January 9, 2020 News-Dispatch by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

Countywide fire code adopted

FEMA reports disaster numbers

Flu cases spiking in Hays County

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News-Dispatch Volume XXXX No. 14

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

75¢ Thursday, January 9, 2020

DSISD board filing period to start Jan. 15

FM 1826 crash update DPS: Inifiniti, not Toyota, crossed center line in FM1826 double fatality BY ANITA MILLER

STAFF REPORT

While an official crash report is not yet available, the Texas Department of Safety has confirmed that errors were made in the initial reporting of a headon collision Dec. 18 on FM 1826 east of Dripping Springs. Killed in the crash were Austin residents 38-yearold Caranda Mathis, who was driving a 2018 Infiniti QX8, and Kaylee Rosales, 30, who was driving a 2016 Toyota 4Runner. The initial report from Sgt. Deon Cockrell, DPS spokesman for Hays and Caldwell counties, had the wrong drivers in the wrong cars.

The window to file applications to be a candidate for the May 2020 Dripping Springs ISD election is Jan.15 through Feb.14. Applications can be downloaded at any time and filed at the DSISD administration building (510 W. Mercer St.) starting on Jan. 15. An informational "Candidates Academy" will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 5 in the board room at the administration building. Superintendent Todd Washburn will share information about the role and responsibilities of board members and answer questions. Attending the meeting does not commit an individual to running for a trustee seat; it is informational in nature. Candidates for a school board of trustees in Texas must meet the following qualifications: • Be a United States citizen • Be 18 years of age or older • Not be mentally incapacitated (as defined in policy) • Have not been convicted of a felony • Be a resident of Texas and the district for a specified period of time (see policy) • Be a registered voter from the territory of the office sought See Board Policy BBA Legal for details on the above qualifications and other specific requirements. Two seats, those currently held by Ron Jones and Barbara Stroud, will be up for re-election in 2020. DSISD trustees do not represent “places," but rather are at-large representatives.

FM 1826 CRASH UPDATE, 2

Abbott appoints Cruz to advisory council on cultural affairs STAFF REPORTS Adriana Cruz, former president of the Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP), has been named to the Advisory Council on Cultural Affairs, a division of the Governor’s Office, by Governor Greg Abbott.

CRUZ APPOINTMENT, 2

PHOTO BY PEARY PHOTOGRAPHY

‘Wedding Capital of Texas’ to host wedding showcase SUBMITTED REPORT

The Hill Country is arguably one of the most desirable places to get married in the state, and the Dripping Springs wedding community is inviting couples, wedding parties and families to discover why Dripping Springs is the “Wedding Capital of Texas”. The Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau and the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce are partnering to sponsor a wedding showcase on Jan. 26 at Camp Lucy’s Sacred Oaks. The showcase will have two components. First, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., couples and their wedding parties will have the chance to visit each vendor for a oneon-one connection.

The reputation for hosting oncein-a-lifetime weddings is what has made Dripping Springs the Wedding Capital of Texas. With over 35 gorgeous venues, over 60 different lodging options, and dozens of wedding experts based in the Dripping Springs area.

The second element will be venue and lodging tours from noon to 4 p.m. Guests will have opportunities to visit locations with no appointments needed. This showcase is a different twist on a traditional bridal extravaganza and is open to wedding industry vendors located in and around Dripping Springs. “We’re so pleased to

With over 35 venues, more than 60 different lodging options, and dozens of wedding experts based in the Dripping Springs area, it’s easy to see why thousands have chosen Dripping Springs for their wedding location. “This showcase is a great opportunity for people to get a firsthand look at the sponsor this showcase industry professionals of the many wedding serving The Wedding professionals in the Capital of Texas. Dripping Springs area Whether someone is who help to make us planning an event for the Wedding Capital themselves or someone of Texas. The day is else, this direct line planned for couples to the owners and and family members partners with these to personally access area businesses will be local experts so an invaluable part of their nuptials will be planning the perfect customized and perfect wedding,” said Susan just for them,” said Kimball, president Pam Owens, president/ of the Dripping CEO of the Dripping Springs Chamber of Springs Visitors Bureau. Commerce.

