December 14, 2022 Hays Free Press

Inmate dies in officer-involved shooting

County judge: 'The people of Hays County deserve urgent answers' to in-custody death

By Natalie Frels natalie@haysfreepress.com

KYLE — An officer-involved shooting occurred on Monday afternoon at Ascension Seton Hays Hospital, according to a press release issued by the Hays

County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred as a Hays County corrections officer was guarding the door of a pretrial detainee, later identified as 36-year-old Joshua Leon Wright.

Allegedly, in an attempt to escape, Wright assaulted the

officer and ran on foot, the release stated. The officer then discharged his firearm and shot the inmate. Though life-saving measures were initiated by hospital staff, Wright succumbed to his injuries.

Cockrell told the Hays Free Press that use of force may have been justified in regards to a pretrial defendant, particularly if the incident involves a felon or someone charged with a violent crime.

misdemeanor charges,” Cockrell said. “If he was a violent felon, it may be justified. If he’s not … I just don’t have enough details to tell you that.”

According to HCSO, Wright was being held in the county jail

Department of Public Safety spokesperson Sgt. Deon

Texas

“I don’t know if he was a felon or a violent felon or if he just had

RUNOFF ELECTION

By Amira Van Leeuwen and Megan Wehring

KYLE — An investigation conducted by Kyle PD, with assistance from Hays CISD, found that there was no immediate risk or threat to students at the Wallace Middle School dance on Friday, Dec. 9.

Around 10 p.m. that night, Kyle PD posted on Facebook that the threat occurred near the end of the scheduled dance, with a School Resource Officer (SRO) and several school officials providing security. The dance started at 5 p.m. and was scheduled to end at 7 p.m.

At 3:43 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, Hays CISD emailed a review of the incident and response to families. This provided a timeline of the events that occurred on Friday.

• 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Wallace Middle School hosted an after school dance. Nine campus adults were on-campus supervising the event; the campus SRO was on-campus; all students were required to present and wear their campus ID; and all students’ belongings (backs and backpacks) were locked in the office.

• 6:12 p.m.: Student reported to administrator that a friend at the dance told him that he heard someone say they were going to shoot up the school. The reporting student advised that they did not know who made the original

comment or what exactly was heard. That reporting student provided the name of their friend who reported the information to them.

• 6:13 p.m.: Administrator met with SRO and the reporting student about what was heard. The campus team began the process of locating any students or information to obtain specific information.

• 6:13-6:45 p.m.: Campus team met with several students and contacted several adults. No specific information, threats, weapons, photographs or postings were located.

• 6:45 p.m.: Dance participants were told that the dance was concluded. The lights were flashed on and off and told to start moving towards the exits after picking up their belongings. This is the normal procedure and time that this type of event is announced and ended. Students began to exit the building to meet their rides.

• 6:49 p.m.: Hays County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) receives a call on their administrative line (not 911) in which a mother of a WMS student reported that there was a shooting at WMS. She indicated that she received this information from her student who was at the dance.

• 6:50 p.m.: HCSO dispatched units to WMS to respond to an active shooter incident 6:51 p.m.

NEW DEVELOPMENT

Kyle PD also responds to WMS.

No threat found at Wallace Middle School dance Heiser wins Kyle City Council seat

• 6:51 p.m. A second administrative call is received via law enforcement dispatch (not 911) in which parent of WMS student reports that they are shutting down the dance because of a shooting outside.

• 6:54 p.m. Kyle PD arrives on scene and meets with SRO who advises that there are no issues on campus.

• 6:55 p.m.: Responding law enforcement units are advised there is no incident at WMS that requires law enforcement response

• 6:57 p.m.: Additional law enforcement units are cancelled.

• 7:06 p.m.: Kyle PD Criminal Investigations Division is called to the scene to investigate the incident

“The police department received third or fourth-hand information into our dispatch center from a parent who was not on scene and did not have direct knowledge or information of anything specific,” said Kyle PD Chief Jeff Barnett. “They called into the dispatch center concerned that they had received a message from their student that there was some concern of a shooting incident at the school that was actively taking place.”

Kyle PD and Hays CISD

See THREAT, Page

By Brittany Anderson brittany@haysfreepress.com

KYLE — The race for Kyle City Council’s District 1 seat is officially over, with Bear Heiser claiming victory over Amanda Stark pending unofficial results as of press time.

The District 1 seat has been vacant since council member Dex Ellison’s resignation in August 2022. During the Nov. 8 election, Heiser and Stark ran against six other candidates and received the highest number of votes (2,220 and 3,128, respectively), thus calling for a runoff election as neither garnered more than 50% of the vote to be declared the sole winner.

During the Dec. 13 runoff election, Heiser won with 760 votes, or 71.70% of the vote. Stark garnered 300 votes, or 28.30%. Along with election day votes, Heiser also maintained a lead with absentee and early votes.

Results will remain unofficial until canvassed and certified.

Buda workshops potential mixed-use site

By Brittany Anderson

BUDA — Another development for Buda is on the horizon, but city council members remain optimistic that this one is on the right track to being something beneficial for the community.

During the Dec. 6 Buda City Council meeting, council members received a presentation on and discussed a potential upcoming development on the city’s west side.

Börekçi Group, a real estate, construction, tourism, food/beverage

and trade group headquartered in Ankara, Turkey, who are placing roots in the Austin area, proposed a roughly 43-acre mixeduse development off FM 1626 and the future Cole Springs Road extension. The development is slated to span 17 acres of commercial (retail, entertainment and local business) space, 7 acres (250 units) of multifamily homes, 14.6 acres (129 units) of singlefamily homes, cottages and townhomes, 6 acres of public open space

Bill Heiser

Hays County Food Bank in need of new facility

By Megan Wehring megan@haysfreepress.com

HAYS COUNTY – As the area continues to see exponential population growth, the Hays County Food Bank (HCFB) is in the preliminary stages of acquiring a new facility.

On Dec. 6, Eric Boehning of Ardurra presented to the Hays County Commissioners Court about the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to go toward the HCFB.

If later approved by the court, the county would assist the food bank with its capital expenditure and consulting services through a sub-recipient agreement. The award would be $1.18 million with $88,000 earmarked for the professional services/feasibility study and $1.10 million for construction.

The HCFB has been housed in its current 2,200-square-foot facility since

the ‘90s, according to HCFB Executive Director Eleanor Owen. Because there is no loading dock at the facility, the staff can only accept and store so many donations.

“We have outgrown it. We are not able to hold very much food there,” Owen said. “We have needed a building for, I would say, 20 years.”

Commissioner Mark Jones, who also sits on the HCFB board of directors, explained what they are looking at in terms of location.

“The plan is to get more services out at the Village [off Reimer in San Marcos], where it can be kind of a onestop,” Jones explained. “We have a lot there that we have already gotten the site, we just need a building there … The current location is owned by the county so the county would receive that property back to do with how they see fit.”

Jamie Lee Case, president of the HCFB board, said that they are not going to stop doing their mobile food distributions.

“This facility that we are currently out of is like a 2,200-square-foot building,” Case said. “That includes office space. We do not have the capacity to accept large donations. Our staff really works with the current footprint the best they can.”

Judge Ruben Becerra laid out his concerns about how the chosen

location will serve the growing population.

“The need [and] the utility, I’m 100% behind you,” Becerra said. “We have this 300,000 population. This is the county seat, this is my hometown. But I’m not sure about the location and that’s probably amongst the most expensive real estate. I just was hoping you guys would at least not consider it a done deal for the location, that’s the only part. The need, footprint, capacity, instruments [and] refrigeration, I’m 100% behind all of it. I’m just asking you to measure twice on location.”

Owen said that they do realize that the location they are looking at is in the southern part of Hays County, but they believe they can serve more people in different capacities.

Donations will benefit grants for teachers

By Brittany Anderson

Hays CISD teachers will soon have the opportunity to apply for grants again, thanks to generous donors this past weekend.

The Hays CISD Education Foundation held its annual Denim & Diamonds Gala on Dec. 9 at Sunfield Station in Buda. More than 300 community members were present, from educators and school board members to elected officials and local business owners.

