Living in Hays County 2015

Living SUMMER 2015

IN HAYS COUNTY

A guide to home services in your area a product of Barton Publications, Inc.

Living IN HAYS COUNTY

In this issue...

Living in Hays County is published by Barton Publications, Inc. 122 N. Main St., Buda, TX Contents ©2015 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton Editor Kim Hilsenbeck Graphics Director David White Graphics Assistant Christine Thorpe Distribution Suzanne Hallam Office Manager Connie Brewer Marketing Tracy Mack Paula Pulley Miles Hanson Proofreader Jane Kirkham

2 | Living in Hays County | SUMMER 2015

Featured Articles

Hays County Growth................................................................. 4 Cedar Supply Inc....................................................................... 6 Your Dollar Counts.................................................................... 8 Quality Floors............................................................................ 9 Family and Community Effort.................................................. 10 Sharp Propane........................................................................ 11 Remodeling Projects............................................................... 12 Garden-Ville............................................................................. 13 Texas Disposal Services.......................................................... 14 Basin Water Solutions............................................................. 15 Build a Website........................................................................ 16 Barton Publications............................................................18-19 Barbara Gremillion – Coldwell Banker Realtors...................... 19 Basin Water Solutions............................................................. 20 Star Tex Real Estate................................................................ 20 Germer Insurance Services..................................................... 21 Hays Insurance Group............................................................. 22 South Austin Appliance Repair............................................... 22

Advertiser Index

1st Quest Mortgage................................................................ 23 Barbara Gremillion – Coldwell Banker Realtors........................ 3 Basin Water Solutions............................................................. 15 Broadway Bank......................................................................... 5 Cedar Supply Inc....................................................................... 7 Christi Anderson – Asset Realty................................................ 9 Doyle Law Firm.......................................................................... 8 Germer Insurance Services..................................................... 24 Hays Insurance Group............................................................. 11 High Tide Pool Service.............................................................. 3 Jeff Shay – Exit One Realty....................................................... 8 Judy Carey – AmanVerde Real Estate....................................... 3 Kyle Library Thrift Shop........................................................... 23 Lety Johnson – Farmers Insurance........................................... 9 Made in the Shade.................................................................. 23 Penny Moulder – Keller Williams Realty.................................. 23 Quality Floors.......................................................................... 16 San Marcos Bail Bonds........................................................... 23 San Marcos Outlet Furniture................................................... 23 Sharp Propane........................................................................ 13 South Austin Appliance Repair............................................... 14 Star Tex Real Estate................................................................ 15 Texas Disposal Systems/Garden-Ville..................................... 17

HIGH TIDE POOL SERVICE

WELCOME TO TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

Quality, Dependable Service for over 18 years

I am Always Ready to Help You Find Your Texas Hill Country Home!

Judy Carey, Realtor AmanVerde Real Estate/Ultima RE, Broker (512) 847-0180 Office (512) 626-6696 Cell Email: Judy.AmanVerdeRE@Gmail.com Website: WWW.AmanVerdeRealEstate.com

Keith Miller, Owner TICL #786

• • • • • • •

Cleanings Repairs Plaster & Tile Drain & Clean Renovations Pool School Start-ups

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LI N ST EW IN G S

Specializing in Residential & Ranch Sales 1004 Uhland – 2 homes on 1/2 acre in San Marcos, just off I35.

Zoned multi-use. $275,000

2434 Martin Rd. – 12+/- AG exempt acres in Dripping Springs with main home, guest home, horse barn, riding arena and more.

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Zoned CS. Lot 5 Carney Ln. – 1/2 acre Commercial lot across from Wimberley Middle School. $49,000 1901 Elder Hill Rd. – 99.5 acre ranch in Driftwood with 2 homes. AG exempt and no restrictions & no ETJ.

Barbara Gremillion 512-775-2904

Thinking of selling?

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www.BarbaraGremillion.com A product of Barton Publications | 3

Hays County growing faster than ever A

nyone living in Hays people in the nine-county County knows this area region in one year. is growing.

Travis County, though not a Recent U.S. Census data part of RCA – not rural, had a confirmed that, not only growth rate of 2.5%. The U.S. is Hays County seeing an overall during July 2013-2014 explosion, but other counties had a growth rate of .7%. in Central Texas are too.

The largest growth in the Information put together Central Texas RCA occurred by the Rural in 2007, with an Capital Area increase of new (RCA) website persons exceeding “Headlight”, shows Hays County 32,000. the breakdown of The birth ranks 1st as rate, though, in counties in this area. the RCA did not the fastest Hays County have much of an ranks 1st as the impact. Births per growing fastest growing 2,000 population county in the U.S. in 2014 in the U.S. county in in medium sized overall was 12.5. the U.S. in counties, based The RCA had a on net migration. birth rate count medium sized Net migration of 12.2, with Hays takes into County falling at counties, consideration the 12.1. based on net number of people In the RCA, moving in to a Williamson migration. county, less the County had the number moving highest birth rate out. According to – 12.9 per 1,000. the Census Bureau, from July Travis County led in Central 2013 to July 2014, Hays County Texas, with a rate of 14.1 per had a net migration per 1,000 1,000 residents. residents of 37.8.

