Tiger teams excel at F1 in Schools
Tiger hoops have winning week
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Livestock show kicks off
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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVIII No. 15
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
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75¢
Thursday, January 18, 2018
County, cities plan for massive regional trail system BY SAMANTHA SMITH
A 30-plus mile regional pedestrian trail system extending from Austin to San Marcos could be in the works. The plan, through the efforts of Hays County, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos and the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance, would promote better connectivity in the area. Mark Taylor, board
The plan, which will encompass the efforts of Hays County, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos and the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance, is being done in order to promote better connectivity in the area. See map on page 4
president of the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance (SMGA), said the concept behind the proposed Emerald Crown trail is connecting the southern part of the
Violet Crown trail in the Austin area to Purgatory Creek in San Marcos via trails in Buda, Kyle and San Marcos. Taylor said SMGA is a nonprofit group that
has been in charge of the upkeep and protection of the San Marcos trails since 1998 at no cost to the city. Taylor described this particular project
and the Alliance’s part in it as “a catalyst for cooperative efforts of the partners and stakeholders involved.” Taylor said the stakeholders are the
Committee eyes 11 projects for potential May bond
DSISD BOND PACKAGE, 3
REGIONAL TRAIL SYSTEM, 6
Tests show connection between Onion Creek and Middle Trinity
BY KATERINA BARTON Expanding Dripping Springs High along with building a fifth elementary school were part of a recommendation given by Dripping Springs ISD’s Long Range Planning Committee earlier this month. The recommendations, which feature a plethora of needed improvements and new facilities to accommodate rapid growth, could make up a potential bond package that could go to voters this May. The committee was made up more than 100 community members, parents and administrators who have been meeting since the fall in order to identify improvements within the district or the potential for new facilities. These projects are part of a plan to accommodate the growth that many communities in the Hill Country are experiencing. The district is growing seven percent each year. By 2025, the district expects to reach 12,000 students. On Jan. 9, Superintendent Bruce Gearing said the committee identified 11 projects that are the priority for the potential bond package. The LongRange Facilities Planning Committee also elected
Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust, the Meadows Center, the Hill Country Conservancy, Take-aHike San Marcos and the Texas State University Geography Department. Taylor said funding sources for the project were uncertain, but that the Meadows Center at Texas State was very good at finding funding
BY MOSES LEOS III
Dripping OKs storage facility plan despite protest at meeting PHOTO BY SAMANTHA SMITH
A group of concerned Dripping Springs citizens showed up at the Jan. 9 city council meeting to protest a storage facility that is planned to build on FM 1826. However, the city council okayed the permit by a 6-0 vote because state law prohibits cities from denying permits because they do not approve of the use.
BY SAMANTHA SMITH Protest signs dotted the landscape at Dripping Springs City Hall Jan. 9 as numerous residents opposed a site development permit to allow a storage facility to open near the Rim Rock subdivision. In adherence to state law that prohibits cities from denying permits for intended use, however, led city leaders to approve the permit by a 6-0 vote. Mayor Todd Purcell was absent from the meeting and did not vote. The facility, which is to be on a 15.83-acre lot, will be located near the intersection of FM 1826 and Darden Hill Road Rock, said Steve Medcalf, who spoke on behalf of Troy Moore with M3 Engineering. Medcalf said the engineering firm had hosted multiple community meetings for residents and neighbors of the proposed storage facility, as well as a workshop at the Hays County Commissioners Court. Although the storage facility would be located in Dripping Springs’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), the owner of the property agreed with residents to a list of limitations regarding design, landscaping and hours of operation,
Steve Medcalf of 3M Engineering said storage facilities in the area were limited or at capacity so the project in the ETJ is a needed one. Medcalf said. The limitations came as a result of feedback from the community meetings and workshops. “As you are aware, there is very little land use regulations in the ETJ and limited site development regulations as well,” Medcalf said. Medcalf added there are also limited regulations on the height of structures, lighting and landscaping required for property in the ETJ. The project was designed to blend into the Dripping Springs rural hill country by displaying muted colors and tree shading from the main thoroughfare, Medcalf said. Medcalf also said storage facilities in the area were limited or at capacity so the project in the ETJ is a needed one. “We feel fairly confident that the citizens are going to be able to use this facility,” Medcalf said. Medcalf claimed the storage facility would not increase traffic and would abide by the city’s Dark Skies ordinance. The site plan included an onsite residence for a caretaker of the property,
rainwater harvesting capabilities and landscaping screen cover from the nearest roadway. “What we’re trying to do here is something that looks and feels like it belongs here,” Medcalf said. Gates, cameras and high fences stand as a crime deterrent at the storage facility, along with the 24-hour caretaker on-site. Dripping Springs’ Planning and Zoning Commission recommended council approve the site plan for the facility as long as some conditions were met regarding the Dark Skies ordinance and landscaping. However, eight residents, most from the Rim Rock neighborhood, spoke in opposition to the storage facility during a public hearing on the item. The residents opposed the development based on environmental concerns, concerns regarding additional water runoff due to impervious cover and other pollutants from vehicle storage. Rim Rock resident John Pope called the consolations made by the developer regarding the aesthetics of the building as “window
dressing. Pope said the structure still didn’t belong in the beautiful hill country. Daryl Kocher spoke about current flooding issues being exasperated by added impervious cover at the storage facility. Jennifer Cohen was among several residents who requested that an environmental impact study be done at the proposed site before the developer began construction. But Dripping Springs City Councilmember John Kroll said the city is subject to the state law that prevents cities from denying a developers’ permit request based on the intended land use. Council members said they understood residents’ concerns, but there was little the council could do to stop the development. Council member Taline Manassian thanked the residents for attending the meeting and sharing their concerns with council members. Manassian also congratulated the developer for working with the residents and including special conditions on lighting, landscape and water use in the site plan.