This year’s gala was no easy feat according to Marisa Coon, vice president of programs at the foundation. It was the first one held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the first without the foundation’s former executive director. Preparation began only about three months ago, but the team was able to pull off a successful night.

“We decided that if the community is

DOWNTON MASTER PLAN

Residents and P&Z voice concerns

By Amira Van Leeuwen

buildings.”

asking for it, let’s try and put it together,” Coon said. “[We thought] it probably won’t be at the same level as before, but anything we can do is more than we’ve done. We are definitely in need of funding for grants for teachers … Since COVID, we haven’t been able to bring in our regular revenue.”

However, the community showed out. Coon said that before the gala started, there was about $78,000 raised from table sponsors alone, exceeding their “wishful thinking” goal for the gala of $40,000 to $50,000.

Dozens of Hays CISD schools and local businesses also contributed baskets of items for the silent auction, and other raffle tickets and games all night added to the fund.

“It was amazing how quickly sponsors were reaching out,” Coon said.

In total, the gala raised around $90,000 — money that will be poured right back into the district through grants for teachers.

“Teachers can apply for grants, as long as it meets the mission of the district and the foundation,” Coon said. “We hardly ever turn down a grant, as long as we have the funding for it.”

KYLE —

On Dec. 7, the Kyle City Council unanimously approved to have city staff bring back revisions to the Downtown Master Plan with input from residents, council and the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The Downtown Master Plan was made to help “preserve and protect the city’s charm while allowing for careful improvements to the downtown area including existing and new public spaces and

and a 13,000 square foot residential clubhouse.

The development would be the group’s first project in Texas following other projects in the Chicago and New York markets.

Of course, talking about bringing a new development to Hays County is not possible without addressing traffic. A traffic study in the area has been conducted and the group is committed to investing $2.8 million worth of traffic improvements. The group has also since included a road connection on the south side of the parcel following discussion after their initial presentation in July.

Mobility seems to be one of the big focuses of the development, such as parking entries being planned to go through alleyways in order to not interrupt the development’s sidewalks and curbs and embrace pedestrian movement.

The development also features a few other unique components that the group promises will “embrace the city’s future growth.” All residential will be rental properties, with the group’s owner Doruk Borekci explaining that while there is clearly a need for housing in

But, per feedback from the P&Z Commission, the plan does not embody much of that.

On Nov. 29, the P&Z Commission unanimously voted not to recommend the Downtown Master Plan to city council, citing multiple issues.

As pointed out by commissioner Steve DeLory, some areas of the plan are general and others are oddly specific.

“For example, it says, we generally would like to attract

this market, it is also important that rental options are available to cater to the demographic of people who simply might not be looking to buy.

Geological studies and analyses have also been conducted on the site. The site is over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone (EARZ), but the group says they will continue to work with city staff to ensure EARZ criteria is met. The development is also looking to extend the existing pond on the site as a water feature for detention and water quality, although this aspect still needs to be fleshed out more.

Perhaps most notably, the group is committed to preserving the heritage trees present on the site and have planned to integrate these existing trees within a familyoriented playground and entertainment space. An urban green space facing 1626 will also engage these trees and the pond. Other architectural components are included to respect the area’s natural topography while aiming to create a neighborhood-like feel.

“I do just want to say thank you for your approach — your consideration of the topography, consideration

businesses and then it says, hours of operation downtown business are required to remain open a minimum of 10 hours between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. for businesses with more than two employees.

Specifying business hours for businesses, that’s quite specific,” DeLory said.

The hours of operation can be found on page 121 of the plan.

Commissioner Neil Stegall was concerned that he had not seen

P&Z, Page 4

of the community [and] what appears to be a wellbalanced development,” councilmember Matt Smith said. “You guys have clearly done your homework and research about what our community needs and is looking for in future development.”

“There are some interesting and really good aspects [like] the use and working with the land,” mayor pro tem Evan Ture added. “There’s a lot [of developers] that tend to basically take a plot and completely level and rearrange based on what they want to put on the rectangle, but y’all are working with the land and with the trees. I think that’s very admirable.”

While this was just a workshop item, so no action was taken, the group outlined the next steps going forward. This largely includes crafting a development agreement that covers traffic improvements, utility connections for water and wastewater services, zoning the site as a “planned development,” land annexation, impervious cover modifications and a Chapter 380 agreement for sales tax sharing and other items to support retail anchors.

Council members also encouraged the group to continue to reach out to community members that would neighbor the development to ensure a smooth transition.

“I’m impressed that you’ve taken the approach of it being a destination location,” councilmember LaVonia Horne-Williams said. “We don't need you to just come and drop a bunch of houses and apartments and stuff all over the city that’s going to create other issues for residents who already live here. This gives an opportunity to have a different lifestyle over on that side of town.”

Gala attendance is open to the public, and district parents are encouraged to attend. District staff members are also offered discounted tickets, and local businesses who have attended in the past also receive formal invites.

For more information on the foundation, its mission and upcoming fundraisers, visit www. haysef.com.

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Hays CISD Education Foundation’s biggest fundraiser, the Denim & Diamonds Gala, is held each year to help raise money for teacher grants.

Waterleaf Falls residents to receive different fencing

By Amira Van Leeuwen

KYLE — For the last seven years, Kyle resident Jose Mendez has looked out his French doors while sipping his cup of coffee, but now his view is obstructed by barbed wire fencing peeking out above his picket fence.

In response to concerns raised at the meeting on Dec. 6, city council directed staff to work with Waterleaf Falls residents to

replace the back panel of fencing that touches the city’s metal wire fencing near the wastewater treatment facility adjacent to multiple residents’ backyards.

“City council and staff are working with the Waterleaf HOA and residents to ensure that the quality of life and home values of the residents are minimally affected by the fencing around the wastewater treatment plant, while also ensuring that this vital

piece of public infrastructure is secure,” said Rachel Sonnier, the city’s director of communications. “Thank you to the residents that brought this issue forward and worked with council and staff to find a solution.”

Councilmember Miguel Zuniga wanted to see if there was a way to reimburse the replacement of the backside pickets for the residents so the city could

set a good example of being a good neighbor. He suggested reimbursing residents for the 8-foot pickets to replace the 6-foot pickets so they don’t have to see the barbed wire.

“It does impact their quality of life, not to mention possibly their market resale value,” Zuniga said.

Mendez described the wire

Results of historic countywide recount announced

By Amira Van Leeuwen

HAYS COUNTY — Last Wednesday, a press conference was held at the Hays County Government Center in front of the elections office to announce the results of a historic recount in the district attorney and Hays County judge races.

Hays County Judge Ruben

Becerra and District Attorneyelect Kelly Higgins remained the winner of their respective races.

Jennifer Doinoff, elections administrator, was the recount supervisor for the Hays County judge race, and Becerra was the recount supervisor for the district attorney’s race.

This is the first countywide recount in Hays County’s history, with nearly 90,000 ballots being

recounted over six days.

“We have counted as closely and as accurately as we can by looking at each and every one of those 90,000 ballots and agreeing that that’s what the ballot says, that the intent of the voter was either for DA-Elect Higgens or for Mr. Puryear,” said Anita Collins, Hays County judge executive assistant and DA recount chair.

Charles Soechting of the

Soechting Law Firm, which represented Higgins, described the recount as “cordial” and “instructive.”

“As former state Democratic chair and former Hays County chair, I’ve dealt with recounts.

This is one of the most complete, thorough [recounts], and between Anita and Judge Becerra, I’ve never seen a more fair recount process,” Soechting said.

Mark Trahan, Hays County

Democratic Party chair, emphasized the importance of voting.

“I think it’s an important message to send out, because it’ll be two short years until another election, that democracy matters, your votes matter, and we want to see democracy that works for the people. That gives the people the voice,” Trahan concluded.

are confronting.”

Owen said that they would be open to looking at other places but felt like the location served a good purpose.

Commissioner Walt Smith said that he would like for the HCFB to work

with other agencies and groups to serve all of Hays County, including Dripping Springs.

“We have 22 to 26 partner agencies throughout the county,” Owen responded. “We can help to look at their

capacity and how we can assist them to be better able to extend their reach.”

Becerra clarified that even though they are making suggestions and asking questions, the court fully supports this

project.