Musician raising funds to defray medical expenses before meeting biological father for first time BY ANITA MILLER A Dripping Springs family’s discoveries through a DNA kit that was told in the News-Dispatch last year resulted in a planned meeting between musician Jim Luketich and the now 90-year-old biological father he had never met – who is also a musician. But three days before Luketich was scheduled to fly to Nashville for the meeting, he was diagnosed with leukemia, throwing a wrench into the plans as well as into his financial outlook. To help defray medical costs, Luketich’s band, PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIM AND MARY LUKETICH Midnight Flyer, will be among those to perform Dripping Springs resident Jim Luketich (center) plays the har- on Jan. 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. at a “video shoot monica for his band, Midnight Flyer, at Hudson’s on Mercer.

To help defray medical costs, Luketich’s band, Midnight Flyer, will be among those to perform on Jan. 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. at a “video shoot and jam” at The Last Chance Bar & Dance Hall, (formerly the 290 West Club) located at 12013 West, U.S. 290. and jam” at The Last Chance Bar & Dance Hall, (formerly the 290 West Club) located at 12013 West, U.S. 290. Donations are $10 or $15 with a meal ticket. For musicians, donations are $10 with a meal ticket. Luketich’s historical journey, as well as that of his wife Mary, were told by former News-Dispatch Editor Moses Leos III in

the newspaper’s April 11, 2019 edition. The couple’s first discovery, after receiving the DNA testing kit as a holiday gift in 2018, was that Mary had been adopted at birth, and that she had a half-Chippewa lineage. Mary Luketich was able to locate her biological sister, who then arranged for her to meet their

DNA DISCOVERY, 4

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News-Dispatch

Hays County deems ‘no refusal’ initiative a success

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

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

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Above is flood damage that occured in the May 2015 flood on River Road in Wimberley.

FEMA releases history of natural disaster info BY ANITA MILLER

The New Year has just begun and hurricane season is still five months away, but if the past is any guide, chances are that Hays County will experience at least one natural disaster during 2020. According to FEMA, the state has seen 266 natural disasters since 1953 – 161 fires, 40 floods, 21 hurricanes, 20 severe storms, 15 tornadoes, one extended deep freeze and one devastating drought. In Hays County, in the same time period, there have been seven fires, five floods, four severe storms, three hurricanes, one tornado and one drought. Historically April is the month most Hays County disasters have occurred, followed by September, June, August and January. Retroactively over the past 10 years, the year 2018 saw four major disasters. Hurricane Imelda was one; others included severe storms and flooding over various parts of the state and the Copper Breaks fire near Quanah; in 2017 much of the state

The most recent natural disasters for Hays County were the two floods of 2015, with a major disaster declaration resulting from the flood of May 24. FEMA says 12,949 individual assistance applications were approved in the wake of that, resulting in public assistance grants for $165,582,969.39 obligated.

experienced Hurricane Harvey. The most recent natural disasters for Hays County were the two floods of 2015, with a major disaster declaration resulting from the flood of May 24. FEMA says 12,949 individual assistance applications were approved in the wake of that, resulting in public assistance grants for $165,582,969.39 obligated. The second major flood of the year, on Oct. 30, led to 3,304 individual assistance applications approved and $42,690.546.69 in federal funding obligated. Two years prior, another “Halloween” flood occurred in Travis, Hays and Caldwell counties,

resulting in the obligation of $8,376.755.14 in federal monies. In 2012, the Livermore Ranch fire in Jeff Davis County captured headlines; while in 2011, the numbers of natural disasters across the state had exploded to 57, consisting mostly of wildfires. Primary among them was the Bastrop County Fire Complex that occurred partially over the Labor Day weekend. Some $12,571,783.43 in federal assistance dollars was approved. Tropical Storm Alex, later Hurricane Alex, occurred in 2010. For more on natural disasters in Hays County and beyond, visit fema. gov.

