January 4, 2023 News-Dispatch

Attorneys: 'Don't say no mo', release the video'

Family demands transparency for victim of officer-involved shooting

BY NATALIE FRELS

SAN MARCOS — “Don’t say no mo’, release the video!” echoed through the crowd that gathered at The Cephas House in San Marcos at noon on Monday for a press conference, hosted by the attorneys for the family of the victim in an officer-involved shooting on Dec. 12. The family

of Joshua Leon Wright, 36, an inmate in the Hays County Jail who was being held prior to his trial for several misdemeanors, is demanding transparency in the form of body camera footage from Hays County Jail corrections officer Isaiah Garcia.

According to the second autopsy

requested by the family, Garcia shot Wright six times as the inmate allegedly attempted to flee.

Beverly Wright, the mother of the deceased, was comforted by local attorney Chevo Pastrano as attorney Ben Crump addressed the crowd and a gaggle of reporters.

Crump, who has represented families

of victims involved in high-profile officerinvolved shootings, cited a Facebook post by the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) posted on the day of the incident which claimed that Wright threatened hospital staff with a sharp medical

19-year-old takes office as district clerk

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

HAYS

Skate park planning still underway

BY MEGAN WEHRING

DRIPPING SPRINGS – The highlyanticipated skate park in Dripping Springs is still in the planning stages.

Dripping Springs City Council first approved the skate park proposal in 2017 and then entered into a license agreement in 2019, allowing for construction at Founders Memorial Park. On June 7, 2022, the council approved an extension of the license agreement, requiring that all construction funding for the skate park be

completed within two years.

However, the idea of the skate park started in March 2014, when skate classes emerged with the Dripping Springs Community Foundation and then in November of that year, supporters filled city hall to present the idea to the Parks and Recreation department.

Dennis Baldwin of the Dripping Springs Skate Park Initiative said they are currently sitting at close to $800,000 for the project.

“Materials and labor costs have gone up

COUNTY — The requirements to run for local office are actually quite simple. More often than not, you just need to be a U.S citizen, a resident of the state and/or county for a certain amount of time, be a registered voter, not be a convicted felon and be at least 18 years of age.

Avrey Anderson ticks all of these boxes. Now, the 19-yearold Dripping Springs native is preparing to take on the role of Hays County’s new district clerk.

Anderson was elected during the Nov. 8 election, unseating incumbent Beverley Crumley, who has held office since 2011, by nearly 2,000 votes. Anderson’s swearing in, along with the swearing in of other Nov. 8 elected officials, took place on Jan. 1 at the Hays County Historic Courthouse in San Marcos.

District clerks play a vital role in local governments. They file, process and maintain records of all of the district courts’

Wimberley to remedy oak wilt at Blue Hole

BY MEGAN WEHRING

WIMBERLEY – At Blue Hole Regional Park, the city of Wimberley is working to remove oak wilt — one of the most destructive tree diseases.

The disease has killed more than one million trees in 76 Central Texas counties, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Oak wilt is an infectious vascular disease caused by the Bretziella fagacearum fungus, which invades and disables the water conducting system in susceptible trees.

On Dec. 1, Wimberley City Council approved an amendment to the 2022-23 operating budget for $15,000 to remedy oak wilt at Blue Hole Regional Park. After a

recommendation by Parks and Recreation director Richard Shaver, $100,000 was also allocated for a new parks master plan.

“We just had a really good Samaritan, who is an employee of the Texas A&M Forest Service, just driving down [FM] 3237,” Shaver said. “[He] was looking at our trees from his car and set up a meeting with us; we walked down to the area and he was able to diagnose it as oak wilt.”

Shaver said the most effective way to remedy oak wilt is to isolate the diseased trees, let them die and not affect any of the other oak trees in an area.

“Some ways that people have done this is they can inject trees with a chemical that would

possibly save them but would stop the disease from moving forward,” Shaver said. “But the method we decided to go with is a trenching method … If a tree is touching another oak

tree, the disease can spread from one to another.”

The trenching method involves pruning the diseased trees back from the healthy trees, Shaver explained, and a trencher

physically isolates one area from the other.

“We are fortunate where we found it so we can create a semicircle connecting from FM 3237

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The new skate park in Dripping Springs is still in the preliminary phases.

