January 6, 2021 News-Dispatch by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

JANUARY 6, 2021 NEW YEAR’S BABY

TREE DROP-OFF

Kyle couple unexpectedly delivers baby at home on New Year’s Day.

See where to take your tree to be recycled in Hays County.

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News-Dispatch

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HaysNewsDispatch.com

Vol. 41 • No. 14

Serving Hays County, TX

VACCINATIONS

The who and where BY SAHAR CHMAIS

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III/HAYS CISD

Hays High seniors Bryant Lewis (1) and Durand Hill (foreground) approach Hays High head football coach Les Goad as he presented the 6A, Division II Region IV trophy to the team Jan. 2 after a 38-10 win over Vandegrift in the state quarterfinals.See photos, page 5.

Hays reaches state semifinal STAFF REPORT BUDA – After a 24-year wait, Hays High is back among Texas High School football’s elite. Five total touchdowns scored by quarterback Durand Hill, mixed in with dominant defense, carried Hays to a 38-10 win over the Vandegrift Vipers to claim the 6A Division II Region IV championship.

That win puts Hays in the state semifinal round against Katy at 2 p.m. Saturday at Baylor University. It’s the first time Hays has reached the semifinals since the program’s 1996 run. Hays head coach Les Goad said, “One of the key things is this team keeps getting better and better and better. Hays (10-3) trailed 7-6 after the first quarter

before storming back in the second frame with a six-yard touchdown. Vandegrift countered with a 30-yard field goal; Hays responded with an 11yard touchdown pass to take an 18-10 lead at halftime. From there, the Hays defense shut out Vandegrift, limiting it to 179 total yards and 57 rushing yards. Hays amassed 437 total yards with 260 of those on

the ground. Hays flexed its muscle at the end of the third quarter when it orchestrated a 99-yard scoring drive capped off with a 28-yard touchdown pass, extending its lead to 24-10. Fourteen more fourth quarter points sealed the win for Hays. For full story with stats, see online at haysfreepress. com.

Hays County makes history with first woman District Judge BY MEGAN WEHRING HAYS COUNTY — Hays County sees more women in power as Sherri Tibbe was sworn in on Monday as the first woman to be elected as the 453rd District Judge. “I felt like there needed to be some diversity on the district bench,” Tibbe said. “There had not been a woman who served in that position. I thought that this is 2019, it’s time for somebody to at least try to run for that office.” (Tibbe filed to run for the office in 2019, but was

sworn in in 2021 after winning the election in 2020.) Tibbe was previously elected as the first TIBBE woman Criminal District Attorney for Hays County in November 2006, serving eight years. She then moved into private practice when she formed the firm, Leavitt & Tibbe, in 2015 with her law partner Randy Leavitt. While there are few

women who are in office, Tibbe hopes that fulfilling her position as District Judge will encourage more women to serve their community. “We need more women to get out there and run for office,” Tibbe told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. “We are severely underrepresented in the legislative branch and judicial branch. That needs to change. It needs to be equal and it needs to be qualified, good candidates as well. Women need to start putting themselves out there.”

Serving the Hays County community, maintaining an objective mindset and moving cases through the system are her top priorities, Tibbe explained. “With these last nine months of this pandemic, there has not been a jury trial in these courts since last year,” Tibbe said. “We are hopeful that by summertime, a large percentage of the population will be vaccinated and we can resume normal operations. There are a lot of people that are waiting for their day in court and haven’t gotten it.”

Retiring counselor reflects: Therapy not as taboo as before BY SAHAR CHMAIS

tured into a trade disSeeking help from a couraged psychologist used to be by many. socially stigmatized. This “People has changed in the last thought two decades and Luann I was Sandahl, Licensed Profes- wasting sional Counselor in Kyle, my time a was there to watch the little bit. SANDAHL change rapidly unfold. Nobody “It’s almost a 20-year would admit they saw a career and I spent most of counselor. People were it in Kyle,” Sandahl said, kind of jokingly wonrecalling that she vendering ‘what will you do

CALL OUT

San Marcos art gallery looking for women artists to feature.

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with that.’ They thought nobody would come.” Sure enough, many people saw Sandahl from Kyle and other surrounding cities. Some of her clients even came from San Antonio. Her line of work was so demanding that Sandahl found opening one day a week, with eight patients a day, did not suffice.

SEEKING THERAPY, 4

ticipate receiving a small shipment within the HAYS COUNTY – next couple of weeks. Hays County is in its Once received we will Tier 1A COVID-19 vacnotify the public.” cination phase, accordWhile the county ing to the office of Hays does not directly receive County Judge Ruben these vaccines, the state Becerra. has provided vaccines This phase of vaccito multiple medical nation is open to first facilities in the counresponders, direct care ty. Recipients include hospital workers, long Seton Hays-Kyle, Austin term care workers, EMS Regional Clinic in Buda 9-1-1, home health and Kyle, Baylor Scott & providers, pharmacy White in Buda, HEB in workers and school Buda, Dripping Springs, nurses. There may have Wimberley, Kyle and San been a transition to Marcos. Other recipients start Tier 1B vaccination include San Marcos through some medical Family Medicine, Brookproviders, the judge’s shire in Wimberley and press release said. Tier Wimberley Pharmacy. 1B includes residents COVID-19 vaccines 65 and older, 16 and are free of charge, but older who are pregnant residents may need to or who have chronic register or be seen by medical conditions. a doctor before receiv“The state has yet to ing the vaccine. These release vaccines to Hays steps can be taken by County Public Health,” directly contacting the Becerra said, “but we an- medical facility.

Hays PPP loans for businesses in $ millions BY SAHAR CHMAIS

Hays County businesses received millions of dollars in funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), even though many businesses did not participate in it or found difficulty navigating the system. Now that PPP loans will be making a reappearance to aid more businesses through these financially difficult times, it is time to look over how some businesses in the county secured these funds for their businesses. About 30%, or $284 billion, of the $900 billion of the COVID relief bill will be spent on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The first round of PPP loans was nearly double the amount proposed in December’s bill. PPP has disclosed details on the business loans it gave, such as business names, loan size, lender name, how many jobs were saved and more. The Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch has analyzed some of the numbers so that Hays County businesses have an idea what to look forward to in the next wave of loans.

The News-Dispatch Barton Publications, Inc. The News-Dispatch (USPS 011-401) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. ISSN#1087-9323

In Hays County, nearly 2,500 small businesses received loans through the program. One caveat which has created some limitation to information analysis – the PPP disclosed exact loan amounts for businesses that received less than $150,000 but did not disclose those business names. Loans over $150,000 were accompanied with names, but loan amounts are given in wide ranges.

LOANS FOR LESS THAN $150,000: Hays County businesses that received less than $150,000 raked in over $72 million from 194 banks. Many of the lenders were small or local banks, but some of the biggest lending came in from large national banks. Frost Bank gave 220 loans at $8.6 million. Frost was the county’s biggest lender in quantity and in loan amounts for loans under $150,000. These loans alone sustained 1894 jobs. Some other lenders that gave over 100 loans or over $1 million include: Wells Fargo

PPP LOANS, 4

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NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 6, 2021

Kyle couple welcomes home rainbow baby on New Year’s Day BY MEGAN WEHRING

KYLE – There’s no better way to ring in the new year than a surprise at-home baby delivery, a Kyle couple experienced. With COVID-19 numbers high as they are, Megan Cardwell and her husband decided to spend the New Year holiday in the safety of their home. When Cardwell started having contractions, there was no time to rush to the hospital. “Within about like an hour and 15 minutes was when I was like this is real labor and we are pushing,” Cardwell said. “It happened really fast. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get in the car to the hospital so I hopped in my tub.”

