Jan. 5, 2017 News-Dispatch

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Healthcare changes for 2017

Editor’s top picks for 2016 teams

Seton Hays welcomes new year baby

page 7

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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVII No. 13

Zika virus confirmed in Hays County SUBMITTED REPORT The Hays County Health Department received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of a local, travel-associated case of the Zika virus infection in Hays County, according to a Hays County press release. The individual, who is not contagious and does not pose a risk to Hays County residents, contracted the illness while traveling to Puerto Rico in

ZIKA VIRUS, 7

LAGNIAPPE Tree recycling

The Hays County Recycling/Solid Waste Centers will recycle your Christmas trees for free until Jan. 7. between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The centers are located at 1691 Carney Lane (end of County Road 278) in Wimberley, and at 100 Darden Hill Road (County Road 162) in Driftwood. Trees can also be dropped off anytime at the concrete slab on the west side of “the triangle” (RR12/U.S. 290) through Jan. 10. Please remember to remove all lights, wire, tinsel, decorations and stands from the trees. Trees with flocking (artificial snow) are not accepted.The collected trees will be turned into mulch and made available to the public at “the triangle” Jan. 11-15, on a first come, first served basis. Please bring your own tools and storage containers for loading and transporting the mulch.

Historical group seeks members

Applications for positions on the Hays County Historical Commission are being accepted through

LAGNIAPPE, 5

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

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Thursday, January 5, 2017

2016 Year in Review Hays County residents approve bonds totaling $237 million

A pair of separate bond initiatives that called for a collection of county-wide road improvements as well as various improvements to the county jail were given the green light by voters this November. Proposition 1, which called for roughly $106.4 million for jail improvements and a co-located 911 facility, narrowly passed with 51 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, Proposition 2, which called for $131 million in road improvements, passed with 59 percent of the vote.

Sheriff incumbent reelected, longtime constable ousted

Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler won the right to keep his seat in 2016 after defeating challenger Rodrigo Amaya by a 13.1 percent margin in the Nov. 8 general election. Cutler, who has served as Hays County’s sheriff for the past six years, claimed a substantial lead after early voting and won with 58 percent of the vote. But as the status quo remains at the sheriff’s office, a changing of the guard will take place in Pct. 2. After a 38 year tenure as the Pct. 2 constable, James Kohler was defeated Nov. 8 by Kyle Police officer Michael Torres. Kohler told the Hays Free Press in November he plans to run for the Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace seat, currently held by Beth Smith, in 2018.

Challengers defeat incumbents in Wimberley city council races

In May, three newcomers defeated their incumbent opposition for three council seats. In the race for the mayoral seat, Mac McCullough defeated Steve Thurber by six votes. Meanwhile, Craig Fore narrowly defeated Cindy Anderson with 51 percent of the vote for the Place 3 seat, while Gary Barchfeld defeated Pam Showalter for the Place 4 seat.

Dripping Springs voters nix ESD 1 tax cap increase

An overwhelming majority of Dripping Springs voters shot down the Emergency Service District No. 1’s aim to increase its tax cap. The measure, which called for the ESD’s tax cap to rise from 3 to 7 cents per $100 valuation, failed with 63 percent of people voting against it. YEAR IN REVIEW, 2-3

Dripping Springs backdrop for short film on war veteran BY MOSES LEOS III

news@haysfreepress.com

A

n unexpected phone call from an Austin film producer several months ago has thrust a Dripping Springs business owner into the spotlight. Late last month, Ed Michal, owner of Delta Tax Service along U.S. Highway 290 in Dripping Springs, watched as his business transformed into the opening scene of “Shilo,” an independent film produced by Tyler Russell Productions, LLC of Austin. For Michal, the opportunity not only was a chance to help the film company, but also highlight the film industry in Dripping Springs. “It meant a chance to show them some hospitality, what Dripping Springs is capable of,” Michal said. “I know other films have been shot in Dripping Springs and I want them to get the feeling there is a lot to offer in the Hill Country.” “Shilo” is a short indepen-

“It meant a chance to show them some hospitality, what Dripping Springs is capable of ... I know other films have been shot in Dripping Springs and I want them to get the feeling there is a lot to offer in the Hill Country.” –Ed Michal, Dripping Springs resident

dent film directed by Tyler Russell that’s based on the story of Iraq War veteran Shilo Harris, of Coleman, Tex.,

SHILOH, 5

COURTESY PHOTO

Iraq war veteran Shilo Harris (right) and actor Tom Procida pose for a photo on location of a film shoot in Dripping Springs. Harris joined Tyler Russel Productions in December as they filmed a short film entitled “Shilo” on property owned by Dripping Springs business owner Ed Michal.