Initial results from an ongoing study have found Onion Creek is “hydrologically connected” to the Middle Trinity Aquifer, according to a memo to the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD). Doug Wierman, an independent geoscientist working with the Meadows Center in San Marcos, said the results show an important connection that could have an impact on the area. “It confirms that whatever is in the creek can get into the aquifer,” Wierman said. The study, which was conducted on Dec. 4, 2017, was a project involving the BSEACD, the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, the Meadows Center and the city of Austin. Hydrologists used a dye-trace test method to test whether surface water in Onion Creek was contributing to recharge in the Middle Trinity Aquifer. The test involved injecting non-toxic dye into karst features, or openings, along Onion Creek in the vicinity of the city of Dripping Springs, according to the memo. The test is a “long-established, safe and scientifically sound approach” to identify potential
WATER SOURCES CONNECT, 6
LAGNIAPPE Firefighters Fitness Day
Start the new year off right with a unique opportunity to work out with our local firefighters through the city’s Healthy Parks, Healthy People – Dripping Springs program (HPHP). North Hays County Fire Rescue, (NHCFR) along with the Dripping Springs Professional Firefighters Association, is partnering with the city to bring you “Firefighters Fitness Day” on Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Drive (off RR12, across from Dripping Springs Elementary.
Page 2
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News-Dispatch (USPS
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Education Gearing into focus TIGER TIDBITS
J
anuary 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 as advocates for our children and public schools. The theme of this year’s recognition month is “Helping Kids Soar to Success.” While the success of DSISD students is evident at every turn, this does not happen by accident. The school environment that allows students to nurture their skills and talents is supported not only by an amazing staff, but by the leadership of the school board as well. All seven trustees are heavily vested in the Dripping Springs community and have children who are current students or graduates of DSISD. They genuinely care about the future of the children of our community and always consider students’ welfare and needs above all else. In a climate of change and challenge, they develop policies and make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues that affect the
Guest Column
by Bruce Gearing
entire community and the lives of individual students. The leadership of the Board will be more critical than ever as Dripping Springs continues to grow rapidly and the district works diligently to plan for that growth. Our Board president, Carrie Fontana Kroll, has served since 2012. A proud graduate of Dripping Springs High School, she also has been Board vice president. Vice president Barbara Stroud is DSISD’s longest-serving Board member, now in her fourth term (10 years); she was Board president from 201316. The Board secretary is Ron Jones, who was elected in 2014. Shelly Reeves is the second-longest serving trustee having been elected in 2010; she has served as both the Board vice president and secretary. Jon Thompson began his Board tenure in 2013 and
both Mary Jane Hetrick and Shannon O’Connor were elected in 2015. The commitment that School Board members make in this role extends far beyond attending a few meetings each month. They are asked to complete many hours of training each year, attend conferences and meetings at regional and state levels, stay up-to-date on educational issues and legislative action, review proposals and reports, and communicate with parents and community members. All of this is done entirely on a volunteer basis. The seven individuals who serve on the DSISD Board provide outstanding vision and leadership to our district. They are a critical link between the community and our schools. Please join with me in celebrating these men and women and take a moment to express your appreciation for the volunteer efforts of school board members. These dedicated individuals deserve recognition and thanks for their unfailing commitment to the continuing success of our students now and in the future.