Avrey Anderson

PHOTO BY NATALIE FRELS

The family of Joshua Leon Wright and a team of attorneys make their way to the podium at the press conference held Monday in San Marcos

Rambo Masonic Lodge recognizes Dave Edwards

BY WAYLAND D. CLARK

DRIPPING SPRINGS — Annually, Rambo Masonic Lodge No. 426 in Dripping Springs identifies one member of the community to receive the Community Builder Award. The 2022 award was presented to Dave Edwards at the historic lodge on Dec. 22.

The prestigious award was established by the Grand Lodge of Texas so that lodges can formally recognize an outstanding non-Mason, man or woman, who exemplifies Masonic character and has distinguished themselves through their service to the community, local and state governments, places of worship or to humanity at large.

After graduating from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance, Edwards began a banking career in community banks around the Houston area and eventually moved to San Marcos to help open a new bank. He moved to Dripping Springs in 1983 and continued his career in banking with the former Dripping Springs National Bank, now Wells Fargo Bank. He later worked at Broadway Bank in Dripping Springs and retired in 2016.

Edwards has always been involved in

civic, nonprofit and church activities. In Dripping Springs, he has served several terms on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, on the board of the Lions Club, as an active member of the Rotary Club and on the city’s Economic Development Committee.

“It’s my honor and privilege to present the award to Mr. Edwards, who has and continues to serve this community so well,” said Lodge Worshipful Master pro tem Lynn Alderson at the ceremony.

Edwards says he has been married to his wife Becky for “only 53 years,” has two daughters, Kristi and Amy, who are both married and live in Austin and has four grandchildren ages 15, 13, 11 and 8.

Some, but not all, of his current activities are serving as chair of the city’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, chairperson of Hometown Missions, a local nonprofit serving the housing needs of low-income residents, treasurer of the Board of Directors of Hill Country Senior Citizens Center and elder and small group leader at Hill Country Bible Church in Dripping Springs.

“Community Builders are often found in service clubs, public school systems, religious activities and all kinds of volunteer work,” Alderson said. “They are everywhere you look but often go unseen.”

COVID risk high in Hays County

BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS COUNTY – Hays County is now at high risk for COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention upgraded Hays County from medium to high risk due to new cases and hospitalizations. Neighboring Travis, Blanco and Comal counties are all labeled as low risk, while Caldwell is at medium.

CLERK, from Page 1

proceedings, implement district court decisions and administratively support the district courts and its judges.

For Anderson, it was his interest in both public service and programming, including knowing SQL (a programming language), that drove him to run for office.

“I wanted to serve my county; I wanted to serve my people,” Anderson said. “It really just leads back to public service. I saw district clerk as an excellent opportunity to do that.”

Anderson’s preparation for office included reading the district clerk manual, brushing up on local government statutes and doing some other training ahead of officially assuming office. One of his biggest campaign

BLUE HOLE, from Page 1

onto the other side of the park and isolate that way,” Shaver said.

New oak wilt centers are started when a contaminated beetle finds a fresh wound on a healthy oak tree, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

The best time to prune

PARK, from Page 1

The CDC assigns every county nationwide with a “COVID-19 Community Level” to help individuals understand how the virus is impacting their specific community.

Low, medium and high-risk levels are determined based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past seven days, new hospital admissions in the past seven

See COVID, Page 5

strategies, however, was getting out into the community and talking with people.

“If you have conversations with people around town, which I primarily did around the Square [in San Marcos], people will remember that,” Anderson said. “It’s really one of the best ways to talk to people … The fact that you’re there in person makes it much more personal than watching someone on the TV or seeing a big sign.”

While Anderson credited part of his win to this strategy, he said that it maybe got him “a few hundred votes” and acknowledged that the changing political landscape of the county was also advantageous.

“To be honest, our

to prevent an oak wilt infection is in summer and winter, when the beetle populations are the lowest and fungal mats are least likely to form.

Shaver said the staff is collecting quotes from contractors to take care of the service.

so that’s why we have been pushing hard to continue to raise money, but I think we are pretty close in that regard,” Baldwin said.

The skate park, aimed to be 12,000 to 15,000 square feet, will be housed at Founders Memorial Park. Because the surrounding area has become more developed with additional housing, the location is considered to be ideal to attract the community to gather together.

