January 2, 2020 News-Dispatch by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

WHS sparks passion for careers

Hopes for state title come to end

WISD fights back on altered logo

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News-Dispatch Volume XXXX No. 13

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

75¢ Thursday, January 2, 2020

Christmas robber still at large STAFF REPORT

Hays County authorities are seeking a man who robbed a Dripping Springs convenience store at gunpoint early Christmas morning. It happened at approximately 2:05 a.m. at the Corner Store of Dripping

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6 foot 3 inches and 200 lbs. with a reddish blond bear wearing a dark hoodie, sunglasses and a black beanie.

Springs at the intersection of Sawyer Ranch Road and U.S. 290. The suspect, described as a white male, approximately 6 foot 3 inches and 200

lbs. with a reddish blond bear wearing a dark hoodie, sunglasses and a black beanie, escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash after displaying a handgun.

He reportedly left in a white four-door passenger car. If you have information regarding this incident, identity of persons, where-

abouts, etc., please contact Detective Brian Wahlert at 512-393-7343 or brian. wahlert@co.hays.tx.us. You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-324-8477 from anywhere in the U.S. or submit your information anonymously online to Tip Line: P3tips.com

2019 YEAR IN REVIEW

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEE CAVE POLICE SERGEANT JOE REID

Samaritans saved Dripping Springs driver from car fire

Passersby came to the aid of a Dripping Springs man who flipped his car into a ditch along Hamilton Pool Road near Bee Cave on Feb. 6. Motorists Jonathan McCabe and Tyler Lawing were able to pull the driver to safety before the car burst into flames.

WISD scrutinized for opposing use of pride colors with school logo BY CAMELIA JUAREZ In the afterglow of Wimberley’s first-ever Pride Parade, Wimberley ISD was scrutinized for releasing a statement against a WISD School Board member wearing a shirt with the Wimberley High School logo against the backdrop of a pride flag. During the Wimberley pride parade, WISD School Board member

See school logo update on page 2

Lori Olson, who was out of town, posted a picture on Facebook of her wearing a shirt with the Wimberley

WISD LOGO CONTROVERSY, 2

No one was hurt in early February of last year when an 18-wheeler jackknifed along FM 150 near the Onion Creek double crossings near Driftwood. An exact cause of the wreck is unknown. However, the wreck forced officials to close the double crossings until late July so the low-water crossings could be rebuilt.

PHOTOS BY EXSAR ARGUELLO An overflow crowd full of Hill Country residents showed up at the Wimberley Community Center in January to show their concerns and opposition to the Permian Highway Pipeline. Many showed up with signs.

Kinder Morgan Pipeline tops headlines for 2019 and beyond BY STAFF REPORTS

In January of 2019, hundreds of residents packed into the Wimberley Community Center to gain advice on how to fight a 430-mile underground natural gas pipeline that’s expected to bisect Hays County. Permian Highway Pipelie is a proposed natural gas pipeline that’s expected to start in west Texas and end in Houston.

According to county officials, Kinder Morgan was proposing the pipeline as a “highway,” which qualifies the pipeline as “common carrier status,” giving Kinder Morgan the right of eminent domain. In March, transparency issues surrounding Kinder Morgan’s Permian Highway Pipeline provided more fuel for opponents fighting to keep the project from going through the Hill Country.

FM 150 double crossings take more than five months to fix

Those arguments and much more were brought to the forefront in a public meeting held at Hays High March 6. Hays County Pct. 2 Commissioner Mark Jones said adding roadblocks to Kinder Morgan’s path could force the company to seek another route. Also, in March, the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District held a public discussion to see how Kinder Morgan’s PHP

KINDER MORGAN, 2

Individual robbed Wimberley bank at gunpoint BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH HAYS COUNTY FIRE & RESCUE

could affect groundwater sources. In May, roughly a week after multiple parties filed suit against Kinder Morgan’s Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP), the Houston-based firm fought back by filing a motion to dismiss the claims, according to a press release. The filing, submitted May 7, asked the judge in charge of the case

Authorities never apprehended a suspect who robbed in broad daylight a Wimberley bank at gunpoint June 20. According to a Hays County press release, the suspect, described as a white man, entered the Broadway Bank on Ranch Road 12 and committed an armed robbery. No customers were in the bank at the time of the robbery and none of the bank employees were injured.

