Lady Tigers smash Mules 57-35
‘Dog Walk’ benefits local group
Mixed reviews for school rating system
page 4
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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVII No. 14
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
75¢
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Hays Co. mother charged in ‘horrific’ homicide BY MOSES LEOS III
news@haysfreepress.com
A Kyle woman has been charged in connection with the death of her five-yearold daughter in a crime law enforcement officials have deemed as one of the “most horrific cases in Hays Coun-
ty history.” Krystle Concepcion Villanueva, 24, was charged with capital murder in the death of her daughter, Giovanna Larae Hernandez, whose death was ruled as homicide by stabbing, according to a Hays County press release. Villanueva was magistrated by Hays County
Justice of the Peace Pct. 1-1 Joanne Prado. Villanueva was also charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after she stabbed her fatherin-law, Eustorigo Arellano-Uresti, 58. Villanuenva is being held in the Hays County Jail on $800,000 bond for the capital murder
charge and $300,000 for the aggravated assault. At a press conference, Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler said the HCSO received a 911 call at 12:51 p.m. Thursday for an aggravated assault call in the 200 block of Willow Terrace in the Green Pastures subdivision.
When authorities arrived, they discovered Uresti, who had suffered stab wounds across his forehead, on his back and left shoulder, according to a Hays County probable cause affidavit provided by Hays County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace
MURDER, 7
VILLANUEVA
Down to zero
Wimberley to reduce hotel tax rate BY MOSES LEOS III
news@haysfreepress.com
With a projected $300,000 in hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds to be accrued by the end of January, Wimberley city leaders chose to decrease the HOT rate as they decide on the best way to use the money. By a 4-1 vote, the Wimberley city council reduced the HOT rate for hotel rooms in Wimberley from 5 percent to zero. Council member Bob Dussler voted in opposition to the measure. Mark Bursiel, chairperson of the Wimberley HOT committee, said the committee voted 6-1 in favor of reducing the rate to zero by Jan. 31. The decision was reached after the committee discerned the HOT collections were “far exceeding” the money being spent. Currently, the committee has allocated $27,000 in HOT funds with $5,000 paid out. However, the city will have $266,000 in HOT funds in the bank by the end of the second quarter 2017. “We don’t have a plan or vision. We don’t have anything that has substance to it that is going to work for Wimberley,” Bursiel said. However, Bursiel said the move was not meant to kill the tax, but rather to discover ways to use the money within state guidelines. HOT funds can only be used to directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry. The state requires
HOT FUNDS, 2
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH HAYS FIRE RESCUE
No fowl play in chicken coop fire
A group of fine feathered fowl, along with their human owners, escaped an extra crispy fate last week after a chicken coop went up in flames along FM 150 in Dripping Springs. North Hays County Fire Rescue Chief Scott Collard said authorities were dispatched to the 16000 block of FM 150 Jan. 4 for a barn/chicken coop and vehicle fire. Authorities battled the blaze upon arrival, which ultimately destroyed a barn on the property. Collard said the chicken coop was heavily damaged as well as the vehicle. No person or animal suffered injuries in the incident, Collard said. He added the residence on the property was also spared from damage. The fire was possibly started by a heat lamp that was placed inside of the building for the animals .
Local man wins $1M in lottery STAFF REPORT
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Non-fatal accident shuts down U.S. 290
A heavily damaged pickup truck is carried away by a tow truck from the scene of an accident on U.S. Highway 290 in Dripping Springs. Two people were transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries after the accident occurred along U.S. Highway 290 at Sunset Canyon Drive last week. The accident led authorities to close the road for roughly an hour to clear the scene.
Wimberley council votes to amend short-term rental facility ordinance BY MOSES LEOS III
news@haysfreepress.com
Wimberley city leaders last week approved changes to an ordinance regulating shortterm rental (STR) facilities in city limits, which could close a months-long controversy over the issue. By a 4-1 vote on first reading, the Wimberley City Council approved amendments to the ordinance, which include requiring STR property owners to apply for a permit every two years. Place 3 councilmember Sally Gibson Trapp cast the lone dissenting vote. The item will return for a second reading at the Jan. 19 meeting. City Administrator Don
City Administrator Don Ferguson said city leaders went through a “significant” public meeting process over a 60-day period. Ferguson said city leaders went through a “significant” public meeting process over a 60-day period. The meetings involved the Planning and Zoning Commission, different members of the STR industry and community members. Ferguson said the group arrived at the recommendations, which the city council sought to obtain as part of a 90-day moratorium on approving Conditional Use Permits for STRs. One of the provisions was requiring property owners
A Dripping Springs man quite literally became an overnight millionaire after recently claiming a $1 million prize via scratch off ticket. Guillermo Castaneda, of Dripping Springs, won a $1 million prize in the Texas Lottery’s scratch ticket game, “Millionaire’s Club.” For selling the winning ticket, the Oak Hills Food Mart, located along U.S. Highway 290 in Austin, is eligible for a $10,000 retailer bonus. According to a press release, Castaneda requested minimal publicity. Castaneda claimed the third of six top prizes worth $1 million available in the game, according to the release. Overall odds of winning any prize in “Millionaire’s Club” are 1 in 3.05.