Page 2

NewsDispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com

EDITOR Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com

REPORTER Samantha Smith news@haysfreepress.com PRODUCTION David White Christine Thorpe

ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack tracy@haysfreepress.com Pam Patino ads@haysnewsdispatch.com Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham

CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES David White 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: $32 local, $45 county, $56 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Driftwood, TX. Email paper@ haysnewsdispatch. com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to News-Dispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610

News-Dispatch

Year in Review Continued from pg. 1

Voters approve creation of ESD 9

Hays County voters this November overwhelmingly approved the creation of a ninth Emergency Service District. Voters approved the creation of ESD 9, which would service many of the unincorporated areas in eastern Hays County not currently serviced by an ESD. In addition, voters also approved the expansion of ESD 7 in Wimberley to include citizens in the Summer Mountain Ranch, Falconwood, Oakwood Loop, Hugo Road and Cielo Ranch Road.

Henly residents oppose concrete batch plant

Neighbors between Henly, Dripping Springs and the outskirts of Blanco County were up in arms in May over the potential opening of a concrete batch plant and permanent rock and concrete crusher along U.S. Highway 290. The proposed plant was to be located in the 8200 block of east U.S. 290 in Blanco County.

Hands-free ordinance fails in Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs continues to be the only major Hays County city without a hands-free ordinance after the city council voted against drafting an ordinance in February. The ordinance would have banned the use of any hand-held device while driving with an exception for emergency vehicle operators and law enforcement.

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 5, 2017

Short-term rental fight escalates in Wimberley

Perhaps no issue was as polarizing in 2016 as the debate over short term rentals in Wimberley. Earlier this year, the Wimberley City Council approved an ordinance that regulated short term rentals and requires business owners to apply for a conditional use permit to open one. The move, however, opened debate on both sides of the aisle as residents were split on the new regulations. Due to the influx of CUPs, the city opted for a moratorium on new CUPs for short term rental facilities.

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Richard Beggs shows examples of signs that he “doesn’t want to city to have to post” to the TCEQ and Dripping Springs councilmembers and staff.

Dripping Springs discharge permit drama

Controversy surrounded the city of Dripping Springs in 2016 as various environmental groups opposed the city’s Texas Direct Pollutant Elemination System permit filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in 2015. The permit, which is a part of the city’s plan to expand its wastewater treatment system, calls for up to 995,000 gallons of treated effluent to be discharged into a tributary of Onion Creek. Groups including the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation Districts opposed the permit citing environmental concerns. In October, the TCEQ submitted the draft permit for the city’s discharge permit. But in November, the EPA filed a letter of opposition against the permit, asking the city to show proof the permit wouldn’t affect Onion Creek.

Numerous fatalities take place on U.S. Highway 290

Concern over safety on U.S. Highway 290 in Dripping Springs ramped up in 2016 following four major accidents that claimed a total of ten lives. The accidents ranged from May 8 to Dec. 8. The deadliest incident occurred May 8 when five people were killed in an accident along 290 at Crow Ranch Road. Residents voiced concerns with public officials regarding safety on the highway, which led Pct. 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant to hold a public meeting on the subject. The county will allocate $6M toward improvements on U.S. 290, which were a part of Proposition 2 that was passed by voters in November.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

New movie theater to open in Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs movie aficionados won’t have to go far for their film fix after a 14-screen movie theater was announced as the anchor tenant in a 90-acre mixed-use development near Belterra. Sky Cinemas, which comes from the creators of the Violet Crown Cinema in Austin, will be located in the Belterra Village shopping center along U.S. 290 near Nutty Brown Road. The development will also include a Torchy’s Tacos, Spec’s and Jersey Mike’s.