Blanco County had the Williamson County had a lowest birth rate – 7.3 – of all net migration of 27.4, putting the nine counties in RCA. it fifth in its size category of The overall population in medium-sized counties. the RCA accelerated in 2014, According to Rural Capital according to Census data. The Area, the growth was driven total population of the RCA is primarily by net migration. now 909,000, up from 879,000 The group, when calculating in 2013. growth, considers births, Looking overall at the entire international migration, population growth, Hays domestic migration and County is the second fastest deaths. among counties with 100,000 Overall, the nine-county population. Hays County had area of RCA, which includes a population of 185,030, as of Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, July 2014.

Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Williamson County Lee, Llano and Williamson still leads with the overall counties, grew at an annual population of the nine-county growth rate of 3.4% in the year rural counties, reaching reviewed, with 30,000 more 489,250.

4 | Living in Hays County | SUMMER 2015

Source www.ruralcapitalheadlight.com

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A product of Barton Publications | 5

The Original Cedar S

Complete inventory Cedar Decking Cedar westernSiding red cedar

Established in 1968; Cedar Supply Inc years of experience. With three locat out Texas we can supply the highest q Western Red Cedar to Texas, Oklahom of Arkansas and Louisiana. Cedar Su both retail and wholesale customers shapes and sizes of cedar from custo shakes and shingles; no project is too small. Our professional cedar specia you find the right materials for any ind outdoor wood project.

Cedar Pergolas edar Supply Association of Texas.

Cedar Lattice isn't your One reason for our typical lumber success is our integrity.

Cedar store. OurFencing leadWe wouldn't have been ership team around since 1968 if we knows customer service treat our customSplit Post didn't & Rail Fencing makes all the difference. ers right and sell only Our employees know quality products. With a Sha Shakes & Shingles their cedar. They're also store in Kyle since 1983, knowledgeable, friendly, Cedar Supply strives helpful and readyDimension to every day to help customRough & Timbers assist you with any indoor ers in Hays County and or outdoor project. beyond complete their Textured Trim Boards Building a deck? A projects using the best fence? Putting on cedar lumber. No project is too siding? large or too small.

Brackets, Corbels & Rafter Tails Be sure to see Cedar We offer all shapes Supply first. We specialand sizes of cedar from ize in Western Red CedarStock custom timbers to shakes Pattern but also have many other and shingles. products to meet your Need cedar? Allow us to Wood Stain - Ready needs, both wholesale be your lumber experts. Seal

C

and retail. We service all of Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Cedar Supply holds memberships in the North American Wholesale Lumber Association and the Lumberman’s

CARROLLTON

1200 N. Denton Dr. Carrollton, TX 75006 Local: 972-242-6561 Toll Free: 800-442-3841

Stop by Cedar Supply and see how we can help.

Manager Carter Smith and Assistant Manager Jason Sanders believe in putting the customer first.

SHERMAN

12359 N. FM 1417 EXT Sherman, TX 75090 Local: 903-892-0695 Toll Free: 800-527-2146

KYLE

23400 I-35 South Kyle, TX 78640 Local: 512-268-2811 Toll Free: 800-252-3352

6 | Living in Hays County | SUMMER 2015

Kyle, Texas

The Original Cedar Supply

Established in 1968; Cedar Supply Inc. has over 45 years of experience. With three locations throughout Texas we can supply the highest quality Western Red Cedar to Texas, Oklahoma and parts of Arkansas and Louisiana. Cedar Supply sells to both retail and wholesale customers. Offering all shapes and sizes of cedar from custom timbers to shakes and shingles; no project is too large or too small. Our professional cedar specialist can help you find the right materials for any indoor or outdoor wood project.

Cedar Decking Cedar Siding Cedar Pergolas Cedar Lattice Cedar Fencing Split Post & Rail Fencing Sha Shakes & Shingles Rough Dimension & Timbers Textured Trim Boards Brackets, Corbels & Rafter Tails Pattern Stock Wood Stain - Ready Seal

Kyle, Texas

23400 I-35 South Kyle, TX 78640 Local: 512-268-2811 Toll Free: 800-252-3352 Fax: 512-268-0162

Open To The Public!

cedarsupply.net We Deliver

e l a s e l o h & il W a t e R A product of Barton Publications | 7

“I

Your Dollar Counts

can’t make that big of a difference with just a couple of local purchases.”

“It will be easier to just go to the chain store.” Have you ever thought this to yourself when deciding where to shop?

These thoughts are what small businesses in your area are up against — and it’s time to flip the script. The truth is, your money does matter, no matter how small the amount. And it can actually be easier to make a quick trip downtown for a purchase than to walk through a big box store for the same item.

That’s because choosing locally owned stores for your shopping needs generates almost four times as much economic benefit for the surrounding region compared to shopping at a chain, according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

More specifically, the report states that local restaurants recirculate 79 percent of their

revenues locally, compared to 30 percent for chain eateries.