“We just want to suggest trajectories that would be longrange. With that end in mind, I’d also like to incorporate renewable energy and all of the instruments we can use for capturing and being most responsible with water,” Becerra said. “Not with today’s plans, but 20 years from now, how will

this facility work? Will this be sustaining? How much self-sustaining in a disaster when things are frozen out, how can we keep operating? … The more sustainable we move as a county with our efforts, the better we will be for everyone.”

The commissioners court has yet to vote on the ARPA agreement for the HCFB.

in Hays County,

www.HaysFreePress.com www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

or

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Barbed wire fencing outside a Waterleaf Falls backyard fence.

State Capital Highlights: Dec. 14

Retiring senator named Secretary of State Retiring state Sen.

Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, has been named the next secretary of state by Gov. Greg Abbott. She replaces John Scott, who announced his resignation effective at year’s end.

Scott was the third nominee for the post not confirmed by the Senate. He was appointed in October 2021, and the Legislature has not met since then. Nelson, who is completing 30 years in the Senate, should be a strong candidate for approval because of her lengthy tenure there. A new legislative session convenes in January.

The secretary of state’s office, among other duties, oversees the state’s election process.

“I look forward to this new chapter of public service and appreciate the confidence Governor Abbott has placed in me to serve as Secretary of State,” Nelson said in a statement. “Voters expect fair elections with accurate, timely results, and I am committed to making that happen. Texans with all political views should have faith in our election system.”

TikTok banned on all stateissued phones

collaborated and interviewed “multiple subjects as well as scoured social media for evidence regarding this incident,” according to the review, along with looking over camera recordings.

“The information disseminated on social media has led to erroneous statements and misinformation,” the review stated. “School personnel were aware of a vague threat with no articulable facts or information but immediately began an investigation. … In this instance, we had a comment overheard by one person, relayed to another person that contained no specific articulable facts that was reported to campus adults.”

The incident was actively being addressed and monitored, the district said,

Abbott last week ordered all Texas state agencies to ban use of the social media app TikTok on any governmentissued device, saying it risks allowing China to gain access to “critical U.S. information.”

The popular video-sharing application is owned by a Chinese company and is used by an estimated 85 million people in the United States.

TikTok maintains the Chinese government has never tried to access the data of its users, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

Abbott said he is prepared to work with state lawmakers to make the ban permanent during the next session, and to extend the ban to devices issued by local governments, such as cities and counties.

“We must work together to stop the Chinese government’s efforts to collect, store, and distribute Texans’ data and personal information,” Abbott wrote in a letter to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan.

TPWD biologists stress testing harvested deer

The recent discovery of chronic wasting disease in Kaufman County has spurred biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife

Department to stress the importance of testing deer taken this hunting season to curb the spread of the deadly disease.

The neurological disease is highly contagious and affects white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. It has been found in 17 Texas counties and documented in both captive and freeranging deer in 30 states and three Canadian provinces, according to TPWD.

Anyone hunting in an established CWD zone must bring their deer to a check station within 48 hours of harvest for testing. There are about 30 check stations and drop boxes across the state. For more information, visit the TPWD website at tpwd. texas.gov.

State’s largest teacher prep program under fire

The Texas Education Agency is recommending that Texas Teachers of Tomorrow have its accreditation revoked after failing to improve training of teacher candidates. The Dallas Morning News reported the company, which certifies thousands of teachers mainly through online courses, failed to meet demands by TEA that it ensure all candidates receive adequate actual classroom training.

The State Board of Educator Certification met Friday to consider the company’s fate.

Texas Teachers of Tomorrow and TEA are expected to present arguments before an administrative judge, and the case could stretch on for months or even more than a year.

The company has been on probation for several months, and TEA found it did not meet the terms of their agreement to improve. The state already faces a teacher shortage that could be exacerbated if the company’s accreditation is revoked.

TABC working with retailers over holidays

‘Tis the season for tippling, and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is working with retailers to prevent illegal alcohol sales.

TABC plans inspections across the state to ensure retailers are following the law and not selling to people under 21 as well as those who are visibly intoxicated.

“Now is the best time, before the holiday season kicks into high gear, for business owners and managers to educate their staff on ways to prevent illegal alcohol sales,” TABC executive director Thomas Graham said.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, drunk driving was a factor in nearly one-fourth of all traffic deaths last year. Businesses who violate state alcohol laws face fines or suspension of their alcohol licenses,

while individuals could face misdemeanor charges resulting in a fine or jail time.

Holiday happenings at state parks

State parks across Texas are hosting a variety of holiday events in December, including themed guided walks, scavenger hunts and more, according to TPWD. However, anyone planning to visit a state park should reserve their day pass in advance to avoid turned away from parks that reach capacity. You can do so on the TPWD website (tpwd.texas. gov) or by calling 512-3898900.

A full list of holiday events at state parks is on the TPWD website.

COVID-19 cases continue to rise

The number of new COVID-19 cases in the past week in Texas rose once again, this time to 30,096 with 91 deaths, according to the Coronavirus Resource Center at Johns Hopkins University.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported a slight increase, with 1,977 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients across the state.

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

Email: gborders@texaspress.com.

and 36 minutes after the incident was known, a call was made to law enforcement citing that there was an active shooter event on campus. This call was made after the initial investigation uncovered no threat but the investigation was still ongoing.

On social media, several parents expressed their concerns about officers blocking the entrance/exit to the school with their vehicles, Barnett said that officers will park where they deem it is safe and necessary.

“Whether they intended to block an entrance or exit, I don’t know specifically, but when officers do stop at what they believe to be an emergent scene, they are going to park their vehicle at a tactical advantage so they can make the best and safest approach,”

Barnett explained. “It could have been because they encountered students outside and they wanted to stop at that immediate point and try to garner information from anybody who might be in the general area.”

Aimee Niebuhr was enjoying time with her children at Mary Kyle Hartson Square Park after dropping her child off at what she thought would be a “well-supervised and safe” school dance at Wallace Middle School. But around 6:30 p.m., she saw several police cars race down Center Street, heading to the school.

By the time she arrived, the police cars were blocking the exits and had their lights on. Children were crying.

“It really just created this chaotic scene that I’m sure incited fear in the children,”

Niebuhr said. “I witnessed one girl who was really tiny, maybe four foot nine, bawling, ran into the parking lot and was almost hit by an SUV. The little girl was so distraught she didn’t even look, she just ran into the lot.”

“My concern is that the school was not prepared to handle a threat like that because there were not enough adults present to safely monitor the dismissal of that many children,” Niebuhr said. “Furthermore, after talking to my child and several other students that go to the school, they were not informed of what was happening, the lights were turned on, they were all told, ‘Get out call your parents,’ and then they ran out and saw police cars. So, these poor kids who are constantly exposed to trauma in the news, you

from Page 2 SHOOTING, from Page 1

evidence that the downtown residents were “actively canvassed or solicited” to participate in meetings to explain the process to them or what it even meant to come up with a Downtown Master Plan.

Commissioner Sarah Oncken pointed out the difference in the boundaries of downtown, which is on page 18 of the master plan document.

On top of P&Z’s concerns, Kyle residents are also unhappy.

Resident Lila Knight spoke up during the council meeting’s public hearing and thought the Downtown Master Plan fell short of the city’s gold standard.

Similar to Oncken, Knight also raised questions regarding the difference in boundaries.

“Those of us who live in the original town of Kyle have questioned, what exactly are the boundaries of downtown? This master plan states both in text and on maps some places it’s nine blocks other places it’s 12 blocks. Which is it? Just pick one,” Knight said.

“And it would be useful to provide your constituents with a methodology on how those boundaries were selected rather than just arbitrarily drawing lines on a map. We have literally been waiting for an answer to just that question for over 20 years, and with this Downtown Master Plan, we’re still in the dark,” Knight said.

Knight urged council not to accept the plan as written and to send it back to P&Z to see if they can get a better product.

“Although, I seriously have my doubts,” Knight concluded.

Evangelina Chapa, known as “Angie” to many, has been living in Kyle for 48 years. She said she attended her

church’s Christmas bazaar and began asking people if they had heard about the master plan.

“They said ‘No, what is that?’” Chapa said.