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Hays County’s first “no refusal” New Year’s Eve in six years appears to have achieved its proactive goal of cutting down on the number of people arrested for driving while intoxicated during celebrations to ring in 2020. According to District Attorney Wes Mau, five DWI arrests occurred during the targeted period of 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 4 a.m. on Jan. 1, and one additional suspected drunk driver was arrested later in the morning. Out of those, four refused to submit voluntary blood samples so “blood warrants” were issued by County Court at Law Judge Chris Johnson, who along with a certified phlebotomist spent the targeted time period at the Uhland Road law enforcement center. Three of the arrests were made by the San Marcos Police Department and one each by the Kyle Police Department, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Highway Patrol. In comparison, there were a dozen DWI arrests over the weekend between Christmas and New Years. “Although I understand that our law enforcement officers were very busy over New Year’s, I am pleased that only five of those incidents involved arrests for DWI with no reported fatal or serious accidents,” Mau said in a statement. “While the no-refusal holiday will certainly help ensure the intoxicated drivers are held accountable for their decisions that night, the goal of such events is to encourage the public to think twice before drinking and driving. For that reason I hope to see no refusal programs become the norm and that DWI arrests dwindle as more

drivers avoid drinking and driving.” In announcing the initiative, Mau had cited figures from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) showing that there were 258 DWI crashes in 2018 that resulted in 11 deaths and more than a hundred injuries. Mau also credited the participation of the county’s law enforcement community and magistrates. “For a smaller county like Hays, ‘no refusal’ events can be challenging to implement,” said Kyle Police Sgt. James Jones, who was instrumental in initiating the event. “In larger counties surrounding us (e.g. Travis and Bexar), a judge is on-site at their jails 24 hours a day and search warrants can be reviewed on site. This is not currently an option for law enforcement in Hays County.” Jones said he helped coordinate the availability of the judge and phlebotomist at the jail that night. He added that he had personally heard Johnson say he would “be happy to volunteer for a ‘no refusal’ event.” He also noted, as did Mau, that there seemed to be a higher than normal number of Uber and Lyft vehicles seen on local streets on New Year’s Eve, something he said reflected the public’s awareness of the “no refusal.” “We see the tragic results of crashes from people driving under the influence,” KPD Chief Jeff Barnett said. “Our belief is this program will help deter drivers from getting behind the wheel after drinking or using illegal drugs …. By collaborating with local law enforcement agencies … we can reduce the number of deaths and injuries on our roadways.”

Cruz Appointment Continued from pg. 1

Her term is set to expire on Feb. 1, 2023. Abbott also named Cruz vice chair of the council, which advises his office on issues resulting from changes in demographics throughout Texas. Cruz also serves as the executive director of the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Governor’s Office. Cruz, who received

a bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin, has more than 20 years experience in economic development, marketing and international development. Prior to her service with the GSMP, she was Vice President of Global Corporate Recruitment for the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

FM 1826 Crash Update Continued from pg. 1

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Cockrell also reported that “for unknown reasons,” the Toyota had crossed the center lane. On Jan. 2, the DPS confirmed through the investigating officer’s official preliminary report, that it was the Infiniti which crossed the line, not the Toyota. Hays County Justice of the Peace John Burns could not be reached for comment, but his office confirmed that he ordered autopsies to be performed on the bodies of both women. As part of that process, toxicology reports – which determine whether a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol – are conducted. However that process can

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take weeks if not months to complete. DPS troopers have 10 days from the date of a crash to turn in reports, but warn that in the case of fatalities, that process can take even longer. Over the past weeks, the staff of the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch has talked with family and friends of both victims. We sympathize with their concerns and wish we had been given better initial information. Sgt. Cockrell is an agency spokesman and was not at the scene of the crash. We fully intend to acquire the full report as soon as it is available through the DPS’ online purchase system.