“Within about like an hour and 15 minutes was when I was like this is real labor and we are pushing. It happened really fast. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get in the car to the hospital so I hopped in my tub.” –Megan Cardwell, new mother

Cardwell is grateful that her husband called the paramedics who walked him through every step of the way. “My husband, thank God, was smart enough and aware enough to call the paramedics,” Cardwell told the Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch. “They talked him through every-

thing he needed to do until the paramedics got here.” After Cardwell and baby Meredith had the paramedics’ all-clear, they went to Ascension Seton Hays Hospital for the 36-hour required evaluation before returning home. While Meredith is considered a rainbow baby, Cardwell reflects on her experience about complications with her pregnancy. When a family previously loses a child due to miscarriage or stillbirth, another baby may be born soon thereafter. This is known as a ‘rainbow baby,’ coming from the idea that a rainbow breaks the clouds of a storm. “There were complications in the beginning with Meredith where I had some bleeding and we thought that we might be losing her as well,” Cardwell explained. “But she ended up hanging on. It was work to keep her in my belly. She just had a plan of her own. It just really felt like a true

Where to recycle natural Christmas trees near you dropped off anytime at HAYS COUNTY the concrete slab on the Hays County Recycling west side of “the triangle” & Solid Waste Transfer (RR12/U.S. 290). Remove Stations will be accepting all lights, wire, tinsel, Christmas trees for redecorations and stands cycling at both locations from the trees. Trees with through Saturday, Jan. 16, flocking (artificial snow) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays are not accepted. through Saturdays. The collected trees will While there is no fee be turned into mulch for dropping off the tree, and made available to all decorations and lights the public at “the trianmust be removed. Trees gle” from Jan. 11 through will be mulched and the Jan. 15, on a first come, mulch will be used at first served basis. Please Hays County Parks. bring your own tools and Transfer stations are lo- storage containers for cated at 1691 Carney Lane loading and transporting at end of County Road 278 the mulch. in Wimberley, phone 512618-7175 and 100 Darden KYLE Hill Road (CR 162) in Through Jan. 15, the Driftwood (Pct. 4 Yard), city of Kyle Parks & Recphone 512-858-9515. For reation Department has more information about set up drop-off areas to recycling and solid waste recycle Christmas trees. services, visit visitwimAll decorations and berley recycling page. lights, including tinsel, must be removed. No DRIPPING SPRINGS artificial trees. No nails or Dripping Springs screws. No tree bases. The area residents can easily trees will be chipped and recycle their holiday trees used in parks. with the city of Dripping The drop-off points are Springs. Gregg-Clarke Park (locaFrom now through tion set up near Gregg Dr. Jan. 10, trees can be between football field and

softball field #5); Steeplechase Park (location set up near football/soccer field); Waterleaf Park (location set up near parking lot).

miracle getting her here.” Homebirths are rising in popularity, as are COVID-19 infection rates. Cardwell encourages mothers who are considering a homebirth to have a doula or midwife on standby, along with conducting the necessary research. Expecting mothers may be anxious about delivering their baby during a pandemic but Cardwell leaves some lasting advice that she hopes will help. “Do whatever feels right for you and your family,” Cardwell said. “It is daunting to think about deliverPHOTO COURTESY OF THE CARDWELL FAMILY ing in a pandemic but when it comes down to it, it’s Bottom left is new dad, Michael Cardwell, with new daughter Meredith. Above is mom, Megan Cardwell at Seton Hays unreally just getting the baby dergoing evaluation after giving birth at home. here safely takes over.”

JILL L. Dual Credit Student

MANTHURS O. UT Transfer Student

CALEB C. Harvard Transfer Student

MARICELA P. Small Business Owner

ROOSEVELT G. Cyber Security Student

HAMAILA Q. Jewelry Designer

TDS CUSTOMERS Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) will be picking up Christmas trees on regular service days from now through Jan. 13. The tree must be clear of decor, cut into four foot lengths and bundled with rope or twine. TDS also is accepting Christmas trees for recycling on site at 3016 FM 1327 Creedmoor. Residents can drop off their unflocked Christmas trees, holly, pumpkins and other living decorations at the Christmas tree collection site. These living decorations will then be repurposed and made into nutrient-rich mulch and compost through the TDS composting division. The finished composts and mulches will be available for purchase at Garden-Ville stores throughout Central Texas.

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “It seemed like a long time ago, but not too long ago, we were on this field just trying to make the playoffs. But they keep improving and they get better each week.” –Les Goad, Hays High football coach. See full story online at www.haysfreepress.com.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 6, 2021

EDITORIAL

He doesn’t even like avocados

Time for that Cruz feller to admit he’s no real Texan Ted Cruz can’t really be Texan: he doesn’t even like avocados. But he does want to be the next president from Texas mighty bad. He makes that clear constantly. What he makes less clear is whether he has interest in doing the job he was elected to do: U.S. Senator from Texas. Cruz is about as unTexan as they come. Look at the qualities we admire most in Texans, and you’ll see the state’s junior senator disrespect them. The latest evidence was his me-too pile-on this week when he cynically joined the phony “effort” to keep the Senate from certifying the national election results. Cruz claimed there were unprecedented allegations of fraud, which he cited as a reason to vote against the routine ratification of the national election results. He was posing, as he has for some time now, as a stalwart defender of an unfairly besieged Donald Trump. Our senator likes to brag a lot on the national stage about the Texas mystique. It’s a quality we might like, if his way of doing it – and his rank hypocrisy – didn’t make Texans look cartoonish. A mythic Texan says what she means and means what she says. Cruz didn’t just disagree with Trump when they ran against each other for president – Trump whipped him like an impatient buggy driver punishing a slow horse, if you remember – Cruz called Trump a pathological liar, a con man and a world-class narcissist unfit to hold public office. That’s saying what you mean – except Cruz quickly reversed himself as Trump consolidated his hold on power. Soon, Cruz became a slavish vassal, lavishing praise on the president. Some Republicans quietly made peace with the president’s character as a trade-off for policies they supported. Cruz reversed himself on a racetrack, revved his engines, and sped the opposite direction, driving backwards, honking his horn and waving flags. Texans admire people who stand by their friends, and their convictions, in fair weather or foul. Donald Trump nicknamed Cruz “Lyin’ Ted,” insulted his wife’s virtue, and accused his father (falsely) of being a killer. He ridiculed many programs and friends Cruz had worked for over the years. The response? Cruz became that side-kick we all recognize from B movies, the one that gets pushed around but keeps coming back. If this were a Dickens novel, it would be written this way: He put a smile on his face, looked down at his gruel of crow, and said cheerily, “Please sir, may I have some mo’e?” Virtually no one who follows politics closely believes Cruz was sincere in his concern about the election results. Cruz’s legal background means he knows these conspiracy theories have already been played out in court – often before Republican judges – and rejected. His education and historical knowledge mean he knows there are no credible or unprecedented charges here. And he knows that President Trump’s own national election security described this as one of the most secure and fair elections in the country’s history. Mythic Texans put themselves on the line when it matters. They explore space, extend science, lead platoons in combat, push beeves up a lonely trail against all odds; they draw lines in the sand, at places like the Alamo, no matter the consequences. Ted Cruz? He’d have been great fighting for democracy in 1836 – if what Sam Houston, Juan Seguin, and William Barret Travis had needed was a poll of party members instead of Bowie knives, guts and leadership. Watching Cruz game the system for publicity, undermining people’s faith in democracy by giving credence to disproven charges and wild conspiracies is a sorry sight that stands in stark contrast to some of the truly mythic figures who have represented this state. Hurrah for our senior U.S. Senator, John Cornyn, who put aside his own politics for a moment and, though he campaigned for Donald Trump, recognized that there comes a time when every elected officer should be willing to put country over party. There is so much that needs doing, for our state, for its economy, to stop this virus, but Cruz spends his time playing dress-up political cowboy, hoping we will all be transfixed and applaud, too distracted to pay close attention, or to remember context. For goodness sake, Senator Cruz, for the love of whatever it is you hold dear, if now – in the fresh days following a terrible year, in the midst of pandemic and financial crisis – if now is not the time to draw that line in the sand, to put aside petty political gamesmanship and instead show a candid world the stuff you are made of and why you deserve higher power, if now is not the time to stand for honor, to be a real Texan, then tell us, when is?