Chapa would like to see downtown cleaned up and have more options for family eateries.

Domingo Castilleja, a longtime resident and vice president of the Kyle Area Senior Zone (KASZ) said he’d like the city to maintain similar architecture.

“I don’t want to change. The city of Kyle was founded based on the farming and the ranching and of course, the railroad industry. And there’s architectures that’s associated with those three entities,” Castilleja said.

Castilleja would like to see Papa Jack’s repaired “as soon as possible,” along with other family-oriented businesses to maintain a “hometown feel.”

Castilleja noted that he did not hear about the Downtown Master Plan until he was out in the community and was invited to complete the city’s digital survey.

“I didn't see anything in my mail or any type of correspondence in respect to that. And I think there’s a lot of people in Kyle that are not aware of that process,” he said.

Castilleja did not think that the digital surveys the city was doing were effective and inclusive to all members of the Kyle community. “In my opinion, I would like to see more faceto-face type of questioning or surveys,” Castilleja said.

The next city council meeting will be held on Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m. Both meetings will take place at City Hall, located at 100 W. Center Street.

for the following charges: unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, bail jumping, failure to appear, reckless driving, criminal mischief and evading arrest and detention.

As per Hays County Sheriff’s Office policy, the Texas Rangers were called to the scene to assist with the investigation of the officer-involved shooting.

Cockrell noted that calling in the Texas Rangers to assist with an investigation is “a common thing.”

“A lot of agencies want to be nonbiased and have an outside look at the investigation,” he said. “We are leading the investigation at their request.”

The corrections officer was placed on administrative leave pending the investigation as per HCSO protocol.

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra issued a statement Tuesday afternoon, urging the HCSO to provide answers to reports circulating that Wright had his feet shackled at the time of the incident, was shot in the back multiple times and while a taser was allegedly available, it was not deployed by the corrections officer.

know, they all, I've had several students, including my own child tell me they thought they were about to die. They didn't know what was happening.”

Jackie Wright said she received a phone call at around 6:45 p.m. from her child telling her to come to pick them up. When she arrived at the school, she saw children outside at the front of the school.

“It’s upsetting,” Wright said. “And one, it’s a big liability because if this were the case, you’re sending them out in a danger zone because it was dark, and who’s to say if this was not a hoax when we’re outside by the doors, waiting to start shooting?”

The review concluded that the origin of the initial information can’t be located and the case is closed with no further action being taken.

“Alongside my fellow Hays County residents, I am saddened by the loss of life that occurred at Seton Hospital in Kyle on Monday … and believe that the people of Hays County deserve urgent answers,” he said.

Becerra also requested that the sheriff’s office release all relevant bodycamera footage from the fatal shooting within 10 days of the in-custody death to “importantly enhance public trust and understanding of the context surrounding this tragic loss of life,” he said.

“We’re not the lead investigator … it’s incumbent upon us to respect [the Texas Rangers'] investigation. And if we were to release something that would impede or hurt their investigation, we would be doing them a disservice by doing that,” said HCSO Deputy Anthony Hipolito.

“We are getting a lot of questions and rightfully so … but we also have to respect their investigation and not release anything that would hurt it or detract from what they’re doing. There’s just nothing else we can release since we’re not really doing the investigation.”

OBITUARIES

Catherine Park

Catherine Ann (Jancha) Park, 75, passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Kyle, Texas.

Cathy was born Oct. 21, 1947 in Beeville to George Leroy Jancha and Mamie Lou (Huddler) Jancha.

She lived in Skidmore and graduated from SkidmoreTynan High School. While

skating at a skating rink in Beeville, “Nana” knocked “Papa” down and it was there where her love story began with Howard Park. She married Howard Gene Park on Aug. 15, 1966 in Seguin. The couple then resided in Austin and then moved to Buda. Cathy retired from Reddy Ice after serving numerous years as office

manager.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She was the special baby holder. Cathy loved to make crafts and scrapbooks but also enjoyed watching her favorite shows.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her little sister along with several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Left behind to cherish fond memories include her husband of 56 years, Howard Park Sr.;

her children, Debra (Kevin) Graham, Howard (Becky) Park Jr. and Jared Park (Erin Costentino); grandchildren, Kayla (Lee) Hunter, Kyle (Clarissa) Cox, Jason Cox, Tyler Voss and Morgan Primrose; great-grandchildren, Max, Levi, Beau, Blakely, Avery, Kole, Kade, Andrew, Ali and Anna; a sister, Deanie Veselka; two brothers, George Leroy Jancha Jr. and Robert (Carolyn) Jancha; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at

Galloway & Sons Funeral Home in Beeville.

The funeral service was conducted there at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, with Gary Wall officiating. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Skidmore.

Pallbearers were Jared W. Park, Jason Cox, Kyle Cox, Maximillian Fenton-Park, Nathan Jancha, Nicholas Jancha and Tyler Voss.

Honorary pallbearers were Lee Hunter and Levi FentonPark.

Ascension Seton Hays earns maternity care recognition

Staff Report

HAYS COUNTY —

Ascension Seton Hays made the U.S. News & World Report's newly released list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. U.S. News evaluated how well hospitals perform in childbirth using C-section rates, newborn complication rates, breast milk feeding rates, early elective delivery rates, routine vaginal birth after cesarean delivery

rates, episiotomy rates, whether a hospital meets new federal criteria for "birthing-friendly" practices, and whether a hospital tracked and reported their outcomes for patients of different races and ethnicities.

Of the approximately 2,700 U.S. hospitals that provide maternity services, only 297 were recognized by the U.S. News as “High Performing."

“Our maternity services team is committed to providing high quality

care to growing Hays County,” said Dr. Jason Bosco, chief of women’s services at Ascension Seton Hays. “We’re proud to be recognized for the work of our committed staff who live our mission every day and contribute to the excellent care we provide to our patients.”

Ascension Seton Hays was also named a “Best Maternity Hospitals 2021” by Newsweek, in partnership with The Leapfrog Group,

COUNCIL,

a national nonprofit organization that reports on the safety and quality performance of U.S. health care facilities. Additionally, the hospital recently received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from the group, celebrating their achievements in protecting hospital patients from preventable harm and errors.

Ascension Seton Hays maternity unit offers the full spectrum of labor

and delivery care. In 2019, they expanded its women’s services program with a new maternity unit. The new space includes a 10,000 square foot expansion, increasing capacity by more than 50% to meet the growing demand for OB services in Hays County and beyond.

To complement the new facility, Ascension Seton Hays also remodeled existing maternity space to include two additional labor and

delivery rooms. They also offer customized birth plans, level II NICU, maternal fetal medicine, spacious birthing rooms, couplet care, access to Dell Children’s Level IV NICU and access to Dell Children’s specialists.

Maternity services at Ascension Seton Hays are part of comprehensive women’s services offered by Ascension, including comprehensive breast imaging and gynecological and breast surgery.

from Page 1

the intersection of Dacy Lane at Bunton Creek Road.

Because the intersection meets warrants 1 (eight-hour vehicular volume), 2 (four-hour vehicular volume) and 3 (peak-hour vehicular volume), installing a signal was recommended, stating, “While the signalization did improve certain movements, Bunton Creek Road is over capacity and additional capacity is recommended for this area. Even with the signalization of Dacy Lane at Bunton Creek Road, the westbound queues are still significant in the AM and PM peak hours if the roadway is not widened.”

The civil engineering company recommended that any improvement at Dacy Lane and Bunton Creek Road also be included with improvement at Bunton Creek Road at Lehman Road.

“Improving the operations at

Lehman Road at Bunton Creek Road without improving the intersection of Dacy Lane at Bunton Creek Road is expected to cause additional congestion at the Dacy Lane at Bunton Creek Road intersection,” the analysis stated.

According to the report in the agenda documents, the first option is to install signal wooden poles, which will cost a project total of $226,226, assuming all materials including the cabinet and controller can be obtained in two months. The estimated time frame is 13 months.

The second option is to install signal metal poles, which will cost $410,891, assuming all materials including the poles with mast arms, cabinet and controller can be obtained in seven months. The installation time frame is estimated to be 18 months.