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News-Dispatch

News -Dispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton

Wimberley ISD sends cease and desist letters to people who used altered logo BY CAMELIA JUAREZ

csb@haysfreepress.com

EDITOR Anita Miller anita@bartonpublicationsinc.com

REPORTERS Nathalie Cohetero Camelia Juarez PRODUCTION David White david@haysfreepress.com Elizabeth Garcia design@haysfreepress.com ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com

Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com

PHOTOGRAPHER Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES Verna Wommack paper@

haysnewsdispatch.com

News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4 and Christmas by Barton Publications, Inc., 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $42 local, $59 county, $62 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Buda, TX. Email paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to News-Dispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610 LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@ haysfreepress.com.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Wimberley Independent school district is threatening legal action against a woman who used the Wimberley Texan logo with a rainbow in the backdrop. Community outrage sparked over the logo, after grievances were filed against WISD school board member Lori Olsen for wearing an altered WISD logo with a pride flag in the backdrop. Since those grievances were filed, WISD has obtained copyright to both the Wimberley Texan logo and the new WISD logo to “ensure fairness and consistency,” according to an email notice from

Recently, to protect the use of the marks we retained a local law firm with expertise in this area to register the marks with US Patent & Trademark Office and are waiting for approval which we believe we will receive soon.” –Dwain York, WISD superintendent said in an email statement

WISD Superintendent Dwain York. The email notice was sent to Wimberley resident Cynthia Millonzi. Millonzi said she changed her profile picture on Facebook for seven days to the rainbow backdrop version during Wimberley’s first pride parade in September. The image remains in her past profile pictures album on Facebook, but she has not

Dripping Springs bond advisory committee seeking members STAFF REPORTS The deadline is Friday, Jan. 10 for people to apply for membership on the Dripping Springs Bond Advisory Committee (BAC), a group whose mission is to monitor progress of the 2018 bond projects. The BAC will be responsible for reviewing bond expenditures and timelines, reviewing possible changes in scope and making recommendations to the Board of Trustees. Members will be chosen by the school board based on community membership, geographic representation and professional expertise. Renovations at Dripping Springs Elementary and Rooster Springs Elementary and turf and track improvements at Dripping Springs High School and Dripping

protect the use of the marks we retained a local law firm with expertise in this area to register the marks with US Patent & Trademark Office and are waiting for approval which we believe we will receive soon,” York said in an email statement. Almost two months after Olson posted a selfie with the altered logo, WISD applied to trademark the Wimberley Texan logo on Nov. 12, according to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It is unclear how the district is locating altered logos online. Several Facebook users with altered logos have not been given cease and desist letters.

AMONG THE MAJOR PROJECTS INCLUDE IN THE 2018 BOND ARE:

• Expansion of Dripping Springs High School to capacity for 2,500 students • Construction of a new elementary school • Conversion of the current Walnut Springs Elementary into space for district administration and a daycare facility • Micellaneous projects at Dripping Springs Middle School • Improvements and expansions at the district transportation facility • District-wide technology infrastructure improvements and maintenance upgrades • Land acquisition

Springs Middle School have already been completed.

Keep up with all the latest news coverage in Hays County by visiting www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

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used the logo since then. “When the week was over, the picture came down and I haven’t used it since, so to get the letter after the fact is a little disturbing,” Millonzi said. “They [WISD] did not have the rights to the logo when we used it and not that we would check. I mean if someone gifted me a T-shirt, I’m not going to check the copyright on every shirt.”

WISD Superintendent Dwain York said the district will enforce their rights to limit use of the marks under federal and state law. “Wimberley ISD has several marks which it allows local sponsors of its educational and extra-curricular activity programs to use. These sponsors pay significant fees each year to Wimberley ISD. Recently, to

ROAD CLOSURES

Portions of Rob Shelton to close temporarily for about a month SUBMITTED REPORT DRIPPING SPRINGS – Rob Shelton will be closed to through traffic to and from Founders Park Road, beginning soon after Christmas. The temporary closure is due to construction of a new driveway to Founders Park Pool and the Pound House. Traffic control and detours signs will

be put in place this week with closures and paving happening soon after. This first phase of construction is expected to take about a month to complete. Two-way traffic control will occur during the scheduled period of construction. Once this first phase is completed, Rob Shelton will reopen, and the second phase of construction will

begin, where portions of Founders Park Road will be closed to enable the construction to finish. There will continue to be access to the Pound House and Founders Park during both phases of construction. The City will provide updates throughout the construction. Please exercise caution when driving through the area.