011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July
DSHS debater is fourth in state championship
Dripping Springs High School junior Max Bibeau earned a fourth-place medal at the 2018 UIL State Congressional Debate Championship. Both Max and teammate Griffen Smith qualified for the state tournmaent based on their topthree regional finish in the fall. A total of 54 students BIBEAU from 5A schools qualified statewide. Competitive student congress debate events mimic real-life legislative assemblies and presents its participants with an insight into the issues and problems and policies that actually confront our lawmakers. Students must not only find data to support or negate a piece of legislation, but also must understand parliamentary rules and the application of those rules within the legislative body. Students are evaluated for the research and analysis of issues, argumentation, skill in asking and answering questions, use of parliamentary procedure, as well as clarity and fluency of speaking. The preliminary round held on Tuesday, Jan. 9. at the University of Texas consisted of six hours of debating. The top six students from each of three prelim chambers advanced to the final round; Max was one of the 18 students who advanced. Finals were held on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the Texas State Capitol Building. The students debated for nearly seven hours on topics including prison privatization, net neutrality, opioid addiction, Venezuelan sanctions, immigration, and airport security.
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DSHS Floral Design student wins award in state contest
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.
COURTESY PHOTO
Team IAT members, who competed at the Texas Super Regional of F1 in Schools at the Circuit of the Americas, are Aubrey Caldwell, Ken Gossett, Cade Nowicki, Elliott Turner and Varum Verma. Team Cyber not pictured.
Tiger teams excel at F1 in Schools
Two teams of Dripping Spring High students competed and were successful in recent technology and engineering competitions. On Jan. 13, Dripping Springs “Team IAT” competed at the Texas Super Regional of F1 in Schools at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). In the F1 in Schools Challenge, students use software to collaborate, design, analyze, manufacture, test, and race miniature compressed air-powered balsa wood F1 cars. The Dripping Springs High students won two awards for “Fastest Car” and “Research and Development.” They also finished second overall, earning the right to advance to the National Finals in late spring. Team members are Au-
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brey Caldwell, Ken Gossett, Cade Nowicki, Elliott Turner and Varum Verma. This is the second year that Dripping Springs High School has been represented in the F1 in Schools competition; last year’s team qualified for the world championships and won two special awards there. The Air Force Association’s CyberPatriot program sponsors the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, which Dripping Springs High sent a team to for the first time last month. The competition puts teams of high school and middle school students in the position of newly hired IT professionals tasked with managing the network of a small company. In the rounds
of competition, teams are given a set of virtual images that represent operating systems to find cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the images and harden the system while maintaining critical services. Team Cyber Tigers competed in two rounds and placed in the top 30 percent of more than 2,000 schools from around the nation that participated. Based on that performance, the DSHS team is now placed in the Platinum Category for the State Finals on Jan. 21, with a potential national bid on the line. Team Cyber Tigers consist of Noah Del Angelo, Igor Derke, Jacob Houssien, Andrew Muegel, and Jacob Peslak.
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In the statewide 2017 Judging Card Holiday Floral Design competition that had more than 120 entries, DSHS senior Elaina Erickson won the "Staff Favorite" award. The award was for a floral design that Elaina created; her task was to create a holiday centerpiece and she was judged on design aesthetics (form, line, color and space) and design principles (balance, proportion and unity). Other major awards included first through third places and the Fan Favorite (chosen through Facebook vote) award. Local special event florist Kari Shelton donated the floral material. This is the first year for the Floral Design program at Dripping Springs High School. Students also will be entering two other FFA Floriculture competitions this year – one connected with the San Antonio Stock Show and the area contest.
Addams Family comes to Dripping Springs!
The Dripping Springs High School Fine Arts Department presents “The Addams Family,” a musical comedy based on Charles Addams’ original cartoons, on Jan. 18-22 at the DSHS Auditorium. Curtain times on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday (Jan. 18-20, 22), will be 7:30 p.m., while the show on Sunday, Jan. 21, will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets can be bought online at www. dshstheatre.com. Come early and enjoy fantastic Silent Auction.
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County uses Christmas trees to revamp area parks BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Recycled Christmas trees acquired by Hays County will be used as mulch for county parks such as Jacob’s Well in Wimberley and the Five Mile Dam in San Marcos. Through a six-day recycling effort, which went from Jan. 8-13, Hays County citizens donated a total of 49 trees to locations in Wimberley and Driftwood. The recycling effort was made possible by a joint operation headed by Recycling and Solid Waste Department and the Hays County Transportation Department. The Hays County Parks and Recreation Department will use the mulch for additional trails at county parks. The Five Mile Dam in San Marcos will soon see renovations and additions of new trails coming in 2018, said Brooke Left-
ation. “It is something we want to do in the future, however, what we are currently doing helps with keeping mud and dirt out of out parks and walkways.” The city had Christmas tree drop-off points at strategic areas where residential populations are high, Cropley said. Using chips for a walkway foundation is a natural, timely alternative for mulch. Chips are biodegradable and they help contain weeds in parking lots and surrounding areas. The trails at Lake Kyle
and other walkways around the city will be target areas for the project. Cropley said these projects keep the city moving forward in environmental conservation while limiting waste. “We’re continuing to make new programs and grow current programs to help divert waste to the landfill,” Leftwich said. “In 2017 Hays County started a recycling program for electronics in the effort of keeping things out of the landfill, especially for after Christmas waste.” Promoting artificial trees is good because it allows for reuse over a few years, Leftwich said. However, new projects like this allow real trees to be used again and benefit other county facilities. “We will be offering this program again next Christmas season and we hope to continue this growth,” Leftwich said.