Council member Michael Tobias

wondered what the timeline would be going forward to implement permanent fixtures. He also thought that metal light poles would be better.

Barba said council could consider putting a roundabout at the Bunton Creek Road Dacy Lane intersection, but the right of way would take a considerable amount of time to build and the design would be expensive. But if council had decided to install metal polls, they would start the design process for that, which would take about 18 months to complete.

Barba said he would hesitate to put anything at the Bunton Creek Road and Lehman Road intersection because it would get taken out with the new construction to widen the road and did not recommend metal or wooden poles, but instead, temporary poles.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda

First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle

Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626

Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle

Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda

Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.

CATHOLIC

Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda

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

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

CHRISTIAN

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

EPISCOPAL

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

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

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle

Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

LUTHERAN

Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda

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

Resurrection Church, CLBA 401 FM 967, Buda

St. John Lutheran Church 9865 Camino Real, Uhland

The Well Buda

METHODIST

Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda

Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

Journey

Elementary math teacher connects with students with classroom store

By Brittany Anderson

KYLE — It takes a special kind of person to be able to nurture the young, growing minds of our community, and one Hays CISD teacher is making his mark in a unique way with a fun classroom store.

Adolfo Benavides might be new to the district, but he found his calling as a teacher many years ago while working as an actor and model in Austin. He started spending his evenings as an after school martial arts teacher since it fit with his schedule, and there, he would help students with homework before practice.

“There’s this little moment before you go off into your groups that you’re helping them with homework. I was like, these kids can’t read. I’m teaching them kung fu and they can’t read,” Benavides said. “For me, it was a big shock.”

This experience started shifting the gears for Benavides. While teaching wasn’t something that had been on his radar, helping his martial arts students made him realize he might be able to accomplish another goal he had set

for himself.

“I was looking to do things for others. [In] a lot of my jobs, I was kind of entrepreneurial and I did a lot of things for myself. I just felt like I needed to be doing something for others,” Benavides said.

After receiving his alternative teacher certification, Benavides was hired as a fourth grade math teacher, and it quickly became clear that he was a natural.

“When I started to do it, it just kind of clicked for me,” Benavides said. “And I like kids, and you don’t get exposure to hanging out with kids if you’re just an adult in the real world.”

Now in his seventh year of teaching and first year in Hays CISD, Benavides teaches fourth and fifth grade math at Science Hall Elementary. He’s affectionately known by his students as “Mr. B,” and has brought with him a unique tradition to the school: a monthly “store” where students can earn “money” to buy items.

Benavides talks with his students about what they like so he can keep the store stocked with the latest and greatest — these days, a lot of his students love Croc charms.

Also in his stash are lanyards, small toys, cute pencils and erasers, and even occasionally special snacks like chips and candy (available at a higher price).

But the store has proved to be useful in a myriad of ways, and not just a way for students to “buy cool stuff.” For example, one of the TEKS [Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills] for fourth graders is financial literacy. Benavides explained that the store helps students with this skill set in a practical, real-life way.

“Those skills don’t have to be force fed. They’re actually being used,” Benavides said.

Perhaps most importantly, the store shows students that they’re appreciated in the classroom.

“That’s why we’re in school — to grow up and make money,” Benavides said. “We’re doing all this work as kids and you don’t really know what your value is; what the value of your labor is. The way that they are with kids these days, with all this testing, we put them through so much stress … All of the mental health issues that we have nowadays, and then to just shove tests in their faces all the time … I feel like, hey, if you work hard, you should be able to get something for what you did and you should be happy with what you do with it.”

The “money” that Benavides uses are fake bills and coins that he found in the school’s resource room. Instead of letting these items go unused, he has found a creative solution to use them while giving his students the ability to learn.

There are plenty of ways his students earn this money. Sometimes, it’s as easy as raising their hands and answering a question during a lesson. Other times, it’s taking the initiative to do extra homework on a subject they’re struggling with. The class also will play a multiplying game with a 10-sided dice to make money. These little pushes make all the difference, and Benavides

from Page 3

fencing as “unsightly.”

“Per our HOA agreement in Waterleaf Falls, I can’t even have a basketball goal that’s being seen from the roadway,” Mendez said. “However, when I turn onto my road, that’s the first thing I see, is the beginning of a prison yard.”

Tracy Scheel, president of the Waterleaf Falls Homeowner Association, also voiced her concerns about the wire fencing.

“I am well aware of security and such, however, they [the fencing] are pretty tall and pretty

unsightly in regards to razor wire behind your house. When they built these houses, and they had this around the original wastewater treatment plant they may have had a fence, but there was no razor wire,” Scheel said.

“So they look like they’re backing onto, to be quite honest, a prison.”

Scheel noted that some homeowners and the HOA were not notified about the installation of the metal fencing.

“I know it’s really not something that you have to do, but it’s common

Lavender, 2-year-old, Domestic shorthair mix, Female:

for the perfect lap cat?

courtesy when you’re going to put something up against somebody’s fence that you let them know that that’s gonna happen,” Scheel said.

Councilmember Daniela Parsley questioned whether the fencing was temporary or permanent.

Public Works director Harper Wilder said the fencing was permanent and that they would like to keep the 8-foot fencing to have a form of “deterrent.”

“As operators, you always go with the caution, and you want to make your facility as

secure as possible. So, that’s my vote,” Wilder said. “But, if you all choose to change that or you want to just do an 8-[foot] fence, then we abide by that. We’ll do whatever’s asked of us.”

Zuniga said he was glad that progress was made between residents and the city in finding a good outcome for the fence disturbance behind residents’ property.

“I look forward to seeing more of this collaboration within our community,” Zuniga said.

those outings, Mr. P did well with all that he met! He even tolerated wearing antlers during his photos. Mr. P is great with other dogs, has had good interactions with the children he’s met and walks well on a leash. He’s a dreamboat dog!

no further! Lavender is happy to crawl into your lap and purr. She thoroughly enjoys a scratch or two behind the ears, if you’re willing!

is great with cats, especially young kittens! She’s often found hanging out with kittens who need some company. Lavender is a special kitty - sometimes her curiosity gets the better of her! In her previous home, Lavender tried to eat objects around the house. Because of this, she should not have small cat toys and her future home should monitor her around the home.

Committed to your pet’s health since 1978

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Mr. B reaches for items in his store’s storage cabinet, where he keeps things like fun school supplies and snacks.

‘You’re showing them that you care and that their work is worth something’

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Pictured is Mr. Adolfo Benavides.

See STORE, Page 9

Classifieds

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS

REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) MOBILE LED SCREEN: RFP-2023-01PARD

SPECIFICATIONS AND GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A MOBILE LED SCREEN FOR THE CITY OF KYLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

NOTICE TO RESPONDERS:

The City of Kyle is accepting proposals for the selection of a Mobile LED Screen as stated in this RFP and posted on our website: www.cityofkyle. com. The City of Kyle invites qualified companies to submit proposals to provide complete cost estimates for delivery, training and cost of the Mobile LED screen. The city is seeking a company experience working with public municipal agencies. Proposals marked MOBILE LED SCREEN: RFP-2023-01-PARD are to be submitted to: Mariana Espinoza City of Kyle, Director of Parks and Recreation 700 Lehman Rd Kyle, TX 78640 (512)262-3939

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DEADLINE: 4:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023

All proposals received will be reviewed by City Staff. The staff’s recommendation will go to the Kyle City Council for final approval.

Proposals should be clearly marked, “MOBILE LED SCREEN: RFP-2023-01PARD”.

Any proposal received later than the specified time, whether delivered in person, postal mail or emailed shall be disqualified. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for delivering mail from the post office. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for proposals delivered to any location other than the one specified above. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for emailed proposals that did not get into “in-box”.

Respondents are encouraged to hand deliver their proposals well ahead of opening time or follow up to confirm their proposals were received before the deadline.

The complete RFP can be found at https://www.cityofkyle. com/rfps

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL (RFQ) REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS FOR THE JAMES ADKINS POOL: RFQ‐2023‐02‐PARD

SPECIFICATIONS AND GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS AT THE JAMES ADKINS POOL IN THE CITY OF KYLE

NOTICE TO RESPONDERS:

The City of Kyle is accepting proposals for the selection of a company’s/contractors with expertise in design-build services for renovation of Aquatic Facilities. The location is James Adkins Pool, located in the City of Kyle as stated in this RFP and posted on our website: www.cityofkyle. com. The City of Kyle invites qualified companies to submit design/build services which comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing construction of said Aquatic Facilities including all associated agency or agencies permitting such projects.