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Opinion

No 2020 vision for this Old Crow From the Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts

ell, it’s January and I reckon it’s time for me to publicly announce my New Year’s resolution. I’m a little late this year in making my announcement, kinda like Jerry Jones, because I haven’t quite decided what changes I need to make. At my age, making life changes is like adding a fourth wall to a pyramid. What’s that adage about teaching an old dog new tricks? I’m sorry, but this old cur is happy just to be able to pee on a tree. As for resolutions, I can scratch off “Lose weight” from the list I made back in 2001, and I oughta scratch off “Make a new list of resolutions.” I can proudly say that for the first time in a long while, I am at a respectable weight right now. I know much of my success has to do with cutting back on sugar intake, a low fat diet and more exercise, but I believe that prep I had to do for my colonoscopy helped me lose at least 10 pounds. I had to wear suspenders to hold up my drawers after that eruptive event. Last year I decided to eat healthier meals. This was tough, but I managed to keep that resolution. Now I get green beans as my side when I order a chicken fried steak instead of asking for a double helping of French fries. I have added more tomatoes to my diet by smothering my burritos with extra salsa, and I also consume more corn now by having a couple of corndogs for lunch once a week. Sometimes you have to make huge sacrifices in order to live longer. As for this year’s resolution, I just couldn’t decide what to do, so I went on social media for suggestions. Big mistake! One Facebook friend, who incidentally is an actual friend, shared a post titled “Try Vegan this January with Veganuary.” I won’t permanently block this friend for posting such an absurd idea on my page, but I may snooze her for 30 days. Speaking of wacky ideas, who has tried Burger King’s Impossible Whopper? The TV ads make us think this meatless hamburger tastes just as good as a real Whopper. There’s even a fella in the commercial who’s dressed like a cowboy. If he really can’t tell the difference in a veggie burger and real beef, then that cowboy is all hat, no cattle. I’ll tell you what’s impossible about this Whopper: Seeing me eating one. Last week an ad popped up on my phone informing me that a new health food restaurant has opened in San Marcos. If dumb ads like this keep appearing on this fairly smart phone, I will toss it in the trash and plug my old phone back into the wall. Speaking of ads, I am sick and tired of all the TV commercials and email offers to join a gym this year. Ain’t gonna happen. Look, if I’m gonna go out and sweat like a plow horse, I dang-well want to get paid for doing so. I’m not about to pay some company just so I can drip sweat on their floor. And all those ads for a Peloton bike are ridiculous. I reckon some agoraphobic Millennial may want one of those expensive bicycles, but if I want to do a cardio workout and ride a bike, I will pedal down the road, see the countryside and actually go some place, like a beer joint. I did start an exercise regime for a while. I would get on Facebook and scroll down the page, deleting obnoxious posts and blocking really ignorant people. I did this for about a week, but all that clicking took its toll on my trigger finger so I had to quit. I reckon I will just wait until 2021 to make any resolutions, after I scratch off “Stop procrastinating” from my 2001 list. Happy New Year, y’all! We await Clint Younts’ 2021 list of resolutions. Will it say “no beer this year?” Naah... that’s never going to happen. crowsnest78610@gmail.com

Update hairstyle, update outlook

y father and I still regret the first and only time I dabbled in the world of high fashion. According to Yahoo! Lifestyle, retro fashions from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s are making a comeback this year. Allthingshair.com reports that 16 throwback hairstyles from the ’70s are “back and better than ever!” While these playful trends are good for our country – more on that later – I have my misgivings. Because I’m still upset about the David Cassidy shag haircut my sisters made me get in 1973, when I was 11. Cassidy, the heartthrob star of TV’s “The Partridge Family,” was all the rage then. Like millions of teenage girls, my sisters had major crushes on him. They told me I’d be the first kid in St. Germaine School to part my hair down the middle and feather it over my ears. They told me I’d be popular with the girls. So I did the unthinkable. I pedaled my bike three