whether it will call for a bond election on May 5. The amount for the bond package and bond capacity for the district depends on the district’s tax rate. The 2014 bond allocated $92 million toward projects, which are al-
most to completion and currently on budget. A larger bond package is projected for a potential 2021 bond election, which could include the need to build a new high school and create more shared facilities for growth.
“We’re continuing to make new programs and grow current programs to help divert waste to the landfill.” –Brooke Leftwich, Hays County natural resource manager
wich, Hays County natural resource manager. Meanwhile in Kyle, city staffers are planning to take a slightly different approach when it comes to recycling trees. The city of Kyle’s park and recreation department is turning Christmas trees into small chips, which will be used to lay trails and walkways in parks. “The process of mulching takes about a year and we currently don’t have the time and space to mulch trees,” said Tim Cropley, facilities manager for Kyle parks and recre-
DSISD Bond Package Continued from pg. 1 a set of members to a Bond Steering Committee to recommend a bond package based on the projects. Along with updating technology, updating maintenance issues and creating collaborative classrooms, the committee also tabbed expanding Dripping Springs High to accommodate 2,500 students. Other potential projects included converting the current Walnut Springs Elementary into a new district administration building, and renovating Dripping Springs Middle School to accomodate for Walnut Springs students. “In terms of facilities in the district, the core philosophy has always been to look at students’ needs first, and then look at support facilities after that, making sure we really meet the day-today needs of the district,” Gearing said. On Jan. 16, the Bond Steering committee will finalize the bond package and prepare for a presentation to the DS ISD Board of Trustees on Jan. 22. “Their job will be to match that bonding
“In terms of facilities in the district, the core philosophy has always been to look at students’ needs first, and then look at support facilities after that...”
OBITUARIES OWENS Marjorie Virginia Hammack Owens, age 96 of Spicewood, Texas passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. She was born in Van Horn, Texas on August 11, 1921, to Charles Ross and Marguerite Ruperta Hammack. The family moved to Dripping Springs a year after her father died in 1934. She was the great-granddaughter of Dr. Joseph and Sarah Pound of Dripping Springs. Marjorie attended Nixon-Clay Business School and worked for Metcalf Engineering, as well as the Texas Education Agency. She also served as a docent at the Dr. Pound Pioneer Farmstead in Dripping Springs. On June 24, 1955, Marjorie married Clifton C. Owens. They enjoyed 44 ½ years together before Clifton’s passing in 2000. Three children were born to the union: Wanda June Owens Mauldin, Clifton Ross Owens and Wilma
Ruth Owens. Preceding Marjorie in death were her husband, Clifton Owens, her brother Charles Joseph Hammack, her sister Mittie Ruth Simpson and her daughter Wilma Ruth Owens Long. She is survived by her daughter, Wanda June Owens Mauldin (Richard); son, Clifton Ross Owens; grandsons, Zebulon Long, Charles Mauldin, Caleb Long, and Josiah Long; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Zebulon Long, Charles Mauldin, Caleb Long, Josiah Long, Kelly Hammack and Frank Simpson. A visitation was held Friday, Jan. 12 at Harrell Funeral Homes, Dripping Springs. Funeral Services were Saturday, Jan. 13 at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church. Burial followed at Wallace Mountain Cemetery. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Park Manor for their care of Marjorie. Memorials may be made to the Friends of the Pound House Foundation at www. drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org.
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capacity and how much money we have with the list of projects and start to really do the hard work of crossing things off the list if we can’t afford to do these things, based on that prioritization,” Gearing said during the public meeting. The board will have until Feb. 16 to decide
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News-Dispatch
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Sports Tiger basketball comes back against Marble Falls BY LISETTE LOPEZ
On a two-game win streak and with momentum on their side, the Dripping Springs Tigers rang in another win of the season against the Marble Falls Mustangs Friday at Tiger Gym. The Tigers, who earned a 48-29 win over Mustangs, never trailed in the game. Defense was key to keep the ball away from Mustang point guard Josh Mosley. Tigers’ head coach Craig Swannack
said his team did a good job on coverage against Mosley. “He is the head of the snake and he is incredibly dangerous and we revolved the whole game plan around making sure we got the ball out of his hands,” Swannack said. “We really tried to confuse him with a lot of different coverages and we were really, really lucky that the guys executed really well, they did great.” The Tigers held a 19-8 first quarter lead.