LAGNIAPPE ‘My Fair Lady’
who operate STRs to apply for a permit every two years, rather than apply for a CUP. Ferguson said there was a concern over transferability of CUPs, which is a zoning change that stays with the property and cannot be renewed. “The feeling was a permit was the right way to do that,” Ferguson said. Other provisions included requiring STR owners to provide identification information
Tickets are on sale to the public for this year’s Dripping Springs ISD musical: Lerner & Leowe’s “My Fair Lady.” This is the first time DSHS has worked with this beloved classic. Choose seats and reserve tickets online at www. dshstheatre.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $10/students/seniors and $15/adults. As always, DSISD employees are free. Performances will be held Jan. 26, Jan. 27, Jan. 28 and Jan. 30 at
RENTALS, 8
LAGNIAPPE, 8
Page 2
News-Dispatch
Opinion
NewsDispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com EDITOR Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com REPORTER Samantha Smith news@haysfreepress.com PRODUCTION David White Christine Thorpe ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack tracy@haysfreepress.com Pam Patino ads@haysnewsdispatch.com Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES David White paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4 and Christmas by Barton Publications, Inc., 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. Subscription price: $32 local, $45 county, $56 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Driftwood, TX. Email paper@ haysnewsdispatch. com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to News-Dispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610 LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@ haysfreepress.com.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
The Crow’s big predictions for 2017 W ell, 2017 finally arrived, and I’m still on this side of the dirt. I made it all through 2016 without any trips to the ER or in front of a judge. I still see my column in newsprint, and nasty letters to the editor are rare. I can’t brag about achieving my New Year’s resolution for 2016 ’cause, frankly, I don’t remember what it was. So, I might’ve accomplished it, or I might’ve blown it by January 2. Who knows? As for my resolution for this year, I might have a real shot at getting ’er done. In previous New Year’s columns, I might’ve rambled on about newsworthy stories of the past year, or sometimes, I made predictions of the months to come. Sometimes I hit the nail on its head while other predictions left you as confused as Bruce Jenner at a Sadie Hawkins dance. Well this year, with my resolution being an attempt at multi-tasking, I am going to combine the two and see what happens. So, let’s see what you might’ve
From the Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts
already forgotten about 2016 and what’s in store for us in 2017. The biggest story of 2016 has got to be Donald Trump getting elected president. Who’d a-thunk it? So, what’s in store for all of us in the next four years? To paraphrase Charles Dickens, it may be the best of times, or the worst of times. Who knows? Well, allow me to gaze into my crystal mug and glance into the future. Shortly after his inauguration, Commander-in-Chief Trump sends the Delta Force into Rockefeller Center to seize control of the Saturday Night Live studio and capture Alec Baldwin. In late January, we witness the Trumps moving into the White House. In February, Barbara Walters
Shortly after his inauguration, Commander-in-Chief Trump sends the Delta Force into Rockefeller Center to seize control of the Saturday Night Live studio and capture Alec Baldwin.
interviews the Obamas in their new home in Quebec. A month into his presidency, Trump becomes annoyed with his advisers and aides. He fires his entire cabinet and replaces them with Amazon’s Alexa for all decision making. In early March, 2017, VP Mike Pence prevents global war by hiding Trump’s phone and closing his Twitter account. Okay, enough prognosticating about politics, let me refresh my looking glass, and I will look around some more. Hmm? In the NFL, I see Colin Kaepernick on his knees again, but this time he is begging for a job. In September, he starts as quarterback for the Mos-
cow Hackers in the newly formed Russian Football League. We all recall the fuss about transgender bathrooms last year, right? I foresee other groups protesting about their rights to use the public facilities of their choice, so in April, Congress passes legislation allowing rednecks to pee on trees of their choosing. Legalized marijuana spread through some states like a West Texas grass fire in 2016. I predict tragedy at a Colorado ski resort this winter when so many doobies are lit around the resort’s hot tub one night that it causes the snow caps to melt, flooding the town below. We lost some talented
musicians this past year. David Bowie, Glenn Frye, Prince and others. As I gaze into my glass portal, I see more and more music lovers logging onto Spotify and Pandora to listen to music of the 70s and 80s because 2017’s pop music still sucks. Y’all remember back in 2016 when there was that Pokemon Go craze, and a little later in the year, all the clown sightings? According to my crystal mug, there will be a new fad this summer where yuppies go around town, armed with smart phones and cream pies, in search of creepy clowns. And my last prediction for 2017: Once again, this jaunty journalist is passed over for a Pulitzer Prize. Who’d a-thunk it? Whether he shares his spirit or his elixir, you can always know that Clint Younts is sitting out on his back deck – this time watching frosty deer.