NEWS TIPS

If you think it’s news, we probably do too! • Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress.com • Mail: 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640

CORRECTIONS

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Lacking wisdom in 2020 Well, I’ve got some disappointing news for all y’all who peruse this column seeking to obtain scholarly information, sagacious advice or thought-provoking conjecture. For years, I have been sharing my infinite, yet convoluted wisdom with all followers of the written word and occasionally the fella plopped on the neighboring barstool. Although, I plan to keep writing as long as I have half a mind and my typing finger doesn’t get blown off, I just don’t know if my musings will be intellectually stimulating. You see, the source of my sagacity was depleted a few days ago when a dentist removed all four wisdom teeth from my cavernous mouth. I’m not totally sure all my wisdom came from those molars, but immediately after the extractions, I noticed a vast decline in my mental acuity. Luckily, I had a driver to take me home from the dentist office or I might still be circling a round-about, trying to find the exit for home. I’ve been told that wisdom is not actually

millions of folks have tattoos engraved into their hide. Some women are worried about the safety of a vaccine but are willby Clint ing to get a neurotoxin Younts injected into their faces, and some guys don’t stored in those teeth, trust Pfizer’s vaccine yet but I couldn’t solve a they have a stockpile of single puzzle on Wheel of Pfizer’s little blue pills in Fortune the evening after their nightstand. Many my extractions. folks are worried about I’m not expecting the vaccine’s side effects, to become a complete but they’ll buy a dozen moron like so many folks tamales out of the trunk who display their copiof some stranger’s car. ous ignorance on FaceCan someone explain book and Twitter, but I this to me? can feel my IQ dropping I can’t figure out why by the minute. I won’t go some guys are stockdumb without a fight. I piling guns and ammo. have purchased several While I was sitting in educational books which that dental chair, injectI plan to tackle as soon ed full of Novocain and as I buy more crayons. As Propofol, did the scienmy cistern of knowledge tific community predict dries up faster than a a zombie apocalypse in birdbath in the Sahara, 2021? I know there are I am hoping to regain folks a lot dumber than some insight from some me predicting another of y’all. So if y’all don’t civil war, but aren’t we mind, could someone still fighting the first one? answer some questions Explain to me why that I’ve been pondercitizens are still fussing ing? about the government Why are there so many advising us to wear people hesitant over masks and practice getting a vaccine that safety measures. The can end this pandemic only answer I can come once and for all? It can’t up with is because there be a fear of needles since is an abundance of folks

Crow’s Nest

with no common sense. There are laws to get us to wear seatbelts, and we are urged not to text and drive, but many people still do despite the fact that there are over a million car crashes each year due to distracted driving. Besides being selfishly ignorant, is there any proven reason not to wear a mask in public? Answer me this, if you can: When numerous judges, government officials and computer safety experts say there is absolutely no evidence of election fraud, why do some many still believe the unsubstantiated belief of one man who just can’t accept the fact that he lost the election? Mark Twain once stated, “Never argue with stupid people; they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” I no longer debate with strangers on Facebook. I refuse to stoop to their level. I just hope that without my wisdom teeth, y’all don’t ever see me walking around in Walmart in my pajamas and my mask pushed down under my chin.

Stop the steal is a hoax This column was first set to run in December 2020.

We seem to be living in an age where truth no longer matters. But I’m old school, and it still matters to me. So I am going to bother stating a few obvious truths that nobody seems to want to say. #StopTheSteal is a hoax. Any 10-year-old with the most fundamental understanding of how an election works knows you have to count all the votes before you know who the winner is. The fact that the hoax is obvious does not stop millions of people from pretending it is the truth. There are only two possibilities, regarding those who are going along with this charade. Either they do not know it is a hoax, or they know perfectly well it is. For the first group, the most charitable thing we can say is that they are blinded by love. As for the second group, I hate to say it, but they are traitors, knowing full well the true outcome of the election, but attempting to overturn the results. They show nothing but utter contempt for the truth, nothing but utter contempt for their fellow countrymen, and nothing but utter contempt for their country. It is a rebellion against everything

Democrats would win a big lead for the still-Presimajority there? And why dent in the first few hours God and did they lose seats in the of returns. It was even House? Reflecting on given a name: “The Red Country this question, the claim Mirage”. Nearly everyone by Phil Jones of a conspiracy is totally paying attention also absurd. It requires us to knew that the early votes, believe that the conand the mail-in votes, America stands for. spirators rigged only the which would be heavily Every objective Presidential election. If Democratic, would be indication is clear. In you’re going to pull off a counted last. So the loser spite of all the forces arfeat of fraud that prodisold the mirage as reality. rayed against it, the elec- gious, why settle for such Remember that kid you tion was conducted fairly a small reward? If the played with a few times, and freely. There were still-President’s defeat who would always accuse some irregularities; in a was a fraud, then so were you of cheating if you country of 300 million the victories of all the were ahead in the game? people, with the election down-ballot Republicans. The one who would turn conducted in towns both The still-President the table over if there was big and small, across 50 himself is fully aware of no way he could win? states, in the middle of the true outcome. Never- That kid is still President. a pandemic, with thoutheless, he launched this Free and fair elections, sands of human election hoax on the cynical calcu- and our faith in them, are workers, there will be lation that his supporters the foundation on which some hiccups. But there would go along with him, our entire way of life is is absolutely no evidence and that Republican state built. Destroy that, and of any coordinated conofficials would bow to his you destroy America. This spiracy to rig the results. pressure and join in his con man is trying his best None. Even Attorney Gen- dictatorial power-grab. to do just that on his way eral William Barr says so, Nearly everyone paying out the door. and up to that point he attention knew most May God save the had been the still-PresiRepublican voters would United States of Amerident’s faithful lapdog. All vote on election day, and ca, if God in his infinite the courts before which those votes would be wisdom and stunning the #StopTheSteal hoax counted first. That would goodness still considers it has pleaded its baseless give the appearance of a worth saving. and slanderous case say so, including the Supreme Court, loaded with six Republican appointees. Barton Publications, Inc. And common sense says News tips: news@haysfreepress.com so. Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com Common sense would ask the question: if the Democrats conspired 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 to steal the election, why www.haysfreepress.com did they leave control 512-268-7862 of the Senate in Mitch McConnell’s hands, when Publisher Production Manager the polls all indicated

LETTER TO THE EDITOR REBRANDING IS GOING TO COST US Have we lost our minds? According to Hays CISD superintendent Dr. Eric Wright, it will cost us $800,000 to rebrand the school (Hays High) with a new mascot. Does anyone in this over governed world we live in realize this is real money not board game play money? How about reducing your current budget, starting with administrative salaries to cover the expense? Gary Rush

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Page 4

COMMUNITY

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 6, 2021

Ranger gets governor off the hook Under the pretext of compensating him for the theft of his horses, Mexican soldiers lured a Rio Grande rancher to their side of the river on Jan. 12, 1914. Forty miles north of Laredo and a stone’s throw from Hidalgo, Mexico, there once was a poor imitation of a town called Palofox. Clemente Vergara lived on the bluff above the border crossing and used a small island in the shallow Rio Grande as a natural corral for his horses. Dolores Vergara looked out her window on a January morning in 1914 to see government troops in full uniform driving 11 head of her father’s horses into Mexico. She immediately sent word to the elderly rancher, who had gone down to Palofox after breakfast. Vergara hurried to Hidalgo and hunted up the commander of the local garrison. Although nothing usually escaped the notice of the eagle-eyed

next morning under armed guard in the army Texas barracks at Hidalgo. Dolores later described History his condition: “My father by Bartee Haile had two cut places on his head, a cut on the nose and a bruise on the officer, he flatly denied left side of his face. The any knowledge of the wounds had never been brazen daylight robbery dressed and the blood was leaving the exasperated clotted in his hair.” rancher to return home The worried women empty-handed. stayed the night in HidalThe following day, three go and were awakened figures called out to Verga- early the next day by a ra from the opposite bank. surly soldier, who told If he would come on over, them Vergara had been they promised to make taken to Piedras Negras. good his loss. He added in a menacing Accompanied by his manner that they would young nephew, Vergara be well-advised to go back rowed across the river in to Texas. a small skiff. The instant The frantic females the craft settled on the reported the kidnapping foreign shore, he was to the county authorities, grabbed by the trio and but they were stonewalled brutally beaten. The terby tight-lipped Mexican rified boy eluded capture officials. Gov. Oscar B. and watched from the Colquitt also tried his thick underbrush as the luck, but with Mexico in thugs dragged away his its usual state of chaos he unconscious uncle. too hit a brick wall. Vergara’s wife and For help in breaking the daughter located their diplomatic bottleneck, battered loved one the the governor contacted