finally said. “I got it cut.” Guest “But it’s parted down the middle.” Column I nodded. by Tom Purcell “Why would anyone part his hair down the middle?!” miles to the unisex hair saI had no answer for him lon behind Murphy Mart. I then. But today, psycholset my crumpled bills and ogists offer interesting incoins on the counter. sight into fashion’s deeper “Make me look like Dameaning. vid Cassidy,” I said to the Clothing and style lady, a smoldering Marlreflect what’s going on in boro Light dangling from our culture. In a strong her lips. economy, dress is more She clipped, cut, styled playful, colorful and bold. and set. She applied goops That’s what current trends and sprays. When she suggest – and it’s a positurned the chair around so tive. I could see myself in the “Clothing affects our mirror, I was horrified. mental processes and I didn’t look like David perceptions which can Cassidy. I looked like Dan- change our minds and the ny Bonaduce, Cassidy’s TV way we think,” according little brother. to research by Karen Pine, The rest of that day, I a University of Hertfordhid in my room – until my shire professor. father demanded I join the In her book “Mind What family for supper. You Wear: The Psychology I took my seat to his of Fashion,” Pine “shows right. He sensed somehow people’s mental thing was off immediately. processes and perceptions Washing his burger can be primed by clothdown with gulps of Pabst ing, as they internalize the Blue Ribbon, he kept look- symbolic meaning of their ing at me. outer layers.” ‘What the heck hapIn other words, playful pened to your hair?” he retro fashion trends just

might be beneficial to our national psyche. Can they help us loosen up rigid mental processes and perceptions, and maybe even change how we relate to people with whom we vehemently disagree? Hey, it’s a small step but it’s worth a shot. Which brings us back to my David Cassidy haircut. It wasn’t until my mid-20s that I got rid of that longout-of-fashion style. I asked for something modern and trendy. The hairdresser cut my hair short and slicked it straight back with greasy goop. “What the heck happened to your hair?” said my father. “I got it cut.” “You look like Eddie Munster!” he said. Tom Purcell, the author of “Misadventures of a 1970’s Childhood,” a humorous memoir available at amazon.com, is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc. Tom@TomPurcell.com

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News-Dispatch

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Sycamore Springs Elem. named a CREST School SUBMITTED REPORT

For the second consecutive year, Sycamore Springs Elementary, part of the Dripping Springs ISD, has been recognized as a CREST – Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas – by the Texas School Counselor Association (TSCA). The organization honors school counseling programs that demonstrate a commitment using the school guidance and counseling program to improve the lives of students and the achievement of students in academic, career and personal social domains. It is only awarded to schools that have principal support, a school advisory council, a focus on school climate and safety, strong

San Marcos Polar Bear Plunge

The organization honors school counseling programs that demonstrate a commitment using the school guidance and counseling program to improve the lives of students and the achievement of students in academic, career and personal social domains.

student results, have major achievements, community partnerships/resources and parent collaboration. CREST is a continuous improvement document that school counseling programs can use to demonstrate effective communication and a commitment to obtaining results. Former SSE Counselor Kim Bird (who is now the district Middle School Mental Health

Professional) coordinated the school’s application process. Sycamore Springs Elementary is one of just 28 elementary schools statewide and 10 in Central Texas to receive this honor. Sycamore Springs Elementary will be honored Feb. 10 during the Texas School Counselor Association's 14th Annual Professional School Counselor Conference in San Antonio.

DNA Discovery Continued from pg. 1

PHOTOS BY ANITA MILLER Hundreds of people welcomed the new year by plunging into the 72 degree San Marcos River on Jan. 1. Among them (at left) are Tanner and Marilisa Swain, aka the “Swingin’ Swains,” who perform at assisted living centers throughout Hays County including Hill Country Care in Dripping Springs.

mother. She also came to know “numerous cousins, nieces and nephews she had no idea existed,” the story said. The couple’s second surprise came when Jim heard from a woman who claimed to be his biological sister, who told him the DNA testing company had contacted her after discovering their connection. That’s when he learned of his father Wade Jackson, who had a brief affair with Luketich’s mother when he was stationed in Germany following World War II. “It was a ‘ships passing in the night’ kind of