In the second quarter, the Mustangs tried to execute more with every opportunity given to them, but the Tigers weren’t letting up. With every shot taken, the Tigers were there for the rebound and headed into halftime with a 3016 lead. The third and fourth quarters saw more shots come from the Tigers offense, but Marble Falls attempted to craft a comeback. The Mustangs had more scoring opportunities in the final
moments of the game and kept battling until the end. With another win for Dripping Springs, Swannack said his team needs to head into the next game with their heads on their shoulders. “The big thing I think is trying to move on when you have a big win – it’s convincing a bunch of 16- and 17-year-old boys to go back to work on Monday,” Swannack said. “That’s going to be the hard thing, understanding that one of the
things we preach is to never get too high after a win and never too low after a loss.” With a lot of players out due to sickness and injuries, the game against the Mustangs was the first game with everyone back. Tigers’ senior Spencer Johnson said he was proud of his team and the way they played against the Mustangs. “This was one of the best games that we have had as a group,” Johnson said. “It felt really good
to be out there. We had a couple of people who were sick and it was great to have everyone back, it was a fun time.” Now 3-2 in the district and with everyone ready and healthy, the Tigers look to gain momentum as the season continues. “We are starting to get healthy and really starting to show what we can be about at the right time, right now I think these guys are loving basketball and want to keep playing,” Swannack said.
Lady Tiger basketball pumped after win over Medina Valley BY LISETTE LOPEZ
The Dripping Springs Lady Tigers secured a dominant 58-18 win over the Medina Valley Panthers Jan. 9 as they began the second half of district play. The Lady Tigers started the match strong on the defensive side of the ball. The Panthers were only allowed two points from the Lady Tigers’ defense in the first quarter. David Norris, Lady Tiger head coach, said getting off to a strong start is something the team has been working on and has had some success in that. Norris said his team needs to put more pressure on their opponent. “I just wanted a quick start because we have been starting a little slow lately, so I really wanted to get a quick start and get a lot of pressure on them,” Norris said.
“The big thing was our aggressive defense. We have always done a really good job at playing defense, but tonight it was just a lot of teamwork.” –Annie Hudson, senior Lady Tiger
The team came out and put full court pressure on the Panthers throughout the game. However, Norris wasn’t pleased with his defense reaching out with their hands instead of their feet, and thinks his team can do a little better at scoring. “We are leaving points on the floor by not scoring the first time,” Norris said. “We might get fouled the second time, but we need more interior scoring.” The Lady Tigers dominated offensively taking shots with every
chance they had. Dripping Springs allowed five more points in the second frame, which helped them build a commanding 25-point lead at halftime. Defensively, the Lady Tigers held their own as they shutout the Panthers in the third frame. Lady Tiger senior Annie Hudson said she was proud of her team, and thought they played well. “I think we executed really well tonight offensively,” Hudson said. “The big thing was our aggressive defense. We have always done a
really good job at playing defense, but tonight it was just a lot of teamwork.” In the fourth quarter the Panthers began to take every opportunity they had to get some points on the board. Medina Valley scored 11 points in the fourth quarter. Although they matched the Lady Tigers in points in the fourth, they were too far behind to put a dent in the score. With 10 seniors on the team, the Lady Tigers are motivated to end their last season on a high note, Norris said. “They’re motivated because they’ve got goals,” Norris said. “We want to win district. We are one game out depending on what happened tonight, and we have our goals of district then getting into the playoffs and keep going and that’s what’s motivating them.”
PHOTO BY WAYLAND CLARK
Dripping Springs’ senior Annie Hudson drives to the basket for a layup last Tuesday night against the visiting Medina Valley Panthers. The Lady Tigers improved their record to 20-8 overall and 5-1 in 5A District 26 with the 58-18 win. The Lady Tigers travel to Marble Falls on Friday, Jan. 12 for a 6:30 p.m. tip off.