William Jennings Bryan, who showed scant interest in saving the life of an expendable citizen. The secretary of state did express grave concern that the Texan might go off half-cocked and provoke an international incident and warned him against sending the Rangers into Mexico to rescue the rancher. In the middle of this fruitless exchange between Austin and Washington, a number of Lone Star newspapers reported on Jan. 25 that Vergara had been hanged the day after his abduction. His unburied body was supposedly still swaying in the breeze a week and a half later. On Feb. 8, Gov. Colquitt received a telegram from Capt. J.J. Saunders of the Texas Rangers that caused him to shudder at the potentially serious implications. “Have just returned from Hidalgo,” read the wire. “Have the body of Clemente Vergara on Texas soil.” Did this mean Saunders

had gone into Mexico against the wishes of the secretary of state to retrieve the rancher’s remains? According to a detailed account in the Laredo Times, that was exactly what it meant. The quick-thinking Ranger promptly set the record straight. He apologized for giving the governor the false impression that he had illegally snatched Vergara’s body out from under the very noses of the uncooperative Mexicans. Instead, acting upon an anonymous tip, he found the corpse conveniently waiting on the Texas bank of the Rio Grande. Saunders also provided an ingenious explanation for the “misleading” telegram. He dictated the message to the American consul, who had been up all night and in his exhausted state got it all wrong. The text should have read, “Have just returned to Laredo. Recovered Clemente Vergara’s body on Texas soil.”

No one really believed the Ranger’s second version, but that was beside the point. He had neatly gotten the grateful governor off the hook with the secretary of state, while at the same time protecting his own posterior. As for the murderers of Clemente Vergara, they never paid for their cold-blooded crime in a court of law. But if persistent rumors were true, the killers were unofficially punished. Some months later, Texas Rangers caught two of the cutthroats not far from Palofox but mysteriously misplaced them on the way to jail. Back in those days, the border had its own brand of justice.

ger need in 2020 due to the collective stress and trauma people experienced; therapists were no exception. That year affected Sandahl in many ways, it even influenced her retirement plan. Sandahl wanted to retire earlier than Dec. 31, but felt she needed to be there for her patients. Some weeks Sandahl worked seven days straight -- no breaks. Postponing retirement was not an easy decision, but working with patients who needed her was an honor, she said. Now that she has reached retirement, Sandahl has plans to travel, spend more time with her six grandchildren, write and more.

“It’s very bittersweet,” Sandahl said about retiring. “I’ve said goodbye to so many people that I’ve grown to really care for and love. I’m humbled and honored to have this space in their life. It’s been unexpected to process, this uniqueness

of my spot on this earth. Sandahl added how delightful it has been to serve patients in Kyle. “I’m so glad Dr. Rouch told me to come to Kyle. It’s an open-minded community and has been really good to me. I’ve loved Kyle and I’m grateful.”

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Seeking Therapy: Retiring counselor reflects Continued from pg. 1

She expanded to three days a week. Within the same year of opening her office doors in 2007, Sandahl turned her parttime office hours to a full-time job. After serving her community for 13 years, Sandahl retired at the end of 2020. At the beginning, Sandahl got help from a good friend and Kyle’s then-doctor – Dr. Danny Rouch. He gave her an office for free the first year so she could try it out. When Sandahl saw the large demand in the small city, she decided to pay rent until she could find a bigger space. In 2012, she moved to a larger building and brought in five other counselors. Even then, Sandahl was still very protective of her clients in fear of the negative stigma around mental health help. “I remember turning the yard into a parking lot and the contractor wanted to tear down fences,” Sandahl said. “I said no; people might not want to be seen. Even in 2012

people would not want to be seen coming in to the office. That has changed a lot. Most of the people I see, I think, have no problem saying they are seeing a counselor.” The fear around the taboo of therapy has changed. In fact, many clients openly discuss advice they might receive from their therapists with family and friends, Sandahl explained. Kyle now has 15 therapists and Buda, Wimberley and Dripping Springs have a similar number. This growth in seeking mental health help grew due to multiple factors. The first, according to Sandahl, came from media normalizing seeing a therapist. Then in 2010 the Affordable Care Act opened a door for people by making mental health help more financially accessible. People also began realizing that there are professionals who could dole out better advice than their friends or parents, Sandahl said.

Younger generations also played a big role in normalizing the relationship between a therapist and a patient. Sandahl said she has seen people in their 80s who never thought of meeting with a therapist start to come in, thanks to the influence of their grandkids. Reasons and willingness to see a therapist has changed over the years. “Some people need to see a therapist if they are bipolar or have schizophrenia, for example,” Sandahl told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. “But most come because they want to have a better life. I see people with anxiety every day.” Seeing a therapist does not always have to be for a reason. It can be used as a method to unload, better understand the self, treat a mental health condition or learn how to be present in the moment. Therapists even need others in their field to help them out sometimes. This was an even big-

PPP Loans

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in Hays County received this amount. Caraday Managemnet LLC in San Marcos got $5-10 million from BOKF National Association. Patriot Erectors LLC in Dripping Springs secured $5-10 million through Cadence Bank National Association. Berry Aviation Inc. in San Marcos also received $5-10 million from Regions Bank. Some other Hays County businesses that received these funds include: The New World Bakery, Inc. with a loan of $350,000 to $1 million from Amarillo National Bank. Flores Mexican Restaurant got a loan of $1-$2 million from Lone Star National Bank. Cinestarz LLC received $1-$2 million from Frost Bank. B&J Pharmacy received $150,000-$350,000 from Broadway National LOANS OVER $150,000: Bank. The largest loans given Although only 255 small ranged between $5-10 mil- businesses received loans lion. Only three businesses greater than $150,000,

these funds secured over 12,500 jobs. Overall, PPP loans helped save over 23,000 jobs in Hays County for all loan amounts. Wells Fargo gave over 170 loans but did not disclose secured job amounts. Many lenders gave minimal amounts of loans, ranging between one to 10 loans.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 6, 2021

SPORTS

Page 5

Hays reaches state semifinal

TEAM PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III/HAYS CISD

GAME PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK/WFOTOS.COM

Sophomore Zach Obara scores a touchdown on the run thanks to a key block by Hays’ Mitchell Sepulveda Jr. (75) and a missed tackle by Viper’s Logan Arnold (2) which gave Hays a 12-7 lead with 7:21 in the second quarter.

Vandegrift’s quarterback Ryan Back tries to connect with a receiver over the outstretched arms of Hays’ defensive lineman Sean McSorley. The Vipers had 3 passes intercepted and lost a fumble in the 38-10 loss.

Sophomore Chris Bruce steps into the end zone for a touchdown on an 11-yard pass from quarterback Durand Hill to give Hays an 18-10 lead with :10 remaining in the second quarter.

Vipers’ Ryan Sheppard tries in vain to block Hays’ Michael Boudoin III who gets a hand up to block a pass by Viper quarterback Ryan Back early in the third quarter.

Hays High senior Trista Strasser rises above a Kerrville Tivy player to snag a rebound in the second half.

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III/HAYS CISD While a foul was called on the play, Hays High senior Lily Guevara (left) prevented a Kerrville Tivy player from firing off a shot near the baseline during the second half.

A Kerrville Tivy defender receives a face full of shoulder courtesy of Hays High’s Katelynn Isely as she drove the lane Dec. 31.

Hays powers past Tivy A 16-point second frame was the catalyst for the Hays girls basketball team as they powered past the Kerrville Tivy Antlers 49-37 in a nondistrict tilt prior to the New Year. The victory helped Hays curb a threegame losing streak that included a pair of losses to Westlake and Lake Travis in district play. Hays continues district play Friday at Del Valle then returns home Jan. 12 to play Bowie.