Nutty Brown tunes up for final encore in 2017

A beloved Dripping Springs-area live music venue will stay for one final season before moving to Round Rock later this year. In November, Mike Farr, owner of the Nutty Brown Cafe and Amphitheater, accounted the business’ plans to move to McNeil Park in Round Rock had been delayed. The reason was to further develop the new site in Round Rock, Farr said. Nutty Brown plans to stay at the Dripping Springs location until November 2017.

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Page 3

Year in Review Continued from pg. 1

Tiger football completes historic season

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Dripping Springs Tiger senior linebacker McKenly O’Neal (11) hoists the District 26-5A championship trophy as teammates around him celebrate the Tigers’ first district title in 20 years in November.

Football fever hit Dripping Springs this fall as the Tigers took the city on a whirlwind adventure that ended with a school record 12 win season and a best-ever finish in the regional finals. Dripping Springs, helmed by head coach Galen Zimmerman, finished 2016 as cochampions of District 26-5A, which marked the first time in 20 years Dripping Springs has won a district title. The highlight of the season came in the area round of the playoffs where the Tigers stunned the Angleton Wildcats with a last-second touchdown pass from Reese Johnson to Keith Mitchhart.

Texas Crossword

Walnut Springs Elementary student Georgia Vanscoy holds a sign during a break at the Dripping Springs ISD board of trustees meeting in September.

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PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Debate hits Dripping Springs ISD over transgender policy Dripping Springs ISD was the center of debate in September after it was discovered a Walnut Springs Elementary transgender student, who was born a boy, was allowed by the district to use the girls restroom with stalls. A firestorm of controversy was ignited as members of the community, both for and against the district’s decision, spoke out during a September school board meeting. According to the district, bathroom accommodations are done on a case by case basis.

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Jacobs Well Elementary students sing their part of “Wimberley Strong” at May’s flood rememberance ceremony.

Wimberley neighbors reflect on Memorial Day flood

Residents and officials alike this past May shared stories of the events surrounding the Memorial Day 2015 flood roughly one year later in an event called Wimberley Strong – A One Year Remembrance of the Flood and Celebration of Recovery.

Flood report trickles in for May 2015 flood

Hays County officials in May officially released an afteraction report for the Memorial Day and Halloween 2015 floods. According to officials, the report was delayed as more information kept coming in as it was being created. The 40-page report broke down the timeline of each flood, including weather pattern figures, rain totals and river gauge levels. The report evaluated the county’s actions when it comes to notification and response, direction and control, incident assessment and resource management categories with 58 points of review. Many of the responses stated a need to clarify personnel roles, notification systems and communication between management and first responder teams.

Home invasion suspect shot A suspect in a Dripping Springs home invasion in January was arrested earlier this year after homeowners shot him. According to officials, Randall Thomas Dorsett, 25, of Round Rock, was shot in the abdomen by the homeowner after he attempted to break into the home. According to a report from the Austin American-Statesman, Dorsett was booked into the Hays County Jail before being released to a mental hospital. Dorsett in April committed suicide.

See Solution, pg. 5

DORSETT

Wimberley man arrested in father’s murder

Hays County deputies in June arrested Jacob Christopher Krueger, 29, of Wimberley, after he allegedely shot his father at their residence with a shotgun. According to Hays County court records, Krueger was indicted on first degree murder in August. Pre-trial motions on the case begin in January.

KRUEGER

Explosives found after assault arrest in Wimberley A Wimberley man was arrested in October after authorities discovered an explosive device and various narcotics in his home while executing an arrest warrant for an alleged aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Robert Snow, 54, of Wimberley, was arrested on six charges, including three counts of possession of prohibited weapons, which is a third-degree felony.