This type of money being reinvested in your community should help convince you which way to shop the next time you’re conflicted.

SOCIAL INVESTMENTS

More money staying local means more funding for important organizations such as charities and fundraiser events. Small business owners are more likely to make these

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8 | Living in Hays County | SUMMER 2015

types of social investments in the community, according to research by The American Small Business Coalition.

From local art groups to youth sports teams, small business owners are quick to offer their sponsorship and money to help support community groups. This helps create customer buy-in for business owners, as well as a reputation for genuinely caring about their communities.

HIRING LOCAL

About half of all private sector workers are employed in small businesses, according to the Bureau of Labor. This means more local talent is retained and more money for taxes stays in the community, as well.

The next time you think your dollar doesn’t count, remember that you’re not only helping the community as a whole, but also all of those individual workers who have jobs because of your support. From part-time help all the way up to the business owner, small businesses are counting on you.

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Quality Floors: Quality you can stand on For more than 30 years Shaun Daniels, owner of Quality Floors & More in Wimberley Texas, has been selling and installing beautiful flooring in homes all over Hays County and the surrounding area. In that time, his family-owned and operated business has built a solid reputation for excellent customer service and beautiful results.

Quality Floors & More installs hardwood, laminate, porcelain tile, vinyl, carpet floor coverings as well as bath and kitchen backsplashes and tile to residential and commercial customers.

Whether it is a renovation or new construction, the installation team takes pride in creating the stunning looks that have become a hallmark of Hill Country design.

When a customer comes to them with a clear vision, their focus is to take the client’s ideas and turn them into a beautiful reality.

When a customer is not sure exactly what they want, the design team can

create stunningly beautiful looks that fit hand-in-glove with the setting and style of the location.

Because of their strong ties to the local community and a legacy of satisfied customers, Quality Floors

A

& More is committed to providing the best service and floor buying experience in Central Texas. Because of this commitment, Daniels has serviced countless repeat customers over the years. As a customer moves or renovates, they always come back to Quality Floors & More for the products and service they know and trust.

This strong reputation and customer loyalty has made them the premier provider of carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl and tile for homes and businesses in the area. Even as the business expands and grows, they remain a family owned and operated company with their mission staying the same ... to provide the highest quality service and flooring products to their customers.

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Your Real Estate Resource and Trusted Advisor

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512.971.2922 512.442.4707

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Email: AssetRealtyofTX@gmail.com www.ChristiAnderson.com

Christi Anderson Broker/Owner Area Specialist

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A product of Barton Publications | 9

Family and Community Effort

T

he act of shopping local is not one to be enjoyed by a select few.

In other words, the more the merrier.

Local business owners are ready to welcome you with open arms. You should do the same for them by bringing along your friends, family members and neighbors on your next local shopping trip.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

It’s never too early to pass on the values that drive you to shop local and support your neighbors.

The children in your life are impressionable. Make a good impression by explaining the importance of shopping locally.

They may be future entrepreneurs, and it’s never too early to plant that business acumen.

Teach them the basics of starting a business, and introduce them to shop owners. Prompt them to ask questions about being a business owner and then keep discussions going even after you’ve left the store.

GIVE BUSINESSES IDEAS

Do you have a business degree or some kind of training in marketing?

Why not lend your expertise to a small business in need of some brand improvement.

Small business owners are busy and can run out of time at the end of the day to launch an email marketing campaign or create clever social media content.

Helping small businesses with activities like this is not only a sign of solidarity from a veteran businessman or woman, but also a great way to gain free, internlike experience for college students.

Build your clips now by offering to handle all social media accounts for a local business owner who agrees to put you in charge. You’ll be gaining valuable hands-on experience that will look strong on a resume.

MAKE IT A CONTEST

This year, make shopping a contest with your closest friends. Start now by tallying up how much money you spend in local businesses. You can even start a blog or spreadsheet to track spending.

At the end of the year, see who spent more locally. The winner gets treated to a $20 gift card to her/his favorite small business.

10 | Living in Hays County | SUMMER 2015

Relax! Sharp Propane makes summer easy

Summer is here in Central Texas, which means it’s time to relax. The last thing you want to worry about is checking your propane tank or wondering if you’ve paid your latest propane bill.

Sharp Propane®, a 65-yearold company that services homes in Hays County, offers a unique service to its customers, called Complete Care®, to ensure they always have a safe, reliable source of propane for their home energy needs. Complete Care combines the best of smart technology, worry-free tank monitoring, easy payment options, free inspections, and Sharp’s Always There™ Guarantee of service for a propane delivery model that’s designed to offer the utmost convenience and flexibility.

Sharp Propane built Complete Care around direct feedback from its customers in order to deliver smart propane service

G

R

that fits the way they live.

Propane usage varies from season to season, with the colder winter months relying more on propane to keep homes warm, and powering smaller things like cooking appliances, clothes dryers and barbeques in the summer.

