Property Code. They will conduct a Public Sale to the highest bidder for cash on their premises. This sale is being listed below. The company reserves the right to reject any bid and withdraw any from the sale at any time. Morningstar Mini Storage wishes to avail themselves of the Texas Provision of chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code. This sale is listed below. Date: 12/12/2016 Time: 11 a.m. Location: Morningstar Mini Storage, 1001 W. Goforth Rd., Buda, TX 78610 Units: Unit C301 – Matthew Ader – Boxes, golf clubs, Christmas décor, ﬁsh tank, etc. Unit 1142 – Linda Miller – Rocking chair, boxes, furniture, etc.

CITY OF KYLE ORDINANCES

The City Council of the City of Kyle will consider adopting the following ordinances on second reading on December 6, 2016 at Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center Street, at 7:00 p.m.: An Ordinance regulating traffic, authorizing and directing the installation and erection of yield signs for traffic control at the intersection of Cleveland and McGarity in the city limits of Kyle; repealing any ordinance or resolution in conflict; providing a severability clause; declaring a penalty; and providing an effective date. An Ordinance of the City of Kyle, Texas, annexing approximately 51.48 acres of land located in Hays County, Texas all of which are lying within the City's extraterritorial jurisdiction and to incorporate such property into the City of Kyle. An Ordinance amending Chapter 53 (Zoning) of the City of Kyle, Texas, for the purpose of assigning original zoning to approximately 51.48 acres of land from Agriculture 'AG' to Plum Creek R-2 'Single Family' for property located south west of the intersection of FM 2770 and FM 1626, in Hays County, Texas. R. Todd Webster Mayor

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Admin-

istration for the Estate of ALVIN GOUZIEN, Deceased, were issued on November 14, 2016, in Docket No. 16-0303-P, pending in the County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, to: JOAN B. GOUZIEN The residence of the Independent Administrator is in Kyle, Hays County, Texas. Address claims in care of the representative, JOAN B. GOUZIEN, Independent Administrator. The post ofﬁce address to which claims may be presented, is: c/o JOAN B. GOUZIEN, Independent Administrator 239 Hutton Kyle, Texas 78640 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. Address claims in care of JOAN B. GOUZIEN, Independent Administrator. DATED the 18 day of November, 2016. Respectfully submitted, SCANIO & SCANIO A Professional Corporation BY: Vincent J. Scanio, Jr. VINCENT J. SCANIO, JR. 144 E. San Antonio Street San Marcos, Texas 78666 Tel: (512) 396 2016 Fax: (512) 353-2984 State Bar No. 17702500 ATTORNEYS FOR JOAN B. GOUZIEN

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR A DRAINAGE MASTER PLAN “K16-17-2”

The City of Kyle (City) will accept sealed qualification statements for a Drainage Master Plan until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2016. Qualification specifications may be secured from the City website or the office of the City Engineer, City of Kyle City Hall at 100 W. Center St., Kyle, Texas 78640 or via phone (512) 262-3958. Qualifications submissions addressed to the City Engineer, City of Kyle, 100 W. Center St., Kyle, Texas 78640 will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at the office of Leon Barba, P.E., City Engineer, City Hall, 100 W. Center St., Kyle, Texas 78640. Qualifications shall be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked: Professional Engineering Services for a Drainage Master Plan Kyle, Texas “K16-17-2” A pre-submission conference will be held in the Public Works Training Room at the City Public Works Department, 520 E. RR 150, Kyle, Texas at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2016. No fax submissions will be accepted. No late submissions will be accepted. All submissions received after the deadline will be returned unopened. CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS Leon Barba, P.E. City Engineer

Browse & buy photos online HaysFreePress.com

Just follow the Photos link at www.

Hays Free Press

Hays Free Press • November 23, 2016

Page 3D

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Hays Free Press

Page 4D

Hays Free Press • November 23, 2016

Sign age

PHOTO BY THEEN MOY

Texas cities should upgrade billboard laws for digital age BY RUSS HORTON Texas Tribune

Nearly two-thirds of Americans now own smartphones. More and more are getting their news from social media rather than the morning newspaper. A fifth of the nation's onetime cable subscribers have now “cut the cord” in favor of online streaming services, and the ride-hailing app Uber has been valued as high as $68 billion. Without a doubt, we are now living in a digital age. Roadside billboards are following the same technological trend. Digital billboards were introduced to American roadways in 2005, and there now are more than 6,000 around the nation. They look virtually identical to their vinyl predecessors, but they rotate through eight advertisements per minute, can be changed without the need of road crews and produce less light pollution than conventionally lit billboards. They dim themselves automatically at night and have been certified as safe for passing traffic by both the U.S. and Texas departments of transportation. The technology nonetheless remains

controversial in some cities and towns around Texas. Though they can be found in most of the state's largest metropolitan areas, several municipalities only allow digital ads for “on-premise” signs – i.e., signs that advertise a product or service offered on the same site, like those erected by store owners in their own parking lots – and maintain bans on electronic billboards. Austin is among those cities, despite having a reputation as one of the nation's pre-eminent hubs of digital technology. Things are about to change. On Aug. 26, the Austin-based Third Court of Appeals released a decision in a case brought by a store owner in the community of Bee Cave, and in the process struck down the bulk of the 42-year-old Texas Highway Beautification Act as unconstitutional. That is the law that has long allowed the state's cities to discriminate between owners of onpremise signs and owners of billboards, and to maintain different sets of rules for each. The court found that the approach violates the First Amendment and has created an unlevel playing field between the two groups. As a result, local sign

Digital billboards were introduced to American roadways in 2005, and there now are more than 6,000 around the nation.

ordinances in cities like Austin are now extraordinarily vulnerable to court challenges by billboard owners and other companies interested in taking advantage of powerful new technology. Judges are likely to follow the Third Court's lead and strike down these ordinances altogether, leaving communities that had relied upon them powerless to regulate the type, number, size and location of roadside billboards within their city limits. Cities that try to appeal unfavorable decisions would find themselves in a “Wild West” environment in the meantime, with new signs of all kinds popping up along their roads. On top of that, the business-minded Texas Legislature may short-circuit the process during its 2017 session, imposing broad, billboard-friendly changes on local governments. In short, it’s a nightmare scenario for cities that have spent decades fighting billboard growth.

Fortunately, there is a fast and simple way out of this mess. A coalition of public and private groups called SignOnAustin has submitted a proposed ordinance to the Austin City Council that solves that city’s problem regarding disparate treatment of digital signs and serves as a good model for other Texas municipalities. The proposal allows for a limited number of vinyl billboards along the city’s

busiest thoroughfares to be converted to digital but grants the council the power to regulate their number, location and brightness via waivers with local billboard owners. It also promises free access to the signs for police and other public agencies: They would be able to use the signs to broadcast traffic-diversion messages, weather advisories, and real-time AMBER alerts featuring the faces of missing children. SignOnAustin’s proposal is the City of Austin’s last, best opportunity to control the billboards in its jurisdiction and reap the potential public benefits offered by an emerging technology. It satisfies the Third Court’s ruling

by leveling the playing field for digital signage, keeps the overall number of billboards in the community the same and would provide a strong defense against future action by state legislators. The Austin City Council plans to review SignOnAustin’s proposed ordinance by the end of the year. Other Texas cities that have banned digital billboards should watch the matter carefully and consider crafting similar agreements with sign owners in their areas. If they fail to take quick action, they may find themselves left behind by the digital revolution. Russ Horton is a Partner, George Brothers Kincaid & Horton LLP

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