crowsnest78610@gmail.com
HOT Funds: Wimberley takes it to zero Continued from pg. 1
cities follow nine criteria to discern how to allocate HOT funds. “We are taxing people who are coming to Wimberley and they are not getting the benefit from it,” Bursiel said. “Again, this is not an attempt to kill the tax or get rid of it. We want to reduce it to zero and stop collection, so we can find out what to do with it.” Robbie Walker, owner of the Hills of Texas lodge, said over-collection of the tax has hurt lodging owners in the area. While the city will collect $300,000 in HOT funds, he said lodging owners have lost $1.2 million in revenue. He said businesses that are paying “the worst” are the Blair House Inn and Creek Haven Inn. He advocated for city leaders to find the best way to use the funds within
state guidelines. Walker said other cities, such as Kyle and Austin, are also having similar issues. “We’re not here to kill the tax,” Walker said. “We’re here to say we’ve over-collected.” Council member John White said one issue relating to the collection of HOT funds is the city’s need to obtain a vision or plan and “start spending.” White also believed stockpiling of funds makes it tempting for people to bring their proposals. “You can always find reasons to spend money. It’s tempting for people’s proposals,” White said. “We don’t know what we’re doing with the money yet.” Council member Craig Fore also supported decreasing the rate as well. Fore said it made sense to take it down, as out of the nine criteria for spending
HOT dollars, only “three or four” apply directly to Wimberley. Bob Dussler, however, opposed decreasing the rate as it accomplished what “we intended it to do.” He said the city council is “struggling to deploy” the funds. To Dussler, the move would be akin to his analogy of the city
suspending the property tax rate as they craft the budget. “In my opinion, there’s no reason to needlessly penalize our efforts in building the pool of capital while we’re considering the best way to deploy it,” Dussler said. Council member Gary Barchfeld said the HOT
rate discussion is one of the “devisive issues we face as a city.” “I think it’s important we get back together as a group,” Barchfeld said. “If we can help bed and breakfast, if we can help the folks generate more revenue, then I’m in favor of reducing the HOT tax to zero.”
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Thursday, January 12, 2017
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 3
Nonprofit provides snuggles to those in need BY MOSES LEOS III
news@haysfreepress.com
A
fter working as a civil trial lawyer in Houston for eight years, Sheri Soltes realized the job was too combative for her liking. Soltes instead sought another line of work that she could put her heart into. After reading a magazine article on people who help train service dogs, Soltes was inspired to found Service Dogs, Inc. (SDI) in 1988 in Houston. Twenty-nine years later, the now-Dripping Springs-based non-profit has helped more than 800 people acquire a service dog to help them. “Doing this gives my life purpose,” Soltes said. “I worked my life as a lawyer, but my heart wasn’t in it. This gives me reason to make the world a better place.” Soltes founded Service Dogs, Inc. in 1988, using multiple staff members’
MARK YOUR CALENDAR Bring out Fido for the Mighty Texas Dog Walk at 10 a.m. March 4 at 305 S. Congress in Austin. Proceeds benefit Service Dogs, Inc.
homes in Houston. She said the organization had people throughout the state help train service dogs on their properties. Soon they all sought to consolidate the business under one roof. After searching for property, Soltes said their current location on Bell Springs Road was “by far the best choice.” Soltes said SDI is a “counterpart to guide dog school.” Dogs are trained to help people who may be deaf or have mobility disabilities. She said SDI is one
of the few that obtains dogs from shelters, rather than breeding them. The screening process involves going to shelters across Texas and beyond, Soltes said. She said the group looks for a certain temperament, rather than breed, of dog. SDI adopts younger adult dogs because they have longer attention spans and are more often healthy. Selected dogs are taken to the Dripping Springs campus, where they’re taken through a six- to eight-month training process. After that period, the dog is introduced to a client, who then goes through a weeklong initial training period with the dog, where SDI determines if they match. SDI then allows the dog to go home with the client, where training continues for the next 13 months. Over the course of a
SERVICE DOGS, 5
PHOTO COURTESY OF SERVICE DOGS, INC.
Director of Training Al Kordowski and service dog Anakin on the Service Dogs, Inc. float at the 2016 Founders Day Parade.