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Page 4

News-Dispatch

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Sports HAYS FREE PRESS/NEWS-DISPATCH EDITOR’S TEAM

Top volleyball selections 2016-17 Player of the Year – Graceyn Tippens Taking a leadership role following a championship season is a tough feat for any athlete to accomplish. Dripping Springs junior Graceyn Tippens not only accepted her role as the team’s leader this season, but claimed it and flourished. By tallying 510 kills and 313 digs in 114 sets, Tippens was selected as the 26-5A most valuable player in 2016. Over her two year varsity career, Tippens has tallied 889 kills, 60 blocks and 580 digs. PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

First team

Second team

SETTER PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Coach of the Year – Stephanie Coates/Michael Kane

SETTER

Mackenzie Coates – Hays

Emma O’Grady – Dripping Springs

MIDDLE BLOCKER

MIDDLE BLOCKER

Ava Pritchard – Dripping Springs Caitlyn Crockett – Wimberley

Both Hays High head volleyball coach Stephanie Coates and Dripping Springs head volleyball coach Michael Kane shared a similar success in consistently leading their programs to another playoff caliber season. That’s why both coaches share the spotlight for coach of the year honors. Coates led the Rebels to a 25-21 record and navigated the program to its second straight playoff appearance. Kane led the Tigers to the program’s sixth straight district championship as they went 14-0 in 26-5A play.

Kacie Hall – Hays Darby Stowers – Dripping Springs

Honorable mention Cassidy Luna – Wimberley Allie Messenger – Wimberley Reilly Horn – Wimberley Claycee Vickers – Wimberley

LIBERO

LIBERO

Ashley Slovak – Hays

Alex Smith – Dripping Springs

OUTSIDE HITTER

OUTSIDE HITTER

Hannah Starnes – Lehman

Karen Crews – Dripping Springs Kaitlyn Krafka – Hays Hailee Morton – Hays Maya Clausen – Dripping Springs

Catherine Croft – Hays Jamie Agnew – Hays Meagan Dees – Lehman

Anais LaHue – Hays

Kaytlin Mendoza – Lehman Qwynci Bowman – Lehman Haley Hassinger – Lehman

Top football selections 2016-17 First team

Second team

OFFENSE

OFFENSE

Running back Teo Brinckmann – Dripping Springs Thomas Carruthers – Wimberley

Running back Cade Powell – Hays Bryan Mendoza – Lehman

Quarterback Jacob Zamora – Lehman

Wide receiver Gavin Martinez – Wimberley Marquis Howard – Hays Braden Sullins – Lehman

Offensive line Phil McSorely – Hays Foster Reynolds – Dripping Springs Lucas Snoe – Wimberley Brandon Mendieta – Hays Seth Crumley – Dripping Springs PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Player of the year – Reese Johnson

Roughly a decade ago, Reese Johnson watched as his brother, Kyle, led the Dripping Springs Tigers to what was then the deepest playoff run in program history. Johnson continued the family tradition of breaking records in 2016 by not only breaking his brother’s record for yardage in a single season, but also leading Dripping Springs to a school best 12-2 mark and a finish in the regional finals. Johnson finished his 2016 campaign with 2,640 passing yards and 1,342 rushing yards and 41 total touchdowns.

Coach of the year – Galen Zimmerman

Two years ago, the Dripping Springs Tiger football program was in a state of flux as school officials sought to hire another coach following Joe McBride’s one-year tenure. Both players and coaches were adamant on promoting then offensive coordinator Galen Zimmerman to take the reins of the Tigers. Ever since then, Zimmerman, who was promoted prior to the 2015 season, has guided the Tigers to a 17-7 mark and helped Dripping Springs reach the program’s best playoff finish in school history.

Is your business scoring with customers? We can help with the game plan. Reach thousands of potential customers in the News-Dispatch sports section every week. Call (512) 268-7862 or email ads@haysnewsdispatch.com for more information.