While other cities may put together a budget and request bid proposals, the skate park project in Dripping Springs is a little different.

“In our case, the city was not able to do that,” Baldwin said. “We moved forward with raising the money, doing all of the work and formed a strong relationship with the city that says, ‘Hey, we support you guys but since we don’t have the money to contribute to the project, we are going to let you guys go forward with the design and the bill.’ At that point, we’ll donate the project to the city so it will fall under the jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation [department].”

Baldwin and his team are still finalizing the logistics before construction can begin.

Food bank receives $1.2 million for new facility

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

HAYS COUNTY — Hays County’s sole food bank will finally get a much needed upgrade that will ensure it can keep up with the county’s growing population and need for food security.

On Dec. 20, the Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously approved $1.2 million of American Rescue

county has been blue for a bit,” Anderson said, who ran as a Democrat.

Since his victory, he has been busy preparing to take office, and said that one of the biggest – and only –problems encountered so far is with staffing.

“We’re getting that under control,” Anderson said. “In the beginning, there were a lot more people worried and willing to leave. Then I started meeting with the deputies of that office so they would understand that I’m not going to ‘clean house.’ I’m

Plan funds to go toward building a new facility for the Hays County Food Bank (HCFB), as it has outgrown its current space in a countyowned building in San Marcos.

With this vote and these funds, HCFB will be able to hire a consultant, put $88,000 toward a feasibility study and $1.1 million toward construction of a new 15,000-

there to basically build relationships with my employees that are going to be strong; one that actually helps us function and achieve what we’re supposed to.”

Anderson is also keenly aware of what many in the county might be thinking about him taking office at his age.

“I surely understand that they think I'm a 19-yearold and don’t have any experience, and that’s easily understandable,” Anderson said. “But I also have as much experience

as someone who’s elected to Congress for the first time, being that they have to undergo training to learn how exactly to be a legislator … To overcompensate for my age, I dress nicer, I talk to people more, I'm more open to discussion. I try basically fulfilling my role as a servant to the community better than what maybe some people think. I would be willing to do anything at all to help people in the government center, regardless if it was in my office.”

to 30,000-square-foot facility. Although the estimated cost for a facility of this size ranges between $3 million and $9 million, these funds will at least help put the gears in motion for the project.

According to HCFB

Executive Director Eleanor Owen, a new facility has been a long time coming. The food bank has operated out of a

See HCFB, Page 5

As district clerk, Anderson’s heart is set on one simple task: ensuring his office serves the community as efficiently as possible.

“I want to build a vision of public service,” Anderson said. “I don’t know if that’s already been implemented into the office, but it should be, and that’s the vision I want to instill: that we are to serve the community. We don’t own anything, we’re not above them, but we’re here for them, and we’re here to serve them.”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Dave Edwards (center) was presented the Community Builder Award by Rambo Masonic Lodge Past Master Wayland Clark (left) and Worshipful Master pro tem Lynn Alderson.

Commissioner Jones honored for years of service

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

HAYS COUNTY — The November election brought some new faces to several Hays County government offices, thus, the time for one county commissioner has come to an end.

During his final commissioners court meeting on Dec. 20, Pct. 2 commissioner Mark Jones was honored for his years of service on the dais and in the community.

Jones was first elected in 2010, although his time in public service and the county stretches back years

instrument.

“We are challenging CLEAT to release the video showing Joshua Wright had a sharp medical device in his hand and if he didn’t have a sharp medical device in his hand, we, as a community, have to challenge them: ‘Why are you lying?’ People only lie when they know it’s not justified.”

In a statement issued by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Wright allegedly assaulted Garcia in an attempt to escape.

Pastrano described the findings of the legal team’s own investigation, which includes a second autopsy requested at the behest of the family. Their findings, however, are “limited,” as the HCSO has not released the footage from Garcia’s body camera, Pastrano said.