Hays County Youth Livestock Show kicks off and continues this week
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The 2018 Hays County Youth Livestock Show and Expo officially kicked off Jan. 13 with the annual opening ceremonies and horse show, which were all held in Dripping Springs. The event leads into the show, which will be held Jan. 20-27 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. Top left, Hays County Livestock Show ambassadors (back row, L to R) Kaleb Covarrubias, Jacob Hill, Hayden Lugo, Connor Coltharp and Tyler Strobel pose with (bottom row, L-R) Duchess Nina Erdner and Queen Makenna Hawkins at the opening event. Bottom left, a participant in the horse show examines a diagram of her performance before she hits the arena. Right, Hays County Livestock Show Ambassador Hayden Lugo sports ribbons won during the opening ceremony.
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Public Notices DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Employment
FIRM and/or FIS report for the aforementioned communities. These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. This appeal period will commence on the second publication date of this notice scheduled on or about January 25, 2018. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at www.fema. gov/plan/prevent/fhm/ bfe, or call the FEMA Map Information eXchange toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627). The Preliminary FIRM and FIS report have been mailed to the local
Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Hays County, Texas and Incorporated Areas The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within the Cities of Austin, Buda, Dripping Springs, Hays, Kyle, Mountain City, San Marcos, Wimberley, Woodcreek, the Village of Bear Creek, and the unincorporated areas of Hays County. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary
Floodplain Administrators. In addition, the FIRM and FIS report are available for review through an interactive mapping site on-line at http://riskmap6. com.
33rd AnnuAl deWitt County All Breeds Bull & FemAle sAle
Sat., Jan. 27 Cuero livestock Commission Co.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE
Bulls sell at 11 am Females sell immediately following
An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 3.07 acres of property located along River Rapids Road, Wimberley, TX 78676. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: SUB949.
approx. 40 BullS and 400 FemaleS Offering the following BUlls
Angus • Charolais • Hereford Simmental • Brahman • Brangus Polled Hereford • Chiangus Black Limousin • Beefmaster Females Featuring Bred, Pairs, and Opens
F1 Braford (many Tiger Stripes) • Brangus • Brahman Black Baldy • Brangus Baldy • Red Baldy • Other Crossbreds
PUBLIC NOTICE By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on January 16th, 2018 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: The Ranches at Hamilton Pool, Phase Two, Replat of Lot 23
Sponsored by the DeWitt County Purebred Breeders Assoc. and the DeWitt County Beef and Forage Committee along with Anthony Netardus, DeWitt Co. CEA-AG 115 N. Gonzales, Suite E, Cuero, TX 77954 361-275-0816
FESTIVAL
ESTATE SALE - LOG HOMES
Jackson County Cattle Raisers Association
PAY THE BALANCE OWED ONLY!!! AMERICAN LOG HOMES IS ASSISTING FINAL RELEASE OF ESTATE & ACCOUNT SETTLEMENT ON HOUSES.
2018 PREMIUM BULL & REPLACEMENT FEMALE Saturday, Feb. 3 • Edna, TX
50 Premium Bulls 300 Replacement Females
Registered and Commercial Mixed Breeds All Virgin, 18 months - 3 years
1) Model # 305 Biloxi
Pairs, Bred, and Opens
Edna Livestock Auction • 979-482-2018 www.GULFTEXLIVESTOCK.com
Cattle can be viewed on Feb. 2
$36,825…BALANCE OWED $15,000
2) Model # 403 Augusta $42,450…BALANCE OWED $16,500 3) Model # 502 Santa Fe $44,950…BALANCE OWED $17,500
Earn more with Quality! 30 YEARS OF SERVICE Experience preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in last 10 years, clean MVR.
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ACREAGE 20.43 acres, Edwards County. Rolling terrain, live oak, cedar cover. Whitetail, free ranging exotics, hogs, and turkey. $2810 down, $465/mo., (9.9%, 30-years). 800-876-9720. www.ranchenterprisesltd.com.
FOR RENT
APC
Log Homes – 3 Log Home kits selling for balance owed, free delivery. Model #305 Biloxi, bal. $15,000; Model #403 Augusta, bal. $16,500; Model #502 Santa Fe, bal. $17,500. View plans at www.loghomedream.com. American Log Homes, 704-602-3035.
DeWitt County All Breeds Bull & Female Sale, Sat., Jan. 27, Cuero Livestock Commission Co. Bulls sell at 11 a.m. Females sell immediately following. Approx. 40 bulls and 400 females. 361-275-0816.
Sawmills from only $4,397.00 – Make & Save Money with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! Free info/DVD: www. NorwoodSawmills.com. 800-567-0404.
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(512) 894-4114 or (512) 858-4252 1 20 Hwy 290 W Mon-Fri, 8-5:30 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Danny Hubbard
Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010
Taking care of your yard so you can play!