The proposal must provide but is not limited to complete architectural and engineering design and construction cost estimates for the construction of the repairs and renovations the following location: James Adkins Pool. The city is seeking a company with governmental pool repairs and

renovations experience as well as experience working with public municipal agencies.

Proposals marked REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS FOR THE JAMES ADKINS POOL: RFQ‐ 2023‐02‐PARD are to be submitted to:

Mariana Espinoza

City of Kyle, Director of Parks and Recreation 700 Lehman Rd Kyle, TX 78640

(512)262-3939

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DEADLINE: 4:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023

All proposals received will be reviewed by City Staff. The staff’s recommendation will go to the Kyle City Council for final approval.

Proposals should be clearly marked, “REPAIRS AD REMOVATIONS FOR THE JAMES ADKINS POOL: RFQ-2023-02PARD”. Any proposal received later than the specified time, whether delivered in person, postal mail or emailed shall be disqualified. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for delivering mail from the post office. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for proposals delivered to any location other than the one specified above. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for emailed proposals that did not get into “in-box”. Respondents are encouraged to hand deliver their proposals well ahead of opening time or follow up to confirm their proposals were received before the deadline.

The complete RFQ can be found at https://www.cityofkyle. com/rfps

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND: RFQ-2023-03PARD

SPECIFICATIONS AND GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS FOR AN INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND FOR THE CITY OF KYLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

NOTICE TO RESPONDERS:

The City of Kyle is accepting proposals for the design construction of one (1) inclusive playground located at Lake Kyle Park as stated in this RFP and posted on our website: www.cityofkyle.com. The City of Kyle invites qualified companies to submit proposals to provide complete cost estimates for delivery, training and cost of the Mobile LED screen.

The city is seeking a company experience working with public municipal agencies.

Proposals marked INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND: RFQ-202303-PARD are to be submitted to:

Mariana Espinoza

City of Kyle, Director of Parks and Recreation 700 Lehman Rd Kyle, TX 78640

(512)262-3939

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DEADLINE: 4:00 PM,

WEDNESDAY,

PUBLIC NOTICES

JANUARY 4, 2023

All proposals received will be reviewed by City Staff. The staff’s recommendation will go to the Kyle City Council for final approval.

Proposals should be clearly marked, “INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND: RFP-2023-03PARD”.

Any proposal received later than the specified time, whether delivered in person, postal mail or emailed shall be disqualified. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for delivering mail from the post office. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for proposals delivered to any location other than the one specified above. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for emailed proposals that did not get into “in-box”.

Respondents are encouraged to hand deliver their proposals well ahead of opening time or follow up to confirm their proposals were received before the deadline.

The complete RFP can be found at https://www.cityofkyle. com/rfps

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) KYLE FAIR FIREWORKS: RFP-2023-04PARD

SPECIFICATIONS AND GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREWORKS AT THE KYLE FAIR FOR THE CITY OF KYLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

NOTICE TO RESPONDERS:

The City of Kyle is accepting proposals for the selection of a Firework vendor as stated in this RFP and posted on our website: www.cityofkyle. com. The City of Kyle invites qualified companies to submit proposals to provide complete cost estimates for planning and delivery of a 15-minute firework show. The city is seeking a company with experience working with public municipal agencies.

Proposals marked KYLE FAIR FIREWORKS: RFP-2023-04-PARD are to be submitted to: Mariana Espinoza City of Kyle, Director of Parks and Recreation 700 Lehman Rd Kyle, TX 78640 (512)262-3939

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DEADLINE: 4:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023

All proposals received will be reviewed by City Staff. The staff’s recommendation will go to the Kyle City Council for final approval.

Proposals should be clearly marked, “KYLE FAIR FIREWORKS: RFP-2023-04PARD”.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the terms of the provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code THAT: Sumaiya Enterprises Inc. d/b/a Tristar #10 HAS FILED APPLICATION FOR A: Wine and Malt Beverage Retail Dealer’s On Premise Permit

SAID BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED AT: 2041 IH 35 S, Ste 104, San Marcos, Hays County, TX 78666

OWNER: Sumaiya Kapadia, President/Secretary/ Governing Person

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS

Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Overtime available. $43,500 Average Annual Income. Flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules. Health/life/dental/vision insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/ GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, preemployment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (25+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net. Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

Any proposal received later than the specified time, whether delivered in person, postal mail or emailed shall be disqualified. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for delivering mail from the post office. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for proposals delivered to any location other than the one specified above.

The City of Kyle will not be responsible for emailed proposals that did not get into “in-box”.

Respondents are encouraged to hand deliver their proposals well ahead of opening time or follow up to confirm their proposals were received before the deadline.

The complete RFP can be found at https://www.cityofkyle. com/rfps

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) OPERATION OF CARNIVAL, CONCESSIONS, AND AMUSEMENTS FOR KYLE FAIR TEX-TRAVAGANZA EVENT: RFP-2023-05-PARD

SPECIFICATIONS AND GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CARNIVAL, CONCESSIONS, AND AMUSEMENTS OR KYLE FAIR TEX-TRAVAGANZA EVENT FOR THE CITY OF KYLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

NOTICE TO RESPONDERS: The City of Kyle is accepting proposals for the selection of a company to provide carnival rides, concessions, and amusements during the Kyle Fair Tex-travaganza as stated in this RFP and posted on our website: www.cityofkyle. com. The City of Kyle invites qualified companies to submit proposals. The city is seeking a company experience working with public municipal agencies. Proposals marked OPERATION OF CARNIVAL, CONCESSIONS, AND AMUSEMENTS FOR KYLE FAIR TEX-TRAVAGANZA EVENT: RFP-2023-05-PARD are to be submitted to:

Mariana Espinoza City of Kyle, Director of Parks and Recreation 700 Lehman Rd Kyle, TX 78640 (512)262-3939

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DEADLINE: 4:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023

All proposals received will be reviewed by City Staff. The staff’s recommendation will go to the Kyle City Council for final approval.

Proposals should be clearly marked, “OPERATION OF CARNIVAL, CONCESSIONS, AND AMUSEMENTS FOR KYLE FAIR TEX-TRAVAGANZA EVENT: RFP-2023-05PARD”.

Any proposal received later than the specified time, whether delivered in person, postal mail or emailed shall be disqualified. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for delivering mail from the post office. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for proposals delivered to any location other than the one specified above. The City of Kyle will not be responsible for emailed proposals that did not get into “in-box”.

Respondents are encouraged to hand deliver their proposals well ahead of opening time or follow up to confirm their proposals were received before the deadline.

The complete RFP can be found at https://www.cityofkyle. com/rfps

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Florence K.Reams, Deceased, were issued on December 5, 2022, in Cause No. 22-0454-P, pending in the County Court at Law No. 3 of Hays County, Texas, to: Laurie Smith Reams. 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. The notice to the Independent Executor may be delivered at the following address: c/o Kristin F. Baird, Attorney at Law, 9600 Escarpment Blvd., Suite 745-159, Austin, Texas 78749, Dated the 11th day of December, 2022. /s/ Kristin F. Baird, Kristin F. Baird, Attorney for Independent Executor

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that Original Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of Arthur William Smith Sr., Deceased, were issued on the 9th day of December, 2022, in Cause No. 22-0416-P, pending in the County Court in Hays County, Texas, to Carolyn Smith, Independent Executor of the Estate of Arthur William Smith Sr.,. The address is: Colin G. Wise

Morris & Wise

1921 Corporate Drive, Ste. 102 San Marcos, Texas 78666

All persons having claims against this Estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present themselves within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. DATED this the 9 day of Dec, 2022.

Respectfully submitted, /s/ Colin G. Wise COLIN G. WISE State Bar No. 00794875 Morris and Wise Attorneys At Law 1921 Corporate Drive, Ste. 102 San Marcos, Texas 78666 (512)392-2197 Phone (512)396-7599 Fax colin@morrisandwise.com

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE PROPOSED GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Plum Creek Conservation District will hold a public hearing on the proposed Groundwater Management Plan.