According to their investigation, Wright suffered a medical emergency, which required his transport by two officers to Ascension Seton Hays in the early hours of Dec. 12. After several hours, the officers were relieved by Garcia — “the sole jailer in custody of Wright,” the attorney explained. At some point in time, Wright’s handcuffs were removed so that he could use the bathroom, although his feet remained shackled. While washing his hands, a scuffle ensued between Wright and Garcia. After a “shove” by Wright, who attempted to flee, at which point, Garcia fired his service weapon and struck the victim six times, with one shot entering the spinal cord — what Pastrano described as paralyzing.

“Only at that point did it come to the very disgusting realization that Officer Garcia continued to fire upon Wright,” the attorney said.

According to Pastrano, one of the six shots entered his lower chest, went through the torso and came to rest in the victim’s neck, indicating that the round was fired when Wright was already on the ground.

“We stand here because there’s no excuse, no reasonable explanation why a man in shackles should ever be fired upon even once,” Pastrano said.

“There are all kinds of less than lethal ways to stop a man from shuffling away than shooting upon him … We want to get justice for Joshua and the only way we will be able to do that is if we can view the video that we so desperately want to view.”

Members of the Wright family also took their turn to speak of their loved one at the press conference on Monday. His brother’s voice trembled as Christopher Clark shared more about Wright, while the victim’s 13-year-old daughter clutched the edges of a framed photograph of her father.

“He would give you the shirt off his back,” Clark said. “They took something from me that cannot be replaced and I just want to know why. Why? It’s so overwhelming. I’m very angry. And these people need to be held accountable for what they’ve done.”

Wright’s mother Beverly said, “Joshua was a happy-go-lucky fella. He was a gentle giant … he

before that. He has served as an executive committee member of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Policy Board for the last four years, is vice president of the Capital Area Housing Corporation and Hays County Food Bank and is active in the local education scene, including serving as a board member of the Hays County Education Foundation and timekeeper for high school football and basketball teams and starter for track teams.

Jones was also a two-term trustee and vice president of the Hays CISD Board of

struggled with a lot of things. He wasn’t perfect, but he was my son. He was my son! Why did they have to kill my baby boy? I want to know why. If it was his fault, I can accept it, but show us the video.”

She also expressed her dismay at the lack of communication between the family and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office — a sentiment echoed by the team of lawyers, who said the family has not heard a word from the law enforcement agency since the notification of Wright’s death.

As the press conference drew to a close, the legal team and family encouraged the community to reach out to the county commissioners to demand transparency and release the body camera footage.

“Everybody, show up to the commissioners meeting [Tuesday morning],” Crump said. “Our message is simple: ‘Release the video.’”

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office has declined to release information regarding the ongoing investigation, which is currently under the direction of the Texas Rangers.

In response to a question from the News-Dispatch, Crump said that should charges not be filed against Garcia, the family will pursue all forms of justice for Wright.

“We’re going to explore every possible legal remedy to get this family some sense of justice,” the attorney said. “Anything that can be afforded to any citizen by the Constitution, we will pursue for Joshua Wright.”

Trustees.

Jones said that through his three consecutive terms as commissioner, he has seen Hays County transform from being a “bedroom community” to exploding with growth in infrastructure and county services.

Ultimately, it was the personal connections he strived for that made him work through the challenges.

“When you know that there’s something that needs to happen and you feel strongly about it, you just have to go at it each day,” Jones said. “The biggest

PHOTOS BY NATALIE FRELS

Above, Xyrrena Wright, 13, is the daughter of Joshua Leon Wright, the inmate who was shot while in custody at the Hays County Jail. Below, attorney Chevo Pastrano comforts Beverly Wright, Joshua's mother.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

From left: commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Mark Jones, Judge Ruben Becerra and commissioners Lon Shell and Walt Smith. Dec. 20 marked Jones’ last day on the dais.

'I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I wouldn’t trade it for anything'

Land Conservation: A gift that keeps giving

The holiday season is a great time to appreciate the bounty of thoughtful land stewardship and its benefits beyond private landowners into our Hill Country communities.

Landowners practicing good stewardship enhance water quality and quantity, mitigate floods and drought, support agricultural productivity, and improve wildlife habitat. As the population of Texas grows, the demand for development in the Hill Country is ever-increasing – making land stewardship an even more important gift.

For a growing number of private landowners, conservation easements are another way to ensure land is permanently protected for future generations. A conservation easement is an agreement between a private landowner and a charitable organization that limits or restricts future development of the land, preserving its natural and historic character.