Wimberley Texas writer donates Crossword Southwestern collection
STAFF REPORT Long-time Texas writer Mike Cox, of Wimberley, has donated his collection of books on Southwestern literature and writing to the Katherine Anne Porter Literary Center in Kyle. An elected member of the Texas Institute of Letters, Cox is the award-winning author of 30 non-fiction books, including a two-volume history of the Texas Rangers published in 2008. His latest book, “Legend and Lore of the Texas Capitol,” is scheduled for release early next year. In a statement, Cox said he saw the movie “Ship of Fools” as a teenager when it first came out. The movie was based on the book published by Porter in 1962. It wasn’t until his freshman English class at Angelo State University when he discovered Porter, who lived with her grandmother in Kyle from 1892 to 1902, was a Texas writer. “Even though she didn’t spend all her life in
BY JERRY HALL
I
received a coffee-table-size book titled “Hummingbirds” for Christmas. It is by Nancy Newfield and is filled with great color photos of hummers. Here are a few interesting factoids I picked up from the book: Hummingbirds clean their bill after eating nectar because the sticky syrup can seal the bill closed as it dries. Frequent grooming is required to keep feathers in top condition, to remove worn feathers and to pick off external parasites such as tiny mites. Nectar from flowers
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Texas, she stands as one of the state’s best-regarded novelists.” The book collection dealing with Texas writings, which will be housed in Porter’s restored childhood home, was built for reference COX purposes during the 30-plus years Cox wrote a Texas book review column for the Austin American-Statesman. Some of the how-to books on the craft of writing are from the library of Cox’s grandfather, L.A. Wilke, an early 20th century Texas newspaperman and later an outdoor writer. “Both my parents were also writers, so I inherited their writing-related books as well,” Cox said. “And I helped support the publishing industry over the years by buying a lot
KAP CENTER, 8
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is the primary food that fuels all hummers and this nectar varies in concentration from 12 percent sugar to about 50 percent sugar. Surprisingly, hummingbirds prefer the more diluted nectar while bees and other insects like the stronger concentrations. Of course, the classic mixture recommended for home-made sugar water is four parts water to one part white table sugar. Tiny flying insects and small spiders make up a small, but vital, part of a hummingbird’s diet. Gnats and spiders are good foods to provide the protein, vitamins and minerals essential for cell repair and growth.
See Solution, pg. 8
Worship in a church of your choice
Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.
Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM
Sunday Morning
11:00 AM
Sunday Worship
5:45 PM
Wednesday Meal
6:30 PM
Wed TouchPoint
A Family of Faith...
SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries
www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org
(512) 894-0480
4000 E. HWY 290
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Mass Schedule
Rev. Charlie
Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.
corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs
Garza, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m. Located at the Sunday: 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m.
512-858-5667
www.stmartindp.org
Page 4
News-Dispatch
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Sports Lady Tigers storm past Mules in 57-35 win BY LOGAN MCCULLOUGH
exceptional offense. Dripping Springs had a 43-20 lead going into the fourth quarter. Despite losing their Despite suffering leading scorer to a through a poor shoothigh-ankle sprain, the ing night, forward Dripping Springs Lady Danielle Northrup was Tigers’ execution of able to record a game team basketball led to high 15 points and 15 a 57-35 blowout win rebounds for another over the Alamo Heights double-double on the Mules Friday night in season. Tiger Gym. “Danielle is such a The first quarter got competitor, probably off to an ominous start the toughest kid on her for Dripping Springs, team, you know every which didn’t shoot the night what you’re gonna ball well. get from her,” said “It was a very slow Joiner. “She’s gonna go and sloppy start,” said hard on every play, she’s Lady Tiger head coach gonna give you everyLaura thing she’s Joiner. “I got, she’s think part just one of “It was a of it was those kids very slow because you can she was on and sloppy count missing and for all 32 everybody minutes.” start ... I was a little The Lady think part concerned Tigers outif we were rebounded of it was still gonna 36 to the be as good.” Mules 15 in because The secthe game. ond quarter Dripping she was belonged Springs missing and continued to the Lady Tigers on to give everybody both the ofmaximum fensive and was a little effort, credefensive ating five concerned turnovers side of the ball. on the if we were Dripping Mules’ first Springs’ ap10 possesstill gonna proach all sions of be as season has the fourth been to use frame. good.” its defense Joiner to create said she was offense. able to play –Laura Joiner, Lady The Tigers’ every availTiger coach theme rang able player true as on her Dripping Springs forced bench and had nine eight turnovers on 11 of the ten players Mules’ possessions. tally points, with With only one senior three in double digon her squad, Alamo its. Joiner gave credit Heights head coach and applauded her Megan Trosper said team’s resiliency that her predominantly with multiple playyoung team lost confiers out with injuries dence. and sicknesses. “I’ll chalk it up to our “I was so proud of lack of experience,” said our group for really Trosper. “But hey, we rallying together as a get to face them again team and saying we later in the season, so can do this,” Joiner hopefully we’ll have said. more confidence next Joiner said they game.” were “saving the Drippings Springs best for last” as they outscored the Mules hit two threes late in 20-3 in the second the fourth to secure quarter to take a 29-13 the victory. lead into halftime. Similarly, the Both teams executed young Mules team fundamental basketball did not surrender in the third period. Both either, competing Dripping Springs and until the last second Alamo Heights played and scored six strong defense; howpoints in the last ever both also featured minute. news@haysfreepress.com
Is your business scoring with customers? We can help with the game plan. Reach thousands of potential customers in the News-Dispatch sports section every week. Call (512) 268-7862 or email ads@haysnewsdispatch.com for more information.
PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK
Left: Dripping Springs’ Danielle Northrup, second from left, works against two Alamo Heights’ players to maintain possession of the ball in a district match last Friday night at Tiger Gym. The Lady Tigers won 57-35. Above: With a 46-23 lead early in the fourth period Dripping Springs’ freshman Sarah Nading, who was moved up to varsity last week, goes up and over the outstretched arms of Cici Castillo (12) defending for Alamo Heights. The Lady Tigers prevailed 57-35.
Texas hometown friendly bank
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Thursday, January 12, 2017
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Page 5
Education Wimberley, Dripping Springs ISDs’ 2016-17 scores % Economically Domain I Domain II Domain III Domain IV Disadvantaged Score Letter Score Letter Score Letter Score Letter
DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD
11.2
64
A
41
B
-3.1 D
93
B
Dripping Springs Elementary 17.9
63
A
40
C
-8.4
D
97.3
B
Dripping Springs High
7.8
65
A
30
C
.2
C
93
B
Dripping Springs Middle
9.9
65
A
42
B
-3.7
D
98.5
B
Rooster Springs Elementary
2.7
60
A
45
C
-
-
97
B
Walnut Springs Elementary
21.0
60
A
45
C
-8.0
D
94.7
C
WIMBERLEY ISD
27.3
53
B
36
C
-4.6 D
85
C
Danforth Junior High
24.6
56
B
40
C
-5.0
D
97.2
B
Jacob’s Well Elementary
28.3
51
B
37
D
-7.2
D
97.1
B
Scudder Primary
40.8
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Wimberley High
22.1
53
B
20
D
-8.0
D
85
C
Mixed report cards for local schools in new grading system BY MOSES LEOS III
news@haysfreepress.com
A
n A, two Bs and one D were the letter grades Dripping Springs ISD received as part of the preliminary “report card” from the Texas Education Agency’s new A-F accountability system. DSISD officials, however, maintain their stance in opposition to the state’s new system, which is not slated to to into effect until the 2018 school year. Bruce Gearing, DSISD superintendent, said while the district embraces “meaningful accountability” that informs students, parents and teachers about the learning needs in the district, the new system isn’t the right way to go. “We simply do not believe the proposed A-F system is the right tool and hope that the legislature will direct TEA to develop a more community-based accountability system,” Gearing said in a statement. The state’s new rankings were released Monday and are intended to be a snapshot of what the new system would look like if it were implemented this year. According to the rankings, DSISD received an A in Domain I, which measures student achievement. The district received a B in Domain II and IV, which measures student progress and postsecondary readiness. However, the district received a D rating Domain III, which is closing performance gaps. In December 2016, the DSISD board of trustees passed a resolution opposing the state’s new A-F rankings.
“We simply do not believe the proposed A-F system is the right tool and hope that the legislature will direct TEA to develop a more communitybased accountability system.” –Bruce Gearing, DSISD superintendent
Dripping Springs is one of over 100 school districts that have passed resolutions in opposition to the state’s new accountability ranking system. Later this month, Hays CISD plans to bring to the board of trustees a resolution that opposes the state’s new system. In a letter to parents, HCISD superintendent Michael McKie said the new system is “deficient in capturing all of the positive things happening in our classroom.” He added the current method which the grades are calculated relies “heavily” on the high-stakes test administered by the state.” “In fact, this new rating system is damaging because it creates a false impression about students, ignores the unique strengths of each school, and unfairly reduces each student’s worth to the school’s assigned grade,” McKie said in a statement.
What is the TEA assessing? DOMAIN I – STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Domain I measures STAAR assessment results combined across all grades and subjects. One point is awarded for each percentage of assessment results that are at or above the following: Level II Satisfactory Standard, Postsecondary Readiness Standard and Level III Advanced Standard.
DOMAIN II – STUDENT PROGRESS
Domain II measures progress at the STAAR satisfactory and postsecondary readiness standards on ELA/reading and mathematics assessments. One point is awarded for each percentage of assessment results that meet or exceed progress measure expectations and one point for each percentage of assessment results that exceed progress measure expectations. Performance is calculated for ten student groups: All students, Pacific Islander, African American, White, American Indian, two or more races, Asian, students served by special education, Hispanic and English language learners.The performance of all ten groups is combined to determine the Domain II score.