Sharp’s Easy Pay™ program eliminates the element of surprise, making payment schedules and budgeting for bills, well – easy. Easy Pay offers convenience and predictability by evenly dividing up annual estimated propane usage into consistent monthly payments, ensuring that

customers can expect the same bill each month. Each year, Sharp will recalculate the balance and any remaining balance or credit can be rolled over into the next year’s monthly payment.

Summer in Central Texas means many people will be out in the back yard, mastering the art of grilling or lounging in the hot tub. And when sizzling steaks or swimsuits are on the mind, the propane levels of your tank should not be. With Sharp Propane’s Complete Care, Smart Monitoring and AutoFill services, taking care of propane needs is as easy as

HAYS INSURANCE

O

U

laying out by the pool.

Through Smart Monitoring, Sharp gathers data about propane usage to track and predict how much propane homeowners will need and when they’ll need it. This means that propane deliveries are based on customers’ needs.

With AutoFill, Sharp is alerted when the tank is getting low so they can deliver automatically, ensuring service that’s both uninterrupted and stress-free.

Sharp Propane delivers more than just propane; they deliver peace of mind. The company’s Always There Guarantee means that any time you have an issue with your propane, they’ll be available to provide customer service.

So as you’re relaxing this summer, get ready to settle in and stay worry-free. With Sharp Propane’s Complete Care service, they spend their time thinking about propane so you don’t have to.

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www.haysinsurancegroup.com A product of Barton Publications | 11

P

Remodeling Projects

lanning a home remodeling project can be a stressful experience.

Why exacerbate that tension by relying on out-of-area distributors for your materials?

Before your project gets started, be sure to include local companies in your search for building materials, design pieces or custom furniture.

Local shop owners are always looking to add more business and projects and can be just as talented and stocked as major manufacturers.

Instead of opting for the big box store for lumber, for example, you probably have a family-run operation in your neck of the woods that sells the same type of wood for comparable prices.

We’ve already discussed the financial impact that shopping locally can have on your community. In this case, it also can help you take more pride in your remodeling project knowing your lumber came from right down the road.

CARBON FOOTPRINT

Shopping local businesses can help you greatly reduce your remodel’s carbon footprint. By choosing nearby companies for materials, you’re cutting down on the energy required for delivery.

If sustainable flooring has to be shipped from China, is that really contributing to the “going green” movement?

Check close to home first to help lessen your remodel’s impact on the environment.

RAPID ORDER TURNAROUND

No more waiting weeks for faraway manufacturers to ship your remodeling materials.

Shopping locally means you can get your custom glass, doors, shower frames, mirrors or furniture in a quicker time frame.

Many local shops will cut the middleman out of the

process to help expedite order turnarounds, meaning you’ll receive your orders days to weeks faster.

TRULY CUSTOM

Working one on one with a local design consultant means you can make something truly all your own. You can be proud to show off your new remodeling features knowing that no one else in the world has something quite like it.

Small companies can offer this individualized attention to complement their craftsmanship and skill.

12 | Living in Hays County | SUMMER 2015

Go Garden-Ville for your landscaping needs

Garden-Ville is part of the TDS family owned business, which has more than 700 employees. Qualified experts are able to assist hobby gardeners as well as seasoned organic gardeners and everyone in between.

Garden-Ville is a trusted source for all natural and locally made STA certified (Seal of Testing Assurance/ US Composting Council) gardening products including compost, soils and mulch.

Garden-Ville creates products from diverted organic materials that would otherwise go in the landfill.

These products, sold in bulk, bagged and bottle forms, are like no others you will find in gardening or chain stores. Customers include homeowners, landscapers and businesses.

The company is committed to creating and producing chemical free, all natural

organic gardening products with the personal responsibility of keeping the best interests of our customers and the environment a priority.

Garden-Ville also features the RestoreDecor line of garden and home decor products made entirely from repurposed material diverted from the TDS landfill. This is one of the many ways the organization represents its full circle approach to reclaim, recycle and repurpose all at its facilities.

How is Garden-Ville different? As part of the TDS family, Garden-Ville is able to combine its efforts to educate and implement programs for recycling and composting in order to divert materials from the TDS landfill and create products for organic gardening.

All Garden-Ville products are tested and certified by the Seal of Testing Assurance/US Composting Council, known as STA, ensuring the quality and

POOL? SPLASH.

GRILL? SIZZLE.

THIS IS EASY.

IT MUST BE SUMMER.

rating of organic ingredients used in the products sold. There are only a few organizations in Austin and the surrounding areas that participate in this process. Garden-Ville is committed to creating and producing chemical free, all natural elite gardening products as a personal responsibility to the environment and organic farming.

The TDS process diverts green waste, brush, tree trimmings, and fruit and vegetable matter from taking up space in landfills and creates premium quality composts and living mulches.

Garden-Ville also specializes in natural soil amendments, plants, trees, tools, and everything else needed to keep lawns and gardens green.

Garden-Ville is located at 3606 FM 1327 in Creedmoor and has seven locations across Texas. For more information visit Garden-Ville.com

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A product of Barton Publications | 13

TDS makes the environment a priority

Brothers Bob and Jim Gregory founded Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) in 1977. The firm is still family owned and operated today. After growing up in the business, Bob’s and Jim’s children moved into integral company roles.