25-6A GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS Austin 4-0 Westlake 4-0 Lake Travis 2-1 Bowie 2-0 Del Valle 1-2 San Marcos 1-3 Hays 1-3 Akins 0-4

We proudulyr support o hometown teams

Hays’ junior Marcus Taylor goes up to intercept a pass in front of the Viper’s intended wide receiver Graylan Spring (80) to stop Vandegrift’s drive with 8:40 in the third quarter and Hays leading 18-10.

Hays’ quarterback Durand Hill has time to connect with a touchdown pass to Chris Bruce with :18 in the third quarter to take a 24-10 lead over the Vipers thanks to blocking by Josh Ridriguez (29) and Tyler Prassel.

With steely eyed focus, Lehman Lady Lobo Melina Garza (1) pushes a pass toward teammate Grace Duray during the second half of their game against Boerne Champion.

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III/HAYS CISD Lehman High’s Lily Castro rifles a pass to the wing during the fourth quarter of the team’s New Year’s Eve game against Boerne Champion.

A Lehman Lobo player fights to snag a rebound from the hands of a Boerne Champion Charger during their Dec. 31 game at the Lobo Den.

Lobos begin new year 1-1 A 1-1 split was how the Lehman Lady Lobos fared during the holiday break as they scored a key district win to begin the new year. Lehman fell to powerhouse Boerne Champion 87-25 on New Year's Eve, but they rebounded with a 57-42 victory over Alamo Heights on Jan. 2. The Lady Lobos return home Jan. 22 when they host New Braunfels Canyon at the Den.

26-5A GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS New Braunfels Canyon 7-1 Boerne Champion 6-1 San Antonio Veterans Memorial 5-2 Kerrville Tivy 3-2 Dripping Springs 2-3 Johnson 1-3 Lehman 1-3 Seguin 0-3 Alamo Heights 0-7

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Page 6

COMMUNITY

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 6, 2021

Women and their art is the focus of San Marcos gallery’s last call SAN MARCOS – A new Call for Art focusing on women and their art is underway for a new gallery show coming to the Price Center in San Marcos in conjunction with International Women’s Day March 8. The show, titled “From Challenge Comes Change,” is open to all area women and those who identify as female. Plans call for a virtual and in-person show as well as a virtual celebration on March 8. Due to the popularity of last year’s show, artists are limited to one submission only. Works will be accepted Jan. 25 and Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. This is an all-media show, works must be family-friendly and ready to hang. (3-D

“Miss Anna” by Cheryl Wooten

works also encouraged.) A $10 application fee is due at time of submission and 20% of any artwork sales goes to assist with

operating the nonprofit community center. “We were pleased to see so many high-quality and diverse works last year,” said Joan

Nagel, Arts Committee Chair. “The crowd and spirit shared at the opening reception was even more heartwarming,” she said. Additional details about the virtual celebration on March 8 and the community art project that will be included with the effort are in development. Community Art Shows are conducted by the Price Center Art’s Committee and funded in part through a grant from the San Marcos Arts Commission. For more information, call 512392-2900, stop by the Center at 222 W. San Antonio St., San Marcos, or visit price-center.org or Facebook @ Price Center & Garden.

For all the latest news in Hays County, visit...

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OBITUARIES BURNETT

Sudoku puzzle courtesy of www.4puz.com

Judge William Walter “Bud” Burnett died Dec. 27 peacefully in his sleep at his ranch in Duran, New Mexico, after a several years battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Burnett, 82, was a fourterm Hays County Judge and although his first loves were ranching cattle and nurturing his family, his calling for public service benefits Hays County to this day. His death followed that of his wife, Frances Fleming Burnett, by only 13 days. Born in San Marcos on July 12, 1938, the son of Walter John and Willie Maude Nolen Burnett, Burnett split his time between his family’s cattle ranch outside Wimberley and San Marcos, where he attended school. He spent many happy summers and holidays on the ranch with his sisters, Kathleen and Mary. Following graduation from San Marcos High in 1956, Burnett attended Southwest Texas State College (now Texas State University). At SWT, Burnett met his wife, Kay Elizabeth Franz. Following his graduation and marriage, he continued to work in the family’s ranching business, which was established in Hays County in 1911 by his great-grandparents. The couple lived at the family ranch until their first child, Susan Elizabeth, was born in 1962. They moved to San Marcos where they had two more children, William (Bill) and Wade. In 1983, with their youngest son, Wade, Burnett and Kay restored and modernized the old rock ranch house in Wimberley and moved into it. “Bud” followed in the family footsteps of his paternal grandfather and uncle, and entered politics. He was elected County Judge in 1973 and served for 12 years. Burnett served on numerous civic, nonprofit and business boards in Hays County and throughout Central Texas. He chaired the search committee that brought Jerry Supple to the presi-

dency of Southwest Texas State University. In 2006, Burnett was named a Distinguished Alumnus of San Marcos High School by the San Marcos Education Foundation in recognition of his achievements, strength of character and outstanding citizenship and for serving as a role model to inspire and challenge today's youth. Burnett had been an active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and is the past president of the Southwest Texas State University Development Foundation. Burnett’s marriage to Kay ended in 1991 and the two remained close friends. In 1996, after retiring from public service, Burnett married his high school sweetheart Francis Fleming. Together, they built a home on a bluff overlooking the Blanco near the old rock ranch house, and later, restored an old, adobe ranch house at the cattle ranch in Duran, New Mexico. They enjoyed traveling and filling their homes with antiques and Frances’ artwork. After becoming seriously ill with the last stages of Parkinson’s Disease earlier this year, Burnett chose to spend his final months at the ranch in Duran where he was cared for by his fellow ranchers and friends, David and Taleisha Crabb. They made it possible for him to be in the place he loved most when he passed away. Walter was preceded in death by his mother, Willie Maude Nolen Burnett; father, Walter John Burnett; Uncle and “second father,” William Matthew Burnett; wife Frances; first wife Kay, son, Wade and daughter-in-law Charelle Burnett. He is survived by his children, Susan Burnett of Austin and Bill Burnett of Dripping Springs; grandchildren Laura Betrián Waelbroeck and husband Iñigo Betrián González, William Walter Burnett III., and Ainsley Grace Burnett; sisters Kathleen Olive and husband Bob, Mary Nabers; and nephews Jonathan, Robert, and Brian Olive, and Joel, Chris, and Matt Nabers. Memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. A celebration of life will be held later in 2021.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 6, 2021

COMMUNITY

Page 7

OBITUARIES MARTINEZ-RAMOS Vicente Martinez-Ramos, a loving, naturally stubborn and determined father, husband and grandfather, died December 29, 2020 at his home in Kyle, surrounded by family. He was 61 years old. Vicente was born in El Salvador on Dec. 2, 1959 to Celia and Julio Ramos. On Dec. 22, 1983 he married the love of his life, Ilma Pineda. Together Vicente and Ilma immigrated to the United States in 1990 while Ilma was carrying their third child. Their initial destination was Los Angeles County in California. There they weathered life’s trials and tribulations while raising their five children. In 2006 their family moved to Kyle. Vicente held many odd jobs through his life, doing whatever the family needed to stay together and to provide for them. He was a talented handyman, and coupled with his determination, this allowed him to conquer any task placed before him. Vicente currently worked for Hays CISD as a maintenance worker, a position he held for a cumulative span of 14 years. Vicente was very strong-willed; some would even say he was stubborn. He was determined to have it his way. In his mind, he was never wrong, not that he was not, he just believed it to be so. Vicente loved his family and had high expectations for them. For him, every moment was a teaching opportunity. His response to challenges his children would face was, “Don’t worry. I’ve done this before,” and most of the time he was right. Vicente was happy and playful around his family. He loved to play with them when they were children. He was a very hands-on parent and grandparent. One of his greatest joys was to spend time with his grandson, pick fruit from their fruit trees and basically do whatever his grandson wanted. Vicente leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Ilma Martinez-Pineda, as well as

his devoted children, Erick Martinez, Jose Martinez, Diana and Chris Cerda, Evelyn Martinez and Lindsey Martinez, and his grandson Aiden Cerda. A funeral mass was held at Saint Anthony Church in Kyle, with internment at Memory Lawn Memorial Park. Visit www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Vicente’s family.