2019 YEAR IN REVIEW WISD Logo Controversy Continued from pg. 1

High School logo against the backdrop of a pride flag. Days after the parade, Wimberley ISD Superintendent Dwain York released a statement, which in part said the district and district employees will not condone any alteration to the logo of Wimberley ISD. “If a non-school related group alters and uses the official marks/ logo of Wimberley ISD accompanied by text, it would suggest to the viewer, that Wimberley ISD endorses the group’s activities. The Board of Trustees, acting as governing board, and any Wimberley ISD administrator, in a position of authority, will always protect the official marks/logo of Wimberley ISD and will not approve the brand’s use in any altered format.” In response, Wimberley Pride released a statement that the logo has been altered on several occasions without comment from the

district. The logo is used at other business such as the Texan Car Wash and Ace Hardware, which are non-school related groups. Wimberley Pride feel it was a direct attack on the LGBTQ community. “This is the first time that WISD has issued a public admonishment of the use of their logo in this fashion. No district wide admonishment has been issued before over the use of this logo, even though this logo is regularly seen altered, modified, and rebranded in personal sporting announcements, apparel sold in local gift shops, used in religious decorations, in secular use, and other environments. Only in the cases when the logo was used with an LGBTQ association has there been a public admonishment. This is in notable contrast to a school district that claims a designation of #noplaceforhate,” a Wimberley Pride press release stated.

The post sparked so much attention that Wimberley Pride said the rainbow logo resulted in inquiries to the district superintendent and now an email and letter writing campaign calling for disciplinary action against the school board member for wearing this item of clothing in a Facebook post. Olson would not comment and referred the News-Dispatch to Wimberley ISD Communications Officer Deyanira Romo Rossell, who sent a statement from York, that the district will develop clearer guidelines for their logo. “Learning from this situation, we know moving forward, we need to create clear brand guidelines for the use of the Texan logo so that the District is fair and consistent. That is a discussion we are having now, putting together a branding committee and making these important decisions,” York said in an email statement.

Kinder Morgan Pipeline Continued from pg. 1

for a summary judgement based on “ample reasons” for dismissal, according to Kinder Morgan officials. It is unknown at this time if a decision on the motion has been made. A Travis County District Judge dismissed litigation aimed at halting the pipeline in mid-June. On July 21, Kinder Morgan filed a lawsuit against the city of Kyle stemming from Kyle’s pipeline safety ordinance that was approved by its city council

in May. Among other contingencies, the new rules would require the PHP to be buried some 15 feet underground in some areas. In mid-September, in a special called meeting, the city of Kyle unanimously approved an offer to settle pending litigation with Kinder Morgan. Under terms of the deal, the city exempted the energy giant from its new pipeline ordinance in exchange for two cash payments totaling $2.7

million. The settlement offer, which was detailed by attorney Bill Christian, requires that the city and Kinder Morgan would enter into a right-of-way agreement stating that the city would not be subject to additional delay costs in excess of what is allowed by statute. Also, the city would issue Kinder Morgan a road crossing permit. Construction on the pipeline began in Blanco County in October.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

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Wimberley High sparking passions for careers SUBMITTED REPORT It was a semester to remember for one Wimberley High School senior who is on his way to becoming a certified welder just in time for graduation. Kyle Clark is spending a couple of school days every week at Patriot Erectors-Dripping Springs, an opportunity made possible through the WHS Practicum Program and supportive business partners. Goals for this program include industry certification, hands-on training and career readiness. Clark is checking the box for each of these goals and having a great time doing it. The bonus – role models with a strong work ethic. Clark is apprenticing under the tutelage of Melvin Bell, a quality control specialist at Patriot Erectors-Dripping Springs and an 18-year veteran of the industry. While Clark is quiet and not interested

a horizontal weld, and from there you have the opportunity to improve your welds and learn how to weld vertically and overhead,” said Bell. When Bell is inspecting his apprentice’s work, he checks the overall appearance of the weld and also conducts a destructive examination to assess how strong the weld is by