Conservation easements can be donated or sold and aim to keep land in private hands

while maintaining it mostly in its current condition.

The conservation easement holder is usually a land trust –a private, nonprofit organization that holds interests in property. Several land trust organizations operate in Central Texas, including the Hill Country Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy in Texas, the Texas Agricultural Land Trust, and the Texas Land Conservancy. For land trusts, conservation easements are a way to protect land from development that doesn’t require outright purchase and allows private owners to continue to use and enjoy their property. Land trusts are responsible for ensuring that future landowners follow the easement terms and that the donor’s wishes are respected. Easement terms are as varied as the land itself - tailored to fit landowners’ wishes and the specifics of each property.

Most conservation easements are perpetual, remaining in effect when a property is sold or passed on to heirs. For many owners this brings peace of mind, as the easement ensures that their vision for the land

will continue, preserving the time and money they have invested in restoring and improving it and ultimately, carrying on a legacy of conservation.

Conserved lands benefit both landowners and the general public. Conveying a conservation easement to a nonprofit organization is a charitable gift and can give landowners tax benefits or even partial payment. For the public, conservation easements reduce the future pressure of development on rivers, streams, and aquifers –which already feel the state’s rapid growth – and help maintain habitat for wildlife, a resource shared by all Texans.

Additionally, land under easements may continue to be farmed, ranched, or available for other productive uses in the future.

Landowners all over Texas have placed more than a million acres into conservation easements, keeping land in Texas natural and rural. Lands placed under conservation easements give future Texans a chance to see and experience our state’s diverse, rich landscapes for years to come.

Landowners who conserve their land are truly giving a gift to Texans everywhere by keeping the Hill Country’s wide open spaces, conserved lands, and connected landscapes. To learn more and connect

with folks who care about your piece of Texas just as much as you do, visit www. texasconservation.org. If you have questions related to stewardship or conservation, you can email them to DearStew@texasconservation. org and you may see them answered in a future column. Looking forward to learning more with you. –

The Hill Country Steward

The Hill Country Steward –not a person, but a partnership of local experts dedicated to sharing the best information, tips, and lessons learned. Have questions? Send them to DearStew@texasconservation. org. Learn more at www. texasconservation.org

LBJ fills CIA vacancy with fellow Texan

The first test-fire of the Polaris missile on Jan. 10, 1960 was a spectacular success that put the low-profile career of a Texas-born admiral into public orbit.

A native of Decatur and a 1928 graduate of Annapolis, William F. Raborn passed the tests of war and peace with flying colors. But nothing could prepare the can-do sailor for his final assignment as director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

During the last days of the war in the Pacific, a kamikaze pilot scored a direct hit on the aircraft carrier Hancock. Repairing the badly damaged

flight deck in a remarkable four hours, Executive Officer “Red” Raborn made possible the safe return of a fighter squadron, an incredible feat rewarded with the Silver Star.

The Texan’s post-war duties were no less challenging, and his long list of peacetime accomplishments earned him an enviable reputation as the most able administrator in the navy. In 1955 he took the job of speeding up production of the Polaris, a submarine-launched missile with a 1,500-mile range.

A tough taskmaster who

believed in seven-day work weeks for everybody including himself, Rabon regularly revived weary subordinates with rousing pep talks. “I knew that I was ready to die for someone,” a former aide later recalled with mixed feelings, “but I didn’t know whether it was the admiral, the president, my mother, the head of the Boy Scouts or who.”

Raborn’s management magic added the underwater weapon to the US arsenal an impressive three years ahead of schedule. The successful test-firing of the

Polaris in 1960 instead of the projected 1963 landed him on the cover of Time magazine.

Retiring from the navy after his 30-year hitch, Raborn settled into the comfortable life of a civilian executive. He was hired as vice-president of a California aerospace company and spent his off-hours chasing golf balls in Palm Springs. But duty unexpectedly called in April 1965. On his way to the airport for a mysterious trip to Texas, Raborn slyly suggested to the public relations department, “You might want to have some biographical material on me available.”

President Lyndon Johnson’s announcement of the Texan

as his choice for CIA director caught Washington knowit-alls, as well as Raborn’s corporate cronies, by complete surprise. Although the admiral had never been mentioned as a prospect for the post, his name topped the only list that mattered -- LBJ’s.