TREVINO Christopher Lee Trevino Jr. “Binkie”, 19, resident of Kyle, died on December 19, 2020. He was born on Jan. 12, 2001 in Austin. Throughout his schooling, Christopher exceeded all expectations. He was accepted into the STEM program in grade school and was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. He was a 2019 graduate of Hays High School and received several college offers, accepting Texas A&M San Antonio. He worked as a hardware associate for Home Depot for 3 and a half years. He enjoyed sports, playing middle and high school football, track and basketball. He also played select basketball outside of school for many years. Christopher’s love for basketball led him to idolize Kobe Bryant. He studied stats, games and Kobe for many years. He was fascinated by his skills and determination. Christopher was well known for his striking smile, caring heart and genuine personality; he could radiate positive energy on everyone in his presence. He will be greatly missed by many. Binkie is survived by his parents Ivory Lajoy and Christopher Lee Trevino Sr., his sister Alyssa Raquel Trevino, maternal grandparents Raymundo and Marie Garcia, paternal grandparents Ruben Trevino and Mary Lou Trevino, great-grandmother Josephine Nuncio and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by the love of his life, fiancé,

Buda, Texas • 15300 S. IH-35 • 312-1615

Debbie Thames, Agent 251 N. FM 1626, Bldg. 2, Ste. C, Buda, Texas 78610 312-1917

Sudoku Solution

Haley Lee Vargas. He is preceded in death by his sister Mary Elizabeth Trevino. Funeral mass was held Dec. 29 at St. Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church, followed by interment at Assumption Cemetery in Austin.

YANEZ Andres Yanez Sr. of Kyle, Texas, died peacefully in his home December 27, 2020. Andres was born in Jimenez, Coahuila to Manuel and Betzabe Yanez on May 18, 1946. Andres was one of 11 children. He later met and married the love of his life of 38 years, Aurora Balderas Yanez, who preceded him in death in 2012. Andres loved to ride horses and had a passion for any type of ranch hand work. His ability to nickname all 18 grandchildren, and not know any of their real names, was just a reflection of his funny character. His witty and joking personality will be greatly missed. His greatest joys were his 18 grandchildren and great-granddaughter who all knew him as “Popo”. Those left to mourn him are his sons Andres Yanez Jr. (wife Elizabeth), Rojelio Yanez, Jesus Yanez (wife Alma), and Mario Yanez; his daughter Alicia Vizcarra (husband Jason); his grandchildren Eric, Kariana, Leticia, Jesus Jr, Alecia, Breanna, Adrian, Ariana, Andrea, Humberto, Rojelio Jr, Samuel, Alexis, Aubrey, Ariely, Noah, Jesse, Kross; his great-granddaughter Layluh; his sister Elia Velazquez; his brother Pedro Yanez; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, his son Humberto Yanez, and 8 siblings. Funeral Mass was held Jan. 4 at Saint Anthony de Claret Catholic Church in Kyle, with burial at San Miguel Cemetery in Uhland. Visit www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Andres’ family.

Residents may have noticed the massive Christmas tree in downtown Kyle came tumbling down after a heavy wind storm late December. While the tree is a different design than years past, the “extreme wind was a factor in tipping,” according to communications director Samantha Armbruster. It was constructed per the

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installation guide. “The tree was installed per the instructions given by the design company. It had 4 guides to hold it down that should have been enough to withstand the wind we experienced, Armbruster said. “In the future we plan to install it above and beyond the instructions but are grateful that the tree is still under warranty and will be replaced and ready for

future Christmas seasons for the community to enjoy.” Armbruster said city staff is fixing the damage in time for next year. “We are also going to work with the park design company during the construction/renovations of City Square Park on a possible underground installation for the pole versus the concrete blocks,” Armbruster said.

Full-Circle Aftercare Fast. Simple. Safe. Keeping you safe by simplifying the next steps after a loss. The staff at Harrell Funeral Homes provide each family we serve with aftercare help. You can stay safe at home, and we will help you complete all the non-legal tasks and notifications over the phone in as few as 1 to 3 days.

For more information, email tracy@haysfreepress.com or call 512-433-0926

CHURCH OF CHRIST

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda

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

Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle

BAPTIST

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

EPISCOPAL

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

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

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

Texas Crossword, from page 6

BY MEGAN WEHRING

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

Texas Crossword Solution

Kyle Christmas tree will be ready for next year

512-268-8200 HarrellFuneralHomes.com

Come worship with us

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 6

PHOTO FROM EVERYING IN KYLE, TEXAS FACEBOOK PAGE

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

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

Spring Water! Privately owned From local springs FREE DELIVERY 1ST 20 GAL. FREE

Vertical Chapel 400 Old Post Road, Kyle A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle

Friendly, Courteous Service

Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle

Call 1-866-691-2369

Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda

BUDA

Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle

DRUG STORE

203 Railroad Street Downtown Buda Pharmacy 312-2111 Fountain 312-2172

PENTECOSTAL Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle

Journey United Methodist 4301 Benner Rd, Kyle, Tx

CHRISTIAN

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca

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

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666

New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd. PRESBYTERIAN

First Baptist Church

A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161 Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m. Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m.

www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626

Pure Texas

New Covenant Community Church 1019 Main Street, Buda (in Dance Unlimited)

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

Adult (including an 8:30 a.m. early bird class), teen, children’s classes * Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school

Providing you with your most important local news for Kyle, Buda and surrounding communities

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

9:30 a.m. Classic Service 10:45 a.m. Contemporary service

Hays Free Press

Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle

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

Baptist Church

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Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald

METHODIST

Hays Hills

TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP

Nursery Provided

www.firstbaptistbuda.com • fbcbuda@austin.rr.com

Your Hometown McDonald’s

McDonald’s of Buda 15359 IH-35, Ste. B • P.O. Box 1364, Buda, TX 78610

512-312-2383

Locally owned and operated by Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson

Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM

Sunday Morning

11:00 AM

Sunday Worship

5:45 PM

Wednesday Meal

6:30 PM

Wed TouchPoint SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries

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(512) 894-0480

4000 E. HWY 290

Page 8

STATE NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 6, 2021

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

New year can’t yet shake focus from COVID-19 It’s a new year, but the news out of the capital continues to focus on COVID-19. Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted last week that “a significant portion of vaccines distributed across Texas might be sitting on hospital shelves as opposed to being given to vulnerable Texans. The state urges vaccine providers to quickly provide all shots. We get plenty more each week.” Many health providers and county health department officials responded that they were working as quickly as they could to give shots to front-line health care workers and lacked the doses necessary to move to what Texas calls phase 1B recipients. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, phase 1B recipients include those 65 and older and those 16 and older with medical conditions that would put them at greater risk from COVID-19. Various state news outlets reported Texans in phase 1B could not find

delivery services between 10:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Capital Dec. 31 to Jan. 3. Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Highlights Travis County Judge Andy by Chris Cobler Brown imposed the threeday restriction to limit social gatherings over the any vaccine available to holiday weekend after the them yet. The state health state reported a record department encouraged number of hospitalizathe public to check its tions and new cases. website weekly for updates “Mayor Adler and Judge on vaccine availability. Brown do not have the In the meantime, people authority to flout Gov. Abshould continue wearing a bott’s executive orders by face mask when in public shutting down businesses and follow all social disin Travis County and our tancing guidelines, health state’s capital city,” Attorofficials said. ney General Paxton said in a statement. District Judge Amy Clark Meachum denied Paxton’s motion, saying the state had not shown “imminent and irrepThe city of Austin and Travis County tried to im- arable harm.” The AG immediately asked the pose New Year’s weekend 3rd Court of Appeals to restrictions on restaublock the order, but that rants, but Texas Attorney court rejected his appeal. General Ken Paxton and Paxton then went to the Gov. Abbott won the final Texas Supreme Court round of a legal battle. for an emergency stay of The local officials’ the order. The high court order limited restaurants granted the injunction late to drive-thru, curbside pickup, takeout and Jan. 1 without comment.