The Hearing on the proposed Groundwater Management Plan will be held at: 10:00 A.M.

Friday, January 13, 2023 1101 West San Antonio St. Lockhart, Texas 78644

The proposed Groundwater Management Plan addresses the following management goals:

1.Providing the Most Efficient Use of Groundwater

2.Controlling and Preventing Waste of Groundwater

3.Controlling and Preventing Subsidence

4. Addressing Conjunctive Surface Water Management Issues

5. Addressing Drought Conditions

6. Addressing Natural Resource Issues That Impact the Use and Availability of Groundwater and Which are Impacted By the Use of Groundwater

7. Addressing Conservation, Recharge Enhancement, Rainwater Harvesting, Precipitation Enhancement, or Brush Control where appropriate and cost-effective

8.Mitigation & Desired Future Conditions of Groundwater Resources

9. Addressing the Desired Future Conditions established under TWC §36.108

10. Alternative Supply

Copies of the Proposed Groundwater Management Plan are available at the Plum Creek Conservation District’s office and are posted on the District’s web site: www.pccd. org. Written or oral comments may be submitted during the hearing or sent in advance to 1101 West San Antonio St., Lockhart, Texas 78644. For more information,

contingent upon release of funds from the Texas Water Development Board. Any contract or contracts awarded under this Invitation for Proposals is/are expected to be funded in part by a loan or grant from the Texas Water Development Board. Neither the State of Texas, nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be a party to this Invitation to Offerors or any resulting contract.

All procurements by the OWNER are subject to the OWNER’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program. The Program provides HUBs full opportunity to participate in all of the OWNER’s contracts. Goals for HUB participation are stated for each solicitation. Information on achieving the goals or documenting good faith efforts to achieve the goals are contained in the Proposal Documents and other Contract Documents. When a HUB participation goal applies, each Offeror is required to complete and return a HUB Participation Plan with its Proposal. If a HUB Participation Plan is not submitted with a Proposal, the Offeror will not be accepted for consideration. The successful Offeror will be required to document compliance with their HUB Participation Plan with each monthly pay application.

Each Proposal must be accompanied by a Bid Bond, on the furnished form, in an amount of not less than five percent of the total Proposal, as specified in Form 00 21 14, Instructions to Offerors Performance and payment bonds when required shall be executed on forms furnished by the OWNER. Each bond shall be issued in an amount of 100% of the Contract Amount by a solvent corporate surety company authorized to do business in the State of Texas and shall meet any other requirements established by law or by the OWNER.

The OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals and to waive any minor informality (one that does not affect the competitiveness of the Proposal) in any Proposal or in the solicitation process

Inquiries from Offerors regarding this Invitation must be submitted through CivCAST. If an Offeror contacts any officer or employee of the OWNER, or any other representative of the OWNER, during the period beginning on the date this Invitation is issued and ending on the date of contract award or rejection to all offers by the OWNER, any offer submitted by the Offeror is subject to rejection by the OWNER

please contact: Daniel Meyer, Executive Manager Plum Creek Conservation District (512)398-2383 Daniel.meyer@pccd.org

CITY OF HAYS, TEXAS

NOTICE OF A HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: Janet and Alfredo Galvan have applied for a zoning change WITHIN THE CITY OF HAYS from A-Residential to R-Retail for the property having a physical address of 1701 N FM 1626, BUDA, TEXAS 78610, and having a legal description of A0001 PHILLIP J ALLEN SURVEY, ACRES 1.009. A public hearing will be held by and before the City Council of the City of Hays, Texas on the 9th day of January, 2023 at 7:00 o’clock P. M. at the City of Hays Council Chambers located at 520 Country Lane Hays, Texas 78610. At said time and place all such persons shall have the right to appear and be heard. You may appear at the public hearing and/or you may send a written Notice to Billy Maphies, Mayor, City of Hays, having mailing address of 520 Country Lane Hays, Texas 78610 or email address of billymaphies.cityofhays@ gmail.com.

CITY OF BUDA

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to City of Buda Charter, Article III, Section 3.11 (D). Ordinances, that the Buda City Council, at its regular meeting on December 6, 2022, adopted an ordinance amending certain Unified Development Code standards and add definitions, in subsections 2.06.05, 2.10.12, 4.04.01, and 5.02; providing for penalties for failure to comply with such ordinance; providing for publication; and, providing for an effective date.

By: Mayor Lee Urbanovsky. Attest: Alicia Ramirez, City Clerk. (full text is available in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 405 E.Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, TX, during business hours and on www.ci.buda. tx.us.)

CITY OF BUDA

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN, pursuant to City of Buda Charter, Article III, Section 3.11 (D). Ordinances, that the Buda City Council, at its regular meeting on December 6, 2022, adopted an ordinance establishing a franchise with CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. DBA CenterPoint Energy Texas Gas Operations, granting the right, privilege, and franchise to construct, install, extend, remove, replace, abandon, operate and maintain its facilities within the public rights-of-way of the City of Buda, Texas for the transportation, delivery, sale, and distribution of natural gas; shall not take effect until at least thirty (30) days after its passage, being January 5, 2023; providing for penalties for failure to comply with such ordinance; providing for publication; and, providing for an effective date. By: Mayor Lee Urbanovsky. Attest: Alicia Ramirez, City Clerk. (full text is available in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 405 E.Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, TX, during business hours and on www.ci.buda. tx.us.)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration for the Estate of MARLON BLAND QUIBODEAUX, Deceased, were issued on November 30, 2022, in Docket No. 22-0435-P, pending in the County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, to: TIFFANY JAY QUIBODEAUX

The residence of the Independent Administrator is in San Marcos, Hays County, Texas.

Address claims in care of the representative, TIFFANY JAY QUIBODEAUX, Independent Administrator. The post office address to which claims may be presented, is: c/o TIFFANY JAY QUIBODEAUX, Independent Administrator 2245 Garden Court San Marcos, Texas 78666

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

DATED the 6th day of December, 2022.

Respectfully submitted, SCANIO & SCANIO A Professional Corporation BY: FRANCESCA SCANIO STACEY

State Bar No 24077299 144 E San Antonio Street San Marcos, Texas 78666 Tel: (512) 396-2016 Fax: (512) 353-2984

E-Mail: scanios@scaniolaw com Attorneys for Tiffany Jay Quibodeaux

PUBLIC NOTICE

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on December 20, 2022 at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider:

High View Ranch, Lot 5, Replat

NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

State of Texas County of Hays Cause: 21-2559

By virtue of an Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 428th District Court of HAYS County, Texas, October 13,2022, in cause numbered 21-2559, styled Waterleaf Falls (Kyle) Homeowners’ Association, Inc. versus Amy Stacavich on a judgment rendered against Amy Stacavich; I did on October 24, 2022, at 4:00 p.m., levy upon as the property of Amy Stacavich the following described real property:

LOT 3, BLOCK F, WATERLEAF SUBDIVISION PHASE B, SECTION 2, A SUBDIVISION IN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 11, PAGE 337-341, OF THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS ALSO DESCRIBED AS 131 TOWER DRIVE, KYLE, TEXAS 78640

On January 3, 2023, being the first Tuesday of the month, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Hays County, at the South Door, 712 Stagecoach Trail of the Courthouse of the said County, in the City of San Marcos, Texas, I will sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of Amy Stacavich in and to the real property described above.

Dated at Kyle, Hays County, Texas, October 24, 2022 Michael Torres Constable, Pct. 2 Hays County, Texas 5458 FM 2770 Kyle, Texas 78640

/s/ Patrick Chasse by Patrick Chasse, Deputy

Notice to Bidders: You are buying whatever interest, if any, the Debtor has in the

property. Purchase of the Debtor's interest in the property may not extinguish any liens or security interests held by other persons. There are no warranties, express or implied, regarding the property being sold, including but not limited to warranties of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Notice to Judgment Debtor: If there is any property, real or personal, you want to point out for levy in lieu of the above described property, you must contact this office immediately.