Director Raborn hardly had time to find his office in the vast CIA complex in Langley, Virginia before facing his first full-blown crisis. Six hours after the swearing-in ceremony on Apr. 28, 1965, the president decided to dispatch the Marines to a Caribbean hot spot.

Cheers to a more cheerful 2023

Well, we made it through another year. 2022 was a rough one for many of us, but we kept on plodding forward. I can look back on 2022 and recall having more good times than bad days.

FROM THE CROW’S NEST BY CLINT YOUNTS

I got to frolic in the Gulf of Mexico and marvel at the majestic Rocky Mountains. I woke to more beautiful sunrises than dreary mornings. I stopped watching the morning news and began each day trying to get Wordle. That’s how I spent 2022.

Now, as I sit here on January 1, my head aching from either cedar pollen or that champagne I purchased from Dollar General, I am thinking I should make some New Year resolutions. I’m struggling to come up with any since I’ve been making resolutions for several decades and never kept one past February. It seems like the most common resolutions have to do with improving one’s

CORRECTIONS

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

health, like losing weight, exercising more or cutting back on alcohol consumption.

Well, I don’t need to do any of these things. I’ve been wearing the same size jeans for 30 years, and I work harder now after retiring than I did when I had a job. As for cutting back on my beer drinking, you’ve got to be joking!

Now, don’t get me wrong.

I’m not a heavy beer drinker. I only weigh 215. If I go over 225 pounds and can’t snap my britches, I switch to light beer until I get back to my previous weight. This is my version of drinking responsibly.

While I’m on the subject of alcohol consumption, do any of y’all answer honestly when the doctor asks how many alcohol beverages do you drink in a week? I usually ask him, “Which week?” Some doctors have a sense of humor while others just frown and say, “It’s time for

DEADLINES

your prostate exam”. I made a resolution a few years ago to not joke around with doctors with fat fingers.

I suppose if I have to make a resolution, I’m gonna try to be less grumpy and have more patience. It seems as I gain gray hairs, I lose patience. I used to have a high tolerance when in the company of fools, but as I age gracefully, I tend to voice my opinions more often.

I used to enter debates online with truly ignorant souls, but I came to the conclusion that arguing with fools is like chopping cedars with a dull ax. It takes too much energy and you don’t get much accomplished. Something I started doing the past few months is simply blocking folks who seem to enjoy tossing buffalo chips in the campfire. I also like to block Philadelphia Eagle fans. Out of sight, out of mind.

I probably fuss too much about all the construction and destruction that these

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developers are doing around us. And I fuss about government officials who have the foresight of a mole with cataracts. They continue to let developers build more homes in areas with narrow roads and dwindling water supply.

I know I complain a lot about all the rude drivers and the awful traffic on our country roads. Hey, if you want to drive like hell, don’t do it in God’s country.

I fuss a lot about crooked politicians who lie and cheat, and I fuss about people who will vote to keep them in office.

Yeah, I reckon I should be less grumpy and stop complaining so much. The best solution to achieve my resolution is chilling in my beer fridge. So, if y’all want to hear less fussin’ and complainin’ from this grumpy old man, y’all need to be darn sure that my fridge is always full. And if it looks like I’ve gained weight, buy me some light beer.

Happy New Year, y’all!

LETTERS GUIDELINES

PHOTO COURTESY OF LARRY WHITE AND THE HILL COUNTRY ALLIANCE

Texas History by Bartee Haile

How to prepare for cold weather

BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS COUNTY –

Concerns about how to stay warm and protect homes against harsh winter conditions were at an all-time high during the Christmas holiday season.

Texas Water Utilities, the state’s branch of SouthWest Water Company, shared with its customers some preventive tips on how to

JONES, from Page 3

protect homes. Water expands when it freezes, causing tremendous pressure to be placed on pipes inside and outside of homes and can cause them to break. Texas Water Utilities recommends the following tips to prepare homes in case of a freeze:

• Open cabinets and keep the thermostat to a consistent temperature during the day and night.

relationships I had, with citizens I didn’t know before and with staff, is what I’ll remember the longest and the most.”