DOMAIN III – CLOSING PERFORMANCE GAPS
Domain III measures academic performance differentials among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The score is based on the relationship of a district or
campus’ Domain I score and the percentage of its students who are economically disadvantaged. Using statewide data from the 2015–2016 school year, TEA determines a predicted Domain I score (using assessment results of only the economically disadvantaged subgroup), based on district or campus type and the percentage of students who are economically disadvantaged. For the purposes of calculating the Domain III score, this specialized Domain I score is referred to as the Domain IDIII score. The difference between a district or campus’s Domain IDIII. score and the predicted Domain IDIII score is the district or campus’s Domain III score. TEA provides a formula for districts and campuses to use to calculate their predicted Domain III score.
DOMAIN IV – POSTSECONDARY READINESS
Domain IV measures whether students are on track for success in postsecondary life, whether in college, a career, or the military. The indicators used to measure postsecondary readiness vary by campus type. Scores for elementary schools are based on the chronic absenteeism rate calculated by student group. Scores for middle schools are based on the chronic absenteeism rate and the annual grade 7 and 8 dropout rate, if available. If a dropout rate is not available, the Domain IV score will be based solely on the chronic absenteeism rate. High Schools, K–12 Campuses, and Districts Domain IV scores for high schools, K–12 campuses, and districts are based on graduation/dropout rates, graduation plan rates, and college and career readiness indicators.
DSISD SCHOOL BRIEFS Dripping Springs duo selected as writing champions
Dripping Springs High School students Tensley Glenn and Michael Martinets were among ten winners selected MARTINETS in the Pedernales Electric Cooperative’s annual Youth Tour essay contest. GLENN The contest winners will visit Washington, D.C., June 7-16 on an all-expenses paid trip, joining nearly 1,500 students from around the country. They will visit historic sites, meet their local representatives, and see government in action firsthand. Winners were recognized at a Dec. 1 awards dinner.
Dripping Springs ISD honors board members
as advocates for our children and public schools. The theme of this year’s recognition month is “All-Star Team.” Dripping Springs ISD Board members have served an average of 4.5 years. “We are very fortunate to have School Board members who are well-versed in the field of education, care deeply about their community, and always keep what’s best for students in the forefront,” said Superintendent Bruce Gearing in a statement. “Their contributions reflect an intense 12-month commitment that includes much more than attendance at meetings.” Gearing added school board members provide “outstanding vision and leadership while serving as a critical link between the community and our schools.”
WHO’S ON THE DSISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES? Carrie Fontana Kroll Board president Elected May 2012 Advocacy and Health Policy Director Barbara Stroud Board Vice President Elected May 2008 Attorney/Mediator
Shelly Reeves Board Secretary Elected May 2010 Community Volunteer/ Office Manager
Dr. Mary Jane Hetrick Elected May 2015 Adjunct Professor
January is School Board Recognition Month and Dripping Springs ISD is joining other districts across the state to thank these local leaders for their dedication and willingness to serve
Ron Jones Elected May 2014 Consultant
Shannon O’Connor Elected May 2015 Accountant Jon Thompson Elected May 2013 Consultant
®
*
Service Dogs Continued from pg. 3
year, SDI continues with a one- to two-hour training session with the client at their home. Certain commands and traits, such as helping open a refrigerator door or alerting a person of a visitor, are taught to the dog during that time. In addition, dogs are also introduced into public settings. Clients are also given a reality check when it comes to service dogs. “It’s not a perfect dog like ‘Lassie’ in the movies. It will make mistakes sometimes,” Soltes said. While there are no state requirements for service dogs, Soltes said SDI follows regulations set by the Assistance Dogs International-North America, which she said set the industry standard.
Trainers at SDI also use positive training methods and not physical punishment. “If it makes a mistake, we try to determine how the trainer can do a better job of communicating with and motivating the dog,” Soltes said. Clientele helped by SDI come from the Central Texas area and the Hill Country. While no one in Dripping Springs has applied for help with SDI, Soltes said she would “love to” assist anyone who may need it. She said the business does utilize local hotels for events and for clients who train in Dripping Springs. “We also do presentations at local elementary schools to try to be as interactive as possible,”
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she said. Community support has also increased over the last 29 years. On March 4, the Mighty Texas Dog Walk, the state’s biggest pet parade, will be held in Austin, which raises money for SDI. The
funds help offset training, which costs approximately $45,000 per dog, and care for the lifetime of the animal. “If you like dogs, you’ll see everything there,” Soltes said. “It’s a fun day for the dogs there.”
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News-Dispatch
Thursday, January 12, 2017
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By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, January 17th at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider: Replat of Lot 8, Vista Ridge Estates.