AG blocks Austin

Food benefits increased

benefits previously provided to Texans between April and December. Beginning in January, recipients will receive a 15 The Texas Health and percent increase in their Human Services Comtotal benefits, which will mission will provide $204 continue monthly until million in emergency SNAP food benefits during June 2021. The additional 15 percent increase and January as the state conthe emergency allotment tinues its response to the amount should appear pandemic. in recipients’ accounts by Recipients of the Jan. 23. Administered by Supplemental Nutrition the state agency, SNAP Assistance Program also is a federal program that will see an additional 15 provides food assistance percent in their total bento 1.7 million eligible efits in January because low-income families and of recently passed federal individuals in Texas. legislation. Texans in need may “As we continue through apply for benefits, includthe new year, these bening SNAP and Medicaid, at efits offer nutritious food to those who need it most, YourTexasBenefits.com. especially in these trying times” Wayne Salter, of HHS, said in a statement. The new year brought The state received federal approval from the U.S. another California compaDepartment of Agriculture ny’s headquarters to Texas. Financial services firm to extend the maximum Charles Schwab recently allowable amount of announced a $26 billion SNAP benefits to recipimerger with TD Amerients based on family size. trade. As part of the mergThe emergency January allotments are in addition er, the combined compato the almost $2 billion in ny’s headquarters officially

‘I know Chuck’

moved Jan. 1 from San Francisco to Schwab’s $100 million campus in Denton County. In a press release, Schwab said the Westlake location and facility in Denton were chosen and designed as a more centrally located hub for Schwab’s nationwide operations. Before the merger, Schwab had more than 2,500 employees at its Westlake campus, and about 2,000 employees worked at TD Ameritrade’s location in Southlake. Gov. Abbott welcomed Charles Schwab in a tweet last week and reassured Texans that the influx of California companies wouldn’t change the Lone Star state. “I’ve talked to Chuck, I know Chuck,” Abbott tweeted. “He wants to keep Texas, Texas.” Chris Cobler is a board member and past president of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. He welcomes email at ccobler@texaspress.com.

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Page 9

PUBLIC NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $12 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules. Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net. Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

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Find a copy of the Hays Free Press or News-Dispatch at any of the following locations. To subscribe call 512-268-7862 or email paper@haysfreepress.com

WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHO

KYLE H-E-B Kyle Walgreens on Kyle Parkway Spicy Bites on FM 2770 Walgreens FM 2770 and FM 150 Broadway Bank Sac-N-Pac/Long John Silvers CVS Kyle on Center Street Sac-N-Pac near Dairy Queen

Johnson Jaguars tame Lockhart Lions for a historic win.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 12

ÂŠ Barton Publications,

75Â˘

HaysFreePress.co m

AG investigate BY ANITA MILLER

You can find the Hays Free Press at any of the following locations: Chaveloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pac-N-Sac on Main Street and FM 2770 Walgreens Main Street and Old San Antonio Road H-E-B Buda CVS on FM 1626 and FM 967

JAGS TAME LIONS

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pages 4-6

Hays Free Pre

An investigation the Texas Attorney by Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office into County Judge Hays Ruben Becerraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dealing regarding COVID-19 tests the ire of the judge drew this weekend.

BUDA

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

Check out whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s running locally for what and why in the November election.

Vol. 126 â&#x20AC;˘ No. 27

s Hays County The investigation looks into both Becerra and his right-hand man Alex Villalobos over

Trial date set for murder suspect of KPD employee BY ANITA MILLER

A trial date in February 2022 is anticipated for Freddie Lee Smith, one of two men Austin Police Officer VonTrey Clark, 32, hired kill his 29-year- to old pregnant girlfriend, Samantha Dean, in 2015. Dean was a victims services coordinator for DEAN the Kyle Police Department and Clark, who was the father of her unborn child, pleaded guilty capital murderto in exchange for a life sentence in December 2019. The third man, CLARK Kevin Watson, is awaiti i

on the coronavirus, officials in Bastrop with ty, where Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Counbody was found, hoping that by that time, the criminal justice system and jury trials will have returned to normal. If the trial does take place in February 2022, it will mark seven years since Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body was found in a Bastrop parking lot. The case has experienced a number of delays, notably when Clark fled to Indonesia soon after his relationship with Dean came to light.

their attempts to secure COVID-19 testing materials early in the pandemic. He directed his vitriol

at the San Marcos Daily Record which first reported the news on regarding the Sunday AG investi-

JUDGE INVESTIGATION,

Painting the town

Sac-N- Pac on FM 150 and FM 21 Vaqueros COMING UP Kyle Public Library Kyle City Hall KYLE MAYOR RACE

SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 BUDA COUNCIL

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 5

You can find the News-Dispatch at any of the following locations: WIMBERLEY Wimberley Chamber and Visitors Center H-E-B Brookshire Brothers

date

gation. Other material had also been recently reported by news organizations including the statewide nonprofit Texas and the nationalTribune investigative organization Pro Publica.

Czech immigrant beautifying Buda one

Four Kyle mayor hopefuls discuss business ideas during virtual forum.

DRIPPING SPRINGS Stanberry Real Estate Office Dripping Springs City Hall Walgreens H-E-B CVS

Inc.

Serving Hays County, County

judge, Sheriff candi

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to criticize new weekend reports about an ongoing AG

News-Dispat

RACE

Candidates for Buda Council Places 1 and 2 give insight to their goals.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 4

75Â˘ 5Â˘

HaysNewsDispatc h.com

HOMETOWN HEROES

Hays County firefighters travel to California to help battle

wildfires

BY CHASE ROGERS

Vol. 40 â&#x20AC;˘ No. 50

/H`Z *V\U[` Ă&#x201E;YLĂ&#x201E;N O[LYZ ^OV [YH]LSLK Ă&#x201E;YLZ HYL SLM[ SUBMITTED PHOTO [V *HSPMVYUPH [V OLS [V Michael Wyche. YPNO[ (ZZPZ[HU[ *OPLM *OHZ W L_[PUN\PZO \UWYL /\TWOYL` Ă&#x201E;YLĂ&#x201E;NO[LYZ JLKLU[LK ^PSK*VYI` 2VRLTVVY HUK

BY ANITA MILLER

HOMETOWN HEROES,

on Mercer

Visitors Center

This topsy-turvy is going to come year Christmas sea to the b

Inc.

Amid controversy, school districts allow BLM attire BY SAHAR CHMAIS

Keep Christmas

Dripping Springs

ÂŠ Barton Publications,

Serving Hays County,

part of a strike While Americans team including commemorated ers Corby Kokemoor Ă°UHĂ°JKWHUV IURP 5RXQG 5 anniversary of the 19th RFN $XVWLQ and Michael Wyche DQG %U\DQ WK terrorist attacksthe 9/11 H +D\V Ă°UHĂ°JKWHUV ZHUH from North Hays County Friday, Sept. 11, and amid Fire Rescue assigned to the Creek Fire spanning Springs. in Dripping nation fractured a by the 248,296 acres novel coronavirus, As part of a strike approximate six team Hays County comprised of ly 30 miles away from firefighters firefightbegan a two-day Fresno, California ers from Round Rock, DQG DĎ&#x192;HFWLQJ ODUJH SRUW to face another drive Austin and Bryan, the LRQV RI WKH Hays County crisis in progresslooming Sierra National firefighters Forest. strophic wildfiresâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; catahave been assigned laying to waste to large the Creek Fire areas of the â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a wildfire countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s six fire West Coast. spanning 248,296 acres ments: Captain departfighter Kyle Guerra approximately The six firefighters Brandon 30 miles from Kitchens, Lieutenant come from two Kyleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fire department away from Fresno, of the Aaron Crain and and Assistant fornia, in Fresno CaliChief Chas FireCounty Humphrey and firefight-

vying for for lighting

funds

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that original Letters of Administration for the Estate of Davis Scott Ledbetter, Deceased, were issued on November 16, 2020, in Cause No. 16 0031 P, in County Court-at-Law No. 1, Hays County, Texas, to: Rosemary Saldiva, Independent Administrator. All persons having claims against this Estate are required to present them to the Executor within the time and in the manner prescribed by law, at the following address: Rosemary Saldiva, c/o John W. Vinson, PLLC; PO Box 301678; Austin, TX 78703 (Fax No.: 512-926-7380). /s/ John W. Vinson, Attorney for the Adminstrator.