Luketich, who is being treated at St. David’s Hospital since his diagnosis, said he hopes to finish chemo and be in remission by the end of this month, after which he plans to make the trip to meet his father. thing,” Luketich told the newspaper, adding that his mother never told him who his biological father was. Likewise, Luketich’s existence had been unknown to his father. Both shared a deep connection with music which provided yet another surprise. His father “was a

bandleader, musician and worked for years with the Grand Ole Opry Summer Touring Show,” Jim Luketich wrote in an email. “He wrote the classic country song ‘Don’t be Angry,’ recorded by Donna Fargo. Wade said that song put a lot of grits and gravy on the Jackson table.”

Sports

Tigers open 2020 with 71-40 win over Navarro BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI

Dripping Springs basketball opened the new year on the right foot with a dominating 71-40 win at home over the Austin Navarro Vikings last Friday night, thanks to lights out shooting from beyond the arc and physical play in the paint. “What I saw was an extension of our practice habits,” Dripping Springs head coach Craig Swannack said of the win. “Our guys have been doing such a good job in practice about working hard and not caring about which opponent we’re facing. Really making the

only opponent ourselves. I think you could see that today in the way that we played. I thought we played some high quality basketball today.” The Tigers were led by the dynamic backcourt duo of junior point guard Jayden Guevara and senior shooting guard Xavier Phillips, as they combined for 30 points and six made three-point shots. Guevara led the team with 17 points, while also contributing four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Phillips had 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. “We are just so blessed to have those guys (Guevara

and Phillips),” Swannack said. “This is a great shooting team, but the reason they are a great shooting team is because we really have these players that can get a shot on their own. It’s young men who go out there and get a lot of extra work on their own. Because of that they’ve earned that right to shoot it, and we give them a ton of freedom because they earned it.” Navarro opened the game in a 3-2 zone defense and Guevara and the Tigers were well prepared as they moved the ball around and constantly found a teammate for an open shot. As a team Dripping Springs made 10 shots from beyond the arc, with seven coming in the first half. “We saw it coming,” Guevara said of the Vikings’ 3-2 zone defense. “Coach had a good preparation for it, and I thought we came out shooting well.” Another key factor to the Tigers’ victory was their ability to out-rebound the Vikings and put up second chance points on offense. Dripping Springs secured 25 rebounds to just 14 by Navarro, including a 17-6 advantage in the first half

of play. Junior forward Luke Lawyer led the Tigers in rebounds with five for the game. “We knew we had a big size advantage with our post players and it really was a point of emphasis all week,” Swannack said. “With us not having a game on Tuesday, or any other day this week, we were able to put a focus on our offensive rebounding. We told them we should be able to dominate the boards, so it’s something I’m really glad to see that something like that translates to the game.” Another two Tigers players who had big games were junior guard Aidan Bailey and senior guard Hayden Shields. Bailey contributed eight points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal, while Shields was a key contributor off the bench as he put up 10 points and had one assist. The win improves Dripping Springs’ overall record to 11-3, with a 1-0 record in 5A District-25. Coming off an extended break, it was important for Swannack and the Tigers to get district play started off with a victory. “Anytime you can get a

PHOTO BY ALBERT SANCHEZ

Sr. Hayden Shields (10) blows by a Navarro defender during the 4th period of the game.

win in this district I think it’s very important,” Swannack said. “District wins are tough to come by sometimes, and it was good to see our guys execute and do

things the right way to be able to earn that win today.” Dripping Springs’ next home game will be held Friday versus the Lockhart Lions (4-15).