Quarterback JoJo Weeks – Wimberley

Wide receiver Johnny Hoyle – Dripping Springs Tyler Henderson – Lehman Colby Crowder – Wimberley Offensive line Ian Burnette – Wimberley Lantz Milam – Dripping Springs Peyton Steele – Hays Brian Prickett – Lehman Carson Ikels – Dripping Springs

DEFENSE

DEFENSE

Linebackers Cameron Johnson – Hays Austin Lakey – Lehman Davin Masur – Wimberley Peyton Pearson – Hays

Linebackers Ben Garza – Wimberley Noah Orr – Dripping Springs Matthew O’Neal – Dripping Springs Samuel Valadez – Wimberley

Defensive line Kevin Rutherford – Wimberley Justin Rodriguez – Hays Cullen Young – Dripping Springs

Defensive line Abel Longoria – Lehman Manny Galvan – Hays McKenly O’Neal – Dripping Springs

Defensive backs Jason Fowler – Hays Brittan Howeth – Dripping Springs Trevor Greenman – Dripping Springs Cody Cherrington – Wimberley

Defensive backs Josh Embry – Dripping Springs Colby Crowder – Wimberley Edward Arana – Lehman Damion Fiscal – Hays

Special teams FIRST TEAM

Mark Piedra – Lehman

SECOND TEAM

Blake Phipps – Dripping Springs

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COURTESY PHOTO

DSISD educators prep for spring 2017 semester

Dripping Springs ISD students may have been enjoying their last day of winter break on Jan. 2, but teachers were back at work, and taking advantage of multiple professional development opportunities. Teachers could sign up for different sessions, including “Bringing Makers Spaces into the Classroom” led by Dripping Springs Elementary Facilitator for Learning and Innovation Lindsey Herring.

Shiloh

Continued from pg. 1 who was severely injured in an IED attack in 2007. The film follows Harris in glimpses of his life prior to and after his service in the military. Ven Scott, producer of “Shilo,” said the idea of the film came after Russell met Harris at a film shoot and asked about his interest in a possible film. While they didn’t decide on the idea at the time, the two later reconnected last fall, which led Russell to call Harris, who agreed to the film. They decided on a short film to start off with the possibility of a full-length feature later on. “It was serendipitous for Tyler to give him a call,” Scott said. Scott said Russell quickly developed a script, which involved talking with Harris to make sure details were in place. Russell then reached out to Scott and his crew to produce the film. He then began scouting areas for the shoot, primarily the opening scene, which focused on Harris returning home from his land surveyor’s job to find his father

“The positivity he exudes, if half of that is presented as we hope, it will be in the film, I think that not only his message will be widely and warmly received, but it will get that butterfly effect going ... They’ll find that positive nugget and pass it on.” –Ven Scott, producer of “Shilo”

watching images of Sept. 11, 2001 happen on television. Scott, who works in the Austin area and drives through Dripping Springs regulalry, said Michal’s modular home fit the scene. Michal said Scott called him and gauged his interest for his property to be used for the shoot. Once they showed him the script, Michal said he was fully on-board. Michal allowed filmmakers the chance to use property he owned next to the modular home as well. “It made me feel like this was a good film,” Michal said. “Once they

explained the purpose, it was something worth backing.” On Dec. 20, Tyler Russell Productions began filming on Michal’s property. It was a process that lasted roughly seven hours. That included simulating a daytime scene at night, which required rearrangement of furniture, installation of lights and light reflecting screens. “From what I could see, it was technologically demanding,” Michal said. “You had to get things just right. You had to line up the equipment, and they were using fairly expensive camera equipment.”

Scott said Harris was on location and advised filmmakers during the shoot. Scott said Harris’ demeanor made it seem he did not go through anything as tramautic as he had experienced. “The positivity he exudes, if half of that is presented as we hope, it will be in the film, I think that not only his message will be widely and warmly received, but it will get that butterfly effect going,” Scott said. “They’ll find that positive nugget and pass it on.” Scott said shooting for the film wrapped up a couple of weeks ago. The film is now in the post-production process, which involves the filmmakers working with the composure and editing teams. He said the hope is to have the film ready by February, with the possibility of finding funding for a full-length feature in the future. “This year, we’re going to shop it around and try to get interest in lead actors and actresses to get a larger name along,” Scott said.