PHOTO BY DEYANIRA ROBO ROSSELL WHS senior Kyle Clark spends some class time learning symbols and other important welding curriculum alongside his mentor, Melvin Bell, Patriot Erectors-Dripping Springs Quality Control specialist, working hard to achieve all the goals of his WHS practicum program and in this case becomimg a certified welder.

in talking much about himself, his eyes light up

PHOTO BY DEYANIRA ROBO ROSSELL Patriot-Erectors-Dripping Springs Director of Projects Brian Weber oversees the floor from his office and is glad to see WHS students learning every detail of how to pursue and succeed in a welding career.

when he talks about his mentor. “Mel reminds me of my grandpa,” he says. “I admire his work and how he works. My grandpa taught me the same work ethic, and I’ve always thought it was important to work just like that.” While Clark says his favorite part of the practicum program is welding, there are several important steps that he had to master before graduating to a welding torch. Prior to stepping on the floor, he trained in safety, reading welding symbols and understanding drawings under the guidance of Patriot team members. Once on the shop floor, safety continued to be a focal point for Clark’s journey with

the addition of hands-on curriculum on fabrication layout, welding techniques and quality. Today, with Bell at his side, Clark puts on hearing and eye protection, and gloves, and practices welding steel pieces, all important preparation for certification. He won’t work on a customer’s product until he receives all the training and certification. “When we start a project, we can’t flip a building to make all of the appropriate welds. You have to be able to weld in different positions, so we start with the basics, like

Patriot Erectors-Dripping Springs Director of Projects. “My team tells me that when they are presenting the kids with new concepts it might take two or three times for the students to understand it, but it’s really satisfying to watch them get it, and see the light bulb go off.” As a father himself, Weber knows the importance of workforce preparation that goes beyond the classroom or shop. “If you give them a certain level of responsibility and respect, and model and reinforce the importance of showing up to work, being on time and listening to their mentor, and making sure they understand what they are being taught, it gives them confidence,” said Weber. To pursue a career in welding at one of Patriot Erectors’ fabrication shops, employees must complete their OSHA-10 within 30 days of being hired, which students complete through the PHOTO BY JENNIFER L. REDENTE welding and carpentry shop at WHS. Candidates must also complete a trying to break apart the welding certification welded material. administered by one of In addition to working Patriot’s employees who in the shop, students in hold a D.1.1. certification this program learn about through the American project management—an Welding Society. opportunity to experience Patriot offers an exthe day-to-day responsicellent benefits package bilities of a construction to complement a beginproject manager, underning paycheck of $13.50 stand the importance of an hour, depending on the document control the welder’s experience section and work closely and skill level. Industry with an associate detailing pay range is between $13 manager. to $26. “By participating in this There are 78 students program, my team and I enrolled in the WHS find great satisfaction in practicum program this seeing the students learn year – 64 of them are and grow right before our sponsored in Wimberley. eyes,” said Brian Weber,

Twas the Day after Christmas … ’Twas the day after Christmas, and all through this house, Pine needles were scattered like poop from a mouse. My stocking was flung upon my La-Z-Boy chair, I was hoping more Hershey Kisses were still in there. Our children were back home, grandkids playing with new toys, Me watching ESPN, fussin’ about the Dallas Cowboys. Maw’s in her she-shed, and me unscrewing the cap Off a bottle of whiskey, then I’d take my nap. When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter, I sprung out of my chair and Jim Beam made a splatter. Away to the window, I sped like the Flash! My left knee buckled and into the tree I did crash. The setting sun on unraked leaves and dead grass Gave a luster of midday through dust-covered glass. When what did my wondering, blood-shot eyes see, But a mess of feral hogs rootin’ beneath an oak tree.