LANDSCAPING AND OUTDOOR CONSTRUCTION
Flower Beds • Fencing • Sprinkler Systems • Patios Gravel Driveways & Trails • Rock Gardens Garden Boxes • Build Sheds
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Tree Service QUALITY BOOT & SHOE REPAIR AS WELL AS PURSE AND LUGGAGE REPAIR
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WORLD’S LARGEST SHOE REPAIR COMPANY 10 locations in Central Texas including: Highway 290 & Nutty Brown Road • 512-827-3398 Highway 290 West in Oak Hill • 512-288-6386 Bee Cave in Lakeway • 512-263-4630
OIL AND GAS RIGHTS We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation. 806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, Lubbock, TX 79408-1800.
CHARITY Donate a boat or car today to Boat Angel. 2-Night Free Vacation. Sponsored by Boat Angel Outreach Centers to stop crimes against children. 800-700-BOAT, www. boatangel.com.
Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 251 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com
Dirt
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Lawn Care WHO DOES YOUR LANDSCAPING?
Landscaping
SAWMILLS
NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.
Service Pros, LLC
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LOG HOMES
AUCTION Wichita Falls Real Estate Auction — Online: Feb. 1. Well-located industrial building, ideal for redevelopment, 1110 Burkburnett Rd., Wichita Falls, TX. 32,400± sq. ft. structure on 2.65± acres. Suggested opening bid: $150,000. 855-755-2300, HilcoRealEstate.com.
Service Directory Air Conditioning
RECEIVING PAYMENTS
Quality Drive-Away Inc., Looking for CDL A or B drivers to deliver new trucks all over the US and Canada. Experience Preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in the last 10 years, clean MVR. Apply Online at www. qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023.
• Make any plan design changes you desire! • Comes with Complete Building Blueprints & Construction Manual • Windows, Doors, and Roofing not included • NO TIME LIMIT FOR DELIVERY! BBB A+ Rating
FINANCIAL SERVICES Reverse Mortgages: Draw cash from your home & eliminate mortgage payments. FHA insured. In-home service. 28 page catalog. 888-660-3033. All Island Mortgage. www.allislandmortgage.com, NMLS #3740
McAllen – 4/2 HOUSE FOR RENT 3601 Xenops Receiving payments from real estate you sold? Ave., McAllen $1400 / $600 deposit. Pets OK! Water Get cash now! Call Steve: 888-870-2243. www. Paid, W/D provided. 956- 686-8374, Cynthia or April. SteveCashesNotes.com.
Jackson County Cattle Raisers Association 2018 Premium Bull & Replacement Female, Sat. Feb. 3, Edna, TX. 50 bulls and 300 females. Cattle can be viewed Feb. 2. 979-482-2018, www.gulftexlivestock. com.
NEW - HOMES HAVE NOT BEEN MANUFACTURED
Looking for CDL A or B drivers to deliver new trucks all over the US and Canada.
Camofest Weekend, Jan. 26-27, downtown Bay City. Friday night: Wolf Moon Concert, dancing, games, food. Saturday: Wine and wild game tastings, 3D archery shoot, Kidz Zone, duck calling contest, live music and more. baycitycamofest.com.
TexSCAN Week of January 14, 2018
Lees Trees 30+ years in the Hill Country
Firewood • Pruning • Removal • Chipping Planting • Cedar Posts • Bulk Mulch Free Assessments & Estimates • Insured
Marcus Lees Affordable Oak Wilt Treatment (512) 858-4018 by TTH Inc. TDA #270421 leestrees@vownet.net (512) 921-4661
Schedule ball moss treatment for March
Loam • Topsoil • Sand • Gravel • Roadbase • Asphalt Millings • Granite • Compost Mix
Tractor Work Available
Specializing in Country Driveways
Rick-Rob Trucking 512- 858-7952 www.rick-rob.com
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HTC Fence & More WOOD FENCES BUILT RIGHT Repairs, Gates, Post Replacement, Fully Insured. Mowing $45 for standard yard (mow, edge, cleanup) Free Estimates • Veteran Owned 830-556-7445
Roofing
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Fences & More
512-965-3465
Window Treatments Beautiful Blinds, Shades, Draperies & Shutters
Wrangler roofing 512-351-5402
Absolutely No Money Down! See Website for Special Offers Claims Specialist on Staff Experience H Honesty H Integrity www.WranglerGutterProtection.com WranglerRoofing@aol.com
Texas Crossword Solution
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Call 512-847-8970
for free consultation & price quote.