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Texas Crossword Solution, from pg. 3

39th Annual

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January 21, 2017

El Campo Livestock Auction El Campo, Texas

Lagniappe

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Continued from pg. 1 Jan. 15 in the office of the Hays County Judge. Among the activities of the commission are the placement of official Texas Historical Markers; conducting research on the history of the county; and sharing that history through publications, educational programs, documentary and oral history presentations, and activities such as historical tours. Commission Members, who represent all the communities in Hays County, serve two-year terms and may serve for multiple terms.

Writing contest accepting entries

Jan.14, 2017 is the deadline to enter the Texas Night Sky Festival Writing Contest. The Festival, to be held March 18, 2017 in Dripping Springs, is part of an international program to preserve and protect the night skies by reducing artificial illumination. For more information on poetry and essay guide-

lines and rules, go to www.TexasNightSkyFestival.org and select Writing Contest.

Calling all singers

The Wimberley Community Chorus will begin rehearsals for the 2017 Spring performances on Jan. 9, 2017 at the Lutheran Church (101 Spoke Hill Dr.), at 6:30 p.m. Please register online at www.wimberleycommunitychorus.org. Call Dixie Camp at 512-517-3111 for more information.

DSISD to host Wellness Fair

Dripping Springs ISD will host a free Wellness Fair Saturday, Jan. 7, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the DSHS Cafeteria. Local certified health, wellness and fitness experts will provide educational information, demonstrations and more. Flu shots will be available. In addition, a health/fitness activities area will be available for children ages 4 and up. All are invited to this community event.

Adrian Knight Tx Lic #11102 903-452-7591

Kelly Conley Tx Lic #9558 903-857-2594

Browse and buy local photos online

Community events, local sports and more. Just follow the Photos link on HaysNewsDispatch.com


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News-Dispatch

Thursday, January 5, 2017

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Thursday, January 5, 2017

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Page 7

Custom homes need custom contracts

D

ear Terese, I’m going to be helping my mother sell her home. I have Power of Attorney (POA). How will this affect the real estate transaction? Peggy

Dear Peggy, It can be an emotional time for the family, but since you already have the legal documents in place, the sale of property can move forward with listing the property with the person

Dear Terese

by Terese Peabody

appointed as Power of Attorney. I can only follow the instructions of someone other than the property owner with a POA in place. The legal document authorizes me to discuss the transaction details including contract negotiations. The title company and

our office will require a copy of the POA and identification verification of the person appointed.

Dear Terese, I’m going to be building a new home with a builder in a new subdivision. The contract is very different from the standard 1-4 Family Residential Contract provided by TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission). Why do they have a different form? Kevin

Dear Kevin, A custom construction contract is an agreement for personal services and does not involve the sale real estate. The only TREC contract available for use are when the builder owns the real estate on which the home is constructed. Most builders use their own contract prepared by the builder. As a homeowner, you’ll want to make sure you are well informed going into the building process. Know your builder, check their

designations, referrals, and visit as many homes as possible built by the builder. You may want to consider investing in an attorney to review the contract. Make sure you understand the ramifications of providing any upfront fees and whether or not they are refundable. I would also recommend an inspection by a 3rd party prior to closing to make sure the builder has completed all necessary final items brought to their attention at the walk thru with the builder.

Tip of the day: Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. –Victor Hugo Terese Peabody, Broker Associate, Stanberry & Associates GRI, CRS, ABR, SRES, CNE, GREEN, CLHMS 400 Hwy 290 W, B-101, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 terese@stanberry.com, www.tpeabody.com 512-894-3488 office, 512-699-7711 cell

Experts weigh in on healthcare options BY SAMANTHA SMITH

news@haysfreepress.com

With the coming of the New Year many Hays County residents are feeling the pressure to enroll in Marketplace healthcare plans or Medicaid. However, lower income families attempting to obtain healthcare through the market place can find it an overwhelming process. Available healthcare options for lower income residents and families can get confusing to navigate, said Kit Abney Spelce, Senior Director of Eligibility Services with Communicare Collaborative, which is jointly owned by Seton family of hospitals, and Central Health. The biggest issue, said Spelce, is that when the Marketplace was created, it was designed to give tax credits to individuals and families that fall above the poverty level while expanding Medicaid services to those