During the Dec. 20 meeting, Jones’ colleagues also shared their sentiments of working alongside him, highlighting the lasting impression he left on many in the community.

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to work with you and beside you, literally,” said Pct. 1 commissioner and Jones’ benchmate Debbie Ingalsbe. “I know that the residents of Pct. 2 truly appreciate your work and service. I know that I always say that it's the little things that people care about.”

Resident Jim Camp, who was appointed by Jones to serve on the county’s Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee, also spoke about Jones’ years of

2,250-square-foot building (which includes office and warehouse space and 160 square feet of cooler and freezer capacity) on Herndon Street since the mid-’90s.

However, Owen said a new facility has been needed for at least 20 years, and that was before the county experienced its explosive growth.

When HCFB’s current building first opened in 1996, the population of Hays County was 78,389.

• Leave the heat on when going away for vacation during cold weather.

• Insulate pipes and faucets in unheated areas and seal off openings in doors and air vents.

• Drain the swimming pool, shut down your sprinkler system, turn off outside faucets and remove connected hoses.

• If a pipe freezes but

commitment to enhancing the Edwards Aquifer waterways while keeping the growth of the county in mind.

Camp said that Jones’ efforts have helped the court as a whole work with the community, the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and other groups on these environmental protections.

“The people of Hays County said yes by about 70% to pass the bonds and every community — San Marcos, Kyle, Wimberley and all places in between — now have more parks and recreation opportunities, more trails, more open space and the protection of Jacob’s Well and other places. You were a big part of that,” Camp added.

Jones also received the Road Hand Award from the Texas Department of Transportation

Now, it’s nearly 256,000. The county’s need for such a facility and services is unquestionable.

According to information provided by HCFB, Texas households experiencing food insecurity increased from 13% in December 2018 to 22% in June 2021, meaning one in eight Texans, or 4 million individuals, experience food insecurity.

Locally, HCFB distributes more than

hasn’t burst, try to thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hairdryer, or towel soaked with hot water.

• Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipes. Never concentrate heat in one area because cracking ice can shatter a line.

days and the percent of staffed hospital beds being used by COVID-19 patients.

If the number of new cases is higher than 200, the county cannot be considered low risk.

Whether the county has fewer or more than 200 new cases per 100,000 residents for hospital and inpatient bed usage also plays a factor.

deaths were reported this week, for a total of 61 pediatric flu deaths reported so far this season.

• So far this season, there have been at least 20 million illnesses, 210,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths from the flu.

Tim

Williford, vice president of operations See COLD, Page 6

during the meeting, which is the highest honor for people who have contributed in major ways to transportation within their communities and the state. Jones has overseen major projects in the area like the creation of FM 1626 and SH-45, of which he reflects on as some of his proudest accomplishments in office.

While Jones’ time on the commissioners court may have come to an end, he assures the community that he “isn’t going anywhere.” For now, he’s got enough to “keep him busy:” spending time with his grandchildren and family, running cattle, working in the residential sector and continuing to volunteer around the county.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Jones said. “I’ve got a lot more to do around here.”

93,000 pounds of food each month, serving more than 4,000 households in the county.

The new facility would increase storage to expand food capacity, improve access for large delivery vehicles, create an onsite grocery/pantry facility, service more households, provide more protein items that require refrigeration and have a loading dock that would require less manual labor in food movement.

While the location is not quite set in stone, HCFB has proposed that the new facility be built on 4 acres of land off Reimer Avenue, adjacent to The Village of San Marcos, which has a variety of social service organizations and resources.

With this new facility in the works, the food bank is looking to reach more Hays County residents and working toward ending food insecurity across the county.

In Hays County, the case rate per 100,000 population is 294.54; there are 16.1 new COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 population and there are 4.4% staffed inpatient beds in use by confirmed COVID-19 patients, according to a report by the CDC.

About 175,430 people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 148,717 completed a primary series.

The CDC also recorded the following information in its Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, which was updated on Friday, Dec. 30.

• Seasonal influenza (flu) activity remains high but is declining in most areas.

• Of the influenza A viruses detected and subtyped during week 51, 83% were influenza A(H3N2) and 17% were influenza A(H1N1).