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See puzzle, page 3
Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Regional Trail System Continued from pg. 1
sources for these types of projects. Conceptual renderings of the proposed trail show a wide, two-way traffic trail where people could walk or bike the entire way over a paved or natural trail. Other reasons for constructing the trail are connecting communities, recreation in parks and natural areas, and the health of residents. Buda Assistant City Manager Micah Grau said Buda takes a “multimodal” approach to transportation and isn’t ruling out the proposed regional trail as a viable transportation option for some residents. Grau said funding for the proposed regional trail project was not identified in Buda’s Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list, but that staff would need to have a discussion with Buda City Council members in the next few months to address their desired level of involvement in regional projects. Taylor said instead of acquiring eminent
domain to get the right of way (ROW) for the trail path, SMGA would be working with landowners and developers to find win-win opportunities for everyone while still getting the trail constructed. Taylor said the work group involved in the planning of the Emerald Crown trail have approved ground rules, come up with a vision for the project and engaged with a Texas State Geography geographic information system (GIS) group for preliminary mapping of possible trail routes. The next steps for the work group include setting up public workshops in area communities as early as March 2018, developing a master plan for the regional trail, and identifying possible funding sources and beginning construction. Taylor said the proposed project might take longer than others to be completed due to the cooperation efforts of multiple cities/ entities.
FM
TXST GIS Class Map and analysis of Conceptual Trail Routes
FM
96 7
15 0
Buda
Kyle
San Marcos
Water Sources Connect Continued from pg. 1
surface and groundwater interactions, according to the memo. Dye was injected into the Bigote Swallet, a recharge feature near Ranch Road 12, a karst in the Howard Ranch subdivision and into a karst south of Onion Creek downstream of the Gatlin Creek Road bridge. Wierman said entities received cooperation from local landowners to conduct the tests. Wierman said hydrologists monitor the dye trace tests three different ways. One involves color change in the water, which is the “least likely thing you see.” Other ways include running water samples through a spectrometer, along with testing for carbon in the water. Hydrologists didn't have to wait long for results to come back. John Dupnik, general manager of the BSEACD, said the “most compelling evidence” of direct connection was dye showing up in
“There’s a lot of connection and Dripping Springs’ proposed wastewater discharge permit is upstream of that in Onion Creek. One could infer that the wastewater discharge, although treated, is going to go into the creek, into the aquifer and private wells as soon as the next day.” –Blayne Stansberry, BSEACD president
a landowner's well that was 1.25 miles from the injection point. Dupnik said it's believed the dye took less than 24 hours to show up in wells from two of the injection points. The wells are connected to the Middle Trinity Aquifer. “That's indicating very rapid transit in the sub-surface to the aquifer from Onion Creek,” Dupnik said. Dupnik added that he wasn't surprised by the rapid results based on the fractures in the limestone of karst aquifers, such as the Middle Trinity. He said rapid water movement has been seen in previous studies. “We have a limestone karst environment,
where water travels through fractures and water movement is very fast,” Wierman said. He added that a mile per day of travel for water to an aquifer is not uncommon. Dupnik said hydrologists and scientists are continuing to study water samples and conduct tests. How such results could impact Dripping Springs' permit to expand its wastewater treatment system is unknown at this time. Dripping Springs’ permit, which was submitted to the Texas Commssion on Environmental Quality, aims to expand capacity to its wastewater treatment plant to
2018
MED CAL DIRECTORY
SERVING HAYS AND SOUTHERN TRAVIS COUNTIES
A guide to physicians and healthcare providers serving Hays County and surrounding areas Let residents of our communities know about your services, your physicians or your clinic. 6,000 distributed March 14 & 15 to subscribers of the Hays Free Press, News-Dispatch and participating medical offices.
$350 for 1/4 page • Physician Listings with name, address and photo for only $90.
www.HaysFreePress.com
The directory will be printed on a high-quality glossy paper stock in a full color magazine-style format.
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administrator, said city officials have not had an opportunity to review the study at this time. Dupnik said the study provides “hard science” about the connection between Onion Creek and the Middle Trinity. BSEACD provided the theory to TCEQ to consider with Dripping Springs initial permit application. Currently, TCEQ is de-
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Springs Family YMCA Benefits
Advertising reservation deadline is Friday, February 16th, 2018.
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995,000 gallons per day. The permit could allow the city to discharge treated effluent into Walnut Springs, a tributary of Onion Creek. Over the past year, city officials have said they intend to avoid discharge, with the city enacting agreements with developers for beneficial reuse of the effluent. Ginger Faught, Dripping Springs deputy city
termining which parties could be part of a contested hearing for Dripping Springs’ permit. Dupnik said he hopes the BSEACD is a part of the hearings. Blayne Stansberry, BSEACD president, said the initial results confirm what the organization’s scientists had suspected. “There's a lot of connection and Dripping Springs’ proposed wastewater discharge permit is upstream of that in Onion Creek,” Stansberry said. “One could infer that the wastewater discharge, although treated, is going to go into the creek, into the aquifer and private wells as soon as the next day.”
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