And Maw out of her shed. Dang, that gal can run. Yelling “The hogs are back. Grab your gun!” More rapid than a sloth on a dose of Prozac, I lifted my rifle out from the gun rack. As I rushed outside, I whispered their names, None I can print here. For shame, shame. Ow! Sticker. Ow! Splinter. Ow! Pebbles and rocks. I forgot my boots. I’m just wearing socks. To the bottom of my porch, behind a stack of logs, Now blast away! Blast away! Blast those dang hogs! Like dried leaves during an October twister, Those sows scattered, leaving behind their sister. Out of my yard, those pigs sprang, From my rifle, ear-piercing shots rang. And then in a twinkling, I heard just beyond the bluff, The pawing and prancing of each little hoof.

Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts

As I turned my head and spun around, I quickly chambered another round. He was caked in mud, from his head to his curly tail, A huge wild boar, straight from the bowels of hell. His tusks were sharp, his snout was really long. And I had a notion to send him back t’where he belonged. I took a deep breath, praying my aim’s true. In an instant, that hog became buzzard stew. I spoke not a word, but texted the husband of my daughter. Said, “You should see the hog I just shot. You really oughta”. As my phone buzzed and it’s inbox chimed, Giving a nod, up my porch steps I climbed. Back to my recliner, I needed to wet my whistle. To ward off the rigors, I filled that crystal, And emailed my neighbors that the hogs have all left, And not to call me ‘cause all that shootin’ has left me deaf.

Left to right, Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones, Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe, Deputy Clerks Anne Medina, Rebecca Montemayor and Ashley Iraheta, County Judge Ruben Becerra, Senior Deputy Clerk Jill Kotzur, Deputy Clerk Briana Ramirez, County Clerk Elaine Cárdenas, Senior Deputy Clerk Valerie Valdez, Deputy Clerk Anthony Ross, Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith.

Hays County Clerk’s office earns five star exemplary status for third year SUBMITTED REPORT The Hays County Commissioners Court recognized the Hays County Clerk’s Office for once again earning the Five Star Exemplary Award from the State Health Department’s Bureau of Vital Statistics. This is the third year in a row the County Clerk’s Office has won the designation. “I’m really proud of my team for achieving this honor,” County Clerk Dr. Elaine Cárdenas told

the Commissioners Court. “It’s rare to gain Five Star designation. It means we have exceeded the State’s highest standards for accuracy, thoroughness, timeliness, efficiency, and customer service.” Cárdenas noted the challenges the Clerk’s Office faced this year, including a new County Clerk (referring to herself), an additional courtroom added to their workload, and a transition to new software.

Worship in a church of your choice Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.

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News-Dispatch

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Pleasant Grove overpowers Wimberley 35-21 for state title BY MOSES LEOS III

for Pleasant Grove was running back Bruce GarARLINGTON – Strugrett who rushed for 254 gles in stopping a potent yards on 25 carries and Pleasant Grove Hawk three key touchdowns in ground game Dec. 20 sunk the contest. Anchoring the Wimberley Texans Garrett’s effort was an in a 35-21 loss in the 4A, offensive line that helped Division II championship the Hawks amass 437 at AT&T Stadium. total yards of offense, Carrying the load 397 of those yards on the

ground. Pleasant Grove opened with an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown from KJ Hicks before the Texans countered back. A 14-yard touchdown pass from Texan quarterback Cooper McCollum to wide receiver Colby Boyle tied the contest at 7-7 after a

With the runner-up silver medal draped around his neck, a disappointed Colby Boyle wipes away tears after Wimberley’s 35-21 loss to Pleasant Grove in the Conference 4A Division II State Championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Friday, Dec. 20.

frame. Following a Garrett 54yard touchdown run early in the second frame, Wimberley’s offense responded with a 24-yard touchdown run by running back Moses Wray to tie the game at 14-14. Wray rushed for 34

STATE TITLE HOPES END, 6

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Top Sports Moments in 2019

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III Members of the Dripping Springs Tiger boys cross country team sprint out of the gates during the Tiger Invitational meet in late August. Both the Dripping Springs Tiger boys and girls cross country teams once again advanced to the UIL state meet in Round Rock this season. The girls team made the program’s 7th straight trip, with the boys team making its third straight appearance. Tiger Caleb Lopez finished with a podium finish at state, taking 10th place in the individual standings.