“Health insurance companies continue to raise premiums, and if the government doesn’t pay for the tax credits then no one will be able to afford health insurance independently.”

below the poverty line for affordable healthcare. The hiccup in the design occurred when the state decided it was not going to expand Medicaid services to include families below the poverty line. It meant those families aren’t eligible for Medicaid, but also aren’t eligible for government tax credits through the Marketplace because they technically qualify for Medicaid services. “The issue is that many people can’t get either Medicaid or government tax credits through the Marketplace so they have to remain uninsured,” Spelce said. Spelce said people who aren’t eligible for tax credits through the government to get a Marketplace health plan will not be penalized by the government for not being insured. Even though the introduction of the Healthcare Marketplace has been a cause for confusion, the tax credit buffer being paid toward the total

premium to insurance companies helps to make health insurance affordable, she said. Spelce said the flaw in the Marketplace Healthcare system was that lower income families are less likely to qualify for the tax credits, which meant they can’t get insured through the Mar-

ketplace. “Health insurance companies continue to raise premiums, and if the government doesn’t pay for the tax credits then no one will be able to afford health insurance independently,” Spelce said. The Marketplace healthcare system presents Doctors with two separate issues, Spelce said. The first issue is that insurance companies contract with doctors for services and the rates at which those services cost. Doctors will go over their options with different insurance agencies and plans to decide which

conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is typically mild and lasts about one week. During that time, a mosquito that bites an infected person can carry the virus to the next person it bites. According to the release, it is critical to follow your health care provider’s recommendation to reduce exposure to others. On Nov. 28, the Texas DSHS reported the state’s first case of a local mosquito-borne

Zika virus infection in Brownsville. Additional cases of mosquito-borne Zika have been identified in the area, suggesting that there is a risk of continued spread of Zika virus in Brownsville, TX. On Dec. 14, 2016, the CDC issued guidance related to Zika for people living in or traveling to Brownsville and Cameron counties. In January 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted interim guidelines for health

care providers in the United States caring for pregnant women during a Zika virus outbreak. Zika infection in pregnant women may be associated with congenital microcephaly and fetal loss. GuillainBarre syndrome has also been reported in patients after suspected Zika infection. CDC is recommending that all pregnant women consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

– Kit Abney Spelce, Senior Director of Eligibility Services with Communicare Collaborative

BE INFORMED

The free Medical Mission at Home event will be held on the first floor of the Seton of Hays Hospital in Kyle the entire day on Jan. 28.

insurance company will pay them the most for services rendered. The second issue is with Marketplace healthcare plans and not Medicaid programs. Since the Marketplace gives people a 90-day grace period to pay their premium while still covering the cost of services, an individual could keep going to the doctor even after the 90-day limit without paying their premium. However, if they receive medical treatment after the 90-days, the cost falls to the doctor. Doctors then struggle with deciding which health insurance companies are offering the most compensation for services, and whether doctors want to take the risk of accepting Marketplace insurance plans. But Hays County residents have a few more options. Neal Kelley, vice president and chief operation officer at Seton Medical Center Hays, said Communicare clinics offer

primary care, outpatient and dental services on a sliding cost scale based on income to residents. Kelly also said Hays County operates a health clinic outside of Seton to offer affordable healthcare options. Seton will also host the Ascention’s Medical Mission at Home event, which is a free healthcare event held Jan. 28. “We are going to be offering services like blood testing, vision exams, dental exams, diabetic foot care and other screening services, as well as providing healthcare resources to individuals and families in need of them” Kelley said. Kelley also said that the event was most likely going to encompass the entire first floor of the Seton of Hays hospital and that every service offered at the event is free that day. “It’s not just about providing care, it’s about providing available resources to people as well,” Kelley said.

Zika

Continued from pg. 1 August 2016. The mosquito that carries Zika is native to Central Texas. Zika virus is transmitted to persons primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. That species of mosquito can also transmit West Nile virus, dengue fever and chikungunya virus, are aggressive daytime biters and are located near populated areas. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and

What can you do to prevent mosquito bites?