Today TDS has more than 700 employees.

Its services include recycling, composting, trash, portable restrooms, green events, Green School Solutions, commercial services along with construction and demolition services.

The TDS mission is to provide the highest quality waste processing services while keeping the best interests of its customers, employees and environment a priority.

How is TDS different?

That’s simple: It leads by example, providing systems and solutions to divert as much as possible from the landfill by recycling, repurposing and

reusing materials. Some materials can be found in the TDS Resale Shop where reclaimed items can be reused or repurposed, or in its Garden-Ville RestoreDecor line where they use recycled materials to make bird houses, benches and more.

The compost collected is used in gardening products such as compost and mulch.

This is achieved through multiple diversion programs on site and off site. TDS has become the largest independently owned solid waste collection and disposal company in Central Texas.

The landfill is the state’s first totally integrated facility of its kind, incorporating solid waste disposal, compost production, and recycling operations from inception.

Texas Organic Products (TOP), a large-scale composting and soil blending operation, was established in 1997. TDS

expanded operations into San Antonio in 1995, into Georgetown in 1998 and into Alpine in 2007.

TDS has also expanded its metal buying services with a one of a kind metal buying facility located at the TDS facilities in Creedmoor, Texas.

After all these years, TDS remains a fixture in the community. Success was achieved by providing exceptional customer service with a philosophy to provide education and solutions to communities and customers to create successful diversion programs in our homes, schools and businesses.

As TDS heads into the future, its focus on always being a step ahead of how it can continue to evolve and expand its diversion programs in the

efforts to preserve the landfill space. TDS will continue to create systems and facilities that provide innovative solutions that allow communities to be a part of the firm’s growing mission to be stewards of the environment by reclaiming, repurposing and reusing. Texas Disposal Systems is headquartered at 3606 FM 1327 in Creedmoor.

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512-280-1200 14 | Living in Hays County | SUMMER 2015

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F

Build a Website

or many in the business community, having your own website seems almost elementary. It provides your customers an online resource to learn more about you and can be a great tool for making more money.

So why do only 45 percent of small businesses have one?

That statistic comes from a 2013 survey of more than 3,000 small businesses conducted by Google and research company Ipsos.

IT’S EASIER THAN EVER

If you’re intimidated by building your own website, don’t be. It’s easier than ever.

Think about the time you spend every morning coming in to work, starting the coffee and chatting with your employees.

In that time frame — say 20 minutes — you could build and launch your own website. There are many online platforms that make it easy and

free to create your own online presence.

You don’t need to be a coding genius to figure it out. Search for a “free website builder” and watch the options come to you. These platforms come with ready-made templates that you can fully customize with photos of your business and text that fits your business strategies.

WEBSITE TOOLS

Adding a blog to your website is a great way to build credibility with your audience.

Use the space to give tips and thoughts on your industry, not sales pitches and coupons.

Your readers will appreciate the free information and will

remember your expertise when it comes time to make a purchase.

If you’re not collecting money through e-commerce on your site, you’re missing out on the chance to capitalize through online sales.

There are affordable e-commerce platforms that will basically build your online store for you — yet another benefit of today’s technology helping the small

business owner.

Live chat immediately gives your website the feel of a bigger operation. Again, there are free and inexpensive services online that make the process of adding live chat to your site a breeze.

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16 | Living in Hays County | SUMMER 2015

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A product of Barton Publications | 17

Barton Publications – still strong, still growing

Barton Publications, which includes the Hays Free Press, the News-Dispatch and Hays County Echo magazine, is probably the oldest continuously family-run business in north Hays County.

It is strong to this day, expanding coverage, adding new products and branching out in many ways. But how did this business come to be established here ... and what makes it grow?

THE HISTORY

The Hays Free Press started as the Kyle News in 1903 and just celebrated its 112th birthday.

Originally founded by Thomas Fletcher Harwell, the Kyle News was a family venture. It covered events throughout the county, but was based in north Hays County. Harwell’s son, Turner, took over the business and worked at the Kyle News until it was purchased by Bob Barton and Moe Johnson in 1954.

Turner continued to help on the newspaper until his death 40 years later.

Barton and Johnson ran the Kyle News while they were both in college at Southwest Texas Teachers College. Their friends and spouses took up the call, with Wynette Barton, Bob’s spouse, then a junior in college, serving as news editor.

Reporter Pete Guttery, 21, was a sophomore in college at the time and studying journalism.

The business manager was 19, the sports editor 17, the printer’s devil 16 and the Linotype operator a mere 13. The average age of the staff? 19.

Johnson decided to get out of the business in a few years and pursue his career in teaching and later in school administration. He traded his share of the business for a box of cigars.

Johnson did go on with his education career and became the superintendent of Hays CISD – during its consolidation and into the expansion before he retired in 1984.