NOTICE OF APPLICANT SPONSORED MEETING

Meeting Date & Time: Monday, December 19th at 6 pm

Meeting Location: Hays County Government Office Development Services Conference Room 2171 Yarrington Road San Marcos, TX 78666

An applicant sponsored meeting is to be held at the Hays County Government Office on the evening of December 19th in order to present the Hays Commons Preliminary Plat and receive public comment. The Hays Commons Preliminary Plat is to be located on the Southwest side of State Highway 45 and F.M. 1626. The proposed subdivision includes 20 single family lots, 2 multi-family/condo lots, 3 parkland/open space lots, 1 commercial lot, and 3 utility lots on approximately 290.1 acres. Water and wastewater will be provided by City of Hays or a Proposed Municipal Utility District for which consent has been requested from the City of Hays. Electrical service will be provided by Pedernales Electric Cooperative and emergency services will be provided by Hays County & ESD #2 (EMS) & ESD #8 (FIRE). The developer for this subdivision is Hays Commons Land Investments, L.P. Information regarding the application or meeting location may be obtained by contacting Hays County Development Services at (512) 393-2150 or Marcus Pacheco, County Director, at (512)393-5527.

Project Tracking Number: PLN-2090-NP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

In accordance with the provisions of State of Texas law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to safety an owner and/or manager's

lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Storage King USA location(s) listed below, and, due notice having been given to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired goods will be sold to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of at a public Auction to be held online atwww.StorageTreasures.com, which will end on December 29th, 2022 at 9:00AM. At store 072, 19580 S IH 35, Kyle TX 78640, ph# 737.404.5020. Yovany Daniel Ajuchan Gomez:foling chairs,totes,boxes, furn, matresses, Kerry Bergeron:boxes, luggage,misc., Christianna Mendoza:mattresses, kids toys, furn., Cynthia Gilliam: furn, home deor,boxes., Yvonne Pena: computer towers, boxes., Bianca Rivera: wood doors, totes, luggage, totes., Alice Dominguez: tires, furn, lamps, boxes, totes, decor. Rueben Contreras: furn, large appliace,totes., Marisa Martinez: furn, toys., Adrian Duran:, tool bags, boxes, kid misc., Santiago Esparza: paint supplies, ladders

NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT TO COMPLY WITH THE SUBDIVISION SERVICE EXTENSION POLICY OF RUBY RANCH WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION

Pursuant to Chapter 13.2502 of the Texas Water Code, Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation hereby gives notice that any person who subdivides land by dividing any lot, tract, or parcel of land, within the service area of Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation, Certificate of Convenience and Necessity No. 12849, in Hays County, into two or more lots or sites for the purpose of sale or development, whether immediate or future, including re-subdivision of land for which a plat has been filed and recorded or requests more than two water service connections on a single contiguous tract of land must comply with the Rules and Regulations Concerning Ruby Ranch's Service to Subdivisions (the "Subdivision Policy") contained in Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation's tariff.

Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation is not required to extend retail water utility service to a service applicant in a subdivision where the developer of the subdivision has failed to comply with the Subdivision Policy.

Applicable elements of the Subdivision Policy include:

File a written request, with the necessary information and payment, that Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation perform a feasibility study to determine if there exists sufficient capacity in Ruby Ranch’s System to serve the proposed subdivision;

Evaluation by Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation of the impact a proposed subdivision service extension will make on Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation's water supply system and payment of the costs for this evaluation;

Payment of reasonable costs or fees by the developer for providing water supply capacity;

Payment of fees for reserving water supply capacity;

Forfeiture of reserved water supply capacity for failure to pay applicable fees;

Payment of costs of any improvements to Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation's system that are necessary to provide the water service;

Construction according to design approved by Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation and dedication by the developer of water facilities and easements within the subdivision following inspection.

Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation's Tariff and a map showing Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation's service area may be reviewed at Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation's offices, at P.O. Box 1585, Buda, Texas, 78610; the tariff and service area map also are filed of record at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in Austin, Texas and may be reviewed by contacting the TCEQ, c/o Water Utilities and Districts Section, Water Supply Division, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711.

LOTS & ACREAGE

Buda lights up trail for holidays

has seen improvements firsthand in his classroom, from their grades to their behavior.

In extremely rare cases, Benavides said, students get their money taken away. It only happens if they do something “really bad,” and even then, it has only happened around three times in the many years he has been doing the store.

Benavides has also found that the store oftentimes gets the quieter students to speak up.

“It kind of encourages them to participate and be brave,” Benavides said. “Even if they get questions wrong they get paid. If I ask a question and somebody’s brave enough to say something, then I give them money because they participated.”

Along with all of the real-world skills the store teaches his students, like how to divide and count back change, being aware of the cost of different items and the importance of saving, Benavides also encourages his students to be responsible with their bills and coins, and students have their own methods for holding onto their money.

“I also teach them to take care of their money. If somebody steals your money, it’s gone. I’m not gonna go hunt down whoever stole your money. That’s real life,” Benavides said. “It’s not really teaching them to not trust other kids, but to be conscious and aware and set

some boundaries.”

Plus, the students themselves actually run the monthly store, complete with Post-it Note receipts.

The once-a-month schedule not only gives students the opportunity to earn and save their money, but Benavides the chance to keep the store updated since he uses money out of his own pocket to stock the store. Still, he doesn’t feel like the school should have to help.

“It’s not a big deal to me. To me, it’s like, I don’t have my own kids, so my kids [students] are like my kids, ” Benavides said. “It’s not something that you throw in their face.”

For Benavides, connecting with his students and knowing who they are as people is just as important as teaching the curriculum, and the store is a great way to accomplish that.

“One of the things you have to do is build relationships with them,” Benavides said. “You can yell math at them all day, but it’s not gonna get anywhere if you don’t know what their favorite things are.”

“It [the store] definitely hits a lot of different areas which is why it has been so successful,” Benavides continued. “I didn’t think it was going to be so successful when I first did it, then later on I realized how much students can learn from this one thing … You’re showing them that you care, and that their work is worth something.”

STORE, from Page 6

Above left,

Buda Trail

Lights that

continuing

open Friday, Dec. 16 through Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Above right, Santa Claus at the 14th annual Buda Trail

Lights at

historic Stagecoach Park. Below left, pictured is a nutcracker adorned with lights. Below right, pictured is a wire snowman adorned with holiday lights.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

PHOTO

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Kinne takes over at Texas State

'We are going to recruit Texas high school football'

By Amira Van Leeuwen

SAN MARCOS — Last Wednesday, Texas State University officially welcomed its new head coach, G.J. Kinne, at its introductory press conference and one thing is for certain — he’s going to recruit Texas high school football.

“We are going to recruit Texas high school football, players and coaches alike. I’m going to recruit the portal as well, but the foundation of our program is going to be Texas high school football players,” Kinne said.

He said he’s a “player’s coach” and emphasized cultivating relationships.

“I’m a guy that has a lot of fun out there, but we’re going to work hard,” Kinne said. "It's all about relationships for me, and the coaches I’ve had throughout my career that I knew cared about me and loved me, I tended to play harder for.”

And with Kinne on board, Texas State is slated to play an exciting brand of football.

“We’re gonna be a tempo team, and we’re gonna light up the scoreboard,” Kinne said. “Our team will play with energy. We’ll have swagger to us.”

Aside from recruiting, he also plans to focus on player development.

“We’ll have a great strength coach and great coaches that pour into these guys on and off the field,” Kinne said. “I can’t wait to get to work. Eat ’em up.”

Hays basketball coach celebrates triumph

By Megan Wehring

BUDA – Danny Pruess, head women’s basketball coach for Hays High School, earned his 300th career victory last month.

“[I am] very honored to earn

my 300th victory at Hays High School,” Pruess said. “[I] could not have done it without my amazing coaching staff and tremendously talented players.”

The Hays Lady Hawks opened the season with an 11-0 mark

and now, as of Dec. 7, they are ranked No. 10 in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches UIL 5A girls basketball state poll and No. 3 in the Texas Girls Coaches Association UIL 5A girls state basketball poll.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Danny Pruess (center) stands with his family after being honored for his 300th career win.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS STATE FOOTBALL G.J. Kinne at his introductory press conference.