Preventative measures residents can take to avoid mosquito bites include: • Draining any water around their property (mosquitos can breed in as little as a bottle cap full of water) • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants • Using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (follow directions closely) A link to the guidance can be found at http://www.cdc. gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6502e1.htm. Persons with suspected infections should also be evaluated and managed for possible dengue and chikungunya virus. Aspirin and other NSAID’s should be avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of hemorrhage.

Women IN BUSINESS

Angie Dahl

DeMasters-Daniel insurance agency DeMasters Daniel Insurance has been serving the Hill Country since 1983 as an independent insurance agency providing personal and commercial insurance products. Let our office help you shop your insurance coverage. Our staff is committed to deliver personalized service to each and every client. Look for upcoming agent introductions.

make the move.™

Melanie Fenelon ®

REALTOR , GRI, CLHMS

At the corner of RR 12 and E. Summit Drive in Wimberley

dd-ins.net • 512-847-5549

107 E. Summit Dr, Wimberley, TX

Specializing in residential, acreage and farm/ranch properties

Dripping Springs • Wimberley Driftwood • Lakeway • Spicewood South and Central Austin melfenelon@realtyaustin.com

(512) 658-0773

“We’d love to be your favorite place to shop!”

Wishing everyone a wonderful 2017.

We at Dovetails thank everyone for a great 2016. We’ll be starting our “Cabin Fever Sale” soon! “Like us” on Facebook to get the latest news on sales and specials. See you soon! Open daily for your shopping convenience Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm; Sun 12-5pm 13701 Ranch Road 12 in Wimberley “One block south of the Square”

512-847-1263 • www.dovetailsofwimberley.com

Advertise here and get the eyes of Hays County on your business. Call (512) 268-7862 or email Pam at ads@haysnewsdispatch.com to join the Women in Business directory today.


Page 8

News-Dispatch

Happy new year, baby! One of the first babies born in the Austin area occurred in Hays County Sunday as Athena Voudouris entered the world at 12:00:13 a.m. Jan. 1 at Seton Medical Center Hays in Kyle. Athena, whose parents are Joelle and John Michael Voudouris, weighed 6 lbs., 3 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. According to Seton Hays, Athena is the couple’s first baby.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SETON MEDICAL CENTER HAYS.

Take time to feed the birds BY JERRY HALL

news@haysfreepress.com

I

t’s a busy time of the year for birds. Some are leaving our area for warmer climates in Central and South America. Others are arriving from Canada and Alaska. Among our winter birds are house finches, dark-eyed juncos, cedar waxwings, goldfinches, whitebreasted nuthatches and various woodpeckers. If you want to attract these birds, consider making a brush pile on your property. Birds love the shelter provided and the opportunity for roosting. Untidy is

best – a pile of leaves can provide mulch that attracts insects birds feed on. The best feed to attract a large variety of birds is black oil sunflower seeds. I also hang suet blocks and provide nyjer or thistle seeds. It’s best to skip feed mixtures heavy on milo; many birds will ignore this cheap feed. Best of all is a landscape of mature trees and shrubs, especially those that produce berries. This includes junipers and shrubs like dogwood, serviceberry and viburnum. Cedar waxwings and yellowrump warblers especially like berries.

Thursday, December 2, 2016

Ring in 2017 with the NewsDispatch

Subscribe to the NewsDispatch to keep up with local elections, community events, news and more every week.

NEWS-DISPATCH FILE PHOTO

Goldfinches can be found throughout Central Texas in winter months.

Subscriptions start at only $32 a year. Call 512-268-7862 or email paper@haysnewsdispatch.com to subscribe today.

ANNOUNCING A NEW ADDITION TO OUR FAMILY Welcome Seton Family of Doctors – Women’s Health!

At Seton Southwest, we deliver – everyday. The OB/Gyn specialists of Seton Family of Doctors join our expert team of caregivers to deliver personalized care in a welcoming environment for moms and newborns.

Seton Family of Doctors – Women’s Health

Seton Southwest Health Plaza II 7900 FM 1826, Suite 205 Austin, TX 78737

For appointments, call 512-324-9290.

SetonBabyTalk.com/Southwest


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