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Page 7
Free healthcare event helps local families SAMANTHA SMITH
the most recent held in Hutto in June 2016. At that event, health care providers across all ater this month, departments donated Seton Medical their time to the members Center Hays in Kyle of the community that will be ground zero for an may not have regular acarea-wide, one day event cess to quality healthcare. that offers free medical According to Seton’s care for children and website, the event is a adults of all ages. medical mission. Seton Hays will host the “By joining with area annual Medical Mission community partners and at Home businesses event, to host a which will local medi“By joining be held cal miswith area Jan. 28, sion, Seton said Dr. hopes to community Fausto meet peoMeza, an ple where partners and internist they are businesses and vice for a day of president health and to host a of medihealing,” cal affairs accordlocal medical at Seton ing to the mission, Seton Seton Hays. The hopes to meet website. event is Although free and the event people where open to only lasts all Hays one day, they are for a County Meza said day of health residents that Seton of all ages. encourages and healing.” Additionall Hays ally, no County –Seton Hays press health residents release insurance who need is required. basic mediMeza cal services said the “basic medical to attend. The event will care for children and also shuttle patrons from adults” will be available two elementary schools on a “first-come firstto the vent. served basis” until the According to the webend of the event. site, the event will feature This year’s event will doctors and services from mark the third Medical across the medical specMission at Home, with trum. Those include prenews@haysfreepress.com
L
MEDICAL MISSION AT HOME
Free medical care for basic healthcare needs Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1st floor of Seton Medical Center Hays, 6001 Kyle Parkway, Kyle TX 78640 Shuttle buses will run once every hour from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. from these campuses: Hemphill Elementary School 3 995 East FM 150, K yle, TX 78640 Camino Real Elementary School 1 70 Las Brisas Blvd., K yle, TX 78640
scription services, vision screening for children, dental care, behavioral health, spiritual care, foot care and lab services. The event is “about more than one day of care,” since the hospital doctors and staff stand by with local resources for people to use to find follow up care for any medical issues they may have, Meza said. While he added there is only so much they can do in one day, he hopes the additional resources helps connect people who are struggling with health insurance to get access to the proper healthcare. “Connecting them (people) to the healthcare system is important,”
PHOTO COURTESY OF SETON HAYS
Volunteers at the 2015 Medical Mission at Home in Hutto checks vitals of eventgoers. The 2017 event will be held at Seton Hays on Jan. 28.
Meza said. Meza also referenced a May 2016 Seton Hays Medical Health assessment that pinpointed three particular health needs in Hays County. According to the as-
sessment, diabetes, mental health and resources for Alzheimer’s and Dementia were identified as the top three health concerns for Hays County residents. Meza said he couldn’t
speak to the future of holding similar medical events offering free services to the community more often than once a year. “This is what we are here for,” Meza said.
Murder
Continued from pg. 1 the Peace Beth Smith. An approximately ten-inch knife with a black handle was found in his back left pocket, according to the affidavit. Uresti informed officers that Hernandez was inside with Villanueva. Based on information from Arellano-Uresti, officials called SWAT, who arrived at the residence around 2 p.m., Cutler said. When SWAT arrived, they entered the residence and took the woman into custody. According to the affidavit, Villanueva was nude and reportedly had the shower running as officers entered the home. SWAT team members also found Hernandez’s body in the home, Cutler said. An autopsy was performed on Hernandez’s body Friday, determining that she had died from multiple stab wounds. Cutler said Hernandez’s body had been “mutilated.” “I’ve been in this line of work for over 43 years,” Cutler said. “This is one of the worst cases I’ve ever seen or been a part of. It’s one of the most horrific cases in the history of Hays County. It’s very sad.” While the investigation is ongoing, Cutler said the HCSO has interviewed both Uresti and Villanueva. Uresti said that at 11 a.m. Thursday, he walked into the kitchen to prepare lunch when he allegedly saw Villanueva get a knife and return to a back bedroom, according to the affidavit. He then could hear the victim crying. Uresti said Villanueva then walked back into the kitchen and began stabbing him in the back, according to the affidavit. When he turned toward her, she stabbed him in the forehead before he attempted to take possession of the knife. Uresti bit Villanueva on the hand and he was able to take the knife away, according to the affidavit. He then exited the home and went to a neighbor’s house, where he called authorities. Uresti said he, the
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PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler at a press conference on the murder of five-year-old Giovanna Larae Hernandez. Cutler said the murder was one of the worst he had seen.
“I’ve been in this line of work for over 43 years ... This is one of the worst cases I’ve ever seen or been a part of. It’s one of the most horrific cases in the history of Hays County. It’s very sad.” –Gary Cutler, Hays County Sheriff
victim and Villanueva were the only people in the home. Cutler said that Villanueva had recently moved into the residence roughly a week ago. Uresti alleged Villanueva used drugs including marijuana, according to the affidavit. It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a factor in the crime, Cutler said.
A toxicology report is expected back within four to six weeks, according to a press release. But according to the affidavit, a relative of Villanueva told authorities she had been admitted to a treatment facility in Buda in late 2015 for substance abuse, including marijuana, crack and meth. While in treatment, Villanueva was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia and ADHD. A witness alleged that when Uresti exited the home, they observed Villanueva standing between his and Uresti’s home with a gun and that Villanueva appeared to try to use the weapon. Hays County District Attorney Wes Mau said more charges could be pending based on findings from the investigation. “It’s a little early now to decide whether or not those are the charges presented to the grand jury,” Mau said. “They eventually have the final say on the charges filed.” Mau added the DA’s office has made no recommendation on punishment until all charges are filed.