Bob Barton died in 2013, having passed the reins of the business to his daughter-inlaw, Cyndy Slovak-Barton, a

Barton Publications publisher Cyndy Barton accepts an Envision Central Texas Revitalization award from representative Al Gmitter after the construction of a multi-use building downtown that is also the headquarters for the Hays Free Press.

few years earlier.

But his influence continues to this day.

Barton believed in change.

He moved the newspaper several times, combined it with other newspapers over the years, and tried new products.

The Hays Free Press, founded as the Kyle News, has carried the names and/or combined with other newspapers – Hays County Citizen, Austin Sun, Onion Creek Free Press, River City Sun, Hays County Free Press, The Chautauquan and more.

The character of the newspaper has been formed by Bob Barton – always a maverick

18 | Living in Hays County | SUMMER 2015

when it came to newspapers.

He advocated for sometimes unpopular beliefs – voting rights for minorities, desegregation of schools and more.

Because of the newspaper’s insistence on correctness, the Hays Free Press has excelled as a strong community newspaper. The office walls at its Kyle headquarters are lined with plaques awarded to it by the Texas Press Association, the National Newspaper Association, the Inland Press Association, South Texas Press Association and more.

Expanding its reach into the Dripping Springs and Wimberley areas, Barton

Publications purchased the News-Dispatch from Dale and Joyce Roberson almost two years ago. The Robersons worked for the Hays Free Press for years before going into their own newspaper venture, the News-Dispatch.

Barton Publications is a reflection its staff. Many of its former employees have gone on to bigger jobs – the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek Magazine, Houston Post, USA Today, the Charlotte Observer, Reuters News Service. But when the call goes out for a “family reunion,” these employees come flooding back, renewing old friendships, again finding their common thread – small weekly newspapers covering Hays County.

It is this sense of family and camaraderie that makes the Barton Publications what it is today. Our family of publications includes the Hays Free Press, the largest circulation weekly newspaper in Hays County, along with the News-Dispatch and the monthly magazine, Hays County Echo.

We also have two websites covering everything from the Hays/Travis county line to San Marcos, various chamber publications, including visitors guides and maps, and special editions aimed at schools, sports, young families, business and much more.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Barton Publications and the Hays Free Press always seems to be “on the move.”

When the Harwell family established it in 1903, its offices were located facing the railroad tracks in Kyle, along Front Street.

Since then, it has moved – to San Marcos (near Cheatham Street Warehouse), to Manchaca, to Buda (in the buildings now housing Raby’s Roots and then in Frasier Harris’ current pottery shop), to Mountain City (where Hill Country Driving School and Arrowhead Bicycles are currently located on FM 2770), to downtown Kyle again.

The newest location also happens to be Kyle’s first pri-

vately built two-story building in downtown Kyle.

Built to looked like the old building it replaced – Teddlie’s Pharmacy, the BartonWord building at the corner of Center and Main streets includes not only the office of the Hays Free Press, but also the law office for Lucinda Doyle and four apartments above which overlook the historic Kyle city hall park.

In addition to the main headquarters in Kyle, its sister publication, the News-Dispatch, has an office in Dripping Springs.

Wimberley.

Public notices are run in the Hays Free Press and the News-Dispatch by many institutions – Hays CISD, Kyle, Buda, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, DSISD, Hays County, Uhland, Mountain City, Niederwald, Creedmoor, and attorneys galore – because they know that the newspaper reaches the people they need – informed and involved.

WHAT’S IN THE FUTURE?

WHY IS BARTON PUBLICATIONS GROWING?

Maybe it’s the products, which are hyper-local.

When alarms go off at schools, local residents turn to the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch website to find out what has happened.

When a team goes to the state playoffs, those not able to attend follow the newspapers’ twitter feeds, @haysfreepress, @hfprebelsports, @ hfplobosports, and @ NEWS_ DISPATCH.

In 1954 the Kyle News was purchased and operated by late co-publishers Bob Barton (back, second to the left) and Moe Johnson (back right).

When someone needs information about doctors, they pick up the newspaper’s medical guide, which lists local physicians and their offices and facilities.

When voters want to know

about bonds or candidates or what city hall or the local school board is up to, they pick up the weekly newspaper, which has stands and pointof-sale kiosks all over Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs and

There are always changes being made ... that’s the nature of the news business. An improved mobile website? In the works. The addition of video spots? That’s already done and improving each week.

Native advertising? Just rolled out. Photos for sale, magazines, inserts, advertising design and production? The staff of the Hays Free Press is ready for whatever businesses need.

Call us if you want to talk – about marketing, about stories, about photography, about video. You can reach Barton Publications at 512-268-7862.

Hill Country realtor goes above and beyond

Real estate agent Barbara Gremillion wins her client’s trust by going above and beyond to meet their needs.

A Hill Country resident since 1981, Barbara’s personal, first-hand and in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market makes her second to none. She also spends time volunteering in the community.

Barbara’s passion is to help clients reach their real estate goals by providing excellent service with the highest level of integrity, expert knowledge of the market, and consistent follow-up and communication.

And her effective utilization Barbara has spent hundreds of the latest technology assists of hours gaining additional her clients throughout the real estate education real estate process, including Accredited whether they are Buyer Representative buying or selling.