• Fourteen influenzaassociated pediatric

• The cumulative hospitalization rate in the FluSurv-NET system was more than four times higher than the highest cumulative inseason hospitalization rate observed for week 51 during previous seasons going back to 2010-2011. However, this in-season rate is still lower than endof-season hospitalization rates for all but 4 preCOVID-19-pandemic seasons going back to 2010-11.

• The number of flu hospital admissions reported in the Health and Human Services Protect system decreased nationally from the week prior for the third week in a row.

• An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu. Vaccination helps prevent infection and can also prevent severe outcomes in people who get vaccinated but still get sick with the flu.

• It is recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine annually.

Come worship with us

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

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

The Hays County Food Bank in San Marcos has outgrown its current building and is seeking a new, larger facility.

From 1916 until 1924, American soldiers kept the peace in the volatile Dominican Republic.

Strongman Rafael Trujillo maintained dictatorial order until his assassination in 1961, which rekindled political strife in the small country. Juan Bosch, a popular writer, was elected president in 1962 and ousted the following year by the military because of his purported left-wing ties.

The United States feared the riots that erupted in the spring of 1965 would culminate in a pro-communist coup. Rather than risk a replay of the recent revolution in Cuba, Johnson sent in the Marines.

Director Raborn’s role in the Dominican affair was restricted to passing along information obtained by CIA spooks behind the stormy scenes. With no background in intelligence, he concentrated on reorganizing the spy agency and wisely avoided the swamp of international intrigue. However, there was no way Raborn could steer clear of the escalating crisis in Indochina. In August 1964, North Vietnamese gunboats supposedly took torpedo potshots at a pair of naval destroyers in the Tonkin Gulf.

CIA specialists analyzed the reports and concluded the sound the Americans had detected with their sonar equipment had not come from torpedo propellers.

But the White House did not bother to check with the CIA. Citing the questionable incident as proof positive of the enemy’s hostile intent, President Johnson asked for the authority to use “all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression.”

Within 72 hours, congress approved the historic request by votes of 416-0 in the house and 88-2 in the senate.

The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution became the blank check for the Vietnam War.

In the midst of the rapid military buildup that would commit more than half a million troops to the Southeast Asia stalemate, “Red” Raborn cut short his stay at the CIA. He had originally agreed to a two-year tenure, but 14 months proved long enough under the circumstances.

Order your copy of “Texas Depression Era Desperadoes.” by mailing a check for $24.00 to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.

of Texas Water Utilities, said homeowners should know the location of their shut-off water valve.

“There is a valve box outside by the street and sometimes you have to dig around [to] make sure you can get access to it,” Williford said. “It’s always best to be prepared to shut off the water if you need to.”

Because outdoor faucet covers are in high demand, Williford said there are alternatives to protecting pipes.

“What I’ll do at my house is wrap the faucet with a hand towel, or some other type of towel, and wrap duct tape around it to keep it warm,” Williford said.

While covering the outdoor faucets and dripping the inside faucets are important, bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors should also be open to allow warmer air to circulate the plumbing.

Williford recommended that preventive measures should be completed at least 24 hours before the freezing temperatures are supposed to hit.

Sarita, 3-year-old, American Pitbull Terrier Mix, Female: Sarita is a medium-sized dog with a big heart! She has a very laid-back disposition and enjoys her independence. However, snuggles are something that Sarita will never turn down. She is affectionate with children and enjoys the companionship of other dogs. As a pet, she answers well to commands and will be devoted to her loving family.

Sammy, 4-year-old, Domestic Shorthair/ Mix Male: Sammy is a social butterfly when it comes to being around other cats, dogs, and older children and adults. He is a cat who purrs instantly and loves to be on your lap. If you want a cat with personality look no further! Come check out Sammy today!

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas

is a non-profit, no-kill shelter operated primarily on donations and adoptions. 500 FM 150 E, Kyle, TX • 512 268-1611 • pawsshelter.org

All animals are fully vaccinated, spay/neutered, microchipped and dewormed.

Subscribe today! Call (512) 268-7862 or email paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com Visit haysnewsdispatch.com

Serving Buda, Kyle and surrounding areas.

PHOTO BY MEGAN WEHRING

Like many companies, Texas Water Utilities recommends individuals cover outside faucets and exposed pipes to help prevent damage during cold weather.

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