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM Dripping Springs’ senior Avery Kalsu (left) tries to conceal her tears while being consoled by teammate Bella Rodriguez after the Lady Tigers’ shocking 3-0 loss to Alamo Heights in the 5A Region IV Final in San Antonio. While the Tigers fell a step short of a return to Garland and the state tournament, Dripping Springs closed 2019 with the program’s eighth straight district title. During that span, Dripping Springs has so far won 100-plus district contests. In addition, Tiger head coach Michael Kane secured his 700th career victory this season.

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM Dripping Springs senior Lydia Evans competes in the girls 100-yard breast stroke in the preliminaries of the UIL state swimming and diving meet in mid-February. Evans qualified for the finals and finished 5th in the championship.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III D   ripping Springs Tiger Izzy Bermudez dives left in an attempt to snag a ball that was hit foul during a playoff game played at Jourdanton High in May. Despite a stunning loss to Corpus Christi Flour Bluff in the regional semifinal round, the Dripping Springs Tiger softball team still captured the 25-6A crown in 2019. Leading the way was a group that set numerous school records, including senior Camille Corona, who is now playing at the University of Texas at Austin.

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM History was made in mid-April when the Dripping Springs Lady Tiger soccer team competed in the UIL state tournament in Georgetown. It marked the first time in more than a decade the Lady Tiger girls soccer team had advanced to play at state. Dripping Springs finished as state semifinalists.

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PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III Dripping Springs High senior Chance Wylie (left) fights to escape from the grasp of teammate Jeremy Hack as they complete a pre-season drill.

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Thursday, January 2, 2020

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PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM Senior Kelsey Melvin (19) controls the ball while making a fast break around and between the Jaguar’s Ava Motes and another LBJ defender in a Division 2 Central District match at Dripping Springs’ Middle School stadium.

PHOTO BY NICK MORRIS Dripping Springs High junior Avery Kalsu (1312) speeds around the bend during the 400-meter dash at the UIL state track and field meet in Austin. Kalsu was one of a handful of Tigers who competed at the UIL state meet in May.

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PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM Dripping Springs’ sophomore Ally Beck is boxed in by Kerrville Tivy’s Katie Harmon (5) and Charli Becker in the 5A, Region IV quarterfinal. The Lady Tigers (25-13) won district (13-1) and the Area playoff game but their season ended with a 68-26 loss to Tivy in late February.

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM Dripping Springs’ senior Nick Statz, listed at 6-feet, 9-inches, goes up for a shot off the backboard as Sam Houston’s Raymond Citizen tries in vain to block the shot. A buzzer-beater 3-point shot won the game for the Hurricanes 45-43. Statz put up 11 points for the Tigers.

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PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III Patrick Turner, a participant in the 2019 Texas Water Safari, braves the Rio Vista Dam water chute on the San Marcos River.

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PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM The Tigers’ 28-27 loss to Manor in their bi-district playoff game in November was a devastating blow to fans, coaches and players, especially the 36 seniors, as exhibited by senior Andre Flores Perry (20). Despite the disappointment of how they finished, Dripping Springs’ football team completed the 2019 season with the 12-5A, Division I crown, marking the program’s fourth straight district title in a row.

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Thursday, January 2, 2020

Texas could have done worse than the northern mockingbird BY JERRY HALL

You probably know that the northern mockingbird is the state bird of Texas. It is also the state bird of four other states – Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee. The most popular state bird is the northern cardinal. It is claimed by seven states – Illinois, Kentucky,

Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. Second most popular bird is the western meadowlark, the state bird of six states – Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon and Wyoming. To me, the most unusual state birds are the yellowhammer, a type of woodpecker, for Alabama;

the Rhode Island red chicken, for Rhode Island; and the blue hen chicken for Delaware. While they don’t have a chicken for a state bird, folks in Louisiana do stand out with the brown pelican. Also unusual is Hawaii, where the nene, or Hawaiian goose, is the

state bird. New Mexico claims the roadrunner and Minnesota is represented by the common loon. All in all, I think the mockingbird is a fine choice. It has a most melodic song and is capable of great mimicry when in the mood.

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