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News-Dispatch
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Lagniappe
EXPERT FURNITURE REPAIR
Continued from pg. 1 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 29 at 2:00 p.m.
in the city. Lunch ($20) will be served and reservations are necessary Contact womenofds@gmail.com for more information/reservations.
DS Women’s Club
The Dripping Springs Women’s Club monthly meeting will be held Wednesday, January 18 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Terrace Club. This months’ speaker is Kyle Dannhaus from the City of Dripping Springs’ Development Department who will be speaking about the latest new developments
the night skies by reducing artificial illumination. For more information on poetry and essay guidelines and rules, go to www. TexasNightSkyFestival.org and select Writing Contest.
Writing contest Historical entries wanted group seeks Jan.14, 2017 is the deadline to enter the Texas new members Night Sky Festival Writing Contest. The Festival, to be held March 18, 2017 in Dripping Springs, is part of an international program to preserve and protect
Applications for positions on the Hays County Historical Commission are being accepted through Jan. 15 in the office of
the Hays County Judge. Among the activities of the commission are the placement of official Texas Historical Markers; conducting research on the history of the county; and sharing that history through publications, educational programs, documentary and oral history presentations, and activities such as historical tours.Commission Members, who represent all the communities in Hays County, serve two-year terms and may serve for multiple terms.
Rentals
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Commercial for Lease Hidden Hills Plaza • 4 Executive Suites Lease one or all 4 • $350-$500/mo/office Hwy 290 Frontage Contact: Steve, Owner/Agent 512-914-2288
Continued from pg. 1 to renters. P&Z requested a “20-percent” rule for permit applications, similar to a rule city council has with CUPs. According to the recommendation, a permit request with 20 percent of nearby property owners in opposition must receive approval by a super-majority vote from the P&Z and the city council. In addition, STR owners attempting to renew their permits who have two unresolved complaints stemming from city ordinance or state law violations must go before the city council for approval. Trapp, however, was concerned about the unresolved complaints, and advocated for increasing the number of violations from two to three. She also held concerns over the subjectiveness of the complaints that may come before council. Mayor Mac McCullough said the subjectiveness depends on the “integrity of the complainer.” McCullough said council would have to place some “common sense with any complaints.” “There’s going to be a healthy amount of
“There’s going to be a healthy amount of subjectiveness to it ... If it’s so egregious that it’s a felony or misdemeanor, then clearly it’s gone beyond what we’re talking about doing anyway.” –Mac McCullough, Wimberley mayor
subjectiveness to it,” McCullough. “If it’s so egregious that it’s a felony or misdemeanor, then clearly it’s gone beyond what we’re talking about doing anyway.” Trapp said she believed the city isn’t through crafting the ordinance as she believed there was a lot of unresolved “gray area.” “We’re making a law, and yet we’re inviting gray,” Trapp said. “We’re looking at issues currently with the small number of complaints we have. It needs to be black and white.” Residents at the meeting expressed concern over the changes and how they could affect STRs in the future. One resident who spoke during public comment opposed the changes as it
places “more restrictions on bed and breakfast (facilities) than homeowners have.” The resident also alleged the city was “double-dipping” by requiring some property owners to apply for a CUP and a permit. They added that the restrictions are driving business out of Wimberley. “You’re punishing us and my clients and you’re not going after the real culprits out there,” one resident said. Some residents felt the city wasn’t addressing the issue of illegal STRs operating within city limits and the extra-territorial jurisdiction. Some residents claim there are approximately 120 STRs and B&Bs operating illegally in the Wimberley area.
McCullough said he received an email about that information and found that number “staggering” and was “in shock” by the figure. “That number grows year over year. There are more and more people who get into the business … they basically are in the shadows,” one resident said.
from pg. 3
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Continued from pg. 3 of writing how-to’s myself. They were a lot of help to me as my free-lance writing career progressed, and I hope they will prove useful for the writer-in-residence program at the Porter center.” Cox sold his first magazine story when he was in the eighth grade and saw his first book published in 1970. Forty years later, in 2010, he received the A.C. Greene
lifetime achievement award for his writing. The Witliff Collections at Texas State University has most of Cox’s writing-related papers. After spending the first 20 years of his career as a newspaper writer, in 1985, Cox joined the director’s staff at the Texas Department of Public Safety, where for 15 years he was the state law enforcement agency’s news
media voice. Later, he worked for the Texas Press Association and the Texas Department of Transportation before joining Texas Parks and Wildlife in 2010. He retired in 2015. The Porter house at 508 Center Street in Kyle, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is open for individual and school tours by appointment.
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