(ABR). She is also a For the past 13 Graduate, Real Estate years, Barbara has Institute (GRI). She proven her skill and holds memberships dedication again and in the Austin Board again. She specializes of REALTORS, Texas in residential and Association of ranch sales, new and REALTORS, National resale single-family Association of homes, homesites REALTORS, Dripping Barbara (lots & acreage), Springs Chamber of Gremillion condominiums and Commerce, and the townhomes, hill Wimberley Chamber country ranches and multiof Commerce. family properties.

She also received the

5-Star Professional in Real Estate Award from Texas Monthly, the Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society Award and Realtor. com’s Award of Excellence for Online Marketing.

If you’re looking for a onestop source for real estate services, contact Barbara Gremillion today at 512775-2904 and schedule a consultation. Gremillion is a member of the Coldwell Banker United Realtors and her office is located at 609 Castle Ridge Rd., Suite 440 in Austin. For more information, visit www.barbaragremillion. com.

A product of Barton Publications | 19

Basin Water: It’s all clear water from here Basin Water Solutions prides itself on customer satisfaction as well as customer service.

They have been in business fourteen years and dedicate their lives to showing customers the importance of clean, safe water.

Basin services residential as well as commercial clients and is constantly expanding its service area. Many of its customers have become part of the family.

Basin Water Solutions has a reputation that has exceeded expectations. Numerous families have remained committed to the firm since the beginning of operations.

The mission is clear, and that is to bring customers the best and healthiest water. Basin strives to create healthier lifestyles and a healthier environment as well as a healthy relationship with its customers.

Call Joey Tidwell at 512-557-0904 or visit Basin Water Solutions at 12111 RR12 #104, Wimberley, Texas.

BASIN WATER SOLUTIONS

We’re your northern star for local real estate At Star Tex Real Estate, the difference is in the firm’s agents – they work for you and with you throughout the entire process.

The agency’s success and longevity are directly related to the willingness of agents to go above and beyond for their clients.

Buying or selling a home doesn’t have to be complicated. Star Tex agents are here to help. Each of them live in this community and give back through volunteerism.

They are all ready to help educate you on home ownership, rentals, and buying and selling a home or office.

Since 2004, Star Tex Real Estate remains locally owned and operated by Chris Dunkin. Money starts here and stays here since the firm doesn’t have franchise fees. In addition, agents give back 10 percent of their sales commissions to local nonprofit organizations including Buda / Kyle Relay For Life, Hope & Love 4 Kids, Hays Youth Athletic

20 | Living in Hays County | SUMMER 2015

Association, the Buda Food Pantry and most recently the Wimberley Flood victims. In 2014, agents donate more than $25,000 because of their clients.

Star Tex agents specialize in Residential and Commercial Real Estate Sales & Leasing as well as Commercial and Residential Property Management. They are members of Austin Board of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Central Texas / Four Rivers Association of Realtors, and Central Texas Commercial Area Realtor Association.

Give Star Tex Real Estate a call for all your real estate needs and see the difference a community minded and locally owned Real Estate Company can make.

Visit Star Tex at 251 N FM 1626, 2A, Buda, TX 78610, call 512-312-1150, or visit www.

StarTexRealEstate.com for information.

Commercial.

Commercial.

Health.

Health.

Home.

Home.

Auto.

Auto.

Commercial.

Two independent agencies to serve all your insurance needs Health.

Life.

Life.

Germer Insurance Services

ServingServing CentralCen Texas Since Texas1929 Since 1

Home.

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G

ermer Insurance Services has agencies in San Marcos and Kyle with a combined 81 years of experience providing home, auto, commercial, and life & health insurance products.

Associated Insurance Agency in San Marcos has been serving clients in Texas since 1929 and today, agents Tara Lantz and Randy Robers are serving San Marcos and surrounding areas from

their office on 125 Moore St., Suite 103.

Wilson Insurance Agency in Kyle has been serving the community since 2005 and is located at 3601 Kyle Crossing, Suite A. Agents Camille Salyer, Mark Andrews, Debby Poole, Mason Cervenka, Nancy Wilson and Gary Germer would all be glad to talk with you about their products.

Both agencies are mem-

bers of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) as well as their local chambers of commerce.

They both share the same mission – to provide the very best insurance products available to each and every unique client, and going above and beyond whenever possible. As independent insurance agents, they have the unique ability to shop mulitiple carriers

5 Moore Ste 103, San103, Marcos 125St., Moore St., Ste San Marcos 3601

512-396-4567

aiasanmarcos.com 125 512-396-4567 Moore St., Ste 103, San Marcos

which enables them to insure every client and their unique needs.

Associated Insurance Agency and Wilson Insurance Agency are members of a family of independent agencies serving Central Texas that include Elgin Insurance Agency in Elgin, Koehler Barton Insurance Agency in Bastrop and Westerholm Koehler Insurance Agency in Seguin.