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Jr. Aidan Bailey (15) blows by a Navarro defender for a layup during the 2nd period of the game.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

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Page 5

OBITUARY MOOS Ann H. Moos of Kyle, Texas, died at her home on Dec. 23, 2019 in Kyle. Moos was born on Feb. 7, 1947 in Austin to Carl and Audrey Halliburton. Moos attended Austin High School and worked as

the office manager at Brake Specialist in Austin until her retirement in 2015. Moos is preceded in death by her father, Carl Halliburton, and mother, Audrey Halliburton. She is survived by her husband, William C. Moos of Kyle, son Stephen Lindsey and

wife Janel, son Thomas Lindsey and wife Michelle, daughter Sheri Hofmann Moos and daughter Alisa Moos, brother Lee Halliburton, grandchildren Desiree Lightsey, Wade Ellis, Amber Uola, Logan Lindsey, Shyann Lindsey and Jared Lindsey, Morgan Herraez,

Megan Johnson, Cassidy Oates and MacKenzie Hofmann. She was greatgrandmother to 12. Moos was a devoted wife and mother, and always remained her children’s greatest supporter. She opened her heart and her home to many through

CLASSIFIEDS

the years and never turned away a friend or family member in need. There was a warm meal and room available in her home. She is loved greatly and will be missed beyond words. Graveside services were held at Wimberley Cemetery on Dec. 31, 2019.

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Public Notice INVITATION FOR BIDS CBD NO. 4993

This Invitation for Bids is for the constructions of CALITERRA PHASE 4 SECTION 11. The work generally consists of Streets, Drainage, Water, Wastewater and Erosion Control Improvements (the “Project”). Sealed Bids should be addressed to Development Solutions CAT, LLC, (“Owner”), on behalf of the Hays County Development District No. 1 (“District”). Attn: Greg Rich, 12222 Merit Drive, Suite 1020, Dallas, Texas 75251. Bids will be received at the office of

the Project Engineer, Brian Kelling, Carlson, Brigance & Doering, Inc. (CBD, Inc.), 5501 W. William Cannon Dr., Austin, TX 78749 until 2:00 p.m. on the date of Thursday, February 13, 2020 at which time the proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any proposals received after the closing time will be returned unopened. Bid documents for this project will be available for purchase from the office of the Project EngineerCBD, Inc. A non-refundable purchase fee of $125.00 will be charged per CD. The CD will contain CAD files, pdf set of plans and

bid documents. Make checks payable to Carlson, Brigance and Doering, Inc. Bid documents may be viewed at the office of CBD by scheduling a time with Cynthia Litton cynthia@ cbdeng.com. All questions, clarifications and requests regarding the project must be received in writing via email to Oscar Tovar at oscar@cbdeng.com and received no later than 12:00 p.m., February 10, 2020. Any requests received after said time and date will not be addressed. A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday,

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January 16, 2020 at CBD, Inc., 5501 W. William Cannon Dr., Austin, TX 78749. The Pre-Qualification Statement included in the proposal packet and as required by Hays County Development District No. 1 shall be completed in its entirety and submitted as part of the proposal. Any proposal lacking the PreQualification Statement will not be considered. A Cashier’s Check, Certified Check or Bid Bond payable to the “Owner” and “District” in an amount not less than 5% of the total bid must accompany each Bid as a guarantee that, if awarded the contract, the

bidder will within 10 days of the award of the contract, enter into a contract and furnish an acceptable Performance and Payment Bond in the amount of 100% of the Contract price. The Bidder’s surety will be forfeited and become the property of the Owner should the bidder fail to enter into a contract and furnish bonds acceptable to the Owner within 10 days after award of the contract. No proposals shall be withdrawn for a period of 90 days after the opening of the bids. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Bids and to waive all defects and irregularities

in bidding. The Successful Bidder, if any, will be the responsible Bidder which in the Owner’s judgment will be most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the Project. A Maintenance Bond will be required and is to remain in force for a period set by the governing requirements from the date of the letter of final acceptance from Hays County, City of Dripping Springs, Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation and the District. Prevailing Wage Rates, in accordance with Government Code 2258 are applicable to this project.