Black Lives A San Antonio ter school teachercharMatter is not was recently fired for wearing considered a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Lives Matterâ&#x20AC;? mask. Although a political Hearts Western Great Hills statement, deemed this message inappropriate and those who for a teacher to wear, neither Hays stand behind Consolidated Independent School District it believe it is not Wimberley Independent a humanitaria School District n views on the has similar one. matter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing in the Hays CISD dress code,â&#x20AC;? Hays CISD strives to be an Tim Savoy, chief wrote inclusive and safe nications officer commuronment for all. enviat Hays The disCISD, â&#x20AC;&#x153;would trict believes prohibit that the least staff or students possible restriction, in wearing apparel from terms of dress code, is the facemasks, with including most conducive the Black Lives either ing people the to allowfreedom to LGBTQ logos Matter or or insignia. BLM ATTIRE ALLOWED,

Lawsuit to remov e county judge still in limbo BY ANITA MILLER â&#x20AC;&#x153;Baselessâ&#x20AC;? was a local attorney the word u d

erra can continue on behalf of Hays his work County without these di t

TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JOE LAWTON AND TO ALL UNKNOWN OWNERS, HEIRS, OR CLAIMANTS IN THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN, Defendant(s) GREETINGS: YOU HAVE BEEN SUED. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days after you were served this citation, the same being FEBRUARY 22, 2021 a default judgment may be taken against you. YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to appear and answer before the 428th District Court, Hays County, Texas, at San Marcos then and there to answer the PLAINTIFFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ORIGINAL PETITION TO REMOVE CERTAIN CEMETERY PROPERTY FROM DEDICATION AS A CEMETERY filed in said Court on October 6, 2020, and said suit being numbered 20-2242 on the docket of said Court, wherein THE COUNTY OF HAYS, TEXAS is the Plaintiff and DOYLE MORGAN FELLERS, CLAIREEN F. FELLERS, CYPRESS FORK RANCH, L.P., A DOMESTIC LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, L. GAY LAWTON, AND THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JOE LAWTON are the Defendants. The nature of said suit is as follows: PLAINTIFF SEEKS THE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN CEMETERY PROPERTY FROM BEING DEDICATED AS A CEMETERY PURSUANT TO

COMING UP

TEXAS STATEWIDE ADVERTISING NETWORK

SECTION 711.036 OF THE TEXAS HEALTH & SAFETY CODE. BEING A TRACT OF LAND CONTAINING 2.074 ACRES, SITUATED IN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS BEING OUT OF THE BENJAMIN F. HANNA LEAGUE SURVEY NO. 428, ABSTRACT NO. 222, AND BEING A PORTION OF THE CALLED 111.181 ACRE TRACT CONVEYED TO DOYLE M. FELLERS, ET UX PER DEED RECORDED IN VOLUME 1001, PAGE 750, OF THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS. All as more fully appears of record on file in this office, and which reference is here made for all intents and purposes. ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL of said Court at office, on this the 4th day of January, 2021. REQUESTED BY: Ramon Molina Ross Molina Oliveros PC 4118 Pond Hill Road, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78231 210-249-3200 BEVERLY CRUMLEY Hays County District Clerk 712 Stagecoach Trail, Ste. 2211 San Marcos, Texas 78666 By: Nicole Fenner, Deputy

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration with Will Annexed for the Estate of William Arthur Zileski, Deceased, were issued on November 23, 2020, in Cause No. 20-0226-P, pending in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas, to: Paul Kroschewsky. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Del Prado Dietz, PLLC Representative, Estate of William Arthur Zileski The Young Building 323 W. Hopkins Street San Marcos, Texas 78666 DATED the 2nd day of December 2020. Elly Del Prado Dietz Attorney for Paul Kroschewsky State Bar No.: 05857170 The Young Building 323 W. Hopkins Street San Marcos, Texas 78666 Telephone: (512) 878-0999 Facsimile: (512) 757-8696 E-mail: elly@delpradodietz. com

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Chapter 59 Texas Property Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; River Road Self Storage will conduct a Public Sale to the highest bidder for cash on their premises. This sale is being listed below. The company reserves the right to reject any bid and withdraw any from the sale at any time. Date: January 16, 2021 (Saturday) River Road Self Storage wishes to avail themselves of the Texas Provision of Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code. This sale is listed below. Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: 880 River Road, San Marcos, Texas 78666 Unit #042 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Conners, A â&#x20AC;&#x201C; headboard, dresser, Casio keyboard, Christmas dĂŠcor, household goods Unit #055 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Roberts, K â&#x20AC;&#x201C; kids toys, tackle box Unit #060 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Caroselli, P â&#x20AC;&#x201C; kids toys, BMW electric child car Unit #068 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jenkins, J â&#x20AC;&#x201C; kid bike, dresser, household goods, office chair Unit #092 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; McKnight, K â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fridge, microwave, dresser, couch, tv, tv stand Unit #099 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Schiller, T â&#x20AC;&#x201C; clothes, two vaccums, carpet cleaner, sewing machine, headboard Unit #122 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Martinez, C â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ironing board, jewelry box, mirror, wii, totes Unit #140 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alcala, S â&#x20AC;&#x201C; end table, dresser, headboard, bb gun, river tubes Unit #193 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alonzo, L â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bike, entertainment center, space heater, headboard, totes Unit #207 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Guidry, E â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bench press, weights Unit #263 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Martin, S â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sled, tools, totes Unit #311 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Meek, K â&#x20AC;&#x201C; double recliner, bed frame Unit #313 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Scandurra, R â&#x20AC;&#x201C; home goods, clothes, couch, end tables Unit #320 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gonzale, A â&#x20AC;&#x201C; air mattress, party river tube, camping stove, cooler, wagon, sewing machine Unit #422 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Seelinger, T â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tv, household goods, outdoor storage bin Unit #429 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mason, N â&#x20AC;&#x201C; amps, armor, bookcase, dĂŠcor, wood furniture Unit #PG â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Guerrero, M â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1985 Camaro (blue) Unit #PAA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Peller, C â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1975 Ford Mustang (light blue)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of WALTER ALVIN BOYNT, JR., Deceased, were issued on December 14, 2020, in Docket No. 20-0370-P, pending in the County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, to: KATHLEEN KELSO The residence of the Independent Executor is in Taylor, Williamson County, Texas. Address claims in care of the representative, KATHLEEN KELSO, Independent Executor. The post office address to which claims may be presented, is: c/o KATHLEEN KELSO, Independent Executor 609 W. 6th St. Taylor, Texas 76574 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. Address claims in care of KATHLEEN KELSO, Independent Executor. DATED the 31st day of December, 2020. Respectfully submitted, SCANIO & SCANIO A Professional Corporation BY: FRANCESCA SCANIO STACEY 144 E. San Antonio Street San Marcos, Texas 78666 Tel: (512) 396-2016 Fax: (512) 353-2984 E-Mail: scanios@ scaniolaw.com State Bar No. 24077299 ATTORNEYS FOR KATHLEEN KELSO

Page10

BEFORE

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 6, 2021

PROPOSED

ZONING BOARD HEARING NEIGHBORHOOD NOTIFICATION A virtual meeting for RV Retailers’ proposed renovation of the Airstream dealership, known as Camper Clinic II.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14TH, 2021 | 2:30PM CST

communitysupport@rvretailer.net

CALL 954-908-3608

OR MAIL US AT RV Retailer Texas II, LLC 100 SE Third Avenue, Suite 1850 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394 with your name, address, and phone number, so we can keep you up to date with progress and answer your questions.

THE BENEFITS • Newly designed facility with enhanced retail storefront and modernized work & break areas • Multiple indoor bays to repair towable and motorized RVs • 22.98-acre redevelopment of an automobile or other motorized vehicle sales development • Construction of two buildings with associated paving for parking, underground utilities, landscaping, water quality, and detention • Major investment in upgrading facility to better serve our communities

954-908-3608 | CamperClinic2.com