Serving Central Kyle Crossing, Ste.1929 A, Kyle Texas Crossing, Since 3601 Kyle Ste. A, Kyl

512-295-6530 wiatexas.com 3601 Kyle512-295-6530 Crossing, Ste. A, Kyle

A product of Barton Publications | 21

Hays Insurance builds lasting relationships

The Hays Insurance Group is an independent agency located in Buda. The firm specializes in insurance for auto, home, health, life, business and more. Its agents and staff are committed to providing clients with the highest quality insurance plans available combined with some of the lowest rates available in all of Texas. The goal at Texas Insurance Services is to get customers the best coverage available at the lowest possible rate.

They strive to create lasting relationships with each client to continue providing excellent service for many years to come. Although located in Buda, Texas, the firm offers unparalleled service and competitive quotes to clients throughout Texas. Hays Insurance primarily focuses on Blanco, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, and Travis counties including the cities of Austin, Buda, Canyon Lake,

We are committed to finding the best insurance solutions for you, your family and your business.

Dripping Springs, Georgetown, Kyle, New Braunfels, Pflugerville, San Marcos, and Wimberley.

The mission of the agency

is to provide the insurance protection the clients need by offering quality products, excellent service, and guaranteed value. The firm

is committed to finding the best insurance solutions for customers, their families and their businesses.

As an independent agency, Hays Insurance Services represents multiple insurance companies. That allows them to compare coverage and prices in order to offer customers the greatest value possible. In addition, they combine years of experience with cutting edge products to provide exceptional service to all policyholders.

Owners Eddie Hebert, Jr., and Rod Limely value the opportunity to discuss all of your insurance needs with you. Call them today and experience firsthand the firm’s dedication to prompt, friendly service and superior customer care.

Hays Insurance Group is located at 316 N. Main Street in Buda. For more information, call 512-262-3388 or visit www. haysinsurancegroup.com

An appliance repair company you can trust South Austin Appliance Repair provides honest, professional services to residential and commercial customers in Travis, Hays and Caldwell counties.

This family-owned and locally operated firm sells new and pre-owned appliances and appliance parts in their new showroom at 100 Precision Drive, Suite 405 in Buda. They also inspect, repair and install a wide variety of appliances and they also rebuild control boards for appliances.

South Austin Appliance Repair works with homeowners, landlords, property managers, realtors and businesses.

All employees are committed to going above and beyond for their customers.

“We treat our customers right to earn their business for years to come,” said company president Lisa Sauls.

South Austin Appliance

Repair realizes the stress a broken appliance can cause for homeowners and businesses.

“We do what we can to minimize that stress,” Sauls said.

It’s that level of customer service that earned South Austin Appliance Repair the 2014 Super Service Award from Angie’s List.

Knowledgeable, experienced and friendly technicians guide customers through the entire process, helping them feel comfortable about having repair professionals in their home.

South Austin Appliance Repair operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are also available for 24/7 emergency appliance repairs.

Call them today at (512) 2801200 to get more information or to schedule an appointment.

22 | Living in Hays County | SUMMER 2015

HOME RESOURCE DIRECTORY Let our family help your family buy your dream home.

Kyle Library Thrift Shop

Frank & Bill Daniels

3rd Generation Mortgage Professionals Purchasing or Refinancing Residential Mortgages New Construction • Cash Out Loans

Bill Daniels: 512.845.0451 Office: 512.301.9373 billdaniels@austinrr.com www.Bill-Daniels.com

Corporate NMLS# 247980 Individual NMLS# 247467

Newly Expanded in 2015

Look for us on Facebook (Kyle Library Thrift Shop) for Daily Sales Alerts

100 W. Lockhart, Kyle, Texas Mon-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

512-268-1036 Proceeds go to Kyle Library

Gift Cards Now Available!

Best Selection Of: • Clothing for Everyone • Home Goods/Antiques • Toys/Games/Books/Crafts • Jewelry/Linens/Music • Shoes/Purses/Electronics • New Upscale Apparel Area • New Furniture Section

BLINDS, SHADES, SHUTTERS & MORE!

Where Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

Voted New Member of the Year by the Buda Chamber of Commerce - 2014

Penny Moulder National Association of REALTORS® Texas Association of REALTORS® Women’s Council of REALTORS® Four Rivers Association of REALTORS® (New Braunfels/San Marcos) Austin Board of REALTORS® San Antonio Board of REALTORS® Buda Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador

pmoulder@kw.com www.TexasFamilyHome.com Hays County: 512.850.4325 Austin/Hill Country: 512.535.6569 San Antonio: 210.573.8195

Shop at-home convenience with free estimates Hunter Douglas, Graber & more Custom window treatments at low prices

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Mattress & Box Twin Full Queen King

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We know how it works!

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5-Piece Dinettes

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A product of Barton Publications | 23

Germer Insurance Services

Commercial.

Health.

Home.

Auto.

Life.

512-396-4567

aiasanmarcos.com 125 Moore St., Ste 103, San Marcos

24 | Living in Hays County | SUMMER 2015

Serving Central Texas Since 1929

512-295-6530 wiatexas.com 3601 Kyle Crossing, Ste. A, Kyle