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Commissioners adopt countywide fire code BY ANITA MILLER

Hays County now has a Countywide Fire Code. The new standards and rules were adopted by the Commissioners Court last month. The code became effective Jan. 1 and is designed to provide the basis for fire protection for the occupants of new construction as well as authorize the Fire Marshal to make “fire and life safety decisions” on existing occupancies. As part of the vote, the county also declared its intent to enforce the 2018 International Fire Code which, among other things, provides “minimum requirements, with due regard to function, for the design and construction or substantial improvement of public guiding, commercial establishments and multifamily residential dwellings of four or more units” to reduce the risk of fire. The code applies in unincorporated areas of the county. On the suggestion of County Fire Marshal Scott Raven, the model adopted was the international code. “Counties of 250,000 or greater and counties that border a county of 250,000 or greater are able to adopt a fire code,” Raven said. “Hays County was the only county along the Interstate

“The Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office will review your site plans, building plans and when approved will issue stamped plans and required permits.” –Scott Raven, Hays County Fire Marshal

35 corridor from Williamson to Bexar that had not adopted a fire code.” The code regulates “building construction, exits, fire protection equipment, hazardous materials and processes, heat producing devices, public assembly, fire department access roads and water supply,” Raven continued. Certificates of compliance or noncompliance will be issued regarding all new construction once it is inspected by Raven’s office. Likewise, the Fire Marshal’s Office will issue permits after it reviews construction and site plans including the types of construction materials and interior finish, location of all exits and distance between exits and the location of fire alarms, automatic sprinklers, emergency lighting “and any other necessary safety measures” required by the code. “The Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office will review

your site plans, building plans and when approved will issue stamped plans and required permits. Inspectors will also do all of the necessary inspections throughout your construction project and issue a Certificate of Compliance prior to you occupying the building,” Raven said. Under normal circumstances, construction or “substantial improvement” must be within 180 days of when the permit is issued. Also, two sixmonth extensions may be available. Permit decisions are subject to appeal to a Board of Appeals, which shall be appointed by the Commissioners Court. The Fire Marshal or his designate will be an ex officio, non-voting member of the appeals board. Applications and fee schedules are available at the Fire Marshal’s Office at 512-393-7355 or firemarshal@co.hays.tx.us.

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Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Mirroring trend, flu cases spiking in Hays County BY ANITA MILLER

and bronchitis to sinus and ear infections. Although there are still Influenza can also no plans for Hays County worsen chronic health to sponsor any free or problems like asthma and reduced-cost flu shot congestive heart failure. clinics in the near future, People who are more incidents of influenza subject to complications have been spiking locally, includes adults age 65 mirroring trends across and over, pregnant womthe state and nation. en, children and those For the week of Dec. 29 who have asthma, heart through Jan. 4, there were disease, diabetes, HIV/ 193 confirmed cases of AIDS and cancer, as well influenza in the county as children with neuroand another 380 residents logic conditions. who sought treatment for Schneider said locally, flu-like illnesses. health care providers are The week prior, there seeing “a mixture of both were more than 200 con- Flu A and Flu B strains, firmed cases and more but Flu B is outnumberthan 400 people sought ing Flu A at about two to treatment for similar one right now.” symptoms, according He noted that only the to Eric Schneider, Hays state lab can identify “the County’s epidemiologist. serotype of the strain Flu symptoms, the to narrow down exactly Centers for Disease Con- which strain of flu the patrol says, typically include tient has,” and that “our fever or feeling feverish medical providers do not alternating with chills. typically send specimens Cough, sore threat, runny to the state lab in Austin” or stuffy nose, muscle or when a local lab that can body aches, headaches deliver results quicker is and fatigue. There may available. also be vomiting and As to how well this diarrhea, though that year’s vaccine appears to commonly occurs more be working, Schneider often in children than said a report is expected adults. from the state or the CDC Complications of flu later this month. can often be more serious Flu season officially than the disease itself and began in September and, range from pneumonia the CDC says, activity is

high across Texas and the U.S. So far this season some 170.7 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed. Most insurance plans cover flu shots and they

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are available at most local pharmacies as well as H-E-B. No one has died in Hays County this season from flu or complications of the disease.

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